Home and Garden 2013 by East Bay Media Group

Page 2 Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome back, wallpaper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Get instant shade from awnings that think . . . . . . . .3 Remodeling? It helps to know what you want . . . . . .5 Beautiful, healthy container gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 There’s a lot to love about propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Sustainable shrubs that are great for this region . . .6 Electronics and cabinetry made for each other . . . . .7 This is a great time to transplant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 What’s a yard without trees? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Before you paint, prepare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 All year long, riding mowers do the job . . . . . . . . . . .9 Is your Realtor tech-savvy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Save this calendar for fresh, local produce . . . . . . .10

Kitchen remodeling – page 5

A backyard oasis – page 16

When ownership is not an option, rent . . . . . . . . . . .10 Keep the tractor running right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 This carpet is green in every color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Imagine it, then build it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Choose the right window treatments . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Let a professional install a generator . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Add color without a huge commitment . . . . . . . . . .13 Forget watering when you grow inside . . . . . . . . . . .14 Explore nature with the Peckhams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 This roofing warranty lasts 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Innovations for today’s home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Hedge your bets for backyard privacy . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Farmhouse-inspired accents for the garden . . . . . . .15 Backyard kitchens can be a treat for all . . . . . . . . . .16

Homeowners say ‘welcome back, wallpaper!’

t’s happy news for at least some of us now that wallpaper is making a comeback. Paint is nice and an affordable way to change the look of a room, but arguably nothing can infuse a room with warmth, excitement and character the way a good wallpaper can. And think of the wall imperfections it can hide.

“Wallpaper really reflects the personality of the home,” says Marcia Trodson, of Quality Paint & Paper on Maple Avenue in Barrington. The shop which has been around since 1974, is seeing firsthand the rising interest in home decorating with wallpapers. In her second-floor perch, Trodson is surrounded by almost 1,000 books from

the top wallpaper manufacturers, making it possible to decorate with sophistication, charm and even playfulness. “I spend hours with customers helping them select just the right paper for a room in the house,” she says. “Often people will bring in a cushion or a curtain to find a complementary paper for a room.” Of note, that same customer-oriented

Quality Paint & Wallpaper, Inc. 119 Maple Avenue, Barrington, RI 02806

401-245-5574 Monday thru Friday 8:00 - 5:30 Saturday 8:30 - 3:00 • Closed on Sunday

service is also evident on the first floor, where Marcia’s brothers, Stan and Jeff Szczepanek, all children of the original owners, manage the Benjamin Moore paint department, a line they have carried since the store opened. Looking to repaint an inside room or the exterior of your home, then you’ll enjoy this feature. A popular computer program on the Benjamin Moore website is the Personal Color Viewer, which enables you to see how a color will look on the interior or exterior of your home before you even pick up a paint brush. You can use images from a pictorial library, or import pictures of Marcia your own home. Sorry, Trodson not doable with wallpaper! Trodson notes that the wallpapers of today are really well suited for any room in the home, unlike the papers of years ago. Most have a protective coating so they are washable. One small caveat: you probably wouldn’t want to put a grass cloth paper in a bathroom which experiences high humidity. Wallpaper’s back. Let the fun begin.

Quality Paint & Paper ■ Maple Avenue, Barrington ■ 401-245-5574 ■ www.qualitypaintri.com

Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013 Page 3

Get instant shade from awnings that think F

inding shade on a sweltering summer day is getting easier. If your favorite shade tree got taken out by a recent storm, take heart. A solution is at hand. Look to a retractable awning that can bring real comfort and convenience to a patio, terrace or deck when the sun is at its meanest. There are many different types, including the lateral folding, retractable version that’s there when you want it, gone when you don’t. Awnings can be motorized to operate with the press of a button, or manually opened or closed with the easy use of a crank. There are fabric options, as well, with most purchasers opting for the versatility and endurance of Sunbrella canvas fabrics that come in a wide range of solid colors and stripes and have proven to be resistant to fading from the sun. According to Mike Ullucci, owner of A Shade Above, a window treatment and awning retail-

A Shade Above ■ 708 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown ■ 401-849-5664 ■ www.ashadeabove.net

er with locations in Middletown, Providence and Worcester, an awning that is becoming very popular in the area is the Durasol retractable awning. “They are tremendously versatile when it comes to size,” he says of this awning manufacturer. “I have seen awnings measuring up to 40 or 50 feet long, and the ability exists to go even longer.” With an optional sun and wind package, the Durasol retractable awning thinks for itself, according to Ullucci. It is especially functional along the coast, where strong winds can crop up at a moment’s notice. Fitted with a custom wind/sun meter, a feature that is surprisingly moderate in cost, the awning will automatically retract when the wind increases, rescuing it from possible damage. The reverse happens when the sun hits the awning. It will automatically open, keeping house interiors cool and protecting furniture from fading. Awnings carry a five-year warranty on the fabric and a 10-year warranty on motors. The professionals at A Shade Above are happy to make house calls to measure for awnings, both those that think for themselves and those that don’t, as well as provide free estimates on awnings and their many other window treatment options.

Today’s awnings can automatically expand or retract based on movements of the sun.

You can get a small awning with a single retractable arm that creates an intimate shaded area, or larger awnings up to 50 feet or more.

