Falling leaves and frost often bring bittersweet feelings for gardeners. On one hand, you reflect warmly on all that was accomplished during the season - be it a bumper tomato harvest or vivid memories of the color displays during each part of the growing season. On the other hand, you can't wait to get the spade in the ground in the spring and it's driving you crazy.

But just because the outdoor growing season has come to a close, there's no reason you have to put your garden on the back burner. If your thumb remains perpetually green, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your gardening itch during the off season.

While you can spend the colder months doing your homework for next year's garden, it's also possible to continue the physical part of gardening within the comfort of your home. Improvements to grow lights have made it easier than ever to bring your garden inside.

Once known for devouring electricity, grow lights have become more and more efficient, making indoor gardening a more realistic option. For example, SonnyLight LED grow light systems use only 15 watts per unit or about $12 per year. Product developer Leo "Sonny" Hayes noted that plants use only a small portion of the visible light spectrum, enabling him to design a light using only the necessary amount of energy needed for plants to grow. If you're wondering what types of things you can do with an indoor garden, here are a few ideas:

* Start your seedlings for next year. Rather than paying for greenhouse seedlings, grow them yourself. SonnyLight provides the traditional garden flat, for easy transplanting outside once the weather warms.

* Plant flowers to brighten up your house. Flowers can add a little extra life to dark winter days. Use them to freshen up your living space or let your children take care of them while they grow before taking them to their rooms for decoration.

* Grow herbs for cooking. If you're used to cooking with fresh vegetables, one way to liven up your winter meals is to use grow lights for nurturing fresh herbs. You can even spend the winter with garden-fresh tomatoes grown under these lights, and you can spice up tomato-based pastas with fresh basil and oregano.

* Take care of your exotic plants. Keep orchids and perennials that are accustomed to warmer climates happy by making sure they get enough light indoors when it can't be provided outside. Using grow lights during the winter may allow you to experiment with more exotic species in your garden anytime of the year.

Indoor grow lights make a perfect gift during the holiday season or into the winter for avid gardeners, as it could allow them to brighten up the winter in a way that few other gifts could. For more information, visit www.sonnylight.com.

(ARA) - Car keys. Mobile phones. Sunglasses. Not to mention backpacks, tote bags and the afternoon mail. Stuff. We all have it and most of us struggle with a convenient place to hide it. With our busy, come-and-go lifestyles, the kitchen tends to be the catch-all for everything that passes through and our countertops tend to absorb the brunt of it. But there are many organizational lifesavers that can help you literally get a grip on things in your kitchen, entry area or any other room.

The solution to feeling organized may be as close as your cabinetry. According to a recent study by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI), when homeowners were asked to pick from a list of products they'd want in their dream kitchens, "customized storage solutions for cabinets" topped the list.

"As much as we'd all like to slow down our hurried schedules, it seems nearly impossible most days; but organization can be key to de-stressing when we are at home," says Cathy Hitz, brand manager for Diamond Cabinets. "A few changes in your kitchen cabinetry can make a world of difference in getting your home - and your life - more organized."

Get a grip - get organized

If your kitchen is filled with small dropped items that have taken over your countertops, try creating some reserved parking space for these items. One option is the Utility Drop Zone cabinet from Diamond Cabinets' Logix organization system, which offers a pull-out shelf with a charging station that's big enough to hold an entire collection of mobile phones, MP3 players and other small electronic devices, plus four convenient, out-of-sight shelves for organizing other small items that make up your "stuff." A magnetic white board and pencil holder are also placed conveniently on the inside door, providing a place to jot down messages and help everyone keep track of who's going where.

A similar version of the cabinet comes with the slide-out charging station, optional shelves, plus key hooks and coat hooks to accommodate anything from hats and scarves to dog leashes - plus enough floor space to stash a bag of pet food or a small basket of toys.

