Spring Home, Lawn, and Garden

An adver t i s i ng s uppl ement of t he Sunday News, Mar ch 18, 2012
HOME
S P R I N G
LAWN + GARDEN
Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME 2 • MARCH 18, 2012
One of the best things about
the dawn of spring and the return
of warmer weather is the chance
to get out of the house and get
some fresh air. For homeowners,
this is the perfect opportunity to
assess any damage the previous
months did to yards and develop
a plan restore properties.
* Don’t jump the gun. The
frst warm day of spring might
seem like a great time get out
in the yard and get your hands
dirty. But it’s best to wait until
the grass has completely dried
out before getting to work.
Raking on wet grass increases
the risk of tearing out grass,
which can cause bald spots and
the growth of weeds down the
road. In addition, stepping on
the grass while the ground is still
wet can compact the soil, which
can slow drainage and block the
lawn’s roots from breathing.
Patience should prevail with
regard to mowing the lawn as
well. A lawn’s roots will not
start to grow until the average
everyday temperature routinely
reaches 40F, so mowing too
early is both unnecessary and
potentially harmful to the lawn.
When the temperatures regularly
reach 50F, then homeowners will
likely start to see their lawns
growing.
* Remove debris that’s
piled up. Debris has a tendency
to infest a yard over the course
of the winter months. Fallen
branches, stones and even trash
can accumulate in a yard, putting
those who spend time in the yard
at risk of injury once the warm
weather returns. For instance,
bits of twigs and pebbles that are
blown across the yard during a
windy winter can be embedded
in the yard, making the yard less
of a haven and more of a hazard.
Once the grass is dry enough
to walk on, walk around the
property and remove any debris
that’s piled up over the last few
months.
* Employ a pre-emergent
weed killer. Homeowners who
routinely spend their summers
agonizing over weeds throughout
the yard should consider
applying a pre-emergent weed
killer around the beginning of
spring. It’s important to do so
around the end of March or early
April, when the weeds have not
yet had a chance to grow. When
applying, follow the dosage
instructions provided by the
product’s manufacturer. Such
instructions often recommend a
second application right before
summer begins.
* Remove thatch. Once the
grass has dried, you can begin to
remove thatch that’s built up over
the winter. Thatch is potentially
very harmful to soil, blocking
sunlight, air and moisture the
soil needs to ensure a lawn looks
lush and healthy. Thatch removal
does not necessarily need to be
an annual task. If thatch buildup
is insignifcant, then it can be
done every other year. Just use a
dethatching rake to make the job
much easier.
* Aerate, particularly if
the yard is a heavy traffc area
once the warm weather arrives.
If your yard transforms into a
child’s wonderland upon the
arrival of spring and summer,
you might want to revive the soil
by aerating. When the yard gets
heavy usage, it’s easy for soil
to become compacted, which
makes it hard for air and water
to reach the lawn’s roots. That
can eventually make for a less-
than-appealing lawn. So if your
yard is the place to be come the
warmer months, aerate in the
spring to loosen the soil and
make it easier for the lawn to
withstand the months ahead.
(ARA) — With the new
year under way, you may be
thinking about needed home
improvements and how you’ll use
your credit to fund them. While
it’s important to understand
your credit before making major
home improvement decisions,
you should also consider
another kind of credit — tax
credits for energy effcient home
improvements.
For the past few years,
the federal government has
offered tax credits for certain
home improvements aimed at
increasing a home’s energy
effciency. While the most
popular and generous tax credits,
such as the one that allowed
you to claim up to 30 percent
of improvements such as a new
roof or hot water heater, have
expired, you can still get credit
for other signifcant energy-
effcient improvements.
According to EnergyStar.gov,
you can claim a tax credit for 30
percent of the cost of installing
a geothermal heat pump, small
wind turbine or solar energy
system in your home. The credit
has no upper limit and applies
to both existing homes and new
construction, but not to rental
properties. This credit is good
until Dec. 31, 2016.
You can also get a credit of
up to 30 percent of the cost of
residential fuel cells, up to $500
per .5kW of power capacity,
EnergyStar.gov says. This credit
is also available until Dec. 31,
2016.
While the initial cost of
these improvements may seem
signifcant, they can dramatically
decrease home energy bills in
the long run.
Depending on the type of
home improvement or repair
you undertake, you may also
be able to claim a deduction on
your taxes. Before launching
a signifcant home repair or
improvement, it may pay to
consult with your tax accountant
to see what, if any, portion of the
cost may be deductible. And, as
you do home repairs throughout
the year, keep receipts and
discuss the improvements and
possible deductions with your
accountant when he or she is
preparing your tax return.
Knowing ahead of time which,
if any, tax credits or deductions
your home improvement may
qualify for can help you make a
better decision about how to use
credit to fund the work. Since
how you use credit affects your
overall credit score, knowing the
cost of a project before starting it
can help you better manage your
credit.
If you’re unsure how a home
improvement project may affect
your credit score, websites like
freecreditscore.com can help
you understand your credit.
The site offers members a
Credit Score Estimator that can
help you understand how big
fnancial decisions, like applying
for a home improvement loan,
may affect your credit score.
To learn more about tax
credits for energy effcient
home improvements, visit www.
EnergyStar.gov. To learn more
about tax deductions, visit www.
IRS.gov. You can fnd a list of
regional tax credits, rebates and
savings at energy.gov/savings.
Restoring your property after a long winter
Tax credit, deduction tips for
home improvement in 2012
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME MARCH 18, 2012 • 3
By Rochelle A. Shenk
Special Features Writer
Older homes may have a
lot of character and charm, but
many also have hot water heat
and cast iron radiators. Some
radiators may be very ornate and
have raised patterns or rounded
or claw feet. Others maybe be
plain. While radiators can be
visually appealing to some, to
others they may not be.
SMK Enterprises, Leola
offers a variety of custom-
made radiator covers to give
old radiators a new look. Frank
Werts, who established the
business 11 years ago, has
worked with residential clients
as well as schools, daycare and
adult day care facilities and
offces.
“Mostly people are looking
for a decorative touch — they’re
tired of looking at the radiators or
repainting them. In some cases,
particularly if the radiator is in a
place with a lot of moisture such
as a bathroom, there may be
rust. For families with younger
children and for adult daycares,
it can be more of a safety issue
— to prevent children or adults
from placing their hands on the
hot radiator,” he explained.
Additionally in some older
homes, radiators may have been
painted with lead-based paint.
And some have ornate patterns
or claw feet that make it diffcult
or costly to strip and repaint.
“For a professional to strip
and repaint the radiator, it
can cost almost as much as a
custom-radiator cover, and with
the radiator cover, you don’t
have to worry about repainting,”
he says.
Covers are also available for
the fn tube type of baseboard
radiators. Werts says that the
baseboard radiators do already
have a cover (the fns are really
sharp), but through the
years they get nicked
up during routine
vacuuming and by
children running toys
into them as they play.
The older covers may
also be loose and no
longer ft properly.
Werts offers
custom-ftted radiator
covers, and will travel
within 100 miles of
Lancaster to do the job.
He’s had not only local
clients, but also clients
in the Baltimore,
Washington, DC,
Wilmington and Philadelphia
areas. Although a client may
only wish to purchase a single
radiator cover, while he’s on-
site he takes measurements of all
uncovered radiators throughout
the property and keeps them on
fle.
“It’s important to measure
every radiator, since even
though they can appear to be of a
similar size they may not be. I’ll
also make notes on the location
of each one — a radiator may
appear to be in the center of a
window, and when I measure
we fnd out that that’s not the
case. We can make the cover
the correct length to center it, if
that’s what the client wishes,” he
explains.
He keeps measurements on
fle so that clients who may be
renovating a room at a time,
can simply make a phone call
and ask to have a radiator cover
created for the next room that’s
Custom radiator and baseboard covers add
to home decor
- continued on page 5
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME 4 • MARCH 18, 2012
(ARA) — Are you longing for
warm days and spending time
with friends and family in your
backyard? The chilly weather
may keep us indoors, but
professionals in the landscape
and remodeling industry are
thinking about the outdoors and
time now to plan spring projects,
and so should you.
