2015 Home & Garden Life

Home&Garden 2015

LIFE

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A Chester County Press Publication

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Table of Contents...

Flower Spotlight: Petunia A look at gardening apps Breakfast nook Clean air in your home What’s your kitchen style?

Pickel Landscape Group The next step greenhouse Simple steps to seed starting success Tackle tough DIY tasks like a pro

Create

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Get inspired by outdoor living ideas Exercise and yard work Home improvement to save you money Give your landscaping a makeover Tips to make a bath safe CHESTER COUNTY PRESS P.O. Box 150 • Kelton, PA 19346 USPS Periodical Permit # 416500

Cover photo: by Pickel Landscape Group Cover design: by JoAnn Bissinger

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A look around your neighborhood in the spring will likely reveal a plethora of petunias brightly blooming. Get a little closer and experience one of the flower’s most definitive characteristics — refreshingly vivid fragrance.

Petunias are also wildly popular for their ease of planting and maintenance, which means you’ll get to enjoy a season of bright, beautiful flowers without having to break your back.

CHOOSING YOUR VARIETY There are more than 100 varieties of petunias, and even more considering options for hybrid plants. Grandiflora and Multiflora are two of the most popular types of petunias, despite their distinct differences.

The Grandiflora produces large flowers that are perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes. The Multiflora is more compact and produces smaller flowers. Typically, they are bunched together to produce vibrant pops of color in a landscaped area or flower garden.

WHAT PETUNIAS NEED So you need petunias to punctuate one of your outdoor areas with rich, striking colors. Here’s what it needs from you, according to the University of Minnesota Extension: • Location with plenty of light — five to six hours of good sunlight per day • Decently draining soil conditioned with organic matter, such as peat moss or leaf compost • Thorough watering once per week — enough to soak the soil to a depth of about 6 inches PLANTING TIPS Here are some tried and true planting tips from the University of Minnesota Extension: • Wait until the soil warms to about 60 degrees and the danger of frost is gone.

• Follow the spacing instructions on your flowers’ packaging. Most require to be spaced about 4 to 12 inches apart.

• Plan to provide some protection from the midday sun for the first few days after planting.

Painting Your Subfloor Maybe you aren’t quite ready to decide on a floor type or perhaps you’re looking for a quick fix to rejuvenate a living space. Painting your subfloor is a simple project that can transform your room.

The steps are simple, and the entire project shouldn’t take you more than a Saturday afternoon.

REMOVE YOUR CARPET This is actually a multi-step process because removing carpet isn’t as simple as rolling it up and taking it to the dump. You also have to remove the carpet strips around the perimeter of the room. A pry bar and hammer work best for this. And don’t forget the staples holding down the carpet pad. Survey the floor closely and remove the staples with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

PREP THE SURFACE Like any other surface you plan on painting, it is important to make sure it is clean and dry. Sweep and clean the floor with a wood-safe product. Then use wood filler to fill in the cracks between the sheets of plywood or particle board that make up your subfloor.

PAINT THE FLOOR A regular interior paint is not recommended for painting your subfloor, as it will have to hold up to foot

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traffic. Use an exterior paint that is made to take on tough weather conditions. This will be a stronger, more durable option. You also can use a polyurethane coat to seal in the paint. If you choose to do so, be sure you are working in a ventilated area and try to find an environmentally friendly version of the sealant.

GET CREATIVE Many online instructional videos will walk you through the simple process of patterning your floor. Map out the pattern you would like to see on your floor and use a simple stencil cutout with your favorite shapes or elegant patterns.

You can even design faux wood panels, tiles or other surfaces that help tie your room together.

A look at Gardening Apps

Courtesy photo

Dirt and technology. What a marriage. Before breaking into the rich soil and fertilizer this spring, use your green thumb to browse these five free, functional gardening apps from Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

Then live happily ever after with your bountiful garden. Now, if only there was an app for removing weeds.

GARDEN TIME PLANNER Developer: Burpee Store: Apple App Store Developed by seed giant Burpee, this app includes a full database of plants, local weather and links to how-to gar10 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

dening videos. The array of plants on display is impressive, and Burpee has organized them in an easy-to-navigate format. Gardeners also benefit from simple and straightforward video advice on sowing, transplanting and plant tendencies.

PLANT PICTURES Developer: Stevenson Software LLC Store: Apple App Store No gardening tips within this application – just the visual identities of more than 26,000 plants. Browse by plant name and instantly uncover loads of pictures to help guide your buying decisions and garden layout. The photographs are large and colorful, helping you easily identify distinctions of each plant.

GARDENING IDEAS Developer: Archant Ltd. Store: Apple App Store Stunning photography and innovative ideas will get the wheels turning for your next big gardening project.

Leverage inspiration from detailed building designs and water features into your own eye-catching creation. This app’s overall size is small compared to the others on this list, helping boost the quickness and fluidity of its user interface.

GARDEN GUIDE Developer: Ogden Publications, Inc. Store: Google Play The best free gardening app on the Google Play market, according to user reviews, this guide provides expert advice from the popular magazine Mother Earth News. It doles out planting specifications for all of your vegetables, fruits and flowers. Quick tip: Once you have downloaded the application, tap the “lock” icon to unlock the content and the “tomato” icon to start receiving articles.

GARDENING TIPS Developer: ShamZap Store: Google Play Built for the novice, this app provides advice for cultivating everything from flower gardens to indoor herb

Courtesy photo

gardens, and it works as a large search engine that quickly takes users to credible sources of information. Simple and to the point, users can link to a variety of how-to videos, informative articles and gardening experts.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 11

In-Home Movie Theaters The average price of taking in a movie for a family of four is more than $30, according to the National Association of Theater Owners. And that’s just for the tickets. Throw in the popcorn, sodas and not to mention the add-on for a 3-D ticket, and the average family could be easily be spending double that amount. That’s a lot of movie money.

It’s no wonder that many families across America have chosen to enjoy more movies within the comfort of their own homes. But just because you stay in doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a good time.

Advances in technology, lighting and home construction techniques can help you build a genuine theater experience right within your home.

The Screen By mounting a projector on the ceiling, you can project images toward as large a screen as you choose for your wall. Keep

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the projector in the back of the room to convey a real cinematic experience. You can save space and a little money by opting for special paint instead of a large screen. The paint rolls directly onto the wall and reflects images just like a regular screen.

Surround Sound Projecting images is one thing. Adding theater-quality sound can be just as important to pulling off an authentic movie aura.

Carefully place your speakers around the entire room, helping engulf your ears with optimum sound. Speaker companies have started to design their products on the smaller side, allowing for devices that look more streamlined and modern instead of big and bulky. Add a couple of tower speakers at the front of the room to provide an extra boost.

The Lighting What good is a theater room with bright lights? Dim your lighting to enhance the quality of whatever movie you’re watching. Recessed lights can not only add to the overall look of the room, but they are also versatile enough to be installed around the border of the room like you see in standard movie theaters.

Consider a remote control device to switch your lights on and off from the comfort of your large, cushy seat.

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We all need that jolt of caffeine or punch of protein in the mornings. But too many times we find ourselves inhaling our breakfast, coffee or juice before rushing out the door.

Incorporating a breakfast nook into your kitchen area may persuade you to slow things down in the morning. And by adding some elegant, contemporary design elements, you may even find yourself starting your breakfast earlier and earlier in the morning just so you can enjoy this new part of your kitchen.

Planning Your Nook An effective coffee nook is both functional and fashionable.

You want to be able to soak in all of its aesthetically pleasing nuances without being inconvenienced to scuttle back and forth to the kitchen for food, linens and silverware.

Storage is key to achieving this, as a few cabinets will allow you to hide away coffee grinders, forks, spoons and serving trays.

