…who Can Help You with Your Home Projects – Inside and Out

Owning a home means you have projects that you need to do to help you repair, maintain or update your investment. It also means you may have hobbies that you enjoy around your home or yard. The St. Louis 35th Annual Builders Home & Garden Show has the experts who can help you with your home and garden projects. The Show, produced by the Home Builders Association, is February 23-26 at America’s Center and Edward Jones Dome.

Brian Santos, The Wall Wizard, is a best-selling author, fourth generation decorative artist and licensed contractor whose past clients include Clint Eastwood, Joe Montana and George Lucas. “Paint is the number one home improvement project that will dramatically improve the value and look of your home … but no one teaches us how to do it,” says Santos. With more than 25 years of experience painting, he will share short cuts, cool tools, and practical techniques that will help both the first-time and experienced painter produce a professional looking finish.

Learn how to clean water-based paint from brushes in just 10 seconds, the best way to handle quick touch-ups, when you should pull off that blue tape and much more, including how to:
• Make environmentally safe paint using milk, berries and other organic ingredients
• Save money by ”painting from your pantry” – using rubbing alcohol, plastic wrap, baby wipes, toothpicks,
lip balm, cooking spray, liquid fabric softener, vanilla extract and more
• Remove tough stains off your walls including water marks, grease, rust, marker and crayons
• Create clever visual effects and realistic illusions using the same application techniques that Hollywood set decorators have used for generations

Don’t miss his educational seminars: Painting Secrets, Faux Finish Secrets, and Wallcovering Secrets. The Wizard’s Workshop is sponsored by Y98

Learn how to create the yard and garden you’ve always dreamed of with seminars at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Green Thumb Theater. The Home & Garden Show is excited to welcome Melinda Myers, nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist. Myers has a master’s degree in horticulture, is a certified arborist, has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written 20 gardening books. She will talk about small space gardens and container gardening. She will also share 10 easy, green and growing ideas. These are 10 easy things that any gardener can do to maximize their enjoyment, be kind to the environment, and reduce the time, money and energy spent managing their gardens.

Jeff Holper, The Mole Hunter will present Taking Your Lawn Back from Moles and Voles, an educational and entertaining program to help you get rid of moles, voles and other vermin in your yard. Bring your questions and bugs, and The Mole Hunter will help you solve your pest problems. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Green Thumb Theater is sponsored by FM NewsTalk 97.1

Learn how you can save money, breathe easier and help the environment at the GeoComfort Green Products Pavilion & Stage. Doug Rye is a licensed architect and nationally recognized energy consultant who helps people all across the country lower their utility bills by as much as 50%. He is commonly referred to as the “King of Caulk and Talk” and the “Roy Rogers of Energy” because he’s an expert in the home energy conservation field. He presents a seminar that teaches you how you can Heat and Cool Your Home for Just $1 a Day.

His humorous, but straight to the point advice, can be applied to any home, new or existing, anywhere in America. And probably anywhere in the world! He is a leading consultant in all aspects of energy efficiency including home insulation practices, energy efficient heating and air conditioning, water heaters, caulking, air infiltration, and attic insulation.

GeoComfort will share the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling, and KMOX Home Answer Man Scott Mosby will reveal the best place to spend your home improvement dollars.

Visit the Better Living Theater and the Mosby Home Advice Stage for more fantastic seminars from local experts. For more information and complete stage schedules, visit www.STLHomeShow.com.

I’ve always thought we were well prepared for emergencies at home. I spend a lot of time finding the best ways to survive everything from scraped knees to natural disasters. Imagine my surprise when I found that I wasn’t quite as prepared as I thought I was when there was a massive city-wide power outage due to major storms in the area recently.

Got Gas?

That’s the question I was asking anyone I could when the power went out recently. Oh, we have a generator that will run all the necessary appliances when the power goes out. I was satisfied that my freezer wouldn’t melt, and we could at least have a few lights in the dark—until I realized I forgot one important element—gasoline.

It’s hard to run a generator without fuel. So, there we were in the dark, and I could feel the eyes on me and for that little bit, I was grateful I couldn’t see them. Thankfully my family doesn’t hold a grudge, and I reminded them that it could be a lot worse.

