Home and Garden 2013

It’s happy news for at least some ofus now that wallpaper is making acomeback. Paint is nice and an

affordable way to change the look of aroom, but arguably nothing can infuse aroom with warmth, excitement and char-acter the way a good wallpaper can. Andthink of the wall imperfections it canhide.

“Wallpaper really reflects the personali-ty of the home,” says Marcia Trodson, ofQuality Paint & Paper on Maple Avenuein Barrington. The shop which has beenaround since 1974, is seeing firsthand therising interest in home decorating withwallpapers.

In her second-floor perch, Trodson issurrounded by almost 1,000 books from

the top wallpaper manufacturers, makingit possible to decorate with sophistica-tion, charm and even playfulness.

“I spend hours with customers helpingthem select just the right paper for aroom in the house,” she says. “Often peo-ple will bring in a cushion or a curtain tofind a complementary paper for a room.”

Of note, that same customer-oriented

service is also evident on the first floor,where Marcia’s brothers, Stan and JeffSzczepanek, all children of the originalowners, manage the Benjamin Moorepaint department, a line they have car-ried since the store opened.

Looking to repaint an inside room orthe exterior of your home, then you’llenjoy this feature. A popular computerprogram on the Benjamin Moore websiteis the Personal ColorViewer, which enablesyou to see how a colorwill look on the interioror exterior of yourhome before you evenpick up a paint brush.You can use imagesfrom a pictorial library,or import pictures ofyour own home. Sorry,not doable with wallpa-per!

Trodson notes that the wallpapers oftoday are really well suited for any roomin the home, unlike the papers of yearsago. Most have a protective coating sothey are washable. One small caveat: youprobably wouldn’t want to put a grasscloth paper in a bathroom which experi-ences high humidity.

Wallpaper’s back. Let the fun begin.

Home & Garden April 24-25, 2013

Quality Paint & Wallpaper, Inc.119 Maple Avenue, Barrington, RI 02806

401-245-5574Monday thru Friday 8:00 - 5:30

Saturday 8:30 - 3:00 • Closed on Sunday

Homeowners say ‘welcome back, wallpaper!’

Quality Paint & Paper■ Maple Avenue, Barrington

■ 401-245-5574

■ www.qualitypaintri.com

Marcia Trodson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome back, wallpaper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Get instant shade from awnings that think . . . . . . . .3Remodeling? It helps to know what you want . . . . . .5Beautiful, healthy container gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6There’s a lot to love about propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Sustainable shrubs that are great for this region . . .6Electronics and cabinetry made for each other . . . . .7This is a great time to transplant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8What’s a yard without trees? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Before you paint, prepare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9All year long, riding mowers do the job . . . . . . . . . . .9Is your Realtor tech-savvy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Save this calendar for fresh, local produce . . . . . . .10

When ownership is not an option, rent . . . . . . . . . . .10Keep the tractor running right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11This carpet is green in every color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Imagine it, then build it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Choose the right window treatments . . . . . . . . . . . .12Let a professional install a generator . . . . . . . . . . . .12Add color without a huge commitment . . . . . . . . . .13Forget watering when you grow inside . . . . . . . . . . .14Explore nature with the Peckhams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14This roofing warranty lasts 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Innovations for today’s home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Hedge your bets for backyard privacy . . . . . . . . . . . .15Farmhouse-inspired accents for the garden . . . . . . .15Backyard kitchens can be a treat for all . . . . . . . . . .16Kitchen remodeling – page 5

A backyard oasis – page 16


Get instant shade from awnings that thinkFinding shade on a swelter-

ing summer day is gettingeasier. If your favorite

shade tree got taken out by arecent storm, take heart. A solu-tion is at hand. Look to aretractable awning that can bringreal comfort and convenience toa patio, terrace or deck when thesun is at its meanest.

There are many different types,including the lateral folding,retractable version that’s therewhen you want it, gone when youdon’t. Awnings can be motorizedto operate with the press of a but-ton, or manually opened orclosed with the easy use of acrank.

There are fabric options, aswell, with most purchasers optingfor the versatility and enduranceof Sunbrella canvas fabrics thatcome in a wide range of solid col-ors and stripes and have provento be resistant to fading from thesun.

According to Mike Ullucci,owner of A Shade Above, a win-dow treatment and awning retail-

er with locations in Middletown,Providence and Worcester, anawning that is becoming verypopular in the area is the Durasolretractable awning. “They aretremendously versatile when itcomes to size,” he says of thisawning manufacturer. “I haveseen awnings measuring up to 40or 50 feet long, and the abilityexists to go even longer.”

With an optional sun and windpackage, the Durasol retractableawning thinks for itself, accordingto Ullucci. It is especially func-tional along the coast, wherestrong winds can crop up at amoment’s notice. Fitted with acustom wind/sun meter, a fea-ture that is surprisingly moderatein cost, the awning will automati-cally retract when the windincreases, rescuing it from possi-ble damage.

The reverse happens when thesun hits the awning. It will auto-matically open, keeping houseinteriors cool and protecting fur-niture from fading. Awnings carrya five-year warranty on the fabricand a 10-year warranty onmotors.

The professionals at A ShadeAbove are happy to make housecalls to measure for awnings,both those that think for them-selves and those that don’t, aswell as provide free estimates onawnings and their many otherwindow treatment options.

A Shade Above■ 708 Aquidneck Ave.,Middletown

■ 401-849-5664

■ www.ashadeabove.net

You can get a small awning with asingle retractable arm that cre-ates an intimate shaded area, orlarger awnings up to 50 feet ormore.

Today’s awningscan automati-cally expand orretract based onmovements ofthe sun.


15 Dexter Road, East Providence, RI / 401-438-5105 / www.cypressdesignco.com

KITCHEN & BATH PROFESSIONALS


W hether your home needs aminor face lift or a complete ren-ovation, getting help from a

kitchen and bath designer is worth theinvestment and peace of mind, says Jen-nifer Voll, owner of Cypress Design Co., anestablished design firm in East Providence.The showroom features many attractivestate-of-the-art kitchen and bath displaysand offers a wide selection of cabinets,countertops, tile for both flooring and back-splashes, and plumbing fixtures.

Most designers have access to planningtools and technology that the averagehomeowner doesn’t, she says. They areexperts at helping homeowners establishrealistic budgets, and they also have aninsider’s knowledge of trends, new materi-als, building codes and technical quirks.

Designers, like those at Cypress DesignCo., can help you make better use of thespace you have, and they can preciselyquote the design and material costs thatcan keep budgets on track. This expertisecan save you time, money and frustration.

