That’s because natural gas is there when you need it, even during a power outage. There are models of natural gas fireplaces, water heaters, and cooktops that can keep performing when you need them most. And with a natural gas generator, you can power your furnace and other non-natural gas appliances without ever stepping outside to add fuel. Something to think about next time you get left in the dark. Find out more at nwnatural.com/appliances.
A Tradition of Spring!
Welcome to the 45th Annual Lane County Home & Garden Show presented by NW Natural. As a Tradition of Spring, the show is perfectly timed to kick-start all home and garden projects. With more than 225 home and garden companies, all conveniently located in one huge marketplace, you can find the experts, materials, products and, most importantly, inspiration.
Most area homeowners are staying put in our current homes –even if their lifestyle, or needs have changed. Ask yourself: Could that unused formal dining room create a family-sized eat-in kitchen with a deluxe pantry? Maybe that huge lawn can be transformed into a four-season outdoor living space? What if that unused backyard had an ADU for multigenerational living? Or, are you just dreaming about a spa getaway under the stars? Start with a family meeting, create your shortlist of projects.
Create a file of inspiring rooms or gardens. Take measurements and photos. Make a list of spaces that go unused or underutilized. Be realistic about your home’s problems and deferred maintenance. Decide on a budget and timeline. Then, head to the show to explore the possibilities with our experts!
HGTV Star Rico León of “Rico to the Rescue” is sharing his insider tips to doing remodels right! He will also share the story of his journey and how it landed him on HGTV rescuing homeowners mid-project. Meet Rico during his talks, or at the daily “Meet & Greets” at Presenting Sponsor NW Natural’s exhibit.
It took two years to book Patric Richardson, “The Laundry Evangelist!” As HGTV’s “The Laundry Guy” and the author of two new books, Patric is the preeminent housekeeping expert. Learn how to make household chores more fun at Laundry Camp and House Cleaning Camp! Bring your questions and leave with the answers to your laundry quandaries, from cleaning silk scarfs to removing stains on heirloom linens.
Our favorite PNW gardener, Ciscoe Morris, will be presenting gardening with man’s best friend in “Gardening with Dogs! Naughty and Nice!” And, win prizes at Ciscoe’s “Stump the Chump” Garden Gameshow!
Plan your visit to the show around the 36 presentations on three stages - all listed on page 10. From seed starting and outdoor pizza making to growing organic gardens and a panel of local homeowners sharing their remodel stories, we’ve got something for everyone. Bring questions, leave with answers!
Shop, learn, explore and dream! Between the seminars and exhibits, we hope you will find everything to successfully launch projects this spring. In the market for a shiny new tractor, larger mini-barn, or fresh patio furniture made right here in Oregon? Our exhibitors offer “Only Here, Only Now” at show specials.
We hope you will enjoy this 45th Annual Tradition of Spring!
Karen Ramus, Show Director
Doug Gubrud, Owner
It’s Rico to the Rescue!
HGTV star Rico León is the pro at smoothing out the rocky roads of home construction projects
By Jon Bell
Asa kid, Rico León got introduced firsthand to what it can be like to work with a shady general contractor.
A fire broke out in León’s family’s Pennsylvania home, causing extensive damage to the kitchen. A charismatic contractor swooped in to help but had one condition: The family needed to turn most of the insurance money over to him up front. León’s parents did just that, but after the initial demo work was done, they never saw the contractor again.
“He took all the money for the construction and ran off,” León says, “so I’ve seen just what can happen in situations like this.”
Though that’s a rare – and in León’s case, extreme – circumstance, it was also something that would come to lay the
groundwork for his future career as a contractor, homebuilder and the star of “Rico to the Rescue,” an HGTV show that helped people whose projects needed a little extra help getting across the finish line.
Along the way, León cut his teeth in the business in part by doing sales and water damage restoration work for Roto-Rooter. When he grew tired of that – and of Pennsylvania – he decided to head west to sell Porches with a friend in California. Fate stepped in, however, when his car broke down in Denver. The pause gave León just enough time to fall in love with the Centennial State, so he decided to make Denver his new home. There, he built up an impressive career in real estate, construction, development and roofing.
Saving the day
In 2021, producers from HGTV came calling, initially to see about doing a real
estate show with León, who is fluent in English and Spanish. But when he started talking to them about his experiences stepping in to help homeowners whose projects had stalled for one reason or another, they saw an even better opportunity. Thus was born “Rico to the Rescue.”
“I’ve definitely been through the wringer myself,” León says, “so I know what to do and what not to do.”
In one episode, a couple hoped to remodel and expand their kitchen to better accommodate them and their five children. When the work stalled and showed little progress, the couple found themselves cooking for their kids on a camp stove in the basement. León came to their rescue. In another episode, he helped salvage a couple’s dream home, which hadn’t gotten off to the best start.
The show proved to be popular from the get-go.
“They greenlit the show right away,” León says. “I had bad shows on before and after mine. It was on bad days, but they picked up the second season no problem.”
León was also part of HGTV’s “Battle on the Mountain,” a show that pitted León and two other designers in a contest to see who could work the most remodeling magic for couples who owned rundown mountain cabins. León’s team won season one, in part because their remodeling projects boosted the value of their cabin by almost 42%, showing just how beneficial a remodel can be.
“It’s not just enough to make something look pretty,” León told HGTV in an interview after the contest. “You have to constantly add value while creating a house that’s both attractive and functional.”
Built-in Protection
Though León has made a name for himself as someone who can get home remodel projects back on the right track, he says there are some steps that homeowners can take to ensure things run smoothly from day one.
For starters, it’s best to set milestones on a project and pay once those are achieved. For example, after an initial partial payment, lay out a plan for next phases – demolition, the halfway point, completion and punch list – and only pay once each has been completed.
León also says it’s important to have good communication with your contractors and to speak with them on a professional level.
“Contractors are great, but if a home-
HGTV star Rico León brings his tips and tricks for successful remodels to the Spring Home & Garden Show.
owner talks to them like they’re the bad guy, they can get defensive,” he says.
Another tip: Consider putting money for your remodel into an escrow account. That way, only the bank can release funds upon approved work authorizations.
