Spaces - Summer 2009

SUMMER 2009

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Publisher JAMES W. FANCY

Associate Publisher DAVID P. HOHENDORF

Administrative Assistant CAROL BARR

News Editor TIMOTHY S. DMOCH

Staff Writers BROOKE MEIER,

LESLEY SHEPARD-OWSLEY,

ANDREW SAWMILLER,

MICHAEL SHELTON

Staff Photographer AMY K. LOCKARD

Contributors MIKE SCOTT, MARK H. STOWERS

Advertising Sales Representatives JILL CESARZ, DAN NEUMAIER,

JULES PICKARD, LINDA STICKNEY,

RON WARWICK

Sales Assistants JESSICA HOLSTEIN, KATEY MEISNER

Inside Sales Manager LORI SNYDER

Inside Sales Representatives RHONDA LIBKUMAN, CINDY STAWICK,

LESLIE TIMKO

Graphics Manager CHRIS GRAMMER

Graphics Assistants DENISE JUNGJOHAN,

KAREN POLATKA, MARCIA REIMER

Systems Manager CHRIS GRAMMER

Circulation Manager DENNIS BOGGS

Circulation Assistant DAN GRIFFIN

Accounts Receivable Manager CAROL BARR

Accounts Receivable Supervisor CAROLYN PETHERBRIDGE

Accounts Receivable MABLE McCULLOUGH, JAN MORRIS

Phone 248.360.6397 / 248.360.7355

Address/Street 7196 Cooley Lake RoadWaterford, Michigan, 48327-4113

Address/Mail P.O. Box 14Union Lake, MI, 48387-0014

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLYTHE PAPER

OAKLAND LAKEFRONTOAKLAND HOMES

MONTHLYADVERTISERWEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY

This late May issue of Spaces is devoted to topics designed to help

readers as they move into the summer months.

Spaces is being delivered to 50,000 homes this week as a

supplement to the Spinal Column Newsweekly, part of the SCN

Communications Group, publisher of the newspaper, along with

Oakland Lakefront magazine, Oakland Homes, the

MonthlyAdvertiser, the West Oakland Director and The Paper.

In this issue you will find editorial features on the topics of cooling

your home during the warm months; the latest trends in window

design and the ins and outs of landscape irrigation. As always, we

rely whenever possible on local businesses to serve as our

information sources on the main features.

You will also find inside this issue the special column from home

inspector Jeff LaPorte of White Lake and our popular feature

called For What It’s Worth, which gives readers a look at what

home are for sale in a specific price range in today’s market.

Our goal at Spaces is to bring you, in an upscale, magazine-format

publication, editorial and advertising information directed at home

design and improvement.

Spaces will return in the fall months—September 9 and October

7—to help homeowners prepare for the fall and winter months.

We are only able to bring you this information in Spaces with the

assistance of the local advertisers you find in this issue, and the

local experts who helped supply information for this edition.

David P. Hohendorf

Publisher

SPACES

WINDOWTRENDS

INDUSTRY ADVANCES OFFERCONSUMERS MANY SHAPE,

SIZE, FEATURE CHOICES

Years ago, windows were muchlike the original Model T — itonly came in black. Windows onlycame in metal frames and werewhite. But a lot has changedsince Henry bought that first

gallon of black paint. Cars have morecolors than can be imagined, and windowsnow have as many amenities, options andfeatures as today's cars.

Windows now come in all shapes and sizes and face different directions invarying climates, and are getting "greener" every day. On top of that, thegovernment has gotten involved in the window trade, so to speak, as it offers taxbreaks to those who purchase new windows. You may wish for the simpler daysof just metal, glass and a mono-color choice; but with a little knowledge, you canfind the perfect windows for your home — and save money over the long haul.

According to Carl Curtis of Curtis Builders in Highland Township, up until the1980s windows weren't very good.

"When I first started, energy efficiency was nothing like it is compared totoday," he said. "Back in the '80s the main framing was aluminum or sometimeswood — not something very efficient or long-lasting. Windows today could lastas long as your house."

The BasicsWindows are still made of glass but now offer the choice of vinyl, fiberglass or

wood to frame the window.John Newmyer of Newmyer Remodeling in Commerce Township said he saw

the initial use of materials other than metal to frame windows a couple ofdecades ago.

"The biggest innovation 20 years ago was when people started cladding theirwindows, typically with aluminum and some with vinyl," he said. "Then we sawthe dawn of low E glass, which is very misused and misunderstood."

In 1979, low-E glass coatings were introduced to home windows. The Estands for emissivity — a measure of a material's ability to radiate absorbedenergy.

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"Low-E glass captures the sun's heat and keeps itin your house — period," Newmyer said. "If youput it in the wrong spot, like a room where thesun is shining in all the time, that room is going toget hotter."

But low-E glass coatings can be beneficial whenplaced in the right rooms because they have theability to allow visible light through but block themore harmful ultraviolet, or UV light. Sunlightcontains visible light, UV light, and infrared (IR)light. Visible light enables us to see things.Ultraviolet light damages your skin, wood, fabrics,and causes colors to fade. Infrared light is basicallyheat.

Low-E glass has the ability to allow visible lightto pass while blocking certain amounts of UV lightand IR light. Thus, it keeps your home cooler inthe summer. Another benefit of low E glass is thatit helps to reduce condensation on glass.

The differences between traditional glass andlow-e glass can be dramatic. Imagine a cold nightwith an outside temperature of 0 degrees and a 15mph wind. The inside glass surface temperature ofa single pane window would be approximately 26degrees. Regular double pane glass might register35 degrees. Hard coat low E-glass would be verynear 49 degrees. And weighing in at champ wouldbe soft coat low-E glass at 62 degrees. Withhomes losing nearly 25 percent of their heatthrough windows, do the math and see the savingsover many years by using low-E glass coatings.

"You'll save on heating costs and it works theopposite way for air conditioning," said FredMekled of Thermal Shield Windows in Waterford."You'll never feel the 8-below-zero temperatureoutside, but on the inside it'll be about 70degrees."

Newmyer said there are many glass windowchoices available for each room's needs.

"There are a ton of them that help deal witheverything — visible light, solar gain, UVprotection, and also insulation qualities," he said."And there are all the coatings available to improvea window's thermal efficiency."

With so many options available for windowbuyers, Newmyer suggests that you first do some"windowscaping."

"Walk around your house with someone whoknows what they're talking about," he said. "Lookat the conditions. Look where the windows arefacing. Are there any trees to block the sun or abuilding to block the sun? What sort of wind loaddo you have? There are a ton of factors."

Many of the windows that have problems arethose that face either west or south, according toNewmyer. But more important than placement isthe installation of the window itself.

"It's well documented that about 99 percent ofthe windows being installed in the U.S. areinstalled improperly," he said. "They aren't beingflashed correctly."

One of the biggest problems is relying on thesealing on window installation.

