The House and Home Magazine by James Blanks

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your complete home resource guide and lifestyle magazine Essex • Gloucester • Mathews • King William • King & Queen • Northumberland • Richmond • Middlesex • Lancaster • Westmoreland

Historic Garden Week Just Gardens Tour Daffodils of Gloucester Ware Academy

Teakwood Enterprises Custom Home Builder

www.thehouseandhomemagazine.com

Asparagus | Persian & Oriental Rugs Table Lamps & Shades | Window Treatments Coffee Tables | Northern Neck Foster Parent Program

March/April 2009

March /April 2009

Publisher James L. Blanks Editor in Chief Will Carrington Contributing Writers Karin Andrews Blake Hite Slusser Kerry Garrett Art Director/Designer Carol Roper, Literati Design Advertising Design and Production Director Jason Guyton Graphic Artists Stan Webb Phillip Radcliffe Kirstin Hitchcock Contributing Photographers Karin Andrews Kristen D. Knight Michael Neff Advertising Executives James L. Blanks: 804-929-1797 Blake Williams: 804-761-7343 Web Developer Armondo Corrales About the Cover Since their beginning, Teakwood has worked closely with their vendors, suppliers, sub-contractors, and employees to design and build homes precisely and economically. See page 26.

The House & Home Magazine is a free, four-color publication that specializes in providing home ideas, real estate, and lifestyle articles. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from JLB Publishing, Inc. The information contained herein are opinions of sources and interviews. JLB Publishing Inc. claims no reliability or accuracy to any information contained within. The House & Home Magazine is published for reference purposes only and is not materially responsible for errors. The House & Home Magazine is published bimonthly and is distributed at more than 250 locations throughout Essex, Gloucester, Mathews, King William, King & Queen, Northumberland, Westmoreland, Richmond, Middlesex, and Lancaster Counties.

JLB Publishing, Inc. P. O. Box 2564 â&#x20AC;˘ Tappahannock, VA 22560 804-443-0330 â&#x20AC;˘ thehouseandhomemag@gmail.com 6

March /April 2009

Contents

The House & Home Magazine • March /April 2009

58 26 10 Ware Academy

emphasizing the development of mind, body and character

14 Historic Garden Week

Northumberland County King and Queen County

50 The Daffodils of

Gloucester County

by the late 19th century, daffodils were growing wild in Gloucester and Mathews Counties

58 Asparagus

22 Just Gardens Tour

26 Teakwood Enterprises

May 15 – 16

with us, you are home

32 Accessorizing Your Décor

with Table Lamps & Shades

accessories add polish, texture, warmth and scale to a room

42 A Primer on Persian

& Oriental Rugs

the Persian Empire has produced the world’s most magnificent carpets

The House & Home Magazine

Spring brings “food of kings”

64 Window Treatments the many options available to homeowners today

70 Coffee Tables

their intriguing history and origins will surprise you!

76 Northern Neck

Foster Parent Program

the need for foster homes in our community

March /April 2009

Welcome Home

ell, we made it. Our one-year anniversary. It has been a long road but an enjoyable one. The people we have met and the relationships that have started from The House and Home Magazine are priceless. We would like to thank our readership for the kind words and letters you have sent us. We would also like to thank our advertisers—without their support we would not be here. As we always do with Spring right around the corner, we have included stories on our area garden tours. The Northumberland County tour is first on April 22, followed by King and Queen County on April 24. This is the Commonwealth’s 76th annual tour season. But don’t forget about the Haven’s Fund-raising tour as well. This takes place May 15-16. We also have a great selection of home accessory articles. If you are looking for a new lamp, coffee table, Persian rug, or improving the appearance of your windows, read our informative articles in the following pages. In this issue we have two profiles. Ware Academy is one of our excellent private schools in the area. Located in Gloucester, Ware Academy has four year old Pre-Kindergarten thru eighth grade. We also have our cover story on Teakwood Enterprises. Located in Tappahannock, Teakwood has been a custom builder for 22 years. Lastly we have the king of Spring foods—Asparagus. This elegant vegetable can be prepared in so many ways. Try my favorite—the simple soup recipe. We hope you enjoy our anniversary issue. And look for our next issue which will have a special “going green” section. Thanks again for all your support — jlb

The House & Home Magazine

WARE

A C A D E M Y

Ware Academy F or close to sixty years, Ware Academy has provided children in Gloucester and the surrounding counties with an independent school education reinforced by small class sizes and individual attention. Commencing in the four year old Pre-Kindergarten and continuing through the eighth grade, Ware Academy prepares its students for the challenges of secondary school and beyond. The school empowers each student to achieve academic excellence, emphasizing the development of mind, body and character. The primary objectives are to educate the whole child to his or her fullest potential and for students to acquire a respect and a desire for learning in order to develop into independent, lifelong learners in preparation for productive and fulfilled lives. The school embraces and appreciates that students possess individual styles. Founded in 1949, originally as the Gloucester County Day School with thirteen students in a building on Lawyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Row, in Historic Gloucester Village, Ware Academy sits on a twenty acre campus one mile from Gloucester

Court House with an enrollment of 143 students. The campus consists of Noland Hall which is where the administrative offices, kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and the music and art rooms are located. The Lower and Middle Schools are housed in Waddell, Thomas, and Pickett Halls. Kilborn Hall houses athletics and drama, as well as the Middle School science programs. There is also a fully outfitted computer lab as well as a onethousand square foot media center. Students participate in soccer, lacrosse and track and field on the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spacious athletic fields, and the younger students enjoy the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground. The faculty encourages all students to express themselves confidently, clearly and critically in all subject areas. With ideal student/faculty ratios, teachers utilize a variety of proven learning experiences, emphasizing teamwork while enhancing literacy and critical thinking. The Academy strives for a familial atmosphere that reinforces friendliness, cooperation and social responsibility. An important aspect of a Ware Academy education is instilling in its students a sense of responsibility not March /April 2009

only for themselves but also for those around them. By providing leadership and character building opportunities as well as team sports, Ware Academy ensures that each student receives the appropriate instruction and modeling towards becoming a responsible citizen, owning his or her behaviors and empowered to make a positive difference. As students mature they are provided with opportunities to initiate, plan and conduct activities. All facets of the program have been scrutinized to strike a balance between rigor and one’s aptitude and achievement towards academic excellence. Varied methods of teaching ensure that students are able to master and conceptualize skills according to their individual learning styles. When and where possible, the faculty strives to integrate subjects across the curriculum. Learning occurs beyond the traditional classroom setting. Students take several field trips to area points of interest, providing historical, cultural and scientific opportunities for enrichment. The mission of the Primary School (Pre-K – 2nd Grade) is to provide the essential building blocks needed for the student to be successful in life. These skills are taught in consideration of the child’s emotional, intellectual, moral, physical and social development. Primary School teachers focus on the “whole child”, fostering a love of learning, as well as providing the students with concrete learning activities relevant to their own experiences. Children work in a whole class setting, in smaller cooperative groups and independently throughout the day. Remediation and accelerated instruction is provided depending upon the developmental and academic ability of each individual learner. The Lower School program (Grades 3-5) builds upon the Primary School, enabling students to continue to experience academic success in a nurturing environment. Teachers facilitate critical thinking and empower students with organizational and study skills. Developmentally appropriate learning experiences that spiral and build upon previously learned academic skills and concepts challenge each student to work to his or her fullest potential. Students have frequent opportunities for individual study, cooperative learning in small groups, and whole class activities. Varied The House & Home Magazine

teaching strategies meet individual needs, and accommodations are provided for learning differences when appropriate. The Middle School (Grades 6-8) provides an environment that addresses the developmental needs unique to early adolescence. The faculty is dedicated to empowering students to be confident problem solvers, analyzing and synthesizing learned material to their own lives. “Through the development of leadership skills, accountability, responsibility, competence, and independence with a rigorous curriculum and inspired instruction, students take ownership and initiative to satisfy their curiosity; to take the extra step in learning,” states Tom Thomas, Head of School. The culmination of a Ware education results with a graduate who embraces self confidence in his or her abilities; has developed a sense of self; possesses courage to inquire and confront challenge; is accountable; has developed awareness of personal responsibility; is poised to be a member of a larger community; and has a greater awareness of his or her global responsibility. “Graduates perpetuate the Ware legacy,” boasts the Headmaster. The Ware Academy Arts Program inspires the appreciation for the mutual relationship between the artist, student, and the discipline required for confident and creative self expression. Students

Ware Academy empowers each student to achieve academic excellence, emphasizing the development of mind, body and character 11

“One of the greatest experiences I have ever had would be when I came to Ware Academy.” are exposed to new experiences, and building individual creativity and selfconfidence as an artist and performer through hands on activities and attending live performances. Visual and performing arts classes are available for grades Pre-Kindergarten through eight which reinforce themes from the classroom.

All grades have the chance to discover and explore different cultures, styles, and media. Professional artists visit the school monthly, involving and immersing the children in their art and culture. As a part of Ware Academy’s commitment to the development of the whole child, the physical education and

athletic program focuses on physical growth and instilling basic values that build character, self-discipline and selfesteem. The program develops and promotes life-long habits in fitness, nutrition, team sports and recreational activities. Physical activity promotes self-confidence. Participation in athletics provides an opportunity to learn lessons about leadership, commitment, cooperation, sportsmanship, and teamwork on a daily basis. In addition, the athletic department annually organizes school events such as Spirit Week, Blue/Green Field Day and pep rallies to help strengthen school spirit. Ware also has committed to “going green” over the next two years. The school’s goal is to change the students’ way of thinking towards the world in which they live, creating stewardship for our environment. The program focuses on waste reduction, composting, water conservation, and recycling but will eventually expand to include green energy. A sub component of this initiative is to inspire surrounding homes and businesses to make changes in their daily practices. Initial projects include a Be-A-

March /April 2009

Ware Middle School elective, recycling of paper, plastics and aluminum, a shift to a paperless communications program where newsletters and announcements are sent home electronically, a waste free lunch program, monitoring and reduction of school power usage, and composting food waste. An exciting part of the program will eventually involve students building and selling rain barrels to fund the green initiative. The first rain barrels became available to the public at Ware’s Annual Auction on Saturday, November 22, 2008. In addition, in the spring of 2009, the school plans to host at least one speaker on the subject of how consumers are impacting the environment. This event will be open to the public. Earlier this year, sixth grade students were asked to compose a narrative based on an experience having significant importance in the students’ lives. One student, new to Ware chose to elaborate on her Ware experience. Following is the actual piece, which encapsulates the Ware Academy experience.

My Ware Affair

school’s athletic program. I wouldn’t have made it through the season without sports. These reasons above; lessons, friends, and sports, have helped make my experience of coming to Ware Academy wonderful. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to be able to come to Ware and have such a great time. This experience has changed my life. I also hope my next middle school year will be just as pleasant. I have greatly enjoyed my coming to Ware Academy. — Olivia Cross, New Sixth Grade Student, December 16, 2008. It is hard for a visitor at Ware Academy to miss the buzzing energy that emanates from its classrooms and halls. From writing assignments (like the one above) to science projects—everything is executed with zeal. “Ware Academy provides a safe environment for students to become independent learners, respected for their individuality. Our students are confident and happy. We are very proud of that,” states Nicolle Morgan, Director of Advancement. Small independent schools like Ware are unique because the children are their reason for existing. H

One of the greatest experiences I have ever had would be when I came to Ware Academy. I learned many important lessons. I also made many new friends. Including that I had an excellent time participating in the sports that are offered. Coming to Ware has been a life changing experience. One of the most important lessons I have learned from attending Ware Academy is learning that an academic challenge is a good thing, and I now have that challenge. In elementary school, everything was easy. Another example how Ware has made an impact is that one has to learn responsibility. In my old school, one did not have responsibilities. At Ware; one has many. Having friends at Ware Academy has helped me so much because now I have people here for me. In elementary school, nobody ever had a true friend, it’s much different here. Having people’s support has made my experience so much easier. I don’t know what I would do without my friends at Ware. The athletic program is a plus for me at Ware Academy because I can do what I love and make friends at the same time. There are so many sports to choose from, so I just picked the one that I knew the best. Playing sports has also helped me get adjusted to the The House & Home Magazine

Historic Garden Week

Capt. Elijah W. Reed

eedville, a Virginia and National Historic Landmark, is no stranger to Historic Garden Week. It was first featured in 1971 and again in 1980, but 28 years have passed since this event last introduced large numbers of visitors to the village Captain Elijah Reed founded in 1874. Sponsored by the Garden Club of the Northern Neck, this year’s tour ‘Historic Reedville: Legacy of Sea Captains’ will take place on Wednesday April 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with five of the captains’ homes open to visitors. These intrepid sailors and businessmen brought fame and prosperity to Reedville when they established a lucrative fishing industry on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in the final decades of the nineteenth century. By 1911, Reedville reputedly had the

highest per capita income of any town in the United States. Its wealth was based upon menhaden, a small, boney fish, valued for oil, bait and fertilizer and even today Reedville has the second highest commercial fishing catch in the U.S. At the far end of Main Street, where Route 360 meets the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, a quartet of historic homes awaits the day’s visitors. On the north side of the street stands the imposing brick home, The Gables. Completed in 1914, this Victorian mansion was built by Capt. James Fisher, one of the founders of Reedville’s fishing industry. Its five stories are capped by eight gables aligned to the points of the compass, and its many unusual architectural features reflect Capt. Fisher’s desire to create a home that would both recreate the feel of being on March /April 2009

