Outdoor Design & Living Guide - Home Show 2012

Home Show 2012

Trend Forecast 2012 See What’s Hot in Everything Outdoors

Beyond the Backyard

DIY

Learn Tips for Curb Appeal from HGTV’s John Gidding Create a Low-Cost Potting Station

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Publisher

Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC

Content Manager Sarah McCurdy

Copy Editor Nancy Koetz

Lead Designer Dan Nisbet

Design & Layout

Mike Biewer Jamie Farmen

Contributors

Bruce Asbury Janelle Brandon Brian Frank Leanne Sucrow Rat

Photographer

Laura Caroon Frozen Music Studios Photography

Cover Photo

Provided by biota | A Landscape Design + Build Firm in Minneapolis, Minn.

Advertising Information Todd Fuchs Phone: 701.282.0619

Mail Correspondence Outdoor Design 301 Sheyenne St. West Fargo, ND 58078

info@outdoordesignandliving.com outdoordesignandliving.com Outdoor Design and Living Guide is published quarterly by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Total printing is 15,000 copies per issue, and the publication is distributed in two states.

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Welcome to the Home Show Issue!

Does that mean spring is right around the corner? While we certainly cannot complain about the winter, I’m ready for spring. As we look to the spring, now is the time for planning. Some of you may have spring weddings, graduations and other events that need some contractor help to prepare your yard, lot, house or garage for guests. Now is the time to contact them. Things don’t happen right away and you want to be near the front of the line when the snow melts and the ground thaws.

So check out this issue for tips and contacts, and let’s start planning. If you pick this issue up before the Red River Valley Home show, I’d love to invite you to stop by our booth on the west side of the upper level of the Fargodome. We’ll be passing out some past issues and meeting and greeting our readers. If you have story ideas, I would love to visit with you – suggestions are wonderful and photos of your past projects to add to our inspiration guide would be most appreciated.

In this issue we’ll tell you where trends come from and what will be big in the outdoors for 2012. Our own Janelle Brandon brings you a fantastic Q&A with John Gidding, host of HGTV’s “Curb Appeal: The Block.” Gidding is speaking at this year’s Home Show in Fargo.

Designer Leanne Sucrow gives you two different plans on how to create your own potting station in this issue’s DIY section. Take advantage of some down time during these colder months and prepare for spring! We’ll also show you some great escapes in our own backyard, we’ll tell you about “Home is Where the Art is,t” a great creative project sponsored by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

On behalf of our outdoor advertisers both past and present, we’d all love to see you at the home show Feb. 24-26 at the Fargodome. If you’re in the Grand Forks area, check out the Home Design & Garden Show, March 23-25 at the Alerus Center.

Let’s start planning for Spring/Summer 2012 together!

Todd and Darcy Fuchs Publishers, Outdoor Design & Living Guide

Home Show 2012 6 Walk This Way See the trickle down effect of the runway 10 Curb Appeal Trends for 2012 Our interview with HGTV’s John Gidding

Feature

Learn what’s hot for this outdoor season.

14 Outdoor Trend Forecast 2012

24 Inspiration Guide 28 Do It Yourself Create a Potting Station 32 Rat’s Recipes 33 Spring Time Sensations 34 Beyond the Backyard Outdoor activities in MN & ND 38 People & Community Habitat for Humanity Art Challenge

6

10

42 Home Show Guide 44 Bruce on the Loose A Sweet, Hidden Gem

Home Show 2012 5

walk this way the birth of trends…

6 Outdoor Design

Living Guide

Story and styling by Leanne Sucrow Photography by Laura Caroon

From the likes of Lady Gaga’s Sci-Fi/monster inspired style and Katy Perry’s pink cotton candy colored hair to the classically chicness of First Lady Michelle Obama and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, it’s no wonder the style bar of 2012 has been set so high. You are probably wondering what this has to do with the outdoors?

Everything.

Fashion Week is held twice a year (February and September) for fashion designers to showcase the latest looks for the upcoming season. Four cities around the world introduce the current fashions, which begin in New York. From there, the style and color trends of the season trickle down to everything we see from clothing and department store items to interior design and housewares – even to outdoor design and living. Check out this compilation of 2012 trends and how these styles can be

the trend in clothing Everyone is “going green” these days, including fashion.

Recycle those old threads from the 60’s because florals are back. On the opposite end of the spectrum, pretty pastels soften and brighten the palette. Expect to see large, bold print florals, fringe and feathers, light breezy fabrics, and classic vintage inspired (eyelets and lace) fabrics.

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How to Use it Outdoors: Add bursts of floral patterns on accent pillows for your outdoor furniture and rugs. Or choose a palette of colors from the Pantone color chart.

the trend in colors Pantone is a color coded system for the print world, but used in a variety of industries to match colors. They’ve come up with a 2012 color palette that reflects the runway trends for this season.

How to Use it Outdoors: These colors can be brought together in outdoor accessories, fabrics, furniture and even flowers in your landscape.

Home Show 2012 7

the trend in shoes Go bold or go home. The more detail, the better. Some of this year’s shoe styles look like they flew in directly from outer space. A shoe is an extra bit of fun that can be added to your everyday wardrobe.

