Reporter-Herald Home and Garden 2019

Garden

HOMEy

COLORADO HOME & GARDEN EVENTS to add to your calendar

WATER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING is Colorado-Friendly!

TWO IMPORTANT INSPECTIONS for homeowners this spring

A Reporter-Herald Publication March 24-27, 2019

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

HOME & GARDEN

1

Garden

HOMEy

Table of Contents

Two Important inspections for homeowners this spring..................... 4 Affordable bathroom updates with big impact .................................. 6

Easy and attractive ways to live green ............................................... 7 Water-friendly Landscaping is Colorado-Friendly! ............................. 8 Resource Central transforms local yards into power plants ............... 9 Home & Garden Shows ...................................................................... 10 Swing into Spring: 5 ideas for updating your space......................... 11 Trend Watch: 2019 outdoor living and design trends for every homeowner ......................................................................... 12 Jumped on the Marie Kondo decluttering bandwagon?

Here’s why you might have regrets.................................................... 14 Home & Garden is an advertising feature published by the Reporter-Herald.

GEORGE T. SANDERS

Plumbing & Hea

GEORGE T. SANDERS COMPANY Plumbing & Heating Distributors

Townsend Collection by

Bring this ad to any GTS Showroom and receive 10% your first order of up to $1,000.

2 HOME & GARDEN

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

off

Since 1950, the George T. Sanders Company has provided both trade professionals and homeowners with quality plumbing and heating products. We are the largest independently owned supplier in Colorado and we are confident that we can meet your building and remodeling needs. With three Kitchen & Bath Showrooms and 19 locations throughout Colorado and Wyoming, we can assure you will receive excellent service wherever you are. www.gtsanders.com March 24-27, 2019

Create the Perfect Dreamscape with Belgard Pavers & Tiles Your Authorized Belgard® Dealer

BELGARD®

Patios • Entryways Driveways • Outdoor Spaces

$

100 OFF

Any Tile or Paver Purchase

(Minimum purchase $1,500) Not valid with any other discount or offer. Retail customers only. Nov valid with contractor pricing. One offer per customer. Expires 3-31-19. THM1901

Here at Cedar Supply, we’re passionate about what we do!

We have been supplying homeowners with quality lumber and building materials throughout Colorado and surrounding states for over 30 years. We are now pleased to offer Belgard® pavers and tiles for your next outdoor project!

Do-It-Yourself-or-We Offer Quality Contractor & Installer Referrals!

Stop by today and see our Indoor & Outdoor Displays for your Spring Project!

970.663.2828

Lumber Company March 24-27, 2019

7720 S. Highway 287, Fort Collins, CO www.CedarSupply.com Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

HOME & GARDEN

3

TWO IMPORTANT INSPECTIONS for homeowners this spring everything from your insurance claim that you deserve.”

Maintaining the HVAC system

Regular maintenance on an HVAC system will save homeowners money in the long run.

(Tim Seiber/Times-Call)

By Judy Finman, Reporter-Herald Home & Garden

A

home’s roof and its heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems undergo a lot of use and abuse over the winter. With spring and summer near, homeowners should consider getting inspections and necessary maintenance to protect their home and its value.

Maintaining the roof

A well maintained roof is a must.

According to Jim Stoner of Loveland Roofing, “There’s not much damage expected this winter, but people could have something like a leak that needs repair. It’s the beginning of hail season, and we’re taking care of old damage from last year’s hail that didn’t get replaced. We’re redoing a lot of roofs.

We do both replacement and repair.

Get your roof checked out; your insurance company is likely checking it out, anyway.”

Stoner says that most roofs have an 18- to 20-year life expectancy, though some last longer.

Loveland Roofing has been serving Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Windsor, Berthoud, Greeley and the Northern Colorado areas for more than 17 years. The company is located in Loveland at 2375 W. 8th Street. “We 4 HOME & GARDEN

are fully licensed, bonded and insured and will always acquire all necessary permits to complete your job,” Stoner says. “Call us for a free estimate or inspection.”

Loveland Roofing specializes in reroofing and new construction roofing for residential, commercial and industrial projects. “When you hire Loveland Roofing to do your roof installation you can expect 100 percent cleanliness and the average job lasting just one day with safety a top priority. We are also proud to have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.”

As insurance and storm damage specialists, Loveland Roofing has more than 40 years of combined experience working with insurance companies.

“We know that a new roof is a major expenditure and want you to be comfortable knowing that Loveland Roofing LLC is experienced and has a proven, positive and local reputation. Our detailed, free estimates provide an opportunity to gain a full understanding of your project.”

Providing estimates detailing roofing needs specific to Colorado’s climate is part of their everyday service. Once the claim is filed, they will handle the rest of the details with the homeowner’s insurance company and be sure the homeowner has information about all warranties. “Our goal is to get you

Before summer arrives and you need to turn on the air conditioning, what should you do to assure its peak performance?

There is consensus that the best way to ensure that your heating and cooling (HVAC) system is performing at its highest possible efficiency is to hire a licensed heating/cooling professional to inspect and maintain the unit twice a year. HVAC pros are trained in all aspects of your unit’s maintenance.

