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t ListenUp, we have numerous ways to streamline and
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contents
20 Storybook Garden
This Longmont garden has tall tales to tell
32 Glorious GreenhousesHow to have the gift of greenery year-round
65 Cracking the Organic CodeClearing the confusion about organic
food labels
71 Winterizing for WildlifeDuring cold weather, your yard could
spell life or death for wildlife
88 Home Tweet HomeHow to pick an appropriate birdhouse
to attract feathered friends
96 Resource DirectoryCheck this directory for companies and
businesses that can fulfill your every
home and garden need
gardenfeatures
38
83
46
27
75
88
71
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More Than Just Closets!
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27 Green Guide: Window-Shopping
Check out this guide before you buy
replacement panes
38 Spalicious!Tips on creating a do-it-yourself home spa for
pampering in private
46 Feature Home: Green & GraciousGreen building and tasteful design go hand in
hand in this off-the-grid house
58 All that Glitters Is GlassFrom bowls and sconces to tiles and tables,
glass makes a home sparkle
contents
76 Quelling Remodel Calamities
Twice makes nice in this kitchen remodel
that went wrong but ended right
83 Beddy ByeTrouble sleeping? This guide takes the
tossing n turning out of buying a new
bed
92 Outsmarting PestsHow to control winter pests without
resorting to harmful chemicals
98 Advertiser IndexAn alphabetized list of Boulder County
Home & Garden Magazineadvertisers
who can help you with everything fromlighting and landscaping to remodeling
and interior design
Dont forget to visit homeandgardenmag
.comto view our new virtual magazine, where
you can also access online-only articles and
sign up for the free and informative Boulder
County Home & Garden Magazinee-newsletter,
which also offers exclusive articles.
58
76
homefeatures
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14 home&garden
Thomas W. Brock
Carol S. Brock
Michael Whiteman-Jones
Lisa Truesdale
Karen Sperry
Hilary Stojak
Mary Shaub
Sandra Cunningham
AMFJ Architectural PhotographyRon Forth
Sharon Cutler
Ruthanne JohnsonLisa MarshallDebra MelaniCarol OMearaLisa Truesdale
Susan Tucker
Julie GrimmNicole KarstedSusan Tucker
Naomi Tepper
Carolyn Oakley
homeandgardenmag.com
homes@brockpub.com
Copyright 2009 Brock Publishing Co., all rights reserved.Reproduction of any material in this magazine or on the BoulderCounty Home & Garden Magazine website, including publisher-produced advertising, is strictly prohibited without publisherspermission. Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine is pub-lished by Brock Publishing Co., 1919 14th St., Suite 709, Boulder,CO 80302. Phone: 303-443-0600; fax: 303-443-6627. Subscriptions:Send $12 for four issues to the above address.
Home&GardenBOULDER COUNTY
MAGAZINEWINTER 2009
Publisher
Editor
Associate Editor
E-Newsletter Editor
Copy Editor
Editorial Art Director
Publication Art Director
Production Manager
Cover Photo
Photographers
Writers
Marketing Director
Advertising Account Executives
Office Manager
Website Manager
Boulder County Home & Garden
Magazine website
Boulder County Home & Garden
Magazine e-mail address
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18 home&garden
rained down upon us in recent months, we truly have a lot
going for us.
Americas taken a blow to the solar plexus, to be sure,
but, like Muhammad Ali later in his career, were still pretty,
still more than capable of floating like a butterfly and stinging
like a bee. We are the greatest economic power on earth,
and were the worlds most free, most innovative, most can-
do people. We have new, more thoughtful leadership in the
nations capital, and were already starting to regain the inter-
national respect that we once enjoyed as people everywhere
instinctively look to America to lead the way.
Yes, trying times are upon us, setbacks are inevitable
and sacrifices will need to be made. But well git er done
because, simply put, weve got spunk. No matter how bad
things get this winter, well not only collectively get through
it, we will more than likely emerge better for the experience
in the same way that our gardens emerge verdant after
a winter freeze. Thats one reason you wont find much
negative news in this issue of Boulder County Home &
Garden Magazine. Weve got spunk, too, and were looking
forwardnot ignoring tough times, but not wallowing in them,
either. We are realistically optimistic, even in hard times like
these, bringing you articles about subjects that are practical,
informative and entertaining.
