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With spring here, local greenhouses are packed with customers looking to put some colour and beauty into their personal gardens. Some of the hot sellers this year include begonias, perennials, petunias, lilies and oriental grass.

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Page 1: Home & Garden

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Call 780-532-1110 • dailyheraldtribune.com

Home & GardenDesign

Page 2: Home & Garden

2 Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Aaron HinksHerald-Tribune staff

With spring here, local green-houses are packed with custom-ers looking to put some colour and beauty into their personal gardens.

Some of the hot sellers this year include begonias, perennials, petu-nias, lilies and oriental grass.

Some types of oriental grass to keep an eye out for are King Tut, Baby Tut, Fibre Optics and Cordylines.

With that being said “Hanging baskets are hot sellers this year; they feature a wide range of beau-tiful flowers from nemesia, trailing flowers, super petunia and pan-sies,” said the owner of Willow Val-ley Greenhouse Bev Rogerson.

Black petunias are new additions to local greenhouses this season.

“Black petunias are an extremely dark purple petunia, they look black. Some of them are solid black, some of them are pinstriped and some have thick yellow stripes. They’re one of the easier flowers to grow in Alberta,” said Rogerson.

All flowers grown at Willow Val-ley are products that can fully flour-ish in the Alberta climate.

“All they need is sun, water, and fertilizer,” Rogerson said.

Sales are relatively the same at Grande Prairie’s Dunvegan Gar-dens.

“The petunias, pansies, mari-golds, hanging baskets, and the new black velvet petunia are much sought after,” said Dave Friesen owner of Dunvegan Gardens.

“Peppers are hot sellers as well. People are planting vegetable gar-dens because they want to save money.

“Just about anything you’re look-ing for we will have started in bed packs – cucumbers, squash, zuc-chini, pumpkins, marrows, corn, everything.”

“For first-time gardeners, my advice is to stay simple, plant some pots, do some beds, try some petu-nias, pansies or marigolds,” he added.

“Instant flowers are very popular this year, people want that color as soon as they go home.”

Shelene Chalmers bought five baskets of fully-flowering pink petunias at Dunvegan Gardens.

“It’s spring clean-out time, I’m getting ready for summer,” Chalm-ers said.

“I went for the baskets, if you plant them on your own by the time our short summer ends, they just start to flourish,” she said.

“This way I can take them home and my garden immediately has colour.”

[email protected]

aaron Hinks Herald-Tribune staffselene Chalmers, and her son, Ty, make room for five baskets of pink petunias in their cart at Dunvegan Gardens.

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Page 3: Home & Garden

Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011 3 InterIors by Cheryll

How to make the most of your outdoor ‘rooms’

I think we all have a little bit of a grin on our faces now that it’s feel-ing like summer is actually going to arrive. So let’s get started on mak-ing this summer fabulous by creat-ing amazing outdoor “rooms” for our homes.

The first thing to do is define your spaces. Just as we have delineated rooms inside our home, we need to create delineated spaces for our outdoor rooms. At my home, we have created a lounge by the water area, an intimate morning-coffee sitting area, a dining area and a let’s-have-a-party living room area.

Of course, we are all limited by the amount of outdoor space we have available, but plan to make the most of what you have. The

other limitation is the position of the house in relation to the sun; areas of activity should co-ordinate as much as possible with the posi-tion of the sun at different times of the day.

If the sun is not aligned posi-tion of the sun in relation to the space and desired activity are not all in full co-operation we can then plan to override the sun by using umbrellas and/or awnings.

So start laying out your “rooms.” You might create a small sitting area on the front porch using just one or two chairs. You might want a space with a larger seating area for bigger gatherings. You might want a dining-and-cooking space – or a separate space for each.

The secret to great outdoor spaces is this separation of activity. Some or even all of your spaces may overlap, which is fine. Use planted containers as beautiful dividers to define the spaces: A row of potted boxwoods or citrus trees looks fab-ulous. Or put up a trellis with grape vines growing up it. Outdoor area rugs are also useful when it comes to defining space.

White string lights wrapped around the trees or the trellis will create an amazing ambience at

night. Alternatively, use solar lights in the plant pots.

Position furniture just as you would for your indoor rooms and ensure that the seats are comforta-ble and conversation is easy. Today we are blessed with a lot of afford-able and readily available options when it comes to shopping for patio furniture.

