Homestyle0314

Homestyle Spring 2014

A TRUE

Renaissance Man Dive Right In

Lofted Gardening

Spring 2014

Homestyle CONTENTS

features

4 A true Renaissance man 8 Dive Right In 11 Consider the Lilies 12 Lofted Gardening 16 Spring Forecast: Sunshine 20 Moving into a new landscape

2 Homestyle Spring 2014

Homestyle ideas and feedback

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Our content is reader-driven, and you, the reader, can make a difference on what we bring to each and every issue of Homestyle Magazine.

Please send your story ideas, questions and concerns to Editor Vicki Bennington at vbennington@sbcglobal.net.

On the Cover Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, Haskell Playhouse, believed to have been designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger, has been a focal point in the heart of Alton since 1885.

Photo by Vicki Bennington

12 Spring Forecast:

By Stephanie Hardwick Stokes

16

A note from the editor

truly looking for in terms of home, garden and lifestyle.

This month’s edition touches on the life and times of Lucas Pfeiffenberger, a prolific architect who by chance, chose to make Alton his home. In the process, he helped the city grow, and laid the foundation for what it has become today – not only architecturally. He was a four-time mayor and a community leader in a number of ways.

I mention a few of the buildings and homes that Lucas put his stamp on, but hope it provides food for thought and further research to discover the hundreds of structures that he was actually responsible for. The list goes on and on.

“Dive right in” contains a few tips for current pool owners or pool want-to-be owners who are entering the season with questions and dreams for their own backyard oasis.

And “Lofted Gardening” offers alternatives to traditional yards and flower beds, using containers and color to brighten a balcony, deck or patio, no matter what the size.

So, as spring slowly makes it

way to the official term of “sprung,” we move toward Easter and the hope that sunshine, chirping birds, nest building and budding trees will burst into full blown warmer weather and a time of cleansing renewal.

Meanwhile, please, let me hear from you. I want and wait for your ideas, comments and suggestions.

All the best,

Vicki Vicki Bennington can be reached at vbennington@sbcglobal.net

Spring 2014 Homestyle

As this unusually brutal Midwest winter season comes to an end, we bring you a revitalized, re-energized spring issue of Homestyle. As the magazine’s new editor, I plan to bring you stories on subjects that Riverbend residents care about and that can help them in their daily lives and inspire them to try new and different endeavors.

I grew up in Jerseyville, and was fortunate enough to travel and live around the country and the world for several years through assignments with my husband’s job. Choosing to return “home” to allow our children to grow up near grandparents and extended family, we moved back to the area in 1989, settling first in Alton, then moving to Godfrey in 1996, where we still remain.

The camaraderie and roots of this region run deep. People are connected. They know and care about each other, and I hope as a member of the community, the part I play in the overall equation helps me to be a conduit between residents and what they are

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4 Homestyle Spring 2014

a true Renaissance man Photos and story

by Vicki Bennington

Pfeiffenberger designs and legacy endure

Lucas Pfeiffenberger

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Private homes In 1903, Lucas designed the Beall Mansion at 407 E. 12th Street for Z.B. Job as a wedding gift for his son. In 1909, it was purchased by Edmond Beall, a politician and successful businessman.

The house at 629 E. 15th St. was designed by Lucas around 1905 for H. S. Baker Jr., a successful Alton legal practitioner, in the former large rose garden of his neighboring boyhood home. A major focal point is the great room, reminiscent of an Edwardian hunting lodge, which wasn’t added until the early 1990s, but blends well with the original home.

The house he designed for himself and his family at 708 State St. boasts many of the

features that Lucas was known for. In recent years, the owners painstakingly refinished the hardwood floors throughout the house, stripped the gorgeous woodwork and made changes to bring it back to the way it might have originally looked – with modern amenities.

The McPike Mansion on Alby Street was originally known as Mount Lookout.

It is now often referred to as one of the most haunted houses in America, but was designed by Lucas in 1869 for entrepreneur and horticulturist Henry Guest McPike.

The home popularly known as The Watson House, also on Alby Street, was designed around 1879 by Lucas for Henry Watson, who owned local stone quarries.

An interesting fact to note is that though built only 10 years after the McPike House, the Watson House, which has been constantly occupied, appears to be in pristine condition. By contrast, the McPike House has not been lived in since the 1950s, and shows more decline, demonstrating how much faster a vacant house can deteriorate.

The Holden-Jorges House at 400 Henry St. is a Lucas Pfeiffenberger home, built in 1876 of Italianate design.

The house at 702 Grove also is in the Italianate style and located in the Middletown Historic District. It was designed and built around 1891 by Lucas for Eugene Gaskins, who started his own printing company on Second Street in Alton.

The Italianate Victorian Sonntag family house on Henry Street was designed by Lucas in 1880. Members of the family lived in it until the 1950s. A unique, staggered brick design in the three-brick-thick walls instituted an innovative insulation feature, creating dead air space that helped (and still helps) keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The Koenig House on Fourth Street in Middletown is now home to a second location of the Alton Museum of History and Art. Built in 1897, the original house was another Lucas Pfeiffenberger design. It was donated to the Alton Museum in 1987

by Corida Koenig, daughter of the original Koenig owner, who said she wanted people to enjoy it the way she had enjoyed it.

