Grow beautiful roses Revitalize your home Support local businesses
Spring Home and Garden A few weeks ago I was out enjoying the beginnings of springtime with my two pugs. We spent the evening at a local dog park and it was a great reward for all of us. Even the pugs and other pups at the park could feel the joy this beautiful season carries in the air. Color is coming back to our landscapes and the cool breezes smell so sweet and feel so soft. I think spring is also the most exciting season. It’s a time for new beginnings whether that be for our lives, our home or our yard. This year’s Spring Home & Garden is sure to offer some wonderful inspiration for your remodeling and planting projects. Each page blooms with wonderful information on local businesses and organizations that are here to help you along the process. Melissa Hayden Specialty Publications Editor mhayden@communitypress.com | 513-591-6166
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Turn your backyard into a sanctuary Learn several ways to make your backyard your serene escape.
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How to add roses to your spring garden
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Revitalize your home for spring
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Top ten 2009 gardening trends
Tips for adding this beautiful flower to enhance your garden.
Learn what you can do to your home to make it like new.
Hot! Hot! Trends for the new year.
Contact Spring Home & Garden is an annual advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/ The Community Recorder. Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com. For advertising information call 578-5501.
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Make your kitchen the heart of your home When people visit your home, is the kitchen the place they like to be? The kitchen tends to be the heart of the home, because it provides an atmosphere of comfort and hospitality, both for family and friends. But if your kitchen isn’t as welcoming as you’d like it to be, it is time to call Fort Mitchell Interiors. “If your kitchen looks good, you look good,”
said Mary PenningtonWolfe, owner of Fort Mitchell Interiors. Pennington-Wolfe brings 30 years of experience to the table when she is called on to design any part of your home. Kitchens are especially interesting, she said, because they incorporate a myriad of projects – cabinets, countertops, wall treatments, window treatments, lighting, and flooring.
“Solid surface countertops, such as Corian or granite, are a great investment in the home,” Pennington-Wolfe explained. Fort Mitchell Interiors is located on Hazelwood Drive, across from McDonald’s, and the phone number is 3315327. Mary PenningtonWolfe is looking forward to helping you unlock the secrets of your home.
Jivoin & Family Construction committed to quality workmanship Jivoin and Family Construction would like to thank all of their many and future customers for the opportunity to have worked for them and give them, without question, superior craftsmanship to their satisfaction. In their 68th year, they are truly committed to continued quality workmanship in room additions, bathrooms,
kitchens, basements, eloquent fireplaces (built and repaired), roofs of all kinds (shingles, flat, slate and metal), chimneys repaired, driveways, sidewalks and pavers. Over the years, they have had the opportunity to do superior work for the children and grandchildren of current and past customers. Their architect and
design team can assist you in any phase of your home design or renovation. They are fully insured and totally committed to serving you. They are a member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber and the Better Business Bureau. Please contact John, Johnny, Jason or Ricky at 586-6946.
Catch the fever... be apart of the 2009 Florence Freedom program call 578-5501 today.
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High winds can lead to damage High winds could mean more roof damage for Tristate homeowners. Hurricane Ike blew through Ohio and Kentucky last September, and many homeowners have still not had their roofs repaired due to roofers’ backlogs, winter’s extreme cold and icy snow, and slow settlements by insurance companies. Today, members of Roof Time are stocking their trucks with everything needed to provide emergency repair service, once again. According to Dale Shoemaker of Roof Time, many Tristate homeowners who thought they had escaped Ike may find their roof in their yard.
“Shingles provide protection via roofing nails and tar sealing strips,” he explains. “Really strong winds cause the shingles to un-seal one from another, and the nails alone simply cannot keep them installed in high winds.” While Hurricane Ike caused many roofs to blow off right away, it also created what roofers call “future damage” – shingles that have become unstuck and vulnerable. The roof may appear OK from the ground, but strong new winds will cause the tabs to crack off and fly away, creating more roof work and insurance claims throughout the Tristate. Another potential
problem, according to Roof Time, is that roofs installed after Ike have not had a chance for the tar sealing strips to fully seal yet, meaning that even if you have a new roof, you could still see some shingles raising up or blowing off. And because so many roof crews moved into the area from out of state, and now have left again, some homeowners might find that they cannot get service from their installer. For more information on roof damage from hail, high winds and ice, visit www.time2roof.com for interactive displays and tips. For a free written inspection call 859-341TIME or 513-528-TIME.
Turn your backyard into a sanctuary Your backyard is your sanctuary. But you want to make it even better – perhaps with a patio where your family can congregate, enjoy outdoor barbecues and entertain guests. Here are some design tips to help turn your backyard into the oasis of your dreams:
Install a patio
Have your business stand out in Creative Living call 578-5501 today.
You yearn for a lovely patio area for picnic lunches or to relax and read a book as you enjoy the sun. The cost of using natural stone, however, is a negative, and so is the lack of creative colors and design allowed by precast pavers. Another option is to use stamped concrete for your patio base, which has unlimited patterns and colors and can be used in all climates.
