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2 - The Eagle Home & Garden April 28, 2012

Storage space is often a coveted commodity. Apartmentdwellers seek out more closet space, homeowners maydesire more acreage, and even children may want morespace for their toys and belongings. The purchase of a stor-age shed could alleviate some clutter issues and moveitems outdoors -- creating more space.

Household garages are no longer as popular for storingvehicles. Instead, garages are used to store the extra itemsthat do not fit inside the home. Many people even turn toself-storage units for extra storage space. According to theSelf Storage Association, the storage industry earnedroughly $20 billion in revenues across North America in2010. It has also been the fastest-growing segment of thecommercial real estate industry for the last 30 years and isconsidered to be recession-proof.

Garden storage sheds present another place where indi-viduals can keep items out of sight but easily accessible. Asgarages fill up with belongings quite quickly, many home-owners think about a shed purchase to at least keep out-door lawn and garden essentials in their own place.

The process of purchasing a shed is not as simple as find-ing the least or most expensive type on the market. Thereare other factors that come into play when selecting a shed.

• Appearance and design: Although the function of ashed is to store items out of sight, the shed itself will be infull view in a yard. Therefore, plenty of homeowners prefersomething that has just as much aesthetic appeal as it doesstorage capacity. An unsightly shed can affect the overallappearance of a property, or even hurt the sale price forhomeowners thinking about putting the home on the mar-ket. It's important to select a shed in a price range that alsocomplements the style of he home so it coordinates withother features. Some people choose to have a custom-builtshed that can replicate the architectural style of the homeand even features the same siding and finishing materials.

• Size: Sheds come in a variety of sizes, from compactlocker-sized sheds to large buildings that may even doubleas a garden room, pool room or kids' playhouse.Homeowners should keep in mind that the size of the shedmay have to meet local municipality rules for additions orstructural changes to a property. A larger shed may requirea permanent flooring material, such as concrete, and maybe subject to permit applications and inspections, whereasa smaller shed may not have such stringent requirements.Furthermore, certain towns actually may restrict the sizeand placement of a shed if it interferes with traffic visibili-ty or impacts a neighbor in a negative way.

• Siding materials: Sheds are constructed of various exte-

rior materials. Some of the more affordable options aremetal or plywood and particle board. However, these mate-rials can be easily compromised by rain and snow. Themost maintenance-free materials are vinyl or molded PVC-type plastics. However, these may look like cookie-cutoutunits and may not have as much visual appeal. Cedar andwood are popular siding choices but won't be maintenance-free. They need upkeep and also tend to be more expen-sive. But the cost may pay for itself in durability as well asan attractive appearance.

• Minor enhancements: Touches like decorative architec-tural features, window boxes, shutters, or even simply

planting shrubs and annuals around the shed can make itan integral part of the landscape instead of simply an eye-sore. Double doors will ensure large pieces of equipmentcan fit inside the shed. The addition of a pressure-treatedramp at the entryway provides easy access to the shed aswell.

Storage sheds can provide much-needed space for home-owners. Certain features as well as cost need to be factoredinto the decision before purchase. Homeowners shouldcompare chain home improvement stores as well as privateretailers to find a shed that is the best fit.

Shopping tips for buying a garden storage shed

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April 28, 2012 Home & Garden The Eagle - 3

Gardening is often described as a relaxing and beneficialhobby regardless of a person's age. While time outdoors inthe garden can prove calming and enjoyable, there is a darkside to gardening as well. Namely the injuries that mayresult from various activities.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission,emergency rooms in the United States treat more than400,000 outdoor garden-tool-related injuries each year.Additionally, the American Society for Surgery of the Handhas issued warnings that caution gardeners about hand-related injuries.

Doctors from the British College of Osteopathic Medicinehave also warned that pruning, mowing and weeding canbe dangerous -- even comparable to competitive sports.People don't often associate a garden with danger, but thisline of thinking can be dangerous in itself.

Hand injuriesCuts and even finger amputations may result from unfa-

miliarity with pruning tools, such as hedge clippers orhandheld pruners. The design of these tools is so they'll beable to cut through small to moderately sized branches,which means it would not be too difficult for a pruner tosnap through a finger bone. Injuries with these tools oftenoccur when the gardener is distracted or the tool slips dur-ing use.