Stay on track

Change is good. But it's even easier with modular shelves that you can change without the hassle of pulling out the family toolbox. One of the simplest systems is the EasyTrax cabinet, which lets you add, remove or shift up and down up to five slide-out shelves. Need a place to tuck away tall appliances like the blender and food processor? Remove a few shelves. Have too much of a canned good thing? Go with all five. You can change the configuration into one-, two-, three-, four- or even five-shelf combinations at varying heights.

As an added feature, the modular cabinet also comes with a SmartStop guide that prevents the outer doors from slamming shut - so you not only get to feel organized, but you get some peace and quiet, too.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

With an increased consumer desire for energy-efficient and eco-friendly homes fueling interest in Hunley Waters, the neighborhood announces its first green myEnergyLoan in Charleston, South Carolina.

CHARLESTON, SC—February 2, 2010—Hunley Waters, the eco-friendly community located in North Charleston’s thriving Park Circle community, announces its newest homeowner secures Charleston’s first myEnergyLoan through Daniel Island Mortgage.

Customers of myEnergyLoan receive substantial savings on any loan, as long as the home is energy efficient. Coupled with the drastic reduction in energy and other running costs, myEnergyLoan represents a significant savings for buyers. Hunley Waters homes are EarthCraft Gold rated and are at least 20 percent more efficient than any code-built home, making home buyers in this neighborhood perfect for this discount program.

Gary Harwyn, President of Daniel Island Mortgage, the sole provider of myEnergyLoan in the Charleston area, says, “Once buyers hear about the mortgage discounts available through our myEnergyLoan program, they get excited about saving money simply by buying an energy-efficient home.”

“Considering the recent major renewable energy and employment wins for North Charleston, we are certain this is the first of many myEnergyLoans financing the transition to sustainability in the area,” notes Jeff Cole with myEnergyLoan. “Early investment in vibrant communities, such as Park Circle, is what makes neighborhoods like Hunley Waters such an attractive proposition.”

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, says, “Hunley Waters is a shining example of how a green development should be approached. This excellent waterfront community represents a significant piece of the current revitalization of the North Charleston area and just underlines the aspirations we have for this area.”

Cobalt Developments, LLC, is the procurement and investment company that developed Hunley Waters. The Watts Team, led by Josh Watts of Coldwell Banker United, is the exclusive listing agent for the neighborhood.

According to Alex Cook, Marketing and Operations Manager, “Green homes give their owners energy-efficient credits and an overall reduction in running costs. For those who buy at the bottom of the market in areas of strong resurgence, such as North Charleston, it will mean a greater return on investment in four or five years.”

Wine tasting kits are a fun way to...
...help the novice wine enthusiast experience many different wines and to learn the qualities of each wine. Different wine tasting kits are found depending on what types of wine you want to taste. There are differences between red wine tasting kits and white wine tasting kits They come with all the wine bottles and accessories needed. You can even get kits that are made for multiple tasters. These wine tasting kits come with as many as eight glasses so that the experience can be shared.

This kit would be a great base to throwing a wine tasting party in your area.Wine tasting is an art and much more complicated than simply drinking a glass of wine. You will incorporate the senses of sight and smell, along with your sense of taste. This is not an experience to be rushed. You must savor and linger over each sip.To properly use the wine tasting kit, there are some basics that you should be aware of. First of all, the wine glass should be clear with a rim that is turned slightly inward. This will allow you to see the color and clarity of the wine. The special rim is designed to concentrate the aroma and bouquet of the wine and prevent it from spilling when it is swirled.Holding the bowl of the wine glass can allow the heat of your hand to warm the wine so you should always hold the stem of the glass to experience the truest flavors. You would start with a small amount of wine, no more than about an inch in the bowl.

If you are tasting several wines during the evening, you will want to start with the lightest wines and work your way to the more complex wines. This will ensure that your taste buds remain sensitive to all the delicate nuances of each wine. Expert consensus is to have a sip of water between tastings to cleanse the palate, leaving a clean slate for the next wine.I'm sure you've seen experts swirling their glasses by their noses and looking mysterious. There are good reasons for this behavior. When the wine is held up to the light you can see the color and clarity of the wine. White and red wines both have color variations as they age and clarity is also desirable.The mysterious swirling of the wine is not just to make the experts look wise. By swirling the wine gently for a few seconds, the wine becomes aerated. This releases all the fullness of the wine's bouquet. If a person has a sensitive enough nose, they will often be able to distinguish several of the individual elements of the wine.

