home appeal april 2012

merchandiseredition

home appealwww.engleonline.comhome / garden / renovation

Published by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.

freeApril 2012

this issue: Veggie Growing 101

harvesting a HEALTHIER

GARDEN

BUY FRESH, BUY LOCAL

new look at COMPOSTING

Photo By : Melissa McKee

[2] home appeal April 2012

merchandiseredition

Everyone loves homegrown tomatoes,

and it is fun to share a tasty harvest with

friends and family. By following a few

simple tips you can ensure that your tomato

plants will thrive.

First you need to decide if you will plant

your tomatoes in the soil or in containers.

Some people prefer to begin growing

tomatoes indoors and transplant them outside

when the plants are stronger. When growing

tomatoes indoors, place them in a sunny

south facing window if possible or give

them artifi cial light. The garden or

patio location for your tomatoes

should also give them plenty

of sun.

Tomatoes thrive in well-

drained, highly organic

soil (preferably with a pH

between 6 and 7.) To keep

them well drained, plant

in a raised bed about

six inches high after

any danger of frost has

passed. Plant seedlings

three feet apart if you are

going to let vines cover

the ground or plant two

feet apart if they will be

supported in cages.

When transplanting

tomatoes, make the hole

a couple of inches deeper

than the container the plant is

leaving. After the tomatoes are

planted, most experts recommend

watering them slowly and deeply to

ensure a strong root system. Mulching is

recommended to produce a bigger crop. You

can use two to three inches of organic

compost around the base of the plant

to help prevent water loss and deter

weeds. When the tomatoes begin

to appear about one inch in size,

it’s smart to work fertilizer into

the soil and water the plants

well.

Using tomato cages will give

your plants extra support and

help keep leaves and fruits off

the ground. Cages are relatively

inexpensive and should last

through several growing

seasons. You will fi nd them at

nurseries, home improvement

and hardware stores. When

using cages, space the plants between two and four

feet apart. If you decide not to use cages, prune your

plants where the leaf meets the stem by clipping side

shoots as they grow. This helps keep the plant strong

and fosters a bigger crop.

You will probably want to grow more than one

variety of tomato. Determinate vines bear fruit more

quickly, but they usually don’t produce much fruit after

reaching full growth. Indeterminate vines take longer

to bear the fi rst fruit, but they will continue producing

tomatoes as long as weather conditions are favorable.

Many gardeners plant a combination of determinate

and indeterminate tomatoes so they will yield fruit at

different times throughout the summer. You also may

want to plant a combination of sizes, such as cherry

tomatoes, Roma tomatoes and beefsteak tomatoes,

for different uses. Some of the more popular varieties

include Better Boy, Big Boy, Early Girl, Patio, Large

Cherry, Celebrity, Jackpot, and Beefmaster. Cherry

tomatoes and Roma tomatoes are good choices for

container plants since they don’t grow as large. Early

Girl matures in 52 days, Better Boy matures in 72 days,

and Roma matures in 76 days. Check the label of plants

or seeds that you buy for the maturation rate.

Birds are attracted to bright red tomatoes. A trick

some gardeners use to fool the birds is to hang red

Christmas tree ornaments on the vines a week or so

before you expect the fi rst tomatoes to ripen. After the

birds peck the hard ornaments they will usually leave

the tomatoes alone.

Water your tomatoes at least once a week unless

you have rain. You may need to adjust the watering

schedule depending on the temperature where you

live. Do not allow leaves to become wilted.

Dusting tomatoes with a fungicide and vegetable

insecticide will help keep down disease and insect

problems. If cut worms are a problem, you may have to

sprinkle around your plants with bug and snail bait. The

alternative is to be vigilant and pick worms off by hand

before they can destroy your plants.

Fertilizing enhances the fl avor of tomatoes and

keeps the plant in a production mode. Some people

apply tomato and vegetable fertilizer when the tomato

fruits fi rst form. If blossoms begin to fall off without

becoming fruits, you can apply tomato bloom spray,

which encourages the plant to set fruit. Hot weather

is one of the biggest deterrents to fruit setting. When

night temperatures exceed 75 degrees F and daytime

temperatures exceed 92 degrees F, most tomato

varieties will stop setting new fruit.

Tomatoes should be allowed to ripen on the vine.