This issue features how-to guides on fun topics like bird-
houses (page 88) and indulging in a cost-saving in-home spa
(page 38). There are practical stories about controlling pests
without harmful chemicals (page 92), buying replacement
windows (page 26) and shopping for a new bed (page 83). An
article about a Longmont gardeners storybook garden (page
20) reminds us that our lifes work can go hand in hand with our
avocation, while the featured green home (page 46) shows that
environmentalism can be economical as well as beautiful.
We hope that you enjoy this issue and rest secure in the
knowledge that for us, like King Richard, this winter of discon-
tent will give way to glorious summer.
P.S. Check out our new virtual magazine at homeandgarden
mag.com.
Sincerely,
Michael Whiteman-Jones, associate editor
Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine
homes@brockpub.com
Editors Note: Carol Brocks column will return in spring. In the
meantime, Happy New Year from everyone atBoulder County
Home & Garden Magazine.
Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this sun of York;
And all the clouds that lourd upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
William Shakespeare, Richard III
Dear Reader:
All right, winter has arrived and this year, its not only cold,
its also heartless. Bad news is everywhere: The earths fall-
ing apart, companies are laying off workers by the hundreds
of thousands, our economy is right behind Asia and Europein the bread line, and pop star Britney Spears was actually
allowedeven encouragedto release a new album. Things
havent looked this bleak since former President Jimmy Carter
was attacked by a crazed rabbit or Milli Vanilli was exposed as
a musical fraud.
So, what gives? Are we all just going to curl up and die as
temperatures plunge and the world around us goes dormant?
No! We are going to soldier on, as the famously determined
former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill might have
said, and with good reason.
Its never productive to be falsely positive, but its not
good to be unnecessarily negative either. Take the openinglines of Shakespeares Richard III, for example. A lot of people
mistakenly quote the first few words of the play before dump-
ing a heap of bad news. But read carefully and youll see that
King Richard was actually feeling pretty bouncy about his
familys fortunes.
Most of us read the current headlines with the same lack
of attention we give to Shakespeare, who admittedly used an
odd brand of English and is a bit of a murky read in this hip-
hop age of easy-to-grasp catchphrases. But theres a lesson
to be learned here that may help us get through the difficult
winter season intact: Despite all the gloom and doom thats
staff note
PHOTOBYCAROLBROCK
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home&garden 19
Tats...
FLOOR& HOMECARPET ONE
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A COMMON DREAM OF RETIREES is to forget about
their working years and simply spend their days doing
what they love.
Judy Athey wanted to spend her time in her Longmont
garden when she retired three years ago, but she had no desire
to leave her past behind. Instead, she infused her spacious yard
with special touches and remembrances from her 32 years spent
teaching at Erie Elementary.
Ive always loved childrens books, says Athey,
who taught third grade. And since I now have a whole
storage unit full of them, I decided to incorporate some
into my garden.
So she gathered her favorite statuary and collectibles and
combined them with her passion for books, placing vignettes from
stories and nursery rhymes throughout her garden. For example,
a small statue already in the garden happened to be a cat playing
This literate Longmont landscapehas plenty of tales to tell.
By Lisa Truesdale
GARDEN
Judy Atheys Longmont garden is filledwith mementos from her 32 yearsspent teaching at Erie Elementary,
including this statue of a young readergiven to Judy by her husband, Ray.
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22 home&garden
the fiddle. A staked red-metal frame with
the text High diddle diddle, the cat and
the fiddle now accompanies the statue.
(In fact, so many touches of red pop up
here and there that it leaves little doubt
its Atheys favorite color.)
Across the yard is a scene illustrating
the last line of that same nursery rhyme:
a piece of flowery antique china stuck
upright in the dirt with a silver spoon
beside it and the framed words, And
the dish ran away with the spoon. Other
All of these garden scenes were inspired
by Atheys favorite piece of yard arta
sandstone sculpture of a young boy read-
ing a book, given to her by her husband.
Athey says inspiring children to love
reading was so rewarding that she wanted
to keep memories of teaching close to her
heart. And since her garden is her other
major joy, it only made sense to combine
the two, she says.