Photo: Kristen D. Knight

Northumberland County

a ship and incorporate elements of his schooner the ‘John D. Adams.’ A brick arcadia wraps around three sides of the house, opening into marblefloored vestibules at each end of the wide center hall. Throughout the mansion the superb woodwork demonstrates the craftsmanship of Capt. Fisher’s shipwrights. The first floor parlors, separated by massive oak pocket doors, are furnished with turn-of-the-century antiques. A grand quarter-sawn oak staircase, with hand carved ‘waves of the sea’ and ‘sunrise’ parquet landings, sweeps upwards. Three bedrooms with period furnishings are located on the second floor, together with a splendid Victorian cypress-floored bathroom. The third floor was the original billiard room and features a single octagonal space surrounded by small bell-shaped rooms located on the cardinal points of the compass. The steeply angled slate roof is hung on beams supported by the central cabin mast from Captain Fisher’s schooner. Opposite the Gables lies the Morris House, intimately linked to its neighbor by family and business ties. It was built in 1895 by Capt. Albert Morris, menhaden fishing pioneer and partner to Capt. Fisher, whose wife was sister to Mrs. Morris. But whereas the massive brick façade of ‘The Gables’ is austerely masculine, this elaborately detailed Queen Anne home displays all the lavish richness of the Victorian era. Its spindleworked ornamentation, delicately turned porch supports and scalloped shingles were originally painted in a variety of colors to bring out the exquisite details: the current owner has brought the exterior back to life with a color scheme using five distinct shades. The extensive first story porch invites every passerby to relax and enjoy the splendors of the building. A few steps up Main Street bring the visitor to the Reed House. This stately Victorian home, with its iconic red roof and chimneys, epitomizes Reedville’s history. It was built for Elijah Reed, the founder of the menhaden fishing industry, by his son George Reed, who as the first postmaster named the town for his father. Today, the house is still owned by his descendants and is filled with family treasurers linking the five generations who have lived here. The House & Home Magazine

The Gables

The Morris House

The Reed House 15

The Cockrell House Sponsored by the Garden Club of the Northern Neck, this year’s tour ‘Historic Reedville: Legacy of Sea Captains’ will take place on Wednesday April 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The three-story frame house offers a distinctive exterior and an elegant interior, furnished with many personal family heirlooms. Among these is the original hand-drawn map of Reedville, showing the division into lots of the 33 acres along Main Street that Elijah Reed purchased for $1,000 in 1867. The den and living room contain numerous items of furniture that belonged to George Reed, while the dining room has a fine collection of family china, including items brought from England in the mid –nineteenth century. The garden, which enjoys commanding views of Cockerell’s Creek, includes two dependencies and a charming playhouse built by George Reed for his daughter. Next door, the Bailey Cockrell House was constructed by Isaac Bailey, owner of the Reedville Marine Railway, in the early 1880s to house the workers for Elijah Reed’s fish processing factory. In 1899 he sold the house to Dr. L.E. Cockrell, who served as Reedville’s doctor until his death in 1955. This charming Queen Anne style home, with its spindle frieze porch, multiple bays and gabled roof, still retains

March /April 2009

many reminders of Reedville’s doctor who lived here for so many years and provided medical services to the community. Today, the house showcases artifacts reflecting the town’s maritime heritage, including items from the menhaden fishing industry, local domestic life, and artwork recording the families that have lived here over the past 100 years. At 726 Main Street another fine example of Reedville’s Bay Victorian homes demonstrates the continuing architectural changes of the past century. Built in 1892, the Captain J. Henry Haynie House had a wing added in the early 1900s, and recently the house has undergone a seven-year renovation at the hands of its present owners. Due to the deterioration of the original plaster, the house had to be gutted down to the stud framing, and the rebuilding allowed the modernization of wiring, plumbing and insulation. It also gave the homeowners the opportunity to exercise their skills in carpentry and design and to indulge their passion for salvage and recycling. They have incorporated old doors, hardware, antique plumbing and lighting fixtures, claw foot tubs, stained glass

The House & Home Magazine

The Haynie House and an eclectic array of furnishings and accessories into their home, from sources as varied as auctions, yard sales, e-Bay, and even curbside trash. With a major addition in 2005, and the new house gradually emerged from protracted renovations, offering the perfect setting for an enchanted collection of wonderfully unlikely objects. The

1906 egg incubator serving as a kitchen island typifies the surprises awaiting visitors, while the combination of family memorabilia and objects recycled from every area of daily life make for a home of unparalleled individuality. Overlooking Cockerell’s Creek and surrounded by the vintage homes of the original fishing fleet captains, the Capt. J. Henry Haynie

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House reflects the diverse heritage of Reedville’s Main Street. The tour also includes entrance to the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. Founded by a group of local residents in 1986, the original museum was located in Reedville’s oldest existing home, the Walker House. It opened to the public in 1988. Today, the museum includes five buildings on its campus. The finely restored and furnished Walker House recreates a waterman’s home of the 1870s. The custom-built Covington Building is home to the permanent collection, special exhibits and the museum shop. The model shop contains an extensive model train layout of ‘The Railway that Never Was’, with its finely detailed recreations of the villages of Northumberland and Lancaster counties. A boat shop and pavilion are used in boat building programs, and the museum’s administrative headquarters is in the

Butler House. Behind the museum lies the dock with a collection of historic boats and displays related to fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Largely operated by a dedicated core of volunteers, the Fishermen’s Museum has become the heart of the community and is an integral part of this year’s tour. An additional attraction is offered by a one-day show and sale of local art presented by Northern Neck artists and artisans will be held at Festival Halle, the Information Center. This is not part of the Historic Garden Week event, and no ticket or entrance fee is required. This year marks the Garden Club of Virginia’s 76th Historic Garden Week. Proceeds from tours across the state go towards the restoration of historic gardens. Both Christchurch in Lancaster County and Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland have benefited from this funding.

Direction to The Information Center: From Norfolk: I-64 to West Point Exit 220. Follow Rte 33 to Rte 17 to Rte 3 in Saluda. Continue on Rte 3 across the Rappahannock River Bridge to White Stone and to Kilmarnock. In Kilmarnock, turn right on Rte 200 and continue north for 12 mi to Burgess. Turn right on Rte 360 and continue for 6 mi to Reedville. Festival Halle is on the left. From Fredericksburg: Rte 17 to Tappahannock. Left at the second light onto Rte 360, cross the bridge over the Rappahannock and continue through Warsaw to Callao. Turn right at the traffic light and continue 14 mi. to Reedville. From Richmond: Rte 360 through Tappahannock, where 360 turns right and crosses the Rappahannock River. Proceed as above. Parking: Available at the Information Center. All houses are within walking distance on Main Street. A shuttle bus will be available for those not wishing to walk. Please note, these homes are not handicapped accessible. H

Advance tickets $25 (until April 15): contact from Mrs. P. Kimball, P.O.Box 215, Reedville, 22539. Make checks payable to Garden Club of the Northern Neck. For internet tickets, please access www.VAGardenweek.org. Tickets may be purchased on tour day ($30) at the Information Center at Festival Halle on Main Street.

The House & Home Magazine

Historic Garden Week

Dixon

King and Queen County

Immanuel Church

irginia’s Historic Garden Week is just around the corner and once again, The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula (GCMP) has put together an extraordinary tour in King and Queen County, “Along a Virginia Byway.” GCMP is a member club of The Garden Club of Virginia. This year GCMP will be showcasing 4 lovely homes being opened for the first time. Two of the homes are from the 1700s, one home is from the 1800s and one home is less than 3 years old. All are close to Rt. 14, also called The Trail. Dixon is set on 600 acres and constructed in 1793. During the past ten years, the brick-ended and frame, gambrel-roofed house has undergone a meticulous restoration by Peter Post Restorations. Flanking dependencies were added, containing the kitchen and master bedroom, to create a comfortable family residence. The center hall opens to provide a panoramic view of the river and retains its original paneled wainscot and stair with its sculptural railings, balusters, and brackets. Period Virginia maps and 18th century prints by George Edwards are displayed on the walls. The elaborate 20

parlor features the original, fully paneled end wall that is centered with an arched fireplace and fluted pilasters. An elegant eight piece molded cornice with dentils encompasses the room. The dining room also features an arched fireplace, original cornice, and moldings. Two bedrooms with fireplaces are found upstairs. Dixon is designated as a Virginia and National Register landmark, Pebble Beach was built in 2006 and is set to take full advantage of the beautiful view of the Mattaponi River. The house was designed by the owners and has a master bedroom on the first floor as well as three bedrooms upstairs with a balcony and a large game room over the garage. The lovely kitchen has cabinets that were designed by the owners and created from black cherry grown on the property. The Fary Tavern Building dates back to at least 1800 and a third floor was added between 1850 and 1900. It was used as a hotel and tavern from the mid19th century until it was purchased by the county in 1941. The county used it for office space until 1999. It was typical to find such buildings at a courthouse because lawyers, litigants and witnesses

Pebble Beach needed a place to stay during their time in court. The building has been completely renovated by the King and Queen Historical Society and two of the rooms have been furnished to show how patrons would have been accommodated. Edgewood sits on 334.5 acres of rolling pasture and timber and was built in 1867 by H. R. Pollard, Sr. Edgewood was built on a tract of land that was called “Clarks”. The owner of this land was the father of George Rogers Clark. This is where the family lived before moving to Albemarle County. It is a disputed question whether the explorer was born in this county or Albemarle. The home is furnished with English and American antiques. The Bagby House is a circa 1783 frame dwelling farmhouse was built at the end of the Revolutionary War. Three original dependencies remain: a summer kitchen, meat & dairy house, and a one room building with loft used, among other things, as a school house. The home retains many features such as six fireplaces, English basement, and original woodwork and moldings throughout. Modern updates have been sympathetic March /April 2009

Fary Tavern to the home’s heritage. Among the home’s country furnishings is a collection of Pennsylvania-German style red ware pottery by Breininger and Shooner. Fraktur and folk paintings adorn the walls. And, of course, there is a vast collection of the craftsman-owner’s own primitive woodcarvings. The King and Queen Courthouse Green Historic District was established in 1998 as a Virginia Landmark and is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Fary’s Tavern (now housing the King and Queen Courthouse and Tavern Museum) is on the tour. An original log schoolhouse, the

The House & Home Magazine

Edgewood old Courthouse, the old Clerk’s Office and an old two-room schoolhouse will be open for viewing as well as Immanuel Church, adjacent to the Courthouse Green. The GCMP tour will be held Friday, April 24, 2009 from 10am to 5pm. The full ticket price of $30 includes four houses and gardens and all buildings on the Courthouse Green. Single-site admission is $12. Tickets purchased up until April 17 are only $25 and can be purchased by mail from the Group Tour Chairman, Elizabeth Christeller, 859 Norwood Rd., Bruington, VA 23023. Please include a self-addressed, stamped, legal size envelope with check payable to GCMP. There will be no refunds on early ticket

Bagby House sales. Early tickets may also be purchased for an additional charge by accessing www. VaGardenweek.org until April 23. Tickets with maps may be purchased at any of the locations open for the tour on the day of the tour. Flat walking shoes are advised. Interior photography and smoking are prohibited. There will be complimentary refreshments will be served at Dixon from 2 – 4pm. There are no restaurants in the area. Box lunches are available for $12 on a pre-paid basis by April 13. Reservations may be made by mailing a check to The Woman’s Club of King & Queen County, c/o Mrs. Anne Ryland, P.O. Box 39, St. Stephens Church, VA 23148. H

Just Gardens Tour Beason

Boundy

ay 15th & 16th will mark the 9th annual Just Gardens tour to benefit The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc. This event provides an opportunity for the community to visit country gardens and learn what grows and flourishes in the Northern Neck. The tour is designed to educate and encourage gardeners to consider plants they might grow in their own garden. The Just Gardens tour was originally organized by a group of dedicated women, made up of Master Gardeners and avid garden lovers, who were interested in showing their gardens, and those of other talented individuals in the area, and in creating a fund raiser for The Haven. Since 2001, the Just Gardens tours in Lancaster and Northumberland have grown by leaps and bounds as generous garden owners open their gardens to the public for two days in the middle of May. Master Gardeners from the Northern Neck are available at each garden to answer questions or give guidance on garden issues. The 2009 tour in Lancaster County will be a mixture of various gardens and styles, promising something for everyone.

It will be held on May 15th and 16th and will take place rain or shine. Advance tickets are $12 and tickets purchased the days of the event are $15. Brochures and advance ticket sales will be available in early March at the following locations: The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc. Administrative Office, Northern Neck Home and Garden in Warsaw, Wildest Dreams in Burgess, Greenpoint Nursery in Lively, The Dandelion in Irvington, The Pedestal in Kilmarnock, and Wilton Cottage and Garden in Hartfield. The 2009 featured gardens are: The Beason garden (Donna and Buddy Beason), located in Merry Point, is filled with local “garden art.” A 160-foot long water feature has seven waterfalls with goldfish and koi ponds. There are paved paths with many native plants and various raised beds. There is even have a small, screened “Quonset hut” designed to keep the herbs from being eaten by predators! The Boundy garden ( Paula and Marvin Boundy) is located in Irvington. This suburban wildlife habitat features diverse gardens, which form a naturalistic setting with an emphasis on native plants March /April 2009

Morchower

Lay

Kilmon used by wildlife. Paula, who is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, maintains documentation on at least 170 species identified or planted on the property. The Morchower garden (Kathy and Mike Morchower), also located in Irvington, is a personal, imaginative garden. There are two water featuresâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a koi pond and a water garden with water lilies. Most of the yard is on low land that is often wet and therefore features plants to do well in harsh, damp conditions. Various sculptures and whimsical ornaments will catch visitors by surprise. The Lay garden (Mary Lloyd and David Lay), in Kilmarnock, is a collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden with a three-tiered structure, framed by native mountain laurel. This five-acre garden slopes toward the Corrotoman waterfront as grassy paths wind past beds of mixed perennials. This mature woodland garden has been featured on HGTV and in Perennials magazine. The Kilmon garden (Alex Kilmon), in Kilmarnock, is a waterside garden featuring huge oak trees that anchor the property along the shoreline. The lovely gardens planted with annuals and The House & Home Magazine

perennials in primarily pinks, lavenders and whites are reminiscent of an English country garden. To date, Just Gardens has raised approximately $83,000 for The Haven. These funds helped build the new shelter, which opened October 26, 2007. Funds raised from this tour will now go toward an endowment that will be used for maintenance of the facility into the future. The Haven is a non-profit organization, which provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in the rural area of the Northern Neck of Virginia. The mission of The Haven is to prevent and eliminate all types of domestic violence and sexual assault and stalking. To meet that end, they provide advocacy and shelter for identified victims of partner abuse and sexual assault, provide support services to victims and their families and enhance public awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault through community outreach and education. For more information, call Sandy Longest, Community Relations Coordinator, at The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc., 804-3331099 or email at crc@havenshelter.org. H