Pick them when they are fi rm and have reached their

optimum color. If tomatoes fall off, or there is danger of

frost, they may be picked and placed on a windowsill or

in a brown paper bag to ripen. Copyright © Publishers-

Edge

Everyone loves homegrown tomatoes,

and it is fun to share a tasty harvest with

friends and family. By following a few

simple tips you can ensure that your tomato

First you need to decide if you will plant

your tomatoes in the soil or in containers.

Some people prefer to begin growing

tomatoes indoors and transplant them outside

when the plants are stronger. When growing

tomatoes indoors, place them in a sunny

south facing window if possible or give

them artifi cial light. The garden or

patio location for your tomatoes

should also give them plenty

Tomatoes thrive in well-

drained, highly organic

soil (preferably with a pH

between 6 and 7.) To keep

them well drained, plant

in a raised bed about

six inches high after

any danger of frost has

passed. Plant seedlings

three feet apart if you are

going to let vines cover

the ground or plant two

feet apart if they will be

When transplanting

tomatoes, make the hole

a couple of inches deeper

than the container the plant is

leaving. After the tomatoes are

planted, most experts recommend

watering them slowly and deeply to

ensure a strong root system. Mulching is

recommended to produce a bigger crop. You

can use two to three inches of organic

compost around the base of the plant

to help prevent water loss and deter

weeds. When the tomatoes begin

to appear about one inch in size,

it’s smart to work fertilizer into

the soil and water the plants

Using tomato cages will give

your plants extra support and

help keep leaves and fruits off

the ground. Cages are relatively

inexpensive and should last

through several growing

seasons. You will fi nd them at

nurseries, home improvement

and hardware stores. When

feet apart. If you decide not to use cages, prune your

plants where the leaf meets the stem by clipping side

shoots as they grow. This helps keep the plant strong

and fosters a bigger crop.

variety of tomato. Determinate vines bear fruit more

quickly, but they usually don’t produce much fruit after

to bear the fi rst fruit, but they will continue producing

tomatoes as long as weather conditions are favorable.

Many gardeners plant a combination of determinate

and indeterminate tomatoes so they will yield fruit at

different times throughout the summer. You also may

want to plant a combination of sizes, such as cherry

tomatoes, Roma tomatoes and beefsteak tomatoes,

for different uses. Some of the more popular varieties

Cherry, Celebrity, Jackpot, and Beefmaster. Cherry

tomatoes and Roma tomatoes are good choices for

container plants since they don’t grow as large. Early

Girl matures in 52 days, Better Boy matures in 72 days,

and Roma matures in 76 days. Check the label of plants

or seeds that you buy for the maturation rate.

some gardeners use to fool the birds is to hang red

Christmas tree ornaments on the vines a week or so

before you expect the fi rst tomatoes to ripen. After the

birds peck the hard ornaments they will usually leave

the tomatoes alone.

you have rain. You may need to adjust the watering

schedule depending on the temperature where you

live. Do not allow leaves to become wilted.

problems. If cut worms are a problem, you may have to

sprinkle around your plants with bug and snail bait. The

alternative is to be vigilant and pick worms off by hand

before they can destroy your plants.

apply tomato and vegetable fertilizer when the tomato

fruits fi rst form. If blossoms begin to fall off without

becoming fruits, you can apply tomato bloom spray,

which encourages the plant to set fruit. Hot weather

night temperatures exceed 75 degrees F and daytime

temperatures exceed 92 degrees F, most tomato

varieties will stop setting new fruit.

Pick them when they are fi rm and have reached their

optimum color. If tomatoes fall off, or there is danger of

frost, they may be picked and placed on a windowsill or

Edge

TOMATOES

GR

OW

IN

G

TOMATOES

BIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICYBIG, JUICY

home appeal [3] April 2012

merchandiseredition

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Spring is here at last! Most of us cannot wait to shake off the

winter blues, to get out into the sunshine, walk the dog, play catch

with the kids or just take a stroll in the park. For homeowners, it

is the fi rst chance to work on the yard, restore a lush lawn and,

for an increasing number of gardening afi cionados, create a home

vegetable garden. Even inner city urbanites with a postage stamp-

sized yard have been swept up by the ‘grow your own’ movement.

Victory Gardens, fi rst introduced by Eleanor Roosevelt during

the Great War, were the original community raised gardens. People

were encouraged to grow their own veggies in support of the war

effort. Today, raised garden beds have become the eco-friendly

solution for eating healthier without adding to the carbon footprint

caused by trucking produce from the grower to the store.