We had plenty of food and water, and we were in Texas, not Minnesota or Wyoming where even an early winter power outage could mean sub-freezing temperatures.

Reviewing My Preparedness Lists

Once the power was restored, and all was right in our little family again, I became even more determined to make sure my emergency preparedness lists were complete.

Of course the first list I went over was the natural disaster list, and quickly added stocked fuel can to it. Always make sure any gas cans are kept in a building outside of your home, a detached garage, or shed will do. It shouldn’t be in direct sunlight, but it can emit fumes that are dangerous so you don’t want it in a garage attached to your home. It can also explode, so put it in an unattached building as far from your home (and neighbor’s homes of course) as possible.

We would have lost a lot more food from our freezers if Dave hadn’t taken upon himself to break out the barbecue and grill up a lot of steaks and hamburgers to feed us and many of the neighbors including my parents who live next door. Thankfully that man is never without propane and grill equipment. That’s one thing I don’t have to put on my list, but a good thing for anyone else to add to theirs.

Automobile Emergencies

The next thing I did is review my automobile emergency list. I did a quick recheck for motor vehicle insurance online. I do that regularly when my current policy is ready to expire anyway to make sure it is the best price, but now I am adding making sure the cheapest policy also has roadside assistance and towing on it. Whether the emergency is an accident, or simply mechanical failure, I know that we won’t be left on the side of the road helpless.

I also reviewed my car emergency kit items. Sometimes I forget to go through the actual items to make sure they are fresh and in good condition. I have the following items in my everyday auto emergency kit:

• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Blankets
• Pillows
• Freeze dried foods
• Bottled water
• Screwdrivers, a wrench, duct tape and 2 quarts of oil

Some of the items in that list can go bad over time, and need to be checked regularly so you are prepared. My list for longer road trips is larger, but I never leave home without the above in my trunk.

Plan Ahead

I keep an exit plan for every room in the house and review it with the kids regularly. I want to make sure they also know how to handle themselves in a fire, staying low to the floor, checking doors for heat before opening them, and getting to the nearest exit. I make sure they know that an exit does not have to be a door. They can get out of the house from the windows in their rooms since we live in a ranch house with no upper levels.

You can never be too prepared, and the one time you forget something simple, and a disaster strikes, you’ll wish you had spent more time reviewing your lists and getting ready. Take my word for it; you can feel the eyes on you in the dark. It is much better to be ready than sorry afterwards.

Bio:

Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer who lives in Austin, Texas. She writes about parenting, lifestyles, local history and being prepared for disasters by writing about things like finding the best cheap car insurance quote online. She shares her home with her husband and two children, and her parents live right next door so she’s always busy, and now, always prepared.

Today, more than ever, folks are struggling with the above question. There are many things that need to be considered before you find the answer.

Let’s start with remodel. Should you go to the expense of remodeling your home, whether it is a new kitchen, bathroom, family room, windows or a new roof? The first consideration is how long you are planning on being in the home. If you have decided that you are staying in the home for at least five years or more, you may want to take the plunge and get the home remodeled to your satisfaction. While this can be a costly investment, understand that it is an investment in your home, and if done correctly the first time, it will be a good investment. If you sell the home within the next five to ten years, this investment will surely help you sell the home when you are ready and get the price you are looking for. Many real estate people have told me that they “sold a kitchen today and the house came with it.” If you are looking at doing a major remodel, you must do your homework. Check referrals and call past customers of the company you are considering working with. Ask questions and be sure to have an agreement that is complete, precise and has a start and completion date.

Now, if you think that you just want to replace a few items, then this is what you should consider. First, what is the term of investment? Are you planning to be in the home less than a few years, or do you just not need to do a complete remodel? Then a replacement of existing products may be for you. Say you want a new counter top, and while you’re at it a new cooktop, sink, faucet and disposer. You can select any number of items that will dress up the existing kitchen. You may want to do some wall tile for the backsplash area and maybe add some under cabinet lighting. It is not uncommon to do a new floor, as well as replace all of the appliances and add some well needed ceiling lights. Replacing the door and drawer hardware on your cabinets and adding some crown molding to the kitchen can give you a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of a complete remodel. If the bathroom is your priority, you can re-glaze the existing tub, add new shower/tub doors, a new vanity top and walls in the tub/shower area. These are all simple things that will enhance the room and give it a fresh new look.

