An Exceptional Greenhouse in the Making

One very lucky Homewood nonprofit organization is getting a greenhouse makeover this summer. The greenhouse, belonging to The Exceptional Foundation, was erected about a year and a half ago by Eagle Scout Mitchell Bruhn. Phyllis Haynes, Event Coordinator at The Exceptional Foundation, says that Mitchell “did the all framework as a Boy Scouts project, but we never had the inside done.”

Now, the vacant inside of the greenhouse is undergoing a major transformation thanks to the Junior League of Birmingham and Scott Stone from Common Ground Produce. While the Junior League will provide volunteers and funding for the project, Scott Stone will revamp the interior of the greenhouse, complete with planting areas and raised beds for wheelchair access. Scott has plenty of design, construction and gardening experience through Common Ground Produce, whose previous projects include the community garden at Mount Laurel and the “Unity Garden” at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama.

Scott’s main goal is to provide The Exceptional Foundation with a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to the facility. “This will allow the folks here to experience the wonder of watching plants grow in a beautiful and peaceful setting,” he says.

Participants of The Exceptional Foundation have already begun painting the red brick exterior of the greenhouse to a moss green. Later, they’ll draw on their artistic abilities by adding colorful hand painted vines. Phyllis says the participants will also make stepping stones and even give their new greenhouse a name.

Phyllis is hoping the greenhouse will be “in bloom by the end of this summer.” The Exceptional Foundation’s eager participants will be the ones to regularly take care of their greenhouse garden. Scott is ready to get down to the dirty work with the other volunteers and says, “There won’t be any cucumber sandwiches until we harvest the cucumbers from the exceptional garden!”

Birmingham Home & Garden magazine will follow The Exceptional Foundation’s greenhouse project here on our blog, so check back regularly to read about their progress and look at pictures!

Check out our friends online:

The Junior League of Birmingham: www.jlbonline.com

Common Ground Produce’s blog: http://commongroundproduce.blogspot.com/2009/06/weve-got-exceptional-project-coming-up.html

The Exceptional Foundation: www.exceptionalfoundation.org

-Barbara Silor
Birmingham Home & Garden Intern

Innovations in Toilets

You’ve heard it referred to as “the throne” but thanks to the recent advancements in toilets, using the restroom can seem like the royal treatment.

Companies like Brondell, Toto, and Envirolet have set out to send simple porcelain seating down the drain. Here are a few of the most fascinating innovations in flushing:

Brondell’s Breeza is a deodorizing toilet seat. This battery operated wonder has a 4 stage deodorizing system that traps and neutralizes odors. The body-activated smart sensor freshens the air automatically using vent fragrances in Citrus and Eucalyptus, Rainforest, or Jasmine and Lavender. The air is purified with an odor-absorbing carbon replacement filter, and the fragrances available last for 6 months. Priced at $155, the Brondell Breeza may just bring a breath of fresh air to the restroom experience.

-Jamie Walden,

Birmingham Home & Garden Intern

Available in August 2009, the Perfect Flush is Brondell’s first economical existing toilet upgrade. Using dual flush technology, this restroom improvement is designed to improve water efficiency by 30-50%. A half-flush/full-flush option is present to reduce the amount of water used, and the Perfect Flush serves to prevent landfill waste with its dual, adjustable flush volume. The upgrade fits most one and two piece tank toilet fixtures and has an installation time of just 30 minutes. For $119, the Perfect Flush provides an environmentally aware alternative to the typical lavatory.

Toto combines the traditional toilet with the bidet for its sleek looking Washlet S400. With a spray of aerated warm water for front and rear washing, a massage feature, and a 3 temperature warm air drying function, this bathroom wonder has the appearance of a toilet but the convenient cleanliness of a bidet. The Washlet S400 also has an automatic open/close lid and an autoflush activated sensor for the ultimate hands-free experience. Even the seat is temperature can be controlled thanks to a wireless remote with an LCD panel. Ranging between $1,985 and $2,283, the Washlet S400 is a fascinating fusion of convenience and comfort.