Page 4 Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

KITCHEN & BATH PROFESSIONALS

15 Dexter Road, East Providence, RI / 401-438-5105 / www.cypressdesignco.com

Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013 Page 5

Time to remodel? It helps to know what you want

hether your home needs a minor face lift or a complete renovation, getting help from a kitchen and bath designer is worth the investment and peace of mind, says Jennifer Voll, owner of Cypress Design Co., an established design firm in East Providence. The showroom features many attractive state-of-the-art kitchen and bath displays and offers a wide selection of cabinets, countertops, tile for both flooring and backsplashes, and plumbing fixtures. Most designers have access to planning tools and technology that the average homeowner doesn’t, she says. They are experts at helping homeowners establish realistic budgets, and they also have an insider’s knowledge of trends, new materials, building codes and technical quirks. Designers, like those at Cypress Design Co., can help you make better use of the space you have, and they can precisely quote the design and material costs that can keep budgets on track. This expertise can save you time, money and frustration. If you are considering a renovation, it’s important you take the time to research what you like. You’ll find plenty of design ideas in home magazines and on decorating websites, like Houzz.com, and similar online resources that let you develop a portfolio of images you like and weed out those that are not your cup of tea. “A picture can communicate clearly what you may struggle to capture in words,” says Voll. Voll is happy to share some rules of thumb when redoing vital rooms like kitchens, especially smaller ones. “Always choose the best cabinets you can afford,” she says. Both custom or top quality manufactured cabinets provide the function and style you are seeking, are long-lasting and come with warranties, all important considerations. Cypress Design Co. offers 10 different cabinet lines, ranging from full custom to contractor grade. If you don’t have an industrial-size space, she advises clients to think carefully about countertop space, making sure there is enough for food preparation, countertop appliances and other uses. Make use of every inch, but don’t clutter. Use smaller fixtures in a smaller kitchen. Create the illusion of height. By drawing the eye upward and having cabinets reach the ceiling, you will have the feeling of more space. You should also consider open shelving, which can make a room feel larger and enable you to display some of your favorite pieces as part of the décor.

Cypress Design Co. ■ 15 Dexter Road, East Providence ■ 401/438-5105 ■ www.cypressdesignco.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYPOINT

The perfect design process, step by step Many homeowners often ask if there is a best way to work with kitchen designers so that both parties have the same expectations. Jenn Voll offers the Cypress Design Co. process as a failsafe way to achieve the best outcome when working with a design company.

Step one: Schedule a complimentary in-home measure with a designer. The designer will measure the space, get a feel for your taste and budget and review your “must-haves” for the space. Step two: Make an appointment to visit the showroom to review several design ideas and narrow product selections, based on budget, needs and style. Step three: The designer will provide

preliminary pricing and images based on selections made and schedule a final showroom appointment to firm up choices. Step four: At your final showroom appointment, you will review and approve materials, sign the proposal and place a 50% deposit. A detailed set of plans is provided to your contractor for confirmation and a final inhome measure is taken if needed. Step five: Cypress Design will order all materials and within a week provide both the homeowner and contractor the final plans, specifications, warranties and estimated delivery dates. Step six: When all materials arrive at Cypress Design Co.’s climate-controlled warehouse, the final balance is due and a delivery schedule is arranged.

Old, tired spaces like kitchens (above) or bathrooms (left) can be transformed with a fresh redesign, and Jennifer Voll has advice on how to do that. First of all, she says, buy the best cabinets you can afford.

Page 6 Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

Follow these tips to beautiful, healthy container gardens

t’s hard at this time of year to hold back on placing containers filled with colorful annuals outside. But according to the pros at Frerichs Farm in Warren, don’t give in to this temptation until later in May, when our New England weather is more hospitable to tender annuals. Frerichs Farm, celebrating its 25th year of operation, is home to annuals, perennials and vegetables, lovingly grown in 11 greenhouses, as well as a fabulous gift shop. For those who have gardens to plant, it is the place to go. Their pointers for a successful container garden include the following. They said the most important ingredient is a good potting soil. They use Fafard, a light soil with a mix of peat, vermiculite and composted bark, that is not too heavy, and drains very well. They also recommend selecting plants that are compatible in terms of light, water, growth and the conditions of the location. Don’t mix shade lovers with sunny plants, and keep aggressive growers like mint on their own. They also suggest you get a good mix of texture, shape and color and use the colors you love. A rule of thumb for containers seen from all sides, is to place a large plant, like a canna or ornamental grass, in the center, covering its base with medium size plants like coleus or lantana, and then planting the trailers at the container’s edge, perhaps potato vine, million bells or verbena. Window boxes and one-sided containers call for larger plants in the back. “We like to see a kitchen door container with a mix of herbs and flowers, so it’s easy to get a snip of something while you’re

Virginia Waring and Barbara Frerichs of Frerichs Farm say a good container garden starts with good potting soil.

Frerichs Farm ■ 43 Kinnicutt Ave., Warren ■ 401-245-8245 ■ www.frerichsfarm.com

cooking,” the planting crew says. Be sure to water at least once daily, and on hot, windy days twice, and fertilize every few weeks. If time and energy get away from you, take advantage of Frerichs Farm’s excellent service. Bring in your containers and the accommodating crew at the farm will plant your purchased annuals free and keep them in greenhouses until they’re ready for the great outdoors. Then enjoy!

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amily-owned and operated by three generations of the Silveira family, Sowams Nursery has been around for more than 55 years. It’s no wonder that when this wholesaler and retailer of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals speaks, gardeners listen up. Joanne Silveira, greenhouse manager and a URI master gardener, tells area gardeners who are looking for easy to maintain plants for their landscaping projects to look at the Sowams Nursery sustainable trees ■ Sowams Road, and shrubs. Barrington They grow well ■ 401-245-8969 and thrive in the

right location, are pest and disease resistant and use less water and fertilizer once established, she says. Her list includes River birch, Kousa dogwood, Rhododendrons, Arborvitae and Yews. “We know they are going to do well with proper placement, soil conditions and moisJoanne Silveira ture,” she says. Workhorses that give a garden winter structure include the evergreen boxwoods and llexes. Her personal favorites are the tried and true Hydrangea, Weigelia, Lilac and Viburnum, a glorious bunch.