Gather around the fire Bring your family together with a fire pit. Whether you’re building a fire for cooking dinner, roasting marshmallows or to keep warm on a chilly evening, it will become a gathering place for your family and – if invited – friends and neighbors. Depending on your creativity and building skills, you can make your fire pit an elaborate congregational area with permanent benches and a decorative wood rack, or a simpler ring for cozy family cookouts.
Relaxation Don’t forget the tables, chairs and decorative planters to encourage people to relax in your backyard and enjoy your sanctuary. You will need to decide if you want permanent,
built-in tables and chairs or benches on your patio or along strolling paths through your backyard landscape, or if you want furniture you can rearrange and store during inclement weather.
Keep hunger pains at bay Perhaps you’re looking for more than just relaxation; you want to fill your tummy as well. Outdoor barbecues are becoming increasingly popular, complete with drink coolers and sinks. For an outdoor countertop, look for a material that can withstand weather, yet still have a warm, natural look that will work with the other materials you’re using on your porch. Concrete countertops can be mixed with stains, pigments, aggregates and epoxy coatings to give
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Brighten your home for spring Excellence By Nature would like to invite people to visit their showroom in Florence and explore ways to make exciting changes to their houses that will inspire renewed pride in their home, while elevating the intrinsic value of the property. “Some of our customers tell us they want to update their houses instead of selling them and moving elsewhere,” said Sarah Collins, operations manager for the company. “We plan the project together with the customer. The beauty of our company is that we do not contract out our services. Our people are on the job, from the beginning to the end. It is like a one-stop shopping experience with a staff that you can trust.”
The owner of the company, Julie Schneider, has 24 years of experience in the business of building homes, and more than 40 years of combined experience is brought to every project. “We pride ourselves on customer service from start to finish,” Schneider said. “We take no detail for granted, not even our rocks.” Currently, the nationwide trend is leaning toward granite countertops, because granite is durable, cost effective and lasts a lifetime. Other choices for countertops are laminate, Corian, and quartz. Because Excellence By Nature offers a variety of materials and colors – not only for countertops but also for cabinets, hardware,
tile, sinks and faucets – the company can accommodate most budgets and decorating tastes. They also redesign fireplace facades. “The granite color that is the most popular right now is Uba Tuba, which is a black with undertones of gold and green, and is quite dramatic,” Collins explained. “The second most chosen color is Venetian Gold, which is a tan, or gold, with white and black and garnet undertones. The garnet is unexpected, and tends to pick up highlights with cherry cabinets.” A true bonus with Excellence By Nature is that they are the only Northern Kentucky fabricating company that keeps full slabs
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“We pride ourselves on customer service... of granite on premises in their fabricating shop. This enables customers to hand-select the granite slabs that will be used for their project, eliminating the guesswork created at other companies where clients can only choose their granite from a small sample. “Come in and see what we have to offer,” invite Collins and Schneider. Call Excellence By Nature at 283-1130, or visit the showroom on Brookfield Court, off Weaver Road, in Florence.
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Now is the best time to remodel your bathroom or kitchen backsplash Once only functional, backsplashes are now a decorative focal point and a great way to customize your existing kitchen. A new backsplash is an inexpensive way to update and modernize the room many of us spend much of our time in. Florida Tile can help you create a fresh new focal point in the kitchen and help you customize your environment. Florida Tile also has a new and inspiring showroom to help spark your creativity and a seasoned staff with more than 25 years of experience to help you select that perfect backsplash or bathroom that you have always dreamed about. Create a spa sanctuary inspired by nature using natural elements such as pebbles, natural stone or glass.
A new backsplash is inexpensive. Florida Tile in Erlanger has one of the largest selections of Porcelain, Travertine, Glass, Slate, Granite and Marble in the Northern Kentucky area. It features a 4,000 square foot showroom to showcase all the latest trends for bathroom and backslash designs. Florida Tile is the only tile manufacturer that is GREENGUARD certified. GREENGUARD certification means that our products won’t contribute to indoor air problems. Our tile and stone products have received GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Children & Schools certification. Florida Tile has released several new series in its portfolio collection to help you create
a romantic retreat with European elegance. With the rustic looks of the Taconic Slate to the glossy looks of the Renaissance, Florida Tile has what you’ve been looking for. Now is the time to invest in your home and increase its value. Best of all, most of Florida Tile’s tile is proudly made right here in Kentucky. Florida Tile manufactures its own tile in Lawrenceburg, Ky., creating Kentucky jobs and ensuring high quality tile unlike many others that import their tile from foreign countries. Stop in Florida Tile’s new showroom and get started on designing that new backsplash or bathroom to rejuvenate the look and feel of your home.
WOW Windowboxes, like spring are in bloom
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Just when you’re sick of the gray winter along comes WOW too put amazing color back into your life. WOW Windowboxes is a full-service company that sells, fills, hangs and irrigates window boxes, containers and hanging baskets. You do nothing but enjoy the beauty!
