Picket Fences | Spring 2009 by Bucks Country Gardens

picket fences Bucks Country Gardens

Spring 2009

A garden | lifestyle | environment magazine

New, Exciting & Must-Have Plants for 2009

Outdoor Furniture 101

Bucks Country Gardens

Calendars Tips & To-Do’s Landscape WOW with Curb Appeal Profile VIA’s Designer House

PLUS

Edible Gardening for Everyone

Bucks Country Gardens

Welcome Welcome to Picket Fences,

We’re proud to bring you the first issue of Picket Fences and even more proud of our relationships with the business partners who are represented in the articles and advertisements. Many of them have been with us from our very first year as Bucks Country Gardens in 1993 and some go back even farther to our days as Royer Nurseries. We strongly recommend these folks often and hope you’ll think of them when you are in need of their services. Bucks Country Gardens

Changing outdoor environments one property at a time~

Bucks Country Gardens

Since 1996

Estate Property Maintenance Mowing | Pruning | Mulching Shrub & Bed Maintenance Spring & Fall Cleanup

215.249.1299 • 215.262.6006

BOX 226 • FOUNTAINVILLE, PA 18923

William Thomas Cain/cainimages.com

the Bucks Country Gardens lifestyle, environmental and gardening magazine. Every issue will be filled with lots of articles on conservation, gardening tips, new and exciting plant introductions and fashion trends in home décor and outdoor living. You’ll get to know a little more about the BCG team, our Tom & Barb Hebel enjoying the holiday spirit at the Annual BCG Christmas Party current landscape design/build projects and some of our most interesting clients and customers. A special feature article will highlight one of the many deserving, local, non-profit organizations, and of course, we will include a bunch of money saving coupons you can use on your favorite items throughout the garden center.

is a fiercely loyal local business and community supporter, and we know that is one of the principles that helps make our hometown such a special place. Finally, I would like to say just a few words about BCG. We have been a part of your community since 1961 and have been blessed with loyal customers that have helped us grow consistently over the years. We have always been committed to enhancing your shopping experience, improving our personal service and providing great products that make your life more enjoyable. We want you to be successful and will do everything we can to make that happen. At BCG, that begins and ends with our knowledgeable, friendly and courteous team of experienced professionals. Perhaps you know us personally, but if you don’t, we’d like to invite you to experience BCG this spring. We’ll be the ones with the biggest smiles. Tom Hebel

I n

Spring 2009 • Issue 1

Departments

Thomas L. Hebel publisher

07 New Trends in Home Decor It’s All About the Pineapple

Susan E. Russell editor

09 Becoming Green at BCG Behind-the-Scene Efforts

Adriene Vesci Rice graphic designer

13 Garden Guy’s Q & A Expert Advice & Solutions

Bill Hahn, Sr. account executive

15 April, May & June Calendars, Tips & To-Do’s

Sue Espada Thomas L. Hebel Becky Jones David Jones Laura Oberdorf Gregory Orme Susan E. Russell Alex Salvi Cole Simcox Tina Sottolano contibuting writers William Thomas Cain Meadowcraft Elizabeth Oberdorf Proven Winners Summer Classics Adriene Vesci Rice contibuting photographers

Bucks Country Gardens 1057 North Easton Road Doylestown, PA 18902 buckscountrygardens.com email: info@buckscountrygardens.com

215.766.7800

spring 2009

24 BCG Client Spotlight Gilmore & Associates

10 10 New, Exciting & Must-Have Plants for 2009

27 Landscape Spotlight Improve Your Curb Appeal 29 Organic in the Garden Answers & Solutions 31 Local Not-for-Profit BC Designer House & Gardens 33 Employee Feature Get to Know a BCG Staff Member 34 $pring into $avings The BCG $timulus Plan

18 18 Outdoor Furniture 101 The Basics

BCG Garden Rewards Program join our rewards program There’s no fee to join! As a member, you’ll enjoy member-only savings. Plus, receive a 3% rebate on all purchases via an annual Bucks Country Garden Reward Voucher good toward future purchases. You’ll also receive coupons and special offers every month of the year when you sign-up for email. Stop in now to sign up and start saving!

25 Edible Gardening for Everyone

Bucks Country Gardens

I s s u e Features

picket fences

t h i s

Bucks Country Gardens

Tropical Paradise meets

American Hospitality

it’s all about the pineapple

Going back to Christopher Columbus’ discovery of an unusual and exotic “new” fruit on the island of Guadalupe, the pineapple has had a long history as a symbol of welcome, hospitality, and friendship. The mystique of the rare and exotic pineapple continued for years and became the most important symbol of hospitality throughout Colonial America, being used as the centerpiece of many dining tables. For centuries, the pineapple motif has been recreated by artisans in every imaginable way: carved moldings, fence posts, bedposts, stenciled on walls, embroidered on linens, and the list goes on. Today, the pineapple is as fashionable as ever and can still be found on many home décor items from furniture to fabric as well as Christmas ornaments, tableware, linens, candlesticks and more! Don’t forget, pineapples are a tasty treat too. Try some of these recipes listed below for a new way to enjoy this sweet tropical treat.

2009 Color of the Year Mimosa Embodies Hopefulness & Reassurance in a Climate of Change “The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we are naturally drawn to for reassurance,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation.”

w/Garlic & Cilantro Drizzle serves

8 bamboo or metal skewers 1 lb large shrimp (26/30 count) 2 red bell peppers ½ fresh pineapple, peeled & cubed 6 tbsps extra virgin olive oil 1½ tbsps fresh lime juice 2 garlic cloves (minced) 1 ½ tbsp minced cilantro ½ tsp kosher or sea salt ½ tsp sugar ½ tsp freshly ground pepper

Thread a shrimp onto a skewer piercing it once near the tail end and again near the head end–in a horseshoe shape. Follow with a square of red pepper and pineapple cube. Repeat the lineup 3 more times and load the remaining 7 skewers the same way. Arrange the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet and brush with olive oil. While your grill is heating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, sugar and pepper. Mix and set aside. Oil the grill grate. Cover with a 12” piece of aluminum foil folded lengthwise. Arrange the skewers so any exposed bamboo is protected from the flame by the foil. Cook over medium-hot fire. Grill each side until light grill marks appear on the shrimp and pineapple starts to carmelize, about 3 minutes. Turn and grill until shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes. Arrange 2 skewers on each warmed dinner plate, and drizzle the reserved garlic and cilantro sauce. Serve immediately.

TROPICAL BLACK BEAN SALAD makes about 6 servings

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup mango, diced 1 cup pineapple, diced 1 cup sweet red bell pepper, diced 6 green onions, thinly sliced ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped ¼ cup fresh lime juice 1 tsp olive oil 1 seeded jalapeno pepper, minced or hot sauce to taste Salt to taste Combine ingredients in bowl, then toss & serve!

Pineapple Martini

Fill shaker with ice 2 tbsp crushed pineapple Splash of pineapple juice, to taste 3 oz. Vodka or Gin Dash simple syrup or pinch sugar Shake, then strain into chilled glass

Enjoy!

Bucks Country Gardens

Pineapple Skewers

Check out our new Outdoor Living Books!