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nce upon a time, propane gas was a stepchild in the residential heating industry, consigned to the countryside where other fuels were harder to come by. Today this is not the case. According to Phil Viveiros, owner of Phil’s Propane in Tiverton and the largest independent propane supplier in the area, propane is fast becoming “the fuel of choice.” “Propane is being used with greater frequency in new residential construction because it is an environmentally friendly, highly efficient and its cost is competitive with oil,” he says. Another area where he sees tremendous growth is in the installation of propane-

powered generators. After the winPhil’s Propane ter’s historic ■ 477 Crandall storms, the call for Road, Tiverton generators was unprecedented, he ■ 401-624-6395 says, especially for propane generators, which have become the handsdown favorites in our area. Despite an overall cost of $4,000 to $8,000, standby propane generators will pay for themselves in convenience and comfort over a few years’ time. They start easily and can keep an entire household running uninterrupted during those nasty power outages.

Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013 Page 7

Electronics and cabinetry can be made for each other F

or 65 years, Horner Millwork has been in the business of providing custom millwork for residential and commercial applications, everything from doors and windows to stairs and cabinets. They sell to contractors, architects and homeowners and are also distributors of many fine product lines to the same markets. It’s really no surprise that these clever and successful people would hit on a great idea. They have combined two areas of expertise into one and captured a lot of homeowners’ attention in doing it. Home Genius, in business since 1998, partnered with Horner Millwork earlier this year, to respond to the growing interest in combining handcrafted custom cabinetry and state-of-the-art electronics. It’s our brave new world, and no wonder we are all intrigued with the many possibilities inside our homes. “Whole house audio, home theatre and custom cabinetry, all combined together, are really growing in popularity,” says Nick Sollecito, designer and operations manager for Home Genius, Division of Horner Millwork. “Our customer wants to be in the forefront of technology, but may not want the electronics to visually take over the house,” he says of the Home Genius approach. “You can decide to completely hide your entertainment system with custom cabinetry and built-ins that are designed for your space and decor of your home, or you can show it off,” he says. And there are certainly options in this high tech world of electronics and custom created cabinetry. Consider a whole house audio system, designed by the Home Genius technicians, that lets you stream music in every room of your home and outdoors, all controlled from your smart phone, tablet or computer.

From a basic home theater system, to a whole-house audio system, technology and interior design can integrate seamlessly. You can go Hollywood, if you choose. Suppose you love the big-screen movies and want to replicate the same audio and visual magic just as the studio intended. Home Genius can give you a complete system, with every exciting visual and sound effect, plus the functional cabi-

netry to contain it all. If you want to go the whole nine yards and control your home’s lighting, HVAC, security and audio with touch pad convenience, or from your tablet or smart phone away from home, the Home Genius folks can create a system for that too.

Horner Millwork ■ 1255 Grand Army Highway, Somerset ■ 800-543-5403 ■ www.hornermillwork.com

Page 8 Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

It’s a great time to transplant — if you know what you’re doing

t’s very fitting that words of advice on transplanting shrubs should come from the folks at Redwood Nursery and Landscape Services in Swansea. Founder Manuel Vales has a long history of gardening since the early ’60s, when he was groundskeeper for Blithewold. The late Blithewold owner Marjorie Lyon made Manuel a bequest so he could start his own business, and he did. Today, a dedicated, knowledgeable team of John, Tom, Penny, Moses and Manuel’s wife, Jackie Vales, and their son and daughter, are kept very busy with the full-service garden center and landscape operation. They are always happy to offer gardeners guidance. Right now, before the plant leafs out, is the ideal time for most shrubs to be moved, says Redwood Assistant Manager John Whitney, a Maine native and a former nursery owner in Idaho, who shares his expertise on transplanting. The first step is to cut around the base of the plant, straight through soil and roots with a sharp spade. Larger plants need bigger circles. Then you dig out the soil from under the circle, leaving the plant in a crater. You have created a root ball which now should be undercut with the spade and wrapped in burlap or a blanket to take to its new spot. If heavy, transport the shrub in a wheel barrow. “Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance,” says John. At the new location, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth, reserving the soil on a tarp. Loosen the sides of the hole so roots can easily penetrate the surrounding walls.

Redwood Assistant Manager John Whitney, a Maine native and a former nursery owner in Idaho, is happy to share planting, landscaping or transplanting advice with anyone. He says this is a great time to transplant shrubs or trees, but be sure to dig a good hole to start, and a good hole to finish.

Place the shrub in the hole and check that the top of the root ball is at ground level. If you are using a natural-fiber burlap, you can simply roll it down the sides without removing it. If it is synthetic, take it off entirely. Now you will backfill partially around the root ball with the reserved soil and lightly tamp it down.

Water the shrub and let it drain to further settle the soil. Add more soil, continuing to water and drain until it is level with the surrounding ground. Tamp lightly again to get rid of any lingering air pockets, and finally apply a 2-3” layer of mulch, to shrub’s drip line. Water regularly.

Redwood Nursery & Garden Center Redwood Landscaping & Property Maintenance 2664 Grand Army Highway, Swansea 508-379-0081; www.redwoodnursery.com

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Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013 Page 9

Grand Re-Opening Open House at 54 Bristol Ferry Road Portsmouth, RI

Everything to do with plants

Garden Shop, Inc.

683-2231 • 1-800-251-2231 www.igsinc.com

May 4 & 5, 2013 Martin VanHof suggests oaks and maples for shade; dogwoods, crab apples and magnolias for color; and Golden Rain or Soulwood for late-summer blooms.