Sam and I also like to think “out-side the store.” Pick up an old metal or wooden coffee table at an estate sale, paint it bright red using exte-rior paint, and use it as your coffee table outside. Or strip a discarded chandelier of its electrical elements and replace the bulbs with can-dles, then hang it from an umbrella stand for a stunning effect. Or turn an old tree trunk into a base for a glass-topped dining table.

Take a 360-degree look around your house … then take that look outside.

Cheryll Gillespie is an award-winning designer with a passion for travel. Visit her website at www.che-ryllgillespie.com.

Cheryll GillespieSpecial to QMI Agency

qmi agencyHaving an outdoor room not only adds monetary value to a space but also creates a perfect place to entertain and socialize during the summer.

Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011 3

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Page 4: Home & Garden

4 Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Jill EllisSpecial to QMI Agency

By all the whining going on, it must be true that this has been one of the longest and nastiest winters in recent history. It’s time to shake off that ugly, grey feeling along with the ugly, grey weather and add some colour and vibrancy to our lives.

Christina Schmoll recommends putting down the remote and pick-ing up a spade as a quick fix for the winter blues. A horticultural ther-apy intern, Schmoll works with seniors at the Chelsey Park Retire-ment Community in London, Ont., and finds that getting outside is therapeutic no matter your age or state of health.

“Being in the garden is a safe place. It’s calm and quiet. It’s a

retreat from the bricks, concrete and noise of everyday life. No one is going to judge you,” explains Schmoll.

Gardening can make one feel generally better physically, men-tally and emotionally, or it can be used to treat specific mental and physical illnesses.

Mitchell Hewson is a registered horticultural therapist at Home-wood Health Centre, a mental healthcare facility in Guelph, Ont. and runs the Horticulture As Ther-apy program there. Hewson calls horticultural therapy “a tool to develop a relationship with the cli-ent to improve his or her behav-ioural, physical and spiritual well-being.”

Mitchell uses aspects of garden-ing when treating trauma victims “to help bury past memories” and give survivors “a way to rejuvenate

life.” Those he treats for addictions learn to “rebuild families, proper nutrition and appropriate uses of leisure time,” while those with eating disorders gain a sense that “healthy gardens help healthy bod-ies.”

For those fighting their own demons in everyday life, garden-ing can be a stress reliever, said Schmoll. “Digging in the garden is a great way to get your aggressions out.” She adds that dealing with a living thing that can’t talk back can be very soothing. “The scent of lav-ender is also very calming.”

Parents of children with attention deficit disorder can use working in the yard as a positive way to con-nect with their child(ren) and teach some important life skills at the same time “You have to plan a gar-den. That maintains and expands the attention span. Gardening is

also very repetitive with watering and fertilizing,” Schmoll said.

Work with the child to plan the garden: What plants would she or he like to use; where will they work with sun and shade; how high will they grow and what colours will they display. Use it as a research project in the beginning and as a lesson on responsibility by giving him/her some age-appropriate duties in the garden, like watering or weeding.

“This can increase their self-esteem,” said Schmoll, “when they see veggies coming up and every-thing growing.”

If you’re new to town, recently downsized or in some other way feeling isolated, community gar-dens may be the answer, said Schmoll. “They build a feeling of community; gardening can be very social as gardeners love to chat

about what they are doing.” Partici-pating in a community garden will get you out of the house and work-ing with like minded folks, while contributing to society. Often, excess produce from a community garden is donated to a local shelter.

Those who are depressed can use gardening as a tool to allevi-ate negative feelings, said Schmoll. “Put nice light soil in a big pot, even at this time of year when you can’t plant in the ground yet. You can plant flowers, herbs or tomato plants. When it is warm enough, sit outside by your pot and water it, talk to it and enjoy it. You don’t have to have a big garden to get the benefits.”

She says that herbs are a good choice in this situation because they are easy to grow and give excellent results within six weeks.

To feel good, get gardening

Carolyn McTigheSpecial to QMI Agency

With spring upon us, now is the time to dust off those rakes and shovels and get them in tiptop shape for the gardening season. If you’ve stored them away properly over the winter, then there won’t be much work to do. But if you’re like most people, who tend to toss their yard and garden tools into the corner of their garage or shed, then you’re going to need a little more elbow grease to get them ready for work. Here’s how to make sure you won’t be running out to replace anything.Soap and water: Dirt-based bac-teria and fungus can live on your garden tools even during the colder months of winter. Before you begin