March /April 2009

The House & Home Magazine

March /April 2009

With us, You Are Home

n October of 1987, Teakwood Enterprises Inc. was created with the intention of giving their customers the true custom home experience, featuring personable service, reliability, efficiency, and a desire to build people their dream homes. Since their beginning, Teakwood has worked closely with their vendors, suppliers, sub-contractors, and employees to design and build homes precisely and economically. “Such a close companionship gives Teakwood the ability to count on their sub-contractors to fulfill their promise of work and satisfy customers” (Rev. Ramming, Homeowner). Also, due to their outstanding relations with other construction parties, when customers look for specific jobs to be done elsewhere, Teakwood provides safe and reliable references for any job a homeowner might need. The founder and partner, Trent C. Taliaferro brings 21 years of experience to the company, the second partner, Stephen B. Taliaferro brings 20 years of experience, and with the other full time employees, Teakwood Enterprises has a combination of more than 70 years of experience and stability in the building industry. With the addition of Stephen Taliaferro as a partner, Teakwood can now service from East of Fredericksburg to Lake Anna and North Stafford to Southern Spotsylvania in addition to the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Prospective customers can view the previous homes and projects completed by Teakwood on their website, www.TeakwoodINC.com. There customers can view the partners’ accomplishments and employee biographies. Although Teakwood began as simply a remodeling contractor, they have expanded and grown in size, experience, and accomplishments; they now offer custom designs, remodeling, and “turn-key construction” (Customers simply sign the contract, make the selections and turn the key in the door to their new custom home). The state-of-the-art design center can create any house plan a customer is looking to have for their home. Teakwood keeps three major criteria in mind for home design: the customers’ needs, property, and budget and will always strive to make the design work for the customer. Design beginnings range from a homeowner’s simple idea to full scale plans from an architect; at Teakwood Enterprises, “We design and build what you want, because it’s your home, not ours” (Stephen B. Taliaferro, Partner). One prospective homeowner, Mrs. Fortune, was thrilled that Teakwood could impress her family with a custom design on their first try. (Note: Design Picture of Fortune Home Theatre) To second that, homeowners, Reverend Ramming and his wife, found that Teakwood listened to them and cared about their ideas and their input for their own home. Teakwood takes pride in their design process and promotes five factors to success.

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Teakwood began as simply a remodeling contractor. They have expanded and grown in size, experience, and accomplishments. They now offer custom designs, remodeling, and “turn-key construction” 27

5. Communication 4. Response 3. Visualization 2. Individuality E x perienc e 1. A Solid Design

Teakwood stands by their five keys to a perfect design: 1) a solid design, 2) individuality, 3) visualization, 4) response, and 5) communication all built on their level of experience to help homeowners achieve the design of their dream home. First, a solid design dictates the success of any remodel/addition or new home. To Teakwood, a solid design finds the best balance between a customer’s ultimate dream and the necessary structural elements of a home. Experience has shown that when clients are pleased with their design they will enjoy their home for years to come. Second, is individuality; the main reason that customers decide to remodel, build an addition or a new home, is to individualize their home and maintain their individuality. Third, Teakwood knows that visualizing space from a 2D floor plan can be difficult, so Teakwood provides virtual walk-throughs and 3D views of the house, inside and out. This feature helps many homeowners realize exactly how their home will appear and helps them to refine their ideas accordingly. The fourth key is Teakwood’s response. To help respond better to their customers, Teakwood can keep all design work “in house” eliminating the need for a third party architect. This helps them simplify the process which allows the customer’s project to move swiftly. During the design process, Teakwood emails their clients the floor plans and 3D renderings, thus eliminating the need to wait for appointments or wait on the mail to come, and which helps Teakwood respond to their customer’s needs quicker. Lastly, Teakwood believes that creating dreams relies on good communication. Over the years they have gained excellent experience in translating their customers’ dreams into reality. Communication errors are reduced by working quickly

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and efficiently to produce their customers’ dream homes. Each and every one of these keys is a step in the design process, and each step is layered on years of experience. For all those who believe the kitchen is the best room in the house, Teakwood can make their kitchen perfect in every way. Assistant Manager, Linda Ball can provide a thorough and explicit design of any kitchen, to suit any budget and desire. She knows how to create a kitchen providing as much space as the customer needs while still within the budget and space for the home. Using her experience, she is able to effectively communicate and respond to the homeowner and accomplish a design that satisfies every time. Many homeowners have found that with such a clear understanding of their kitchen, they knew exactly what to expect. “My kitchen is picture perfect!” (Mrs. Saunders, Homeowner). After the design and contract are complete, Teakwood leads their customers through the entire building process step-bystep. Mrs. Saunders and her husband felt they got the most loyal and personable treatment and were also walked through the entire process. They were directed through each step by Teakwood, even if Teakwood was not involved with that part of the construction. The areas of construction Teakwood manages “in house” (or solely done by employees of Teakwood, no subcontractors) is the building of the foundation and exterior and interior trim because they believe these are the fundamentals that will affect your house in years to come. The foundation is the base for a customer’s entire home, and therefore critical to the building process. Teakwood owns state-of-the-art computer aided layout technology to ensure the base of a home is

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secure and positioned correctly on the lot. For the finishing touches to a home, Teakwood is solely in charge of all trim (exterior and interior) to guarantee that it is done precisely so their customers can enjoy the beauty of their home for years to come. While closely monitoring the work done throughout the entire building process and checking all accomplished tasks and controlling these two elements of the home, Teakwood ensures the customer of the safety and beauty of their home. “We absolutely love our home! We get compliments on it all the time; it feels good to hear something like that!” (Mrs. Frye, Homeowner). In light of the world’s growing awareness of Going Green Teakwood has begun Green building procedures. For every home they build, Teakwood grinds four specific components: the wood waste, cinder block waste, shingle waste, and sheetrock waste. The milled wood waste is used to create coarse mulch and each homeowner is given the option to use the mulch for their yard or flowerbeds. The cinderblock waste is used as base gravel in the homeowner’s new driveway. When Teakwood’s office driveway needs a patch

shingle waste is used as asphalt patch. Finally, to help the homeowner’s new home appear picture perfect, the sheetrock waste is used to give the lawn its first lime treatment (form of fertilizer) to help promote healthy lawn growth. Teakwood also takes into consideration the specific requests by homeowners. Mr. Beckhard requested a panelized home, which is extremely well insulted, reducing the need of heating and cooling and leads to a reduction in wood waste in the building process. Teakwood’s Green actions also show their commitment to customer satisfaction. Mr. Beckhard knows that his design, by Sunlight Homes, and building procedure is an unusual and difficult one, but is pleased with the productivity Teakwood has shown and the commitment to customer satisfaction. As a family-owned, small business, Teakwood has the capability to be flexible and work with the homeowners to achieve their home. Mr. Miller requested that Teakwood only complete the home to “drying in” (or the framing, windows, roof, and siding) so he would be free to complete the rest on his own. Mr. Miller feels that Teakwood provided him with

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accommodating personable and adaptable service. Another instance of their flexibility was when the Ramming family had a scare in their building process; the RPA (Resource Protection Area, as governed by the Chesapeake Bay Act) held restrictions on how their addition could be positioned because of its proposed location. Teakwood worked calmly and efficiently with the local authorities to give the Rammings exactly what they desired and created the improvements they wanted. “My office was right there with the construction, so I saw the progress everyday, and I know how thorough Teakwood was in checking on my house and making sure work was getting done” (Rev. Ramming, Homeowner). Through their flexibility and custom home experience Teakwood gives custom timelines to each project and strives to efficiently and cost-effectively complete each to the highest quality possible. “It is unusual in construction for the timeline to be correct, but the date Teakwood gave us, was the day we walked into our new home!” (Mrs. Frye, Homeowner). The father/son small business partnership allows Teakwood Enterprises to

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provide the best custom home experience to their customers and accomplish any job set before them. Their office and display area are set up with over 700 square feet, allowing the homeowner to grasp all of the aspects of designing, remodeling, and building a home within the office itself. This is a great help to those customers who don’t feel they know everything about construction (Mr. Beckhard, Homeowner). To their customers, all the information was accessible, even when Teakwood had to research new information for the homeowner (Mrs. Saunders, Homeowner). Giving their customers the highest quality service for the best possible price is Teakwood’s mission. Let Teakwood Enterprises build you a home for life, because with Teakwood, You are Home. (Note: Saunders Exterior 3D Rendering and Saunders Actual Exterior) For more information about Teakwood Enterprises Inc. please contact the Tappahannock branch: Trent C, Taliaferro (804) 443-4516 or the Fredericksburg branch: Stephen B. Taliaferro (540) 623-8804 or visit their website at: www.TeakwoodINC.com With Teakwood, it’s “Your Lot, Your Dream, You are Home.” H

Accessorizing your DĂŠcor with Table Lamps & Shades Text and Photos By Karin Andrews â&#x20AC;&#x201C; contributing writer

hen pulling together the decorative elements in our favorite rooms, such as our living room, family or keeping room, bedroom, great room or library we often think first of our textiles, furniture, carpets and wall colors. These things are the foundation of our space and the predominant elements of our chosen design statement. Of equal importance as room building elements are the accessories that we choose or acquire over time. A room that is not properly accessorized is a room that appears cold and sparse, no matter how beautiful the space may be. Accessories add polish, texture, warmth and scale to a room. They are unifying and at the same time contrasting elements that add dimension and definition to our space. Table lamps along with complementary lamp shades are one

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accessory that can completely alter the feeling, scale and appearance of a room. Without question, lamps add warmth and a lived in feeling to our rooms and are available in just about every style choice imaginable and every price point. Overhead lighting fixtures are equally beautiful and important lighting and design elements in their own right, but these fixtures are not designed to light an entire space. Although not always so, there are now a myriad of lamp choices available that are as beautiful as they are functional. A good table or portable lamp provides lighting when and where we need it. Like everything else we choose, they are a reflection of our own personal style. They can be sculptural, classic, bold, dramatic, understated, organic, powerful, serene, playful, opulent or charming. Well placed and well chosen lamps can make all the difference in how a room looks and feels to us and to others.

Well placed lighting. . . Well placed lamps soften shadows, gently illuminate corners and instantly add intimacy and ambiance to a room. Specific tasks such as sewing, needlepoint, homework and reading also benefit from well placed and well designed lamps, in an assortment of styles, shapes and motifs. The lamp styles we are most familiar with, for our homes, include table, desk, banker, floor, swing arm, hurricane, decorative accent and candlestick style lamps. • Table lamps are best where they can be placed near specific seating areas, on side or sofa tables. • The desk top or secretary is the perfect location for a 3-candle desk lamp, a swing arm desk lamp or a bankers lamp. • Larger and taller candlestick lamps are best placed in matching pairs on wall tables, sideboards and linen dressers. • Smaller candlestick lamps are perfect when placed on night stands and anywhere a night light or other dim light is required. Powder rooms are good places for a small candlestick lamp. • A decorative accent lamp is a smaller lamp and should be placed in a niche, entry way or anywhere a little light is needed paired with a decorative art object. • Hurricane lamps can also be used for special accent purposes but like smaller decorative lamps use smaller watt bulbs. Their lighting is usually very soft and sparse, depending on the bulb used. • Specialized reading lamps with retractable and maneuverable arms are also becoming very popular. They can be moved anywhere and provide targeted light for reading and other close up tasks done while relaxing. Their form truly follows their function. • Lamps add a vertical element to our otherwise horizontally decorated spaces. Vertical elements are important in balancing the look and scale of a room. • Flanking both ends of a sofa with matching or similar lamps adds an important vertical element which makes the space appear larger, while at the same time providing soft lighting to our intimate and personal spaces. • A torchere or floor lamp, when properly placed can create strong architectural element, in a reading or conversation corner, as well as softly light an otherwise dark corner. The House & Home Magazine

Organic Lamp Designs – Inspiration from Nature The latest trends in lamp choices include lamps with organic inspiration, such as sculpted branches that are nickel and pewter plated to lamps that include or echo natural materials such as carved and polished marble, faux horn, exotic woods, botanical and other elements found in nature. These fixtures look gorgeous in more neutral tone on tone and organic interiors that seek to bring the outside in.

Old World Style Iron inspired designs are back in vogue with their deep dark finishes and bronzed hues. These lamps and fixtures are modern interpretations of age old lighting styles with a masculine or minimalist twist. They are elegant in their simplicity and bring a highly architectural and “age old” element wherever they are placed. These fixtures are at home in interiors that play on the colors and villa style of Tuscany, Provence or even Napa Valley. These fixtures look fantastic in wine cellars and interiors that are inspired by world travels to famous wine regions around the world. They are the backbone of villa style.

Classically Inspired Lighting Other trends in home lighting include re-inventing classical elements such as the Grecian Urn, Gourd, Vase and Column motifs. These wonderfully classical shapes have been updated with sleeker lines and opulent finishes such as hammered pewter, copper, mother of pearl, silver plating and gold. Hand turned marble is popular as well as “mirrored” lamps, hand 34

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etching and lamps embellished with luxurious ceramic glazes. Opulent is the hallmark of many classical fixtures coming on the market today.

Crystal – amazing light givers and light catchers Lamps featuring crystal globes or columns are utterly chic in their dual role as light givers and light catchers. Nothing sets of a room like crystal. Todays latest designs are featuring crystal in sleek architectural, orb and urn shapes as well as in decadently bejeweled fixtures. Some fixtures are even featuring colored crystals, which are simply irresistible. These lamp shapes and motifs are at home with any sort of classically inspired interior such as upscale, “shabby chic”, traditional, art deco and regency styles.