How to Use it Outdoors: Find that one exotic, space-like or detailed item to be that conversation piece to rock your outdoor space. Outdoor metal sculptures add a bit of flair.

the trend in hair dye Models walking down the catwalk are adorned with Crayola colors added to their hair in shades of pink, red, teal and black. These fabulous colors, even to a soft palette, add a little bit of edge and make a statement.

How to Use it Outdoors: Try adding in some accessories or flowers in these colors to perk up your outdoors.

the trend in jewelry Check Grandma’s jewelry box because large vintage inspired bling and gold are coming back to life. We aren’t talking 1980’s shiny brass, but warm gold tones.

How to Use it Outdoors: Be comfortable in mixing your metal finishes to add variety whether in flower pots, light fixtures or outdoor metal décor.

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Living Guide

the trend in nail polish Solid as a rock, this year’s trend is concrete colored polish.

How to Use it Outdoors: Introduce soft gray tones in the stone around your outdoor fire pit or fireplace, along pathways, and patio stones.

Leanne Sucrow is a native of the Chicago area but now has roots firmly planted in Fargo, N.D. She is the owner of The Green Room, a design firm focusing attention on green & eco friendly ideas and is also a Shaklee distributor.

Home Show 2012 9

Beyond the Backyard

Curb Appeal Interview with HGTV “Curb Appeal: The Block” Host John Gidding

by Janelle Brandon

W

hen it comes to trends in curb appeal, we wanted to hear from one of the most credible sources in the business: John Gidding. Gidding is host of HGTV’s “Curb Appeal: The Block” and as owner of the New York City–based John Gidding Design Inc., he has done numerous residential

Outdoor Design and Living Guide Curb appeal is the name of the game!

What are the top three design tips you’d offer a homeowner embarking on a curb appeal project?

10 Outdoor Design

Living Guide

renovations there and around the country. Gidding presents at home, garden and flower shows across the nation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Yale University and a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design.

John Gidding 1. House numbers. The little gold stickers have to go. Make the $100 investment in some new numbers and you’ll never regret it. Try to keep the numbers in the style of the house, or with a metal finish that is used elsewhere on the house.

2. Front door. The effect of a beautiful front door is very powerful for curb appeal. Paint is always a great option, especially if you already have a painted door. Use tones

John Gidding is a featured seminar speaker at the 51st Annual Red River Valley Home & Garden Show. The Home & Garden Show, on Feb. 2426 at the Fargodome, is an event organized by the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead.

Gidding’s seminars are “Behind the Scenes Secrets from HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block,” and “Tips for Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal.” that complement and contrast your house and pick a glossy finish and new hardware to give the final sheen.

Replace the threshold with wood or steel if needed.

3. Trim/accent color. The usual suspects that need a color upgrade are shutters, sashes, doors, water tables, gutters, and trim work. This is quite literally the makeup on your house’s face, so remember that too much makeup on a face isn’t the goal, but neither is too little.

Home and Garden Show hours at the Fargodome are 3-9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 24; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday Feb. 26.

Admission to the show is $8.

For more information visit www.HBAFM.com.

Home Show 2012 11

ODLG Blunders: Can you please share the top three mistakes homeowners make with curb appeal projects?

JG 1. Don’t create miniature versions of big landscapes in a small front yard. This might include a tiny dry riverbed, a miniature parterre, or a windy path that only stretches for four feet. Always consider the scale of your property and design with that in mind.

2. Bright colors rarely work for the body of a house. A good way of avoiding color remorse is to make sure the body color of your house has a solid amount of grey or beige in it. Keep the saturation low and save the pops of color for accents.

3. Never allow your home to look unsafe or unwelcoming.

Homeowners will often put off fixing a broken handrail or a missing baluster but these imperfections can look like a missing tooth on a face. Shutters with damaged louvres need to be replaced before painting them. These small fix-ups are inexpensive. Not fixing these small things may devalue the entire house.

ODLG Forgotten: What are the special touches that many homeowners forget to include when carrying out a curb appeal project?

JG 1. The perimeter of your property should always be considered before a project can be deemed complete.

I rarely have sod going right up to the sidewalk. Border plantings, gates and fences, even stone borders are great tools for delineating the boundaries of your project.

2. It’s important to have a pedestrian-friendly path that doesn’t involve the driveway. It’s important to create a path to the front door that’s just for someone that might walk up. It is also a great way of calling attention to the front door or porch area which, if it’s a successful renovation, will have many eye-catching details to show off.

3. Don’t forget to mulch and re-mulch for immediate effect. Spend an afternoon with a few bags of mulch and some gloves. There are many types of mulch out there from chipped bark to crumbled car tires - use it as a graphic element that contrasts with the greenery.

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Living Guide

ODLG Evaluation: How does a homeowner truly know whether his or her home needs curb appeal?

JG Curb appeal is not rocket science. Most homeowners know implicitly if they need it. Questions they might ask themselves are: • • • • • •

Does my home feel welcoming?

Is the front door easy to see or find?

Do I have at least two or three colors on my facade?

Do all the finishes of the metals match?

Is my landscape alive and well?

Is my architecture expressed to its full capacity?

ODLG Success Story: Share your favorite successful “Curb Appeal” story. Why is this your favorite success story?

JG One of my favorite HGTV “Curb Appeal” episodes was about two sisters in Atlanta who lived in a very boring, flat-

fronted house with a high gable front. The yard was small, the facade was asymmetrically unbalanced, and it looked like a house a kid would draw.

I started researching high-gabled architecture and came across a style called Folk Victorian.