They perform such tasks as: clean or replace the air filter, clean and inspect the blower and motor, test the safety controls on the HVAC system, inspect the burner on the furnace, test pressure switches, inspect ductwork and seal any leaks.

Jeff Richard, general manager of Northern Colorado Air, Inc., in Ft. Collins, says: “In the spring we thoroughly check the entire AC system.

For example, we check the condensate drain line, wash and clean the condenser coils by washing the debris from inside the coil to exterior, check the compressor operation, check your temperature differential, close down the humidifier, and check all electrical connections on low voltage and line voltage.”

The reasons for doing all this, Richard says, are that it lowers your utility cost; plus, when operating the equipment through peak efficiency it extends equipment life and eliminates potential costly future breakdowns.

Another important capability of Northern Colorado Air, he points out, is its Indoor Air Quality Service. “Considering that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, air quality is extremely important. The EPA rates air pollution among the top five urgent environmental risks to public health. Improving air quality is simple and cost-effective, helping to not only protect the health, cleanliness, and condition of your home, but benefiting HVAC performance as well.

“Northern Colorado Air, Inc., utilizes the AIR ADVICE monitor system to evaluate your specific environment, provide a detailed report, and implement a targeted strategy. Our recommendations are based on actual findings rather than guesswork. Our goal is to ensure sustainable improvement for our customers across Fort Collins, Longmont, Loveland & Windsor.”

Richard adds: “At Northern Colorado Air, we are licensed professionals. We are proud of our membership in the Better Business Bureau and our designation as a Premier Lennox dealer.”

For more information Loveland Roofing 2375 W. 8th St., Loveland 970.278.0180 lovelandroofingllc.com Northern Colorado Air, Inc. 812 Stockton Ave., Ft. Collins 970.223.8873, ncagriff.com

A spring roof inspection can prevent existing damage from causing further problems.

(Photo courtesy Loveland Roofing)

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

March 24-27, 2019

EXPERIENCE THE FINEST

PLANT SELECTION AND

TRUSTED EXPERTISE

OFFERING:

PERENNIALS/ANNUALS TREES/VINES GRASSES/SHRUBS

AS WELL AS:

BIRD BATHS/FOUNTAINS/ YARD DECOR AND OTHER HARD GOODS!

WE ARE OPEN YEAR-ROUND! 7029 S. College Avenue • Fort Collins, CO 80525 • 970.226.4924

www.fossilcreeknursery.com

March 24-27, 2019

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

HOME & GARDEN

5

AFFORDABLE BATHROOM UPDATES with big impact ing: ambient, task and accent. Ambient provides overall lighting, task helps you perform a function, and accent highlights certain features. You may not have all of these in the bathroom, but you can enhance functionality by evaluating existing lighting and updating if necessary. For example, new task lighting might help you get ready in the morning. If lighting is adequate, simply update fixtures for a fresh look.

2. Faucet

(BPT) - A bathroom renovation is a highly desired home improvement, but many homeowners put off making updates due to the perceived cost.

Fortunately, you don’t need a complete remodel to get the bathroom of your dreams - nor do you need to break the

bank.

These six ideas for updating a bathroom will help you elevate the space and add value to your home without a high price tag:

A focal point of the bathroom, the faucet is often overlooked as a key space for updating with impact.

Replacing a faucet is one of the most affordable ways to refresh the look of the bathroom. Check out the Studio S bathroom faucet collection, which is the perfect choice if you want to add a modern touch to your bathroom without hurting your wallet.

3. Paint

1. Lighting There are three main types of light-

It’s amazing how color can transform a space. If you want to make a big impact without much investment, you can’t go wrong with paint. Remember to choose a paint appropriate for the bathroom environment, where it can be more humid. Mold- and mildewresistant options are a smart choice.

When considering paint and supplies, don’t forget to look up and tackle the ceiling, too. The visual impact of a freshly coated ceiling is undeniable.

4. Toilet

Is your toilet dated and constantly dirty? Consider a new affordable upgrade that makes cleaning a breeze. The VorMax Plus self-cleaning toilet from American Standard cleans and freshens the toilet bowl with every flush, offer-

ing an effortless cleaning experience.

The self-cleaning technology has been independently verified to clean the bowl two times better than conventional toilets, so enjoy putting those rubber gloves away for a while because your throne will be fit for a king or queen.

5. Hardware

Subtle details in a bathroom can tie the room together, just like the perfect necktie or necklace makes an outfit. By updating the hardware and other extras that make a space functional, you’ll also be modernizing the style, which will instantly breathe new life into a tired space. Try replacing the knobs and handles on the vanity. Get a new shower rod and curtain. Update the towel rack to match and add some fresh linens.

It doesn’t cost much but provides a change you’ll instantly appreciate.

6. Shower

Are you longing for a new shower space but think it’s too difficult or expensive to upgrade? The GROHE Retro-fit Shower System is the perfect option for replacing your old shower because it installs quickly and there’s no need to get behind the wall. It works with your existing plumbing setup, so you can save time and money. Its simple installation process means less chaos, and you’ll get to enjoy your new shower faster.