If you are considering a renovation, it’simportant you take the time to researchwhat you like. You’ll find plenty of designideas in home magazines and on decorat-ing websites, like Houzz.com, and similaronline resources that let you develop a port-folio of images you like and weed out thosethat are not your cup of tea. “A picture cancommunicate clearly what you may strug-gle to capture in words,” says Voll.

Voll is happy to share some rules ofthumb when redoing vital rooms likekitchens, especially smaller ones.

“Always choose the best cabinets you canafford,” she says. Both custom or top qualitymanufactured cabinets provide the func-tion and style you are seeking, are long-last-ing and come with warranties, all importantconsiderations. Cypress Design Co. offers 10different cabinet lines, ranging from fullcustom to contractor grade.

If you don’t have an industrial-size space,she advises clients to think carefully aboutcountertop space, making sure there isenough for food preparation, countertopappliances and other uses. Make use ofevery inch, but don’t clutter.

Use smaller fixtures in a smaller kitchen.Create the illusion of height. By drawing theeye upward and having cabinets reach theceiling, you will have the feeling of morespace. You should also consider open shelv-ing, which can make a room feel larger andenable you to display some of your favoritepieces as part of the décor.

Cypress Design Co.■ 15 Dexter Road, East Providence

■ 401/438-5105

■ www.cypressdesignco.com

Many homeowners often ask if there is abest way to work with kitchen designersso that both parties have the sameexpectations. Jenn Voll offers theCypress Design Co. process as a failsafeway to achieve the best outcome whenworking with a design company.

SStteepp oonnee:: Schedule a complimentaryin-home measure with a designer. Thedesigner will measure the space, get afeel for your taste and budget andreview your “must-haves” for thespace.SStteepp ttwwoo:: Make an appointment tovisit the showroom to review severaldesign ideas and narrow productselections, based on budget, needs andstyle. SStteepp tthhrreeee:: The designer will provide

preliminary pricing and images basedon selections made and schedule afinal showroom appointment to firmup choices.SStteepp ffoouurr:: At your final showroomappointment, you will review andapprove materials, sign the proposaland place a 50% deposit. A detailedset of plans is provided to your con-tractor for confirmation and a final in-home measure is taken if needed.SStteepp ffiivvee:: Cypress Design will order allmaterials and within a week provideboth the homeowner and contractorthe final plans, specifications, war-ranties and estimated delivery dates.SStteepp ssiixx:: When all materials arrive atCypress Design Co.’s climate-controlledwarehouse, the final balance is dueand a delivery schedule is arranged.

The perfect design process, step by step

Time to remodel? It helps to know what you want

Old, tired spaces likekitchens (above) orbathrooms (left) canbe transformed witha fresh redesign, andJennifer Voll hasadvice on how to dothat. First of all, shesays, buy the bestcabinets you canafford.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYPOINT


477 Crandall Road, TivertonFOR THE BEST IN EXPERIENCE & RELIABILITY CALL:

401-624-6395 • 1-800-647-4457

Celebrating over 60 years of setting the standards for safety and outstandingservice in Rhode Island & Southeastern Massachusetts

PHILIP VIVEIROS, President

PROPANE GAS

LICENSED IN RHODE ISLAND AND MASSACHUSETTSResidential • Commercial

For all your propane needs from grill tanks tolarge commercial and industrial applications.

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1959

95 Sowams Rd. Barrington, RI • 401-245-8969 HOURS: Monday - Saturday 8am - 4pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm

STILL IN BUSINESS AFTER 54 YEARS!Large Selection of:• Flowering Trees• Evergreens• Perennials• Shrubs• Herbs

• Vegetables• Flowers• Hanging Baskets• Mulch/Compost• Loam• Farfard Soil

Once upon a time, propane gaswas a stepchild in the residentialheating industry, consigned to

the countryside where other fuels wereharder to come by. Today this is not thecase.

According to Phil Viveiros, owner ofPhil’s Propane in Tiverton and the largestindependent propane supplier in thearea, propane is fast becoming “the fuel ofchoice.”

“Propane is being used with greater fre-quency in new residential constructionbecause it is an environmentally friendly,highly efficient and its cost is competitivewith oil,” he says.

Another area where he sees tremendousgrowth is in the installation of propane-

powered genera-tors. After the win-ter’s historicstorms, the call forgenerators wasunprecedented, hesays, especially forpropane genera-tors, which havebecome the handsdown favorites in ourarea.

Despite an overall cost of $4,000 to$8,000, standby propane generators willpay for themselves in convenience andcomfort over a few years’ time. They starteasily and can keep an entire householdrunning uninterrupted during those nastypower outages.

There’s a lot to love about propanePhil’s Propane ■ 477 CrandallRoad, Tiverton

■ 401-624-6395

Family-owned and operated by threegenerations of the Silveira family,Sowams Nursery has been around

for more than 55 years. It’s no wonder thatwhen this wholesaler and retailer of trees,shrubs, perennials and annuals speaks, gar-deners listen up.

Joanne Silveira, greenhouse manager anda URI master gardener, tells area gardenerswho are looking for easy to maintain plants

for their land-scaping projectsto look at thesustainable treesand shrubs.They grow welland thrive in the

right location, are pest and disease resistantand use less water andfertilizer once estab-lished, she says. Her listincludes River birch,Kousa dogwood, Rhodo-dendrons, Arborvitaeand Yews.

“We know they aregoing to do well withproper placement, soilconditions and mois-ture,” she says. Work-horses that give a gardenwinter structure include the evergreen box-woods and llexes. Her personal favorites arethe tried and true Hydrangea, Weigelia, Lilacand Viburnum, a glorious bunch.

Sustainable shrubs are great foryards, and great for this region

Joanne Silveira

Follow these tips to beautiful,healthy container gardens

It’s hard at this time of year to holdback on placing containers filled withcolorful annuals outside. But accord-

ing to the pros at Frerichs Farm in Warren,don’t give in to this temptation until later inMay, when our New England weather ismore hospitable to tender annuals.

Frerichs Farm, celebrating its 25th year ofoperation, is home to annuals, perennialsand vegetables, lovingly grown in 11 green-houses, as well as a fabulous gift shop. Forthose who have gardens to plant, it is theplace to go.

Their pointers for a successful containergarden include the following.

They said the most important ingredientis a good potting soil. They use Fafard, alight soil with a mix of peat, vermiculite andcomposted bark, that is not too heavy, anddrains very well.

They also recommend selecting plantsthat are compatible in terms of light, water,growth and the conditions of the location.Don’t mix shade lovers with sunny plants,and keep aggressive growers like mint ontheir own. They also suggest you get a goodmix of texture, shape and color and use thecolors you love.

A rule of thumb for containers seen fromall sides, is to place a large plant, like a can-na or ornamental grass, in the center, cov-ering its base with medium size plants likecoleus or lantana, and then planting thetrailers at the container’s edge, perhapspotato vine, million bells or verbena. Win-dow boxes and one-sided containers callfor larger plants in the back.

“We like to see a kitchen door containerwith a mix of herbs and flowers, so it’s easyto get a snip of something while you’re

cooking,” the planting crew says. Be sure towater at least once daily, and on hot, windydays twice, and fertilize every few weeks.

If time and energy get away from you,take advantage of Frerichs Farm’s excellentservice. Bring in your containers and theaccommodating crew at the farm will plantyour purchased annuals free and keepthem in greenhouses until they’re ready forthe great outdoors. Then enjoy!

Frerichs Farm■ 43 Kinnicutt Ave., Warren

■ 401-245-8245

■ www.frerichsfarm.com

Virginia Waring and Barbara Frerichs ofFrerichs Farm say a good container gardenstarts with good potting soil.

Sowams Nursery■ Sowams Road,Barrington

■ 401-245-8969


For 65 years, Horner Millwork hasbeen in the business of providingcustom millwork for residential and

commercial applications, everything fromdoors and windows to stairs and cabinets.They sell to contractors, architects andhomeowners and are also distributors ofmany fine product lines to the same mar-kets.

It’s really no surprise that these cleverand successful people would hit on a greatidea. They have combined two areas ofexpertise into one and captured a lot ofhomeowners’ attention in doing it.

Home Genius, in business since 1998,partnered with Horner Millwork earlierthis year, to respond to the growing inter-est in combining handcrafted custom cab-inetry and state-of-the-art electronics. It’sour brave new world, and no wonder weare all intrigued with the many possibilitiesinside our homes.

“Whole house audio, home theatre andcustom cabinetry, all combined together,are really growing in popularity,” says NickSollecito, designer and operations manag-er for Home Genius, Division of HornerMillwork. “Our customer wants to be in theforefront of technology, but may not wantthe electronics to visually take over thehouse,” he says of the Home Geniusapproach. “You can decide to completelyhide your entertainment system with cus-tom cabinetry and built-ins that aredesigned for your space and decor of yourhome, or you can show it off,” he says.

And there are certainly options in thishigh tech world of electronics and customcreated cabinetry. Consider a whole houseaudio system, designed by the HomeGenius technicians, that lets you streammusic in every room of your home andoutdoors, all controlled from your smartphone, tablet or computer.

You can go Hollywood, if you choose.Suppose you love the big-screen moviesand want to replicate the same audio andvisual magic just as the studio intended.Home Genius can give you a completesystem, with every exciting visual andsound effect, plus the functional cabi-

netry to contain it all. If you want to gothe whole nine yards and control yourhome’s lighting, HVAC, security and audiowith touch pad convenience, or from yourtablet or smart phone away from home,the Home Genius folks can create a sys-tem for that too.

Electronics and cabinetry can be made for each other

From a basic home theater system, to a whole-house audio system, technology and interior design can integrate seamlessly.

Horner Millwork■ 1255 Grand Army Highway,Somerset

■ 800-543-5403

■ www.hornermillwork.com

It’s very fitting that words of adviceon transplanting shrubs shouldcome from the folks at Redwood

Nursery and Landscape Services inSwansea. Founder Manuel Vales has along history of gardening since the early’60s, when he was groundskeeper forBlithewold.

The late Blithewold owner MarjorieLyon made Manuel a bequest so he couldstart his own business, and he did. Today,a dedicated, knowledgeable team of John,Tom, Penny, Moses and Manuel’s wife,Jackie Vales, and their son and daughter,are kept very busy with the full-servicegarden center and landscape operation.They are always happy to offer gardenersguidance.

Right now, before the plant leafs out, isthe ideal time for most shrubs to bemoved, says Redwood Assistant ManagerJohn Whitney, a Maine native and a for-mer nursery owner in Idaho, who shareshis expertise on transplanting.

The first step is to cut around the baseof the plant, straight through soil androots with a sharp spade. Larger plantsneed bigger circles. Then you dig out thesoil from under the circle, leaving theplant in a crater. You have created a rootball which now should be undercut withthe spade and wrapped in burlap or ablanket to take to its new spot. If heavy,transport the shrub in a wheel barrow.“Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance,”says John.

At the new location, dig a hole twicethe width of the root ball and the samedepth, reserving the soil on a tarp.Loosen the sides of the hole so roots caneasily penetrate the surrounding walls.

Place the shrub in the hole and checkthat the top of the root ball is at groundlevel.

If you are using a natural-fiber burlap,you can simply roll it down the sideswithout removing it. If it is synthetic, takeit off entirely. Now you will backfill par-tially around the root ball with thereserved soil and lightly tamp it down.

Water the shrub and let it drain to fur-ther settle the soil. Add more soil, contin-uing to water and drain until it is levelwith the surrounding ground. Tamp light-ly again to get rid of any lingering airpockets, and finally apply a 2-3” layer ofmulch, to shrub’s drip line. Water regular-ly.

It’s a great time to transplant — if you know what you’re doing

Redwood AssistantManager John Whitney,a Maine native and aformer nursery ownerin Idaho, is happy toshare planting, land-scaping or transplanti-ng advice with anyone.He says this is a greattime to transplantshrubs or trees, but besure to dig a good holeto start, and a goodhole to finish.


Proudly Serving East Bay, Southeastern MA, East Side of Providence

MAIN OFFICE AND GARDEN CENTER2664 Grand Army Hwy (Rte. 6), Swansea, MA (Exit 2 off Route 195 East)

1-800-585-3790 • 508-379-0081 • www.redwoodnursery.com. OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM-6PM

$10.00 OFFAny PurchaseOver $75.00

at the Garden Center

With this coupon. Excludes bulk mulchand loom. Cannot be combined

with any other offers. Expires 6/3/13.

Buy 5 Shrubs and

Get the 6th

at Half Priceof equal or lesser value

at the Garden CenterWith this coupon. Cannot be combinedwith any other offers. Expires 6/3/13.

Beautiful Gardens begin with Quality PlantsThe Art of Fine Gardening Since 1968

Landscape and Property MaintenanceProfessional Full Service Maintenance Services Offered

Perennials • Shade TreesEvergreens • Shrubs • Roses

Fruit Trees • HerbsPeat Moss • Bag Mulch/Bulk

Screened Loam & MulchOrganic FertilizerGarden Supplies

and more!

Local Dealer for Swansea Playsystem SwingSets & Nantucket Sheds

Delivered & Installed

• Spring Clean-ups• Weekly Property Maintenance and Mowing

• Garden Bed Maintenance and Mulching• Shrub, Tree and Hedge Trimming

• Residential Turf, Tree and Shrub Fertilization• Organic Turf, Tree and Shrub Fertilization

• Fall Clean-ups• Lawn Aeration, Renovation and Over-seeding (fall)

Fully InsuredMember RI Nursery & Landscape Association

Professional Landscape Construction Services• Landscape Design and

Installation• Masonry Walks and Patios• New Lawn Grading &

Installation: Seed or Sod• Grading and Drainage

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Buy 6 Perennials and

Get the 7th

FREEof equal or lesser value

at the Garden CenterWith this coupon. Cannot be combinedwith any other offers. Expires 6/3/13.

Coast of Maineproducts &

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Redwood Nursery & Garden Center

Redwood Landscaping& Property Maintenance2664 Grand Army Highway, Swansea

508-379-0081; www.redwoodnursery.com


Garden Shop, Inc.

May 4 & 5, 2013

54 Bristol Ferry Road Portsmouth, RI

Everything to do with plants

683-2231 • 1-800-251-2231 www.igsinc.com

10 am: Lecture by Martin Van Hof on Gardening Basics(No charge, just call and register.)

11 am: Dads, Bring your kids and help them plant something beautiful for Mom on Mother’s day! Take it home or

leave it with us until Mother’s Day Weekend.(Material Fee for Kids Workshop)

Preregistration suggested. Call 683-2231

Refreshments for all!

Grand Re-OpeningOpen House at

What’s a yard without trees?Wondering what to plant to

replace what you lost this win-ter? Some suggestions from

Martin VanHof, the Island Garden Shopsage:

Go with the tried and true woodlandnatives where shade is needed. Be warythat native oaks and maples can grow tobe very large and take over a half-acre lotquite easily. Check out the tulip and Lon-

don plane trees as well, also large speci-mens.

Vanhof’s favorite ornamental trees canbring you blooms from April to July. Trydogwoods, crab apples, magnolias (eventhe Southern ones can do well in shelteredlocations and are summer bloomers.)These are smaller size trees, ranging from20’ high to 30’ wide and can fit in tighterspaces.

For those rare summer bloomers,explore Golden Rain, a Chinese tree withsmall yellow flowers, and Soulwood, anative of the Carolinas, with white flowersand good fall color. Both bloom in August.

You’ll also find diversity in the pricierJapanese maple family, but some can besneaky spreaders, so beware.

Island Garden Shop■ 54 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth

■ 401 683-2231

■ www.igsinc.com

Martin VanHof suggests oaks and maples for shade; dogwoods, crab apples and magnoliasfor color; and Golden Rain or Soulwood for late-summer blooms.

For the past 14 years, Bill Souza’scompany, BadDog Painting, hasbeen providing

affordable and reliablepainting for homesand businessesthroughout the South-eastern New Englandarea, with a licensedand insured team ofqualified painters. Hisservices include interi-or and exterior paint-ing, power washingand wood restoration, brush and sprayapplications and epoxy repairs. BadDogguarantees its work for a year.

And on that subject, BadDog has somewords of good advice to those looking forpainting contractors this spring. Make sure

your painters are licensed and insured, Billemphasizes. “Workers comp is importantto employees and homeowners,” he says.

He urges homeowners to make sure theprep work foreach paintingproject is proper-ly done, as this isthe most impor-tant step. Theprepping phasemay includepressure wash-ing, sanding, scraping, priming, caulking,glazing, plaster repairs, wood repairs, wall-paper removal and drywall patching, asneeded.

“You’ll want to know the surface is prop-erly prepared before the paint is applied,”he says. “Check our work on Facebook.”

Before you paint, prepare BADDOG PAINTING, LLC"Pick of the Litter"

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BadDog Painting■ Portsmouth;401-623-9045

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Dave Brown, manager of Goldstein’s Lawnand Farm Equipment, a landmark in the

Westport area, has somesuggestions for the aver-age homeowner who islooking for versatility ina riding mower, beyondmaking the job of mow-ing the lawn or field eas-ier. With the right attach-ments, he says, thesemachines can do justabout everything. TheCub Cadets andHusqavarna models that

Goldstein’s carry are able to mulch, bagleaves or grass, haul materials and evenplow or blow snow in the winter. And noone has to make them lunch.

Properly serviced and maintained, theseriding mowers can last more than 15 years.Their base price starts at $1,500.

Contractors, landscapers and farmerstravel some distance to purchase equipmentfrom Kubota, Troy-Built, York Rakes, Dol-man, Land Pride and Poulan, because ofGoldstein’s good selection and reputationfor service and repairs. The occasional usedequipment is always a lucky find.

All year long, riding mowers do the jobExplore a New Dimension in Outdoor Power Equipment

Goldstein's Lawn & Farm Equipment287 Gifford Road Westport, MA • (508) 678-0381

www.husqvarna.com©2012 Husqvarna

Zero-turn mowers • Garden tractorsLawnmowers • Trimmers

Blowers • ChainsawsMore power and better

performance year after year

Goldstein’s Lawnand Farm Equipment ■ 287 Gifford Rd., Westport

■ 508-678-0381

■ www.goldsteinswestport.com

Dave Brown


Is your Realtor tech-savvy?Realtors in the area are all breathing

a big sigh of relief now that themarket is showing strong signs of

recovery. “This spring is so much busier than

those in recent years,” says Ian Barnacle,manager of the Residential Propertiesoffice in Barrington. “The feeling is one ofoptimism that we have truly hit bottom,and prices are stable,” he says.

Ian, with a family background in thebusiness, says realtors are now seeingmore multiple offers. “With prices stillaffordable and mortgage rates at theirlowest, it is an excellent time to buy,” headds. If there are celestial signs for realestate, they seem to be in the right align-ment.

According to Ian, this spring is a reallygood time to sell, too. With multiple offerscoming in, it is a sellers’ market. But sell-ers today are entering a real estate envi-ronment that has changed dramaticallyand calls for a different agent expertise.Certainly good, old fashioned experience,market knowledge and a sense of commu-nity are important factors in a potentialagent, but technology know-how is reallyat the forefront. “Savvy agents today needto have essential technology tools as partof their skill set,” he says.

Gone are property-listing sheets,replaced by an online presence thatexpands the marketing power of today’ssmart real estate agents. More high-tech

realtors are giving properties dedicatedwebsites, including videos, photos andfloor plans, plus a link to the statewideMLS listings. Today, nine out of tenprospective homebuyers view housesonline and physically see only those ofinterest.