What’s a yard without trees?

ondering what to plant to replace what you lost this winter? Some suggestions from Martin VanHof, the Island Garden Shop sage: Go with the tried and true woodland natives where shade is needed. Be wary that native oaks and maples can grow to be very large and take over a half-acre lot quite easily. Check out the tulip and Lon-

Island Garden Shop ■ 54 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth ■ 401 683-2231 ■ www.igsinc.com

don plane trees as well, also large specimens. Vanhof’s favorite ornamental trees can bring you blooms from April to July. Try dogwoods, crab apples, magnolias (even the Southern ones can do well in sheltered locations and are summer bloomers.) These are smaller size trees, ranging from 20’ high to 30’ wide and can fit in tighter spaces. For those rare summer bloomers, explore Golden Rain, a Chinese tree with small yellow flowers, and Soulwood, a native of the Carolinas, with white flowers and good fall color. Both bloom in August. You’ll also find diversity in the pricier Japanese maple family, but some can be sneaky spreaders, so beware.

10 am: Lecture by Martin Van Hof on Gardening Basics (No charge, just call and register.)

11 am: Dads, Bring your kids and help them plant some thing beautiful for Mom on Mother’s day! Take it home or leave it with us until Mother’s Day Weekend. (Material Fee for Kids Workshop) Preregistration suggested. Call 683-2231

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Before you paint, prepare

or the past 14 years, Bill Souza’s company, BadDog Painting, has been providing affordable and reliable painting for homes and businesses throughout the Southeastern New England area, with a licensed and insured team of qualified painters. His services include interior and exterior paintBill Souza ing, power washing and wood restoration, brush and spray applications and epoxy repairs. BadDog guarantees its work for a year. And on that subject, BadDog has some words of good advice to those looking for painting contractors this spring. Make sure

your painters are licensed and insured, Bill emphasizes. “Workers comp is important to employees and homeowners,” he says. He urges homeowners to make sure the prep work for each painting BadDog Painting project is properly done, as this is ■ Portsmouth; the most impor401-623-9045 tant step. The ■ www.baddogpaintprepping phase ing.net may include pressure washing, sanding, scraping, priming, caulking, glazing, plaster repairs, wood repairs, wallpaper removal and drywall patching, as needed. “You’ll want to know the surface is properly prepared before the paint is applied,” he says. “Check our work on Facebook.”

All year long, riding mowers do the job Dave Brown, manager of Goldstein’s Lawn and Farm Equipment, a landmark in the Westport area, has some suggestions for the average homeowner who is looking for versatility in a riding mower, beyond making the job of mowing the lawn or field easier. With the right attachments, he says, these machines can do just about everything. The Dave Brown Cub Cadets and Husqavarna models that Goldstein’s carry are able to mulch, bag leaves or grass, haul materials and even plow or blow snow in the winter. And no one has to make them lunch.

Goldstein’s Lawn and Farm Equipment ■ 287 Gifford Rd., Westport ■ 508-678-0381 ■ www.goldsteinswestport.com

Properly serviced and maintained, these riding mowers can last more than 15 years. Their base price starts at $1,500. Contractors, landscapers and farmers travel some distance to purchase equipment from Kubota, Troy-Built, York Rakes, Dolman, Land Pride and Poulan, because of Goldstein’s good selection and reputation for service and repairs. The occasional used equipment is always a lucky find.

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Page 10 Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

Is your Realtor tech-savvy?

ealtors in the area are all breathing a big sigh of relief now that the market is showing strong signs of recovery. “This spring is so much busier than those in recent years,” says Ian Barnacle, manager of the Residential Properties office in Barrington. “The feeling is one of optimism that we have truly hit bottom, and prices are stable,” he says. Ian, with a family background in the business, says realtors are now seeing more multiple offers. “With prices still affordable and mortgage rates at their lowest, it is an excellent time to buy,” he adds. If there are celestial signs for real estate, they seem to be in the right alignment. According to Ian, this spring is a really good time to sell, too. With multiple offers coming in, it is a sellers’ market. But sellers today are entering a real estate environment that has changed dramatically and calls for a different agent expertise. Certainly good, old fashioned experience, market knowledge and a sense of community are important factors in a potential agent, but technology know-how is really at the forefront. “Savvy agents today need to have essential technology tools as part of their skill set,” he says. Gone are property-listing sheets, replaced by an online presence that expands the marketing power of today’s smart real estate agents. More high-tech

Residential Properties ■ 295 County Road, Barrington ■ 401-245-9600 ■ www.residentialproperties.com

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Ian Barnacle says technology is nothing new for real estate sales — it’s the new norm. realtors are giving properties dedicated websites, including videos, photos and floor plans, plus a link to the statewide MLS listings. Today, nine out of ten prospective homebuyers view houses online and physically see only those of interest. Agents today are also armed with all they need on their tablets and can provide instant property information for both sellers and buyers. It is a different world. Before sellers entrust the sale of their property to an agent, they must know the extent of an agent’s technology expertise. Placing a property before a much wider audience on sites like Zillow and Trulia, and making vital information readily available to everyone, is not only smart, it is the new norm.

Save this calendar for fresh local produce “It all depends on Mother Nature,” says Karla Young, about when we will see local produce. “It’s been a cool spring, so growing may take a little longer.” Young and husband Tyler run Young Family Farm, a 200-plus-acre Little Compton family enterprise that grows everything from spinach and corn to potatoes Karla Young and peppers, available through stores and at its popular Main Road retail farm stand. Looking for the freshest veggies and fruits? Here’s Karla’s timetable. Clip and put it in a handy spot. May: herbs and possibly some lettuces. June: strawberries, spinach, onions, field

Young Family Farm ■ 260 West Main Road, Little Compton ■ 401/635-0110 ■ www.youngfamilyfarm.com

greens and micro lettuces. July: peaches, blueberries, green peppers and some of the earlier varieties of sweet corn. They try each year for a July 4 availability of sweet corn, but sometimes weather doesn’t cooperate. August: more blueberries, early apple varieties, sweet corn, hot peppers, baby potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash and most other vegetables. September, October: more apples (pick your own at Young Family Farm), potatoes and butternut squash.