WOW Windowboxes is starting spring planting at the beginning of March, so please get your order in the very beginning to enjoy the bright cheerfulness of spring! In addition to the fabulous spring plantings, WOW plants all four seasons so your boxes are never empty and are
always the envy of the neighborhood. To make your house the WOW of the neighborhood contact either Bret Schneider at 519-5131 or Bret@wowwindowboxes.com, or Sue Schneider at 277-9550 or sue@wow windowboxes.com. Or visit www.wow windowboxes.com.
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Call Cohorn Concrete Construction for all your concrete work needs Cohorn Concrete Construction Inc. has been serving the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area since 1996 doing residential and commercial concrete work and has also been in Homearama & Citirama home shows. As spring draws near and people start focusing on outdoor activities such as cookouts and entertaining, gardening, landscaping, as well as home improvements, Cohorn Construction can widen driveways, extend patios or redesign patios with stamped concrete. Other services Cohorn Construction provides are repairing cracks in leaky base-
ments, grading and leveling of yards for pools, lot cleaning, diverting water away from homes, etc. Owners Chris Cohorn and Corey Slais would love the opportunity to aid in planning and sharing ideas to better serve your needs.
Members of the BBB, HBA Cohorn Construction has more than 38 combined years of experience. With their professional guidance, partners Chris Cohorn and Corey Slais can help you get the most out of your budget for whatever concrete work you need. You may think you need to
tear out and replace a driveway or patio, but that may not be the case at all. Maintenance may just be the solution to the problem. An important aspect of existing concrete work is maintenance and care. Chris recommends maintaining your concrete by pressure washing and re-sealing it annually. Utilizing the cure-and-seal process will leave a beautiful finish and protect the surface, making it look new again and maintaining its structural integrity.
Many Creative Designs Cohorn Construction’s design
team can work with you to add color or texture to your concrete as an inexpensive option to your design that will enhance any surface area such as your pool, driveway, patio, sidewalk, etc. and increase the curb appeal and value of your home. Whether you are replacing old concrete or needing a new, updated design, Cohorn Concrete Construction can meet your needs and is offering 10 percent discount until the end of May. For free estimates and ideas, call Chris 393-1138, Corey 3934856, or the office 485-6535 or e-mail cohornconcrete@aol.com. Visit www.cohornconcrete.com.
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Bring the best of the outdoors in Imagine a seamless view of the outdoors, the sweet breeze of fresh air without pesky bugs. Now, stop imagining. It doesn’t take much to remodel your porch into what you’ve always dreamed. All you need is SCREENEZE. SCREENEZE features an aluminum base and a vinyl cap which are snapped together and attached to your screen porch. SCREENEZE can
be installed on the inside, outside, or center of your porch post and rail design. It is available in white, sand, and bronze and can span openings up to 150 square feet. It stretches and holds the screen material automatically and uniformly. SCREENEZE is available in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati through Seuberling Co. LLC. Call 513-347-3456 or visit www.screeneze.com for more information.
John Deaton and his children Ava and Alexander and his sister Elizabeth Martin.
Deaton’s Greenhouse offers great service Deaton’s Greenhouse is in its 15th successful year providing Northern Kentucky homeowners with quality and affordable landscaping. Daryl and Diana Deaton along with their two children, John Deaton and Elizabeth Martin, enjoy running the family business, and it shows in
their dedicated customer service and beautiful selection of outdoor and indoor plants. When you visit their nursery in Independence, you will find a large selection of perennials and annuals, trees, shrubs and hanging baskets. This year they’ve expanded their perennial
production so you’ll find more varieties. You will also be able to find all of your other planting materials and accessories including mulch, soil, baskets, lawn chemicals and fertilizers. They also have a great selection of bulk vegetable seeds. And don’t forget about their deal on hollies: 5 gallon hollies for just 14.99! “In a few weeks, it will be safe to start planting trees and shrubs,” John said. They have a great selection of those plants and their prices will be hard to beat in the area. Deaton’s also offers landscape design at an affordable hourly rate, as well as installation and maintenance. Also on site at Deaton’s is a full-service florist that the family began five years ago. Through wire services they are capable of delivering their floral arrangements all over the country. Deaton’s spring and summer hours will be in effect soon and customers will be able to visit the greenhouse seven days a week. Get ready to enjoy Spring and let Deaton’s help you with all of your gardening and landscaping needs.
