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Spring Comes Alive at IX Home & Garden Show: Take A Look

More than 650 exhibitors are at this year’s Home Garden Show at the IX Center.

The 2013 show also features a Garden Showcase in the South Hall which includes elaborately landscaped exhibits inspired by landmarks, such as Cedar Point, Central Park, Augusta National Golf Club, Wrigley’s Field and Napa Valley.

Also featured is a fully-constructed, 4,000-square-foot Idea Home sponsored by Sherwin-Williams and Cleveland Magazine and built by Perrino Builders will inspire visitors with ways to plan and create their dream house.

The show, which runs through Feb. 10 includes some new additions as well as some old favorites. Take a look through our slideshow to see some of the attractions.

New Features and Attractions:

• The fully constructed, 2,000-square-foot Dream Basement built by Chagrin Falls-based Custom Remodeling and Design.

• Fine dining at the Cambria Bistro, a full-service, white-tablecloth restaurant.

 “The Good Life” is the theme of the daily cooking sessions presented by local chefs and instructors of the Loretta Paganini School of Cooking. (www.lpscinc.com).

Returning Favorites from 2012:

• The Garden Showcase, sponsored by WKYC, WDOK and WQAL, and located in the South Hall. 

• The Celebrity Designer Rooms will be custom-designed by a Northeast Ohio design business or exhibitor with the help of a local radio or television personality. 

• Belgard Hardscapes Inc. will feature outdoor living spaces created by two of the area’s premier landscapers – Rock Bottom Lawn Landscaping and Friberg Landscaping Construction, LLC.

• At The Petitti Gardening Stage, daily gardening seminars on landscape design, flora and furnishing outdoor rooms will be held by Northeast Ohio landscape experts. 

• The Plant Sale begins after the show closes on Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Get great deals on the products and plant material on display in the gardens just in time for spring.

• Kids can have fun in Playground World’s KidsZone, which features slides, swings, basketball hoops and the world’s safest, fully-enclosed SpringfreeTM Trampoline. 

Home Improvement and Culinary Celebrities:

• The show will also feature Ohio native Chris Crary, a season nine participant and fan favorite from Bravo’s popular television series Top Chef, on Feb. 9.

• Matt Fish, owner and chef of Melt Bar and Grilled will also present on The Main Stage Feb. 8, 9 and 10.

Minnesota author pens book on edible landscaping for northern gardeners




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      Some gardens are workhorses, dedicated to growing food, while others are supermodels, all about adding beauty. But more of today’s gardens are multi-taskers, expected to do both.

      Author Emily Tepe (“The Edible Landscape,” $24.95, Voyageur Press) doesn’t accept the old notion that food-producing plants should be segregated in their own plot. She advocates combining them freely with ornamentals to add color, texture and visual interest to beds and containers. “I believe a yard can be both beautiful and productive,” she writes.

      Tepe’s handiwork was on public display for several growing seasons on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, where she designed an edible landscape demonstration garden while she was a graduate student and fruit researcher. (Another student took over the garden last year.) Agriculture is a second career for Tepe, who spent a decade working in theater design before a garden epiphany convinced her she wanted to spend more time outdoors.

      Tepe, a research associate with the university’s Department of Horticultural Science, now lives in Wyoming most of the year, but she’ll be returning to the Twin Cities this month for a series of seminars and book-signings.

      Q: Are you surprised at the way edible landscaping has taken off?

      A: I am a little bit. The Victory Garden thing is coming back. It goes along with local food, farmers markets, CSAs — I think the Obama White House garden has been an influence, and books like Michael Pollan’s “The Omnivore’s Dilemma.” People are talking more about pesticides, and thinking, “I should just do this myself, then I don’t need to be worried about it.” Edible landscaping is as local as local can be. Whatever is sending people into their gardens is good.

       

      Q: Why did you decide to write a book?

      A: I started a blog (www.artichokesandzinnias.com) to share resources. The acquisitions editor at Voyageur Press contacted me in summer 2010 and asked if I was interested in writing a book. I hadn’t thought about it, but I enjoy writing about edible landscaping and thought it could be a great opportunity.

       

      Q: What did you think was missing from other books on the topic?

      A: There are a lot of books but few focused on northern climates. We have our own set of challenges. I wanted to address those while being inspiring to people everywhere.

       

      Q: What makes growing edibles especially challenging up here?

      A: The shortness of the season means having to think ahead and get things started inside. Some of the perennials we have to work a little harder to protect. With fruit plants, it’s important to choose the right varieties that are hardy here. And placement is important. We have to create protected spaces. Even for herbs — they might say they’re hardy, but if you don’t have good snow cover, they might not make it.

       

      Q: What are your favorite edible plants for northern gardeners?

      A: I’m strangely enamored of Swiss chard. It’s such an easy plant to grow and so pretty. It’s my favorite. You can’t really mess it up. I’ve only seen it bolt once in my life. I also like other greens — kale and lettuces. You can stick them in here and there, and they play off a lot of ornamentals. They seem to look good so easily. Then there’s tomatoes. Everyone loves to have them, but it takes thought and creativity to have them look nice.


      • related content

      • “The Edible Landscape,” by Emily Tepe

      • EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

        What: Seminars and book-signings featuring Emily Tepe, author of “The Edible Landscape.”

        Where and when: 1 p.m. Feb. 16, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum; 10 a.m. Feb. 23, Gertens, Inver Grove Heights; 11 a.m. March 2, Cooks of Crocus Hill, Stillwater; 2:15 p.m. March 9, East Metro Spring Fling, Woodbury; 3 p.m. March 10, Cooks of Crocus Hill, St. Paul; 12:45 and 2:15 p.m. March 16, “Burst Into Spring,” Isanti County Master Gardeners conference, Cambridge, Minn.

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      Gardening tips for February – Daily News


      Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 12:00 am


      Gardening tips for February

      BY DR. WILLIAM JOHNSON

      galvestondailynews.com

      Regardless your political persuasion, presidential inaugurations — whether first term or second term — give rise to a sense of renewal. 


      Over the next few weeks, gardeners will observe the annual renewal of landscapes as trees and shrubs produce a new crop of green leaves and an array of colorful flowers to lift our spirits.

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      Wednesday, February 6, 2013 12:00 am.

      Inspirational gardening books

      IF you’re still planning what to grow in your garden this year, there’s a plethora of new books out in the spring to provide inspiration and guidance. Hannah Stephenson leafs through some of the best

      If you’re still scratching your head as to what to do with your garden this year, whether trying veg in pots for the first time, creating a wildflower meadow or completely re-landscaping your outdoor space, there are new books coming out which should provide you with plenty of ideas.

      Here are just a few of the many gardening titles on offer this year:

      :: The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart (Timber Press, £14.99, May 2): This intoxicating and eclectic new book on the hidden botany behind your favourite booze would make a fabulous gift for gardeners who enjoy a tipple. The quirky guide explains the chemistry and botanical history of more than 150 species, showing how they form the bases of our favourite cocktails and also offers 50 drink recipes.

      :: Christine Walkden’s No-Nonsense Container Gardening (Simon Schuster, £20, February 28): She may now be a regular on The One Show and Radio 4’s Question Time, but Christine Walkden is a gardener first and a presenter second. In her typical down-to-earth style, she shows you how to recycle tin cans, fruit crates and baskets and turn them into portable growing containers, grow your own lunch in a tub with dwarf varieties and cultivate abundant flowers for cutting and fragrance. Well illustrated and with tips from personal experience, this book will suit the fairly new gardener looking for new ideas.

      :: Royal Horticultural Society Grow Your Own Crops In Pots by Kay Maguire (Mitchell Beazley, £16.99, available now): As growing your own fruit and veg continues to gain popularity, this book is one for people who perhaps don’t have room for a vegetable plot or who simply want to have a go at growing produce in pots on the patio, close to the kitchen. Featuring everything from bags of potatoes to grapes on the vine, and delicious combinations such as tomato with basil, the book guides the reader through techniques and tips, as well as sound advice for growing each type of fruit and veg.

      :: A Book Of Garden Wisdom by Jenny Hendy (Lorenz Books, £5.99, May 31): If you like to hark to days gone by and restore some traditional methods of gardening on your plot, this delightful book of folklore, organic gardening, hints and tips featuring traditional techniques for sowing, planting and harvesting, as well as age-old methods for controlling pests and diseases, feeding the soil and caring for tools, should fit the bill.

      :: RHS Chelsea Flower Show: A Centenary Celebration by Brent Elliott (Frances Lincoln, £25, April 4): Chelsea Flower Show’s centenary couldn’t go without a commemorative book and this offering, by the RHS historian Brent Elliott, explores how the show evolved, how it has formed part of the social calendar and how it has reflected and shaped tastes in garden design and planting over the years. There are short pieces by significant nurserymen and nurserywomen, designers, organisers, visitors and patrons describing what Chelsea means to them, with chapters on the early shows, shows between the wars and decade by decade to the present day. It’s illustrated with images mainly drawn from the RHS Lindley Library archives, many of which are published here for the first time.

      :: Abundance: How To Store And Preserve Your Garden Produce by Alys Fowler (Kyle Books, £16.99, June 1): If you’re growing fruit and veg then you may want to learn how to preserve it. Look no further than this guide from the former Gardeners’ World presenter, who covers everything from drying and pickling to cold stores and fermenting.

      :: Wild Flowers by Carol Klein (BBC Books, £20, February 28): Master plantswoman and Gardeners’ World presenter Carol Klein celebrates the most exquisite flora growing wild in our woodlands, hedgerows, meadows and moors in this book and then returns to her own garden to see their cultivated cousins. This tie-in book sees Klein delving into the story of more than 30 of her favourite wild flowers, and sharing her practical expertise and suggestions on how to help their cultivated equivalents thrive.

      :: The Rurbanite by Alex Mitchell (Kyle Books, £16.99, March 1): Do you live in the city but dream of keeping chickens? Do you look at derelict patches of ground on your way to work and see their potential as vegetable patches? If so, you’re a rurbanite. You have a passion for the countryside but no intention of leaving the city. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. You’re part of a growing band of people who want the best of both worlds. The author shares her passion, practical projects and incredible stories from seed bombers, rooftop beekeepers, guerrilla gardeners and urban farmers to inspire you to be in touch with your green side and change the cityscape for the better.

      :: Gardening In Pyjamas: Horticultural Enlightenment For Obsessive Dawn Raiders by Helen Yemm (Simon Schuster, £12.99, April 11): If you find yourself padding about your plot in your nightclothes without really knowing what to do, this book will provide you with all the essential facts to nurture your growing passion. The Daily Telegraph’s much-loved columnist Helen Yemm strikes a happy balance between giving you enough information to get you going but not so much that it scares you or puts you off entirely. She dispenses invaluable advice, minus the mumbo jumbo, with refreshing humour and a clear understanding of her theme.

      Boise extends deadline for McDevitt lacrosse fields proposal

      The public will now have until Feb. 21 to give opinions on a proposal to install three lighted lacrosse fields — two with synthetic turf and one with natural grass — at the Charles F. McDevitt Sports Complex in West Boise.

      Wednesday was the original deadline. Parks and Recreation extended it because people who live near the sports complex said they didn’t have enough time to make their ideas heard, spokeswoman Amy Stahl said.

      A plan for the complex would include a restroom and concessions building, baseball field lights and scoreboards, pathways, landscaping and additional parking.

      City officials haven’t calculated the cost of the upgrades yet. Private donations solicited by youth sports organizations would pay for the upgrades.

      The Charles F. McDevitt Sports Complex is a 20-acre special use park located at 5101 N. Eagle Rd. The primary area to be discussed is a 10-acre undeveloped corner of the park next to Eagle Road. The current master plan features a community center at the site.

      Maps showing the current and proposed master plans are available on the Boise Parks and Recreation website at http://bit.ly/masterplancomments.

      To submit feedback on this proposal, contact project manager Kelly Burrows at kburrows@cityofboise.org or 208-608-7634.

      February 5, 2013

      Set the Mood for Valentine’s Day

      Valentine’s Day is just about a week away – but you don’t need to spend a boat load to enjoy it! Here to help you set the mood in your own house was Amy Kimes, Manager of Pier One.

      www.pier1.com

       

      Chocolate Covered Strawberries

      You can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day at home without sweets! Tiffany Poindexter, Owner of “Bake Up,” helped us out! She showed us easy ways to make and dress up chocolate covered strawberries. Want to leave the cooking to the experts? Just visit her store in Oakwood Village and try their sample box!

      www.bakeupcupcake.com

       

      Sur La Table

      If you plan on making your Valentine dinner, a visit to Sur La Table is a must! David showed us some must-have products to simplify your kitchen. Plus, a perfect recipe for your date night! Ricotta Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange! It’s actually very easy!

      Check out the recipe here!

      www.surlatable.com

       

      Canary Travel

      If all this snow and cold has got you down – we have the cure! Angie McClure from Canary Travel brought you the deal of the week and your ticket to sunshine. United Vacations has a deal to Paradise Island Bahamas and Atlantis! We are talking 11 swimming areas, swimming with dolphins, a full casino, full service spa, waterslides, 35 restaurants and lounges, and a market place with 19 shops! They also have a Discovery Kid’s Club.

      Travel now through June 11th and receive $200 off your 4 or more night stay. Receive $300 off your 6 or more night stay.

      Call 216-252-1000 or visit www.canarytravel.com to book today!

       

      The Great Big Home Garden Show

      The Great Big Home Garden Show is happening now at the I-X Center! 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 and much more.

      The show runs now through Sunday, February 10, 2013. Tickets are $14 for adults but you can save $3 if you purchase yours online at www.greatbighomeandgarden.com.

       

      DIY Flower Bouquet

      Even more ideas to inspire your Valentine’s Day! We welcomed Kelly Powers and Holly Wolfe, Floral Associate’s from Heinen’s. They suggest using everyday products like martini glasses, wine bottles, or pitchers to make your arrangement unique. For Valentine’s Day, use candy hearts around your display to add some festive fun!

      www.heinens.com

       

      Romantic Candles

      Our theme continued with Meghan Gallagher from Root Candles in Medina! Check out our video clip for the newest Spring scents and some tips for Valentine’s Day.

      www.rootcandles.com

       

      Bruno’s Ristorante

      This may be one of the best kept secrets in Cleveland…until now! If you’re looking for a new Italian Restaurant to visit, head to Bruno’s for some authentic cuisine.

      www.brunosristorante.org

       

      Court told of $13m used for ‘lavish lifestyle’

      The Irish Times – Wednesday, February 6, 2013

      A developer unlawfully diverted over $13 million for his own benefit and “lavish lifestyle” out of some $50 million intended for the development of a luxury resort in the Caribbean, it has been claimed before the High Court.

      Pádraig O’Halloran used some of the money to buy properties, a private jet, a grand piano for his girlfriend and also paid €120,000 to Weddings by Franc, the wedding organiser featured on TV.

      Referring to the 2009 purchase of a jet, Paul Gallagher SC, for the plaintiffs, said Mr O’Halloran (42) was swept up “in the feeling of the times” and got ideas “wholly unsuitable” for what he was engaged in. It is alleged various payments were made by a company of Mr O’Halloran’s, Shippool, Innishannon, Co Cork, to Irish bank accounts.

      Harlequin Property Ltd and Harlequin Hotels and Resorts Ltd, owners and operators of a luxury resort in Buccament Bay, St Vincent and the Grenadines, have also claimed Mr O’Halloran used their money to buy a property in Ireland; properties and businesses in the Caribbean; a $1.5 million private jet, a grand piano, dental work and other items of personal expenditure.

      Caribbean development 

      In proceedings that opened yesterday before Mr Justice Brian McGovern, Harlequin is claiming restitution, damages and compensation for alleged breach of fiduciary duty over the alleged Irish payments and transfers into Irish accounts.

      In 2008 Harlequin engaged Mr O’Halloran and his construction company, the ICE Group, to complete construction of a multimillion dollar tourist development in Buccament Bay, including villas, a restaurant and swimming pool, by July 2010.

      It is claimed Mr O’Halloran had a duty to act honestly and in good faith and not to defraud Harlequin or make a secret profit. It is claimed he falsely represented the entire construction project would be complete and open for business on July 1st, 2010, when he knew the ICE Group could not complete the project.

      Mr O’Halloran, it is alleged, was intent upon embarking on a fraudulent scheme to divert project funds to his own personal benefit.

      It is claimed about $13.3 million paid by Harlequin was unlawfully diverted by Mr O’Halloran for his personal benefit, including payments of $1.6 million to Mr O’Halloran’s bank accounts in Ireland and some $358,000 to his father’s Irish bank. It is also alleged that from November 2009 to March 2010, there were $72,000 and €120,000 payments to Weddings by Franc and €20,000 to Adare Manor.

      Mr O’Halloran, it is claimed, purchased a house at Shippool, Innishannon, funded directly or indirectly from the payments. That purchase, the Caribbean purchases and the Irish payments were part of a systematic and deliberate fraud, it is alleged.

      Mr O’Halloran has denied the claims and says the payments in relation to the Caribbean were all appropriate.

      The proceedings are also against his father, retired businessman Donal O’Halloran, Ballinaspig, Cork, who, it is claimed, ought to have known alleged payments made to him was money to which he had no lawful entitlement.

      Fraudulent representations 

      Opening the case, Mr Gallagher said Pádraig O’Halloran engaged in deliberate and serious fraud and made fraudulent representations to Harlequin to extract substantial sums of money to complete phase one of the development when he knew he could not do so by the agreed deadline.

      Greater and greater sums of money were demanded with no prospect of the work being completed, he said. When Harlequin inspected the development in July 2010, some parts had complete landscaping but it was like a “film set”. The drains were not installed for the villas and the sewage from the toilets went straight into the ground, he said.

      Mr Gallagher said there was an “extraordinary informal arrangement” for such a significant contract in which a total $51 million was paid out by Harlequin. The weekly payments rose from $125,000 to $450,000 and later $1 million in 2010.

      The case is listed to last four weeks.

      • |

      ‘Lush and Lean’ program for Las Cruces residents – Las Cruces Sun

      Click photo to enlargeIt’s amazing the amount of information that’s available free to Las Cruces area residents if they will just show up!

      Leeann DeMouche, Water Conservation coordinator for Las Cruces Utilities said, “This year utilities’ Lush and Lean Program is bringing together the best of the best! We have information on climate, presented by the man who was voted “Funnest (sic)” presenter at last year’s Water Festival. We have information on vegetable gardening, container gardening, landscape design, good and bad bugs, and xeriscape design, from folks who are live and in person and able to answer your specific questions!”

      The end goal of all the workshops is to show you how to have a “Lush and Lean” yard or garden, and still be water-wise. By installing a “Lush and Lean” garden you are creating water-efficient landscapes by using plants that are appropriate to the natural environment. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word, xeros, which means dry. But don’t be fooled by the definition; xeriscapes aren’t dry nor dull. Xeriscaping is a landscape method that maximizes the conservation of water by using site appropriate plants and efficient water use techniques.

      We are still using more water than plants actually need on outdoor landscaping. “Lush and Lean” is a way to figure out how to grow things, better in our desert Southwest.

      All presentations are set for 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings, at the utilities building, 680 Motel Blvd., in Room 218. No reservations are

      required.

      So here’s the lineup:

      Thursday, Feb. 21: Climate: What can we expect for 2013. Dr. Dave Dubois, state climatologist, NMSU – voted “FUNNEST (sic) PRESENTER” by third-graders at the 2012 Water Festival.

      Thursday,, March 14: Basic Landscape Design Cathy Mathews, Landscape Architect, city of Las Cruces.

      Thursday, Mar 21: In-home Water Audits, Leeann DeMouche, Water Conservation coordinator, LCU.

      (Fix-a-leak week)

      Thursday, March 28: Planting Preparation by Jackye Meinecke, owner of Enchanted Gardens.

      Thursday, April: 4 Water-wise Vegetable Gardening by Dr. Stephanie Walker, Vegetable Extension specialist, NMSU.

      Thursday, April 11: Tree Care by John White, garden curator, UTEP.

      Thursday, April 18: Soils 101 by Dr. Bill Lindeman, Soils professor, NMSU.

      Thursday, May 2: Container Gardening by Jeff Anderson, Extension Ag agent, DA NMSU CES.

      Thursday, June 6: Community Collaborative Rain by Dr. Dave Dubois, state climatologist, NMSU Hail Snow Network.

      Thursday, June 13: Weed Management by Dr. Jamshid Ashigh, Extension Weed specialist, NMSU.

      Thursday, June 20: Composting 101 by Dr. Bill Lindeman, Soils professor, NMSU.

      Thursday, June 27: Good and Bad Bugs in your garden by Dr. Carol Sutherland, Extension entomologist, NMSU.

      Thursday, July 11: Plant and Lawn Diseases by Dr. Natalie Goldberg, Plant pathologist, NMSU-CES.

      Thursday, July 18: Cacti and Friends by Victoria Fredrick, master gardener (Arizona).

      Thursday, July 25: Low Maintenance/High Impact by Jeff Anderson, Extension Ag agent, DA NMSU CES.

      It is time to make those dreams of a lovely, green, water-saving yard a reality. Just remember: think lush, think lean!

      For more information contact Leeann DeMouche at 575-528-3549.

      You can reach Las Cruces Utilities at 528-3511 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Las Cruces Utilities provides Gas – Water – Wastewater – Solid Waste services to approximately 100,000 Las Cruces residents.

      Masterful Gardening: Considering water in property landscaping

      Here we are mid-winter, and the seed catalogs are already piling up in our mailboxes.

      Now is the time to review last year and think objectively about the year ahead.

      What to plant? Where to plant? How to plant? How much to plant?

      All of these are good questions to ask. But let’s take a broader view and ask ourselves, “What are the basic overall elements that contribute to a successful garden, and what changes can we make to our properties to improve their potential?”

      One factor in determining success is to have a realistic view of your available time and budget.

      Nutrient-rich soil is another important component. Have you tested your soil with a Penn State Extension test kit recently?

      Of course, the cooperation of Mother Nature with temperature and weather conditions is a major piece of the puzzle that is not so easily controlled; however, one of the most significant aspects nature brings to a successful garden that can be somewhat manipulated is maintaining a consistent water supply.

      It is not uncommon in our area to have long stretches in the summer with reduced rainfall and downright droughty conditions.

      We can help prevent the problems created by inconsistent rainfall by incorporating water features into home landscapes. Not only can they be a resource for our gardens in dry times, but they are a great resource for pollinators and birds. Water features also can contribute significantly to the aesthetic beauty and value of property.

      Rain barrels are gaining in popularity. These vary from very simple, practical designs to more elaborate (and expensive) systems.

      Rain barrels come in many different sizes and shapes; some even include planters on the top for growing flowers.

      In essence, rain barrels are covered containers that are connected to downspouts so that the water running off of your roof during a rain event ends up in the barrel to be used for irrigation at a later time.

      This helps reduce stormwater flow, which can be potentially damaging, and it allows you to put this water to good use in your garden.

      Approximately 600 gallons of water run off a roof of 1,000 square feet in a storm event where one inch of rain falls. That is a lot of rainwater that can be used to irrigate green beans instead of using well water or municipal water supply (which will save you money).

      If you place your rain barrel on an elevated platform, you can attach tubing to the spout and drip tape and use it as a gravity-fed drip irrigation system in your garden. There are many sources locally and online for supplies.

      Some other considerations for water features in your yard include constructing a small pond, water garden, rain garden or perhaps adding a birdbath. These not only create an attractive focal point but can provide much needed water for pollinators and birds, as well as habitat for frogs and small amphibians.

      Look at the natural slope of your property. In which direction does the water run off?

      At the bottom of a hill or slope is a good place to put a small pond or rain garden to catch the water that would otherwise run off. A pond maintains surface water throughout the year, whereas a rain garden captures water in rain events and allows it to slowly infiltrate into the soil.

      Check local zoning regulations to find out what is allowed in your area, and be considerate of your neighbors. It is also important to remember to keep the water moving, such as with a small constructed waterfall, or to use a mosquito deterrent, such as biologically safe mosquito dunks, to avoid allowing mosquito larvae to grow in still water.

      Water is an essential element for life … and the life of your garden. Consider incorporating it into your landscape in a more prominent way. Managing our natural resources thoughtfully always pays off.

      Masterful Gardening, a weekly column written by master gardeners with the Penn State York County Cooperative Extension, appears Sundays in Home Source. Patty Hegberg can be reached at 717-840-7408 or yorkmg@psu.edu.

      Colorado Garden and Home Show soars

      If you go

      What Colorado Garden and Home Show

      When Saturday through Feb. 17; hours: noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays

      Where Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St. in Denver

      Admission $12 for adults, $10 for senior, children 12 and under free

      Info 303-932-8100; gardeningcolorado.com

      You wouldn’t expect a garden of perfumed flowers and lush greenery in the middle of February, but at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, a landscape of beauty is waiting for you just inside the door.

      At the 54th annual Colorado Garden and Home Show, February 9-17, ponds, waterfalls, and foliage celebrate the rarefied air of the Rockies. Soar with the 5,500-square-foot “Flowers and Flight” entry garden, featuring air and space-themed gliders, a Piper J-3 Cub, DK-1 “Der Kricket,” Velocity XL, and Flying Machine courtesy of the Wings Over the Rockies Air Space Museum.

      Visitors to the region’s largest home and landscape show will be treated to lush gardens, do-it-yourself tips, and expert companies ready to help you wade through home improvement projects.

      Garden after garden fill the 400,000-square foot hall, showing off the natural landscapes and urban getaways that are possible for your yard. Landscapes add to home investment, adding between 7 and 12 percent to the value of a home, according to a Michigan State University study.

      But if you’re looking for innovative ways to improve your home’s value, chances are one of the 700 companies from 25 states and Canada can help. They’ll introduce new technologies and trends in landscaping, gardening, energy-efficient heating and cooling products, window treatments, siding, flooring, lighting, indoor and outdoor fireplaces — in short, everything you need for remodeling kitchens, getting new roofing, or redoing a bathroom.

      Headlining the wish list in 2013 is tips for being water-thrifty without compromising gorgeous gardens. And environmentally savvy consumers are clamoring for sustainable products, so exhibitors are showcasing products made from recycled materials, renewable energy sources, or energy conservation.

      Look for the Colorado State University Extension booth, where tips for making the most of a water wise landscape are showcased. From broiling western spots to cool, shady northern yards, the Colorado Master Gardeners are ready to help you with information on plant selection, placement, and irrigation. Leave time to browse the Plant Select portion of the CSU booth; the plants on display are proven best for Front Range gardens.

      In an effort to help area food banks, the Colorado Garden Home Show will offer $2 off admission to attendees who present a nonperishable food item at the ticket window at the Colorado Convention Center. All of the food gathered will be distributed to local area food banks (discount is not good with any other offer).

      For a complete list of the show’s schedule, check out their website at gardeningcolorado.com.