We are all aware that with any home come repairs that are needed when something has just worn out. This happens more with the appliances in your kitchen. Sometimes the cost to repair an appliance is more than it is worth. Replacing that appliance may be a better investment. Sometimes the finish of the cabinets is wearing off and needs some attention, and maybe a re-facing of the cabinets is all that is necessary. No matter how well you take care of things, they simply do just wear out. The average life expectancy of appliances is anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Some of the new cooking appliances have improved features like steam bake, convection cooking and a large selection and price range to fit your budget and needs. Toilets today can use as little as 1.28 to 1.6 GPF (Gallons Per flush) and some even offer a special finish that allows the waste to actually go down the drain and not stick to the toilet bowl. Some of the old toilets use as much as 5 GPF and really do need to be updated. Along with the better toilet systems, there are taller toilets that are being used when people redo a bathroom. These toilets are easier to access, and they look better than the old standard height toilet. Sure, you pay a few dollars more for this toilet, but adding the elongated feature makes it worth the investment.

Sometimes we have to just get things done around the house that may not be that big of a deal. There are handyman services available, but since everyone knows someone who can fix something around the house that seems to be the answer. The real problem with that is you don’t always know who is coming into your home. Having a professional company that guarantees the work and knows who they are sending to your home is well worth the price. A professional remodeling company has the ability to get the right people to your home for the right job.

Okay, now that you have looked at the other possibilities, the last thing to consider is just sell the home and move. Sometimes this is not as easy as it seems. Over the years some customers have decided to do just that, but after the walk through with the agent they were told that they needed to spruce up the place before they put it on the market. In some cases after a kitchen or bath remodel the homeowner says, “you know, we like this so much better that now we have decided NOT to sell the home but to do some other projects and enjoy what we have.”

Whatever you decide, understand that this is your home and one of your most valuable investments. Treat it as such and call us if we can be of any assistance to you – Thompson Price Kitchens, Baths and Home LLC, www.ThompsonPrice.com. Thompson Price is a Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer.

Bluebirds across North America have declined at an alarming rate through the loss of their favorite winter food supply – the Winterberry (Ilex verticillata). Dan Hartmann, a horticulturist and nurseryman, who specializes in growing native North American plant species, explains that the principle cause of the Winterberry’s decline, and subsequently bluebird decline, is over browsing of the plants by the increasing population of deer.

At one time the Winterberry was prolific throughout North America in sun or light shade, light and heavy soils.  Producing abundant red berries on bushy plants, the berries persist all through winter, long after the leaves have dropped, providing vital winter food for bluebirds, which do not migrate south like other songbirds, such as the robin.

“Before the industrialization of America, the deer population was controlled by native Indian tribes and European settlers who hunted the deer for food, plus a host of predators, such as wolves, cougars, bear, coyotes and foxes.  Winterberries used to cover hundreds of acres, thriving even into Canada, but now in the wild they are a rare sight,” explains Hartmann.  “Deer will eat the plants down to the ground, leaving no berries for the bluebird.”

Winterberry is a native holly species of the United States, but unlike the English holly (which is evergreen), it is deciduous, dropping its leaves in fall.  The leaves are smooth rather than prickly, and its bright red berries are much more abundant than those of the evergreen holly, making Winterberry the most extravagant berry display in nature.

Hartmann urges more homeowners to plant Winterberry, not only along the house foundation, but as decorative lawn accents, and as hedges.  “Where deer are a problem, we recommend protecting the young transplants with wire cylinders to get them established.  Along with providing nesting boxes, there is nothing more important to the survival of America’s most beautiful songbird than the planting of more Winterberry to replace the lost wild colonies,” says Hartmann.

Reprinted from The National Gardener with permission from the National Garden Clubs, Inc

It was rather interesting to scan the garden catalogs last spring and notice the variety of plants that I think of as “out of the ordinary” plants.  Of course, the unusual always attracts attention and by placing, for instance, a strikingly variegated plant on the catalog cover the reader (i.e. customer) is enticed to open the pages for more such treats and be encouraged to shop and buy. And there definitely are more variegated, multi-colored, silver-edged, and deep-hued plants as well as dwarf and miniature trees, shrubs and garden flowers.  What a marvelous assortment to choose from.