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New name, same great people, strong commitment to community A tradition of service continues with Limestone Farm Lawn & Worksite, one of the premier John Deere dealers in the Cincinnati/Louisville/Lexington area. Three stores with five locations have been combined to create one rock-solid name in quality: Limestone. With Limestone Farm Lawn & Worksite, the name may be new, but you’ll find the same people you’ve come to rely on for the past 87 years. With greater size comes a greater ability to service customers. That means Limestone Farm Lawn & Worksite can now offer an even greater selection of legendary John Deere products, plus the personal attention and follow-up after the sale that has
always been a hallmark of the names behind Limestone. Other companies have mission statements. Limestone Farm Lawn & Worksite prefers “cornerstones,” the bedrock values that make the company a valued resource for the best in John Deere products, parts and service. Among the cornerstones of Limestone: • Limestone’s tradition of service includes 87 years of customer support … and counting. For nearly a century, they’ve had a heritage of doing the right thing for customers – before, during and after the sale. • Limestone’s policy of extended store hours underscores their commitment to serving customers’ needs, whenever those
needs might occur. • Limestone’s huge parts inventory assures that whatever the make, model or problem, customers will find the replacement parts they need to get running again and get the job done. • Limestone’s specialist technicians know farm and lawn equipment inside and out, and they have the diagnostic tools they need to get to the bottom of any problem. • Limestone’s long-time employees are the heart of their business. Some have decade-long relationships with their customers, so they’re well-known and respected in their local community. When you count on Limestone Farm Lawn & Worksite for your equipment
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Other companies have a mission statement. Limestone Farm Lawn & Worksite prefers “cornerstones,” the bedrock values that make the company a valuable resource. needs, you’re assured of the same people with the same know-how you’ve come to expect. To see a tradition of service in action, visit your nearest Limestone Farm Lawn & Worksite location in Florence, Elizabethtown, Shelbyville, Gardnersville or Cambellsville. Limestone Farm Lawn & Worksite. New name. Same great people. Same strong commitment to the community.
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Beautify your deck with Deck Clean USA A wooden deck is a beautiful addition to any home. If maintained properly, few home improvement projects add more value to your home than an outside deck. Regular cleaning and sealing of your deck will keep it looking beautiful for decades. Deck maintenance should be performed at least every two years to prevent outdoor elements from damaging the wood. According to Craig Profitt, owner of Deck Clean USA, the application of a detergent and a brightening agent, coupled with proper cleaning, followed up with a high quality oil-based sealer, offers the best protection from environmental damage. One year of leaving
your deck unprotected can take up to four years of life off of it. Craig reminds us, “It is much less expensive to maintain your deck than it is to replace it.” While some homeowners try to tackle the job of cleaning and sealing a deck themselves, they are quick to realize how labor intensive and time consuming it can be. Not to mention the damage they can do by not using a pressure washer properly. Deck maintenance is a project better left to professionals like Deck Clean USA. “We get calls every year from people wanting us to fix their failed attempts at cleaning and sealing their decks,” said Katie Profitt, co-owner of Deck Clean USA. “I tell
them to enjoy their day golfing or laying by the pool, we’ll do the dirty work and get their deck looking beautiful again.” Deck Clean USA has been family owned and operated for 20 years and takes pride in the quality of work and customer service they provide. Their use of superior quality products and professionally trained employees are just a couple of reasons their business has continued to grow and prosper for the past 20 years. Craig and Katie pledge to deliver top quality work at a fair price by trusted professionals. Deck Clean USA is a fully insured company and Craig and Katie invite you to call them for a free estimate, 513-741-0775.
Backyard | From 4 them the look, texture and feel of more expensive quarried stones like marble, granite and limestone.
Soothe the senses
Don’t miss out on Spring Home & Garden 2010 call 923-3133 today.
Water features are popping up in backyards across the country. Families enjoy them by relaxing near the sound of trickling water and watching birds and other wildlife looking for a drink. Some homeowners install small fountains surrounded by landscaping to provide the water ambiance, while others take the route of building a full water garden. Self-contained water
Concrete patios, like this one by New England Hardscapes Inc., can turn your backyard into a beautiful sanctuary.
features are easy to install in less than a day, while kit ponds might take a weekend to set up. But the larger water features give you more opportunities to be creative – for example installing a bridge, water wheel,
water falls or tiny streams. Once you have your backyard sanctuary complete, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy your investment while relaxing. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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How to add R SES to your spring garden
Plant Knock Out roses against your porch to add eye-popping color to your home.
Stroll your neighborhood and chances are you’ll spot landscape shrub roses decorating someone’s garden or backyard. Take a drive into town, and you’ll see them planted at your favorite shopping center. If you haven’t noticed, landscape shrub roses have taken the country by storm. In home gardens, in containers and along highways, these low-maintenance roses bloom continuously from spring until frost with little to no effort. “Anybody can grow these hardworking roses, no matter where they live. If you can grow grass, you can grow landscape shrub roses,” said James A. Baggett, editor of Country Gardens Magazine. He likes Knock Out roses for their drought tolerance and disease resistance, especially against black spot. When designing with shrub roses, think of them as you would any flowering shrub, only this one will bloom continuously all season and do all the work for you! Here are some tips on using landscape shrub roses in the garden and throughout the landscape.
Pot up a container Renowned garden designer Jon Carloftis prefers to plant shrub roses in containers. “I like to give them perfect planting conditions such as good drainage, rich soil and the addition of regular fertilizer that won’t be an overdose to neighboring plants,” he said. “The results are outstanding when roses are planted in formal urns or combinations of rustic pots.” From small apartments to grand homes, containers filled with shrub roses bring an understated sophistication to any sized deck, porch and patio. Pot them up in large and small containers, around a gazebo, poolside, or your entranceway for the perfect plant for all seasons.
