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contents

20 Storybook Garden

This Longmont garden has tall tales to tell

32 Glorious GreenhousesHow to have the gift of greenery year-round

65 Cracking the Organic CodeClearing the confusion about organic

food labels

71 Winterizing for WildlifeDuring cold weather, your yard could

spell life or death for wildlife

88 Home Tweet HomeHow to pick an appropriate birdhouse

to attract feathered friends

96 Resource DirectoryCheck this directory for companies and

businesses that can fulfill your every

home and garden need

gardenfeatures

38

83

46

27

75

88

71


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More Than Just Closets!

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27 Green Guide: Window-Shopping

Check out this guide before you buy

replacement panes

38 Spalicious!Tips on creating a do-it-yourself home spa for

pampering in private

46 Feature Home: Green & GraciousGreen building and tasteful design go hand in

hand in this off-the-grid house

58 All that Glitters Is GlassFrom bowls and sconces to tiles and tables,

glass makes a home sparkle

contents

76 Quelling Remodel Calamities

Twice makes nice in this kitchen remodel

that went wrong but ended right

83 Beddy ByeTrouble sleeping? This guide takes the

tossing n turning out of buying a new

bed

92 Outsmarting PestsHow to control winter pests without

resorting to harmful chemicals

98 Advertiser IndexAn alphabetized list of Boulder County

Home & Garden Magazineadvertisers

who can help you with everything fromlighting and landscaping to remodeling

and interior design

Dont forget to visit homeandgardenmag

.comto view our new virtual magazine, where

you can also access online-only articles and

sign up for the free and informative Boulder

County Home & Garden Magazinee-newsletter,

which also offers exclusive articles.

58

76

homefeatures


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14 home&garden

Thomas W. Brock

Carol S. Brock

Michael Whiteman-Jones

Lisa Truesdale

Karen Sperry

Hilary Stojak

Mary Shaub

Sandra Cunningham

AMFJ Architectural PhotographyRon Forth

Sharon Cutler

Ruthanne JohnsonLisa MarshallDebra MelaniCarol OMearaLisa Truesdale

Susan Tucker

Julie GrimmNicole KarstedSusan Tucker

Naomi Tepper

Carolyn Oakley

homeandgardenmag.com

[email protected]

Copyright 2009 Brock Publishing Co., all rights reserved.Reproduction of any material in this magazine or on the BoulderCounty Home & Garden Magazine website, including publisher-produced advertising, is strictly prohibited without publisherspermission. Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine is pub-lished by Brock Publishing Co., 1919 14th St., Suite 709, Boulder,CO 80302. Phone: 303-443-0600; fax: 303-443-6627. Subscriptions:Send $12 for four issues to the above address.

Home&GardenBOULDER COUNTY

MAGAZINEWINTER 2009

Publisher

Editor

Associate Editor

E-Newsletter Editor

Copy Editor

Editorial Art Director

Publication Art Director

Production Manager

Cover Photo

Photographers

Writers

Marketing Director

Advertising Account Executives

Office Manager

Website Manager

Boulder County Home & Garden

Magazine website

Boulder County Home & Garden

Magazine e-mail address

GetBoulder.com
mailto:[email protected]://www.tentiltwo.com/mailto:[email protected]


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18 home&garden

rained down upon us in recent months, we truly have a lot

going for us.

Americas taken a blow to the solar plexus, to be sure,

but, like Muhammad Ali later in his career, were still pretty,

still more than capable of floating like a butterfly and stinging

like a bee. We are the greatest economic power on earth,

and were the worlds most free, most innovative, most can-

do people. We have new, more thoughtful leadership in the

nations capital, and were already starting to regain the inter-

national respect that we once enjoyed as people everywhere

instinctively look to America to lead the way.

Yes, trying times are upon us, setbacks are inevitable

and sacrifices will need to be made. But well git er done

because, simply put, weve got spunk. No matter how bad

things get this winter, well not only collectively get through

it, we will more than likely emerge better for the experience

in the same way that our gardens emerge verdant after

a winter freeze. Thats one reason you wont find much

negative news in this issue of Boulder County Home &

Garden Magazine. Weve got spunk, too, and were looking

forwardnot ignoring tough times, but not wallowing in them,

either. We are realistically optimistic, even in hard times like

these, bringing you articles about subjects that are practical,

informative and entertaining.

This issue features how-to guides on fun topics like bird-

houses (page 88) and indulging in a cost-saving in-home spa

(page 38). There are practical stories about controlling pests

without harmful chemicals (page 92), buying replacement

windows (page 26) and shopping for a new bed (page 83). An

article about a Longmont gardeners storybook garden (page

20) reminds us that our lifes work can go hand in hand with our

avocation, while the featured green home (page 46) shows that

environmentalism can be economical as well as beautiful.

We hope that you enjoy this issue and rest secure in the

knowledge that for us, like King Richard, this winter of discon-

tent will give way to glorious summer.

P.S. Check out our new virtual magazine at homeandgarden

mag.com.

Sincerely,

Michael Whiteman-Jones, associate editor

Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine

[email protected]

Editors Note: Carol Brocks column will return in spring. In the

meantime, Happy New Year from everyone atBoulder County

Home & Garden Magazine.

Now is the winter of our discontent

Made glorious summer by this sun of York;

And all the clouds that lourd upon our house

In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.

William Shakespeare, Richard III

Dear Reader:

All right, winter has arrived and this year, its not only cold,

its also heartless. Bad news is everywhere: The earths fall-

ing apart, companies are laying off workers by the hundreds

of thousands, our economy is right behind Asia and Europein the bread line, and pop star Britney Spears was actually

allowedeven encouragedto release a new album. Things

havent looked this bleak since former President Jimmy Carter

was attacked by a crazed rabbit or Milli Vanilli was exposed as

a musical fraud.

So, what gives? Are we all just going to curl up and die as

temperatures plunge and the world around us goes dormant?

No! We are going to soldier on, as the famously determined

former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill might have

said, and with good reason.

Its never productive to be falsely positive, but its not

good to be unnecessarily negative either. Take the openinglines of Shakespeares Richard III, for example. A lot of people

mistakenly quote the first few words of the play before dump-

ing a heap of bad news. But read carefully and youll see that

King Richard was actually feeling pretty bouncy about his

familys fortunes.

Most of us read the current headlines with the same lack

of attention we give to Shakespeare, who admittedly used an

odd brand of English and is a bit of a murky read in this hip-

hop age of easy-to-grasp catchphrases. But theres a lesson

to be learned here that may help us get through the difficult

winter season intact: Despite all the gloom and doom thats

staff note

PHOTOBYCAROLBROCK
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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home&garden 19

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20 home&garden

A COMMON DREAM OF RETIREES is to forget about

their working years and simply spend their days doing

what they love.

Judy Athey wanted to spend her time in her Longmont

garden when she retired three years ago, but she had no desire

to leave her past behind. Instead, she infused her spacious yard

with special touches and remembrances from her 32 years spent

teaching at Erie Elementary.

Ive always loved childrens books, says Athey,

who taught third grade. And since I now have a whole

storage unit full of them, I decided to incorporate some

into my garden.

So she gathered her favorite statuary and collectibles and

combined them with her passion for books, placing vignettes from

stories and nursery rhymes throughout her garden. For example,

a small statue already in the garden happened to be a cat playing

This literate Longmont landscapehas plenty of tales to tell.

By Lisa Truesdale

GARDEN

Judy Atheys Longmont garden is filledwith mementos from her 32 yearsspent teaching at Erie Elementary,

including this statue of a young readergiven to Judy by her husband, Ray.


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22 home&garden

the fiddle. A staked red-metal frame with

the text High diddle diddle, the cat and

the fiddle now accompanies the statue.

(In fact, so many touches of red pop up

here and there that it leaves little doubt

its Atheys favorite color.)

Across the yard is a scene illustrating

the last line of that same nursery rhyme:

a piece of flowery antique china stuck

upright in the dirt with a silver spoon

beside it and the framed words, And

the dish ran away with the spoon. Other

All of these garden scenes were inspired

by Atheys favorite piece of yard arta

sandstone sculpture of a young boy read-

ing a book, given to her by her husband.

Athey says inspiring children to love

reading was so rewarding that she wanted

to keep memories of teaching close to her

heart. And since her garden is her other

major joy, it only made sense to combine

the two, she says.

Something Old, Something NewMementos arent the only charming sur-prises in Atheys garden. The sprawling

yard also incorporates the many garden

decorations shes collected over the years.

I love old stuff, Athey says. I find my

treasures at antique shops, flea markets

and garage sales. And even if I do buy

something new, its usually a replica of

something old.

For example, an unusual copper-

bucket fountain, purchased with gift cer-

tificates Athey received as a retirement

gift, greets visitors at the front door. The

fountain sits amid columbines, bleeding

hearts, wild violets and perennial gerani-

ums. (The welcoming committee at the

bright-red backdoor is Gracie, the Atheys

beloved pet, a 5-year-old bichon fris.)

One of the first sights you see as you

enter the backyard is an old shopping

cartred, of coursefilled to the brim

with roses. I put our oldest rosebushes in

there, Athey says fondly, like Abraham

Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. Across

The gardens stone table and benches sit on a flagstone patio built by the couples son and hisfriends. Its the perfect spot to sip a cup of tea and read a good book, Judy says.

The gardens flower bed always elicits asmile from visitors.

rhyming vignettes include a ceramic pie

and a bird figure (When the pie was

opened, the birds began to sing); a

worn-out old boot (She had so many

children, she didnt know what to do);

and a Humpty Dumpty statue (Humpty

Dumpty sat on a wall).

Other literary tributes include a spar-

kling ruby slipper (I want to go home

to Kansas, Auntie Em), and a baby-

blue child-size wooden chair holding a Dr.

Seuss book.

PHOTOCOURTESYJUDYATHEY

PHOTOBYLISATRUESDALE


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home&garden 23

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24 home&garden

from the cart is an enormous pink William

Baffin rose, one of the gardens many

focal points, planted when the Atheys first

moved into their home. I cant believe

how it has grown over the past 14 years,

Athey says with a smile. We just love it.

Visitors meandering through the yard

chuckle when they see the rusted metal

crib filled with blooms and labeled with

Judys garden pays tribute to a host of nurseryrhymes and books, with vignettes that depict(from top to bottom) Humpty Dumpty, Dr.Seuss The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins,Sing a Song of Sixpence, and High DiddleDiddle, among others.

a whimsical sign: Flower Bed. Or the

outhouse replica designed by a friend that

serves as storage for flowerpots next to

the rustic potting bench.

In addition to the gardens many

charming sights, spots to sit and relax

are never in short supply. Strategically

placed benches are tucked among color-

ful perennials, including daylilies, daisies

PHOTOSCOURTESYJUDYATHEY


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home&garden 2

and hydrangeas. When Athey has guests,

though, shell likely lead them to the

vintage metal patio furniture, which sheespecially treasures because it was her

mothers. It had been painted many dif-

ferent colors over the years, Athey says,

but I recently decided to paint it plain

white, just like it was when it was new.

Atheys favorite place to relax is under

a group of shade trees, where a small

flagstone patio built by the couples son

and his friends holds a stone table and

benches. Athey says its the perfect spot

to sip a cup of tea and read a good book

provided its a childrens book, of course.

I really do love them, Athey says of

her books. I give them as gifts all the

time, to just about everyone I know, for

birthday gifts, baby shower gifts, even

wedding gifts.

In fact, I still give both of my kids a

few new picture books at Christmas, and

theyre in their 20s. They roll their eyes a

little and say, Oh, Mom, but I know theyll

realize someday how special these books

really are.

Just like Atheys storybook garden.

The yard includes plenty of spaces to relaxand reflect among mature plantings and flowerbeds. And the rustic potting bench helps Judytend to her beautiful plants.

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home&garden 27

By Michael Whiteman-Jones

At first glance, Don and Trudy Nichols

tastefully decorated South Boulder home

is nothing but beautiful. Located in the

desirable west Table Mesa neighborhood,

the 3,500-square-foot ranch-style home

features vaulted ceilings, two fireplaces

and an expansive deck with stunningfoothills views.

But from an environmental and eco-

nomic standpoint, the house has an ugly

problem: its windows. The homes origi-

nal 1974 windows are the energy-ineffi-

cient, single-paned aluminum-casement

variety. Some upper-level windows were

replaced two years ago with modern,

double-paned windows. But the couple

couldnt afford to switch out any of

the custom-sized windows, let alone the

windows and large sliding-glass doorsin the walkout basement. As a result,

their house gets colder in the winter and

hotter in the summer than it should, and

Trudy gets agitated when Boulders infa

mous winter winds rattle all that outdate

glass and metal.

I hate the old windows, she flatly says

She should, too. About half of a

American homes still have single-pan

windows, according to the Efficien

Windows Collaborative and the Allianc

to Save Energy. Single-paned window

are better than open holes in the wall, bu

they still account for about 20 percent of

homes heat loss and 40 percent of its coo

ing demandeven more if air infiltration

taken into account.The solution is obvious: Replace ol

windows. But is that cost-effective? An

what should homeowners look for whe

shopping for new windows?

Air Leaks = Wallet LeaksTheres no gentle way to say thi

Replacement windows are expensiv

Although a lot of options affect cost, includ

ing size and materials, windows run abou

$300 to $700 each. They can push $1,000

window or more if you want upscale option

like triple-paned windows, bay windows o

switchable glazingnew electronic techno

ogy that allows homeowners to lighten o

darken windows with the flick of a switch.

Even without such bells and whistles, it

not unusual for replacement windows in

typical home to approach $20,000, exclud

ing repairs to the homes existing frame

work or the additional cost of custom-size

windows. So, if you already have double

paned windows and theyre in good shap

youre better off keeping them and repai

green guide

Buying new panes can be a pain, but our guideto energy-efficient replacement windows can

help you make informed decisions.

Homeowner Sue Betramresearched window options carefully

before buying to make sure her homesnew windows exceeded federal insulating

guidelines. Now that shes replaced her agingsteel windows with technologically advanced,

high-performance panes, she says her home stayscooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

ILLUSTRATION:STEFANIEANGELE;PHOTOCOURTESYACCENTWINDOWS


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28 home&garden

ing air leaks with a caulk gun and new

weatherstripping, according to Boulders

Center for ReSource Conservation.

But if its time for new windows, some

factors help mitigate the cost. The U.S.

Department of Energy estimates that the

owner of a 2,000-square-foot Colorado

home with 200 square feet of windows

will save about $381 a year in utility-bill

costs by replacing single-paned windowswith Energy Star-compliant double-

paned windows. Over time, that adds up.

New windows also add value to your

home, although its not a dollar-for-

dollar trade-off. Most homeowners in

this part of the country can expect

to recoup about 82 percent of their

replacement window costs, accord-

ing to a 2007 study byRemodeling

magazine, and some studies put the

number closer to 90 percent. Roll

in a $500 federal tax credit thats

still available to homeowners who

upgrade windows, and your shiny

new windows could pay for them-

selves within two to 10 years.

New windows are probably the

number-one investment you can

put into your house, says Clyde

Lundeen, owner of New Windows

for America, which is headquartered

in Northglenn but serves the entire

Denver metro area, including Boulder

County. Once youre done, youll

have windows that will open and close

properly, that will update the appearance

of your home and that will pay you back.

Oodles of OptionsWindow options can boggle the mind.

Coatings, tints, gas fillers, framing materi-

als, energy efficiency and appearance are

among the things that need to be consid-

ered. Heres a quick checklist of what tolook for as you shop, and the energy rat-

ings best suited for windows in our area:

Labels. Look for the Energy Star andthe National Fenestration Rating Council

(NFRC) labels, which help ensure that

your new windows meet federal guidelines

for energy efficiency. Energy Star ratings

are set by the U.S. Department of Energy

and are region-specific based on weather

patterns, so look for a map showing that

the windows are suited for Colorados

mercurial climate.