Unfortunately, many of these prize specimens are available only at premium prices because they are the result of the time and materials-consuming efforts of the horticulturists, those imaginative people who spend their careers selecting from and trying to modify Nature to provide us with out marvelous palette of plants.

Several catalogs that arrived in my mailbox featured leaves of deep purple that were so deeply colored that they looked almost black.  They were invariably named with fittingly exotic names such as ‘Black Pearl’Capsicum annum, which is a pepper plant with leaves that start greenish but progressively darken, or Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diablo’ (doesn’t that sound wicked?) a Ninebark shrub with deep burgundy maroon leavers on red stems with white flowers for contrast. Many of us have planted the sweet potato Ipomea ‘Blackie,’ with, of course, its black leaves, in a planter along with the chartreuse Ipomea‘Marguerite’ for equally effective contrast.  Some of the tropical specimens that have been promoted as plants suitable for out summer gardens in even cooler climate zones seem to be capable of producing the darkest appearing colors of all. There is an Elephant Ear ‘Black Magic’ (Colocasia esculenta), which is deep midnight black and another cultivar, Colocasia ‘Illustris’ that is almost as dark but with light green veins – a striking specimen! In my own shade garden I have a black snakeroot plant, Cimicifuga racemosa, so named because of its tangled mass of black rhizomes in the soil, which I have cherished for years, but I think it will get a companion next year that is truly black.  It’s available in the catalogs as C. racemosa ‘Hillside Black Beauty,” a wonderful name for this cultivar with ferny leaves of deep purple-black that contrast well with its white flowers.

Since most plants get along quite nicely in the green colors which, as we know, are produced by those magic plastids in leaf cells called chloroplasts, why would a plant even want to be anything other than green?  One of the most obvious reasons is that chloroplasts are easily damaged in intense sunlight so that some additional coloring in a leaf may offer protection.  This is especially evident in plants adapted to shade conditions, perhaps explaining why these exotic leaf colors are so prominent in tropical forest plants such as Colocasias mentioned above.

Colors in plant tissues also act as visual clues to members of the animal kingdom such as the colors in flowers that lure insects, bats and bees and birds to partake of pollen or nectar and in so doing accomplish pollination for the plant.  Conversely, pollination in some flowers causes a change in the pH of floral tissues and petals may change to a less attracting color to warn off pollinators to try a more receptive bloom.  Color in certain plants may even be a warning to avoid a plant because of spines, poisonous saps, or as a refuge for competing organisms among the possibilities. Some pigment colors have even been shown to have antimicrobial action, which may help to protect against certain diseases.  For example, red onions seem to resist fungi more than white varieties.

So what is the source of these colors in a plant and how and when does a plant “decide” to utilize them?  Both plant and animal cells consist of a nucleus and cytoplasm inside a cell boundary as their basic structure but, unlike animal cells, plants also have colored pigments in the cytoplastm in special structures called plastids.  The green chloroplasts are especially constructed to capture the energy of sunlight by means of two pigments – imaginatively called chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b.  The chlorophylls capture most of the energy from the red and blue wavelengths of the light spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet – remember?) but reflect back the green wavelengths, thereby giving an appearance of green.  To boost the supply of energy-capturing pigments, the principle ones being orange carotenes and yellow xanthophylls.  These pigments are also in the chloroplast and they transfer energy to the chlorophylls from some of the other wavelengths not available to the chlorophylls.

In addition, in plant cells, there are one or more water-filled vacuoles, which are like “sacs” set off from the rest of the protoplasm by a membrane.  These vacuoles are filled with adilute, slightly acidic solution of various substances such as gases, salts, sugars, certain proteins and pigments.  The most common pigments in this vacuolar sap are anthocyanins, which are responsible for the red, blue and purple colors in plant tissues. Other anthocyanin-like pigments in the sap are the yellow anthocyanins and, in beets, betacyanin, the intensely deep red/purple found in the roots and leaves.  The interplay of pigments, some of which may or may not be in a particular plant depending on its genetic makeup, results in many different effects in plants including the ability to photosynthesize.

