Save time and energy with tips for smart home improvement

(ARA) – The weather is warm and the sun is shining, making it the perfect time to start your home improvement projects. Whether it’s a little tidying up, or a full-on home repair, some tips will help you complete your projects without a lot of headaches.

Winning the battle against rust
As the sun begins to shine brighter, imperfections around the house begin to appear. Metal products that haven’t been properly winterized or have simply been out in the elements too long can begin to show signs of wear and tear, and worst of all, rust. Combating rust can be a real challenge, and too often, people would rather toss out the rusty bench, garden tools or even the lawn mower and simply buy something new.

Protecting your items from rust is easy with a little help from the new Rust Protector spray paint from Krylon. It dries in just eight minutes, so you don’t have to worry about grass, leaves or other particles getting stuck in the fresh coat of paint. Plus, it provides the ultimate protection against rust, keeping your outdoor items looking like new, regardless of the elements they face.

Continue cleaning up outside
Give the outside of your house a little TLC. Start with the roof and gutters, since they’ve collected a lot of buildup and have experienced their share of wear and tear throughout the colder months. No one wants to spend hours dealing with inside water damage or worse – mold. Stop the drama before it starts by inspecting the roof and gutters and looking for damage such as holes, loose shingles or leaks.

And while you’re outside, give your siding a glance, too. While you were warm and toasty inside this past winter, the exterior of your house was getting a beating. Cold weather, snow, ice and even wind can cause problems to the siding, so be sure to address any issues quickly.

Check for a cool breeze
It’s probably been a few months since the air conditioner was turned on, making now the perfect time to check that it’s still running smoothly. Your air conditioner is important because it not only keeps your home cool during the hot summer; it also dehumidifies your house and keeps mold from developing inside the walls.

First, check the AC filters and replace them if they appear dirty, since a dirty filter can cause strain and damage to your air conditioner by making it work harder than necessary. Turn your air conditioner on for a test run; once it has been running for a while, check the refrigerant levels by feeling the pipe connected to your AC unit. It should feel cool to the touch – if it doesn’t you may be low on refrigerant and will want to refill before the long, hot days of summer.

Make the inside sparkle
Outside projects shouldn’t get all your attention. As you move inside, start off with small cleaning projects so you don’t get overwhelmed. Scrubbing your bathroom, vacuuming your carpets and dusting every inch of the house can take some time – which most of us don’t have. Simple tasks such as cleaning one room a day, clearing off cluttered countertops as you walk into the kitchen, creating an organization system and donating unused products to charity can get your house clean in no time.

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Practical 2-for-1 solutions for gardeners

(ARA) – What gardener doesn’t find tasks like weeding and watering tiresome? To tackle recurring chores like these and more with greater ease and efficiency, consider some practical tools that offer two-in-one solutions.

Watering well: For a new twist on watering, try the new Dramm ColorStorm Spinning Sprinkler. It takes the usual hose-attached sprinkler experience in a different direction. The spinning head is designed to cast arcs of water up to 38 feet in diameter, while atomizing water into fine droplets for more efficient water usage and more thorough soil penetration. It’s geared for use on properties with practically any water pressure, from low to high, making it an especially welcome solution for those on the no-oomph end of the pressure spectrum.

Weeding and mulching: To gardeners, weeding is the very definition of “relentless.” With new Preen Mulch Plus you can apply mulch and prevent weeds for six months in one easy step. Preen Mulch Plus is a premium shredded wood mulch with two highly effective weed preventers already mixed in. It stops weeds, as seeds, before they start growing. It comes in three non-fade colors that add a finished look to any garden or landscape: midnight black, russet red and chestnut brown. As an added benefit, Preen Mulch Plus provides full weed protection when spread only 2 inches deep, instead of the usual 3-inch depth recommended for other bagged mulches, so each bag covers 30 percent more ground. The only mulch with six month weed protection, it’s available at Lowe’s and independent garden centers.