“Banks make money by holding onto it, so they’re not going to release it without proof that the contractor is doing the work they’ve agreed to do,” León says.
“That way, the homeowner is protected and the contractor is protected.”
One other solution León has incorporated is likewise good for the homeowner and the contractor. He calls it a hierarchy page, and on it are the names and numbers of whom specifically the homeowner should call during a construction project. Is it something related with the insurance? Don’t call León, call the insurance adjus-
tor. Is there a payment issue? Here’s the banker’s or mortgage broker’s number.
“It makes it so if they have a specific issue, they’re not calling me a bunch of times,” León says. “It creates all these efficiencies, and it also makes the homeowner and the contractor feel 10 times better.”
“Rico to the Rescue” at the Home & Garden Show On the Main Stage
• The Good, Bad & Ugly of Home Renovations – Rico’s Dos & Don’ts on Contractors, Contracts, Payments & More Fri. 6pm | Sat. 12 noon
• Discover Rico’s Journey & How It Can Inspire You to Get Remodels Done Right! Sat. 4pm | Sun. 12:30pm
León offers advice that can help remodeling projects go smoothly for homeowners and contractors.
Get a (laundry) load of this guy
Patric Richardson, aka ‘The Laundry Evangelist,’ wants you to have fun with your cleaning
By Jon Bell
Ofall the Christmas gifts to fall in love with at three years old, laundry is likely low on most kiddos’ lists.
Unless you’re Patric Richardson.
Born and raised in West Virginia and influenced heavily by some extraordinary women in his life – including his mother and his grandmother, the fashionable Granny Dude – Richardson developed an affinity for clothes early on. So when he found a toy washing machine under the Christmas tree on his third Yuletide, he was thrilled. But beyond the instant joy he experienced that morning, the gift ended up setting him on an unlikely course to one day become the self-proclaimed “Laundry Evangelist,” author of the book “Laundry Love,” host of the HGTV and
Discovery+ show “The Laundry Guy” and a popular speaker who shares laundry tips, tricks and advice with anyone who dreads a dirty pile of laundry.
“People make laundry into this big, horrible chore,” Richardson says. “But if you know the tricks, it’s fun and you can win against the stains. Plus, if you think about it, you do laundry for people you love. You just have to change your attitude about it and make it fun.”
DIY Laundry
After studying merchandising, apparel and textiles at the University of Kentucky, Richardson pursued a career in luxury fashion at some of the department store titans like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. While surrounded by so many luxurious garments, he only furthered his passion for fine apparel. But he also came
away with another lesson that linked back to his early love of laundry.
“You can wash everything you own at home,” Richardson says. “Nothing needs to go to the dry cleaner.”
Over time, he adds, people got used to the idea that finer fabrics couldn’t be cleaned at home. But if you think about it, there’s no reason they can’t be.
“Think about cashmere,” Richardson says. “A cashmere goat lives on a mountain eating twigs and sticks. The farmer doesn’t run to get him inside when it’s raining, so why would a cashmere sweater be so precious in your house? Merino sheep live outside. They stand in the rain and the snow. Their fiber is durable. But we’ve decided that since it’s expensive, it’s fragile. In reality, fast fashion is much more fragile than good fabrics.”
You don’t need toxic chemicals and dry cleaning to get your laundry done, according to Patric Richardson. “Our great-grandmas had this stuff figured out.”
Keep it Clean
A fan of a cleaner, more environmentally friendly approach to laundry, Richardson in his book recommends steering clear of mainstream detergents, which are loaded with petrochemicals that are no good for clothes, skin or the planet. Laundry soap pods are even worse, he says. And don’t even think about using fabric softener or drier sheets.
Instead, Richardson prefers more natural ingredients that have been used for decades.
“With basic stain removers, you can get anything back to normal,” he says. “Things like vinegar, lemons and baking soda are very common and they work. Our great-grandmas had this stuff figured out. The Victorians wore everything we have now and they didn’t have dry cleaning. All the things that were available and used in the 1800s are still available – and they still work.”
as a bleach alternative, washing soda, rubbing alcohol and a small spray bottle filled with vodka.
On the Homefront
In addition to laundry, Richardson has taken his lighthearted and simplified approach to the rest of the home. He’s also the author of the 2023 book “House Love,” which offers up easy ways to turn housecleaning and organizing from chores into privileges that are both thoughtful and, you guessed it, fun.
“It’s taking the idea of making everything easy and applying it to your whole house,” Richardson says. “Again, so often we turn our house into a giant chore. It can be if you have 50 different cleaners and 75 things to clean. But if you break it down to simpler tasks, you can get it under control.”
“The Laundry Evangelist” at the Spring Show On the Main Stage!
Also on Richardson’s laundry list: plantbased soap flakes, sodium percarbonate
For more information, visit TheLaundryEvangelist.com
Discover inspired spring cleaning!
Rico León, HGTV Star & Team Mentor
Show Speakers
Star of HGTV’s “Rico to the Rescue” & “Battle on the Mountain”
A Puerto Rican raised in Pittsburgh, PA, realtor and construction-restoration consultant, Rico León’s blue-collar upbringing cultivated his enthusiastic work ethic. In HGTV’s “Rico to the Rescue”, he helps Denver homeowners salvage renovations that have gone off the rails. He’s an advocate for desperate families who need an empathetic expert to fix their stressful situations and a proven leader in the fields of real estate, residential and commercial construction and roofing. He also starred in HGTV’s “Battle on the Mountain” coaching the winning team to victory as they increased their cabin value by a whopping 41%!
Speaking All 3 Show Days! Daily Meet & Greets
Patric Richardson, The Laundry Evangelist
HGTV Host of “The Laundry Guy” & Author
Beginning very young (three years old!) Patric has had a fascination with clothing, both wearing them and their care. His often sold-out Laundry Camps sparked a revolution, which led to two books, “Laundry Love” and “House Love”. He has been featured on many television shows and in national publications. His designer vintage store, Mona Williams, has been open since 2013 in the Mall of America, featuring vintage clothing and luxury laundry products.