Updating your bathroom and staying on budget is possible with affordable enhancements that instantly transform a space. From budget-friendly paint to easy-to-install shower systems, many options can breathe new life into your bathroom spaces, adding touches of style, convenience and luxury.

Bathrooms are one of the best places to put your remodeling dollar for the highest return that yield years of personal enjoyment too. Where they used to be utilitarian and sparse, bathrooms are now viewed as a peaceful retreat within the home—a cozy spa that serves only you. If your bathroom is more stressful than relaxing, you might be considering an upgrade. Visit GTS (George T. Sanders) Plumbing & Heating Distributors in Berthoud for stylish fixtures, shower options, and even the hot water heaters, plumbing and tools to get it all done.

GTS PLUMBING & HEATING DISTRIBUTORS 2257 1st St., Berthoud, gtsanders.com 6 HOME & GARDEN

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

March 24-27, 2019

Easy and attractive ways to LIVE GREEN for than a green wall. Since it is located outside, the roof gets most of its nutrients from the rain and sun. You will need to inspect the roof annually to check for leaks, but it is otherwise low-maintenance.

Save the Honeybees with Urban Beekeeping

By Jenna Schuster,HomeAdvisor (TNS)

Don’t let visions of clunky solar panels and backbreaking work make you shy away from sustainable living.

Recent innovations make it easier than ever to live a green lifestyle without sacrificing style. Check out some of the new, beautiful and trendy ways you can create an environmentally friendly home.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Green Walls

Also known as “living walls,” green walls are trending due to their numerous health benefits and interior functionality. Basically, these walls are vertical indoor gardens covered with living greenery. Green walls filter harmful toxins from the air and produce oxygen. They help cool the air in the summer, keep it warm during the winter, aid with noise reduction and even help with fire-proofing.

Though a green wall does require more maintenance than a regular one, it isn’t much more trouble than looking after a potted plant. After the initial cost to install, a living wall pays for itself in style and function.

Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions with a Green Roof

Green roofs are similar to green walls but offer even more benefits to your home. Let a professional install a protective layer and some low-lying greenery on a flat portion of your roof and reap the rewards. Green roofs come with all of the perks that green walls offer, and they act as a great insulator for your home. They can reduce cooling costs by up to 75 percent.

Plus, a green roof is easier to care March 24-27, 2019

Does your yard need a facelift?

Become an urban beekeeper and give endangered honeybees a home. This cheap hobby is a great conversation starter and an easy way to enhance your greenery. All you have to do is purchase the necessary equipment – a beekeeping suit, beehive and harvesting materials – and the bees will do the rest. If you’re worried about the visual appeal of a small wooden box on the edge of your property, try painting the hive a neutral color so it blends in. Or, better yet, take the opportunity to decorate it with floral designs.

More bees mean more pollination, so expect your yard to thank you for your efforts with larger vegetables and more plentiful flowers. The best part?

Free honey.

HELPING YOU KEEP A SOLID ROOF OVER YOUR FAMILY Call Loveland Roofing Today For A Free Estimate!

• Locally Owned • 30 Years Experience • Residential & Commercial • All Workmanship Guaranteed and Warranted JIM StONER OWNER

• Licensed & Insured • Most Roofs In One Day

Embrace Renewable Energy with Solar Shingles

Many people love the idea of solar power but shy away from the idea of unattractive solar panels cluttering the roof. Thankfully, recent innovation has led to the creation of solar shingles. Solar shingles come in the form of tiles and can either fit over your existing roof, or act as the roof itself depending on the brand. Either way, they’re a simple, attractive and seamless way to get solar energy into your home.

Be warned: The upfront cost for these roof tiles is formidable. However, they are known to be as durable as or stronger than regular shingles, and they’ll save you a ton of money on electric bills.

Jenna Schuster is a reporter for HomeAdvisor, an online marketplace connecting homeowners with trusted service professionals to complete home projects.

Visit HomeAdvisor.com

ScOtt KRENNING ESTIMATOR

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

2375 W. 8th St./Loveland

970-278-0180

www.LovelandRoofingllc.com HOME & GARDEN

7

WATER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING is Colorado-Friendly!

are often more suited to our climate but need to be maintained so that the water climate in your yard is similar to where they would normally grow.”

Rain Gardens

Xeriscaping is easier to maintain and requires less water. (Shutterstock)

By Darren Thornberry, Reporter-Herald Home & Garden It’s just a matter of weeks until the wild weather clears out and our predictable hot summer returns, parching the grassland and sucking water from reservoirs across the state. Sure, we’d all like a thick green carpet in our yards, but that comes at a price, both economically and environmentally.

Perhaps you’re open to some xeriscaping ideas but the thought of boring old gravel and a cactus or two is just too dreary.

In fact, you can create a lovely water-friendly landscape that’ll be the envy of the block and save you a lot of money you’d otherwise be spending to water your yard, which can be an exercise in futility in the middle of a scorching Front Range summer.

Colorado WaterWise states that, in the western United States, more than 50 percent of residential water is used on landscapes, but that switching to xeriscaping reduces that use by 60 percent or more.