Close to home Nothing says simple elegance like the original Knock Out rose. Try planting them “en masse” against your front porch or home. The large clusters of cherry-red blooms say “welcome” with a generous bloom cycle of every five to six weeks. Against your house, porch or deck, the rich, eye-popping red color is a sure winner.
almost look hand-painted with rich yellow at the base. The plant adds height and color for maximum curbside appeal.
Now you see it, now you don’t Do you have an unsightly utility unit, shed, trash can, or pool pump you want to hide? How about a slope or a hazardous spot to fill? Group hardy and attractive roses for a showy “cover-up.” Try planting Pink Double Knock Out with double flowers in a cheerful bubble gum hue. Unfazed by heat, this hardy shrub rose will cover up those unsightly spots with a pink profusion of color.
Borders and more Want to create a natural privacy fence in your backyard? Shrub roses will keep wandering children, pedestrians or stray dogs out of the landscape with a colorful “living wall” hedge.
Create an English garden
You don’t need to dream anymore about having a showcase formal garden. Stake and trim your favorite shrub roses to grow as small rose trees for the look and feel of an English garden. Mix in old-fashioned favorites such Problem solvers in your landscape as spiraea and hydrangea to create an Second look curbside appeal Whether you live in a city or the enviable cottage garden. Looking for plants with great curb’burbs, have a small garden plot or large It’s no wonder that these roses are side appeal that add year-round beauty? acreage, the gardening and decorating the No. 1 choice for folks looking for a Cluster shrub roses around a mailbox or possibilities with shrub roses are endcarefree landscape shrub rose that looks blend with perennials to create visual curb less. great and performs beautifully. appeal. Plant the award-winning Rainbow Plant them individually among other For more information visit the Web Knock Out along with perennials. shrubs, annuals and perennials, in site TheKnockOutRose.com. This lovely coral pink rose complemixed beds and borders. ments any color scheme and the blooms Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Making the world beautiful For 25 years the talented artists at Stained Glass Overlay have been passionately making the world a more beautiful place with architectural decorative glass. A family owned business, SGO is the choice of discerning builders and homeowners. SGO, with more than 100 years of combined experience, is Greater Cincinnati’s only full service art glass and door dealer.
Custom design, fabrication, and installation of beautiful art glass, hardwood and fiberglass doors, and mirrors are their specialty. “What we do is art,” said co-owner Dan Burgess. “And we work with the customer to create a piece that will beautify their living space and inspire their life. “We depend on that. Our reputation is only as
good as how our last customer views us.” Whether it is bathroom windows, oddly shaped glass, custom doors, or areas around your entryway, Stained Glass Overlay is your one-stop shop. Let them bring more beauty to your life and value to your home. For more information call 727-4746 or visit SGO at 4025 Dixie Highway in Elsmere.
Patrick’s Flooring Showcase Patrick started in the hardwood business in 1991. He opened Patrick’s Custom Hardwood in 2001. Growing up as the son of a flooring expert, Pat got into the hardwood business with vigor, excitement and plenty of drive to be the best. Through the years Patrick’s has become the first name in hardwood flooring, and countless people proudly proclaim they have a “Patrick’s floor!” Patrick’s drive, vigor and quality craftsmanship can only be accomplished
by professional employees installing these fine floors. The team at Patrick’s has combined experience of more than 75 years, and they are all certified by the National Wood Flooring Association. A fine custom floor is only as good as the craftsman installing the floors. Recently, Patrick’s has expanded its operation to include carpet, laminate and all varieties of tile to include ceramic, porcelain and VCT. With these additions, Patrick’s can assist you in all your flooring needs. Their on-staff consultants
can help take the hassle out of your flooring selections. Patrick’s Flooring Showcase is a familyowned and operated company that turns your flooring needs into a reality. At Patrick’s Flooring Showcase you are not a customer, you become a member of Patrick’s flooring family. They want you to proudly boast, “I have a Patrick’s floor”! Come in to see their expanded, family-friendly showroom located at 7505 Dixie Highway, Florence, half a mile past St. Paul’s Church, or call 342-0700.
Share your story in CreativeLiving. Call 923-3133 today.
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Revitalize your home for spring Winter can be dark and cold, but spring is a time for warmth and light. Few things will brighten your mood as much as transforming your home to greet the season. Even inexpensive touches can have a big impact. Some simple spring redecorating will lift your spirits as much as spotting the first returning robin. Your secret weapon is color. The vibrant colors of spring will brighten otherwise ordinary home decor. Let nature lead you to your color palette: Delicate pink cherry blossoms, lavender blue hyacinths, sunny yellow forsythia and the pale green of new leaves. Do you smile when you see a basket of tulips? Why not take your cue from nature and be surrounded by those beautiful colors? For inspiration, take an early spring walk in the park. Breathe
the softer air and study the scenery. When a color makes you happy, that’s the one to choose for your home. You can easily and inexpensively change a room by buying a couple of gallons of paint and doing the job yourself. For years, white or ecru were the standard wall colors, but no longer. Be daring and choose a color that makes you feel good, and a little “out there.” If you don’t like it, you can always paint over it. Take down heavy drapes. They may have made you feel cozy in the cold months, but for now, get them cleaned and put them away for next year. For spring, the word to keep in mind is light, as in airy fabrics and sheer curtains that let natural light into your home. Slipcovers are an age-old way of changing the look of a room from winter to summer. You
The vibrant colors of spring will brighten your home.
