Top spring landscaping trends

Google images/ garden

Thinking about growing vegetables in your backyard or planting perennials this spring? If so, you're not alone.

Here are the top landscaping trends of 2011, courtesy of Chuck Montera at Sigler Communications Inc. 

1. Grow your groceries.  Trips to the grocery store continue to get more expensive.  Food prices increased 2.2 percent last month to record highs and it’s predicted that surging oil prices will continue to increase food costs.  Why not defray some of those costs through a kitchen garden? Homegrown fruits and vegetables not only taste better, they can help the pocketbook as well. According to the National Gardening Association, a well-maintained food garden yields on average a $500 return.  It also allows you to grow natural, vine-ripened produce.

2. ‘Fire and water’ do mix.  Coloradoans love to spend time outdoors. A great way to increase your outdoor season is by adding the warmth of fire with an outdoor fireplace, fire bowl or fire pit. Added ambience can be created with a water feature such as a fountain, built-in stream or pond.  Water adds visual appeal and soothing sound to mask city noise.  Once considered luxury items, fire and water features are now more affordable and can create dramatic results.

3. Solid as a rock.  Hardscapes are areas that use ‘hard’ materials, like natural stone or manufactured blocks to create patios, walkways and retaining walls.  The color and composition of stone can dictate the tone and mood of a landscape.  Many natural stones are quarried right here in Colorado and many blocks are also manufactured here--so ask if the material is a “local.”  Since using the right material for your job gets the best result, consult with a professional to find out which materials best meet your needs.

4. Increase your home’s value by increasing ‘curb appeal.’  A recent SmartMoney article stated that landscaping could add up to 15 percent to a home’s value. According to the National Association of Realtors President-Elect, Walt McDonald, “When people ask me how they can get strong interest in their property, I always tell them to fix up their landscaping.”  Whether you are looking to increase your home’s value or increase the chances of selling your home, investing in well-designed quality landscaping makes financial sense.

5. Small spaces can provide big enjoyment.  Just because an outdoor space is small doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed.  Skillful design can enhance the privacy of these areas and increase their functionality.  Some creative Coloradoans have maximized their small spaces with outdoor kitchens, bar lounges, water features and planting walls that require no soil.

6. Perennials never go out of style.  A perennial is the ‘little black dress’ of landscape design.  They never go out of style and the add depth to any garden. Because they come back year after year, they provide a great return on investment.  You can even divide overgrown plants and share them with a neighbor. Perennials that do well in Colorado include prairie zinnia, torch lily, golden flax, tulips and blanket flower.

7. Mix your veggies with flowers.  It’s not only OK to mix vegetables with annuals and perennials, it makes your garden look fabulous.  Certain flowers will also help protect your vegetables from bad insects, attract good ones and promote overall plant health. Mixing plants can also help economize space and reduce maintenance. Good flowers to mix in with your vegetables include zinnia, marigold, nasturtium, dahlia and lavender.

8. Light it up. Night lighting that highlights your house and landscape is one of the fastest-growing landscape innovations. Not only does it look great, but it increases home security. And new fluorescent and LED lighting options mean using less energy. LEDs now come in multiple colors, adding drama to your nightscape.

9. Simple is superb for container gardens. Containers can make show-stopping statements when set in entryways, balconies, patios or even in gardens. Non-complicated combinations of one to three plant varieties offer clean lines, a simple style and are an elegant alternative to a mish-mash of blooms. Try monochromatic combinations such as light green splashed with white for a cooling effect.

10. Therapeutic gardening feels good.  The physical activity of gardening and the eye-pleasing results of your hard work benefit both your physical and mental health.  Some gardens, like the award-winning Hewit Foundation Healing Garden at Littleton Adventist Hospital are specifically designed to relieve stress and promote mental tranquility.  Asian-style gardens can be particularily calming and Zen.  Gardening also is good for our bodies. The average female burns about 250 calories per hour gardening.

11.  Doing it right the first time is the best bargain around.  Homeowners who are watching dollars closely are wary of quick, cheap fixes that are short lived.  Find the right professional contractor for the job and use durable products that enhance property values, provide ease of maintenance and save money over the long haul.