Pruners may also exacerbate conditions of carpal tunnelsyndrome, usually caused by repetitive hand movements,such as typing or repetitious work. The ASSH says that pro-longed, repetitive motions, such as weeding or pruning,can cause skin, tendon or nerve irritation. Rotate tasksevery 15 minutes to give certain areas of the body a break.

The use of battery-powered and ergonomically designedhand tools can alleviate pain and may prevent someinjuries. Power tools require less effort for cutting, whichmay reduce tool slippage or misuse.

Bites and bruisesInfection is another injury that people may not associate

with gardening. Gardeners often come in contact withmany different types of organic matter when gardening.Bacteria, fungi, and insects, as well as chemical fertilizersand pesticides, may be found in soil. Failing to protecthands, especially those with a small abrasion or cut in theskin, enables these substances to potentially enter the bodyand bloodstream, and infections or rashes may result.

Contact with poisonous insects is another concern. Some

ants have irritating bites. There are many types of spidersthat can be poisonous or inflict a painful bite. Scorpions indry climates can sting when uncovered in burrows.

Wearing gloves, particularly leather ones, can offer pro-tection against thorny objects, insect bites, chemicals, andother skin irritants found in the soil.

Sun damageSpending time outdoors subjects a person to UV expo-

sure each and every time. Gardening unprotected can meana bad case of sunburn and the potential to develop skincancer at a later time.

Whenever spending time outdoors pruning or justadmiring the landscape, gardeners should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Try todo the majority of yard work in the early morning or early

evening when the sun's rays are the least harmful.

Additional injuriesMany gardeners fail to ease back into garden activities

after the winter respite. Should a gardener dive right intostrenuous gardening tasks, injuries may ensue. Many hos-pitals see an influx of back-related injuries, heart attacks,muscle strains, and lacerations come the first stretch ofwarm weather.

Just like an athlete wouldn't start the new season offright in a professional game, so shouldn't a gardener startstrenuous activities without gradually warming up tothem.

Gardening can be quite an enjoyable activity but not if aperson is sidelined by an injury. Use caution and commonsense whenever landscaping.

Gardening injuries are a major concern

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Outdoor play is a highlight of child-hood. Being able to run, jump and swingoutside is an excellent form of exerciseand a way for kids to interact with theirfriends.

One staple of youthful play is spendingtime on a play set in the backyard. Parentswithout a play set in the backyard needonly look into a neighboring yard with aplay set to witness these prime congrega-tion spots for the neighborhood children.And play sets don't just benefit kids.Parents who want to keep tabs on theirchildren can do so much more easily witha backyard play set, and knowing they arehaving fun close by alleviates worries.

The decision to purchase a play set isone pondered by parents all across thecountry. There are scores of ready-madevarieties available or sets that can be cus-tom designed. The choice of which one tobuy should be based on a number of fac-tors, both in desired features and alsomodels that offer safety.

MaterialsThe first decision parents face is which

material to use for the play set. The mainmaterials used to build play sets are plas-tic, metal and wood. Plastic sets tend tobe very basic and may be reserved foryoung children's sets. While they can gooutside, they may not last more than afew years and are often best relegated toindoor toys.

Metal sets are some of the most durableand strong. They are frequently seen atparks and playgrounds. Metal play setsare often cemented down to a foundationfor stability, which doesn't make themideal for a temporary set that will beremoved when the kids outgrow it. Also,you cannot generally add onto a metalset.

Wooden sets are usually a compromise

between the two. They're good for back-yards because they can be taken downwhen they're no longer used. They canalso be made more useful with add-onattachments, such as extra slides, rockwalls and different swing variations.

SafetyPlay sets are designed for children, so

all of them should be safe, right? Notexactly. Some manufacturers cut cornersor create somewhat questionable designs.Look for recessed hardware and bolts sothat clothing doesn't snag on pieces thatstick out.

Choose play sets that have handles forextra stability while children are climb-ing. Avoid ones with metal hardware thatcan rust and weaken over time. Wood-to-wood attachments won't rust and will bemore durable.

When choosing wood sets, be sure toselect hardwoods that will not soften andwarp. In addition, choose designs thatfeature rounded edges so there will beless chance for splinters or injuries fromhitting blunt edges.

Be sure to have plastic-covered chainson swings and other moveable parts sothat fingers cannot get inside of the linksand be pinched.

Check to make sure treated and stainedwood does not contain harmful material,like arsenic, that can leach out of thewood into the surrounding soil.

