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4 Attracting butterflies to your garden 5 Hammocks add a nice refuge 6 Create an edible garden 8 Layered lighting for the kitchen
16 Spruce up kids’ bedroom decor
10 Spring colors spruce up your home
17 Squirrel feeders add fun
11 Gardening is a great exercise
18 Create a dream basement
12 Cook up goodness in an outdoor kitchen
19 Create recycled glass lanterns
12 Fire pits add warmth to the backyard
20 A master suite to enjoy
14 Feng shui in the outdoor space
21 Learn to care for orchids
15 Create an affordable bathroom
22 Restoring your spring lawn 23 Planting pointers Kristi Ritter Summer Stair Contributing Writers
Specialty Publications Editor kkritter@times-call.com, 303-684-5275
Cover design by Kathy Depperschmidt
Specialty Publications Associate Editor sstair@times-call.com, 720-494-5429
Check out our digital edition at www.timescall.com/magazines.asp
Esteban L. Hernandez, Laurel Toney, Kendra Walker
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Attracting butterflies to your garden
Butterfly
Heaven By Kendra Walker
Longmont Times-Call
The joy of witnessing a butterfly fluttering carelessly around your garden often comes across as a rare encounter. Turns out, you can attract butterflies more frequently by creating a garden space with the specific elements butterflies need. Whether you are starting a new garden space, or you want to lure these captivating insects by using an existing garden in your yard, it’s easy to create a safe habitat for butterflies. By following these tips, you’ll soon enjoy many butterfly visitors in your yard. Learn the Native Butterflies It’s important to know the particular kinds of butterflies you can attract to your garden because it will help you plant the specific plants they prefer. Colorado has approximately 250 species of butterflies due to the diverse habitats found here, says Jenifer Doane, marketing director at the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Some native butterflies include various swallowtails, the Orange Sulphur, Silvery Blue and Mourning Cloak. Some common species often spotted in Colorado due to migration patterns are the Painted Lady and Monarch. Select Native Plants In order to attract butterflies to your garden, you need to incorporate certain plants. Make sure to include different types of host plants for caterpillars, as well as a variety of nectar plants for adult butterflies. “Butterflies want to lay their eggs on very particular plants,” says Amy Yarger, director of horticulture at the Butterfly Pavilion. Many species native to Colorado prefer host plants such as willow, lupine, mallows and sunflowers.
Monarch. (Courtesy Butterfly Pavilion)
Monarchs prefer milkweeds. The black swallowtail likes dill and parsley, items that may already be growing in your existing garden. Adult butterflies are attracted to nectar plants primarily based on color, fragrance and flower shape. “You will attract butterflies if you have colorful, fragrant flowers,” Yarger says. Common perennials include yarrow, hollyhock, aster, chrysanthemums, lavender, mint, black-eyed susans and lilac. Annuals include cosmos, sunflowers, starflowers and French marigolds. Select a Location and Design a Habitat The ideal site for a butterfly garden is an open and sunny location that includes some form of protection. Planting in clusters makes it easier for butterflies to locate the flowers. Tall trees or shrubs will provide shelter for butterflies during windy or cloudy weather. Butterflies also like to bask in the sunlight, so try placing rocks in your garden on which they to perch and spread their wings. Males require salts for reproduction, so consider creating mud puddles out of sand and compost.
Left: Birdwing. Below: Blue Morpho. (Courtesy Butterfly Pavilion)
Your butterfly garden design can be simple and informal. The Butterfly Pavilion recommends a layout with a perimeter of woody plants layered with shorter shrubs and flowers, keeping an open, sunny space in the center. Maintenance The maintenance of your butterfly garden requires the same care and work that you would put into any other garden. This includes pruning, deadheading, weeding and watering. Gardeners with the perennial department at The Flower Bin in Longmont strongly discourage the use of pesticides. Butterflies are sensitive to chemicals and may die as a result of the added pesticides. Conservation Butterfly populations are threatened by continuous development, resulting in the destruction of their habitats. By creating a butterfly garden for your own enjoyment, you are also contributing to conserving these important pollinators and their environment. “Butterflies serve as the ambassadors for the insect world,” Doane says. “We encourage people to create a natural habitat if they want to see more native wildlife.” The Butterfly Pavilion will host “Bloomapalooza” on May 21, an event focusing on the education of plants and habitat, including live gardening demonstrations. For more information on butterfly gardening and special events, visit www.butterflies.org.
April 21 & 24, 2011
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
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HAMMOCKS
Hanging furniture offers relaxation, decoration By Esteban L. Hernandez Longmont Times-Call
they’re great for outdoors.” While he doesn’t have too much reluctance telling customers to use them outdoors, he says owners should know that hammocks will be subjected to more prominent wear and tear if left outside. “These are really sturdy,” he says as he grips a large white hammock called the Mayan king. “I had this hammock in my backyard for 10 years, winter and summer, but I certainly don’t recommend leaving them up in the winter. I left mine up just to see how durable they are.” Goldberg sells three basic styles of hammocks: the Mayan, the Brazilian and the American style. These three basic styles encompass a majority of all hammock styles, although there may be variations from culture to culture. Mayan- and Brazilian-style hammocks rely completely on the cloth for support, and are more comfortable than American-style hammocks, Goldberg says. The American style uses two wooden beams at each end of the patterned sheet to balance
the cloth. Goldberg says hammocks are usually more comfortable than most common furniture. “If you take a hammock that’s manufactured, it will just contour around your body,” he says, as he touches the Mayan king hammock and pushes down, its cloth curving to the shape of his hand. Goldberg points out one fact some may overlook is hammocks require much less material for construction than a common mattress. “When you consider the weight of a hammock, a good hammock for sleeping, probably ranges from about 3 to 10 pounds of material, if you actually weighed a modern-day bed, they’re heavy. It really uses a lot less material.” He explains that while he’s never marketed them as such, he believes hammocks are a green product. “I tell people all the time if you use a hammock, the hammock depletes our planet a lot less.”