Planning and prepping now
will ensure that you get full
use of your outdoor space for
the entire season once warm
weather arrives. Get a head start
by planning some of these spring
projects now:
Grass
Before you know it, you’ll
be peeling off your wool socks
and walking around your yard
feeling the soft grass between
your toes. To ensure a lush
lawn, spend time researching
grass seed options so you can
repair any sparse areas in your
yard. Planting grass seed early
gives the seed plenty of time to
germinate which will give you a
healthy, green lawn.
In addition to research, you
can also chat with someone
at your local nursery for help
choosing the appropriate type of
grass to plant in the early months
of spring.
Bulbs
Some bulbs grow best when
planted in the early spring when
the ground is still cool. Do some
research to fgure out the best
bulbs for your region so you
can determine the ideal planting
time. There’s nothing better than
having a yard full of colorful
fowers providing great curb
appeal early in the season.
Deck
Sitting on your deck enjoying
warm, sunny days or cooler
evenings is something everyone
looks forward to. Adding a new
deck to your home or replacing
an existing one adds value to
your real estate investment.
Homeowners have been
consistently choosing composite
decking over wooden decks
over the past several years
because composite decking
is high performance and low
maintenance, unlike wood
decking which can splinter and
crack, and often requires staining
and sealing. Composite decking
is long-lasting, durable, made of
recycled materials, and resists
mildew, warping and insects.
According to Remodeling
magazine 2009-10 Cost vs. Value
Report, adding a composite deck
to your home has a 70 percent
return on investment.
You can fnd free online
tools to help you plan your new
decking project. Visit www.
timbertech.com to learn which
decking materials are best for
you by taking a quick quiz.
Create free deck designs with the
Online Deck Designer. Mix and
match decking and railing colors
with the Color Visualizer and be
inspired by other deck designs
in the Photo Gallery. Before you
know it, you’ll have the perfect
plan for your dream deck.
Trees and shrubs
As you’re deciding on a deck,
consider a plan to plant trees and/
or shrubbery to provide a more
natural outdoor atmosphere. The
right type of landscaping will
not only be visually appealing,
but will also provide privacy and
shade. Planting your selections
early can have many benefts
including time for each tree or
shrub to establish a strong root
system so that it fourishes for
many years to come.
Stop dreaming of warm
weather and put that energy into
planning your outdoor space.
From decking to landscape
updates, your efforts during the
winter months will bloom into
big results once the spring thaw
hits.
Replacing a roof is a costly
venture few homeowners look
forward to. According to Re-
modeling magazine’s 2010-11
“Cost vs. Value” report, the
national average cost of a roof
replacement is nearly $22,000,
a costly endeavor considering
the tenuous nature of the econ-
omy. What’s more, homeown-
ers who choose more upscale
roofng materials can expect to
spend almost $40,000 on their
roofs.
Such costs make it no small
wonder that many homeowners
fear the dreaded diagnosis that
their home needs a new roof.
While there’s little homeown-
ers can do to reduce the cost
of a roof replacement, there
are warning signs homeowners
can look for that might indicate
a roof replacement is on the
horizon. Recognition of these
signs can help homeowners
be more fnancially prepared
should the day come when the
roof needs to be replaced.
The presence of algae
If the roof has lots of dark
streaks and stains clinging to
it, that is likely algae, which
can grow on the roof for quite
awhile. Algae does not neces-
sarily do any damage to a roof,
but it does do some damage to
a home’s physical appearance,
as algae on the roof is not very
pleasing to the eye. Algae is
most often found on the roofs
of homes located in climates
that have warm, humid sum-
mers. If algae is a problem on
your roof, spray washing with
a mixture of water and bleach
can effectively remove it.
Buckling shingles
Like algae, buckling shin-
gles are another unsightly
problem on a roof. But buck-
ling shingles are more than just
an eyesore, they actually might
indicate signifcant problems.
When shingles buckle, that’s
typically because hot air from
the attic is forcing the shingles
away from the home. Buckling
shingles also indicate that the
roof is poorly ventilated, which
can take years off the roof’s
life expectancy while driving
up home cooling costs along
the way.
Granule loss
Granule loss is typically a
byproduct of normal shingle
wear and tear that results from
inclement weather, such as
hail. Older roofs might expe-
rience granule loss, but gran-
ule loss can also occur on a
new roof if a defective roofng
product was used. Any granule
loss, even if slight, should be
addressed, as the side effects
of granule loss include a weak-
ened roof and leaking. If gran-
ule loss is not addressed, the
Signs your roof needs replaced
Plan spring projects now
- continued on page 15
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME MARCH 18, 2012 • 5
(ARA) — For some
homeowners, remodeling
projects are regular occurrences
to keep their homes looking
fresh. Sometimes, that means
smaller changes like a new
coat of paint or changing a
light fxture. Other times, more
substantial changes are needed.
Determining those changes can
be a challenge, but looking at the
potential return on investment is
a great way to prioritize.
Bathroom remodeling
offers a 68.7 percent return
on investment, according to a
National Association of Realtors
survey. One way to add value to
a bathroom remodel is to pick
bathroom fxtures that are more
effcient than what you currently
have installed. Americans are
going green in many areas of
life, whether with more energy-
effcient light bulbs, hybrid cars
or by recycling more regularly.
Bathroom fxtures are no
different.
Here are three reasons why
you should consider going green
with your bathroom modeling
project:
* Products may be outdated.
Toilets made before 1994 use
anywhere from 3.5 gallons to
8 gallons per fush (gpf), while
new EPA WaterSense labeled
high-effciency toilets can work
beautifully on a modest 1.28 gpf.
Not sure of your toilet’s vintage?
Look at the underside of the tank
lid — the date of manufacture is
often stamped into the porcelain.
In the shower, the typical
showerhead installed in
California homes built after
1994 uses as much as 2.5 gallons
per minute. At that rate, your
eight-minute shower consumes
a whopping 20 gallons of water.
* Savings to be had.
Compared to 3.5 gpf toilets,
TOTO’s Aquia One-Piece Dual
Flush High-Effciency Toilet
has a fushing system that
enables homeowners to
select the level of water
used each time the toilet is
fushed — 1.6 gallons for
bulk waste or .9 for liquid.
The approach provides
exceptional water savings
paired with outstanding
performance. A family of
four can save more than
$90 annually on their water
bill, and $2,000 over the
lifetime of the toilet.
If you replace a typical
2.5 gpm showerhead
with a high-effciency
showerhead, you will
experience the same
shower, yet consume a
responsible 14 gallons,
saving 20 percent of the
water used by older models.
Even something like a faucet
can contribute to water savings.
TOTO’s Silas Widespread
Lavatory Faucet is a WaterSense
labeled lavatory faucet that
consumes a responsible 1.5
gallons per minute without
sacrifcing an ounce of
performance. Its design has a
classic contemporary elegance
with a graceful, curved spout.
* Be a trendy homeowner.
A whopping 68 percent of
builders surveyed by the
National Association of Home
Builders say that energy-saving
technologies and features
including low-E windows,
energy-effcient appliances, and
LED lighting will be common
along with other green features
like engineered wood products,
and water-saving plumbing
fxtures such as dual-fush toilets
and low-fow faucets by 2015.
Start now and you’ll be ahead
of the curve.
Custom covers
being renovated. “Typically
people start with the public
spaces such as the bathroom,
kitchen, living room and
dining room. Then they may
proceed to their private areas
such as bedrooms. If a client
is renovating a room, I like to
place the radiator covers when
fooring and paint are completed
— that way the covers don’t get
paint splashes or nicks — the
covers are the fnishing touch,”
Werts says.
He offers both metal and
wooden radiator covers in
different styles including a cover
with a bookend. “They can be
functional as well as decorative,”
he says.
Metal radiator covers are
powder coated for a scratch
and rust resistant fnish and
are available in several colors.
They’re crafted with heavy duty
metal construction — 20-gauge
on the body and 18-gauge on
the lids. Insulated tops (lids) are
hinged for easy access to valves.