It’s essentially a “pedestrian” version of Victoriant. I developed a motif of circles that I used throughout the house. The color scheme was also a challenge because, as with many Victorian color schemes, this house had seven different colors incorporated.

The final house was just stunning and the sisters were on cloud nine!

Home Show 2012 13

integrated vegetable beds This is a more structured idea of the same concept of combining annual vegetables with the existing perennial plantings. The organic beds are a combination of perennial flowers and herbs with annual vegetables mixed in.

The large deck provides a dedicated space to hang out, but the oversized stone path through the yard also acts as additional entertaining space.

Photo submitted by biota.

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Living Guide

Photo submitted by biota.

Outdoor Trend Forecast 2012

by Sarah McCurdy

With the economy still dictating how people are spending their money; many are choosing to spend the dollars – and time – at home. Investments are being made in backyard sanctuaries, curb appeal and outdoor decorating. While creating these personal escapes from the world, families and individuals are creating something else – trends.

Ideally, people are searching for low maintenance products so they can spend more time enjoying their surroundings and less time taking care of them. They’re asking and manufacturers are answering.

Add in the green and sustainability influences of Generations X, Y and Z and there’s a local movement wrapped into the trends as well. It’s pushing from these generations locally that are highlighting environmental awareness, buying local and focusing on sustainability.

These are the groups (in general), which are seeking out farmers markets and doing what they can to keep it local.

No matter what the trends are, you’ll need to ask yourself one question before diving in to an outdoor project: How do you want to use the space?

We asked experts throughout the region what they’re seeing as the big trends in 2012.

Check out these ideas for updating your landscaping and backyard.

Photo by Laura Caroon

Home Show 2012 15

yoga garden The homeowner loves to do yoga in the privacy of her backyard. This is an example of mixed use of space and creating a space that is truly reflective of its’ homeowner.

The hand painted overhead canopy provides shade from the sun and the curtains on the side provide added privacy from the neighbors. The small vessel spills water over its’ edges, creating a relaxing and distracting sound from the urban environment. The larger stones in the garden were hand picked to meet the balancing needs of the homeowner.

When not in use, the yoga garden provides a beautiful and calming spot to view or even relax with the peaceful sound of the recirculating water.

Photo submitted by biota.

Living Outdoors It doesn’t require a large space to create an outdoor intimate space that you will be more likely to use. When it comes to crafting the uses of your backyard, Steve Modrow, principal at biota | A Landscape Design + Build Firm in Minneapolis, Minn. recommends catering your space to the function you wish it to yield. Do you want to cook outside? Do you want a fire pit? Figure out what or how you’d like to use the space goes a long way in deciding what the space will look like.

Another question to think about: What are your surroundings like? Do you have regular visitors such as deer or rabbits? That may help determine what your landscaping looks like – or they will determine the look for you.

Also, Modrow asks, what do you like at your friends’ houses?

Inspiration can be anywhere.

Manufacturers are becoming aware of peoples’ requests for lower maintenance products that can make spaces feel friendlier. More and more furniture, fabrics and even artwork 16 Outdoor Design

Living Guide

are being produced specifically with outdoor use in mind, made from pieces that are designed to hold up to the elements.

“People want more intimate spaces, they don’t just want a plain patio anymore,” says Tim Hellan, owner of Stonepocket in Minneapolis. “They want nicer outdoor furniture, and even artwork outside.”

Hellan is a landscaper and also an artist. He’s satisfying clients’ needs for outdoor artwork and privacy in one design item: privacy screens made Photo submitted by biota out of steel with decorative punched out designs.

It’s a direction he feels he will gravitate more towards, due to client demand.

Don Short, a salvage storeowner in Iowa, says most Rich Lahren, landscape sales and design from Hebron Brick people can’t afford to pay for the big “green” items – so & Block in Fargo says there have been major improvements they do what they can. Maybe they buy a table that’s been to outdoor lighting. This year’s big change to LED lights is the repurposed. Short says that’s a way of not using a new advancement of their color temperature – no longer will you product but maintaining a high level of quality. have to choose LED lights with a cool blue tint, you’ll be able to Short’s adventure into salvage started six years ago buy beautiful solar pathway and landscaping lights in a variety with weekend garage sales and has grown into West End of colors, including warm yellow. You’ll be able to enjoy the Architectural Salvage in Des Moines, Iowa. He points out benefits of LED lighting with the color you want, with bulbs that that regionally, trends are always different, but one thing are powered by the sun. remains constant.

Another way to be earth friendly in landscaping “Most people want what nobody else has,” Short says. is by repurposing and reclaiming items. It’s one way Short buys building fragments from New York and Generations X, Y and Z are making their marks on the Chicago and employs a fulltime landscaper. trends. The driving force behind all things rusty and worn “Not everybody thinks they can use salvage,” Short says. can be traced to people being more cognoscente of doing “But once you show somebody what they can do with an their part to be green. item, they love it.”

Home Show 2012 17

Fire and Water – Back to the Elements

Photos submitted by West End Architectural Salvage

Short says the easiest way to incorporate salvaged items into your landscape is by using it as a border. He’s used terracotta salvaged from roofs for this very purpose. He believes shows on HGTV are magnifying trends and making them even bigger.

Some other of Short’s outdoor projects include a 7 foot tall clock, which has been incorporated into a large backyard landscape in the same function as a sundial. He has also taken an old stock tank and used it as a planter.