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A backyard hammock is a scene reminiscent of an exotic oasis. This is to be expected as hammocks are clothbound artifacts that originated in the rainforests of Central and South America. There, hammocks are not a luxury, but instead serve as a staple of daily life for some native cultures. While
these hanging furniture pieces conjure images of beach-side paradises with palm trees and infinite sunlight, Colorado is home to no such tropical setting. But there is plenty of sunlight, especially during the summer when setting up a hammock in a backyard is an adventure worth exploring. “Different cultures have different reasons why they use hammocks,” says Beto Goldberg, the principal owner of a Boulder-based hammock shop called Hangouts. He says American society usually views hammocks as novelties. “In other cultures, third-world cultures mostly, people use the hammocks as beds. It’s not a luxury; in the U.S. it’s considered a luxury, although it’s really very inexpensive luxury.” People for decades have used hammocks as tools for relaxation. Goldberg agrees, noting the relaxation benefits of a hammock are real, both in a physical and spiritual sense. “If you have muscle problems or back problems, it helps relax your body,” he says, discussing some of the health benefits of a hammock. Apart from a potential stress-relieving tool, hammocks can also function as a decorative addition to a home. “I always suggest to use them indoors because they are such a great additional piece of furniture,” Goldberg says. “You can put it in a living room, in a bedroom, and it’s so simple to unhook, they don’t weigh much and they don’t take up much room to store. But I certainly think
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Embark in sustainable, edible gardening By Laurel Toney
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It’s springtime, and we’re looking forward to the distinct juiciness of fresh berries and the crisp crunch of delicious greens. Bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to your table doesn’t have to be a struggle, and doesn’t have to mean a trip to the farmers’ market. Growing food in your own garden can be easy, fun and incredibly rewarding. Bill Melvin, owner of Ecoscape Environmental Design in Boulder, says the beauty of edible gardens is that they can be beautiful, as well as functional, and provide resources for your family. Mike Woods, a landscape designer with J&S Landscape in Longmont, says a key to a successful edible garden is planting crops you know you’ll eat and making sure you have fun doing it. Often people think planting edibles will be too difficult, he says, but if you make it fun and make it an adventure, it will be.
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Sustainable Edibles One concern gardeners might have is that edibles need a lot of water, Melvin says, but there are integrated techniques that become accessory elements to your landscape that reduce water use. Channeling roof water or capturing run-off are ways to passably irrigate your landscape. Planting perennials is another way to keep your edible garden nearly maintenance-free. Berries, fruit trees and climbing
legumes all yield great rewards but don’t require you to replant every year. Both Melvin and Woods agree that soil is an important aspect of any successful food garden; if you grow your soil, it will grow your garden, Melvin says. Using compost to enhance soil is both beneficial and sustainable. Gardening Guidelines One option is to plant your vegetables and herbs separately from other plants in raised beds. The beds are wonderful for the
April 21 & 24, 2011
ease of working with the crops, Melvin says, as annual vegetables typically require more care and attention than perennials. Keeping herbs close to your kitchen and easily accessible will also ensure they’re used frequently. Thankfully, Melvin says, people are getting away from these traditional separate edible gardens and are instead incorporating edibles into landscape design. Edibles come in many shapes, textures and colors, and adding them to your landscape will create dynamic and interesting gardens that are both aesthetically pleasing and rewarding. Herbal Attraction Combining certain plants creates beneficial relationships that will help your landscape thrive, Melvin says. Chives are a wonderful border plant that repels pests, he says, but also has beautiful flowers. Onions also repel unwanted insects and their unique shape adds texture and interest to a garden. For attracting beneficial bugs, use oregano; it is both aromatic and beautiful, Melvin says, and is good for an herb garden or for lining a path. Fruity Fun One of Melvin’s favorite fruit trees to include is wild plum. It creates year-round interest in the garden with its interesting branching patterns; seasonally, sweetsmelling flowers and small fruit attract wildlife and provide a treat for the family. Strawberries used as creeping ground
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
Choosing the right lawn care products A lawn is an extension of our living space, a place where we can enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends. When pests invade our yards, it’s important to take action to control insects and weeds by choosing and using lawn and garden products carefully. Follow these simple instructions to plan, execute and stay aware.
cover provide succulent berries and visual interest, and native fruiting shrubs such as boulder raspberries and currants are incredibly low-maintenance. “They’re easy to grow and to care for, and they’re a great understory plant under fruit trees,” Melvin says. Vegetable Varieties Woods says annuals like parsnips, carrots, onions and garlic are good to incorporate into landscape, and planting a variety of greens will provide salads all summer. If your garden or crops aren’t perfect, don’t fret. “It may not be perfect, but it will still be great,” Woods says. Vegetables like asparagus, eggplant and artichoke all create visual interest and deli-
cious crops, and blending them with regular floral annuals will add drama, color and texture to a garden. Other options include legumes and squash. They’re climbing plants, so they require little space but provide big rewards. Melvin says pumpkins are a great choice; they add a fun atmosphere to the garden while providing delicious edible qualities. If you’re short on yard space, you can still have bountiful crops. Melvin suggests growing tomatoes in pots, where they will thrive, as well as peppers both hot and sweet. Mediterranean herbs and greens such as lettuce and spinach will also do well in pots and you can clip them as needed for meals.
Plan Every lawn differs, so find out what most often affects lawns in your area. Make an action plan with specific steps to deal with problem pests, including when to tackle important projects and what methods prove most effective. Execute Once a plan is in place, proper action can be taken. Remember, lawn care products are not effective unless they are used properly. Carefully read and follow all directions. Stay Aware Lawns require care beyond the use of pesticides, so it’s important that grass is kept trimmed and watered. If any unwanted results occur or new pests pop up, consult a lawn-care specialist. – ARA
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Getting the Right Glow Layered lighting provides options in the kitchen By Summer Stair
Longmont Times-Call
Whether it’s preparing food, cooking, eating, entertaining or doing homework, the kitchen is one room used most often for multiple purposes, therefore requiring efficient lighting. When considering kitchen lighting you want it to provide functionality, aesthetics and ambiance. A sure proof way to get the most out of your kitchen and obtain a custom look is to use layers of lighting, which include ambient, accent and task lighting. “A kitchen is different than any other room,” says Bill Martin, co-owner of Lumeanera in Longmont. “It’s where the work is going on. It’s a tasking area and is of primary importance.” To get started in choosing the right layers of lights, Mike Carlander, president of Front Range Lighting in Longmont, recommends to start by doing your homework, planning what you need, hiring a professional and, of course, knowing your budget. Martin also suggests keeping all types of lighting in mind, such as natural light from windows, ceiling lights, under cabinet lights and pendants for decoration. “The idea is to be able to control the lighting levels in the space
Courtesy Kichler Lighting
and make it work and look well.” Ambient Lighting Ambient lighting is general overhead lighting. This type of lighting is not about drama, Carlander says, but is about workable light that is often achieved through recessed lighting. Architecture and interior details, such as corners, are often left in the shadows.