Xeriscaping

“Loveland’s climate naturally calls for landscaping that conserves water,”

8 HOME & GARDEN

Growing populations and fluctuating weather conditions have put a strain on our water supply and common sense begs us to pursue methods of landscaping that use our water resources wisely. says Jack Fetig, CEO of Fossil Creek Nursery and head landscape designer for Alpine Gardens. Early settlers, he explains, discovered that we could grow many of the plants they were used to in the east by adding water.

“As our waterways were tamed, water became plentiful and allowed a style of landscape that was usual in climates that had more than our 14-inch-peryear average of precipitation. Growing populations and fluctuating weather conditions have put a strain on our water supply and common sense begs us to pursue methods of landscaping that use our water resources wisely.”

Many people have called Fossil Creek Nursery and Alpine Gardens, asking about easier landscapes that

require less regular maintenance. Fetig says that xeriscapes do not just use low water use plants, and many xeriscapes can reduce maintenance. “Plants are grouped according to their water needs and are watered as needed,” he explains. “The soil is prepared to help the plants thrive. Enlarging hardscape areas, reducing lawn areas and using alternative grass varieties are some examples of how water is saved by xeriscaping. The irrigation systems are designed so that they can efficiently water our landscapes and water is used as sparingly as possible, but the landscape is still kept looking pristine because the proper maintenance practices are followed.”

Here’s a fun fact from Jack that you might not have considered: The most obvious benefit of a well designed xeriscape is that your landscape will look interesting and inviting even during weather patterns that would stress other landscape styles that were developed for wetter climates. To boot, you’ll have enough water to use daily for drinking, washing and commerce.

“A good xeriscape starts with a well thought out design that makes your yard fit your lifestyle,” Fetig concludes.

“Plants that are native to our area

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

Chances are you might not have heard of a rain garden before. It’s simply a “landscaped area designed to capture runoff and reduce polluted runoff using natural filtration processes,” says Joe Chaplin, stormwater quality specialist for the City of Loveland. “A rain garden is just one of the many permanent stormwater quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) that we encourage businesses and homeowners to incorporate into their landscapes.

This BMP is simple, inexpensive, and is very efficient at removing contaminants found in stormwater runoff.”

Rain gardens aren’t prevalent yet in the Loveland area, which is why the city’s Public Works Stormwater Division is promoting them. Chaplin says all types of plants can be incorporated into a rain garden, but the plants need to be tolerant of both semi-arid conditions and able to withstand periodic periods of inundation.

Chaplin has been making the case to Loveland landowners and homeowners to use rain gardens because they: Are relatively inexpensive to install; can be designed and built to fit any size landscape; can be planted with a wide variety of vegetation; are very good at collecting and filtering stormwater runoff from roof gutters; provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators such as butterflies and bees; add color to the landscape all year round; reduce the area in the landscape that needs to be fertilized and mowed; filter out contaminants and nutrients in stormwater runoff, which in turn helps improve the water quality of our rivers, lakes and streams; can reduce localized flooding; and can add value to your property.

Readers interested in building a rain garden can download the simple guide at stormwatercenter.colostate.edu/ resources (scroll down to “Build Your Own Rain Garden Guide”).

March 24-27, 2019

RESOURCE CENTRAL transforms local yards into power plants

Garden In A Box xeriscape program helps Loveland residents rethink landscapes in era of drought After an unusually dry year in northern Colorado, an innovative nonprofit is challenging homeowners to rethink their grassy landscapes to help conserve water. Communities in Larimer County have partnered with Resource Central,

a nonprofit based in Boulder, to help families transition to drought-tolerant plants that can reduce outdoor water usage by up to 60 percent.

The nonprofit’s spring Garden In A Box xeriscape program is now available to the public with garden kits of up to 30 plants ready to pick up and plant in May. They include plant-by-number maps for easy planting and the gardens are professionally designed and tailored to Colorado soil and dry climate.

“With much of Colorado abnormally dry, it’s time to ask whether all that grass is really worth the water,” said Neal Lurie, president of Resource Central. “Just because we have a dry climate doesn’t mean you have to have a boring yard. With the right mix of power plants, Garden In A Box helps families transition to a yard that is drought-tolerant, bursting with color,

and habitat for butterflies and other pollinators.”

According to the US Drought Monitor, nearly 90 percent of Colorado is in a drought or abnormally dry. While recent snow has helped, the big reservoirs in the Colorado River basin remain at precariously low levels.

Nearly two dozen water providers, including the City of Fort Collins, Loveland Water and Power, and Fort Collins Loveland Water District are providing $25 discounts to encourage local families to participate in the Garden In A Box program as part of their water conservation efforts. In the past eight years, Front Range families have planted more than 500,000 droughttolerant plants through this program, saving more than 100 million gallons of water.

“Half of a typical family’s water consumption is used just to keep their grass green,” said Jenny Conlon, who coordinates water conservation for the City of Lafayette. “Garden In A Box is a key part of our local conservation efforts, helping to open people’s eyes

about their outdoor water use.”

According to Resource Central, this program has tripled in size during the past five years. One of the largest programs of its kind in the United States, Garden In A Box has helped families across Colorado transition more than 1.8 million square feet of land to lowwater landscaping.