Shrimp &

Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women’s accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men’s ties and shirts in this vibrant hue.

Bucks Country Gardens

Excavation and Grading • Storm Water Management Septic System Installation • Utility Trenching • Ponds Residential Lot Work and Foundation Excavation Commercial and Residential Sitework • Hauling

Straw Mulching Fine Grading & Hydro Seeding Turf Establishment & Lawn Renovations Silt & Super Silt Fence Installation All Forms of Erosion Control Drainage Solutions

Perkasie, PA

215.766.0988 • 215.766.7776

Phone: 215 - 257 - 5503 • Fax: 215 - 257 - 6651

CE LE B RAT IN G 25 YE A R S I N P IP E R SVI LLE!

at B u c k s C o u ntry G ardens

arth-friendly behavior is not a new concept for Bucks Country Gardens. In addition to composting organic material, we have always recycled cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminum. In September 2008, a “Green Committee” was founded to help guide BCG and the surrounding community towards a greener future. Immediate “green” improvements include weekly paper recycling through Abitibi at Groveland Elementary School, the use of green cleaning supplies, installation of CFL light bulbs, and the implementation of a garden organics section where effective organic products will retail in the garden center this spring. One of our proudest accomplishments is the development of a plastic-pot recycling program here at Bucks Country Gardens. We’ve created a self-service drop-off area that is located at the back of our property next to our green dumpsters. This drop-off will be accessible during normal business hours and is a fast and easy way for you to make a difference by helping reduce one of the biggest sources of waste in the gardening and landscaping industry! Potential future projects on the BCG horizon include: scheduling to accommodate employee carpooling, utilization of storm and gray water for irrigation, and the installation of a wind turbine.

Five Easy Tips

for a Greener Lifestyle 1 Use reusable bags for ALL of your shopping– 2 3 4 5

not just groceries! Shop at your local farmer’s market. Drink water from the tap & use a stainless steel reusable bottle (instead of single-serve plastic bottles). Buy products that are durable instead of cheaply made with inexpensive materials. Items that are higher quality aren’t replaced as frequently & maintain their value. Buy items that you can recycle locally and avoid items with excess packaging materials.

Laura Oberdorf

It’s an easy way to help to keep our environment healthy & clean! Not sure what qualiﬁes for recycling? Ask any associate! Thanks for doing your part. -The Green Committee

Bucks Country Gardens

As part of our continuing effort to reduce, reuse & recycle, we are now accepting plastic pots!

Bucks Country Gardens

Have a growing collection of plastic pots? Recycle them at Bucks Country Gardens!

New,Exciting & Perennial Plant Association’s

2009 Plant of the Year! Japanese Forest Grass

Exclusive to Independent Garden Centers! ‘Twist and Shout’ Hydrangea Meet the all new Twist and Shout Hydrangea–a new twist on an old favorite! Developed by famed Horticulturist Michael Dirr, Twist and Shout Hydrangea is a brand new plant for Spring of 2009, and an extraordinary new member of the tremendously popular Endless Summer Series. Finally, we have a re-blooming, Lacecap Hydrangea that will maintain vibrant color all summer long. The lacy, elegant flowers appear deep pink or periwinkle-blue, depending on the acidity of your soil. With healthy, deep green leaves and sturdy red stems, Twist and Shout add a luscious fullness to any garden as a stand-alone or as an addition to any flowering combination. Twist and shout remain compact enough for containers and are easily grown in zones 4-9. Mature plants reach 3-5’ in height and flowers provide great cuttings for centerpieces and arrangements. Beautiful burgundy fall foliage creates an additional season of interest. With its premier rave reviews, Twist and Shout is expected to move quickly, so stop in and check out the newest “endless” grower at Bucks Country Gardens arriving in mid-April.

Bucks Country Gardens

A Must-Have! ‘Tiki Torch’ Echinacea Voted Most Exciting New Plant at the American Nursery and Landscape Association’s 2009 Management Clinic! Another exciting new Coneflower which is available exclusively through retailers of Garden Splendor shrubs and perennials. The boldest color of all Coneflowers, the Tiki Torch Echinacea will make an excellent addition to any garden. It lives up to its name with blazing orange flowers exploding from a burnished copper cone. The flowers have a spicy fragrance and are sure to attract butterflies to your summer garden. Plants have a bushy habit and are vigorous growers. They will reach 24-30” in height. Look for this exciting new plant at Bucks Country Gardens in May.

An elegant grass worthy of a spot in every garden with its narrow, arching leaves striped with bright green and gold. They ripple in the gentlest breeze and add vitality to the garden. This grass has many uses: as a ground cover, to edge a pathway, cascading down a bank like a golden waterfall or setting off shrubs or other perennials. It is sensational in a container. In late summer, Japanese forest grass produces airy seedheads that dance above its foliage. As fall temperatures cool, the foliage takes on pink tints, finally turning butterscotch before collapsing in winter. This deciduous grass grows approximately 18” high by 3’ wide in about five years.

More Varieties for 2009 Northern Hardy Camellias Reliably cold-hardy camellias have long been a dream of northern gardeners. Over the past few years, many cultivars have been developed and proven to survive the winters in our climate. Bucks Country Gardens introduced northern hardy camellias to our customers in 2008. Look for an even broader varietal expansion this year! In early Spring and Fall, beautiful shades of pink, red, white, and purple will be featured on this gorgeous evergreen plant.

News of the Weird Pink Blueberries Should a pink colored blueberry still be called a blueberry? That’s the question that comes to mind when one thinks about the new Blueberry named Pink Lemonade, scheduled to be introduced this year. In a heavenly shade of pink, Vaccinium Pink Lemonade is the first-ever, pink blueberry to be brought to market.

Subtle Beauty! Yellow Knock Out® Rose Sunny Knock Out® Rose, a new introduction from 2008’s popular Knock Out® Series, stands out because of its color. This is the first yellow Knock Out® Rose, with single flowers in soft yellow with brighter yellow centers. The plant is as bushy and compact as you’d expect from a Knock Out® Rose and is resistant to black spot, powdery mildew and rust, and just like the other Knock Outs®– it re-blooms all season long!

Must-Have Plants

Recently, plant breeder Michael Dirr from the University of Georgia has introduced a line of disease-resistant, dwarf crape myrtles that can grow in small spaces. The Razzle Dazzle series includes varieties with powdery mildew resistance and flower colors that range from red to white. Some varieties, such as Snow Dazzle, grow only 2’ to 3’ tall, making them great additions to perennial flower borders or containers. Larger varieties, such as Raspberry Dazzle, grow to 5’ tall and work well when grown as specimen or foundation plants.

Quality Fabrication Custom Rails, Gates, Ornamental Items...

David L. Patterson 215-766-0142

5158 Applebutter Road Pipersville, PA 18947

Bucks Country Gardens

Finally a miniature butterfly bush that flowers continuously (rather than in waves) and requires no deadheading! Blue Chip Butterfly reach just 20” high and wide, yet flower profusely beginning in early summer with regal blue flowers that continue without cease into autumn. This mounding, well-branched plant will attract gorgeous butterflies and hummingbirds all season long and thrives in full sunshine. While the sweet, lightly fragrant blossoms attract our winged friends, deer leave it alone! Blue Chip’s compact size offers any gardener the option of all the beauty and majesty of a butterfly bush, now in ground cover or container applications.