Coastal and Cottage Style Coastal and Cottage style is very popular in our neck of the woods. It can incorporate many elements from traditional to tropical to nautical. A touch of whimsy can be added to these fun, colorful and casual interiors by utilizing lamps that play off of nautical, cottage, agrarian or tropical themes. On the more masculine side, nautical interiors often include reproduction lighting that replicates ship lanterns and other icons or maritime objects from days gone by. Driftwood is often utilized in coastal lamp motifs, as are oyster shells, scallop shells, and a host of other nautical and maritime items.

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Cottage style lamps are often incor porate folk and traditional motifs with more relaxed lines and often distressed finishes. “Shabby Chic” and “uptown country” falls into the cottage style category.

Figural Lamps Figural lamps never go out of style. They utilize sculptural characters, such as animals, people, storybook figures, hunting scenes, cherubs as the lamp base itself. They are often painted, gilded or bronzed and are can be quite a conversation piece. When their size, characters and materials are compatible with the surrounding interior space they are a very powerful accessory.

Choosing a Lampshade Your choice of a lampshade is just as important as the lamp it adorns. At one time lampshades were predominantly available as standard white or ivory drum shades. With the evolution of the lamp as a decorative art object in its own right, this is thankfully no longer the case. Your choice of shade can add to the decorative impact of your table lamp and should do so. A poor choice will neutralize and detract from the beauty of your décor and your chosen lamps. With the myriad of choices available today in standard and custom shades, one need not settle for the typically mundane and boring. Today lamp shades can pack even more of a decorative punch by being covered with your choice of fabric…from silk to chambray the choices are available and affordable. Silk is the fabric of choice for covering fine lampshades due to the way it softly diffuses light. Whether it’s a dupioni or a shantung, silk is elegant and captivating. It is beautiful at all times, whether the lamp is on or off. Silk is available in all sorts of colors, patterns and types. Any fine drapery weight fabric can also be used to cover a lampshade.

Utilizing Decorative Trims Decorative trims, such as gimp, chording, beaded trims, pom-pom trim and even tassels can facilitate the ultimate “extreme makeover” for a standard and mundane lampshade. A very simple and in-expensive shade can be transformed into a luxury lamp shade by utilizing a few well placed decorative trims. 36

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• Decorative chording comes in all sorts of colors and sizes. It can be purchased at fine fabric and craft stores. Chording or gimp can be placed at the top or bottom of the lampshade. • Organza ribbon is exquisite. Organza is airy and delicate. . .perfect for a little girl’s lampshade makeover. • Tassels, pom-pom and beaded trim can be placed around the bottom rim of the lampshade. • Ric-rac is absolutely adorable for a child’s lampshade. Decorative chording, gimp, embroidered trim, tassels, beaded trim, ric-rac or pom-pom trim can be permanently attached to the lampshade with the use of a hot glue gun or special fabric glues. These trims are permanent so their placement should be well thought out prior to attaching them permanently to the shade.

Stenciled Lamp Shades Simple repeat patterns can be stenciled onto a non-descript fabric or parchment lampshade, turning it into a one of a kind boutique quality shade. Stencils are easy and inexpensive to make, as well as simple to use. Use as little paint as possible to prevent uneven or blurred images. The old saying “knowledge is power” certainly holds true for the use of a simple stencil motif. With a little bit of knowledge and acquired skill, incredible effects can achieved with the use of this simple but powerful tool. Classical stencil motifs can include: monogrammed initials, toile motifs, urn shapes, fleur de lis, laurel wreaths, swags, heraldry or coat of arms, greek key, empire, art deco, regency and chinoiserie motifs, etc. Tone on tone stencils are very classical and have an understated elegance to them. • Nautical stencil motifs can include: sailboats, crabs, lighthouses, nets, fish, scallop shells, sea horses, starfish, dolphins, oysters, nautical flags, etc. • Little girl motifs can include: Polka dots, hearts, initials, ballerinas, dancers, hats, purses, shoes, butterflies, flowers, horses, balloons, silhouettes, etc. all done in girly girl colors. • Little boy motifs can include: trucks, dogs, fire engines, sports motifs, U.S. flags, nautical flags, race cars, stars, stripes, boats, bikes or anything else your little boy would like. The House & Home Magazine

• Use ornamentation creatively and wisely…Knowing when to stop is very important. • Using a drop shadow on your stenciled motifs will result in a well defined three dimensional end result. This will work for any motif. • Gold leaf when used to create very simple designs can be stunning, particularly in a Hollywood Regency style, which is becoming very popular once again. • Gilding, interference, stamping and mica powders can add subtly rich and iridescent details to an otherwise plain shade. Virtually any element that you find interesting can be turned into a simple stencil or a theorem (multi-layer stencil) that can produce simple or three dimensional good looks.

small packages.” This is never more true than with finials. As beautiful as they may be, finials are actually an integral element of the lamp assembly. They hold the lampshade in place by attaching it to the harp of the lamp. Some finials are downright decadent displaying jewel toned cloisonné motifs, opulent gilding and exquisite mother of pearl. Others are overtly simple and made of solid crystal, polished marble, pewter, brass and even wood. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from pineapples to fleur-de-lis, golfballs, ovals and other figural forms. Finials are available wherever fine lamps and lamp accessories are sold. It is a very fast and simple way to dress up your lamp. Many gift shops carrying home décor in our area, stock finials as well.

Topping off your lamp

Lamp Dos. . .

Finials are the perfect way to top off your lamp. Every lamp needs one. They are often so lovely that they can make a statement on their own as decorative art accessories. When utilized, finials really add a posh and pulled together look to your lamp and shade. “Big things come in

• When purchasing your lamp it is best to keep in mind your interior room dimensions, motifs, furnishings, fabrics and colors. The lamp should always be in proportion to the room, its location and the furnishings…Never too large or too small.

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• Purchase your shade after the lamp so that you can have the best possible partner for your lamp. Buying the right shade the first time will save you frustration and money. • Be open to using complementary fabrics, colors and embellishments to create an exquisite one of a kind lampshade worthy of any upscale home or high end boutique. • Do follow manufacturers recommendations for the type of bulb and wattage for your lamp. These recommendations are for a reason. • Lamps and lampshades are available at specialty lighting, furniture and retail stores . These businesses generally offer a high level of customer service and expertise in the area of in home lighting and often home decor. Specialty home furnishing boutiques and stores often have a selection of interesting and unusual lamps. For more creative “do-it-yourselfers”, light fixtures and a variety of standard shades can be found at many department stores, home stores and discount chains. Whenever possible, stimulate your local economy

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by buying locally. You don’t have to spend a fortune to have lamp and shade that looks like you did. If you don’t know your particular style, visit furniture stores, read magazines and investigate the different styles that you feel drawn to. You might find that your style is not at all what you always thought it was. Break out of the box and be creative. It will be lots of fun and give you a great sense of accomplishment. H Special thanks to Hometown Lighting, in Kilmarnock, for their wonderful selection, customer service and availability in assisting me with this article. Having purchased several fixtures and other items from them over the years, I can attest that they are a first class lighting center that really does aim to please. They along with the many wonderful shops, furniture and home décor shops in our area are ready and able to assist you with your home lighting needs. Text and photos by Karin Andrews. Karin can be reached at 804-445-5500 or by email at kjaartist@msn.com.

Table Lamp & Shade Resources Chesapeake & Crescent— 804-435-8800 Colonial Collectibles — 804-333-0581 Crying Shame — 804-443-0070 Easy Livin’— 804-776-9101 Hometown Lighting — 804-435-0003 Interior Innovations — 804-435-1257 Kilmarnock Furniture — 804-435-7632 Latitudes — 804-776-0272 Nunnally’s — 804-333-3210 Riverside Accents — 804-443-6338 Tappahannock Furniture Store — 804-443-2811 W. F. Booth & Son, Inc.— 804-435-1329

March /April 2009

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March /April 2009

n the world of home decorating there are perhaps no other rugs more sought after, admired and appreciated than hand knotted Oriental rugs and carpets. Although there are many imitations, and a myriad of machine made rugs available today, they are completely unable to replicate the vivid hand died colors, subtle variations, meaningful motifs and rich beauty of these one of a kind works of art. Hand tied Orientals are full of wonderful surprises…the more you look the more wonderful variations you may find. It is almost impossible to open up a fine home décor magazine and not find numerous rooms that feature an oriental rug as the focal point or anchor for a room. Oriental rugs, particularly Persian rugs add a warmth and depth to whatever space they are placed in. Without exception, every single one has a story to tell…an expression of the life and presence of each person who contributed to the making of these one of a kind works of art. These labors of love and necessity are a symphony of colors, designs, motifs and messages to us from the women and families who have worked together producing these amazing rugs. Day in and day out their triumphs, joys and challenges become a permanent part of the story each rug tells.

The Very First Oriental Rugs… There is no way to tell when the very first Oriental rug was woven; however, it is assumed that the nomadic tribes of central Asia were the first to do so. The earliest hand knotted rugs were small rugs that included geometric plant and animal motifs. Throughout the centuries, these wandering peoples spread their utilitarian art to new lands and other nomadic tribes.

The Persian Empire, one of the greatest civilizations ever known to man, has produced the world’s most magnificent carpets.

however only hand-made, hand-knotted rugs made in Iran can be considered true Persian rugs.

The Rise of Oriental and Persian Carpets The Persian Empire, one of the greatest civilizations ever known to man, has produced the world’s most magnificent carpets for over 2500 years. Initially these rugs were woven out of necessity to protect nomadic and seminomadic people from the harsh realities of tent living. Today, the people of Iran, descendants of the Old Persian Empire, still produce more rugs and carpets than all of the other carpet making regions of the world — combined. Eventually these rugs were elevated by their shear magnificence to works of utilitarian art. Due to their increasing opulence, creativity and workmanship through the centuries, they became sought after by kings, noblemen and those wishing to exhibit their great wealth through the decorative use of

these exquisite carpets. It was primarily through Italian merchants, particularly in Venice, that the Oriental rug became recognized and valued in Europe. Extensive Oriental rug collections became fixtures in the great courts of Europe by the early 16th century.

What is an Oriental rug? In order to be considered Oriental, rugs must have been produced in countries east of the Mediterranean Sea. These countries include but are not limited to Iran, Turkey, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Western China and India. Throughout the centuries, these rugproducing regions have each developed their own unique methods, materials, dyes and design motifs. Some of these motifs include symbols for various plants, trees, flowers, fruits, animals, birds, objects, crosses, fish, stars, people and the like. The use of color also varies from region to region with the availability of dye materials.

An Amazing Discovery In 1949, a Russian archaeological expedition to the Altai Mountains in southern Siberia excavated a royal burial mound that contained a frozen carpet, now known as the Pazyryk carpet. This carpet was used as a saddle cover for a horse and dates from the 4th or 5th century B.C. Oriental carpets are known to outlast all others due to their workmanship and materials. All Persian rugs can be classified as Oriental; The House & Home Magazine

Traditional Role of Color in Persian Rugs Traditionally the colors used in Persian rugs also had special meanings assigned to them. Below are some of the traditional meanings used by the makers of these rugs that all carry their own unique message. • Red: Beauty, Wealth, Courage, Luck, Joy and Faith • Gold or tan: Power and Wealth • White: Purity and Cleanliness • Blue: Power or Force. Depending on the hue it can also signify Solitude and an allusion to the After-life. • Black is often used for outlines, but can also signify mourning • Green is considered a holy color and is used sparingly or in places least likely to be walked on. It can also signify Hope, Renewal, Life and the return of spring. • Brown: Fertility • Orange: Humility and Piety Most people, who purchase oriental rugs today, purchase them for the same reasons they have been purchased throughout the ages…for their decorative impact.

“Tribal Rugs” Tribal rugs are woven by nomadic or shepherding people who live in the countryside and tribal villages located in traditional Oriental rug producing countries. These rugs are the by-product of mutually dependent relationship between animals and people. The wool producing sheep need their caretakers, in order to thrive in the often challenging climates and terrains, as well as to provide protection from predators. The caretakers need the sheep for the precious wool rendered at the time of shearing. It is a family venture as the wool is washed, spun, dyed and hung to dry wherever there is free space, such as a drying line or even a bush. Depending on a host of factors, such as humidity, rain and the natural variations in the wool, there can be many differing colors that eventually emerge from wool dyed in the same lot. This is what often creates an “Abrash” or a variegated quality that is sometimes seen in oriental rugs and carpets. To the untrained eye this may seem a flaw, but to serious collectors and enthusiasts these

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rugs are considered to be some of the most valuable and sought after carpets in the world. Most tribal rugs are made by women who for generations have passed their familial motifs, techniques and styles on to their own children. With a few additions or deletions depending on the artist, these weavers carry on their unique style of rug from generation to generation. Their “secrets” are guarded carefully among them! Imagine how much time goes into the creation of these rugs, from the very outset, as each piece of yarn is spun and hand tied by its makers. As in every age having abundant livestock and rugs is considered a sign of wealth in these nomadic lands. Tribal rugs have meaning and value as currency, furniture and are useful in the everyday lives of their weavers. Tribal rugs are made on ground looms, usually not more than 5 feet wide, which can be dismantled and re-assembled while traveling. Although a “cartoon” or picture of the rug to be woven is utilized in the making of the rug, there are often many wonderful “mistakes” or variations in the pattern that become apparent after the rug is completed and sheared by a skilled shearer. These interesting variations are often not apparent at first glance, but on closer study they reveal themselves. Many tribal rug enthusiasts find great delight in these subtle pattern variations and look for them wherever they happen to run across a tribal rug. These rugs work wonderfully well in decors that include more primitive, rural antiques or the more casual decorating schemes we love so well. A simple tribal rug that is left unsheared is called a “Gabbeh.” These simple rugs can have a pile of 2–3 inches and are often used in the lands of their origin, for sleeping. They are becoming more and more popular in many of today’s more relaxed decorating styles.