Choosing the right light bulb Once you have decided what kind of lighting will most benefit your kitchen, stop and think about how you are going to make it all work and what type of bulbs you plan to use. “The key to getting it all to work well is the switching,” says Bill Martin of Lumeanera. Switching is having the correct lights on different switches so you can light the space for whatever need you have and not have all the lights on at once. Being energy efficient is often at the forefront of homeowners’ minds and because of that, most choose to use either CFLs or LEDs. Both Martin and Mike Carlander, of Front Range Lighting, gave the following information for homeowners to consider. • CFLs are quite inexpensive for homeowners, but because they contain mercury, they must be disposed of properly. The bulbs do not turn on at full brilliance and take some time to warm up. Also, while some CFLs claim to be dimmable, both Martin and Carlander say at this time they are not reliable and do not always work. • Carlander says LEDs are as efficient, if not more than, CFL bulbs. They also contain no mercury and are easier to dispose of. The drawback of LED bulbs is their higher price tag compared to CFLs, but they will last longer. If the bulb fails the whole bulb has to be replaced. Whether you go with CFLs or LEDs, you will be doing your part to help save energy. Just make sure when shopping for bulbs to get a color rating index (CRI) that is as close to 100 as possible. This will ensure you get the quality lighting that will show true colors in your kitchen.
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Task Lighting Cast into shadows, corners or areas of the kitchen vital for work can benefit from task lighting. Task lighting helps illuminate areas where chores take place. This lighting can be found under cabinets in the kitchen or over an office desk shedding light on dark spaces to make it more usable and functional. Task lighting can be extremely important especially when it comes time to prep in the kitchen, but also can be used as a night light in homes, Martin says.
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A clean house looks as good as it feels, and with warmer weather around the corner, there’s nothing better than the feeling that your home is free of dirt, dust and grime. When you’re a busy mom, keeping your house clean can seem like a never-ending battle. Arm yourself with the right mindset and a few simple tips to conquer your cleaning challenges. Jessica Denay, author of “The Hot Mom Handbook” series, has partnered with Swiffer to offer these tips to help keep your home clean while also balancing work and family. • Don’t try to do everything at once. Divide chores into daily, weekly, monthly and even seasonal tasks. • Know when to call it a day. It’s easier to keep your home clean and keep a positive mindset if you set aside a few minutes each day
to clean. If you have an overwhelming list, attack each task in order of importance and get to the last items on your list as time allows. • Don’t waste time. Efficiency makes a huge difference. “Always clean from the top and work your way down, otherwise you’ll be cleaning in circles,” Denay says. It helps to focus on one area of the house at a time. • Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s completely possible to maintain the appearance of a clean home even if the most out-of-the-way places aren’t cleaned regularly. Perception is reality and even if that area behind your fridge is a little dusty, nobody will notice. Concentrate on the open areas of your home that see traffic. Following these tips will allow you to balance chores with free time. With a little daily attention, you can make cleaning seem like less of a chore and more like a refreshing activity.
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“Of course, light will not go through you, so the goal is to get the light in front of you,” Martin says. “Use recessed cans to get light out of the middle of the room.” It is vital to light your room with recessed lights that are functional and serve a purpose.
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Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
April 21 & 24, 2011
Vibrant
Colors
Brush on a Sample Paint
Gone are the days when you have to go completely off the color chip for choosing new paint. Many paint lines now offer sample bottles that allow you to mix your color and paint it on at home to get the full effect. “Chips aren’t good for actual color matching, but with these samples you can put it up and live with it before deciding to buy the paint,” says Kirsten Pellicer of Ace Hardware. Artificial light and sunlight will change the look of the paint, so living with it for at least a day will give you the full feel for what it will look like.
Freshen up your home this spring
Painting tips
By Kristi Ritter
Longmont Times-Call
With Pantone’s Color of the Year chosen as the vibrant Honeysuckle Pink, it’s a sign people are feeling a bit more courageous with color. Infused with vigor and excitement, this reddish pink color will allure and engage. Kirsten Pellicer, vice president of Ace Hardware in Longmont, says it reflects a consumer confidence that has been lacking. “It’s kind of encouraging that Pantone felt they could go with it as their color of the year,” she says. “And while colors can be very intimidating, they work great as accents, whether it’s as a pinstripe, a piece of old furniture or even the detail color on knobs.” Pair this bright pink with shades of grey, brown and taupe and Pellicer says you have a winning color combination. However, how much we see this Honeysuckle Pink in homes and lifestyles this year is yet to be determined. While Europe tends to lead more when it comes to color trends, Pellicer says people may be craving the energy this color vibrates. Kirstin Bramer, owner and chief designer of Id Evolution in Lafayette, predicts that Colorado won’t see much of the pink infusions until next year. Instead, the paint industry is expecting the cool blues and greens to remain consistently high. “Greys, blues and greens are natural colors that have
Interior designer Kirstin Bramer, of Id Evolution in Lafayette, says pairing neutrals with bright touches of orange will be popular this spring. In addition, the cool blues, far left, continue to populate the local area. (Courtesy Id Evolution)
always been popular and dominate our area,” Bramer says, noting their reflection of the outdoors Coloradans enjoy. “They’re calming colors that we see both exterior and interior.” Even with cool tones, people will still occasionally include a pop of contrasting color, like orange, which works particularly well with grey, blue and green. Changing the look of a room by adding paint is a great way to refresh and invest in a space without spending a lot of money. “It is my
Marimekko Samovaari Berry bed linens. Bottom left: Surf Magenta dining chair. (Courtesy Crate & Barrel)
favorite, least expensive way to completely change the feeling and mood of the room,” Bramer says. “It affects lighting and everything else in the room in how it contrasts to the paint color.” Pellicer adds that with people’s urge to redecorate, painting is a great way to satisfy that urge, get a completely different look and not spend a whole lot.
The key to any good paint job is making sure you have a quality paint, according to Kirsten Pellicer, vice president of Ace Hardware in Longmont. While “quality” doesn’t always mean a higher price tag, you do need to do your homework. Reputable stores and paint experts typically have a good, better and best rating on paints, Pellicer says. “With a cheaper paint you typically use more, and durability can certainly be a factor with exterior paints.” The location of where the paint is going is another factor you must consider. While an egg shell or satin finish is typically used in most areas of the home, a semigloss might be more appropriate for kitchen and bath areas. Flat paint is considered more formal, but you don’t want to use that in areas where cleanup might be needed. Pellicer also discussed paint and primer combination paints. While not all are bad and can save people some time, she highly recommends that if you’re working with a new piece of wood or a new wall, you want to prime that area with a separate primer to ensure a good coverage and seal.
April 21 & 24, 2011
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ing, carrying and walking back and forth. “You’re always working with your hands and you’re constantly on your feet,” Clark says. Gardening is an excellent motivator to stay active, as you need to care for your plants on a regular basis. You can use gardening for exercise nine months out of the year if you want, says Clark. While gardening offers many physical benefits, it can also be therapeutic for your mind and spirit. “You’re getting your hands dirty and connecting to the environment,” Clark says. “For me, that’s one of the great things about gardening.” Clark also enjoys the benefits of gardening because it encourages people to grow their own food and increase the community’s local food. “You’re creating healthy food for your body after you’ve exercised, and in turn helped in creating a more beautiful planet.”