Great for Every Garden Razzle Dazzle Crape Myrtle

New for 2009 Lo & Behold Blue Chip Butterfly Bush

for 2009

Line Striping Free Estimates

BUX-MONT ASPHALT SEALING Commercial & Residential

215-257-9639 PHONE

215-768-5778 CELL

STEVEN D. FUNK " 5 # + 3 2 / ! $ s 0 % 2 + ! 3 ) % 0!

DIVISION

KEN

CHWAL

H Y D R O S E E D I N G LLC

TURF & EROSION CONTROL PRODUCTS

Wholesale & Retail Distribution Center EROSION CONTROL PRODUCTS SHREDDED RUBBER MULCH FOR PLAYGROUNDS

SILT & SUPER SILT FENCE PRODUCTS

Bucks Country Gardens

(3"44 4&&% t '&35*-*;&3 t -*.&

):%30ɠ.6-$) t (306/% .6-$) DRAINAGE PRODUCTS

LANDSCAPING TOOLS... & MUCH MORE ICE MELT PRODUCTS

215.766.7000

1 0 5 5 & 3 4 - " / & t 1 * 1 & 3 4 7 * - - & 1"

Q &A

Just What

David Jones, resident Horticulturist at BCG, tackles some of the most common problems and frequently asked questions.

Q What soil conditioner is the best for

prepping my vegetable bed? A Bumper Crop is the best conditioner because it’s loaded with organic matter and really enriches the soil.

Q What fertilizer should I use on my evergreens?

A Espoma Holly-tone at the rate of 1 cup per foot of branch spread.

Q Is now a good time to put down my crabgrass control on my lawn?

A Definitely a good time, and be sure to

water well if rain isn’t in the forecast. You can use Scotts Step 1Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer.

Q I have caterpillars eating my pines. What

organic spray can I use to control them? A Bonide Thuricide (BT) insect spray is a great organic solution for your problem.

Q I am planting a new tree in my garden.

What should I use to enrich the soil? A Combine BCG Planting Mix in with the existing soil and use Master Start Starter Fertilizer and Root Master.

May Q My hydrangea flowered pink last year.

I would like it to flower blue this year. What can I do? A You can use Master Nursery Hydra Blue which you mix with water and apply as a drench now and again in the fall.

Q What potting soil do you recommend for containers located in a very hot area? A Miracle Gro Potting Soil works best because it contains a slow release fertilizer. I would also mix in some Soil Moist with the potting soil.

Q Last season, I had a problem with

blossom end rot in my tomato plants. What can I do to avoid this problem? A Mix Espoma Tomato-tone into your soil. Use this every 3-4 weeks now until September and keep the plants evenly moist.

Q What’s the best food for my roses and

how often should I feed them? A Espoma Rose-tone works very well. Use ¾ cup per plant every four weeks from now until mid-September.

June Q What should I use to fertilize my

annuals? A Use the Bud and Bloom every two weeks and also use some Osmocote slow release fertilizer.

Q What do you recommend for treating A

bagworm on my Arborvitae? I recommend the Bonide Systemic insecticide every 14 days.

Q There is a white coating appearing on

my rose bushes. How can I control this?

A That is powdery mildew on your rose

bushes. You can spray with Fungonil every 10-14 days.

Q What can I use to spot spray my lawn for weeds?

A Use the Weed Beater Ultra RTU which will not damage your grass.

More questions ? See our weekly ad in The Intelligencer for more Ask the BCG Garden Guy tips or visit our Information Center at the Pharmacy Desk or online at buckscountrygardens.com.

When problems occur

in your garden, on your shrubs and in your favorite trees, your ability to visit the “doctor” at Bucks Country Gardens can offer great comfort and provide you with the best remedy for your garden woes. When combating illnesses and pests that plague your foliated sanctuary, you need a dependable resource to get professional advice and cure whatever is ailing your paradise before it becomes “lifethreatening”. Whether there is black spot on your roses or Japanese beetles on your plum trees, a prescription can be written and purchased right at the “doctor’s” desk. Our Garden Pharmacy is just one of the many unique services we offer to provide accurate and successful solutions to your gardening needs. By utilizing an extremely knowledgeable staff of “plant doctors” and offering a variety of garden pharmaceutical products, we are able to diagnose, prescribe and treat all of the ailment that plague your favorite plant specimens–all within one-stop shopping. No appointments are needed. Simply bring in a sample of the infected plant, tree or shrub. Choose a specimen that contains a good representation of the problem such as a stem with infected leaves, a branch containing pests that are present or just the result of those pests. Our BCG pharmacy specialists will recommend treatment using an organic or synthetic method, depending on the problem and your preference. Also, we like feedback! We encourage our customers to report the status of their situations. We work with you and get you on the road to recovery. At BCG, we want our neighbors’ gardens to grow and grow healthy. Just like your local doctor’s office, we offer preventative and diagnostic care, except we focus on your garden! Best of all, we still make house calls! Cole Simcox

Bucks Country Gardens

April

With the BCG Garden Guy!

The Doctor Ordered

Quality Paving at Competitive Prices!

ASPHALT PAVING

(215)345-5020 FAX (215)345-5419 www.krempa.com 5039 Swamp Road Suite 403 P.O. Box 418 Fountainville, PA 18923-0418

• • • •

PARKING LOTS DRIVEWAYS COMMERCIAL ESTATES

Fully Insured • Family Owned

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PAVING

Bucks Country Gardens

SERVING BUCKS COUNTY FOR OVER 46 YEARS!

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT* EMPLOYEE BENEFITS • RISK MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL PLANNING * All Securities Offered Through The Investment Center, Inc. Bedminster, NJ Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory Services Provided Through IC Advisory Services, Inc.- A Registered Investment Advisor Krempa Associates, Inc. is not affiliated with The Investment Center, Inc. and IC Advisory Services, Inc.

doylestown

215-766-7191

ASK ABOUT OUR FULL SERVICE GUARANTEE!

sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR FURNITURE AT EXCEPTIONAL SAVINGS.

   10%     3        

Bucks Country Gardens

friday

saturday

free tree planting sale thru April 19 preseason furniture sale thru April 26

PRESEASON SAVINGS EXTENDED!

thursday

12 Easter 13

7 14

Last Day Free Tree Planting Sale

Last Day Preseason Furniture Sale

8 Test your soil pH for your lawn–bring us a sample, we’ll test it for you. 8 Aerate, seed, fertilize and apply lime to lawns now. 8 Plant and transplant trees and shrubs: use Bucks Country Gardens’ Planting Mix, Master Start starter fertilizer and Root Master. 8 Feed Evergreens with Espoma Holly-tone. Prune summer flowering shrubs and evergreens before they send out new growth. General rule of thumb

21 28

2 BCG Company Meeting

Earth Day

First Day Impatiens Festival

Arbor Day Plant a Tree!