Because environments are variable, individual plants often make adaptations by means of the orientations within a cell of various pigments, especially chloroplasts, moving them to allow for more or less light intensity to reach those fragile components.  Genetic modifications or “mistakes” in a plant, which may or may not be advantageous to the plant, may occur in a cell as it divides to multiply during growth, as well as those caused by viruses, bacteria, and toxins of fungi.  Insects often serve as vectors for these change-makers.  Favorable modifications will be retained and perhaps passed along to the next generation.  Unsuccessful ones are eventually obliterated.

But today, modifications, such as those of “purple-black” foliage are usually accomplished by horticulturists using one or several of the current means of creating such results.  As an example, a strikingly dark specimen plant could be produced with repeated selective crossings of the most anthocyanin-rich members in a series of generations to amplify the red/blue/purple-producing anthocyanins.   When a suitable rich dark plant has been achieved, tissue culture can then be used, in which tiny selected portions of the specimen plant are cultured under laboratory conditions to produce hundreds, if not thousands, of new plants bearing the genes for the favorably dark color. 

These “man-made” changes are often patented and this is noted in plant catalogs to indicate that these plants may not be vegetatively propagated for sale by other growers.  And if you want an impressively rich black-leaved plant on you patio for the next garden club meeting, you’ll have to pay the price.

Author bio:

Donna Schumann is the past National Garden Clubs FSS Symposium Chairman, FSS Horticulture Instructor Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Biology at Western Michigan University.  This article was printed with the permission of the National Garden Clubs, Inc.

This new website helps you save money on your property tax assessment

So you got your property tax assessment in the mail, and it seems way too high. Especially with the plummeting home values. What do you do?

First, check what your tax assessment should be.

LowerMyAssessment.com is a website that checks your home property’s true value against the tax assessor’s. It’s quick, easy and free–and you don’t have to enter any personal information to find out info.

If your home is assessed too high, you have a narrow window in which to appeal the assessment.

In New York City, the property tax appeal window opens January 15, but quickly closes again on May 25. So you must act fast.

Once you determine you’re giving too much money to the government, you must fill out the tax appeal paperwork or have someone do it for you. For me, I would rather pay the small fee and have it done accurately by professionals. But don’t wait. Why give Uncle Sam more allowance than he deserves?

LowerMyAssessment.com is a great low-cost solution with the experts to help. Click here now to see if your property tax assessment is too high.

A quick pick of a bunch of gladiolas helps create a last-minute centerpiece.

Its 5:00 PM and your dinner guests are due in an hour.

You put the finishing touches on the table when you realize something’s missing. Oh no! There’s no centerpiece!

What can you do at the last minute? Well, if you’re lucky enough to have a few things around, like flowers and filler material, you can make a nice flower arrangement on the fly.

Here’s one that Linda Nelson, Vice President of the National Garden Clubs invented.

Step 1: Selection

• Five pieces of linear material: gladiolas, snapdragons, long pointy leaves, branches, etc.
• Seven pieces of round flower forms: roses, mums, carnations, etc.
• Five to six pieces of small leafy filler material: azalea, boxwood or heathers. 

Step 2: Preparation

• Cut a piece of oasis floral foam to fit snuggly into the container and 1½ “ above the opening; soak in water for an hour.
• Cut the linear material: longest is 1½ times the height plus width of the container; next two pieces are slightly shorter; fourth piece is ¾ as high as the longest; fifth piece is ¾ as high as the fourth.
• Cut the round flowers: the smallest size slightly taller than the fourth piece of line material, the rest in a gradual descent of lengths with the least-open flowers the tallest and the most-open flowers the shortest.
• Cut the filler material in various lengths. 

Step 3: Placement

• Group the three longest pieces of line material together in the center of the oasis foam. Place the fourth piece of line material to the left of the grouping and lean slightly to the outside; place the fifth to the right and lean slightly forward.
• Place the longest flower in front of the center line material grouping. Place one flower in the back for depth, then place the rest of the flowers to the left and right descending to the rim.
• Use the filler material to fill in as well as to add depth by placing toward the back, the sides and the front, “spilling” over the container. 

