Garden basics: What is an annual? What is a perennial? And why does it matter?

Garden basics: What is an annual? What is a perennial? And why does it matter?

by Jeanette Marantos
“If you like to eat, you have to grow annuals,” one expert said. “But there’s definitely a movement now toward having a balance of annuals and perennials in the vegetable garden.”
As the first rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic come due, landlords hope for the best

As the first rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic come due, landlords hope for the best

by Michaelle Bond
N.J. and Pa. temporarily have halted evictions, foreclosures, and the shutoff of utilities. The Philadelphia Tenants Union is advocating for the suspension of rent payments during the pandemic.
As the first rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic come due, landlords hope for the best

As the first rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic come due, landlords hope for the best

N.J. and Pa. temporarily have halted evictions, foreclosures, and the shutoff of utilities. The Philadelphia Tenants Union is advocating for the suspension of rent payments during the pandemic.
On the market: Philly townhouse in gated Naval Square community for $775,000

On the market: Philly townhouse in gated Naval Square community for $775,000

by Paul Jablow, For The Inquirer
“You can walk to Rittenhouse Square, Drexel, HUP, the whole nine yards,” the owner says. “But it’s magical when you walk into the development. You’re independent from the city.”
On the market: Philly townhouse in gated Naval Square community for $775,000

On the market: Philly townhouse in gated Naval Square community for $775,000

“You can walk to Rittenhouse Square, Drexel, HUP, the whole nine yards,” the owner says. “But it’s magical when you walk into the development. You’re independent from the city.”
Once, every Philly neighborhood had a hospital. Just one independent survives.
Column

Once, every Philly neighborhood had a hospital. Just one independent survives.

by Inga Saffron
The story of Kensington Hospital is, in many ways, the story of the Kensington neighborhood, its ups and downs and ups.
Once, every Philly neighborhood had a hospital. Just one independent survives.
Column

Once, every Philly neighborhood had a hospital. Just one independent survives.

The story of Kensington Hospital is, in many ways, the story of the Kensington neighborhood, its ups and downs and ups.
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New home sales drop 4.4% in February, with full impact of coronavirus yet to be felt

New home sales drop 4.4% in February, with full impact of coronavirus yet to be felt

by Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press
The Commerce Department says February sales dropped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 765,000 homes, down from a rate of 800,000 homes in January.
Real estate agents are trying to adapt to keep selling houses during the coronavirus pandemic

Real estate agents are trying to adapt to keep selling houses during the coronavirus pandemic

by Michaelle Bond
Open houses are out and virtual tours are in as real estate agents adjust how they help clients buy and sell houses during the coronavirus pandemic.
New development’s sample house in Ambler becomes 30-year home

New development’s sample house in Ambler becomes 30-year home

by Sally A. Downey, For The Inquirer
The couple, who have lived for more than 30 years in the house, never forget their settlement date: 8/8/88.
In this plague, we must learn to play alone in our parks | Inga Saffron
Column

In this plague, we must learn to play alone in our parks | Inga Saffron

by Inga Saffron
After 9/11, we rallied together in parks and squares to hold vigils for the victims, hugging strangers as a way of expressing solidarity. This time, there are no warm embraces. We can only demonstrate our social connectedness by coming together in the same place, six feet apart.
Philly offices may never be the same again as the coronavirus pandemic boosts technology disruption

Philly offices may never be the same again as the coronavirus pandemic boosts technology disruption

by Christian Hetrick
Besides work from home becoming mainstream, the outbreak is accelerating trends in technology, from eateries offering online delivery to film studios skipping theaters to release new movies for streaming.
In 3-D printing, one solid solution to homelessness

In 3-D printing, one solid solution to homelessness

by Sharon Jayson
Austin-based construction technology company Icon has formed partnerships to explore how 3D-printed houses could not only provide housing for people on the margins but also demonstrate how to dramatically reduce the time and money spent on construction.
Pandemic’s next victim could be Philly’s retail renaissance

Pandemic’s next victim could be Philly’s retail renaissance

by Jacob Adelman
Business closures aimed at containing the pandemic are all but certain to result in a surge of vacancies, just when dealmaking for future leases has come to a virtual halt due to travel bans and economic jitters.
As coronavirus spreads, not all Philly high-rises are going on cleaning binges, and the city can’t make them do it

As coronavirus spreads, not all Philly high-rises are going on cleaning binges, and the city can’t make them do it

by Jason Laughlin
In high-rises, elevators, lobbies, gyms, and laundry rooms are practically unavoidable, with surfaces touched by hundreds of people. Many — but far from all — building managers have beefed up cleaning crews, restricted public spaces, and made hand sanitizers readily available.
Historic homes in Philly can now add garage or basement apartments

Historic homes in Philly can now add garage or basement apartments

by Michaelle Bond
As of Jan. 1, for the first time, owners of historic properties in the city can add accessory dwelling units, such as in-law suites and basement rentals.
Philadelphia has endured plagues before. It adapted and became a better place. | Inga Saffron
Column

Philadelphia has endured plagues before. It adapted and became a better place. | Inga Saffron

by Inga Saffron
Is digital infrastructure the sanitation of our time? What does that mean for the future of cities?
The coronavirus’ latest cancellation: Lucy the Elephant’s Airbnb stays

The coronavirus’ latest cancellation: Lucy the Elephant’s Airbnb stays

by Michaelle Bond
Six guests were scheduled to stay overnight in Lucy from Tuesday through Thursday.
Roxborough warehouse offered rent-free for virus response before beginning new life as craft brewery

Roxborough warehouse offered rent-free for virus response before beginning new life as craft brewery

by Jacob Adelman
Bryn Mawr-based Alliance Partners HSP is offering to help organizations that can benefit from its 130,000 square feet of newly renovated space at 401 Domino Lane in Philadelphia.
On the market: A Main Line classic for $799,900

On the market: A Main Line classic for $799,900

by Paul Jablow, For The Inquirer
“The homes have an older charm," the owner says. "They’re sturdy and they’re not going anywhere.”
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