Richardson continues his love of laundry and home in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his partner and a very well-cared-for lime tree.
Speaking All 3 Show Days!
Book Sales, Signings & Laundry Quandary Consultations to follow
John Fischer, The Relaxed Gardener
Retired Meteorologist, Master Gardener, Radio Host and Garden Writer Fischer’s career as a meteorologist allowed him to share his passion for year-round gardening. Upon his retirement from KEZI-TV, Fischer became a perennial favorite at the Eugene Home Shows. With more than 100 edible gardening, composting and irrigation talks under his beard, Fischer continues to delight and entertain gardeners with his relaxed organic garden gospel!
Speaking All 3 Show Days!
Ciscoe Morris, Northwest’s Favorite Gardener
Pacific Northwest Personality, Author
Ciscoe is featured regularly on King5 New Day Northwest, King5 News and King5 Evening. After writing a newspaper column for many years, first for the Seattle Post Intelligencer followed by the Seattle Times, he left to concentrate on writing his newest book, Oh La La!! Ciscoe can often be found working in his Northeast Seattle garden, which has been featured in several publications. Besides gardening, he is passionate about travel and leads garden tours to countries all over the world.
Speaking Saturday & Sunday!
Book Sales and Signings to follow each presentation
PRESENTED BY
Friday, March 7th
1:00 pm Grow What You Like to Eat - Veggie & Fruit Selections, DIG Growing Techniques, Irrigation & Pest Control by John Fischer, “The Relaxed Gardener”
MAIN Fabric Care, Stains, Soaps & More by The Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson Author of “Laundry Love” & “House Love” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
2:30 pm What to Know About Backyard ADUs - Get the Facts
PROJECT by Jason Kaminski, Kaminski Construction
3:00 pm Laundry Quandary! FREE Consults on Your Challenges North Lobby Vintage Items, Leather, Silk, Wool & More by Patric Richardson, The Laundry Evangelist
3:30 pm Emergency Preparedness
PROJECT by Katya Davis & Ginnie Grilley, OSU Extension Master Food Preservers
4:00 pm Accessible Gardening
DIG by Shirley Betournay, OSU Extension Master Gardener
5:00 pm Meet & Greet HGTV Star Rico León NW Natural Selfies & Autographs at NW Natural’s Exhibit #332 Star of HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue & Battle on the Mountain
5-7:00 pm Pizza Palooza! Outdoor Demos With Gozney Pizza Ovens North Patio by Viking Hearth & Grill
5:30 pm What Can I Do With My Small Farm? Exploring the Possibilities!
PROJECT by Melissa Fery, OSU Extension Small Farms Faculty
6:00 pm Transforming Food Waste into Compost
DIG by Rodney Bloom, Lane Co. Master Recycler & Compost Specialist
6:00 pm The Good, Bad & Ugly of Home Renovations
MAIN Rico’s Dos & Don’ts on Contractors, Contracts & More by Rico León, HGTV Star of Rico to the Rescue & Battle on the Mountain
6:30 pm Real Bathroom Remodels
PROJECT The Latest in Universal Bathroom Designs by Carissa Ambers, Castile Kitchen & Bath
7:00 pm House Cleaning Camp!
MAIN Discover the Joy of Spring House Keeping! by The Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson Author of “Laundry Love” & “House Love” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
Entertainment, Seminars & Workshops
DIG into Dirt Garden Stage
Room 4-West off South Lobby
MAIN Stage Room 1 off North Lobby
PROJECT Stage
Room 4-C off South Hallway
Book Signings Near Speaker’s Stage
NW Natural ~ Meet & Greet
HGTV Star Rico León South Hall Exhibit 332
Saturday, March 8th
11:00 am Laundry Camp! Insider Tips, Tricks & Hacks
MAIN Fabric Care, Stains, Soaps & More by The Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson Author of “Laundry Love” & “House Love” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
11:00 am Making Your Own Broth - Veggie & Meat
PROJECT by Celeste Percy, OSU Extension Master Food Preserver
11:30 am Growing Carefree Fruit & Berries Organically DIG Peaches, Kiwis, Plums, Figs, Raspberries & Blackberries! by John Fischer, “The Relaxed Gardener”
12 noon The Good, Bad & Ugly of Home Renovations MAIN Rico’s Dos & Don’ts on Contractors, Contracts & More by Rico León, HGTV Star of Rico to the Rescue & Battle on the Mountain
12 noon Laundry Quandary! FREE Consults on Your Challenges North Lobby Vintage Items, Leather, Silk, Wool & More by Patric Richardson, The Laundry Evangelist
12 noon Big Ideas for Kitchen Remodels PROJECT by Don Delaplain, ReVision Design Build
12:30 pm Healthy Roots, Thriving Trees
DIG Soil Ecosystems & Watering Techniques by Alby Thoumsin & Ryan O’Sullivan, Certified Arborists, Sperry Tree Care
1:00 pm House Cleaning Camp!
MAIN Discover the Joy of Spring House Keeping! by The Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson
Author of “Laundry Love” & “House Love” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
1:00 pm What to Know About Backyard ADUs - Get the Facts PROJECT by Jason Kaminski, Kaminski Construction
1-3:00 pm Pizza Palooza! Outdoor Demos With Gozney Pizza Ovens North Patio by Viking Hearth & Grill
2:00 pm Gardening with Dogs! Naughty and Nice! DIG by Ciscoe Morris, Northwest’s Favorite Gardener
Author of “Oh, La La!” & “Ask Ciscoe” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
2:00 pm Kitchen & Bath Transformations
MAIN Real Remodel Stories from Real Clients by Forrest Castile, Castile Kitchen & Bath
MAIN Fabric Care, Stains, Soaps & More by The Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson
Author of “Laundry Love” & “House Love” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
3:00 pm Top 10 Hottest Travel Destinations in 2025
PROJECT by Gary Smith, TravelPerks, Nation’s #1 Cruise Agent
3:30 pm From Seed to Table: Growing Your Own Vegetables
DIG by Juliet Bender, OSU Extension Master Gardener
4:00 pm Discover Rico’s Journey & How it Can Inspire You to Get MAIN Remodels Done Right! by Rico León, HGTV Star of Rico to the Rescue & Battle on the Mountain
4:00 pm Laundry Quandary! FREE Consults on Your Challenges North Lobby Vintage Items, Leather, Silk, Wool & More by Patric Richardson, The Laundry Evangelist
4:30 pm Transforming Food Waste into Compost DIG by Rodney Bloom, Lane Co. Master Recycler & Compost Specialist
5:00 pm Meet & Greet HGTV Star Rico León
NW Natural Selfies & Autographs at NW Natural’s Exhibit #332 Star of HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue & Battle on the Mountain
5-7:00 pm Pizza Palooza! Outdoor Demos With Gozney Pizza Ovens North Patio by Viking Hearth & Grill
6:00 pm House Cleaning Camp!
