ON THE HOME FRONT: Fall trends

Did it yourself?

The budget is tighter, but home-improvement needs and wants never seem to end. The solution may be to get out the toolbox and do it yourself!

We want to feature your home or garden project in the Home & Garden section. Tell us about it (how long did it take? what did it cost?) in fewer than 250 words, and don't forget to include your name, address, phone number and, if possible, high-resolution photos of yourself and your project.

Send to Julie Young, Home & Garden, I Did It Myself, P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293, or e-mail . This week's feature on Page D6. Cindy Crawford Style collection

If anyone knows how quickly trends come and go, it's supermodel Cindy Crawford. So it's only logical the classic beauty would stick mainly to timeless pieces in her new home-furnishings collection, Cindy Crawford Style. Available at JCPenney and JCP.com, the line includes elegant and stylish designs in bedding, bath, decorative accessories, window treatments, accent furniture and lighting.

From accent tables and wine racks to dinnerware and flatware, there's something for every room. Other pieces include serving trays, candleholders, shower curtains and bath rugs. Corner Lots

Some outdoor conservation tips to help reduce water usage while keeping your landscape healthy and thriving this fall:

• Compost leaves and other garden debris to create healthy mulch for spring. Adding compost or mulch to your soil will help hold water in and minimize evaporation by keeping the soil covered and cool.

• Aerate your lawn to encourage deep root growth so that your lawn will require less frequent watering during hot spells next summer.

• Help your potted perennials make it through the winter by bringing them inside or under cover. Wrapping pots may also help prevent breakage from winter freezing.

• Maintain your mower by draining old gas and sharpening the blades.

• Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging and overflow.

• Look for leaks in water pipes, drains and valves.

• Turn off and empty outdoor water spigots to prevent freezing.

For more tips on outdoor conservation, visit the Regional Water Providers Consortium online at http://www.conserveh2o.org. It's time to . . .

Plant trees or shrubs in your landscape. The cool soil and adequate moisture will help your plants acclimate to the new site. Be sure to dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball to ensure plenty of space for root development. Remember, the top of the root ball should be level with the soil or slightly higher to allow for good drainage.