Who knows better than a mommy what a new baby needs? Other moms.

Who knows better than mommies what newborn babies need?  

That’s what Theresa Waggoner thought when she and two other family members came up with the concept for their online business Baby Gift Room in Indianapolis, IN. It’s an intriguing concept,  so I wanted to learn more.  

Theresa had 3 granddaughters within 4 years (2006, 2008, and 2009) and did quite a bit of shopping online for baby gifts. That’s what inspired her to start her own business offering quality gift items for babies.  

What makes babygiftroom.com unique, however, is that many of the items they sell are created by mommies themselves, allowing them the financial freedom to stay at home with their children.

Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms

“We support mompreneurs in their efforts to be stay-at-home-moms,” said Teresa Waggoner. “We support these small, family-owned businesses by promoting their products and giving moms a way to introduce their new products and/or expand their retail existence.”  

Many of these gifts were created by moms because they experienced a need when they had their own child. By coming up with the idea to fill that need, then marketing it, they also came up with a viable way to stay at home with their infant rather than shuffling it off to day care.  

Unique Gifts for Babies, Toddlers and Mommies

There are a variety of unique gifts and gift baskets available from the Waggoner’s online store, ranging from organic clothing to wall art. Here are a few of the gifts I found extra appealing.  

SwaddleKeeper Baby Sleep System  

This is designed by a mother of 3 who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator. The SwaddleKeeper wraps a newborn more snuggly than a traditional receiving blanket and provides a beneficial sense of security, reminiscent of the cozy protection of the womb. One great feature of the SwaddleKeeper is the built in head support, which really helps when big brother or sister wants to hold the baby. Swaddling has been proven to help babies sleep better for longer time periods and is especially important for preemies. The best part is that SwaddleKeepers are sewn in the U.S. by moms for moms.  

Precious Pearls Baby Bracelet (There’s an Optional Matching One for Mom, Too!)  

These matching mom and baby bracelets make a beautiful, exquisite gift that will be treasured forever. Both bracelets are adorned with fresh water pearls and lovely Swarovski crystals separated by silver Rondelle beads. There’s even a silver heart that can have Mom’s or Baby’s initial engraved on it. Baby can wear the bracelet till age 5, then it becomes a perfect keepsake. The mom’s bracelet is ideal for telling her just how special a mommy she is.Pork Chop Kids Thigh Highs  

I remember one of the most frustrating parts of dressing my baby was getting her to keep socks and booties on her little feet. It seemed as soon as you put them on they would be off again. I wish this mom-designed product had been around when my daughter was a baby. These thigh-high socks are cute and fashionable and keep baby’s legs cozy and warm. They can’t be kicked off, and still make diaper changing easy. How great is that!  

Baby Gift Room has earned my respect because they help provide moms who want to stay home with their children a way to do that and still provide for their families. In my eyes, that is an invaluable service for young families everywhere.

The correct contractor will make your landscaping easy to live with during and after the process.

I moved my peony bush last year from the back yard to the front of my home. I didn’t need to hire a professional to do that job, but I wouldn’t have minded renting someone else’s back for the afternoon.  This summer, I’d like to swap out an ailing evergreen for a red maple, plant a rain garden, and reposition the deck. I might require a little more help this time.

Eric Beard is the president of Easy Living Landscapes in Indianapolis, IN where he offers landscape design and contracting services. We tapped into his considerable expertise to find out what an average homeowner should know when selecting landscape contractors.

Who Needs a Landscape Contractor?

The first thing to think about is whether you should hire someone to do your landscaping at all. If you have existing landscaping that simply needs sprucing up or if you just want to install a flower bed, this may be something you could do on your own.

Sometimes, though, we all need a little advice. “As a professional,” says Eric, “I have the training and experience necessary to take the homeowners’ ideas and make them a practical reality.” If you think you know what you want, but aren’t sure how to get there, you would be well served by some professional landscape design services.

What Should I Know and When Should I Know It?

Before you make the call, though, there are a few issues that should be settled. You should know your budget and the time frame you are willing to work with. Even if you aren’t sure of the particulars, you should know what style or look you would like to see when the landscaping is finished.