U- & R-Factors. U- and R-factorsmeasure how well a window prevents

heat from escaping or entering. U-factorscommonly range from 0.25 to 1.25. The

lower the U-factor, the better; look for

windows with a low U-factor of 0.35 or

less. R-factor is usually used for rating the

efficiency of attic and wall insulation, but

some manufacturers adopt it for windows

as well. For window ratings, the R-factor

can go up to 10, and some manufacturers

sell top-of-the-line windows that exceed

R-9. The higher the R-factor the better;

look for an R-factor of at least 4.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. SolarHeat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a new,

more accurate way to describe how much

solar heat a window lets in. SHGC is

expressed using a scale of 0 for none, to

1 for 100 percent. The lower a windows

SHGC, the less solar heat and light it

lets in, which helps keep a house cooler.

A low SHGC can reduce cooling; a high

SHGC can increase passive-solar heat

gain. Choose a corresponding value that

best suits our climate, probably between

0.40 and 0.55.

Heat-lamp tests performed by the U.S. Department of Energys Windows Environmental Laboratoryprove that double-paned windows filled with inert gasses like argon resist thermal transfer betterthan single panes of glass.

Look for the label devised by the National FenestrationRating Council to determine how well yourreplacement windows will insulate your home. In thispart of Colorado, Energy Star suggests the paneshave a U-factor of less than 0.35 and a Solar Heat GainCoefficient (which measures how much solar heat awindow lets in) between 0.40 and 0.55. LA

BELCOURTESYNATIONALFENESTRATIONRATINGCOUNCIL;PH

OTOCOURTESYU.S.DEPARTMENTOFENERGY


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home&garden 29


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30 home&garden

Condensation Resistance. This israted on a scale of 0 to 100. The lower the

number, the more resistant the window

is to condensation buildup. Condensation

not only obscures views, spots glass and

damages woodwork, its a sign that the

window isnt properly sealed.

Some companies make dual-purpose win-

dows that are wood on the inside for aes-

thetics, and maintenance-free vinyl, metal

or fiberglass on the outside for durability.

White used to be the only color option,

but now lots of colors are standard and

custom colors are also available.

Regardless, look for quality construc-

tion that includes upgraded weatherstrip-

ping, a warm-edge spacer between theglass and high-quality hardware. Warm-

edge spacers help prevent condensation

by using a rubberized stainless-steel chan-

nel instead of aluminum, which fails more

often because it expands and contracts

more as it heats up and cools down.

Frames also should be tightly sealed to

prevent air and water flow. Ask about

the manufacturers warranty, because you

want your investment to last long enough

to pay for itself10 years is OK, 20 years

is good, but a lifetime warranty is ideal.

Low-E Glass. Some windows are madewith regular glass, but better models fea-

ture low-emissivity or low-E glass. This

type of glass has a microscopic metal

This Energy Star graphic shows how a typical high-quality, double-paned window is constructed.

Construction. Frames can be madefrom a variety of materials, including wood,

fiberglass, vinyl, steel, aluminum, plastic

and wood, or composites of any of these.

Vinyl is often used in our climate, because

metal transfers cold and heat too easily,

and wood requires a lot of maintenance.

Improved Frame MaterialsVinyl, wood, fiberglass, andcomposite frames reduceheat transfer and helpinsulate better.

Low-E GlassSpecial coatings reflect infrared light, keepingheat inside in winter and outside in summer. Theyalso reflect damaging ultraviolet light, which helpsprotect interior furnishings from fading.

Gas FillsSome energy-efficient windows have argon,krypton, or other gases between the panes. Theseodorless, colorless, nontoxic gases insulatebetter than regular air.

Warm-Edge SpacersA spacer keeps a windows glass panes thecorrect distance apart. Todays warm-edgespacersmade of steel, foam, fiberglass, orvinylreduce heat flow and prevent condensation.

Multiple PanesTwo panes of glass, withan air-or-gas-filled space inthe middle, insulate muchbetter than a single pane ofglass. Some ENERGY STARqualified windows includethree or more panes for evengreater energy efficiency,increased impact resistance,and sound insulation.

WHAT MAKES A WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENT?

SOURCE:U.S.DEPARTMENTOFENERGY


31/100

home&garden 3

coating that reflects up to 70 percent of

heat energy while allowing in visible light,

generally giving it an R-factor of around

4. Some higher-end windows also contain

other insulators such as heat-mirror film

that more than double their insulating

properties to R-9 or higher. Better-quality

windows are beneficial in sunny Colorado,

where you want to block hot summer

sunlight but let in warm winter sunshine.Triple-paned windows insulate your home

and reduce street noise better than dou-

ble-paned windows, but they can cost

about 50 percent more. Do your math to

make sure the extra expense is justified.

Gas Fillers. The spaces betweendouble- and triple-paned windows can

be filled with regular air or inert gases,

such as argon and krypton. Inert gases

are odorless, colorless and nontoxic, plus

they reduce heat transfer. Argon, for

example, has about 33 percent less ther-

mal conductivity than air.

Visible Transmittance Number.The visible transmittance (VT) number on

your windows label indicates how much

light the glass lets through. VT values can

range from 0 to 1, but most VT values

fall between 0.3 and 0.8. The higher the

number, the cleaner the glass.

Air Leakage. Different styles of win-dows have different rates of air leakage.

Hinged windows generally offer the lowest

leakage rates, but look for an air leakage

rate of less than 0.3, which is the standardin most areas.

Energy Star Standards. The U.S.Department of Energy has proposed

stricter Energy Star standards that

are expected to be phased in starting

in late 2009, and fully implemented by

2013. Among other things, the new rules

will incorporate more specific regional

guidelines for windows, dividing the

country into six territories instead of

four, and placing Colorado in three zones

rather than two. If you want the most

energy-efficient windows available for

our area, some manufacturers, including

New Windows for America in Northglenn

and Accent Windows in Westminster, sell

products that already meet or exceed the

new standards.

Shopping for replacement windows

can be confusing. But armed with a

little knowledge and patience, you can

improve your homes comfort at the same

time you cut energy costs and help pro-

tect the environment.

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Use the natural warmth of the earth to heat and cool your home.

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32 home&garden

Gloriousgreenhouses

By Debra Melani

Winter is as welcome to gardeners as aphids

are to roses: No more red-ripe juicy toma-

toes, sweet-smelling flowers or warm hours

in the garden. Just snow, wind and cold.

But some green thumbs are easing their

winter blues by taking up greenhouse gar-

dening. I just like the cozy feeling and the

greenery in wintertime, says Sue Main,

who has a 6-by-8-foot greenhouse where

she overwinters geraniums, petunias and

fuchsias, and her husband grows tomatoes

and peppers.

Nationwide, greenhouse sales have

increased, especially following the 9/11

food-shortage scare, says Main, a consul-

tant for Charleys Greenhouse & Garden

in Washington state. More people also

want to grow their own food to avoid

pesticides, E. coli contamination and

other threats. Interest in orchid-growing

has also fueled sales, but its the cold-

state gardeners who make up the bulk

of the nearly 1 million U.S. gardeners a

32 home&garden

PHOTOS:TOPBYTT;CENTERANDBOTTOMCOURTESYCHARLEY

SGREENHOUSE&GARDEN,CHARLEYSGREENHOUSE.COM

A greenhouse requires research, time andmoney, but the payoff is the gift of greenery

and a peaceful, restorative space year-round.


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year who have bought greenhouses for

the past five years, says the National

Gardening Association.

A greenhouse is usually a costly invest-

ment that involves more than picking the

prettiest one on a website and hitting

the order now button. The selection

depends on your space and budget, and

on what and how much you want to

grow. Many novices opt for greenhousekits, which can range from window-box

greenhouses to cozy 4-by-6-footers to

industrial 20-by-50-foot models. Some

suppliers will also customize a green-

house to fit any space.

Sometimes with kits, you get what you

pay for, cautions Shane Smith, director of

the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and author

ofGreenhouse Gardeners Companion.

Buyers will have to invest time and energy

to construct the greenhouse, and the

foundation, electricity and plumbing arent

included and often require contractors to

install. These additional expenses can add

up quickly, along with costs for essential

accessories like humidity and misting sys-

tems, benches, and grow lights.

So kit buyers shouldnt assume a bet-

ter price is a better deal, Smith says,

because youre probably getting a lower-

quality product.

Youll also have to choose a style for

your greenhouse, which ranges from tradi-

tional (gabled roofs, A-frames and gothic

arches) to offbeat (domes and prisms).Picking the glazinga greenhouses

wall and roof materialinvolves fore-

thought, too. For Colorado, Main suggests

twin-wall polycarbonate glazing, or five-

wall, if you can afford it. Unless looks

are especially important, she says. Then

you would want glass because you can see

through it a lot better.

Glass also lasts longerunless it

meets up with a rock, Smith says. But

polycarbonate is more energy efficient

something to consider if you dont want

to grow tomatoes that cost more thanstore-bought varieties because of heating

bills. Twin-wall polycarbonate costs about

the same as glass, but five-wall bumps

up the price considerably. However, the

increase could quickly be recouped in

energy savings.

For those on a budget, Smith suggests

Solexx greenhouse kits (solexx.com).

The companys polyethylene blend might

not last quite as long, but offers similar or

better energy efficiency at a lower cost.

Why were we chosen to insulate the Governors Mansion?

Because of the results of the Extreme Energy Makeover Home in Boulder.

Bestway Insulations experts know how important it is to keephomes of all sizes well insulated. That includes your home.Our commitment to reducing your energy bills and keepingyour family comfortable is just one reason why Bestway hasrecorded the highest energy savings from insulation for twoyears in a row at the Extreme Energy Makeover Homes inBoulder and Centennial.

In addition, Bestway Insulation is a qualified contractor for the

Insulate Colorado Rebate program, offered by the GovernorsEnergy Office. The program provides a rebate to homeowners(20% up to $300) who insulate and air-seal their attics andexterior walls to the recommended R-Values presented in the2006 International Energy Conservation Code.

We take our work very seriously because we believe all Ameri-cans have a moral obligation to insulate and seal their homes sothat we dont waste money or energy that heats up our earth.

SPECIALIZING IN SUPER-INSULATING HOUSES

BESTWAY INSULATION SERVICE


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36 home&garden

Solexx kits dont require the permanent

investment of laying a foundation, either.

For newcomers to greenhouse garden-

ing, tent-like cold frame kits, which cost

as little as $300, may be a good way to

go, Smith says. Although not useful year-

round, they do allow you to grow seedlings

very early in the season and keep greenery

growing through late autumn.

Single or Attached?Perhaps the biggest decision is whether

to buy a freestanding or house-attached

model, which has some advantages,

Smith says. Ive always contended that

the closer you are to your greenhouse

physically, the better youre going to take

care of it. And if you attach it to your

home, thats about as close as it gets. You

might be more apt to sip your morning

coffee out there and think, I need to

fertilize my orchids.

A well-insulated attached greenhouse

on the south side can also decrease home

heating bills, he says. At the same time, the

house buffers the greenhouse from north-

erly winds. Heat, electricity and plumb-

ing are probably more accessible with

an attached greenhouse, which is impor-

tant if you want to garden year-round.

Otherwise, you shut it down for the three

coldest months or grow only incredibly

tolerant plants, Smith says. There are also

propane-heater options for greenhouses.

On the flip side, freestanding green-

houses set up anywhere, and come in

larger sizes.

Green Go-AheadBefore buying a greenhouse, make sure

the doors and frame (typically alumi-

num or wood) are sturdy, and that it

comes with a warranty. Also, be sure the

company provides technical assistance, a

thorough and easy-to-follow manual, and

an instruction video.

Snow and wind load are also impor-

tant factors to consider, especially in our

area. Snow easily slides off steep roofs,

and curved eaves are often not available

in energy-saving polycarbonate models.

Building codes and neighborhood cov-

enants may also govern choices.

Main recommends at least a 75-mph

wind load and 35-pounds-per-square-foot

snow load for greenhouses in Colorado.

Check with the local codes, she says,

and see if upgrades are available for the

models youre interested in.

Despite the expense, time and research

necessary to greenhouse-garden, Smith

predicts it will continue to grow in popu-

larity. People are getting more into gar-

dening, he says, and they really enjoy

picking their own flowers and vegetables.

Its also just a great cure for winter.

Insulate with Reflectix (a foil-faced,

bubble-wrap-like material) on the

east, west and north walls, and northroof portion. Insulate the foundations

outside perimeter with a 1-to-2-inch-

thick vertically placed Styrofoam board

that extends down for at least a foot.

Weatherstrip vents and doors,

and caulk cracks. To determine where

leaks are, close up the greenhouse,

light an incense stick and hold it

against the walls and joints. If the

smoke moves, seal that spot.

Line the north wall with metal

or black drums filled with water. The

drums absorb heat during the day and

release it at night.

Invest in a night curtain, which

you can roll across the inside of

the greenhouse at night. Just like a

blanket, its useful in extremely cold

and windy areas.

Source: Shane Smith,

greenhousegarden.com

GREENHOUSE TIPS

Glass greenhouses(left) showcase plantsbecause you can see

through the walls. Butthey dont insulate aswell as polycarbonategreenhouses (above),a better choice forColorados climate andyour energy bills.

PHOTOSCOURTESYCHARLEYSGREENHOUSE&GARDEN,CHARLEYSGREENHOUSE.COM


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By Debra Melani

Who doesnt love a spa day? The primping.

The preening. The relaxation. But some-

times its hard to find the time. Or maybe

you cant shell out the bucks. So why not

join the millions of in-home spa goers?

We asked a few experts how to pamper

in private without spending a wad of cash.

Their first suggestion is to get your pri-

orities straight. Instead of thinking about

Spalicious!

Creating an inexpensive in-home spais salve for the soul.

whats for dinner, your kids soccer game,

your parents health, or anything else,

remember that a spa day is for you. Its

your time to relax, slow down, breathe

deeply and put yourself first.

Next, stock your home spa with items

that appeal to the five senses: taste, touch,

smell, sight and sound.

To accomplish that, youll need a few

essentials on hand: a thick, plush robe

and cushy slippers; a washcloth, a back

brush, and a loofah or other scrubber;

a pitcher of chilled spring water with

lime or lemon and a fancy drinking glass;

a teapot for steeping green or white

tea; your favorite CDs; cleansers, toners

and moisturizers; coarse sea salt, body

scrubs and pumice; fluffy hotel-style cot-

ton towels; luxurious hair-care products;

a bath tray, a pillow and a cooling-gel

eye mask; an aromatherapy diffuser and

natural essential oils; self-massage tools;


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An aromatherapy diffuser

and natural

essential

oils are

crucial for ahome spa.

Chromatherapy showerheads deliver a rainbow

of mood-altering colors.

Meditative

music

soothes

the soul.

Babassu bath

and body oilprovides a silky

moisturizing

experience.

Soaking tubs made of

rock add an earthy feel to

luxury baths.

a small bowl of fresh fruit and/or vegeta-

bles and dip; naturally scented candles;

fresh flowers.

You may not use all these items on the

same day, but youll be ready for different

types of pampering, depending on the

amount of time available for your in-home

spa day.

Seeing Is RelievingWhen picturing the perfect spa retreat,most people envision themselves neck-

deep in soapy suds, eyes clad in cucum-

bers. But what you see when your eyes are

open matters, too.

Clear the clutter, says Candis Ayers,

spa director for St Julien Hotel & Spa in

Boulder. Clothes on the floor and junk on

the counters hamper a meditative mind-set.

Place a bouquet of fresh flowers (or

a well-done silk imitation) in your line of

sight from the tub. And dont forget the

mood-setting must: candles.

Although some, like Ayers, prefer the real

thing, battery-operated candles are increas-

ingly popular in spas, says Mindy Terry, a

nationally recognized spa consultant and

president of Creative Spa Concepts.

Here are a few ideas for an in-home spa.