Generally, a nook is not a space for entertaining a large number of guests. A small café-style gives an ample amount of seating, depending on how you plan to use the nook. If you choose to add a higher-style serving shelf in the nook, you can 14 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

find stools or high-rise chairs for your seating options.

Stocking Your Nook Depending on your caffeinated pleasure, you can stock your nook full of your favorite grounds, single-serving cups or fresh beans. And don’t forget the coffee cups. Your nook can be an all-inclusive spot that doesn’t require you to make several trips back and forth to the kitchen.

Many nook lovers also stock their areas with cereals, fruits, bowls and silverware to add to the convenience factor.

Designing Your Nook Your nook does not need to be a direct extension of your kitchen. In fact, choosing a color or wallpaper that is in stark contrast to your kitchen will help in creating a unique, distinct area. If you’re seeking to convey a cozy, country feel, find antique frames made from old barn wood to display your artwork. A more contemporary look may involve accentuating the area with stainless steel pieces and clean, modern lines.

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Clean air in your home As the American population has been made more aware of the dangers of greenhouse gases, one area that doesn’t get as much attention is poor indoor air quality.

The quality of air can be two to five times more polluted than the worst outside air. This is because of the many indoor pollutants floating around our homes from sources such as gas, oil, kerosene, building materials and chemical products.

PLANTS TO THE RESCUE: In the 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America carried out an in-depth study on which house plans were the most effective in purifying the air in space. Several of the tested plants were proven to filter out common volatile organic compounds that can negatively impact our health and well-being.

Here are three of the most effective house plants for cleaning your air: Aloe: The study found that aloe helps clear both formaldehyde and benzene, which are generally byproducts of chemical-based cleaners.

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Spider Plants: Also safe for the pets in your home, spider plants are quick to battle benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Their unique stringy foliage makes them perfect for hanging baskets.

Azaleas: These budding beauties are best grown in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for improving an indoor area such as a basement.

DIRTY SOCK SYNDROME: Even though it may not have a very scientific-sounding name, dirty sock syndrome can have a serious impact on the overall smell of your home. The problem most commonly occurs when bacteria that has built up from the moisture in your air ducts and system during cooling season are dried up and killed when you begin using heat.

This can result in a “dirty sock” smell being emitted from your ducts that is both annoying and overwhelming. Call your local heating and cooling professional, who for a fee can resolve the issue by spraying an antibacterial solution on your unit’s coils. Hopefully you’ll be back to odorless air in no time.

Adding a Shed

Even the largest of homes needs an effective outdoor storage space. With today’s engineering advancements and focus on functional usage, outdoor sheds have advanced beyond storing tools and garden gadgets.

They are multi-purpose units that can even have water and electric for livable use.

WHY ADD A SHED? Storage is the number one reason most people consider adding a storage shed to their property. As many homeowners with growing families understand, space is always at a premium. And the more land you own, the more storage space you need for all the equipment required to maintain it.

Sheds are easy to build and even easier to install if you use the services of a small building manufacturer.

These types of companies have enjoyed recent spikes in popularity because of the options for customization by their customers. From the building materials to the interior design, you can sit down with a small building consultant to construct the perfect unit for your needs.

MULTI-PURPOSE Maybe you’re using your shed building for more than just tool and mower storage. Other options include a home office, hobby workshop or even a kids’ playhouse.

Whatever purpose you plan on employing, it is important to ensure usage of the appropriate materials and construction techniques. Remember that if people are going to go in and out of the shed often, you will want to comply with the same safety and living standards you use in your home.

KNOW THE RULES Many towns and cities have specific size limits on sheds and other outdoor units. You may, in fact, need a permit to begin building one, even if you own the land.

If you live in a subdivision, you may be required to check with the homeowners association, as there may be a bylaw requiring prior approval. Once you pass through all the red tape, you will be on your way to building a fully functional unit to enjoy for years to come.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 17

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Freshen up your home with 5 colors for the new year While you’re making resolutions and setting goals for the new year, consider adding updating the look of your home to your list. If your walls are looking a little dated, follow these five color suggestions to give your space a renewed look.

To simplify the makeover process, Dutch Boy Paints has narrowed down its traditional annual color forecast selections to five top “Live Your Moment” hues. These are the colors you’ll be seeing in fashion, accessories and home decor in the coming year, so take your cue from pop culture and select from this up-to-the-minute palette. You’ll be enjoying a new look in your home in no time.

Brighten the bedroom: The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, and it deserves a fresh look this year. Pair a subtle neutral shade like Faintest Idea (F25-4) with brights and whites for a balanced design, and snooze in style with quaint and quiet color. To complete the look, give your bed a fresh update with a new pintuck duvet cover. Accessorize with decorative pillows, curtains or rugs in shades of blue.

Liven up your living space: Why not dial up the color in your living room? This area of your home accommodates many visitors throughout the year and is likely where your family spends a great deal of time. To create an inviting space, try a robust color like Teal Decadence (E4-1). When matched with natural wood finishes, organic shapes and soft, sophisticated tones, this color allows you to live a

little but still maintains a down-to-earth feel.

Taste perfection: If your eat-in kitchen or dining room could use a taste of color, look no further than Perfect Strawberry (A2-1). A rich red with attitude, this hue adds a fun, young flavor to any room. Use it liberally, but achieve balance by using a contrasting color with just as much abandon. Darker accent pieces, such as a hutch or buffet, as well as white cabinets, are great complements.

Powder room blues: Even the most casual half-bath can take on a sophisticated feel with the right wall color and accessories. A chic look starts with Biloxi Blues (E17-2) on the walls and repeated in key accessories like area rugs or hand towels. Finish the room by adding a new mirror to open up your space and other storage, such as open shelving, to minimize counter clutter.

Re-work the working space: If you’re in need of a quick overhaul of your home office, go for a confident, intense color like Coal Blue (E16-1). A strong, deep blue, this hue is proof that walls really do support the room. Combine with a single complementary hue in comfortable furnishings and accessories, and you’ll be finding excuses to work from home every day.

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What’s Your Kitchen Style?

The mixture of textures and bold blocks of color are subdued by the clean design. Horizontal lines are still obvious; however, the overall design is a calm contemporary.

With so many styles of kitchens and cabinets, it can sometimes be hard to decide on a favorite. You may see kitchens in each style and agree that they are all beautiful in their own way. But which is the style you would choose for your own home?

Aside from the look of each style, many aspects must be considered, such as its compatibility with the rest of the home, and whether it will endure the test of time. With many considerations to sort through, it can sometimes become more of a hassle than a fun improvement on your home. Defined below are different kitchen styles to help you decide on what suits your home while fitting your personal style.

Contemporary Contemporary kitchens, very simple spaces, are characterized by distinctive hard and sleek horizontal lines. A full overlay slab door style is typically the

norm for these kitchens. The Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. Milan door style is the perfect slab selection for a contemporary kitchen.

The small amount of ornamentation that does exist is natural and usually comes in some form of texture. For example, there may be horizontal wood grains to match up with the horizontal line scheme. Visually the wood grain gives off a textured appearance.

Traditional Traditional styled kitchens are distinguished by their detail. Unlike transitional kitchens, traditional kitchens contain embellishments and detail is found everywhere, with corbels and mouldings on every piece of furniture.

In terms of cabinetry, raised panels with applied moulding are common for traditional kitchens. Outlining these raised panels are inset or framed cabinet construction, adding a hint of de-

tail to the cabinet doors. A fun thing about traditional is the ability to mix door styles, giving you the freedom to choose a couple of styles and mix them between perimeter cabinets and your island. Techniques are a small detail that, when applied to every cabinet door, give off a striking effect. This is an attribute that can really define your own personal style. Hutch and furniture style cabinets are another unique feature of traditional kitchens.