Toto’s Neorest 600 is a tankless toilet that uses the integrated Washlet system. Using just a little over a gallon per flush, the Neorest 600 is ideal for those trying to save water. It features a rimless design for a clean bowl rinse and the lid opens and closes automatically. Using the Washlet technology, 3 cleansing modes are present with adjustable positioning of the spray and users can choose between oscillating or pulsating comfort washing. The toilet is covered in SanaGloss glaze for shiny sanitation and the air purifying system provides a scentless restroom experience. Toto’s high performance Neorest 600 costs between $5,460 and $6,279.

Envirolet merges vacuum flush technology with environmentally conscious composting in its FlushSmart Vacuum Flush Composting Toilet System. The toilet uses less water per flush than regular toilets (just 0.2 liters) and recycles waste into compost with aeration and pulverizing action. Perfect for installation in unconventional places like basements and work shops, single tank models range between $3,499 and $3,999 while double tank capacity models cost from $5,699 to $6,199.

-Jamie Walden
Birmingham Home & Garden Intern

Tips to make your home allergen free

Even though spring is gone and summer is here, doesn’t mean that allergy season left us. With the warm weather and long days, you and your family are bound to spend more time outside than ever. Here are some tips to help keep the outdoor allergies out and a clean allergen free space inside.

The most common indoor allergens are dust mites, mold, and pets.

While no home can be 100% allergen free, there are several things you can do to help reduce your indoor allergens. 

Tips to reduce dust allergens:

1. Reduce clutter- while the occasional knickknack on the coffee table can be aesthetically pleasing, your sinus’s will be much more pleased without being subjected to the dust settling on said knickknacks and other clutter. If you must have some ‘organized chaos’ within your home, just remember to keep your space tidy and dust regularly, to avoid unnecessary exposure to the allergen.

2. Remove carpet - carpet is a great place for dust mites to live and breed, by removing it you can significantly reduce your families exposure to dust mites. Try hardwoods or tile floors that can easily be wiped clean.

3. Wash bedding weekly in 130 degree water - dust mites thrive in fabrics, so by washing them once a week you keep your bedroom out of the ‘danger zone’ for an allergy attack. At a temperature of 130 degrees dust mites cannot survive and your fabrics are washed clean.

4. Keep humidity low- dust mites can breed and multiply when the humidity is high, try keeping your home’s humidity between 40-50 percent or below. At this humidity dust mites cannot survive.

5. Clean weekly - by keeping your house clean with a regular sweeping, mopping, and dusting of surfaces, you will not only help prevent allergies but the clean sweep will also cut down on pesky bacteria lurking around your home. (word to the wise: try to avoid cleaning products with harsh chemical scents, or you will only end up sneezing or wheezing more)

6. Mattress enclosures and pillow covers - by encasing your mattress and pillows, an area where you hopefully spend about eight hours or so, you cut out about eight hours of direct exposure to dust. Dust mites thrive in fabrics, and the biggest area of fabric is most likely your bed. So encase it, and eliminate unnecessary exposure! It is recommended that mattress and pillow covers be washed 3-4 times a year in warm water.

Tips to reduce mold:

Mold can generate wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and some organic matter. The best way to prevent it is by making an atmosphere that is difficult for mold to grow.

1. Get rid of any non-washable items that show evidence of mold

2. Repair areas that show signs of moisture damage, moisture left unattended can become a breeding ground for mold.

3. Wash out tubs, shower stalls and curtains, as well as bathroom windowsills with a disinfectant regularly to eliminate mold and mildew

4. Humidifier- using a humidifier to keep the humidity in your home below 50 percent during the more humid months, greatly reduces mold’s chances at survival.

5. Exhaust fan- having a fan to air out the kitchen and bathroom can help vent excess moisture.

Pets:

Wash/brush weekly - Your pet can pick up all kinds of things in their fur, especially if they are kept outdoors. By grooming your pet weekly you will keep not only your pet but you more healthy by helping remove any unwanted items in your pet’s coat.

Seeing as how dander (dead skin flakes) can not be vacuumed out entirely and can remain in fabrics for over a year, keep pets out of your bedroom and off of the furniture if at all possible.

Pollen and mold spores can settle on clothing.  To avoid bringing the allergens into your home after being outside for an extended period of time, it is a smart idea to shower and change clothing.

Additional resources:

- If you’re looking for allergy free cleaning supplies, check out AchooAllergy.com, the nation’s fastest growing allergy, asthma, and sinus relief products retailer.