Depending on your physical fitness, gardening can be either a light or hard physical workout. “Gardening is very adaptable to different physical conditions,” Clark says. Gardening is such a good exercise for you if you know how to go about it, says Zia Parker of Willow Way Wellness and Permaculture Farm in Niwot. She offers fitness classes for gardeners based on a three-phase fitness system of loosening, stretching and toning the muscles. Growing Gardens offers an able gardening program for seniors and people with disabilities. Through gardening, the program works to increase people’s motor skills, as well as cognitive and psychological functions. As with any exercise, gardening can also be strenuous to certain areas of the body. Parker holds movement dynamics classes at Willow Way Wellness to help gardeners recover from aches and pains. It’s also suggested that potential gardeners make sure their backs are in good shape for bending over. Adaptable tools that can adjust in length for greater reach are available at garden stores and nurseries. For more information on Growing Gardens, visit www.growinggardens.org; or for Willow Way Wellness classes, email ziaparker@yahoo.com.
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If you’re inspired to find an alternative form of exercise close to home and reluctant to go all out with a gym membership, consider gardening as an easy transition into an active lifestyle. Gardening is an impact exercise like weight lifting, working a variety of muscle groups. It’s also an activity that keeps you outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Gardening is a simple exercise you can enjoy by yourself or with friends and family. “Gardening is one of the best exercises for overall conditioning,” says Ramona Clark, executive director at Growing Gardens. “It’s a well-balanced activity that everyone can do.” Growing Gardens offers community gardens and educational gardening programs in Boulder County for residents of all ages and lifestyles. Growing Gardens’ Longmont community garden is located on 11th Avenue, just east of Baker Street. Gardening focuses on working a variety of muscles because it requires lifting, bend-
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
April 21 & 24, 2011
Incorporating trees and indigo colored flowers promotes a sense of peace outdoors.
Feng shui
for outdoor spaces
By Esteban L. Hernandez Longmont Times-Call
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It is an art form binding millennia old teachings with sacred cultural traditions. It is an aged practice, proof of the long and prosperous history of China. However old, feng shui is anything but antique. During the era of the Chinese Empire, emperors would practice feng shui before heading out to war to help improve their chances of victory. Now, beyond its chic appeal and exotic allure, feng shui continues to work as a tool bringing physical consonance to a person’s surroundings. The term feng shui literally means wind and water, reflecting its keen focus on forces of nature. It is meant to bring balance to a
Metal wind chimes are another object used in feng shui design when outdoors.
person’s chi, the energy flow present in all living creatures. It is this connection and attachment to the forces that feng shui consultant Catherine Dawson-Laframboise says defines feng shui. She runs Radiant Chi feng shui in Boulder, which specializes in Black Sect Tantric Buddhist feng shui. “These forces are believed to be responsible for determining health, prosperity and good luck,” she says. “The aim of feng shui is to change and harmonize the environment to improve fortune.” She says there are several types of feng shui; her’s is rooted in traditional feng shui with the addition of Tibetan Buddhist and Bon influences. A student of this branch of feng shui for more than 16 years, she says that outdoor feng shui should always incorporate trees. She says evergreens in particular can be of value for a person’s chi. “They bring that life force vitality all year around,” she says. “It is really good to have trees.” Flowers are another outdoor addition that is often utilized in feng shui practice. “You can say that we are very lucky in Colorado that we can grow many perennials, multiple colored flowers, bulbs,” she says, naming just a few of the multiple types of flowers she would suggest growing. A variety of color is always encouraged. While pink is good for partnership, indigo can be used for career and helpful people areas. Blues lend well to knowledge, while greens reflect family, purple wealth and red fame. Even only a small touch of color can enhance these life areas. Color itself is another aspect of feng shui and something people should always
April 21 & 24, 2011 Water, greenery and pink flowers are often used in exterior feng shui design.
consider when attempting to apply feng shui to an outdoor setting. Nicolette Vajtay of Denver-based Inspired Living Feng Shui, says the five energies used for feng shui are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Vajtay describes how the five key elements are incorporated. She explains that using a ba gua, which is an octagon diagram that outlines these five elements, a feng shui expert can determine where objects are placed. “What you would do is take a square grid onto the property plan of an entire house, and the house would be in the middle of the ba gua and different energies forces would fall in different areas.” Vajtay says energies present indoors are similar to those in the outdoor spaces. “The yard is where you rest and rejuvenate and the energy in the yard is not overly chaotic because when you are outside, you are swimming in the perfect patterns of nature, and what you want to do is stay in balance with those.”
Dawson-Laframboise says metal wind chimes on a front porch are good luck. “You want a sound that goes up,” she says, although she notes others enjoy the sound of glass or bamboo chimes, these two sounds are not as uplifting. Placing bird or squirrel feeders in a backyard also brings along good fortune. “The chi of animals is always good,” she says. “So squirrel, bird feeders are very good luck.” Such additions to a house are said to function as ‘cures’, or solutions to help a persons chi through feng shui, DawsonLaframboise says. This is what this art represents: bringing harmony not just for an individual, but for a collective environment. Vagtay says her craft involves helping people live the best life they can live. “My favorite part of feng shui is that I inspire people to open out their lives to best possible life energy, which thus creates a more joyful, more vibrant, more dynamic life.”
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
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Create an affordable bath Article Resource Association
With the advent of summer still a couple months away, the comfort of a hot bath or invigorating shower continues to be something to look forward to every day. However, in many ways, the bathroom can be a frigid place on an early-spring day. In fact, it often may feel like the coldest room in the house thanks to all of that impersonal chrome, porcelain and tile. But, it doesn’t have to be. It’s possible to warm up even the chilliest bathroom, even on the tightest of redecorating budgets. As you plan your bathroom revamp, start by looking right under your feet. Many bathroom floors are made from ceramic tile or natural stone, such as marble. Sure, these hard-surface elements look nice, but they also can feel downright icy on your bare feet. With 207 designs in distinctive colors and textures, including authentic-looking tile and stone, Tarkett FiberFloor provides the beauty of natural flooring with enhanced durability. Warmth, however, goes beyond flooring. Fluffy towels, plush bathmats and a sumptuous velvet shower curtain will add a sense of rich warmth to the space. Wall color also plays a role. Light and airy colors, while beautiful, definitely do not convey a sense of comfort. Instead, paint
your walls an unexpectedly rich color to create a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. And of course, a quality shower can easily warm up your body as well as your mood. But don’t settle for just any showerhead. Update your shower with a new multi-setting showerhead, such as the Moen Nurture eco-performance model. Heated towel racks – once luxury items – are now available at affordable prices for any bathroom, offering floor-mounted, wall-mounted, hard-wired and plugged-in options. With so many options to warm up your bathroom’s decor to fit a wide range of budgets, there is no reason to deny yourself the luxury of a cozy, spa-like escape at home.