Transitional Transitional styling pulls together the warmth of traditional with the crispness of contemporary making for a good median. This allows you to choose a simple door style, often a shaker, and pair it with a beautiful stained wood. Neutral paints are also very popular among transitional cabinetry. Wellborn offers two shaker door styles, Bristol and Hanover, which are

both wonderful choices for transitional kitchens. With ornamental pieces at a minimum, emphasis is placed on the modest details that do exist. Maybe you like some characteristics of the traditional styling but enjoy the simplicity of contemporary. Transitional style encompasses the best of both worlds and fits the style of many homes because of its versatile traits.

Casual Casual kitchens maintain a comfortable feel and fit in with the home. They have the ability to be personalized and beautiful while practical at the same time. Casual is a style that can take on many looks. For instance, there can be coastal, country and eclectic versions of this laid-back look. Here are further explanations of each style: * Coastal casual is a look that is often found depending on location. Beach houses often have the coastal casual style that encompasses a light and airy environment with pops of color through pastels. The atmosphere is also set through driftwood and white washes. * Country casual is a style that is traditionally made up of stained cabinets detailed with ornamentations and embellishments, making for a warm, inviting environment. The embellishments are placed in a comfortable manner reflecting the natural surroundings in which the home is located. * Eclectic casual is a mix of a little bit of everything that you love with taste. It

The architectural and top-to-bottom details are crucial to the design of this kitchen. From the beams and archways to the mullion cabinet doors and island legs, this kitchen portrays every aspect of traditional.

captures pieces and accessories from different places and times and combines them together in one space.

Old and new design elements are pulled together to create a unique, individual style.

Formal Formal kitchens often display sophisticated, yet stunning details in which beauty is key. Although the detail may be small, it does not go without notice and forms a timeless environment of high societal living. A vast range of cabinetry door styles can be seen in formal kitchens because the style is distin-

guished by the architectural elements such as coffered ceilings, columns and moulding details. Glass cabinet doors can be found in formal kitchens to add to the elegance of the environment.

The arrangement of over-the-top elements and accessories is essential to creating a formal kitchen.

Whether your preferences fit perfectly into one category or a combination of several, the goal of creating your special kitchen space is to listen to what style speaks to you. For more kitchen and home remodeling ideas, visit www.wellborn.com.

Pickel Landscape Group:

Enhancing the beauty and value of your home and garden

T

here are few moments during a homeowner’s week that are more ¿lled with comfort and renewal than pulling into the driveway and seeing his or her most important investments: children playing on the grass.

The vibrant colors of a garden or two that border the home. The soft lighting that illuminates plantings, and maybe even the stone walkways that lead to the tranquility of the backyard. This is Life, the homeowner thinks. This is Home.

Pickel Landscape Group understands that your life and your home are so closely intertwined.

In many ways, they are reÀective of each other.

By applying this very simple business model, Pickel Landscape Group has become one of the leading landscape and design companies in southern Chester County and Delaware.

“We are in this business not just to provide the best in service, but to build relationships,” said Michael Pickel, president and owner.

“We take just as much pride in our work as our clients do in their homes. Most people’s homes are their largest investment, and we want to make sure that their landscaping is reÀective of that. Our best clients are those who like to take walks around their homes and gardens with us, discussing plantings, Àower beds and landscaping. Becasue of these relationships, our work becomes more than just a series of jobs.

It becomes a shared collaboration.”

From consultation to design to installation to maintenance, Pickel Landscape Group can create and preserve beauty in all outdoor spaces of your home. From a welcoming introduction from of¿ce manager Nikki Ciarmella to an initial consultation with Pickel and designer and estimator Sam Eashum, your relationship with Pickel Landscaping Group begins with listening to your needs, understanding the ways your family uses your outdoor spaces, and creating a landscaping plan

140 Sawmill Rd, Landenberg, PA 19350 • 610.274.8083

that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle and your budget. With the use of Auto CAD, Sketchup and Adobe to create 3D color renderings, clients can see what the look of their project will resemble from various angles.

From Eashum’s innovative designs, Pickel Landscape Group ¿eld manager Jose Lopez and his three industry-certi¿ed teams of landscapers will help bring a polished elegance to your home and gardens, from the installation of planting beds, trees and shrubs and hardscapes, to the construction of patios, ¿replaces, ¿re pits, walls and irrigation systems. In addition to weekly lawn maintenance, Pickel Landscape Group offers a 5-Step fertilizer program that promotes root and plant growth, while managing weeds and disease and insect control.

What sets Pickel Landscaping apart from other landscaping companies will never be measured in gimmickry or marketing schemes, but by choosing to make decisions based on planning, quality, sustainability and maintenance.

“I grew up in Landenberg,” Pickel said. “Sam’s from nearby in Delaware, and Nikki and Jose are all from this area. We take pride in being from this community, and we want to contribute to continuing to make this a very beautiful part of the world.

How we do business is, in part, directly connected to the fact that we not only work here, we’re raising our families here.”

Spring is here! Contact us today to schedule your noobligation consultation.

www.pickellandscapegroup.com

Photos (3) by Pickel Landscape Group

Your Local Landscape Contractor

The Next Step: GREENHOUSES

Are you a super gardener or looking to start your own gardening business?

If you answered yes, then you have probably already looked into the option of building or purchasing your own greenhouse. Good thinking.

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Greenhouses can be great investments that pay for themselves multiple times over. They allow you the opportunity to grow plants, herbs, flowers and vegetables year round without the worry of climate or weather damaging them. Although simple in the way it functions, there are some specific steps to building or placing a greenhouse that you need to follow.

How They Work Greenhouses filter the sunlight through their walls and ceiling and then heat up the air that is trapped inside. The process helps plants grow while keeping them protected from external climate and weather forces that can cause serious damage. For optimum performance, even the best designed greenhouses may require the installation of additional heating.

This will help keep temperatures at their most effective levels, especially during the winter.

Orientation Large, small or somewhere in between, where your greenhouse sits in your yard will have the biggest impact on its successful rearing of produce.

Greenhouses are usually constructed with the longest side oriented toward the south to allow maximum sunlight exposure during the cold winter months. Avoid butting your greenhouse against a barn or in highly shaded areas.

Build Your Own Constructing your own greenhouse can be a large project, one that with the proper tools and attention to detail can end up saving you a substantial amount of money, freeing up more funding for plants to fill it with.

Before you build, consider the skill level required for your project. A large, intricate greenhouse with multiple corners and sections may require the help of a professional contractor. A more straightforward design is definitely an achievable project, and can give you the satisfaction of a job well done.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 25

This top garage trend keeps gaining momentum The carriage house garage door is to your house what the little black dress and strand of pearls are to your wardrobe; classic style elements that never go out of fashion.

At the dawn of the automobile age, those who were affluent enough to own a car kept it in the carriage house, where the horses and buggy would have been stored. But this cohabitation became a little, well, smelly, and the need for separate storing structures was soon realized.

Enter, the garage. Built in the style of the original carriage house, the garage’s sole intent was to store the car away from the animals and elements. The word garage actually comes from the French word, garer, which means to shelter and protect. Naturally, the garage needed a door to offer protection to the automobile. The ensuing “carriage house door” was a hinged, double door that swung outwards, and can be considered the original garage door.

In the early 1920s, the kickout door was invented and progress continued from there, bringing homeowners the modern convenience of today’s overhead garage doors. Today’s carriage house sectional garage doors open overhead and continue to gain in popularity, constituting 35 percent of the volume in the garage door industry with projections to remain a huge trend.

When it comes to the style of garage door chosen, most homeowners want something classic, that won’t fade in popularity over the years and will also enhance curb appeal. This is especially true if home resale is a factor.