Spring 2014 Homestyle

The house at 629 E. 15th St. was designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger and built around 1905. In the early 1990s, a large oak great room was added to the rear of the house, blending seamlessly with the original structure.

It was pure chance that led Lucas Pfeiffenberger to the city of Alton in the late 1850s. Passing through just for a visit with his former parish priest who had moved to Illinois from Ohio, Lucas was persuaded to stick around and put his obvious talents to work.

He went on to become a renowned architect, and designed hundreds of historically-significant structures, many that still stand today, a number that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The son of immigrants from BadenBaden, Germany, Lucas was encouraged early on to get an education. Born in Ohio on November 14, 1834, he learned farming and showed a propensity for construction, engineering and architecture, in addition to his regular studies. He travelled to California during the gold rush, and came back home to Ohio for a visit. As he headed back to the west and the promise of prosperity, he decided to pay a visit to Alton, and the course of his life was changed.

Today, the simple fact that a structure is a Pfeiffenberger design lends it historical importance on its own merit, and the sheer numbers that fit that bill are a little amazing.

Many Pfeiffenberger-designed homes have been on various historical tours, including Alton Area Landmarks Association annual historic house tour and Pride’s holiday and garden house tours. Pfeiffenberger’s work is often held up as outstanding examples of architectural beauty.

Lucas Pfeiffenberger designed a house for his own family on State Street in Alton.

6 Homestyle Spring 2014

The Watson House on Alby Street was designed around 1879

by Lucas Pfeiffenberger for Henry Watson, who owned local stone quarries.

The Haskell Playhouse, believed to have been designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger, has been a focal point in Alton since 1885. Unfortunately, the playhouse has fallen into disrepair.

Though renovations have been made through the years, it’s now time for a more major overhaul.

Public buildings In addition to the many private homes Lucas Pfeiffenberger designed, there were a number of commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and churches. Among them are St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the original St. Joseph’s Hospital (now Saint Clare’s Hospital, Saint Anthony’s Health Center’s second campus), Illinois Corrugated Paper Company, Lincoln School (now demolished) and Garfield School, the old First National Bank Building (originally Alton National Bank and now the Riverbender.com building) and several others.

The Haskell Playhouse, believed to have been designed

by Lucas Pfeiffenberger, has been a focal point in Alton since 1885. Unfortunately, the playhouse has fallen into disrepair.

Though renovations have been made through the years, it’s now time for a more major overhaul.

One of the biggest issues is the amount of lead paint that needs to be appropriately removed before repairs can actually take place.

In addition, water issues and termites have added to natural aging and caused problems that need to be addressed. Foundation work and repairs on the inside of the structure also need to be done, and though the roof was recently repaired, it may need to be replaced in the near future.

In an effort to keep the playhouse alive, the Haskell Playhouse Association and a dedicated core committee kicked off a crowd-funding campaign March 20. The goal is to raise $50,000 in 50 days, which will go a long way in making the restoration dream come true.

Elected official and community supporter Terry Sharp, president of Alton Area Landmarks, said through the design of structures of every kind, Lucas Pfeiffenberger played a major role in the growth of Alton in an architectural sense, but he didn’t stop there.

“He was very influential in city politics and the development of the town in general,” Terry said. “He definitely left a lasting impression on Alton. He was a city leader, rich and well-to-do, and believed in doing his part for the community.”

Lucas was elected mayor four separate times, was the president of the Alton Board of Trade,

of the Alton Building and Loan Association, later known as the Bluff City Workingmen’s Building Association, and the Piasa Building and Loan Association, and Chairman of the Board for Citizen’s National Bank.

Terry said that people tend to think of Pfeiffenberger’s structures existing just in Alton, but he also had an office in East St. Louis; he designed a hotel in Colorado, and one in Sedalia, Mo. “He was the premier architect in this area at that – or really any – time,” Terry said. “The number of homes, churches, hospitals and schools that he designed is remarkable.”

Many are still standing, and remain in full use, and sadly many have been razed for one reason or another.

Family man In 1867, Lucas married Elizabeth C. Mather. The two had five boys. The two oldest sons died of tuberculosis - one as a teenager, one in his early 20s.

Sons George D. and John M. joined their father in the field of architecture at Pfeiffenberger and Sons. James Mather became a doctor, married, and the couple had seven children of their own, who grew up in a house designed by their grandfather at 463 Bluff St. Their son, Mather, married Marty Pfeiffenberger, who said that Lucas’s legacy has always been a part of family lore, but not necessarily something they dwelt on from day-to-day.

Armed with a degree in journalism earned at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Marty came to Alton in 1954 to work in publicity and admissions at what was then Monticello College. A friend introduced her to the dashing, well-travelled Mather, 12 years her senior.

“I was shy and didn’t think I was nearly sophisticated enough, but I agreed to meet him, and the rest is history,” she said.

One of their daughters, Amy, attended carpentry school. Marty said she often wondered what Lucas would have thought of his great-granddaughter’s interest in the field.