“City Rugs” The larger and more intricate “city rugs” are at home in opulent and more formal interiors or rooms containing the fine antiques and furniture. City or “workshop” rugs tend to be larger, very tightly woven with much finer yarns, which enable them to have a greater number of “knots per square inch” and The House & Home Magazine

more elaborate and intricate designs. They are woven on metal looms in workshop facilities under the supervision of a master weaver who ensures that the rug is produced to exacting standards and patterns. Although there are exceptions and other standard sizes, these rugs are generally produced to specific size specifications, such as: • 3.5 x 5 ft • 4 x 6 ft • 5 x 7 ft or 5 x 8 ft • 6 x 9 ft • 8 x 10 ft • 9 x 12 ft • 10 x 14 ft • 12 x 15 ft • 12 x 18 ft City rugs are for many rug collectors and enthusiasts breathtakingly beautiful in their symmetry and intricate motifs. It is a labor-intensive process to tie each finely spun yarn in its exact place.

Signed Rugs Every now and again you will find that a Persian or Oriental rug has been signed by its maker. Some also contain a favorite saying encased in a cartouche. As with an original painting that has been signed by the artist, a one of a kind carpet, which is signed by its maker, is highly sought after.

Buying Oriental and Persian Rugs Finding the “right” Oriental rug for your décor can be a challenge at best. If you are planning on purchasing an oriental rug, you can’t possibly go wrong by purchasing a hand tied Persian rug. When shopping for area rugs, Orientals and Persians may seem expensive, however you might be surprised to find out just how affordable they can be, if you are an informed buyer. Factors that will have price impact and determine what sort of Oriental rug you opt for will include the following: • Country of Origin. Is the rug made in Iran or in another country? • The Age of the Rug — whether it is an antique or a reproduction • Is the rug hand-made and hand-knotted or machine made? • How many knots per square inch? The more knots the finer the rug and the higher the price. • Is the rug made of natural fibers or is it a synthetic rug? • How original is the design? • How intricate is the design and weave?

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If you wish to purchase rugs that will last a lifetime and become heirlooms, if they are not already, Oriental and Persian rugs that are hand-made and hand knotted are your best choices. Wool rugs made in Persia are the finest you can purchase because they are tightly woven and made of wool, which will last for generations. Wool rugs are soft, endure even high traffic well and are the standard by which all other rug fibers are measured.

Something for Every Budget At one time Persian rugs were woven solely of wool, wool/cotton blends and wool/silk blends. Today, however, synthetic fibers are being introduced which have resulted in making these rugs more affordable to the average consumer who otherwise could not afford to purchase an “oriental rug”. Machine made rugs are the least expensive Persian styled rugs on the market. There are several machine made rug manufacturers who make rugs in the U.S.A. and countries outside the “orient.” These companies manufacture

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reproductions of many classic Persian rug patterns. Some are made better than others and some have sought to also replicate many of the exotic colors of the original hand-made, hand-knotted rugs. It is important to note though that handknotted rugs will last longer and hold up better to traffic than even the best machine made rugs. Do shop around though, as there are many reputable Persian rug dealers selling the real thing at prices you never thought you could afford. Be sure to purchase your Persian rug from a reputable dealer. They will be happy to take their time with you and help you with choices that fall in your price range and décor needs. When purchasing an original Persian rug, be certain to also obtain a certificate of authenticity. This is important for insurance reasons and to establish the value of your new or old rug.

Choosing a Persian or Oriental rug Size and Shape Rectangular and square shapes are always popular and safe choices. Measure

your room so that you know the exact area you will need to cover. As a general rule you will want to leave a foot or two between the edges of your rug and walls or boundaries. You may opt for more than one rug in a space depending on the size of your room.

Persian & Oriental Rug Resources Carson Flooring — 804-443-5338 Chesapeake & Crescent — 804-435-8800 Esquire Services — 804-443-4751 Interior Innovations — 804-435-1257 Kilmarnock Furniture — 804-435-7632 Nunnally’s — 804-333-3210 Tappahannock Furniture Store— 804-443-2811 W. F. Booth & Son, Inc.— 804-435-1329

Quick tip: If you have trouble visualizing what size rug(s) you need, use sheets or blankets that mimic the sizes of the rug(s) you are considering. Pattern Rugs with medallions in the center of the rug work well if they can be placed in the center of the room, without covering up the medallion. If you are lining up the medallion with a chandelier or suspended light fixture, be sure to choose the right sized rug for the space that will not result in the medallion being off center from the chandelier. If the center of your rug will be covered up by furniture, such as a dining room table or bed, opt for an overall pattern that has an exquisite border. Simpler geometric designs such as tribal rugs work best in contemporary and more relaxed interiors. Do use Oriental and Persian rugs generously throughout your home. They look wonderful in your kitchen or keeping room. Nothing spruces up a large bathroom, laundry room, or bedroom like the use of smaller oriental rugs. Prayer rugs are ideal for use in powder rooms

and small spaces. Virtually anywhere you can place an area rug, you may wish to use an Oriental instead for the shear impact of design and color. Also, use a good quality rug pad under your oriental, if it is to be placed on a hard surface floor. There are many local and regional sources for fine Oriental rugs. A well chosen hand-made rug will not only do great things for your décor, it will appreciate with age if it is in good condition and remains so. Seek out knowledge from reliable sources and you will make a wise informed choice that you will happily be able to live with for decades to come. Finally, your choice of whether to purchase an Oriental or a Persian rug is a subjective and personal choice. To a many people, myself included, there is something mesmerizing and utterly enchanting about Persian rugs. Their legacy represents thousands of years of enduring and exquisite art. These rugs have a rich and regal quality that bears witness to their beauty and permanence throughout the ages past and ages to come. H

March /April 2009

The House & Home Magazine

Daffodils The

of Gloucester County By Karin Andrews â&#x20AC;&#x201C; contributing writer

March /April 2009

n Gloucester County, Virginia, lie ancient fields of gilded glory…rivers of yellow blossoms which are able to impart sheer “awe” and utter delight at the sight of them in their wild abundance! As in generations past, these blossoms break forth in a glorious symphony of riotous color, as daffodils in every shade and variation of yellow, orange, red, white and pink awaken from their sleep. These lovely sentinels of spring bear witness to the lives of Gloucester’s first families and settlers. As well they speak of the lives of those men, women and children with “visions of daffodils” who turned Gloucester County into “The Daffodil Capital of America.”

The Very First Daffodils Arrive in Colonial Gloucester Gloucester’s early daffodil gardeners were women who carried their precious cargo as reminders of home and gardens left behind, knowing that they would never see their native land or family again. It is said that these daffodil bulbs were sewn into the hems of their skirts, dresses and clothes. With all of the hardships and challenges they surely faced, one can only imagine the pure joy they must have experienced when the daffodils they brought with them, bloomed in Virginia soil for the very first time. The sandy loam soil and Tidewater Virginia growing conditions proved to be just what these early imports needed. As a result the brilliant daffodils thrived, multiplying and naturalizing wherever they were planted. Once here and easily established they were passed from neighbor to neighbor and friend to friend, easily escaping to the countryside, where many of them remain to this day. By the late 19th century daffodils were growing wild in Gloucester and Mathews County. Many of these daffodils were the great golden varieties, such as Trumpet Major, which are still so popular today. Their pronounced trumpet and brilliant yellow color enables them to be seen for long distances, particularly when grown in masses. Out of the widespread abundance of these blooms, eventually grew the daffodil industry in Gloucester, which still plays a vital role in the cultivation and sale of daffodils throughout the United States and the world.

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By the late 19th century daffodils were growing wild in Gloucester and Mathews Counties. Many of these daffodils were the great golden varieties, such as Trumpet Major, which are still so popular today.

Primary Modes of Transportation

“Visions of Daffodils” the Early Entrepreneurs

For generations the people of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula relied on transportation by water to the ports of Baltimore and Norfolk for their buying, selling and cultural activities. Many of our elderly family members and family friends, having grown up in this area, can still recall the excursions by steamboat that were made as they were children and young adults to the ports of Baltimore and Norfolk, for business, shopping or pleasure. Transportation by coastal rivers and the Chesapeake Bay was vital to people and businesses that relied on domestic and international imports and exports. The water provided an abundant food supply as well. The roads in the area connected towns and villages, but had their limits.

Mrs. Eleanor Linthicum Smith, who lived at Toddsbury, was the first person from Gloucester to ship daffodils to Baltimore for resale. Obviously being an entrepreneur at heart, the location of Toddsbury on the North River and the vantage point it provided her, ignited the spark of opportunity and imagination. Around 1890, Mrs. Smith began cultivating her daffodils in large beds, paying local children to pick them for her. These daffodils were then packed, standing up, in laundry baskets and carefully prepared for their journey to Baltimore. She initially shipped over one hundred baskets containing over 2500 blooms from Dixondale Wharf on the North River. The daffodils were shipped to her son in Baltimore, who sold them to the newsboys at Union Station, for re-sale. 51

Eventually, Mrs. Smith was able to pay off the mortgage on her home with the profits she received from the sale of her daffodils. She later moved to nearby “Holly Hill” along with her bulbs. Because of her success as a daffodil farmer, other people in the county began to inquire as to how they could begin their own daffodil enterprises.

The Daffodil Industry in Gloucester Expands… New industries beget new entrepreneurs, who bring innovation and continued expansion along with them. The daffodil farming families that figured prominently in the Gloucester daffodil industry were the Clement, Emorys, Heaths, Hicks, Hammers and Hopkins. Their businesses were vital to the people of Gloucester, who relied on them for employment. As a by-product daffodils continued to grow and permeate the countryside, adding to the natural beauty of the area. With the exception of Baltimore, Dutch bulbs dominated the east coast daffodil market until 1926. At that time a microscopic worm infestation occurred in Holland, which resulted in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s embargo on foreign bulb importation. This gave an astounding boost to the daffodils grown in Gloucester.

From Cantaloupes to Daffodils… a Daffodil Dynasty is Born Charles Heath was from a wealthy New England family and made his home in New York. A simple cantaloupe changed not only the course of his life, but daffodils in Gloucester forever. While having breakfast, one morning, his butler served him a delicious cantaloupe that so impressed him; he was determined to find out where it had come from. From his “brownstone” in New York City, he traced the source of this delicious cantaloupe to Elmington in Gloucester, Virginia. Mr. Heath began correspondence with Mr. Thomas Dixon the owner of Elmington, who was a gentleman farmer and author. Having placed orders for more cantaloupes, Mr. Dixon eventually invited Charles Heath to Gloucester for a visit. It was a visit that would change his life and the daffodil industry in Gloucester. 52

March /April 2009

Having come from the city, the gilded fields of Gloucester must have been mesmerizing and awe inspiring to Charles Heath. Shortly thereafter, he purchased Auburn Plantation in Mathews County and established his family there. Having an appreciation for Dutch bulbs, he began importing them from M. Van Waveren and Sons in New York around 1915 in order to plant them in his commercial daffodil fields. During the Dutch bulb embargo, of 1926 the firm of M. Van Waveren and Sons needed a supplier outside of Holland. They approached Charles Heath and leased 300 acres at Auburn for the cultivation of their Dutch bulb varieties. As the Dutch were not able to communicate or work well with the local workers, Charles Heath’s son, George, returned home to take over the family business. George Heath learned everything he could about the business and bulb farming, proving himself to be an excellent manager and businessman. Eventually Heath was able to convince other growers in the area to work with him, growing the Dutch varieties of daffodils. What ensued was one of the most successful industries in the history of Gloucester County. Daffodils were big business and their payroll of $20,000 helped many Gloucester families survive during the great depression era. The legacy of Charles Heath and what he brought to the area and to the world of daffodils continues to this very day, as Brent Heath and his wife Becky have expanded the family business beyond anything his Grandfather Charles could have ever imagined.

Daffodils Become a Tourist Industry The first “Narcissus Tour” was held March 18 – April 9, 1938. It was esti mated that 3,000 people took the tour and came from the states and cities of New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Boston, Cleveland and Detroit. The Dutch bulbs figured so prominently in Gloucester’s daffodil industry that in 1940 the theme of the tour was “Life in Holland.” In partnership with the Virginia Department of Commerce a newsreel film entitled “The Daffodil Story” was produced among the local daffodil fields along with 30 girls dressed in traditional Dutch costumes. As a result of the 1940 The House & Home Magazine

newsreel the National Geographic Magazine sent photographers to cover the “Life in Holland” tour. The following year, with the arrival of World War II, the 1941 festival was scaled down. In 1942 the tour and festivities were discontinued.

The Daffodil Festival is Reborn… In the late 1980’s, local beautification efforts and the desire to celebrate the daffodils of Gloucester once again began when an area mother wanted to plant some daffodils at her children’s school. After speaking with the Heath’s they agreed to donate the bulbs if she would help them with a community wide beautification effort that included planting daffodils and other flowering bulbs on the grounds of every school in Gloucester County. Each student was given a bulb to take home and plant. Brent and Becky Heath generously donated the bulbs, as local garden clubs and civic groups were partnered with the schools. Each school had a partner and sponsor, which once again ignited the enthusiasm for daffodils among Gloucester’s youth. The enthusiasm and excitement was contagious, as

March /April 2009

daffodils were once again celebrated by young and old on a countywide scale.

The Daffodil Festival Returned in 1987 Community leaders in partnership with the Gloucester County Department of Parks and Recreation worked together to bring back the festival, which will celebrate its 23rd year, this year. The festival will be held on March 28 & 29, 2009, rain or shine, and celebrates the unique heritage of Gloucester and the daffodil industry, which is so entrenched in Gloucester history. More information on the Daffodil Festival can be found online at www. gloucesterva.info. The two day festival includes parades, foods, art, music, clowns, vendors and of course Daffodils.