AMERICAN RED CROSS Blood Drive 9am-3pm

April

clip & $ave

spring hours 8am–6pm Daily 8am–8pm Friday

to follow: Flowers after June 1, prune in April.

lawn

8 Prepare vegetable beds with Bumper Crop soil amendment and plant: peas, beans, lettuce and other cold tolerant crops. 8 Prune and apply the 1st application of Bayer Rose & Flower 3 in 1 systemic to roses. 8 Apply Bonide Tree & Shrub insect control for protection against borers, scales and leaf miners.

garden

Quick tips shrubs trees

Bello’s Coping & Tile RETAINING WALLS RENOVATIONS WATERFALLS & GLASS TILE STONE COPING FLAGSTONE DECKS EP HENRY & NATURAL STONE

I N G R O U N D C O N C R E T E P O O L S & S PA S

IN BUSINESS 34 YE AR S • REFERENCES PROVIDED

215.536.1291

BUMPY POOLS, INC.

Bucks Country Gardens

215.997.7568

m ay

sunday

monday

tuesday

Mother’s Day

cinco de mayo

24/31 25 lawn garden

Quick tips

first DAY B.O.G.O. FREE Container Tree Sale

Look as Good as Your Garden

Fashion Inspired by the Beauty of Flowers

featuring oka b. • viva beads • switch flops

jewelry • watches • purses wallets • scarves • sandals & more!

The Boutique at

Bucks Country Gardens

8 Apply Bayer Grub Control for grub prevention. 8 Keep your lawn mower blade height set to

8 Plant annuals: geraniums, petunias and African

approximately 3”. 8 To control weeds, spot spray your lawn with Bonide Weed Beater Ultra. 8 Feed rose bushes monthly with Espoma Rose-tone at 3/4 cup per plant. 8 Apply Master Start Hydra Blue to hydrangeas for blue color or apply lime for pink.

8 Plant warmer vegetable plants: tomatoes, peppers

Taste the warmth

of the I talian countryside lunch tuesday-friday

& dinner tuesday-sunday

OUR EXTENSIVE WINE LIST COMPLETES ANY DINING EXPERIENCE.

Ristorante Il Melograno C U C I N A

I T A L I A N A

73 OLD DUBLIN PIKE | MERCER SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901

Bucks Country Gardens

215.348.7707

uniquely different • chef angelo d. patruno 16

saturday

Memorial Day • Open 9am-3pm

trees

friday

Designer House Preview Gala

shrubs

thursday

Bucks County Designer House & gardens May 3 thru May 31 • See page 31 for more information

LAST DAY Impatiens Festival

wednesday

WWW.ILMELOGRANODOYLESTOWN.COM

daisies handle the cooler night temps of early May. and eggplant.

8 Plant summer flowering bulbs and use Espoma Bulb-tone for best results.

8 Continue spraying fruit trees with Bonide Fruit Spray every 14 days.

Keeping It

Contained Container gardening is one of the easiest ways

to add color and visual interest to your garden beginning with the perfect container. The pot you choose should be beautiful in form as well as function. Today there are many containers that posses both qualities. One trend that continues to be strong is the demand for lightweight containers that look like their clay, iron and concrete counterparts. As a container garden designer, I look for containers that are durable and easy to maneuver. I also look for a design that is timeless that can work well for all seasons. The Alfresco line of pots has a selection of lightweight pots that range from the classic urn to beautifully aged concrete and clay, in a modern design. This spring, remember to design your own mini garden and keep it contained with a beautiful Alfresco pot. Tina Sottolano

wednesday

thursday

friday

saturday

World Environment Day

last DAY B.O.G.O. FREE Container Tree Sale

14 Flag Day 15 Summer solstice sale Everything’s 21% OFF!

21 Father’s 22 Day 28

3 10

ANLA retail Roadshow Tour Visits BCG

first DAY Perennial Festival B.O.G.O. FREE

18 Ends July 5 19

Summer hours starting june 15 9am–6pm Daily • 10am–5pm Sunday

8 Be attentive to lawn diseases especially rust and

8 Fertilize spring flowering shrubs like azaleas and

powdery mildew. Spray with Fungonil RTS. 8 Make sure that the lawn mower blades are set to 3’’ high. 8 As temperatures get warmer, make sure trees, shrubs and perennials are getting a deep watering. 8 Water container gardens regularly and use Bud & Bloom fertilizer to preserve and push new blooms.

rhododendrons with Espoma Holly-tone. 8 Feed tomatoes with Espoma Tomato-tone. 8 Stake tomato and pepper plants before they become too tall. 8 Bayer Rose and Flower Insect Spray is excellent for aphids on your annuals. Use every 10-14 days and avoid spraying in full sun.

lawn garden

Quick tips shrubs trees

Bucks Country Gardens

tuesday

monday

june

sunday

Bucks Country Gardens

Outdoor Furniture 101 t h e

b a s i c s

Are you dreaming of the perfect vacation getaway? Maybe you’re ready to add a room to your home? Before you book that flight or call your contractor, take a fresh look outside. Is it your front porch, your deck, your patio? Believe it or not, your dream family room or luxury resort is waiting just outside your door. All it takes to get started is finding the right furniture for you. Today’s casual furniture offers more colors, materials, and fabrics than ever before. Maybe you want the classic look of wicker greeting visitors at your front door, or the warmth of wood Adirondack chairs for a relaxing read on your deck. Whatever your needs or heart’s desire, there is outdoor

from, how do you know which furniture is best for you? Here are some details to help you sort it all out.

summer classics | romance

With countless options to choose

Bucks Country Gardens

furniture to fit your space and lifestyle.

Outdoor Fu a l u m i n u m

If you are considering aluminum furniture, you are making a wonderful and nearly maintenance free choice for your outdoor or indoor casual spaces. There are two basic types of aluminum furniture–wrought and cast. Wrought aluminum is typically a lighter weight product because of its hollow tubular summer classics | somerset construction. On the flipside, cast aluminum is heavier because of its solid construction. Because of the nature of aluminum and its ease of mold ability, both wrought and cast aluminum can be made with interesting and intricate details. Styles in this category range from contemporary to tropical to traditional. Different manufacturers offer a variety of paint finishes and colors, many of which include final UV protecting topcoats.

w i c k e r

Over the years, Wicker has been a staple in casual furniture and is as timeless as ever. Natural wicker can still be found in the market today but the majority of “wicker” furniture is actually synthetic and made of resins or vinyl. The result is the look of natural wicker, just like your grandparents had, but with much greater durability and less maintenance. High quality synthetic wickers have built in UV Protection to keep the color from fading as natural wicker would. Also, because these pieces are made of resins and/or vinyl products, you won’t have to worry about your furniture drying out and becoming brittle. Today’s wicker comes in a variety of colors, styles, and weaves to fit everyone’s taste.