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Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
April 21 & 24, 2011
Design for the Ages
Tips for a timeless kid’s bedroom By Laurel Toney
Longmont Times-Call
A child’s bedroom is often overlooked as part of a home’s larger design scheme; kids’ changing tastes and overwhelming clutter can be daunting for designers and parents. Most don’t realize there are easy and creative ways to ensure that your kids’ bedroom remains stylish and functional as it matures with your child. Parents are often tempted to pick themes that reflect their kids interests, but these change rapidly as the child grows. Race car beds and cartoon princessthemed bedding will quickly be outdated and thrown away with last year’s toosmall clothes. Dena Blackburn of Encore! Home Staging and Redesign in Longmont says it’s not wise to spend a lot on furniture that isn’t timeless. “I’d stay away from stuff that is too stylized,” she says. “I also tend to shy away from character bedding. Kids will outgrow that sort of thing rather quickly, so I like to use solid colors and then add additional colors and themes with pillows or artwork that are easy to swap out.” Blackburn has redesigned rooms for clients’ children, but has also created rooms for her own kids by choosing a theme. Her daughter’s room features a vanity that was repainted in fun, circus-like colors and for her son, she used bamboo shades as a closet door and to cover a bookcase to create drama and whimsy in a jungle motif. Helly Duncan of Design Matters Home in Louisville says the goal is to be playful, not childish, when decorating for kids. Specific characters can age the room, but abstract shapes like animals and graphics, look more modern and less juvenile, she says. “Paint is a big part of decorating,” Blackburn says. Choosing a bright color for an accent wall or to create a pattern is an inexpensive and easy way to update a child or teen’s bedroom. One thing that Blackburn advises against is wallpaper borders. These borders are dated and are a pain to take down, she says. Duncan suggests peel and stick decals as an alternative. Duncan recommends parents choose graphics instead of a specific theme and aim for whimsy without being too cutesy. She suggests accessories like starburst mirrors, pendant chandeliers and lockers for storage. Organization is also key to a great-looking kids’ room. Colorful bins that coordinate with the design scheme encourage cleanliness and add style. Blackburn suggests utilizing closets to your advantage, placing organizational elements inside, as children’s clothing doesn’t typically hang low. Using the space below their clothes is a good way to keep storage out of sight. If there’s no dresser in the room, then there’s more space for play. “Some other ideas are to use your child’s art work in their rooms. You can find inexpensive frames and create a nice grouping,” Blackburn says. This adds their personality to the room, but still looks polished. She also suggests using inexpensive details like paper lanterns and repainted old furniture to create a design that is fun and budget friendly. If you’re going to spend a lot of money on furniture, Blackburn says, go for pieces that convert in size to grow with your child. When choosing colors, Duncan says to avoid pastels. “They’re too baby oriented. Go for more saturated colors. And avoid yellow, this has proven to make babies cry more.” Choosing a neutral main color will give you the ability to accessorize like crazy with the flexibility to change the accessories easily, Duncan says. “With a neutral base, you can also have a ton of fun with a lot of accent colors that can change easily over time.” Duncan suggests accent colors like greys, soft greens, red, ocean blue, magenta and chocolate brown for a room that is chic and playful. If you choose colors and accessories that are fun but not childish, you can ensure your child’s bedroom is not only a place for creativity and play, but also a cohesive part of your home’s design.
Dena Blackburn created unique rooms for her children using fun colors, patterns and themes. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)
April 21 & 24, 2011
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
17
Squirrel feeders offer enjoyment to homeowners With beady eyes, tiny fingers and tails the length of their bodies, squirrels appear a little too much like an upright rat for some people’s comfort. This is not surprising, as squirrels are members of the order Rodentia that include mice and some species of rats. Some see the little omnivores as omnipresent pests while others view the pint-sized nut-hoarders as adorable. If feeding the little animals seems like a good idea, then investing in a quality squirrel feeder for the spring and summer months should be considered. At the Wild Bird Center of Boulder, salesperson Bill Eeds says the locally-owned franchise specializes in bird feeders, bird watching tools and bird feed. The store also offers a sizeable collection of squirrel feeders and Eeds says they are definitely big sellers. “We joke that half of our customers would like squirrels dead, and the other half love them and want to leave them.” Eeds says the main reason people purchase squirrel feeders is simply to enjoy watching the little critters eat. However, others purchase them with a different motive in mind. “The other one is more for them to keep them away from bird feeders. They’re called distractive feed-
ers,” Eeds says, explaining that a squirrel feeder gives the animal something else to eat besides stealing them away from the bird feeders. The range of feeders for the miniature mammals offered at the Wild Bird Center is wide enough to suit nearly any type of backyard setting. “There are things as basic as a piece of chain with a large screw in the bottom of it,” Eeds says, describing the most simple feeder the store sells. Another hassle-free feeder is a corn trapper spring, which is a thin green metal coil that houses an ear of corn inside that can be hung. One feeder in particular tends to sell in high numbers, Eeds says. The feeder is simply called The Chair and Table, but the image it creates is far from ordinary. Just like the name suggests, this feeder has a tiny chair and table attached to a piece of wood. Attached to the center of the table is a metal spike where food can be placed. It’s an amusing feeder as the squirrel will ‘sit’ on the chair while feasting at a little table with corn. “One of our favorite is the squirrel bungee,” Eeds says. “That one literally is for our entertainment as it is for feeding the squirrels.” This feeder uses corn on ear hooks suspended from a cord with a bungee. It works by hanging the cord and progressively increasing the height between the corn cobs and the
Bill Eeds shows different squirrel feeder styles. (Esteban L. Hernandez/Times-Call)
ground. As squirrels grow accustom to the height, increasing the length means the little guys will be increasingly challenged. “You set it low enough to the ground, about a foot, until you have it 4 feet off the ground,” Eeds says. Squirrels will then jump and grab ahold of the corn, dropping the pieces as their prizes. One of the more visually intricate feeders is the squirrel-goround. “It has five arms and a
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While it’s almost common knowledge that these critters are not picky eaters, giving them a little variety is simple. Eeds says there are several types of feed and
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spool on a spindle in the middle, so as the squirrels cross on around it, it will spin and they either hang on or wait until it slows down and climb back up. This feeder is all about the thrill of the hunt: it requires expert timing to catch one of the five pieces of corn.
