IWANNA 2012 WNC Home & Garden - Asheville, NC

SPRING 2012

what to look for in

outdoor furniture speedy Spring Cleaning Get to know

local Businesses

make your own

terrarium

home improvement projects

decorating tips & IDEAS

2 | IWANNA® March 2012

Save On Gardening Supplies

WNC Home & Garden

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7 low cost ideas to gardening financially smarter this season!

■ written by jordan P Reed

I

t's officially gardening season!

knife ($28.50, leevalley.com). Part

We know you're itching to

knife and part trowel, it's a gardener’s

get out there and get your

best investment. You can use it to

hands dirty, but before you go

plant, grub, and remove deep-rooted

shopping crazy with all the blooms

weeds. If you bought different tools for

and supplies you want and need,

all those specific jobs, you'd be paying

read these tips to save some money

a lot more!

on gardening this season!

Start your own compost.

Shop early. The rule at garden

Homemade compost can be your

centers is first come first serve. If you

garden's best friend! And you can

shop before the crowds, you'll get a

start your own for the price of $0. Start

better selection. And the selection

collecting food and yard scraps into a

is the best right at the start of the

compost pile in your yard...inside an old

season. In the spring, you’ll find

grill works great!

one-gallon boxwoods costing about

Buy cell packs. Yes, buying one

asters, and hostas are all vigorous

running wastes way too much water.

region. After one season, they’re

$8 each, but by the end of summer,

large plant for $8 can give your garden

and low-maintenance plants. With

There are mechanical water timers you

completely established, so a nasty

large plants costing $30 or more will

a head start, but a four-pack of smaller

these, you won’t have to worry about

can buy for as little as $15 at a home

freeze shouldn’t zap them. Purchase

probably be the only ones left.

ones will cost half the price, and each of

replacing them — they're genetically

and garden store that will automatically

cone flowers (native in much of the

the smaller plants will grow to the size of

pretty resilient!

turn off your sprinkler's water so you

country), or go to plantnative.org

only use when you really need to.

to learn what grows naturally in your

Stick with one tool. There's a delightful little tool out there with multiple uses called the hori hori

the large one in only a few weeks.

Plant hardy varieties. Daylilies,

Attach a timer to your watering spigot. A sprinkler or a soaker hose left

Buy flowers that are native to this

region.

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WNC Home & Garden

IWANNA速 March 2012 | 3

4 | IWANNA® March 2012

WNC Home & Garden

Put These Home Improvements On Your 2012 Calendar

W

ith winter weather on the decline, it's a great time of year to take inventory of your home and make plans for home improvements throughout the year. Saving energy and money while adding comfort to your home should always be in season. Industry experts recommend you put these home improvement tips on your 2012 calendar:

Spring

• Consider larger home improvements, like replacing windows that are best completed when the weather is nice and mild. Consider adding spray foam insulation (like

innovative Icynene) to your attic or in hard. room over the garage. If you didn't get other areas of your home where the • Replace inefficient incandescent to it in the spring, install spray foam summer heat can infiltrate. You can lighting with more efficient compact insulation to seal around openings and start saving up to 50 percent in energy fluorescent or LED lighting that also penetrations that let air flow in and out costs all year long. produces less heat. of your home.

• Is your air conditioner old or • Check your hot water tank. If it's • Use caulking, sealant, and weatheron its last legs? Before things really warm to the touch, it might need some stripping to create a barrier against air heat up, consider and water around investing in an doorframes, energy efficient windows, and Saving energy and money while adding comfort Energy Star-rated baseboards. to your home should always be in season. unit. Consult an Choose the right expert to ensure caulking for the the size of the unit surface. is properly matched to the needs of • Insulate your hot water pipes to extra insulation. Check your home your home. improvement store for inexpensive pre- reduce heat loss. It may enable you to reduce the temperature setting on your cut tank jackets or blankets.

Summer hot water tank.

• Add window coverings to block Fall sunlight during the day, so your air • Check insulation levels where Winter conditioner doesn't have to work as you can, like the attic or the floor of a • Install affordable plastic window-

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sealing kits, especially where you feel drafts.

• Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and switches to reduce air leakage.

• Close the fireplace damper tightly when it's not in use. If you use your fireplace regularly, consider adding a well-designed insert.

• Replace or clean furnace filters at least once every three months.

There you have it! A list of easily manageable home improvements you can do throughout the year. And if you spread them out as stated before instead of trying to accomplish it all at once, it won't be overwhelming or time-consuming, and your home will thank you for it!

■ Metro creative connection

Visit The Carpet Barn For Flooring Made Simple!

T

he Carpet Barn, located at 227 Muse Business Park in Waynesville, North Carolina, is unlike any flooring you have ever seen. We have 30,000 square feet devoted entirely to flooring.

The advantages to you are our value pricing on stock carpet, laminate, hardwood, vinyl, tile, and area rugs as well as our large selection of samples from top flooring manufacturers for custom orders. We have been voted "Best Flooring Store" in our county for eight consecutive years, and invite you to come explore our showroom.

From the moment you walk through the door at The Carpet Barn, you will feel comfortable, relaxed, and welcome in our store. Upon choosing the right flooring that meets your needs, we will remain in constant communication with you to update you on the ordering process, the delivery process, and the installation time frame.

We know how difficult it can be to find just the right flooring for your home or business, and we are here to help! At The Carpet Barn, we can help you choose from luxurious carpets in thousands of colors and patterns or the handcrafted beauty of exotic and domestic hardwoods.

We can also help you pick from our diverse styles and designs of intricate patterned tile or our durable laminate flooring, sheet vinyl, and luxury vinyl tile.

In 2010, The Carpet Barn started a partnership with Mohawk as an exclusive Mohawk ColorCenter Dealer. Our extensive knowledge of the Mohawk and other product lines, along with our focus on customer service, helps us match your needs with the right product for your design and your budget.

The Carpet Barn offers in-store binding services to help you create rugs custom-sized for your rooms. In addition to our large selection of area rugs, you can choose to have a rug made from any of our stock carpets or custom-ordered from our large selection of designer styles and colors.

Our inventory is not to be believed!

We have dozens of rolls of carpet, walls lined with remnants, and pallet after pallet of laminate styles to beautify your home or business. We stock area rugs in various sizes, and are of the belief that rugs are an accessory, not an investment, so you will love our pricing. Don't see anything in stock that meets your particular design need? Choose from

our selection of carpets from Mohawk, Karastan, and other leading mills.

With a friendly, no-pressure retail environment, you'll find ease and comfort as you meet people who are reliable and extremely knowledgeable about what they do and what we can offer you.

The Carpet Barn offers you fully warranted professional installation or you may choose the "cash and carry" option for using your own installer or doing the job yourself. Either way, you will find first quality products at affordable prices. You will have the full attention of our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff, and the owners are usually in the store helping customers as well. We know that flooring is a substantial investment, and we want you to be happy with your final product.

Stop by The Carpet Barn to experience exceptional products with reliable service and competitive pricing.

Call us at 828.456.7422 or visit us online at carpetbarncarolina.com.

The Carpet Barn's vast showroom offers an array of options for shoppers, hardwoods, laminates, and carpets. The spacious location invites customers in to browse at their leisure.

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WNC Home & Garden

IWANNA速 March 2012 | 5

Quality. Comfort. Reliability.

329 Dogwood Road Candler, NC 28715 Office: (828) 665-4343 Fax: (828) 665-6576

184 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 Office: (828) 246-9200 Fax: (828) 246-9201

WWW.MIKESHEATINGANDCOOLING.COM

6 | IWANNA® March 2012

WNC Home & Garden

Transplant Trees Successfully

H

omeowners move trees around their property for a number o f re a s o n s . S o m e might be adding onto their property and need to make room for their new addition, while others might simply want to move a tree for aesthetic reasons.

Whatever the reason, transplanting trees can be risky. Trees that are not fully healthy, for instance, might find a transplant too stressful. If the stress proves overwhelming, the tree could die or lose some its physical appeal. Though there are no guarantees when transplanting trees,

there are a few guidelines homeowners can follow to increase the likelihood of a successful transplant.

Transplant At The Right Time.

It's best to transplant trees when the ground is not frozen. When transplanting in the spring, do so right after the ground has thawed and before the tree or shrub's buds begin to swell. When transplanting in the fall, do so soon after leaf drop to allow time for root development before the soil freezes.

Re-Locate To The Correct Spot.

Before transplanting a tree or shrub, test the new location in mind. Make sure the place where the tree or shrub will be moved can provide sufficient light for the given species to thrive.

In addition, check the new location's soil pH, moisture, and wind exposure.

Not all areas of a property are ideal for trees and shrubs, so inspect the area before moving. Such an inspection should include examining a layout of the

property's utility lines as well.

Avoid Drying Out. Trees and shrubs should not dry out during the transplanting process.

Water the plants for two to three days prior to transplanting the tree if the surrounding soil is dry. When it comes time to transplant, cover the root ball with a damp material, such as burlap or canvas, that will help retain moisture the tree or shrub needs.

Let The Professionals Move Larger Trees.

Moving larger trees is an undertaking best left to professionals. Transplanting larger trees could prove a difficult undertaking for many homeowners, and the tree could suffer greatly if that's the case.

Plant As Soon As Possible.

It's possible to store a tree and not immediately plant it, but it's ideal

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to plant a tree or shrub that is being transplanted as soon as possible.

If storing, avoid covering the root ball with plastic. That can suffocate the plant's roots, putting its life in significant jeopardy. Protect stored plants from extreme temperatures, wind, and direct sunlight.

Plant Properly.

Planting holes should be two to three times as wide as the root ball.

If planting in dry soil, pre-water the holes before planting begins, and be sure to plant the tree or shrub at the same depth it was originally growing in. Also, plant the tree so it is in the same direction, relative to the sun, that it was previously in.

With these tips, you can transplant successfully, but when in doubt, don't be too proud to ask for help. Trees are delicate plants, too. And it's better to be sure than sorry.

■ Metro creative connection

Better Air. Better Care.

The Mike’s Heating & Cooling Team Keeps Comfort Coming.

Y

ou don’t always have to look to the world of sports to see the power of great teamwork in action.

Sometimes the best examples of people pooling their talents to achieve outstanding results are right in your neighborhood. Case in point: Mike’s Heating & Cooling.

Serving the counties of Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and the surrounding areas with energy-efficient heating, cooling, and geothermal solutions since 1990, the Mike’s Heating & Cooling team is led by skilled technicians trained to excel in their work and are sincere in their passion for customer service.

When local residents see one of Mike’s service vehicles on the road, they can be confident that the person behind the wheel is a N.A.T.E.certified technician committed to delivering total comfort. In fact,

Mike’s Heating & Cooling has been recognized as an independent Trane Comfort Specialist™ dealer, an honor earned by only a select group that meets Trane’s highest standards for customer satisfaction and technical expertise.

Other credentials that reflect the company’s commitment to quality and service include the Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer designation, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and the 2010 & 2011 Super Service Award from Angie’s List, a leading national consumer website that compiles reviews on local companies.

Mike’s offers products with a long track record of exceptional performance and value. Along with high-efficiency Trane heating and cooling systems, they sell and service Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits, Bosch geothermal heat pumps, Generac standby generators, and other energy-efficient equipment

that can save customers money each month while keeping them comfortable year-round.

When customers need service on their home or business heating and air conditioning systems, Mike’s skilled technicians have the know-how to diagnose, adjust, or repair their systems with minimal interruption to comfort.

Their services include: • Equipment Replacement: Mike’s strives to provide the top value on the highest quality comfort systems for homes and businesses.

• Planned Maintenance: They offer planned maintenance agreements for homes and businesses of any size.

It’s the recommended way to obtain optimal efficiency and performance from comfort systems for years to come.

• Complete System Installation: Mike’s comfort consultants personally

assess the climate environments of homes and businesses and design systems that fit individual application, efficiency and comfort requirements, while keeping the clients budget in mind.

• Indoor Air Quality: Mike’s offers commercial and residential air duct sealing / insulating services to help improve air quality and save energy.

Mike’s also offers many products to address a wide array of Indoor Air Quality concerns in today’s homes.

These include products like: Air Cleaners, Humidifiers, De-humidifiers, Programmable Thermostats, Zone Control Systems, UV Lamps, and Energy Recovery Ventilators. To help customers overcome today ’s busy lifestyles, Mike’s offers products that offer convenience to their clients using Internet based controls that allow for remote access to control things

like, thermostats, lights, door locks, receptacles, and video cameras.

From equipment replacement to complete comfort system installation, from generators to fireplaces, the team at Mike’s Heating & Cooling is dedicated to providing the best service and value on the finest quality products.

Earning trust and loyalty through a team commitment to exceed customer expectations is Mike’s formula for success. In light of the company’s proven history, growing customer base and industry honors, they have no plans to change.

Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n Mike’s Heating & Cooling, visit mikesheatingandcooling.com or call 828.665.4343.

WNC Home & Garden

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T

IWANNA® March 2012 | 7

'The Original' Taylor Outside Woodfired Water Furnaces

here is a reason why Taylor sells more outdoor water stoves than anyone else in the world."

Ron Woodle proudly supplies customers in Western North Carolina and the surrounding states with Taylor Outisde Woodfired Water Furnaces.

Taylor is the most recognized name in the industry. The UL approved Taylor Waterstove is known to be the safest and most efficient way to heat your home with wood. This year celebrates their 27th year of partnering with Taylor Manufacturing, who have researched and engineered the Taylor Waterstove for more than 45 plus years in Eastern North Carolina.