When ownership is not an option, rent

hances are good you do not own everything you’ll need this spring to get your outside space up and running. And since not everyone has the lawn and yard service on speed dial, you’ll no doubt be doing those spring chores yourself. Isn’t it nice to know you can find what you need to do the job easier and faster? Tom Gamache, owner and manager of Taylor Rental of Middletown on Aquidneck Avenue, says when area residents begin their early spring yardwork, his business heats up. For thick and healthy lawns, he stocks thatchers, aerators and overseeders. For fertile and weed free gardens, he has just the right size rototillers. That equipment, used annually, is avail-

Taylor Rental ■ 1139 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown ■ 401/846-6100 ■ www.taylorrentalmiddletown.com

able for rent at a nominal rate. So are the lawnmowers, weed trimmers and leaf blowers that come in handy later in the season. And for the hardcore DIYers, a Bobcat on a trailer is also yours for the asking. For those with too many thumbs, Gamache says complete instructions are given for the use of each piece of equipment.

Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013 Page 11

Before firing up the tractor this spring, give it a good tuning and cleannig.

Take the right steps to keep the tractor running right Some simple steps can help you keep your lawn tractor up and running, according to the experts at Tom’s Lawn & Garden shop in Portsmouth, the area’s leading supplier and service provider for yard equipment from manufacturers like John Deere, Honda, Echo, Kawasaki and Ariens. Some jobs are better handled by Tom’s certified mechanics, but when it comes to at-home upkeep, you can prevent a lot of downtime by performing these tasks yourself.

Before use:

TOM'S LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT, INC. 1055 EAST MAIN ROAD PORTSMOUTH, RI (401) 683-0002

Most require 10 to 14 psi. ■ Fill fuel tank.

During the mowing season: ■ Periodically check the oil dipstick level,

adding oil as needed. Do not overfill. ■ Before each use, check tires visually. ■ Clean clippings from beneath mowing deck. ■ Regularly hand check belts and chain drives for wear and tightness.

■ Check the battery’s electrolyte level,

unless it is maintenance-free. Fill each cell with distilled water. Tighten the two cables. Recharge it if needed. ■ Check connections to lights, gauges and ignition, tightening as required. ■ Clean grass clippings from under mowing deck so airflow isn’t impeded. Some decks will have hose attachments to ease the process. ■ Have blades sharpened, a task that should be done annually. ■ Check that tires are properly inflated.

Tom’s Lawn & Garden ■ 1055 East Main Road, Portsmouth ■ 401-683-0002 ■ www.tomslawnandgarden.com

At season’s end: ■ Sharpen blades. ■ Replace spark plugs. ■ Replace (paper) or clean (foam) carbu-

retor air filters. ■ Replace fuel filter. ■ Replace engine oil and dispose of properly. ■ Add stabilizer to the fuel tank and run engine until fuel runs out. ■ Remove and keep battery charged during storage. As always, the Tom’s fully trained and certified service department stands ready to assist you with all your equipment needs, from simple tune-up to major overhaul. And if you’re in the market for a new model, no one beats the inventory of leading brand names at Tom’s.

Graphic Design Direct Mail Social Media www.OneBradford.com

Page 12 Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

This carpet is green in every color 3

S.F.

S.F. Installed

$ 99

$ 89

Hardwood

SmartStrand

NO INTEREST UNTIL 2016* *See retailer for details.

ARMAND’S CARPET & LINOLEUM, INC. 1535 So. Main St., Fall River • 508-679-2745 • www.ArmandsCarpets.com

What a relief that there are solutions to the problem of plastic bottles. One of them comes from the Mohawk Carpet people who have been taking three billion plastic bottles out of circulation each year, combining them with a corn polymer, and recycling them into a revolutionary fiber that is then made into their new SmartStrand carpet line. Kristine Burke, manager of the 37-year old family-owned Armand’s Carpet in Fall

Armand’s Carpeting ■ 1535B South Main St., Fall River ■ 508-679-2745 ■ www.armandscarpets.com

Hours: Mon,Tues,Wed & Fri 9-5 • Thurs 9-8 • Sat 9-3 • Major Credit Cards Accepted

River, takes great pride in being at the forefront of exciting ecofriendly products, like Mohawk’s SmartStrand. “It is really soft, durable and extremely easy to clean,” she says. “It’s been very well received by customers,” she adds. Armand’s is the oldest Mohawk Color Center Dealer in New England, Kristine Burke and carries carpeting, hardwood, laminates, ceramic tile, window fashions as well as Congoleum linoleum products. They also carry an extensive line of bamboo flooring, another eco-friendly product that is a renewable, sustainable resource.

Imagine it, then build it LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LLC

Design • Construction • Maintenance

Springg Cleann Ups

Accepting

New w Clients!

401-230-3569 John A. Holmes III

ome folks find it hard to visualize how a landscape designer/contractor could transform their backyard. They can’t see beyond the little patch of grass and bald spots to what could become a functional, fabulous outdoor living spot. That is the magic of a landscaper/contractor like John Holmes Landscape Construction. His fleet of trucks is legendary in the area, and his expertise extends beyond yard maintenance and ground work. His handiwork is evident at many residential and commercial projects throughout the state. “If people can imagine it, they can have,” says John of the new trend toward outdoor living spaces. He suggests people consider how they might like to use their

John Holmes Landscape Construction ■ 21 Hospital Road, Riverside ■ 401-230-3569 ■ www.holmeslandscapeconstruction.com

yard space, and then contact a professional landscape construction company like his to have a plan created and a budget developed. “A combination of stone masonry and shrubs can totally transform a site in a few days,” he says. He advises homeowners to ensure plants have room to grow in their new space. “You don’t want to tear them out in a few years,” he adds.