MAIN Discover the Joy of Spring House Keeping! by The Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson
Author of “Laundry Love” & “House Love” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
Sunday, March 9th
11:30 am Meet & Greet HGTV Star Rico León
NW Natural Selfies & Autographs at NW Natural’s Exhibit #332 Star of HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue & Battle on the Mountain
11:30 am Laundry Camp! Insider Tips, Tricks & Hacks MAIN by The Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson
Author of “Laundry Love” & “House Love” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
11:30 am Viking Ocean & River Cruises – Explore the World PROJECT by Gary Smith, TravelPerks, Nation’s #1 Cruise Agent
12 noon Stump the Chump Game Show with Ciscoe & Win! DIG Solve Ciscoe’s Tough Stumper Garden Questions & Win! by Ciscoe Morris, Northwest’s Favorite Gardener Author of “Oh, La La!” & “Ask Ciscoe” Book Signing & Sales to Follow
12:30 pm Discover Rico’s Journey & How it Can Inspire You to Get MAIN Remodels Done Right! by Rico León, HGTV Star of Rico to the Rescue & Battle on the Mountain
12:30 pm Built to Entertain - Kitchen Designs & Remodels PROJECT by Mariko Peters, Castile Kitchen & Bath
12:30 pm Laundry Quandary! FREE Consults on Your Challenges North Lobby by Patric Richardson, The Laundry Evangelist
1-3:00 pm Pizza Palooza! Outdoor Demos With Gozney Pizza Ovens North Patio by Viking Hearth & Grill
1:30 pm Drip Irrigation Made Easy! DIY & Reduce Water Bills! DIG by John Fischer, “The Relaxed Gardener”
1:30 pm Big Ideas for Bathroom Remodels PROJECT by Don Delaplain, ReVision Design Build
2:00 pm House Cleaning Camp! MAIN Discover the Joy of Spring House Keeping! by The Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson
Author of “Laundry Love” & “House Love” Book Sales & Signing to Follow
2:30 pm Pruning Fruit Trees DIG by Tom Bettman, OSU Extension Master Gardener
Gone to the dogs
Home Show favorite Ciscoe Morris shares tales of his favorite four-legged friends in the garden
By Jon Bell
Alongtime friend of man’s best friend, Seattle gardener and author Ciscoe Morris remembers the day he brought home one of the many dogs he’s had over the years. This one was a feisty little pup named Fred that Morris and his wife, Mary, had just picked up from Lil’ Waif Puppy Rescue in Bothell, Washington.
When they got to their yard, which is fenced in, Morris picked up Fred. He set the puppy down on the grass and, in an instant, the little furball bolted straight for the vegetable garden – which was fenced off, but not entirely.
“Oh, he was so little, and when I stuck him on the ground, he ran right to the veggie garden, skirted around the fence, got in there and hit right where I was growing all my snap peas,” Morris says.
“He started digging and there was dirt and peas flying. They shot across the yard. And he kept digging. He dug so deep that he was out of sight. I thought, ‘Oh no, this is not going to be good.’”
Luckily for Morris – and his veggie garden – Fred eventually chilled out on the digging somewhat, but only after Morris fully fenced off his garden and implemented some other measures to keep the hound from cratering the backyard entirely.
“The first thing I tell people is that if you bring home a dog, especially a puppy, you have to make sure your yard is fenced in,” he says. “But this is what people don’t think about: If you have a garden full of rare or special plants or veggies you don’t want to lose, put a fence around that, too, so the pooches don’t go in there.”
Dig This
Gardening and having a nice landscape can bring plenty of joy to everyday life. So can a faithful hound. Quite often, however, the two don’t go hand in hand. Many canines have a natural proclivity for digging, even if it seems to serve no purpose, which isn’t a good match for pristine lawns and flower gardens. On the flipside, yards and gardens can be far from a dog’s best friend if homeowners aren’t careful.
One way to start off on the right foot with your dog?
“You’ve got to treat the dog like a member of the house,” says Morris, who’s had many dogs throughout his life, some well-behaved, some not so much. “Some people don’t have doggie doors for their dogs, which is nuts to me. They stick their dogs outside. The dogs are barking all day, they’re miserable, the neighbors aren’t
happy. You have to treat the dog like a member of the family. When they’re being treated nicely by you all the time, they get better fast.”
If your dog is a digger, one way to try and keep it under control is to provide a spot where it’s OK for him to dig. Morris says he also tried a trick where he would put pennies into an empty aluminum beer can. Whenever his dog would dig, Morris would shake the can by the dog’s head and throw the can on the ground in an attempt to startle the dog and discourage digging.
“It kind of worked,” Morris says, “but after a while, my back garden looked like
“I’ve had dogs all my life,” says Ciscoe Morris, seen here with Leo and Izzy. No wonder, then, that he has some good advice for gardening with dogs.
Morris’ naughtier dog Izzy is allowed some freedom to roam in certain areas of the garden.
a recycling place because there were so many cans all over the place.”
Protect your pets
It’s not only the yard and garden that need to be protected from the dog, either. Just as important, according to Morris, is keeping your dog safe in the yard. That means figuring out if you have any plants in your landscape that could be poisonous
to dogs. Some common harmful plants include hydrangea and rhododendron. Just because you might have these plants in your yard doesn’t mean you have to remove them; simply fence them off or, if you see your dog munching on them, spray the plants with an all-natural bitter spray designed to safely deter.