Home vegetable growers control the quality of the soil, nutrients

and other additives so veggies and fruits grown in a raised

garden bed often taste better, are healthier and cost much less

than those from bought at the local market. Of course, the

icing on the cake is the self-satisfaction and joy of serving

up delicious tomatoes and veggies picked fresh from a personal

garden.

Items to consider when preparing a raised garden bed include

the following:

* Think vertically. Adding a trellis to a raised bed vegetable

garden greatly increases the amount of vertical growing space

and provides the needed support for cultivating squash, beans,

tomatoes and other vines. As well as giving a viable option for those

without a lot of space, a vertical growing system also pays numerous

dividends to the garden itself. Plants on the vine enjoy greater air

circulation and so are healthier and not as susceptible to disease.

* Add compost and mulch to the garden. If weeds

are a gardener’s worst enemy, compost and mulch might just be

a gardener’s best friend. Compost adds any number of micro-

organisms to the soil, strengthening a plant’s roots and enabling it

to pick up more nutrients in the process. Mulch, meanwhile, can

help keep down harmful weeds, thereby reducing the competition

a plant will have for valuable water and nutrients.

Harvesting aHarvesting aHarvesting a

GARDEN

Today, approximately 30 percent of residential homes in North America cultivate a vegetable

patch and most will tell you that the growing season can be full of surprises. Here are a few quick

tips to refresh your start-up skills in the vegetable patch:

* Clean up: Clear your patch by removing grass, rocks, or other debris.

* Till the soil: Add at least 6 centimeters of new vegetable garden soil

to provide nutrients, improve drainage, and promote strong root growth.

* Plant at the right time: Early season vegetables include

broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas, and spinach. By early June, you can

plant the warm-weather vegetables like corn, tomatoes, cucumbers,

and peppers.

* Prevent weeds: Put a layer of mulch around the plants

* Control pests and disease: keep an organic-approved

spray handy for insect and disease control.

* Water: Keep seedlings moist by watering regularly.

* Harvest: Your bounty should grow

quickly from seedlings to a full harvest in less than

60 days.

CULTIVATE YOUR OWN BOUNTY

Harvesting aHarvesting aHarvesting a

GARDENGARDEN

Healthier

merchandiseredition

60 days.


Spring is here at last! Most of us cannot wait to shake off the

winter blues, to get out into the sunshine, walk the dog, play catch

with the kids or just take a stroll in the park. For homeowners, it

is the fi rst chance to work on the yard, restore a lush lawn and,

for an increasing number of gardening afi cionados, create a home

vegetable garden. Even inner city urbanites with a postage stamp-

Victory Gardens, fi rst introduced by Eleanor Roosevelt during

the Great War, were the original community raised gardens. People

ort of the war

effort. Today, raised garden beds have become the eco-friendly

solution for eating healthier without adding to the carbon footprint

Home vegetable growers control the quality of the soil, nutrients

and other additives so veggies and fruits grown in a raised

garden bed often taste better, are healthier and cost much less

than those from bought at the local market. Of course, the

cake is the self-satisfaction and joy of serving

garden.

th

garden greatly increases the amount of vertical growing space

and provides the needed support for cultivating squash, beans,

tomatoes and other vines. As well as giving a viable option for those

without a lot of space, a vertical growing system also pays numerous

dividends to the garden itself. Plants on the vine enjoy greater air

circulation and so are healthier and not as susceptible to disease.

are a gardener’s worst enemy, compost and mulch might just be

a gardener’s best friend. Compost adds any number of micro-

organisms to the soil, strengthening a plant’s roots and enabling it

to pick up more nutrients in the process. Mulch, meanwhile, can

a plant will have for valuable water and nutrients.


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Garden compost can be a garden’s

best friend. Compost promotes soil health

and enables plants to grow to their best ability.

Many home gardeners prefer to make their own

compost. It is easily achieved with items that normally

would be discarded, including many items that ardent

gardeners may be unaware of.

COMMON COMPOST MATERIALS

Items like eggshells, banana peels, apple cores, paper,

leaves, and coffee grounds are often included in a

home compost pile. These items break down by natural

bacteria and produce a rich fertilizer for plants.

LESSER-KNOWN COMPOST MATERIALS

There are many things that can be turned into

compost. Here’s a list of common items that can avoid

the landfill by being turned into compost.

Composting

1. pet hair

2. paper napkins

3. lint

4. pine needles

5. matches

6. chicken manure

7. old herbs

8. sawdust

9. weeds

10. hair clippings

11. tea bags

12. paper towels

13. bird cage cleanings

14. stale bread

15. leather

16. old pasta

17. pea vines

18. grapefruit rinds

19. newspaper

20. tissues

21. cotton swabs with paper

sticks

22. dried out bouquets

23. potato chips

24. yogurt

25. shrimp shells

26. toenail clippings

27. pie crust

28. toothpicks (wood)

29. tossed salad

30. old beer

31. feathers

32. fi sh bones

33. envelopes

34. cardboard

35. pencil shavings

36. grocery receipts

37. dead insects

38. wool socks

39. pickles

40. dust bunnies

41. toast

42. chocolate cookies

43. oatmeal

44. tofu

45. spoiled wine

46. straw

47. nut shells

A NEW LOOK AT



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home appeal [8] March 2012

By Lori Baer

Spring launches the start of the best months to buy

fresh, local foods. Lancaster County residents are

particularly lucky to live in an area rich in agricultural

production. The benefi t is direct access to fresher, better

tasting, more affordable foods, which is good for you

and good for Lancaster. The Lancaster Buy Fresh Buy

Local® (LBFBL) chapter makes it easy to fi nd local foods

convenient to your home, workplace, and everywhere in

between.

You’ve probably seen the colorful Buy Fresh Buy Local®

label around the county. Behind it stands a network of

consumers, farmers, markets, restaurants, and businesses

working together to increase the access of Lancaster

residents to foods grown in their own county.

“Supporting the local ‘food system’ helps maintain the

diversity and resilience of Lancaster’s farm sector,” said

Linda Aleci, chair of Lancaster Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Lancaster Buy Fresh Buy Local is the only organization

in the county dedicated to this mission.

“We develop resources, and serve as a resource,

to ensure the abundance of Lancaster’s fi elds feeds

Lancaster residents fi rst and brings fair prices to our

farmers,” says Aleci.

The campaign’s initiatives, which include a Guide

to Local Foods, educate the public on the benefi ts of

local foods and direct consumers to sources for locally

produced foods. They also assist farmers’ access to local

markets and build business-to-business connections.

The initiative is critical because Lancaster’s local foods

can’t be taken for granted. Today, a farmer receives only

about 16 cents of every dollar spent on food, and the

average farm household earns about 87 percent of its

income from non-farm sources. Farmers, locally and

nationally, struggle to make a viable living from farming.

Many go out of business.

“In Lancaster County from the late 1990s to the early

2000s, there was a

40 percent decline

in direct-to-

consumer sales,”

said Aleci. “To put

this into

perspective, in

the 1980s there

were five to six

times the number

of farmers selling

at Central Market

as there are today.

That’s a loss for

our economy and quality of life.”

As the number of farms decrease, Lancaster’s

dependence on enormously long supply chains for food

increases. We end up knowing less about where and how

food is produced, and our food dollars no longer return

to our community.

Buying directly from local farmers generates greater

profi tability at the farm gate, with a payback to the local

economy: If all Lancaster County households shifted

5 percent of their grocery budgets to local foods, our

local economy would capture an additional $45 million

annually.

What can you do? Look for the Lancaster Buy Fresh

Buy Local logo when you shop: It confirms the foods

being sold come from Lancaster County. Visit www.

lancasterbfbl.org or pick up the Guide to Local Foods and

learn more about the campaign. Sign up for the monthly

e-newsletter for a list of LBFBL farms, businesses, and

restaurants, as well as recipes, event announcements,

and tips on what’s in season. Or, get involved directly!

For information about volunteering or about farm and

business memberships, contact [email protected]

or 380-7280.

home appeal [8] March 2012[8] home appeal April 2012

It's good for you

and for LANCASTER COUNTY

BUY FRESH BUY LOCAL —

!good Spring launches the start of the best months to buy

fresh, local foods. Lancaster County residents are

particularly lucky to live in an area rich in agricultural

production. The benefi t is direct access to fresher, better

tasting, more affordable foods, which is good for you

and good for Lancaster. The Lancaster Buy Fresh Buy

Local® (LBFBL) chapter makes it easy to fi nd local foods

convenient to your home, workplace, and everywhere in

You’ve probably seen the colorful Buy Fresh Buy Local®

label around the county. Behind it stands a network of

consumers, farmers, markets, restaurants, and businesses

working together to increase the access of Lancaster

“Supporting the local ‘food system’ helps maintain the

diversity and resilience of Lancaster’s farm sector,” said

Lancaster Buy Fresh Buy Local is the only organization

“We develop resources, and serve as a resource,

to ensure the abundance of Lancaster’s fi elds feeds

Lancaster residents fi rst and brings fair prices to our

The campaign’s initiatives, which include a Guide The campaign’s initiatives, which include a Guide

to Local Foods, educate the public on the benefi ts of

local foods and direct consumers to sources for locally

produced foods. They also assist farmers’ access to local

The initiative is critical because Lancaster’s local foods

can’t be taken for granted. Today, a farmer receives only

about 16 cents of every dollar spent on food, and the

average farm household earns about 87 percent of its

income from non-farm sources. Farmers, locally and

nationally, struggle to make a viable living from farming.