Choose the right window treatments For Steve Primiano, custom window treatments are part of his DNA. For more than 35 years, he has been helping people decide what to put on their windows, first from his shop on Waseca Avenue, and now by appointment at your home. He carries a wide range of window treatments and is a Hunter Douglas Showcase dealer. “I ask my customers about their needs because there are products for every purpose,” he says, helping them narrow the field. “Do you want privacy, light control,

STEVE PRIMIANO’S CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS (401) 245-7956 • www.primianos.com

Automatic & Manual Standby Generator Systems Call for a Quote Today! R E S I D E N T I A L & C O M M E R C I A L | E L E C T R I C A L C O N T R AC TO R

Specializing in Multi-Family // Fire Alarms System Replacing // Electrical Services

Steve Primiano’s Custom Window Treatments ■ Barrington; 401-245-7956 ■ www.primianos.com

Let a professional install a generator

ayne Gablinske, owner of Wayne Electric, an electrical contracting firm in Bristol that handles installations, repairs and fire alarm systems for residences and commercial, has a few choice words for area do-it-yourselfers. “When it comes to electrical work in your home, hire a pro,” he says. “Electrical work can be very dangerous for those who are not qualified and don’t know

Wayne Electric 401-253-0296 401-640-6948

Phone Cell

401-396-9986 Fax waynegab@aol.com Email

energy efficiency or aesthetics?” You can have blinds up during the day and down at night for privacy, or you can have a soft fabric product like a Silhouette that lets you admire the view but control the light. For energy efficiency, Hunter Douglas, Duette, Architella shades are ideal, he says. It’s also important to know how much visual Steve Primiano impact you want in a room. Do you prefer fabric for drapes and valances that soften a room or the simplicity of wood blinds. “Now you can even control your shades from your iPad,” adds Steve.

■ 116 Tupelo St., Bristol ■ 401-253-0296

what’s required by the electrical codes.” As a master electrician, he is held to a national code that is higher even than Rhode Island’s standards and wants homeowners to understand the value of licensed contractors. “Don’t do it yourself,” he urges. “It’s never too late to think of installing a full-house generator,” he advises of the impact of a season of storms on our local power company, and the many homes that lost power for days. It’s fair to assume that these weather systems will increase in the coming years, he adds, and with an aging electrical transmission system, we can anticipate more blackouts as a result. “Alternate power sources will be more commonplace in the future,” he says.

Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013 Page 13

Add color without a huge commitment I

f you love color, you will be drawn to Mt. Hope Paint and Decorating on Metacom Avenue, where paint guru Travis Fauvelle holds court. He has been the manager of this Benjamin Moore Signature Store since it opened in 2011 by its Bristolian owner A.J. Santoro. Travis, who came to Mt. Hope Paint and Decorating after a number of years at Sherwin Williams, knows his stuff and has good advice about color selection for your home decorating projects. Popular colors used in our area,

To make your decorating choices easier, Mt. Hope Paint features those clever 18” x 18” Benjamin Moore color samples.

Mt. Hope Paint and Decorating ■ 585 Metacom Ave., Bristol ■ 401-253-9777 ■ www.mthopepaint.com

according to Travis, include those in the earth tone family – drab olive greens, coffee browns and other neutral shades. “It’s a color choice without a huge commitment,” he sagely says. “You can add flashes of color around the room with cushions or throws and you’ve done the job.” He is also seeing steely gray blues and other muted blue shades being used frequently. “And with beach season just around the corner and our location along the coast, you can bet the teals and turquoises will be in high demand shortly,” he predicts. Turquoise was just named one of House Beautiful Magazine’s top five colors of 2013, confirming Travis’ know-how. The Benjamin Moore company named its Lemon Sorbet as its color of the year, agreeing with another of the magazine’s top five, a glossy yellow. Available at Mt. Hope Paint is Benjamin Moore’s Chalkboard paint, now in any color. Some ideas for its use: Paint the inside of a cabinet with the Chalkboard paint and your to-do list will be visible to you but not to visitors. Paint an accent

Travis Fauvelle, manager of Mt. Hope Painting and Decorating, says popular colors used in our area these days include those in the earth tone family – drab olive greens, coffee browns and other neutral shades. wall a bold color and you will create a striking design feature. Painting pieces of your furniture a complementary color is the easiest way to freshen up a room.

Mt. Hope carries the full line of Benjamin Moore paints, painting accessories and wallpaper sample books.

585 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 401-253-9777

Page 14 Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

Forget weeds and watering when you grow inside

Growing products & expert friendly advice

FREE GERMINATION KIT with a $20 purchase

ydroponic gardening is nothing new. It’s been around since the days of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. But there’s new interest in this form of growing vegetables, herbs and plants using water or other soil less media. True believers say hydroponically grown vegetables use less water, taste better, are more nutritious, and have a higher yield. Growing can also take place indoors so a big yard is not necessary, which is happy news for urban dwellers. According to Brian Jagielski, owner of Sweet Leaf Hydroponic Garden Center and a licensed construction supervisor who has been involved with specialized growing operations since the early ’90s, beginners can start small with an inside enclosure, lighting and growing trays, holding water or a fast draining growing medium that is fed by nutrients that go directly to the roots. If there’s a closet handy, it’s the ideal location to set up the system. Plants can be grown in a deep water system with roots immersed in a nutrient solution; in an aeroponic system where nutrients are misted over roots; in an ebb and flow system where nutrients are fed to plants on a timed schedule; or through a drip system, where nutrients drip into a growing medium, similar to an irrigation

(includes dome, tray, insert and germination cubes)

$30 VALUE

Expires May 15, 2013

Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm • Sunday 11am-3pm

655 State Road • Westport, MA • 508-674-4769

SweetLeafHydroponicShop.com

Sweet Leaf Hydroponic Garden Center ■ 635 State Road, Westport ■ 508-674-4769 ■ www.sweetleafhydroponicshop.com

Brian Jagielski says many kinds of flowers, vegetables, herbs and fruits can grow 50 percent faster with hydroponic gardening. system in an outdoor garden. Many kinds of flowering plants, vegetables, herbs and fruits thrive growing this way, growing up to 50 percent faster than a soil plant, according to Jagielski. Nutrient solutions contain the elements a plant would get from soil and are mixed in the water. Gardening this way is a lot easier and less time consuming. Oh, and say goodbye to weeds! Sweet Leaf carries all the supplies and components needed to set up hydroponic gardening system in a residence or commercial facility, as well as completed systems and a range of products to provide the nutrients and other products useful in organic gardening. A knowledgeable staff has more than 20 years of experience with hydroponic systems and organic growing needs. Jagielski is happy to advise those who want to learn more about alternative forms of gardening.

