So it came as no surprise later when I learned that the azalea, with its rich history dating back to the East Indies, is often called “the royalty of the garden,” reigning over the South as its most popular flowering shrub. Azaleas are fairly low-maintenance, which is perhaps one reason we take this royal shrub for granted in Central Virginia when it helps us usher in spring
each year.

According to the Azalea Society of America, more than 10,000 different azalea plants have been registered or named, providing a wide variety of sizes (generally 3 to 6 feet), colors (ranging from white to purple, pink, red, orange and yellow), and bloom times (most in our region bloom from mid-April to mid-May). Although different varieties will produce more blooms than others, most of the blooms on azaleas will appear at the same time and will last about two weeks.

Because azaleas remain relatively pest-free, they can outlive many of their counterpart shrubs. Japan has recorded some of its varieties living hundreds of years.

If you were lucky enough like me to purchase a home that already has well-established azaleas, you probably won’t need to do anything more than an annual pruning shortly after it has finished flowering. Wait until after mid-summer, when next spring’s buds will already be set, to prune. According to the United Stated National Arboretum—an azalea hotspot boasting thousands of the popular plants—it is best to remove separate branches back to the area where they join a larger branch. But if the azalea has grown entirely too large for its spot, you can cut the large branches back with no fear; new growth will come from the stubs. In late summer, check the shrub for wilting or dead branches to prune.

Putting Down Roots
If you have purchased a newer property or simply want to add some color and larger variety to your garden space, planting anew is easy as well. Many florists now carry potted gift azaleas and these can be easily planted in your yard. Follow the instructions for indoor and outdoor maintenance.

Plant azaleas in early spring or early fall. The key is well-drained, loose soil that has plenty of organic matter. If drainage is poor, you can correct the problem or plant them in raised beds. If you aren’t sure about your drainage situation, use this simple test. Dig a hole six inches deep in the desired planting area and fill it with water; if it doesn’t drain out within four hours, you know it isn’t the best spot for your azalea unless you add some drainage tile or plant it in a raised bed. If you need more organic matter, add rotted leaf mold or compost. The soil does not need much preparation, though, because azalea roots lie near the surface, in the top foot of the ground.

Although most people think azaleas prefer shade, heavy shade is not ideal. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), a spot with filtered sunlight is best. If an azalea is planted near other tall shrubs or fences that provide a screen from the afternoon sun, it should still thrive. VCE also suggests finding a spot that is protected from the wind. Again, if they are planted near evergreen shrubs or trees to the south or west, they will be protected, and they will also be given a chance to showcase their vibrant flowers against a dense backdrop. The National Arboretum suggests planting under “widely spaced, high-crowned trees,” such as oaks or poplars, because azaleas do not tend to grow well under trees that have dense foliage, such as maples and pines.

Once you’ve picked out your azalea, water the container well before planting. Dig a hole twice as large in diameter as the container and a couple of inches shallower in depth. It can be planted a bit higher than ground level, with soil brought up to the top of the root ball, because it will naturally settle, and also because this is a more effective method for planting in the heavy clay soil that we tend to have in our area. It is a good idea to add a few inches of mulch; any type will do, even pine needles, wood chips or leaves. Water it slowly and again the following day. Water at least once a week for several weeks.

Well-established azaleas generally don’t need fertilizer, and for the most part, recent plantings won’t need the extra nutrients either. If you do fertilize, VCE suggests using a fertilizer specially formulated for azaleas, and doing so only in April or May. A fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants can be added to the surface before the mulch is laid. (Use no more than 2 pounds per 100 square feet, or follow directions on the package,
VCE says).

Although azaleas are among the hardiest shrubs, there are a few culprits that can cause an early demise. For new azaleas, too much water or poorly drained soil is the most likely cause. For well-established azaleas, those pesky voles can chew near the crown of the plant. But keeping mulch away from the trunk will discourage these critters. Weather can do its job, too. Big fluctuations in temperature can injure the bark, and long drought periods can cause fungal cankers to form on the branches. It is best to prune out these affected branches later in the summer.

Azaleas can also suffer from the azalea lace bug, a black bug that likes to hang out underneath the leaves and in some cases cause the foliage to turn white. According to the National Arboretum, the insect reaches its peak in late summer and enjoys doing the most damage in sunny sites (another reason to choose some shade). Insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or a systemic insecticide can be applied in spring when the first hatchlings are seen. Feeding damage can also be done by caterpillars, although unless there is an unusually large population, they will not kill the plant. Plucking them off is usually effective.

Azaleas are not completely immune to plant diseases; the most common occurrence is petal blight. This is when the petals turn brown, soft and mushy shortly after they have opened, and most often this is when the weather is cool and damp. It can be fended off with a fungicidal spray as the buds begin to show color. According to the National Arboretum, if treated at the right time, and if the weather does not get too hot, the blossoms may last as long as three weeks and will fall off the plant instead of turning brown and mushy.

You will find many folks who do not have any trouble with their azaleas year to year and for whom even pruning is not absolutely necessary to ensure a delightful annual display. While its beautiful blooms may be the attention-getters, the azalea’s hardiness is its best virtue.

Though the azalea has been used for ages as an ornamental shrub near the home or as an accent in a woodland garden, the timeless staple still manages to bring an element of grandeur to the outdoors each spring, continuing to sit on its throne in Central Virginia. Welcome, your Spring Majesty.

As the holiday season comes and goes, HOME offers you some tips to finally complete those projects by creating a clutter-free area in your home where your creativity can truly shine.

Repurposing a Space
In the weeks leading up to Christmas and for other celebrations throughout the year, many people tackle homemade gifts—that photo album for Mom, the knitted scarf for Aunt Sue, those cute sock pets for the kids. But if you’re like many busy people with a household to run, you may have only gotten as far as collecting the materials—and they’re probably piling up in a disorderly fashion. Finding the right space to work is the challenge. And a recent study for the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) shows the typical crafter/hobbyist spends an average of 7.5 hours per week engaged in a craft or hobby. If you’re going to spend close to a full day’s time at something you love each week, you ought to love the space where you’re doing it.

Local Laura Dawson loves her crafting space, a designated area in her family home’s basement. An avid crafter, she enjoys sewing, painting and crafting all kinds of items, especially for children—like wall art, bibs, burpcloths, backpacks and more. Carefully organized and beautifully displayed, her craft supplies fill several wall-mounted shelves, while less visually pleasing supplies and tools are housed in fabric bins on shelves below. High windows and French doors to the outside let in plenty of natural light during the day.

“My space started out as a closet,” Laura said. “My husband knew I had a passion for it, and once I really started getting in to it, he said, ‘You really do need a space of your own.’” She didn’t need four walls and a door, instead maximizing available wall space for storage and working at a generous drafting table made by her husband’s grandfather, where she can stand comfortably to paint, or pull up a stool to sew. Her children (ages 5, 7 and 9) know that while they are occasionally invited to collect items from her extensive collection of crafting goodies to make their own creations, this space is “just for Mommy,” she explained.

Being able to see her array of organized supplies is her favorite aspect of this area, because it allows her to see everything she has, which keeps the creative juices flowing. She also displays photos of her children and special pieces of handcrafted artwork in her space for inspiration.

Kathy Harris of Amherst said she spends several hours each day in her large craft room. The room is the result of a last-minute decision she made when building her new home several years ago. “It’s the area over the three-car garage that was really going to be nothing,” she explained. “I said, ‘Ah, ha! That will be my studio.’”

As a painter, seamstress and craftsperson, she makes use of every inch of the spacious room, which also doubles as a guestroom. A large table left over from her husband’s time in the printing business allows her to work on bigger projects and has many drawers and cubbies to hold supplies. She also has file cabinets, a sewing machine and stand, two beds, a love seat, a television, a cabinet where she can display her finished work, a draftsman’s table for her artwork, and a shelf for her own library of art books. There is also an adjoining full bathroom, which makes for easy cleanup.

Harris’ specialty is angel figurines, which she makes as a ministry. She has given away close to 400 through her church’s bereavement committee, to nursing homes and to those who are sick. The ongoing project means she has to stay organized. She never knows when she will get an order. “All my gold trim for the angels is in one cabinet here; right next to it is the desk where I make the angels; next to that is a basket where all the kits that I make up for the angels are,” she said.
She has it down to a process for sure, but it comes easy to the self-proclaimed “born-organized person.” To an avid crafter like Harris, organization is indeed the key.

Getting Organized
Even if you don’t have a special room, a large area, or even a closet with leftover real estate, you can still fashion your own creation station. Consider procuring and organizing for yourself a self-contained portable unit that contains all the things you need to work on a particular project. A large plastic tub with a lid could do the trick; a lidded basket is another great choice, particularly because the basket could stay out of hiding as part of your home décor—making you more likely to work on your craft without having to haul anything out from the back of a closet.

The key is organization, which has become an art all in itself. Picking the right type of containers for your different craft supplies — in the right sizes — is quite a skill. The first thing to do is take stock of what you have, and make note of what you need. If you enjoy multiple crafts in different disciplines, try to keep the accoutrements separate in designated containers or areas. Also, group items typically used in every craft project, such as scissors, glue guns and tape, and keep these items easily accessible, such as in a drawer, small plastic bin, or on a shelf above your workspace.

Gone are the days when you had to save shoeboxes and pill bottles for all your do-dads; today’s sturdy containers are built to last. Many retailers offer decorative storage boxes, crates, baskets, trunks, stacking bins and more. They come in all sizes and colors, with the popular translucent option so you can quickly locate supplies.

And container manufacturers are getting smarter. They know that finding a central spot in your home to both store supplies and work on your crafts is often hard, so they’ve created off-the-shelf workstations. These freestanding units often consist of drawers of various sizes, a countertop for working and a basket attached to the side for holding taller items, such as gift wrap. If your crafting is limited to gift wrap, consider a workstation made just for that purpose—a fold-up table of sorts, doubling as storage for supplies and a surface for wrapping gifts. When the lid is shut, a clip on top secures a roll of wrap, and grid lines guide your cutting. And when the holiday season is over, the workstation folds down to store under a bed or on a shelf. It can be done!

Creating a Family Center
Although a craft nook may sound like a hobbyist’s dream, the reality is that many of us are already maxed out when it comes to space in our homes.

Matalie Howard, a Family and Consumer Sciences professor at Liberty University, said a craft room may not be all that practical in a busy household, but there are ways to make a multipurpose room—a “family center,” if you will—where everyone in the household can enjoy their own personal activities, including crafts and hobbies.

“Crafters have been told for years that we should have a special room in our homes dedicated to our craft. A place—behind closed doors—where we can create, where we can relax, without interruption and without bothering others. I choose to differ,” she said. “Not everyone wants to be closed away from the rest of the family.” For that reason, she suggests doing the best you can with what you have, making your workspace blend in with a room everyone can use. “I sincerely believe that many individual activities can be enjoyed in the same room,” she said.

To create a comfortable family center — a dining room, kitchen, family or living room — first make sure the room meets the needs of each person, Howard said. Choose furnishings that are easily cleaned, not easily damaged nor likely to cause injury. Use cabinetry with doors to secure supplies such as scissors, tape, and paper for scrapbooking or pins, scissors, and patterns for sewing. The general lighting can be varied in intensity, she said, with dimmer switch controls and task lighting provided for specific activities.

With these tips, she said, your work area can also become a place where you enjoy one another’s company. “Individual family members are typically very busy throughout the day with schedules for work, school, play, extracurricular activities, etc. Family centers are places you go home to.”

So whether you want a place for everyone to dream and design together, or a refuge to relax into your own creative endeavors, making your own creation station is easier than ever with these ideas and inspiration. Get organized, get those creative juices flowing, and get crafting just in time for the holidays and those long winter afternoons that follow.

Inspired to make your own creation station without breaking the bank? Consider the following tips from the Craft & Hobby Association:

Make your own craft table by purchasing a plain, smooth 6-foot secondhand or damaged interior door (found inexpensively at most lumber companies) or a piece of half-inch plywood cut to the desired size. Cover it with fabric or plastic. Take two two-drawer metal file cabinets and place one cabinet under each end of the door or plywood. Use the cabinets for your crafting supplies and projects.

Use coffee mugs to hold paint brushes, craft knives, pliers and other supplies.

For storage and organization, use clear plastic shoeboxes, baby food jars and resealable plastic bags. A fishing tackle box has lots of little compartments, making it especially useful for smaller crafting supplies like beads and sparkles. Plus, it’s portable.

Even if it’s too early to plant, it is never too early to buy garden accessories – and garden stores are stocking up on these items even as you read this. Pay them a visit and you will discover garden art in all themes – from Asian minimalist with simple lanterns and stones, to Americana folk art with wagon wheels and barrel planters, and even the eclectic and whimsical, with gazing balls that come in all colors of the rainbow. Deciding on a theme may be the hardest part. The idea is to create a cohesive design, so consider using objects of the same finish or material, like all wrought iron, or all wood, or even objects made of the same type of stone.

Whatever material you choose, objects should be sprinkled throughout the garden, grabbing just enough attention to make them noticeable, but not enough to take the spotlight away from those hard-earned blooms. For instance, place colorful garden globes slightly behind shrubbery of about the same height. Likewise, place small statues beside ferns, ivy or other ground cover. The key is to be selective; the more objects you add, the more your garden will end up looking like a store display and less like a natural outdoor space. If you are a collector (and it’s easy to collect these items, especially if you love to travel), choose a few of your favorite items to set out each year, or switch some out in the middle of the season.

Have You Heard?
Gardens are all about stimulating the senses. You may be focused on planting colorful plants, with wonderful fragrances, but what about choosing elements that will bring sweet sounds to your ears?

The best sounds may come from wildlife that decide to settle in for the summer in your backyard. Consider this wildlife when placing your garden accents. A bench is always nice, but if it’s near your butterfly garden plants or a birdbath, move it several feet away so you won’t disturb your fluttering guests. Place birdhouses near a tree or shrub, because birds often like to perch somewhere first and scope out the environment before they choose their living quarters. It is better to place birdhouses in the shade. Place birdbaths and bird feeders in separate areas of the garden. With the variety of birdhouses available, you can pretty much guarantee your birds a custom home. Spending some time researching what birds live in your area and what plants are their favorites will allow you to pick their dream homes.

If you choose an elaborate birdhouse (there really are ones that are miniature models of Hollywood mansions), you can choose a bird spa to go with it. Birdbaths these days can come lighted, heated, and even include water sprays, drippers, bubblers and fountains. In fact, birds are often more attracted to moving water, plus there is less chance for algae growth. There are solar-powered styles, which make it very convenient to move them around to different areas of the garden. Choose the size of your birdbath in proportion to your garden space.

Another way to bring sound into your garden is to use wind chimes. There is no shortage of styles available, from simple metal pipe chimes, to the softer sound of bamboo, to the music lovers’ delight: precision-tuned chimes (listen to some samples at thebestofchimes.com). They even have a Westminster chime that plays the familiar tones of London’s Big Ben. The company is known for its hand-crafted glass wind chimes that can add playful color to your garden.

If your garden is near your house, consider a rain chain, or rain chime, to create a natural, soothing sound. Originating in Asian cultures, these “kusari doi” (Japanese for “chain gutter”) take the place of downspouts. Often made in copper (which creates a beautiful patina over time) but also made in stainless steel, they include a strand of chains with a series of whimsical funnels in all different shapes—cups, pineapples, flowers and umbrellas, for example. You can place a ceramic pot or stoneware at the base for a more decorative look.

Traditional and Trendy
Many garden objects have been around for centuries. The rich history itself is why many people use them as accent pieces. Take sundials, for example. Dating back to ancient civilizations, people have used these objects to tell the local solar time (the location of the sun on the horizon). Sundials range from the simple horizontal types, made of stone with Roman numerals and a basic stone stand, to larger “armillary sphere” sundials with spinning rings (you may need an astronomer or a few hours of research online to learn how to use one of these, but they are a beautiful, classic garden ornament). Even the basic horizontal sundials come in so many designs today. The gnomon—the rod on the sundial that casts the shadow—can even come in the shape of a peacock or a butterfly.

Fast forward a few centuries and you will find the obelisk, an Egyptian feature that has found its way into many gardens. The tall, slender pyramid-like shape can serve as a trellis or stand on its own. Obelisks come in metal or wood, or stone that can be engraved. A towering obelisk could certainly become the focal point of your garden. Choose climbing plants that won’t overpower it, but slowly creep to the peak.

Just as sundials can transport your garden into ancient times, the garden globe, also called a gazing ball or garden ball, can take you back to an English garden from the Victorian era. Originally hand-blown glass, but now also offered in durable stainless steel, these mirrored globes create a reflection that can showcase the entire garden at once, from ground to sky. They are said to bring happiness and prosperity as well as ward off evil spirits. Legends say people used to place these at their front walk so when witches paid a visit, not being able to bear the sight of their own reflection, they would avoid it and move on. It was also said to have been used as a “butler ball,” in Victorian times, so servants could look at it to see what their guests needed instead of staring at them while they ate. Also becoming popular is the cousin to the garden globe—the toadstool. This more elongated half-sphere also posed on a decorative stand is an interesting accent that will definitely bring some pop to your space.

Stake Your Claim
Nothing can be simpler to install in your garden than a decorative stake. While the practical purposes are to provide support for plants and mark the varieties, more and more stakes are on the market that exist for aesthetic reasons only.

While you normally find them topped off with butterflies, dragonflies and other creatures you’d find in nature, you will find everything from stars, hearts and the American flag. Stakes are so versatile because you can move them anywhere. Taller stakes, with wind spinners, can even become a focal point of your garden. Stakes with hooks can hold mini bird feeders and mini wind chimes in flower beds and smaller garden spaces. The newer varieties are solar-powered and create a great display at night (see “nighttime accents” at gardeners.com). The company also sells a unique version called the wind stalk. Resembling pond reeds, the shiny rods with several small globes reflect light, making for a whimsical waterside display.

Keep the Memory Alive
Every garden tells a story, but some are closer to our hearts than others. One of my favorite gardens is a tribute to my grandmother outside a centuries-old church she attended as a child in Tennessee. Along with her favorite wildflowers, shrubs and plants, a simple garden bench sits beside a special engraved stone. It is wonderful that her memory lives on through nature, as gardening was such a large part of her life.

If you’re looking for an accessory for your garden that truly makes it your own, consider memorializing a loved one. Online sites like perfectmemorials.com offer many garden accessories that are simple but elegant, allowing you to custom-engrave accent stones, stepping stones and candleholders, even using pictures of your loved one. A large variety of statuary stone, in cross shapes or in obelisk or totem styles, can be engraved with Scripture, poetry or favorite sayings. There are also many pet memorial ideas for those friends you treated like a member of the family.

In any memorial garden, you need a space to sit and recall all the memories you had with your loved one. Depending on your space, a nice log or small sitting stone will do. Many companies offer engraving on small concrete benches.

With the array of choices in garden accessories today, you shouldn’t have any trouble making your garden one-of-a-kind.

As America makes the transition to energy-efficient lighting, technological advances have led to more light bulb options. No longer is there one shelf in our home improvement stores to browse; there are entire aisles. Making sense of all the options can be a challenge. Understanding the new labeling and many options will help you make the best choices for your family’s lighting needs.

What’s Up With the Watt?
By January 2012, all packaging for the new energy-saving light bulbs should include the new government labels, shining a light on the way we consume products from now on. It’s not only about a change in the way light bulbs are manufactured, but in the way we measure light in general.
We are used to choosing a lightbulb based on the wattage—the measure of electrical power used by the light bulb. But that’s not the case anymore. The new kid on the block is the “lumens”—a measure of the amount of light being produced. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Whereas we used to look for a 60-watt bulb, we’re now looking for an 800-lumens bulb. The newer bulbs give us more choices in brightness than ever before.

Along with brightness—the top “ingredient” on the new labels—consumers will also see the estimated yearly energy cost, life expectancy, light appearance (the shade: warmer is more yellow, cooler is more blue) and energy used (this is where “watt” still comes in). And packages for the newer, energy-saving bulbs will clearly show which bulb to buy to replace your common incandescent light bulb but with comparable brightness.

New U.S. energy-efficiency requirements will be phased in over the next two years, basically requiring bulbs to operate on at least 25 percent less energy. The old traditional bulbs won’t be banned; they just must meet a basic level of efficiency. (You will still be able to buy traditional bulbs for certain appliances, including heat lamps, aquarium bulbs and candelabras, as well as different colored lights).

But the savings alone may convince you to make the switch. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “the new energy-saving light bulbs—incandescents,  CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), and LEDs (light-emitting diodes)—could save you about $50 per year when you replace 15 traditional incandescent bulbs in your home.”
The U.S. Department of Energy explains the new standards and offers many tips at www.energysavers.gov.

Shining Bright
The new energy-saving light bulbs not only give us options to conserve electricity and save on our electric bill, they also offer more options in appearance than ever before. Warm or cool light? Dimmer or brighter?

The LUMEN Coalition (Lighting Understanding for a More Efficient Nation), a group of organizations and professionals seeking to educate consumers on new energy-saving lighting products and their applications, has a wonderful tool on their website (lumennow.org) that can help you choose the right bulbs for the right fixtures inside and outside your home. In an interactive online room, you can click on an appliance and “create your mood” by adjusting brightness and color temperature—soft white, bright white or daylight—along with a dimming option. As you make each adjustment, information pops up to guide you to which type of energy-saving light bulb is best. More information on that particular type can be found by clicking on a picture of that light bulb at the bottom of the screen.

Click on the ceiling fixture, for example, and it will tell you to choose a “spiral” (the most popular CFL) or “tubed” bulb (straight versions of the spiral bulbs), and will also give you tips on using a three-way and dimmable CFL. (By the way, check the packaging for these options before you buy, because not all CFLs offer these options).
If you click on a ceiling fan light, it will suggest A-shape or candle options, “great for people who don’t like the look of the spiral bulbs but still want efficient lighting,” it reads. Globe bulbs were also created for this purpose, as you will learn if you click on a pendant fixture over a kitchen bar area. Covered CFLs like this may take extra time to warm up and reach brightness, however.

If you click on an outdoor fixture, the site will tell you spirals are fine to use outdoors, as long as they are in a closed fixture where the weather cannot affect them. For colder temperatures, it warns, “check the packaging for starting temperatures to make sure the bulb will work properly.”

Change isn’t always easy, but once you try the new energy-saving light bulbs, it may lead to a whole new look for your home. And hopefully, when it comes to light bulb options, you’ll no longer feel left in the dark.

MAIN TYPES OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT BULBS

HALOGEN INCANDESCENTS:
These look like traditional lightbulbs, but use an average of 25 to 30 percent less energy and can last up to three times longer. Their color and brightness will be similar to the old versions, but they are less efficient and have shorter life-expectancies than CFLs and LEDs.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS (CFLS):
These are the most popular, mainly because they have become the most economical. They use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They also produce about 75 percent less heat.

LIGHT-EMITTING DIODES (LEDS): These are on the cutting edge of technology. Also using at least 75 percent less energy than the traditional everyday light bulb, LEDs can last up to 25 years. What are they? According to the LUMEN Coalition, “unlike fluorescent and incandescent lamps, which involve glass enclosures, filaments, coatings and gases, LEDs are comprised of either single or multiple semi-conducting chips typically 7 to 9 mm in size that can produce 30 to 150 lumens each (up to 4 watts). Commonly seen as the red flashing light on your Blackberry, light bulb forms offered for your home are multiple LEDs mounted on a circuit board and attached to a bulb design.” It has been said that you can put an LED bulb in your newborn baby’s nursery and not have to change it until she graduates from college.

Source: LUMEN Coalition, lumennow.org

The main entrance to our home is the same one we use for guests, so I have the everyday challenge to keep it clean. While I may be jealous of friends who have a mudroom or a garage entrance separate from the door where guests enter, many tell me they have just as big a challenge—and sometimes neglect it even more because they know it won’t be eyed by friends. Regardless of the layout of your home, you don’t want your family or your guests to battle an obstacle course just to get inside. Having an organized area can make coming and going much easier for everyone.

Everything in its Place
The first tip most organizers will tell you is to designate your entranceway for certain items. Set limits for what can go there. You may only have space for a coat rack and a shoe basket. Or maybe you have room for one small table, so coats and shoes must go elsewhere. Whatever the case, set rules and stick to them for all family members. When other items start collecting there, make sure you have designated areas in other rooms where those items belong. It has become a tradition in my family to have a “special drawer” in a dresser for all those trinkets my kids just can’t get rid of—a note from a friend, a craft made at church, or vacation souvenirs. Valets work well for adults, with spots for keys, a cell phone and a wallet.

Welcome Additions
When you have decided what items are allowed at the entrance, then you can explore what kind of furniture or storage is available to help keep this space organized and inviting for guests.

Coat racks and hooks come in many styles that can be pleasing focal points in a hardworking space. A quick internet search reveals many do-it-yourself projects, using everything from fence posts to tree branches to pitch forks. I found several here I’d like to try myself: www.tipjunkie.com/20-diy-coat-rack-ideas/. With a simple board, stencils, paint and decorative drawer pulls, you can fashion coat hooks to fit your taste. If creativity is really flowing, try mounting an old fireplace mantel, attaching hooks for coats on the flat piece and using the shelf area for other items.

A place to keep your umbrellas is ideal, but you don’t have to settle for a simple slender cylinder. Try an antique butter churn or milk pail. Make one yourself with a large outdoor planter filled with pea gravel and a wire tomato cage in the middle (check it out at lowescreativeideas.com and search “umbrella stand”).

Benches are great additions to an entranceway. Mine holds a small deacon’s bench, which gives me a drop spot when I come in with more than I can carry, as well as a place to set out items I don’t want to forget to take with me the next day. It’s also helpful for putting on shoes, keeping us from doing the one-leg balance dance when trying to take off a sneaker or boot. Mine has below-seat storage, but you can also tuck baskets beneath to contain necessary but more unsightly items—the dog leash, or old towels. You will never regret having an old towel handy in your entranceway for wet feet or muddy paws. In the same fashion, adding a storage ottoman to this space works well, too.

If your entryway space is in a garage or mudroom where function means more to you than fashion, trash cans work well for sports equipment and milk crates or cubes for shoes.

Shucking the Shoes
Shoes are the main reason we end up with so much dirt in our house. Keep dirt at bay by providing an easy place for family and guests to drop their footwear, whether a basket, a large plastic container or a shoe rack. Boot trays have also become popular to trap water and dirt. Made of everything from wood to rubber and metal, these trays can keep footprints off your floors. They retail around $50 and up, but you can make one yourself with a rimmed baking sheet. Also popular are special doormats that trap dirt and water. Keep one just outside the entrance; you will be shocked— and thrilled—by how much dirt these mats prevent from entering your home.

Tidy Timesaver
There is no doubt these tips can save you time when morning rush hour approaches. When our doorway is clear, I hear less “Honey, where are my keys?” and “Mom, where’s my shoe?” Make it a habit to clean the area every night before bedtime, culling the items that shouldn’t have made it there to begin with. Place all outgoing mail or school papers in a basket or box. I keep grocery bags in my coat closet to grab when I notice I have too many items to carry, and have specific errand bags for regular activities (my son has one for his t-ball equipment, for example, and I have one for Girl Scout meetings). Sweep the area regularly (dry dirt is much easier to clean than wet!), and periodically wipe down the door, doorframe and surrounding walls (use good old-fashioned water and vinegar solution or Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser for tough scuffs). The cleanliness of this area is often neglected since we are always in motion when using it.

With some daily maintenance, you can manage the clutter and dirt of everyday comings and goings, and will no longer feel like you need an “Enter at Your Own Risk” sign on your door.

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Shelf Life?
When your refrigerator shelves are stacked three items high, there’s a creepy substance oozing out the bottom, and there’s an odd smell coming from the back, then yes, it’s time to clean—for your family’s health. It’s a common joke that we can perform our own science experiments in the fridge and create some new life forms, but foodborne bacteria that can make us ill is no laughing matter. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the bacteria Listeria can spread through food handling and spills in the refrigerator, so regular cleaning is important.

The first step to cleaning out the fridge is to decide which items should go. While most store-bought items include expiration and “best by” dates, they are not helpful once the package is opened. What people really need to know is how long items can be refrigerated after opening. FDA offers a food storage chart online (www.foodsafety.gov) as a guideline, but it’s wise to heed the adage, “If in doubt, throw it out.”

In an article on Webmd.com, Kathleen M. Zelman warns not to take chances with your health, and to get rid of those mystery containers. “You can’t always tell if a food has spoiled by its smell or appearance … If food looks or smells strange, don’t even risk tasting it—just toss it,” she says. “Mold you can see on the surface is just the tip of the iceberg; there could be poisons under the surface of the food that aren’t detectable by the naked eye.”

A good time to purge your fridge contents is before you go shopping, so you can take a good inventory of what you really need. It’s also a good idea to do this the night before your trash pick-up day, and since that is usually once a week, you can begin to make this chore a part of your weekly routine.

Before you get started, turn up the refrigerator temperature a few degrees since you will have the doors open longer than usual. Don cleaning gloves and toss spoiled items in a large garbage bag. Pour old drinks and sauces down the drain. If you have a refrigerator with removable racks and crisper drawers, pull them out and place in the bathtub for easy cleaning. FDA recommends cleaning the inside walls of the fridge as well as the shelves and drawers with hot water and a mild liquid dishwashing detergent, then rinsing and wiping dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Don’t use chemical cleaners because they will be in direct contact with food (think: the same level of cleaning you use for your dishes is fine for fridge shelves, too). After cleaning with soap, you can also use a water and vinegar mixture (1 gallon of water mixed with 2 cups of vinegar) to get rid of any soap suds and to leave a nice, fresh smell. Don’t forget to return the dial to a normal temperature (FDA recommends 40 degrees).

Preventive Measures
Good organization is always helpful when it comes to household chores, but when it comes to your refrigerator, it can also save on energy costs. On www.organizedforever.com, Judy Brown suggests grouping similar items in one area; when you know where items are, you don’t stand around with the door open as long. Keeping your fridge organized can also help when you only have a few minutes to prepare a meal for hungry household members before rushing out the door to the next activity. It’s no fun to squat and pull out several items to find that jar hiding in the very back, only to have to hurriedly put everything back in again, which often turns into a sloppy balancing act.

The mere design of refrigerators can tell us something about organization. Condiments should go in the door, the warmest spot in the fridge, because their acidic content helps them last longer. Zelman suggests putting raw meat on the bottom shelf, in a plastic bag, so there’s less chance of juices dripping out on other food. Use the crispers for produce, as they are intended. Experts agree that overfilling compartments is not a good idea, though. Air needs to circulate for a refrigerator to function properly and stay at a constant temperature.

On the Outside
Cleaning the exterior of the fridge can be almost as important as the inside. Don’t forget to wipe off the handle often, as well as the grooves in the seal where the door meets the frame. Here, too, use soapy water followed with a solution of vinegar water. On the top, front and sides of the refrigerator, a chemical cleaner may be needed. And if you’re feeling especially ambitious, clean the coils on the back of the fridge, using a broom or vacuum cleaner. The coils on the bottom, which often look like a grate or wide radiator, should also be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year. Refer to your owner’s manual for other specific cleaning needs and energy-saving tips. Many appliance manufacturers post articles regularly on their websites about proper cleaning and maintenance.

Armed with these tips, and a commitment to a regular cleaning schedule, you can conquer the Fridge Factor. There won’t be any more scary episodes to leave you feeling squeamish when you open the door.

When the cold winds blow and fall gives way to winter, those backyard barbecues will have to wait until next year—or will they?

As outdoor living spaces evolve and new products and services become available, extending your time outdoors is more feasible than ever before, even in the winter months. Gather the family around a fire pit to roast marshmallows (and even sing some of those summer camp songs)! Or relax in front of a fireplace as you watch your steaks grill to perfection. Consider investing in a patio heater to give your holiday party guests a chance to get some fresh air outdoors.

If you’re not ready to give up on your patio time quite yet, here’s a guide to warming your outdoor areas.

Outdoor Fireplaces
Robert Powers of P&W Architectural Stone in Madison Heights said outdoor fireplaces are becoming more popular in Central Virginia.

“Many simply like the way they look. Many talk about using them as a centerpiece for family gatherings or for entertaining friends,” Powers said. “I think we all return to our primitive, outdoor, pioneer heritage that draws us to gather around a fire for warmth, to cook and as a place to meet and discuss the happenings of the day.”

There’s a certain calming effect when we hear the wood crackling and see the blue and orange glow.

“The ambiance of a fireplace is very compelling and affords the owner a wonderful centerpiece for their outdoor living space,” he said.

Plus, it is practical. If you prefer wood-burning versus gas, using an outdoor fireplace is obviously less messy but “it also keeps the inevitable smoke smell outdoors and not in the house which for many adds to the joy of burning wood,” he said.

Brent Gleason of Boxley, a supplier of brick and stone products with offices in Lynchburg and Roanoke, said more people are putting money into hardscapes to enhance their home.

“We’re seeing in the building industry as a whole that people are building smaller homes, but nice homes, and using a lot of outdoor living areas.”

He said outdoor fireplaces are becoming an especially popular investment. “Some people use them all the time,” he said. “I think everybody that buys them puts them to use.”

Boxley offers more than 180 varieties of quality brick, lightweight cast stone veneers and natural stone products
that can be picked up or delivered. Although Boxley works closely with architects, engineers and contractors for residential and commercial projects, they also assist DIY’ers with getting the best materials available for their home projects. They will help homeowners choose the product and give them printed how-to guides or help connect them directly with an area installer.

Many hardscape suppliers will also help coordinate your pre-existing features with a fireplace or fire pit. Scott’s Mulch & More in Forest has a photo slideshow on their website that shows fireplaces and fire pits that complement retaining walls, patios and pools.

For the eager homeowner ready to get started, there are even fireplace pre-fab kits. Both P&W and Boxley carry the FireRock systems, with some requiring only one day for installation. They come with pre-cut pieces, with the customer choosing the veneer (man-made or natural) from a variety of colors and styles.

“They can be as simple or as fancy as you want them to be,” Gleason said.

The fireplace opening (the firebox) can be arched or straight and is available in different widths, such as 30-, 36- or 42-inch. The buyer can extend the chimney height, if he prefers. There’s also the option of raising the hearth by putting it on a block base and then natural or manmade veneer can be installed for a gorgeous addition.

FireRock kits are also more affordable than conventional masonry installation. FireRock also offers kits for fire pits and fire rings, and even an outdoor wood-burning pizza oven.

P&W and Boxley have demo units on display for the public. You can also go to www.firerock.us to check out their products.

Fire Pits
If you want a less permanent fixture, fire pits—or fire bowls or fire rings—may be an option for you. Fairly inexpensive, fire pits are catching on across the country, available in major retail stores. They come in limitless designs and shapes, from the typical round ones to a box (tabletop) or even pentagon, with decorative stone and tile. Some even have cutout characters or words so the fire’s glow can take on a personality of its own. Many come with unique stands and are easily portable, either lightweight or on wheels, so you can entertain at home or take the fun with you.

Because you can move around it, if you’re looking for warmth, the fire pit is your best bet. Plus, more people can enjoy it.

“The fire-pit’s design certainly gives more access to more people, especially to the kids who may want to cook a hot-dog or roast a marshmallow,” Powers said.

Chimineas
If you want to add style to your outdoor space, a chiminea, the old Mexican-style freestanding outdoor fireplace, is a great idea.

“After the traditional campfire, chimineas are probably the oldest kind of outdoor fire ‘appliance,’” according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA). Dating back 400 years, the chiminea was once used regularly for cooking indoors, but now is often used outdoors to entertain on a deck or patio. Chimineas are the perfect conversation piece for your outdoor enjoyment.

Historically made of clay and raised on a stand, the small arched opening and slender chimney are available in many artistic designs incorporating decorative tile and stone. With more people using them outdoors, manufacturers have now turned to copper, cast iron and aluminum, because the typical clay varieties are unable to withstand the elements. These modern styles often have a screen to prevent the escape of stray sparks.

In the summertime, when heat isn’t the main goal, many people place a plant inside their chiminea or even candles to create a romantic setting.

Patio Heaters
If you want pure heat, and the ambience of a fireplace is not necessary, patio heaters can do the job. Often the height of a lamp post, these appliances can “run on liquid propane or natural gas, produce 35,000 to 45,000 BTU’s and radiate heat 20 to 25 feet in all directions (farther than a firepit),” according to the HPBA. They come in stainless steel, cast aluminum, or painted steel and have domes on top; the larger the dome, the wider distribution of heat.

The more basic models are portable, but you can also have them installed in the ground (and hooked up to a natural gas line) or choose a ceiling-mount model. Smaller “table-top” units are also available, producing up to 10,000 BTUs.

Foster Fuels, with locations in Brookneal and Rustburg, is a wholesale fuel provider serving the state of Virginia since 1921. Their Hearth & Home Store features propane appliances, including fire pit burners. Their specialty is their “turnkey service,” where customers can purchase an appliance and the company will set the appropriate size propane storage tank, and deliver propane as needed.

Patio heaters are an affordable option, ranging from about $300 to $700. A less expensive option is a simple spot heater. While patio heaters can disburse heat in a circle, spot heaters focus on one direction. If you have a more intimate setting, perhaps for one or two people, these electric models can do the job.

Location, Location

• Choose an area that is a safe distance from your house and outbuildings, as well as playsets.
• Make sure the area is clear of trees and cascading branches or vines, as well as roof overhangs.
• Keep fire bowls or rings on top of brick, concrete or block to keep from scorching decks or grass.
• Choose a level spot.
• Check for underground wires, cable or pipes.
• Since this will be a place to entertain and relax, make sure you allow for at least a three-foot distance between your seating area and the fire.

SUPPLIERS

Boxley, 846-2766, boxley.com

Foster Fuels, 376-2322 (Brookneal), 821-2461 (Rustburg), fosterfuels.com

P&W Architectural Stone, 929-2633, pandwstone.com

Scott’s Mulch & More, 237-5844, scottsmulch.com

Leesville Landscape Supply, 434-832-0042, leesvillelandscapesupply.com

Whether you’ve just inherited a lovely wardrobe that’s been in your family for decades or you just bought a brand-new coffee table you had custom made for your living room, knowing how to properly care for hardwood furniture is a must. Merely reading the labels on those quick, spray-and-wipe polish cans won’t tell you everything you need to know—but the experts will.

And that’s where you should start.

When you purchase fine furniture, ask for special care tips. Quality manufacturers want their products to last, so don’t hesitate to ask for their advice. But like a good stain, the advice they give might take some time to set in. You may have never heard of “paste wax” before, or that dusting with a feather duster isn’t the best idea. Follow manufacturers directions carefully and keep them for ready reference.

One key to kicking off your regular furniture care is to learn that cleaning/polishing furniture and dusting furniture are two separate chores. The experts at home-furniture-care.com say wood furnishings should be dusted regularly, “ideally, at least once a week.” Furniture manufacturers and restorers recommend using a clean, soft cotton cloth for dusting. That feather duster, though quick and easy if you’re hosting a dinner party in 10 minutes, will only relocate the dust. Although those handy, disposable duster mitts also help in a pinch, there is no need to purchase box after box, month after month. The American Hardwood Information Center suggests using an old T-shirt, diaper, cheesecloth, dish towel, piece of flannel or chamois. Do not use cloths with snaps, buttons, zippers or thick seams, they say, because they could cause scratches. The Center also recommends dampening the cloth before dusting, but only using a few drops of water. “The trick is to moisten the cloth just enough to make dust adhere to it,” the Center says on its website, hardwoodinfo.com. “The cloth should not be so damp that it wets the wood. If you can see any trace of water on the wood after you wipe, your cloth is too damp.” Distilled water is often recommended for heirlooms and antiques.

Dusting should be done in gentle, small circles along the wood’s grain. You can turn the cloth or fold it when the dirt is visible on it. Other tips from hardwoodinfo.com: keep a pile of clean cloths handy and don’t slide objects on top of the wood to dust underneath; get in the habit of lifting them up to dust.

If you dust regularly, the less frequent cleaning/polishing task should become easier. But you first must decide what cleaning product is the best—polish, oil or wax. The real question is whether you want a “clean shine” product or one that does double duty as a protector. On the Professional Restorers International website, restorer Steve Nearman, who has worked at several historic sites in Virginia, says spray-on polish and oils “give a quick temporary shine in just minutes, but that’s all you get. The reason they ‘shine’ is because they are WET. This ‘wet look’ may produce a nice shine but offers little or no protection.” That’s why he touts paste wax instead. “Many people, especially antique lovers, prefer the soft sheen provided by paste wax,” he says. “Also, waxes do not interfere with future refinishing like silicone polishes most often do. It requires effort, but you won’t obtain a more durable, beautiful protection than paste wax.” If used properly, he says, paste wax will produce a thin, durable finish of its own as it protects the furniture’s original finish. Because waxes dry hard and not wet like polishes, they don’t smear and attract dust and dirt all over again. The Hardwood Manufacturers Association recommends applying a paste wax every six to twelve months. Remember “wax on, wax off” from The Karate Kid? The HMA says old wax must first be removed with a mild, non-alkaline soap and water solution before you add a fresh coat of wax.

If you do revert to oil-based finishes and polishes, experts warn against using products that contain silicone oil, which can seep through cracks in the finish and enter the wood, eventually ruining the new finish, according to the American Hardwood Information Center. With all the emphasis on “green cleaning” that is out there today, you may also want to try this recipe for furniture polish from ecocycle.org: Mix 2 tsp. lemon oil and 1 pint mineral oil in spray bottle. Spray, rub in and wipe clean. Or you can mix two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice; after rubbing the mixture in, let it stand for several hours and then polish with a soft, dry cloth.

With routine care, your oldest furniture and your newest can be your favorite household treasures. Protect the natural beauty of your hardwood furniture and let it shine for a lifetime and beyond.

You’ve worked hard all summer to get your yard the way you like it. You’ve watered, fertilized and pruned. Your trees are healthy and happy—and now it’s time to start afresh.

“Whoa,” you say, “I’ve spent all summer at this! Don’t throw in something new!”

While planting new trees may be far from your mind now, fall is actually one of the best times to plant deciduous trees—those that lose their leaves, flowers or fruits for part of the year. Many people are enticed to plant in the spring, however, when the nurseries set out all their new displays, everything is in bloom and their neighbors are sprucing up their yards with their new finds. But fall plantings do best, says Richard Jones, a certified arborist.

“Plant in the fall because the tree’s going dormant,” says Jones. “All the energy is going to the roots.” With more moisture and cooler temperatures, trees have a better chance of getting used to their new home. “The tree has all winter to get its roots acclimated, to get started,” he says.

Most popular deciduous landscape trees for Zone 7 (Central Virginia):
Hybrid Poplar • Weeping Willow • Japanese • Red Maple • Sugar Maple • Red Maple • Eastern Redbud • Japanese Cherry • Paper Birch • Smoketree • Quaking Aspen • Tuliptree (Yellow Poplar) • Camellia • Saucer Magnolia • Red Dogwood • Thornless Honeylocust • Prairifire Flowering Crab • Purpleleaf Sand Cherry

Source: Arbor Day Foundation; these trees are available for purchase at arborday.org, along with nearly 200 popular landscape trees.