Something Old, Something NewMementos arent the only charming sur-prises in Atheys garden. The sprawling
yard also incorporates the many garden
decorations shes collected over the years.
I love old stuff, Athey says. I find my
treasures at antique shops, flea markets
and garage sales. And even if I do buy
something new, its usually a replica of
something old.
For example, an unusual copper-
bucket fountain, purchased with gift cer-
tificates Athey received as a retirement
gift, greets visitors at the front door. The
fountain sits amid columbines, bleeding
hearts, wild violets and perennial gerani-
ums. (The welcoming committee at the
bright-red backdoor is Gracie, the Atheys
beloved pet, a 5-year-old bichon fris.)
One of the first sights you see as you
enter the backyard is an old shopping
cartred, of coursefilled to the brim
with roses. I put our oldest rosebushes in
there, Athey says fondly, like Abraham
Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. Across
The gardens stone table and benches sit on a flagstone patio built by the couples son and hisfriends. Its the perfect spot to sip a cup of tea and read a good book, Judy says.
The gardens flower bed always elicits asmile from visitors.
rhyming vignettes include a ceramic pie
and a bird figure (When the pie was
opened, the birds began to sing); a
worn-out old boot (She had so many
children, she didnt know what to do);
and a Humpty Dumpty statue (Humpty
Dumpty sat on a wall).
Other literary tributes include a spar-
kling ruby slipper (I want to go home
to Kansas, Auntie Em), and a baby-
blue child-size wooden chair holding a Dr.
Seuss book.
PHOTOCOURTESYJUDYATHEY
PHOTOBYLISATRUESDALE
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24 home&garden
from the cart is an enormous pink William
Baffin rose, one of the gardens many
focal points, planted when the Atheys first
moved into their home. I cant believe
how it has grown over the past 14 years,
Athey says with a smile. We just love it.
Visitors meandering through the yard
chuckle when they see the rusted metal
crib filled with blooms and labeled with
Judys garden pays tribute to a host of nurseryrhymes and books, with vignettes that depict(from top to bottom) Humpty Dumpty, Dr.Seuss The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins,Sing a Song of Sixpence, and High DiddleDiddle, among others.
a whimsical sign: Flower Bed. Or the
outhouse replica designed by a friend that
serves as storage for flowerpots next to
the rustic potting bench.
In addition to the gardens many
charming sights, spots to sit and relax
are never in short supply. Strategically
placed benches are tucked among color-
ful perennials, including daylilies, daisies
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home&garden 2
and hydrangeas. When Athey has guests,
though, shell likely lead them to the
vintage metal patio furniture, which sheespecially treasures because it was her
mothers. It had been painted many dif-
ferent colors over the years, Athey says,
but I recently decided to paint it plain
white, just like it was when it was new.
Atheys favorite place to relax is under
a group of shade trees, where a small
flagstone patio built by the couples son
and his friends holds a stone table and
benches. Athey says its the perfect spot
to sip a cup of tea and read a good book
provided its a childrens book, of course.
I really do love them, Athey says of
her books. I give them as gifts all the
time, to just about everyone I know, for
birthday gifts, baby shower gifts, even
wedding gifts.
In fact, I still give both of my kids a
few new picture books at Christmas, and
theyre in their 20s. They roll their eyes a
little and say, Oh, Mom, but I know theyll
realize someday how special these books
really are.
Just like Atheys storybook garden.
The yard includes plenty of spaces to relaxand reflect among mature plantings and flowerbeds. And the rustic potting bench helps Judytend to her beautiful plants.
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home&garden 27
By Michael Whiteman-Jones
At first glance, Don and Trudy Nichols
tastefully decorated South Boulder home
is nothing but beautiful. Located in the
desirable west Table Mesa neighborhood,
the 3,500-square-foot ranch-style home
features vaulted ceilings, two fireplaces
and an expansive deck with stunningfoothills views.
But from an environmental and eco-
nomic standpoint, the house has an ugly
problem: its windows. The homes origi-
nal 1974 windows are the energy-ineffi-
cient, single-paned aluminum-casement
variety. Some upper-level windows were
replaced two years ago with modern,
double-paned windows. But the couple
couldnt afford to switch out any of
the custom-sized windows, let alone the
windows and large sliding-glass doorsin the walkout basement. As a result,
their house gets colder in the winter and
hotter in the summer than it should, and
Trudy gets agitated when Boulders infa
mous winter winds rattle all that outdate
glass and metal.
