Nitty gritty

Curse of the backyard garden

Backyard astronomer gawks at stars as if they are celebrities

Thomas Langhans is among thousands of Bay Area amateur astronomers -- scores of whom have their own backyard observatories -- who spend their free time scanning the night skies. From Berkeley to San Jose and San Mateo to Livermore they are watching while most of us sleep.

Backyard Retreat relocates

The Backyard Retreat, a garden and gift shop that opened in April 2011 in uptown Lexington, has relocated to 106 S. Main St., a larger location next door to its original space at 104 S. Main St.

Photographer's tip: How to shoot great photos in your backyard

Each week, a Globe photographer will share their insight on the Photo Desk assignment.

Garden calendar

Upcoming gardending events and activities.