“In Lancaster County from the late 1990s to the early

good merchandiseredition


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It is widely known that fruits and vegetables should be a large part of a healthy diet. Produce can be

delicious, but many people shy away from fresh produce because they do not know how to store it

properly. For anyone who has bitten into a mushy banana or found a slimy squash inside of the

refrigerator, here is a primer on how to properly store produce. Proper storage also can save

you money and prevent wasted food.

* Peaches, plums and other pitted fruits generally can be stored right on a

counter at room temperature. These fruits are usually picked before they are fully ripe,

and they will continue to ripen once you bring them home. If fruits are very ripe, then place

them in a perforated plastic bag and put them in the top part of the refrigerator.

* Bananas are another fruit that is picked before optimal ripening, hence

the green bunches you often find at the store. Bananas should be stored at room

temperature until they are ripened. Again, if very ripe, bananas can be put in the refrigerator

to prevent spoilage. The skin will turn brown, but it won’t affect the flesh of the fruit.

* Apples should be stored at room temperature and away from other fruits

and vegetables. They produce a gas that can ripen other produce very quickly.

* Moisture is the enemy of most produce. You can store celery, carrots, lettuce, or

cabbage in a crisper drawer in the refrigerator, but they should be kept dry and used quickly.

Line the bottom of the drawer with an absorbent paper towel and be sure not to keep produce

in tightly sealed plastic bags. Eventually moisture will rot these items or at least cause them to

become soggy.

* Root vegetables such as potatoes, yams and onions do best at room temperature

and away from the floor, or anywhere vermin may be present. A cool, dark place, such

as a pantry cabinet, would be effective. Refrigeration may compromise the taste of many root

vegetables. Gases form and can turn starches into sugar.

The best advice is to use fresh produce quickly. A home garden enables you to pick what you

need and to use it within a day or two.

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Saving money is a good idea no matter what the season. But

with warmer weather and longer days on the horizon, there

is no better time to be penny-wise -- and have some fun in the

process. Here are some great ideas for making the most of the

season -- and maybe even putting a little extra away for a summer

vacation.

* Plant a vegetable garden. Spring is the time to get your

garden going so that it will provide a bounty of fresh -- and

inexpensive -- vegetables all summer long and into the fall.

Optimal planting times vary by region. May is generally best for

planting gardens in the northeastern and central states.

* Learn the art of canning. Extend the savings -- and

enjoyment -- from your garden by preserving fruits and vegetables.

While the process requires little in the way of equipment, it does

require an understanding of the process and a commitment to

cleanliness. The results, however, are defi nitely worth the effort.

* Hold a yard sale. Whether you call it a yard sale, garage

sale or tag sale, it is a surefi re way to rid your home of unwanted

items and make some extra money at the same time. Remember,

since the secret to a successful yard sale is foot traffi c, it pays

to advertise. In addition to putting up signs at well-traveled

intersections in your neighborhood, it pays to spend a few dollars

on a newspaper ad or hang up fl iers on public notice boards at

your local post offi ce or supermarket.

* Invest in a crockpot or slow cooker. In addition to saving

time, slow cookers are the frugal cook’s best friends -- particularly

during the spring and summer. Not only do they transform less

expensive cuts of meat into tasty and tender meals, but they save

energy because they keep kitchens cool even when the weather

grows warm.

* Drop your dryer. Air-drying laundry is a boon to the

environment and your bottom line. If you do not have an outdoor

space to hang laundry, there are several types of indoor drying

racks available, including space-saving models that are designed

to be hung on a wall or fold away for easy storage when not in

use.

* Alter kids’ winter wardrobes. Here is a tip for handy

parents with growing kids. Since kids will likely outgrow their

current winter clothes by next year, parents can save a bundle

by transforming long sleeves into short sleeves and pants into

shorts. If you have a sewing machine and measure carefully,

you can quickly create a warm-weather wardrobe for your kids

without spending a dime.

