Martha Must

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been charmed by lilacs. Now I grow them to enjoy in both my garden and my home. For long-lasting arrangements, clip stems that have vibrant, healthy-looking foliage and blooms, and then gently crush the woody ends with a mallet to help them draw in more water.

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Launder

REFRESH YOUR BED

Warm weather calls for lighter bedding. Here’s how to get ready:

1. Change your sheets: Trade flannel and higher thread counts for lightweight cotton or linen sheets—some of which are intended to be wrinkled, for easier upkeep.

2. Wash your winter bedding before storing, preferably on a sunny day when you can hang it outdoors to dry.

3. Wash your mattress cover, pillow covers, and pillow inserts; check the fabric-care labels, but even down can be machine-washed. Finally, rotate the mattress; most do not require flipping.

Cook

Cook with Rhubarb

Whether you grow it or buy it, you’ll want to use every last ruby stalk.

• For a side dish to go with pork or chicken, roast chopped rhubarb with halved baby beets; top with toasted walnuts.
• Simmer a cup each of sugar, water, and chopped rhubarb (with vanilla) until tender. Top off with prosecco, or drizzle over ice cream.