Simulatedbeeswax

candles contain

LEDs that

create a safe

and realistic

flickering glow.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants

and mood-enhancers that can elevate

your spa experience.

Round, square orrectangular rain showers

turn an ordinary shower

into a tactile sensation.

Gourmet

teas add a

rejuvenating

touch to spa time.

PHOTOBYPINKCANDY

SPA SPECIFICS


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home&garden 4

Some are really realistic, and many

have rechargeable batteries, Terry says.

Not only are they safer for people with kids

and pets, theyre environmentally friendly

something many of Terrys clients prefer.

Both women agree mood lighting is

crucial in creating a spa setting, and note

a growing industry trend: chromatherapy.

This holistic approach uses colored lights

incorporated into shower heads, or jettedtubs, to affect health and mood.

Forget bright, white overhead light-

ing, Terry says. Instead, consider installing

dimmer switches, experimenting with vari-

ous light bulb colors, and placing lighting

around the rooms perimeter so that it

washes over the walls.

Colors, tiles, artwork and fixtures are

all personal choices that should reflect

your needs, beliefs and sense of beauty,

Terry says.

Opt for calming colors (blues, greens)

if youre overly stressed or scheduled. If

your energy is sapped, you might prefer

vibrant hues (reds, oranges) to bring you

into balance.

Years ago, we didnt put a whole lot

of emphasis on aesthetics, Terry says.

Natural soy-based candles are a healthier

alternative to artificially scented candles.

Towel warmers are a toasty addition to anin-home spa.

PHOTOSCOURTESYMANUFACTURERS

ANN COOPER

Ann Cooper & AssociatesMetro Brokers @ the Steelyards

Dear Friends,

As you know, Im one of Boulders BEST realtors. Your satisfaction is of paramountimportance throughout the experience of buying and selling real estate. These are tough times

for everyone. Though Im certain that over the horizon, both locally and nationally,are exciting possibilities. The economic climate will change for the better.

Please call me. We can discuss whether this is a good time for buying/selling;review your real estate investments; I can share with you my vision of where Boulder County

real estate is currently and where its headed; discuss your needs. I am grateful for theopportunity to serve you and Im hoping that 2009 brings you success (however you define it).

May you have good health, an abundance of friends, great familial relationships and peace!

All the best, Ann


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But today, the environment has become

as significant to the spa experience as

the treatments.

Sounds of SilenceIncorporating sound into your home spa

can be as simple as a bubbling fountain or

a meditative CD.

Terry recommends piping satellite

radio, which provides a wide range of unin-

terrupted music, into your sanctuary. It

allows you to select from multiple genres

of music, so you could choose six or eight

channels that are really meditative.

If you have a CD player or iPod docking

station, Ayers suggests a local company

called Sounds True. The Louisville-based

company offers a variety of music for pur-

chase or download that focuses on health,

healing and relaxation, with everything

from classical music and sacred chants to

hymns and New Age sounds.

Other options: White noise and

sounds like ocean waves, rain forest

chatter or raindrops are available on

many clock radios. A gurgling fountain

is always relaxing, and a flat-screen TV

gives you both audio and visual, letting

you gaze at a turquoise ocean and white

sandy beach while listening to lapping

wave sounds.

Smell the RosesAromatherapy is a key element in a home

spa. Essential oils have been used since

ancient times for healing and mood ele-

vation. These plant-derived oils exert

different effects. Lavender, jasmine, san-

dalwood and ylang-ylang are good for

de-stressing, while eucalyptus, rosemary,

basil, peppermint, spearmint and juni-

per are revitalizing. Essential oils not

only affect mood, they facilitate healing.

Cypress is used to increase circulation,

lavender mitigates headaches and lemon

may improve skin tone.

There are several ways to incorporate

aromatherapy into a home spa. You can

add drops of your favorite essential oil

or oils to a bowl of warm water, soak a

washcloth in the water and apply it to

your face and neck as a compress. You

can also add six to eight drops of laven-

der or rosemary essential oil to 16 ounces

of shampoo for either a restorative or

invigorating scalp massage.

Or simply enjoy the scents as you relax

in a warm bath. An ornamental diffuser

with a touch of lavender oil calms frayed

nerves and adds a decorative touch. Or

sprinkle some essential oil on a heatedwashcloth and put it across your face so

you inhale the scent, Ayers says.

Aromatherapy experts can help clients

create their own oils and bath salts with

formulas tailored specifically for their skin

types and health needs, Terry says.

While some scented bath products are

fine, Ayers recommends organic, natu-

ral lines for most shampoos, soaps and

lotions. St Julien uses a locally based com-

pany, Inara, for many of its bath products.

Dont ignore your senses when settingup a home spa, which is why essentialoils, candles, a whirlpool, soothingmusic and a temple rub from yourpartner all enhance your spa experience.

PHOTOS:TILEBYTHESUPE87;JACUZZIBYBLAZKURE;OILSBYL

IVFRIIS-LARSEN;MASSAGEBYADAMBORKOWSKI


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The fair-trade companys Babassu Sugar

Rub is amazing, she says. Your body just

feels like silk. If environmental issues

concern you, stock your sanctuary with

eco-friendly products.

When applying bath products, scrub

mindfully, suggests Julie Hunt, founder ofSHE, a personal-development teleclass for

people who want to live brilliant, happy,

successful lives. Gentle, circular motions

will increase circulation and eliminate

toxins and excess water, Hunt says. One

of her favorite detoxifying, exfoliating and

cleansing tricks is to mix an ounce of

ground coarse sea salt with 10 or so drops

of your favorite essential oil. Add water

and make a paste, so it spreads easily.

Apply it to your entire body and slough off

dead skin with big circular strokes.

Feelin No PainThere are many ways to indulge the sense

of touch in a home spa: Rub your temples.

Enlist your spouse. Buy self-massage tools,

like rollers, kneaders and acupressure

balls. And simply immersing yourself in

warm water increases blood circulation.

Add jets to your tub and you bump up

the benefits, Terry says. She, however,

would opt for the elegant, earthy aesthet-

ics of a Stone Forest tub. Theyre beauti-

ful big tubs that are actually stone vessels.

Jets are difficult to clean, however. To

eliminate the threat of bacterial buildup,

Terry recommends a pipeless system

(sanijet.com) if a jetted tub is a must.

What I would do is put a lot of focus

on my shower, Terry says. A shower with

jets attached to the walls and directed

from all sides would be her top choice,

along with a rain showera giant showerhead that mimics being in a downpour.

You really get a fun water experience,

she says.

If these items are beyond your budget,

splurge on plush towels, robes and slip-

pers. If youre really feeling indulgent, a

towel warmer can take the chill out of cold

nights. Or get your partner to toss a towel

in the dryer for five minutes before you

finish your bath.

Taste Your Joy

Not traditionally a big focus in spas, the

sense of taste has garnered more attention

in commercial spas lately. Things used to

be focused only on fitness and wellness,

Terry says. For example, alcohol used to

be taboo in a spa setting, but alcohol is a

way some people relax. Spas are now taking

more of a softer approach, and this should

carry over into peoples home spas.

For Terry, however, theres nothing

better than having a great cup of tea when

youre in your bathtub reading a book.

She prefers Reneu Concepts for her tea

and Bissinger chocolate for her spa indul-

gence. But a bowl of fresh fruit or veggies

and dip is a healthier alternative.

Remember to indulge in simple plea-

sures, too, like cooling-gel eye masks and

a cleansing, revitalizing regimen for your

face, hair and body. After cleansing with

an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory facial

cleanser, Hunt likes to firm and tone herface by rubbing it with a plastic bag filled

with ice cubes.

And dont forget to treat your feet,

especially if your job requires you to stand

for hours. A quick, easy foot treatment is

to fill a basin with warm water, Epsom salts

and several drops of peppermint essential

oil (you can also add fresh rose petals, if

your garden is in season), and soak your

feet in it. Then get out the pumice stone

and smooth out rough spots.

Whatever eases your mind and stimu-

lates your senses, incorporate it into yourprivate sanctuary, Terry says. Come up

with some kind of a theme or concept and

use it as a guiding philosophy.