Some parents also may want to look fora wooden play set that is made frommaterials harvested following sustainableforestry guidelines. This gives parentssome peace of mind knowing their child'splay set is eco-friendly.

Play sets can be fun additions to thebackyard. They come in many differentsizes and configurations, so it's possibleto find one that will fit in any backyard.

Tips for setting up a backyard play set

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Selling a house is seldom easy, andhomeowners are often willing to dowhatever it takes to make their homemore attractive to prospective buyers.One of the areas sellers typically focuson is the home's landscaping. A well-maintained lawn and garden increases aproperty's curb appeal considerably,increasing the chances a buyer will havea strong first impression of the home.

But homeowners don't need to have agreen thumb to ensure their lawnimproves curb appeal. The following area few tricks of the trade savvy sellerscan employ to make their home aninstant hit when buyers pull up to thecurb.

• Color the landscape. The plants out-side a home shouldn't stick out like asore thumb, but a few splashes of colorcan make a home more appealing. Forthe cost of some annuals, which are typ-ically inexpensive, homeowners canturn a drab flower bed into a colorfulspot bound to catch a buyer's eye.

• Lay down new layers of mulch.Mulch is not only good for plants, help-ing them to retain moisture whileinhibiting weed germination andgrowth, but a fresh layer of mulch alsoadds to a yard's aesthetic appeal. Mulchmade of wood or bark chips is also slowto decay, so apply a new batch rightbefore the "For Sale" sign is erected andyou might not have to apply anotherbatch before selling the home.

• Prune trees and shrubs. Pruningtrees and shrubs is one of the easiest andmost effective ways to improve a land-scape. Dead branches in shrubs andtrees might suggest to buyers that thehomeowners weren't terribly preoccu-pied with maintenance, and this mightcause them to think twice about makingan offer. Stay on top of pruning regard-less of what season it is, and be sure toremove any fallen branches from theyard on a regular basis.

• Clean bird baths and other water

features. Water features create a peace-ful atmosphere around a property ifthey're well maintained. If not, buyerswon't see the yard as a sanctuary butrather a place where mosquitoes congre-gate and odors emanate from algae-filled water. Remove any debris fromwater features, including leaves andalgae, and clean the filters so water isalways clear.

• Invest in a power washer. Buying apower washer might be a tad over thetop, but homeowners whose yards arefilled with grimy surfaces might find apower washer can work wonders atrestoring a home's external appeal. Ifplants are in pots that are covered inyears-old dirt and grime, a power wash-er can restore the pot's luster in a matterof minutes. Spray down walkways andeven home siding that has fallen victimto dirt and grime over the years.

• If planting trees, don't go too big.Especially large trees are not alwaysattractive to prospective buyers, wholikely won't want sight lines obstructedor won't want to worry about a treefalling and destroying their home dur-ing a storm.

• Address issues with weeds. Aprevalent problem with weeds aroundthe property is another situation thatsome buyers might feel is indicative ofneglect. Weeds are a pretty simple prob-lem to remedy, so buyers might be cor-rect to assume weeds around the prop-erty are there because the homeownerwas not concerned with maintenance.Lay mulch around flower beds and gar-dens to reduce weed growth, and pullany weeds from sidewalks and thedriveway. Once weeds are pulled, sprayareas that were infested with a weed-treatment product to ensure weeds don'tgrow back.

A well-maintained landscape is agreat way for men and women hoping tosell their homes to make a strong firstimpression.

How to improve your landscape before selling

Millions of dogs share thehomes and hearts of peopleacross the country. Dogs canprovide companionship,affection and joy. But whendogs spend time outdoorsand cause damage to lawnsand gardens, that cute andcuddly appeal might dwin-dle.

Although dogs are benefi-cial in numerous ways, theirtendency to create unsightlymesses in the yard havemany homeowners wring-ing their hands in frustra-tion. Erecting a dog run orusing other strategies mayhelp to alleviate any dam-age the dog causes.

A dog run is essentially afenced-in part of the yardwhere dogs can play or betrained to relieve them-selves. As most pet ownersknow, dogs, particularlyfemales because their urineis concentrated to one spoton the lawn, can createunsightly urine burns.Looking at patches of burnt,straw-like grass where alush lawn used to be can beaggravating. The same canbe said for finding dog "pre-sents" all over the yard. Allit takes is stepping in orsliding in a pile of joy toraise blood pressure. Plus,there's the extra work of

tracking down such pres-ents and having to cleanthem up. This can be time-consuming with a big yard,not to mention messy andsmelly.

