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 Photo by Erik Paulsrud
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Home&Garden departments fall 07
Dear Reader, Each season brings a series of firsts, and I experienced a few this drizzly morning: pulling on long pants for the first time in months, eating hot oatmeal for breakfast instead of my usual fruit and yogurt, and wearing a sweater and shoes instead of a blouse and sandals. Fall is in the air, big time, and one hallmark of this brief, beautiful season is a renewed focus on hearth and home. As days shorten and evenings lengthen, we tend to steel ourselves for the cold months to come. Part of this involves turning our homes into a cozy retreat for those nights when we just want to curl up with a comforter. The other part is making our homes a welcome haven for family and friends. In this season of gains and losses, our homes are central to keeping us connected to one another through gatherings and celebrations that help ward off the darker seasons’ doldrums In that spirit, this issue is full of ideas for all homeowners. For example, see how to give your home a bold new look by painting bright colors on the exterior. When the last of the leaves have fallen, your home will brilliantly stand out on dreary days, or any day for that matter. From aquamarine to lime green to pumpkin orange and screaming yellow, a brave new world awaits any homeowner ready to take the color plunge. Read about a few who did—and loved the results! While you’re tucked inside watching a movie, turning down the lights and priming the fireplace, learn how a one-touch control pad lets you do all three at once (and more) when you visit Mike Morter’s “smart home.” If you’re an on-the-go parent who is always dashing back for a forgotten item, learn how to better organize essential stuff by creating your own “everything nook.” For homeowners interested in the environment—as we all should be—see how a few locals greened up their homes through straw-bale construction, a surprisingly simple technique that offers big payoffs in energy conservation and noise reduction. If you’re considering solar energy as an alternative to electricity, learn how rebates and tax credits make solar electric systems more affordable than ever before. Of course, fall also heralds the harvest season. In Longmont, the Gruidel, Ehrets and Cage families will be busy turning vines to wine at their home vineyards. Discover how they do it, and even join the fun, as the Cages are currently on the lookout for a few good “stompers” to help them process their crop. Though it’s nearly time to give up gardening, get ideas for next year’s garden by visiting a Zen-escape, and learning about Japanese anemones and rock -gardens. In the meantime, don’t forget that final attention to your lawn—see what you need to do before the snows arrive. This is the season when little critters want cozy homes, too. Find out how one woman rid her home of rodents in a uniquely “Boulder” tale that ends humanely—and hilariously. As always, thanks to this issue’s featured homeowners and gardeners who so generously shared their houses and landscapes with us. Tour Lisa and Bob Akins’ modern masterpiece, and wander through the whimsical wonders in Dan and Kim Page’s garden. I’d also like to welcome aboard Paul MacGregor, aka ESPN radio’s Mr. Fix-It, whose experienced advice can help you solve common problems around the home. Read his column, and e-mail any questions for him to homes@brockpub.com. Be sure to see our online-only features, such as the one on creating a more attractive recycling space. Sincerely,
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