-Katie Wood, Birmingham Home & Garden Intern

Set Makeover

The set: AFTER

The set: BEFORE


Check out our ABC 33/40 TOA set makeover! Our editor has a brief but very important "lemon and lime" cameo appearance:
http://cfc.abc3340.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=42301&category=toa

If you'd like more information about the decorative items featured, check out the fine folks at I.O. Metro:

I.O. METRO Furniture

www.io-metro.com

4431 Creekside Ave
Birmingham, AL 35244
(205) 444-0641

Innovative Laundry Machines and Laundry Rooms

Above: Photo courtesy of Maytag.
Put your washer and dryer on a pedestal! Pedestals add height to your washer and dryer which means easier loading. These pedestals open to reveal a handy spot to keep detergents and other laundry supplies.
Above: Photo courtesy of Maytag.
This Epic washer and dryer by Maytag come in new colors including "artic blue."

Above: Photo courtesy of Bosch.
Try out this new drying rack by Bosch.

Above: Photo courtesy of Bosch.
Bright pinks and greens make this laundry space more enjoyable. But the true star of the room is the innovative washer and dryer from Bosch.


While it may not be the most enjoyable task, doing laundry is certainly far from dull with these new innovative ideas for laundry machines and laundry rooms.

Color:
Liven up your laundry room with a splash of color. With colors ranging from champagne to brilliant red, it is easy to pick a color that suits you and your room.

Organize:
These simple ideas you can turn your laundry space into a more relaxing and inviting area:

Put a Lid on It!
Rather than putting all your laundry in one basket, assign separate baskets or attractive hampers with labels such as Whites, Colors, Delicates, Towels. which will allow you to quickly grab the contents of a basket to start a load.

Counter Intelligence
If at all possible, find counter space in your laundry room. A counter can give you numerous benefits such as a surface for folding clothes or laying them out to dry. A countertop gives a completed look to a laundry room, and can be space efficient when placed on top of front-loading machines.

Hanging Out
Whether you use clothes pins or hangers, a space to hang clothes is a definite laundry room must have. Hanging space will rid you of potential clutter caused by draping miscellaneous clothing over doorknobs, wall posts, and anything else deemed able to hang your items. Having an area where you are able to neatly hang your garments will make the room less intimidating when it comes time to start another load.

Size Matters:
Having a small washer and dryer can create a build up of multiple loads, draining both your patience and your wallet. Companies have begun to come out with washers and dryers with a new colossal capacity. With a large capacity you can get the job done in twice the time, and before you know it you may actually begin to enjoy you’re laundry experience.

Convenience:
If you want to experience cleaning laundry in it’s most convenient state, then look for a machine that offers the following:

Pedestal
This gives added height to the machine, elevating it to a more accessible level. Having your machines on pedestals can ease strain on the back. Another convenience of pedestals is that most come equipped with a pullout drawer which can be great for storing detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, stain sticks, and much more.

Smart Technology
Smart technology takes all the thinking out of washing and drying a load of clothes. ‘Smart’ machines dispense fabric softener and detergent based on the size of the load, the soil level, water hardness, and fabric type.

Quiet
Finding a quiet machine can be a great investment. The main thing that causes the noise is the agitator (the large corkscrew in the middle of top load washers) so if it’s peace and quiet you seek, try out a front load washer.

Send us your ideas or pictures of your innovative laundry space!

—Katie Wood, Birmingham Home & Garden Intern

Sneak Peek at an upcoming issue!

Here's a sneak peek at a story to run in our upcoming September/October "Green" issue.

It's never too early to start gardening! Just ask 2 1/2 year old Jay Camp! In the photos above, Ellen Ruoff Riley, Horticultural Wellness expert, shows Kathleen Camp and son Jay how to grow their own greens. Our photographer Steve Gates captures the moment for an upcoming issue, while our editor, Alicia Clavell, photographs Steve, while he's photographing them!

To find out more about Ellen's Horticultural Wellness Programs contact her at bhamgardenqueen@yahoo.com or 205.612.0661.

FAST FACT: Did you know....here at Birmingham Home & Garden magazine, most of our garden stories are photographed well in advance to ensure that we stay true to the season?!