Marty said Lucas wanted to pass his interest on to future generations, and left one of the front rooms in his personal residence unfinished in an effort to encour-

Lucas Pfeiffenberger built a number of commercial buildings, churches and schools, including Alton Womans Home (as stated on the front tip of the building) on State Street, St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Henry Street, and the original St. Joseph’s Hospital (now Saint Clare’s Hospital, Saint Anthony’s Health Center’s second campus) on 5th Street.

Another story regaled through the family happened during one of the terms when Lucas was the mayor of Alton.

Just after a winter snowfall, a constituent complained to Lucas about annoying children sliding on sleds past pedestrians, and told him he had to find some way to stop it. About

that time, several rambunctious boys came zipping by on their sleds, calling out, “Hi, Pop,” to Lucas and to the astonishment of the person complaining.

Lucas was known as a staunch Democrat, and Marty said in political circles, he was known as “Old Lue.” He died in 1918 at the age of 83, but near-

ly 100 years later, his legacy lives on.

For more information on the $50,000 in 50 days Haskell Playhouse campaign, visit www. haskellplayhouse.org, call (618) 465-3026 or send an email to info@haskellplayhouse.org.

Vicki Bennington can be reached at vbennington@sbcglobal.net.

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age his young sons to use hammers and become interested in house designing and building.

And it worked for two of them.

Lucas also was known for attention to detail in his architectural drawings. Family members came across a stack of architectural drawings that belonged to Lucas and donated them to the Missouri Historical Society in the 1950s (the Alton Museum of History and Art wasn’t formed until 1971). In 1958, the Missouri Historical Society displayed his drawings, ledgers and carpenters’ price lists at a display entitled “Designs for Victories.”

Accounts of the exhibit state that “the bright water colors used to denote the different kinds of material to be used enliven many of the drawings.”

Lucas also was chief of the Alton Volunteer Fire Department and he formed the first paid fire department in the city. Marty said a story has always been circulated that the firemen gathered to serenade him at the old firehouse located on State Street because they were so happy they were going to get a paycheck.

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Spring 2014 Homestyle

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Pool season is here ... now what?

Pool designs can be as elaborate as your imagination allows, like Pool Butlers’ sparkling oasis with a tinkling waterfall.

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ocializing, swimming, splashing and enjoying water goes way back.

All the way to the ancient Greeks and Romans, in fact.

But the modern swimming pool as we know it, attainable by individual families, didn’t become popular until sometime after World War II. According to swimmingpool.com, Hollywood movies suddenly made swimming pools synonymous with status symbol, and they became a part of the new American dream.

Now, swimming pools can be found in almost every country around the world.

New Zealand takes the honors for most swimming pools per capita at 200,000 pools for its approximately four million people. In the United States, the National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates there are more than 10 million swimming pools, including 360,000 public pools that are open year round.

As spring in the Midwest (slowly) approaches, residents begin to think about opening their existing pool or adding a new backyard oasis and living space.

So what does that involve?

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owners Ralph and Angela Valdes of Wood River, Ill., said opening a pool for the season is not a big deal, especially if its been properly closed in the fall and maintained through the winter months.

In general terms, closing encompasses cleaning the deck, scrubbing the pool walls and removing any pool debris, which can help to keep stains from forming.

Remove water from equipment, fittings and lines, drain the water down to the jet level, add the proper chemicals, and a big factor, Angela said, is securing the cover properly.

“You don’t want to drain all the water out, because fiberglass pools and certain liners will dry out, and the ground pressure can cause cracks in an empty pool,” Ralph added.

The type of cover used also makes a difference in how much care is needed for the pool during the months of non-use.

Mesh covers quickly filter rain water through and keep out debris.

“Mesh tends to last longer than a solid cover, too,” Ralph said.

On the flip side, mesh allows sunlight to shine through, and when the weather

begins to warm up, algae can begin to grow, and the pool then looks more like a pond.

“As the water starts to warm, it’s a good idea to open the pool, take the cover off, or at least, lift the cover and add chemicals,” Ralph said.

A solid cover blocks the sun, but water doesn’t filter through, so removing standing water is necessary using a cover pump or in the case of above-ground pools, may have to by syphoned off. During the winter months, removing the water after snows or rains, and removing heavy rubbish that may fall on the cover can make opening day go much smoother.

After removing the cover in the spring, make sure to clean it off and let it dry so it doesn’t mildew and will be ready for use again as the season comes to an end – as it inevitably tends to do.

Reconnect pumps and filters, add ladders, wipe surfaces, restart circulation equipment, remove plugs, set up the electrical system, balance the chemicals and refill to bring the water to the desired level, and it’s ready to go. Whew – it sounds like a lot of steps, but Ralph said it’s not difficult.

Pool Butlers’ stamped concrete pool deck adds visual interest to a classic pool design.

Shrubbery and perennial plants provide a backdrop for a Pool Butlers’ design with multiple water features.

Atlantis Pools can include water features like a rushing water cascade and spouting fountain.

Pool deck surrounds come in a variety of materials – most synthetic – to create a unique look like this Atlantis Pools design.

components that have become popular in recent years? Should you add slides, diving boards, etc? Or will you use the pool for swimming laps and exercise? As a dipping pool to cool off? As a focal point for cocktail parties? Or all of the above?