Agents today are also armed with allthey need on their tablets and can provideinstant property information for both sell-ers and buyers. It is a different world.

Before sellers entrust the sale of theirproperty to an agent, they must know theextent of an agent’s technology expertise.Placing a property before a much wideraudience on sites like Zillow and Trulia,and making vital information readilyavailable to everyone, is not only smart, itis the new norm.

Residential Properties■ 295 County Road, Barrington

■ 401-245-9600

■ www.residentialproperties.com

Ian Barnacle says technology is nothing newfor real estate sales — it’s the new norm.

Aerators. Leaf blowers. Dethatchers. Breeze through lawncare and gardening projects with professional-qualitytools and expert advice.

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taylorrentalmiddletown.comSee site for discount coupons. We fill propane. We repair equipment large and small.

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for planting.

YOUNGFAMILY FARM

Chances are good you do not owneverything you’ll need this springto get your outside space up and

running. And since not everyone has thelawn and yard service on speed dial,you’ll no doubt be doing those springchores yourself. Isn’t it nice to know youcan find what you need to do the job easi-er and faster?

Tom Gamache, owner and manager ofTaylor Rental of Middletown on Aquid-neck Avenue, says when area residentsbegin their early spring yardwork, hisbusiness heats up. For thick and healthylawns, he stocks thatchers, aerators andoverseeders. For fertile and weed freegardens, he has just the right sizerototillers.

That equipment, used annually, is avail-

able for rent at a nominal rate. So are thelawnmowers, weed trimmers and leafblowers that come in handy later in theseason.

And for the hardcore DIYers, a Bobcaton a trailer is also yours for the asking.For those with too many thumbs,Gamache says complete instructions aregiven for the use of each piece of equip-ment.

When ownership is not an option, rent

Taylor Rental■ 1139 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown

■ 401/846-6100

■ www.taylorrentalmiddletown.com

“It all depends on Mother Nature,” saysKarla Young, about when we will see local

produce. “It’s been a coolspring, so growing maytake a little longer.”Young and husbandTyler run Young FamilyFarm, a 200-plus-acreLittle Compton familyenterprise that growseverything from spinachand corn to potatoesand peppers, available

through stores and at itspopular Main Road retail farm stand.

Looking for the freshest veggies and fruits?Here’s Karla’s timetable. Clip and put it in ahandy spot.

May: herbs and possibly some lettuces.June: strawberries, spinach, onions, field

greens and micro lettuces.July: peaches, blueberries, green peppers

and some of the earlier varieties of sweetcorn. They try each year for a July 4 avail-ability of sweet corn, but sometimes weath-er doesn’t cooperate.

August: more blueberries, early applevarieties, sweet corn, hot peppers, babypotatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, summersquash and most other vegetables.

September, October: more apples (pickyour own at Young Family Farm), potatoesand butternut squash.

Save this calendar for fresh local produceYoung Family Farm■ 260 West Main Road, Little Compton

■ 401/635-0110

■ www.youngfamilyfarm.com

Karla Young


TOM'S LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT, INC.

1055 EAST MAIN ROAD PORTSMOUTH, RI(401) 683-0002Take the right steps to keep

the tractor running rightSome simple steps can help you keep

your lawn tractor up and running, accord-ing to the experts at Tom’s Lawn & Gardenshop in Portsmouth, the area’s leading sup-plier and service provider for yard equip-ment from manufacturers like John Deere,Honda, Echo, Kawasaki and Ariens. Somejobs are better handled by Tom’s certifiedmechanics, but when it comes to at-homeupkeep, you can prevent a lot of downtimeby performing these tasks yourself.

Before use:■ Check the battery’s electrolyte level,unless it is maintenance-free. Fill each cellwith distilled water. Tighten the twocables. Recharge it if needed.■ Check connections to lights, gauges andignition, tightening as required.■ Clean grass clippings from under mow-ing deck so airflow isn’t impeded. Somedecks will have hose attachments to easethe process.■ Have blades sharpened, a task thatshould be done annually.■ Check that tires are properly inflated.

Most require 10 to 14 psi. ■ Fill fuel tank.

During the mowing season:■ Periodically check the oil dipstick level,adding oil as needed. Do not overfill.■ Before each use, check tires visually.■ Clean clippings from beneath mowingdeck.■ Regularly hand check belts and chaindrives for wear and tightness.

At season’s end:■ Sharpen blades.■ Replace spark plugs.■ Replace (paper) or clean (foam) carbu-retor air filters.■ Replace fuel filter.■ Replace engine oil and dispose of prop-erly.■ Add stabilizer to the fuel tank and runengine until fuel runs out.■ Remove and keep battery charged dur-ing storage.

As always, the Tom’s fully trained and cer-tified service department stands ready toassist you with all your equipment needs,from simple tune-up to major overhaul.And if you’re in the market for a new model,no one beats the inventory of leading brandnames at Tom’s.

Tom’s Lawn & Garden■ 1055 East Main Road, Portsmouth

■ 401-683-0002

■ www.tomslawnandgarden.com

Before firing up the tractor this spring, give it a good tuning and cleannig.

Graphic Design

Direct Mail

Social Media

www.OneBradford.com


ARMAND’S CARPET& LINOLEUM, INC.

1535 So. Main St., Fall River • 508-679-2745 • www.ArmandsCarpets.comHours: Mon,Tues,Wed & Fri 9-5 • Thurs 9-8 • Sat 9-3 • Major Credit Cards Accepted

NO INTEREST UNTIL 2016*

*See retailer for details.

$289S.F.

SmartStrandInstalled

$399S.F.

Hardwood

STEVE PRIMIANO’SCUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

(401) 245-7956 • www.primianos.com

For Steve Primiano, custom window treat-ments are part of his DNA. For more than 35years, he has been helping people decidewhat to put on their windows, first from hisshop on Waseca Avenue, and now byappointment at your home. He carries awide range of window treatments and is aHunter Douglas Showcase dealer.

“I ask my customers about their needsbecause there are products for every pur-pose,” he says, helping them narrow thefield. “Do you want privacy, light control,

energy efficiency or aesthetics?” You can have blinds up during the day

and down at night forprivacy, or you can havea soft fabric product likea Silhouette that lets youadmire the view but con-trol the light. For energyefficiency, Hunter Dou-glas, Duette, Architellashades are ideal, he says.

It’s also important toknow how much visualimpact you want in aroom. Do you prefer fab-ric for drapes and valances that soften aroom or the simplicity of wood blinds. “Nowyou can even control your shades from youriPad,” adds Steve.

Choose the right window treatments

Steve Primiano’sCustom Window Treatments■ Barrington; 401-245-7956

■ www.primianos.com

Steve Primiano

What a relief that there are solutions tothe problem of plastic bottles. One of themcomes from the Mohawk Carpet peoplewho have been taking three billion plasticbottles out of circulation each year, com-bining them with a corn polymer, and recy-cling them into a revolutionary fiber that isthen made into their new SmartStrand car-pet line.

Kristine Burke, manager of the 37-yearold family-owned Armand’s Carpet in Fall

River, takes great pride in being at the fore-front of exciting eco-friendly products, likeMohawk’s SmartStrand.“It is really soft, durableand extremely easy toclean,” she says. “It’sbeen very well receivedby customers,” she adds.

Armand’s is the oldestMohawk Color CenterDealer in New England,and carries carpeting,hardwood, laminates,ceramic tile, window fashions as well asCongoleum linoleum products. They alsocarry an extensive line of bamboo flooring,another eco-friendly product that is arenewable, sustainable resource.

This carpet is green in every color

Armand’s Carpeting■ 1535B South Main St., Fall River

■ 508-679-2745

■ www.armandscarpets.com

Kristine Burke

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LLC

Accepting Neww Clients!

401-230-3569John A. Holmes III

Design • Construction • MaintenanceSpringg Cleann Ups

Some folks find it hard to visualizehow a landscape designer/contrac-tor could transform their backyard.

They can’t see beyond the little patch ofgrass and bald spots to what couldbecome a functional, fabulous outdoorliving spot.

That is the magic of a landscaper/con-tractor like John Holmes Landscape Con-struction. His fleet of trucks is legendaryin the area, and his expertise extendsbeyond yard maintenance and groundwork. His handiwork is evident at manyresidential and commercial projectsthroughout the state.

“If people can imagine it, they canhave,” says John of the new trend towardoutdoor living spaces. He suggests peopleconsider how they might like to use their

yard space, and then contact a profession-al landscape construction company likehis to have a plan created and a budgetdeveloped.

“A combination of stone masonry andshrubs can totally transform a site in a fewdays,” he says. He advises homeowners toensure plants have room to grow in theirnew space. “You don’t want to tear themout in a few years,” he adds.

Imagine it, then build itJohn HolmesLandscape Construction■ 21 Hospital Road, Riverside

■ 401-230-3569

■ www.holmeslandscapeconstruction.com

401-253-0296 Phone

401-640-6948 Cell

401-396-9986 [email protected] Email

Automatic & ManualStandby Generator Systems

Call for a Quote Today!RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL | ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Specializing in Multi-Family // Fire Alarms System Replacing // Electrical Services

Wayne Gablinske, owner ofWayne Electric, an electricalcontracting firm in Bristol that

handles installations, repairs and firealarm systems for residences and com-mercial, has a few choice words for areado-it-yourselfers.

“When it comes to electrical work inyour home, hire a pro,” he says. “Electricalwork can be very dangerous for thosewho are not qualified and don’t know

what’s required by the electrical codes.”As a master electrician, he is held to anational code that is higher even thanRhode Island’s standards and wantshomeowners to understand the value oflicensed contractors. “Don’t do it your-self,” he urges.

“It’s never too late to think of installinga full-house generator,” he advises of theimpact of a season of storms on our localpower company, and the many homesthat lost power for days.

It’s fair to assume that these weathersystems will increase in the coming years,he adds, and with an aging electricaltransmission system, we can anticipatemore blackouts as a result. “Alternatepower sources will be more common-place in the future,” he says.

Let a professional install a generator

Wayne Electric■ 116 Tupelo St., Bristol

■ 401-253-0296


If you love color, you will be drawn toMt. Hope Paint and Decorating onMetacom Avenue, where paint guru

Travis Fauvelle holds court. He has beenthe manager of this Benjamin Moore Sig-nature Store since it opened in 2011 by itsBristolian owner A.J. Santoro.

Travis, who came to Mt. Hope Paintand Decorating after a number of years atSherwin Williams, knows his stuff and hasgood advice about color selection foryour home decorating projects.

Popular colors used in our area,

according to Travis, include those in theearth tone family – drab olive greens, cof-fee browns and other neutral shades.

“It’s a color choice without a huge com-mitment,” he sagely says. “You can addflashes of color around the room withcushions or throws and you’ve done thejob.”

He is also seeing steely gray blues andother muted blue shades being used fre-quently. “And with beach season justaround the corner and our location alongthe coast, you can bet the teals andturquoises will be in high demand short-ly,” he predicts.

Turquoise was just named one ofHouse Beautiful Magazine’s top five col-ors of 2013, confirming Travis’ know-how.The Benjamin Moore company named itsLemon Sorbet as its color of the year,agreeing with another of the magazine’stop five, a glossy yellow.

Available at Mt. Hope Paint is BenjaminMoore’s Chalkboard paint, now in anycolor. Some ideas for its use: Paint theinside of a cabinet with the Chalkboardpaint and your to-do list will be visible toyou but not to visitors. Paint an accent

wall a bold color and you will create astriking design feature. Painting pieces ofyour furniture a complementary color isthe easiest way to freshen up a room.

Mt. Hope carries the full line of Ben-jamin Moore paints, painting accessoriesand wallpaper sample books.

585 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI401-253-9777

Mt. Hope Paint and Decorating■ 585 Metacom Ave., Bristol

■ 401-253-9777

■ www.mthopepaint.com

Add color withouta huge commitment

Travis Fauvelle, manager of Mt. Hope Painting and Decorating, says popular colors used inour area these days include those in the earth tone family – drab olive greens, coffeebrowns and other neutral shades.

To make your decorating choices easier,Mt. Hope Paint features those clever 18” x18” Benjamin Moore color samples.


BRISTOL COUNTYPRECAST, INC.Concrete Products | Est. 2002

ATTENTION: Homeowners/Contractors

23 Alberto Drive • Westport, MA508-678-4666

BristolCountyPrecast.webs.com

• Reinforced concrete septic tanks (1,000-10,000 gallon capacity)

• Leaching chambers

• Landscaping wall blocks & manholes

• Manufactured & delivered stone face & plain concrete pre-cast steps (1-8 steps) (different styles available 4' to 8' wide)

• Risers/covers to build-up your septic covers• Pre-cast sonatubes

Growing products& expert friendly advice

Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm • Sunday 11am-3pm

655 State Road • Westport, MA • 508-674-4769SweetLeafHydroponicShop.com

FREE GERMINATION KITwith a $20 purchase

(includes dome, tray, insert and germination cubes)

$30 VALUE Expires May 15, 2013

Forget weeds and wateringwhen you grow inside

Hydroponic gardening is nothingnew. It’s been around since thedays of the Hanging Gardens of

Babylon. But there’s new interest in thisform of growing vegetables, herbs andplants using water or other soil less media.