digging around in the dirt, take a bucket of hot soapy water and wash the working ends of all your gar-dening tools. Make sure to remove any built-up dirt with a coarse wire brush and then let the tools air dry.Remove rust : Moisture dur-ing winter storage can often lead to tools getting overly rusty. To restore old tools to their once glori-ous state, take steel wool and gen-tly rub it across the rusted areas in a circular motion to remove any loose rust. Once rust is removed, polish the tools with a stainless steel polish to protect them from wear and tear.Grease them: A good coating of oil can help protect your tools and increase their longevity. Olive oil applied to lawnmower blades, ax heads, rake tines, shovels, and

pruning shears will help them last longer and will get them moving smoothly.Loosen hinges : Tool hinges, levers, and springs can get rusty and stiff when not used over the winter. To make sure all your gar-den tools are working properly, it is a good idea to apply a thin coat of oil or WD-40 to all moveable parts. Oil can loosen up stiffened hinges and make levers easier to manipu-late.Get sharp: Lawnmower blades, shovels, hoes and pruning shears can get dull. Once they lose some of their sharpness they can become ineffective and can actually damage plants and shrubs. To make sure your blades are as sharp as they can be, use a whetstone or sharp-ening stone to smooth up their cut-

ting edge.Change oil and gas: If you didn’t take the time to e m p t y t h e g a s a n d o i l o u t o f your power tools prior to winter, then now is the time to do it. Old gas will turn thick and can affect the motor and carbu-retor. Empty the tank and refill the tank with fresh, clean gas. Check oil levels and add more when needed.Garden hose repair. Once the snow is gone and there is no more threat of frost, it is safe to leave out your garden hose. To make sure it is still in good working condition,

attach the hose to the outside tap and turn on the water. Check the hose for any punctures or leaks. If the hose is leaking near the faucet it may be time to replace the washer. Small holes can be repaired with plumbers tape, but if there are too many holes it might be time to splurge and buy a new one.

How to get garden tools ready for spring

qmi Agencynow is the time to dust off those rakes and shovels and get them in tiptop shape for the gardening season.

4 Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011

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Page 5: Home & Garden

Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011 5

News CanadaFor most homeowners, it seems that back-

yards are foreign, intimidating places. Many people feel that they can't make changes so the backyard stays the same, year after year. Here are my five favourite excuses that people use when stuck in a gardening 'rut':

1. “If I replace my lawn with gardens, I will have to spend more time in the backyard working.” This statement is completely false. The truth is, grass requires more mainte-nance than any alternative material. A well–planned garden uses less water and requires less weekly attention than the average lawn. The key is to have a garden that works in your location. A little research cultivates years of reward. Get your camera and take some pic-tures of what grows well in a neighbour's yard. That's always a great place to start.

2. “I have a large tree and nothing grows under it.” This really isn't a challenge; it's an opportunity to transform the garden into an inviting spot that draws people into the cooling comfort of a shady tree on a hot day. This can be created simply by working with the roots of the tree instead of trying to com-pete with them. Plan the garden in the area between the roots and think of them as the framework for designing the space. Using shade–loving plants sometimes isn't enough, as they have to compete with the tree for water and nourishment. Instead, plant shrubs and perennials inside a larger pot in the ground, which gives them the chance to get established.

3. “It's going to be expensive to make big changes.” It's true. Landscaping is never

cheap if done properly, but there are a few things that should be considered. A well–designed outdoor space holds its value when it comes to resale. Also, no one ever said that you had to make all the changes at once. Have a plan and work towards the yard of your dreams in stages as the funds become available.

4. “I don't have time to look after my out-door space.” Often, having the right tool for the job makes it so much easier. Garden-ing has never been as simple as it is today. With new technology such as Black & Deck-er's new cordless products, the time needed for year work is greatly reduced. These new cordless tools have features, such as handle and height adjustments, that make them sur-prisingly easy to maintain and comfortable to use. Not only are they ready to work when you are, these lightweight and powerful tools will also help get the job done quickly, so you have more time to enjoy your yard. Remem-ber, gardening is supposed to be a pleasure, not a chore.

5. “My children need a place to play.” Per-fect. Kids love to garden. Plan the space with your children. Let them help pick plants and design their own section of the yard. Since this is a garden for them to play in, some of plants might not make it – but that's okay. A garden is the perfect spot for the entire fam-ily to spend the afternoon.

If you want to make a change in the way you use your outdoor space, then go for it. What's really stopping you?

More information is available online at www.blackanddecker.com, or toll–free 1–800–54–HOW–TO.

The five big backyard excuses

courtesy news canadaPeople can make excuses for doing work in the backyard but in the end if you do the chores, a sense of accomplishment is earned.