Ralph, who’s been in the business for 22 years, said while size of property may determine scope and shape of the pool, hilly terrains shouldn’t be a deterrent for adding a swimming pool.

“In fact, it provides an opportunity for nice stone retaining walls and landscaping that can make it much prettier,” he said.

Large rectangular in-ground pools are a popular mainstay, and above-ground pools are a less costly choice, starting as little as $2,500, while a basic in-ground runs somewhere around $25,000 and goes up from there.

Angela said many people also choose to rehab and update an older pool, install a new liner, replace tile work or add a new deck, all of which can give new life to an existing pool.

Customized design services at Atlantis Pools also allow a wide variety of choices.

There are gunite (concrete) pools and

fiberglass styles that are pre-finished and take less time to complete.

Above-ground pools are generally made with fiberglass joined with steel bracing. They tend to be less costly and work well in a small yard. The newer Doughboy above-ground pools even include step-downs similar to in-ground models. But most are shallower (around four-foot deep) than in-ground models, and diving is usually not an option.

Intense heat can raise the temperature of an above-ground pool quicker than in-ground, which can allow the growth of algae, make the water cloudy and chlorine levels to drop faster, requiring the addition of more chemicals.

Custom shapes – free-flowing – offer a unique alternative for in-ground pools that Doc Halliday of Atlantis Pools said many customers want.

“We can create a drawing with elevations – much like a house drawing – and let customers see what the pool and surrounding options are going to look like,” he said.

Doc, who co-owns Atlantis with Jon Wooden, has three locations in Alton, Fairview Heights and Springfield, Ill., and

Spring 2014 Homestyle

However, it’s important to know and understand your pool and systems.

Pool Butlers provide professional opening, closing and cleaning services, but Ralph said they educate pool owners on how to care for their pools themselves, too.

As far as regular cleaning, Ralph said the way the circulation system is set up in the beginning can reduce the work needed for the life of the pool. Stabilizers give added help with outside forces like rain that can bring in bacteria, and dry spells that deplete chlorine through evaporation.

If you’ve considered adding a pool, but haven’t taken the plunge quite yet, there are several points to consider. Budget, size of property – check with your city for specific codes and ordinances concerning power line proximity, necessary fencing (a four-foot surrounding pool area is usually required), property line easement and other factors.

Another consideration is size of your family and how you plan to use the pool itself. Do you have small children that will spend a great deal of time during summer months with you in and around the pool? If so, should you add outdoor kitchen

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10 Homestyle Spring 2014

Rock features create a natural look as part of Atlantis Pools’ landscaping and design.

has been in the business since the 1970s.

Since then, he said, pool styles have changed, technology has changed, and the chemicals have changed.

“You no longer have to be a chemist to maintain a pool, the liner lasts longer, and everything is more convenient,” Doc said.

The new salt systems make it so easy – the water doesn’t turn green. And low voltage, remote control robot cleaners seem like something out of “The Jetsons.”

“Basically, nearly all of our in-ground customers have been going with the salt system now,” Doc said.

“And the more you use the pool, the cleaner it stays,” he added.

In-ground pools can run anywhere from the basic $25,000 models to $250,000, that can include surrounding outdoor kitchens, fireplace pits, landscaping - you name it.

Spas are another big seller for those who don’t want to add a full-size pool, or for others who want to augment their larger pool with a hot tub.

These can range from an average $2,900, up to $15,000, Doc said, and can be equipped with wireless television, speakers, LED light systems, and head-to-toe body massaging jets. A roof can be constructed above the tub, or even a gazebo-style structure added.

“It really is like going on vacation every day – in your own backyard,” Doc said.

Will you get your money back for pool installation when you get ready to sell your house?

Ralph said, first of all, when most people decide to install a pool, they intend to use it for a number of years. The cost-per-use and the entertainment value is a return-on-investment in and of itself.

And Doc said even when it comes time to sell, most people find they recoup around 75 percent of their investment.

“I always tell people, if you have a pool, sell your house when it’s in full operation,” Doc said. “That’s when people can see the beauty and full potential of a pool or spa.”

Vicki Bennington can be reached at vbennington@sbcglobal.net.

Multiple fountains add a nice focal point in an Atlantis Pools’ conception.

A brown pebble liner gives this pool by Pool Butlers Installations and Service a beautiful aqua color.

Consider the lilies of the field ...

By Carol Chroust

purposes. A 5,000-year-old Sumerian tablet recorded Create your own homefields of lilies around Susa, made spectacular display by an ancient Persian city. Some adding lilies to your flowergar- scholars believe lily bulbs den. From the fragrant white spread from Persia by way Easter lily to the elegant pink of nomad caravans carrying “surprise” lily or the exotic them along as a food source.

Asian lily, they are head-turnFrom time to time, the bulbs ing beauties. were dropped, took root and Lilies come in a myriad propagated themselves. For of colors, shapes and sizes.

2,000 years, they were also Some flowers are upright or an important food source in trumpet-shaped; others are Japan, Korea and China. downward nodding or turkLilies had other uses. As scap (when the petals curl up early as the third century and backwards).