“We’re helping people plant a new perspective,” added Devon Booth, water programs manager for Resource Central. “After decades of urban development, Garden In A Box helps families restore their landscapes with native plants that are born and raised here in the Front Range of Colorado. Conserving water never looked so good.”

Learn more at ResourceCentral.org/ gardens.

About Resource Central:

Founded in 1976, Resource Central is an innovative nonprofit dedicated to putting conservation into action. Its programs have helped more than 500,000 families save water, reduce waste, and conserve energy. Learn more at ResourceCentral.org.

Truly Innovative Designs Visit our homes and see what we Can BuiLd For You in these suBdiVisions The Ridge at Mariana Butte in Loveland Dakota Glen in Loveland Harmony Club in Timnath Pelican Farms in Windsor Heron Lakes in Berthoud

The Yampa

View from Heron Lakes in Berthoud

Custom On-Site has provided the highest level of craftsmanship and homeowner satisfaction to Northern Colorado for the past 30 years.

Our passion is creating homes of distinction in the unique Rocky Mountain tradition.

March 24-27, 2019

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

(970) 776-9614

www.cosbuilders.com HOME & GARDEN

9

HOME & GARDEN SHOWS Birds are chirping, weather is warming and green things are sprouting; spring is almost here. Longer daylight hours turn the mind of every homeowner and gardener to improvement season. Landscaping beckons and all the little things that need doing, in and out of the house, start to make themselves known.

Homeowners on the prowl for ideas to refresh their indoor and outdoor spaces will be happy to know that with spring comes Home and Garden Show season. From Denver to Greeley, vendors gather to display their wares and share advice with eager weekend warriors.

The list encompasses everything from gardens to gadgets to grills.

FOOTHILLS HOME, GARDEN & LIFESTYLE SHOW

You don’t have to live in the mountains to get inspiration from this home and garden show. Local construction, home and landscaping goods and services as well as artisans and lifestyle vendors provide a look at what foothills businesses have to offer. Enjoy live entertainment as you tour through a variety of booths and more. The money raised at this show goes back into the community through the local Rotary clubs as well. For more information visit: foothillshomeshow. com

When: March 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; March 31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Evergreen Senior High School, 29300 Buffalo Park Rd., Evergreen How Much: $5 at the door or fill out a form online to get free tickets;

You can also bring two canned food items to the show in exchange for entry!

Donations will benefit EChO.

NORTHERN COLORADO SPRING HOME AND GARDEN SHOW

Close to 200 vendors will have information on just about everything for improvement inside and outside your home including technology, energy and resource conservation, gardening, patios, landscaping, decks, curbing, and water features.

Local businesses will provide helpful hints and tips for all of your home improvement plans.

Oh...and if you notice a mouth-watering smell, head for the cooking demonstrations for recipes, techniques and the latest in kitchen equipment. For more information visit mile-high-productions.com/home.html.

When: April 26, 12 - 5 p.m.; April 27, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m; April 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m Where: First National Bank Exhibition Hall, Larimer County Fairgrounds, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland How Much: Free admission and parking LONGMONT SUMMER HOME & PATIO SHOW

FORT COLLINS HOME & GARDEN SHOW

If you’re considering summer renovations the Fort Collins Home & Garden Show is a go-to event for all the latest trends in home improvement, renovation, automation, interior design, landscaping, and more! Visit almost 300 local and national experts in home, garden, and professional services under one roof. Whether you are just gathering ideas or ready to make a move, the Fort Collins Home & Garden Show has something for everyone! For more information visit fortcollinshomeshow.com.

When: May 11,10 a.m.-5 p.m.; May 12, 10 a.m-5 p.m.

Where: Canvas Stadium, CSU, 751 W Pitkin St., Fort Collins

Where: Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont

How Much: Until April 14: $5, Price increases to $8 on April 15.

How much: Free admission and parking

Children 12 & under are free.

THE NORTHERN COLORADO SUMMER PATIO & HOME EXPO

This event showcases products to upgrade your home inside and out. Tour local and national vendors with products and services for your home, garden and family living. Enjoy live demonstrations, food samples, and more. For more information visit northcoloradohomeshow.com.

When: June 21, 12-6 p.m.; June 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: First National Bank Exhibition Hall, Larimer County Fairgrounds, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland

Your summertime opportunity to chat with 100-plus home improvement vendors and experts. And who doesn’t want to take advantage of outdoor living when it comes to your home. It’s just part of living in Colorado. At this show you’ll find more ways to make the most of your outdoors. For more information visit longmonthomeshow.com.

When: May 24, 12-6 p.m.; May 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; May 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF FORT COLLINS GARDEN TOUR Located in Fort Collins, the Annual Garden Tour takes attendees through beautiful landscapes while educating experienced and inspiring gardeners alike about the plants and flowers that make a garden become a true living space. This year’s tour will take place in the Clarendon Hills neighborhood in southwest Fort Collins. For more information visit jlfortcollins.org/funddevelopment/junior-league-garden-tour/

When: June 22 How much: $20/$35 VIP (Includes food and beverage items)

How much: Free admission and parking NOCO URBAN HOMESTEAD TOUR

Learn about beekeeping, raising chickens, and food gardening in an urban setting by viewing what six other local homesteaders— three in Fort Collins, and three in Loveland—have done. Each home features something unique from greenhouses, creative garden structures and ways to extend your growing season. This tour benefits the Gardens on Spring Creek and Loveland Youth Gardeners. Visit fcgov.com/gardens/programsspecial-events/special-events/noco-urban-homestead-tour for more information.