"The phrase in the industry is 'water out, waterout, water out,'" Newmyer said. "Never rely oncaulking. A lot of people think you're all set if youuse caulk. No, you're not. The best thing to do is

flash the unit and put it in properly so water has anatural path to run out."

Frame It WellWith so many innovations in glass, the frame

hasn't been left out. You've heard the term "hybrid"thrown around to describe modes of engines forautomobiles. But the window industry also hashybrid windows where the inside and the outsideof the window have two different materials.

"Wood with fiberglass, wood with aluminum andwood with a vinyl exterior are called hybridwindows," Newmyer said. "Everything outside canstand up to the rain and snow and wetness andnot rot. And then inside you have the warmth andbeauty of the wood. A lot of people want thewood inside."

Hybrids give you all the benefits of eachcombination while allowing different colorcombinations or stains with the wood interior.Newmyer advises people to pay attention to theglass size, because you are buying windows for theglass, first and foremost. Usually replacementwindows are fitted into the old window opening;but there will typically be more frame on the newwindow, giving you less glass. This is commonlyreferred to as an "economy installation" and doesn'taddress the area between the house and windowframe, where there will be a lack of insulation.

"You are limited in the way you flash the unitwhen that happens," Newmyer said.

Curtis said vinyl windows are less expensive, butyou may have to replace them sooner and moreoften than a higher-end window.

"But typically you are paying about one-third ofwhat the higher end may cost. And you get a lotof the same options, just not the longevity," hesaid.

Vinyl windows offer less color options thanwood.

Other Amenities to ConsiderIn addition to the window and frame options,

there are special screens that let more light and airin.

"The window market is really in flux," Newmyersaid. "There’s just a ton of new things coming out— lots of new technology."

You can save money on your taxes when youpurchase and install new windows for your home.A federal tax credit of 30 percent of your windowcosts is deductible, but not the installation costs.

"Make sure the label on the windows are anNFRC label meeting those requirements," Newmyersaid. "But always check with your tax accountantto make sure you qualify for the tax credit."

The credit has caused a rush in the window anddoor industry, with businesses getting theirproducts up to government standards socustomers can receive the tax credit.

"The government has really worked to help theindustry," Newmyer said. "The tax credit runsthrough 2010."

Color choices are among of the newest amenitiesthe window industry has to offer.

"We are seeing just a ton of color selections,"Newmyer said. "And I think they are going tocontinue to see more and more and more."

Curtis estimates there are at least 50 differentcolors to choose from.

"If they give me a color I can deliver them apaintable, stainable window in that color," he said."They can paint it any color. And there are manytypes of frames to choose from with foam filled,insulated, reinforced and interlocked frames thatmake it hard for anyone to pry break in."

Consumers also now have options regardingwindow hardware.

"The interior hardware selections are nice, too,"Curtis said. "There are a lot of finishes — bronze,satin finishes, nickel and brass are always there."

If you have custom dimensions for yourwindows, the industry isn't treating you like aforeign sports car at a domestic repair shop.

"Manufacturers are getting friendlier to customsizes without a charge so high that your kids can'tgo to college," he said.

Windows with blinds between the glass panels,along with pleated shades, are now available.Remote controlled windows can be installed, aswell.

"People have to remember though that thoseamenities increase the cost of the window becauseyou're adding the cost of the blind," Newmyer said.

According to Curtis, a large percentage ofcustomers want "tilt-in windows for easy cleaning."

Get a Reputable Installer and DealerOne thing to keep in mind is to search for a

reputable company to sell and install yourwindows. Newmyer said a decent amount of hiscustomers are second-time window buyers whofirst looked for a great deal.

"We take our customers through an educationalprocess about the windows," he said. "Otherwise,they usually don't know what they are getting into.Most of the windows we see that we're replacingare from local companies that have gone out ofbusiness. If you get a price that's too good to betrue, then it is."

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Mekled emphasized that he's not a "sign on thedotted line now" salesman.

"We give free estimates and we're not a high-pressure sales company," he said. "We don't beatthem up. And we've had the same employees forthe last 24 years — no sub-contractors. The guythat measures your window will be the same guythat installs it. We know who's in your house."

When dealing with a window-buying decision,Newmyer suggest focusing on quality.

"A lot of people are just after price, and in myopinion that's a foolish way to buy windows," hesaid. "I would look at the quality of the productand the quality of the contractor."

When you look at the contractor, ask questionssuch as “How long have you been in business?""What are the installation techniques?" "How mucheducation within the industry do you have?"

Newmyer said the "average window is 10- to 15-years-old with wood rotting and with glass andseal failure. So people are in the position wherethey need to replace. They can't even see outdoorsanymore."

As the industry changes its technology andcontinues to improve products, installers have tostay on the cutting edge of that technology inorder to put in the newer products both efficientlyand correctly. In order to do so, time away fromthe office spent with books and training are thenew way of life for those window sellers who wantto stay in business.

"I'm in training at least two weeks out of theyear," Newmyer said. "It's changing and it'schanging quickly. If I want to play the game I haveto be a part of it. I have to go to the seminars butI always learn something and get a lot out of eachone. But I know I'm putting the product in right;and when I get a call from a client, it's about

something else, not the installation."Newmyer passed on one more bit of information

for those who may be thinking about buying ahome in the near future.

"My best advice is you should take a close lookat those windows," he said. "If you hire aninspector, tell him to look at them real close. It'snot uncommon to write a $30,000 to $60,000window order — and sometimes even more. It's abig-ticket item. When you buy a window, look atthe whole enchilada — where it's going, and whois installing it. A lot of people think a window is awindow. It's not. You've got a lot of optionsavailable."

Newmyer’s product line includes Pella,Anderson, Weather Shield, Marvin, Jeldwin, Eagleand Mill Guard.

Mekled's line-up includes Anderson, Pella andAllside.

Curtis installs Weather King and Anderson,among others windows.

❏— By Mark Stowers

RESOURCES• Fred Mekled, Thermal Shield Windows

248.623.6666• John Newmyer, Newmyer Remodeling

248.669.3500• Carl Curtis, Curtis Builders

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Being disabled doesn't mean you can't raise tomatoes or fragrant flowers in

your backyard, or that you have to skip touring a large botanical garden. With

ergonomic garden tools, specialized growing equipment, how-to books and

web sites, raising veggies, planting petunias or simply enjoying the smell of a

gardenia or touch of rose petals are all within reach. It may take a little work and a

good deal of planning, the experts say, but the end result is worth it.

Francesco Clark knows about it first hand. In a wheelchair after a crippling

spinal cord injury from a 2002 swimming pool diving accident, Clark has since

become an enthusiastic home gardener. As an ambassador for the Christopher and

Dana Reeve Foundation (christopherreeve.org), he has no hesitation about sharing

the dos and don'ts of creating a home garden for yourself or for a friend or relative

with a disability.

"In my experience, the accessibility of the garden has always been an issue,"

Clark said. "Walkways are either too narrow or an uneven surface, like brick,

physically blocking my wheels from getting to where I want to go. There is never

enough room to turn around and back up, and most of all, it always ends up

looking ugly. There's no need for that. The new types of colored concrete are great

for this, and they can be molded to make stone-like shapes."

For Clark, an easy solution is "setting up a nice, elegant table where I can pull up

in my wheelchair and work on whatever gardening projects I like. I love that table."

Placement of the water hose is very important, he added.

"If it's too hard to uncoil, I can't use it," he said. "If I do uncoil it, but it crosses

my wheelchair's path, I get stuck. I've actually punctured a hose rolling over it, then

got sprayed with what felt like 800 gallons of freezing water."

Though pricey, push-button controlled sprinklers are easier to use.

People tend to design vegetable gardens too tight, Clark said.

"Make them spacious, and adding a little sitting area between vegetables and

flowers is nice so you can enjoy the space," he said. "And you can use that space as

workspace so you don't need to wheel a long distance from your work-table to

planting beds."

Botanical gardens, zoos and even fancy nurseries are the best places to get

ideas. Clark said they are "amazing" resources, and many are accessible to the

physically-handicapped or visually-impaired.

More botanic gardens are now featuring raised beds and displays of adaptive

tools and model gardens. Some are adding Braille-identified prickly, sticky, soft and

rough trees and plants that allow the blind and visually-impaired to discover a

garden with senses different than sight.

If you can afford it, bring along your contractor, gardening helper or landscape

architect, or go with a friend that is helping you with your project.

"My budget was very limited, so I went with my family and friends to

brainstorm," Clark said of his visit to a botanical garden.

Clark uses very large flowerpots "so my sitting height is an easy working height

to maintain flowers and more needy plants. They also look fantastic, help frame the

space and break up boring spaces."

He suggested you keep the more easily maintained plants at floor level, since

they don't need as much attention.

Even if you're disabled but not confined to a wheelchair, there's no need to give

up gardening. Among the tools now on the market are easily-gripped garden

trowels, long reach cultivators, cushioned kneelers for weeding and planting, and

even barrier-free gardening tables with removable planters.

Several books, like Janeen Adil's "Accessible Gardening for People with Physical

Disabilities" ($17, Idyl Arbor) or Joann Woy's "Accessible Gardening: Tips and

Techniques for Seniors and the Disabled" ($17, Stackpole), provide step-by-step

guides to planning and building home gardens. ❏

— Creators News Service

As well as they should, I’m sure most if not all homebuyers get excited when finding their dream homewith the endearing rooms, fancy frills and the like,

but equal weight should be given to the innards of ahome, such as the mechanical systems, windows andventilation, etc. Buyer beware should be the No. 1 rulewhile searching for real estate.

It’s funny how many people judge a home on décor andnot much more. They see nice window treatments, butthey never pull those back to see if the windows, interior wall or the woodtrim is rotted.

Of course, floor plans and amenities are important buy-or-not-to-buy factors,and the chase for the perfect home will always have an emotional flavor. Butfirst impressions can be costly oversights. Drafty windows, cracked walls,wavy shingles may be tip offs that your major expenses are not done onceyou leave the closing table.

It is important to differentiate between faults that sellers must disclose andproblems that, while not deal killers, new owners may eventually need to spenda considerable amount of money to repair or replace. Home inspectors will notetrue deficiencies including foundation issues, improper or unsafe electricalequipment or structural inadequacies. What seems a minor defect to the buyermay be deemed a major defect by a home inspector and may end up being adeal breaker for you. For example, a long horizontal crack in the foundationwall or windows that are difficult to open/close should raise red flags.

Sometimes the temptation to overlook defects — both minor and major —may be strong.

When would-be buyers see a well presented home, they start to take mentalownership of the property before they should. The condition of the furnace,roof and drainage issues are far less sexy but are far more important to theiroverall satisfaction with their home.

Home inspectors not only need to highlight major expensive areas in need ofrepair but also non-critical expensive areas, as well. Would-be buyers should alsoinquire about an estimated remaining lifespan of components indentified as aging.

If you’re in the market for a new home, here is a roster of items I suggest areworth keeping an eye on:

• Driveways, walkways or low-pitch spots that pitch towards the home.Water should be directed away from the foundation, not toward it.

• Wall cracks in the foundation or interior rooms.

• Buckled or wavy roofing caused by aging shingles, heat trapped in anunventilated attic, or ice dams.

• Check utility bills. If the heating or cooling bills are whoppers, theinsulation and drafty windows may need to be updated or replaced

• Aging mechanicals and infrastructure. When was the plumbing orelectrical service upgraded or replaced? The furnace may be a relic and theair conditioning may be aging. Inefficient HVAC systems make need a totalmakeover.

• Damaged plumbing systems and moisture damage as seen in manyforeclosed homes due to improper winterization.

The best solution is to be prepared, do your homework and use the servicesof a qualified home inspector.

Happy house hunting!

Jeff LaPorte is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) withover 10 years experience and is the owner of “The Home Team InspectionService.” He can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].

your domicileMEASURE A HOME BY ITS CONDITION

Jeff LaPorte

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The first step is to make

sure that an irrigation system

is properly set up and

maintained. One big water

waster is having poorly

adjusted spray patterns, so it

matters where the water is

going. It's possible for the

alignment of sprinklers to

shift over time, or to get

knocked off target. That's

one reason why they should

be checked at least once

every year.

Sprinklers should also be

laid out in a way that ensures

proper head-to-head

coverage. This requires the

spray from each sprinkler in a

zone to reach the sprinkler

heads that are adjacent to it.

Without head-to-head

coverage it is virtually impossible to create an

even water pattern, which again results in

uneven, wasteful watering.

Sprinkler heads need to be perpendicular to

the ground beneath them. Sprinklers that are

not upright will not throw an even spray

pattern, and that means gallons of wasted

water.

Over-watering is one of the worst water

wasters. It causes run-off and can damage your

plants. Some methods used to determine the

correct amount of water to apply require a

detailed understanding of plant physiology and

local geology. However, there are two simple

methods to use that are within reach of most

homeowners.

To determine how long you can water a zone,

manually activate the zone. Then, time how

long it takes for runoff or saturation to appear.

Do this a few times on different days, and then

set that zone to water for slightly less time than

the average of all the readings you made. This

is the maximum you should water at one time.

If your plants need more water than this allows,

use the multiple start times feature on your

system's timer. This lets the water soak in

before additional water is applied.

Another real-world technique is known as the

"feel test." As the name implies, it means getting

intimate with your dirt. First, dig a hole about 8

inches deep at the spot you want to test. Next,

pick up a handful of dirt and give it a squeeze.

If you can form a ball, the soil is adequately

moist.

One of the most important recommendations

that professionals give homeowners is to ensure

that their system is winterized before the cold,

icy months set in. This requires hooking a large

air compressor onto the system and blowing air

through it so that all excess water is removed

and the heads don't crack, according to Bob

Sutherland, owner of Sutherland Lawn

Sprinklers in Commerce Township.