B.C., lilies were intertwined Lilies are loved for their with crocuses and hyacinths beauty and fragrance. They to make fragrant ceremonial were cultural symbols and crowns. Lilies were used to part of folklore, mythology, make a burn ointment and legends, sacred and historical were combined with honey to texts. prevent wrinkles and old age.

Lilies were found in the In both testaments of the most exotic, remote places Holy Bible, the lily symbolizes on earth and served many purity and chastity as well as

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packages in businesses and greenhouses.

To grow this beautiful flower with its humble but glorious history, choose bulbs that are full and firm, not dried out and hollow. Pick a sunny spot in good soil. It is crucial that the soil drains well.

Place the top of the bulb in a hole six inches deep. In extra hot places, a little light shade is protective. For an extra boost to any type of bulb, first place some dried manure, bone meal and blood meal deeper in the hole. Then cover it with a thick layer of soil between the fertilizers and bulb to prevent burning.

For the regular home gardener who seeks stunning beauty, all it takes is a hole, a bulb and a moment of time in exchange for years of pleasure.

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Spring 2014 Homestyle

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death and loss at Easter-time.

It is often connected with the Virgin Mary. In one Gospel song, Christ Jesus is referred to as “The lily of the valley.”

French priests started collecting Chinese lilies in the mid-1800s. A priest named Augustine Henry found a lily he called Henry’s lily (L. henry) when he climbed limestone cliffs in the gorges of Yangtze River. He named another lily he found in Tibet the Regal lily (L. regale).

Japanese lilies made their way to the West Coast after World War I. When World War II broke out, Japanese supplies dried up and United States production took off.

Today, blooming lilies are regularly seen in grocery stores and greenhouses. Many varieties of lily bulbs for the home garden are available in

Lofted Gardening

12 Homestyle Spring 2014

By Vicki Bennington

Pots and vessels raise gardening to new heights

It’s easy to be green – no matter where you live.

Sometimes, you just have to be a little more creative.

For people who live in lofts, condos or apartments, missing the chance to grow flowers and vegetables is sometimes one of the biggest adjustments. But with a little experimentation and patience, you can still be the master of your own garden.

And urban-style living is becoming more and more popular in small or medium-sized towns and cities. You don’t have to be in New York, Chicago or even St. Louis to enjoy the spacious upper spaces of historical structures. Luxury lofts are being quickly snapped up as residents discover or rediscover the beauty of downtown districts.

And there’s no typical profile for those who choose this type of lifestyle. There are seldom small children, but people who choose loft-style living come in all genders, ages and professions, some who have always liked urban living and others who were accustomed to a single-family home, complete with yard and garden care.

Judy Hoffman, who lives in Alton’s Mississippi Landing lofts, said she misses shaping and pruning the shrubbery she grew along the hillside on the grounds of her former singlefamily residence.

“I used to create my own monster with plants and bushes. It was a lot of work, but sometimes, I do miss it,” Judy said. “And I miss songbirds and

AP Photo

butterflies that I just don’t see from my loft.”

With a southwestern exposure, her balcony gets a lot of wind and sun, and she has to be careful when choosing plants that will survive the elements.

She’s found the western end of the balcony to be the most conducive to prosperous plantings.

“I was used to taking care of a shade garden at my house,” she said. “It was a real learning process. I had to figure out how to take care of and choose the right sun plants.”

She said the wind and sun cause the plants to dry out much quicker, so she keeps a close eye on the soil to make sure she waters often enough.

She still loves to plant bushes and shrubbery, and has discovered the deeper the container, the better. It can be done suc-

cessfully.

But the lack of extensive gardening doesn’t mean she doesn’t like loft living. Quite the contrary.

“Sure, there are things I miss, but there are other advantages I have gained,” she said. “There’s always something to look at – I love the view of the Clark Bridge – and the tall ceilings and openness of the loft is beautiful and great for entertaining.”

In many ways, it provides “easier” living on one level.

Penny Schmidt, who also lives in a Mississippi Landing loft, said she hears other residents speak nostalgically about their former yards. Not so with her.

“I love not having to worry about or take care of a yard,” Penny said. “I do container gar-

flow Potted e p to a rs will a lants w loft o ttrac ith c t r con do b colorful heerful alco ny. visitors

13

AP Photo

Spring 2014 Homestyle

os can oftop pati arietro d n a s and v Balconie any plants m s a e d lu inc . ce allows ies as spa

of ith a variety an pots filled w o r ti ila pa m e si th ng Arrangi a corner of rubs makes and enjoy trees and sh t down, relax si to on ti ta vi in ve n living. attracti midst of urba nature in the

14 Homestyle Spring 2014

AP Photo

dens because I like to look at and putter around with the flowers, and I’ve had birds build nests on my balcony, so I still have a taste of nature.”

She researches and shops for plants that will work with an eastern exposure, and she likes to keep the plants very contained.

Penny, who lived in New York City for many years before returning to the River Bend area where she grew up, partnered with Duane and Nancy Randall in Moonbeam Initiatives LLC, to purchase and develop the former Mississippi Lime Co. building in 2006.

Also, as the old Illinois Terminal Railroad building in a former life, the historical significance of the structure is extensive.