Explore nature with the Peckhams BY LAURA PECKHAM t Peckham’s Greenhouse, our greatest strength is our sincere desire to help you achieve your gardening and decorating goals. Rick and Laura are the fifth generation of Peckhams to guide this family business, a dedicated group of educated and artistic folks who are the Peckham “family.” Each member of our greenhouse family brings his or her own expertise to the mix, helping you explore and learn depending on your interests. Andrew, our head grower, will help you understand how to maintain plant health. One of his many passions is water gardens. Peter’s main focus is trees and shrubs. A certified horticulturalist, he is also in charge of our gardening services. Abbe, well-versed in houseplant and gar-

Helping you build a better Garden PECKHAM’S PROVIDES:

Seeds • Veggies • Herbs • Annuals • Perennials • Shrubs Fertilizers • Tools • Decorative Containers

inspiration... Corner of Peckham Road & Rt. 77 • Little Compton, RI 401-635-4775 Open Tuesday-Sunday 9-5

www.peckhamsgreenhouse.com

L COUNT O T S I Y BR PRECAST, INC.

23 Alberto Drive • Westport, MA 508-678-4666

BristolCountyPrecast.webs.com

Concrete Products | Est. 2002

ATTENTION: Homeowners/Contractors • Reinforced concrete septic tanks (1,000-10,000 gallon capacity) • Leaching chambers • Landscaping wall blocks & manholes

• Manufactured & delivered stone face & plain concrete pre-cast steps (1-8 steps) (different styles available 4' to 8' wide) • Risers/covers to build-up your septic covers • Pre-cast sonatubes

Peckham’s Greenhouse ■ 200 W. Main Road, Little Compton ■ 401-635-4775 ■ www.peckhamsgreenhouse.com

den care, is also responsible for some of the more unique living creations found at no other garden center. While managing frontof-store operations, Lori’s knack for flower arranging and gift presentation wraps Peckham’s Greenhouse up in a beautiful bow. Miles, Ashley and Kat carry out some of the most important chores that make it possible for Peckham’s to provide the best experience possible for each and every one of our customers. Explore nature with the Peckham family!

Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013 Page 15

This roofing warranty lasts 50 years

pring is the busiest season for installing a new roof, and there are many things to consider before you sign on the dotted line. According to the roofing experts at The Roofing Doctor, a family owned and run company that has been installing roofs in the area for more than 20 years, a very important consideration is the warranty provided with the installation. The largest roofing product manufacturer, CertainTeed, is able to offer Roofing Doctor

The Roofing Doctor ■ 2683 GAR Highway, Swansea ■ 401-246-0711 ■ www.roofingdoctor.net

customers a unique SURE START warranty that comes directly from the manufacturer. Industry-wide, most warranties are through the installer and for a more limited time. “Because they recognize our standards of excellence, CertainTeed has confidence in our workmanship, as well as Sergei their product, and they Miroshnichenko guarantee both for up to 50 years,” says Sergei Miroshnichenko, The Roofing Doctor owner. This warranty is also transferrable to new owners for up to 12 years. Get the most for your money, expert service, quality and the best warranty on the market, he says.

PROUDLY SERVING RI & MA SINCE 1990 Do It Right the First Time! The Roofing Doctor is a well established, privately owned Rhode Island roofing company with extensive experience in installation, remodeling, improvement and repair of:

• Commercial and Residential Roofs (asphalt, flat, slate, sheet metal and ceramic roof)

• Gutters • Skylights • Roof Ventilation Systems • Home Siding • Chimneys (flashings, re-pointing, chimney caps)

200

off

Roofing Contract if signed before May 31, 2013. Complete roof only. Expires 5/31/13.

CertainTeed Select Shingle Master Credentials • RI Comm. Roofers Lic#150R • RI Contractors Lic#11580R

Barrington • 401-246-0711 • www.roofingdoctor.net

Farmhouse-inspired accents for the garden Farmstead Mercantile is a “county store with a twist,” featuring gifts, antiques, vintage and art as well as the handiwork of furniture makers and other artisans on two floors in a restored barn, once part of a waterfront dairy farm on Market Street. Farmstead is owned by mother and son team, Terry and Jonathan Stone. Together they have drummed up a most attractive collection of Americana, much of it ready to be repurposed for charming use. For yards in need of a personality, both Terry and Jonathan have some great ideas. In addition to a growing flock of handcrafted birdhouses, you’ll find handmade planters with trellises that are ideal for growing tomatoes, cucumbers and almost any kind of vine, for the patio or garden. Roam the floors and find unique jars, dishes and containers crying out for new life as miniature gardens, filled with intriguing

Terry and Jonathan Stone of Farmstead succulents. Inside they have installed an unusual self-watering modular wall garden. If a living wall inside your house is too adventurous, the wall planters would look great on a wall outside your home. Farmstead’s blend of vintage, new, and custom designed wares will certainly bring life and personality to your gardens and indoor plants this season. Visit them at www.farmsteadri.com

Innovations for today’s home Some of us like to know what’s new before we make any major decisions about changes in our homes. We certainly don’t want to be thinking, “oh, I could have had …” after a project is compete. Thank heavens there is Ray Caron and his crew at Allied Floor Covering in Tiverton. Since 1952, they have been keeping area residents up to Ray Caron speed on the most innovative top quality products and updates for flooring, countertops and walls. Here’s the latest scoop from Ray: • Dupont’s Sorona Smart Strand Silk is

Allied Floor Covering ■ 325 Main Road, Tiverton ■ 401-624-4477

the only carpet with built-in stain and soil resistance that will never wear or wash off. • Large format porcelain tiles are new this year, from a number of manufacturers. These 18” x 36” tiles are available in unique designs and styles for use on walls and floors. • Porcelain slabs by Neolith are available for countertops or one-piece shower walls. From quartz stone manufacturer CaesarStone, comes a marble countertop for kitchen or bath that is kinder to budgets, but is a deadringer for the real thing.