Also take heed when planting shrubs that may have sharp prickers on them,
and by all means, avoid toxic fertilizers and pesticides and instead use pet-friendly alternatives.
It might take a little more work to keep your landscape in top form when you’re sharing it with a four-legged friend, but to dog lovers like Morris – and his two current dogs, Leo and Izzy – it’s worth it.
“They’re so amazing,” he says. “When I sit on the couch with each one on either side of me, there’s no better feeling in the world. That’s the main point: If you’ve got dogs, they’re more important than the yard or the garden.”
At the Home Show
• Gardening with Dogs! Join Ciscoe for fun tales and helpful tips for gardening with dogs. Sat. 2pm
• Stump the Chump Gameshow with Ciscoe—win prizes & plants! Sun. 12noon
Book Sales and Signing to Follow
A well-placed fence can keep your plants – and your dog – safe in the backyard.
The kitchen for you
From modern
flair to functionality, remodeled kitchens should have individual appeal
have come into favor.
Unique approaches to color and texture are another way to add a personalized, modern touch. For example, Moir remodeled one kitchen and had his cabinetmaker install cabinets with faces that alternated between light and dark wood. Both tones were gray-washed, but they still impart a striped pattern.
“It makes them look kind of zebra-striped,” Moir says. “That’s a pretty modern look.”
For another kitchen project, completed by Moir’s family’s construction company a few years ago before Moir set up his own operation, the owners wanted a clean, two-tone appearance. They achieved it with dark wooden cabinets set against a deep blue paint color that surrounded a stainless fridge and extended into a prominent painted waterfall island cascading in white to the floor.
“There’s the wood-accented cabinets in the back and the real bright and clean white countertops, and then the waterfall was just the cherry on top,” Moir says.
Modern style was also on order for a kitchen remodel at a home in the forested hills of Eugene by Castile Kitchen & Bath. Autumn Hopwood, marketing director for Castile, notes that the client was looking to update the kitchen, which lacked both aesthetic appeal and adequate storage. The flow of the kitchen was off as well.
By Jon Bell
Whenit comes to kitchen remodels, there are no doubt popular trends that come and go. In the 80s, oak cabinets were king. Granite countertops ruled the roost for years until quartz started to make a splash. And the big, open kitchen better for gathering and entertaining has endured beyond its early days of initial popularity.
But while remodeling trends can help inform the direction a homeowner goes, what it really comes down to in the end is personal choice.
“People are so all over the map in Eugene,” says Rob Jubber, owner of Peak Construction & Design. “There are a lot
of eclectic designs and people are always coming up with new ideas and out-of-thebox stuff. What’s someone’s trend is going to be someone else’s nightmare.”
David Moir, owner of Dmoir Construction in Eugene, agrees.
“I don’t want to sound too cliché here, but really, everybody’s got their own style and what they like,” he says.
Modern touch
A lot of what people seem to be liking in kitchens these days, according to Moir, is a more modern style – think clean lines, simplicity and colors and textures that lean toward the contemporary. Darker paint colors help set off lighter countertops and sleek, black stainless appliances
To address the latter element, Castile relocated the original entrance to the kitchen, which not only improved the way people come into and occupy the space, but that maximized prep space with an extended counter surface atop rows of functional drawers. Two-tone cabinets above and a bold mustard-colored mosaic backsplash that runs the length of the countertops created an aesthetic that’s clean, colorful and contemporary.
“This unexpected choice not only complements the cabinetry but also creates a striking contrast that draws the eye, making the kitchen feel both sleek and inviting,” Hopwood writes in a summary of the project.
Kitchens of all kinds
In a nod back toward personal preferences, Moir references a unique kitchenette project his company completed for a client looking to enhance an entertainment area in their home. In a room on
Kitchen projects, like this custom kitchenette by Dmoir Construction in a client’s downstairs entertaining space, can be as unique as you want.
Castile Kitchen & Bath moved the doorway in this kitchen to improve traffic flow and workspace.
the lower level of the house, the client had a pool table, a big-screen TV and sofas, all of which created an ideal place
for hanging out and entertaining. At one end of the room was an open space, and it was there that Moir created a U-shaped
kitchenette, complete with a bar, beverage fridge, sink and a small dishwasher drawer.
“We turned it from a big open space into a place that can be used for preparing food and drinks for entertaining,” Moir says, noting that the design also created a small seating bench next to the sink that would otherwise have been wasted space.
For folks looking for less of a full kitchen remodel and more of a quick hit refresh, Jubber says there are options.
“I think a lot of people are trying to find the best look for the most affordable price,” he says. “Flooring and baseboards are a really popular way to get a fresh look at a reasonable price.”
Another, lighter fix: updating cabinets. Jubber says he works with a cabinet wholesaler who’s able to redo cabinets – including design and prefabricated cabinets – for much less than most homeowners might assume. Older cabinets can also be resurfaced or even painted as a way to bring them up to date and offer a new look.
“Doing that can really refresh the whole kitchen,” Jubber says.
Visit Leafguard at the Lane County Home Show to see our patented, one-piece, seamless, rain management system in action . Don’t forget to take advantage of the exclusive show special!
Outdoor living spaces are letting people extend their time outside no matter the season
By Jon Bell
Outdoor living has been big in Oregon for a long time. Decks, patios, firepits, barbecues – you name it.
But because of the Beaver State’s notoriously wet, windy and gray weather, outdoor living has tended to be somewhat seasonal; think pleasant summer evenings when the mercury’s not boiling over or the handful of comfortable, dry days that dot the shoulder seasons before and after the winter.
Now, however, thanks to some advances in technology and materials and a growing desire to be outside for more of the year and maximize livable space, outdoor living has upped its game. Where once patio furniture made an appearance for a few sunny months before being packed away for the rainy season, now patio covers and high-tech pergolas with louvered
roofs that can open and close make an outside session possible any time of year. And if ripping winds used to send cocktail hour guests running for cover, now retractable screens and planted trellises are
keeping the outside elements at bay.
“I think people are really trying to extend their living space,” said Chad Landerking, owner of Landerkings Custom Woodworking in Eugene, which specializes in patio covers, pergolas, arbors and other outdoor structures. “People like to barbecue outdoors all year, so we’re providing year-round outdoor spaces for cooking and hanging out with family and friends. It’s really adding another room to their house.”
An outdoor boom
Landerking says that the COVID-19 pandemic is what really kicked the patio cover business into high gear.
“Patio covers have boomed since 2020,” he says. “They’ve quadrupled for us in the last four years. I think a lot of people were just focusing on being outdoors, cooking and having a place they could hang out, sort of a backyard oasis.”
McKenzie Outdoor Living installs pergolas with motorized roofs that can be opened or closed, one of many ways outdoor living is being extended year-round.
Vertical hog panel screens can be planted with climbing plants to create natural privacy screens.
Brian Dunn, who co-owns McKenzie Outdoor Living in Eugene with his wife, Kathryn, says they, too, have seen strong demand for four-season outdoor spaces in the past few years.
“I think some people have functional spaces outdoors, but they’re not aesthetically pleasing,” he says, “or you have an aesthetically pleasing space but it’s not usable. We are trying to combine the two.”
One of the ways McKenzie Outdoor Living sets itself apart in the outdoor living space is by offering some of the latest advances in custom pergolas and screens. The company carries StruXure pergolas, which have motorized louvered roofs. Installed above a patio or deck, the pergolas’ roofs can be opened to let in sunshine and natural light or closed to provide shade or protection from the rain.
“They’re made of aluminum, not wood, so they’re really low maintenance,” Kathryn Dunn says. “They’re really great
Screen shots
In addition to pergolas, McKenzie also carries a line of motorized screens that can be raised or lowered depending upon the meteorology of the day. Brian Dunn notes that screens haven’t really caught on in the Northwest as they have in other parts of the country, where they’re often used primarily to keep bugs out. But McKenzie’s screens do more than that – they’re heavier duty, so they can help provide protection from strong winds and rain and even help keep in the heat.
with outdoor living spaces himself. His company specializes in high-end decks, some of them two or even three stories high. Many of them are built with composite PVC decking, which can withstand the tough Oregon climate better than many woods.
for creating a four-season outdoor living space.”
The pergolas can also be controlled from an app on a smartphone and synced with wind and rain sensors so that the roof automatically opens and closes in response to the weather conditions.
“A lot of people just have their patio furniture out in the summer, and then they put it up or store it for the winter,” he says. “But here in Oregon, we have clothing, we have boots, we have wind jackets that allow us to keep going in the winter. We are taking the same approach to your outdoor space so you can enjoy it all year.”
Travis McGuire, owner of McGuire Fence and Deck in Eugene, has been busy
“It provides a real ease of maintenance and can last up to 50 years,” McGuire says. Unique accents also add appeal to some of McGuire’s work, including picture frame borders on decks, cable rail systems and plant screens made from hog panel fencing. That kind of fencing usually comprises a wooden frame with a welded steel grid panel and is often used for deck railings. But McGuire says that when hog panel fencing is installed vertically and planted with a climbing plant like honeysuckle, it turns into an attractive privacy screen that also beats back the elements.
“The smaller things like that are often what draw people into an outdoor space,” he says.
Covered pergolas, like this one from Landerkings Custom Woodworking, provide shelter and an extended outdoor living season.
McGuire Fence and Deck specializes in two- and even three-story decks.
A comforting presence NW Natural steps up for Eugene Mission
Eugene’s largest houseless shelter had a problem.
Outdated HVAC systems and poor insulation at the Eugene Mission left some rooms cold and others hot. Leaking water heaters didn’t allow for simple comforts like a long, hot shower. No air conditioning made it hard for guests to rest and staff to work during hot summer months.
Fortunately, the Mission, Homes for Good, and NW Natural have teamed up to bring more comfort to people in crisis. Through funds from NW Natural’s low-income energy efficiency program funded by the public purpose charge –and administered by Homes for Good –the Mission is better serving guests while saving money and using less energy. The shelter even has air conditioning for the first time.
Supported by NW Natural customers,
the program funds weatherization and high-efficiency gas equipment for individual customer homes or facilities serving larger populations. NW Natural contributed about $314,000 from the program to the Mission.
During an energy audit, Homes for Good found older furnaces and water heaters in need of replacement, and opportunities to better insulate and weatherize the Mission.
“It definitely impacted our guests’ ability to rest and focus on the really important things in their lives,” said Sheryl Balthrop, director of the Eugene Mission. “And inefficient systems were costing us a great deal of money.”
The results are impressive: New 95% efficiency furnaces; on-demand gas water heaters, new insulation, and a water heat recovery system. Adding air conditioning
dramatically improved comfort this past summer.
“We feel fortunate to be connected to an organization like the Mission, which will continue to be a focal point of solving this very challenging issue around houselessness and housing in Eugene,” said David Van Der Haeghen, NW Natural community affairs manager for the Eugene area.
The Mission is saving money on energy, and most importantly guests are more comfortable.
“We want to thank the individuals who made this possible because it definitely improves the lives of our guests and our staff,” Balthrop said.
Esteban Montero Chacon, Homes for Good Energy Services Director (left), and David Van Der Haeghen (right), NW Natural Community Affairs Manager for the Eugene area pictured at Homes for Good headquarters.
A bounty of bathrooms
From elegant and spa-like to just plain practical, bathroom remodels can provide form and function
By Jon Bell
Don Delaplain, a principal with ReVision Design Build in Eugene, met a prospective client at a past Lane County Home & Garden Show who had a tall order. The client, who owned a 1970s home in the South Eugene Hills, was looking to solve a bathroom conundrum without sacrificing form for function.
Seems the home had its master bathroom on the main level, as many homes of that era did, while a single long and narrow bathroom upstairs serviced four bedrooms. The bathroom’s layout, which included an extended trough sink with two faucets very close to the door, wasn’t conducive to a lot of traffic coming and
going. And that was an issue for the client, whose home was a popular destination for grandchildren and guests.