Taylor's superior design speaks for itself. The patented double bypass system takes the hot smoke that escapes from other manufactured flue pipes and captures that lost heat up to 80 percent.

No matter what you do to a fire box, once the heat goes out of the flue, it is forever lost. The Taylor Waterstove has a smaller fire box than other manufacturers because less wood is needed due to the double by-pass system efficiency. With our larger water capacity you can heat your home for hours, even when the fire is out. An example of this is 40- and 50-gallon hot water heaters. You may use only

a few gallons of hot water to take a bath, but with the back-up of several gallons it is easier and faster to recover the lost heat.

The Taylor Waterstove eliminates the cost of heating your domestic hot water. Imagine endless, free hot water as you heat your home. Even in the summer, a few sticks of wood every two or three days can offer you endless hot water.

Listed below are a few facts about the Taylor Waterstove:

You Only Use Heat And Hot Water On Demand

Other manufacturers have constant looping systems that use power and draw down the water heated in the tank, 24 hours a day, even when you're not using hot water or heating your home. This drives up operating costs and the consumption of wood. But with the Taylor, when the thermostat in the home calls for heat, the water is rotated through your heat exchange coil only on demand. By borrowing your existing blower in your furnace, the pump on the back of the Taylor Waterstove also turns on simultaneously, rotating the 190° hot water through the heat exchanger and blowing hot air evenly into your home.

When a hot water faucet in the home is turned on, hot water is forced from the Taylor Waterstove by the home's water

pressure through the domestic hot water coil, returning the now hot water to your hot water heater at 140°.

Easy To Install (Save $$$)

The Taylor is simple to install, and with our Instruction Sheet you can do this yourself.

There is an information DVD to help you make this decision.

Installation help is available.

Other Items That Make The Taylor Superior

Door — large, air tight, insulated, reinforced.

Burning System — auto temp control, forced draft air, auto damper control, helps burn secondary gasses.

Construction — Stainless steel lined tank, stainless steel return tubes and flue, tank is insulated like thermos bottle, sealed insulated with urethane, and covered with a 25-year enamel siding.

What The Taylor Woodstove Means To You

• takes the fire outside • eliminates damage from fire • eliminates wood mess in the home • eliminates chimney fires • eliminates smoke and ashes in home

Eliminates 75 Percent Of Work Related To Wood

• eliminates a lot of useless splitting • uses cut wood 30" long • puts wood in every 12 - 48 hours, (a few sticks for 12 hours, fill the box for up to 48 hours of use)

Burning Of Wood Is Automatically Controlled

• forced air draft system • burns wood at approximately 86 percent efficiency

Unlimited Hot Water On Demand

• eliminates timers • eliminates constant loop systems that have to run 24 hours per day • can save 50 percent or more on utility bill heating on all your domestic hot water.

We can show you 2012 new stoves or Taylor’s that have been in operation for over 27 years!

8 | IWANNA® March 2012

WNC Home & Garden

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Terrariums — How To Make One Of Your Own! ■ written by jordan P Reed • photo by adalee Elkins

T

errariums are small little plant- your own terrariums? It's actually a filled worlds that are truly lot simpler than you may think! All captivating. If you haven't you need are a clear container, small seen them in person, be sure to pebbles (for drainage), soil, a plant, and Google "terrariums" and feast your your terrarium will thrive! eyes on the darling little plantscapes Pick A Glass Vessel you can create. Terrariums are unique Terrariums aren't picky when it because the plants are contained under glass, which creates its own comes to the type of vessel you choose ecosystem of sorts, making it easy — just as long as it's glass and you can to care for even in the dead of winter. fit your hand inside. Those are really Inside the glass dome you can the only criterion. You can choose from create tiny jungles of ferns, succulent glass domes, cloches, hand-blown plants, pebbles, dirt, flowers, etc. that glass varieties that are more upscale, thrive in the warm, moist conditions but inexpensiven options will work just as well. You the clear glass can use a vase encasements you have laying provide.

Once created, around, mason Just how terrariums are very jars, even an do terrariums much self-sustaining and old goldfish work? When don't require a ton of bowl will work g a rd e n s a re perfectly! e n c a s e d upkeep or care.

Change up the in glass, container to fit condensation forms and water droplets dribble back into any décor. down to the soil, reducing the need Choose Your plants for supplemental water. It forms a A vast number of plants will do climate not unlike a jungle, giving you the option to house some pretty exotic very well in a terrarium. You can mix and match a handful of varieties, or plants inside!

The best part is, once created, simply plant one to stand regally on terrariums are very much self- its own. Here are a few options to sustaining and don't require a ton choose from: Ferns — a good option is Mother of upkeep or care. It's the simplest Fern (Asplenium viviparum) garden you could ever create! They're Strawberry begonia perfect for those who don't have a ton Pilea of space for a garden, but want some Sheet moss green to brighten up their home.

Tillandsia So, how do you make one of

Earth Star (Cryptanthus bivittatus) Orchids — good stand-alone option Air plant (Tillandsia) Succulent plants Mosaic plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii)

Time For Planting When planting your terrarium, here are the materials you'll need and the steps to follow: Materials: - glass container - small pebbles (about 3/8-inch) - activated charcoal pieces - potting soil - terrarium-appropriate plants - sheet moss - gloves - watering can

1. Put an inch of 3/8-inch pebbles in the bottom of your glass container. Mix in a handful of horticultural charcoal to keep moist soil smelling sweet.

2. Add 2-3 inches of light potting soil that contains lots of peat, such as an African violet medium. Tamp it down with your hand to remove air pockets.

3. Dig a little hole for your plant.

You can do this with your fingers — just make a small pocket to place your plant in. Set the plant and firm the soil around it. Make sure no roots are exposed.

Allow enough room between the plants for additional soil.

4. Position moss on top of the soil and between the plants.

4. Water lightly. Dampen the soil until water drips into the stones.

Keep It Growing!

Terrariums prefer indirect sunlight,

so place yours near a window that faces north, northeast, or northwest. If the terrarium is in direct sunlight, it will dry out your plants.

You don't need to water every day.

If you have an open terrarium, water it when the soil looks dry — every 7 - 10 days or so. A closed one can go for 2 weeks or longer between waterings.

Once you've planted your terrarium, there is little maintenance. As the plants

grow, trim any branches that grow out and over the top of your container.

Remove any spent flowers and leaves as they appear. Every once in a while, wipe down the inside and outside of the glass with a clean cloth.

Enjoy making your own terrarium, or make one for a friend! It's the perfect DIY project to add some charm — not to mention added oxygen — into your home!

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WNC Home & Garden

IWANNA速 March 2012 | 9

10 | IWANNA® March 2012

Create A Designer Look On A Budget

WNC Home & Garden

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■ written by jordan p reed

I

nterior designers have a knack for pulling together furniture and accessories to create rooms with widespread appeal. But not everyone has the resources to hire a professional to help turn their interior from drab to fab. Fortunately, it doesn't always take a pro to transform a home's interior.

The key to creating a beautiful room is to plan. Designers do it and so should you. But don't feel like you need to rush yourself. Designing a room and a home takes time, and it should be something fun — a hobby that you can immerse yourself in! Don't pressure yourself and this newfound designing project will be a lot of fun and you'll slowly become more confident in your opinions and ideas.

If starting from scratch — say you just bought a home — measure the

dimensions of the room and create a sketch of the area using graph paper or computer software. Be sure to place any windows or doors on the drawing so you'll be aware of obstacles.

Gather Inspiration Browse through magazines or pictures on the Web for inspiration on how you want to decorate your home or room. Search for key phrases that describe your design style, such as Tuscan, farmhouse, country, colonial, modern, etc. Then read up on the components of these styles that define it. This will help you select items that fit with the style.

Once a particular style has been chosen, create a design/inspiration board just like the professionals. Cut out swatches of fabric, collect paint swatches, find magazine pictures that

When designing, identify or create a focal point in the room and build off of that. fit with your aspirations, and arrange them on a poster board or bulletin board. You can also use a spiral bound notebook for on-the-go ease. This way you can stash it in your purse or bag in case you see or find something of creative interest!

The important thing is to get your ideas and preferences on paper to see how the elements mesh together. If you're unsure of color schemes, look back at the photo you were initially inspired by. Determine if those shades will coordinate with your home.

Creating a Focal Point When designing, identify or create a focal point in the room and build off of that. This may be a large window, fireplace, or even the entertainment center if it's a family room. Start by placing furniture around the focal point and move outward. Another insider trick is to not place furniture directly against the walls, but a few feet out. If your home allows that kind of space, great! If not, that's okay. Either way, think of forming "clusters" in your home. Have a great bay window that lets in a lot of light? Place a comfy armchair and a side table for a reading nook. Cluster your living room furniture so that its focus is for conversation (say, centered around a coffee table, etc.), rather than watching the TV. This makes a living room look more professionally designed.

Hiding the TV This leads into another helpful tip: hiding the tv discreetly. Because designers often don't center the furniture around the tv, it helps to have a pane or a shutter-like panel to close

in front of the television. Here’s an idea: mount the TV on the wall, and paint that wall black so it blends seamlessly into the background. These ideas will make your living space more refined and elegant.

rectangular shaped items with a circular clock, and a conical vase can mix it up in the room. Looking at magazine layouts can be extremely helpful in this step.

Keep Scale in Mind

You don't need to buy overly expensive items to create a designer look for your home. You just have to be selective in your purchases. You can find many items in stores that copy the look of higher-end products.

If you find a design in a magazine that you really want to mimic, keep your eyes peeled for similar-looking pieces that are less expensive than the real thing. Consider shopping at second-hand stores or antique shops for discounted items. Shopping online also may enable shoppers to find items more readily and see how they look in staged rooms.

It's also important to keep scale in mind. Large walls or tall ceilings will create plenty of wall space. A small print or wall hanging can get lost in such a large surface area. Choose furnishings and accessories that fit with the size of the room. In other words, a huge painting may overpower a small living room, and vise versa.

Color Schemes When choosing colors, make sure they complement each other and work together in a cohesive manner. The color wheel is a great tool that interior decorators and artists use. If you're anxious over choosing which colors to work with, look at the furniture pieces you have. What shades would work well with them? Use that color wheel, and place it next to the furniture — it really does help! Pick a main color and a few accent shades to work with. That way when you wallpaper or paint a room, your furniture will still match and not look out of place. Use your accent colors on accessories like a lamp shade, pillows, or an area rug.

Decorating Your Wall Space When planning what to hang on your walls, odd numbers often look more pleasing to the eye. Experiment with different sizes of framed artwork or different shaped accessories for visual appeal. Look for variety in your displays. For example, a few

Looking for Discounts

Be creative When designing, it never hurts to think outside the box. Items that were intended for outside may work well inside as well. Hanging lanterns or plant stands could be put to use in a rustic room. Save money by making decor items yourself. For instance, if you can't find a particular throw pillow or drapery that fits with your style, go to a fabric store and purchase fabric to make your own!

Decorating doesn't have to cost a fortune or look like you pieced odd items together. By following these guidelines and selecting lower-priced items that mimic the shape and scale of similar accessories, it's possible for any homeowner to create a designer room for a lot less!

WNC Home & Garden

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What To Look For In Outdoor Furniture furniture, for example, might be durable, but such furniture can also get very hot if left out in the sun, and can therefore cause a burn to the skin. Ouch!

That said, look for furniture that can be accented with a variety of accessories, so you can change the look of your outdoor entertaining area easily.

Many homeowners enjoy changing their home's interior decor from time to time, and it can be just as enjoyable to do the same to a home's exterior decor.

Protecting exterior furniture from the elements should be a priority.

When shopping for outdoor furniture, figure out if protective covering is avail-

Versatility

O

utdoor entertaining areas have always been popular among homeowners. The ability to entertain friends and family or simply relax by yourself is something homeowners cherish, particularly during the warm weather seasons.

Finding the right furniture to match your outdoor area, be it a deck, patio, or poolside lounging area, is essential to making the most of this special area of the home. When shopping for outdoor furniture, consider the following.

Weight

Unlike furniture inside the home, outdoor furniture will be moved around quite frequently, so as to protect it

from inclement weather or changing seasons. As a result, the weight of the furniture bears importance. While you don't want furniture that's too lightweight and will blow away anytime a strong gust of wind comes along, it's a good idea to choose furniture that isn't too heavy. This makes it easier to move should a storm suddenly appear, and it won't require the entire household to help move the furniture into and out of the garage when inclement weather arrives.

Comfort

The whole idea behind an outdoor entertaining area is to have a relaxing place to spend time outside. So be sure to choose furniture that's comfortable and can handle the elements. Metal

JG Marcus Homes

T

o know us is to love us. Why? Because we listen, we care, and we treat everyone as though they are a member of our family.

Glenn Marcus, the Owner of JG Marcus Homes, has 25 years in the construction industry. He oversees every aspect of your building project from site evaluations, to the final inspection, to the service after the sale.

Our General Manager, Terri Davis has 20 years of housing experience and is just as excited about your project as she was 20 years ago. Terri serves as a liason between you, your housing specialist, the land and construction folks, and the bank to make sure your project comes in on time and on budget with quality that will exceed your expectations.

Our housing specialists are extraordinarily talented in terms of design, the construction process, and acting as your personal advocate throughout your building experience and beyond. Their attention to

details will help make your new house a wonderful home that reflects your style, personality, and of course, your budget!

