Loading...
The Citizen, 2007-05-03, Page 28(MS) — Spicing up your home’s outdoor living space takes more than just a few flowerpots on the patio— especially with today’s outdoor trends. More homeowners are choosing to transform their outdoor space with everything from entertainment centres to elaborate kitchens. Nearly two-thirds of architects reported an increase in demand for outdoor kitchens, decks and patios compared to one year ago, according to the 2006 American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey. They also reported spikes in homeowners opting for upscale landscaping, more outdoor amenities—such as pools, tennis courts, courtyards and gazebos — and setting boundaries for their yards with fencing, walls and bushes. “The outdoor living boom has clearly moved from being ‘just a trend’ to a lifestyle,” said Susan McCoy, an outdoor living expert and president of the Garden Media Group, in a public statement. The Garden Media Group recently released its 2007 picks for spring outdoor trends. With the increasing popularity of water-resistant furniture and appliances, practically anything goes for the great outdoors and is now built to withstand rain and temperature changes. In fact, some homeowners are even opting to place flat-panel LCD or plasma televisions outside. Some TVs even have a wireless connection and are able to communicate to indoor cable boxes or DVD players. The most popular items homeowners say they plan to add to their outdoor spaces this year include lighting units, gas grills, mosquito eliminators, outdoor fireplaces or pits, and patio heaters, according to a national survey by the Propane Education and Research Council. Here are some other popular outdoor trends: • Fireplaces: Make them the centrepiece to your outdoor living space. They also can provide some heat, if necessary. • Fountains and reflecting pools: They provide tranquility to a backyard. Add small fountains in your garden or even a small stream running throughout the yard — viewable from inside your home, too. To get a spa feel, some homeowners are even installing outdoor showers near their pool Continued from page 27 time, ensuring you don’t over-water. Watering directly to the root • Consider the area that requires watering and choose the appropriate tool. For example, to help provide nourishment to trees, select a tree- base soaking hose that directs water to the base of the tree or to water flowerbeds, choose a direct drip watering system that focuses water flow on the desired area. • Sure to be a hit this spring, micro-irrigation systems are inexpensive and easy to set up. They come with tubing, hardware and multiple spray heads to enable gardeners to create a customized watering system. Focusing water directly on the root, micro-irrigation systems help conserve water consumption while effectively providing nourishment to your garden and shrubs. • To maintain a beautiful lawn without depleting water supplies, choose a tool like the self-propelled travelling sprinkler that automatically pulls itself along a customized track, enabling the water to reach all areas of the yard equally and efficiently. A rotary sprinkler allows you to choose whether you want 90 degrees, 180 degrees or 360 degrees of coverage, so it’s perfect if you want to target one specific area. Fountains among the trends for outdoor livingPAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2007. Choose appropriate tool for area Outdoor fashion Outdoor focal points such as fountains and reflecting pools are popular additions to outdoor spaces. (MS photo) DEALER IMPRINT get used to saying, “it didn’t take as long as we thought.” THE TC48DA AND TC55DA BOOMER™UTILITY TRACTORS are loaded with features that let you power through work. Ask a New Holland dealer how the productivity of Boomer utility tractors will save you time on every job. • Electro-Hydraulic Shuttle Shift (EHSS) transmission option allows clutchless forward/reverse shuttling. • The sloped hood offers best-in-class visibility for increased safety and easy operation. • Efficient engines turn more of their 48 and 55 horsepower into usable power at the PTO. • Add the curved-boom 18LA front loader for superior reach and lift capacity. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO DO MORE WORK, BOOMER TRACTORS ARE READY TO HELP. WE'RE READY TO HELP TOO. VISIT US SOON. © 2005 CNH America LLC McGavin Farm Equipment Ltd. Email: mcgavin@ezlink.ca Web Page: http://www.mcgavinequip.com 519-527-0245 Walton 519-887-6365 Fax: 519-887-6381 We have one in stock! 519-523-4825 Dennis Hamm Painting & More Painting, taping, drywall boarding, residential trim and detailing, basic carpentry Now featuring Duncan’s Cabinetry Design. No job too small. 58 The Square Goderich 519-524-6064 One thing keeps us from having a great sleep. Pressure. The pressure caused by stress in our daily lives, and the pressure that results on our bodies when we lie down on any unforgiving surface. In fact, these pressures cause us to toss and turn as many as 80-100 times a night! The revolutionary Tempur material developed by NASA and perfected by Swedish Scientists is so effective at relieving pressure, reducing pain and improving circulation, that tossing and turning is reduced by 80%! And a better night’s sleep gives you a whole new outlook on tomorrow’s pressures. TIRED of SLEEPING AROUND? A better night’s sleep, no springs attached! Continued on page 29