Recessed grills add strength
and enhance appearance. Metal
covers are welded for extra
strength.
Wooden radiator covers are
crafted from ¾-inch hardwoods
such as oak, cherry, maple or
poplar. They may be stained or
painted with a durable satin-
look pre-catalyzed lacquer.
They are available in a variety
of styles including Mission,
Contemporary and Prairie. They
can even be customized to match
existing furniture or décor.
Baseboard radiators are also
crafted with the same metal
specifcations as metal radiator
covers. Baseboard covers slip
right over the old baseboard
heater. Werts suggests removing
the old end caps, face plates and
damper plates and leaving the
old back plates attached to the
wall.
“Whether they’re metal or
wooden, the radiator covers
fnish out the room and look like
a piece of furniture,” he says.
For further information on
custom radiator covers, contact
Frank Werts at 717-656-6297 or
visit www.smkenterprises.org.
- continued from page 3
Green trends for home
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME 6 • MARCH 18, 2012
By Rochelle A. Shenk
Special Features Writer
Every April visitors are
welcomed to more than 250
of Virginia’s most beautiful
gardens, homes and historic
landmarks during Historic
Garden Week (HGW),
which originated in 1929.
“It is the largest and most
respected tour of its type
in the country,” says Karen
Cauthen Miller, director
of Historic Garden Week.
“The state itself is beautiful
and has a lot of different
types of topography. The
reason that Garden Week is
held in late April is because
that’s when Virginia is in full
bloom.”
HGW, which is sponsored
by the Garden Club of
Virginia, attracts about
40,000 visitors annually. Not
only does the event pique
the interest of gardeners
(gardening is the #1 hobby
in the US), but it also attracts
history buffs and those who
enjoy seeing the homes and
decorating designs of others.
The annual event takes nearly
a year to plan, and involves
about 3,400 volunteers from
the various garden clubs
throughout the state. While
the homes and gardens are
the stars of the show, the
stunning, and often very
creative, fower arrangements
created with fresh, local
fowers and plants are close
second.
Tour proceeds fund the
preservation of Virginia’s
historic gardens. Since
its inception in 1929, the
Garden Club of Virginia has
restored the gardens at more
than 50 properties including
the gardens at the Woodrow
Wilson Presidential Library
in Staunton; the gardens
at Mount Vernon (George
Washington’s home along
the Potomac); the pavilion
gardens at the University of
Virginia in Charlottesville;
and the gardens at
Montpelier, the home of
James Madison.
This year, HGW will
be held April 21 through
28. “Each tour has its
own story and offers a
wide variety — there
may be homes of various
periods in a city or a mix
of modern and historic
properties in an area. Not
only do visitors have the
opportunity to explore the
home and gardens, but they
also can enjoy the beauty of
Virginia’s urban and rural
areas,” Cauthen Miller says.
Some highlights on this
year’s HGW include a home
on the Arlington tour (April
24) that was used as a location
for the flming of the 2011
movie “J. Edgar Hoover”.
Lynchburg’s tour (April 24)
will include Poplar Forest,
Thomas Jefferson’s personal
retreat and one of only two
homes designed by Jefferson
for his personal use. It is one
Above: Elizabeth Ward House in Brownsburg, VA, on the
Lexington tour. The log home was built in 1813.
At left: The Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk, VA.
Photo courtesy Hermitage Museum.
Below: The Hertzler garden, Williamsburg. Photo courtesy of the
Williamsburg Garden Club.
Virginia’s Historic Garden Week
America’s largest open house
- continued on page 12
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME MARCH 18, 2012 • 7
For homeowners, spring
cleaning is one of the annual rites
of spring. The return of warmer
weather presents the perfect
opportunity for homeowners
to open the windows, let some
fresh air in and tidy up after a
few months spent cooped up
inside while the weather outside
was frightful.
But +++now that spring has
arrived, the time to clean up
around the house has come.
Homeowners about to start on
their annual spring cleaning
should consider the following
before beginning.
Get the right tools
The right tools won’t
necessarily be a hammer and
nails, but cleaning products
that can make spring cleaning
more effcient. Rubber gloves,
cleaning products (preferably
natural products that are good
for the environment) and enough
garbage bags to discard a
winter’s worth of clutter should
all be on hand before you begin
cleaning. If they’re not, you’ll
likely need to make a trip to the
store while cleaning, which can
be time-consuming and prolong
the process.
Take inventory
Many people have no problem
buying new clothes, but they do
fnd it hard to get rid of older
items. Part of spring cleaning is
tossing old items you no longer
use, and that includes clothing.
Clothing can take up a signifcant
amount of space, so take some
inventory of your wardrobe and
decide which items you want to
keep and which ones you can
afford to discard or even donate.
Address the windows
If the last several months
have been especially cold or
snowy, then you might not
have looked out the windows in
quite some time. Unfortunately,
those windows might have
accumulated quite the amount
of dirt and grime while you were
huddled inside. When washing
the windows, do so on a cloudy
day, as the sun can actually
cause streaking. In addition, be
mindful of what you’re using
to wipe down the windows
post-cleaning. Microfber rags
typically give windows a great
shine without any streaking.
The blinds and drapes will
also need to be addressed, as
they have likely accumulated
dust over the last few months.
Dust the valance and the frame,
and wipe the blinds down with
a damp cloth. You can also use
your vacuum’s upholstery and
brush attachments to further
clean blinds and drapes.
Tidy up the bed
You likely wash your bed
linens regardless of the season.
When spring cleaning, toss these
linens into the washing machine
and don’t forget to wash the
mattress pads and bed skirting
as well. While those items are in
the wash, fip all the mattresses
in your household.
Don’t forget the kitchen
The kitchen is not immune to
clutter, and it’s especially easy for
items to overstay their welcome
in the refrigerator and the kitchen
cabinets. Look for old takeout
containers in the refrigerator that
have managed to stick around,
and throw these out as well as
any items that have passed their
expiration dates. While items in
the kitchen cabinets might not
have an expiration date, it helps
to remove them from the pantry
and then dust and wipe down the
shelves. When doing so, discard
any items that no longer seem
appetizing.
Beat the rugs
Area rugs have no doubt
collected dirt and dust over the
last several months. Though
vacuuming these area rugs
might be enough during the year,
take advantage of the pleasant
weather and take the rugs outside
to beat them and rid them of
dust and any other particles the
vacuum might have missed over
the last few months.
Empty and clean the
bookshelves
Bookshelves are one the
biggest collectors of dust in
many homes. Open the windows
and remove books from the
shelves. Dust the shelves and
wipe them down with a damp
cloth. And don’t forget to dust
the books and reorganize titles
before returning them to their
newly cleaned shelves.
Spring cleaning is something
all homeowners must do to keep
their homes healthy and clean.
Spring cleaning is annual event
at many households, and a few
simple strategies can make it go
much more smoothly.
Start spring cleaning
Don’t forget to clean and reorganize bookshelves.
One of the best ways to
improve a home’s resale value is to
address the landscape. Increasing a
property’s curb appeal can be done
in many ways, but a well-pruned
lawn and garden gives buyers the
impression that the sellers truly
took the time to maintain the home
and the surrounding property.
Many homeowners choose
exotic plants when addressing
their landscape. Though these
plants can be appealing and make
a property stand out, if the plants
are not native to the region, they
could be doing more harm than
good. Instead of upgrading your
property with exotic plants from
a far away land, consider the
following benefts of choosing
native plants before addressing
your landscape.
* Native plants beneft local
wildlife. The native plants and
the native wildlife spent years
and years evolving together,
with each doing their part to
ensure the other’s survival. But
as development continued, local
wildlife suffered because of lost
food sources. The local wildlife
needs local, native plants to
survive, so choosing these plants
instead of exotic plants can help
ensure the survival of wildlife that
helps keep the ecosystem in check.
* Native plants require less
work. Some prospective home
buyers might fnd a yard flled
with exotic plants to be visually
stunning, but they might also see
a good deal of work to maintain
those plants. Many exotic plants
require signifcant work on a
homeowner’s part to survive,
while native plants have already
adapted to the local climate and
will require much less care. This
is often attractive to current and
future homeowners alike.