To find a qualified landscape professional or subscribe to ALCC’s lawn and garden “Tip of the Week,” visit www.alcc.com and click on ‘find a landscape pro’ or ‘tip of the week.’

2011 or 2012? The $2 billion question

 Voters won’t be asked this year for a tax hike to complete the FasTracks public transportation project unless the economy picks up in the next 60 days.

Regional Transportation District board members authorized a financial plan Tuesday that includes asking voters in 2011 or 2012 for a tax hike that could generate the necessary $2 billion to finish the FasTracks project.

If RTD posed the question to voters in 2012, board members would ask for a .4 percent increase.  

Board members will spend 60 days studying the feasibility of holding an election this year. 

Several factors could determine whether RTD board members decide to put the issue on the ballot this November, including whether the economy continues to improve, whether gas prices decrease, and the willingness of private organizations to put down enough money to fund a campaign.

Read the full story in tomorrow's edition of the Aurora Sentinel!

Looking for a job?

I figured I'd post this on my blog for anyone looking for a job in communications. Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved is looking for a communications manager.



The Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved seeks a Communications Manager to lead all aspects of the communications of the organization. This will include managing and updating our website, publishing our e-newsletter, developing and implementing messaging, branding, a social media strategy and specific program publicity and support. This is a new role at CCMU and will require someone with a vision for how highly effective communications can further the mission and work of our organization. Develop and implement a strategic communications plan to advance CCMU’s mission, broaden awareness of our programs and priorities and cultivate meaningful relationships with key stakeholders and members of the public Update and actively manage the CCMU website and grow the CCMU social media presence Assist program departments in developing and delivering their communications strategies Develop and distribute all CCMU printed materials including the annual report, issue briefs, fact sheets, e-newsletter, blogs, and other social media communications Manage special events including the annual meeting, annual conference, meetings/forums and other events Engage CCMU members to build solid relationships and further the work of CCMU Seek out speaking opportunities for the Director and Staff Create and manage an annual workplan and communications calendar Ideal Skill Set and Qualifications: Strong writing skills, ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects at one time The ability to effectively communicate about complex health care issues and connect these issues to the lived experiences of the underserved, providers and systems of care dedicated to serving the underserved Demonstrated competence in basic graphic design, social media and the strategic use of social media Flexible, adaptable, energetic, optimistic team player with a willingness and ability to work independently Strong relationship building and management skills Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or health care related field This is a salaried position with benefits and the opportunity for a flexible work schedule. Application Instructions: Please send a cover letter and resume to Gretchen Hammer at gretchen.hammer@ccmu.org. In your cover letter, please including the following: - Brief description of the top three skills you would bring to this work - Complete this sentence: The greatest benefit of effective communications for a non-profit organizations is… - Your availability for interviews, ideal start date and preferred work schedule

Bob's brand new beard is a bet

Bob's new beard

 

No, it's not a new face on Council. Just a new beard. Aurora City Councilman Bob FitzGerald has been sporting a new look for the past couple of weeks. I finally found out what it was all about at a town hall meeting Tuesday night. It's a bet to see who can grow the better beard between him and his former roommate. Judging takes place March 15.... but they don't have an impartial arbiter set up yet. Apparently, Bob's wife isn't a fan of Bob's new style. Good luck, Bob!

At the town hall meeting, I asked Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier whether he has given much more thought to running for mayor. People have come up to him on two separate occasions (that I have been witness to) and told him he should step into the race. He ran a race for CD7 that gave Congressman Ed Perlmutter a run for his money, so will he jump in the mayoral race against Steve Hogan and Jude Sandvall?
"I am now starting to seriously consider my options and I hope to be able to come to a decision in the next 30 to 45 days," Ryan said.
We'll have to just wait and see... for now. But don't worry, I'll keep bugging him.

In other news, Mayor Ed Tauer quipped at the town hall meeting that the census results are showing that in "every single jurisdiction - every single jurisdiction - people are having sex."
Translation: Aurora's population is growing.
And, Tauer joked, a copy of that survey can be found online and on DVD!

Click here to find out who else has announced their candidacy for council and mayor. Elections will be held in November. Not included in that story is Councilwoman Molly Markert, who announced today that she is running for re-election.