News Canada

Canadian gardeners are itching to get down and dirty in their yard, which includes, of course, their annual battle with grubs, bugs and slugs.

Increasingly, some enterprising green thumbs are making their own pesticides with the intention of saving the earth, not to mention some money. But did you know that some homemade pesticides can actu-ally be harmful to your health and the envi-ronment?

Consider rhubarb leaves, for example. Some online recipes call for boiling down rhubarb leaves to extract a naturally occur-ring chemical that can be used to control spider mites or aphids. Sounds harmless enough, but while the tart stalks of the rhu-barb plant are delicious in pies, their leaves contain oxalic acid, a naturally occurring toxic substance that can be deadly to humans if ingested in large doses.

Other recipes suggest boiling chrysan-themum petals down in order to extract pyrethrins, a chemical contained in many insecticides. While this toxin poses relatively little threat to humans, it can be lethal to pets, small animals and fish if improperly used or

overly applied. Experts point out that whether they are

homemade or store–bought, pesticides should always be used with care.

Other hidden risks posed by homemade pesticides include:

• Inhaling harmful fumes.• Irritating your eyes and skin.• Ingesting contaminants or harmful sub-

stances due to improper preparation, label-ling and storage.

• Contaminating cookware and utensils used to prepare or serve food.

Because homemade pesticides are not regulated or tested for safety, Health Canada advises consumers that their use may pose risks to human health and the environment.

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regu-latory Agency suggests gardeners faced with a pest problem use a registered pesticide or focus on prevention.

If you have any questions about home-made pesticides, you can call the Health Canada’s Pest Management Information Service at 1–800–267–6315 or read the article in Health Canada’s It’s Your Health series on homemade pesticides at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra.

Safety tips for your homemade pesticides

Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011 5

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Page 6: Home & Garden

6 Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Climate affects growthJill EllisSpecial to QMI Agency

Hope you weren’t spoiled by last year’s lovely, warm, early spring, because, accord-ing to David Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment Canada, it’s not going to hap-pen this year.

“This spring won’t be as early or as balmy as last year across the country. Last year was the warmest and earliest on record,” he explains.

Gardening season could have begun a full month earlier than the traditional Vic-toria Day weekend groundbreaking in most parts of the country, but this year’s a differ-ent story.

We’ve been experiencing swings in sea-sons in the past few years due to climate change with greater variability. “The sea-sons are changing, not just the day-to-day weather.”

Here’s a coast-to-coast rundown on what kind of weather to expect for spring and early summer from Phillips. Landscape Ontario’s public relations director Denis Flanagan chimes in with advice on how to match that information up with the right types of plants.British Columbia

“It’s been a very wet winter, which is good news for the forest fire situation,” saisd Phil-lips. It’s going to be wetter and cooler this spring on the Lower Mainland and Island, and warming toward more normal temper-atures in later June and July. “It may be July before we see summer conditions - see the June bloom,” he adds.

Flanagan said that while heartier plants - like bulbs - will be fine, more delicate warm weather plants will need watching. “Tropical stuff is the sensor,” he adds.

Plants that are intended for shade applica-tions will do well in the cool, damp weather of this spring. “Violas and pansies or any plant like that listed for shade will work this spring in B.C. because if it’s meant for shade it’s meant for cooler, damper conditions.”

Soil preparation is key. “Use more ver-miculite and sharp sand to improve the con-ditions in your containers and planting beds,” says Flanagan.Prairies

With flooding and the ground already sat-urated, Phillips confirms that it’s going to be a cold, wet spring.

But on the good side, a slower warm up can be beneficial for inhabitants of the Prai-rie provinces. “A slow thaw is good news - from a flood situation. It will be far later than last year,” he adds.

To ensure success in this wet environment, Flanagan offers these words: “Choose things that like wet feet and have been bred for truly wet conditions, like dogwoods and sedge grasses.”

He adds that in addition to preparing the soil as above, mulch can help too. “Make sure that plants aren’t sitting in cold, wet soil. In a large bed, two or three inches of mulch on top will help absorb the rain before it gets to the soil.”Ontario

Having experienced a colder than nor-mal winter, Ontarians could use a little good news. Phillips said, “There will be near nor-mal temperatures early in the spring but it will be a bit wetter, while the early summer it will be getting warmer than normal in early summer with normal rainfall.”

Flanagan congratulates Ontario garden-ers and gives them license to do what they do best - “Plant traditional plants that you really love.”Quebec

La belle province is in the enviable posi-tion of having warm, dry weather for both spring and early summer. “Temperatures will be normal in the spring with a warm, dry growing season,” said Phillips.