* Native plants might be a
better investment. A native plant
has evolved over the years to
survive in its given area. Local
insect populations and fungal
infections might be able to
destroy an exotic plant, but a
native plant has grown resistant
to such problems.
Choose native plants
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299-2385 www.wizardlock.com
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PA 7640
Residential •
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• Exterior &Interior Painting
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• Free Estimates
• Insured Professional
• Considerate Service
Please Call
717-684-5310
25 Years Experience
TOM FLORY
TOM FLORY
Registered PA Contractor • Former Owner of Flory’s Mill
Lic.# 056971
FARM & HOME CENTER
Herrville Rd. & Rt. 272 South,
Willow Street
2 Miles South of Kendig Square
464-3321 or 800-732-0053
Mon-Fri 6:30am - 8pm; Sat 7:30am - 6pm
Columbia Shopping Center
1786-F Columbia Ave., Columbia
(717) 684-8515
Mon-Fri 7:30am - 8pm; Sat 7:30am - 6pm;
Sun 10am - 5pm
We offer quick turn-around & personal service
CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS
Choose from 50 premium colors & your choice
of 10 edge profiles. 15 year product warranty.
CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS
717-391-2700 • wwwssbbtops.com
717-735-0011 • 800-613-2211 • www.odclancaster.com 0011 • 800 613 2211 • wwwodclancaster c
Overhead Door
Company of Lancaster
115 Independence Court, Lancaster
PA#11998
50
YEARS
SERVING
LANCASTER
Residential customers only. Not valid on previous sales or with other offers. Expires 5/31/12.
FREE
TRANSMITTER
OR KEYLESS ENTRY
with any new
electric door opener
purchase.*
CALL NOW TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR HOMES POTENTIONAL!
Roofing • Siding • Windows
Phone 717-587-3876
www.klausmairconstruction.com
Lancaster County’s Exterior Specialist
PA#051359
KLAUSMAIR
CONSTRUCTION
Roots Nurseries, Inc.
Thousands Of Plants To Choose From
Unusual Shrubs, Perennials & More
2361 Lancaster Road, Manheim, PA
(South of Manheim on Rt. 72)
www.rootsnurseries.com
Custom Landscape Design
& Professional Planting
898-0041 toll free 866-258-ROOT
(
7668
)
Over 100 acres of
Shade, Flowering & Evergreen Trees
15
RETAIL PLANT CENTER
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Turn your outdoors into a paradise.
717.735.8772
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AWNINGS
464-7230
FULL EFFECT
LAWN & LANDSCAPE SERVICES
• Landscape Design & Installation
• Walks, Patios, Retaining Walls, Water Gardens
• Tree & Shrub Pruning Services
• Complete Property Maintenance
We Offer
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of Landscape
Services
www.fulleffectlandscape.com
HIC#PA018329
14
LAWN/LANDSCAPING
443-C Harrisville Road • Colora, MD21917 • P: (410) 658-5202 • F: (410) 658-5209
1402 Eshelman Mill Road •Willow Street, PA 17584
P: (717) 464-5209 • F: (717) 464-1434
• Premium Bark Mulch • Dyed Black, Brown & Red Mulches
• Economy Blend Mulch
• IPEMA Certified Playground Mulch
• Wood Chips • Screened & Field Run Topsoil
• Landscape Stone • Quarry Stone
• Top Dressing Soil • Sands (MD)
• New Holland®Block & Pavers
Pick-Up with your truck or trailer
Delivery Available • Landscapers Welcome
“We Process
All of Our Own
Mulch &Topsoil
Products”
S
6
4
1
6
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7
18
MULCH
Call Today For A Free Estimate! 888-556-0077
179 West Main St. • Leola • www.stampcreteoflancaster.com
Featuring
• Stamped Concrete
• Patios
• Sidewalks
• Driveways
• Garages
• Overlays
• Aggregate Concrete
• Sealers
19
STAMPED CONCRETE
6
PAINTING
13
GARAGE DOORS
7
WINDOWS/DOORS
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BYTHE GRIMM FAMILY
www.fcmetalrecycling.com
LANCASTER
S. Prince St. & Seymour St.
(Seymour St. Entrance)
717.396.9999 M-F 8-4:30, Sat 8-12
BUCK
Rt. 272 (Top of the Buck Hill)
717.284.2800
M-F 8-4:30, Sat 8-12
CleanYour Home - Help the Environment
Make Extra Money!
We Buy: Aluminum • Brass • Heavy Steel
Copper • Misc. Scrap Metals
CONTAINER SERVICE AVAILABLE
16
RECYCLING
2
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS
8
ROOFING/SIDING/ADDITIONS
9
PAINT
10
CARPET CLEANING
CLOG FREE OR
WE’LL CLEAN IT FOR
Ralph L. Wilhelm, Jr., Inc
717-548-2322 wilhelmspouting.com
Insured • Free Estimates
PA033830
The most advanced & affordable
solution on the market compared to
Gutter Helmet
®
, Gutter Topper, The
Water Fall
®
, Waterloov
®
& Leaf Proof
®
Locally Owned Since 1989
Residential & Commercial • 5 Year
Workmanship Warranty • 35 Colors In Stock
Soffit & Fascia • 5” & 6” Seamless Spouting
• Seamless 6” 1/2 Round Gutters
•
2011 ••
Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.
•
 A
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SEAMLESS SPOUTING
717.656.8928
Family Owned & Operated Since 1991
10 Trinity Dr. • Leola, PA 17540 • Hours By Appointment Only
• Decks, Homes & Roofs
Cleaned & Stained
• Decorative Textured
StoneFinish For Concrete
• Brick Paver Cleaning & Sealing
• 2011 ••
Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.
•
 A
1
DECKS & PATIOS
2
4 8
10
6
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1
15
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5
11
16
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18
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5
NATURAL GAS/HEATING OIL
11
LAWN EQUIPMENT
3
12
Please call 291-8800 or email [email protected]
for information on the 2012 FALL/WINTER HOME SERVICE GUIDE.
ome ervice uide H S G
SPRING
2
0
1
2
13
19
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SOLAR PANELS
AFFORDABLE
PAVING
“Quality Paving at Reasonable Prices”
www.affordablepaving.net
245 E Main St,
Brownstown, PA
PA 7640
Residential
Commercial
Parking Lots
Driveways
Roads FREE ESTIMATES
717-656-4849
12
PAVING/SEALING
Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME MARCH 18, 2012 • 9
In-Home Carpet Cleaning!
With this coupon. See store for details. Offer expires 3/31/12.
Family owned and operated. HIC PA024067
www.certifiedcarpet.com
ithh t h this his his co co coupo upo p nnn See See See st st store ore ore ffo for d r d deta eta etails ils ils OOffe ffe er e r expi xpi xp res res s 3/ 3/ 3/31/ 31/ 31/112 12
www www www ww ce .ce .cc rti rt fie fiedca dcarp rpe rpe rpe p t c t.c t.c t.com om om om
717.394.3731
$
98
Up to 300 sq. ft. Silver Service.
Platinum & Gold services available.
LNP
Special
2350 Dairy Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601 • 717.898.0100
Walk Behind
Mower Service
$
69
95
Your Choice...$20 Off or
Free Pickup & Delivery
*Parts not included. Expires 4/15/12
Reg $89.95
P R E - S E A S O N
SERVICE SPECIAL
****Partt Part Part Part Pa Pa Pa Pa s no s no s no s n t in t cludded. ed. Expi Expi Exp Ex res res res 4/ 4/ Pa PPa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa PP **Pa Paa ar arrts nno ott includded. Expi Expi Exp res res 4 PPPa
• Exterior &Interior Painting
• Home Repair
• Pressure Washing
• Free Estimates
• Insured Professional
• Considerate Service
Please Call
717-684-5310
25 Years Experience
TOM FLORY
TOM FLORY
Registered PA Contractor • Former Owner of Flory’s Mill
Lic.# 056971
FARM & HOME CENTER
Herrville Rd. & Rt. 272 South,
Willow Street
2 Miles South of Kendig Square
464-3321 or 800-732-0053
Mon-Fri 6:30am - 8pm; Sat 7:30am - 6pm
Columbia Shopping Center
1786-F Columbia Ave., Columbia
(717) 684-8515
Mon-Fri 7:30am - 8pm; Sat 7:30am - 6pm;
Sun 10am - 5pm
We offer quick turn-around & personal service
CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS
Choose from 50 premium colors & your choice
of 10 edge profiles. 15 year product warranty.
CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS
717-391-2700 • wwwssbbtops.com
717-735-0011 • 800-613-2211 • www.odclancaster.com 0011 • 800 613 2211 • wwwodclancaster c
Overhead Door
Company of Lancaster
115 Independence Court, Lancaster
PA#11998
50
YEARS
SERVING
LANCASTER
Residential customers only. Not valid on previous sales or with other offers. Expires 5/31/12.
FREE
TRANSMITTER
OR KEYLESS ENTRY
with any new
electric door opener
purchase.*
CALL NOW TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR HOMES POTENTIONAL!
Roofing • Siding • Windows
Phone 717-587-3876
www.klausmairconstruction.com
Lancaster County’s Exterior Specialist
PA#051359
KLAUSMAIR
CONSTRUCTION
Roots Nurseries, Inc.
Thousands Of Plants To Choose From
Unusual Shrubs, Perennials & More
2361 Lancaster Road, Manheim, PA
(South of Manheim on Rt. 72)
www.rootsnurseries.com
Custom Landscape Design
& Professional Planting
898-0041 toll free 866-258-ROOT
(
7668
)
Over 100 acres of
Shade, Flowering & Evergreen Trees
15
RETAIL PLANT CENTER
J
.
R
.
M
c
C
ullo
u
g
h
C
o
.
AWNI NGS
Turn your outdoors into a paradise.
717.735.8772
17
AWNINGS
464-7230
FULL EFFECT
LAWN & LANDSCAPE SERVICES
• Landscape Design & Installation
• Walks, Patios, Retaining Walls, Water Gardens
• Tree & Shrub Pruning Services
• Complete Property Maintenance
We Offer
AFull Range
of Landscape
Services
www.fulleffectlandscape.com
HIC#PA018329
14
LAWN/LANDSCAPING
443-C Harrisville Road • Colora, MD21917 • P: (410) 658-5202 • F: (410) 658-5209
1402 Eshelman Mill Road •Willow Street, PA 17584
P: (717) 464-5209 • F: (717) 464-1434
• Premium Bark Mulch • Dyed Black, Brown & Red Mulches
• Economy Blend Mulch
• IPEMA Certified Playground Mulch
• Wood Chips • Screened & Field Run Topsoil
• Landscape Stone • Quarry Stone
• Top Dressing Soil • Sands (MD)
• New Holland®Block & Pavers
Pick-Up with your truck or trailer
Delivery Available • Landscapers Welcome
“We Process
All of Our Own
Mulch &Topsoil
Products”
S
6
4
1
6
1
7
18
MULCH
Call Today For A Free Estimate! 888-556-0077
179 West Main St. • Leola • www.stampcreteoflancaster.com
Featuring
• Stamped Concrete
• Patios
• Sidewalks
• Driveways
• Garages
• Overlays
• Aggregate Concrete
• Sealers
19
STAMPED CONCRETE
6
PAINTING
13
GARAGE DOORS
7
WINDOWS/DOORS
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BYTHE GRIMM FAMILY
www.fcmetalrecycling.com
LANCASTER
S. Prince St. & Seymour St.
(Seymour St. Entrance)
717.396.9999 M-F 8-4:30, Sat 8-12
BUCK
Rt. 272 (Top of the Buck Hill)
717.284.2800
M-F 8-4:30, Sat 8-12
CleanYour Home - Help the Environment
Make Extra Money!
We Buy: Aluminum • Brass • Heavy Steel
Copper • Misc. Scrap Metals
CONTAINER SERVICE AVAILABLE
16
RECYCLING
2
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS
8
ROOFING/SIDING/ADDITIONS
9
PAINT
10
CARPET CLEANING
CLOG FREE OR
WE’LL CLEAN IT FOR
Ralph L. Wilhelm, Jr., Inc
717-548-2322 wilhelmspouting.com
Insured • Free Estimates
PA033830
The most advanced & affordable
solution on the market compared to
Gutter Helmet
®
, Gutter Topper, The
Water Fall
®
, Waterloov
®
& Leaf Proof
®
Locally Owned Since 1989
Residential & Commercial • 5 Year
Workmanship Warranty • 35 Colors In Stock
Soffit & Fascia • 5” & 6” Seamless Spouting
• Seamless 6” 1/2 Round Gutters
•
2011 ••
Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.
•
 A
4
SEAMLESS SPOUTING
717.656.8928
Family Owned & Operated Since 1991
10 Trinity Dr. • Leola, PA 17540 • Hours By Appointment Only
• Decks, Homes & Roofs
Cleaned & Stained
• Decorative Textured
StoneFinish For Concrete
• Brick Paver Cleaning & Sealing
• 2011 ••
Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.
•
 A
1
DECKS & PATIOS
2
4 8
10
6
9
1
15
14
5
11
16
7
18
17
5
NATURAL GAS/HEATING OIL
11
LAWN EQUIPMENT
3
12
Please call 291-8800 or email [email protected]
for information on the 2012 FALL/WINTER HOME SERVICE GUIDE.
ome ervice uide H S G
SPRING
2
0
1
2
13
19
3
SOLAR PANELS
AFFORDABLE
PAVING
“Quality Paving at Reasonable Prices”
www.affordablepaving.net
245 E Main St,
Brownstown, PA
PA 7640
Residential
Commercial
Parking Lots
Driveways
Roads FREE ESTIMATES
717-656-4849
12
PAVING/SEALING
Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME 10 • MARCH 18, 2012
Selling a house is seldom
easy, and homeowners are often
willing to do whatever it takes to
make their home more attractive
to prospective buyers. One of the
areas sellers typically focus on is
the home’s landscaping. A well-
maintained lawn and garden
increases a property’s curb
appeal considerably, increasing
the chances a buyer will have
a strong frst impression of the
home.
But homeowners don’t need
to have a green thumb to ensure
their lawn improves curb appeal.
The following are a few tricks
of the trade savvy sellers can
employ to make their home an
instant hit when buyers pull up
to the curb.
* Color the landscape. The
plants outside a home shouldn’t
stick out like a sore thumb, but
a few splashes of color can
make a home more appealing.
For the cost of some annuals,
which are typically inexpensive,
homeowners can turn a drab
fower bed into a colorful spot
bound to catch a
buyer’s eye.
* Lay down
new layers of
mulch. Mulch is
not only good for
plants, helping
them to retain
moisture while
inhibiting weed
germination and
growth, but a fresh
layer of mulch
also adds to a
yard’s aesthetic
appeal. Mulch
made of wood or
bark chips is also
slow to decay, so
apply a new batch
right before the
“For Sale” sign is
erected and you
might not have to apply another
batch before selling the home.
* Prune trees and shrubs.
Pruning trees and shrubs is one
of the easiest and most effective
ways to improve a landscape.
Dead branches in shrubs and
trees might suggest to buyers that
the homeowners weren’t terribly
preoccupied with maintenance,
and this might cause them to
think twice about making an
offer. Stay on top of pruning
regardless of what season it is,
and be sure to remove any fallen
branches from the yard on a
regular basis.
* Clean bird baths and other
water features. Water features
create a peaceful atmosphere
around a property if they’re well
maintained. If not, buyers won’t
see the yard as a sanctuary but
rather a place where mosquitoes
congregate and odors emanate
from algae-flled water. Remove
any debris from water features,
including leaves and algae,
and clean the flters so water is
always clear.
* Invest in a power washer.
Buying a power washer might
be a tad over the top, but
homeowners whose yards are
flled with grimy surfaces might
fnd a power washer can work
wonders at restoring a home’s
external appeal. If plants are in
pots that are covered in years-old
dirt and grime, a power washer
can restore the pot’s luster in a
matter of minutes. Spray down
walkways and even home siding
that has fallen victim to dirt and
grime over the years.