Once you've done these first two steps, you can move on to the much anticipated tasting stage. Take a sip of the wine and swirl it around a bit in your mouth to warm it. Savor the multitude of flavors that explode on your tongue. If you plan on tasting several wines, it is perfectly acceptable wine tasting etiquette to spit the wine out instead of swallowing.


About the AuthorWoodworking Websites have become a lot more than a hobby, I now have a very successful and stress free life by helping others build and own their own Website Businesses.
My ebook "Chewing Bread for Ducks" has become very popular with people who want their website on Page One on Google. (and other Search Engines of course).
Happy Days

People moving to Charleston, SC often have questions about where to live (or where to invest). As a real estate agent, I always ask them, "What are you looking for?" In order to help people who are relocating to the Charleston area, I have organized my suggestions into 7 answers.

1) Folly Beach is a great investment because there will pretty much always be a great demand of people who want to live at the beach. Folly Beach is the most popular beach in the Charleston area, especially for college students and young professionals. Add this popularity with its proximity to downtown Charleston, and you will find that Folly Beach is a great rental area.

2) James Island is a little more affordable than Folly Beach, and it is even closer to downtown Charleston (about a 5 minute drive). James Island is mostly a residential area, but there are some restaurants (most of which are independently owned). James Island is very laid back, and many students from College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina live here. The young population and proximity to Folly Beach makes James Island a great rental area for investors.

(3) Johns Island is ideal for people who want more space – larger yards, less traffic, and fewer neighbors. Also, land in Johns Island is a great investment because there are plans to extend the Interstate to the area. Johns Island will slowly become less rural and more developed.

4) West Ashley is more affordable compared to James Island, Johns Island, and Mt. Pleasant. And, it is still very close to Folly Beach (about a 20 to 30 minute drive) and to downtown Charleston (about a 10 to 15 minute drive). West Ashley has more commercial real estate compared to James Island and John’s Island – there are lots of chain restaurants and shopping centers.

5) Downtown Charleston is a highly desirable place to live because it is so rich in history and culture. Downtown Charleston has beautiful old houses, but they are much more expensive than some of the other areas in Charleston. Also, taxes have soared over the past few years – so take the taxes into consideration when comparing prices of homes in Charleston.

6) Mt. Pleasant has the best public schools in Charleston County. There is also plenty of shopping and restaurants in this somewhat upscale area. Mt. Pleasant also has a great location – about 10 minutes to the beaches and about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. The main drawback is price – Mt. Pleasant is more expensive compared to other non-beachfront real estate in Charleston.

7) Summerville rivals Mt. Pleasant when it comes to public schools, but Summerville is much more affordable. It has a small town feel, but real estate there has grown rapidly in the past five years and will continue to grow. The biggest drawback to buying a house there is location. Summerville is about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston and a little less than an hour to the closest beach. Summerville is less of an investment area compared to James Island or Johns Island simply because of appreciation. However, if you are looking for a place to live and have a tighter budget, Summerville would be a good area to consider.Charleston has so many communities to choose from. The seven I discussed are some of the most popular. If you are buying real estate as an investment, be sure to get statistics on appreciation and possibly rental history. If you are buying real estate as a primary residence, be sure to talk with someone who has lived in the area so that you can learn about real estate specifically in the area you will be buying.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/where-to-live-in-charleston-sc-292388.html

About the AuthorLee Keadle has worked with many buyers relocating to Charleston, SC.  He specializes in James Island homes, but his team can help you find any Charleston homes for sale!

(ARA) - When it comes to creating ambiance and warmth in a home, nothing can beat a fireplace, especially during this time of year. But are you aware that the right fireplace or stove can also help reduce your heating costs? Or that your existing fireplace's efficiency can be boosted significantly by installing an insert, and for less money than you might think?

Here are five facts about fireplaces and stoves that may surprise you.

1. You can conserve energy, live a greener lifestyle and combat volatile heating costs with a high efficiency fireplace or stove.

Do you use every room in your house every day? If not, try zone heating the areas where you spend the most time with an efficient fireplace or stove. It will cut down on the amount of fuel consumed by your furnace and can reduce home heating bills by 20 to 40 percent, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. Simply turn down the central thermostat and let the fireplace heat where you live. This works whether your fireplace is fueled by natural gas, liquid propane, wood, pellets or other materials.

Renewable fuels like cord wood, pellets and other plant-derived materials are excellent sources of heat. The key is burning them in a high efficiency fireplace or stove, which makes the process much easier than it was for our grandparents. For example, a load of quality wood in a standard Quadra-Fire EPA-certified wood stove can produce heat for up to 15 hours, and in pellet stoves a single 40-pound bag of pellets can produce heat for up to 24 hours. In both cases, the amount of emissions and ash generated by these units has been dramatically reduced. There is also a U.S. tax credit in 2010 of up to $1,500 for the purchase of qualifying wood and pellet stoves.

2. A fireplace can be installed in your existing home without the hassles of adding a traditional chimney.

Don't have a fireplace?  In most homes, a beautiful and efficient gas fireplace can be added for as little as $3,500, including installation. Made possible by direct vent gas technology, the fireplace is vented to the outdoors via a single pipe that runs through the side of the house to the outdoors, drawing air needed for the fire and expelling its byproducts. Direct vent gas technology has brought warmth and ambience to millions of homes.

3. Your inefficient wood burning fireplace can be transformed into a powerful and beautiful heat producer.

If you have a masonry-built wood burning fireplace that is drafty and inefficient, consider updating it with an energy efficient fireplace insert. "It is a fairly simple process to transform these fireplaces into energy efficient powerhouses," says Jeni Forman of Quadra-Fire. "Professional installation can be completed within four to six hours, and it could make your fireplace up to 85 percent more efficient." The cost of adding an insert, including installation, can be as low as $2,900 for gas and wood-burning units, and $3,200 for pellet-burning inserts.

4. You can control the heat produced by today's fireplaces.

Many fireplaces and stoves can be thermostatically controlled - you decide how much heat you want and change it as desired. Some models also allow you to control the height of the flames and have LED lighting in the embers, which can be turned on or off. Controls are accessed either via remote control, on the unit, or they are wall-mounted.

5.  Modern fireplace design is pushing traditional boundaries.

If you prefer a traditional fireplace that burns real wood, or simulates it with gas, manufactured logs and burning embers, there are literally hundreds of models from which to choose. However, if your design style leans toward contemporary and you want some new options, today's modern style fireplaces offer simplistic beauty and elegance. Inspired by European design, many modern style fireplaces are linear in shape, showcasing a panoramic view of the flames that dance in unison with colored glass, shiny metal or other innovative materials like black onyx. Placement is also being redefined, as modern style fireplaces are often positioned at eye level, evoking a living piece of fine art.

It's winter and there's nothing better than cozying up to a warm fireplace. Investigate the possibilities at fireplaces.com. The site includes an online program that walks you through the process of designing your fireplace, mixing and matching options with rooms, flooring and wall colors.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Hello Internet Users!

I'm Jim Bonham President & Executive Director of Lighthouse Food Farm.

It's hard to get known here in the world of many websites. I write several Blogs and write Articles to help promote our cause which is to Help Feed Homeless and Hungry Americans good nutritious organically grown fruits and vegetables. The massive emails are out of the question because I do not like Spam any more than any of you.