Sarah Liljestrand, owner of Hollands Landscaping & Garden Center and current president of the North Dakota Nursery and Greenhouse Association sees a lot more people adding personal touches to their yards, a focal point or an art piece, something that says something about them. She sells a lot of sculptural animals made out of the recycled metal of cars and tractors – which hits the points of repurposing and making a statement.

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Even in our snowy winter climate, the demand for outdoor kitchens and fireplaces have continued to grow steadily over the last five years. Lahren says it provides another living space for people to enjoy the outdoors, as people are spending more time and money at home and not traveling as much.

“I don’t know if a lot of them are cooking enthusiasts or not but they certainly enjoy outdoors,” Lahren says.

Another comforting feature in your yard space is the element of fire. Think back to when you were a kid, sitting around a great bonfire under the stars. What started with a tractor ring has evolved into much more sophisticated and artistic creations. People are drawn to fire naturally. There are many options and price points to fire pits – some exist as a permanent fixture in a yard, while others are more portable and remain above ground.

Depending on your property, you may find room for another permanent structure in a fire place.

With the popularity and availability of home improvement shows on television and even ideas from online, consumers are becoming more educated on what’s available in the market place. Lahren says people who traditionally wouldn’t be exposed to such trendy ideas are spending six figures on outdoor fireplaces and landscaping far from a metropolitan

updated fire This is an update on the fire pit/fire place from biota and provides a modern take on the ring found in many yards. When not in use (and cool), the space also acts as additional seating on the edge.

As a bonus, the yellowish stone is locally sourced in Minnesota.

Photo submitted by biota.

area, and says 2011 was the biggest year for his company when it comes to fire places and fire pits.

Today, you don’t have to know how to start a fire, you can just flip a switch on your outdoor natural gas fireplace (which also has different regulations and can be closer to your home than a wood burning fire structure).

“Everybody wants a fire pit,” Lahren says. “It doesn’t take forever to get started and you just turn it off. With people’s schedules nowadays, they want to turn it on, entertain for an hour or two and then turn it off and go to bed.”

Many homeowners want to add beautiful water features to their landscaping, features that don’t take a lot of maintenance.

Hellan, a landscaper and artist, feels that people are

getting away from larger water features, and other experts agreed. It goes back to his point about intimate spaces.

Hellan is seeing people add much smaller water features to their landscape design. Maybe a small bubbling fountain in the middle of a seating area – it’s soothing, it looks sleek and it’s a smaller version of the way people added water features a few years ago.

“The more they get educated the more they realize that it’s less maintenance that they want,” Lahren says.

He adds that people in our area are still adding ponds on their properties each year, but he cautions that the smaller the pond, the more maintenance it will be and says that’s why it’s important to speak to a pro when it comes to that kind of thing.

Home Show 2012 19

Photos by Carolyn Jones

Superbells® Cherry Star

Gardening

Superbells® Grape Punch

Superbells® Sweet Tart

Pink 3D Osteospermum

Purple 3D Osteospermum

Silver 3D Osteospermum Living Guide

20 Outdoor Design

New plants can give garden that extra “punch.” There are so many varieties of plants and flowers and so many changes that you could talk about the new things forever. What makes a flower newsworthy? According to BFG Supply flower and plant sales representative Carolyn Jones, it’s based on the uniqueness of the change to the plant variety, as well as changes in performance. Jones says most of the time it’s when a plant variety makes a unique turn and comes out with something completely different, or it can be about improving the plant’s sensitivity to the PH in the soil, or making it more heat or disease tolerant.

In Jones’ profession, she travels to California and tours about 20 greenhouses from San Jose to San Diego to get educated on what’s coming up for the next year. Here are some new things you can find in select greenhouses throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

Three new Calibrachoas debut in 2012, they are Superbells® Cherry Star, Superbells® Grape Punch, and Superbells® Sweet Tart. There are a lot of these types of flowers on market, but the new varieties that are coming out for 2012 are quite unusual compared to those currently available, due to their coloring. The Calibrachoa is generally easy to maintain with fertilizer and water.

Also this year, gardeners will see a new Verbena introduced. In the Lanai series, the new plant is called Twister Pink. It’s different than current Verbenas, which are usually available in solid colors (with few exceptions).

What’s unique about Twister Pink is it looks like there’s a circle of pink and then a circle of white, from a distance it looks like rings.

If you’re not familiar with Osteospermum, the easy way to describe it is to say it looks like a basic daisy. Most come in solid colors like white, purple, pink, yellow and orange. At night or on a cloudy day, you will find that the flowers close up. What’s different about the newly introduced 3D Osteospermum, is that it does not close. It has been bred with a double center and is not able to close.

Superbells® Grape Punch Lanai Twister Pink

Home Show 2012 21

Consumers want as much bang for their bucks as possible, according to Liljestrand, owner of a Fargo-based landscaping and garden center. She says people are asking for brighter colors for their landscaping and they want bright foliage even when the flowers aren’t blooming.

“People want to have interest all year round,” Liljestrand says.

Liljestrand says one of the biggest trends is people getting back to growing and harvesting their own vegetables. Along with that trend, the same group of people is interested in

Potager is a French

term for an ornamental vegetable or kitchen garden, which originated as a way to conserve water.