Tuesday Talk: Skin and Hair Care for the Constant Gardener

Thanks to Richard Joseph and Angela King of Richard Joseph SalonSpa for joining us this Tuesday on ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama. In case you missed it, Richard and Angela highlighted Aveda's new Sun Care products and Aveda's new Enbrightenment Line. The Sun Care products are for sun protection and the Enbrightenment is for sun correction---the products are just perfect for those of you who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors.

To purchase these products, visit Richard Joseph SalonSpa:
2410 Fairway Drive, Suite 104
English Village
Birmingham, AL 35213
205.871.6001
1.866.871.6001
rjsalon@bellsouth.net
http://www.richardjosephsalonspa.com

For more ideas on Outdoor Living, check out the latest issue of Birmingham Home & Garden!

Visit the following link to catch a recap of the segment:
http://cfc.abc3340.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=41745&category=toa

Birmingham Home & Garden In the News

Visit http://www.remodelalabama.com/news.html to view our coverage of the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards.

Thompson Architecture Renovates Event Space on Cobb Lane

Take a stroll down Cobb Lane to reminisce about your favorite times, or make some new memories at this stunning event space remodeled by Thompson Architecture.

Nestled in the heart of Southside, the Cobb Lane Carriage House has been a must-see in Birmingham for over fifty years. Now, thanks to the thoughtful renovation by Thompson Architecture, Birmingham’s oldest carriage house is opening its doors for various community events as is available to rent for everything from receptions to fundraisers, to parties and corporate functions.

According to Derrick Walker of Thompson Architecture, the main goal of the renovation process was to combine the original configuration of the two tenant building into one unit. In addition to creating a single unit, Derrick says, “The low windows that were placed in the original locations of the carriage doors were removed and replaced by taller windows with panels underneath. This allowed a ton of light to flood the space.”

When asked what the challenges of the renovation were, Derrick emphasized the importance of melding the past with the present in a way that could be both aesthetically pleasing and secure. “The main challenge was updating the space without losing any of its charm and appeal. We wanted it to be current and function with today's comforts, but didn't want it to look like a totally new building,” he says. “Care was taken in selection of materials and colors and technique so that the interiors and the exterior became complimentary to each other. Another challenging aspect was making sure the building was structural sound. It's such an old structure, we just didn't want a pretty skin, but we reinforced some walls and completely replaced the roof structure over the main area.”

While the newly updated Cobb Lane Carriage House has undergone some important changes, the space’s historic appeal still remains. According to Derrick, guests can look forward to a secluded outdoor courtyard, stained concrete floors, a custom concrete and glass ledge that he says is “perfect for serving beverages,” and “dynamic” architectural lighting fixtures throughout the building.

Book It Now!

Daytime Rentals
To book a daytime rental Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am-4:00 pm there is a $500 fee for a 3 hour event (price includes a 2 hour set-up and take down). Saturday and Sunday rentals are available for $700 for a 3 hour event. Daytime rentals include the use of 7 round tables, 60 chairs, ivory or black floor length tablecloths, set-up and break down time for caterers, and an on-site Cobb Lane Carriage House staff member. Ideal for luncheons, the windows allow the perfect amount of light to stream in, illuminating the charming space and all who meet within. Cobb Lane Carriage House offers seating for 60 people and standing room for 120.

Evening Rentals
To book an evening rental from 4:00-10:00, Monday-Thursday, the cost is $750 for a 3 hour event. Friday-Sunday, a cost of $1000 is required of a 3 hour event. A 2 hour set-up and take down time is also included in these prices. Evening rental price includes the use of 7 round tables, 60 chairs, ivory or black floor length tablecloths, set-up and break down time for caterers, an on-site Cobb Lane Carriage House staff member, and valet service for up to 120 guests. Any parties involving alcohol must employ the services of a security guard or off-duty police officer for $25 and $35 per hour, respectively. Alcohol is permitted on the premises, and must be purchased through Cobb Lane Carriage House along with the services of a security guard or off duty police officer for $25 and $35 per hour, respectively. Bartenders may be supplied for an additional $30 per hour.

For additional information, contact Ashley Thompson at 205.930.9305 or 205.999.8021. Cobb Lane Carriage House is located at 1314 Cobb Lane.

