BY ADAM TESTATHE SOUTHERN

For homeowners looking to enjoy theoutdoor weather of spring, summer andfall, a patio abounds with potential for newopportunities.

Add some lawn furniture and shadeumbrellas and the patio has become anoutdoor seating area. Move in a new grilland a small table and the space hastransformed into a grilling paradise. Build apatio next to the family swimming pool,and it’s all of a sudden become a deck.

But a custom patio also has otherintrinsic qualities, such as improving theoverall aesthetic appearance of the homeand increasing its resale value. For thoselooking to spice up their outdoorlandscape, many Southern Illinoisbusinesses offer specialty patios withseveral customizable options.

Concrete Artists in Murphysboro andDon Rapp Concrete in Dahlgren specializein concrete patio construction, whileBurkdell Mulch, which has four SouthernIllinois locations, offers specialty paver-styled patios. Each style has its ownadvantages and disadvantages, dependingon the preferences of the customer.

While many may think of concrete patiosas being traditional gray slabs of stone,there are many options for adding flair tothe design. The stone can be acid stained to

give it a different

looking surface, or various colors can bemixed into the product to add differentelements to its appearance.

“We can add two or three different colorsat the same time to give it a multi-coloredor marble look,” Rapp said.

Another option is to use overlays andstamped concrete, which can also give theproduct alternative looks like stone, brickor tile. Overlays add a fine layer of whiteporcelain and silk and sand to the top,which then itself can be colored andprotects the concrete from weathering.

While concrete can be prone toweathering, use of sealants and otherprotective measures can help the materiallast decades.

“It’s low maintenance,” said TaunyaFricke, general manager of ArtisticConcrete. “You don’t have to re-stain it likea wood deck; you just have to reseal it everysix years or so.”

Concrete patios can also be designed tofit any yard, she said. The company worksto ensure the functionality of the patio willmeld with the design.

Daryl Burkholder of Burkdell Mulch,

which has locations in Carbondale, Benton,Mount Vernon and Salem, said paver-basedpatios have become a popular alternative toconcrete in recent years.

These patios use a series of decorativepavers to create the patio surface ratherthan a single piece of material like aconcrete structure, he said. This allows forindividual pieces to be replaced if they aredamaged or stained.

Burkholder also sees added value inappearance.

“There’s no comparison in the beauty of apaver patio versus a concrete patio,” hesaid. “The aesthetics, the looks arecompletely different.”

All three local companies either doinstallations or work with contractors tohandle the jobs. Of the three, onlyBurkholder recommended even trying self-installation, but that also comes with aprerequisite.

“It’s not complicated; it just takes hardwork,” he said. “It can easily be done ifsomeone likes to work.”

adam.testa@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5031

Flowers in shiny, new garbage cans? License plates used as cool screening elements?You will be surprised to see what you can doto dress up your porch, whether it be smallor large. Get lots of ideas for making your porch stylishand durable — and the perfect place to hang out.

See this story on PPaaggee 66FF..

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKIFOR THE SOUTHERN

Imagine floating on a raft in yourswimming pool on a hot afternoon.Splash your feet in the crisp, coolwater. Let the peace and quiet lull youinto a deep state of relaxation. Nowquick, what’s the first color that comesto mind? Blue for the sparkling water?Red for the sunburn you’re working on?How about green?

Efficient pumps, low-chemicalcleaners and salt-based filtrationsystems are the focus of an innovativeindustry that is trying to keep up withits eco-friendly consumers.

Jackson Pools and Spas in WestFrankfort and Du Quoin offer theexclusive Doughboy Dual Frogsanitization unit, which utilizesmineral ionization to reduce chemicalsby 50 to 70 percent.

The dial-controlled system can be set

to produce a concentration of only.5 percent chlorine compared to themore standard 1.5 to 3 percent.

Dave Jackson, owner of Jackson Poolsand Spas, Jackson has seen the demandfor cleaner, greener pools and spasincrease over the last few years.

“You’ve still got your people who lovechlorine, because it’s the cheapest wayto go,” he said. “But a lot of people areexcited about having a lower amount ofchlorine, because it leads to less troublewith turning your eyes red ordeteriorating your pool liner.”

There’s another option.“A lot of people are actually going

with the saline solutions, which are notas harsh as chlorine,” said Zack Cohen,manager of Jo-Co Pools & Spas inAnna.

Crystal Hemby, owner of CrystalClear Pools and Spas in Mount Vernon,has noticed a demand for the chemicalborate. Used in combination with

sanitizers, borate suppressesalgae growth and cuts down onthe amount of necessarychlorine. It also produces astable pH, reduces eye andskin irritation and givespool water that desiredsparkly appearance.