But remember this is your time, so

dont rush. Slow down your breath, your

thoughts and your movements, Hunt

advises. The benefits and joy you experi-

ence during your in-home spa day will be

more colored by your desire and intentions

than by any fancy, expensive products you

can buy.

A good soak is just what the doctor ordered, whetherits in an expensive chromatherapy Fuzion BlueJacuzzi (pictured above) or a regular old-fashionedtub, followed by wrapping yourself in a plush robe.

PHOTOS:T

EAPOTBYNANCYKENNEDY;TUBCOURTESYJACUZZIGROUPWORLD

WIDE

Gourmet teas on an in-home spaday not only taste great, they canbe relaxing as well as healthful.


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Architect Thomas Beck

built his green home in Estes Park a

decade before green building was trendyto prove that energy efficiency and

tasteful design could go

and in hand.

By Lisa Marshall

Long before green was the new black and the word eco-

friendly was omnipresent, an idealistic young CU archi-

tecture student named Thomas Beck embarked on a quiet

mission to spread the word about sustainable building.

The year was 1974, and the nation was reeling under the

Arab oil embargo, with mandatory gas rationing, a maxi-

mum 55-mph speed limit, and year-round daylight saving

time in place to save energy. Beck attended the National

Solar Energy Conference in Denver and walked away with

an insight that has since guided his career: I realized that


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oil and gas are not infinite, says Beck,

founder of T.W. Beck Architects in Estes

Park. We are just too wasteful, and we

dont have to be.

For more than 30 years, Beck, now 52,

has built a career around those ideas,

designing solar- and wind-powered homes

with recycled materials and energy-

efficient appliances, even when green

building was anything but trendy. (He

notes that while President Jimmy Carter

put solar collectors on the White House

in the 70s, President Ronald Reagan

removed them when oil prices retreated

in the 80s).

Beck also built his own sustainable

dream home. Its a 5,800-square-foot

model of possibility that boasts wind and

solar power, recycled tile and insulation,

sustainably harvested wood and other

energy-efficient technologiesall without

sacrificing aesthetics.

I wanted to demonstrate that you could

have an energy-efficient home and green-

built products, and that it didnt have to

look weird, says Beck, standing outside

his elegant stone-and-stucco home, which

Left:Thick wooden beams stretch out like tree

branches in this Estes Park homes great room.

Below:A century-old railroad trestle from the

Great Salt Lake was recycled to make the great

rooms trusses. Other woods came from standin

dead cherry, walnut and ash trees from a family

farm in Indiana.


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EXTRAORDINARYDESIGN

PAYSEXTRAORDINARYDIVIDENDS

170 South Saint Vrain Ave.

Estes Park, CO 80517

970-586-3913

twbeckarchitects.com

BECK Architects, P.CArchitecture, Planning, Interiors


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is powered by seamlessly integrated solar

roof tiles and two miniature windmills.

Step inside, and youll find not only a

testament to Becks dedication to green

building, but an example of what can hap-

pen when two diverse design styles col-

lide. In 1999, the Colorado architect was at

a reunion in his hometown of Shelbyville,

Ind., when he bumped into a kindergarten

chum, Anne DePrez, whom he hadnt

seen in decades. Soon afterward, Beck, a

bearded outdoorsman who loves to swim

and ski moguls, and DePrez, an Indiana

trial lawyer who loves to read and play

piano, were planning their wedding and

scouting for property in Colorado. They

found a wooded, 40-acre oasis high above

the town of Estes Park, and quickly agreed

that with the closest power pole located

Above: Eco-minded architect Thomas

Beck integrated solar roof tiles into

the design of his elegant stone-and-

stucco home.

Left:Two small windmills help

provide electricity for the 5,800-

square-foot home.

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home&garden 5

Below:A rocky outcrop that holds the

couples wood-fired hot tub is connected

to the main house by a log bridge.


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52 home&garden

Beck built an environmentally friendly

house that looks and functions normally.

Earthy slate and concrete tiles lend

lodge-like ambiance to the kitchen.

Wedgewood has received the Env ironmental Stewardship Program

certication from the K itchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

We are proud to be the rst cabinet manufacturer in the State of

Colorado to receive this prestigious award.

Flatiron Crossing Showroom

1685 Boxelder St.

Louisville, CO 80027

303.664.1400

Making sure more than

just our cabinets last.

www.wedgewoodcabinetry.com
http://www.wedgewoodcabinetry.com/http://www.wedgewoodcabinetry.com/


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home&garden 53

2 miles away, an off-the-grid power sys

tem was necessary.

When the design process began, how

ever, the couples differing tastes becam

apparent. She was a traditionalist; h

preferred a lodge look. She preferred

Asian art and vibrant hues; he preferreearthy, natural tones. After months at th

drawing board, Beckwho served in th

challenging triple role of architect, gen

eral contractor and husbandcreated

hybrid that reflected both of them.

He created a marriage of our prefer

ences, DePrez says simply.

In the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright

Beck designed their home to fit its uniqu

surroundings, with enormous west-facin

windows overlooking what is arguabl

the best possible view of Rocky Mountain

National Park. The Lord gets credit fo

this part, says Beck, standing on his awe

inspiring deck with nearly 270-degre

views from Longs Peak in the south t

Mount Olympus in the north.

Among the homes more unusual fea

tures is a 30-foot-tall, windmill-sportin

The downstairs lap pool serves as a

humidifier and water tank in case of fire

Niwot interiors

303-652-1727

Niwot Rd

HWY287

119

-Dia

gonal

Boulder

Art & Accessories | Bedding | Carpet & Area Rugs | Ceramic & Stone | Custom Window Treatments

Fine Home Furnishings / Furniture | Flooring | Home Staging | Kitchen & Bath Remodeling | Space Planning | Upholstery


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54 home&garden

log bridge that leads from the north side

of the house to a rocky outcrop, where the

couples golf tee box and wood-fired hot

tub reside.Inside the homes towering great

room (designed to optimize acoustics for

DePrezs mini grand piano), thick wooden

beams branch out into a tree motif, mak-

ing visitors feel as if theyre standing

beneath a wooded canopy. Bookshelves

(for her) abound in nearly every upstairs

room, while downstairs, a lap pool (for

him) doubles as a home humidifier and

water tank in case of fire.

When it came time to pick the homes

color scheme, the couple chose colors

from some of the large Tibetan rugs

found in nearly every room, including

the deep blues, maroons and greens

that reminded them of Asia (her favorite

travel destination) for the upstairs mas-

ter bedroom and bath. In the mid-level

kitchen, earthy slate and concrete tile

offer lodge-like ambience.

Lightening the LoadFrom the get-go, Beck was meticulous

about saving energy, recycling materials,

Below and right: Beck melded his love of the lodge look with his wifes

preference for traditional and Asian styles, while capitalizing on the homes

incredible mountain vistas accentuated by the many windows.


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56 home&garden

running a solar-powered job site and keep-

ing waste in check. The guys would throw

lumber out and Id throw it back at them,

he jokes.

To keep new timber purchases to a

minimum, Beck harvested standing dead

cherry, walnut and ash trees from his fam-

ilys Indiana farm. He then took the wood

to a sawmill and hauled it to Colorado to

use for the homes doors and trim. For thegreat-room trusses, he recycled a century-

old railroad trestle from the Great Salt

Lake. In the master bathroom, he chose

deep-blue tile crafted from recycled wind-

shield glass. For insulation, he used natu-

rally treated shredded blue jeans. And he

based every decision on energy efficiency

when selecting lights and appliances.

The key to living in an off-the-grid

house is to reduce your load, Beck says,

noting the homes use of compact fluores-

cent lights, an LCD television and energy-

saving appliances.

He acknowledges that some will view

the size of his house as anything but sus-

tainable. But Beck says he and DePrez had

to think about resale value when deter-

mining how big to build. We thought that

if we ever wanted to sell it, a house on top

of that hill with that view really demanded

more than 2,000 square feet. So, insteadof building small, they built smart, creat-

ing a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home

that Beck says uses about 25 percent of

the energy a conventional house of that

size would use.