Tips for Growing

Your Nest Egg

as the Weather Warms Up

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Many people associate certain sights and sounds with warm weather. Ocean

waves crashing, lawns glowing green, bright fl owers, and birds chirping often

come to mind when one thinks of spring and summer. Unfortunately, not

every homeowner can enjoy the soothing rhythm of the ocean from the

comfort of their own front porch. Individuals can, however, savor the lyrical

sounds of birds regardless of geography. Installing bird feeders around your

property can invite nature closer and can make a wonderful addition to

any lawn or garden, adding aesthetic appeal and bringing music into the

backyard.

Choosing a bird feeder can depend on where you’ll be hanging it or

what types of birds you wish to attract. Feeders come in a variety of

shapes and sizes, so whatever the layout of the property, there is sure

to be a perfect fi t.

* Tray (platform): These feeders are simply a big, open tray that’s

easy to fi ll and which make it easy for birds to access seed. What’s

more, tray feeders can accommodate several birds at one time, and

most birds will jump at the chance to feast at this type of feeder.

There are some who will be reluctant, however, including doves,

quail, sparrows and other ground feeders. These birds, though,

can dine on any seed that gets spilled over.

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Friends* Hopper feeders: These have plastic

or glass enclosures that dole out seed as it is

needed. These feeders are a smart, economical

choice since seed isn’t wasted and remains

protected when not being eaten.

* Wi dow feeders: Before storm windows and

screened-in windows infi ltrated modern society, birdseed

was simply strewn out on an open window sill. Modern

homeowners can still invite birds to get up close and personal

with a window feeder that mounts like a window box. There are

even models that simply suction to the window itself.

* Tube feeders: These may be the most effi cient type

of feeders available. They are self-contained, the seed stays

dry, and they hold a large amount of seed, making refi lling

an infrequent job. Tube feeders can also accommodate

a good number of birds at one time.

* Nectar feeders: Some birds, like hummingbirds

and orioles, prefer sweet nectar or sugar water over

seed. Use a nectar feeder to attract these birds.


merchandiseredition

n

The arrival of spring and summer has long been celebrated by

people from every corner of the globe as a time to say farewell to

the cold and gray of winter and to welcome the return of warmth

and color. While spring is breathing new life into the outdoors, it’s

also a perfect time to add a little seasonal “oomph” to your indoor

environment. Here is an assortment of tips for brightening your

home in celebration of spring.

* Bring the outdoors in. Spring fl owers, arranged either in one

large bunch or in several mini-bouquets placed in nooks throughout

the house are not only a visual treat, but often emit refreshing

springtime scents.

* Brighten up. Adding seasonal touches to your home can be

as easy as painting a piece of furniture, a single wall or the trim in

the sunniest room in your home. The best colors for spring are light,

clean, refreshing, and natural, as opposed to either pale pastels or

deep, color-drenched hues. Consider paint colors inspired by nature,

such as shamrock, violet, slate and goldenrod.

* Lighten up. It is hard to imagine that spring has sprung in a

room decked out in velvet or other heavy fabrics. Warm days and

spring breezes call out for sheer or lightweight curtains, slipcovers

in natural solid-colored or fl oral fabrics, and decorative pillows that

bring splashes of color into the room. It is not necessary to replace all

of the fabrics in a room to usher in a new season. Sometimes simply

changing out pillows and removing warm winter throws is enough.

* Floor it. Do not forget to give your fl oors a spring facelift as

well. Substitute lighter cotton, sisal, jute or seagrass rugs in natural

shades for the heavy wool rugs that feel so right when the weather

turns cold. Before storing heavier fl oor covering, though, check them

for wear, spots or damage. Spring and summer are the perfect time to

have wool rugs cleaned and/or repaired.

* Re-view. Shifting the arrangement of the furniture and decorative

pieces in a room can have a major impact on its look and feel. During

the cold winter months, it may be comforting to be nestled in a chair

that faces a fi replace. But once the weather warms up and the fl owers

begin to bloom, the best view in the house might well be out the

window. Invite spring into your home with a furniture arrangement

that is oriented toward a window or other source of natural light.

Then sit down and enjoy the view.

FIVE EASY WAYS toFIVE EASY WAYS to

Add a Touch of Summer

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Then sit down and enjoy the view.



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Roofing • Windows • Siding

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We recycle your old roof!

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Brownstown:

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home appeal april 2012

Documents

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indeterminate tomatoes

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homegrown tomatoes

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