Crystal Clear alsooffers options in salt-based systems.

“We sell those systemsonly for the in-ground poolsbecause the sodium can adhere to themetal walls of an above-ground pool,”Hemby said.

Salt-based systems, like most green-leaning pool products, can be pricey.

“A lot of people want to limit theamount of chemicals they’re using intheir pools,” Hemby said. “Some of thethings you have to invest in can becostly up front, but they will pay off inthe long run.”

At HomeTHE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 CONTACT US: cara.recine@thesouthern.com 1F

DIY’s Ahmed Hassan explainsthe basics of organics in the yard

PAGE 5F

the expert

also inside

Just the factsHere’s a comprehensive

look at homeimprovement, being greenand entertaining outdoors:

21Percent of homeowners

who give their lawnand landscape

maintenance practicesa passing “green” grade

Source: National Gardening Association

4Percent increase

in spending on homeimprovement last year

Source: NPD Group

8.5Number in millions of gas

grills shipped in 2010Source: Hearth, Patio

and Barbecue Association

56Percent of consumerswho grill year-round

Source: HPBA

3.5Percentage growth

in home improvementspending expected

in 2010-15Source: NPD Group

84Percent of Americans

who turn off lightsand applianceswhen not in use

Source: Harris Poll

750,000The number of cars whosecarbon dioxide emissions

would be offset if everycustomer of IKEA replaced

one 60-watt bulb withan energy-saving bulb

Source: EPA

40Percent of consumers

who have a movable grillsystem on a patio/deckwith outdoor furniture

and dining spaceSource: HPBA

71Percent of shoppers

who make a point to buyfrom companies

that support their valuesSource: Young & Rubicam

64Percent of Americans

who will invest in homerenovation projects in 2011

Source: American Express

What’scookin’What do Americans like

to cook on the grill? Hereare the top five foods grilledmost often last year,according to the 2011 Weber

GrillWatch Survey:

1. Hamburgers (69 percent)2. Steak (46 percent)

3. Chicken (42 percent)4. Hot dogs (39 percent)

5. Ribs (17 percent)

What’s not cookin’What do flamers find most

challenging to prepare? Weber’s surveyalso found the five most-challenging-to-

grill foods:

1. Desserts (34 percent)2. Tie: Fish and pizza (both at 27 percent)4. Shellfish (25 percent)5. Fruits (22 percent)

Patios

Grilling season heats up with new gadgetry.See the story on PPaaggee 44FF..

Wouldn’t it be great if you could be financially rewarded for updating your pool or spa?Well, even though tax incentives aren’t usually applied to luxury items, manufacturersoften pair new green products with hefty rebates to benefit their customers.So ask your local dealers how to save some green while going green.

Porches

Pools

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STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERNUsing a brick overlay, Jim and Ester Buitt of Murphysboro transformed their old, cracked drivewayinto a floor foundation for a seating area at their home in Murphysboro. A pathway to the Buitts’gazebo (above left) was created with pavers of different colors in a visually interesting layout.

Specialty concrete andpavers are the foundationof extraordinary spaces

CONTENT THAT WORKS

Abackyard deck issupposed to be arelaxing retreat.

But there’s nothingrelaxing about thedrudgery of cleaning,sanding and staining a wood deck over theyears.

A growing number ofhomeowners are lookingbeyond wood to higher-priced but lower-maintenance alternativessuch as composite(ground-up wood mixedwith new or recycledplastic) and all-plasticdecks.

“A wood deck is going toneed some annualprotection from theelements,” says ShawnMiller, president, NorthAmerican Deck andRailing Association.

“A composite deck isonly going to need to behosed off every now andthen.”

New deck techThe first composite

decks in the 1980s weremore susceptible to mold

and fading, and sometimesacquired a bad reputation,says Michael Rudh, deckdesigner for Decks.com,Alpharetta, Ga. But newcomposite productsintroduced during the pastfew years use differenttechnologies to guardagainst those problems.The newer products aregenerally priced higherthan earlier-generationcomposite materials butoffer much better

protection against theelements, says Miller.

Some newer compositessuch as Fiberon’s Horizonline, TimberTech’sEarthwood Evolutions andTrex Transcendencapsulate the deckmaterial in vinyl for addedresistance to stains andscratches.

Other compositeproducts use materialsbesides ground-up woodto help prevent mold.

DuraLife Natural Graincomposite, for example,incorporates rice hulls,which are more water-resistant than wood.

Composite boards nowcome in a range of white,gray and brown shadesand realistic woodtextures, says Rudh, withrailings to match.

“A lot of people areusing gray,” he says, “andthe light-brown cedarcolor and the dark

brownish redwood colorare probably the mostpopular.”

Let’s get ‘real’“There are some very

realistic-looking materialsnow; you really have tolook at it to tell if it’scomposite or not,” Millersays.

All-plastic deckmaterials made from PVC(vinyl) offer many of thesame benefits ascomposites but tend to bepricier. They have theadded advantage of beingimpervious to moisture, somold and decay don’tenter into the picture.

“PVC options are a littlelighter in color thancomposite decking, andthey’re a little cooler

underfoot (in hot weather)because PVC doesn’tretain heat the way plasticdoes,” Miller says.

The newest breed ofvinyl decks are made ofcellular PVC formed intosolid planks, such asFiberon Outdoor Flooring,and offer a much widervariety of wood colors andtextures than moretraditional hollow vinyldecks.

Both composite andvinyl deck materials willlikely stand the test oftime better than wood,says Miller, president ofClassic Designs Inc. in theDenver metro area.

“They protectthemselves, and they’renot susceptible to cracking and splintering,”he says.

CONTENT THAT WORKS

It’s not yourgrandfather’s plastic patiofurniture anymore.

A whole new generationof boldly colored, designerstyled chairs, loungers,tables and more has

invaded the outdoorfurniture scene in the pastfew years. From ubiquitouswhite stackable chairs totop-priced Euro-stylesignature pieces, outdoorplastics now run thegamut of cheap to chic andeverything in between.

“The market started toshake up a few years back,but the true game-changing designs are new,”says Anne Robert, afounder ofTheOutdoorStylist.comfor international outdoordesign trend watchers.“Amazingly, plasticdesigns are some of themost edgy out there now.”

Industry expert JosephP. Logan agrees. “Themost interesting styleswe’re seeing in the (plastic)category are very sleek,modern designs,” saysLogan, executive directorof the International CasualFurnishings Association,High Point, N.C.

Plastics withsophistication

The initial wave ofplastics came in what

Robert calls “playgroundcolors” like bright pinks,greens and oranges, butmuted, more sophisticatedhues are gaining favor withconsumers.

“You see a widespectrum from primarycolors to pastels,” Logansays. “There are manymore options in color thanin years past, but neutralsare still very, verypopular.”

Also popular is theecofriendly footprint of

many styles. ManufacturerPoly-Wood Inc., forexample, uses a blend ofhigh-density polyethyleneraw materials that is morethan 90 percent recycledcontent, including milkjugs and laundry detergentbottles.

The most daring designstend to be priced inthousands rather thanhundreds of dollars, butmass-marketers offersmaller selections ofmoderately priced optionswith a sense of style,Logan says.

Here’s a sampling of thenewest looks for outdoorplastics:

Telescope Casual’smodern Adirondack chair,available with or withoutottoman, marries a frameof recycled marine gradepolymer with a fabric slingoffered in a multitude ofcolors and patterns.

Ikea’s Arholma seriesmixes and matches sleek

plastic rattan chairs,sectional pieces, tablesand cushions in a classicbrown and white colorscheme. It’s easy on thebudget too.

Plastic deck makerTrex has launched a newline of stylish outdoorfurniture fashioned fromPoly-Wood. The TrexOutdoor Furniturecollection featuresAdirondack chairs,ottomans, settees, sofasand dining sets in sixneutral colors includingclassic white and charcoalblack.

Qui Est Paul, a high-end French manufacturer,creates ergonomic,sculpture-like moldedpieces for those whosebudget leans towardchampagne rather thanbeer. The funky, colorfulpieces would look equallyat home poolside or in thegalleries of a modern artmuseum.

2F THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 PORCHES, PATIOS & POOLS www.thesouthern.com

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CONTENT THAT WORKS

Elegance and function in acontemporary outdoorlighting solution can come

at a high price these days. But atight budget doesn’t have toimpede ambitions for eitherwhen choosing outdoor lightsfor the home. From the patio tothe pool side, all of today’slighting needs have trendyoptions that will fit any budgetand make an outdoor spaceglow.

“Tiki torch lighting, coloredpaper lanterns, glass lanterns,twinkle light and hurricanelamps are all cost-effective andstylish solutions for lightingany outdoor area.” ChristinaMacDonald, publicity directorof Studio City, Calif.-basedDRS & Associates.

If you have a garden, considerplacing outdoor torches aroundit to create a tropical setting.This is a favorite trick of VickiO’Neal, owner of Form andFunction, a Richmond, Va.-based interior and landscapedesign firm. The flame of a tikitorch can be fueled with oil orgas and should always beextinguished when youroutdoor area will be unoccupiedfor long periods of time.