Like Ontarians, Quebecers can plant their traditional favourites but keep an eye on the weather because increased watering may be necessary.

If it gets too dry as the summer goes on, Flanagan recommends installing some irri-gation. “Look at drip irrigation systems that can be installed as you are planting. They use a low volume of water,” he said.The Maritimes

The east coast is like the west this spring, because it will take a while for it to warm up. “The season is always much more delayed,” said Phillips. But he predicts the spring will have normal temperatures.

Maritimers will want to head to the beach this summer, with warmer and dryer condi-tions.

Flanagan recommends that east coast gar-deners consider xeriscaping to cope with a hot, dry summer.

Joanne RichardSpecial to QMI Agency

Lia Leendertz wants to plant a new idea - nocturnal gardening.

Design a garden that comes alive at night and enchants during the day too, said gar-dener and author Leendertz.

When the moon and stars come out, then head on out too and dig into a paradise of moonlit possibilities. An after-hours oasis with a secret nightlife will make your neigh-bours green with envy.

“The idea is to create a garden that is at its best at night, with plants chosen for their pale, glowing shades and loads of scent,” said Leendertz, author of The Twilight Garden.

Dig into enchanting night-scented and night-blooming plants. Add mood light-ing, cozy enclosures and water features, and you’ll have your own soothing space.

“It’s so magical and peaceful. A moonlit garden feels secretive and clandestine,” said Leendertz. “It’s such a shame to miss out on this side of gardening, just by not thinking to step out there after dark.”

According to Leendertz, many people don’t get a chance to enjoy their garden dur-ing the day because of work. “My own garden is often filled with children and plastic toys in the day, and at night I want to reclaim it.

“If you design your garden so that it works particularly beautifully at night, you never feel like you are missing out on its best time. Eating outside is a wonderful way to sharpen the appetite,” she adds.

For success to bloom, it’s not only the choice of flowers that rule, but so too creating a sheltered nook in which to plant them, and a great background to plant them against.

Dark, dense hedges play up paler coloured plants, and “if they are high and enveloping, they reduce breeze and help you to create a delicious pool of scent,” said Leendertz.

Pale colours are stunning under the stars so be sure to choose hues those that leap out at you in low light - whites, creams, pale blues and certain purples, she advises.

“Verbena bonariensis always surprises me with the way the little purple flower heads light up at dusk, almost as if they were inter-nally lit.

“Many plants are highly scented at night so there are lots of plants that start pumping out sweet, spicy fragrances as light levels fall,” adds Leendertz.

Stay away from electric lights in the garden as they destroy the magic and atmosphere, unless they’re fairy lights. “They’re pretty magical. Fairy lights and a few candles will do for me.”

Embracing outdoor space by taking it out-side continues to grow in popularity. Creat-ing sophisticated spaces, with conversational areas or zen-like hideaways, add great value to homes and lifestyles.

“There is almost always more fun to be had by being outdoors, feeling the chill or enjoy-ing the warm breeze, looking at the stars.”

According to Leendertz, if you’ve got kids, then a family garden will need lots of quick and easy storage for toys. Consider adding outdoor cooking facilities for older children. “Pizza ovens are great fun and a lovely way to lure them out and away from the computer.”

A contemplative adult garden is perfect for those looking for calm and quiet, while sipping on a glass of wine. “Create a really peaceful, sheltered space using the right plants for privacy and a few props, includ-ing trickling water and wooden wind chimes, to make gentle sounds that mask the outside world,” recommends Leendertz.

Entertaining gardens are ideal for those who love having people over. The outdoors is perfect for eating, dancing and socializing. “An evening out of doors is almost always more fun and memorable than one sat on a comfy sofa.”

Gardening at nightqmi Agency

As most people don’t get to enjoy their gardens during the day gardener Lia Leendertz recom-mends creating a garden that lights up at night.

6 Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011

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Page 7: Home & Garden

Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011 7

Joanne RichardSpecial to QMI Agency

Colour your world now that spring has arrived. “A change of season often triggers our desire for change in other areas of our life,” said colour expert Kate Smith. Going from winter to spring often brings out a strong desire to grab a paint brush and freshen up our homes.

Pent-up decorating desires bloom: “Adding new colour, even if it’s just accent colours, makes our interior décor feel fresh and new,” said Smith, of www.sensational-color.com.

According to Smith, colour is ultra powerful - “it can lift our spir-its and make the grey days of win-ter seem a distant memory. Using mid-tone to bright colours convey a happy, cheerful mood in the same way a vibrant bouquet of spring flowers does. These are colours that just make you want to smile.”

