Home&Garden
departments spring 2008
Editor's Note
Dear Reader:
I saw two red foxes this morning. They scrambled over a wire fence and slipped into their burrow beneath a pine in the meadow behind our home. Nothing unusual about that, other than it was the first time I saw a fox leap over a tall fence. And there’s the pleasurable thought of new kits—a certain sign that spring is here at last. After winter’s brownness and wind, green is great, green is good, and so is change.
Spring signals change, and not just in the natural world. It’s a time to make changes in our lives, too, and change brings challenges, surprises and discoveries. One tiny change I’m trying to make is to curb my car. That means walking to the grocery store and the gym, running on trails by my house instead of driving to paths farther afield, and catching the Skip as much as possible.
I’m making this change because I believe one person can make a difference, and if we all believe that, together we will make a difference. So, I encourage you to adopt one change this spring to make our globe a better place to live and an environmentally sound home for future generations. I know “being green” is trendy right now, but “living green” is more than a lifestyle choice—it’s a lifesaving choice, when it comes to our planet. So walk, recycle, live simply and live in the moment.
Our spring issue is full of things to help you achieve those goals. Even if you can’t walk more often, you can offset your carbon footprint. See how by reading “Carbon Karma” on page 28 (you may be surprised to learn that Boulder residents are responsible for more emissions than the average American).
Another easy idea is to plant trees—always a good thing, especially since Earth Day is on April 22. Gerhard Assenmacher didn’t know the first thing about Longmont’s soils when he moved to his 24-acre lot four years ago, but he learned. His yard now boasts 27 blue spruces that he planted himself, and a bunch of bristlecone pines that he had to replant three times over until he learned what they needed to thrive. Gerhard’s garden appears on page 40.
Going organic has never been easier with garden author David Wann’s 11 steps to a healthy harvest, and the war on weeds takes an eco-friendly spin in garden-talk-show host John Cretti's story. Or learn how to take organic gardening to a new level altogether through biodynamics.
Of course, we’ve also included lots of ideas for the home, like classic kitchen designs, plastering tips and remodel projects that recoup investments when reselling.
As usual, thanks to the homeowners and gardeners who shared their spaces with us. Ralf Meier and Maryanne Bruno imported their modern modular home straight from Germany, and Ed and Christine Rizza turned a ’70s ranch home into many rooms with a view in a pop-top remodel in east Boulder. If you have a home that might make a good feature, please feel free to contact me at the e-mail address listed below.
Enjoy this invigorating season of life and growth, and keep on changing!
Sincerely,
Carol S. Brock, editor
Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine
homes@brockpub.com
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