* If planting trees, don’t
go too big. Especially large
trees are not always attractive to
prospective buyers, who likely
won’t want sight lines obstructed
or won’t want to worry about a
tree falling and destroying their
home during a storm.
* Address issues with weeds.
A prevalent problem with weeds
around the property is another
situation that some buyers might
feel is indicative of neglect.
Weeds are a pretty simple problem
to remedy, so buyers might be
correct to assume weeds around
the property are there because the
homeowner was not concerned
with maintenance. Spread mulch
around fower beds and gardens
to reduce weed growth, and pull
any weeds from sidewalks and
the driveway. Once weeds are
pulled, spray areas that were
infested with a weed-treatment
product to ensure weeds don’t
grow back.
When it comes to renovating
a home, homeowners expect
to spend money. No home
renovation or home improvement
project is free, but some are less
costly than others.
The addition of a half-
bathroom is a popular project
among homeowners, and it
won’t necessarily break the
bank. If converting existing
foor space into a half-bathroom,
such a renovation can cost as
little as a few thousand dollars,
making the addition of a powder
room one of the few home
improvement projects where the
value added to the home exceeds
the cost of the renovation.
Before deciding to add a half-
bathroom, it helps to consider
some of the pros and cons of the
project.
Pros
* Convenience: A half-
bathroom is often added on
the home’s main foor or in the
basement or attic. This makes
it more convenient for guests
to use the restroom during a
dinner party or when coming
over to watch the big game in a
basement home-theater area.
* Problem-free: Half-
bathrooms are smaller because
they don’t have a shower or
bathtub. That means common
bathroom problems like mold
and mildew are not as big a
concern as they are for full
bathrooms.
* More choices: Because
mold and mildew aren’t likely
to present a problem in a half-
bathroom, homeowners have
more options at their disposal
when choosing foors and
countertops.
Cons
* Space: As their name
implies, half-bathrooms
are much smaller than full
bathrooms. As a result, they tend
to feel cramped.
* Value: Though an
inexpensive half-bathroom
addition might recoup its value
and then some at resale, the
project won’t add as much
resale value to a home as a full
bathroom addition might.
* Loss of storage: If storage
around the house is sparse,
homeowners might be better off
keeping the area designated for
the half-bathroom as a storage
closet instead of a bathroom.
Once the pros and cons have
been weighed, check with local
municipality to ensure the codes
and requirements won’t restrict
their project.
Size or window restrictions
might curtail the project or limit
what homeowners can do, which
might change their minds on the
project altogether.
The pros and cons of adding a half-bathroom
How to improve your landscape before selling
1135 Beaver Valley Pike, Lancaster
464-9299 Call for hours
• Pansies • Primrose
• Cyclamen
• Garden Statuary
• Pottery
• Vegetable Plants
Easter Flowers
Fresh Bouquets & Arrangements and We Deliver!
DRIVEWAY PAVING
CHARLES A. ERISMAN, INC.
• Specializing in Residential Driveway Paving
• Driveway Additions
• Patching & Repair of Commercial Parking Lots
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME MARCH 18, 2012 • 11
(ARA) — As you anticipate
what exciting things this year
will bring, you might notice
your home decor has been left
behind. Fortunately, you can
easily beautify and modernize
your home using hints from
design experts on the hottest
color trends. Don’t worry that
you’ll need to break the bank —
simply updating the shades of
your walls can create the feel of
an entire new home without the
cost of buying one. And you’ll
enjoy starting the year in fresh,
contemporary surroundings.
“Our world has become
increasingly complicated and
fast-paced in recent years, to the
point that many people are now
taking steps back to re-evaluate
their lifestyles and consider
what’s truly important,” says
Donna Schroeder, Dutch Boy
Paints manager of Color Design.
“As we look back to simpler
times, we also see how design
and style have evolved. Dutch
Boy’s 2012 color forecast is
based on this refection and the
self-expression of what people
fnd meaningful. This year’s
diverse color trends are rich and
full of history, helping people
create spaces that truly show
their inner selves.”
Featuring fve groupings of
the hottest colors in home decor,
the Dutch Boy color forecast
offers options for any room or
personal taste. The 2012 trends
palettes are as follows:
Ethereal. Whether it’s the
search for enlightenment or just
the best cup of organic coffee
within 20 miles, the path is about
more than the ground covered.
The Ethereal collection foats
above other color palettes, airy
and atmospheric with tea-stained
and faded hues evocative of the
lightness of the sky under the
midday sun. Light colors from
this palette include Epidermal,
Faded Mint and Feather Lite.
Primitive. A meandering
path through the forest takes us
past colors only to be found in
nature. Deep barks, shocking
citrines and raw earth inspired
the natural colors of this palette.
The Primitive colors are as
mysterious as the shaded canopy
of the woods that inspired them.
Suffused with energy, they speak
to growth, regeneration and life.
This natural palette includes
Raw Garnet, Symbiotic Green
and Indigenous Teal.
Fundamental. We’ve walked
far away from the beige computer
housings of the 1970s, only to
fnd the hues from this budding
technological era coming back
full force. Retro offce meets
geek chic for a new take on 70s
style, as seen in this grouping.
The Fundamental color palette
makes full use of classic,
contrasting neutrals like beige
Spring into 2012 with ‘hot’ colors for your home
- continued on page 13
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of the most recent restoration
projects to beneft from HGW.
The featured property on the
Orange County Tour (April 28) is
Montpelier, while the Lexington
tour, also April 28, will feature
18
th
and 19
th
century log homes
throughout Rockbridge County,
which is surrounded by the Blue
Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.
Cauthen Miller notes that this
is the frst time that log homes
have been open for HGW.
She also says that Ashland
tour, a walking tour on April 21,
will be a “really charming tour.”
“It’s a Mayberry-type of town,”
she says.
Virginia’s capital, Richmond,
will offer three tours — April
24, 25 and 26 — with each tour
focusing on a different part of
the city. Cauthen Miller points
out that one of the April 25 tour
featuring The Boulevard, a grand
avenue area that’s been gentrifed
and includes the Virginia
Museum of Fine Arts. Many of
the tours offer an optional lunch,
and The Boulevard’s lunch will
be held in the museum’s Marble
Hall.
Old Town Alexandria (April
21) is also a tour to consider
— one of the gardens has been
archived by the Smithsonian
Institution. “The really neat
thing about Alexandria’s tours is
that well-known properties such
as Mount Vernon, Woodlawn
(originally part of Mount
Vernon), and Gunston Hall
(home of George Mason), are
a part of the tour. If they wish
visitors can divide their day
by walking through Old Town
Alexandria during one part of the
day and then visiting properties
like Mount Vernon during the
other,” Cauthen Miller says.
Since each tour offers a wide
variety, and the event is held
over nine days, there’s sure to
be something to ft the interest
and schedule of garden and
history enthusiasts. For further
information on Historic Garden
Week and its tours, visit www.
vagardenweek.org.
- continued from page 6
Historic Garden tours in Virginia
(ARA) — Homeowners can
fnally put away their snow
shovels and venture out into
their yards with digging shovels
for those long-awaited home
improvement projects. All
across the country, homeowners
and professional excavators
alike will start to plan spring
home-improvement projects that
require digging.
During the transition into
“digging season,” Common
Ground Alliance (CGA),
the association dedicated to
protecting underground utilities
and the people who dig near
them, reminds homeowners
and professional diggers that
calling 811 is the frst step
toward protecting you and your
community from the risk of
unintentionally damaging an
underground line.
Every digging project, no
matter how large or small,
warrants a free call to 811.
Calling this number connects
you to your local one-call utility
notifcation center. Installing
a mailbox or fence, building a
deck and landscaping are all
examples of digging projects
that should only begin a few
days after making a call to 811.
Here’s how it works:
1. One free, simple phone call
to 811 makes it easy for your
local one-call center to notify
all appropriate utility companies
of your intent to dig. Call a few
days prior to digging to ensure
enough time for the approximate
location of utility lines to be
marked with fags or paint.