When: July 20, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. How Much: $20; Children 12 & under are free.

10 HOME & GARDEN

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

March 24-27, 2019

SWING INTO SPRING 5 ideas for updating your space tech, increase energy efficiency, enhance security and more.

Find more ways to enhance your space this spring at eLivingToday.com.

Elegant, Functional Shelving

Photo courtesy of ClosetMaid

PRNewswire–(Family Features) While spring naturally means it’s time for a refresh for many homeowners, it doesn’t mean you’re limited only to a cleaning party. Take advantage of the season by using it as an opportunity to upgrade different areas of your home for reasons ranging from energy efficiency and convenience to ease of living and safety.

With increasing technology for smart home devices and ever-evolving design styles, upgrading your home can be nearly anything you make of it. These ideas include ways that you can add organization, revolutionize your home

Open shelving can add character, design and attractive storage to your home. For example, ClosetMaid’s Ventilated Shelving exhibits simple elegance and is both an aesthetically pleasing way to showcase your favorite things and functional enough to keep linens fresh in the closet or hold clutter at bay by the front door. Made from solid wood and epoxy-coated steel, these shelves are easy to install, durable and can complement nearly any room. Learn more at closetmaid.com.

Revolutionize Your Home

Take your smart home setup to the next level with assistance from a product like the Google Home Hub. Its 7-inch touch screen and built-in Google Assistant technology answers your questions, shows you the weather and more

Colorado’s Best Concrete Company

• • • •

Driveways Stamped & Colored Concrete Firepits Epoxy Floors

Natural Light, Fresh Air

Add natural light and fresh air to your home with an option like Velux No Leak Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights featuring pre-installed light filtering or light blocking shades in more than 80 colors. The skylights use a solar panel to capture daylight and recharge a battery-operated control system.

They can also be opened and closed via remote control or smartphone app, and a rain sensor closes the skylights during inclement weather. Find more information at whyskylights.com.

A Front Door Fixer Upper

Anytime is a good time to make sure

your home is safe, particularly at what’s often the main point of entry – your front door. This spring is an ideal time to keep out unwanted guests with a door that’s sturdy and draft-resistant while also providing an aesthetic touch for enhanced curb appeal. When choosing a door that’s right for your home, focus on options that include a strong deadbolt and thick frame for peace of mind.

Smart Home Safety With safety typically representing a top priority for most homeowners, taking advantage of smart technology can be one way to improve your feelings of safety and comfort in your home.

A solution like a smart lock on the main entryway to your house can add security while also ensuring you’re never locked out of your own home. With options that can pair with apps on your smartphone or feature keyless entry via unique numerical passwords, you can marry convenience with safety.

Dependability, Sustainability, Possibility

• Barn Floors • Patios & Sidewalks • Basements & Garages

$500 OFF $5000 or more in services/work

Locally & Family Owned Since 1982

(970) 667-6905 www.a-concrete.com Concrete provided by Loveland Ready Mix March 24-27, 2019

using voice recognition software. The virtual assistant is available at retailers like Office Depot or OfficeMax, which offer Workonomy Tech Services to install smart home devices for added convenience. It also works with other smart hubs for fluid integration between all your at-home tech devices. Find more information at officedepot.com.

Serving the Front Range for Over 60 years Lrmconcrete.com

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

HOME & GARDEN

11

TREND WATCH: 2019 outdoor living and design trends for every homeowner

updates to outdoor living areas so as the seasons turn, you’re ready to enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest. Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard, offers his expert insight into top outdoor design trends of the year that you should consider for your home.

Blurring of indoor and outdoor areas

(BPT) - Outdoor living continues to grow in 2019 as homeowners dream of adding spaces that provide tranquility, connection and touches of nature.

More than just a home enhancement,

these spaces are meant to inspire people to set digital devices aside and find moments of calm while making memories with friends and family.

Now is the perfect time to plan

Beyond windows and patio doors, home designs are truly blending indoor and outdoor areas thanks to features like folding walls and collapsible screens. For example, imagine a family room that opens up completely to an outdoor patio for easy entertaining, made possible by retractable walls plus smart lighting and strategic heating and cooling sources for seasonal comfort. These types of integrated spaces make the backyard a one-of-akind extension of the home.

Clean lines and contemporary style

Modern lines are a top interior design trend and it is expanding into outdoor living spaces, offering a seamless visual transition. Contemporary style with clean lines, textures and shapes

You’ll be Happily Surprised at the Cost of Lawn and Landscape Care

have taken over more traditional styles, particularly among younger homeowners. Modular, large-format pavers embrace this trend and are expected to continue to increase in popularity, with smoother textures gaining traction.

Monochromatic and “greige” tones

The contemporary trend also leans toward monochromatic color schemes.