Containing your dog to arun will keep messes all inonce place. When the dogcannot be supervised byyou, a dog run will be a wayto let the dog spend timeoutside in a way that he orshe won't get into trouble.The run can be constructedof any material you desire,whether chain-link fencing,wood slats, lattice material,or tightly spaced shrubbery.Pea gravel is a good materi-al to use on the floor of thedog run. Not only is peagravel aesthetically appeal-ing, but it also allows urineto run through into the soilbelow and will be able tokeep feces above for easierclean-up. It also can behosed off and topped offwhen gravel is depleted.

Avoid landscape fabricsor artificial turf that is notdesigned for pets. It maycollect waste and lead to theproliferation of bacteria,which can create odor andunsanitary conditions forthe dog.

Many people like to cam-ouflage dog runs from the

rest of the yard. Trailingvines of ivy or otherupward growing plantsmay suffice. Avoid plantingany poisonous plants nextto the run so they are not

accidentally consumed. It isalso best to keep sweet nec-tar plants away to minimizebee and wasps from flyingclose to the dog.

If you do not want to seg-regate your dog from therest of the yard, find waysto prevent him or her fromgetting into places you'drather keep off limits.Cobble rock is often diffi-cult for dogs to walk on.

Use it to form barriers of 3to 5 inches in width to pre-vent access to certain partsof the yard. Border plantingbeds with thorny bushes orbig rocks that don't allowtraction.

Do make a dog runningpath by the fence wherethere is a lot of foot traffic.This way your dog can runback and forth and watchthe neighbors go by. Again,

pea gravel is a good choicehere so that it will maskpaw-trodden grass.

Dogs will behave likedogs, so pet owners shouldlearn the best way to enjoythe backyard together.Training the pooch torelieve himself in one spotand creating places that aresafe for him to urinate mayalleviate destructive behav-ior.

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Tips on creating an attractive dog run at home

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Gardeners rely on a number of factors when deciding onwhat to plant in their gardens and around their property.One of the most important things to take into considerationis the climate.

Since 1960, the go-to source for climate and relation toagriculture has been the U.S. Department of Agriculture's(USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone map. In 1967, AgricultureCanada developed their own map that took into considera-tion Canadian plant survival data and a wider range of cli-matic variables. The maps remained constant until now.

In January 2012, the USDAreleased an updated zonemap. The map is now more precise and reflects microcli-mates, heat islands, prevailing wind, elevation, and gener-ally better data. It breaks down the country into 13 uniquezones from the previous 11. Individuals who once residedin a particular zone may find that they are now moved intoanother zone. This updated map has taken into considera-tion climate changes that have occurred between 1976 and2005. You now may be able to try plants that you may havebeen skeptical about in the past.

The new map now offers a Geographic InformationSystem, orGIS, -based, interactive format and is specifical-ly designed to be Internet-friendly. The map website alsoincorporates a "find your zone by ZIP code" function. Staticimages of national, regional and state maps have also beenincluded to ensure the map is readily accessible to thosewho lack broadband Internet access.

The new version of the map includes 13 zones, with theaddition for the first time of zones 12 (50-60 degrees F) and13 (60-70 degrees F). Each zone is a 10-degree Fahrenheit

band, further divided into A and B 5-degree Fahrenheitzones.

A hardiness zone describes a geographically defined areain which a specific category of plant life is capable of grow-ing, as defined by climatic conditions, including its abilityto withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone.Summer temperatures are not factored into the mix.Therefore, areas with similar winter patterns and averagelows may be in the same zone despite having drasticallydifferent highs. Hardiness zones may not take into consid-eration snow cover, either. Snow helps insulate the soil andhibernating plants. Therefore hardiness zones are more like

guidelines instead of foolproof methods of determiningviable plants.

Although a poster-sized version of this map will not beavailable for purchase from USDA, as in the past, anyonemay download the map free of charge from the Internetonto their personal computer and print copies of the mapas needed.

When shopping for plants, most will display a hardinesszone right on the container to help you determine whetherthis particular plant will be acceptable outdoors in yourzone. To learn more about hardiness zones, visitwww.usda.gov or http://planthardiness.gc.ca.