2. When you call 811, a
representative from your local
one-call center will ask for the
location and description of your
digging project.
3. Your local one-call center
will notify affected utility
companies, who will then send
a professional locator to the
proposed dig site to mark the
approximate location of your
lines.
4. Only once all lines have
been accurately marked, roll up
those sleeves and carefully dig
around the marked areas.
There are nearly 20 million
miles of underground utility
lines in the United States that
your family depends on for
everyday needs including
electric, gas, water and sewer,
cable TV, high-speed Internet
and landline telephone.
Unintentionally striking
one of these lines can result in
inconvenient outages for
entire neighborhoods, harm to
yourself or your neighbors, and
repair costs. Digging activity by
homeowners and professionals
causes unintentional damage to
an underground utility line once
every three minutes nationwide,
and one out of three incidents are
caused because someone did not
call 811.
According to the most recent
data from CGA, damage occurs
less than 1 percent of the time
when the digger has called 811
before a project.
To fnd out more information
about 811 or the one-call utility
notifcation center in your area,
visit www.call811.com.
Make calling 811 a priority
before every digging project
Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME MARCH 18, 2012 • 13
Give your patio a new look this spring
A stamped concrete patio can
be created by adding colors into
the concrete, then fnishing it off
with a high density rubber stamp
pattern.
Stamping concrete is an
art which requires multiple
construction skills. It is a great
alternative to natural stone, slate
or pavers. It has the durability and
versatility of regular concrete
but with a beautiful, decorative
touch. Stamped concrete comes
in many colors. Earth tones are
most popular, says Jim Pierzga,
vice president of Concrete
Authority, Lancaster.
Creating your own unique
layout is one of the best features
of a stamped patio, he says.
“One of the most signifcant
benefts of stamping over pavers
is cost. Stamping costs less than
most paver projects.”
The most popular feature of
a stamped concrete patio is that
it is maintenance free, he says.
“Pavers settle, collect weeds,
moss, etc and require a strong
back in picking out those weeds
and cleaning.” These problems
do not occur with a stamped
patio.
Stamped patios are also less
maintenance than a wood deck.
Wood decks can warp, cup,
and splinter, and require annual
maintenance, he notes.
Concrete Authority, formerly
Stampcrete of Lancaster, “was
developed from a need to show
that we do much more than
just stamped concrete,” Pierzga
says. “So, many of our onsite
estimates have led into many
additional concrete projects.”
Combining more than 15
years in the concrete and stamped
concrete industry, Concrete
Authority expands on additional
areas that surround its core product
of custom, stamped concrete.
“Some of our recent
commercial projects,” Pierzga
says, include “the restoration of
Franklin & Marshall’s dormitory
buildings, including the coloring
of some exterior concrete
structures. We have also
expanded in new construction
multi-buildings in Reading.”
Another new division of
Concrete Authority will be in
producing surface logos.
“Stenciling corporate and
branding logos directly into
existing concrete is fast and
permanent,” he explains. “Some
new technology has enabled
us to permanently etch color
emblems of almost any logo
into foors, walls, driveways,
and curbs, allowing a permanent
presence for the business.
“Wheatland Federal Credit
Union, Chili’s, and Millersville
University entrances are some of
our best examples.”
For information about
stamped concrete, contact the
Concrete Authority at 717-556-
0077. Estimates are always free.
Color trends for 2012
and gray — designed to work
as the perfect foil for bold main
accents of green, orange and
vibrant blue. Basic colors in the
Fundamental palette include
Ink Blue, Aged Cognac and
Rudimentary Beige.
Pastimes. It’s time for a
road trip back in time to motels
boasting refrigerated air, a gallon
of gas that cost a dime and the
game of miniature golf that
was every family’s obsession.
The Pastimes color palette is
flled with exuberant shades
reminiscent of lazy summer
days at a lake house without a
television, or the intensity of
the circus coming to town. It’s
American culture from the 1940s
and 50s — a simpler time, an
antidote to the fast-paced buzz
and hum of modern technology.
Bright Pastimes hues include
Clown’s Nose, Kiddie Pool and
Orangesicle.
Compose. A street of dreams
with a focus on soft femininity
and vintage 1930s foral fashions
are at the heart of the Compose
color palette. Rich, dark hues
are offset by bright pops of color
that despite their origin in an
earlier era, look fresh and new.
This is a collection that worships
the creative being in all of us,
and encourages self-expression
through home decorating. This
inspired palette contains shades
such as Purple Pencil Skirt, Lip
Stain Pink and Theatrical Teal.
Choose any path to ft your
home, whether it’s a light,
shimmery mint from the
Ethereal palette, or a natural
green from the Primitive palette.
Using these cues from the color
professionals, you can ensure
your home enters 2012 in style.
- continued from page 11
Create a new patio this spring with stamped concrete.
Now is the time to take a serious look at
giving your old, cracked concrete patio and
sidewalks a new look.
One option is stamped concrete.
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME 14 • MARCH 18, 2012
(ARA) — In today’s world
where news travels at the speed
of now, people are searching
for balance and purpose and are
tapping into the power of plants
to cultivate the ‘new good life’.
“Plants are powerful,” says
Eric Liskey, deputy garden
editor for “Better Homes and
Gardens” magazine. “Whether
it’s enjoying garden-to-table
meals or sharing great new plant
fnds, people are naturally drawn
to plants.”
Besides beautifying our
homes and gardens, plants play
a vital role in our health and
well-being. They elicit powerful
positive emotions, revive
neighborhoods, and infuence
everything from what we eat to
life’s milestones.
“Plants are no longer a luxury,
but a necessity for our lives,”
says Susan McCoy, trendspotter
and outdoor living expert.
“Plants can live without us, but
we can’t live without plants.”
The power of plants.
For a growing army of eco-
conscious Gen X and Y’s,
recycling, repurposing and
upcycling is now a lifestyle.
Dr. Charlie Hall, professor
of horticulture at Texas A&M,
says, “Gen Y’s are embracing
a connection with plants based
on economics, environmental
impact, health and wellness.”
These rural and urban
curators are planting home
and community gardens and
renewing urban spaces with an
eye toward functionality and
artistic design.
Here’s what McCoy and her
team of Garden Media Group
trend spotters see for gardening
in 2012:
1. Urban knights. A growing
army of ‘urban knights’ are
creating oases wherever they
can fnd a patch of earth. They’re
planting shrubs, fowers, edibles
and pop-up gardens on balconies,
Hand injuries are a common
side effect of certain occupations
and hobbies. Tennis elbow or
wrist and even carpal tunnel
syndrome are well-recognized
injuries. But ergonomic tools
can help alleviate injuries due to
repetitive motions.
The term ergonomics is
derived from the Greek words
“ergon,” which means work, and
“nomoi,” which means natural
laws. In the simplest terms,
ergonomics is the study of how
work is done and how to make
work better. It has led to an entire
subset of ergonomics including
products that can make work
better and are safer for the body.
This is done by designing items
that increase utility of the item,
are more comfortable to use, and
reduce injury through frequent
use.
Ergonomic products are most
readily associated with items
of the workplace, including
ergonomic keyboards, computer
mice, offce chairs, and
lighting. But many industries
have reevaluated operations to
include tools that are ergonomic
in design. Gardening is one area
where ergonomics has become
especially popular.
The National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health
estimates that the rate of hand
injuries in the workplace is 25
hand injuries for every 10,000
full-time employees.
However, hand, back and
injuries of other areas of the
body are also commonplace due
to hobbies like gardening. Many
people have considered giving
up gardening due to the pain that
ensues from using the wrong
tools.
Here are some ergonomic
tools to consider for use while
gardening.
* Extend a Hand Ergonomic
Gardening Tool Set: These
garden tools help individuals
continue gardening tasks with
ease and joint protection.
The tools attach to the forearm
and feature a right-angled grip to
promote strength and leverage.
Interchangeable heads turn the
tool into a hoe, trowel, cultivator,
or pruning saw.
* Radius Garden 102
Weeder Hand Tool: This device
alleviates wrist and hand fatigue
from gripping and pulling out
weeds the traditional way.