I hate the old windows, she flatly says
She should, too. About half of a
American homes still have single-pan
windows, according to the Efficien
Windows Collaborative and the Allianc
to Save Energy. Single-paned window
are better than open holes in the wall, bu
they still account for about 20 percent of
homes heat loss and 40 percent of its coo
ing demandeven more if air infiltration
taken into account.The solution is obvious: Replace ol
windows. But is that cost-effective? An
what should homeowners look for whe
shopping for new windows?
Air Leaks = Wallet LeaksTheres no gentle way to say thi
Replacement windows are expensiv
Although a lot of options affect cost, includ
ing size and materials, windows run abou
$300 to $700 each. They can push $1,000
window or more if you want upscale option
like triple-paned windows, bay windows o
switchable glazingnew electronic techno
ogy that allows homeowners to lighten o
darken windows with the flick of a switch.
Even without such bells and whistles, it
not unusual for replacement windows in
typical home to approach $20,000, exclud
ing repairs to the homes existing frame
work or the additional cost of custom-size
windows. So, if you already have double
paned windows and theyre in good shap
youre better off keeping them and repai
green guide
Buying new panes can be a pain, but our guideto energy-efficient replacement windows can
help you make informed decisions.
Homeowner Sue Betramresearched window options carefully
before buying to make sure her homesnew windows exceeded federal insulating
guidelines. Now that shes replaced her agingsteel windows with technologically advanced,
high-performance panes, she says her home stayscooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
ILLUSTRATION:STEFANIEANGELE;PHOTOCOURTESYACCENTWINDOWS
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28 home&garden
ing air leaks with a caulk gun and new
weatherstripping, according to Boulders
Center for ReSource Conservation.
But if its time for new windows, some
factors help mitigate the cost. The U.S.
Department of Energy estimates that the
owner of a 2,000-square-foot Colorado
home with 200 square feet of windows
will save about $381 a year in utility-bill
costs by replacing single-paned windowswith Energy Star-compliant double-
paned windows. Over time, that adds up.
New windows also add value to your
home, although its not a dollar-for-
dollar trade-off. Most homeowners in
this part of the country can expect
to recoup about 82 percent of their
replacement window costs, accord-
ing to a 2007 study byRemodeling
magazine, and some studies put the
number closer to 90 percent. Roll
in a $500 federal tax credit thats
still available to homeowners who
upgrade windows, and your shiny
new windows could pay for them-
selves within two to 10 years.
New windows are probably the
number-one investment you can
put into your house, says Clyde
Lundeen, owner of New Windows
for America, which is headquartered
in Northglenn but serves the entire
Denver metro area, including Boulder
County. Once youre done, youll
have windows that will open and close
properly, that will update the appearance
of your home and that will pay you back.
Oodles of OptionsWindow options can boggle the mind.
Coatings, tints, gas fillers, framing materi-
als, energy efficiency and appearance are
among the things that need to be consid-
ered. Heres a quick checklist of what tolook for as you shop, and the energy rat-
ings best suited for windows in our area:
Labels. Look for the Energy Star andthe National Fenestration Rating Council
(NFRC) labels, which help ensure that
your new windows meet federal guidelines
for energy efficiency. Energy Star ratings
are set by the U.S. Department of Energy
and are region-specific based on weather
patterns, so look for a map showing that
the windows are suited for Colorados
mercurial climate.
U- & R-Factors. U- and R-factorsmeasure how well a window prevents
heat from escaping or entering. U-factorscommonly range from 0.25 to 1.25. The
lower the U-factor, the better; look for
windows with a low U-factor of 0.35 or
less. R-factor is usually used for rating the
efficiency of attic and wall insulation, but
some manufacturers adopt it for windows
as well. For window ratings, the R-factor
can go up to 10, and some manufacturers
sell top-of-the-line windows that exceed
R-9. The higher the R-factor the better;
look for an R-factor of at least 4.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. SolarHeat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a new,
more accurate way to describe how much
solar heat a window lets in. SHGC is
expressed using a scale of 0 for none, to
1 for 100 percent. The lower a windows
SHGC, the less solar heat and light it
lets in, which helps keep a house cooler.