Thirty-four years after being bit by the

alternative energy bug, Beck still attends

annual solar conferences to brush up on

the newest technologies, and ushers cli-

ents and curious visitors through his home

in hopes that theyll incorporate at least a

few of his energy-saving ideas into their

own homes.

The public just needs to be educated,

and then they will demand more green,

Beck says, noting that a wealth of green

progress has been made since he com-

pleted his house in 2002. Plus, he says, It

always feels good to be mimicked.

Standing on the log bridge by his

homes windmills, architect Thomas

Beck says he believes the public will

start demanding energy-efficient options

once they understand how easily they

can be incorporated into everyday life.

303.818.0241 || ellisbuilds.com

Building Healthy Spaces with Sustainable Practices & Skilled Craftsmanship

E L L I SC O N S T R U C T I O N

Custom Homes & Renovations

C


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58 home&garden

By Michael Whiteman-Jones

Glass is strange. It can be clear, opaque or a

mix of the two. It can be frighteningly fragile,

yet strong enough to walk on, or even bullet-

proof. Formed into a single windowpane, its an

energy sump. But combine it with plastic and

extrude it into fiberglass, and its an amazing

insulator. Its made from some of the Earthssimplest materialssand, soda ash and lime

but has to be mixed and heated exactly right

or it shatters.

Glass is also strangely versatile. It can

be powdered, spun, crushed, cut, slumped

over a form, melded, molded, cast or blown.

Normally, its clear. Add some cobalt oxide and

it turns blue. Add a bit of 24-carat gold and it

becomes red. A few grains of silver halide, and

itll darken in sunlight, but magically turn

clear in shade. It can be etched, painted,

stained, tinted, ground, polished and

sandblasted, and crafted into a wide

range of shapes, from bowls and bottles

to beads and baubles.

Its no wonder that glass attracts so many

artists and enhances so many homes.

Because its practical and versatile, glass is

widely used in utilitarian objects, like glasses,

vases and bowls, as well as decorative acces-

sories like candlesticks, knickknacks and orna-

ments. Its also used in custom backsplashes,

countertops, shower doors, mirrors, bars, pan-

els, and of course, windows and doors.

But those custom items are going to cost

you. Out of a hundred of our customers, only

one will be able to afford custom etched glass,

says Rob Altschuler, owner of A-Ability Glass

Co. in Boulder, which manufactures etched-

glass shower doors, among other products.

Homeowners who can afford custom glass

should also expect it to take longer to make

and install, he says.The results are worth it, however, because

of the singular ability of glass to transcend util-

ity and ascend into the aesthetic realm.

Table This IdeaConsider the work of Denver artist Kit Karbler,

for instance.

Karbler developed an obsession with glass-

blowing early on in his 33-year career. After

earning a fine arts degree in 1975, he dabbled

in a variety of media, including painting,

bronze casting and ceramics. But during

a rainy-day walk decades ago, he passed

a small gift shop and was instantly capti-

vated by the sight of an artist blowing glass.

It smelled right, sounded right and looked

right, he says. Ive never really left that

shop.

Karbler devoted his life to learning glass-

blowing techniques and opened his own stu-

dio, Blake Street Glass, in lower downtown

Denver in 1979. Initially, he made small gift

items like perfume bottles. Later, though, his

work evolved into something truly unique:

From tables, sconcesand stained glass tobowls, backsplashes

and doors, glassharnesses light in waysthat make it spectacular

in the home. PHOTOCOURTESYKITKARBLER


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home&garden 59

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60 home&garden

trademark pieces that transform ordinary

objects into art by combining geometric

and natural shapes and richly saturated

colors in unexpected ways. He often inter-

sperses stone, metal and precious stones

into glass pieces that sometimes seem

insanely off balance or even whimsical.

Karblers idiosyncratic dining room

and end tables, for example, have earned

him an international reputation. About 17

years ago, he needed a table for his home

and decided to make it with what he knew

bestglass. I wanted a table that was as

Lyons-based artist Kathy Bradford

trained as a fine artist and sketchesher multidimensional natural designsonto paper before sandblastingthem into glass panels, like the onespictured here. Although she alsoworks with colored glass, Bradfordsays her favorite color is clear.

much a sculpture as it was a table, he

says. The result was exciting, and so he

made another, and then another, juxtapos-

ing quiet and loud, angular and smooth.

Soon, he was shipping tables to clients

all over the globe. Now theyre one of the

mainstays of his business, taking up to six

months to make, typically costing $5,000

to $10,000, and looking much too delicate

to be sensible. But Karbler insists theyrebuilt to last. I want people to use the

tables, he says.

3-D DramaIf its form and function that initially

attract artists and homeowners to glass,

its the materials complexity and varie-

gated nature that keep them coming back

to it for the home. To me, glass is the

most complex of all media I have worked

with, artist Kathy Bradford says. Im

not one to be linked into two dimensions.

Glass is multidimensional, really. That is

one of its properties that has kept me

coming back for more.

Bradford works out of her studio and

home near Lyons. Trained as a freelance

photographer and fine artist, she loves

black-and-white drawing, but acknowl-

edges its not lucrative. Fortunately, she

learned to translate her eye for graphic

detail from paper onto glass.

Although she creates multifaceted,

abstract contemporary pieces that com-

PHOTO

COURTESYA-ABILITYGLASSCO.

PHOTOCOURTESYKATHYBRADFORD


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home&garden 6

bine colors and shapes, some of her most-

admired work realistically depicts the

natural world, like glass panels with trees,

owls, deer and other nature scenes. She

sketches a design first, and then carefully

sandblasts it into thick, clear glass. My

favorite color is clear, Bradford says.

Her work could be described as stark,

but the meticulous detail and layering cre-

ate surprising dimensionality on glass pan-

els that are typically less than a half-inch

thick, and the results are strikingly elegant

and rich looking. I dont fear the competi-

tion because nobody in the world is dumb

Above: Boulder artistMary Barron makesher distinctive lightedsconces by fusing ormelting together bitsof colored glass in ahot kiln.

Right: Glass is very

versatile and canbe spun, crushed,cut, slumped, fused,molded, cast or blown.This artist is preparingto blow molten glass.

PHOTOCOURTESYGREGRAVENWOO

D

PHOTOCOURTESYADAG

IOARTGLASS

LET YOUR VOICEBE HEARD

For a better quality of life.

Contact the office for more information

at(303) 778.1400 x325or at hbadenver.com

Join the Flatirons Building Councilof HBA of Metro Denver

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home&garden 63

Although she creates purely artis-

tic pieces, Barron approaches her art

with business acumen, working almost

exclusively with designers and whole-

salers rather than individual clients.

Some of her production-oriented work

is available at more than 100 specialty

stores nationwide, including McGuckin

Hardware in Boulder.

Textured and jewel-like, her tiles and

knobs are brilliant, shimmering bits of

richly colored glass and metal. Sometimes

theyre even curved and bent to form

corner pieces that add matchless sparkle

to kitchens and baths. Many are created

for clients looking to complement their

dcor with specific colors, patterns or

designsdragonflies or martini glasses,

for example.

Barrons custom-cut and colored

sconces are free-flowing, wavy, contem-

porary pieces lit with bright, 150-watt

halogen bulbs and housed in sleek satin

nickel bases. Tiles start at about $5 each

knobs at about $15. A custom sconc

runs between $250 and $300. And tilin

an entire kitchen could run $10,000 o

more. But youll gain a made-to-orde

kitchen that harnesses and reflects ligh

in spectacular fashion.

When you see glass, photos dont d

it justice, Barron says. I created the tile

for one kitchen, and in person the whol

wall looks wet. The homeowners can

stop touching it. Its very tactile. But my

love is light and color. I love bending ligh

around the corner.

In the home, art glass can be big, bold and expensive like this painted glass panel calledNight Time at Red Rocks (above left) by Boulder artist Erinn Diekman. But it can also besmaller, subtler and more affordable like the $45 Coloradiful Winestoppers (above right) byBoulder artist Jacqueline McKinny.

