When it comes to creating a home’s distinctive look, consumers get more building material options each day. For a unique twist on a traditional deck, consider a combination of redwood framing with stainless-steel cable infill. This idea isn’t new, but is growing in popularity. Ask your contractor for suggestions and references. Chances are they can connect you with someone who’s lived with this style long enough to share how it works for them — and if it will work for you. There’s a wealth of information to be found online at sites such as sandiegocablerailings.com and californiaredwoodco.com. Here are some reasons why you should consider this option for your deck:

Now is the best time to begin pruning roses and dormant fruit trees. It is important that roses and fruit trees — such as low-chill apples, pears, peaches, nectarines and plums — are pruned this time of year to promote growth. On Feb. 2, Armstrong Garden Centers will host a free rose-pruning class at 9 a.m. and a free fruit tree-pruning class at 11 a.m. In the meantime, here are some tips from the nursery:

Now is the perfect time to enrich your life and start 2013 with a greener, healthier you. Houseplants are not only a way to spruce up your interior décor, but also have a multitude of health benefits. They can reduce pollutants and stress levels and increase humidity, which helps alleviate respiratory concerns. Here is a list of the houseplants (pictured) for your consideration.

Structuring your home environment for outdoor use is a wish list that never seems to end, says Mary Palmer Dargan in her book Lifelong Landscape Design. The book is filled with photos of landscapes that illustrate components of lifelong designs that connect with nature; encompass a home; and promote healthy living by providing mobility, social interaction and places to sustain the body and soul. Here are some of her outdoor ideas to encourage and promote social interaction in numerous settings: