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Spring gardening and lawn tips

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Though it may not feel like spring, it is that time of year for lawn maintenance.

“Right now is the best time to do it,” said Andreas Dambakakis with “Yards by Us” who recommends putting fertilizer and pre-emergent on lawns now.

“It’s going to basically prevent crabgrass and weeds from germinating in your lawn and also green up the grass.”

Dambakakis says those key ingredients in early spring help prevent crab grass from suffocating your lawn and help build a strong root system for those hot summer days.

Homeowners biggest mistake is mixing up seasons. Fall is the best time for aerating and over seeding your lawn.

“A lot of people will try and do spring seeding and pre-emergent at the same time. Obviously you can’t mix the two as it’s not going to let your seed germinate.”

Experts also suggest waiting until your lawn is fully green before making your first cut. Cutting the lawn too early could kill new shoots before they have a chance to mature.

 

Gardening tips at Derrington Village Hall

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GARDENING tips to put a spring in your step are on offer at Derrington Village Hall on Saturday.

Fruit and veg growing lessons, a panel of experts to quiz and an interactive workshop on designing your own garden are just some of the activities at the spring gardening event being hosted by Derrington Way Ahead from 2pm to 4.30pm.

There will also be gardening giveaways and tea and cakes provided by Derrington WI. Admission is free.

garden designer lands prestigious flower show exhibit

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Beaconsfield garden designer lands prestigious flower show exhibit

8:00am Saturday 23rd March 2013 in News

Mr Ryan’s garden ‘I have a dream’

A BEACONSFIELD garden designer is celebrating after earning the chance to feature his creation at the world’s largest annual flower show.

Stephen Ryan will display his garden at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Flower Show in July.

Entitled ‘I have a dream’, the design commemorates the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous speech, and Mr Ryan is excited at the prospect.

“I actually trained in the gardens of Hampton Court so it’ll be great to be back with a show garden,” he said. “It’s a huge show so it’s a real achievement for me.”

Mr Ryan studied under garden design guru John Brookes, who received an MBE in 2004 for his work in horticulture, and it is the first time the Beaconsfield-based designer’s work has been featured at the event.

The garden features segregated black and white planting and an area of harmonious mixed planting.

It has a calming feel with water playing a large part, with the backdrop inspired by the Lincoln memorial in Washington where the speech was held in August 1963.

He is currently hunting a main sponsor for the design, and hopes extra money can be raised for anti-racism charities by auctioning the wooden message obelisks bearing engravings from the speech.

Hampton Court Flower Show attracts around 160,000 visitors each year, with coverage in national newspapers as well as on the BBC.

The show runs from July 9 to 14. For tickets to see Mr Ryan’s creation and hundreds of other gardens of all shapes and sizes, visit www.rhs.org.uk

La Crosse home show to offer winter respite

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Folks jonesing for a taste of spring will find it among the displays of landscaping, building projects and hot tubs at the Greater La Crosse Home and Builders Show this weekend.

More than 100 vendors will display their wares at the 33rd annual show, which opens at 5 p.m. today at the La Crosse Center.

Vendors setting up Thursday predicted that the cold weather will boost the show’s crowd, looking for a winter respite and seeking ways to invest in their homes.

“Last year was our best year by far, up by 30 percent,” said Casey Staige, owner of HotSpring Spas and Pools in Onalaska, which sells hot tubs, saunas, swimming pools and pool tables.

“I think more people are putting money in their homes and spending time at home instead of traveling,” he said.

“Our store is always busy, but our customers now seem to be waiting for warmer weather to buy, waiting to put up a deck or patio,” Staige said.

“I think the weather will help the show,” he said. “It’s warm in here, and people can look at fun things for the house.”

They also can find ways to make their homes technological castles.

Justin Snyder, vice president of The Audio Video Pros of Onalaska, described the concept as a “smart home,” integrating media, security, lighting, heating and air conditioning into one system that can be controlled from an iPad, tablet, computer or smartphone.

“They can operate it from across the room or across the globe,” he said. “A snowbird who goes south for the winter can monitor his HVAC and security, or open a garage door for a UPS guy to drop off a package.”

Such a system was cost-prohibitive for most folks until recently, he said.

“Five years ago, it would have cost $100,000,” he said. “Today, I can do it for $5,000,” depending on the sophistication and number of rooms involved.

Other displays will feature custom-built homes, remodeling suggestions, interior-decorating ideas, landscaping options, heating and ventilation systems, windows, furniture and a variety of other home and building projects, said show producer Bill Jackson of West Des Moines, Iowa.

Do-it-yourselfers can check out seminars on geothermal heating and cooling, installing ceramic tile, faux painting and edible landscaping.

Jeff Holper, known as “The Mole Hunter,” will conduct several seminars entitled “Take Back Your Yard from the Moles and Other Pests.”

Also among the highlights will be robot demonstrations by teams from the Seven Rivers Robotics Coalition, including the “Robo-Raiders” from Central High School in La Crosse, the “Pirobotics” from Aquinas High School in La Crosse and the “Sir Lancer Bots” from La Crescent High School.

Helendale CSD to host water-smart landscaping workshop

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HELENDALE • The Helendale Community Services District in conjunction with the Mojave Water Agency will host a free workshop about landscaping techniques for High Desert homeowners, according to a Mojave Water Agency news release.

The class will teach residents about how to improve and design their landscape with water-smart ideas and which plants do well in the area.

Attendees will also hear an update about the Helendale CSD and water in their service area.

Refreshments will be served. Reservations are required by Monday.

The Helendale CSD is at 26540 Vista Road, Suite C, in Helendale.

To register to attend, call Gloria Golike at 760-946-7001, or email ggolike@mojavewater.org.

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Central Florida Home & Garden Show

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One of the region’s most anticipated spring events will be here in no time: the 2013 Central Florida Home Garden Show, returning March 22-24 to the Orange County Convention Center in Hall South B in the Center’s South Concourse facing International Drive. The home improvement extravaganza is the premier place to find innovative products, new ideas, practical advice and great deals in remodeling, home improvement and gardening with hundreds of experts all under one roof. From windows and flooring to cabinets and landscaping, consumers can shop, compare and save on a wide variety of products and services to renew, refresh and restore their homes.

Show highlights include appearances by Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes; tips and advice from local and national home improvement experts appearing on the IKEA Home Stage throughout the weekend; demonstrations by some of the area’s favorite chefs on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage; Hero Day on Friday only, offering free admission to retired or current members of the military and first responders; designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle; and a “fun-raiser” for Children’s Home Society of Florida; and more than 250 DIY, landscaping and home improvement experts offering a range of new products and services, including more than 100 exhibitors new to the market or making their Central Florida Home Garden Show debut.

Marketplace Events, North America’s largest producer of home shows, including the Central Florida Home Garden Show and fall Orlando Home Show, announced earlier this year that attendance at the first four home shows in the company’s annual portfolio realized an average attendance increase of 17 percent over the prior year, and that exhibit space and online advance ticket sales were also trending upward. “Our results so far this year, coupled with low interest rates and improving home sales, lead us to believe that more and more people are taking on home improvement projects that they have previously postponed,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. “Now more than ever, home shows are relevant to bring people with projects together with local businesses offering competitive pricing and promotions that even savvy shoppers might not find elsewhere.”

“Our shows offer something for everyone,” added Cristian Moore, show manager for Marketplace Events. “Whether they have a specific project in mind or simply want to enjoy a fun day out, local residents and visitors can refresh their space, reinvent their décor and restyle their lives at our show.”

Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes shares his passion for architecture and the wood shop, along with tips, advice and behind-the-scenes stories during his appearances on the IKEA Home Stage on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 12 noon and 5 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. (subject to change without notice).

Guests can enjoy mouth-watering demonstrations and tasty samples prepared by some of the area’s favorite chefs and culinary pros on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage. Scheduled to demonstrate their signature recipes and dispense advice throughout the weekend are James and Julie Petrakis of the The Ravenous Pig; Kevin Spencer of Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops at Hilton Orlando; Greg Picard, executive chef for Orlando World Center Marriott; Dun Chau of Sushi House Orlando; Danny Otera of Teak Neighborhood Grill, and chefs and experts from Whole Foods Market, New York Dinger and World of Beer. Gloria B, the bi-lingual host of KQ103 FM’s afternoon drive show, spices up the stage on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Latino style!

Get answers to important DIY and home improvement, landscaping and home décor questions from more than 250 experts around the show floor and on the main stage throughout the weekend. Local favorites Harry P. Leu Gardens Director Robert Bowden and popular green thumb and Orlando Sentinel columnist Tom MacCubbin are among the presenters (visit www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com for a complete listing of presentations and times).

Other experts can help show-goers make their gardens a beautiful retreat. Belgard Hardscapes, Hoffner Landscape, Jan Clay Flowers, Lanai Hardscape Company, Pebble Junction, Pondtastic Water Gardens and Smithwell will be on site with ideas, tips and cash-and-carry items.

Speaking of items for cash-and-carry, guests can “raise the woof!” and show their furry housemates some love at the Pet Pavilion sponsored by Urban Pet Magazine and Stanley Steemer. Exhibitors range from emergency vet, boarding, training and pet rescue services to purveyors of fashion, treats and grooming for cats, dogs and other critters.