The carriage house door also offers a myriad of design elements. For example, the Classica Collection by Amarr offers a dual-directional wood grain design that provides the realistic look of wood with the practicality and low-maintenance upkeep of steel. With a three-section design and the option of larger windows, this door offers a more authentic carriage house look with the benefit of additional natural light flow into your garage. Two-tone looks are also available with many color combinations and panel designs, and hardware and window choices are plentiful. These different design options can be tailored specifically to your home’s façade and will further enhance curb appeal.

If you’re thinking of replacing a tired garage door in an effort to boost your home’s curb appeal, consider the classic carriage house door whose popularity has only continued to grow over the last century. With a timeless design that can be specifically tailored to your house, it’s a choice that both you - and future owners of your home - can happily live with for a long time.

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Simple steps to seed starting success

By Melinda Myers Get a jump on the growing season by starting your favorite or hard-to-find plants indoors from seeds. Starting hard-to-find plants, like many of the heirloom or newly introduced varieties, from seed may be the only way you will be able to add these to your garden. Plus, you’ll be extending the growing season and bringing the fun of gardening indoors.

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All you need is a little space, a few supplies and of course seeds to get started. Check the back of your seed packets for planting directions. Most recommend when and how to start seeds indoors as well as any other special care the seedlings will need.

Purchase, recycle or make your own containers from newspaper. Sanitize used pots by dipping them in a one part bleach and nine parts water solution and then rinsing them with clean water.

Continued on Page 30

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 29

Seed starting...

Continued from Page 28

Fill the containers with a sterile well-drained potting mix or seed starting mix. Once the containers are filled, plant the seeds according to the seed packet directions.

For most seeds, plant them twice their diameter deep and gently water. Continue to water often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Extend the time between watering and increase your seed starting success by covering the container with plastic.

You can also purchase a seed starting kit, like the self-watering Growease seed starter kits.

Move your containers to a sunny window as soon as the seedlings emerge from the soil. Turn plants often to encourage even growth. Or increase your success by growing seedlings under artificial lights. You can make your own light system or purchase tabletop, shelf units or easy to assemble light systems, like Stack-N-Grow (gardeners.com). Keep the lights four to six inches above the top of the seedlings for best results. As the seedlings grow, be sure to maintain this distance by simply raising the lights or lowering the containers.

Move overcrowded seedlings to larger containers once they have two sets of true leaves. The first leaves that appear are rather indistinct and are called seed leaves. The next set of leaves look more like the mature plant’s leaves and are called true leaves. Once the next set of true leaves forms, it is time to transplant overcrowded seedlings.

Use a fork or spoon to carefully lift out the seedling. Clusters of seedlings can be dug and carefully teased apart before planting in individual pots. Be careful not to pinch and damage the young tender stems.

Place seedlings in their own clean container filled with moist sterile potting mix. Plant the young plants at the same depth they were growing in the original container.

Thin seedlings started in individual containers as needed. If you planted several seeds in each small container remove all but the healthiest one. Prune the weaker seedlings to ground level, so the remaining seedling can develop into a strong transplant for the garden.

Continue to grow your plants in a sunny window or under artificial lights and water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist.

Soon it will be time to move your homegrown transplants into the garden.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.

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Tackle tough DIY tasks like a pro

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Have you been putting off some seemingly hard-to-handle home improvement projects? If so, there’s still time to tackle do-it-yourself tasks like a pro - from painting high ceilings and stairwells to repairing garage and basement floors. With the right tips and tools, you can accomplish these home improvements in a snap.

REACH NEW HEIGHTS When it comes to sprucing up foyers and great rooms, painting may appear to be a challenge for most homeowners especially when it comes to the ceiling. But it doesn’t have to be. Start by covering furniture and floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting, or removing furniture from the room entirely.

Start the painting process from the top. A fresh coat of paint on a ceiling can transform a room. Grab a ladder and be mindful of necessary safety precautions. Before painting, shield your eyes by wearing protective goggles. Lightly sand your ceiling and remove any dust with a damp rag or sponge. Then, edge around your ceiling with a paint brush to line the perimeter of the ceiling.

Looking for an easier way to paint the main portion of the ceiling? Select a lightweight and durable extension pole such as the new Purdy Power Lock extension pole, which eliminates pole-toframe wobbling. The Power Lock pole features a universal tip that Continued on Page 34

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connects to nearly all roller frames and rollers, including Purdy Marathon rollers.

Start painting in one corner of the ceiling and form a “V,” then roll the paint out and around. Work in 4-foot sections and always roll into the wet edge of the section you were previously painting.

Wait for the ceiling to dry completely and apply another coat.

SAFELY PAINTING STAIRWELLS Many two-story foyers are accompanied by stairwells with equally tall walls. These high-traffic areas are very visible, yet may be the last place homeowners care to spend time updating. While most areas of the home can be painted with a roller or brush and a basic stepstool, stairwells may pose a safety risk.

There are few ways to carefully cross this potentially tricky task off of your to-do list.

A sturdy extension pole that allows for smooth length adjustments is a must. Power Lock extension poles enable the user to safely and effectively paint areas in and out of reach. You can also utilize an extension ladder on the side walls of a stairwell with a ladder leveler. Simply place one leg of the ladder on one step and the other leg, with the ladder leveler attached, on the step below it. Adjust the ladder leveler so that your ladder is resting evenly, and you’re ready to update the

34 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

walls and ceiling in this space.

If you find yourself in a spot where the results are less than ideal or the job is simply too complex, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional for assistance.

REPAINTING BASEMENT AND GARAGE FLOORS Has repairing and/or repainting the floor of your garage or basement made your to-do list for years but never seems to be your No. 1 priority? Make this year the one where this project gets done. First, pick up protective eyewear and gloves for the job as it will involve paints and cleaners, and be sure the area is well ventilated. Before beginning, it is best to remove stains by using a three-parts water to one-part bleach mixture. For tougher stains, consider using a pressure washer. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the area. Once the floor is clean and dry, repair any cracks in the concrete using concrete/mortar-repair compound for smaller cracks or concrete patch for larger ones.

Next, you will want to apply a thin primer coat using a paint roller attached to an extension pole like the Purdy Power Lock to ensure you don’t paint yourself into a corner. After eight hours, start with a coat of the floor paint and allow the first coat to dry for one full day before applying the second. Wait about 24 hours before walking or driving on the newly painted surface.

By following these helpful tips and using the proper tools, you can complete lingering projects in no time. You’ll then be able to enjoy great looking, long-lasting results.

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After a cold winter of windy conditions and heavy snowfall, your trees could probably use a little TLC this spring.

42 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Before you gas up the saw or sharpen the pruners, remember that trimming trees can be one of the most dangerous jobs around the yard.

According to a report on OSHA.gov, the three most common types of serious tree trimming accidents are:

Electrocution

This usually involves a person working too closely to electric lines. Always be vigilant of where your power lines are and keep a safe distance away from them.

Falling from Trees

You can be seriously injured or killed if you fall from a tree, no matter the height. It is important to use the utmost caution when in a tree because you’re dealing with many dangerous circumstances, including the saw you’re trimming with and the potential for falling.

Being Struck by Branches or Limbs

Before trimming your trees, take a visual check of the branches and limbs above you. There may be some that are no longer attached to the tree but hanging within the branches. If jostled too much, these falling branches and limbs can cause serious head injuries or cause you to fall from the tree.

How to Stay Safe

To prevent tree-trimming accidents, take responsibility for your own safety.

Read and follow directions that come with all climbing, cutting and safety equipment. Doing so will ensure your safety while operating tools such as chainsaws, pruners and climbing gear.

Concentrate on the job at hand, even if the task seems mundane.

You may be tempted to take shortcuts or work quickly if you have a lot of yard work to complete that day.