The 59th Annual Daffodil Show— March 28th and 29th For over fifty-nine years, longer than any other event celebrating the daffodils of Gloucester, the Garden Club of Gloucester has held its annual Daffodil Show. This show is something you won’t want to miss, as people come from all over to enter their horticultural, artistic and photographic entries in the show. This year’s show will be held at Page Middle School in Gloucester. The Artistic Division theme this year is: “Art in Bloom” — interpreting works of art through flower arranging. There will be eleven artistic classes and also a Junior Artistic Division. The Junior Division is “Art in Bloom”— based on the work of Matisse and Picasso. The Horticulture Division will include a dazzling array of daffodil specimens. An astounding 1800 blooms were entered in last year’s horticultural division show, making it one of the largest shows in the United States. There are very few places that you can go to view so many exquisite varieties of daffodils in one place. The Garden Club of Gloucester show is an accredited American Daffodil Society show and one of the best shows anywhere. “Daffodils aren’t just yellow anymore,” so come enter or enjoy the show. It is open to both experts and novices alike! There is no fee to enter the show, although donations or a “green offering” are always accepted and appreciated. Complete show information is available at various locations in Gloucester and by The House & Home Magazine

Gloucester County is graced with amazing water views and breathtaking landscapes. Take an early springtime drive down the winding country roads and it will be impossible to go very far at all without being introduced to the daffodils of Gloucester request. To receive complete show and registration information by mail, call Sue Zima at 804-642-5270. In closing, Gloucester County is graced with amazing water views and breathtaking landscapes. Take an early springtime drive down the winding country roads and it will be impossible to go very far at all without being introduced to the daffodils of Gloucester. The charming courthouse green is home to one of the oldest courthouses in the nation. Gloucesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic main street is utterly charming and offers many unique shops and restaurants that make the perfect day trip with your sweetheart or friends. Historic icons and landmarks abound in Gloucester. They include Toddsbury, Warner Hall, the Rosewell ruins, Abingdon and Ware churches, Walter Reedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthplace, Little England, and so many other unique and wonderful places. A ride through the Gloucester countryside will make your day when the daffodils are in bloom. H Special thanks to old friends and new friends: Karen Malo, Sue Perrin, Peggy Bowditch, Petie Matheson, Ann Hohenberger, Mary Montague, Elizabeth and Ceci Brown, Cam Williams, the Ladies of The Garden Club of Gloucester, Gloucester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Becky Heath. Text by Karin Andrews. Photos provided by: Sarah Matheson, Ann Hohenberger, Karen Malo and Becky Heath. Karin Andrews can be reached at 804-445-5500 or by email at kjaartist@msn.com.

March /April 2009

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Asparagus officinalis 58

March /April 2009

Asparagus Spring Brings “Food of Kings” By Kerry Garrett – contributing writer

s you’re wandering through the markets this spring, you’ll most likely find bundles of colorful tender asparagus, waiting to be selected. Fresh asparagus, like the robin’s song, heralds the coming of spring. In late March or early April, gardeners from Tidewater Virginia and afar will witness the emergence of tiny green shoots, which soon will develop into 6-8” spears, perfect for harvest.

History Asparagus (asparagus officinalis) is an herbaceous perennial plant and member of the lily family. The English name is derived from the Greek word asparagos, which means “sprout” or “shoot.” Growing wild along the banks of the Nile, asparagus originated in the Mediterranean over 2,000 years ago. It was prized by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans. Roman Emperors employed “asparagus fleets” to search the Mediterranean lands and gather wild asparagus. The first to preserve asparagus by freezing, the Romans sent fast chariots and runners from the Tiber River area to the snowline of the Alps, where it was stored until the “Feast of Epicurus.” The first instructions for growing asparagus were given by Cato the Elder (234-149 B.C.) in his document On Agriculture (De Agri Cultura). Further, the Elder, Pliny documented the The House & Home Magazine

cultivation of asparagus, “ Nature has made the asparagus wild, so that any one may gather it as found. But behold, the highly-manured asparagus that may be seen at Ravenna weighing three pounds”…hence, an example of ancient fertilization. Asparagus grew to be the vegetable of choice in the 17th century. Its enjoyment and use throughout aristocratic circles in Western Europe can be attributed to King Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” (1638-1715) who had such an affinity for the spears, he had them cultivated nearly year-round in special green houses. In the 18th century, Thomas Jefferson kept careful notes at Monticello on his square designated for asparagus and noted that it was served 22 times in one season. The Jeffersons enjoyed it on buttered toast.

Planting Patience reaps rewards, especially when a fresh crop of asparagus is your goal. With careful planning and preparation, an asparagus bed will thrive for 15 years or more. To plant a bed at your fingertips, remembering these three “Ps” will bring spears to your table for years:

n Plan Choose site carefully. Select a sunny site with well-drained deep sandy loam soil.

Avoid windy sites and rocky soils. For a quicker harvest, order 1-year crowns (the stem and root system of a young asparagus plant) from a reputable garden center or mail order company rather than planting from seed. See suggestions at the end of this article for varieties.* Prepare soil. Asparagus thrives in soils higher in salinity. Soil PH should be 6.5-7.0. In the fall or winter before planting, remove perennial weeds using herbicides such as “Roundup.” Mulch the bed well in the fall with a compost/manure combination. Setting out straw in the summer will help keep the weeds down. Avoid overcrowding. The tall ferns of asparagus form a canopy, which can shade other plants, so allow space for branching foliage when considering other plants nearby. 59

n Plant Set crowns out in March or April. Dig a trench about 10-12” deep and 12” x 18” wide. Leave four feet between each trench. Mix the topsoil that has been removed with organic matter and make a four-inch mound at the base. Plant the crowns (make sure they are plump and healthy, not rotted or dried out) on top and spread out the spaghetti-like roots. Space plants about 15” apart and cover with two inches of soil. Fertilize with a high phosphate starter fertilizer or abundant compost. Gradually fill in the trench as the stems begin to grow. Water if rain showers are lacking. When fully established, a crown will yield about ½ pound of spears.

n Patience Pays Harvest lightly at first. During the second season after crowns have been planted, you can harvest spears for a limited time — about three to four weeks. This will allow food stores to build in root system for future seasons. People harvest spears a couple of ways: Either cut them just below the soil surface when they are six to eight inches tall or snap close to the soil line (using garden tool or hands). Once the spears are fully established by the fourth season, you may harvest them fully (8-10 weeks).

Maintenance • Mulch with compost/manure combination in the spring after harvest is over and again in the fall. • Use pesticides to control asparagus beetles or cutworms. • Cut or mow asparagus in the fall or winter to rid of any beetles that may be living on plants. • Weed the bed in the early spring before shoots emerge.

Preparing and Cooking Once your bed is established you’ll have asparagus as much as twice a day for eight to ten weeks. In the kitchen, asparagus has versatility. Try grilling or roasting it for a more intense sweetness or steam it for a crunchy, sweet flavor. You can also try the sauté or stir-fry method (preferred in Asian cultures), a quick way to cook thinner stalks. Never overcook asparagus, unless you prefer a mushy texture. Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus often used the phrase “Let it be done quicker than you can cook asparagus.” 60

March /April 2009

If you’re aiming for a gourmet look and taste, you might try purple asparagus or white asparagus. Purple asparagus (Purple Passion variety), originally developed in Italy, is 20% higher in sugar, with a sweeter, fruitier taste. The fiber content is less than its green counterpart. To retain its beautiful color while cooking, add vinegar or lemon juice. White asparagus, first called “Dutch asparagus,” was known as the “New Vegetable” when it first gained popularity in European markets. Today, it is a specialty in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, and Germany, but can also be purchased in the United States. Soil is mounded around the spears as they grow, depriving them of sunlight. Without chlorophyll, the spears turn white with a hint of purple. Said to have a milder flavor, white asparagus is considered a delicacy and thus, is more expensive.

Nutritional Benefits According to folklore, asparagus was used medicinally to treat toothaches and bee stings. It has even been used as a reproductive tonic! What researchers have discovered today is that the spears are power-packed with vitamins and minerals. Here are just a few of the many positive characteristics: • Excellent source of folic acid, a B vitamin which is known to lower risk of heart disease, colon cancer, liver disease, and spina bifida • High in Vitamin, K (promotes bone health), C (strengthens immune system), and A (for retina health) • High in fiber • Natural diuretic — promotes healthy kidneys • Contains Glutathione, a “master antioxidant” which guards against certain forms of cancer, and regenerates immune cells • High concentration of rutin, vital in ability to increase circulation to the lower limbs • Relieves indigestion • Low in sodium, no fat or cholesterol, low in calories In a society loaded with chemically processed foods, it’s nice to know that you can get delicious flavor and texture, a wide variety of nutrients, and endless creations for cooking all in one vegetable. Spring is near. Now go grab a spear! H * In order to get thicker more uniform spears, try ordering the following male varieties: Jersey “Super Male” Hybrids (rust and fusarium resistant) • Coastal and Southern Piedmont: ‘Jersey Knight’, ‘Supreme’ • Upper Piedmont and Mountains: ‘Jersey General’, ‘Knight’, ‘King’ Synthetic varieties: Syn 4-56, Syn 53. Similar to Jersey hybrids ‘Martha’, ‘Mary Washington’: established favorite, average rust resistant. Male/Female ‘Purple Passion’: Novelty type, sweeter, purple color, Male/Female

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Cooking Tips • One cooking method is to stand the asparagus in three inches of boiling water, cover and cook for 8 minutes or until the tips are tender. Steam only the youngest, most tender asparagus. • To blanch, fill a large pot half full of water, add one tablespoon salt, and bring to a boil. Add asparagus and partially cover until a second boil quickly begins, then uncover and cook for 5-8 minutes. Remove to a towel to dry. • To freeze, blanch by plunging into boiling water for 3-4 minutes and remove immediately to chilled water. Drain. Pack in containers, label and freeze for up to nine months. • Serve asparagus warm or at room temperature. Refrigeration dulls the flavor. • Do not overcook asparagus. • Asparagus retains heat, terrific for stir-fry and sauté. • Figure a half pound of asparagus per person. There are 15 to 20 medium-size stalks in a pound. One pound of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1- to 2-inch lengths, will measure about three cups.

March /April 2009

Asparagus Recipes Marinated Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus Rafts

Quick Asparagus Soup

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients 2 pounds fresh asparagus 3/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Ingredients 16 thick asparagus spears (about 1 pound) 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil 1 garlic clove, minced 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Dash of salt

Ingredients 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can Del Monte asparagus

Preparation Snap off tough ends of asparagus, and cook asparagus in boiling water to cover 3 minutes or until asparagus is crisptender; drain. Plunge asparagus into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain. Arrange asparagus in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Whisk together olive oil, sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes until well blended; pour over asparagus. Cover and chill 8 hours. Drain before serving.

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Preparation Prepare grill. Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Arrange 4 asparagus spears on a flat surface. Thread 2 (3-inch) skewers or wooden picks horizontally through spears 1 inch from each end to form a raft. Repeat with remaining spears. Combine soy sauce, oil, and garlic; brush evenly over asparagus rafts. Grill 3 minutes on each side or until crisptender. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds, pepper, and salt.

Preparation Prepare cream of chicken soup according to instructions on side of the can. Pour asparagus in with soup. Allow asparagus to dilute and mix with the cream of chicken soup. Season to taste If you enjoy the delicious taste of asparagus, this is as good as any soup you have ever tasted.

Window Treatments

Neffworks.com Photography

The many options available to homeowners today By Karin Andrews – contributing writer

indows are wonderful! They frame our view to the world around us and allow the sunlight in. From the beginning of time, men and women have used window treatments of one kind or another for the very same reason we need and use them today. Now more than ever there are a myriad of fine window treatments available to the homeowner at all price and detail levels. It is more affordable now than it has been in some time to make the most of your windows, frame your view, protect your privacy and increase your energy savings simultaneously. Springtime is right around the corner and will bring with it renewed hopes and inspired optimism. Many of us have awaited the return of spring to take on new decorating projects or to finish

old ones. There are more options now than ever before to make our decorative dreams come true, on any budget. Today’s window treatments can be divided into three major categories: • solarfilms • hard window treatments • soft window treatments

Solarfilms

Probably the least known window treatment option available to homeowners is the use of solarfilms. They are an incredibly effective agent for dealing with harsh glare from the water or rooms that collect almost unbearable heat in the summertime and remain cold during the winter. Solarfilms can address and greatly minimize the extremes that are often associated in homes with window March /April 2009

walls, large windows and south facing exposures. When this type of heat is generated, it can be oppressive and is often difficult to cool. Harsh light and UV rays that enter our home also bleach our floors, carpets, furniture, draperies and create a host of other issues related to intense sun exposure. If you have ever held a magnifying glass over a piece of paper when you were a child, you know the magnifying effect that glass can have on natural sunlight. Our windows often act in much the same way, by magnifying the undesirable and destructive effects of the sun. The use of a solarfilm product on your windows is like putting an SPF of 600 on your windows. Solarfilms are virtually undetectable once they are properly installed and can improve your view inside and outside your home. They effectively filter and soften the harsh light that enters through our windows, taking the “noise out of the light.” If you have a problem with glare you can understand how noisy and distracting this can be to your overall enjoyment during certain times of the day. With the emphasis on “green” home building and maintenance practices that feature sustainable solutions, solarfilm is a proven facilitator of reduced heating and cooling costs. This is accomplished by solarfilm’s ability to block heat causing rays, which in turn drastically reduces the amount of energy required to cool your home. The end result is noticeable energy savings and cooler ambient temperatures within your home. In the wintertime, solarfilm actually reflects the heat generated within your home back inside instead of allowing it to escape through the windows.

• 99% of harmful UV rays are blocked. • Glare is significantly reduced - objects outside the home are seen in greater detail. • Solarfilm is chemical resistant and scratch resistant, however abrasive materials should not be used. • Clean windows the same way you would unprotected windows. • Solarfilm has dual reflective properties. • Virtually undetectable when installed by professionals. • Films can be used with or without other window treatments, such as blinds, plantation shutters, draperies, soft shades and valances. • Eliminates the need to keep interior shutters, blinds and draperies closed, allowing you to enjoy your view rather than covering it up. • Lowers heating and cooling bills. Solarfilms will help to protect the investment you have in your soft window treatments, fine oriental rugs, antiques or other home furnishings, giving your eyes and your home a rest from the destructive effects of direct sun or glare. Solarfilm, Virginia is a high quality solarfilm resource in our area with a proven track record of customer satisfaction. It is a Richmond based company with local representatives in our

area who will be happy to meet with you to assess how you might benefit from the use of solarfilms. Since 1982 they have been improving the quality of natural lighting in homes throughout the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck and beyond. To learn more about solarfilms and what they can offer you, go to www.solarfilmva.com or give them a call at 804-935-7100. They will be happy to visit with you and assess your light filtration needs at no cost to you.