—by Jamie S. Walden, Birmingham Home & Garden Intern
—floral arrangements provided by HotHouse

What Did You Do…?

How did you spend your Memorial Day Weekend?

Did you spend some time in the garden? Start (and maybe even finish) a home improvement project? Or, perhaps you picked up the latest issue of Birmingham Home & Garden magazine and spent a little time perusing our pages? If so, let us know what you thought!

I did what our intern Amy suggested in her April 17th blog on Getting Back to Nature...just that. Check out some pictures from my hike at CHEAHA STATE PARK, and please remember…I’m hardly a professional photographer!

For more on our state parks visit, http://www.alapark.com/cheaharesort/ or call 1-800-ALAPARK (1-800-252-7275).

How did you spend your weekend? Leave us a comment!

Summer Survival Tips for Your Garden

Every Alabamian knows how intolerable our scorching and often humid summers can be. The heat can make maintaining flowers and plants more difficult than usual, so it’s important to be prepared by knowing which varieties are able to endure the extreme weather.

Pam Clark, owner of the Garden Shop of Homewood, suggests several beautiful flowers capable of handling the summer exceptionally well. Diamond Frost (Euphorbia) is among her favorites. Pam says it “blooms profusely” in the summer, making it a lovely addition to your garden.

Another good choice? Pam suggests Periwinkles (Vinca) which don’t require as much watering as other flowers. Pam also recommends sedums and succulents for the summer, and says, “They’ve always been a big seller for us in the past years, because they work well in the heat and they’re so interesting.”

Lacking a green thumb or new to gardening altogether? Follow Pam’s simple tips to ensure your summer garden thrives:

• SIZE UP YOUR POTS: When potting your plants, make sure the pots are big enough to house what you’re planting. You don’t want to kill your flowers due to overcrowding.

• LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: The little labels you find poking out from the soil in the plants you buy aren’t merely suggestions. Read the care requirements if you’re unsure whether your new addition needs full sun or shade. Your plants will do best in the appropriate location.

• GET A SOIL CHANGE: Pam says that after a few years, your potting soil loses a lot of its nutrients. Solution? Replace your old soil or just mix some fresh soil with what you’ve already got to maintain a nutrient-rich environment for your plants. Pam personally recommends adding a bit of “J 3 Organics,” which is made from worm castings. You can pick up a bag at most independent garden shops like Pam’s.

—by Barbara Silor,
Birmingham Home & Garden Intern

—photography by Barbara Silor

What are you passionate about planting?

As the last bursts of cold air leave and the sun’s warmth prevails, we hope that like us, you're tempted to rush to your favorite local garden shop and pick up summer flowers. Every summer, I nurse a potted Moon flower and delight in its short-lived evening blooms. I’m also always sure to have an array of colorful Snapdragons. This year, I’d like to add something new to the mix, and I wonder what are Birmingham Home & Garden magazine readers’ favorite summer flowers and plants?

—by Barbara Silor,
Birmingham Home & Garden Intern

—photography by Barbara Silor

—special thanks to Pam at the Garden Shop of Homewood for allowing us use of her location

Send us your summer favorites and tell us why they have roots in your home garden every year. Got pictures of your award winning Knockout roses? Send them our way! We want to see what you are passionate about planting.

The American Institute of Architects Presents the DreamArchitecture Awards

The Birmingham Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently held its annual DreamArchitecture contest for grades K-5 in Greater Birmingham and surrounding areas to promote awareness for sustaining our planet while generating interest in architecture and design. The DreamArchitecture participants were asked to submit drawings of their “Green Dream Schools" along with a “Dream Statement” explaining details about the submitted pictures.

On May 7, 2009, the awards ceremony took place at the historic Birmingham Printing and Publishing Company on 19^th Street South to honor the winners of the DreamArchitecture 2009 contest. At this event, the vibrant drawings were displayed against the building’s wooden walls, allowing the bright colors of the unique designs to stand out. The drawings conveyed a sense of excitement about the effort to maintain the environment. Proud children pointed out their creations to onlookers, and the winning entries were marked by red, white, and blue ribbons for each grade level. White frosted cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles and an array of fruits were served as refreshments for contestants and their guests, courtesy of Café Iz.

While the first prize for the DreamArchitecture 2009 contest was an AIA hands-on workshop on May 9, 2009, all contestants were deemed successful for taking steps in moving their “green” dreams to reality by participating in the competition. AIA Birmingham’s DreamArchitecture contest can be construed as a great victory for its effort to educate the city’s youth on environmental impacts while also promoting a creative outlet for all involved.

—by Jamie S. Walden,
Birmingham Home & Garden intern

For more information on the DreamArchitecture contest and on the AIA, visit http://www.aiaalabama.com.

Get Back to Nature

Visit one of the beautiful parks just minutes from Birmingham for garden arrangement inspiration!

Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham offers over 50 miles of trails as well as golfing, fishing, biking, swimming and camping at highly affordable prices. The park also offers activities at the Alabama Wildlife Center and many charity hikes and runs. While there, don’t forget to check out plants that are indigenous to the area. www.alapark.com/OakMountain and www.awrc.org

Tannehill State Park is the perfect place to stretch your legs, flex your brain and find local accessories for your own outdoor space. They’ve got events and exhibits planned all summer long—from a Civil War reenactment (May 23-24), to a Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show (first weekend in June). www.tannehill.org

Pack a picnic and head out to Vulcan Trail where there are plenty of sunny spots to spend a lazy weekend afternoon. The scenic path, located at Vulcan Park and Museum, is short (about a mile and a half) but lined with trees, flowers and a significant amount of warm-hued stone for a peaceful retreat. www.visitvulcan.com

Visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens to view the full spectrum of what one can grow in our area. Recently voted the #1 Free Tourist Attraction in Alabama, you can see plants, like tulips and pansies, that are common in Birmingham, as well as ones that are exotic transplants. www.bbgardens.org

Located near the heart of Birmingham, Ruffner Mountain is a treasure tucked away on 81st Street South. The park offers over a thousand acres of lush hiking trails with moss covered boulders greeting you at every turn. Wildflowers bloom with abandon along the pathways to get your creative garden planning started. www.ruffnermountain.org

Whatever your preference for seeking a new perspective on gardening and experiencing nature, our area boasts a smattering of outdoor escapes. Whether seeking a place for a quick walk to clear your head, or training to hike the Grand Canyon, embrace the beauty in our state.

—By Amy Pedigo
—Photos provided by Oak Mountain State Park

Before and After Crestwood Deck

Reader Letter:
Ms Clavell,
I'd like to recommend a home (actually a deck) to be featured in the BH&G Blog. Amanda Abbett has added an amazing deck to her home in Crestwood that I would love to see spotlighted in your blog.
Thanks.
Amanda

Our Response:
One of our blog readers wrote in to tell us that if you’re looking for a shady and private place for parties and outdoor lounging, Crestwood resident, Amanda Abbett, has the perfect spot—her own backyard.

When Amanda wanted to design and build a new deck for her backyard, she took her ideas to the remodeling professionals at All Phase Construction and set to work to create her new space. A large 16 x 16 screened and covered deck was built and with enough extra space left to enjoy the backyard. Another smaller, lower, 8 x 16 deck was also added.

Having a space that could bring Amanda closer to nature was a plus for her. “I love being outside and having the deck convenient to my back door was a big bonus,” she says. “The deck allows me to easily go outside and sit with nature. In the summer, when the three pecan trees above are full of leaves, the house feels like a large tree-house.”

Before the deck was added on, Amanda says the house was very cute and had charm, but when opening the back door and finding a steep flight of stairs was, “Not attractive. The back of the house just always screamed for a deck.”

The deck’s interior was decorated in a beach theme with a crab wall hanging, and a small fishing net and oar. Bamboo shades drape the railing for a tiki feel and clear lights trim the ceiling for great evening illumination.

The deck also provides a great place for weekend lounging and gatherings. “Everyone who ever sees it for the first time is really pleasantly surprised,” says Amanda. “I think when they pull up to our city bungalow, they have no idea a deck so large and so nice will be behind our house.”