When applied safely, candles can addinexpensive, calming décor to anyoutdoor space. South Florida-basedcelebrity design expert Kathy Petersonlikes to couple candles with antiquedishes to create unique stands. Createfaux chandeliers by hanging votives withhand wire or hang a candle fixture on awall to add some outdoor lighting.O’Neal says that it’s important to placecandles away from artificial lighting sothey will get the attention you want.Avoid mishaps by keeping candles on asecure surface in an enclosed holder orlantern.

If you’re looking for a safer alternative,battery-operated candle pillars create thesame ambience without the risk.

Some of the new lighting options forthis season:

Affordable fire pits of all sorts areproviding warmth and ambiance to many

backyards. The Orion Fire Dome fromGood Directions sports a domed top, cutout to resemble the starry sky. Weber’snew round wood-burning fireplace has aporcelain lid and bowl to protect firegazers.

Some new fire pots combine flame andwater. A gentle stream of water cascadesdown the sides of California OutdoorConcepts’ La Jolla Waterfall fire pit.Flames in glass crystals flicker at themouth.

Cut-out sculptural blocks fromXiamen Synsun Garden Co. display aflame at the top and a brimming pool ofwater in the center.

For a do-it-yourself solution to lightoutdoor areas, create a paper lantern.There are many how-to guides that allowyou to customize your outdoor lightingdécor, and you can also purchase one at alow cost.

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 3FPORCHES, PATIOS & POOLSwww.thesouthern.com

W W W.T H E S O U T H E R N .C O M

CTWDecks and patios easily move upscale and elegant with asimple choice of lighting. Well-placed tiki torches can bea simple and inexpensive way to do it.

topoolsidepatioFrom

Lighting is about setting a mood and shedding light

Keep the pit-fires burningSince man discovered it, fire has been a vital source of

warmth and comfort. So if the best it does in thebackyard is scorch hot dogs on the grill, it might betime to return to the romance of flame.

“Fire has always been something we gathered aroundas a community,” says Michael Zimber, the president ofthe functional sculpture company Stone Forest. “It is areal focal point for gathering, and watching fire issomething like watching waves — it has an almosttrance-like or calming effect on people.” Light a fire inno time with these easy tips for setting up a fire pit.

1. Survey the options: Some fire vessels are sculpted byhand from a single block of granite, which look opulentbut can also drive up the price. Stainless steel, cast ironor copper bowls are available at local retailers of allsizes. Choose between a gas and wood-burning vessel.

2. Take control: For something quick, easy andpermanent, take the do-it-yourself approach. Headover to a hardware store to get landscaping blocks and asteel ring.

This DIY method doesn’t use mortar or expensivebricks, and it might be the simplest fire pit to make.Simply dig a trench, place the brick circle, fill the insidewith pea stone and put some flat stones on top.

3. Think safety first: Don’t build or place a fire pit tooclose to a house or too close to the flower garden, andchose a spot away from these high traffic areas.Building at the edge of a property for people to admire.

4. Consider the inside view: Think about how thingswill look from indoors; it is possible to enjoy the firefrom a living room window.

CTWDon’t place or build a firepit too close to the house or a flower garden.

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CONTENT THAT WORKS

It’s more fun to cookoutside than inside,”says Leslie Wheeler,

director ofcommunication for theHearth, Patio &Barbecue Association,Arlington, Va. “Cookingoutdoors andentertaining outdoors ismore casual, andlifestyles are more casualthese days.

“Shorts and flip flopsoutside are moreappealing than being inkitchen.”

Continuing a steadyexpansion that can betraced back at least sixyears, about half of U.S.grill owners reportcooking outdoors year-round, according to the22nd annual WeberGrillWatch Survey. Thatincludes 37 percent ofgrillers who cook outsidewhen the thermometerdips below freezing.Grillers are getting moresophisticated, too. U.S.gas grill owners reportthese top features ontheir current grill: 52percent have a sideburner; 27 percent have arotisserie; and 19 percenthave a “sear zone” ofsome kind.

Even in theblogosphere, this idea iscatching on: “Instead ofthe ‘fire + ribeye dinner’why not use this year totake what you alreadyhave (a grill) and dosome innovative twists?”suggests blogger EricYang, editor and founderof gearpatrol.com.

Grilling accessoriesare, well, hot. Wheelerattributes this to thebroader range of foodsbackyard chefs arepreparing. “People arecooking more than justburgers and hot dogs,”she says. “Cooks aremore creative now.They’re doing fish,vegetables and there’seven a pizza stone for thegrill.”

So, the plan for thisseason? Fabulous,flavorful meals, maderight out back, allsummer long. Need

some inspiration? Readon.

Authentic Italianbrick-oven baked pizzais a hot item on many amenu these days, andgrill-ready pizza stonesconverts your grill into afire-fueled oven. Lookfor one with a stainlesssteel base that alsoincludes a thermometerfor careful monitoring.

Measure your grill beforeyou buy to make sure thepizza stone fits.

For those with a budgetto burn, the new outdoorartisan pizza oven byKalamazoo, ($6,495) ahigh-poweredcountertop gas burner,boasts an open front, sodiners can watch thedancing flames.

Besides taste, another

benefit to cooking on thegrill is reducing oil or fat.“People seem to feelcomfortable that foodcooked outside is healthyand good for you,” saysHPBA director researchDon Johnson. Meatballgrill baskets are apopular new option,allowing grillers to cook10 to 12 meatballs in astainless-steel basketthat drains away greasefor healthy results.

Grilling menu optionsfor skewers run thegamut from lamb, porkand chicken to a deluxeveggie medley. Flexiblegrilling skewers made

from stainless steel,bendeasily without breaking,which makes marinatingin a bowl possible. Goodnews for the hungry, too:they hold nearly twice asmuch food as thetraditional skewer.

To take your show onthe road, invest in one ofthe new options inportable grilling.Available as electric,charcoal or gas units,they are perfectly sizedto ride in the car and stillprovide ample room for awhole fish or a bevy ofbrats — and kids. Mostmodels offer 250-300inches of grill space.

4F THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 PORCHES, PATIOS & POOLS www.thesouthern.com

Beyond thegrilling basics

Take backyard barbequingto the next level with whiz-bang options.

Today’s gas barbequegrills offer more featuresthan ever. In fact,manufacturers areincorporating so many bellsand whistles that it can bedifficult to understand whatall those addedconveniences actually do.Here’s a short list of some ofthe options you’re likely tofind burning up theshowroom floors thisseason.

Infrared burners: Theseburners entered the mid-priced grill market in the lastyear or so, when a key patenton their technology expired.Propane (or natural gas)heats a ceramic tile designedto emit infrared heat — thesame kind of heat the sunemits. These burners canreach 900 degrees. to searmeat on contact. Watch thattimer, though. Those steakswill be done in half the timeit takes a standard gas grill todo the job.

Rotisserie units: Thesegadgets let you make yourown rotisserie-style chickenor duck outdoors, withoutsmoking up your kitchen.Higher-end models mayoffer baskets instead offorks, so you don’t have toworry about fragile foodsfalling off the tines. Smallermodels may be powered by abattery, but larger units willrequire an electricalconnection, so you’ll needto have access to a nearbyoutdoor plug if you’re keenon creating your ownoutdoor deli.

Smoker boxes: Sometimesremovable, these stainlesssteel containers can holdwood chips or chunks to addthat delicious smoky flavorthat comes from cookingover an open fire.Removable models can betaken off the grill to createmore room for quantitycooking.

Side burners: With sideburners, a grill istransformed into a completeoutdoor appliance,eliminating the hassle ofminding both indoor andoutdoor cooking devices atthe same time. One space-planning tip to think about,however, is that theseburners often take the placeof one or both side shelves,so you may need to considerother options for restingfood and utensils whencreating your own outdoorkitchen.

Go for the grillWith more and more people firing up the flames and investing in the latestgrilling gadgetry, this barbecue season is heating up to be the biggest yet

CTWThe Weber Summit Grill Center (top) converts a deck intoan instant outdoor kitchen. New outdoor grill accessorieshelp inspired chefs reach new heights in outdoor cooking.The poultry (left) roaster gives you beer can chickenwithout the can.

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CONTENT THAT WORKS

A landscaping project orrenovation turns the yard,or part of the yard, into ablank canvas. Too bad it’snot paint-by-numbersbecause it’s common toget so caught up inchoosing a palette andenvisioning the gloriousend results we losepatience and perspective.Landscaping basics areignored, and mistakes aremade in our rush to createa masterpiece.

“It’s the hurryingprocess that causes themost blunders,” from poorplanning and misguidedplant selection toimproper placement andcare, says NicholasStaddon, director of newplants at Monrovia gardenplant producers in Azusa,Calif.

He and other expertsshare common gardeninggaffes committed byovereager homeowners.

1. Assuming every planthas it made in the shade.“Know how much sun orshade your planting areagets throughout the day.Trust me, plants careabout this,” says Ashburn,Va.-based gardeningconsultant Starla J. King.

Even if they take thetime to figure this out,people still have atendency to put sun-loving plants in shadyareas, or vice versa, andhope for the best.

“They will probably stillgrow but will be spindlyand pathetic-looking,”King says. “Likewise, ashade-loving plant willburn to a crisp in a full-sun area.”

2. Thinking all soil iscreated equal. It’simportant to knowwhether the soil is sandyor clay-like, and chooseplantings accordingly. Asoil test will show whetherit’s necessary to amendthe dirt to make up fornutrients it lacks.

“New garden beds mayneed some added topsoilor soil conditioner mixedwith the original soil,”King says.

3. Setting the scene forgrowing pains. “Plants willtry to grow to theirintended size even if youdon’t give them enoughspace,” King says. “Be kindto them and buy plantswhose mature sizematches your availablespace.”

In the beginning, gapsare good. Yet overcrowdingtends to occur because“someone wants to fill inspace quickly,” Staddonsays. Knowing, forexample, how pretty a bedof petunias looks when theblooms fill out and blanketthe ground, they don’thave the patience to wait,he says: “They want toleap in and have the bestlandscaping on the block.So they plant too close

together, and pretty soonit becomes a tangled massthat needs to be thinnedout.”

4. Letting water run whereit may. Homebuilders aresupposed to grade the yardso surface water is directedaway from the foundation.If homeowners andlandscaping companieschange the lay of the land,they need to pay attentionto water flow and drainageor they may flood thebasement or crawlspace orweaken the foundation,says Reggie Marston,president, ResidentialEquity Management HomeInspections, Springfield,Va.

“I have inspected houseswhere vegetable gardenswere installed up againstthe foundation and everytime the owner wateredthe garden, water pouredinto the basement,” hesays.

5. Attracting the wrongelement. As pollinators,bees are usually welcomegarden guests. But plantsthat attract bees shouldnot be placed too closelyto children’s play areas,

Staddon says. And toxicplants have no place inareas where kids and petsare free to explore.

6. Setting off a flowerbomb. After the gloom ofwinter, folks are so eagerfor spring that they put ona spectacular show of earlybloomers. Tulips, daffodilsand lilacs come on strong,but make an early exit andleave behind something ofa wasteland where nothingis blooming. Staddon callsthis the “summer dol-drums,” when everythingis unrelentingly green untilthe leaves start changingcolor for fall. A well-planned garden has colorand something bloomingall the time.

With planning andpatience, mostlandscaping blunderscould be avoided. Staddonurges folks to let go of theidea of creating amasterpiece and embracethe fact that a landscape isalways a work-in-progress.

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 5FPORCHES, PATIOS & POOLSwww.thesouthern.com

CTWAhmed Hassan says he liked working in the dirt with his dad so much that he ultimatelydecided to get educated in horticulture.

No more fooling ...

CONTENT THAT WORKS

Ahmed Hassan is certainly not afraidto push around Mother Nature.It’s no big deal to take an ordinary

yard and make it into a giant chessboardor introduce a water feature in what hecalls “blitz style makeovers,” as he doeson the DIY Network’s “Turf War” and“Yard Crashers.”“ Talking organic lawnsand gardens, though, takes morerestraint, not only in discussion but alsopractice.

“Typically, when I think of eco-friendly gardening, I tune in withnature, rather than exerting my will,”says Ahmed, 37, a certified landscapetechnician based in the San FranciscoBay area. “It’s all about minimizing yourcarbon footprint. You can’t bring in abunch of gas-driven tractors and callthat eco-friendly. Rototillers are notecofriendly.”

Increasingly, however, more gardenershave taken their traditional gardens andlawns and gone organic, according tothe National Gardening Association,eschewing chemicals altogether orusing them very reluctantly (this iscalled “hybrid” gardening). Eventraditional gardeners are concernedabout the environmental impact ofchemicals and tools used to coax theirsoil: Only 21 percent of those surveyedby NGA gave their lawn maintenancepractices a “green” grade.

No one should beat themselves upover this, says Hassan, one of six kidswho started working outside at age 10with his dad, something he lovedbecause “it felt very masculine to me. Ismelled like dirt.” Being truly organic inlawn and gardening is more than anotion, one that individuals shouldthink long and hard about.

“Eco-friendly takes a whole new levelof awareness people may not alreadyhave,” Hassan says. “It’s like saying‘old-fashioned’ because you don’timpact the earth as much.”

However, Hassan offers some advicefor those who want to move in thisdirection: Start by avoiding walking onwet soil, Hassan says. Mashing downthe soil squishes the air out of it andharms natural drainage, making itdifficult for microorganisms, which are “always eating and pooping” tothrive.

Then consider growing grass fromseed instead of laying sod, Hassan says.And of course, organic lawn carerequires homeowners to resist the urge

to mow their lawns into submission.Just take off a top layer of grass, noshorter than 2 1/2 inches, with amulching mower and let the cuttingsfeed the lawn. In summer, opt for aweekly water soak instead of dailywatering, organic gardening expertssuggest.

Chemically speaking, only useproducts when really necessary, Hassansays, not out of our habit or a misplacedurge to eradicate every weed in sight.

Start from scratch: Propagate existingplants by dividing the mother plant andgrowing from seed. Use ground coverfrom the front yard and use these plantsin the backyard. The carbon footprint isinstantly smaller because potted plantsmust be trucked across the country,burning gas and using other resourceson a grand scale.

Rethink composting: “Think aboutbuilding a compost pile using wood thatwould come off trees and shrubs anduse that in your garden,” Hassan says.

Bring soil to life: Use a low-impactmulching mower in warmer seasons torecycle grass and encourage anenvironment where microorganismsand earthworms can thrive, which helpsthe soil hold water and thwart disease.

Reuse nature’s waste: Hassan suggestsrepurposing wood, such as oldfurniture, to build structures for agarden. Soft woods are great fordecorative trellises, he says. “I did atwig wall structure,” Hassan says.“Instead of taking them to the dump, Ibuilt a 10-by-12 partial decorative panelthat covered a shed.

Hold the electricity: “Don’t use all thepower tools,” Hassan says. “It’s a verydifferent way of doing things.”

Be realistic: Telling a landscaper toturn a traditional lawn into an organicone is a hard sell because the resultsaren’t guaranteed. An organic lawn, forexample, may be kinder to the earth andthe animals that nibble at the grass, butit is not entirely weed-free.

Organic land management “takes alittle more work, and is great for do-it-yourselfers,” Hassan says. “Eco-friendlymeans more work. If you enjoy it, that’sthe route you will go through.”

Mother NatureDIY Network’s Ahmed Hassan talks through the basics of organic landscaping and gardening

CCLLIICCKK && CCOONNNNEECCTT:: For moreinformation about organiclandscaping and gardening, go to

wwwwww..tthheessoouutthheerrnn..ccoomm//lliiffeessttyylleess//hhoommeeand get a link from this story.

Blunder bustersDon’t let the rush to bloom create

gardening goofs along the way

CTWFlower Carpet Roses come inmany colors and makebeautiful flowering groundcover. The roses have thorns,so it’s not a good choice forareas where children or petswould be playing.

CTWHosta needs shade and lotsof water. If you plant it in thesunny, dry spot, it will suffer.

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It’s been a long, hardwinter in much of thecountry. Towering

snowdrifts, icy roads,freak hailstorms. For manyof us, spring can’t comefast enough, and with itthe chance to enjoy ourporches, patios andsunrooms.

Options abound formaking these indoor/outdoor spaces look stylish.

But can we have all thatgorgeous style while usingdurable, easy-to-care-foritems that will stay lookinggood all season?

The experts say yes — ifyou choose carefully.

“When it comes tomaterials, now more thanever the gap has beenbridged between indoorand outdoor. There are aton of pieces that look fitfor your actual livingroom, but they’re meant to

be outdoors,” saysdesigner and decordemon.com founder Brian PatrickFlynn. “A lot of people arebeginning to find thatperfect outdoor sofa andbring it into their sunroom.”

Here, Flynn and twoother experts — LosAngeles-based interiordesigner Betsy Burnhamand decorator and designblogger Nick Olsen — offeradvice on creatingbeautiful sunrooms and

porches that you can enjoyeffortlessly.

The right fabricsOutdoor fabrics have

come a long way since theplastic-coated 1970s.These designers all praiseSunbrella and other high-end outdoor fabriccompanies for their wideselection of colors, stylesand textures.

“But,” warns Olsen,“really good outdoorfabrics don’t come cheap.”He recommends buying abasic indoor sofa at areasonable price from aretailer like West Elm,then recovering just theseat cushions and a fewthrow pillows in a priceyoutdoor fabric. This willcost notably less thanupholstering all of yoursunroom furniture inhigh-end outdoor textiles.

Another use of fabric:Flynn suggests hangingdrapes “to soften the feelof a room that’s on theexterior of your house,”and to add a dash of colorand pattern.

“Sunrooms usually haveso many windows, somuch glass,” he says. “Youwant to soften the hardedges and take away thefeeling of being up againstthe outside of the house.”

Drapes can be hung atwindows or used to cover aless-than-attractive wall.

The oldest objects“Something that’s been

through a lot already isgoing to be able to put upwith even more,” Burnhamsays. She suggests usingvintage furniture andaccessories that havealready withstood theelements to give porchesand sunrooms a dose ofpersonality.

Search flea markets foritems made of worn woodand metal. If they becomefurther scuffed, it onlyadds to the beauty.

If you prefer a freshsheen on vintage items,metal pieces such as oldwrought-iron furniturecan be sprayed withautomotive paint at anauto-body shop. Thiscreates a glossy, colorfulsurface impervious to theelements.

“It’s an excellent way totake something that mightbe 50 or 60 years old,” saysFlynn, “and make it lookshowroom new.”

Another option:Burnham sometimesrepurposes cowhides toupholster seats. They’rehigh-style, she says, but“can take some abuse. Thecows certainly have beenout in the rain.”

The easiest floorsFlynn suggests using

porch paint on wood orcement floors to bringcolor and pattern withouta rug. Spill some food ordrink? It wipes up easily.And if the painted floorgets worn as the summerwears on, no problem.A faded patina adds

to the charm.Rugs in outdoor fabrics

are also an option.“Thom Felicia has a line

you can get onoverstock.com right nowthat’s super-affordable,”Flynn says.

Olsen also visitsoverstock.com for outdoorrugs, which he says arevery durable. “The dog canchew it up and nothinghappens. ... But if worstcomes to worst and it’sdamaged, you don’t feelguilty, because it was nomajor investment.”

Sturdy accessoriesLike outdoor fabrics,

plastic dinnerware hascome a long way in recentyears. Burnham has foundchic Suzani-print platesthat are “fabulous. You’dnever imagine they wereplastic.”

For durable seating,Burnham says L.L. Bean’sbasic rocking chairs have aclassic style and are builtto last.

For planters, “instead ofgoing crazy with reallynice pottery” that can beexpensive and fragile,Flynn suggests buying aninexpensive aluminumtrash bin (think Oscar theGrouch), remove the labeland add casters to thebottom. Fill the entirething with used two-literplastic soda bottles, whichweigh very little. Thenpour in potting soil,packing it tightly at thetop.

“Put in a combination ofplants that drape over theside, plants that growreally tall like grasses,mossy things that areshort and then floweringthings,” Flynn says.“You’re using nature asart, and you’re containingthe plants with somethingused out of context” thatis durable.

For more fragileaccessories, it’s all aboutlocation: Olsen says alarge framed mirror bringsindoor glamour to anyporch, and should be safeif it’s hung properly in anarea away from the flow offoot traffic. Ditto for tablelamps.

The softest lightingIn the evening, you can

raise the style quotient ofyour porch or sunroom byusing warm, flatteringlight. “Hanging lighting isa very interesting way todress up your porch,”Burnham says, “and thereare certain kinds offixtures that you can usesafely outside.” Look forones that are “wet-rated,”meaning they’re safe evenin rain.

And for the simplest,easiest dash of beauty,Flynn says, “you’d besurprised how far thoseinexpensive paper lanternswill go.” Hang one over abare light bulb and itinstantly “adds a beautifulsoft glow.”

6F THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 PORCHES, PATIOS & POOLS www.thesouthern.com

HGTV.COMThis project shows designer and HGTV contributor Brian Patrick Flynn ‘s use of license plates (left) repurposed as a privacy screen on a front porch. Flynn used colorful indoor/outdoor arearugs to introduce color and pattern and delineate space on porches and decks (center). To add color, texture and life to this porch (right), Flynn repurposed aluminum trash bins into mobileplanters with the addition of casters.

Porches can be stylish and durable with a little effort

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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 7FAT HOMEwww.thesouthern.com

Be the owner of your own country estate with PlanHMAFAPW00722 from Homeplans.com.

This two-story home gives the look and feel ofgrand-style living without the expense of large squarefootage — only 2,361 square feet on two levels. Iffinished, an apartment over the garage adds anadditional 517 square feet.

The towering entry leads to a massive foyer and greathall. There’s space here for living and dining areas. Twowindow seats in the great hall overlook the large rearveranda.

One fireplace warms the living area, another looksthrough the dining room to the kitchen and breakfastnook, where a seated snack bar offers plenty of spacefor casual meals.

A screened porch is a lovely place to enjoy warmweather.

On the opposite side of the home, the master suitehas another fireplace and a window seat, and adjoins amaster bath with a separate tub and shower.

The second floor contains three family bedrooms andtwo full baths.

A separate apartment over the garage features its ownliving room, kitchen and bedroom, grantingindependence to a live-in parent or older child. Or, usethis space to run a home business away from noise anddistraction.

APThis country charmer has two stories but only 2,361 square feet.

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By mail: Request this plan number, include a check ormoney order for $10 payable to House of the Week. Be sureto include your name, address, city, state and zip code.

Mail to House of the Week, 901 N. Third St., Suite 216,Minneapolis, MN 55401.

DETAILS

Plan: HMAFAPW000722Bedrooms: 4Baths: 3½Upper floor: 795 square feetMain floor: 1,566 square feet

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