Stewart: Take care: Some flowering shrubs are toxic to pets

I know rhododendrons and azaleas are poisonous to dogs. Which flowering shrubs are good in shade and won't harm my pet?

Two safe bets are Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire) and Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea). Both of these blooming shrubs are hardy varieties that are not poisonous to dogs and can survive in many environments. And think about the climate where you live.

In the American Southwest, for instance, the plant will need to withstand heat and drought; in the Southeast, heat and humidity; and in the North, cold winters. Before heading to your local nursery to buy a shrub, you should also think about where you will plant it. Find out if the shade is dense or dappled and if the soil is dry, swampy or in between.

In addition to azaleas and rhododendrons, stay away from laurels, oleanders, yews and privets, which are also hazardous to dogs. Also, consider your dog's personality when planting a garden. Some dogs love to chew on plants, while others don't even notice them. If your pet is naturally inclined to eat greenery, Tina Wismer, the medical director at the

ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, recommends fencing off the plants in your yard. Keep in mind, too, that even nontoxic shrubs can upset your dog's stomach.

Cleaning a fireplace

What's the best way to clean soot off the front of a fireplace?

Smoke and soot can build up, causing black stains on your fireplace over time. But with proper care, you can prevent unsightly smudges.

The first step toward maintaining it is to clear away any debris, says Sophie Hudson, cleaning merchant at Home Depot. So sweep around your fireplace.

Next, spot-clean the soot marks. Whether you have a granite, brick or stone hearth, you never want to use water-based solutions - these will only spread the greasy soot around. Instead, use a dry cleaning soot sponge (usually sold at hardware stores). The trick is to swipe it firmly in one direction. (These sponges are made of nontoxic natural rubber, so you don't have to worry about inhaling potentially harmful chemicals.) Hudson recommends cleaning the soot off at least once a month, more if you use the fireplace frequently. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, and make sure the fireplace is properly ventilated.

Hire a chimney sweep at least once a year for a professional cleaning of your firebox and chimney. Schedule an appointment now for spring.

Soothing dry skin

What are some natural ways to relieve dry, itchy winter skin?

Cold weather can dehydrate skin. Luckily, natural therapies can soothe skin and return its pH level to normal.

Colloidal oatmeal is one such remedy. You can buy a product by Aveeno called Soothing Bath Treatment, which features this skin-calming ingredient. Or, according to Barbara Reed, a dermatologist in Denver, you can easily make your own by grinding rolled oats in a blender. (Just be sure they are completely pulverized to ensure they will dissolve in the bath.) Add one to two cups to lukewarm water, and soak for up to 10 minutes a day.

You can also try a baking soda bath. Add a few handfuls of baking soda to a tub of lukewarm water, suggests Meghan O'Brien, consulting dermatologist for Physicians Formula, and soak for five to 20 minutes. Take these baths only once a week, since overexposure to baking soda can irritate the skin.

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