Bucks Country Gardens

w o o d

summer classics | classic wicker

A great option for any furniture is wood. As a natural product, it complements virtually any outdoor setting. Various woods are commonly used to manufacture outdoor furniture including eucalyptus, teak and Brazilian cherry. Teak is probably one of the best options when it comes to wood patio furniture because of its strength and durability. new river | adirondack Both teak and eucalyptus start out a warm red-brown and age to a lovely soft grey patina. The patina can be slowed and prevented by applying oil annually. Wood is definitely affected by the weather, sun, etc. so it is important to know how to care for and maintain your wood furniture.

wrought iron

A classic choice often with vintage styling is wrought iron. An important feature of iron furniture is its weight. If you live in an area with lots of wind, you don’t have to worry about this furniture going anywhere. You also get a very classic and traditional look at a nice price.

meadowcraft | dogwood

urniture 101 a c c e s s o r i e s

summer classics | detron

something special, we are here to help. We even offer on-site design services to assist your shopping experience. So stop in and get started on that dream vacation or bonus room right in your own backyard. Look for money saving coupons on pages 15 & 26!

When you’re ready to make that outdoor room a reality, the talented and knowledgeable Lifestyles Team at Bucks Country Gardens is here to assist you along the way. Whether you want to select from our many in-stock items or order

Bucks Country Gardens

Once you’ve decided on the style furniture that is right for you, it’s time to really inject your personality into the mix with accessories. Choose cushions, throw pillows and umbrellas in fabrics that really show off your style. There are virtually endless colors, styles and patterns to choose. Monogramming accessories is a very hot trend these days. Many companies are offering custom monogrammed throw pillows to really customize your look. Don’t forget an outdoor area rug and lamps to really make your outdoor room complete.

There’s No Place Like Home Spotlight on Gilmore & Associates, Inc.

Bucks Country Gardens

ucks Country Gardens has been a part of the Central Bucks Community since 1961. Compared to many local businesses that’s a long time, but not compared to Gilmore & Associates. Gilmore & Associates (G&A) engineering and surveying firm was founded in 1918 as W.O. Weisel Engineer & Surveyor. Ninety-one years later, from Weisel & Son to Weisel & Gilmore to Robert D. Gilmore, to Gilmore & Associates, they continue to weave the fabric of Central Bucks providing surveying, civil engineering, environmental planning and landscape architectural services. Led by CEO Steven Gilmore, G&A is comprised of 7 offices in New Britain, Langhorne, Trappe, Kennett Square, Allentown, East Stroudsburg and Flemington, New Jersey. With over 150 employees, G&A provides engineering services for over fifty municipalities and authorities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is the municipal engineer for Doylestown Borough, New Britain Township, Warminster Township, New Hope Borough, Newtown Borough and Upper Makefield Township.

Everywhere you turn, there is another project for which Gilmore & Associates provides surveying, planning and engineering services. From award winning conservation basins to custom homes and active adult communities, G&A has been helping Central Bucks state with passion– “There’s no place like home.” Without shame, our favorite G&A project is Bucks Country Gardens, which was completely rebuilt in 1998/1999. Gilmore & Associates provided engineering for our land development permits and helped us secure a dam permit from DEP for our pond/ retention basin, road access permits from PennDOT and general land development approval from Plumstead Township all in record time, with approvals finalized at each meeting–practically unheard of! We are very proud of our facility and the work performed by G&A. We are fortunate to have Gilmore & Associates as clients, and enjoy working with their team on garden and landscape projects. As part of the Central Bucks Community, we are honored to have Gilmore & Associates as one of the integral companies working in

our community everyday and applaud their multitude of achievements. Ninety-one years of history speaks for itself, and Bucks Country Gardens wishes Gilmore & Associates the best of success as they embark on their next ninety-one years! G&A has engineered more than fifty local, residential developments Including:

Legacy Oaks, Heritage Creek, Fox Hunt, Peddlers View, Fireside, Deer Valley, North Branch & Pine Tree Farm. Projects also include the places we work, shop, learn, worship, play & heal:

Bailiwick Office Park, Doylestown Commerce Center, Mercer Square Shopping Center, Peddlers Village, Bucks County Community College, Delaware Valley College, Central Bucks YMCA, Shrine of Czestochowa & Doylestown Hospital are just a few.

5,000 s

99.99

Bucks Country Gardens

59.99

q ft

Gardening and pest experts agree... The only way to stop deer & rabbit damage: Liquid Fence.

Bucks Country Gardens

There’s a reason it’s America’s number-one selling deer and rabbit repellent! Simply put... it works! Today’s consumer wants products that are not only effective, but environmentally friendly. As with all Liquid Fence® products, Deer & Rabbit Repellent is safe for plants, pets and kids. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, it’s long-lasting, four-season effective, and available in quart ready-to-use sprays to economical 1 gallon concentrates.

The Liquid Fence Company ®

All Natural Animal & Insect Repellents ● Organic Plant Boosters ● Delta™ Products Available at Bucks Country Gardens • www.liquidfence.com

edible GARDENING IT’S NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S GARDEN ANYMORE!

Make your edible garden the most colorful part

of your natural landscape. Edible gardening is re-emerging as a popular and growing trend this year as a result of the “going green” movement and a more cautious consumer who wants to get more for their money. What exactly is edible gardening? Edible gardening is the intermixing of vegetables, herbs, and fruits into your “traditional” landscape or perennial bed. The following are some ways that you can achieve an edible landscape at home: blended gardening, square foot gardening, and patio gardening. So, this year as you’re planning your vegetable garden for the first time or the twentieth time, consider trying some of these growing trends in do-it-yourself vegetable gardening.

at least 6 hours each day to ensure that your food crops mature properly. soil | Good soil and proper drainage are vital. Add organic matter such as Bumper Crop to amend the soil. water | Gardens closer to a water source work better, or try using a soaker hose. plants | When selecting which veggies to grow, learn how much space, water, and fertilizer each plant needs.

have fun!

Blended gardens allow you to create a fun and multi-

functional backyard full of color, texture, and fresh vegetables. You can use smaller fruiting plants (such as blueberries and raspberries) as substitutes for shrubbery. Perennial herbs, including thyme, rosemary or tarragon are great for small spaces and make a wonderfully fragrant ground cover. So, have fun blending together veggies like lettuce and kale, and herbs next to your petunias and salvia this year!

The basic concept of a square foot garden is

to create a grid divided into sections. For example: a 4’ x 4’ (16 sq ft) area would then be divided into approximately one square foot units and marked out accordingly with edging, railroad ties, or anything that remains visible as the garden develops. Then in each individual square a different vegetable or herb is planted in that section. The number of plants in each square depends on the size of the plant. This allows for a wide array of crops to be grown and easily maintained.

Patio gardening is a great way to get your fresh vegetables and herbs when you have limited time or space to garden. Plant your veggies in containers or window boxes out on the back porch. If you like to cook with fresh herbs, consider growing them in decorative pots–they are easy to grow and budget friendly. A great way to get the kids involved is to create a theme garden, for instance a pizza garden using different tomatoes and basil or a salsa garden that has hot peppers and cilantro. Another way is to have the biggest tomato competition. It’s not only fun, but it’s also very rewarding!

Don’t fo rget to pick up supplie s essen tial for any garden !

Bumper Fertilize

Soaker

Hoses

Plant S

upports

Tomato C Fencing

Crop

ages

Starter Trowel

Plants

Earth B Soil Test Gloves Gardenin

oxes

Kit

g Hat

Bucks Country Gardens

Location | Pick a site that gets plenty of sunshine–

If you are trying your hand at growing your own tomatoes and peppers this year, don’t forget some key elements that are critical to your success.

clip & $ave

valid may 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;may 31

Just for You! Save on

Outdoor Furniture Sets

Bonus $avings With Coupon Only!