Hard Window Treatments — Interior Shutters and Blinds One of the most popular looks in cottage or coastal home décor is the use of interior or plantation shutters. They come in a variety of woods, finishes, and colors and at all price levels. Being a hard fixture they add a sense of permanence and grand scale to your interior windows and are the ultimate cottage or coastal accessory. They offer privacy when needed and can be opened to reveal the view outside. Being as beautiful as they are functional, hard treatments have been utilized in home interiors for hundreds, if not thousands

Below is a review and summary of the benefits of utilizing solarfilm in your home: • Tax credits • Protection of interior floors, draperies and furnishings from “tan lines” and fading. • Protects you, your family and friends from intense UV exposure inside the home. • Lifetime Warranty • Commanding views are preserved and enhanced. The House & Home Magazine

of years, and have stood the test of time. They can be delightfully fresh or traditionally elegant. The interior shutters of the past were utilized in classic colonial, seaside or period interiors and were often quite massive, with hinges for folding opened and closed. Many period and period styled homes still utilize them today. In a modern traditional home, plantation shutters are able to impart a classic elegance or a cottage feel to any setting, depending on your dĂŠcor and choice of shutter styles and colors. Dark woods are at home in period and traditional interiors, while the lighter woods look best in more natural and rustic interiors. Painted interior shutters and blinds are at their best in more cottage and upscale coastal homes. Interior blinds and shutters can easily stand alone as a singular treatment or blend harmoniously with other window treatments.

Soft Window Treatments Soft window treatments such as draperies of every sort, curtains, shades and valances are the most popular and versatile of all the window treatments. Whether you are a traditionalist with a penchant for opulent fabrics and embellishments or a minimalist, there is something for everyone, in the soft window treatment category.

Draperies Draperies gracefully, decoratively and effortlessly fulfill a variety of roles in your home simultaneously. They are without question one of the most prominent features of any well-appointed room, acting as a bridge, connecting the view outside with the dĂŠcor inside. They can be fully functional or stationary, depending on your preferences and what other window treatments you will be utilizing. Embellishments such as tassels, tassel trims, gimp and braid, when used in more formal rooms, can become unifying elements by mimicking the other colors present within the room. Draperies add the finishing touch to any well-appointed interior. There are a myriad of drapery styles to choose from. These include custom 66

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draperies, almost custom and prepackaged window treatments. Some styles available locally include, but are not limited to: • Draw and stationary drapes • Café curtains • Roman, Austrian and balloon shades • Upholstered cornices • Tailored, pleated, tab, grommet and tie top draperies, curtains and valances. • Swags and jabots • Cascades • Casual swags • Rod pocket stationary panels • Sheer fabric drapes and curtains • Choices limited only by your imagination and budget. The rods, window hardware and embellishments that you choose for your soft window treatments will take them to a whole new level and offer maximum versatility and creativity. We are fortunate in our area to have several excellent sources to go to for help when trying to decide about what type of window treatment as well as window hardware to use.

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Meyers participated in the Christmas in Urbanna “It’s a Wonderful Life” house tour, producing lovely interiors and window treatments at Rosegill. “Interior design meets coastal ease living at interior innovations.” Nancy Meyers can be reached by phone at 804-435-1257 or by email at Nancy@interiorinnovationsva.com.

Chesapeake and Crescent, Fine Home Furnishings, is located at 24 North Main Street in Kilmarnock, VA. They are able to meet your custom window treatment needs, whatever they may be. In addition, they also offer classic slip covered and leather upholstered furnishings, custom beds and tables,

Custom Window Treatments There are several sources in our area for outstanding custom draperies, which gives the buyer the ultimate flexibility in their choice of fabric, method of hanging and embellishments. Custom window treatments are exactly that! They are not mass-produced but made individually, with great attention to detail. Depending on the desired result, they can be as casual or as traditional as you desire. It may surprise you what you can accomplish, whether you have a large budget or a small one, when considering a custom window treatment. They are limitless in their possibilities. Interior Innovations is located at 410 Chesapeake Drive in Whitestone and is a unique home furnishing and home accessory retailer featuring an assortment of lamps, rugs, finished “custom” draperies, fabric shades, interior blinds and shutters. On site you can envision the finished product and get a “hands on” feel of different types of draperies, fabrics, embellishments, home furnishings and decorative accessories and how they might look in your home. Nancy The House & Home Magazine

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fine bed linens, rugs, lamps, mirrors, distinctive photo frames, decorative accents, pillows and full service kitchen design and installation. Chesapeake and Crescent is ready to assist you with every facet of creating your well appointed

home in their clean, classic style that marries fine linens and furnishings with antiques and distinctive home décor. Contact Chesapeake and Crescent by calling toll free: (888)435-8801 or by email at info@chesapeakecrescent.com.

Libby Allen, decorator, is available to assist you with your window treatment and home décor needs. See more online at www.chesapeakecrescent.com. W. F. Booth and Son, Inc., at 42 North Main Street in Kilmarnock, has been helping area customers for over 80 years, at the same location, in Kilmarnock. Whether you need hard window treatments or soft treatments, they have a vast selection of in store fabric swatches for you to choose from in their window treatment design center. Their custom interior services include: in-home consulting services, furniture for any décor, custom window treatments, custom bedding ensembles, home accessories as well as pool and patio furnishings. Contact Tim Booth at 804-435-1329, 800-543-8894, Monday through Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm or online at www.wfbooth.com Nunnally’s in Warsaw has been a fixture in the Northern Neck for decades and offers a comprehensive selection of interior blinds and shutters, as well as “almost custom” window treatments for your home. “Almost custom” draperies and window treatments offer

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a customized look and feel on a smaller budget. There are hundreds of fabric swatches, drapery and shade styles, as well as coordinated embellishments to choose from in this line. Additionally, the “almost custom on the shelf” line offers a pre-selected assortment of window treatments, starting at $30.00 per window in a limited selection of fabrics, styles and embellishments, for your home. Nunnally’s carries a vast selection of fine oriental and decorative rugs, lamps, decorative pillows, mirrors and other decorative accessories. Cindy Lloyd is available for in-home as well as in-store consultations and can be reached by calling Nunnally’s at 804-333-3210. Online you can view their website at www.nunnallys.com Everything you need with regard to fine window treatments can be found right here, in your own “neck of the woods,” without sacrificing quality or selection. So with the return of spring, may you be blessed with every good gift and long awaited window treatments to protect and beautify your nest! H

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Window Treatments Resources Chesapeake & Crescent — 804-435-8800 Interior Innovations — 804-435-1257 Nunnally’s — 804-333-3210 SolarFilm — 804-935-7100 W. F. Booth & Son, Inc. — 804-435-1329

Coffee Tables The Origins of Coffee Many people associate the coffee bean with South and Central America however; the coffee plant originated in Ethiopia, the Kingdom of Kaffa and became popular in the Middle East and Africa. The use and enjoyment of coffee or “kahve” was widespread in the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire, which endured from 1299 – 1923. “Kahve” is a Turkish word, which is translated from the Arabic “qahwa,” a shortened version of the phrase “qahhwat al-bun”— meaning “wine of the bean.” For over six centuries the Ottoman Empire encompassed three continents and was a central point for interactions and trade between the Eastern and Western cultures. Coffee houses and tea gardens were commonplace throughout the Ottoman Empire and eventually influenced the establishment of coffee houses throughout Europe and Great Britain.

Coffee Houses and Coffee Culture in Europe and Great Britain

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Their intriguing history and origins will surprise you! By Karin Andrews – contributing writer

n order to fully appreciate the origins of the amazing multi-tasking coffee table, which has earned its iconic status, we must first understand the evolution of coffee as a beverage of choice in Europe, from where many of our furniture preferences and customs have evolved. The two have become forever intertwined due to our love of coffee and our love of stimulating conversation and friendship that has in some cases changed the world!

The first coffee house to open in Great Britain was opened in Oxford in 1650. It was soon followed by the first coffee house in London, which was opened by a Turkish woman named Pasqua Rosee, who had previously been the servant of London merchant David Edwards. Edwards, being a trader in Turkish goods, imported the coffee and assisted Pasqua in setting up the coffee house. It was established on St. Michael’s Alley, in Cornhill. Undoubtedly armed with an entrepreneurial spirit, as well as a fair degree of business acumen, Pasqua took the London business community by storm, creating a new cultural trend. The popularity and resounding success of Pasqua Rosee’s first coffee house was March /April 2009

so profound that it was emulated all over nearby London. “Coffee houses” became the gathering place for scholarly minds, merchants, politicians and businessmen alike and played a vital role in the cultural and business development of London, England. The fee to enter the coffee house was usually one penny, which included a cup of coffee. Of course each additional cup would cost you. It was said of those coffee houses that you could gain quite an education by frequenting one; hence the term “penny university” was used interchangeably with “coffee house.”

Lloyds of London — The London Stock Exchange and the Coffee Connection These early coffee houses were foundational in the business world of London and the place where deals were struck and alliances forged. For example, Edward Lloyd’s coffee house, established in 1688 on Tower Street in London, was frequented by marine underwriters and became the first home for what we know today as Lloyds of London. Some 300 years later the name and mission of Lloyds of London endures, however the catalyst role of coffee in the creation of this insurance icon is not widely known. By 1675 there were more than 3000 coffee houses operating in England alone. Imagine all the alliances forged as well as money and ideas that changed hands in these coffee houses and clubs. Other London coffee houses where stock traders would gather formed the foundation for what would eventually become the London Stock Exchange. In 1698, stock dealers were expelled from the Royal Exchange due to “rowdiness” and began operating in the streets and coffee houses near the exchange. Jonathan’s Coffee House in Change Alley was the office for John Castaing, who issued a list of stock and commodity prices called “The Course of the Exchange and other things.” Beginning in a coffee house, over 300 years ago, the London Stock Exchange continues today as one of the world’s oldest and most vital stock exchanges. Who would have ever thought that the first cup of coffee served in Oxford and later in London would result in the establishment of businesses and entities The House & Home Magazine

with worldwide reach, that still exists to this day! Generally speaking, we tend to think of the beverages that have been favored by the British as fine ales and teas… Now that we know this intriguing “coffee” story, we can move on to the development of the amazing, multi-tasking coffee table, born of our love of coffee, stimulating conversation and mutual alliances!

Coffee Tables in the 18th Century? High back wooden settees were commonly used in England until the early part of the 18th century. They were fairly uncomfortable and were gradually replaced by the much more attractive and comfortable low back, upholstered sofas around 1780. These sofas often utilized taller tables, which were placed behind the sofa for setting down, a cup of tea or coffee, candles for lighting or perhaps even a book. Side tables and tea tables

were also utilized. It can be said that these various tables were all predecessors of our modern day coffee table.

The Victorians and Coffee There are differing opinions and views on where the first “coffee tables” originated. The first time we hear the term “coffee table” applied to specifically designed tables is during the late Victorian period in England. These coffee tables were specifically designed to serve coffee and were generally about 27” tall. No doubt many interesting conversations took place around these tables, just as they have wherever coffee has been served ever since. Coffee tables produced in England during the late 19th century were based on earlier furniture styles, due in part to the popularity of revivalism in England and America. Due to the conflict between revivalism and modernism, “art nouveau” styled tables were also created featuring natural motifs and floral elements.

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The Turkish, Japanese and Indian Connections

Coffee Tables in the 20th Century

The idea for a lower table may have been inspired by the tables used in the tea gardens of the Ottoman Empire. It is interesting to surmise the intriguing “Turkish” connection to the evolution of the coffee table, since the first known coffee house in London was started by a Turkish woman named Pasqua Rosée. Another possible scenario for the evolution of a low sofa height “coffee table” may also have been derived from the importance of Japanese furniture in the Anglo-Japanese style that was enormously popular in England throughout much of the 1870s and 1880s. England’s Imperial dominion throughout various regions of the world, particularly in India, may also have facilitated the integration of the low table for serving coffee and entertaining guests. Although experts rarely agree on anything, it is safe to conclude that the origins of the coffee table can be traced back to numerous contributing factors and cultures.

In 1920, J. Stuart Foote, president of the Imperial Furniture Company, proclaimed himself to be the inventor of the coffee table. His company massed produced “coffee tables” with shorter legs that made the tables more suitable for placement in front of the sofa for entertaining and for “setting down one’s coffee.” Prior to this, it was becoming an accepted practice in homes to shorten the legs of older or antique tables for use as a coffee table.

Coffee Tables and Prohibition With Prohibition being the rule of law, Americans began to entertain around coffee, which must also have had something to do with the choice to market this newly mass produced item as a “coffee table.” It is equally interesting to note that with the repeal of Prohibition laws in the 1930s, the coffee table also became known as the cocktail table! Due to the marriage of mass production

and sheer marketing genius, the coffee table quickly became a fixture in American homes.

The Coffee Table Today The coffee table has become one of the most functional and prominent pieces of furniture in our home décor. It has earned its place in the furniture hall of fame by its ability to fill so many roles in our homes and in our lives, simultaneously. As in the coffee houses of London over 300 years ago, we are still gathering around the coffee table. However, its role has evolved to accommodate our lifestyles and families. Coffee tables are really “everything tables.” Often, they double as additional seating, a place to put up our feet after a long day, a spot to display favorite books or art objects and yes, a place to put our coffee, tea, television / sound system remote or anything else we need to set down. Coffee tables are a fast and affordable way to update the entire look and feel of a room and are available at all price points.

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Current Coffee Table Trends • Classic and natural wood tables remain popular but have stiff competition with new and varied finishes and more opulent treatments.

• Old world finishes and soft gilded

tones of gold, bronze and silver are being featured and add warmth to any grouping. They are at their best when used to enhance other furniture in the room.

• Mirrored furniture is currently very

popular as it has a highly classic or architectural form that also utilizes mirrors to reflect surrounding colors and light. It reminds me of the Art Deco period. Mirrored furniture packs a double decorative punch. It has a classically luxurious, traditional and at the same time, modernist feel to it. It is particularly striking when it is utilized as a single striking accent.