might be able to find them readymade and inexpensive. At least, buy new pastel throw pillows which will quickly upgrade a room and give it a new look. Don’t forget to arrange fresh flowers in bright vases from the craft store or in your own pretty crystal. Spring flowers growing in your garden are free and, for city
dwellers, choose the least expensive bouquets at the corner market. These flowers don’t know they’re not prize orchids, and will give their all to lift your spirits. Bring on the spring. You will be ready with a home that has been refreshed, revived and renewed.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Top ten 2009 gardening trends Americans craving authenticity and fretting over a bleak economy have reinvigorated the trend to grow-it-yourself (GIY). From blueberries to houseplants, GIY is the new mantra as folks turn “back to the future” to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good. “It’s a resurgence of gardening for the greater good – for the earth and our wallets,” said Susan McCoy, trend spotter and president of the Garden Media Group (GMG). “The most exciting movement seems to be that gardening is popular again, particularly among younger homeowners,” she adds. GMG’s gardening trends for 2009 reveal a resurgence in perennials, growing native plants, creating “blended” gardens using vegetables and herbs in flower beds, cultivating with best practices, planting to attract wildlife and going local. “The urgent commitment to environmental sustainability and the basic desire to make our homes our havens is reflected in all gardening trends for 2009,” predicts McCoy.
What’s in: Eco-boosting What’s out: Conspicuous consumption One simple way to be an eco-booster is to create natural habitats for wildlife with native plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies. Look for ecofriendly plants. Go organic with peat-free soil that supports sustainable practices and feeds plants from the soil up.
What’s in: Grow-it-Yourself (GIY) What’s out: Having someone do it all for you
American Beauties Native Plants. “When you select a plant that is native to the local area, it will thrive with little to no water, fertilizer or effort.”
Tranquil moments may be few but the recent rise in gardening reconnects us with nature, family and friends as we share our bounty. With the increase in demand for year-round fresh fruits and vegetables, local farmers markets are seeing an upsurge in business, community gardens have waiting lists, and plant swaps are on the rise.
What’s in: Water What’s out: Water
What’s in: Blended gardens What’s out: Segregated gardens Plant mint and fragrant thyme varietals in between cracks of stone pathways and grow strawberries for a delightful edible groundcover around trees. Fruit-bearing shrubs and trees provide color, privacy and fruitful bounty mingling among veggies and perennials. Garden centers are reporting an increase in demand for fruit-bearing shrubs like blueberries and raspberries as ornamentals.
What’s in: Locavore What’s out: Big carbon footprint Buying local is all the rage. Gardeners are aware of their role as naturalists and conservationists, and are looking for native plants that thrive in their own backyards. “Native plant cultivars are selected to perform better in specific areas under local conditions,” said Steve Castorani, from
For the first time, water is in and out. Whether bringing in fountains, endless waterfalls, or fish ponds, the soothing sounds of water can turn any backyard into a private oasis. “Water features such as fountains are showing up not only in the garden but on tabletops, and sometimes more than one in the garden,” said Jon Carloftis, a renowned garden designer.
What’s in: Outside inside What’s out: Outside only From bean sprouts on kitchen countertops to green walls laden with herbs and micro-greens, plants are decorating spaces as “art- in-motion.” Tropical plants like bromeliads and orchids create instant beauty and give a boost of oxygen and clean the air. “It’s easy to expand your home’s boundaries and add indoor charm to your patio, deck and garden using great indoor plants like ferns and palms. And ornamentals continue to be fashionistas beautifying containers, landscapes, mixed or mass planted,” McCoy adds.
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Live outdoors this spring with deck Have you ever wanted a company to take all of your desires and concerns and create a personalized outdoor living space for you? Create a comfortable Custom Outdoor Living Space for your family this spring with Archadeck. Archadeck is here to help you construct your world outdoors. From decks, porches and rooms to gazebos, pergolas, fences and much more, Archadeck can craft the perfect outdoor living area for your home. Innovatively designed outdoor spaces will be molded to your desires. You can have peace and serenity, a backyard delight, or an entertainment site. Just imagine what your outdoors can become! Call them today for a free design consultation at 513-759-2555.