—by Patience Kleber

If you’re looking to remodel or decorate a space, check out these professionals:
* American Society of Interior Designers: www.aside.org
* Home Builders Association of Alabama: www.hbaa.org
* The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders: www.birminghambuilder.com
* Home Builders Association of Alabama Remodelers
P.O. Box 241305
Montgomery, AL 36124
(800) 745-4222

Have a remodeling project you’d like to share? E-mail us at aclavell@pmtpublishing.com.

Freeze Warning

Burrr!

Our fair (and inclement) weather friend Jason Simpson of ABC 33/40 warns viewers of a potential Freeze Warning this evening. For more information, check out the ABC 33/40 weather blog at http://www.alabamawx.com/?p=17166.

Protect your plants by bringing in those containers and be sure to put a ground cover on delicate exterior plants and shrubs to avoid any potential damage caused by freezing temperatures.

How are you prepping your plants for the cold snap? E-mail us at aclavell@pmtpublishing.com or send in your photos!

What plants work best in pots on a patio?

One of our blog subscribers wrote in to ask what plants might work best in pots on a patio. Here's the answer:

Now that spring is in full bloom, many people are wondering what plants would make a great potted addition to a sunny spot on their patios for summer. As it turns out, the possibilities are as full as variety as the color range of peonies.

Katie Whitworth at Sweet Peas Garden Center in Homewood says her favorite potted plant is Salvia guaranitica. It works well with other plants in a medium-sized potted arrangement. This plant sprouts vibrant blue blooms as it grows to around four feet tall. It also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to your outdoor space. For a good trailing plant option, Katie suggests Verbena, which comes in many varieties and has a strong fragrance.

If you have so much sun that you're worried about plants drying out, you can always choose one of the many drought-resistant succulents, like Sempervivum. Succulents thrive in pots and many are perennials, so they make great investments. Or you can add Purslane portulaca, which has bright-hued blooms in summer.

If you'd rather steer clear of succulents, consider starting an herb garden in your sunny patio space. Many varieties do well with plentiful sunshine and there are a large number of herbs that will work for beginners. Try your green thumb at oregano, dill or thyme.

*Peruse the pots and plants (shown above in photos) at Sweet Peas Garden Shop at 2829 Linden Ave, Homewood, AL 35209; 205-879-3839.

—Written by Amy Pedigo; Photography by Amy Pedigo

Ask the Garden Gurus
Leave us a question or comment or send in photos of your own garden space for possible publication on our BH&G Blog!

Tuesday Talk: Veggie Gardens

In case you missed our Talk of Alabama spot this Tuesday, Ginger Jefferson, Birmingham Home & Garden Director of Marketing, shared tips from our weekend Victory Gardening seminar.

Ginger and Nicole also highlight some hanging baskets from the Garden Shop of Homewood that are perfect for growing tomatoes, or showcasing spring flowers on the porch.

Check out the Talk of Alabama video link at:

http://cfc.abc3340.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=36992&category=toa


Did you Attend?
If you attended our Victory Garden seminar this weekend, we want to hear from you! Drop us a line at aclavell@pmtpublishing.com or send a message via our blog spot!

Feature My Home!

Interested in having your home or project featured in the magazine?

Designers, decorators, architects, builders and homeowners often call us at Birmingham Home & Garden magazine to learn how their works can be showcased in the pages of our publication.

Here’s how to submit:

Simply send in recent photos of your home or garden to:

Birmingham Home & Garden Magazine
529 Beacon Parkway West
Suite 110
Birmingham, AL 35209

OR, send over high-resolution images to: aclavell@pmtpublishing.com

Our editor's are always glad to get away from the office for a bit to take a look at homes and gardens in the area. Just ask George Williams of Precision HomeCRAFTERS, LLC., recent winner in the 2009 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards. Today, March 24, 2009, George and our editor, Alicia Clavell, took a scouting trip to look at one of his most recent remodeling projects for a potential feature.

Let us know what you think!

Talk of Alabama Television Spot: Spring Has Sprung

Lydia Pursell from Leaf & Petal joined Birmingham Home & Garden this Tuesday, March 24th on ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama to show off some great gifts for the home and garden. She showcased everything from hook pillows to botanicals and bracelets.

Lydia reminded viewers not to miss the store’s special “Go Green Section” which includes everything from pop-top treasures to plant containers constructed from tires. The section began with around 25 items and has blossomed to around 100, Lydia notes.