Gray continues to be popular, with the growing trend of “greige” - blends of gray and beige tones - poised to take off in 2019. These muted hues blend seamlessly with the landscape, plus they allow homeowners to use strategic pops of color with furniture and flowers to create customized spaces that reflect their personalities perfectly.

Outdoor kitchens and fire features

In an effort to make outdoor spaces an authentic extension of the home, livability is a priority. That means outdoor kitchens and fire features continue to be a top trend. Kitchen additions like pizza ovens are reflective of the foodie movement, while fire features using gas fuel rather than wood are reflective of the desire for convenience, plus they are a good fit for many municipal regulations.

When considering building a new home, outdoor living might be one of your top concerns. Consulting with a builder that can help make that dream a reality could greatly ease that process. If you’re in the market for building a brand new home, or even just in the early dreaming and planning stages, the team at Custom On-Site Inc. works with each homebuyer to coordinate with the best subcontractors and suppliers available ensuring that each vision is executed to perfection, whether its on your lot or theirs.

LAWN CARE • Granular Fertilizer Program • Weed & Insect Control • Core Aeration • Landscape Weed Control • Power Seeding • Commercial/Industrial Maintenance

TREE & LAWN CARE • Yearly Maintenance Program

PERIMETER PEST CONTROL • Keep Crawling Insects

• Deep Root Feeding

from Entering Your

• Specialty Treatments

Home

Your Only Authorized LAWN DOCTOR Dealer For Loveland/Johnstown/Berthoud

669-3192 Loveland

Under The Same Local Ownership Since 1985 12 HOME & GARDEN

Call About Our Spring Specials!

CUSTOM ON-SITE INC. 210 E 12th St., #100, Loveland (970) 776-9614 cosbuilders.com

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

March 24-27, 2019

Stick With The Professionals...

Your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (a.k.a. HVAC) is the respiratory system of your home. Treat it like an investment in your health (because it is). Look at us for a breath of fresh air.

Check out our references and give us a chance.

Our team won’t let you down.

Sustainability is king

As more homeowners are prioritizing green living, outdoor designs that become a part of the local ecosystem are in high demand. This could include planting to support pollinators and integrating edible landscape into the design. Water features are growing in popularity, used to add a tranquil element to outdoor spaces while masking unwanted sounds, such as traffic or other noise pollution.

Visualization of designs

Partnering with the right designer is key to achieving the outdoor space of your dreams. More homeowners are asking for 3D designs in order to properly conceptualize a space before it is brought to life through construction. Belgard Design Studio can take a simple sketch with dimensions and a

few photos and turn it into a 3D rendering or virtual reality experience so homeowners can see the true potential of their outdoor space.

Small footprint designs

Outdoor living isn’t just for homeowners with large properties. Houses with small footprints are adding impressive outdoor spaces in surprising places. This could be maximizing alleyway access, adding a courtyard to a small backyard, or shifting the focus by utilizing the front yard to create a patio and fireplace area. If you long for an outdoor living space, don’t let space constraints limit your dreams.

These 2019 outdoor living trends, in effect, will prove to create a year full of innovative outdoor projects that fit the needs of every homeowner.

$89

Furnace or A/C Check and Service.

Are you looking at adding outdoor living space to your home this summer? Consider concrete. With contemporary color additives and stamping options, homeowners can create a versatile and uniquely beautiful finish that can improve their home for years to come.

Since outdoor kitchens are hugely popular, get the exact level footprint that you desire.

Through their long-standing working relationship with Loveland Ready Mix Concrete, A-Concrete can offer the highest quality materials. They can assist in each stage, planning through execution, regardless of the size of the job.

So if you’re thinking about adding to the life and usefulness of your outdoor spaces talk to the helpful team at A-Concrete today!

27th Anniversary, Celebrate On Us!

$100 Gift Card to Longhorn Steakhouse with purchase of a complete heating or cooling system.

• We Service All Brands 24/7.

• Family Owned & Operated Since 1992.

R.R ‘‘GRIFF” GRIFFIN OWNER “You have my personal guarantee of 100% satisfaction with our work.”

970-528-5875 Visit us at: www.ncagriff.com

A-CONCRETE (970) 667-6905, a-concrete.com March 24-27, 2019

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

HOME & GARDEN

13

Jumped on the Marie Kondo

DECLUTTERING BANDWAGON? Here’s why you might have regrets.

By Alison Bowen, Chicago Tribune (TNS)

S

o you’ve tossed a bunch of stuff after watching a series of episodes from Marie Kondo’s Netflix special.

Those extra shirts, the duplicated kitchen appliances, that blue wig you’re not sure why you had in the first place.

But it’s possible that a few short weeks later, the regret is already starting to kick in.

We could think of many of our own examples of throwing things out we later wish we’d kept — letters from an ex-boyfriend, a part to an Instant Pot unrecognized as being a part to an Instant Pot, maps from travels we could’ve framed. And yes, one of our children wanted to wear that blue wig for crazy hair day.

Perhaps lost in the conversation of the amount of joy sparked by decluttering is the very real regret many people feel after losing items forever.

The regret of tossing things is just as much an emotion as sparked joy, said Joseph Ferrari, a professor of general psychology and community psychology at DePaul University.