Take your time to fully protect yourself and others around you from danger.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 43

Organizing your instruments So you’re in a band - or wish you were.

Depending on which instruments you play, you know that storing your equipment can be a challenge.

There are the drums, the guitars, the amplifiers and all those chords. It’s time to take charge of your music space and put this equipment in its place.

Even if you don’t have an extra room to devote to your musical hobby, there are many space-saving tips that can keep you rocking without blocking your walking space.

GUITAR MOUNTS Where are your guitars currently stored? On a rack taking up valuable floor space? Leaned against the wall and serving as an eyesore or tripping hazard?

A quick fix is a $10 wall mount designed to hold your guitar at the headstock, or top of the instrument. Not only

44 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

will mounting your guitar save you space, but it can add a unique accent design piece to any room.

DRUM STORAGE Drums are obviously one of the biggest space-eaters when it comes to a room, taking up as much as 25 square feet by themselves. If your room is on the small side, this won’t leave you very much wiggle room for furniture or living accessories.

The best place for your drums is in the corner of a room.

This is true whether or not you have them set up. If you keep them in carrying cases for performances or practices, you can stack them up conveniently in the corner.

Just make sure the room is climate controlled to prevent warping or dangerous humidity levels.

MICS & AMPS Microphones are obviously not very large by themselves. But add the chord, the awkwardly shaped stand and whatever you’re plugging it into and it can take up space in a hurry. Opt for collapsible microphone stands and carrying bags to cut down on the clutter.

Amplifiers are generally okay to be stacked on top of each other as long as they don’t pose the threat of falling over. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.

Stacking amplifiers can help save serious floor space.

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2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 45

Get inspired by outdoor living ideas...

Inspired by neighbors, home improvement shows and social media channels like Pinterest and Houzz, today’s homeowners are entering the deck planning and building process more informed than ever before. But sorting through this wealth of information and inspiration can make it hard to decipher what’s really hot for today’s outdoor spaces – and to choose what’s right for your home.

Surveying the wide variety of options is the first step in decid46 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

ing how you’ll approach designing your outdoor space. Start by considering some of the top influences expected to dominate the outdoor living landscape this season, according to the experts at Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing.

Designing outside the box. Gone are the days of simple squared-off decks and basic slab patios. Regardless of the size of the yard – or budget – homeowners today are thinking

and building beyond the basic square space. Remodelers and architects report increased interest from customers in decks with multiple levels, curves, cantilevers, pergolas and even walls to create three-dimensional interest and define different functional areas.

Bringing the indoors out. The lines between indoors and out will continue to blur as homeowners look to extend the style, comfort and function of their interior spaces to their outdoor living areas. More and more indoor activities are migrating outside with the addition of features such as outdoor kitchens, dining nooks and fireplaces. Demand also is up for features like integrated benches with cushions and accent pillows, storage components and lighting, along with accessories such as ornamental post caps and railing with decorative balusters similar to those found inside the home.

Tropical staycation. From New England to Southern California, the look of the tropics will dominate as a top outdoor design scheme. Materials that evoke the ambiance of an exotic island getaway are all the rage, from tiki torches, cabanas and waterfalls to deck boards featuring warm colors and multi-colored streaking inspired by tropical hardwoods.

High performance, low maintenance. While aesthetics drive many deck-building decisions, performance is just as important. Increasingly, homeowners are seeking high-performance, low maintenance materials that allow them to spend more

outdoor living

time enjoying their outdoor living space than maintaining it.

This motivation has contributed to the continued innovation and popularity of composite decking and railing. Unlike wood, high-performance wood alternative decking such as Trex resists fading, staining, scratching and mold. Upkeep is hassle-free with no sanding, staining or painting required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water.

To see examples of outdoor living settings featuring this year’s top looks, visit the Inspiration Gallery at www.trex.com.

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Gardening: By the Numbers Gardening is on the rise. A new study by the nationwide market research firm Scarborough found that of the nearly 164 million homeowners in the United States, 49 percent of them gardened in the past 12 months.

That is a lot of green thumbs. Looking deeper into the numbers offers a glimpse into why people are spending so much time in their gardens, including their passion for growing their own produce and the enjoyment that gardening provides them.

Some of the more interesting numbers from the Scarborough study include: • Gardening homeowners are 10 percent more likely than all homeowners to be baby boomers (45 to 64 years in age) • 33 percent of gardeners have at least a college degree and 47 percent hold full-time employment • Gardeners are 25 percent more likely to pay for more eco-friendly products and donate funds to environmental causes • Online use is high among gardeners, with 37 percent who have Internet access spending 10 or more hours per week on the internet Top Gardening Cities Bottom Gardening Cities The top local markets for adult homeowners The markets with the lowest penetration who have gardened in the past 12 months are: of gardeners among homeowners are: Seattle (63 percent) St. Louis (43 percent) Portland, Ore. (63 percent) Mobile, Ala. (40 percent) Salt Lake City (62 percent) West Palm Beach, Fla. (40 percent) Milwaukee (58 percent) Miami (38 percent) Las Vegas (37 percent) Columbus, Ohio (58 percent)

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Great-Looking Grass Patterns There are special mowers on the market with full-width rollers and free-floating mower decks, allowing you to bring the magic of a baseball field to your back yard.

Just remember that no matter how intricate the pattern you create, the most important aspect of your lawn is its health. Consistent watering and some environmentally friendly care products will keep you grass green and healthy.

Plan Out Your Pattern If you’re considering adding grass patterns, start by planning out your project. How do you want the grass patterns to look? Are you hoping to keep the design simple or would you like to try something more complex? While drawing out your plots, add different shades of green to each segment of grass to visualize what the striping pattern will look like.

Practice Makes Perfect Depending upon the complexity of your planned pattern, transferring your drawing to your yard may take a little trial and error. You may have more success at first sticking with patterns comprised of straight lines or checkerboards. As you become more advanced in striping, you can opt for diamonds or circles. Use your imagination!

Using the Roller The roller is the part of the mower that actually makes the mowing patterns. Standard on many new models, the roller can be an add-on worth purchasing if you’re looking to recreate your favorite ballpark’s outfield. After mowing each line once – this is sufficient as too many lines can harm the grass – drop down your mower’s rollers to finish your patterns.

Safe Lawn Tips Great-looking grass is only as good as its overall health. Luckily, there are some easy steps you can take to keep your grass in top condition.

Alternate the direction you mow your lawn every couple of weeks. This will improve overall grass quality and reduce wear and tear from tire marks.

50 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

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Are your spring cleaning products safe?

Do you know what ingredients are in the cleaning products you buy? Probably not, as there are no federal governmental regulations requiring companies to disclose their contents. But harsh chemicals can take their toll on the indoor air quality of your home, are harmful to the environment and may irritate eyes and skin.

So how can you learn more about the cleaning products you plan to purchase? Luckily, certain retailers are making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions. For example, in 2011 Whole Foods Market introduced the EcoScale Rating System, which are the first household cleaner standards offered by a retailer.

This season, don’t just spring clean your home; take stock of your cleaners and clean up your entire act. By opting for green cleaning products, you can help make your home a safer, healthier place. Here’s how: • Do an audit: Take a look at the cleaning products you currently own. Just because a brand or product is well known does not make it a healthy option. A quick Internet search can reveal the safety attributes of a product’s ingredients -- so long as the manufacturer has chosen to disclose ingredients. Toss anything problematic and make a shopping list of what you need to replace.

• Full disclosure: Avoid cleaning products that don’t disclose what ingredients they use. Look for brands, such as 365 Everyday Value, that make it easy for you to know what ingredients are being used in the product you’re purchasing.

• Lock-up: No matter the contents of your cleaners, it’s good practice to keep them stored in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet. Young children and pets should not be able to access your cleaning products supply.