My articles and blogs are one of my best ways to get known out here in the massive sea of the internet without doing the Spamming and Annoying Others! The other way is you and your friends telling others about my website... which is the most important way and the way I appreciate the most. This makes me work so much harder to make my website a very useful tool for you all. In my book... a Satisfied Customer is the only way to make a business grow. My website is about you! The Customer that needs a place for service and a website that meets your needs. The feedback I get from my visitors help me continue to improve my site each week. So to keep it short... it's you (My Valued Customer and Visitor) that helps me continue to build this website into a very useful internet website for all! Thank you for your input and suggestions.

My website ( http://www.jimbonham.com ) has a lot to offer everyone. From shopping for most anything you need to finding a home For Rent or For Sale. You are able to advertise your home or properties for sale or rent, car, boat, ATV, etc. Investors... here is an avenue for Free Advertising your investment property with our Classifieds or our Auction, which are Free to Register and Free to Use. We do have a few paid options that will allow you to place your items on the front and if you chose all the options, it would be less than $2.00. All proceeds from my website goes to Help Feed Hungry Americans. All money received will be used here in the United States of America to Help Feed the Homeless and Hungry. Unfortunately, bad things happen to Good People. 

The Lighthouse Food Farm is trying to give Americans Hope where there is no Hope.

I have a Share Button like this: on my website to share anything with your social networks, friends, co-workers and associates really easy. All I am asking is that you visit and see the website that I have devoted so many long hard hours into to make it a useful website for all.

So in closing... I ask you to visit my website and share it with others. If you need something that I do not offer, send me a message from my site and let me know. I will try and make it available for you and others.

http://www.jimbonham.com

Thank you for taking time to read this article.

Sincerely,

Jim Bonham

(ARA) - Homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel typically must select the style, the quality of craftsmanship and the materials that meet their unique values and project goals. With the pressing need to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources, green remodeling continues to gain in popularity.

"Incorporating green elements into a kitchen remodel is no longer considered just a passing fad, but a way of life," says Dick Titus, executive vice president of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA). "Homeowners feel a social responsibility to choose products that are safe for the environment and their family's welfare."

Kitchen cabinets could take up as much as half of a kitchen renovation budget, so it's vital for homeowners wanting to "green" their kitchens to choose a quality cabinet manufacturer with roots in environmental sustainability. KCMA's Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) can simplify the quest. ESP enables cabinet manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and helps consumers easily identify environmentally friendly products. After meeting the certification requirements in areas such as product resource management, air quality, process resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations, companies earn the ESP seal to display on their products. As a criterion in the NAHB Green Building Standard, the first ANSI approved green building rating system for residential construction in the U.S., ESP sets the standard for homeowners looking to integrate affordable eco-friendly cabinets into their home.

ESP encourages the following practices by awarding points to manufacturers who qualify:

Certified by a recognized sustainable forestry program
Wood products, especially cabinets, are an environmentally friendly choice for a number of reasons. One reason is that wood is a naturally renewable resource, meaning new trees will grow in place of those that have already been harvested. ESP certification awards points to manufacturers who use wood in their cabinets that is certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program. Programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) put a label on their wood products to show consumers that the resources removed from the forest are at a level the forest is capable of renewing without damaging its future. In doing so, these practices preserve the environment and valuable forest resources.

Use of materials with low levels of formaldehyde
To earn points in ESP's air quality category, manufacturers must prove that 80 percent of particleboard, medium density fiberboard, hardboard and plywood used in the cabinets meet the low formaldehyde emissions level of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Compwood ATCM. Such materials must be third-party certified by a CARB-approved lab to meet low formaldehyde emission standards. The CARB Compwood ATCM is the lowest formaldehyde standard in the world.  Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance that can be produced by the human body.  It is ubiquitous and a component of hundreds of consumer items.

Eco-friendly manufacturing process
When shopping for eco-friendly cabinets, it is important to not only examine the cabinets, but also the process that was used to manufacture them. Criteria for process resource management includes that the manufacturer have an active recycling program for wastes, an energy-conservation program or another form of environmental-management system. On top of conserving resources, these practices can reduce the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and aid in decreasing landfills, all of which have clear societal benefits.