Hedge your bets for yard privacy Tired of looking at a neighbor’s yard? With the help of landscaping pro Chuck DiTucci of Garden and Landscapes, you can have a fast growing privacy hedge that will cut down on noise and view blight and be part of an overall landscaping plan. A believer in healthy and sustainable landscapes, he uses no chemicals and plants the right Chuck DiTucci plant in the right place. This lifetime gardener recommends evergreens for year-round privacy and guarantees his plantings. He also suggests adding some flowering shrubs in front of the hedges for color. Maybe rhododendron or hydrangea? Here are his hedge

Garden and Landscapes ■ Middletown; 401-846-6576 ■ www.gardenandlandscapesri.com

recommendations: • Arborvitae, a New England favorite, will screen tightly, is readily available, hardy and provides immediate satisfaction as a shield at an affordable price. • Leyland Cypress is another hardy area charmer. Buy the 4’-6’, size as it needs to develop a root system to protect against high winds. Fast growing, it makes quick work of creating a screen. • Green Giant Arborvitae, not as columnar or conical as other Arborvitae, grows up to 3’ a year and can reach 35’ tall.

CARPETING

CERAMIC & STONE TILE

DESIGNER - HAND PAINTED - MARBLE GRANITE - LIMESTONE - SLATE TUMBLED MARBLE - TUMBLED SLATE

BROADLOOM & AREA RUGS

HARDWOOD PREFINISHED - UNFINISHED

MARBLE & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS KITCHENS - BATHROOMS - FIREPLACES

LAMINATE

CUSTOM RUG FABRICATION

VINYL FLOORS

SERGING - FRINGING - BINDING TAPESTRY BORDERS

SHEET VINYL - SOLID VINYL TILE

DESIGN CONSULTATION & INSTALLATION

Chuck DiTucci Middletown, RI 2840

401-846-6576 Gardenandlandscapes@gmail.com

WWW.GARDENANDLANDSCAPESRI.COM • Native plants, trees, shrubs • Creative privacy screens, walkways, paths • Raised / tiered garden beds & theme gardens • Rain water utilization & rain gardens

• Flower, vegetable, rock, hillside & coastal gardens • Expert pruning & plant rejuvenation • Clean ups, mulch, edging & so much more...

GARDEN & LANDSCAPES IS A PROFESSIONAL FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPING CO. FOCUSED ON HEALTHY & SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES, DESIGN, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & BEYOND

Always free estimates & we are available 7 days a week WE’RE DIFFERENT, WE DO THINGS RIGHT! We cover all of Newport County & surrounding areas including Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Bristol, Warren

Page 16 Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

Backyard kitchens can be a treat for all I

f the idea of an outdoor living kitchen sounds appealing, you’re not alone. Each year, the popularity of having a fully equipped kitchen has grown, with many of these installations competing favorably with a home’s interior kitchen. Today’s backyard kitchens go way beyond the customary grill and side burners that helped launch the trend into all-encompassing outdoor cooking. Depending on your budget, outdoor kitchen design elements can include food prep areas, handy rinse sinks, under counter refrigerators, storage cupboards, pizza ovens, and even trash compactors … all enhanced by traditional natural stone and/or contemporary pavers that add visual character and ambience to your home’s landscape. Conveniences include plenty of electrical outlets so you can create a healthy smoothie in your blender, outdoor speakers to let you listen to Pandora play your favorite tunes and television sets positioned so you won’t miss a single play. A countertop bar extension and adjacent patio dining area will also keep you fully engaged with friends and family while preparing an extraordinary meal. Consider adding a fire pit or impressive fireplace complete with side wood storage bins that will extend your enjoyment even when the weather gets cooler. Can it get any better than this? You bet. Homes with outdoor living spaces featuring functional kitchens, well-designed patios with accenting masonry pathways and sitting walls handsomely increase a property’s resale value. Whether you plan to build you dream outdoor living area yourself, or utilize the services of a contractor, your first step is to get expert advice from a hardscape sup-

Today’s backyard kitchens go way beyond the customary grill, with detailed masonry, fireplaces, patios and wood storage bins. plies professional. Rick Marshall, marketing manager at J&J Materials, a leading landscape and masonry materials retailer and contractor resource located in Rehoboth and Bourne, recommends viewing outdoor living showcases to gather design ideas, installation tips and cost-saving information. “When visiting a J&J store you’ll see fullscale displays that show how fine masonry materials and old world craftsmanship come together to create stunning outdoor living spaces,” says Marshall.

He also suggests planning your outdoor living paradise in stages. Securing detailed product information, as well as expert advice, will be most helpful in getting you started in the right direction. J&J can also recommend top landscape architects and proven masonry contractors who have track records of outstanding customer satisfaction working with the company over the past 20 years. And for those handy DIYers who enjoy the personal satisfaction of taking on a project, installation videos and product design

J & J Materials ■ 71 Fall River Ave., Rehoboth ■ 508-336-5363 ■ www.jjmaterials.com

guidance from authorized dealers can be invaluable. At J&J Materials, their highlyexperienced staff, which includes former masons and landscape contractors, will make the job easier and less costly.