• Do it yourself: A quick and easy way to know exactly what’s in your cleaning products is to make them yourself.

Luckily, only a few inexpensive ingredients are needed to make your own all-purpose cleaner. Simply mix one part water with one part vinegar, add a few drops of your favorite pure essential oil, and you have an all-purpose spray.

Baking soda is another great cleaner that has a mild scrubbing power and helps combat odors.

Don’t have the time to make your own cleaner? The EcoScale Rating system evaluates products for environmental impact, safety, efficacy, source, labeling and animal testing.

Visit WholeFoodsMarket.com/ecoscale to learn more.

If you’re using conventional cleaning supplies, you may be exposing your family to harmful ingredients. By learning more about the products you use, you can green your spring cleaning, for a healthier home.

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Exercise & Yard Work 54 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Take a look at your yard. Is your lawn well-manicured? Are your leaves raked? Are your gutters cleaned? Keeping up on outside chores not only improves your curbside appeal, but can also boost your overall health.

The Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC) recommends physical activity such as mowing the yard or picking up sticks for relieving arthritis pain.

Two-and-a-half hours of moderate activity per week, says the CDC, can help reduce pain and improve function, mood and quality of life for adults with arthritis.

It can also help manage other chronic conditions among adults with arthritis, such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Stretch and Hydrate Before setting out on an afternoon of yard work, be sure to stretch your muscles to prepare your body and avoid straining. You will also want to stretch a few times during and after your yard work to avoid stiffening. Stretch your legs, arms and lower back in particular, since these are the areas most impacted by yard and gardening work. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your outdoor exercise, as well.

Staying hydrated will help your muscles work properly.

Cardio If your yard is manageable, opt for the push mower instead of the rider every once in a while. Adding 30 minutes of

this type of cardio activity can burn hundreds of calories and get your heart rate increased to an effective rate.

Opt also for the rake instead of the leaf blower.

Taking care of your lawn and garden the old-fashioned way will put your body to work while improving your overall health.

Strength An effective workout implements both cardio and strength routines, so add a little heavy lifting to your outdoor work.

You can burn hundreds of calories by scrubbing your siding, cleaning your gutters, tilling your garden and power-washing your deck.

The built-in aspects of some of these activities – like climbing a ladder and lugging bags of leaves to the curb – add even more benefits for your body.

As with any physical activity that requires exertion, pay attention to your body and incorporate as many periods of rest as required.

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Adding a Safe Room Hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes are some of the most destructive and frightening forces on Earth. If you live in an area susceptible to any of these natural disasters – and most likely you do – you may be considering installing a safe room into your home. Contractors can build a safe room in either the new construction phase or as an add-on to your existing home.

If you want your safe room to meet the criteria established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there are certain steps to take. FEMA’s standards ensure that your safe room will provide “near-absolute protection” in extreme weather events, meaning that based on FEMA’s knowledge of dangerous natural weather events, the occupants of a safe room will have a very high probability of being protected from injury or death.

To be considered a FEMA safe room, the structure must be designed and constructed to the guidelines specified by FEMA, which can be found by visiting fema.gov and searching for “safe room.”

56 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Basement Safe Room: FEMA advises that in a new or existing home with a basement, the safe room should be built in the basement. You can build the safe room with its own walls or with one or more of the basement walls. Using the existing basement walls will require you to reinforce them for ultimate protection. Typical reinforcement techniques used in residential basement walls, FEMA states, will not provide sufficient protection from major damage-events like extreme-wind loads. Optimum reinforcement of basement walls will occur during the construction of a new home.

Adding On a Safe Room: For homes without basements, safe rooms can be added by modifying a bathroom, closet or other interior room. Woodframe walls and ceilings must be replaced with options that are resistant to the impact of windborne objects and other effects of extreme winds.

When possible, FEMA recommends that safe rooms be built as a new rooms within the existing space in order to isolate the shelter from the home structure.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 57

58 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Tips to keep your home pest-free Though catching mice has been a popular theme in games and cartoons for decades, preventing rodent invasions is not child’s play. Even the most fastidious homeowners can fall victim to a pest invader at some point.

Research by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reveals that invasive rodents have broken into 29 percent of U.S. homes, bringing with them a slew of health and property hazards. Forty-five percent of those homeowners said the infestation occurred in the fall and winter months.

The two rodent species most commonly found in homes are the house mouse and the Norway rat.

House mice are the most common invasive rodents, with females producing up to a dozen offspring in as little as three weeks. House mice will eat many kinds of food, and they boast excellent climbing and jumping skills. House mice construct nests using paper products and other materials.

They also carry several diseases and their urine and feces can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.

Norway rats, much like roof rats, are nocturnal and social, burrowing closely to one another. Norway rats are credited

with the ability to gnaw through plastic and lead piping to find food and water. These rats are also known to chew through electrical wires, putting homes at risk for fires.

The NPMA offers these tips to help homeowners keep rodents rummaging out in nature - not in the kitchen pantry: 1. Investigate your home from the outside. As mice can enter through an opening as small as a dime, seal all holes and replace loose mortar and weather stripping. Use steel wool to close gaps.

2. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and at least 5 feet off the ground.

3. Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, which could allow unwanted guests into your home.

4. Landscape with pests in mind by trimming back shrubbery and tree branches, which could provide pathways into the home.

5. Use proper storage in the kitchen, basements and attics to prevent rodents from having easy access to food and nesting in cupboards and boxes.

For more information about rodents and to find a pest professional in your area, visit www.pestworld.org.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 59

60 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Learn about this home improvement that can save you money For many homeowners the biggest utility bill is electricity.

Heating and cooling the home makes up nearly half of electricity costs, but the next biggest source is the water heater. Water heaters can account for up to 25 percent of total household energy use. Taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of a home with better insulation and more efficient furnaces and air conditioners can reduce energy costs significantly, as can making sure water heaters are operating properly.

However, purchasing a high efficiency water heater does little good if the environment in which it operates is not right. The main culprit in reducing the efficiency of water heaters is hard water. Nearly 90 percent of American homes have hard water which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals cause scaling, a buildup that clogs waterlines and plumbing forcing appliances to work harder and operate less efficiently. Hard water can reduce the efficiency of water heaters and increase electricity costs by as much as 48 percent according to the Battelle Memorial Institute.

Continued on Page 62

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Home improvement...

Continued from Page 61

The problem can be particularly severe with electric water heaters. These can accumulate up to 30 pounds of calcium carbonate, a rock-like scale, eventually damaging the heating element which will have to be replaced. The cost of hard water is not higher just because of reduced energy efficiency and higher electric bills; hard water also damages appliances like water heaters, dish washers, shower heads and faucets. These must be repaired and replaced more often as a result.

To determine if you have hard water, look for spots and scale build-up on fixtures. “A less obvious indication is the lack of that luxury feeling of a hot shower you get at a nice hotel,” says Michael Mecca of Performance Water Products. “That feeling is not because of the nice towels and soaps. It’s because nice hotels use soft water not only for their guests’ benefit but also to protect their investments in boilers, piping and fixtures.”

Kitchens benefit from soft water as well because soft water is up to 12 times more effective at cleaning dishes than increasing the amount of detergent used. Researchers also found that for washing machines, the most important factor in removing stains from clothing was water softness. Reduction of water hardness was up to 100 times more effective at stain removal than increasing the detergent dose or washing with hotter water. In fact, soft water can reduce soap use by as much as half.

Many water treatment companies offer free tests to homeowners to measure the degree of hardness in the water and offer appropriate systems that fit. “Hardness in water can vary widely in some parts of the country and pipe size, number of bathrooms, number of people in the house, types of showerheads and intended use all need to be considered for the right system,” says Mecca.