Commitment to the environment and community
When purchasing ESP certified cabinets, homeowners can rest assured that the manufacturer is committed to both the environment and their community. ESP's environmental stewardship criteria require that the manufacturer have a written policy stating a firm commitment to protect the environment. The community relations category encourages the manufacturer to demonstrate community involvement and leadership through service or charitable organizations and observe all federal, state and local environmental requirements.

With almost  150 ESP certified cabinetry companies to choose from, homeowners have the ability to select environmentally responsible cabinetry tailored to their needs, no matter their price, style, finish and wood preference - just look for the ESP seal located on the base cabinet. For more information and tips on "greening" the home and finding environmentally friendly cabinetry visit www.greencabinetsource.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - From hardy hybrids to stylish, smart gardens, spring 2010 promises exciting new plants and products for garden lovers everywhere.

"People want easy plants and products that are attractive and good for the environment and perform well in their gardens," says Susan McCoy, garden writer and trend spotter. "And that's what the new plants and products this spring will deliver."

McCoy reveals a few of her favorite garden superstars for spring that will chase away those winter blahs as you get ready to get your hands back in the earth and garden.

Next big thing for small gardens  
McCoy loves the newest Drift Roses from The Conard-Pyle Co., introducer of the famous Knock Out family of roses. A cross between full-size groundcover roses and miniatures, both Sweet Drift and Apricot Drift Roses offer delicate, double flowers and continuous blooming throughout the season. With exceptional disease resistance and winter hardiness, these low-maintenance beauties are the perfect choice for small gardens or along paths and walkways.

Get a jump on spring
Looking to get a jump on spring planting? McCoy suggests FreezePruf - a revolutionary new spray from the Liquid Fence Company (www.liquidfence.com) - that may be the "holy grail" for gardeners. Developed by botanists, FreezePruf protects your lush flower baskets, veggies, herbs and favorite plants from late spring frost/freeze and ice crystal damage. This non-toxic spray can increase a plant's cold tolerance from 2.2 to 9.4 degrees (depending on the plant variety and the length of the frost/freeze event) and give gardeners about two additional weeks of growing and harvesting in spring and fall. It's almost like moving your garden 200 miles further south.

Tickled pink
Pink is the new blue. The first-ever pink blueberry (www.briggsnursery.com) - Vaccinium 'Pink Lemonade' from Briggs Nursery - is one of the most exciting new plants McCoy has seen in years and is a must-have for your garden. 'Pink Lemonade' provides delicious, sweet fruit rich in anti-oxidants, plus four seasons of color: pinkish-white flowers in spring, bright pink fruit in summer, great fall color and dusky auburn stems in winter. Growing about 5 feet around, this showy ornamental looks great as a hedge border or stand-alone shrub with the added benefit of luscious fruit in your cereal or pies - or by the handful. For more information or where to purchase visit www.briggsnursery.com.

Go native, go local
Native plants are clearly the next big thing in gardening, and it's easy to go native with American Beauties native plants (www.ABNativePlants.com). These native shrubs, trees, vines, grasses and perennials are hand-picked for their beauty and low-maintenance, making it simple to attract bees, birds and butterflies to a backyard habitat. The wildlife will appreciate the food and shelter, and when you purchase them, a contribution is made to the National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat program (www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife).

Catch daylily fever
Daylily fever is contagious and you're likely to catch the bug as you fall in love with the new fire-engine-red daylily from Centerton Nursery. McCoy digs this new, hardy, early and repeat bloomer - Jersey Earlybird 'Cardinal'- bred by world-renown daylily hybridizer, Dr. Darrel Apps. This easy-care daylily offers early-blooming great color and reblooms multiple times throughout the season. It's pest- and drought-resistant and is perfect in beds, borders and containers. Check it out at www.centertonnursery.com and earlybirddaylily.com.

Smart and simple
Want to bring the outdoors in and grow fresh herbs (www.fertileearth.com) and vegetables in the kitchen or on the balcony? McCoy loves Simple Gardens, the innovative new plant system from Fertile Earth that comes with soil, seeds and a how-to guide packed in stylish square containers. Perfect for indoor gardens or to start seeds. They come in a variety of hip colors and make wonderful gifts. Now it's a snap to grow kitchen gardens in any bright spot -- just add water.