True believers say hydroponically grownvegetables use less water, taste better, aremore nutritious, and have a higher yield.Growing can also take place indoors so abig yard is not necessary, which is happynews for urban dwellers.

According to Brian Jagielski, owner ofSweet Leaf Hydroponic Garden Center anda licensed construction supervisor who hasbeen involved with specialized growingoperations since the early ’90s, beginnerscan start small with an inside enclosure,lighting and growing trays, holding water ora fast draining growing medium that is fedby nutrients that go directly to the roots. Ifthere’s a closet handy, it’s the ideal locationto set up the system.

Plants can be grown in a deep water sys-tem with roots immersed in a nutrientsolution; in an aeroponic system wherenutrients are misted over roots; in an ebband flow system where nutrients are fed toplants on a timed schedule; or through adrip system, where nutrients drip into agrowing medium, similar to an irrigation

system in an outdoor garden.Many kinds of flowering plants, vegeta-

bles, herbs and fruits thrive growing thisway, growing up to 50 percent faster than asoil plant, according to Jagielski. Nutrientsolutions contain the elements a plantwould get from soil and are mixed in thewater.

Gardening this way is a lot easier and lesstime consuming. Oh, and say goodbye toweeds!

Sweet Leaf carries all the supplies andcomponents needed to set up hydroponicgardening system in a residence or com-mercial facility, as well as completed sys-tems and a range of products to provide thenutrients and other products useful inorganic gardening.

A knowledgeable staff has more than 20years of experience with hydroponic sys-tems and organic growing needs. Jagielski ishappy to advise those who want to learnmore about alternative forms of gardening.

Sweet Leaf HydroponicGarden Center■ 635 State Road, Westport

■ 508-674-4769

■ www.sweetleafhydroponicshop.com

Brian Jagielski says many kinds of flowers,vegetables, herbs and fruits can grow 50percent faster with hydroponic gardening.

Helping you build a better GardenPECKHAM’S PROVIDES:

Seeds • Veggies • Herbs • Annuals • Perennials • ShrubsFertilizers • Tools • Decorative Containers

inspiration...Corner of Peckham Road & Rt. 77 • Little Compton, RI 401-635-4775

Open Tuesday-Sunday 9-5

www.peckhamsgreenhouse.com

BY L AU R A P EC K H A M

At Peckham’s Greenhouse, our great-est strength is our sincere desire tohelp you achieve your gardening

and decorating goals. Rick and Laura arethe fifth generation of Peckhams to guidethis family business, a dedicated group ofeducated and artistic folks who are the Peck-ham “family.” Each member of our green-house family brings his or her own expertiseto the mix, helping you explore and learndepending on your interests.

Andrew, our head grower, will help youunderstand how to maintain plant health.One of his many passions is water gardens.Peter’s main focus is trees and shrubs. Acertified horticulturalist, he is also in chargeof our gardening services.

Abbe, well-versed in houseplant and gar-

den care, is also responsible for some of themore unique living creations found at noother garden center. While managing front-of-store operations, Lori’s knack for flowerarranging and gift presentation wraps Peck-ham’s Greenhouse up in a beautiful bow.

Miles, Ashley and Kat carry out some ofthe most important chores that make it pos-sible for Peckham’s to provide the best expe-rience possible for each and every one ofour customers. Explore nature with thePeckham family!

Explore nature with the PeckhamsPeckham’s Greenhouse ■ 200 W. Main Road, Little Compton

■ 401-635-4775

■ www.peckhamsgreenhouse.com


Chuck DiTucci Middletown, RI 2840

401-846-6576

WWW.GARDENANDLANDSCAPESRI.COM

GARDEN & LANDSCAPES IS A PROFESSIONAL FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPING CO.FOCUSED ON HEALTHY & SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES,

DESIGN, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & BEYOND

Always free estimates & we are available 7 days a weekWE’RE DIFFERENT, WE DO THINGS RIGHT!

We cover all of Newport County & surrounding areasincluding Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Bristol, Warren

[email protected]

• Native plants, trees, shrubs • Creative privacy screens, walkways, paths• Raised / tiered garden beds & theme gardens• Rain water utilization & rain gardens

• Flower, vegetable, rock, hillside & coastal gardens

• Expert pruning & plant rejuvenation• Clean ups, mulch, edging & so much more...

Tired of looking at a neighbor’s yard? Withthe help of landscaping pro Chuck DiTucci

of Garden and Land-scapes, you can have afast growing privacyhedge that will cut downon noise and view blightand be part of an overalllandscaping plan.A believer in healthy andsustainable landscapes,he uses no chemicalsand plants the rightplant in the right place.This lifetime gardener

recommends evergreens for year-round pri-vacy and guarantees his plantings. He alsosuggests adding some flowering shrubs infront of the hedges for color. Maybe rhodo-dendron or hydrangea? Here are his hedge

recommendations:• Arborvitae, a New England favorite, will

screen tightly, is readily available, hardy andprovides immediate satisfaction as a shieldat an affordable price.

• Leyland Cypress is another hardy areacharmer. Buy the 4’-6’, size as it needs todevelop a root system to protect againsthigh winds. Fast growing, it makes quickwork of creating a screen.

• Green Giant Arborvitae, not as colum-nar or conical as other Arborvitae, grows upto 3’ a year and can reach 35’ tall.

Hedge your bets for yard privacyGarden and Landscapes■ Middletown; 401-846-6576

■ www.gardenandlandscapesri.com

Chuck DiTucci

PROUDLY SERVING RI & MA SINCE 1990

Barrington • 401-246-0711 • www.roofingdoctor.net

Do It Right the First Time!The Roofing Doctor is a well established, privately ownedRhode Island roofing company with extensive experience ininstallation, remodeling, improvement and repair of:

• Commercial and Residential Roofs(asphalt, flat, slate, sheet metal and ceramic roof)

• Gutters • Skylights • Roof Ventilation Systems

• Home Siding • Chimneys(flashings, re-pointing, chimney caps)

CertainTeed Select Shingle Master Credentials • RI Comm. Roofers Lic#150R • RI Contractors Lic#11580R

$200 off

Roofing Contractif signed beforeMay 31, 2013.

Complete roof only. Expires 5/31/13.