And of course, that’s part of its charm.

When designing the interior loft space during development, Penny said scale was a huge consideration. The lofts have eight-foot doors and five-inch hickory floor planks to accommodate and “fit” the 12-foothigh ceilings. And she loves the look of the exposed brick and beams, high ceilings and open spaces, and finds the historical aspect intriguing.

The balconies are also generous, which Penny said she feels fortunate to have.

In New York, she had a tiny Juliet balcony, and for a time

AP Photo

planted flowers in containers, much like she does now.

“I think scale is important when using containers, too,” she said.

In addition to gardening tasks, Penny uses the balcony to see the overall landscape of downtown Alton that includes grassy areas and the river and all the interesting architecture, which is a nice mix of new and old.

In general, container gardening is a simple way for loft, condo and apartment dwellers to keep their hands in the dirt.

Even tomatoes and other vegetables can be grown in pots, as long as you keep a watchful eye on their needs.

And basically, the containers can be as large or small, as fancy or simple as you like.

They can also be changed out from year-to-year to try new colors, shapes and sizes.

Sun-loving plants that do well in containers include hibiscus trees or bushes, petunias, geraniums – these come in many colors - and herbs that can provide beauty, a nice aroma and can be clipped to add a little pizazz to the menu.

Plants that do best in shade ft bals on a lo here n e rd a g r Containe s a warm atmosp te cony crea and their pets. nts for reside

Fo

r lo include ferns, variarra ft dwell n e ous grasses (some are plan ge indo rs witho or co ts li ut a more suitable for sun), k red o b rchid e this e ntainer g alcony o hosta, impatiens, flowering a arde r pat s cact y t o n us, f i begonia, and ivy, which can or a grow, f s or ha o, n spot la be used to surround a central of br mboyan g ight planting. colo t r.

Even if you don’t have a patio or balcony, indoor hanging plants near a window, or a container arrangement can still brighten your space and provide an opportunity to put your green thumb to good use.

Vicki Bennington can be reached at vbennington@sbcglobal.net.

For Homestyle

Did you know?

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Excessive watering is a waste of water and can cost homeowners money while harming the environment at the same time.

Water that is not absorbed by the lawn can result in runoff, which causes nitrogen in the grass, any fertilizer that was applied and chemicals in the water itself to run into gutters and eventually pollute streams, rivers and oceans. In addition, grass needs oxygen in the soil to grow properly. But when a lawn is overwatered, the oxygen between the soil particles is pushed out, depriving roots of the oxygen they need to grow in strong. This leads to shallow root systems, which make a lawn more susceptible to stress, disease and insect infestation. But overwatering can also be unsightly, as lawns that are overwatered tend to have more weeds, robbing even the greenest of lawns of its aesthetic appeal.

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Spring 2014 Homestyle

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16 Homestyle Spring 2014

By Stephanie Hardwick Stokes

Yellow is this season’s popular new hue, and it is warming up rooms, accessories and fabrics of all styles.

SUNSHINE! Vintage

A bedroom in this 1850s restored home exudes charm. The lily of the valley wallpaper makes a delightful place to be whether you are tucked away warm and dry sipping a cup of tea during a spring shower or you are feeling the spring breeze kiss your cheeks and ruffle the antique linens.

A bathroom in the same home takes on a deeper, more golden feel with its flax faux finish on the walls. Look closely for the antique pitchfork towel holder, butter churn handle turned toilet paper holder and Victorian dresser made into a sink vanity.

Tips on Painting Yellow Walls

There is a reason yellow is used on many traffic warning signs and on school buses. It catches your attention and a little goes a long way!

If you decide to follow the trend and paint your walls yellow, remember that all shades of this sunny color go on much brighter than you expect.

The more mass (wall space) you have, the stronger the color will appear.

With yellow, I recommend going two shades lighter on a paint strip than the color you think you want.

Spring 2014 Homestyle 17

Yellow also changes with the light more than other colors. This is true of morning light versus evening light as well as the direction of your light, Easterly versus Northern. A simple tool to help you decide - buy a sample of the color you think you want. Paint a poster board and tape it to your wall to observe how the shade of yellow will look in your home and with your lighting. This can save much work and heartache.

It can also give you the confidence to move forward with a great change. Still unsure, call an interior designer to select your paint for you.

18 Homestyle Spring 2014

Five Ways to Freshen Your Accessories for Spring 1.

Try hanging decorative plates you may have tucked away in your china cabinet. The Spode plates hung on either side of the Chippendale mirror visually expand the width of the wall grouping, but are also a pleasant reminder of my trip to England.

2.

Create a centerpiece of lemons or other seasonal citrus. The look and smell are both refreshing.

3.

Mix in a piece of art in a different style. Over my fireplace a square piece of contemporary art is flanked by traditional lion statuary lamps. The colors in the art tie in the other design elements in the room, but the medium and style are a departure from the other art.

4.

Change out candle colors. I like to emphasize various design components of the room as the seasons metamorphous. The bronzes of fall and the reds of winter give way to a bolder burst of yellow in my candles and other accessories as spring approaches.

5.