Whether you are a first time home buyer, up or down sizing, or looking for something green but affordable, one of our hundreds of site built or modular floor plans will be perfect for you!

JG Marcus Homes is located on Highway 25, off exit 44 of I-26, between the highway and Smiley’s Flea Market. We are open seven days a week to serve you. Our physical address is 6080 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. We also have extended hours by appointment.

Call or e-mail us at 828.687.1200 o r JGMarcusHomes@gmail. com. Or visit us on our website at JGMarcusHomes.com. We would love to hear from you!

Protection

IWANNA® March 2012 | 11

able or if it will need to be custom made. The latter alternative can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider more generic furniture that comes with standard protective coverings to make it more affordable and easier to clean.

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WNC Home & Garden

12 | IWANNA® March 2012

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8 Easy Steps To Getting Your Home Organized ■ written by jordan p Reed

W

hen warmer weather arrives, many people "wake up" from their winter hibernation indoors and realize their house is stuffy and cluttered.

Most homes accumulate quite the amount of clutter over the course of a typical winter. The more time we spend indoors, the more junk we seem to amass.

No wonder springtime is the time for getting your house uncluttered and organized!

These eight organizational tips will help you on your way towards a cleaner home that feels literally

lighter!

Buy A Coat Rack.

Spring is known for throwing just about every kind of weather at you on a regular basis. With raincoats, winter coats, lighter jackets, sweaters — the amount of outerwear can accumulate before you know it! Our instinct when we come home from a long day at work

on an armchair or a kitchen table, buy a coat rack and place it just inside the main entrance. This way you will always know where your coat is, and the house won't look so messy with jackets strewn about in a variety of places.

Have A Tray Set Aside For Keys.

As clutter accumulates, the chances your keys will go missing increase. Save yourself the frantic search for keys in the morning by setting a tray aside for keys or hang a hook on the wall where everyone places their keys.

Another culprit when it comes to clutter is the family refrigerator. is to toss our jacket/coat/sweater onto the first chair or clean surface we find.

But instead of tossing all those coats

Partition Desk Drawers.

It's easy to fill a desk drawer. It's much harder to remember a drawer's contents. Save yourself the stress of rooting through desk drawers by installing partitions so everything is not just lumped in together. This will make things easier to find and will likely prevent you from just adding random items to desk drawers.

Bundle All Those Cords.

Nowadays, the average television has roughly one dozen cords attached to it. HDMI cables, video game consoles, DVD players, home theater systems, and, of course, the television cord itself are among the many cords that can make a mess near your television. Bundle these cords with a cord organizer to make wires and plugs much more manageable. There are also

Reduce clutter by immediately throwing out junk mail. convenient velcro holders that are easy to attach to cords and detach when you need them separated again.

Toss The Junk Mail.

Thanks to paperless bank statements and on-line billing, many people no longer receive important documents through the mail. Instead, mailboxes are filled with junk mail such as advertisements or menus from local restaurants. Rather than placing junk mail on the kitchen counter or storing it in the desk drawer, throw it out as soon as you receive it and you will no doubt notice considerably less clutter

almost instantly.

Prevent Your Couch From Eating Things!

Few things are as frustrating as a missing remote control. Too often remotes get lost in a sea of throw pillows that, while decorative, serve little purpose. Don't overdo it with throw pillows and designate an area for all those remote controls. A shallow basket that can sit next to the TV works perfectly.

Clean Out The Refrigerator.

Don't think that home organization doesn't include the refrigerator. Halfeaten meals or expired items can be found in almost every fridge on the planet. If you're putting leftovers in the fridge after every meal, then chances are you have lots of leftovers left behind. Have a potluck night where you eat all of the leftovers. Clean out the refrigerator once a week to ensure that it only contains fresh foods, beverages, and additional items.

Add Storage Space.

Using drawers and only drawers for storage is will only make you more disorganized. If you have any bare walls, particularly in the kitchen, use them to hang shelves you can use for storage. Other rooms of the house like the den, or an office benefit from bookshelves — they’re a great option for storage. Display keepsakes, photos, books, etc.

WNC Home & Garden

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IWANNA® March 2012 | 13

Decorating Ideas For A Screened-In Porch

A

screened-in porch or a threeseason room can be a welcome space that adds viable living area to a house. Oftentimes, these rooms serve as a bridge between the indoors and outside, and they can offer the creature comforts of any other room in the home. Just as they would a bedroom or family room, many homeowners prefer to decorate this area so it doesn't look like an extension of the backyard, instead showcasing the homeowner's personal style.

Homeowners can add many accents to a screened-in porch. Keep in mind that because this three-season room will likely need to endure the weather, including moisture and sunlight, decorating should be planned accordingly.

Turn a screened-in porch into a welcoming space with a few different ideas. Here are some things to consider.

• Think about adding sheer cur-

tains to create privacy and keep sun out on hot days. It's important to choose fabrics that are fade-resistant but also resistant to mold and mildew. Muslin or even mosquito netting in different shades can be draped to add some visual interest.

• Look for outdoor furniture that is both comfortable and attractive. Wicker, wood, and wrought-iron are popular materials for outdoor designs. There are also cushions crafted from weatherproof materials that can add a pop of color and comfort to the space.

• Enhance the area with some wall art. Hang an anchor for a nautical theme, or some whimsical accessories to create a kitschy country feel.

• Spruce up the lighting by adding a lamp or an overhead light. Install a ceiling fan to circulate the air and add some aesthetic appeal. Or consider hanging a chandelier made of materials that are impervious to the weather, like seashells or bamboo.

• Just because you're adjacent to

Jernigan Design Studios

B

ryan Jernigan is a local furniture Designer, Craftsman, and Owner of Jernigan Design Studios. His background in sculpture and his love for architecture, whether made by man or nature, along with a deep appreciation for intricate wood joinery, are at the foundation of a lot of Bryan's designs. Tension and compression tend to play an intricate part in the engineering of his designs as well.

While each concept tends to give birth to the next, each design stands on its own merits.

"My family and I moved from Atlanta to Asheville in 2007," Bryan says. "For over a decade, I specialized solely in historic home renovations. I know that the attention to the details is the difference between a good renovation and a great renovation.

Nowhere is this more true than in the finish work such as the trim, cabinetry, and shelving. These are the areas that catch the eye and reflect each of our individual tastes. These are also the details that will pay for themselves every time when you go to sell a home."

Bryan's segway f rom historic home renovation to custom cabinetry was actually a natural progression.

“If you work on enough 100+ year old homes, you will find that they are neither square nor plumb," laughs Mr. Jernigan. "Over the years my craft became more about making the crooked look straight and glaring irregularities imperceptible to the naked eye.”

Mr. Jernigan said he loves working with his hands and that the trim and cabinetry work always appealed to him and his love of craft and attention to details. Unlike pre-made cabinetry,

which are typically standard issue box sizes, custom cabinetry can be tailored specifically to your needs and spacial challenges.

Most of Mr. Jernigan’s clients have been in the Biltmore Lakes area, where he says many of his clients have been keen for one of three cabinetry designs he has created, which work quite nicely around the fireplace. He says home office built-in shelving and cabinetry have also been quite popular.

“I think people are genuinely pleased when they realize that I’m less than many of the special order cabinet places around town and it’s custom,” says Mr. Jernigan.

Along with staying busy in WNC, Mr. Jernigan has his own line of modern coffee tables, one of which

the yard doesn't mean you can't bring some plant life inside the screened room as well. Potted plants will soften the room and add color and a homey feel to the space. Just be aware that outdoor plants have to be watered more frequently than indoor plants because of their tendency to dry out in the sun.

• Define the entertaining space with a throw rug made from outdoor fabric.

Essentially you can create a mini living room right outside!

• A water feature like a small fountain can add lovely, soothing sounds and create visual interest.

• Be sure there is an electrical outlet available on the porch so that you can plug in a radio or a tabletop lamp if you enjoy reading during the twilight hours.

The comforts of indoors can be extended to a three-season room or screened-in porch to provide another space in the home in which to entertain or relax!

■ Metro creative connection

appeared in SURFACE magazine last year. He does take commissions and recently enjoyed building a period piece 17th century replica bakers-rack, that a client had designed, milled, and then passed away before assembling it.

“That was quite a challenge. There were probably 500 pieces in that rack.

The best part, though, was the joy on the face of this man’s wife when I brought the piece back to her,” said Mr. Jernigan.

"I enjoy working with my hands and love the challenges imposed by the physical structure or age of a home and by the tastes and needs of each home owner. While my furniture is very indicative of my tastes and desire to push materials to their limits; home projects are all about making the creative vision

of others come to life. If you have a home project in mind that involves cabinetry, shelving, or trim, then please give us a call. Jernigan Design Studios would lo ve to help."

Whether Italy, 2007 — Bryan checking out the old and the new in furniture design you are wanting to simply reface some existing cabinets or looking to jernigandesignstudios.com. You to build in a home office, Jernigan can contact them at 828.989.0034 or Design Studios can assist you with bryan@jernigandesignstudios.com. your next project. If you would like to see some of Bryan Jernigan’s home projects or table collection, please go

WNC Home & Garden

14 | IWANNAÂŽ March 2012

Butterflies — A Spring Spectacle To Behold

F

ew harbingers of spring are more spectacular to look at than the variety of butterflies that take to the skies after they emerge from chrysalis.

Although it is widely known that butterflies and moths go through

a metamorphosis to turn into their finished forms, many are unaware just how many steps it takes for a butterfly to be ready to fly.

1. A butterfly begins its life as an egg, which a female butterfly lays on a particular plant that the

Many people are unaware just how many steps it takes for a butterfly to be ready to fly.

species of butterfly prefers to eat.

This is called a host plant. Butterflies are very particular about the type of plant they eat. Certain species will only eat one type of plant or closely related varieties.

2. When a butterfly hatches from the egg, it is called a larva, or a first instar caterpillar. The insect is very small and does nothing but eat from the host plant.

3. Caterpillars are voracious eaters, and they grow very quickly.

The trouble is that their skin cannot grow. A new, larger skin must be formed. To do this the caterpillar must molt its old skin so that the new, larger skin can emerge. As it eats, a caterpillar will go through a few stages depending on the species. It may become a second, third, fourth, and even fifth instar caterpillar.

4. A caterpillar that has molted several times may look very different from its initial larval form. It will be much larger and may have different colors and features.

5. During the final molt, the discarded skin will become part of the chrysalis that will house the caterpillar as it pupates. The caterpillar spins

a silk girdle that attaches it to a particular location, either on a tree branch or a plant stem.

6. Contrary to popular belief, butterflies are not formed in cocoons.

Their pupa is called a chrysalis. Only some varieties of moths transform inside of a cocoon. In the chrysalis, the caterpillar is undergoing a rapid transformation. The chewing mouthparts are turning into the sucking mouthparts of a butterfly.

Wings and antennae are also forming.

The pupa stage is not merely a hibernation for the caterpillar. It is a time of very active growth.

7. About 10 to 14 days later, the butterfly will emerge from the chrysalis. Upon doing so the wings will be wet and small. The butterfly then pumps fluids through the wings to expand them. It also needs to get used to flying. A recently hatched butterfly is very vulnerable until its wings are dry and ready for lift-off.

8. An adult butterfly eats nectar and reproduces to begin the life cycle anew. Relatively speaking, a butterfly has a short life span. Some species live only a few days. Others may live up to a year. This can make viewing

a spectacularly hued butterfly in a spring garden even more poignant for the observer.

More than 700 species of butterflies are found in North America. In order to attract them to the backyard, homeowners can plant wildlife that nurtures all stages of the metamorphosis.

Adult butterflies looking for nectar will seek out plants in the sunlight; rarely do they feed in the shade. Plants should have red, yellow, orange, pink, or purple blossoms. Flat-topped or clustered flowers are preferred, as are short flower tubes that enable the butterfly's proboscis to fit in easily.

Here are some flowers to plant to ensure you have plenty of butterflies to enjoy throughout the season: Annuals: Alyssum, Dianthus, Gerbera Daisies, Petunias, Dahlias, Begonias, and Zinnias Perrennials: Asters, Columbine, Buddleia (Butterfly Bush), Primrose, Garden Phlox, Goldenrod, Blazing Star, and Black-Eyed Susans â– Metro creative connection

The Everything Man, LLC

Butterflies undergo an amazing transformation into the delicate, winged creature that graces spring days.

T

he Everything Man, LLC is the area's premier, professional handyman and home remodeling service. We

are family owned and operated and have been in business since 2007.

We are an accredited member of the BBB and contribute to the local community through various charitable organizations. We have a simple philosophy. Treat each customer as an individual, and stay on each job every day until it is completed to our customer's satisfaction.

We recycle and reuse materials whenever possible and appropriate,

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and we use environmentally conscious materials whenever possible. We are licensed, insured, and have a written guarantee on all of our work, however with the quality, local craftsmen that we employ, it is rare that we have service issues.

Quality, integrity, customer service.

Simple, yet hard to find. Not anymore.

The Everything Man.

WNC Home & Garden

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Need To Know Gardening Terms Here's a glossary of gardening lingo...

■ written by jordan p reed

I

f you're new to gardening — or even if you're not, and need a refresher course — here's some floral and gardening lingo that may come in handy when you're elbow deep in soil this spring!

• Deadheading: Snipping dead or faded flowers to encourage more blooms.

• Pinching back: Removing stems with your fingertips (or a pruner) to shape a plant and stimulate new growth.

• Self-cleaning: This refers to plants that shed old blooms naturally.