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Replacing a roof is a costly venture fewhomeowners look forward to. According toRemodeling magazine's 2010-11 "Cost vs.Value" report, the national average cost of aroof replacement is nearly $22,000, a costlyendeavor considering the tenuous nature ofthe economy. What's more, homeowners whochoose more upscale roofing materials canexpect to spend almost $40,000 on their roofs.

Such costs make it no small wonder thatmany homeowners fear the dreaded diagnosisthat their home needs a new roof. Whilethere's little homeowners can do to reduce thecost of a roof replacement, there are warningsigns homeowners can look for that mightindicate a roof replacement is on the horizon.Recognition of these signs can help homeown-ers be more financially prepared should theday come when the roof needs to be replaced.

1. The presence of algaeIf the roof has lots of dark streaks and stains

clinging to it, that is likely algae, which cangrow on the roof for quite awhile. Algae doesnot necessarily do any damage to a roof, but itdoes do some damage to a home's physicalappearance, as algae on the roof is not verypleasing to the eye. Algae is most often foundon the roofs of homes located in climates thathave warm, humid summers. If algae is aproblem on your roof, spray washing with amixture of water and bleach can effectivelyremove it.

2. Buckling shinglesLike algae, buckling shingles are another

unsightly problem on a roof. But bucklingshingles are more than just an eyesore, theyactually might indicate significant problems.When shingles buckle, that's typically becausehot air from the attic is forcing the shinglesaway from the home. Buckling shingles alsoindicate that the roof is poorly ventilated,which can take years off the roof's lifeexpectancy while driving up home coolingcosts along the way.

3. Granule lossGranule loss is typically a byproduct of nor-

mal shingle wear and tear that results frominclement weather, such as hail. Older roofsmight experience granule loss, but granuleloss can also occur on a new roof if a defectiveroofing product was used. Any granule loss,even if slight, should be addressed, as the sideeffects of granule loss include a weakened roofand leaking. If granule loss is not addressed,the consequences could be severe the nexttime a storm occurs.

4. MoldUnlike the warning signs already discussed,

mold is not visible on the outside of the home.Instead, homeowners should look in the atticof a home to see if there is any mold growth. Ifthere is, the roof is likely leaking, and thehealth risks of mold growth in a home are sub-stantial. Mold is not necessarily easy to detect,so a professional inspection might be in orderif mold growth is suspected. If a professionaldetermines mold is, in fact, present, then themold will need to be removed and all options,including a roof replacement, must be consid-ered to keep mold from coming back.

5. Roof rotPerhaps the most discouraging sign a home-

owner can see on his or her roof is roof rot.Roof rot appears when a roof is in consider-able decay and, if not addressed, its conse-quences can stretch far beyond the roof, dam-aging other parts of the home thanks in largepart to water getting through the roof. If roofrot is either not noticed or just ignored, itwon't take long for water to get through theroof and blaze a destructive path through therest of the home.

Homeowners might fear a full roof replace-ment because of the cost associated with sucha project. But if ignored, problems with a roofcould eventually prove far more costly thanthe price of replacing the roof.

5 signs your roof might be wearing down

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Homeowners who have had priorissues with mold know just how pesky amold problem can be. When mold sporesland on surfaces that are wet, mold maybegin to grow indoors. And the growthof mold takes just a matter of hours.According to the National Association ofHome Builders, all it takes is 48 hoursfor a moist environment combined withroom temperature to produce moldgrowth.

When mold does begin to grow, home-owners will notice a less-than-welcom-ing aroma often characterized as musty.In addition, mold growth, which is mostcommon in areas of the home like thekitchen, bathroom and basement wherehumidity and moisture levels are higher,can be unsightly and unhealthy. In 2004,the Institute of Medicine linked indoorexposure to mold with upper respiratorytract symptoms, cough and wheeze inpeople who, prior to exposure, werehealthy. The IOM also found exposure tomold can exacerbate asthma conditionsfor people who already have asthma andeven linked respiratory illness in other-wise healthy children to exposure tomold.

What such research highlights is theemphasis homeowners must place onremoving mold from their homes. Whilemold is a natural part of the environ-ment that is impossible to eliminateentirely, homeowners can take steps tostop mold growth in their homes andprotect themselves and their familiesalong the way. When addressing a moldproblem, keep in mind the potentiallynegative impact mold can have on yourhealth and dress accordingly. Wear longsleeves, gloves, protective goggles, andeven a mask or respirator that covers thenose and mouth to reduce your risk ofdeveloping a respiratory illness.