“Wells in particular are susceptible to hard water since municipal water departments often take care of the worst offenders such as iron-manganese-hydrogen sulfide. Even if you get municipal water you likely still have calcium and other hard water deposits and can benefit from a water softener. Systems for well water will cost a little more but it is well worth it,” he adds.

The only way to truly remove the calcium and magnesium from household water systems is with a salt-based water softener. These remove the scaling in the pipes entirely by running the incoming hard water through a resin filter that traps the calcium and magnesium in the water - as well as any iron, manganese or radium ions. It then replaces them with sodium ions.

A salt-based water softener is one home improvement that will not only pay for itself but add value to a home. A properly sized quality water softener appliance can save a homeowner thousands of dollars over its life in reduced soap and detergent costs, electricity, efficiency and extended life for expensive appliances.

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Is your yard wildlife-friendly?

Being a good neighbor means more than being friendly to the humans across the street, it also means being friendly to the animals in your yard. Making your yard a safe place for local wildlife should be a top lawn care priority.

With that in mind, here are some tips for creating a healthy habitat for local critters.

Be a Valuable Rest Stop Stock your garden with small native species of trees, shrubs and flowers to give wildlife needed nourishment, as well as cover from predators.

A source of water can also be a great resource for visiting fauna. Whether it’s a pond or a bird bath, be sure this zone is well-maintained so you don’t inadvertently create a haven for unwanted species. In the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active, you should change the bird bath water even more often.

Promote Safety A bird feeder in your backyard, full of water and seeds, will be the perfect invitation for beautiful migrating and local birds to stop by.

Just be sure your property is safe for birds. Unfortunately,

birds don’t see clear glass.

As a result, millions of birds die every year by striking glass. Don’t let your sliding glass doors or other windows become a death trap for birds.

To protect birds, apply special decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight. For example, those from WindowAlert have the appearance of frosted glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds, so you don’t have to compromise your own view out your window. The brand also makes a hightech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid, which should be applied between decals.

“Wildlife can beautify your garden and be a sign that your yard is healthy” said Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert.

“But birds and other wildlife need food, shelter, and safety.”

Get out the binoculars! With a few small actions, you can make your yard or garden a wildlife refuge.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 63

Courtesy photo

Expert tips for choosing the right window for your kitchen remodel What are the hottest updates for homes in 2015? The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in the home to remodel, and for good reason. According to HGTV and Trulia, a kitchen update is one of the secrets to selling your home.

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen you must consider many aspects - cabinets, counters, floors and appliances - but you may not have thought about windows. According to Remodeling.com’s 2015 Cost Vs. Value Report, window replacement - whether wood, vinyl or fiberglass - provides a good return on investment compared to other replacement 64 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

projects, increasing the value of your home financially and aesthetically. So whether you’re making small updates or completely gutting your old kitchen, including window replacement in your project is a smart addition.

Here are three key elements to keep in mind when choosing a window for your kitchen: Style Kitchen windows are often placed above counters or sinks, making them hard to reach and prone to moisture.

Choosing a window style that is easy to open and close, such as an awning, sliding or casement, is a smart move.

Awning windows-which can be pulled in or pushed outare perfect for ventilation, which can be especially helpful in a hot kitchen. Since hot air from the oven or stove typically rises, awning style windows perform the best when placed close to the ceiling or above eye-level.

Sliding or casement windows-which use a crank out method for opening and closing-are two good options for hard to reach areas, like above the counters or behind the kitchen sink. Pella motorized blinds and shades are also ideal for hard to reach window locations and can be controlled with the touch of a button.

Material type With window placement above counters or sinks, mois-

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ture and staining can occur, so choosing an easy-to-clean material like vinyl or fiberglass, is equally important.

Fiberglass windows can withstand extreme heat and cold, are energy efficient and can have the same quality look of painted wood. Vinyl windows are easy to care for, don’t require painting or staining, and stay looking great for years.

However, if wood makes more sense for you and the style of your home, then make sure to select a finish that will hold up against stains and moisture, and be prepared to do a little more cleaning and up-keep.

Features and options Whether your new kitchen is traditional, modern or rustic, your new windows should complement the space.

Window designs offer a variety of features including colors, hardware and grilles. Pella’s Designer Series windows even offer a between-the-glass solution that keeps blinds and shades located behind sinks from getting splashed. With so many options to choose from it’s easy to design a window that’s unique to you and the style of your kitchen.

Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest or Houzz for design inspiration or visit Pella.com to begin designing your new windows.

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Give your landscaping a no-maintenance makeover

Low- and no-maintenance features top the list when making over outdoor living spaces because less time maintaining means more time enjoying.

Low-maintenance landscaping outranks native plantings, water features and food/vegetable gardens according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey. Landscape professionals love to share their secrets and show off their craft when redesigning outdoor spaces for low or no main66 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Courtesy photo

tenance. Armed with know-how and using sweat equity, do-it-yourselfers also can employ tips that professionals use for a no-maintenance landscape makeover.

Landscaping with hardscapes Landscape professionals use retaining wall systems for a variety of landscaping solutions. Segmental retaining walls are commonly used to transition elevations, shore up slopes along foundations and define spaces such as creating planters, tree rings and other features.

“Hardscape products like retaining walls and pavers are important tools for both landscapers and do-it-yourselfers in creating low-maintenance landscapes,” says Scott Arnold, manager of Villa Landscapes in St. Paul, Minn. “With just the standard VERSA-LOK retaining wall unit, you can easily create seat walls, curved couches, columns and other features.”

Retaining wall systems combined with concrete pavers can be used to create beautiful raised patios, replacing high-maintenance wooden decks, says Arnold. In addition to being as cost effective as a wooden deck, a raised patio offers several advantages.

“A deck railing can be replaced with wrought iron fencing or a low seat wall so the view is unobstructed,” Arnold says. “Raised patios also look great with a contrasting paver course or rock barrier for potted plants, and steps to the ground can be created with retaining wall units.”

Retaining wall units and interlocking concrete pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes and textures to complement any landscape design and are often used to create design continuity in outdoor spaces. Tree rings can be coordinated or color-contrasted with raised patios, retaining walls and other hardscapes.

Permeable pavers are an environmentally sound and low-maintenance solution where impervious surface limits, storm water management, water quality and water conservation are issues.

“Permeable pavers are a best practice for storm water management and quality issues because they prevent runoff and let rain water infiltrate in place naturally,” says Burt Plett, product manager of Willow Creek Paving Stones. “Permeable pavers reduce the need for irrigation in drought-prone areas, unlike poured concrete or asphalt.”

It’s best to consult a landscape professional who is experienced in installing permeable paving systems so that they work properly and consistently, Plett says.

Low-maintenance landscaping practices Landscaping practices can make it easier to control weeds and manage lawn care as well. The use of rock mulch and natural rock in gardens and beds, as walkways and as stepping stones offers an attractive solution to weed control and also lessens the need for irrigation. At least three inches of rock mulch or four inches of natural mulch will prevent weeds. A landscape fabric under stepping stones and rock mulch offers even more insurance against weeds.

A simple way to cut down on trimming is to add a course of pavers along the bottom of a retaining wall, tree ring or planter so the mower can get close to the wall, says Arnold.

Maintenance-free outdoor accessories Selecting maintenance-free outdoor furniture and acces-

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sories is an easy way to make over a space. Outdoor furniture made of recycled HDPE like Comfort Craft requires no storage or maintenance other than cleanup with soap and water. Unlike wood, Comfort Craft furniture won’t chip, splint, crack or rot and never needs painting.

Hardscape kits - containing everything needed to create a fireplace, firepit, water feature or grill island - are some of the most popular low-maintenance landscaping products, Arnold says.