• Soil: Buy a lightweight potting mix from a garden center, preferably a sterile, loose mixture. Look for these ingredients on the label: peat moss, vermiculite, and decomposed organic matter.

• Food: When planting, mix a time-release fertilizer, such as Dynamite or Osmocote, into the soil.

Follow the directions on the package.

Once a week, during regular watering, use a water-soluble fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro or an organic fish emulsion.

• Blooms: The season or specific months you can expect to see flowers.

• Habit: A plant’s growth pattern, such as mounded (a big, bushy heap) or trailing (vinelike).

• Size: The maximum height and diameter the plant will reach at maturity.

• Zone: Lists the plant’s hardiness in respect to where you live. (There are 11 zones in the United States; go to usna.usda.gov to find yours.)

wildflowers.

Since weddings are common during the months of spring, here's some floral terminology to brush up on if you're preparing to visit florists in the near future.

• Pomander: A flower-covered ball that is suspended from a ribbon. It is often carried by child attendants.

• Biedermeier: A nosegay arranged tightly with concentric circles of differently colored flowers. The flowers are wired into a holder with only one type of flower in each ring.

• Bouquet: A dense bunch of blooms that are kept together in a bouquet holder, wired or tied with ribbon.

• Crescent: One full flower and a flowering stem wired together to form a slender handle that is held in one hand.

• Nosegay: Small, round bouquets composed of densely packed round flowers and fillers.

• Oasis: Specialized foam that is used in bouquet holders and centerpieces to retain water and keep blooms fresh.

• Posies: Smaller than nosegays but similar in design.

• Presentation: A bunch of long-stemmed flowers cradled in the bride's arms. It's sometimes known as a pageant bouquet.

• Topiary: Flowers trimmed into geometric shapes.

• Tossing: A smaller copy of the bride's bouquet to use in the bouquet toss.

• Tussy mussy: A small, metallic holder to carry a posy.

• Garden: A centerpiece featuring

StoneWorld of NC, LLC S

toneWorld of NC, a family-owned and operated business located in Waynesville, NC, offers a superior product of manufactured stone that is lightweight, durable, and as beautiful as natural stone. Owners Connie and Richard Scanlon wanted to create a company to serve Western North Carolina and beyond with quality stone products of impeccable quality, and they have been successful in doing exactly that!

Their manufacturing facility creates a product that is cast from molds emulating real stone. It is much more functional and cost-effective, making it a logical choice for many homeowners and businessowners. Due to its incredible lightweight feature, StoneWorld's products can be readily applied to nearly any structurallysound surface, and doesn't require any special structural foundation support that's needed with natural stone.

With a large selection of colors and styles, their stones are affordable and fit every person's budget.

StoneWorld also understands how important customer service is and aims to deliver their utmost personal service to help in customer's selection

and installation.

We carry a full line of wood and gas fireplaces, insulated pipe, and accessories.

Starting at $2.99/square feet, StoneWorld is able to give you a great deal on all your home improvement projects!

Add the warmth and elegance to your next home improvement project by choosing StoneWorld. And because of their low costs and a 20-year limited warranty, everyone can benefit from what StoneWorld can offer. Call or visit their website for more information on

how they can help you with your next job or project. Call 828.926.0052, email them at info@stoneworldofnc.com, or visit stoneworldofnc.com.

IWANNA® March 2012 | 15

16 | IWANNAÂŽ March 2012

Do-It-Yourself Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

WNC Home & Garden

â– article and photos by ADALEE ELKINS

Why not just reuse what you have saving time, money, and mess?

Y

home decor magazines, visiting ou can dramatically change your local hardware store, or even the look of your kitchen by browsing the internet. Narrow your just refacing your kitchen options down by choosing the type cabinets. Chances are there is of door first. There are many panels nothing wrong with the structural available including raised, shaker, integrity of your existing cabinets. and recessed, as well as regular Unfortunately, they just happen to wood slab and open doors for glass. look old and outdated. Why not just Aside from the panel type, you will reuse what you have saving time, also need to consider the wood money, and mess? You can save species, outside thousands over a and inside edge full professionally Why not just profile, the stile done remodel, and rail width, and if properly reuse what you and the upper done, the reface have saving and lower style will significantly time, money, of the doors. Not increase the valto mention, paint ue of your home. and mess? or stain, and the The process is hardware. If you relatively simple. find the quality and style that you Instead of taking down the existing like, but are feeling overwhelmed, boxes that make up your current order a sample. cabinets, you simply replace just the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.

Measure Twice...Cut Once!

With a little knowledge and the right If you want your new doors and materials, you can do the whole job drawers to fit like your old ones, then by yourself! you can order your new doors and drawers in the same sizes as your Research and Make old ones that you are replacing. Bea Decision fore breaking out the tape measure, This is the hard part, figuring draw a simple sketch of your kitchen out what you want, because there on a large piece of paper. This will are tons of styles to choose from help you determine how many new and many options to consider for doors and drawer fronts you will your new cabinet doors. You can need to order or build. Make your find inspiration by flipping through

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Before After

drawing large enough to make notes in each door and drawer front. Measure and jot down the width, height, and thickness for each. Also be sure to make a note which side the hinges are on.

Paint or Stain It is important to make sure the surface you are covering is free of imperfections before painting or staining. Fix any imperfections by

I was stuck with awful off-white laminate doors with the oak trim/railing at the bottom. It became a huge eye sore and didn't quite fit in with our Aframe mountain chalet. I ordered raw doors from rawdoors.net. Their website made it easy to order everything I needed, and they even added in free concealed face frame hinges when I had them bore the doors for me. I was very impressed with the quality of the doors when they arrived. The price was very reasonable, and I saved even more money staining and installing the doors myself. sanding down the surface.

Before applying your paint or stain, be sure to read the product details and instructions and follow their recommendations for the type of paint brush you should use and how many coats to apply. Stir well, and brush out a little bit of the product on a test piece to make sure the color lives up to your expectations. If you are using stain, plan on using a few coats of polyurethane afterwards to protect the wood from nicks, scratches, and spills.

Prepare And Install Once your raw doors have been

finished, using the paint or stain process of your choice, use a cordless drill to remove your existing cabinet doors and hinges. Install the hinges on your new doors, and then screw the door hinges onto the face frames and do any necessary final adjustments to align them with each other. Next create a template to drill for cabinet door and drawer knobs and pulls. After this is done you can install the knobs and pulls using your cordless drill on each of your doors and drawer fronts. Now you can take a step back and be amazed what a difference you just made to your kitchen! I'm even ready to tackle the countertops next!

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WNC Home & Garden

Perennials Are A Gardener's Best Friend

G

ardening is often seen as an art form to men and women with a green thumb. Once the landscape is designed, homeowners may not want to change much from year to year. That is where perennial plants can be a huge advantage.

Designing a landscape and keeping the garden looking beautiful can take a keen eye. It also may require a lot of time and commitment.

But when working with perennials, even the occasional gardener can meet success! If home gardeners have to replant items year after year, gardening can become timeconsuming and expensive. Turning to perennial plants and flowers to serve as the anchor for a home garden can make the process a whole lot easier.

Perennials are plants that live indefinitely. In terms of flowering plants, perennials will bloom every

Weaverville Lawn & Tractor

W

eaverille Lawn & Tractor has been in Weaverville for over 29 years — the first 22 years as RCV Turf & Tractor as a John Deere Dealer.

When Dr, Hudson retired (in his early 90s), we reorganized as Weaverville Lawn & Tractor selling and servicing Ferris, Snapper, and Simplicity. These are brands owned and marketed by Briggs and Stratton.

Demos are available on Commercial Mowers. We also carry Echo and Red Max blowers, chain saws, and trimmers.

Our factory-trained mechanics perform repairs on all brands of lawn mowers, blowers, string trimmers, and chain saws, as well as farm tractors (including JD, MF, and New Holland).

Warranty work is done on premises.

Your machine does not have to be sent out for someone else to repair.

We have pick up and delivery service available if you cannot bring yours in.

If you are a do-it-yourself person, our Parts Department has a good inventory of John Deere, Snapper, Ferris, Simplicity, Echo, and Red Max. Financing is available (WAC) at the store.

Be sure to contact us for all your lawn and garden needs! Call us at 828.

658.0034.

year. In essence, they have the be needed are some deadheading spring-blooming shrubs because staying power of a shrubbery but are to promote new and stronger growth some flowers bloom on year-old more delicate in nature and appealing and some cleaning up after winter stems and this can cause the plant to the eye. before the new blooming season not to flower.

There are perennials for every takes place.

Perennials that aren't flowering season, soil type, and sun exposure.

Once the early spring season as well as they used to or have Perennials come in a wide variety of arrives and the ground is not too dead centers may need to be blooming flowers or attractive foliage. muddy or rain-soaked, clear out any divided to promote stronger Chances are, if a homeowner wants leaves and debris that have gathered growth. This should be done in to add perennials to early spring before the garden, there is the plant blooms a variety available or late fall before There are perennials for every season, that will fit his or her the winter arrives. soil type, and sun exposure needs.

Dividing plants and Here are some replanting not only perennials that can grows the garden, be added to the garden: around where perennials are located. but it's also a healthy revitalization * lavender * ornamental grasses Gardeners can also till the mulch for the plant. * asters * chrysanthemums * irises Gardeners who prefer to or soil in these areas to aerate the poppies * milkweed * goldentufts take a laid-back approach to planting beds. anemones * columbines * daylilies Using shears, cut down any dead gardening may appreciate the peonies * hostas * hyacinths grasses, stems, and stalks from spent ease with which a beautiful and Once perennials are in place, there perennials that are overwintered. easy-to-maintain landscape can is relatively minimal maintenance that Remove any dead wood and broken be created with perennials. is required. The tune-ups that may branches. Be careful not to trim â– Metro creative connection

IWANNAÂŽ March 2012 | 17

WNC Home & Garden

18 | IWANNA® March 2012

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When Decorating, Don't Be Afraid Of Pattern!

■ written by jordan P Reed

W

hen decorating our homes, it can get a bit overwhelming with all the available colors and patterns out there. Not to mention whether different patterns complement each other when used in the same room. It may take a bit of practice, but using pattern is easier than you

may think.

Patterns have the ability to instantly update a room — adding visual interest and making a bold statement. First things first, pattern is not the same as color. When looking at colors, you can easily tell which hue you gravitate towards and like, and which shades you can't stand. But when it comes to pattern, many individuals get anxious about what looks classy and what looks tacky.

A good rule of thumb is to think about whether you'd wear the pattern in your wardrobe. Could you see yourself carrying around a handbag in that red and white striped pattern? What about that lovely lavender one you're considering for the bathroom? Could you see yourself wearing a scarf in that same

design?

What many people forget is, when it comes to pattern, you can trust your instincts — just as you would with your color preferences. If there's something about a particular pattern that turns you off, but you don't know why, chances are your instincts are telling you that you won’t want that in your home decor. If you stay true to your own personal style, you can't go wrong!

Size Matters Patterns in different sizes helps to add dimension to a room. Not every pattern should be the same size and variety, otherwise things can look a little too matchy-matchy. Instead, try varying patterns of similar colors but experiment with size. Here's an example: place a largely patterned area rug on the floor. Your chair may

feature a medium-sized pattern. Mix things up by alternating throw pillows in a floral or paisley print or pillows with subtle stripes. Just be sure the texture of the fabrics match. Gauzy curtains with heavy chenille pillows have the ability to clash.

Color Schemes When selecting patterned items, it's safe to choose ones with similar colors. This way, even if the fabrics or patterns aren't exactly the same, they'll look cohesive through color.

For a room to feel a bit more upbeat, consider complimentary opposite colors. If you prefer a more restful atmosphere, try a palette of colors from the same family, just vary the intensity of the shades.

You can also go the alternate route of choosing one bold pattern to only be featured in one element,

like curtains or a rug. If the rest of the furniture in that room is neutral, this patterned piece will really stand out and look very classy!

Here are a few design styles that have already been recognized in the design world. These descriptions may help in finding your own personal style.

• American Southwest: Navajo patterns are at the forefront of this design style and can be used on upholstery or pillows.

Use a smaller-scale stripe on window treatments. Solid-shaded throw pillows in a complementary color to the Navajo pattern will coordinate well. Don't go overboard with this style — it's very bold and can get overwhelming if adding too much of it.

• English country: This style is about large-scale chintz on sofa and draperies. Mix in narrow striped, slip-covered lounge chairs for a little extra panache.

• American country: A small floral print on the sofa or comforter can be offset with a large country quilt pattern hung on the wall as a wall treatment.

Checkerboard checks, medium stripes on draperies, or select crocheted valences coordinate well.

• 18th century: Lavish patterned fabrics in chintz or paisley featuring golds and robin's egg blue are just some of the options for classic decorating.

• Modern: Mix stripes, bold graphics, and geometric patterned items in splashes of color. This really amps up the modern, art-deco feel to a room's decor. Black and white are great combos to start out with — and with a touch of an electric color, you're sure to grab everyone's attention.

Now that you understand the basics of decorating with pattern, experiment on your own.

Start small with pillows, vases, lamp shades, and throws. Then build to bigger furniture pieces, or even to wallpaper! If you're lacking inspiration, search design magazines and websites that can give you wonderful photos to look at and gather ideas from. A helpful tool is to start an "inspiration notebook."

As you look through magazines, cut out what sparks your interest and appeals to your own personal style.

After a few weeks, look for a pattern in your cut-out images — that way you can narrow down what style to move forward with. Follow your instincts, and have fun!

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Caudell Lumber Co. Satisfying Customers For 80 Years ■ written by meg hale

For nearly 80 years now, Caudell Lumber Company has been bridging the gap between the homeowner and the contractor for top quality building materials in Davie County, NC. Offering everything from lumber and flooring, paint and lighting, to gardening equipment and hardware; there is no project that Caudell’s can’t help you with.

Caudell Lumber still stands on the same location at 162 Sheek St. in Mocksville, NC where founder Jeff Caudell opened it in 1933. Back then, Caudell did everything from maintaining the books to picking up the lumber from the local sawmills.

He said later in an interview that the great thing about starting a business

during the Great Depression is that it had nowhere to go but up.

Caudell Lumber owes part of its longevity to its ability to stay current, always offering the best products for the construction of the most modern and high quality homes and buildings anywhere. Their motto is “ Your granddad was a satisfied customer!”

And based on the company’s success over the years, what was good enough for granddad is good enough for junior.

Caudell Lumber Company is located in downtown Mocksville, NC. Its hours are weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feel free to contact them for all your hardware needs at 828.751.2167.

WNC Home & Garden

IWANNA® March 2012 | 19

Asheville Kitchens And Baths Continues To Serve

A

sheville Kitchens and Baths has been serving the custom home builder and remodeling market since its founding in 1979 by Ed Mertz and Susie Turner.

Their main objective after 32 years of service has been to offer name brand products to the Asheville area that were once available only in larger market areas. Some of the brands introduced include Villeroy & Boch, KWC, Hansgrohe, Omega, Rocky Mountain, and more.

They also offer sales and professional installation on cabinetry, ceramic tile, and shower enclosures. Service before, during, and after the sale has been their top priority, and they have a knowledgeable staff that is trained to complete your job from design to completion.

A full list of products and services is offered for your consideration when future projects are in the works. Come to their showroom at 1051 Haywood Road for a personal inspection.

Asheville Kitchens and Baths is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For a Saturday appointment from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., call 828.253.4608.

The following is a partial list of

companies represented and a few of their products.

You can also inquire of other companies not listed.

• bathroom ventilators and fan s by Panasonic • counter tops • laminate ~ solid surface ~ stone ~ tile ~ quartz • door and cabinet hardware • Aquabrass ~ Colonial Bronze ~ Emtech ~ French Reflections ~ Ginger USA ~ LB Brass ~ Rocky Mountain hardware ~ Top knobs ~ Valli & Valli ~ Whitehaus Collection • kitchen cabinetry from: Omega Cabinets ~ Style Craft • plumbing fixtures, fittings, kitchen and bath accessories by: Allied Brass ~ Altmans ~ American Standard ~ Aquabrass ~ Barclay Products ~ Bates & Bates ~ BC Euro ~ Blanco America, Inc. ~ Brasstech/Newport Brass ~

Chicago ~ Elkay Mfg. ~ Frankee ~ Ginger USA ~ Grohe ~ Hans Grohe ~ Jason International ~ KWC Faucets ~ Kindred Industries ~ LCRElizabethan ~ Robern Inc. ~ Rohl Corp. ~ Samuel Heath ~ Sunrise Specialties ~ Ultra Bath Whirlpools ~ Villeroy & Boch • Tile and Flooring from Villeroy & Boch ~ Florida Tile ~ Dal Tile ~ Glaazart USA ~ Esquire ~ Amtico ~ Schluter • granite ~ marble ~ slate Visit us on-line at AshevilleKitchensandBaths.com.

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20 | IWANNA® March 2012

Speedy Spring Cleaning

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Easy ways to clean up in a snap before guests arrive! inside of the sink with a disinfecting wipe or a clean sponge.

• Wipe down the countertops quickly with a wipe or sponge. Wet a paper towel or rag and attack any errant spots on the stove and floor, which will become sticky and attract more dirt.

• Fold or hang dish towels in a way that camouflages any stains.

• Place a small pan of water on the stove with some nutmeg and cinnamon and bring to a simmer. This will disguise any smells lingering from last night's dinner!

• Take down magnets and notes stuck to the refrigerator and temporarily place them in a zipperseal bag. This reduces a cluttered look.

• Use a static-charged sweeper sheet to grab any hairs, dust or pet fur from the floor.

Living Room

I

t's the season for spring cleaning, and homeowners no doubt have a slew of projects on tap in the weeks to come.

Clothes will be sorted and donated and unnecessary items thrown in the trash.

Sometimes, however, there's little time for a thorough cleaning, so a quick tidying up is done when guests are coming to visit. There are many ways to tackle the clutter and get a home presentable in no time at all.

When you're short on time, consider

these ways to give living spaces the appearance of cleanliness.

Kitchen • Assess the kitchen sink and move all the dishes awaiting washing into the dishwasher. Wipe down the

• Go to the sofa and turn the pillows to the side that is not often facing outward. Consider this the "company side" that may not have any stains or mars in the fabric. Fluff the pillows to clear out dust.

• Use a handheld vacuum to clean up any crumbs or dirt on tables or in the sofa cushions.

• Wipe down coffee tables with a damp cloth to clear away dust and

fingerprints.

• Wet the fingertips of rubber gloves and glide your hand over upholstery to rid furniture of pet hair.

• Keep a basket handy to neatly store n e w s p a p e r, magazines, or books.

• Gather and remove the most obvious clutter and relocate it elsewhere less noticeable.

• Dim the lights and light candles. It's harder to spot dirt in a dim room!

Bathroom • A premoistened wipe can quickly clean the sink and counters from dried-on cosmetics or toothpaste.

• The same wipe can be used to rid the mirror of errant spots of splatter.

• Use another premoistened wipe to wipe down the toilet seat and the rim underneath. Use the toilet brush to scrub inside the bowl to remove any rings.

• Put new hand towels on racks or on the counter.

• Glide a lint roller over the bath

Place a small pan of water on the stove with some nutmeg and cinnamon and bring to a simmer.

This will disguise any smells lingering from last night's dinner. mat to remove hair and fuzz.

Bedroom • If the children's rooms are messes, close the doors and make those rooms off-limits.

• Make your bed and fluff the pillows.

• Take dirty clothes to the hamper and put away anything left out. If desperate, pile it into the closet to attend to later.

• Neaten the night stands next to the bed, removing personal effects or storing it in the drawers.

Now, you're ready to open the door for your company to enter!

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22 | IWANNA® March 2012

WNC Home & Garden

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Roofing Options — 6 Common Roofing Types Explained

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roof is the primary defense from 25 to 40 years, depending on the if there is no attic. Wet or darkened a home has against the material composition. Homeowners wood or rusty nails in the attic could e l e m e n t s . I t p ro v i d e s may know it's time to replace a roof also be signs. Rafters may channel protection against wind, rain, and without even venturing out on the leaks away from their original source, so it's best to do s n o w, a s w e l l a thorough check as shie lds t he anytime wetness interior from the Research is necessary to find a roof or discoloration is blazing heat. A that will be the right price and meet evident anywhere compromised the homeowner's needs. in the home. roof cannot do its Once the job properly. There decision to install a are many different roofing materials available these roof. Ceiling leaks or discoloration new roof is made, homeowners must days — each of which carries with it can indicate it's time to replace decide between the different roofing a roof. Check for sagging ceiling materials. Research is necessary to a certain length of usefulness.

Most roofs can last anywhere material on the top floors of the home find a roof that will be the right price and meet the homeowner's needs.

Here are common roofing materials.

• Asphalt shingles: This is the type of roof most homeowners first think of when envisioning a roofing project. The three-tab asphalt shingle is the most commonly used roofing material. The economic value it offers is why this roof is one of the most popular. However, even though shingles are available in many different colors, homeowners seeking something unique may want to select a different roofing option.

• Architectural shingle: Similar to an asphalt shingle, the architectural shingle is made to be thicker and the layers are staggered to give the roof a more architectural look.

These shingles are only slightly more expensive than asphalt shingles, which still makes them a good value.

• Wood shakes and shingles: Instead of asphalt, wood makes an ideal roofing material that's also pleasing to the eye. Over time, wood will weather to different shades, which can help the home blend in with the environment. Wood shakes can be expensive to install, and will require periodic cleaning to remove

Shingles are just one of many types of roofing materials. mildew or moss, and may need reoiling for preservation. There are also "fake" wood shingles that are made of composite materials that may offer the look of wood without the maintenance.

• Slate: This hard, stone material is very strong and sheds snow and ice very well, which is why it was often used on homes in the Northeast. However, the weight of slate, which requires a more substantial roof structure, and the cost make it less popular among today's homeowners.

• Metal: This material is an ideal choice for industrial applications or on agricultural or country homes where snow is frequent. A metal roof can range from relatively inexpensive galvanized steel to lofty copper that is pricey. A properly installed metal roof could last 50 years, which makes it a good value.

• Ceramic: Ceramic tile roofs may be among the most expensive

due to the craftsmanship and the installation required for these heavy tiles, but their life expectancy is 60 to 80 years. Chances are you'll only have to do this type of installation once in a lifetime. Many people are drawn to ceramic roofs because of their beauty. They are commonly found on Mediterraneanstyle homes in warm climates. Most tiles are waterproofed and hard-fired so they won't absorb moisture, also making them safe to use in northern climates.

In general, a roofing job is not a do-it-yourself undertaking. It will require an experienced and licensed contractor. A trusted roofing contractor can be found by exploring listings on the National Roofing Contractor Association website at nrca.net. Verify contractors prior to hiring through organizations like the Better Business Bureau or on Angie's List.

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Mark's Buildings & Carports

Established in 2006, Mark's Buildings and Carports represent old hickory storage buildings for home, light industrial, and farm use. These have a five year "fix all" warranty, which is an added bonus for customers. The wooden storage buildings can be acquired on a rent-to-own basis or when paid with cash. Please check out our website at oldhickorybuildings.com for an array

of options. These can also be installed on site.

We also have vinyl buildings custom built with your choice of colors.

We provide steel-insulated buildings which are perfect for small offices or workshops that are easy to heat and cool!

We also represent Eagle Carports — we can supply you with a single

carport that's up to triple wide, full garages, as well as horse barns. These carports are metal buildings, and come in a variety of sizes. You may customize any of these to fit your needs and preferences. Visit Eagle's website at eaglecarports.com.

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IWANNA® March 2012 | 23

Consider This When Renovating A Rental Property

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hen the economy struggles to the point of recession, few people benefit. However, there are some businesses that thrive during a recession, using the circumstances to their advantage and actually growing business in spite of a sagging economy.

One such business is rental agencies or property management companies. Even landlords with a single investment property tend to do better during a recession, when individuals might be fearful of buying a home or simply unable to afford it.

Such individuals still need a place to live, however, and landlords benefit as a result.

One of the best things a landlord can do during a recession is to pay more attention to their rental properties, ensuring the properties are in tip-top shape so they can get the most out of each unit at a time when the rental market is most competitive. This might require some renovations, which landlords should be making periodically anyway, regardless of how strong or tenuous the economy might be.

• Update the paint. Apartments are typically empty when shown to prospective renters, and any issues with the paint job are very noticeable during these viewings. If the paint is outdated or there is any fading, update the walls with a fresh coat of paint. It's ideal to do so whenever a tenant moves out, but landlords whose buildings have a high turnover rate likely won't need to repaint every time a tenant moves out.

When adding a new coat of paint, choose a light, neutral color to give the property a fresh, inviting look.

• Replace the carpeting. Carpeting is another area prospective

Sleepworld S

pring has finally arrived again! For most of us, that means it's time to reorganize our homes and even our lifestyles. As many of you venture into the chore of spring cleaning, you may notice that your current mattress set needs to be replaced. An old and worn out mattress can have many negative health effects. However, choosing a new mattress can be quite intimidating and confusing. That's why a comfortable atmosphere and knowledgeable, friendly sleep consultants are waiting to assist you at Sleepworld.

Sleepworld, the Asheville area's oldest locally owned sleep shop, has always strived to provide quality sleep products for better health. Sleepworld consultants have worked hard to help their clients find mattresses that provide proper support and pressure relief.

Sleepworld is dedicated to helping you

renters are instantly drawn to when viewing an apartment. New carpeting is always attractive to potential tenants, and landlords won't have to break the bank to replace the carpets when an existing tenant moves out.

Instead of expensive carpeting, choose a medium grade carpet with a neutral color, ideally beige or light brown, which can hide spills or stains should the next tenant prove messy and move out after the original lease terms are up. Before laying carpet, don't forget to lay down quality padding underneath. Such padding makes the carpet feel softer and of higher quality.

• Upgrade the appliances. Perhaps nothing evokes a stronger response from prospective renters than a property's appliances. Outdated appliances make renters wonder what else might be outdated and if the building is well taken care of. On the other hand, newer appliances, particularly stainless steel items, create a contemporary feel and give the impression, true or false, that a landlord won't allow the building to grow dated or fall into disrepair.

When shopping for appliances, choose ones that are more basic so any eventual repairs won't be too complicated or costly. Newer appliances enable landlords to charge more rent for a given property, and many renters would agree that such properties are worth the extra money.

• Install new windows. Older buildings tend to have creaky or drafty windows, which not only makes the property colder during the winter months, it also drives up utility costs as renters are forced to turn up the thermostat to combat drafts and cold air entering the unit. New windows can eliminate such drafts

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find the best quality mattress for your health and budget. They offer many different styles of mattresses including natural latex, memory foam, gel technology, individually pocketed coils, and adjustable beds.

Sleepworld features an extensive line of organic and natural products that focus on improving your health beyond the basic needs of just support and comfort. Our organic and natural sleep products are hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and breathable. Organic and natural products allow us to breathe easier knowing that we are reducing the amount of chemicals exposed to us and our environment every day.

Healthier sleep begins with a healthier mattress choice. It is possible to improve your overall lifestyle by incorporating other natural products

into your home as well. Therefore, Sleepworld carries an extensive line of organic sheets, mattress protectors, toppers, and pillows made by Natura and Coyuchi. We also stock and feature Natura's Organic and Natural baby products, including crib mattresses and all accessories.

So whether you're searching for an inexpensive but durable guest bed or a luxurious sleeping surface to enhance your quality of sleep, Sleepworld offers a complete spectrum of options to accomodate every situation.

Learn more about the world of better bedding at either of our two locations: 71 Airport Road in Arden 828.651.8900; Or 700 Hendersonville Road in Asheville 828.277.2500 sleepworldnc.com

Perhaps nothing evokes a stronger response from prospective renters than a property's appliances.

Update them.

Relatively minor renovations to rental properties can earn landlords substantially more money over the course of a typical lease. and reduce utility costs, something landlords can use to their advantage when discussing the property with potential tenants. Landlords might even be able to earn tax breaks when installing new, energy-efficient windows. Discuss if any such breaks exist with the local municipality.

When it comes to renovating a rental property, landlords can make a handful of small renovations that, while relatively inexpensive, enable them to earn substantially more money from each unit over the long haul.

24 | IWANNA速 March 2012

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WNC Home & Garden

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8 Gardening Mistakes to Avoid â– written by jordan p reed

W

hether it's planting flowers in the wrong spot, overwatering, or getting mixed up in an invasive plant species, here are 10 common mistakes gardeners make and how to fix them!

Gardening Blunder #1 Planting a garden in the wrong spot.

You've put your garden in a "raised bed" and while at first everything seemed okay, now your soil and mulch around the bed is always too moist.

Solution: The problem seems to be filtration. There doesn't seem to be one in the raised beds. Here's what to do: Empty the raised beds by digging out the plants and laying them on a tarp as you work. This

may be tedious, but it’s necessary to save your garden. Spread a four-inch layer of gravel evenly over the underside of the planters to improve the drainage. Refill with fresh, fluffy, and most importantly, DRY organic compost.

Gardening Blunder #2 You got a little carried away while pulling weeds and accidentally continues on page 26

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26 | IWANNA® March 2012

continued from page 25 pulled out some perrenials!

Solution: You can always try re-planting the perrenials that were just pulled. But the most efficient way to mark your plants is to use the nursery tags your plants come with.

Another option is to label popsicle sticks and insert them into the ground near your flower varieties.

That way, even when they're not in bloom, you'll know not to mistake them as weeds!

based on what you want to grow.

You can pick up an inexpensive athome soil testing kit at any garden store. Amend the soil as suggested.

Mix your soil with an equal amount of organic compost. Organic compost is the best foundation for your garden — it's as natural as natural gets, and it gives your plants the nutrients they need. Plus, they won't overload them with chemical fertilizers, which can deplete the microbial activity needed for plants to grow healthy.

Gardening Blunder #3

Gardening Blunder #4

When planting vegetables, you didn't prepare the soil enough, and so they either didn't bear any fruit or died.

Solution: First, test your soil each year to find out what type of soil you have and what it needs

You don't know when to water and when not to water, so you end up with overwatered, drowning plants!

Solution: When you overwater plants, the roots can drown, causing them to rot. But underwatering is just as bad — it can cause major

dehydration. To check if the soil around your plants needs watering, grab a handful of soil and squeeze it together. If it forms a loose ball, it’s just right. If not and it's crumbly and falls through your fingers, it's thirsty!

If you don't want to have to guess, you can invest in an irrigation system with a controller that automatically adjusts watering levels based on moisture sensors.

Gardening Blunder #5 You've unknowingly introduced an invasive plant species into your yard, and now it's taking over!

Solution: Plants like English ivy, Mexican feathergrass, horseradish, and spiderwort can be very invasive in a home garden. They're best grown in containers. When buying seeds, look for key descriptions like:

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"prolific reseeder" and/or "vigorous growth." These phrases should be a heads up that the plant has invasive characteristics. If you do choose to plant an invasive variety, weed like you've never weeded before!

Consider solarizing.Here's how: dampen the soil, spread a black plastic tarp over the weeds you want to kill, and secure the tarp’s edges with rocks. Leave the plastic in place for a few months while the weather is hot. The plastic will heat up the soil and kill off any weeds.

Gardening Blunder #6 You planted tomato plants, but didn't take the sun — when it rises and sets — into account. Now you have flowering, however tomato-less, tomato plants.

Solution: Certain types of plants

— especially tomato plants — thrive in direct sunlight. When planting tomatoes, keep in mind that they need at least six hours of direct sunlight. Pick the sunniest spot in your yard to plant them. Other vegetables like chiles and eggplants as well as most herbs should be planted where the sun is in full force. On the other hand, plants like lettuces and peas, can stand to be in shady areas.

Gardening Blunder #7 You got concerned about weeds taking over, and used a bit too much pesticide. Now all your grass is gone and you're worried about the health of your soil!

Solution: Since chemicals poison the soil and remain in the continues on page 27

Clayton Homes Of Candler sure manufactured and modular homes as well as relocatable commercial and educational buildings. We have 12,000 team members, 35 home building facilities, and more than 1,000 home centers.

We also finance more than 325,000 customers and insure 160,000 families.

Clayton Homes also owns and operates 18 subdivisions. In 2003, Warren Buffett and Berkshire-Hathaway, Inc. acquired Clayton Homes.

W

e've helped people just like you buy manufactured homes since 1934, building more than 1.5

million homes and winning multiple awards for design and construction.

We build, sell, finance, lease, and in-

We're the top choice in manufactured and modular home manufacturers.

Not only are we the nation's leading manufactured and modular home

manufacturer, we're also recognized as an innovator in the industry. Below are some awards we've won: • MHI Manufacturer of the Year 8 out of the last 9 years • ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year • Numerous MIH home design awards

We have numerous options for every style and budget.

Our local Home Centers are the experts when it comes to available options on the Clayton homes they sell. With home building facilities from North Carolina to Oregon building approximately 2,500 home series, our Home Centers are best equipped to walk you through the options and option packages on the homes they sell since they have relationships with the local home builders.

Our manufacturer's warranty is for a period of one year from the original purchase date. The Home Center that you purchase from can supply you with detailed information on all warranties available on the home of your choice.

And when it comes to delivery and setup options, we are the experts. We will be happy to sit down with you and walk you through the process from preparing the land and selecting a home to delivery and setup. And our local Home Centers have knowledge about land availability in the areas they cover, which will help you out with your decision.

Let us custom design your home!

A nearby authorized Home Center is an expert when it comes to custom design options and will be delighted to assist you. Many Clayton Homes building facilities specialize in custom homes while others feature standardized pre-engineered homes to enhance efficiency and value. It is likely that your Clayton Home Center and their building partners will be able to work with you to personalize your new home to meet your design and decor desires.

Discover why we're America's leading manufactured and modular home manufacturer.

When you buy a Clayton home, you can expect outstanding comfort and quality. Choose from hundreds of floor plans, and then customize your new home to satisfy your every need. Your home will be specifically engineered to last a lifetime with materials designed to provide maximum strength. And, it will be certified by third-party inspectors for the following quality assurances before it leaves our homebuilding facility: • Indoor air quality • Structural strength and safety • Plumbing plans and systems • Federal and local code compliance • Fire safety Because we build all our homes in state-of-the-art facilities, we utilize labor-saving techniques not practical for the average site builder. The controlled environment also improves the flow of materials and reduces the amount of "lost time" or damaged materials that are common on site-built construction sites. With more than 32,000 homes built last year, we are able to purchase materials at a more favorable price than most contractors due to volume. These savings are significant and are passed onto you in the form of affordable housing.

Unlike mobile home manufacturers of the past, Clayton Homes precisionbuilds in state-of-the-art facilities throughout the country. Contact Clayton Homes today and enjoy top quality from America's leading manufactured and modular home manufacturer.

If interested in finding out how Clayton Homes can help you, visit us at our Candler location at 1123 Smoky Park Hwy. or feel free to call us at 828.667.2529 or visit our website at www.claytonhomesofasheville.com.

WNC Home & Garden

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continued from page 26 dirt for years, it's best not to use them from now on. Use a more natural remedy instead. Make your own weed-killing concoction that won't kill everything surrounding them! Mix equal parts hot water and vinegar in a bottle, and pour over the weeds once a day for a few days until they turn brown. The vinegar will kill the leaves and most of the roots, making them much easier to pull up.

Gardening Blunder #8 Your plants have begun to overcrowd each other, and you don't know how to give them some breathing room!

Solution: First things first: follow the directions on the seed packets!! The instructions will tell you how many inches to space

Hospice Treasures

H

ave you heard there is a large, clean, well-stocked, friendly, and very inexpensive thrift store in Asheville? Did you know that this thrift store supports Carepartners Hospice with ALL proceeds from sales actually staying here in Buncombe County? Did you know that this thrift store is located on Fairview Road in the Oakley area of Asheville, just 50 yards above the French Broad Brewery and 50 yards below the Screen Door?

If you did not know, then we are happy to let you know that the thrift store is HOSPICE TREASURES and we are the ORIGINAL thrift store of Buncombe county and have been for the past 8 years! Hospice Treasures carries a large selection of gently used name brand clothing, furniture, books, CDs, movies, shoes, housewares, and many, many other items in a clean and customer friendly store. Hospice Treasures is located at 105B Fairview Road and is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our phone number is 828.670.5638. Not only do we sell gently used items, but we also provide pick-up service for larger items and delivery service for furniture purchases.

Take some time and visit our non 'chain' thrift store where ALL proceeds stay right here in Buncombe County each and every year! You may have had a family member, friend, or co-worker who was fortunate to receive special care from Carepartners Hospice. By shopping at or donating to our Hospice Treasures thrift store, you will be giving back to the community in a very big way! Please help us help others by shopping at Hospice Treasures thrift store. We are the ORIGINAL!

seeds apart for adequate growing room. But if you don't have a ton of space in your yard or you want your lawn to have a "wild" look, try planting some layering varieties. Mix and match tall vining plants like tomatoes with shrubby, groundfriendly plants like basil. Be sure to have a plan first — sketching how you want your garden laid out beforehand will help. You'll make the most of your space without overcrowding your plants.

Even though we make mistakes, there are solutions that will help make each gardening blunder a thing of the past!

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Tips For Functional, Family-Friendly Decorating ■ written by jordan p reed

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glass coffee table, white leather sofa, and expensive ceramic statues are attractive design options. But such items are impractical for a household with an active family. Decorating when there are one or more kids residing in a home doesn't have to mean vinyl furniture you hose down or plastic on the sofa. But smart choices can make rooms look beautiful and be functional at

the same time.

In the not-so-distant past, many homeowners kept a parlour or nicer dining room where expensive breakables and nicer carpeting was kept.

This was an off-limits room reserved only for special occasions. The children of the house were often forbidden to step foot inside. Over the years, things have changed. Function reigns as more important than display rooms that aren't actually lived in. Many people have revised

their thoughts — preferring all rooms be used even if it means modifying the decor to do so.

Active families need a design style that fits with their lifestyle, not vice versa. That means individuals should examine how they live and decorate them accordingly. It's important to take into account children do have accidents — spilt milk, a broken vase, etc. Entertaining company can also lead to unsightly stains, and pets cause their own mayhem as well.

A number of today's fabrics are forgiving to greasy fingerprints or accidental spills. Microfiber sofas often clean up well, and leather options may wipe down easily. Select colors that mask stains. Darker-colored shades or patterns are more forgiving than light beige or white. If you have to have a white couch, invest in a washable slip-cover that can be taken off and cleaned.

Purchasing the warranty protection that many stores offer on furniture is a great idea if you have youngsters in the house in the event of a stain or tear. Chances are it can be mended or replaced under the warranty.

Many parents worry about sharp edges or fragile items in living areas.

Choose rounded designs — like a rounded coffee table instead of a sharp-edged rectangular one — that are easier on limbs and heads should falls occur. Here's a great idea: consider an upholstered ottoman to serve as a coffee table instead of something wood or metal. Not only will it be soft, many ottomans have flip-up covers where toys, books, or extra pillows can be stowed away.

They also double as extra seat-

ing when guests come around.

Rustic, weathered design styles often fit in well with active families.

Should a scratch or gouge occur, it seamlessly blends in with the design. Avoid delicate fabrics, and opt for simpler, streamlined designs. This reduces the dirt and dust accumulation that's common with kids and pets in the home.

Don't overload furniture and shelving with a ton of knick-knacks.

It gives you more work in dusting and cleaning and gives kids a greater number of things to touch and potentially break.

Consider hardwood floors or tile. If spills or accidents occur, they can be mopped up rather easily. This way you don't have to contend with or worry about damaged and stained carpeting.

Here are some other familyfriendly design tips.

• Choose a paint color and finish that hides scuffs and stains. Semigloss finishes can be wiped down to clean off some items, like crayon or dirt. In a kid's room, consider paint-

the home, and they can have loads of fun drawing on the chalkboard wall! This paint is inexpensive and can be found in many different home stores.

• Avoid long drapes. Long drapes are tripping hazards and choking hazards, and kids typically can't resist pulling on them.

Instead, opt for shutters, shades, or miniblinds.

• Use stain-guard sprays or cover dining room chairs with a protective covering so they can hold up to tomato sauce and other foods that might drop on kids' chairs.

Active families need a design style that fits with their lifestyle, not vice versa. ing one wall (or a portion of the wall) with chalkboard paint. This way you can deter drawing on other areas of

• Buy durable items. It may cost a little more to by a dependable brand, but it will pay off in the long run when Junior is using the sofa as a trampoline!

• Create specific play areas for kids. Toys will inevitably stray out of bedrooms and into other areas of the house. Use baskets and other storage devices and place them cohesively with the furniture (lined on a bottom bookshelf perhaps) so there are places to quickly store their toys and other items out of the way. More importantly, if kids can reach the storage bins, you're teaching them responsible cleaning responsibilities.

• Don't wait to decorate until the kids are older. Then you'll have a room full of mix-matched things pieced together over the years.

Select quality pieces in forgivable fabrics and materials, and you can have a room everyone can enjoy!

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WNC Home & Garden

Get Your Patio Ready For Entertaining!

IWANNAÂŽ March 2012 | 29

O

utdoor entertaining is a so on a sunny, warm day to allow primary component of the the cushions to dry adequately so warm-weather season. they won't develop mildew or mold Individuals flock to their backyard staining and odor.

If the cushions look dated or patios and decks to barbecue or beyond repair, this season could simply soak up a little sun.

Over the course of the fall and be a good time to head to the store winter your patio may have ex- and purchase a new set. Nothing refreshes a paperienced tio more than some wear This year, maybe it's bright colors and tear. Or not about refreshing and attracif the patio tive accesis several the patio but installing sories. While years old, it one instead. new planters may need filled with some maintenance to improve its appearance flowers could do the trick, coordinate for the new season. Maintenance patio colors with new upholstery for often depends on the material outdoor furniture, throw pillows, and a new patio umbrella to complete used.

Before starting, figure out what your patio's comfort and entertainyour patio needs and stock up ment value. on the supplies. Many patios are â– Metro creative connection poured concrete, and a simple pressure-washing could be all that's needed to revive the look.

Pressure washers can be rented or purchased. If there are cracks or chips in the patio, some minor patchwork may be able to fix unsightly problems. There are fast-dry patching kits you can use.

If the patio is especially damaged, it may be in your best interest to simply replace the patio or cover it with a different material, like wood decking.

Some patios are constructed from paving stones. Pavers are usually installed atop a thin layer of sand and then more sand is brushed into the seams between the pavers to set them in place.

Over time, the sand may become dislodged causing the pavers to wobble or even grow uneven.

Taking the time to brush new sand over a paver patio can keep the stones stable. Because pavers are not a solid surface, weeds can grow in between the stones. Hand weeding and the application of a weed-killing product can help with keeping weeds at bay and from getting out of control.

This year, maybe it's not about refreshing the patio but installing one instead. Although many homeowners choose to make the installation of a patio a do-ityourself project with fine results, if you have a large yard or an intricate design, you may want to price out masons. These contractors could have relationships with suppliers of concrete and patio pavers, which could save on the cost of materials for the job. Plus you will have the benefit of knowing the work was done correctly.

Now is also the time to wash the cushions of your patio furniture to enhance your patio decor. Do

The spring season is the time to refresh the patio by cleaning and updating furniture.

30 | IWANNAÂŽ March 2012

WNC Home & Garden

Gardening In Any Sized Space

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elieve you need an acre of property to start gardening? Think again. Individuals can grow their own patch of greenery in just about any space they have on hand.

When it comes time to getting your hands dirty, it doesn't matter if there are rolling hills or a single container filled with soil in which to plant. Although many gardening professionals present plans for

eowners or apartment dwellers need to first look at the space they have.

Perhaps this is a few flower pots or a small square of exposed dirt in an otherwise concrete jungle. Others may have an expansive backyard in which to toil in the soil. Either way, knowing what you have to work with can help home gardeners map out a more successful plan of action.

Next, it's important to consider the climate and the soil conditions.

Soil can be amended to a point, but plants that require a lot of water may not do well in an area plagued by drought.

Color is another thing to consider.

To get started, homeowners or apartment dwellers need to first look at the space they have. larger-scale gardens, it's possible to create smaller-scale options that require a great deal less maintenance and upkeep.

To get started, hom-

Gardeners with smaller spaces may want to think about keeping gardens mainly monochromatic, which will look more cohesive. Cool-colored flowers and plants will help make a garden look larger. Warm-colored flowers will add impact and could create a cozier feel.

Hanging baskets, window boxes, and raised containers can add height and free up more floor space for gardens. They're particularly helpful when space is at a minimum. Keep in mind that baskets and containers

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tend to dry out easily, so using peat moss, vermiculite, and other products that tend to hold onto water will help keep the soil moist.

These containers also may need to be watered more frequently.

Containers also can be used to plant small trees or shrubs. Use them for vegetable plants as well.

The advantage to containers is they can be moved elsewhere if a plant is not thriving in a particular area.

People who have an extremely small space with which to work with may be limited to a few flower pots in the window, but they can easily grow herbs or annual flowers.

Those who have a large space may want to consider breaking the landscape down into smaller quadrants; otherwise, the garden can seem unruly. Use hardscape materials, such as mulch, rocks, boulders, and slate to break up the greenery (and also cut down on items that need pruning and watering).

If you're unsure of how to get started, draw inspiration from gardening magazines for tips and ideas. Alternatively, you can consult an area landscaper to find out which plants will do well in the space you have. Try going to a local farmer's market and talk to farmers and area gardeners — they have a ton of experience and their expertise is free! ■Metro creative connection

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Green Technology For Your Home 4 steps toward your eco-friendly dream home

on universally, and few households had high-definition televisions. 10 years later, cell phones are so prevalent even many school-aged children have them, and rare is the household that has not embraced HDTV. And technology has advanced in other areas as well. Among the more notable advancements is the increase in eco-friendly technolo-

When building a home, homeowners can choose from a host of ecofriendly building materials that are good for the environment and often good for a homeowner's bottom line.

P

erhaps no decade has witnessed more rapid technological advancements

than the opening decade of the 21st century. At the turn of the century, cellular phones had still yet to catch

their beck and call that enable them to do just that. No matter which area of the home needs to be addressed, chances are homeowners can find ways to improve their homes in an eco-friendly way.

Carpeting

Cost-conscious homeowners often love how eco-friendly carpeting options are typically lower in price.

Recyclable carpets reAdvancements in eco-friendly q u i r e f e w, if any, toxic technology have made it easier for materials to homeowners to build their dream manufachomes in eco-friendly ways. ture. What's more, homeowners who gies. Homeowners hoping to make enjoy changing their home's decor their homes more environmentally from time to time will find eco-friendly friendly have a host of options at carpet tiles are easy to install and

subsequently replace when the itch to change a home's interior arises.

Building Materials When building a dream home, homeowners also have a host of green building materials at their disposals. Be it mold-resistant drywall made from recycled paper or ecofriendly siding options, homeowners building their dream home or adding onto an existing home can choose eco-friendly building materials for both the interior and exterior of their homes.

Flooring An increasing percentage of homeowners prefer wood flooring over carpeting. Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly flooring options that use recycled and reliable wood from old buildings. In addition, homeowners can choose eco-friendly options like cork, rubber, or even bamboo for their home's flooring.

But eco-friendly flooring is not necessarily limited to wood flooring.

Recyclable linoleum flooring is also available, and these new products are typically far less toxic than the linoleum floors of yesteryear.

Home Office Working from home has steadily grown in popularity as technology has made it easier for employees to get their work done without having to head into the office. For homeowners who want to add a home office to their homes, it's easy to make that home office environmentally friendly.

Lighting fixtures are often a primary concern when designing a home office, in which men and women want to mirror the well-lit environment they're accustomed to at traditional office buildings. To illuminate the room in an effective and eco-friendly way, individuals can install LED lighting fixtures. Such fixtures have a long life expectancy and use far less energy than their incandescent counterparts.

Another way to go green at the home office without spending much money is to make room for some plants in the office. Plants will absorb toxins in the air and also improve the indoor air quality, which many office workers cite as a problem in traditional offices that don't place too great an emphasis on indoor air quality.

When going green, it's easy to assume technology will be detrimental to the environment. However, advancements in eco-friendly technology have made it easier for homeowners to build their dream homes in eco-friendly ways. â– Metro creative connection

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How To Floodproof Your Home

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omeowners know that no home is perfect. While the notion of a dream house is nice, every home eventually experiences a problem or two. Okay, maybe three or four. Many problems are bound to occur sooner or later, but there are a few that

diligent homeowners can prevent.

One of those preventable problems is flooding. Any home with floor drains or plumbing fixtures below street level can flood. This can be due to inclement weather, such as heavy rainstorms, local sewer system backup, or groundwater

swelling. Flooding can even occur in the spring when melting occurs as the air temperature increases. While homeowners won't be able to control the weather, they can take steps to floodproof their home.

• Do some preventive landscaping. If the ground around the home's

foundation slopes toward the house, make some grading changes so that the ground slopes away from the home.

• Insulate the heating ducts. In some homes, heating ducts are under the basement floor. In this case, homeowners should make sure these

Celebrating 30 Years In Business At The WNC Farmer’s Market

J

esse Israel and Sons Garden Center is a family-owned business serving Western North Carolina since 1968.

The nursery began in Hominy Valley and the garden center opened at the WNC Farmer’s Market in ’82. Since then, Jesse Israel and Sons has gained a reputation for providing quality plants, gardening supplies, and service.

Today, customers come to shop from

everywhere in the North and several neighboring states in the Southeast.

Inside the Garden Center are gardening supplies, tools and accessories, a large variety of bird feeders, grass seed, water gardening supplies, and the largest variety of garden seeds and bulbs in the area. Garden supply personnel are always available to provide information to help customers make the best

choices for garden projects or for solving gardening problems.

The floral department also features a seasonal Christmas shop with the best quality ornaments, artificial trees, greenery, and genuine North Carolina pottery.

New in the Garden Center is the ‘Green Corner,’ featuring environmentally friendly gardening products — such as organic fertilizers, pest control, plants,

seeds, and mulch — making sure you have a fully organic and healthy garden.

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ducts are properly insulated and watertight.

• Make sure the vents all lead outside the home. The weather can cause moisture issues, but some moisture problems can come from inside the home as well. Clothes dryers and bathrooms are both internal moisture sources, and these sources should always be vented outside the home.

• Clean gutters and downspouts. Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned to ensure water is effectively being diverted away from the home. Clean gutters and downspouts in the spring after a long winter, and do so again in the fall to keep fallen leaves from blocking the flow of water. Downspouts should extend four feet from the outside wall of the house.

• Inspect the home at least once a year. Before buying a home, buyers often hire a professional inspector to ensure the home is safe and sound. But the inspections should not stop once buyers sign on the dotted line. To prevent flooding, homeowners should inspect their home's foundation for cracks once a year. If the home has a chimney and fireplace, check for cracks there as well. If any cracks are discovered, consult a professional immediately.

• Clean out basement drains.

Basement drains should be cleaned annually from the house to the street. If the drains are still slow after cleaning, then clean them more than once a year.

• When leaving the home for an extended period of time, turn the water valve off. Homeowners worried about flooding can calm those fears when going on vacation or another long trip by turning the water valve off at the source. This ensures that, should a line break while no one is home, water will not pump into the house.

Floodproofing a home can save homeowners from potentially costly repairs and unsightly damage to a home's interior.

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WNC Home & Garden

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Reducing Lead Paint Hazards On Older Windows

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f your home was built before 1978 and you still have the original windows, it's time to seriously consider replacing your windows — especially if you have young children or a pregnant woman living at home.

According t o t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the routine opening and closing of windows in homes built prior to 1978 can disturb lead-based paint around the windows, causing paint dust and chips to be released into the air. These lead particles are so potentially dangerous that the EPA now requires contractors to be trained and certified before they can perform any renovation, repair, or painting projects that may have previously applied lead-based paint.

"Research indicates that the everyday activity of opening and closing windows creates friction that then allows invisible lead dust to enter the air," says Rick Nevin, a consultant to the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH). "Young children who crawl on the floor where the lead dust has settled can be especially at risk. Toddlers put their hands in their mouths...and after playing on the floor near a window, they can easily transfer the lead dust into their mouths. The ingested lead travels through the bloodstream to a child's developing brain, causing many types of neurobehavioral damage."

According to Nevin, one of the most important long-term investments a homeowner can make for the overall safety of a family is to replace older windows, using the EPA-approved lead safe renovation guidelines.

"Replacing older windows is one of the best ways to reduce lead risks," says Nevin. "Make sure to use only a contractor that is certified in lead-safe work practices and strongly consider the use of ENERGY STAR® qualified windows, like vinyl replacement windows.

These windows are a healthy choice for replacing older single-pane units.

They're energy-efficient and a good value for the investment."

Replacing older windows coated with lead-based paint with vinyl windows is a sensible step for homeowners who want to create a healthier home environment.

Nevin explains that, according to

the home.

"First, they advise replacing all single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows," says Nevin.

"Second, stabilize any significantly deteriorated paint. Third, perform specialized cleaning to remove any leadcontaminated dust. And finally, perform dust wipe tests to confirm the absence of lead dust hazards after the clean up."