• Fix leaky pipes and additionalwater problems. Mold growth can cause

cosmetic damage that can never berepaired. But fixing leaky pipes andaddressing other water problems,including leaky windows, is a good wayto stop future mold growth and preventfurther cosmetic damage to the home.

• Scrub and dry moldy surfaces.When addressing moldy surfaces, scrubthem hard with detergent and water.Once finished, dry the surfaces thor-oughly. Going forward, routinely cleanareas of the home that have had moldgrowth in the past.

• Discard certain materials that fallvictim to mold. Porous or absorbent sur-faces will likely need to be discardedonce they have been victimized by moldgrowth. Ceiling tiles and carpets, forexample, are especially difficult to rid ofmold once it's settled in because themold finds cracks and crevices in whichit essentially hides from cleaning. Insuch cases, it's best to simply discard theitems and have them replaced.

• Do not mask the mold problem.Painting or caulking over mold won'twork. When applied to moldy surfaces,paint typically cracks. Instead of wast-ing paint and time, scrub and dry thesurfaces, making sure all the mold isgone, and then paint or caulk.

• Leave big jobs to the pros. Smallermold growths can be addressed by theaverage homeowner. However, whenmold growth is especially large or moldhas grown on valuable items, includingheirlooms, it's best to hire a profession-al. When doing so, try to find one afriend or neighbor can recommend, asnot all mold-removal specialists are cre-ated equal. If it's hard to find a recom-mendation, look for a specialist who isaffiliated with a professional organiza-tion.Such organizations typically insisttheir members have a certain level ofexperience and training before they canbecome members.

Make indoor mold growth a distant memory

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Interior designers have a knack for pulling together fur-niture and accessories to create rooms with widespreadappeal. But not every homeowner has the resources to hirea professional to help turn their interior from drab to fab.Fortunately, it doesn't always take a pro to transform ahome's interior.

The key to creating a beautiful room is planning.Designers do it and so should you. Measure the dimensionsof the room and create a sketch of the area using graphpaper or computer software. Be sure to plot any windowsor doors on the drawing so that you will be aware of obsta-cles.

Homeowners unsure of what they want should browsethrough magazines or pictures on the Web for inspiration.Search for key phrases that describe your design style, suchas Tuscan, farmhouse, country, colonial, etc. Then read upon the components of these styles that define it. This willhelp you select items that fit with the style.

Once a particular style has been chosen, create a designboard just like the professionals. Cut out swatches of fabric,select paint swatches, find magazine pictures that fit withyour goal and arrange them on a piece of poster board. Seehow the items work together. If you are unsure of colors,see which shades were used in the inspiring picture anddetermine if it will coordinate with your home.

When designing, identify or create a focal point in theroom and build off of that. This may be a large window,fireplace, or even the entertainment center if it's a familyroom. Place furniture around the focal point and then moveoutward.

It's also important to keep scale in mind. Large walls ortall ceilings will create plenty of wall space. A small printor wall hanging will be lost in such an area. Be sure tochoose furnishings and accessories that fit with the scale ofthe room. In other words, a huge sectional may overpowera small living room.

When choosing colors, make sure they are cohesive.Research the color wheel that artists use to help withdesigning the room. Some colors are complementary oropposites and still work together. Homeowners nervousabout color should choose a color from fabric or furnitureand use a few different shades of the same color in theroom. Select an accent color that can be used on trim or asa spot of color on a pillow or accessory.

When plotting wall hangings or other decor, odd num-bers often look more pleasing to the eye. Experiment withdifferent sizes of framed artwork or different shaped acces-sories for visual appeal. For example, a few rectangularshaped items with a circular clock and a conical flower vasecan mix it up in the room. This is where looking at maga-zine layouts can be extremely helpful.

Many stores sell items that mimic the look of higher-priced items. When copying a designer room, select piecesthat are similar, but not necessarily the same brands.Consider shopping at second-hand stores or antique shopsfor discounted pieces. With a little new fabric or stain,many items can look like new again. Shopping online alsomay enable shoppers to find items more readily and seehow they look in staged rooms.

When designing, it never hurts to think outside of thebox. Items that were intended for outside may work wellinside as well. Hanging lanterns or plant stands could beput to use in a rustic room. Save some money by makingsome items yourself. For instance, if you cannot find a par-ticular throw pillow or drapery that fits with your style, goto a fabric store and purchase fabric to make your own.