"There isn't much that you can or should do

to improve the efficiency of your system,"

Sutherland said. "You can clean the dirt around

where the sprinklers are and make it very

noticeable so that you won't run it over with a

lawn mower. Other than that it's a pretty simple

process."

That process should also take place in the

spring because not "blowing out" your sprinkler

system then could cause additional damage,

said Jeff Stulberg, owner of J&S Landscaping

and Maintenance in Commerce Township.

Sprinkler heads and lines often need to be

adjusted based on the homeowner's needs, and

the spring is a perfect time to do this,

according to Stulberg. For example, a

homeowner who wants to add a flower bed to

their yard will have to water that differently

than the grass.

"Flowers and plants require less water than

grass, so you really have to look at how often

you are watering different parts of your yard,"

Stulberg said. "You do need to consider when

and how heads and lines need to be adjusted

and a good time to do that is when you have

your system checkup each spring."

Another important consideration is to make

sure that tree roots don't adversely impact the

sprinkler head's performance. Whenever

homeowners plant new flowers, trees or

bushes, they should make sure that sprinkler

heads aren't in the way. Not

paying attention to where

your system is located can

both impact the

effectiveness of the system

and possibly damage its

components.

"If you follow some of

these basic guidelines your

system should be effective

for 30 or more years,"

Sutherland said.

Depending on the size of

a home's yard, installing an

irrigation system can cost

anywhere from a few

hundred to several thousand

dollars.

Automatic lawn irrigation

systems are generally best

for areas that require

constant maintenance and

regular watering to maintain active, healthy

growth.

Most warm-season grasses require a constant

water supply during the warm, active growth

months to maintain an even, fresh appearance.

When setting your irrigation systems with the

help of a professional, it's important to make

sure you are limiting the amount of water that

is being sprayed on the sidewalk, driveway or

street.

Watering Your Trees, Plants, Grass and More

There are many tips that homeowners should

consider when determining how much water

should be used as part of their irrigation

system, and when it should be used. Water

affects trees, plants and grass differently.

Here are a few general watering tips:

Look for early signs of wilt. Common signs

include leaves with a blue-green cast, and

footprints where the grass won't bounce back

up. These areas need more watering,

particularly early in the growing season.

The soil should be watered to a depth of 6 to

8 inches. The common amount of water

required for maintaining this depth is 1 to 2

inches of water per week.

It's most efficient to water the soil in the

morning. Higher humidity, low wind, and dew

wetness make the watering more effective.

Night watering often promotes the spread of

disease and insects.

Trees

It's recommended that turf be cut back at

least one foot from the trunks of trees, because

watering the trunk wastes water and promotes

rot on the tree trunk, according to MarkPAGE 19❯ ❯ ❯ ❯


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Chambers of Mark's Landscape and Watering in

Waterford. Catch basins can be created around

trees that can minimize runoff, allowing water

the time it needs to feed the root system.

Trees also prefer long, slow watering, and

mature trees generally need to be watered to a

depth of 24 inches, so adjusting your irrigation

system accordingly is recommended.

Lawns

Most well-established lawns require at least 1

inch of water per week to maintain a "healthy

green" look. It should be noted that grass is

healthiest when it is watered deeply and

infrequently, a strategy that encourages deep

root growth.

Proper watering techniques can ensure a

healthy lawn by keeping the turf stress-free.

Maintaining optimum watering conditions

promotes deep rooting, disease resistance and

insect resistance. Pests and diseases tend to

strike when the plant is least healthy or under

water or nutrient stress. Proper watering can

keep pests and diseases at bay, and further

increases the importance and value an irrigation

system can offer.

De-thatching a home's lawn is also

recommended if it is more than one-half-inch

thick. In such cases, grass should be cut no

shorter than two inches, which helps to reduce

evaporative water loss and increase drought

resistance.

Grass cycling, with the use of a mulching

mower, allows homeowners to cut the grass

when it is dry. This grass residue reduces

evaporation and adds nutrients.

Finally, aerating lawn yearly can prevent soil

compaction and greatly reduces water run-off

from the lawn so that an irrigation system is

more effective.

Planting Beds

As Stulberg said, planting beds and flowers

require less water than grass. Mulch is

recommended with planting beds because 2 to

4 inches of mulch controls weeds and reduces

evaporative loss, both of which save water and

help make your irrigation systems more

effective.

It's also advisable to use plants native to the

Michigan area, as plants from wetter

environments waste tremendous amounts of

water, which can pose a threat to the local

environment. In addition, drip irrigation can be

used as an efficient watering method when

possible. ❏

— By Mike Scott

RESOURCES

• Mark Chambers, Mark's Landscaping and

Lawn Systems, 248.887.5296

• Bob Sutherland, Sutherland Lawn Sprinklers

810.560.3057

• Jeff Stulberg, J&S landscape and Maintenance,

248.310.5092

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A special publication of the SCN Communications GroupSpinal Column Newsweekly • Oakland Lakefront • Oakland Homes

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SCN COMMUNICATIONS GROUPSpinal Column Newsweekly • Oakland Lakefront • Oakland Homes • MonthlyAdvertiser • West Oakland Directory

50 YEARS: OUR STORY

COMMITMENT. INNOVATION.


Home is a place of refuge.

Maybe it's because of gas

prices, the cost of movie tickets

or the high price of babysitters, but

today's family prefers to stay at home

to entertain, relax and otherwise "chill

out."

While the backyard barbecue may

be old news, more and more families

are moving their living spaces to the

outdoors and looking for all of the

creature comforts of home. Turning

an otherwise simple patio into a fully-

equipped outdoor kitchen makes for

easy and fashionable entertaining.

Even non-gourmet cooks seem to

produce more flavorful meals when

cooked over a bed of coals or a grill.

Depending on the investment,

outdoor living areas can be turned

into year-round resorts.

There are also those who prefer to

eat indoors but still lounge outside.

Either way, the choice is yours.

"Home is not where you live your

life — it's how you live your life," said

Wendy L. Perry, an outdoor living

consultant.

Backyards can become your

personal oasis with some planning. Fire

pits can be used for warmth on a chilly

fall night. Overhead awnings can be

used to shade you from the hot sun.

Careful landscaping can turn a stone

walkway into a tempting journey.

Today's home-building vocabulary

includes words like al fresco (in the

fresh air), patio (Spanish for back

garden), lanai (Hawaiian covered

room), veranda (open-walled roofed

porch) and portico (covered walkway

with columns supporting it). Perhaps

you would want a simple courtyard

or terrace, or a freestanding pavilion

or a cabana? The outdoor extensions

might be just off of your home's

kitchen or around the pool.

Decisions, Decisions

Chris Heiler, a landscape designer,

said his first priorities before starting

work on any outdoor kitchen or

leisure area is to first learn what the

client wants from the area.

"For what exact activities do they

want to use the space?" he asked.

"What time of day will they use the

space? How many people will use the

space? How do you want to feel in

the space — relaxed or energized?

What specific elements do you

require — a built-in grill, fireplace,

screening, overhead coverage, etc.?"