Remove old, tired greenery and introduce fresh succulents. If you are using silk greens, now is the time to spring clean them.

Rinsing them with warm water or spraying them with silk cleaner can make them look like new.

Traditional Yellow debuts its buttery tones on simply-painted walls in my own living room.

As a designer I like so many different styles and colors, it is difficult to choose what I want to live with on a daily basis. Each new job I do for a client, gets me so involved in the style and color scheme that is selected that I start wondering if I should incorporate that look into my own home.

My husband does not find this constant flux of ideas too amusing!

One late spring day, I took my Sherwin Williams paint fan deck outside, sat down on the ground next to a patch of my favorite seasonal bulbs, which were blooming,and started matching colors to parts of the blooms I loved.

I finally settled on the subtle, yet nice warm shade of butter. It is not abrasive, nor is it too lemony or sweet either. The sun makes it come alive in the morning, but as the day goes on it mellows out with more complex undertones. The subtleness causes it to come across almost as a neutral.

Modern These are three brand new contemporary fabrics introduced for the spring line. So new, they were not yet on pieces of furniture to photograph for you!

Geometrics ha colors almos ve taken on a softer lin e t blur one in to the next. as the oversized.

The scale is

If I try using yellow, what do I pair with it?

Vintage:

Try using grassy greens or greens with yellow undertones.

Traditional

: Navy blue and yellow is a timeless combination.

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Mix a yellow with green undertones with a cool grey. Pairing warm and cool hues is all the rage.

The linen has a gorgeous raised diamond embroidery. Texture, texture and more texture is imperative. The photograph is a close-up to highlight detail, so the scale of this pattern is much smaller than shown.

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Spring 2014 Homestyle

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Moving Into a New Landscape

20 Homestyle Spring 2014

Let’s suppose you just moved into a home that’s new to you, but not brand new.

Chances are there’s some landscaping and hardscaping already there, and chances are it’s not perfect. Perhaps it’s overgrown and old, or maybe just skimpy and unattractive.

You’ve just cleaned out your bank account to get through settlement, so hiring a makeover expert may be unaffordable for now. How can you make your new place into a showplace?

Rather than panic, let’s prioritize. The lowhanging fruit of yard beautification is usually simple tasks like tidying up clutter, pulling obvious weeds, raking and sweeping, and some fall grooming of plants that have gotten scraggly. We all know how to do these things, so it’s a matter of motivation.

Basic housecleaning comes first Most landscapes need simplification. Look carefully at your landscape plantings. Are they too crowded? Have some plants outgrown their spaces? Are they blocking walks and windows? Have they gotten gangly and misshapen over the years?

Just pull them out. This includes lawn shrubs and even crooked trees scattered around; replacing them with open space can instantly transform your yard. Less is more.

The remaining plants probably need grooming. Time for some “tough love.”

• Shear dense shrubs into nice neat mounds.

• Cut off low-hanging tree limbs that block your view or tangle with other plants.

• Perennials that are finished blooming and turning brown can be cut off at the ground; they’ll be back next year.

• Spent blooms on rose bushes and flowering shrubs can be trimmed off with a light shearing around the fringes.

A magic trick for renewing tired landscapes is bed edging where lawns and gardens meet. Simplifying fussy bed outlines with broad, sweeping curves really flatters

most landscapes. There should be a nice crisp edge just beyond the “drip line” of shrubs and trees, and neat mulch circles around lawn trees, the bigger the better.

• Use marking paint and a piece of string to make perfect circles around trees.

• Lay out bed outlines using a garden hose.

• Cut straight down with a spade along your paint marks.

• Strip the sod away two or three inches deep along the edges.

• Spray weed killer like Remuda or Roundup inside the edge.

Story and photos

by Steve Boehme • Wait a week or two for it to work.

Once you have your beds cleaned out, weeded, raked, and the necessary grooming finished, it’s time to mulch.

This is literally the icing on the cake, and if you do a nice job, it will freshen up your landscape like nothing else. We recommend mulching heavily in spring to stop weeds, but fall mulching is more cosmetic so you can stretch the mulch a bit more.

Define the driveway Is your new driveway gravel? Most gravel drives have sloppy, uneven edges where

Crisp, well-defined edges and new clean gravel are a magic bullet of curb appeal. grass and weeds have invaded the gravel. Cut a fresh groove along each side of the drive, and then remove all the grass and soil inside the edges creating a “gutter.” Next, add fresh gravel, rake it smooth and pack it down. The crisp, well-defined edge and new clean gravel are a magic bullet of curb appeal.

Deal with defects and hazards Once you have the yard looking neat, it’s time to take stock.

First, you should make some tough decisions about the largest plants in your yard: large shrubs and trees. Often there will be trees

Spring 2014 Homestyle 21

Simplifying fussy bed outlines with broad, sweeping curves really flatters most landscapes.

Before: The beds were overcrowded. that are old, neglected, overgrown or even dangerous.

We often see defective trees that began life as “volunteers,” simply sprouting and growing on their own. Volunteer trees need to be managed carefully and trained, or they can become dangerous. The weakest softwood species tend to be the most eager “volunteers,” and they may be taking over and crowding our desirable plants.