100 OFF $ 200 OFF $ 500 OFF $

any set over $1000

Bucks Country Gardens

any set over $2000

Bucks Country Gardens

any set over $5000

1057 North Easton Road | Doylestown, PA 18902 Open 7 Days | buckscountrygardens | 215.766.7800

Bucks Country Gardens with coupon only. valid thru 5/31/09. not to be combined with any other offer, sale, coupon or discount. not applicable to previous purchases.

Paradise Awaits m

proble

solution

in your own backyard

Design Challenge

• Locate carriage house and parking courtyard. • Use landscaping and defined beds to create natural walking direction from parking area to back porch. • Make the back porch and backyard more of the focal point/entrance. • Two-tiered patio creates an extension of the house–offers warmth and attracts visitors. • Incorporate fire pit and seating wall for expansive entertaining. • Create obvious “inviting” atmosphere to attract arriving family/guests. • Cut driveway to move the end of the macadam away from the house, mature plantings aid in “concealing” the old garage location.

Design Success

• Family, friends and any guests to the home naturally enter by following this beautifully landscaped walkway to the back porch entrance into a welcoming family room. • The view of the backdrop and flow of the “backyard lifestyle” plan draw anyone arriving to visit this area first. • Welcome! Come join us. The comfort and relaxation of the surroundings say it all!

From the front sidewalk to the back gate, professional landscaping can offer homeowners a wonderful retreat while improving their home’s marketability and preserving its overall worth. In today’s market, homes with well-designed landscaping are consistently appraising higher and selling faster. Even if selling your home is the furthest thing from your mind, enjoying the benefits of gorgeous surroundings is just an added plus. Landscaping is the first impression your home has to offer. It defines your home’s “outside” dimension that becomes the overall greeting line for your family, guests and neighbors. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends that homeowners invest at least ten percent of their home’s value in landscaping. Today, more than ever, customers want to develop comprehensive designs that allow them to achieve the greatest level of enjoyment right in their own backyard. Designs can include plantings, lighting, fences, garden paths, patios, fire pits, swimming pools and ponds. Tom Hebel, of Bucks Country Gardens, also maintains that outdoor kitchens, bar & grill areas, pizza ovens, fireplaces and cabanas are just as important today as traditional patios and gorgeous gardens in many backyards. Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make as a homeowner is to take a piecemeal approach to landscaping. Beginning projects, installing a mix of plants and proceeding without a plan result in a hodgepodge of plantings that gives the property a disorganized feel. Hiring a landscape design/build company to create and install a thoughtful, well-planned landscape within your budget is the key to creating a beautiful property. Don’t forget the regular upkeep and maintenance, too. There’s nothing more important than protecting your landscaping investment and keeping your property looking its best. Be sure to talk with your designer about the level of maintenance you are comfortable with and it will be considered from the start. Come in and speak to a Bucks Country Gardens’ Landscape Designer. We’ll help define your vision for your property and handle your design/build project with a cohesive plan. Remember, everything doesn’t have to happen at once. In many instances, two-, three- or even five-year plans make sense, and we’ll be there to guide you all the way.

Bucks Country Gardens

Design Goals

Improve your curb appeal

• Redirect the flow/ingress of anyone arriving to the home. • Driveway/entrance naturally depicts garage as the main entrance. Homeowners want to create a natural direction for their family and friends to enter through the back porch area.

spotlight on:

Two Natural Gardening Solutions While forsythia herald the beginning of spring with their vibrant yellow flowers, it is azaleas and rhododendrons that are the real stars of the season. These plants give oceans of spring color with very little care. Simply feed them at time of flowering with all natural Holly-tone. Holly-tone was specifically formulated for the needs of these plants and is completely safe for people, pets and the environment. It’s easy–just sprinkle all natural Holly-tone on the soil and then water and mulch. The plants will reward you with spectacular spring blooms and deep green foliage all summer long. In the annual and perennial beds, the choice is Plant-tone. Simply work in all natural Planttone in the early spring. Plant-tone feeds slowly and the natural organics actually work to improve soil structure. All natural Plant-tone is low in salts, so it won’t burn plant roots and won’t leach out of the soil with the next rain. One application of Plant-tone lasts for months. There’s no mess or bother with mixing or hose end sprayers–just sprinkle Plant-tone around your plants and watch the results. Apply in spring for a spectacular display of summer color.

Want to install your own plants, but need some help with the design?

We Design. You Dig.

Bucks Country Gardens

Do-It-Yourself Landscaping, with a little help.

Our staff of designers have the knowledge and experience to help you create a personalized landscape that you’ll enjoy installing and take pride in for years to come. Stop in or call for more details!

We Design. You Dig. Bucks Country Gardens 215.766.7800

& Green Solutions

Organic Answers

Green Environmentally sound or beneficial; derivative of Old English verb “to grow.”

Organic

Earth-friendly

Derived from living organisms; simple, healthful and close to nature.

Serving a beneficial or helpful purpose. Easy to use or understand.

Inorganic

Eco-friendly

Involving neither organic life nor the products of organic life.

Habitat or environment; ecological or environmental.

Natural

USDA Organic Seal

Not artificial. Existing in or produced by nature.

National Organic Program Seal which covers agricultural products including food, clothing, and food grade products.

Sustainable Capable of being sustained; a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods.

Earth Ground; the planet on which we live that is third in order from the sun.

At BCG, we have a special organic section in the retail garden store and also carry organic products at our pharmacy. Here is a sample of some of the items offered at BCG:

Fungicides 8 Plant-based fungicides like Neem act as a disease preventative.

8 BT which can be used on flowers and

edible crops. 8 Sulfur is a natural fungicide and also acts as a good miticide.

Herbicides 8 Corn Gluten Meal is an effective pre-

emergent weed control when used twice a year in fall and early spring and will control 85% of weed seeds in turf-grass. 8 Burn Out II works as a post-emergent weed control using clove oil.

Insecticides 8 Insecticidal soaps which kill soft-bodied insects without leaving a toxic residue.

8 Horticultural oils which suffocate softbodied insects.

8 Pyrethrins have a fast knockdown effect. 8 Non-toxic traps such as Safer Sticky Whitefly traps.

OMRI Listed The Organic Materials Review Institute Listing provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling and processing.

Fertilizers Organic Fertilizers encourage microbial activity in the soil. They fertilize in a slow, steady manner without promoting quick lawn growth. This means of growth reduces water usage for lawns and decreases the need for additional mowing. Some of the organic specialty fertilizers which are available for a variety of needs: Vegetable Jobes Spikes Lawn Espoma Organic Lawn Food Cockadoodle Doo Organic Fertilizer Cockadoodle Doo Organic Weed Control Concern All Natural Weed Prevention Plus As always, we encourage our customers to read all labels and understand any product’s proper use and dispensing instructions. We continue to offer information from manufacturers via product brochures and websites. We also encourage our customers to stop in and discuss any of their garden concerns with one of our BCG professionals.