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seeds that can be placed on the feeders to attract squirrels. In addition to dried corn, shelled and unshelled peanuts and dried sun chips are also appropriate feed for squirrels. To make sure birds don’t steal feed placed for squirrels, Eeds even sells bird-proof feeders. However, he admits that squirrel proof feeders usually trump the bird proof feeders when it comes to popularity among customers.
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Create a dream basement
Article Resource Association
It’s no longer a dark, gloomy place to stash holiday supplies, store neglected exercise equipment or hide out-of-date furniture. Basements are becoming “dream spaces” for many baby boomers and their loved ones. Whether it’s a private living suite to accommodate a child or grandchild who’s moved back home, a cheerful craft studio or a fully loaded man cave, basement renovations are popular home improvement options. “Today many baby boomers are remodeling their homes instead of building or moving to a new one,” says Pella Windows & Doors spokesperson, Kathy Krafka Harkema. “Kitchens and bathrooms are often remodeled, and today basements are also being updated to create fun entertainment zones. Adding new windows and using warm colors can transform a basement into a home gym, workshop, wine cellar or a high-tech media room.” Window Shopping Casement windows – featuring one hinged sash that cranks out – are easy to open and a popular choice for basements, Burton says. However, casements require a wider window well on the home exterior, so consider that in your remodeling plans. Pella offers many energy-efficient casement window options, ranging from vinyl and Fiberglas composite to wood styles. If exterior space is limited, Burton suggests a sliding window – featuring two sashes where one sash slides left or right. Sliding egress windows must meet higher width requirements and are available in budget-friendly vinyl and Fiberglas options. Consult with a local building code expert or make sure your contractor is familiar with your area’s building codes before be-
ginning a basement renovation, Burton advises.
Wonderful Walkouts If your home has a walkout basement, consider adding a beautiful new patio door to create an impressive focal point inside and out. Here’s an additional tip from Burton: If you have limited patio space outside, install an in-swing hinged patio door – one that opens into your basement, providing more usable space on the patio. Consider your climate conditions as well. In areas with heavy snowfall, an in-swing hinged patio door may be your best option. But if you have limited room inside, consider an outswing hinged door. Or opt for sliding patio doors, such as the energy-efficient new Pella 350 Series vinyl patio door line, which features distinctive design possibilities with a choice of two-, three- or four-panel doors to create more natural light and an expanded view. Optional shades or blinds are permanently sealed between the glass to stay clean, provide light control and increased privacy. And the blind design with no room-side cords is safer for homes with children and pets. Keep it Comfortable As you create your dream basement, ask your contractor to incorporate universal design features. “Update your home now with your future safety, comfort and convenience in mind,” Krafka Harkema says. “Adding 36-inch wide doors, stylish levers rather than knobs on doors, easy-access storage areas and other universal design features now can make a home easier to live in or visit in the longterm, regardless of a person’s age, size or ability.”
April 21 & 24, 2011
Recycled glass lanterns light up your outdoor space The supplies you’ll need for this do-it-yourself project are readily available and easy on your wallet.
With temperatures warming, you might have the urge to clean up your outdoor space and host a party. Do you want an inexpensive way to add some mood lighting to your outdoor space? Look no further than the leftover glass jars in your kitchen pantry. Recycle those jars and create great hanging candle lanterns that will set a glow to your outdoor space.
Materials: Various sized wide-mouth jars with lips 18- to 24-gauge wire (wire size may vary with the size of the jar) wire cutters needle nose pliers pencil
1. Start by gathering various sized jars from your kitchen and clean them well. Also clean the votive holder if you’re opting for that route.
2. Insert the votive holder into the center of the jar. (Chose wide mouth jars so your hand will fit inside.)
19
Accessorize your eco-friendly home
By Kristi Ritter
Longmont Times-Call
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
tea light candles, a votive candle set into a small holder, or a LED tea light sea glass or small stones beads, vintage buttons or other accessories to embellish your lanterns (opt)
Bamboo is the poster 1 child for environmentally friendly accessorizing. Cluster it in antique vases or jugs and place it wherever you need a natural “wall” in an open space. Accessorize with second-hand style by antiquing pine chests and choosing recycled tin and aluminum lamps. Sustainably manufactured linens and a silky bamboo throw are other must-haves for eco-chic bedrooms. Plants are a foolproof way to decorate green: They look beautiful and purify the air.
2
3 5. Measure around the opening of your jar with the wire twice and add 4 inches to each side and then cut. Wrap it around, but don’t twist the ends together yet.
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3. Add your stones or sea glass around the outside of the votive holder, keeping it in the center of the jar. 4. Add your tea light or votive to the holder.
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6. Measure an arch over the jar and add 2 inches and then cut. (This is how long your handle will be.) 7. Form the wire into to an arch. With the needle-nose pliers, wrap or loop the ends of the handle wire around the rim.
8. Now use the needle-nose pliers to twist the ends of the wire together that you wrapped around the rim of the jar. Twist tightly so it won’t slip off.
8. Curl the end of the leftover hanging wire using a pencil. If you choose to add embellishments like beads or buttons, push them onto this wire piece.
9. Hang your lantern from a shepherd’s hook around your patio, light the candle and enjoy.
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The master bedroom has evolved into far more than a place where you hit the pillow and grab a few hours of sleep each night. Today, it’s almost a misnomer to call these modern, multi-functional rooms bedrooms. If you’re looking to renovate, expand or build a new master bedroom, think “master suite” instead. Don’t just create a cozy room meant for sleeping, because in recent years it really has turned into more. The growing trend of making the master suite one of your immediate family’s choice gathering spots stems from a flagging economy and the fact that more people are choosing to enjoy leisure time at home instead of out on the town. And believe it or not, many are choosing to spend it in the master bedroom. “The master bedroom has increasingly become a restful retreat within your larger home – a place where you can spend the day, if you wish, with all the comforts of a traditional family room,” says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Dutch Boy Paints. “The trend is to combine comfort with convenient amenities in an atmosphere that is peaceful and relaxing.” One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to look to sumptuous hotel suites for your design inspiration. Plush, comfortable and full of luxuries – big and small – hotel suites offer plenty of ideas you can mimic. You say you like coffee first thing in the morning? Why go down to the kitchen? Install a coffee bar, complete with an espresso maker, coffee grinder and a mini refrigerator to store milk for those extra-foam lattes. Don’t expect to lounge on the bed with your cappuccino in hand. Reserve space in your design for an ample sitting area where you can put a sofa, comfortable reading chairs and even a state-of-the-art entertainment system for movie nights and lazy Sundays. Add a built-in customized entertainment center to house the latest and greatest gadgets for everyone in the house. You’ll want to have room not only for the flat screen HDTV and Blu-Ray player but also the kids’ gaming system, DVR receiver and a nook for Dad’s sound system. You might also want to include shelves for Mom’s prized collection of romantic old movies so she can watch them in the comfort of her bedroom haven. You can picture it already, can’t you? First, however, you must set the stage for this oasis, using a serene palette of color and textures to accent the space and create a true sense of retreat. The first consideration? Paint and the color it provides. Your choice of paint will create the canvas that
complements and highlights all of the room’s other design features. “This year’s color trends are inspired by everyday life, making them versatile in any setting, including a master suite,” Schroeder says. “One collection that works especially well is one that reflects a practical way of life – a true functionality.” In this palette, texture is key and colors are soft and faded. Windswept and washed effects, as well as monochromatic layering, set off this modern collection. Inspired colors from Dutch Boy’s innovative Color Simplicity System include Boardwalk Blue, Composed Bloom, Spruce Hollow and Range Brown. Another palette working its way into the contemporary master suite is one that revolves around technology – which also reflects the modern amenities that are incorporated into these living spaces. In Dutch Boy’s “Abyss” trend for 2011, soft neutrals and grays complement the true serenity of a master suite and the reflective alone time you appreciate when you’re away from today’s sometimes overwhelming abundance of technology and instant communication. Consider such hues as Dutch Boy’s Gargoyle Shadow, Fresh Linen, Pursuit of Happiness and Piccolo. Nothing ties a room together better than luxurious design elements like custommade fabric headboards and coordinating bedding in silks, Egyptian cottons and other natural fibers. Think mix-and-match when it comes to furniture – eclecticism rules in 2011. The pervasive influence of steampunk – a quirky mix of old and new – makes it perfectly fine to blend a contemporary platform bed with an ornate, Victorian dresser. The style is flea market meets high-end, and it looks great.