Painting walls in a new trendy colour offers homeowners the per-fect way to express their creativity, she said, and create a home that reflects their personality and who they really are.

Take note of current colour trends for 2011, according to hue maven Smith.Tribal Heritage: The brighter colours of the last few years mesh magically with cultural colours of the past. “These refreshed hues have depth, intensity and rich-ness. They are naturally warm with golden undertones reminiscent of textile colors with roots from the Middle East, Mexico, the Mediter-ranean, and South America,” said Smith.

Of all the hot hue trends out there, “this palette of jewel tones will be the one that catches our eye at retail.”

Who’ll go tribal? Those who want to reach way back in time.

“These colours give comfort and a sense of time and place linked to ancient ancestor and civilizations,” said Smith, adding that linking to the past gives people solace and strength to move forward.

So push the reset button on col-our! Use it as an accent colour for instant pizzazz to neutrals, suggests Smith, or go all the way by adding these jewel-toned hues to walls, furnishings or window treatments.

Coming to a home near you: raspberry wine, golden yellow, curry orange, deep sea turquoise and hillside green.Authentic Home: Envision down-to-earth, washed-out, vegetable and hand-dyed hues. “These are the colours of food and fibre - they have a relaxed demeanour and nat-ural good looks,” said Smith.

No need to enhance or embel-lish these mid-tone hues. “Gen-uine and authentic, they evoke a sense of vintage or nostalgic style,”

she adds.Brush up on these authen-

tic colours for peace of mind and a reprieve from digital overload. From the garden to the great room, these colours bring the outside in, said Smith. “Use them on the walls or main furnishings because they are a perfect background colour.”

Mix with neutrals for quiet ele-gance or with the brights from the Tribal Heritage palette for a vibrant scheme, suggests Smith.

“ These colours make ideal accent pieces when used in print or embroidered patterns,” said Smith, adding they compliment furniture styles such as Danish, Swedish, mid-century mod, retro or mini-malist.Opposites Attract: We’re talk-ing “tints so light they are almost, but not quite white in contrast to deep, dark celestial hues that edge towards black,” said Smith.

Feminine pale pastels offer a

softer, simpler, safer side to colour, “while the masculine and myste-rious shades offer an escape to a galaxy beyond our own into the depths of the unknown.”

Spreading opposite hues will appeal to people who are edgy, for-ward thinkers. These painters are expressing a need to communicate uniqueness and voice opinion, said Smith.

“On their own, the lightest tints make even the smallest room feel more expansive but the same can be true of their opposites. Dark col-ours in a small space can also make a room feel larger due to the spatial effect of colour,” she said.

“Layering light colours with a variety of textures and materi-als calls attention to details. Deep colours that are almost black add interest with pearl and gloss fin-ishes.”Keep It In Neutral: Complex neu-trals shift ever so slightly. “The shift

is in the undertones of mauve, wheat, cargo and dusty blue. Choose neutrals as the ground for intriguing and unexpected combi-nations rather than simply as a safe colour solution.”

This palette works for just about everyone, especially those seeking to live in harmony with the planet and all its elements; basically those searching for a workable balance between eco-awareness and con-sumerism.

Surrounding ourselves with nat-ural materials encourages feelings of stability and security in a world that is often overwhelming, she adds.

Neutrals also help a space to feel clear and uncluttered, so for those desiring simplicity these colours can be the perfect setting.

qmi AgencyThe colour of any space can drastically define a space. From bright and vibrant to soft and neutral, colours play a important role in the overall experience in a home.

Every season means new colours

You’re not a trend follower - you’re a trend setter and you plan to brush boldly like no one else has before. Here’s what your chosen colour chip says about you:

Purple - Unconventional and creative spirit.

Orange - Adventurous, enthusi-astic, bright demeanour.

Yellow - Energetic and high spir-ited, you are an original thinker.

Red - You value power and pop-ularity.

Pink - Sweet as the colour itself, you exude warmth and charm.

Green - Very social and involved; you’re well-balanced, concerned and kind.

Blue - You are cool, confident and others trust you.

Beige - Warm and practical, yet you appreciate quality.

Brown - You are down-to-earth, stable and responsible.

Black - Clever and sophisticated, you’re on the mysterious side.

White - Self-suff icient and organized, you enjoy simplicity and cleanliness.

Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011 7

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Page 8: Home & Garden

8 Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune • Tuesday, May 17, 2011

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