Bucks Country Gardens

As awareness grows, terms like: organic, inorganic, sustainable and Eco-friendly will be used over and over again by the media and especially by the professionals in the gardening industry. Bucks Country Gardens’ sales professionals consistently strive to simplify the use of these terms and assist the customers in choosing the products that work best for them while keeping environmental safety and customer satisfaction the priority. Customers can also find our OMRI listed products in our garden center. These OMRI listed materials can be used in certified organic production, handling and processing and are safe to use and Eco-friendly.

Terms gardening enthusiasts will continue to see and use as we strive to provide helpful tips for a “greener” lifestyle.

ver the last few years, garden center professionals have seen an increase in the number of customers who want to use safer gardening practices for their family, pets and the environment. This increased awareness outlines a definitive need for education geared toward garden customers and sales people. Some retailers may see these ever-growing concerns over safer products as an immediate reduction in the sales of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. At BCG, we see this growing trend as an opportunity to educate ourselves and our customers about all of the available products and practices for “green”, “sustainable” and “organic” gardening and living techniques. These new practices will lead to endless possibilities for new product lines, the organic food trade, homegrown fruits and vegetables and overall environment-friendly materials.

Check Out some of BCG’s extra services Soil Testing Bring us a sample of your soil (equivalent to a coffee can size), and we’ll test your soil right at our pharmacy desk. If you require additional soil testing, we sell soil testing kits, or we can send your soil sample to Penn State University for detailed testing for a fee of $10-$12. Plant & Bulk Delivery Can’t fit that tree or shrub in your car?

We’ll bring it out for you. Need bulk materials like mulches, stones or soils? We’ll bring it to your home. BCG will deliver bulk materials to your door for minimum quantities of 3 yards/3 ton (depending on your materials). Delivery fees can vary depending on the type of delivery and destination. We MapQuest your delivery destination to assure the lowest delivery fee per customer (no broad range fee). Delivery Fees range from $6–$10 per mile depending on the MapQuest distance from BCG to your destination.

Furniture Delivery & Setup Whether it is an umbrella for your existing patio set or an entire new set of outdoor living pieces, BCG will deliver, assemble and arrange your new furniture–ready for you to enjoy! Delivery fees vary depending upon the purchase and destination for your delivery. Your BCG furniture specialist will give you the most accurate delivery fee at the time of your order.

Fountain Setup Purchase one of our many fountains and we will deliver and set it up for you. Prices for delivery and set-up vary based upon fountain purchase and delivery distance. White Glove Christmas Tree Setup This seasonal service takes the guess work out of setting up a live or artificial Christmas tree. BCG will deliver and set-up one of your most treasured Christmas symbols. White glove delivery and fees vary based upon tree size and delivery distance. Planting BCG will professionally plant your trees and shrubs and extend the plant guarantee to 1 full year. Fees for planting are 50% of the original cost of the plant plus delivery fees. Delivery fees vary by delivery distance and size of the planting project.

Bucks Country Gardens

House Calls Having a problem with a sick or needy plant at home? Our highly skilled team of professionals will come to your house and find a remedy for all of your plant related needs. Horticultural House Call fee is $99 which includes a 1 hour consultation or assessment. Each additional ½ hour is $49. We design, You dig If you have a Do-It-Yourself attitude, our team of landscape designers will hand pick plant specimens and design a landscape for your home–then turn it over to you. Stop in and pick up our design brochure to get all the details! Fees range from $149 through $499 and include a 10% purchase discount. Landscape Design/Build BCG’s professional landscape design division offers customers the most talented designers, experienced technicians and award winning projects. BCG focuses on the client relationship to perfect the design/build experience. Our commitment to our clients and the success of each of their projects from the drafting table to the final touches is unsurpassed. BCG offers an initial site visit at no charge. Plans and Specs start at $299. Plan fees rebated at 5% of project cost.

custom ironwork made by blacksmiths since 1976 gates | estate statuary | railings 3959 stump road t plumsteadville

worthingtonforge.com

bucks county

Bucks-Mont Party Rental 8FTU #VUMFS "WFOVF t 3PVUF /FX #SJUBJO 1" 215.345.4556 â&#x20AC;˘ 'BY

www.bucksmontparty.com 1.800.61.Party

Designer House & Gardens

the village improvement association of doylestown

5FOUT t 5BCMFT t $IBJST t $IJOB t -JOFO t (MBTTXBSF t 4UBHJOH -JHIUJOH t $BUFSJOH &RVJQNFOU .PSF

may

Illustrations by Judy Langan

3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31

designer house upper mountain farm 2009

street & upper mountain roads at the foot of solebury mountain

Founded in 1895, the Village Improvement Association (VIA) of Zaveta Custom Homes, LLC. 4030 SKYRON â&#x20AC;˘ SUITE G â&#x20AC;˘ DOYLESTOWN, PA 18902 (215) 348-0882 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX (215) 348-8025 www.zaveta.com

Doylestown was the first womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s club in Bucks County. The VIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary mission was to enhance the quality of life in the area, and in 1923, the VIA opened Doylestown Hospital. Today, the VIA is nationally recognized as the only womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s club in the country to own and operate a community hospital. Throughout its history, the VIA has continued to be progressive, while maintaining the original goals of the Association which are: to promote every proper means of improving and beautifying Bucks County, improving the health and welfare of the residents and supporting a community hospital and other healthcare facilities for the benefit of all persons. The Bucks County Designer House is a fundraiser run by the VIA to support Doylestown Hospital and VIA Community Projects. A spacious home is made available by the homeowner and is completely redecorated by interior designers and landscapers. This newly decorated home, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Designer House,â&#x20AC;? is unveiled and opened to the public for tours. Roughly 10,000 people visit the Designer House in the four weeks it is open. This year represents the fourth year of a four-year commitment to support the expansion of Doylestown Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emergency Department.

Bucks Country Gardens has been involved in the Designer House for 23 years. We are always proud and excited to participate in the VIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual fundraising event for the improvement of Bucks County and our Community.

54 West State Street s Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901 PHONE 215-348-4848 s FAX 215-348-2600 www.flosmerconish.com

Designer House tickets are available at Bucks Country Gardens along with a complete brochure of their calendar of events. For more information visit: www.BucksCountyDesignerHouse.org.

Bucks Country Gardens

The 2009 designers and landscapers have transformed:

Build Your Home on a

Green Foundation Whether you’re retrofitting an existing structure or designing a custom home or office, stop and consider all the benefits of Building Green. Environmentally friendly building design has been a hot topic in most areas of the country for over a decade. In today’s world of rapidly depleting existing energy sources, any movement toward conservation will pay off for all inhabitants of the planet. Designing our homes and offices with an ECO-Responsible plan is the best foundation for a sustainable tomorrow. Often architects face some technical challenges in executing green designs. Raphael Architects combines experience, resourcefulness and inspiration to pave the way out of the pitfalls of building green. By infusing some plain common sense into our technical designs, we’ve developed the following top ten things you can do to make better use of the environment when designing your home or office.