April 21 & 24, 2011
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
21
Mary Karner of Longmont gets some helpful advice from Mikhail Kujawa while shopping at Fantasy Orchids in Louisville. Right: Wils. Tiger Brew Pacific Holiday orchid.
Delicate
Beauty Orchids are today’s most popular houseplant, but need proper care
By Laurel Toney Photos by Paul Litman Longmont Times-Call
Phal. Yu Pin Pearl orchid.
With their delicate petals and tropical appearance, orchids have a reputation as a beautiful but difficult plant to care for. Stan Gordon of Fantasy Orchids in Louisville says they’re just the opposite. If you know how to care for a regular houseplant, he says, then you already have the ability to care for an orchid. Orchids have taken over poinsettias as the No. 1 houseplant, Gordon says, and “they aren’t hard at all.” They thrive on what Gordon refers to as “benign neglect,” and the biggest killer of these plants is overwatering. He says orchids grow everywhere except Antarctica and they’re the largest group of plants on the planet. In the wild, they grow attached to trees where their roots are exposed. Because they grow alongside other plants, their care is just like your other houseplants.
Here are some expert tips to ensure beautiful, lasting orchids. • While potting orchids is fine, they must have proper drainage. Water them thoroughly every four to seven days, depending on the plant’s dryness, Gordon advises, but be sure they don’t sit in water. • Adequate light is the most important factor for growing beautiful orchids, Gordon says. More light means more flowering, and orchids can tolerate direct sunlight, contrary to popular belief. If the green leaves of the plant start to bleach, then the light might be too high for your plant, but this is hard to do, Gordon says. • “People obsess over humidity,” Gordon says, “But orchids acclimate and do just fine.” If you’d prefer to increase the humidity for your topical plants, though, grouping them together is an easy way to accomplish this. Fresh air is important for
Phal. Chain Xen Queen orchid.
orchids as well. • The older orchids get, the better they are at flowering, and orchids have no life span, Gordon says. If you’re worried you may have killed your plant, bring it in to an expert like Gordon, as it might still be alive Some orchids lie dormant, and although the blooms may fall off, this is just part of the life cycle. If you’d still like to know more about orchids, Fantasy Orchids offers a free hourlong class that covers basic care. Gordon says people often make orchid care too complicated when it’s really simple. If you’ve been too afraid to take on an orchid, be brave and head to your local greenhouse. The blooms on orchids often last for months, so they will be a beautiful and rewarding addition to your houseplant collection.
Blc. Emily Simons Mendenhall orchid.
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Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
April 21 & 24, 2011
Appealing use of color Wherever we go, we respond to color; but the importance of color is often underestimated. Color use is important to us personally in our homes and where we work. If you’re not sure where to begin with color, experiment in a powder room or bathroom, a small hall or area between rooms, or an accent wall. If you’re doing your own painting, pick an area that’s quick to do so you can see your results sooner, and be happy with it or change it. Look at the process as an adventure. To get started, select a favorite color drawn from artwork, a rug, dishes and an accessory or furniture piece as a main color or accent. When selecting a color, consider the mood of a room. In a bedroom, do you want the feeling to be restful and soothing, or dramatic and intimate?
Soft, cool colors and neutrals usually create a quieter feeling while stronger colors are for drama. Do you want a dining area to feel sociable and stimulating, or appear formal and quiet? Warmer, contrasting and somewhat brighter colors add to a sociable atmosphere; deeper blue-greens and neutrals will give a more formal ambiance. Do you want kids’ rooms to create an active and exciting energy, or an orderly and restful feeling? Be careful not to over-stimulate your children with intensely bright hues. You may not know it, but some brighter colors can lead to unrest and irritability. – Courtesy Barbara Jacobs on hgtv.com
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Restore your lawn, landscape this spring Metro Services
Restoring a yard after a long winter is a springtime rite of passage for many homeowners. Harsh winds and heavy snow can take their toll on even the most beautiful landscape. Spring is a homeowner’s first chance to survey the damage and begin restoring the yard to where it was before all those strong winds and snowstorms. To get started on your yard this spring, consider the following tips. • Don’t begin too early. The early bird might get the worm, but the early homeowner might get a damaged lawn. If temperatures for an upcoming free weekend are unseasonably warm, it’s best to avoid doing spring yard cleanup until there have been several warm weekends to thaw the ground. Unless the ground has completely thawed, footsteps on the yard will damage the grass, compacting the soil and preventing the air and moisture that soil needs from doing its job and penetrating the soil. What’s more, if the yard is raked before the ground has thawed, the rake might just be pulling the grass out by its roots. • Survey the property. A close survey of the property will give homeowners an idea of just how big or small their restoration project will be. A thorough survey will reveal any problem areas and may also reveal some unexpected guests. Rabbits and squirrels often nest in yards during the winter. Rabbits will nest in the ground, while squirrels typically build nests made of leaves in the trees. Unless it’s entirely necessary, avoid removing any nests, and be sure to carefully inspect the yard before the season’s first mow. • Out with the old. When the cleanup process is ready to begin, it’s time to remove
remnants from last season. This includes removing any dead plants, as well as last year’s mulch. If new mulch is simply thrown on top of old, plants could suffocate. Dead leaves also tend to gather during the winter, often up against fences or a home’s exterior walls. Rake up these dead leaves and add them to the season’s compost. • Get rid of thatch. Thatch can be soil’s worst enemy, preventing its access to the sunlight, air and moisture it needs to make the lawn look beautiful and healthy. Thatch removal can be tiresome, but visit the local hardware store and pick up a dethatching rake to make the job a little easier. Thatch removal isn’t always necessary every spring. Many homeowners have found removing thatch every other year is effective enough. • Aerate the yard to revive the soil. Soil often becomes compacted as spring becomes summer and summer becomes fall. This is especially true of yards that are heavily used, be it by kids playing outdoors or families who love to host warm weather gatherings in the yard. Aerating in the spring removes plugs of sod from the soil, loosening it up and making it easier for air and water to reach the roots. • Address those ugly bald spots. Bare spots in a yard can result from any number of things, be it a dog urinating in the yard or even disease. Early spring, when temperatures are a little cooler and promote grass growth, is a great time to address the yard’s bald spots. Do so by clearing away the spots and sprinkling the freshly exposed soil with some grass seed. Then add some fertilizer and be sure the newly seeded areas get some water until the new, healthy grass begins to grow in.