But just because the client’s many visitors needed a practical bathroom upstairs didn’t mean that she wanted to focus on utility at the expense of smart design and aesthetic charm. Instead, the client, who is an artist, had some creative and bold ideas about colors, patterns and mixing more surface materials than most homeowners would ever consider.
Delaplain, who’s been in the construction business since he was a teenager, says there are times – like this one – when he might get a little nervous about what a client has in mind. But through his experience, he’s found a way.
“I trust the design,” he says, “but good customer communications during the project is crucial.”
It worked like a charm on this particular bathroom project. A custom-built vanity with drawers for storage, a marble countertop and a better-placed sink with two faucets opened up space for better traffic flow. Gold mirrors and simple, clean colors impart a European feel, and the blending of surface materials – a
checkered marble floor, penny tiles on the shower floor and glossy blue tiles on the shower wall – sync seamlessly. There’s even a custom medicine cabinet on the wall across from the sink that has as its door a framed picture painted by the homeowner.
An elegant goal
Castile Kitchen & Bath created an equally elegant and refreshed bathroom for a client of theirs in Lane County. Like ReVision’s project, the master bath remodel aimed to not only update the space with more storage and better flow, but to brighten it up with whites: tiles, a double basin vanity, quartz countertops and real wood painted cabinets.
The project also removed a large tub and closet wall, making way for custom cabinetry in an adjacent dressing area that now opens seamlessly off the bathroom. And tying it together throughout are brass pulls, knobs and other hardware that provide accents across the entire space.
Chance of showers
Bathroom remodels don’t always have to be so complicated or complex. Some-
Bathroom remodels, like this one from Castile Kitchen & Bath, can be a nice mix of aesthetics and functionality.
A remodeled bathroom from ReVision used no fewer than four different surface materials.
times simply converting a bathtub setup into a shower one can be enough to make a bathroom feel fresh and new.
Among its specialties, Emerald Bath Works in Springfield is known for its showers and baths, including replacements, conversions and customizations.
“We have a really wide range of products and finishes, textures and patterns for people to choose from,” says Derek Osgood, who owns the business with his brother, Adam. “It’s nice, because that allows us to do all different kinds of projects and match what our customers are looking for.”
One of the nice things about Emerald’s shower projects is that it’s not uncommon for a shower or tub replacement or upgrade to take just a single day. Granted, unforeseen rot or other hidden issues could add some time, but by and large, Emerald is able to work quickly.
“I’d say the standard tub to shower conversion is usually in a day,” Osgood says. Such conversions are in demand these days, as homeowners have shifted away from using bathtubs in favor of showers. Part of what’s driving that are elevated, spa-like showers but also a desire to make
bathrooms more accessible and to have spaces that will allow homeowners to age in place without having to move. For Emerald, that can mean everything from adding grab bars or curbless showers to walk-in tubs with built-in seating and
handrails.
“With those, you can walk in safely, there’s a door you shut and then, depending on the model, there can be jets, lights and all the bells and whistles,” Osgood says, “just like an indoor spa.”
Luxury tub or shower? The right bathroom remodel can give you both. Project by Castile Kitchen & Bath.
Show-stopping Plants For a Willamette Valley Garden
Nursery and landscape experts share their favorite plants, trees, shrubs and flowers
By Jon Bell
A Japanese tree with soft, mahogany-toned bark and dark green leaves that burst into vibrant fall reds and yellows. An elegant oak tree that’s well-adapted to climate change. A striking, redbarked tree that’s visually appealing all year. A classic heart-shaped flower that seems to be shedding a tiny droplet of pink or white.
There are countless plants, shrubs, trees and flowers that can add so much to a landscape – aesthetic appeal, cooling shade, an enticing draw for butter-
flies, hummingbirds and bees. Yet with so many different options, it can be hard to narrow down what will do and look best in your yard.
But there are some experts out there who know their plants – and know their favorites. Some of them will be on hand at the Lane County Home & Garden Show this spring. Lots of them also shared a few of their top picks for plants, trees and shrubs that are visually pleasing, easy to care for and unique in their own ways.
Bees have easy access to pollen and nectar with open center dahlias, which makes Rosie, farm manager at River’s Dahlias in Veneta, really happy too.
Chris Donahue, Down to Earth
Japanese
Stewartia
It looks great in the urban landscape. Seasonally it’s kind of a stunner. It leafs out with dark green foliage, then moves to blooms with a white egg-drop center. The tree gets most of its wow in the fall, with vibrant reds, yellows, burgundies. It’s a real show stopper.
Black Negligee Snakeroot
A lot of black plants have foliage that fades, but this one holds on. It looks so good in a garden with limegreen hostas. It’s super hearty and does well in shade or dappled light. In late fall, they throw up these long spikes of white flowers with a grape Kool-Aid fragrance.
Buddha’s Hand
This is an annual that just goes on and on and on. If you deadhead it, all the better. It’s bright orange, super airy and plays well with others. You can’t keep the hummingbirds, bees and butterflies away from it.
Gabrielle Pauling, The Lily Pad Bulb Farm
Bleeding Heart
This is a classic. It’s delicate and yet very showy. It does very well in the Willamette Valley. You can put it in shade areas or under trees, and it’s drought tolerant but it also likes moist areas.
Salmon Party Dwarf Oriental Lily
This is really great for containers, especially in sunny locations. A lot of lilies will grow tall and unwieldy in pots, but these are low-growing and perfect! These lilies are large, fragrant and mesmerizing in color.
Alby Thoumsin, Sperry Tree Care
Manzanita
Indigenous to the West Coast and they’re always looking good. They have a flower that blossoms in the second half of winter that helps feed hummingbirds. It’s beautiful and has twisted branches with shiny, thin, red bark that’s almost black sometimes.
Heather
They work so well in rock gardens and put so much accent into the landscape. Sometimes they blossom in early winter. It’s nostalgic for me too. I’m from Belgium, and there’s a place called the High Fens Plateau, where you just have acres and acres of beautiful heather.
Climbing Roses
This is more nostalgia for me, because the first thing I ever pruned was my grandmother’s climbing rose. She taught me how. Stunning when they blossom on a home, and easy to maintain—not like a wisteria or clematis.
