Welcome Mat: Cranbrook offers tour of historic home

March is hellebore time at Detroit Garden Works

This month, Detroit Garden Works marks the start of the gardening season with its biggest and best collection of blooming hellebores from growers all over the U.S. that are in stock and ready to go. Enjoy little bites and beverages every Saturday in March while shopping for garden pots, ornaments, furniture, tools, supplies and more. Open Monday to Saturday from 9-5, the specialty shop is at 1794 Pontiac Drive in Sylvan Lake. For information, call (248) 335-8089 or go to detroitgardenworks.com.

BluArch Collection moves to online only

Now that his Birmingham brick-and-mortar store, BluArch Collection, has closed, Chuck Krause has more time to devote to his own designs like this Detroit Relief Map on white composite. An abstract interpretation of city streets and other points of interest including the People Mover, Cobo Center and Hart Plaza, the 30” x 30” piece comes ready to hang. Get free delivery of the Detroit map, priced at $245, in southeast Michigan. The online store features more of his handmade and repurposed objects, such as home decor, microphone lamps, wall art, clocks and kinetic sculptures. For information, go to bluarchcollection.com.

Dillman & Upton launches On Deck Saturdays

On Deck Saturdays at Dillman & Upton, 607 Woodward in downtown Rochester, start March 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. See the latest deck materials, meet pro builders and get an estimate on professional installation while enjoying a free hot dog and beverage. Additional dates include April 8 and May 13. Deck displays feature low-maintenance materials, railing systems, lighting and decorative hardware. They also offer exclusive Deck Design Packages and a Deck Center with take-home sample boards. “Customers like taking home the free deck sample boards and talking directly to our Timbertech Gold builders,” says department manager Jeff Frye in a press release. The complete home center, lumberyard and hardware store also offers an extensive line of deck stains and accessories to refurbish decks. For information, call (248) 651-9411 or go to dillmanupton.com.

Soft Surroundings plans to open first Michigan store

Soft Surroundings will open its first Michigan location at the Village of Rochester Hills, 104 Adams Road, this month. Their grand opening event on March 24 will include gift bags valued at $200 for the first 100 customers, as well as drinks, treats, beauty treatments and discounts throughout the day. Offering stylish and comfortable clothing, accessories, and beauty and home goods, the brand is known for their extremely soft fabrics, global inspiration, customer service and convenience. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Soft Surroundings to Michigan, specifically to the Village at Rochester Hills,” says senior vice president of retail, Danny Boddy, in a press release. “Our brand is all about slowing down life’s rigorous pace and taking the time to rejuvenate and take care of one’s self. We feel strongly that this is something that the women throughout the Metro Detroit area can relate to and we are excited to give them an opportunity to experience what we are all about.” Go to softsurroundings.com for information.

Cranbrook offers lunch, tour and story of historic home

Soak up the elegant setting of Cranbrook House, a National Historic Landmark and the oldest manor home in Metro Detroit, during the Cranbrook House Tour & Lunch 11 a.m. Wednesday, 380 Lone Pine Road in Bloomfield Hills. The English Tudor estate was designed in the Arts & Crafts style by Albert Kahn for the founders of Cranbrook, newspaper mogul George Booth, and his wife, Ellen Scripps Booth. Hear their story while admiring the beautiful furnishings, tapestries and paintings by world-class artists along the way. Tour begins promptly at 11 a.m. Reservations are required. Tickets are $32 for adults. Call (248) 645-3149 or go to housegardens.cranbrook.edu to register.