Cutting, digging, rock removal, crack cleaning, planting and more: A. M. Leonard’s classic soil knife is a multi-solution tool that now comes in a deluxe model. The horticultural tool and supply company founded in 1885 considers this their “must-have tool.” The Deluxe Soil Knife is made of rust-resistant Swedish stainless steel, which adds strength to its versatility, with each 6-inch blade crafted to withstand over 300 pounds of pressure. Definitely a two-for-one item, on one side the blade features a tapered slicing edge, on the other a deeply serrated cutting edge. New features include a more comfortable grip and inch markings on the blade shaft.

Lugging, trugging and cooling: In Spain, where they’re made, Trug Tubs are used in orchards for harvesting fruit. There are imitators, but the originals are sturdy, black and indestructible. This versatile garden carrier is one tool that tackles two, three and more garden tasks with ease. The Trug Tub is a broad, round, rubbery tub with two handles. Grab it by the handles with one hand and the flexible sides bend in to form an elongated trug shape, great for carrying tools or firewood. In its round tub shape, it’s ideal for mixing potting soil or lugging yard debris. Made of 100 percent recycled polyethylene, it’s easy to clean. Freezing cold temperatures are no problem so, when garden chores are done and it’s party time, use it as an ice chest for cooling backyard beverages.

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How to use the three Ps of decorating for an instant home and garden makeover

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Summer games in the garden

(ARA) – The sun is shining, birds are singing, butterflies are darting from colorful flower to colorful flower … and children across the country are complaining about being bored. Eliminate this by taking advantage of the weather. Get the family outside and interact with nature.

Head out to the garden toddlers in tow – or to a local park with flowers – and create a list of items to find and count. For example, ask them to find one blue object, two soft and fuzzy plants, three flowers that smell pretty and four objects that are round in shape. This game incorporates shape, smell, touch and counting – all into one fun activity. Taking or drawing pictures together is a great way to document each finding. When you get back inside, print the photos and hang them along with the pictures you have drawn as a collage on the refrigerator. Or, arrange photos or pictures together into your very own counting book, so that the days’ fun can be enjoyed again and again.

Colorful birds singing beautiful tunes and flitting from tree to tree are a great attraction for younger, elementary school children. To encourage birds to visit the backyard, work with your child to create a songbird habitat. It is simple – all you need to provide is food, water, shelter and a place for birds to raise their young. Supply food by making your own bird feeder out of recyclable materials like soda bottles and milk cartons. Fill these feeders with different kinds of foods – dried fruit, peanuts or Scotts Songbird Selections NutriThrive. Then, place a dish filled with water near the area and ensure there are nearby native plants or trees. Now that your habitat is ready, visit savethesongbirds.com to pledge to care for your habitat and receive an official songbird habitat certificate. Not only have you connected your children with nature, you have helped Scotts in its commitment to save 1 million songbirds by creating 50,000 acres of songbird habitat through the Save the Songbirds program.

Organize a scavenger hunt game for your children with some neighborhood kids in the garden or a local park. Make certain you have one adult to help every team. Equip each team with a camera – digital is better so you can review the photos quickly while still on site – and a plant identification book. Assign the teams to find and photograph items – both living and nonliving – that start with each alphabet letter. For example, an apple starts with A, so the teams would bring back a photograph of an apple, found in the orchard. Be sure to have a list of items that start with some of the more difficult letters handy. For example, share with the players that zinnia would work for the letter Z, but do not tell them what a zinnia looks like. Demonstrate how to use the plant identification book. Have a small garden-themed prize for teams that complete the entire alphabet. Seeds, watering cans, garden gloves and small kid-sized hand shovels work great.