The weeder features a
patented hand grip that provides
more leverage with less wrist
stress. The aluminum blade
helps to cut through weed roots
and lift out weeds with minimal
effort.
Ergonomic tools
Cultivate the ‘new good life’
- continued on page 15
- continued on page 15 This dwarf butterfy bush will attract wildlife to your garden.
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME MARCH 18, 2012 • 15
Roof repairs
consequences could be severe
the next time a storm occurs.
Mold
Unlike the warning signs al-
ready discussed, mold is not vis-
ible on the outside of the home.
Instead, homeowners should
look in the attic of a home to see
if there is any mold growth. If
there is, the roof is likely leak-
ing, and the health risks of mold
growth in a home are substantial.
Mold is not necessarily easy to
detect, so a professional inspec-
tion might be in order if mold
growth is suspected. If a pro-
fessional determines mold is, in
fact, present, then the mold will
need to be removed and all op-
tions, including a roof replace-
ment, must be considered to
keep mold from coming back.
Roof rot
Perhaps the most discourag-
ing sign a homeowner can see
on his or her roof is roof rot.
Roof rot appears when a roof is
in considerable decay and, if not
addressed, its consequences can
stretch far beyond the roof, dam-
aging other parts of the home
thanks in large part to water get-
ting through the roof.
If roof rot is either not noticed
or just ignored, it won’t take
long for water to get through the
roof and blaze a destructive path
through the rest of the home.
Homeowners might fear a
full roof replacement because of
the cost associated with such a
project. But if ignored, problems
with a roof could eventually
prove far more costly than the
price of replacing the roof.
- continued from page 4
* Ergonomic 7 Pattern
Sprayer: Instead of squeezing
a hand grip to activate the hose
nozzle, this sprayer features a
sliding thumb valve that controls
water fow while reducing hand
strain. The seven different water
fow patterns allow gardeners
to choose from misting to
streaming water fows.
* Ergonomic Handle
Garden Spade: The handle and
length of the tool is designed to
create maximum comfort and
leverage when digging in soil.
* Miracle Gro(R)
Ergonomic Garden Feeder:
This feeder has an ergonomic
handle for an easy, stress-free
grip. The trigger lock allows for
one-handed control and three
spray patterns.
Gardening doesn’t have to be
painful when you use the right
tools.
Ergonomic tools
- continued from page 14
in alley ways, and on street
parklets — even in abandoned
buildings.
From yard sharing and raising
chickens to ‘step gardening’ and
harvesting rain water, urban
knights are fnding a ‘new good
life’ by getting grounded with
the earth.
2. Eco-scaping. From rocks
in the garden to rocks in the
living room, nature’s infuence
can be found both indoors and
out.
“Borders are blurring between
indoors and out as nature
becomes more important in our
lives,” says Bobbie Schwartz,
president of the Association
of Professional Landscape
Designers. “Many people want
their gardens and their homes
to be sanctuaries of tranquility,
refecting their ideal concept of
nature.”
Beauty and sustainability are
key. Liskey says that people
want the “beauty and romance”
of a garden with less work.
“Gardeners want easy, low-
maintenance plants that give
plenty of color.”
The new Bloomtastic!
dwarf butterfy bush Lavender
Veil from Hines Growers is
low maintenance and attracts
butterfies and hummingbirds
with richly-colored abundant
blooms.
“Herbs are popular as cooking
shows and healthy eating habits
grow,” says Briscoe White, head
herb farmer at The Growers
Exchange. “It’s easy to pot up
herbs indoors and out for fresh
ingredients year round.” He
recommends planting containers
of herbs de Provence for
beauty and cooking or edging a
landscape border with lavender.
3. Occupy local. People
are “occupying” local farmers
markets and joining CSA’s
(Community Supported
Agriculture) for fresh produce,
plants and products.
“Farmers markets are our new
backyard veggie gardens and
are becoming our local grocery
store,” says McCoy.
According to the U.S. Dept
of Agriculture, sales of “locally
produced food” reached $4.8
billion in 2008. They project
that locally grown foods will
generate $7 billion in sales
dominated by fruit and veggies
in 2011.
4. Conscious consumption.
According to the 2010 Cone
Survey, 83 percent of consumers
still want to see more brands,
products and companies that
support worthy causes.
“We’ve fnally moved from
“me” to “we” and consider our
earth and each other when we
purchase,” says McCoy.
American Beauties Native
Plants’ partnership with the
National Wildlife Federation is a
great example of this mind shift.
When you buy an American
Beauties’ native plant like the
new groundcover, ‘Blue Moon’
woodland phlox, for example,
a donation is made to NWF’s
Certifed Wildlife Habitat
Program.
5. Water watchers. “There
is no single issue greater than
water,” says Dr. Hall. Recent
drought and regional water
restrictions are causing us
to grow plants, fowers and
vegetables with less water.
Soil amendments like the new
SoilReef biochar are considered
by many scientists to be the
“black gold” for gardening. Its
high carbon content and porous
nature help soil retain water and
nutrients, saving gardeners time
and money.
Hydroponic gardening is hot,
allowing plants to grow year-
round in nutrient rich solutions
that actually use less water.
6. In living color. Neon
colors, pop art and color
blocking are infuencing fashion
on the runways and fashion in
the garden. From Tangerine
Tango, the new Pantone color
of the year, to deep purples and
soothing greens, colors are all
over the landscape.
Rich, gem colors create your
own personal piece of paradise.
Tropic Escape Hibiscus from
Costa Farms produces huge
fowers that last twice as long
as regular hibiscus and are
perfect for decorating patios and
landscapes.
7. Inner gardening.
Decorating our inner gardens
with houseplants for better,
healthier lives is now the norm.
These natural oxygen machines
clean indoor air while bringing
life to any room.
Whether you want ferns,
peace lilies or palms, bring
nature in and green up your
spaces. To learn more about the
benefts of indoor houseplants
check out www.O2forYou.org.
8. Techno-gardening.
With the rise of smartphone
technology, consumers are able
to go directly into the buying
experience. According to
TrendWatching, ‘dealer chic’ is
on the rise where securing the
best deal is not just accepted —
it’s admired.
Gardening is going digital
with free e-zines. Costa Farms’
“GrowingStyle” magazine
brings designer tips and the
latest plant info from growers
and designers in this free app.
Garden products are going high-
tech, too. Now there’s a way to
rid your yard of pesky critters.
New motion activated sprinkler
repellents from Havahart
provide caring control solutions
that safely rid animals from your
yard.
9. Seedlings. From the White
House to the neighborhood
schools, kids are learning how
to grow their own food and take
care of the planet.
McCoy says we’ve ignored
two generations of gardeners and
need to get kids back to having
fun growing things. She says
the popularity of fairy gardens
is ideal for kids and the young
at heart to share the whimsical
world of plants and appreciate
the joy of gardening.
For a complete look at the
Garden Media Group 2012
Garden Trends Report, visit
www.gardenmediagroup.com.
- continued from page 14
Cultivate
C
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s
to
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a
d
e
R
a
d
ia
to
r C
o
v
e
rs
&
B
a
s
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b
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a
rd
R
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d
ia
to
r C
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Lancaster, Pa. SPRING HOME 16 • MARCH 18, 2012
Hear the news...Its BIG...Really BIG!!!
Check us out on the Web at www.Concrete Authority.com or call 866-566-0077
to speak with one of our team members
Welcome
Combining over 15 years in the
regular concrete and stamp
concrete industry, the New
Concrete Authority will expand
upon several additional areas
that surround its core product
of stamped Concrete.
Quietly, over the years Stampcrete has built a strong commercial industry
following as well. Contractors and Builders a like have used our services with
much success. Taking a broader approach within the industry, Concrete
Authority will reach out to Rental property facility buildout and repairs,
commercial garage pouring, churches, office building foundations, and a
brand new line of theme based concrete logos to be etched in solid concrete.
Same great Concrete
Stamping company, just more to offer...
Estimates are always free
Concrete Walkways
Custom
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Formerly
Commerical
Projects
T
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b
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Decorative Patios