April 21 & 24, 2011
Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
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Tips for successful planting this spring Metro Services
Spring is a season for rebirth, and for homeowners, that often means bringing their property back to life. Once the winter weather has subsided, it’s time to head outside and take inventory of the landscape and see how the yard, trees, bushes and shrubs fared after another long winter. One of the best and most eco-friendly ways to bring your yard back to life is to plant around the property. Planting can be a soothing and enjoyable way to spend some time outdoors in the spring air, and it’s not as difficult as it may seem. When planting around the home this spring, consider the following pointers. • Be aware of depth when planting. It’s common for those who aren’t used to gardening to plant too deeply. The idea of planting deeply seems to be correct, as homeowners want to be certain their plants or trees will take root and it seems like common sense that the deeper the plant is planted, the more likely it is to take root. However, planting depth should mirror the depth the plant was grown in at the nursery. When purchasing a plant at the nursery, ask for the planting depth and be sure not to go any deeper than that when planting the plant on your property. • Stake new trees if necessary. While it’s great to imagine spring as a season of warm sun and extended daylight, in reality, most regions still get some wind and cold throughout spring. This can make planting trees a difficult proposition, as new trees might rock back and forth and struggle to
establish new roots. To mitigate any strong winds, stake new trees when planting around the property. Not all new trees need to be staked, but for the ones that do, the stakes will act as a stabilizing force during strong winds, enabling the tree to establish healthy roots for years to come. • Consider container-grown plants. Novice green-thumbers might find it best to go with container-grown plants. Container-grown plants are easy to plant around the property, and it’s also easy to change the look of the property by simply moving the containers around. Also, as the seasons change, it’s easy to reposition the plants so they’re still getting the sun exposure they need to thrive. • Get a second opinion. Planting trees around the property can be akin to hanging a painting on the wall. It’s always best to get a second opinion to make sure the painting is straight, and the same goes with planting trees. Before backfilling the hole, ask someone to look at the tree from several angles to ensure that it is straight. Once the tree has been backfilled, it’s awfully difficult to reposition the tree. • Give the trees or plants their best chance to grow. It’s important to survey the property ahead of planting to be certain the plants will be in the best place to thrive. Call the utility company and ask if there are any buried utility lines you’ll want to avoid. Also, a tree’s roots spread far beyond its branches, so be sure to plant the tree in a location that allows for that root growth without jeopardizing the property (i.e., roots spreading beneath the home’s foundation). Ti m e s - C a l l Pa i d A d v e r t i s e m e n t
The Flower Bin’s staff of experts can help gardeners go local Live green. Live local. Live healthy. While these slogans are just now gaining a foothold in our social consciousness, their spirit has been embodied at the Flower Bin for the last forty years. Celebrating its fortieth anniversary in 2011, The Flower Bin, nestled in Longmont, Colorado, is Boulder County’s premier garden center. Coupled with its steadfast commitment to customer service, the Flower Bin offers its clientele hundreds of years of collective experience from its outgoing and knowledgeable staff. Starting out with a small greenhouse and office in, then, rural Longmont, Don and Lee Weakland have grown their business exponentially while supporting the needs of the local gardening community and their loyal staff. Now spanning nearly five acres with 50,000 square feet of indoor growing space, the Flower Bin has grown with the demands of its customers. In fact, the growth has been so precipitous that the Flower Bin now owns and operates a 20acre farm with an additional 50,000 square feet of greenhouse space in Platteville. Many of the strikingly beautiful annuals at the retail center started their lives at the farm under the watchful eye of Darren Weakland, Don and Lee’s youngest of five sons, and his staff, led by Miguel Mendoza.
From Left to Right: Front - Mike, Don, Lee, Jose and Nacho 2nd - Irma, Debbie, Kim M, Luis, Nancy, Megan, Jeanette, Corinna, Steph, Kathy 3rd - Isidra, Steve, Michael, Tom, Janet, Deborah, Rick, Barb A, Kim J, Manuel Not Shown - Darren, Andrew, Ben, Barb K, Chris, Tessa, Jose G, Melissa, Erica, Kyle, Johanna, Katie, Angus, Josh and Lisa
Once the plants arrive at the Flower Bin, they join the flora that head grower Jose Gallardo and his brother Manuel have been cultivating in the greenhouse. Mike Weakland, Don and Lee’s oldest, leads one of the most experienced teams of perennial masters in Colorado. Whether it’s a question about trees, shrubs, vines, or
groundcovers, Mike, Rick, Kim, Deborah, and Janet are eager and ready to help. Once inside the Bin’s big house, customers can browse a wide array of home and garden adornments from local and international artisans. From there, folks can meander through a courtyard full of fountains, statues, birdbaths, and pottery
before finding their way to the hard goods section, where gardeners will discover either the right food for the right plant or the right tool for the right job. Flower Bin veterans Michael Morris and Luis Mendez specialize in nearly everything and can help diagnose lawn and garden problems and prescribe the proper treatment. Newcomer Josh Hickman specializes in hydroponics and organic gardening, with a strong focus toward helping the indoor gardener achieve great results. Upstairs in the office, Debbie Williams creates the Flower Bin’s newsletter, local advertisements, and the signage for the store. Visit the Flower Bin and its team of professionals 362 days a year in Longmont, Colorado at 1805 Nelson Rd. Please call 303-772-3454 with questions and concerns about your plants and landscape. IO-165888
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Longmont Times-Call & Longmont Weekly
April 21 & 24, 2011
IO-165886