For older kids, create seed bombs to share and plant in fun spots. This is a great, hands-on craft project that can be used to decorate not only your yard, but the community as well. First, use a mixture of either Miracle-Gro Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix and flower seeds. Wild flower seeds work well here but a blend of annuals and perennials is also nice. Work with your children to pick the best seed mixture. Once the seeds are selected, carefully mix the ingredients together and form balls. Have your children wrap two or three seed bombs in colorful tulle, secure the package with a ribbon and hand them out to family and friends to plant. Once planted, the seeds will germinate and blossom beautifully all season. Find fun spots in the neighborhood or community that are available to plant. It is important to ask the property owner first. Continue the project by returning to the planting sites, keeping the mini-gardens watered and beautiful all summer long.

Visit Miracle-Gro for outdoor game ideas that are not only are fun, but educational as well.

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Ways To Add Variety To Your Garden

A garden is a very personal thing.  For me I love the look of my hydrangeas amidst the roses and azaleas.  For others it is a completely different gardening scheme.  Finding what makes you happy is part of the fun journey of gardening!

Here are some ideas to make your garden unique:

• Container Gardening – this is great for small spaces and adding unique details to your gardening space.
• Shrubs – shrubs are an inexpensive way to fill space and add different heights and uniqueness to your gardening space.
• Trees – planting a tree is one of the best things you can do!  I recently planted a crape myrtle to my flower bed and it added a lot of contrast and height to the visual lines of the garden.  The best part is the beautiful tree was only around $75, and will be the investment of a lifetime.
• Water gardening – a great idea to add some charm to a garden is with some water.  A small pool or stream can do wonders to a garden!

These are just a few ideas.  If you have any ideas, please let us know in the comment section!

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2012 outdoor living trends can easily update your patio or deck

(ARA) – More homeowners want their outdoor space to truly be an extension of their house and are taking steps to create an inviting area to relax, play and host guests. If you want to update your deck or patio for warm weather entertaining, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money. You can easily refresh the items you already have and add new stylish elements by keeping some top trends and design ideas in mind.

Consider these tips from the design experts at Lowe’s to help transform your space into a welcoming outdoor oasis. With just a few easy outdoor home improvement changes, you’ll have the best patio on the block.

Mix functional furniture
The line between indoor and outdoor design is blurring. You can coordinate the style of adjacent indoor and outdoor rooms, since you and your guests will likely spend time in both. No matter if you have a large outdoor deck or a simple small patio, many affordable, stylish outdoor furniture options are available from allen + roth. Set up furniture with flow in mind, grouping pieces together to encourage comfort, conversation and a view of nature.

Add colorful accessories
Incorporating rugs, outdoor pillows, candles and other accessories in vivid colors or fun patterns can really make your outdoor space come alive. Pick three to four colors for your scheme and stick with those colors throughout your design choices. Some of the season’s top hues include rich reds, vivid blues, soothing neutrals and garden-inspired greens. Metal accents are popular as well, so look for decor with gold or silver detailing for a design that’s modern with a tropical flare.

Incorporate a fire pit
An outdoor bonfire likely evokes pleasant memories of the past, so incorporate a fire pit into your patio space so your whole family can enjoy time together roasting marshmallows, telling stories and gazing at the stars. Today’s modern fire pits are both stylish and useful, adding a cozy ambiance while warding off the chill on cooler nights. Plus when the seasons do change and fall brings with it lower temperatures, you can still enjoy the beautiful outdoor space you’ve created because you’ll be comfortably warm. Remember to look for options that have a removable screen, so you can open when needed for cooking and then close to keep the fire safely contained.

Create privacy
Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean that you don’t want a bit of privacy from neighbors or passersby. The good news is it’s easy to create boundaries to your space by using a pergola or outdoor curtains. These options tie in nicely with other outdoor design trends and can give just the right amount of privacy, creating your own outdoor “room” in which to enjoy the long, sunny days.

Light the night
Lighting can really make your outdoor space come alive once the sun goes down. Add depth and intrigue by “lightscaping” from different sources. Consider putting up string lights that provide a magical setting that is sure to dazzle guests long after darkness falls. Add an intimate wall lantern next to the patio door or eco-friendly LED garden and path lights to add a soft illumination to outdoor space.