22 Outdoor Design

Living Guide

adding native plants and grasses to their landscapes. They’re going for a look that isn’t so perfectly kept, but mixes textures and colors to create a unique look. They specifically want to incorporate plants that have been grown in Minnesota and North Dakota in an effort to keep everything local.

Modrow, principal at a landscape design and build firm, explains, many people are trying to be more efficient in the layout and use of their outdoor space. For example, people may not designate a spot in their yards for a vegetable garden, but may gravitate toward integrating the veggies in with the flowers creating a multi-use environment.

Potager is a French term for an ornamental vegetable or kitchen garden, which originated as a way to conserve water. Historically flowers and herbs are planted with the vegetables to enhance the garden’s beauty. The goal is simple, it’s to make providing food as beautiful as possible and pleasing to the eye. The look is that of an English

Photo submitted by biota

country garden, with many flowers planted in a casual way. Gardeners will add artistic structures on which vegetables like beans and tomatoes can climb as they grow. Once everything is grown, the garden space has filled in nicely and the flowers and vegetables have grown in harmony.

Though there is no such thing as a maintenance free garden, this type of approach requires less maintenance than a traditional garden in that there is less ground space to be weeded.

McCurdy is a writer based in Fargo, N.D. Connect with her online and read more stories at www.SarahMcCurdy.net.

SuperbellsÂŽ Cherry Star

Home Show 2012  23

Photo submitted by Beth Brown from Bathgate, N.D.

Photo submitted by Nancy Koetz

Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide?

Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com

Photo submitted by Hoglund Landscaping

Photo submitted by Beth Brown from Bathgate, N.D.

Photo submitted by Hoglund Landscaping

Photo submitted by Hoglund Landscaping

Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide?

Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com

Photo submitted by Hoglund Landscaping

Photo submitted by Hoglund Landscaping

Photo submitted by Hoglund Landscaping

Create Your Own Potting Bench

By Leanne Sucrow Photography by Laura Caroon

‘Tis the season for organization. Get ahead of the game and prepare for the spring growing season by getting your gardening supplies in full speed organization mode. A potting station can get those gardening tools and seeds in order, all the while creating a potting station to start seedlings indoors. This is the perfect setup for the garage and then can be transferred outdoors to a covered area.

Option #1

Repurposed Potting Station Supplies: :: Desk or dresser :: Wood frame, along with clothes pins, and aircraft cable or ribbon :: Sand paper :: Staple gun

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:: Primer - if using spray primer 2 cans :: Paint - latex or oil based, or 2 cans if using spray paint

Step 1:

Search for a dresser or a desk, either within your possession (check in the garage or the basement) or at a thrift store.

Step 2:

Lightly sand the entire piece and wipe off with a damp cloth.

Step 3:

Spray the furniture piece with primer (Rust-Oleum primer in white or black works wonders). Be sure to follow the directions on the can and wear a facemask.

Step 4:

After the piece is fully dry, spray the desk with the color of your choice. Rust-Oleum 2x coverage covers very well, we used the color Oregano in a satin finish.

Step 5:

When the furniture piece is completely dry and ready to be staged, place the piece in its proper location. We painted a frame and attached aircraft cable and ribbon to the back. Use a staple gun to secure in place. Hang the frame and use clothespin to hang seeds, inspirational landscape pictures or reminders when to plant seeds.

Fill the drawers with all of your gardening supplies.

If moving the completed potting station to an outdoor location, be sure to apply a clear coat of lacquer or protective coating. Be sure to use in a covered area.

Home Show 2012 29

Option #2

Pallet Potting Station for the Overachiever Supplies: :: (30) Framing Screws- We used 6'' flathead Phillips screws :: Handsaw

Step 1:

Step 2:

:: (3) Wood Pallets :: Sand paper :: Drill

Acquire three wood pallets and lightly sand.

1

Cut one of the pallets in half. Leave the support beam on one half of these pieces. Approximately: 21'' × 48'' The piece with the support beam will be used as the work surface and the smaller piece will become the back vertical surface.

2

Step 3:

Use the second and third pallets for the legs. Cut off the ends to use as boxed legs.

Dimensions approximately: 5.5'' × 40'' × 5''.

Step 4:

Cut four stretchers for the legs out of the support slats from one of the remaining second or third pallets.

The dimensions of the pieces we cut are 12'' × 4''. This will depend on the size of your pallet.

3

Prop up the legs under the work surface to verify.

4 30 Outdoor Design

Living Guide

Step 5:

While the legs are propped under the work surface, mark and drill holes for the screws. Then proceed by drilling pilot holes for the leg stretchers. Screw the legs and stretchers in place.

Step 6:

Place the back on top of the work surface with the end facing up (this can be used as a top shelf ). Drill pilot holes for the back, then screw in place.

Step 7:

Sand all edges and apply with a clear coat or leave unfinished.

5

6

Home Show 2012 31

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rs e d i l S r e g r Turkey Bu This is a quick and easy recipe that will impress your friends and family with your amazing skills in the kitchen.

Using turkey in this recipe is a great way to cut some of the fat out of a traditional burger. There are very few ingredients in the burger patty, but the taste combinations marry well together and create a great flavor explosion.

The topping is what takes the whole recipe to the next level – Swiss cheese and crisped pancetta. This recipe may end up being one of your go-to items for entertaining.