Other not-to-be-missed features and opportunities at the show include Hero Day on Friday only, offering free admission to retired or current members of the military and first responders with proper ID or in uniform; Friday Family Day, offering free admission to children ages 12 and under and family-fun activities on the show floor; Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Champions for Children™ Corner, where guests can spin the prize wheel, putt for prizes and bid on celebrity painted bird houses to support Florida’s most vulnerable kids; fantastic ice and fruit carving displays throughout the weekend by Laz of Wizard Connection; and designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle. Plus enter-to-win contests, prize drawings, and much more.

Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults 13+, $5 for seniors (60+, at the box office only), $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages five and under.

Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount off full-price $10 admission at , courtesy of TD Bank.

For more information, click this link, or call 877-871-SHOW (7469). Connect on Facebook, Twitter (@FloridaHomeShow), Pinterest (pinterest.com/homeshows/) for up-to-the-minute show details, discounts and fabulous home improvement tips. Visit the show’s blog here.

The Central Florida Home Garden Show and its fall sister show, the Orlando Home Show (October 4-6, 2013) are both produced by Marketplace Events.

38th Annual Central Kentucky Home, Garden & Flower Show Heads To …

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Central Kentucky Home, Garden Flower Show is the largest and longest-running show of its kind in Central Kentucky, introducing new ideas to homeowners since 1976 at Lexington Center’s Heritage Hall and Rupp Arena. Doug Hart, consulting show manager says, “The 2013 show is truly a streamlined experience where you, as our guest, can find everything for the home and garden at one time, in one place, all under one roof. Heritage Hall and Rupp Arena will be segmented into major categories, each of which could be a weekend show in itself.”

Here are a few examples:

• “The Remodeling Showcase”, powered by LGE/KU: Discover new ideas for painting a room or your entire house to installing a deck or skylight, and all kinds of remodeling projects in between. These vendors have the expertise to save you time and money in the Remodeling Showcase, a new feature this year.

• “Small Space Gardens,” presented by Meade Concrete Products: Here you’ll find landscaping advice, as well as products and design ideas to make the most of your outdoor space, no matter how big or small your project is!

• “Kitchen and Bath Showcase”: If you’re remodeling either or both of the most important rooms in your house, the exhibitors in the Kitchen and Bath Showcase have the latest trends in lighting, cabinetry and energy-saving appliances.

• The “Green Zone,” presented by GreenGuide Sustainable Living in the Bluegrass: It’s all about sustainable living in Kentucky for these exhibitors in the Elkhorn Room of Heritage Hall. Learn about green and environmentally friendly products and resources available to you in Central Kentucky.

• “Outdoor Living Market”: Local produce and products are good for you and good for the local economy. Local producers from the Lexington Farmer’s Market in Rupp Arena have a wide variety of locally grown and manufactured products for visitors to purchase while at the show. In addition, you’ll find gardening tools to purchase from Horizons Ltd., outdoor products from Reel Barrels which are crafted from Kentucky Bourbon Barrels and plants and landscape products from Springhouse Gardens.

• “What’s Up in Rupp,” presented by the Better Business Bureau: the BBB’s silent auction has hundreds of items worth tens of thousands of dollars donated by BBB accredited businesses. Nearby, stonemasons from the Dry Stone Conservancy will be building a dry-laid stone pillar throughout the show. Students and faculty from the University of Kentucky’s Department of Landscape Architecture will be exhibiting an urban environment landscape.

• “Outdoor Living Showcase”: Exhibiting in this showcase is a 2,400 square foot display of outdoor wonders from Nature’s Expressions. Whether you garden for pleasure, to put food on the table or both, the Outdoor Living Showcase exhibitors help you make the most of the great outdoors in your own home. Show Hours: Hours of the show are Thursday and Friday, April 4 5, 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 6, 10a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, April 7 from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door, $2 ticket discounts are offered online at www.ckyhomeshow.com.

Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is site of edible landscaping workshop

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You can feed your soul and your stomach at the same time with a landscape that combines beautiful flowers and nutritious foods.

How to do it is the focus of the March 30 “Edible Landscaping” workshop offered by the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy.

Master Gardener Sharon Johnson will share her expertise on integrating edible plants into the flower gardens and landscaping and how to plan for seasonal changes.

She will discuss how to use existing landscape “to fill your panty as well as your life with beauty and good nutrion.”

The workshop is for those 18 or older and registration is due in advance.

It takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on March 30 at the Guadalupe River Park Gardens Visitor Education Center, 438 Coleman Ave.

The fee is $15. For more information or to register, visit grpg.org or call 408.298.7657.