His sample client questionnaire

that must be filed out before any

plans are made asks for the client's

visions and the three most important

reasons for landscaping.

Budget is also important. Heiler

makes sure that the client

understands what the ultimate costs

will be to complete the project. He

takes into consideration the size of

the patio, climate and location. For

example, an outdoor kitchen should

ideally be located immediately outside

the indoor kitchen.

"A complex project such as this

should really be completed in one

step, not multiple stages," he said.

"However, one possible way to

construct the space in phases is to

add plantings, landscape lighting and

furniture in the second year as the

finishing touches."

Even so, Heiler said, "70 percent

of the budget will be spent in the

first phase of the project."

The Roadmap To Your Space

Robert Milani, a landscape

architect, said the basic trend is to

"create a space outside to mimic a

kitchen and dining room. The

amenities would include a gas grill,

sink, wet bar and fridge."

Most homeowners are building

these outdoor extensions onto

already existing homes.

"They are making an investment in

the home and enhancing their family

space at the same time," he said.

There is also a big trend towards

lounge areas with fire pits or outdoor

fireplaces. The extension becomes a

focal point for family activities and

informal parties.

The difference between a simple

patio with a barbecue grill and an

outdoor kitchen, explained Milani, is

the permanency of the area, as well

as the cost. Amenities such as gas

grills, running water and outdoor

appliances need to have special cut-

offs for safety.

"It's critical that people understand

what they want," he said.

Milani estimated that the outlay

may run up to $15,000, but he says

it is well worth it to increase the

home's value. The biggest reward for

the homeowner, Milani added, is

"bringing families together." ❏


A plethora of patio pleasuresTurn exterior space into lounge area, outdoor kitchen or both

Springing intoaction to gethome refreshedThe long, cold winter is over.

Spring is here, and with it comes

the urge to spruce up your living

quarters.

Kim Myles, host of HGTV's "Myles

of Style," is full of ideas on how you

can accomplish this creatively

without breaking the bank.

"When you want to freshen up for

spring, the key is to edit," she said.

"Instead of adding and layering as we

do for winter, I pull out candles,

throws, pillows and my little fluffy

accent rugs. The idea is to leave

behind only the things you love, and

it costs you nothing."

Take a look at your window

treatments, too. Switching window

coverings can have a huge visual

impact, Myles said.

"Replace heavy drapes with sheer

curtains in white or cream," she said.

"They're not expensive."

What remains is a light, spare

space.

"When I achieve that spareness,

I'm ready for spring," she said.

Her canvas prepared, this

designer then looks to the upcoming

summer.

"Summer is when you add fullness

to your living space," she said.

Again, achieving an impact need

not cost a fortune.

"I love to have fun with color —

what about four pillows in celadon

green and canary yellow? You can't

ignore it," she said.

As a fan of art in the house and a

devotee of luscious fabrics, another

of Myles' design tricks is large, easy-

to-make custom wall "paintings."

"Buy four canvas stretcher bars

— found at artist supply stores. Pop

them together. A 3-foot-by-3-foot

frame costs about $8," she said.

While artists stretch white canvas,

you can stretch a yard of beautiful

fabric and hang a work of art that

infuses a space with color and

texture. An added dividend: The

whole project costs less than $40.

This is especially welcome if

you're renting a home where you

can't paint or hang heavy things,

according to Myles.

"Imagine the impact over a couch,

particularly in a tiny apartment," she

said.

Then there's the fireplace.

Crackling and cozy during the winter,

"it becomes a big black hole of

nothing in the spring," Myles said.

But it's also an opportunity for an

elegant design statement.

"Fill the fireplace with fresh

flowers or potted plants," she

advises. "If you're having a special

party, stems of orchids in multiple

vases will last three weeks and the

cost is about $25 from a wholesale

flower dealer.

"When they fade, switch them out

with ferns, succulents or house

plants," she added. "Each can make a

dazzling display."

But whether you want a total new

look, or just some simple, fresh

touches, it's important to maintain

your individuality and adapt design

elements that inspire you. ❏


Many people have been turning theirpatios into more than just an outdoorarea. It can be transformed into thatperfect lounge area, your dreamkitchen, or both.


IIf you want to add character to

your outdoor living space, a

fountain or pond is a great way to

revamp a landscape.

Whether it's a large impressive

plot or a small area that's tucked

away on your property, water is the

way to go, said Jennifer Zuri, a

marketing communications manager

for a company that specializes in

water gardens.

Basic features include ecosystem

ponds, pondless waterfalls and

decorative fountains called

fountainscapes.

"The pondless waterfall has

become popular over the last few

years," Zuri said. "Those are good for

people who want to enjoy the sight

and sound of running water without

maintaining a pond. A lot of people

like them because they have toddlers

and don't want to worry about them

around water. And kids love playing

in the waterfalls — that's a lot of fun

for them."

They are also fun and relaxing,

said garden expert, author and

television personality P. Allen Smith. "I

always look for ways to include water

in my designs. Since water is a source

of life, it carries a restorative power

as a symbol of renewal."

Do-it-yourselfers can easily put

together a container garden that

includes a small fountain, according

to Smith.

"You don't need a lot of room to

create a beautiful place to relax," he

said. "The container garden is a

perfect example of how you can

enjoy a water fountain in the smallest

of spaces. A container, small pump,

source of electricity and plants are all

you need."

Any kind of pottery that will hold

water works fine. Just be sure to add

plants that will thrive in both water

and soil.

Of course, some people not only

want a larger pond, but they also like

the added interest of fish in their

water. Most often they raise koi —

hearty Japanese fish that can live

year-round, even in cold

temperatures.

"Koi are great for ponds," Zuri

said. "They will hibernate as long as

the water is 24 inches deep and you

keep a hole in the ice. All winter long

you don't have to worry about them.

Koi live a long time and they do have

babies, which people can share with

friends so their pond doesn't become

overpopulated. When they get used

to you they'll even eat out of your

hand. They really become pets."

If you aren't interested in koi but

still want fish, there are shubunkins,

or a type of goldfish, mosquitofish

and South American catfish known as

plecostomus.

Once people have a fountain or

pond, they usually can't imagine not

having one, Zuri said.

"We always hear from people that

they love their water feature, but

wish they had put in a larger one,"

she said. "We have found they enjoy

them so much they usually upgrade

about three times. Installers tell us

that if they put one in a customer's

yard, they usually get called back to

put in a few more in the same

neighborhood."

Some people even install their own

ponds.

Water features can be used

anywhere, but most folks put the

ecosystem ponds in the backyard

close to a sitting area, according to

Zuri.

"The pondless waterfalls are good

for curb appeal or can really be

anywhere," she said. "Some people

who have large gardens put

decorative fountains along the paths

for added interest."

No matter how big or small you

want it, a fountain or pond can be a

wonderful addition.

"Water can be used in many ways

on any scale — from large pools to

wall fountains," Zuri said.