Grow an herb garden
There’s nothing that adds the flavors of summer to food like fresh herbs. One of today’s top trends is to have a container garden so you always have your favorite herbs on hand to freshly pick. Popular herbs that are easy to grow include basil, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel and mint. When planting, use containers that complement your outdoor design. Vintage styles that feature aged patinas are very popular this year.

To organize your ideas and keep track of outdoor projects, create a MyLowe’s profile at www.lowes.com/MyLowes. Develop and store your wish list in MyLowe’s to help transform your drab deck into a stylish patio that just begs for you to kick up your feet, enjoy a cold drink and converse with family and friends.

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Don't let arthritis come between you and your garden

(NC)—Spring is a time of renewal. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians mark this rite of passage every year by raking, pruning and planting to make their gardens beautiful. Yet for the more than four million Canadians living with arthritis, the bending, stretching and lifting that gardening entails can seem daunting. Gardening is actually an excellent form of exercise that helps maintain strength and mobility without putting additional stress on your joints. The Arthritis Society offers the following tips for smart, safe gardening:

• Always be sure to stretch and warm up before working in the garden. This will help reduce stiffness and decrease your risk of injury.

• Use raised flower beds that allow you to stand or sit comfortably while you work.

• Search for garden products that have been designed to be used by people with arthritis. Tools bearing an “arthritis friendly” logo have received a passing grade by an independent third-party research organization.

• Use tools that have long handles to avoid bending or stooping. Handles should be as long as your own height.

• Pad the handles of your hand tools with foam to enlarge the grip.

• Wear a carpenter’s apron with large pockets for carrying frequently used tools.

• Make sure your tools are sharp and well oiled. It will make them easier to use.

• Switch tasks often and take lots of breaks.

• Plan rest areas in your garden—benches, chairs, etc.—or use a rolling stool that you can move easily.

• If kneeling, use kneepads or a foam kneeling pad.

More tips for living well with arthritis can be found online at www.arthritis.ca.

www.newscanada.com

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Upgrade your summer with an outdoor living do-it-yourself project

(ARA) – Nothing says warm weather quite like backyard barbecues and pool parties. But if your outdoor living space doesn’t quite make the grade, you might consider building a dream deck with your own two hands. Do-it-yourselfers not only save money in labor costs, but they also reap the pride and satisfaction of improving and adding value to their homes.

“If you’re going to put the time and effort into building an outdoor living space, it’s crucial to use high-quality materials that will provide a return on investment and boost your home’s value,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing. Check out these tips from the outdoor living experts at Trex to ensure your DIY deck project will earn neighborhood bragging rights.

Assess your skills – Before getting started, make sure that you’re confident in your ability to design, plan and build a dream deck on your own. Consider the amount of time you have to commit to the project, whether or not you’re in adequate physical shape to handle the materials, your access to necessary tools (such as a circular saw, framing square, wheelbarrow and socket wrench) and if you’ll be able to count on help from family and friends.

Research necessary permits – Contact state, county or city offices to determine what specific permits are needed for your project. Remember that some permits may take longer to obtain than others – especially during the peak spring and summer home improvement months – and build this approval process into your project timeline. Also, consider the costs associated with necessary permits and be prepared to pay a small fee.

Choose the right materials – When planning a do-it-yourself deck project, select wood-alternative materials that will look like new even after years of heavy foot traffic and severe weather. Trex Enhance high-performance decking in Clam Shell (a deep charcoal) and Beach Dune (a warm, honey brown) offers all the charm and none of the trouble of real wood – at a value. Combining superior durability, wear-resistance and long-lasting good looks, Trex Enhance is also extremely low-maintenance and manufactured from 95 percent recycled content. In fact, spills wash off easily with just soap and water, and the collection is backed by a 20-year limited residential fade and stain warranty.