“Using easy-to-install kits like those from Willow Creek Paving Stones, homeowners and contractors alike can create beautiful features such as grill islands, bar islands, fire pits and fireplaces that are long-lasting and low-maintenance,” Arnold says.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 67

Operation safety: Tips to make every bath a safe bath Does your bathroom need a makeover? Go beyond functional and stylish updates and consider upgrades that add an element of safety, too. A few affordable, small updates can dramatically affect your bathroom’s level of safety while still providing a look you’ll love.

Leave a little light on Low lighting levels can reduce visibility and be a major contributor to trips, bumps and bruises. Adding nightlights is a quick and easy way to safely light bathrooms (and hallways) to increase safety around the house at night - especially for those midnight trips to the bathroom. Another idea is to install illuminated light switches for easy visibility in a dark room. These small steps can make a big impact when it comes to preventing trips and falls during the night.

Have a seat Navigating around the shower can be a slippery undertaking, especially for women who often perform a balancing act while shaving. That’s likely why women are 72 percent more likely to be injured in the bath or shower than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One way to add both safety and comfort to the shower space is by incorporating a bath or shower chair. The stylishly designed Fold-Down Teak Shower Seat from Moen, now available in an Old World Bronze finish, features a unique wall-mount design for a comfortable seat and easily folds up to a

68 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

thin, compact profile when not in use. Add a handheld shower to increase functionality while seated and help prevent falls in the bath.

Cool it down Accidental burns from water are more common than you think. When tap water reaches 140 degrees, it can cause a third degree burn in just five seconds, and according to the Burn Foundation, 500,000 scald burns occur in the U.S. annually. Prevent accidental scalding at the source by setting the water heater at a maximum of 120 degrees. After you’ve set the new temperature, be sure to update your showers with pressure-balancing valves that maintain water temperature to eliminate “shower shock,” which is the sudden fluctuation in temperature that can cause burns.

Style you can hold on to Maneuvering in and out of the bathtub safely is one of the most challenging, and potentially dangerous, bathroom activities, according to Moen research. And to make matters worse, many people rely on items not designed to support body weight, such as towel bars, built-in soap dishes and shower doors, to assist in movements. Moen has combined the safety benefits of grab bars with three essential bath accessories - paper holders, shelves and towel bars. Integrating a Shelf with Grab Bar into the shower is a great way to add extra stability and it holds necessary items like shampoo and conditioner, keeping them within easy reach. Visit www.moen.com for more information.

Keep these tips top of mind as you update your bath to help ensure everyone has an enjoyable - but more importantly - safe experience in the bathroom.

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If you’re planning a local or long distance move, across town or across the country, then do what smart senior citizens and other residents have done for years and call TLC Moving Services, LLC at 610-268-3243.

These professionals will pack your items with the utmost care, arrange to have them moved by a reliable moving company, then unpack them and place them in your new home where you desire. If you are downsizing, they can help you arrange a sale of your goods or assist you in donating to the charity of your choice.

Once out of your old home, they can clean-up and make repairs so the house is ready for the new owners, or to be put on the market.

If moving is in your plans, then your first move is to call TLC Moving Services, LLC. Put these professionals to work for you and call Caen Stroud at 610-268-3243.

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www.tlcmovingservicesllc.com 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 69

Spacious Upgrades Ideas to easily enhance the master closet So, you’ve decided to make some updates to your home? Whether you plan on building a home from the ground up, purchasing new construction or adding value to your current residence, there are many opportunities for upgrades.

You may be wondering what projects are worthwhile, and which are not. In a recent study commissioned by ClosetMaid, 45 percent of existing home buyers noted that they have made changes to their master bedroom closet since moving in. In addition, 61 percent of new home buyers said they are considering renovating or upgrading Continued on Page 72

70 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Create space within your home with the proper tools, such as ClosetMaid’s ShelfTrack in white.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 71

their master closet within 18 months. When considering where to make investments in your home, don’t close the door on the closet. You can create the closet of your dreams with a few simple tips.

Add paint and update the lighting.

Bring the bedroom paint into the closet. This makes the space feel like a true extension of your bedroom, not a forgotten area that belongs behind closed doors. Great lighting is also important in a closet - it helps you to see everything clearly. Why settle for a standard light fixture when you can add a statement piece that not only provides proper light, but proper style.

Utilize more space.

Most master bedroom closets come standard with only a single shelf and rod. Since most closets have little need for so much long hanging space, professional organizer Lorie Marrero, author of “The Clutter Diet,” suggests improving your closet with the addition of double hang space.

“Don’t be shy about adding shelving up as high as you can to accommodate seasonal items and long-term storage boxes - utilize every space you can,” said Marrero. A good rule of thumb for double hang space is 84 inches for the top shelf and 42 inches for the lower shelf.

By adding additional shelves, your storage space goes from standard to functional. Adjustable systems such as ClosetMaid ShelfTrack create a perfect upgrade for your closet. The wire shelving and brackets can be reconfigured as needs change.

Consider accessories.

If you plan to update your closet with a wire system, there are a multitude of perfect accessories to include such as a tie and belt rack or shoe shelves. You may also consider installing a laminate or wood system. These products can provide drawers, doors, decorative molding and more and can transform your closet into a personal haven.

“Adding drawers into your closet system can centralize your clothing into one space,” said Marrero. “The more storage, the better.”

Investing in a functional closet organizing system can help you save time now by reducing the stress of finding items when you need them, and benefit you in the future by adding extra value to your home. After all, “standard” just doesn’t work for today’s closet.

For more information about how to get organized visit ClosetMaid.com, StorganizationBlog.com or call 1-800-874-0008.

72 • 2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

A touch of Tuscany to your dinner table A recipe that is ideal for any occasion, from weeknight meals to Sunday suppers to get-togethers with friends, can be hard to come by. Tuscan Brined Pork Chops with Salsa Verde is a near-perfect answer for all of these occasions.

Created by food blogger Karen Tedesco of the popular blog FamilyStyle Food, this recipe was inspired by her visit to Vinci, Italy, where she experienced the people and the place behind the cooperative of more than 200 growers who work together to produce DaVinci Chianti. Tedesco found natural herbs, including bay laurel, lavender and rosemary, growing all over the Tuscan countryside. As Tedesco explains, these are classic and delicious seasonings for thick cut pork chops with flavors that pair perfectly with a well-balanced glass of Chianti.

For more authentic Italian recipes and Chianti pairing ideas from DaVinci Wines, visit www.Facebook.com/DaVinciWine.

Tuscan Brined Pork Chops with Salsa Verde Pork chops ingredients: 4 thick-cut pork rib chops (1 1/2 inches) 9 - 10 ounces each 1/2 cup kosher salt 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 crushed garlic cloves 4 crumbled bay leaves 2 sprigs rosemary, roughly chopped, plus 1 tablespoon chopped 2 dried red chili peppers, crumbled

Zest of one lemon, peeled with a vegetable peeler Freshly ground black pepper Salsa Verde Ingredients: 1 cup Italian parsley leaves 1 cup arugula 1 cup cilantro leaves 1 clove garlic 2 teaspoons salt-preserved capers, rinsed 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Directions: Put the pork chops in a gallon size freezer bag and place the bag in a large bowl. In another large bowl whisk the salt and sugar with 6 cups water until dissolved. Add the garlic, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, chili and lemon zest. Pour the brine over the pork. Seal bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill. Remove chops from brine and pat dry. Place chops on the grill and cook 4 minutes per side.

They should be nicely browned and register between 135 - 140 degrees on a meat thermometer.

Loosely cover the chops with foil and let rest 5 minutes. Season with black pepper to taste and sprinkle with chopped rosemary; serve with Salsa Verde.

To make Salsa Verde, pulse parsley, arugula and cilantro in a food processor until chopped. Add garlic, capers, olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and pulse until combined. Taste and season with additional salt if desired.

2015 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 73

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