Grow 'em right
The new Organic Mechanics Planting Mix (www.organicmechanicsoil.com) is like having all the goodness of compost in a bag. At planting time, just mix in the nutrient-rich planting mix to revitalize your garden soil. It helps retain moisture and accelerates root-zone establishment for healthier trees, shrubs, fruits, veggies and flowers. Get it this spring in Mid-Atlantic garden centers and Whole Foods stores.

Outdoor designer decor
McCoy loves the latest "designer" doormats from Imports Unlimited (www.wholesaledoormats.com). Made from 100 percent natural coco and mainly recycled rubber, these environmentally friendly eco-mats come in array of popular designs and colors. With over 180 unique patterns to choose from, adding your own personal style, whether it's formal, classical or whimsical, to your outdoor space is now easy and affordable.

All that jazz
For every rose lover, McCoy has discovered a new spray and way to keep roses healthy and strong. Jaz Rose Spray (www.jazsprays.com) naturally reduces damage from disease and common environmental stresses. This new plant-strengthening spray with jasmonate -- which occurs naturally in plants - provides increased resistance to disease, drought, and temperature extremes. Recently endorsed by the American Rose Society (ARS), Jaz Rose Spray boosts your plant's natural resistance to environmental stress and encourages vigorous roots, growth and blooms. For more information visit www.gardenmediagroup.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Even in the throes of winter, when most gardens are hibernating under a cold-weather blanket, it's easy to bring the warm, vibrant feelings of spring into the home with colors, textures and patterns.

From the saturated colors of fresh fruits and flowers to the neutral hues of pavers and fountains, the promise of new spring gardens can provide an endless source of decorating inspiration.

In fact, styling a home is much like planting a garden: Begin with a base color, then add pops of lively hues to complement the space. Reminiscent of violets in the garden, try purple vases on the fireplace mantel. Finally, add accents such as a green rug, as if there were freshly cut blades of grass underfoot.

The color experts at Sherwin-Williams have selected several botanical shades in the Refreshed palette of its Today's Colors collection. These bright hues look especially fresh when paired with light, natural wood tones.

"Our Refreshed palette is a playful exploration of a kaleidoscope of colors," says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. "It encourages the use of exuberant combinations like bright tangerine orange with sunny yellow - exactly what you would find in a springtime garden bouquet."

Using fabrics with botanical motifs is another way to reflect the cheery mood of spring renewal. Furniture upholstery, pillows and curtains can interweave organic elements into the home.

Experimenting with muted, natural colors is another twist on garden-style decorating. For example, the Treasured palette from the Today's Colors collection includes neutrals reminiscent of vintage, glazed pottery. Accent a room with an understated coral, yellow or green to give a home the feeling it has been well-loved for generations.

Relaxed neutrals are often at the center of nature's palettes, according to Jordan. Mixing in weathered browns or desert tans can add comfort and provide a serene backdrop for favorite flea market finds or energized colors, she says.

"To really bring a room to life, bring things that are living and growing into it; whether it be a beautiful orchid plant, magnolia leaves or a giant bowl of Granny Smith apples," says noted designer Larry Laslo, president of LL Designs.

Wonder whether a splash of spicy tomato red can add character to a living room or if weathered-stone grays can refine the walls of a master suite? Test colors without ever picking up a paint brush. The new Upload Your Own Photo feature at sherwin-williams.com allows do-it-yourselfers to experiment with the paint retailer's entire color spectrum, including interior and exterior facades.

To breathe easy while painting indoors in the midst of winter, try a low-odor, low-VOC paint. The paint's durability and ease of cleaning will keep a room looking as beautiful as the day it was painted.

To view the complete Sherwin-Williams Today's Colors collection, or to experiment with the new Upload Your Own photo feature on the Color Visualizer, visit sherwin-williams.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent