2016 WNC Home & Garden

G A R DE NI NG T I P S + I DE A S

Copyright © IWANNA, USA LLC. 2016

CR E AT E MOR E STOR AG E S PACE

SPRING 2016

outdoor DECOR AT E L I K E A PRO

plan your best spring party

DI Y I DE A S FOR T H E HOM E HOW-TO I NST RUCT IONS

A Publication of

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PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER Patricia M. Betts PRODUCTION/IT MANAGER Jeff Ruminski CREATIVE DIRECTOR/COPY EDITOR Carrie Harder PRODUCTION David Denton, Rachel Hoeft, Debi Manfre, Randy Whittington ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Meg Hale, Pam Hensley, Rick Jenkins, Rose Lunsford, Crystal Pressley SALES ASSISTANT Jayme Pressley DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Sam Howell A Publication of

22 GARFIELD STREET, SUITE 100 ASHEVILLE, NC 28803 828.274.8888 IWANNA.COM WNC Home & Garden, a publication of IWANNA, has accepted contributions which may not reflect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of WNC Home & Garden may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

G A R DE NI NG T I P S + I DE A S

Copyright Š IWANNA, USA LLC. 2016

CR E AT E MOR E STOR AG E S PACE

SPRING 2016

outdoor DECOR AT E L I K E A PR O

your best spring party

DI Y I DE A S FOR T H E HOM E HOW-TO I NST RUCT ION S

A Publication of

cover designed by Carrie Harder

first look 5| 6| 8| 10 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 26 |

5 Simple Ways to Go Green & Save Green Living Goes Big in WNC Interior Design Trends for 2016 Outdoor Entertaining Tips How to Create More Storage Space Freshen Up Your Home for Spring How to Tend an Indoor Herb Garden Starting Plants from Seeds Home Projects to Save You Money Local Events Calendar IWANNA SPRING 2016

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5 simple ways to go green & save Here are some easy ways you can go green in your own home and lower your energy bills:

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and take stress off your air conditioning unit.

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Stop air leaks by sealing existing gaps and cracks.

Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically

adjust the temperature in your house, saving you energy while you’re out for the day, away on vacation or sleeping.

Switch all of your lightbulbs to CFLs or LED bulbs. They last

longer and use up to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, saving you money on your electric bills.

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Insulate well. Use insulation

with a high R-value to top up your attic. Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches. For whole home efficiency, ensure other areas of your home are well insulated, such as crawl spaces, basement headers, walls and ceilings. It will keep your house cool in the warm weather

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Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door sweep is also a good idea.

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Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Only

do laundry or run the dishwasher when you have full loads.

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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Green Living Goes BIG The 41st Annual WNC Home & Garden and Green Living Show is back March 18-20 and it’s bigger than ever!

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s the longest running and most attended WNC Home Show, over 200+ exhibitors are expected to participate this year at the US Cellular Center, downtown Asheville, NC. The range of topics and participants is remarkable- there’s truly something for everyone to see. Attendees will be able to browse everything from home and interior design to electric vehicles to urban gardening to solar energy.

However, tickets aren’t just good for looking—they’re great for learning! The price of admission includes a wide variety of daily seminars and workshops. There are dozens of new workshops available to teach you how to save money on energy, remodel your home, plant a container garden, solve pest problems organically, or add solar power to your tiny home! But why stop there? With over 40 topics, you can get a whole new understanding of green living!

Still not sure? Here’s a Top Ten list full of wonderful reasons to join us for the 2016 Home Garden and Green Living Show:

➊ Get behind the wheel of the latest in eco-friendly vehicles and see newest

electric motorcycles. See what all the buzz is about with electric vehicles in Western North Carolina courtesy of Blue Ridge Vehicle Club.

➋ With 200+ exhibitors, there are three levels to explore. You’ll have a chance to meet with local businesses and experts in everything home, garden and green living.

➌ There are 40+ all new hands-on home, garden and green living seminars.

All seminars are free with your daily admission or weekend pass.

➍ Stop by the Bonnie Rose Appraisal booth for professional personal property

appraisals including antiques, jewelry, collectibles, decorative arts, residential contents and business assets. Included in general admission. (limit 2 per person, no stamps/coins)

➎ Adopt a pet! Local animal rescue organization Brother Wolf will be on hand with adoptable pets.

➏ Starting a home project? You need expert advice, and they’ll all be here. It’s onestop shopping on a whole new level!

➐ See, touch, and feel home interior options. It sure beats trying to order online!

➑ Learn about green efficiency options that will save you money and help the environment.

➒ Meet with local native landscaping and garden experts and find out ways to make your landscape beautiful and easy to maintain.

➓ Get a discount by bringing along items for our food drive for Manna FoodBank,

which helps fight hunger in Western North Carolina.

Tickets are available in advance at homegardenandgreenlivingshow.com or at the show office at the U.S. Cellular Box Office, on website, and are on sale during event hours.

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for the home

interior design trends

on the horizon

You likely set goals to eat right and save money. But what goals do you set for your home?

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ow is the perfect time to experiment with décor trends,” says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and DIY television personality.

Here are six home décor trends Nayak predicts will soon be filling your Pinterest feed.

PRESSWORK PALETTE

Inspire conversation and set the tone for your space by incorporating text – think monograms, family names or inspirational quotes.

“Use various fonts and sizes to create different moods,” says Nayak. “Letters can be sharp and defined to create a contemporary and stylish aesthetic, or soft and casual for an elegant and timeless feel.”

NATURE’S PATTERNS

For clean interior spaces with lots of detail, try simple designs inspired by nature, such as honeycombs, florals and leaves.

“Pair these with neutral colors for a soothing atmosphere, or blow them up and paint brightly for a bold statement,” says Nayak.

You can also integrate natural patterns through accent pieces, such as light fixtures that have reflective metals to mimic sparkling water, or a textured jute rug.

DIGITALLY DEFINED

“Geometric shapes and angles have become associated with technology; evoking creativity and innovative design,” says Nayak.

Incorporate this trend with geometric floor tiles in different colors. Or use pixelation for a modern, clean look. Monochromatic pixelated artwork can be simplistic and versatile.

FRESH AND FAB

Multiple bright colors mixed together elevate the mood in any space. Paint a bold accent wall for an eye-catching statement.

Or brightly paint antique furniture for an unexpected combo of modern and traditional.

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“When it comes to painting an accent wall or furniture, one of the most important tools you need is a premium painter’s tape, like FrogTape brand painter’s tape,” advises Nayak.

Treated with PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape brand Multi-Surface and Delicate Surface tapes can be used on a variety of surfaces to help deliver sharp lines, so your handiwork looks professional.

TEXTURED TERRAIN

From transformed wood pallets to worn leather or tin ceilings, aged raw materials offer texture and help give a space dimension.

“Incorporate it into an application you wouldn’t typically think to use the material,” suggests Nayak. “For example, use concrete on a wall instead of the floor.”

Home décor items can easily be made to look aged by adding paint and other finishes for a distressed look.

GLOBAL STYLE

Create a warm, friendly space with a parade of patterns from different cultures.

“Don’t be afraid to mix multiple prints within a space,” says Nayak. “Tie these patterns together by carrying a similar color throughout each element in the room.”

“When trying a new trend, make sure it accurately represents your style -- and remember you don’t have to go all out,” adds Nayak. “Any concept can be incorporated as little or as much as you’d like.”

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IWANNA SPRING 2016

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in the yard

considerations for

outdoor entertaining

Outdoor parties have a flair all their own. Entertaining outside means being able to enjoy the fresh air, sun and extra space that the great outdoors allows.

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ntertaining outdoors may include intimate barbecues with friends or weddings with hundreds of guests.

While parks, yards, and gardens can make beautiful backdrops for parties, hosts still need to emphasize preparation when throwing an outdoor party.

Select & prepare the space. Many

homeowners host parties for friends and family in their backyards. Whereas other spaces, including parks, require the transport of food and other supplies, backyards offer the ultimate in convenience, allowing homeowners to cook foods in their kitchens and then carry items directly to the backyard.

Backyards are not always set up or equipped for events, and preparation will be required to turn the yard into a party-worthy area.

Plan a day for cleanup. Remove toys, tools and debris. Be sure the grass is mowed and clippings are removed. Address any tripping hazards and make sure there is an easy path in and out of the party, as well as to the restrooms. Take inventory of tables and seating options and rent or buy extra seating if necessary.

Provide shade & shelter. Every party host

hopes for good weather when entertaining outside, but it is best to have a contingency plan in place just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate. Awnings and patio umbrellas can only do so much, and it may be necessary to install pop-up tents or stationary 10

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gazebos to protect guests from the elements.

Think about renting tents from party supply companies, which usually will erect the tents and take them down after use.

Even if the weather will be pleasant, have spots where guests can escape the sun. It can be uncomfortable and dangerous to sit in the sun for long periods of time.

Keep food temperatures consistent. If

you plan to offer buffet-style cuisine, arrange for serving dishes that will keep foods hot or cold as needed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition advises that it is important to keep foods safe when entertaining outside. Cold foods should be kept in coolers or served on beds of ice. Use hot chafing dishes to keep hot foods at a serving temperature at or above 140 F. Refrigerate or refreeze foods within two hours or after one hour if it is above 90 F outside.

Plan for insects. Entertaining outdoors

means sharing the space with insects and animals. Ants can be a nuisance, but wasps and bees can be harmful, particularly if a person is allergic. Use repellent candles around the entertaining space to keep bugs away. Make canisters of insect repellent available to guests.

Home improvement centers sell bug traps to keep bees and other insects away from foods and people by using sweet lures. Netting on tents or a screened-in area also can keep guests comfortable.

by M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

IWANNA SPRING 2016

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how to

create more storage space Apartment dwellers commonly lament the lack of storage space in their homes. But unless they are willing to pack up and move, storage will continue to pose a problem. Fortunately, there are many ways to create storage space without knocking down walls.

➊ Buy furniture that includes

storage space. Perhaps the simplest way to create extra storage space is to purchase furniture that doubles as storage. Storage beds make great places to store bulky bedding, including extra bedsheets, blankets and pillows. Living room furniture can also serve dual roles. Dress up a storage chest and use it as your coffee table, and replace old footrests with storage ottomans.

➋ Hang pots and pans. Kitchen cabinet

space can be especially scarce in apartments, but that does not mean apartment dwellers must cook with a single pot and pan.

Suspend pots and pans from the ceiling, using the cabinet space you have to store food and other items that might look out of place if left sitting out.

➌ Buy a corner coat rack. Coats take

up ample closet space, which apartment dwellers know can be a precious commodity.

Rather than reserving half of your closet space for coats, purchase a corner coat rack with multiple hooks at varying heights. This 14

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means that all those bulky coats will be stored in one small, vertical space, leaving more room in the closets for the rest of your wardrobe.

➍ Purchase removable shelving

units for closets. Closets may have plenty of shelf space up top, but what about all that floor space that’s not being put to use? Small, removable shelving units can be placed inside closets so you can make use of the space beneath all those shirts, dresses and sweaters hanging on hangers.

➎ Purchase an e-reader. Avid readers

living in storage-starved apartments can create more space simply by going digital with regard to their favorite hobby. Purchase an e-reader and store all of your books digitally on your new device and its accompanying cloud storage. This saves you from having to find space to store new books, and you can donate all or some of your existing collection to create more space.

by M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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freshen up your home for

spring

After a few months of chilly temperatures, come spring, many of us are eager to throw open our windows and doors and breathe new life into our homes.

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imple changes made now can improve interior spaces and brighten the atmosphere of a home.

Go plant shopping. Research from NASA

suggests adding at least one plant in your home per 100 square feet is efficient enough to clean air. Fresh foliage also makes a home feel warm and inviting. Watering and misting plants introduces moisture into indoor air, which can make rooms overcome with dry air from heating systems feel comfortable.

Just be sure to avoid overwatering plants, which can lead to mold growth.

Swap out throw pillows. Accent pillows on beds and sofas are quick and inexpensive ways to add new bursts of color to rooms.

You may be able to make over a room’s entire color scheme with new pillows. Invest in pillows that you can switch with each season so your decor will never look tired or dull.

Clean existing light fixtures. Another way to brighten the mood in a home is to periodically clean light fixtures to make sure they are working effectively. Spend time dusting them and cleaning off any accumulated debris. If need be, switch out old lamp shades for newer ones that let more light shine through. If inadequate lighting is a problem no matter how many lamps you have, consult with an electrician about installing more overhead and accent lighting.

Give rugs and floors a deep cleaning.

Recirculated air may be full of dust and other microscopic particles that end up blowing throughout your home. Also, it’s easy to track in dirt and other materials on your shoes that become imbedded in carpeting.

At least once a year, rent or enlist the surfaces of carpet and upholstery cleaners to give floors a thorough cleaning. You may be surprised at how clean and fresh a home looks and smells once rugs and carpets are deep-cleaned. You also can make a dry carpet cleaner using baking soda, corn starch and desired fresh herbs for fragrance. Sprinkle and then vacuum up after a few hours.

Color-coordinate bookshelves. Group books with similarly colored covers together for an instant and eye-appealing look.

Simmer homemade air freshener.

In a large pot, boil water and some scented herbs, such as rosemary, citrus rinds, vanilla, or lavender. The aroma will waft through the home, creating a pleasing scent.

Invest in new window treatments.

Lightweight draperies or new blinds or shades can transform the look of a room. Be sure to keep curtains and blinds open during the day to maximize the hours of sunlight.

Homeowners can make some simple changes while they’re stuck indoors and reap the benefits when the weather warms up again.

by M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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how to

tend an indoor

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herb garden

resh herbs and ingredients can add flavor to any meal. A home chef can even improve the flavor of store-bought or prepared foods with an herb garnish to transform otherwise bland dishes into something you’ll want to eat again and again.

Harvesting fresh herbs is easy for homeowners who have gardens right in their backyards. However, not everyone has a backyard, and even those who do might find their gardens threatened by changing seasons or unwanted critters. When gardens are moved indoors, the bounty of fresh ingredients continues no matter the date on the calendar.

Herb gardens are perhaps some of the

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easiest gardens to cultivate indoors because they don’t require large pots or much space. The plants themselves are relatively compact, and it only takes a pinch of herbs to give a meal some extra flavor.

When growing herbs indoors, your indoor growing area must have adequate light to simulate the longer days of summer; otherwise, the plants may go dormant. It’s ideal to have a southern exposure, with at least eight hours of sunlight per day. If you do not live in a particularly sunny locale, consider supplementing the plants with grow lights, which will provide the full spectrum of light the plants need to thrive.

Indoor air can become too dry for herbs, so you will need to compensate by providing

humidity. While there may be added humidity in a kitchen greenhouse window, it still may not be enough to keep the plants healthy. Think about misting the plants daily to create some extra humidity, or place herb pots on top of a water-filled tray with pebbles so the evaporating water will add moisture without making the roots soggy.

Insects are another threat to indoor gardens because there is no cold weather to inhibit the hatching of insect eggs. Soil from outdoors may be more susceptible to insects that are already living in the dirt.

Instead of soil from outside, use packaged soil or a nonsoil alternative that will hold moisture without the added risk of bugs.

If small insects appear, use a mist of soapy water to kill the bugs without harming the plants or making the herbs unfit for eating.

Group herbs together according to their watering needs to make maintenance that much easier. New sprouts generally need more water than established plants.

Prune the herbs as needed for recipes. If the herbs experience a growth spurt, trim some of the plants and freeze the herbs for later use.

Many indoor herb gardeners begin by growing parsley, chives, oregano, and basil, but you can experiment with just about any herb.

by M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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in the garden

simple steps to

starting plants from seeds

by CHRIS SMITH, Sow True Seed Community Coordinator

Everyone has their own reason for starting their plants from seed, but if you’re on the fence, let me give you a few ideas to consider. Seeds are miraculous - one packet of seeds has the potential to grow so much food, or flowers, it’s incredible! Compare the cost of a packet of seed to the cost of a single plant start and it quickly makes financial sense to make the extra effort and start your own plants. Plus, the diversity of seed choices out there is almost overwhelming. Once you start exploring the plethora of varieties then your addiction to seeds will be complete!

Your seed packet and a decent seed catalog will go a long way to providing all the information you need to be successful with your plantings, but I’ll provide a brief outline to combat some common seed starting problems.

VIABLE SEEDS - make sure you store your seeds somewhere cool, dark, and dry until you are ready to plant. Seeds are dormant, but alive, so treat them well for good germination.

CLEAN MATERIALS - your seedlings

are like newborn babies and require some extra protection in their infancy.

You should source a sterile potting mix and use clean containers (whether shop bought or homemade).

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - a good

seed packet will provide planting depth, spacing, times and any additional considerations. This is because all seeds have their own needs and wants, so ignore them at your seeds peril!

MOISTURE, LIGHT & AIR - all

seeds require moisture to germinate but don’t like being drowned because they also need oxygen. Once the seeds have sprouted they’ll need good quality light to be healthy. Affordable grow lights can be found if you are starting seeds indoors.

HARDENING OFF - when your

seedlings are ready to make the move to your garden you will want to gradually expose them to outside temperatures, sunlight and wind conditions. You can do this gradually over a couple of weeks depending on the conditions outside.

If you need further inspiration, then listen to Henry David Thoreau (or call us at Sow True Seed for extra help!):

“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in seed. Convince me that you have a seed there and I am prepared to expect wonders.”

- Henry David Thoreau

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146 Church St, Asheville, NC 828-254-0708 • sowtrueseed.com

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home improvement

projects to help you save money It’s remodeling season, and with so many projects on the to-do list, which should you tackle first? While some projects provide great longterm return on investment, a few simple ones can provide instant savings.

➊ CAULK AROUND WINDOWS AND

DOORS Stop air leaks around your home by sealing existing gaps and cracks. Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door sweep is also a good idea.

▲ INVEST IN THE FUTURE with strategically placed saplings that will grow with your family.

such as crawl spaces, basement headers, walls and ceilings, are well insulated. It will keep your house cool in the warm weather and take the stress off your air conditioning unit.

➋ INSULATE YOUR HOME

Use insulation with a high R-value, such as Roxul Comfortbatt, which can be used to top up insulation in your attic. Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches. For whole home efficiency, ensure other areas of your home,

➌ CLEAN YOUR AC UNIT Come spring,

it’s not uncommon to find an air conditioner’s condenser and compressor blocked up with dirt and debris. This can result in greater stress on the unit, causing it to work harder.

Giving it a thorough cleaning is easy and can help maximize your AC unit’s service life while minimizing your energy bill.

➍ PLANT TREES Direct sunlight can heat up surfaces and building materials, as well as the interior temperature of your home.

Consider planting trees in strategic locations to provide shade and reduce cooling costs.

➎ INSTALL A RAIN BARREL Water is an

important, but costly resource. Installing a rain barrel is an easy and affordable measure to reduce your water consumption, while keeping your lawn and garden looking great. ▲

COLLECT RAINWATER runoff with rain barrels and save enough water to help you get through the hot and dry summer months.

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GARDENS & TRAILS

One-way vehicular traffic

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Library & South Terraces 5

Walled Garden

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Azalea Garden

Paved walking paths

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Italian Garden

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Rose Garden

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Bass Pond & Boat House

Gravel/chips walking trails

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Shrub Garden

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Conservatory

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Spring Garden

Conservatory Café A Gardener’s Place

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1 2 TO BILTMORE HOUSE

Asheville, NC Map & info courtesy of Biltmore. See what’s blooming now at biltmore.com/ga rden s

Biltmore Blooms

March 19–May 26, 2016 A Calendar of Beauty for Biltmore Gardens MARCH

• Look for early-blooming kobus magnolias at the top of the Rampe Douce and near the Conservatory.

• The Shrub Garden & Azalea Garden show early color with spectacular blooms on yellow lantern magnolia & star magnolia.

• Regional favorites such as lenten rose, false solomon’s seal & trillium bloom in numerous estate gardens.

APRIL

• The Walled Garden bursts into color just in time for Biltmore Blooms. Thousands of tulips & other spring bulbs spring forth in the seasonal beds.

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• In the Spring Garden, lilacs & forsythias welcome the new season, while viburnum & spirea add early color & fragrance.

• The Azalea Garden is in its prime from midApril through the end of May. Hundreds of varieties of Asiatic & hybrid azaleas signal spring’s arrival with vibrant blooms.

• Wisteria begins to bloom across the estate. Admire the drooping purple blooms of Chinese wisteria on the Library Terrace, which was planted in the 1890s. Also noteworthy are the old Japanese wisteria on the Shrub Garden pergola & the Chinese wisteria with purple & white blooms in the Walled Garden.

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local events WNC Home, Garden & Green Living Show

March 18-20, US Cellular Center Downtown Asheville The WNC Home, Garden and Green Living Show will feature products and services for the home, garden and an eco-friendly lifestyle. homegardenandgreenlivingshow.com

Organic Growers School Conference

March 12-13, UNCA, Asheville Practical, regionally-appropriate workshops on organic growing, permaculture, homesteading, urban farming, and rural living plus a trade show, seed exchange, silent auction, children’s program, and pre-conference, on-farm events. organicgrowersschool.org

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Biltmore Blooms

March 19-May 26, Biltmore Estate This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 90,000+ tulips and elaborate floral displays.

To learn more, visit biltmore.com/events

WNC Orchid Society Annual Show

10am-5pm April 14-17, NC Arboretum & Hilton - Biltmore Park This year, the annual American Orchid Society Member Conference will be held in conjunction with the show. Includes orchid exhibits, vendors, educational programs and raffle prizes. ncarboretum.org

Spring Plant Sale

9am-5pm April 29-30, Bullington Gardens, Hendersonville Featuring a wide variety of native and nonnative perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetable starts, and small trees and shrubs. To learn more, visit bullingtongardens.org

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