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Ace Hardware is your ‘Helpful Place’ The helpful employees at the two Ace Hardware locations in Florence and Hebron can get you ready to tackle whatever home project you have your mind set on. Ace Hardware carries the usual hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies, power and hand tools, and Carhartt workwear. They offer screen repair, cut glass and plexiglass, and refill propane tanks or offer the Blue Rhino tank exchange program. If they don’t have what you need, chances are they can order it for you. “We have merchandise delivered weekly and can place special orders for customers,” Wally Schwartz, assistant manager said. They can also order merchandise through acehardware.com, have it sent to our store for pick up, and avoid the shipping fee. Ace’s garden center is top-notch and provides
An Ace Hardware employee works with a customer in choosing a paint sample.
reliable service, advice and products to help customers get their projects done right. “We carry Scotts lawn care products and have point-of-sale material from Scotts that explains to customers when and
how to use the products,” Leo Kremer, assistant manager said. “We send many of our sales people to the Scotts Training Institute so they can best meet our customers needs. We also carry a great assortment of patio
and garden supplies and furniture, and will have a selection of live plants when the weather breaks.” And then there’s paint. Ace Hardware not only
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Get quality pest control with Truly Nolen Truly Nolen may be a new presence in the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati areas, but Truly Nolen National has been providing quality pest control services since 1938. Dr. Chris Christensen, the owner of the local office of Truly Nolen, has a Ph.D. in entomology and was a professor of Entomology at the University of Kentucky for 16 years.
Garden | From 14 What’s in: Info lust What’s out: Lack of knowledge Lack of time and knowledge have been primary reasons people hesitate to garden. Not anymore. Novices and experienced gardeners hungry for inspiration, information, and instruction are packing master garden classes for instruction and gardening “how-to” tips. Gardeners are gobbling up information from
He has been in the pest management business as Truly Nolen Lexington for 18 years. Dr. Chris and Mike Geiman, the local field sales consultant, have more than 63 years of combined experience in the pest control industry and urban pest management knowledge. They are confident that they can provide quality pest management services to protect your
friends, classes and workshops, local garden media, magazines, and the Internet and sharing their success stories with bloggers and friends.
environment and provide peace of mind. Other companies may apply chemicals first and ask questions later. Truly Nolen uses an integrated pest management to minimize the use of pesticides while still controlling pests. They prevent pests from invading your home in the first place. If pesticides are needed, Truly
a garden staple in large and small spaces. Select natural materials like cast stone and terra cotta containers and accessories that are perfect eco-friendly accents.
What’s in: Quick and simple What’s out: Over-the-top and complicated
What’s in: Global colors What’s out: Safe colors
As time-starved consumers try to juggle busy schedules most seek quick and simple solutions to meet their gardening needs. Containers are no longer a trend but
The 2009 color forecasters predict a funky mix of colors that reflect a jambalaya of world cultures. Today’s main color influencers are our global connectivity, cultural
Nolen uses low-impact products in focused applications to target only the pests that are causing the problem. If you count yourself among the 93 percent of Americans who are concerned about the environment – and your impact on it – then call Truly Nolen Pest Prevention for all your pest control needs. They are “green,” “effective” and “affordable.”
unity, and environmental responsibility. “Colors are bold, crazy, exaggerated, and in-your-face, almost like pop-art, and reflect a playful spirit in the face of world events,” said Donna Dorian, former style editor of Garden Design Magazine. Be uber-trendy with anything red this spring from the Carefree Spirit shrub rose and true red rhododendron “Trocadero” to tropical red Sun Parasol Crimson mandevilla.
What’s in: Worldly What’s out: Cookie-cutter Americans have embraced the world bazaar of vibrant colors, textures, sights and sounds. Asian, African, Indian, and MidEastern influences are showing up in patterns, textures and colors. For a complete look at the GMG 2009 Garden Trends, visit www.Garden MediaGroup.com or subscribe to www.Garden Plot.Blogspot.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent
Share your story in CreativeLiving call 923-3133 today.
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Service at the highest level from JonLe Excellent service for your maximum comfort – that’s the JonLe Heating and Cooling promise. The family-owned and -operated company has been serving the Greater Cincinnati area since 1960. That’s why they offer the most up-to-date heating and cooling products available. They’re also ready to inform you about ways to save money and become more energy efficient. These days everyone is looking for ways to save money and become more energy efficient, and JonLe is ready to help. With the new economic stimulus package, approved this February, homeowners who add certified energy-efficient furnaces and air conditioners can get a tax credit to cover 30 percent of the costs, up to a total of $1,500. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity only available now through 2010.
Visit JonLe Heating & Cooling at www.jonle.com.
In 2010 heating and cooling companies will no longer be able to install equipment that has R22 refrigerant, therefore prices on parts for such equipment will increase. It will be more cost effective to purchase new equipment with puron refrigerant instead of paying for repairs. There’s no better place to get that equipment than JonLe.
First and foremost their motto has always been “Service... at the highest level.” They provide the best possible product and service to best meet your comfort needs. Good quality service. Office hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. You’re guaranteed to reach a qualified employee at these hours. After
hours please leave a message and a staff member will return your call within the hour. JonLe also wants to remind you that regular maintenance is necessary to achieve maximum efficiency and long life of heating and air equipment. See the coupon below for 30 percent off a service call. For more information visit www.jonle.com or call 662-2282.