Decorating doesn't have to cost a fortune or look like youpieced odd items together. By following the guidelines of adesigner room and selecting lower-priced items that mimicthe shape and scale of similar accessories, it's possible forany homeowner to create a room for less.

Creating a designer look on a budget

Top 10 dreamhome features

If you were given a chance to design a dream home, whatfeatures would you choose first?

Take a look at the most popular wish list in 2011 fromNudura, a leading firm in building technology:

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2. Concrete and natural stone, rather than wood framingand brick. These homes (nudura.com) are not only beauti-ful, they are stonger, more sound resistant, and far moreenergy efficient than wood frames and brick.

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8. Vessel sinks, or freestanding bowls above the bath-room countertop, accompanied by wall-mounted faucets.

9. Bedroom walk out or balcony.10. Designer bathtubs and walk-in shower with marble

tile, a seating bench and rainfall showerhead.

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A screened-in porch or a three-season room can be a wel-come space that adds viable living area to a house. Oftentimes,these rooms serve as a bridge between the indoors and out-side, and they can offer the creature comforts of any otherroom in the home. Just as they would a bedroom or familyroom, many homeowners prefer to decorate this area so itdoesn't look like an extension of the backyard, instead show-casing the homeowner's personal style.

Homeowners can add many accents to a screened-in porch.Keep in mind that because this three-season room will likelyneed to endure the weather, including moisture and sunlight,decorating should be planned accordingly.

Turn a screened-in porch into a welcoming space with a fewdifferent ideas. Here are some things to consider.

• Think about adding sheer curtains to create privacy andkeep sun out on hot days. It is important to choose fabricsthat are fade-resistant but also resistant to mold and mildew.Muslin or even mosquito netting in different shades can bedraped to add some visual interest.

• Look for outdoor furniture that is both comfortable andattractive. Wicker, wood and wrought-iron are popular mate-rials for outdoor designs. There are also cushions crafted fromweatherproof materials that can add a pop of color and com-fort to the space.

• Enhance the area with some wall art. Hang an anchor fora nautical theme, or some whimsical accessories to create akitschy country feel.

• Spruce up the lighting so it's not sterile outdoor floodlights. Install a ceiling fan to circulate the air and add someaesthetic appeal. Or consider hanging a chandelier made ofmaterials that are impervious to the weather, like seashells orbamboo.

• Just because you're adjacent to the yard doesn't mean youcan't bring some plant life inside of the screened room aswell. Potted plants will soften the room and add color and ahomey feeling to the space. Just be aware that outdoor plantshave to be watered more frequently than indoor plantsbecause of their tendency to dry out in the sun.

• Define the entertaining space with a throw rug madefrom outdoor fabric. Essentially you can create a mini livingroom right outside.

• Be sure there is an electrical outlet available on the porchso that you can plug in a radio or even a tabletop lamp if youenjoy reading in the twilight areas. An outlet can also make itpossible to plug in a small fountain or water feature.

The creature comforts of indoors can be extended to a three-season room or screened-in porch to provide another space inthe home in which to entertain or relax.