Asher Ward, Terrace Hardscaping
Madrone
Madrones are great for year-round interest or for change through the seasons. In spring, it has white flowers, then in the summer bright lime-green leaves. Then in the fall and winter its focus is the deep red bark. It’s a cool tree!
California Lilac/Blue Blossom
It’s evergreen, with dark, glossy, shiny leaves that are beautiful. In the spring through mid-summer, it’s covered in beautiful small blue flowers that are nice and fragrant. And they’re great for bees.
White Yarrow
Good in a lot of different applications. You see it a lot as a native ground cover or a lawn substitute for people who are transitioning away from bluegrass to more natives. Great for pollinators because they are a flattop flower like a helicopter landing pad for butterflies and bees.
Luis Guzman, Premier Contracting Cont.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maples are beautiful in every
with bare branches in
Jasmine
Jasmine is a great choice for landscaping because of their fragrance, beauty and versatility.
Mexican Orange Blossom
It’s compact in size, and in bloom, you will see a bush on which the greenery is almost totally obscured by the white umbels.
Alana Karam, Willamette Willows
Mt. Aso Pussy Willow
Its frosty pink clouds of blooms brighten gray Oregon winters. It is a perennial shrub that will not overtake your garden. It will grow into a small tree if left uncoppiced. A favorite flower with florists.
Sunny Twist / Really Red Curly Willows
They provide vibrant reds and oranges in late fall and winter landscapes. Curly willows may also be maintained as shrubs or left to grow into trees. Great for wreath-making and in floral arrangements.
Heidi Branchesi, Lane Forest Products
Dogwood
A white, pink or red Dogwood tree is perfect in any garden, large or small. They are loved for their beautiful structure, spring bloom and gorgeous fall color.
Passion Flower
Passion flower vines are easy to grow in a full- to partsun location with showstopping flowers and unique small fruit. It’s also fairly deer-resistant.
Blueberry
Blueberry bushes have gorgeous foliage and flowers making them an excellent edible shrub in the landscape with easy-to-grow, tasty berries.
Rosie Sullivan, N&M Herb Nursery
SunPatiens
SunPatiens are the perfect plant! They thrive in sun or shade, require no deadheading and they are so long-lasting with three seasons of flower power – spring to frost. They also come in lots of brilliant colors – orange to hot pink!
Tropicals
Tropicals like Canna Lilies, Red Bananas and Jumbo Elephant Ears are the perfect plants to create structure, height and drama, making garden pots and beds with WOW!
Coleus
Coleus offers dramatic rainbow-like foliage like no other annual from lime green to dark burgundy. And today we offer varieties that love shade or sun.
Rosie Cooper-Vert, Rivers Dahlias
Dahlias - Cut Flower Collection
Made up of our most floriferous and long-lasting dahlias tubers in five different varieties. Their long, sturdy stems make good cut flowers and beautiful bouquets.
19 20 21 22 23 24
Open Center Dahlias – Pollinator Collection
My personal favorites are the open center type of dahlias because the bees and other pollinators just love them so much!
*Not all plants or bulbs mentioned will be at the show. Please ask our experts where you can source them.
Keep it Messy
“Throw away nothing. Save everything. Your garden will thank you.”
The time-honored ritual of a fall garden clean-up often makes things look prim and proper but throws away food you grew, decreases garden fertility and wastes resources on materials transport. And it rarely has much effect on the much-feared plant diseases and problems.
Let’s start with a multiple choice question. Which will be best for your garden?
A. Haul away your tomato vines, corn stalks and spent cabbage in October to be composted at a site several miles away, and then bring back the compost next spring in plastic bags (that are not recyclable).
B. Compost everything on site, and put exactly what you took out of the soil back in.
Cue Jeopardy music....duh duh duh duh, duh duh DUH! Surprise, What is B! Commercial compost often has more wood in it than your homemade fertilizer. And while the hot composting process can kill pathogens, spores in you garden soil are extremely difficult to pick up (aka impossible), so late tomato blight can still happen. Many soil-borne pests likely refused to jump on the tomato vines when you hauled them away anyway.
Don’t get me wrong, I adore the commercial composting operations that Rexius and Lane Forest Products do. But
for the most part, home composting is just as good, and eliminates all that material transport. I do bury any squash vines that won’t fit into my composter to reduce squash bugs, and they will find you even with the best sanitation. (I use a shop vac on them, hand pick and destroy eggs with some success.)
But again, to repeat myself, and reiterate (over and over), scorched earth sanitation leaves your soil vulnerable to winter rain compaction, takes valuable nutrients away from plants that need them and involves driving around to get back something you already had—until you hauled it away
And even worse, tearing things out because of a date on the calendar will cut way back on your homegrown produce volume. I picked zucchini through November, tomatoes through December, second head cabbages in January, beets in February and broccoli this morning—all from plants that went in last spring. If they had been pulled out in the fall for the sake of neatness, we would have (shudder) had to go to the store for fresh vegetables (shudder).
Sometimes those lingering crops are a bit less tender than during the July/ August produce peak, but I feel like the Garden Bunny (Easter Bunny’s lesser known cousin) when I come hopping into
the house in January with dinner while the “cleaned up” garden owners have nothing left in the backyard (and/or front yard) patch but mud.
And while most of us grow food for ourselves, friends and neighbors ( “I brought you some more zucchini! Well, you probably meant to ask - right?” ), the local critters – especially the birds – greatly appreciate a leftover sunflower head or a green bean that has gone to seed. Sharing is caring.
And finally, being less regimented saves a lot of work. Both during clean-up time and during planting time. Leaving plants to go to seed allows me to plant at exactly the right time. The seeds left in the ground are a lot smarter than I am and will sprout when conditions are optimal. Sunflowers, arugula, sunflowers, lettuce, sunflowers and beets will often sprout on their own in the untilled soil (I never till—just use a shovel) of my messy PRODUCTIVE garden.
and
John Fischer, “The Relaxed Gardener”
A passionate organic gardener
frequent speaker at the Home Show.
John Fischer, aka the Relaxed Gardener, harvested these fresh veggies from his messy garden for dinner February 6.