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Spring Home and Garden
NKY Stone imports stone from around the world NKY Stone is a family-owned company in Newport that specializes in natural stone. Denise Firth, a third generation stone expert, states that the company’s prices are competitive because they are family owned, and there is no middleman – they do all the work themselves. “We have a new showroom here on 10th Street, and customers hand pick their own
slabs of stone,” Firth said. “We have all custom fabrication. Customers can choose from more than 60 different colors of natural stone, such as granite, limestone, and soapstone – all natural stone from around the world.” NKY Stone is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Customers can also call 581-2255 for an appointment to see the stone samples. “If you are interested in updating your kitchen or bathroom, or adding a touch of natural stone anywhere in your home, come and see us,” Firth said. “We come out and measure, and then we install the stone ourselves so we control the quality from start to finish.”
www.nky.com
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Small’s Hardware has all your hardware needs In this day and age of big-box stores, Small’s Hardware, located in Expressway Plaza, is one of Northern Kentucky’s best-kept secrets and has maintained a mom-andpop atmosphere with excellent customer service. A family-owned business since 1967, Small’s Hardware knows your time is precious, so they don’t waste your time. Sales associates have more than 60 years of combined hardware experience and do their best to fix you up with the right products for your projects. With spring at your doorstep, they know you are ready to spruce up your yard and make it look fresh again. Small’s has a full line of Scotts products, from fertilizers to moss control. The four-step program
is on special now with $15 and $35 rebates. They also have many types of grass seed for every situation, up to 50 lb. bags on special. Thinking of giving your home a fresh new look this spring? The paint department includes premium paints by Porter and Do-It Best (Sherwin Williams). The Porter Voice of Color is very helpful when choosing corresponding colors for every room. They know how everyone’s expenses are, so they are giving Painters’ Prices (20 percent off) to everyone on all Porter paint everyday. Small’s is also a Pro Line Weber Grill dealer with more than 50 choices from the go-anywhere Table Top grill to the Summit line. You have to check out the 2009 colors – brick, steel gray, copper,
hunter green, stainless steel and blue. With every grill purchase you get your first tank of propane, grill assembly and delivery for free. Small’s is like the oldfashioned hardware store that fixes what they sell. They can repair lawn mowers, lawn equipment and power tools. Other services include screen and window repair, insulated glass replacement, glass and Plexiglas cut to size, sharpening of all tools and knives and rekey lock. The whole team at Small’s works hard to earn your trust, and looks forward to meeting you. They are ready to help you with any and all of your hardware needs. Think of Small’s for all your next project or repair and remember they guarantee everything they sell.
Ace | From 15
Ace’s garden center is top-notch and provides reliable service, advice and products to help customers get their projects done right.
accumulate points. Special coupons are issued periodically, even on their birthdays, and they can participate in promotions throughout the year which are available only to Rewards customers. To date, more than 8,000 customers have signed up since our opening in 2006.” With the exception of major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, both Ace Hardware locations are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Come to the helpful place, come to Ace Hardware.
sells the Ace brand of paint, but also carries the lines of Porter Paint and Benjamin Moore paint now at it’s Hebron location. Porter has a new line of colors called Voice of Color which we also have in stock, Schwartz said. If you have a certain color in mind that comes in a brand other than Ace, Porter, or Benjamin Moore we have a crossreferenced file that enables us to come up with a formula to get you that color in our Ace paint. Sold exclusively in Ace Hardware stores and
home centers worldwide, each Ace Private Label product is stamped with a guarantee of its quality. It can pay you to shop at Ace. “Signing up for the Ace Rewards program is free and easy,” Dick Blandford, owner, said. “As Rewards customers purchase items, they
Don’t miss out on Spring Home & Garden 2010. Call 923-3133 today.
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Showplace expands to Northern Kentucky Showplace Garden Center Outlet is a leader in the landscape and garden center industry. Because of Showplace’s ability to offer the homeowner quality products at a fraction of the price, the need was created for a second location. For the convenience of their Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky friends who have traveled to Crittenden for so long, they are now on Route 20 in Hebron. The new location will be wellstocked with trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals all at the same outlet prices as in Crittenden.
Showplace is a leader in the landscape and garden center industry. For specialty items, hundreds of Knock-Out Roses® and Japanese Maples are in stock. Mulch, both dyed and natural hardwood, is available in bags or easily loaded in bulk. Topsoil, baled straw, gravel
and boulders are just a few of the other supplies available. Looking for a good investment? The returns of gardening are phenomenal. Landscape and gardening are proven antidotes to stress and anxiety.
Gardening gets us moving physically, taps into our creative powers, establishes physical beauty, and creates a sense of order and control. As a result, gardening brings pure satisfaction to the soul. The Creator of the universe thought so – ever hear of the Garden of Eden? Showplace folks believe they can brighten the world by “blooming where they’re planted.” Make something bloom in your world today. The welcome mat is out both in Hebron and Crittenden. Come see them.