"Depending on the application, it

can serve as a subtle accent or as

part of the floor in a garden room,"

Smith said. "Water appeals to each of

our senses, soothing us as we sit and

listen to its movement."

Zuri agreed.

"Water features add value to

property and they are just a great

way to de-stress," she said. "People

sit out on their patio, listen to the

waterfall and watch the fish or

whatever. It is so much better than

sitting in front of the TV." ❏


Versatile water featuresA pond or fountain might be the perfect landscape accent

Peace, quietawait in yourZen gardenIt's a complicated world out there —

one that seems to move at an

increasingly rapid, nearly furious

pace. Regardless of how the details

play out, chances are your days are

riddled with electronic devices, web

communications and many

distractions.

So how and where does a person

find some simple peace and quiet?

You might be able to find it right in

your very own home — in your

personal Zen garden.

"The whole point of a Zen garden

is simplicity, which dates back to the

ancient Orient," said Mitch Kalamian,

an HGTV featured designer.

The approach doesn't matter as

much as the goal of having a serene

area amid the chaos.

What makes this type of garden

unique from other flowering beds is

its roots in ancient Asian culture and

the underlying philosophy it embodies.

"A Zen garden provides a tranquil

space for quiet, meditation and

contemplation," said Karen Parziale, a

Feng Shui consultant and publisher

of therealestatestagingstudio.com.

Zen, a tenet of Buddhism with

roots in Taoism, incorporates nature

and meditation in its philosophy —

both of which are representative of

and in a Zen garden. Often, the

principles of Feng Shui, which uses a

reverence for nature in design for

both home and garden and also

dates back to Taoism, are applied.

They are utilized primarily by

incorporating the five elements: wood,

fire, earth, metal and water. Often, an

indoor or homemade version utilizes

only a few of these elements —

typically, wood, earth and water.

"Inside the home, I don't

necessarily use all of the elements,"

said Kalamian. However, one should

find a way into your garden. "Moving

water is important, or you can mimic

moving water with sand or rock.

Water is a big element."

Kalamian suggested starting off

with a "clean palette" — a corner of

the room or yard where nothing else

is going on and that is "pretty

square." Parziale agreed and added

that for those with less space, a

square or rectangular serving tray

makes the perfect plot for this

special space. Once you have a space

set aside, follow these tips to create

a simple and tranquil place:

• Fill the space with sand or pea

pebbles, and take a miniature rake

— or move your fingers — back and

forth across the sand, making a wave

effect. This incorporates the water

element paramount to a Zen garden.

A fountain with slow trickling water

is also a popular item.

• Spice things up by adding

elements with stone, adding the

earth element. Granite also works

nicely as a substitute.

• For wood, a small Bonsai tree

makes a nice, though expensive,

addition. Other plant materials that

work well are bamboo and grasses,

particularly mondo grass.

So what are you waiting for? Put

down that PDA and get started. ❏


Ponds and waterfalls can take onmany shapes and forms, from theecosystem pictured above to awaterfall without a pond, and rangein price from an inexpensive system tosomething larger.


for what it’s worthA look at what homes are listed in lakes area communities in the $200,000-$250,000 price range

Community: ClarkstonStreet Address: 6852 Wellesley TerracePrice: $204,900Sq. Ft.: 1,457Bedrooms: 3Baths: 2 fullGarage: 2 carFoundation: Finished walkout basementHeating: Forced AirCooling: Central AirExterior Features: Sprinkler system,

hot tubDescription: Gourmet kitchen with pantry.

Gorgeous interior with many updates.Cathedral ceilings. Gas fireplace.

Agent: Tony SeagravesReal Estate Firm: Remerica United, NoviPhone: 248.344.1800

Community: Milford VillageStreet Address: 708 AtlanticPrice: $209,900Sq. Ft.: 1,700Bedrooms: 4Baths: 1 full; 1 halfGarage: 2 carFoundation: Michigan BasementHeating: Forced AirCooling: Central AirExterior Features: Deck, fencedDescription: Historic home with recent

updates. Island kitchen opens to greatroom. Walk to everything Milford Villagehas to offer.

Agent: Mary Ann WilsonReal Estate Firm: Real Estate One,MilfordPhone: 248.684.1065

Community: WaterfordStreet Address: 3141 CoventryPrice: $210,000Sq. Ft.: 1,725Bedrooms: 3Baths: 2 full; 1 halfGarage: 2 carFoundation: Finished walkout basementHeating: Forced AirCooling: Central AirExterior Features: Porch, fencedDescription: Energy efficient all-sports

lakefront home. Granite kitchen withcherry cabinets. Master suite withcathedral ceilings.

Agent: Bradley JerniganReal Estate Firm: Century 21 Town &

Country, ClarkstonPhone: 248.620.7200

Community: HighlandStreet Address: 1002 Woodruff Lake Dr.Price: $219,900Sq. Ft.: 1,600Bedrooms: 4Baths: 2 fullGarage: 2 carFoundation: Finished basementHeating: Forced AirCooling: Central AirExterior Features: Shed, sprinklersDescription: 200 ft. all-sports Charlick

Lakefront. Freshly painted inside andout. Open kitchen with eating area.Fabulous lake views.

Agent: Rob SpraderReal Estate Firm: Keller Williams,

CommercePhone: 248.640.2680

Community: Walled LakeStreet Address: 2174 MaplehurstPrice: $219,900Sq. Ft.: 1,376Bedrooms: 2Baths: 2 fullGarage: 2 carFoundation: Finished basementHeating: Forced AirCooling: Central AirExterior Features: Deck, grounds

maintenanceDescription: Perfect condo. Great room

with gas fireplace and skylights. Firstfloor laundry. Show and sell!

Agent: Connie MackReal Estate Firm: RE/MAX Property

Source, West BloomfieldPhone: 248.669.7400

Community: WixomStreet Address: 2375 FairburyPrice: $239,900Sq. Ft.: 1,987Bedrooms: 4Baths: 3 fullGarage: 2 carFoundation: BasementHeating: Forced AirCooling: Central AirExterior Features: Deck, fencedDescription: Master suite with private

deck. Living room with fireplace.Hickory kitchen with snack bar. Lovelyyard.

Agent: Diane WilsonReal Estate Firm: Prudential Great Lakes,


Community: CommerceStreet Address: 150 Bradley StreetPrice: $239,900Sq. Ft.: 2,564Bedrooms: 4Baths: 2 full; 1 halfGarage: 2 carFoundation: Finished walkout basementHeating: Forced AirCooling: Central AirExterior Features: Deck, fencedDescription: Huge family home with all

the bells and whistles! Walk-in pantry.First floor laundry. Half acre.

Agent: Susi GollingerReal Estate Firm: Real Estate One Lakes,


Community: West BloomfieldStreet Address: 6787 Ravines CirclePrice: $250,000Sq. Ft.: 2,445Bedrooms: 3Baths: 2 full; 1 halfGarage: 2 carFoundation: Finished basementHeating: Forced AirCooling: Central AirExterior Features: Deck, sprinkler systemDescription: Two-story foyer with curved

oak staircase. Open family room withcurved 2-story fireplace. What awinner!