Trees may be spaced too close to each other and need culling. Pedigree is important with plants. A professional can help you decide which trees to eliminate; you should pick desirable species and get rid of trees with bad habits.

22 Homestyle Spring 2014

Live with it and learn Living with the landscape for a while is really helpful. You should walk your property in all seasons, in all kinds of weather, before you make drastic changes.

Structural problems like drainage may not be obvious at first.

Landscapes change with the seasons. If you don’t know your plants, you may not realize what you have. If you move in during the dormant season, there may be treasures you have no way of knowing about. It’s harder to tame really overgrown landscapes in summer because you just can’t see what’s there.

Your own lifestyle and traffic patterns

After:

By thinning overcrowded beds, edging and mulching, it made a huge difference right away.

should be part of any landscape plan. Microclimates will affect plant selection. Issues like privacy, shade and sun, windbreak, critter activity, and your relationship with your neighbors will come into focus over time.

You want to see what the existing plants are and what they do in each season.

Make it your own It’s never too soon to start thinking about a well-designed landscape, and planning how you can work your way there from where you are right now. Many home landscapes are just a collection of plants that were bought on impulse because they attracted attention when they were blooming. You’ve probably never looked at it through a landscaper’s eyes, but that’s what you need to do.

Try not to acquire new plants until you have an overall plan. Discourage people from giving you plants as housewarming gifts; gift cards are much better. Picking specific plants is actually one of the last steps in professional landscape design. Make a written inventory of existing plants worth transplanting; this is your “paintbox” when you design your new landscape.

A huge first step toward a landscape design is simply taking photos of your property from every angle. What does it really look like from the street, or from your

neighbor’s yard? Sit in your favorite chair on your porch, deck or patio and capture what you see. Stand at your kitchen sink or your front door and capture the view.

Looking at these photos will call your attention to the good, the bad and the ugly.

Years from now you’ll be glad you took a good set of “before” pictures.

A landscape plan starts with a simple drawing; a map of what you have now in your yard.

Take the time to measure your home’s exterior, including walks, patios, driveways, obstructions and existing trees. Graph paper makes this step much easier. Having a plan on paper makes any home improvement project more successful. It saves wasted time, effort and money no matter what. If you do a little homework, you can get much better guidance from any design professional.

In our garden center, we have a “Snapshot Gardening Design Desk” where we give our customers free landscape guidance. If you bring us photos and measurements, we can send you home with a plan drawing and everything else you need for simple projects. If your needs are more complicated we might recommend a “house-call,” but we can get started on the most important step based on your photographs and measurements.

In with the old

Story by Stephanie Hardwick Stokes Photo by Justine Bledsoe, Sharon Bledsoe Interiors Update through textiles Replacing “tired” fabrics with more neutral, textured options can quickly make a sofa or chair blend in a more modern setting. Reupholstery can be a very costeffective way to update a piece, but it is always worth the investment to retie springs and replace worn-out padding.

We have several outstanding upholsterers who do work for my design firm and are sensitive in handling heirlooms and making any necessary repairs to the frame.

On a recent design project, we incorporated vintage knit pillows with oversize mother of pearl button accents added into the mix with newly-made pillows.

Thrift shopping and antiquing are definitely on the rise. Many shoppers enjoy looking for a good deal, a one-of-a-kind treasure or may just be in it for the thrill of the hunt.

Strolling with a good friend through the booths of an antique extravaganza has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate spring’s arrival.

But let’s face it, most of us are not trying to live in a period-perfect home or a museum. I don’t personally want to live in a room that has only antiques, and I don’t want to live in house that doesn’t have any. The key is to have a mix.

To best accomplish a goal of decorating with vintage treasures, I suggest you start with a few basic guidelines.

Inventory your pieces Often I find my clients have a wonderful antique piece in one room of their home or may have disregarded other pieces tucked into a back bedroom or garage. Start by creating an organized inventory of all your furniture pieces. Note the height, width and depth measurements of each piece.

It can also be extremely helpful to take a digital photo. The purpose is three-fold: First, it assists in fitting the piece into a sketched room plan or a computer rendering. Second, pieces often appear different depending on their environment. This helps in re-evaluating current pieces based on dimensions or comparing sizing for future purchases. Lastly, it will expedite the consultation process if you hire a design professional.

Keep like periods and finishes together Consistency is key. Do not try to combine art deco, early American and Victorian all in one room or even in one house. It will become visual overload. Rather, pick a style you really enjoy (or already own) and stick with it.

The same rule applies to finishes. Try to keep most wood tones in your room in a similar base color. This includes furniture, picture frames and accessories.

For example, yellow-based pine, red-based cherry or mahogany.

Create a focal point The trend is to do a room in neutrals – the always popular beige, or the grays we have seen in the past several years or this year’s navy blue – and interject a few key color accents. This requires a trained eye and strategically placed items to create rhythm as your eye moves around the room.

As you are able, try to incorporate a few pieces of architectural and monetary value into the room. This will visually elevate all of your other pieces.

Spotlighting a collection Gather smaller antique items and turn them into a collection. By emphasizing a number of similar accessories in one location, they gather importance rather than adding to seemingly random clutter around the room.

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