If you want to plan a few – or all of – the details, Eric recommends getting ideas from lifestyle magazines as well as garden tours and events. In addition, he says, “Keeping a digital camera handy to record landscape elements as they catch your eye is a great way to get ideas.”

What Should I Expect From My Landscape Contractor?

Once you begin working with your landscaping contractor, a couple of things should happen quickly. Eric makes it a point to personally meet with each of his customers early in the planning stages to ensure that both the customer and contractor are envisioning the same end product. The landscaping contractor that you choose should also make an appointment with you for the purpose of planning your yard; an email or phone call is not normally effective.

Next, you should receive the estimate and you should expect a complete description of materials and price breakdown. Having this information accomplishes two things: you will be able to double check all of the details that you and your contractor had agreed upon and you will be able to make some informed decisions about changing your design plans, if necessary.

Concerning cost estimates, Eric has a particular point he would like to make with our readers. It is very easy to create affordable and attractive landscape by using sturdy, everyday materials. According to Eric, “The act of installing the project is where the quality comes from, not the perception of quality from the materials.” The most helpful contractors will put more emphasis on correctly installing the materials you choose rather than pressuring you to buy trendy or expensive materials.

Perhaps the largest single issue to consider when choosing a landscaping contractor is whether you and he can communicate effectively. If you are clear concerning each other’s priorities and expectations, the result should be an affordable yard that you will enjoy for many seasons to come.

Water conservation means "every drop of water counts," says Jason Garvey, of Portland Purple Water

Jason Garvey has a saying, “There is no green without blue.” His company, Portland Purple Water helps homeowners who want to take one more step toward green living by incorporating water conservation.

Rainwater catchement dates back to the first human beings who needed water to live, but didn’t have spigots. Jason says, “It’s ok if a homeowner doesn’t know a thing about conserving rain water before meeting us. They’re not alone. Many don’t know how rain barrels work or how to safely use the water. The main point is that every drop of water counts.”

Rain barrels are a simple way to get acquainted with rainwater catchement principles, as Portland Purple Water was able to demonstrate to school kids at Hollydale Elementary School.

The City of Gresham contacted Jason’s company about a raised-bed garden at the school. Getting water to the site was a challenge. Could Portland Purple Water help?

So the company designed and built a 2,500 gallon cistern system for the garden. The overflow from the cistern feeds a newly installed raingarden. So where once there was a downspout that drained rainwater directly into the stormwater system, there’s now a complete ecologically friendly rainwater path from rooftop to garden.

Besides engineering a solution for redirecting too much water to a place that received too little water, Ryan envisioned this as a demonstrative teaching moment. “I thought it would be great to create an interactive element to give these water conservation concepts more impact. So we designed a bicycle-powered water pump. We named the bike ‘Purple Thunder’ and donated it to the school.” Now the kids can water their garden by pedaling.

Because for most homes, rainwater collection begins at the rooftop, Portland Purple Water is a full-service gutter company in addition to designing and building rainwater catchment systems, cisterns, barrels, and pumps. It also assists with installing raingardens.

Rainwater Catchement Is the Oldest Form of Water Conservation

Who is most likely to have interest in water catchement systems? First, it’s organic gardeners. “There is a eureka moment when they realize that using chlorinated, chloraminated, flouridated, and mineral heavy water is opposed to the rest of their gardening principles,” Jason says. “Rainwater is the answer. We help people understand, connect, and protect their watershed by maintaining their stormwater.”

Next are homeowners with specific problems like water damage or flooding, erosion, excessive water bills, and damaged gutters. Taming these age-old man vs. nature (or man vs. the utility company) issues can be accomplished by incorporating existing technology. But Jason says trends for the future of his industry include seamless incorporation of rainwater catchment in new home construction.

“From a product standpoint, there are massive amounts of innovation occurring right now. Homeowners should keep in mind that all the tools for water conservation through rainwater catchment already exist. This isn’t some green future that we have to innovate to achieve. We can all participate in water conservation now.”

Portland  Purple Water is a featured exhibitor at the Energy Trust Better Living Show. For more tips, read about these green building products.