Agent: Melanie BishopReal Estate Firm: Cranbrook GMAC,

FranklinPhone: 248.626.8700

TIME TO CHILL OUTMAKING SURE HOMESTEAD REMAINS COOL THIS SUMMER

TAKES A LITTLE BIT OF THOUGHT AND EFFORT

Keeping your home cool in the summer isn't as easy as it sounds. But whenaccomplished, it can help homeowners use their energy more efficiently, savemoney, and sleep well at night.

Central air conditioners are split systems that arecomprised of an outdoor unit (the condensing unit)and an indoor unit (air handler). The function of anair conditioner is to transport heat from one station toanother. The vehicle your system uses to carry theheat is called a refrigerant, commonly referred to asFreon.

Air conditioners cool a home by removing heatfrom the indoor air and transferring that heat to theoutdoor air. This heat is extracted from the home by

passing indoor air across a refrigerant coil in theindoor unit. Lines then carry the heat to the outdoorunit, where it is released to the outside air. Thecooling cycle continues until the indoor temperaturereaches the thermostat setting.

While it's keeping you cool, an air conditioner alsoworks as an effective dehumidifier. As warm airpasses over the indoor evaporator coil, it can nolonger hold as much moisture as it carried at itshigher temperature. The extra moisture condenses on

the outside of the coils and is carried away through adrain.

One of the most important ways to maintain anefficient air conditioning or central air system is tohave the system checked by a qualified professional inthe spring, according to Ryan Bierl of First Heatingand Cooling in White Lake Township. He said that'sbecause there are proper ways to charge such asystem that include the use of mathematical equationsthat many homeowners may not be aware of.


A qualified professional can also ensure that ahouse's SEER (seasonal energy efficient rating) is atits proper level. A higher SEER number will helphomeowners save money on their summer airconditioning bills while maintaining a cool interior.

"Using a reputable contractor really is the biggestthing," Bierl said. "You want a contractor that youcan put your faith and trust into."

Another way a professional can help ensure yourinterior stays cool is to use a condensing box,refrigeration line (made of copper) and cooling coilthat are made by the same company, and thereforedesigned to fit together. Bierl said somerefrigeration lines and cooling coils that contractorsuse are generic, and while these products do work,they may result in less-effective results.

For example, the cooling factor, defined as thetemperature difference between the air inside ahouse and the air being released outside, should beat or a few degrees above 20 F, according to Bierl.Even a difference of 2 to 3 degrees can make anoticeable difference in your energy bill throughoutthe course of a warm summer.

Michael Matheson, Jr., owner of MathesonHeating & Air Conditioning in Commerce Township,said the outdoor unit in particular should be freefrom any grass clippings, dirt or other debris. Athird-generation family business owner, Mathesonsaid homeowners can rinse off the outdoor unitthemselves with a garden hose.

However, some of the indoor and outdoor coilsoften require special cleaning, something a qualifiedprofessional can do. An average spring airconditioning inspection costs around $75 andshould result in a cost savings well over that basedon the fact that a high-functioning system will bemore efficient and less costly for the homeowner.

"We have special equipment to clean the indoorcoils, which the homeowner can't get to," Mathesonsaid.

From a technical aspect, homeowners shouldclean or replace air conditioning filters at least oncea month. Dirty filters and coils can drastically reducethe efficiency of a system. For every degree ahomeowner raises his or her thermostat settingabove 72 degrees, they will save 5 to 7 percent oncooling costs.

Using an automated thermostat is beneficial buthomeowners can also manually adjust thetemperature settings. It's recommended thathomeowners turn their thermostat to 76 degrees orhigher at night, or an average of 4 to 5 degreeshigher than it is set at during the day, Matheson said.

"The key is that you want your system to alwaysbe on throughout the summer, because it will thenbe better able to dehumidify your house," he said."Plus, if you turn your central air on and off, it willbe more costly because it takes a lot of energy torestart the system and this it is actually moreexpensive."

Homeowners who haven't yet turned on their airconditioning systems should do so about a day ortwo before the first really warm day, or when theyfeel they will need it, according to Matheson.

"Air conditioning your home is not like using it inyour car — it takes more than a few minutes towarm up," he said.

Dampers should also be adjusted in the home so

that air is being released into the basement, where itwill be naturally cooler. Adjusting these dampersproperly can also push more cool air upstairs, whichMatheson said can be difficult in a two-story home.

"Once you get good air flow moving upstairs, itwill naturally filter downward to the rest of thehouse," he said.

Those are some steps that can be taken to keepthe cool air in, but just as important is keeping thewarm air out, according to Bierl. One way toaccomplish this is by replacing weather stripping andcaulking around windows, doors and other areas toimprove the efficiency of an air conditioning unit.

Bierl said blinds, curtains and drapes should beclosed to keep out the sun's heat, especially on thesouth and west sides of a house. In the evening,opening drapes and shades lets heat escape throughthe glass. In this way homeowners can keep thesun's heat out and help fans or air conditioners coolmore efficiently.

It can be advantageous to use white windowblinds instead of darker colors. White reflects lightand heat, while dark colors absorb them.

Attic temperatures sometimes rise up to 140degrees during the summer months, so proper atticventilation will lower the temperature and reducecooling requirements inside a home. In addition,homeowners should make sure crawl spaces areadequately ventilated. Poor ventilation will add toyour summer cooling costs. It also traps moisture inyour attic, making insulation less effective.

Upgrading attic insulation from 3 to 12 inchescan cut cooling costs by 10 percent, according tothe experts. Paying close attention to attic insulationcan save up to 30 percent of your overall coolingbill.

Roof and attic ventilators help by allowing hot airto escape and cooler outside air to enter. Withproper air flow an attic shouldn't be any warmerthan the outside air. Adding roof and atticventilators and fans is not a job for the averagehomeowner, but those who do tackle the project

themselves must remember not to cut any structuralmembers.

Windows that aren't shaded from the sun areprime candidates for reflective solar film. Installingsolar film is a relatively easy do-it-yourself job. Itrequires use of a tape measure, a razor or knife, anda squeegee. Pay special attention to windows facingeast and west.

There are several other steps that homeownerscan take to keep their house cool and efficient andtheir energy bills lowers in the summer.

Fans and Ceiling FansA ceiling fan remains a great investment, as it

can make a room feel 6 or 7 degrees cooler,Matheson said. He estimates that top-of-the-lineceiling fans that run 12 hours per day cost less than$10 a month. High-quality fans make it possible toraise thermostat settings and save on air-conditioning costs. Ceiling fans are best, but a goodportable fan can be very effective, as well, since mildair movement of 1 mph can make a room feel 3 to 4degrees cooler.

Reduce Internal HeatThe most common sources of internal heat gain

are appliances, electronic devices, and lighting. As aresult, homeowners shouldn't put lamps, televisions orother heat-generating appliances next to their air-conditioning thermostat, because the heat from theseappliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.