1 lb cubed chicken breast • 1 1/3 lb ground turkey (the average weight of one package) • ¼ white onion • 1 clove garlic • ¼ apple

• • • • •

Splash of lemon juice Salt/Pepper Sliced pancetta Swiss cheese Small/medium buns

Finely chop onion, garlic, and apple. Combine those ingredients in a bowl, add salt/pepper, lemon juice, and ground turkey. Mix well.

Form into patties.

Crisp the pancetta on a pan in the oven. Cook patties in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, approximately three minutes per side, or fire up the grill. Place cheese on patties in the final minutes of cooking. Top with pancetta, place on buns and enjoy!

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Living Guide

e S m i e T n s g a n tions i r p S Kiss Me Agave 2 oz. Avion Silver Tequila 1 oz. Dekuyper White Crèm de Cacao ½ oz. Chambord 1 oz. Half & Half White Chocolate Flakes for rimming (chop white chocolate to create flakes) 3-4 Fresh Raspberries for garnish Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake for at least 15 seconds to incorporate the Half & Half. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with white chocolate, add a spear of fresh raspberries, and serve.

It’s About Me 2 oz. Absolut Berri Acai Vodka 1 oz. Dekuyper Crème de Banana 1 oz. Half & Half ½ oz. Grenadine 2 oz. Fresh Orange Juice 1 Orange 1 Maraschino Cherry Combine all of the ingredients except for the orange juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake.

Pour all of the ingredients into a highball glass and fill with fresh orange juice. Garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Champagne Heaven 2 oz. Pama Pomegranate Liqueur ¼ oz. Dekuyper Triple Sec 1 oz. Fresh Orange Juice 2 oz. Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blanc 1 Orange 1 Maraschino Cherry

Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake. Pour these ingredients into a champagne flute. Now, slowly pour the champagne into the flute while stirring gently to retain the bubbles in the champagne. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry, if desired.

Recipes submitted by Brian Frank of Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops. Happy Harry’s has locations in Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D. For more ideas, visit www.Happy-Harrys.com.

Home HomeShow Show2012 2012 33

Save Money, Plan A

STAYCATION Enjoy ND’s Napa Valley Casselton, ND

Miles from Fargo: 21 Miles from Grand Forks: 82

$

Free

Details: Maple River Winery produces traditional and unique fruit wines with farm fresh fruit direct from North Dakota farms. See the operation and where the fruit comes in, is processed, turned into wine, bottled and labeled. You’ll have the

opportunity to sample some homegrown North Dakota wine. Hour-long tours are given each Saturday, year round and samples are complementary.

More info: Call Greg 701.347.5900 for more information or to book a group of 1-500 to tour the facility in Casselton, N.D. or visit www.MapleRiverWinery.com.

LEFT: Enjoy a homegrown, award winning wine

right here in North Dakota at Maple River Winery.

Hands On Sled Dog Training Binford, ND

Guided Ice Fishing Devils Lake, ND

Miles from Fargo: 165 Miles from Grand Forks: 90

Miles from Fargo: 113 Miles from Grand Forks: 90

$$$$$

$450

Details: The Perch Express is a professionally guided ice fishing package and has been offered since the early 1990s. This all-inclusive ice fishing package includes meals, lodging, and everything is fully guided. Book your adventure for two nights, three days of fishing or customize your stay.

Details: Prairie Isle Dog Trekking provides allinclusive, hands-on training in a variety of lesson settings. Lodging, meals, equipment for your dog and lessons are all provided. Educational presentations and kennel tours are available also. Customized individual/couple experiences are available upon request. Try dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, geo-caching, winter survival and more.

More info: Call 701.751.3474 or visit www.PerchPatrol.com/express.htm.

More info: Call 701.345.8554 or visit http://www.prairieisledogtrekking.com.

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Living Guide

$$$$$

$499 for two

Photo Courtesy North Dakota Tourism/Dawn Charging

Snowmobiling

ABOVE: Snowmobiling has been a favorite

Statewide

Miles from Fargo: Varies Miles from Grand Forks: Varies

$

pastime of the locals for years. Ever

consider giving it a try?

$15–$40

Details: North Dakota has 14 groomed trails for snowmobile enthusiasts to enjoy all winter long.

More info: For a complete map of trails, information about state laws and more, visit http://snowmobilend.org.

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Skiing and More Lutsen, MN

Miles from Fargo: 335 Miles from Grand Forks: 359

$$

$99 per person

Details: A crown jewel in the region’s skiing and outdoor options. Enjoy 90 downhill ski runs, 196 km of cross country skiing trails plus snowshoeing, dog sledding and sleigh rides. Onsite lodging.

Varies. Packages for 4 including lodging start at $99 per person.

More info: Call 218-663-7281 or visit www.lutsen.com.

LEFT: Enjoy one of the many ski areas the area

has to offer, like Lutsen, pictured here.

Photo Courtesy Lutsen Mountains

Buena Vista Ski Area Bemidji, MN

Candlelight Ski Maplewood State Park

$

Miles from Fargo: 136 Miles from Grand Forks: 115

Miles from Fargo: 58 Miles from Grand Forks: 138

Details: Enjoy 16 runs with 230' vertical drop, longest run 2000', 6 Lifts, with 100% snowmaking.

Two terrain parks for skiers and snowboarders, snowtubing. and 25 km of Cross Country trails.