Phone: 215-249-3132 Fax: 215-249-3895 www.landisfence.com

Split Rail, Wood Vinyl, Aluminum Chain Link

171 South Main Street Dublin, PA 18917 Residential and Commercial EDWARD M. ROBERTS, C.P.A.

ROBERTS AND COMPANY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

4039 SKYRON DRIVE DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901

(267) 880-3550 FAX (267) 880-3556

EDROBERTSANDCO@AOL.COM

Bucks Country Gardens

Building Green from the Start 1. Reduce energy consumption through modern appliances & energy efficient light bulbs. 2. Place your building on an East–West longitudinal axis to offer maximum southern solar exposure. 3. Locate the kitchen on the southeast corner to receive full morning light. 4. Use overhangs & shading for cooling and keep your air conditioning at 78˚. 5. Locate a detached garage on the northwest corner of your property to block western solar radiation. 6. Install proper ductwork to conserve energy while improving air quality. 7. Insulate your home with spray foam. 8. Build in water conservation methods wherever possible. 9. Consider placement & types of windows based on solar orientation & prevailing winds. Get the right pump for your pool. 10. There are several material considerations that come into the picture for actual construction when building green. Sustainable harvested lumber, alternative building materials and adhesive rubber flashing around windows are just some of the products you can discuss with your architect or builder. The most important thing to remember is: 90% of all savings can happen in the first 10% of the design by implementing the simple steps outlined in our top ten list.

EXPERIENCE THE PENN VALLEY ADVANTAGE

Article Excerpts by: Michael B. Raphael, AIA, LEED AP of Raphael Architects

Serving homes and businesses like yours for over 50 years. Call to learn more, or to hear about our builder incentives.

Propane Experts Since 1957

Getting to Know

nancy mcilvaine

What was your very first job? I bussed tables at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour. It was a fast-paced, hectic place to work. What were your original job responsibilities at Bucks Country Gardens twenty years ago? I was hired to be a cashier.

Nancy McIlvaine

has been assisting customers at Bucks

Country Gardens for twenty years. She joins fellow employees Geoff Simpson and Don Lee who reached the twenty-year milestone in 2008. I took a few moments to sit down with Nancy and ask her questions about herself, BCG and the customers. Patti Carr

And next? I worked in the floral department and also as a gift buyer, furniture salesperson, and dry goods sales person. Is there a department or area of Bucks Country Gardens you have not worked in? I have never been out on a landscape crew. What is the number one skill or practice that has contributed to your success? Salesmanship and product knowledge are the biggest contributors to my success and growth. What keeps you enthusiastic about your career? I love to work with people. And the products are always changing. Everyday is like a new beginning.

How do you manage stress? I find it relaxing to be out on the water, where I enjoy saltwater fishing. I maintain eating a healthy diet along with exercise. Of course, I love spending time in my garden. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing BCG right now? The biggest challenges are expanding our customer base and managing our retail space. The opportunities include introducing new and long-time customers to a gardening and outdoors lifestyle that is always changing (for example, organic gardening). What is your most embarrassing moment at BCG? One time, I was helping customers when a bee flew down my shirt, and I was jumping around, tugging at my shirt trying to get it out. I was very close to taking my shirt off, right there in the Garden Center! Fortunately for everyone, the bee made its way out of my clothing.

Add Some Extra Life to Your Yard

Let BCG Inspire you! a trickle of tranquility

BCG carries a complete line of quality pond care products for planning, purchasing and keeping a beautiful pond. A pond is a dynamic and every-changing community of plants and animals. We can help you start and maintain your own home oasis and add the peacefulness and serenity of a garden pond to your private escape.

a visit from Feathered friends

The perfect garden setting is always adorned with the beauty of a birdhouse or two. No matter who flutters by– hummingbirds, bluebirds, cardinals or finches, BCG carries the houses, feeders, seed and suet to attract them all and many more. Visit the BCG retail garden center to see our complete line of bird products.

Come into Bucks Country Gardens today and let us help you create and protect your sanctuary. A sanctuary where you can stop and smell the roses, enjoy the fish splashing in the pond or watch the beauty of the birds–all in your own garden.

There are few sounds as lovely and soothing as the sound of water flowing through a fountain. Browse through BCG’s assortment of different fixtures from smaller, tabletop and wall- mounted to mid-size and grand statuary pieces. Our BCG specialists will help you choose the right piece to achieve the sound, scene and texture you’re seeking. Whether you choose a quiet steady flow or a faster, waterfall-type sound, the right garden fountain can be a true work of art!

Bucks Country Gardens

The sound of a waterfall

g n i i n r to S p S bcg stimulu$ plan

valid thru June 30

avings!

+ Clip these amazing coupons. STEP 2 + Stuff into wallet, purse or pocket. STEP 3 + Shop, save & watch your outdoor oasis grow!

10.00 OFF

minimum purchase of $25

use to decorate your home & garden

STEP 1

valid thru may 3

5.00 OFF

pansy • geranium • petunia million bells & more!

valid thru may 17

3 FOR $60 regular price $29.99 each

any 10” hanging basket

15-18”

20% OFF

any single item in the gift shop

lamps • wall art candles • clocks & much more!

azaleas

3 gallon pot

Bucks Country Gardens

Bucks Country Gardens with coupon only. valid thru 5/17/09. not to be combined with any other offer, sale, coupon or discount. not applicable to previous purchases.

with coupon only. valid thru 5/31/09. not to be combined with any other offer, sale, coupon or discount. not valid on collectibles. not applicable to previous purchases and the purchase of gift cards.

valid thru may 31

valid thru june 14

1.00 OFF regular price $2.99

4” pot • chef jeff’s

BUY 3 GET 1 FREE! regular price 4.99 each

5.00 OFF

regular price $24.99

vegetable plants

4” geranium

tomatoes • peppers • zucchini eggplant • cucumber & more!

espoma holly-tone 40 lb bag

Bucks Country Gardens

with coupon only. valid thru 5/31/09. not to be combined with any other offer, sale, coupon or discount. not applicable to previous purchases.

with coupon only. valid thru 6/14/09. not to be combined with any other offer, sale, coupon or discount. not applicable to previous purchases.

valid thru june 14

2.00 OFF

black forest organic compost

gardener’s gold organic potting soil

$ Bucks Country Gardens

valid thru may 31

with coupon only. valid thru 5/3/09. not to be combined with any other offer, sale, coupon or discount. not applicable to previous purchases.

Bucks Country Gardens with coupon only. valid thru 6/30/09. not to be combined with any other offer, sale, coupon or discount. not applicable to previous purchases, collectibles, landscape design, delivery & planting services and the purchase of gift cards.

regular price $9.99

1.5 cu ft bag

2.00 OFF regular price $6.99

16 quart

3 for $15 regular price $5.99 each

right dress mulch 1.5 cu ft bag

Bucks Country Gardens

with coupon only. valid thru 6/14/09. not to be combined with any other offer, sale, coupon or discount. not applicable to previous purchases.

Bucks Country Gardens

Bucks Country Gardens 1057 North Easton Road Doylestown, PA 18902 buckscountrygardens.com 215.766.7800 | Open 7 Days

Bucks Country Gardens 36

Awarded by Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Center Magazine