Research results and more information can be obtained at ricknevin.com/windows.

IWANNA® March 2012 | 35

"Replacing older windows is one of the best ways to reduce lead risks." ~ Rick Nevin his research funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), homeowners need to understand there are four key steps to completing a "lead-safe window replacement strategy" for

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Vinyl windows are a healthy choice when replacing older single-pane units.

36 | IWANNAÂŽ March 2012

Getting Started On Spring Cleaning

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or homeowners, spring cleaning is one of the annual rites of spring.

The return of warmer weather presents the perfect opportunity for homeowners to open the windows, let some fresh air in, and tidy up after a few months spent cooped up inside while the weather outside was frightful.

But now that spring has arrived, the time to clean up around the house has come. Homeowners about to start on their annual spring cleaning should consider the following before beginning.

Get the Right Tools

WNC Home & Garden

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Many people have no problem buying new clothes, but they do find it hard to get rid of older items. Part of spring cleaning is tossing old items you no longer use, and that includes clothing. Clothing can take up a significant amount of space, so take some inventory on your wardrobe and decide which items you want to keep and which ones you can afford to donate or discard.

Address the Windows If the last several months have been especially cold or snowy, then you might not have looked out the windows in quite some time. Unfortunately, those windows might have accumulated quite the amount of dirt and grime while you were huddled inside. When washing the windows, do so on a cloudy

The right tools doesn't necessarily mean a hammer and nails; rather, cleaning products that can make spring cleaning more efficient are a must.

Rubber gloves, cleaning products Now that spring has arrived, (preferably natural the time to clean up around products that are good for the the house has come! environment), and enough garbage bags to discard a winter's worth of day, as the sun can actually cause clutter should all be on hand before streaking. In addition, be mindful of you begin cleaning. If they're not, what you're using to wipe down the you'll likely need to make a trip windows post-cleaning. Microfiber to the store while cleaning, which rags typically give windows a great can be time-consuming and can shine without any streaking. prolong the process.

The blinds and drapes will also need to be addressed, as they have Take Some Inventory

You'd be surprised how dirty windows can get during the colder months. likely accumulated dust over the last few months. Dust the valance and the frame, and wipe the blinds down with a damp cloth. You can also use your vacuum's upholstery and brush attachments to further clean blinds and drapes.

Tidy Up the Bed You likely wash your bed linens regardless of the season. When spring cleaning, toss these linens into the washing machine and don't forget to wash the mattress pads and bed skirting as well. While those items are in the wash, flip all the mattresses in your household.

Don't Forget the Kitchen The kitchen is not immune to clutter, and it's especially easy for items to overstay their welcome in the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinets.

Look for old takeout containers in the refrigerator that have managed to stick around, and throw these out as well as any items that have passed their expiration dates. While items in the kitchen cabinets might not have an expiration date, it helps to remove them from the pantry and then dust and wipe down the shelves. When doing so, discard any items that no longer seem appetizing.

Beat the Rugs Area rugs have no doubt collected dirt and dust over the last several months. Though vacuuming these area rugs might be enough during the year, take advantage of the pleasant weather and take the rugs outside to beat them and rid them of dust and any other particles the vacuum

might have missed over the last few months.

Empty and Clean the Bookshelves Bookshelves are one the biggest collectors of dust in many homes.

Open the windows in the home and then remove books from the shelves. Once the books have been removed, dust the shelves and wipe them down with a damp cloth. And don't forget to dust the books and reorganize titles before returning them to their newly cleaned shelves.

Spring cleaning is something all homeowners must do to keep their homes healthy and clean.

Spring cleaning is an annual event at many households. By employing these strategies, you can make it go by much more smoothly, you may even get excited to start the cleaning spree! â– Metro creative connection

WNC Home & Garden

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Hiding Your TV When It's Not In Use

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eople have a love affair with their electronics, which play an integral role at households across the globe.

According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year!).

The average American household has 2.86 television sets, despite having just 2.5 people. It is also estimated that those in the U.S. will have watched the equivalent of 9 years' worth of TV by the age of 65!

T hough T V s a re l o c a t e d throughout the typical household, homeowners don't always appreciate the look of a TV and how it fits in with their design scheme.

That is why many seek ways to camouflage a television when it is not in use.

There are many ways to mask a television when it's not in use.

Homeowners can explore different options, depending on their particular budget and the available space.

Here are some ideas that may be the perfect fit for your living space.

• Furniture: Television armoires and cabinetry are some of the most basic ways to hide a TV. The unit is housed behind doors that are closed when the TV is not on and can be opened and recessed when it's time to watch a show. These pieces of furniture can match other items in the room and create a flawless appeal.

• Cover up: Wall-hung flat screen televisions can be camouflaged with a piece of artwork or another wall decoration. Many times the TV is recessed into the wall, and the canvas or mirror is mounted on a device that can be moved out of the way to reveal the screen.

• On the move: There are mechanisms that can lower or raise a TV from a hidden location, whether in the floor or ceiling. The TV can descend or ascend vertically, or a hinged device can flip the TV up or down, depending on need, much like a small LCD television that mounts on the underside of a kitchen cabinet.

• Under the bed: People have long embraced the under-the-bed storage options, but what about using that space for a TV? Homeowners who want to invest in a more expensive option, they can purchase a mounting device that stores the TV under the bed, and then raises it into position at the foot of the bed with the touch of a remote control.

• Track TV: With a system of trackwork, a television can swivel out of a hiding spot in a closet, cabi-

net, or soffit and move into position on a pole connected to the track.

Both manual and motorized tracks can be installed for a few hundred dollars.

• Canvas cover: A less expensive option than some of the motorized devices available, a shade or tapestry on a manual device (think the window shades that you tug and the shade rolls up onto itself) can also conceal a television. Lower or raise the shade as needed. Hanging panels also work well.

• Smaller scale: Smaller TVs are

easier to camouflage. Think scale when placing a TV in a bedroom or kitchen. Simple decor accessories may do the trick of hiding the TV from view.

• Blend into the background: Here's an interesting and not as expensive option: Paint the wall you'd like your TV to be on black or another darker shade — chocolate brown, deep burgundy, dark purple, etc.

Mount your TV onto that wall, and it will blend more seamlessly into the background.

Although most people can't get

enough of their television viewing, the caveat is they don't want the television to be an eyesore when not

MR Motorcycle Makes It Easy!

I

f you've never been to MR Motorcycle or if you haven't been there lately, you've got to stop by! When you first walk in, it's hard not to be blown away by the huge showroom.

How huge? They have 22,000 square feet filled with not just new and used motorcycles, but dirt bikes, ATVs, and utility vehicles — over 400 in stock!

MR Motorcycle not only sells recreation equipment, they also sell apparel for men, women, and kids as well as accessories and parts. The accessories staff will even custom fit your helmet to make sure it's perfect.

One thing that's hard to deny about MR Motorcycle is their commitment to providing the best service possible to all of their customers. Their management staff averages 17 years with the company, and their shop foreman has been a motorcycle mechanic for 29 years and

IWANNA® March 2012 | 37

in use. Different concealment strategies can help mask a TV, giving your home a refined, elegant look.

■ Metro creative connection

is constantly continuing to learn and earn new certifications. Yamaha has even recognized MR Motorcycle as one of the highest-ranking dealerships in the nation in sales and customer service satisfaction.

MR Motorcycle is Asheville's Factory Authorized Dealer for Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, and most recently Polaris. Polaris chose MR Motorcycle to be their Dealer in Asheville because of their commitment to customer service. Their staff is always ready with friendly, professional advice to help make your home and garden chores simpler, easier, and fun!

MR Motorcycle is locally owned and operated since 1983. Stop in — they can help you find whatever you're looking for whether it's for work or play. See just how easy it can be.

38 | IWANNA® March 2012

David's Home Entertainment & Recreation

D

avid's Home Entertainment is a family-owned and operated company located in Waynesville. David's was established in 1983 and serves all of Western North Carolina.

They are an authorized DirectTV and DishNetwork retaiker, and also carry home theater systems with HDTV and Surround Sound systems that are custom-designed and professionally installed.

David's also sells and services a full line of spas, hot tubs, swim spas and saunas, pool tables, and game room accessories.

David's has one of the largest selec-

tions of hot tubs in WNC and serves all of WNC. David's also carries outdoor gazebos and storage buildings in a wide range of of sizes. Customers can choose to have them custom-built and painted to their wishes. David's is proud of their reputation for quality products, fair and competitive pricing, and service after the sale that is unmatched.

Our customers are more than just customers. We want them to become our friends for years to come. We cherish our past and present customers who have trusted us with their purchases and look forward to many new customers and friends in the future.

We are located at 100 Access Road in Waynesville, NC. Please call us at 828.452.5534 to see how we can help you with all your home improvement projects! You can also visit us at davidshomeentertainment.com.

WNC Home & Garden

Restoring Your Property After A Long Winter

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ne of the best things about the dawn of spring and the return of warmer weather is the chance to get out of the house and get some fresh air. For homeowners, this is the perfect opportunity to assess any damage the previous months did to yards and develop a plan to restore properties.

• Don't jump the gun. The first warm day of spring might seem like a great time to get out in the yard and get your hands dirty. But it's best to wait until the grass has completely dried out before getting to work. Raking on wet grass increases the risk of tearing out grass, which can cause bald spots and the growth of weeds down the road. In addition, stepping

on the grass while the ground is still wet can compact the soil, which can slow drainage and block the lawn's roots from breathing.

Patience should prevail with regard to mowing the lawn as well. A lawn's roots will not start to grow until the average everyday temperature routinely reaches 40°F, so mowing too early is both unnecessary and potentially harmful to the lawn. When the temperatures regularly reach 50°F, then homeowners will likely start to see their lawns growing.

• Remove debris that's piled up. Debris has a tendency to infest a yard over the course of the winter months. Fallen branches, stones, and even trash can accumulate in a yard,

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putting those who spend time in the yard at risk of injury once the warm weather returns. For instance, bits of twigs and pebbles that are blown across the yard during a windy winter can be embedded in the yard, making the yard less of a haven and more of a hazard. Once the grass is dry enough to walk on, walk around the property and remove any debris that's piled up over the last few months.

• Employ a pre-emergent weed killer. Homeowners who routinely spend their summers agonizing over weeds in the yard should consider applying a pre-emergent weed killer around the beginning of spring. It's important to do so around the end of March or early April, when the weeds have not yet had a chance to grow. When applying, follow the dosage instructions provided by the product's manufacturer. Such instructions often recommend a second application right before summer begins.

• Remove thatch. Once the grass has dried, you can begin to remove thatch that's built up over the winter. Thatch is potentially very harmful to soil, blocking sunlight, air, and moisture the soil needs to ensure a lawn looks lush and healthy.

Thatch removal does not necessarily need to be an annual task. If thatch buildup is insignificant, then it can be done every other year. Just use a dethatching rake to make the job much easier.

• Aerate — particularly if the yard is a heavy traffic area once the warm weather arrives. If your yard transforms into a child's wonderland upon the arrival of spring and summer, you might want to revive the soil by aerating.

When the yard gets heavy usage, it's easy for soil to become compacted, which makes it hard for air and water to reach the lawn's roots. That can eventually make for a less-than-appealing lawn. So if your yard is the place to be come the warmer months, aerate in the spring to loosen the soil and make it easier for the lawn to withstand the months ahead.

No matter how harsh the winter months might have been, spring is a great time for homeowners to restore the property around their homes.

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WNC Home & Garden

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Spring Garden Time!

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ew things are anticipated more in spring than the arrival of new leaves on the trees and budding flowers in the garden. A landscape awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit and make anyone want to head outdoors.

There are many different plants that begin to show their colors in the spring. A number of perennials, annuals, and trees begin to flower or show new sprouts come the springtime. Here are some plants that can be planted for springtime enjoyment.

Annuals Looking for first signs of color?

Look no further than these wonderful annuals.

• Alyssum: Starting in April, this cascading bounty of tiny flowers offers a sweet aroma that attracts lovely butterflies.

• Dianthus: These vivid flowers also attract butterflies and are often a cottage garden staple.

• Gypsophila: Also known as baby's breath, these delicate flowers can serve as filler in any landscape. Pink and white varieties are available.

• Impatiens: One of the bestknown plants for the garden, these annuals come in scores of colors and can generally tolerate full sun to full shade.

• Larkspur: Belonging to the buttercup family, these flowers bloom in shades of white to violet.

• Pansy: These flowers are some of the earliest spring bloomers, arriving alongside spring bulbs like tulips.

• Petunias: Petunias put on a show of color throughout the entire season, making them a popular bedding flower.

Perennials These plants will come back year after year, never failing to give your garden a burst of color.

• Cherry blossom tree: The flowers that sprout on cherry blossom trees are some of the first signs of spring. Their pink or white buds are often a spectacle, so much so that towns and cities hold cherry blossom festivals! And when the petals begin to fall, there is beautiful pink snow to behold!

• Columbine: These budding blooms attract butterflies and can be a nice part of a garden bed.

• Jacob's ladder: Variegated

foliage that is dappled with violetcolored flowers can add a sweet smell and visual interest to the garden.

• Primrose: These flowers come in a variety of shades, making them versatile in any garden. They also tend to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

• Sweet violet: These fragrant flowers are edible as well as attractive!

These plants can self-plant, so unless a gardener wants them to spread, they should be kept contained.

A landscape awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit and make anyone want to head outdoors.

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Cherry blossoms are one of the earlier signs spring has arrived.

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