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BELLEVUE, Washington — On the crest of one of Bellevue’s highest hills, a mesmerizingly modern form rises above treetops, horizontal lines stretching sideways from an exposed double-height stairway of diagonals and zigzags.

A mudroom is one of those household additions that delivers exactly what it promises, but it’s more than just a spot to keep outside dirt and mud from getting into your home.

What kind of gardener are you? My attitude toward growing anything sustainable in my backyard has evolved dramatically. When I was a young mom, our backyard floral display was of little interest. I pretty much killed anything I planted.

Whether for a children’s room, family room or a space you’re looking to incorporate bold, vivid looks, a fun and festive colour scheme can be a welcomed pick-me-up.

The great attraction in growing perennial flowers is that you never have to replant them, at least in theory. This doesn’t make all perennials care-free, though. Few of them let you just sit back to enjoy them year after year once they’re planted.

Dear Reena: I found an old silver necklace in a box in the basement of my house. It is very tarnished, almost completely black.

Dear Tony: Our strata corporation has been involved in a winding-up process for three months and we are at a stalemate with our owners.

In a column two weeks ago I identified a reader’s tall, imposing plant as a foxtail lily — Eremurus robustus (Giant Eremurus, Giant Desert Candle). I was incorrect.

Nestled on a gentle incline that slopes down to the water of Cowichan Bay, this small cottage was one of several cabins originally built along the protected shoreline eight or more decades ago.

Dear Helen: I would like to plant a clematis vine that will be easy to care for and bloom all summer. Am I dreaming? Are there clematis vines that can be grown in containers? F. L. There are clematis types that can make your dream a reality.