PHOTOCOURTESY

ERINNDIEKMAN

PHOTOCOURTESY

JACQUELINEMCKINNY


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66 home&garden

Such questions leave some shoppers

shaking their heads in confusion, says

Mark Menagh, executive director of the

Boulder County Farmers Markets, which

sell a lot of organic produce. They dont

understand how Pop-Tarts can be organic.

I dont either, frankly, he says.

Organic Slice of Pie

Organic foods account for a small sliceof the food marketabout 3 percent.

But sales are growing, even in the tight

economy, according to the Organic Trade

Association in Greenfield, Mass. In 1990,

organic food sales were about $1 billion. In

2007, they hit an estimated $21.2 billion,

and in 2008 theyll push $24 billion. That

makes organic foods one of the industrys

fastest-growing segments, which explains

why manufacturers are scrambling to put

organic products on shelves.

Longtime organic advocate Steve

Hoffman welcomes the interest, even

if its motivated by profit rather than

concern for health or the environment.

Hes managing director of The Organic

Center (organic-center.org), a nonprofit

Boulder organization that conducts scien-

tific research into the benefits of organic

agriculture, and hopes to increase organic

foods consumption to about 10 percent of

the food supply by 2010.

But Hoffman acknowledges organic

foods face a challenge because most shop-

pers expect unblemished produce and

cheap prices, and dont fully understand

the drawbacks of conventional agricul-

ture. Were promoting organic as a sys-

tem of agriculture that doesnt pollute the

environment and our bodies with toxins or

genetically modified organisms, he says.

The discerning consumer should make

sure organic is on the label.

Obvious or Obscure?But can consumers trust that what they

buy is truly organic?

Congress and the USDA decided in

1990 to define organic and, by late 2002,

the organic seal started appearing on

foods. The label is meant to assure con-

sumers that organic foods are produced

without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or

fertilizers, as well as antibiotics, synthetic

hormones, genetic engineering, sewage

sludge, lead salts, potassium chloride and

irradiation. Its also supposed to promote a

system of farming that builds soil fertility

while minimizing environmental damage

and encouraging biodiversity.

Yet, organic labeling can be perplex-

ing. Most consumers mistrust organic

labels, and dont fully understand the

organic seal, according to a 2007 survey

of 850 natural and organic food shop-

pers by Mambo Sprouts Marketing in

Collingswood, N.J. More than a third

mistakenly said locally grown produce is

healthier than organic produce, even if

its not certified organic. About 70 percent

said better in-store signage would help

them make decisions, and half said theyd

feel more confident if stores had their

own organic food standards. This survey

revealed that consumers are definitely

looking for more clarity and definition in

organic product classifications, Mambo

CEO Matthew Saline says.

Dicey DefinitionsFarmers with annual sales of less than

$5,000 are exempt from USDA organic

labeling guidelines. But everybody else

must comply or face fines of up to $11,000.

Ewell Culbertson, owner of Pachamama

Organic Farm in Longmont, says he

spends about $1,000 and countless hours

every year filling out paperwork to make

sure he meets USDA standards, which are

enforced by the Colorado Department of

Agriculture and private third-party organi-

zations. Its a lot easier to sell our product

than it is to grow it, he says.

The organic seal can be displayed

on only two types of products: 100 per-

cent organic fresh produce, and multi-

ingredient packaged products that are at

least 95 percent organic. However, water

and salt are excluded ingredients, as are

commercially unavailable organic ingre-

dients like baking powder, yeast, natural

coloring, thickeners, enzymes and sub-

CHEMICALS, CLAMS & KIDS

Conventional farmers prefer chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides

because they make it easy to grow cheap food. But research shows farm

chemicals contribute to many health problems, especially in children, whose

developing bodies are more susceptible to harm. Those problems include weaker

immune systems, hyperactivity, asthma, eczema, cancer and allergies.

Cheap food equals expensive health care, says Steve Hoffman, managing

director of The Organic Center in Boulder.

Farm chemicals are also tough on the environment. One recent example:oxygen-deprived ocean dead zonesareas up to 45,000 square miles where

marine animals cant live. Dead zones have steadily increased since the 1970s,

thanks mainly to farm chemicals. There are now about 150 worldwide, according

to a United Nations Environment Programme report. Theyre mostly caused by

excess nitrogen from farm fertilizers, which flow into rivers and oceans, triggering

rapid plankton growth, which in turn depletes oxygen, killing fish, clams, lobsters

and other aquatic creatures. One of the worlds most notorious dead zones is in

the Gulf of Mexico, where the Mississippi River dumps runoff from Midwest farms.

Humankind is engaged in a gigantic global experiment as a result of the

inefficient and often overuse of fertilizers, says Klaus Toepfer, former executive

director of the U.N. Environment Programme. Unless urgent action is taken to

tackle the sources of the problem, its likely to escalate rapidly.

The solution is obvious, Hoffman says: Eat more organic foods.Michael Whiteman-Jones


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68 home&garden

No GuaranteesThe organic seal doesnt guarantee

anything, of course, because farmers,

manufacturers and retailers can make

mistakes or even lie. Its mostly still an

honor system, concedes Wyatt Barnes,

owner of Red Wagon Organic Farm in

east Boulder. Theres a pretty hefty

fine if you get caught cheating, but I

dont think anybodys been caught. Well,

almost nobody. Consumer watchdogs

scolded Wal-Mart last year when The

Cornucopia Institute, a farm advocacy

group, repeatedly nabbed the retailer

displaying nonorganic foods in its organic

food sections. Wal-Mart wasnt fined, but

it was warned by regulators to stop or

face legal action.

PHOTOBYBUQUET

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

There are many ways to reduce your familys exposure to potentially harmful farm chemicals. Even if you cant

always buy organic, knowing what produce to avoid and how to prepare produce cuts your health risks.

The Organic Center in Boulder publishes a seasonal buying guide that shows consumers which domestic

and imported conventional fruits and vegetables are most likely to pose the greatest risk of toxic pesticide

exposure. Organic Essentials says the riskiest domestically grown fruits include cranberries, nectarines,

peaches, strawberries, pears, apples, cherries and cantaloupe, along with imported grapes, nectarines,

peaches, pears, strawberries, cherries, cantaloupe and apples.

The riskiest domestically grown vegetables include green beans, sweet bell peppers, celery, cucumbers,potatoes, tomatoes, peas and lettuce, along with imported sweet bell peppers, lettuce, cucumbers, celery,

tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, peas and carrots. Pay special attention to what you buy during winter, when

riskier imports account for a larger share of available produce.

Preparation also makes a difference. Peeling can help eliminate pesticides, although it also takes away

nutrients and may not completely get rid of pesticides because theyre often systemically absorbed by

produce. A three-year study by the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Connecticut Agricultural

Experiment Station showed that the mechanical action of rinsing fruits and vegetables under tap water

significantly reduces pesticide residues. Commercial washing solutions, however, were found to be no more

effective at removing pesticides than either a 1 percent solution of dishwashing liquid or rinsing with tap

water alone. Washing with a vegetable brush also helps remove dirt and wax, and it can help prevent

contamination from food-borne illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli.

Michael Whiteman-Jones

Boulder Independent

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home&garden 69

Sometimes, its how rules are interpreted

that creates controversy. A few years ago,

Boulders Aurora Organic Dairy was accused

of violating USDA rules by not allowing its

cows enough access to pasture and milking

cows it couldnt prove were organically

raised. USDA officials dismissed the case

when the company agreed to reduce the

size of its herd and add pasture, but dairy

officials maintain their animals were treatedhumanely and that they were meeting

USDA guidelines. Still, that case, coupled

with industry efforts to relax organic pro-

duction standards, raises concerns about

what organic labels really mean.

Barnes says such concerns shouldnt

dissuade consumers. The only vote that

counts anymore is your dollar, he says,

adding that the best protection is shopping

locally and knowing your farmers.

Menagh agrees.

Big corporate farms and manufacturers

magazine+ +2009+winter

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