Spring is the busiest season forinstalling a new roof, and there aremany things to consider before you

sign on the dotted line. According to theroofing experts at The Roofing Doctor, afamily owned and run company that hasbeen installing roofs in the area for morethan 20 years, a very important considera-tion is the warranty provided with the instal-lation.

The largest roofing product manufacturer,CertainTeed, is able to offer Roofing Doctor

customers a unique SURE START warrantythat comes directly fromthe manufacturer. Indus-try-wide, most war-ranties are through theinstaller and for a morelimited time.

“Because they recog-nize our standards ofexcellence, CertainTeedhas confidence in ourworkmanship, as well astheir product, and theyguarantee both for up to50 years,” says SergeiMiroshnichenko, The Roofing Doctor owner.This warranty is also transferrable to newowners for up to 12 years. Get the most foryour money, expert service, quality and thebest warranty on the market, he says.

This roofing warranty lasts 50 years

The Roofing Doctor■ 2683 GAR Highway, Swansea

■ 401-246-0711

■ www.roofingdoctor.net

SergeiMiroshnichenko

CARPETINGBROADLOOM & AREA RUGS

HARDWOODPREFINISHED - UNFINISHED

LAMINATE

VINYL FLOORSSHEET VINYL - SOLID VINYL TILE

CERAMIC & STONE TILEDESIGNER - HAND PAINTED - MARBLE

GRANITE - LIMESTONE - SLATE -TUMBLED MARBLE - TUMBLED SLATE

MARBLE & GRANITE COUNTERTOPSKITCHENS - BATHROOMS - FIREPLACES

CUSTOM RUG FABRICATIONSERGING - FRINGING - BINDING

TAPESTRY BORDERS

DESIGN CONSULTATION & INSTALLATION

Some of us like to know what’s new beforewe make any major decisions about

changes in our homes.We certainly don’t wantto be thinking, “oh, Icould have had …” aftera project is compete.Thank heavens there isRay Caron and his crewat Allied Floor Coveringin Tiverton. Since 1952,they have been keepingarea residents up tospeed on the most inno-vative top quality prod-

ucts and updates for flooring, countertopsand walls.

Here’s the latest scoop from Ray:• Dupont’s Sorona Smart Strand Silk is

the only carpet with built-in stain and soilresistance that will never wear or wash off.

• Large format porcelain tiles are new thisyear, from a number of manufacturers.These 18” x 36” tiles are available in uniquedesigns and styles for use on walls andfloors.

• Porcelain slabs by Neolith are availablefor countertops or one-piece shower walls.From quartz stone manufacturer Caesar-Stone, comes a marble countertop forkitchen or bath that is kinder to budgets, butis a deadringer for the real thing.

Innovations for today’s homeAllied Floor Covering■ 325 Main Road, Tiverton

■ 401-624-4477

Ray Caron

Farmstead Mercantile is a “county storewith a twist,” featuring gifts, antiques, vin-tage and art as well as the handiwork of fur-niture makers and other artisans on twofloors in a restored barn, once part of awaterfront dairy farm on Market Street.

Farmstead is owned by mother and sonteam, Terry and Jonathan Stone. Togetherthey have drummed up a most attractivecollection of Americana, much of it ready tobe repurposed for charming use.

For yards in need of a personality, bothTerry and Jonathan have some great ideas.In addition to a growing flock of handcraftedbirdhouses, you’ll find handmade planterswith trellises that are ideal for growingtomatoes, cucumbers and almost any kindof vine, for the patio or garden.

Roam the floors and find unique jars,dishes and containers crying out for new lifeas miniature gardens, filled with intriguing

succulents. Inside they have installed anunusual self-watering modular wall garden.

If a living wall inside your house is tooadventurous, the wall planters would lookgreat on a wall outside your home. Farm-stead’s blend of vintage, new, and customdesigned wares will certainly bring life andpersonality to your gardens and indoorplants this season. Visit them at www.farm-steadri.com

Farmhouse-inspired accents for the garden

Terry and Jonathan Stone of Farmstead


Backyard kitchens can be a treat for allIf the idea of an outdoor living kitchen

sounds appealing, you’re not alone.Each year, the popularity of having a

fully equipped kitchen has grown, withmany of these installations competingfavorably with a home’s interior kitchen.Today’s backyard kitchens go way beyondthe customary grill and side burners thathelped launch the trend into all-encom-passing outdoor cooking.

Depending on your budget, outdoorkitchen design elements can include foodprep areas, handy rinse sinks, undercounter refrigerators, storage cupboards,pizza ovens, and even trash compactors …all enhanced by traditional natural stoneand/or contemporary pavers that addvisual character and ambience to yourhome’s landscape.

Conveniences include plenty of electri-cal outlets so you can create a healthysmoothie in your blender, outdoor speak-ers to let you listen to Pandora play yourfavorite tunes and television sets posi-tioned so you won’t miss a single play. Acountertop bar extension and adjacentpatio dining area will also keep you fullyengaged with friends and family whilepreparing an extraordinary meal.

Consider adding a fire pit or impressivefireplace complete with side wood storagebins that will extend your enjoyment evenwhen the weather gets cooler. Can it getany better than this? You bet.

Homes with outdoor living spaces fea-turing functional kitchens, well-designedpatios with accenting masonry pathwaysand sitting walls handsomely increase aproperty’s resale value.

Whether you plan to build you dreamoutdoor living area yourself, or utilize theservices of a contractor, your first step is toget expert advice from a hardscape sup-

plies professional. Rick Marshall, market-ing manager at J&J Materials, a leadinglandscape and masonry materials retailerand contractor resource located inRehoboth and Bourne, recommends view-ing outdoor living showcases to gatherdesign ideas, installation tips and cost-sav-ing information.

“When visiting a J&J store you’ll see full-scale displays that show how fine masonrymaterials and old world craftsmanshipcome together to create stunning outdoorliving spaces,” says Marshall.

He also suggests planning your outdoorliving paradise in stages. Securing detailedproduct information, as well as expertadvice, will be most helpful in getting youstarted in the right direction. J&J can alsorecommend top landscape architects andproven masonry contractors who have trackrecords of outstanding customer satisfac-tion working with the company over thepast 20 years.

And for those handy DIYers who enjoythe personal satisfaction of taking on a pro-ject, installation videos and product design

guidance from authorized dealers can beinvaluable. At J&J Materials, their highly-experienced staff, which includes formermasons and landscape contractors, willmake the job easier and less costly.

J & J Materials ■ 71 Fall River Ave., Rehoboth

■ 508-336-5363

■ www.jjmaterials.com

Today’s backyard kitchens go way beyond the customary grill, with detailed masonry, fireplaces, patios and wood storage bins.

Home and Garden 2013

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