Tips on decorating a screened-in porch

IMPORTANT DEFERRED INTEREST DETAILS (when offered); Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. Minimum payments required. With credit approval, for qualifying purchases made on a Sears card (Sears Commercial One® accounts excluded) Sears Home Improvement AccountSM valid on installed sales only. Offer is only valid for consumer accounts in good standing and is subject to change without notice; see store for details. May not be combined with any other promotional offer. SEARS CARDS: As of 3/5/2012, APR for purchases: VARIABLE 7.24%-27.24% or NON-VARIABLE 14.00%-29.99%. MINIMUM INTEREST CHARGE: UP TO $2. See card agreement for details, including the APRs and fees applicable to you. Sears cards are issued by Citibank, N.A. Sears Solutions cards are issued by HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A. An Annual Membership Fee up to $59 may apply. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK: Exclusions apply. See Sears Return Policy for more details. APPLIANCE OFFER: Kenmore® savings range from 5%-20%. Offers exclude Electrolux®, Jenn-Air®, Dacor, Fisher & Paykel, LG®, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, fl oor care, sewing machines, countertop microwaves, water heaters, wa-ter softeners, water fi ltration, air conditioners, air cleaners, humidifi ers, dehumidifi ers, accessories, closeouts and Everyday Great Price items. Extra 15% off cannot be combined with other Sears card discounts. Excludes Sears Commercial One® ac-counts and Outlet Stores. Sears Home Improvement AccountSM applies on installed merchandise only. Offers good thru 4/28/12. Offers exclude countertop microwaves, accessories, closeouts and Everyday Great Price items. 20% off cooking offer excludes Kenmore® wall ovens. Offers good thru 4/28/12. **No Interest offer applies to ap-pliances over $499 after discounts and coupons when you use a qualifying Sears card and account is kept in good standing. Offer not valid with Sears Commercial One® and Sears Home Improvement AccountsSM accounts. See our Important Customer Information in this circular for Important Deferred Interest Details. Excludes Outlet Stores. Minimum payments required. Offer good thru 4/28/12. ***Free standard lo-cal delivery on any appliance over $499 in participating stores after discounts and coupons. Standard delivery includes delivery within the local delivery area Monday through Friday and delivery not requiring additional services or time. Retail value is $25-$79.99. Additional fees may apply. Customer pays an additional charge for non-standard delivery. Local areas and non-standard delivery charges vary. Excludes all built-in refrigeration. Free delivery on Home Appliance products is not available on items purchased using the Sears Monthly Payment Plan. See store for details. Not valid in Outlet Stores. Offer good thru 4/28/12.

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Homes full of garden beds with bloomingflowers and foliage can seem warm andinviting.

Planting flowers is one of the easiestways to transform the appearance of ahome with minimal effort and expense. Toooften homeowners plant annuals andperennials only to find their hard work hasbeen damaged by hungry animals, likedeer, rabbits and underground pests. Thereare ways to keep animals away from plants— many of which are humane and environ-mentally safe.

Keeping furry marauders away from thegarden is something individuals who livein rural or suburban areas have to considerwhen planting.

Many communities are growing andencroaching on the natural habitats of wildanimals. With some of their natural foodsources diminishing, animals may decide topartake of the easy pickings that come fromresidential home gardens.

If you understand how these animalsfeed, you can take precautions to restrictaccess to planting beds. Rabbits tend tomunch on vegetables and ornamentalplants. Small in stature and not able to scalefences very easily, rabbits might be deterredby a low fence surrounding plants.Consider digging some chicken wire belowthe fence a few inches to discourage dig-ging under the fence. The fence should be18 inches high, and you should keep theopenings no more than one inch becauserabbits can squeeze through small open-ings.

In terms of gophers, moles, voles, andother burrowing animals, the key is pre-venting underground access. Chicken wireor another abrasive material put under thegarden soil can help keep underground ani-mals from burrowing under and then upinto the heart of the garden.

Deer are another story altogether. Theyare tall animals capable of rising up on hindlegs to stretch out and reach branches oftrees and bushes. Therefore, taller fences

may be needed to protect the garden. Butthese can sometimes be unsightly, especial-ly in a front yard. Therefore, look for natu-ral barriers that can keep them out. Theymay be deterred by thorny bushes orplants.

Daisies, papaver (poppies), narcissus,rudbeckia, achillea, agastache, aster, lupine,coreopsis, verbascum, centaurea, and echi-nacea are available in many varieties andare not attractive to deer or rabbits.

Here are some additional strategies thatyou can try.

• Create narrow pathways between

raised beds. Rabbits will feel like they arein prime locations for predators to get atthem in this type of situation and may beless likely to venture in. Deer may not beable to navigate narrow paths.

• Use mulch. In addition to benefittingthe plants, keeping soil moist and fertiliz-ing the areas, mulch also deters many ani-mals.

• Interplant different species of plants.Some animals don't want to bother pickingtasty plants out among other varieties theydon't like. So mix plants with ones that ani-mals find unpleasant.

• Use other natural deterrents. Animalsmay be kept away by scents of their preda-tors. Urine from coyote, foxes, dogs, andcats may help. You can also try human hair,cat litter and soap flakes.

• Create an animal-friendly area else-where. Feed the deer and rabbits the foodsthey love somewhere away from your gar-den. They may fill up with favorites andstay away from your flowers and vegeta-bles.

• Traps may work. As a last resort, usehumane traps to collect animals and releasethem elsewhere.

Protect your garden from hungry animals

ae h&g 4-28-2012

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