Visit Leaf & Petal in one of their three area locations including the Birmingham Botanical Gardens (bbgardens.org).

In case you missed the show this am, check it out at: http://cfc.abc3340.com/videoondemand.cfm?category=toa

*As spring sets in, how will you celebrate? Drop us a line and let us know via this blog or contact our editor direct at: aclavell@pmtpublishing.com.

Congrats to the 2009 Birmingham, Alabama Remodeling Excellence Award Winners!

And the WINNERS are...

Birmingham Home & Garden wishes to congratulate the winners of the 2009 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards. The AREA is a statewide competition presented by the Home Builders Association of Alabama Remodelers.

Award winners were announced at a banquet held Saturday, March 21st, at the Marriott Legends at Capitol Hill in Prattville (just north of Montgomery).

Check out the May/June 2009 issue of Birmingham Home & Garden magazine for photos of some winning entries from the Birmingham area. For a complete listing of winners, visit the Association of Alabama Remodelers at http://www.remodelalabama.com.

Birmingham Area Winners

Kitchen Remodel Under $40,000
1st Place: Precision HomeCRAFTERS, LLC (Miller Kitchen)
2nd Place: Taylor Burton Company (Chestnut Road Kitchen)
3rd Place: H B Thompson Construction Services, Inc. (Whitt Kitchen)

Kitchen Remodel $40,000-$80,000
1st Place: Case Handyman & Remodeling / Counter Dimensions, Inc. (Goodwin Kitchen)
3rd Place: Counter Dimensions, Inc. (Bunn Kitchen)

Kitchen Remodel Over $80,000
1st Place: Counter Dimensions, Inc. (Romp Kitchen)
2nd Place: Counter Dimensions, Inc. (West Kitchen)
3rd Place: McKay Building Co. (Bains Kitchens)

Bath Remodel Under $20,000
1st Place: Precision HomeCRAFTERS, LLC (Thornton Bath)

Bath Remodel Over $50,000
2nd Place: McKay Building Co. (Shaw/Hahn Bath)
3rd Place: Counter Dimensions, Inc. (Myer Bath)

Exterior Remodel
1st Place: Construct, Inc. (EIFS Removal)
2nd Place: Precision HomeCRAFTERS, LLC (Miller Project)

Residential Specialty Project
1st Place: Oak Alley, Inc. (Butler’s Pantry)
2nd Place: Counter Dimensions, Inc. (Scalisi Fireplace)
3rd Place (tie): H B Thompson Construction Services, Inc. (Whitt Entertainment Center)
Precision HomeCRAFTERS, LLC (Fletcher Project)

Outdoor Living
2nd Place: Oak Alley, Inc. (Summer Kitchen)
3rd Place: Oak Alley, Inc. (Dodecagonal Porch)

Additions Under $100,000
1st Place: Precision HomeCRAFTERS, LLC (Miller Project)

Additions $100,000-$250,000
1st Place: Oak Alley, Inc. (Clark Master Suite)
2nd Place: Oak Alley, Inc. (Sunshine Suite)

Additions Over $250,000
3rd Place: Oak Alley, Inc. (Phase Two Project)

Basement Remodel
1st Place: Taylor Burton Company (High Bluff Road Project)
2nd Place: Baugher Design & Remodel, Inc. (Nabell Project)
3rd Place: Baugher Design & Remodel, Inc. (Clark Project)

Universal Design
1st Place: McKay Building Co. (Pugh Project)
2nd Place: Precision HomeCRAFTERS, LLC (Fletcher Project)
3rd Place: Oak Alley, Inc. (Mom’s New Home)

Space Renovation
1st Place: Case Handyman & remodeling / HKW Associates (Johnstone Library)
2nd Place: Counter Dimensions, Inc. / GRJ Enterprises (Nelms Project)

Historic Preservation
2nd Place: McKay Building Co., Inc. (Rogers/Taylor Manor)
3rd Place: Precision HomeCRAFTERS, LLC (Thornton Project)

Whole House Remodel $250,000
2nd Place: McKay Building Co., Inc. (Bains Project)

Whole House Remodel Over $500,000
1st Place: Taylor Burton Company (Kirkpatrick Project)