“Regret focuses on a variety of domains — jobs I didn’t take, relationships I had, things I got rid of,” he said. “Regret is also an emotion. It’s more of a depressive.”

We build relationships with items, he said, and when we get rid of them too quickly, it can result in negative or depressive feelings like regret.

For this reason, he suggests not immediately purging. Instead, stop and think about what you have.

“Don’t jump in and get rid of it right away,” he said. “Sort, strategize and then purge.”

Ferrari said the recommendations of decluttering experts he has worked with are not necessarily what Kondo suggests. For example, she says to hold the object and see if it sparks joy.

Japanese writer Marie Kondo during her speech at the XXIX International Book Fair on May 14, 2016, in Turin, Italy. (Marco Piraccini/Mondadori Portfolio/Zuma Press/TNS)

But he suggests the opposite. Don’t hold items, because touching something makes you want to keep it.

“There’s this attachment of the fond memories,” he said. “Get a friend to come and hold the items, to say, ‘Do you want this?”

And consider the following: Could you buy it again? That pair of pants likely exists elsewhere, in a worst-case scenario of clothing regret. As far as more personal items, he said, many decluttering experts feel kindly toward keeping them.

“If it is sentimental, then hold on to it,” he said.

For items like appliances — or that part of the Instant Pot — those are likely things you can purchase again. The sentimental ones — the letters, the vacation mementos — are things that might be harder to replace.

Consider donating an item, so it goes to a good cause.

Or give it to a family member, who might appreciate it. Plus, you’ll still have access to the item.

“Give it to a relative that might be happy with it, and you’ll be able to see their joy,” he said.

YOU’VE CONSIDERED YOUR OPTIONS, carefully gone through your things and you’ve decided there’s plenty that you can live without. What now? Committing to a full-scale declutter can leave you with a mountain of stuff to get rid of. Whether you want to donate it, recycle it, or just dispose of it, there’s time and effort involved. Rather than taking time out of your busy schedule, try calling 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. They’ll handle removing and dividing your junk and ensuring it all goes to the right place and all you have to do is make the call. Pricing is all-inclusive and up-front, so you’ll know before you commit.

CALL: 1-800-GOT-JUNK (1-800-468-5865)

14 HOME & GARDEN

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

March 24-27, 2019

HELP IMPROVE OUR WATER QUALITY

Making siMple choices prevents water pollution.

H20 Jo & Flo

FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENdATIONS WHEN APPLYING FERTILIZER. WHEN YOU’RE FERTILIZING THE LAWN, REMEMBER YOU’RE NOT JUST FERTILIZING THE LAWN. You fertilize the lawn. Then it rains.

The rain washes the fertilizer along the curb, into the storm drain, and directly into our lakes, streams and the Big Thompson River. This causes algae to grow, which uses up oxygen that fish need to survive.

So if you fertilize, please follow directions and use sparingly.

CLEAN WATER IS IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US

water—and all of us have a role in getting and keeping

It’s up to all of us to make it happen. In recent years sources of water pollution like industrial wastes from factories have been greatly reduced. Now, more than 60 percent of water pollution comes from things like cars leaking oil, fertilizers from farms and gardens, and failing septic tanks. All these sources add up to a big pollution problem. But each of us can do small things to help clean up our water too—and that adds up to a pollution solution!

our lakes, rivers, marine and ground waters clean.

What’s the problem with fertilizer?

Fertilizer isn’t a problem if it’s used carefully. If you use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time, it can easily wash off your lawn or garden into storm drains and then flow untreated into lakes or streams. Just like in your garden, fertilizer in lakes and streams makes plants grow.

In water bodies, extra fertilizer can mean extra algae and

Why do we need clean water?

Having clean water is of primary importance for our health and economy. Clean water provides recreation, commercial opportunities, fish habitat, drinking water and adds beauty to our landscape. All of us benefit from clean

aquatic plant growth. Too much algae harms water quality and makes boating, fishing and swimming unpleasant. As algae decay, they use up oxygen in the water that fish and other wildlife need.

CLEAN WATER TIP: How can you fertilize and help keep our waters clean?

Use fertilizers sparingly. Many plants do not need as much fertilizer or need it as often as you might think.

Don’t fertilize before a rain storm.

Consider using organic fertilizers; they release nutrients more slowly.

Use commercially available compost or make your own using garden waste. Mixing compost with your soil means your plants will need less chemical fertilizer and puts your waste to good use. Commercial compost and soil amendments may be available from your solid waste or wastewater utility as well as your local garden store.

For more information on fertilizing alternatives and composting, call your County Extension’s Master Gardeners program or visit the City’s Stormwater web page listed below.

Public Works Administration Building (PWA) 2525 West 1st Street (970) 962-2772 www.cityofloveland.org/stormwater March 24-27, 2019

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

HOME & GARDEN

15

COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL | MAINTENANCE | LANDSCAPE DESIGN | DESIGN BUILD | INSTALLATION

NORTHERN COLORADO LANDSCAPE SPECIALISTS WWW.ALPINELANDSCAPING.COM 16 HOME & GARDEN

Reporter-Herald – ReporterHerald.com

March 24-27, 2019