Spacious 3-story chalet, gift shop, continental cafe, repair shop—all located on the Continental Divide. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides and many weekend events. Buena Vista Village has group lodging.

Details: Feb. 25, 6-8:30 p.m. An evening of crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing around Cataract Lake. The 1-mile ski trail will be lighted with 150 candles. Enjoy the evening with a bonfire, chili, and hot chocolate. Event put on by The Friends of Maplewood State Park. Minnesota Ski Pass is required for those 16+. Daily Ski passes are $6.

Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit) can also be purchased at the park.

More info: Call toll free 800-766-9919, local call 218-243-2231 or visit www.bvskiarea.com.

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Living Guide

$6 + permit

More info: In case of bad weather, this event may be changed or canceled. For more information, including event details, weather updates and directions to the park, and for equipment rental call 218-863-8383 or visit the Maplewood State Park page at www.mndnr.gov.

Itasca State Park Park Rapids, MN

Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips Ely, MN

Miles from Fargo: 104 Miles Miles from Grand Forks: 124 Miles Details: Itasca State Park recently added skijoring to its winter trails menu, with seven miles of trails available to visitors and their dogs. Classic crosscountry and skate skiers have 28 miles of trail from easy to difficult to choose from. Snowmobile trails circle the park perimeter for 31 miles and connect with area town trails. Snowshoeing trails are plentiful, and ice fishing is popular on Lake Itasca.

Rent a Snowmobile Walker, MN

$$$

$60 adult $30 youth

Miles from Fargo: 289 Miles from Grand Forks: 282

Details: Open: Dec 1, 2011 - Apr 15, 2012 Check out introductory dog sled rides, partial and full-day dog sled trips, and overnight camping trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and surrounding areas. Enjoy the stunning beauty of the wilderness by quiet passage on winter trails through stands of pine, cedar, and birch, crossing frozen lakes and rivers on a sled pulled by a team of hearty, happy and friendly Alaskan huskies.

More info: Call 218-349-0906 or visit www.elydogsledtrips.com.

Miles from Fargo: 113 Miles from Grand Forks: 151 Details: Want to hop on a snowmobile but you don’t own one? No worries. Head to Walker, Minn. and rent one from Walker Rental. Date Information: Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Sat 8:00 am to Noon; Sun Closed.

More info: Call 218-547-3656 or visit www.walker-rental.com.

Photo Courtesy North Dakota Tourism/Clayton Wolt

Home Show 2012  37

Recycled Art Show and Auction Benefits Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Build Families

by Janelle Brandon

Home is Where the Art is, a Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity (LAHFH) Recycled Art Show and Silent Auction, completed its second successful year. Local artists were given a $50 voucher and invited to shop at the Habitat ReStore (210 N. 11th St., Moorhead) and turn reclaimed items into works of art. The artwork was on display for three weeks at the Spirit Room Gallery in Fargo and then auctioned off in support of LAHFH. “The event was created last year by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Public Relations Americorps VISTA Hailey Adkisson,” says Shelby Cochran, the current LAHFH Public Relations Americorps VISTA. “She was inspired by ‘Salvage Art Shows’ held by other Habitat ReStores across the country that promoted the green mission of the ReStore as well as opportunities for craftspeople and artists to utilize the ReStore for their projects.”

Cochran says the Fargo-Moorhead community is very artistic and this event was a great opportunity for LAHFH to collaborate with a new group of community members. Last year’s event raised $6,000 and the money was used to fulfill LAHFH’s mission of building simple, decent, and affordable homes for families in Cass and Clay counties.

“We were fortunate to have help from many of the area arts organizations including the Arts.

Partnership, the FM Visual Artists, and Midwest Mud,” continues Cochran. “All three organizations helped us spread the word to local artists.”

Participating artists are a diverse group made up of student and professional artists, business professionals, and Habitat supporters.

In 2011, there were 22 artists participating with 24 pieces of art auctioned. This year, the event has grown to 33 artists participating with 36 pieces.

Visit www.LakeAgassizHabitat.org for more information and learn how to get involved in the 2013 Home is Where the Art is Recycled Art Show and Silent Auction as an artist or volunteer.

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Living Guide

Home is where the art is

Artist Profile: k Emily Williams-Wheeler Home is Where the Art Is is an excellent way to express creativity while reusing products from the ReStore. It also gets me into the store to remind me of what is available, especially since we have a home older than 100 years and are always looking for ways to restore and repair affordably.

I wandered around the store for about half an hour trying to become inspired. I was about to give up when I came across a newel post for a porch rail. I purchased it and a piece of oak plank. I used a few items from my studio as well. Since the ReStore inventory is constantly changing, I knew I couldn’t expect to find anything specific. I went in with a completely open mind.

The ReStore exemplifies everything I believe in as a homeowner—recycle, reuse, repair, restore.

Home Show 2012 39

Home is where the art is

Artist Profile: r Grady Carlson As an artist, I was immediately intrigued by Home is Where the Heart is. It’s a great way to assist the ReStore and Habitat in a unique and creative manner. It’s always intriguing to see what the ReStore has on hand and it’s exciting to view the building materials and other items while dreaming about their unique possibilities.

I looked for beautiful objects throughout the store and dreamt about what they could potentially be in my artwork.

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Living Guide

The piece definitely evolved when I got back to my studio to create.