• Ottomans are as popular as ever for use as makeshift coffee tables! Today there are so many options available locally,

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for well-appointed ottomans. A truly stunning decorative addition to any room would be to cover an ottoman with an oriental rug past its prime. Any other type of wool or cotton rug can be recycled into a stunning focal point in its own right. Of course ottomans can also be covered in leather, microfiber or any fabric of your choice which makes them a fantastic addition to your room.

Coffee tables double as a spot to display favorite books or art objects

• Custom tables made of reclaimed

antique woods and recycled heart pine are gaining in popularity as we shift to a more organic and green mindset in our homes and lives.

• With the popularity of oriental motifs, bamboo, lattices and other oriental elements are also among popular choices for coffee tables.

• Glass top coffee tables are always

popular. Due to their transparent nature they tend to suggest space and are often good choices if you have larger pieces of furniture in your room. Even when they are large themselves, they do not feel imposing.

• Putting a glass top over a favorite

sculpture, figural item, chest or large piece of driftwood can also add a dramatic and interesting focal point and conversation piece to your room.

• A glass top table with a lower level

is also lovely if you wish to display art, decorative antiques or favorite collectibles to be viewed through the glass top. This will add a dimensional feel and maximize the decorative impact of your coffee table and collectibles.

• Old iron gates that have found new use

as decorative elements and metal tables with glass tops are particularly lovely and can be a good choice as opposed to wood, depending on the theme of your room.

• Painted furniture, particularly in

cottage or coastal decors is as popular as ever and often makes a lovely and refreshing addition to your space, particularly seaside.

• Trunks and chests will always be in

demand, due to their ability to double as storage.

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• Placing identical or similar smaller

tables side by side or in close proximity, in front of a sofa, can also work in smaller spaces as an alternative to a single coffee table.

Choosing your coffee table The coffee table you choose is a matter of personal choice. Below are some helpful hints to remember when choosing the appropriate coffee table for your space. You will need to be certain that the coffee table does not compete with the other elements and furnishings in your space. A contrasting coffee table can add an unexpected surprise and unifying juxtaposition to differing styles. Eclectic interiors continually utilize this principal by melding different styles and decorative periods to create a harmonious personalized space.

Do be sure to leave an aisle of about one foot or more, between your sofa and the coffee table. Do measure your room and the other furnishings to determine what size table you will need. Often the tables we see in furniture stores look much larger when we get them home. Do make sure to visit the coffee table resources in our area to see the latest trends, whimsical favorites and traditional mainstays available in the marketplace today. These stores and shops have in some cases traveled the world and the market shows to bring the very best to you, locally. Do consult an interior designer to assist you with your choice, if you are not certain what type of coffee table to purchase for your home. Many of the resources for coffee tables in our area have interior designers and decorators on staff and will happily provide assistance to you.

Coffee Table Do’s Do make sure that your coffee table is equal to the seat height of your sofa and surrounding seating.

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In Closing… Who would have ever thought coffee and coffee tables would have such an

interesting history and become such an important contributing factor in world history and in our very own homes! As in ages past, some of our best times have been spent having coffee and conversation with friends around a coffee table. May we never view coffee or coffee tables the same… Long live the coffee table! Special thanks to everyone who provided wonderful information on current trends in the market place today. H

Coffee Table Resources Chesapeake & Crescent — 804-435-8800 Easy Livin’— 804-776-9101 Interior Innovations — 804-435-1257 Kilmarnock Furniture — 804-435-7632 Nunnally’s — 804-333-3210 Tappahannock Furniture Store— 804-443-2811 W. F. Booth & Son, Inc.— 804-435-1329

March /April 2009

Northern Neck

Foster Parent Program By Blake Hite Slusser – contributing writer

magine you are six; you get off the school bus and go inside your home. No one is there. It’s no big deal really. Your parents told you that they wouldn’t be home and you know where the snacks are. You find something to eat and go watch TV. Around 8:00 o’clock that night the neighbor notices that the lights are on, but there is no car in the drive. She stops by to check on you. You tell her you are fine and she returns home. You continue watching TV. As 9:30 rolls around you are too sleepy to keep your eyes open and take yourself to bed, right after you finish brushing your teeth. You’re big now. You can handle this. At 11:00 pm there is a knock on the door. It’s loud and wakes you up. You freeze. You don’t know what to do. It can’t be your parents because they have the key. Did you remember to lock the door? The knock comes again, this time even louder. What do you do? Now you don’t feel so grown up and desperately wish your mom and dad were home. You start to cry. What the six year old doesn’t realize is that the neighbor has been watching the house since about 7:00 pm. She knew he was home alone and swore this time she was going to do something about it. For goodness sake, what if there were a fire, or he hurt himself. He’s too young to be left alone. That evening instead of going to bed, she called the Department of Social Services. She went out to greet the social worker as she came down the drive to talk to the little boy. When he came to the door scared and crying, she knew she had done the right thing. He had acted so grown up when she went and checked on him earlier. Now he was every bit of six years old. This is a classic case of neglect. Abuse and neglect are the primary reasons children come into foster care. It happens to children of all ages; 6, 11, 16 or even The House & Home Magazine

infants. Some foster care placements are voluntary, where the parents don’t feel they can properly care for their child, but the majority are court ordered due to neglect or abuse. The Northern Neck Foster Parent Program was founded in 2001. At that time it served Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties. Essex County joined the program in 2008. The program now serves Essex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties. These five counties decided that since the need was so great, yet the funds so limited, it would be best to pool resources and hire a Foster Parent Coordinator whose primary job is to recruit, train, and support foster parents. The goal of this program is to increase the number of foster homes, especially those willing to accept teen placements, decrease the number of out of

area placements, and reduce the number of multiple placements for foster children. With these goals in mind the program is actively recruiting new foster parents. The act of taking a child out of his/her home is very disruptive to the child. Placing the child in a different community is even more disruptive. This is what is happening right now. There is a shortage of homes for foster children in our community and they must be placed outside of the community. When this happens, the children not only lose daily contact with their parents, pets, and even sometimes siblings, they also lose their daily interactions with their friends, teachers, and other support networks. By placing children within the community it allows them to continue to have contact with their parents, siblings, and friends and can be much less disruptive to the child. 77

The need for foster homes is even greater in our community because some children must be placed in group facilities simply because a foster home willing to take them is unavailable. It is believed that children are more successful when placed with a family versus being placed in a group setting. Not only do the

children receive more time and attention, but they benefit from learning appropriate family roles and by forming positive relationships within a family. If a child is taken out of an abusive home, being placed in a loving, nurturing environment can help them break the cycle more so than being placed in a group home where

they may not get to witness this healthy family dynamic. At this time our region only has 19 foster homes for children. Currently, we have 46 children in foster care. Of these 46 children, a majority are over the age of twelve. This shows the growing need for foster homes willing to accept older children and teenagers. If you are interested in stepping up to the plate to fill this great need, we have some information on how to get involved and what responsibilities it will entail. First you should contact the Foster Parent Coordinator for your region. In Essex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties, this would be Georgia Sprague. She can be reached Monday through Thursday by telephone at (804) 580-3477, or toll free at (800) 2967627. If she is unavailable, you may ask to speak to her supervisor, Kim Moody. Before a child can be placed in a foster home, the prospective foster parents must complete the application process and a pre-service training. They must also complete four in-service trainings per year. Once a child is placed in your home, you are responsible for working closely with the child’s social worker to make sure the child’s needs are being met. Whether they are medical, educational, or psychological needs, it is one of the foster parents’ responsibilities to make sure these needs are brought to the attention of the social worker and taken care of. Once a foster child is placed in a foster home, the foster parent receives a small monthly maintenance payment to help offset the cost associated with raising a child. The foster child’s medical, dental, and daycare cost will be the responsibility of the Department of Social Services. Another responsibility for foster parents is to provide a safe, nurturing, stable, and loving environment for the child to live and thrive in. The foster parent will also provide valuable insight on what is to happen to the child after foster care. If the permanency plan calls for the child to return home to his parents, you will need to understand the need for family visits and will need to assist the child in preparing for these visits. If the child is to be adopted, the foster parent will be responsible for helping prepare the child for this transition. This may seem like a major undertaking, because it is. But, luckily, March /April 2009

the Foster Parent Program has many services available to help support you once you have accepted a foster child into your home. There are people available, like the social worker and Foster Parent Coordinator, who will help you every step of the way, from placement to the time the permanency plan is carried out. They will work with foster parents to ensure they have the proper tools for problem solving and be there in general to provide support. The responsibilities of being a foster parent can be far outnumbered by the benefits of bringing a child into your home and helping to shape the rest of his/her life. As with any parent, a foster parent can make a huge impact just by the love and attention they give to a child. If you have a desire to nurture a child who needs a safe place to live, if you feel called to care for children who have lived through difficult experiences, if you think it is the right time to open your heart and home to these children, consider becoming a foster parent. Call Georgia Sprague today at (804) 580-3477, or toll free at (800) 296-7627. H

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The role of the foster parent is to: • Provide temporary care for children, giving them a safe, stable, loving and nurturing environment, • Cooperate with the social worker and the child’s parents in carrying out a permanency plan, including participating in developing the plan, • Understand the need for, and goals of, family visits and assist with those visits, • Help the child cope with the separation from his or her home, • Provide guidance, discipline, a good example, and as many positive experiences as possible, • Encourage and supervise school attendance, participate in teacher conferences, and keep the child’s social worker informed about any special educational needs, • Work with the agency in arranging for the child’s regular and/or special medical and dental care, • Work with the child on creating a “Life Book”, which is a combination of a story, diary, and scrapbook, that can help children understand their past experiences so they can feel better about themselves and be better prepared for the future, • Inform the social worker promptly about any problems or concerns so that the child’s needs can be met through available services.

Advertisers Index Advantage Window & Door — 804-435-3377 . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Angelo’s Restaurant — 804-493-8694 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bank of Lancaster — 804-435-1171 . . . . . . . inside back cover Bates, LLC — 804-761-8844 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Bay River Realty, George English — 804-761-5549 . . . . . . . 24 Bayside Water Treatment — 804-333-3938 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Benjamin Rennolds — 804-493-7405 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 BH Baird Insurance — 804-333-4013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Burke’s Jewelers — 804-435-1302 . . . . . . . . inside front cover Callao Supply Company — 804-529-6265 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Carson Flooring — 804-443-5338 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Carter Real Estate, Susan & Wally Beauchamp — 804-436-5450 . . . . . . . . 35 Century 21, James Acres — 804-443-3310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Chesapeake & Crescent — 804-435-8800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chesapeake Homes — 804-462-7706 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Chip Hudnall Construction — 804-580-2415 . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Clean Cut Lawn & Fencing — 804-443-2279 . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Coastal Design — 804-758-2990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Colonial Collectibles — 804-333-0581 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Crowther Heat & Air — 800-323-7478 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Crying Shame — 804-443-0700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Dameron Companies — 804-580-1834 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Delta Marine — 804-776-7110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 E.W. Beasley Drywall — 804-580-2526 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Eagle River Construction — 804-529-5700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Easy Livin’ — 804-776-9101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Efficient Air — 804-769-1700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Esquire Services — 804-443-4751 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 EVB — 888-464-2265 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Everyday Opulence (K. Andrews) — 804-445-5500 . . . . . . . 68 Exit Realty, Teresa Russ — 804-493-1888 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Farm Bureau Insurance, Taylor — 804-443-3733 . . . . . . . . 21 Ferebee’s Food & Spirits — 804-443-5715 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Fredericksburg Home Show — 540-548-5555 . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 GC Dawson Real Estate — 804-436-6453 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 George Thomasson — 804-436-7784 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Glenn Lester — 804-580-2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Hanley Electric — 804-436-2768 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Hometown Lighting — 804-435-0003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Ingram Bay Contracting — 804-453-3076 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Interior Innovations — 804-435-1257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Isabell K. Horsley — 804-758-2430 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Jim’s Cabinets Creations — 804-435-2061 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Kilmarnock Furniture — 804-435-7632 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Latitudes — 804-776-0272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Lawler Real Estate — 804-435-1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Long & Foster, Skipper Garrett — 804-370-4080 . . . . . . . . . 30 LU Pierce Custom Building — 804-693-2481 . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Main Street Pharmacy — 804-435-8818 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Dr. Reginald Mason — 804-443-6232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 McKenney Insurance — 804-529-6166 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Dr. Eric Miller, DDS — 804-758-1103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Minter Golf Carts — 804-443-5066 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Northern Neck Building Supply — 804-493-9588 . . . . . . . . 63 Northern Neck Foster Parent Program — 804-580-3477 . . . 79 Northern Neck Gourmet — 804-333-3012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Northern Neck Homes — 804-493-9300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 No. Neck State Bank, Mortgage — 804-338-3525 . . . . . . . . 61 No. Neck State Bank — 866-593-2200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Nunnally’s — 804-333-3210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Peninsula Construction — 804-445-5341 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 PowerHome Technologies — 804-266-7851 . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Pritchard & Fallin, Inc. — 804-529-7833 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Quaker Custom Homes — 703-551-0043 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Real Estate Pointer — 804-443-0330 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Rivah Realty, Barbara Jean LeFon — 804-493-8772 . . . . . . . 75 Riverland Insurance — 804-443-3307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Riverside Accents — 804-443-6338 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Roma’s Ristorante — 804-443-5240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Sherwin Williams — 804-443-2606 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 SolarFilm — 804-935-7100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Tappahannock Furniture Co. — 804-443-2811 . . . . . . . . . . 46 Taurus Properties — 804-462-7500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 William Taylor Painting — 540-538-5441 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Teakwood Enterprises — 804-443-4516 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Tennis Courts Inc. — 804-769-3030 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Terry Construction — 804-443-3499 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Vanecek Construction — 804-435-5415 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Vermont Closets — 804-443-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Virginia Building Solutions — 804-443-4663 . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ware Academy — 804-693-3825 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Weekend with a Writer — 804-443-4925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 WF Booth & Son Furniture — 804-435-1329 . . . . back cover

March /April 2009