Unless they are absolutely needed, it'srecommended that homeowners turn offincandescent lights and heat-generating appliances.These incandescent bulbs should be replaced withcompact fluorescents. And when cooking,homeowners should use their range fan to vent thehot air out of the house. By reducing the amount ofheat that exists in a home, less energy will berequired to cool it.

PlantsIt's advisable to plant trees or shrubs to shade air

conditioning units without blocking the airflow. Aunit operating in the shade uses less electricity.Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sideswill keep your house cool in the summer and allowthe sunlight to warm the house during the winter.

For example just three trees properly placedaround a house can save between $100 and $250annually in cooling and heating costs, and daytimeair temperatures can be 3 degrees to 6 degreescooler in tree-shaded neighborhoods.

Other Things to RememberAvoid landscaping with lots of unshaded rock,

cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides of ahouse because those things increase thetemperature around the house and radiate heat tothe house after the sun has set.

Close the fireplace damper, if applicable.If possible, use an exhaust fan to pull the hot air

outside your living space."Outside of your system there are many other

steps you can take to keep your house cool andmore efficient," Bierl said. "Every little bit helps."” ❏

— Mike ScottRESOURCES• Ryan Bierl, 1st Heating and Cooling

248-887-3636• Michael Matheson, Matheson Heating and Cooling

248.363.4868


Creating and nurturing a garden

requires not only an investment

of your time and passion.

Happily, there are dozens of tips for

saving money while watching your

garden grow — and many won't cost

you a penny.

"Do your research. Smart garden

planning makes it easier and more

enjoyable for you as a gardener," said

Jeff Downing, an expert in botanical

education. "There are lots of plants

that don't require huge amounts of

time or money to care for. Local

garden centers and nurseries have

very knowledgeable plant experts.

Ask questions if you're not sure what

to plant. Don't be intimidated. Across

the board they are passionate about

plants and more than willing to give

you ideas in your price range."

"We welcome all questions,"

agreed Fausto Palafox, a nursery

owner. "As independent nurserymen,

our claim to fame is to educate."You can also always "Ask the

Experts" online at the New York

Botanical Garden, nybg.org.

"A plant information team will be

able to provide you with competent

answers for any region in the

country," Downing said.

Armed with a general plan, there

are numerous cost-saving tips that

savvy gardeners can use to keep

within budget.

When you divide and propagate

existing plants, you increase the

number of plants you have.

Geraniums and iris are just two

examples of plants that thrive when

divided. If you don't have any of them

in your garden, chances are your

friends and neighbors are willing to

share.

Downing grows orchids as a

hobby. When they get rangy and pot

bound, he divides and replants them

into smaller containers and gives

them as gifts. His living orchids not

only make a personal and thoughtful

present, they cost nothing.

Populating your outdoor space

with perennials is another budgeting

trick.

"Perennials tend to be hardy,

require little effort and expense and

they're going to come back every

year," he said.

Growing food at home is also a

popular trend. As summer approaches,

put in a few tomato plants, some

squash and some herbs. Not only will

you save money on your food bill, but

if you haven't experienced the flavor of

a homegrown tomato, you're in for a

treat.

"If you don't have much land,

consider using window boxes or

pots," Downing said.

Large plastic garden pots can be

purchased inexpensively. Or you can

reuse five- and 10-gallon containers

from past plant purchases to grow

tomatoes and other veggies. It's also

useful if you are renting and don't

want to invest in permanent

vegetation.

Go green in a big way by learning

how to compost, turning food waste

and garden clippings into rich soil. You

save money on planting mix, mulch

and fertilizer. Go online and search

"composting" for information for how-

to information and classes in your area.

In the same vein, look into organic

remedies for insect repellents that are

not only safe but inexpensive.

Patience can also save you money.

"This year I'm seeing greater sales

in seeds and seedlings," Palafox said.

Gardeners are also looking at

fruiting trees.

"People are buying more edible

trees than ornamental today. They

look good in gardens and you have

something you can eat," he added.

When it comes to selecting larger

plants such as trees, it's your budget

vs. maturity. You always pay a

premium for size.

"The maples, birches and

sycamores, popular in gardens around

the country, generally cost $25 to

$30 in a five-gallon container and will

take about two years to reach the size

of one in a 15-gallon container,"

Palafox said. "But you'll pay from $70

to $80 for the larger tree."

Forego instant gratification. Within

a few years, few can differentiate

between landscapes of the big

spender and the patient gardener. ❏


Let the cash growPinch your pennies by finding multiple uses for your plants

Inspiration forgarden ideasare all aroundAs with any work of art, all you

need is a little inspiration to get

started in your garden. Often the

hardest part of beginning is weeding

through the possibilities.

"Because inspiration is really

everywhere, sometimes it becomes

overwhelming as there are so many

things we like that it becomes

difficult to make a start," said Jamie

Durie, landscaping expert and host of

the upcoming HGTV program, "HGTV

Showdown."

It's one of the issues that Sonia

Uyterhoeven, a gardening educator,

aims to resolve. She helps people

find the motivation they need to

move forward.

"Most people come in and give a

sigh of relief and say, 'Here's a

garden where I can actually do some

of these things,'" Uyterhoeven said.

Durie, who hails from Australia,

finds that many of his clients are

inspired by their vacations.

"When people take a break

somewhere, it's that feeling of

relaxation and rejuvenation that

inspires them to try and recreate that

in their own homes," he said.

The thing to keep in mind: When

it comes to gardening, inspiration

can be found anywhere.

"We need only open our eyes,"

said Durie, who keeps a "diary of

ideas" using his camera to capture

scenes, settings, patterns, landscapes

and plants from a variety of

environments, manmade and natural.

Uyterhoeven believes the most

poignant inspiration comes from

looking at your own neighborhood

and the surrounding public gardens.

Through careful observation of one's

immediate environment, a new

gardener discovers which plants will

thrive in their garden.

Uyterhoeven's advice: "Look for

the plants that are performing well.

You can open up a catalog and see a

beautiful plant, but if it doesn't grow

in your region, for a beginner it

would be extremely frustrating."

And while flower gardens are

beautiful, don't forget your veggies.

A vegetable garden is, according

to Uyterhoeven, "something that

many people identify with."

Here are some of Uyterhoeven

and Durie's best tips on harnessing

the inspiration you need to get

started in the garden:

• Keep things simple. Start small

and build on your design, gradually

adding more complex plants over

time.

• Know your limits. How much

time will you be dedicating to your

garden? Certain plants take a lot of

effort to help them grow.

• Take a "functional analysis."

Determine what you and your family

want or need from the garden, and

shape your design based on these

elements.

• Do your homework. Research

techniques, buy a book on gardening

or take a continuing education class.

• Don't be afraid to experiment,

take some risks and try new

products and tools. ❏


There are myriad ways to reuse yourgarden in order to save money, suchas giving extra orchids as gifts tofriends and relatives.


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