The bids for the artwork go to a great cause. Seeing the beauty in objects that are not traditionally seen as art has always been something I have done in life, so this unique experience is something that I really enjoy taking part in and plan to in the future.

Home is where the art is

Artist Profile: o Barbara Dunn I didn’t have an idea of what I would create before I arrived at the ReStore to select my supplies. It’s actually inspiring and more fun to walk around the store picking up things and imagining what could be done with them.

Artist Profile: l Gary Brekke I have been a long time volunteer at the LAHFH build site and have enjoyed creating art for years. Both interests collided with the Home is Where the Art is project.

I had the idea for a couple projects when I walked into the ReStore and I found what I needed. The project evolved when I found an item that I hadn’t considered for the project.

I like to participate in the event because it is another creative and fun way to support LAHFH in the off building season.

Participating in this project is a fun kind of puzzle and it helps LAHFH. Home Show 2012 41

Homeshow 2011 The Outdoor Design & Living Guide crew attended the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show in Fargo last year and we had a blast. Check out these photos from last year’s show and be inspired to stop by and learn about products and services provided by these great vendors.

If you go…

Red River Valley Home & Garden Show Feb. 24-26, Fargodome, Fargo, ND Hours are 3-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday Feb. 26. Admission is $8. The show offers two-for-one admission Friday from 3-6 p.m.

Be sure to stop by our Outdoor Design & Living Guide booth at this year’s show. Bring along story ideas, questions and pick up some of our back issues.

Home Design & Garden Show March 23-25, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND Hours are 4-9 p.m., Friday, March 23; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, March 24; Noon-5 p.m., Sunday, March 25. Tickets are on sale now at the Alerus Center box office: Adults $5, Seniors $4, children 12 and under are admitted for free.

42 Outdoor Design

Living Guide

Home Show 2012  43

Bruce on the Loose

W

By Bruce Asbury

hen temperatures hover around zero during the winter in the Upper Midwest, it is difficult to imagine that the glorious days of spring are just around the corner. Spring is a

44 Outdoor Design

A Sweet, Hidden Gem

time of renewal…so spectacular that poets and songwriters have saluted it with some of the most popular works ever written. “April Showers” bring the flowers that bloom in “The Lusty Month of May”. Spring is a time when the sap starts running, just before the leaves sprout on the trees. And nowhere is springtime more important than in Otter Tail County, Minnesota around the little village of Vergas.

Traveling west and then north from the giant loon that greets visitors on the outskirts of town is a grove of maple trees on County Highway 31. There you will find one of Minnesota’s most unusual businesses. It’s called ‘Jake’s Syrups and Natural Products LLC”, owned

by Jerry “Jake” Jacobson and D. Mae Ceryes. Together they spend most of their days in Spring taking sap from 60 acres of maple trees, and turning it into maple syrup. That’s right!

Living Guide

Maple syrup, made, not in Vermont or New Hamshipre, but in Minnesota!

“Jake’s” is the farthest west commercial sugarbush in the USA. Making maple syrup is quite labor intensive. Jerry and D. Mae work up to 14 hours a day during the early days of spring, checking about 2000 taps on their trees, making sure the sap is running freely into the buckets near each tree. When the buckets are full, the raw sap is taken to the big stainless-steel evaporator where 120 gallons of raw sap per hour is boiled to remove most of the water. With much of the water gone, the liquid that remains in the evaporator is maple syrup. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to boil-down to one gallon of syrup.

Before the sap can be boiled, Jerry and D. Mae cut and split about 20 cords of wood, to keep the fire burning under the evaporator.

Maple sap has been made into maple syrup and maple sugar for centuries. The NativeAmericans were the first to do it. The Europeans learned from the Indians, and the

process has been ongoing every spring, from New England to Minnesota. Recently, Jerry and D. Mae made a major purchase, which they hope will speed up the syrup-making process. It is a reverse osmosis machine.

Jerry says, “It should take about 70% of the water out of the maple sap before we start boiling it in the evaporator. That should save us time and energy.”

In addition to their pure maple syrup, they also grow a variety of fruit that they use to make fruit syrups and jellies and jams. They currently have about 11 fruit syrups and 16 jellies and jams. They also make some natural wood items. Visitors to the area who wish to visit or tour Jake’s Syrups should call ahead to make an appointment (218.863.2508).

You may want to make a day of it, since there is plenty to see and do in the town of Vergas. Visit “Coco’s Bait and Tackle” and discover that it has nothing to do with fishing!

Grab a burger at “Billy’s Corner Bar”, and then have pie and coffee at the “Loon’s Nest Cafe”. Right across the street is “The Attic”, one of the most unusual gift shops you will ever visit. Oh, and before you head home, don’t forget to snap your picture alongside the big loon!

Bruce Asbury was born in Paris, Kentucky. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and became a television news and weather reporter, adopting many hometowns, like Peoria, Dayton, Cincinnati, San Francisco and in 1994, Fargo.

Bruce spent more than 40 years on television before retiring and moving to Sarasota, Florida with his wife Katherine. He created the popular “Trip on a Tankful” series, which ran on KXJB in Fargo.

Home Show 2012 45

Home Design & Garden Show

MARCH 23, 24 & 25 ALERUS CENTER

46 Outdoor Design

GRAND FORKS, ND

Living Guide

Bring some wit into the kitchen. www.etsy.com/shop/dannisbet

Home Show 2012  47