Log on for ideas: From inspiration to installation, reference trusted home improvement and do-it-yourself websites for guidance through every step of an outdoor living project. For instance, Trex.com has a comprehensive selection of resources that include sample deck plans to jumpstart your creativity, a color visualizer that allows you to experiment with mixing and matching various colors of decking and railing and a deck designer to create virtual outdoor living spaces with customized layouts, colors, textures and accessories.

For more do-it-yourself tips and product information, visit www.trex.com.

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Summer entertaining: Spend less time preparing, more time enjoying

(ARA) – There’s no question why summer is the best-loved season of the year: it’s all about fun, relaxation and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. So, it follows that homeowners don’t want to waste a minute of those glorious months of sunshine. When planning traditional summer get-togethers, save time by taking steps to ensure that your outdoor spaces are as low-maintenance as possible so that the focus is on the party, rather than the prep.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hours preparing your home and yard before throwing a party, whether it’s the week before or the day of the event. Focusing on outdoor living spaces ahead of time with plants and products that need minimal attention will save stress and give you more time to enjoy the season.

As summer arrives, keep these time-saving tips in mind for an outdoor environment that’s as beautiful as it is low-maintenance.

* Set the stage in just one step. Having the right set-up for outdoor entertaining can take your party from standard to superb. Installing a deck provides the perfect gathering space for get-togethers but also serves as a functional area for everyday family dining. Make it easy by choosing low-maintenance decking materials like those from TimberTech, including composite and PVC decking products that eliminate time-consuming sanding, staining and painting. Because the company also offers railing and lighting, you can opt for a package that coordinates seamlessly and is covered by a 25-year warranty.

* Pick plants wisely. Wilting plants can put a damper on party decor and tending finicky flowers can eat up a lot of time in the garden, so making the right plant choices is important. Select varieties that are suited to the regional climate – as well as their location in the yard. Once you’ve decided where to place the pots and containers, head to the garden store to pick out complementary arrangements that will thrive in full sun, partial shade or full shade, depending on your unique yard. When plants are in their preferred spots, they’ll do much of the work on their own – you’ll just need to water when appropriate.

* Keep it together. Since most summer gatherings involve food and beverages, it’s a good idea to keep a set of serving items that can withstand the outdoor exposure, like shatter-proof plates and drink ware. To save time and hassle when preparing for the party, keep all outdoor accessories in one place so that everything is easy to find. A bar cart can be a handy tool for keeping supplies together, and storing serving ware in airtight containers helps to keep it clean and in good condition.

* Take a seat. Everyone likes to do a little lounging on those sultry summer nights, so be sure to give guests a place to relax and sit back. If your outdoor furniture has seen better days, the wide availability of durable, weather-resistant chairs, chaises and benches makes it easy to furnish a deck in low-maintenance style. For a budget-friendly option, buying new cushions and covers can add a fresh touch to existing furniture if it’s still sturdy. With today’s high-quality weather-resistant materials, preparing furniture for a party can be as easy as a quick wipe-down.

Switching the focus from yard maintenance to outdoor enjoyment will make the summer season that much more pleasant. For more information about creating a beautiful outdoor living space, visit www.timbertech.com.

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Organic Gardening

Are you interesting in growing your garden but keeping it organic?  Some people are not sure what “organic” actually means and how to accomplish that.  Today I’ll give you just a little bit of information on how to achieve an organic garden!

Organic gardening or horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants by following the essential principles of organic agriculture in soil building and conservation, pest management, and heirloom variety preservation.  This simply means mulches, cover crops, compost, manures, vermicompost, and mineral supplements are soil-building mainstays that distinguish this type of farming from its commercial counterpart.  You are simply gardening for the environment, not against it.

The key to organic gardening is keeping the soil healthy and rich.  Pesticides are not utilized in this form of gardening and that should always be kept in mind. Organic horticulture (or organic gardening) is based on knowledge and techniques gathered over thousands of years. In general terms, organic horticulture involves natural processes, often taking place over extended periods of time, and a sustainable, holistic approach – while chemical-based horticulture focuses on immediate, isolated effects and reductionist strategies.

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