A low SHGC can reduce cooling; a high
SHGC can increase passive-solar heat
gain. Choose a corresponding value that
best suits our climate, probably between
0.40 and 0.55.
Heat-lamp tests performed by the U.S. Department of Energys Windows Environmental Laboratoryprove that double-paned windows filled with inert gasses like argon resist thermal transfer betterthan single panes of glass.
Look for the label devised by the National FenestrationRating Council to determine how well yourreplacement windows will insulate your home. In thispart of Colorado, Energy Star suggests the paneshave a U-factor of less than 0.35 and a Solar Heat GainCoefficient (which measures how much solar heat awindow lets in) between 0.40 and 0.55. LA
BELCOURTESYNATIONALFENESTRATIONRATINGCOUNCIL;PH
OTOCOURTESYU.S.DEPARTMENTOFENERGY
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Condensation Resistance. This israted on a scale of 0 to 100. The lower the
number, the more resistant the window
is to condensation buildup. Condensation
not only obscures views, spots glass and
damages woodwork, its a sign that the
window isnt properly sealed.
Some companies make dual-purpose win-
dows that are wood on the inside for aes-
thetics, and maintenance-free vinyl, metal
or fiberglass on the outside for durability.
White used to be the only color option,
but now lots of colors are standard and
custom colors are also available.
Regardless, look for quality construc-
tion that includes upgraded weatherstrip-
ping, a warm-edge spacer between theglass and high-quality hardware. Warm-
edge spacers help prevent condensation
by using a rubberized stainless-steel chan-
nel instead of aluminum, which fails more
often because it expands and contracts
more as it heats up and cools down.
Frames also should be tightly sealed to
prevent air and water flow. Ask about
the manufacturers warranty, because you
want your investment to last long enough
to pay for itself10 years is OK, 20 years
is good, but a lifetime warranty is ideal.
Low-E Glass. Some windows are madewith regular glass, but better models fea-
ture low-emissivity or low-E glass. This
type of glass has a microscopic metal
This Energy Star graphic shows how a typical high-quality, double-paned window is constructed.
Construction. Frames can be madefrom a variety of materials, including wood,
fiberglass, vinyl, steel, aluminum, plastic
and wood, or composites of any of these.
Vinyl is often used in our climate, because
metal transfers cold and heat too easily,
and wood requires a lot of maintenance.
Improved Frame MaterialsVinyl, wood, fiberglass, andcomposite frames reduceheat transfer and helpinsulate better.
Low-E GlassSpecial coatings reflect infrared light, keepingheat inside in winter and outside in summer. Theyalso reflect damaging ultraviolet light, which helpsprotect interior furnishings from fading.
Gas FillsSome energy-efficient windows have argon,krypton, or other gases between the panes. Theseodorless, colorless, nontoxic gases insulatebetter than regular air.
Warm-Edge SpacersA spacer keeps a windows glass panes thecorrect distance apart. Todays warm-edgespacersmade of steel, foam, fiberglass, orvinylreduce heat flow and prevent condensation.
Multiple PanesTwo panes of glass, withan air-or-gas-filled space inthe middle, insulate muchbetter than a single pane ofglass. Some ENERGY STARqualified windows includethree or more panes for evengreater energy efficiency,increased impact resistance,and sound insulation.
WHAT MAKES A WINDOW ENERGY EFFICIENT?
SOURCE:U.S.DEPARTMENTOFENERGY
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home&garden 3
coating that reflects up to 70 percent of
heat energy while allowing in visible light,
generally giving it an R-factor of around
4. Some higher-end windows also contain
other insulators such as heat-mirror film
that more than double their insulating
properties to R-9 or higher. Better-quality
windows are beneficial in sunny Colorado,
where you want to block hot summer
sunlight but let in warm winter sunshine.Triple-paned windows insulate your home
and reduce street noise better than dou-
ble-paned windows, but they can cost
about 50 percent more. Do your math to
make sure the extra expense is justified.
Gas Fillers. The spaces betweendouble- and triple-paned windows can
be filled with regular air or inert gases,
such as argon and krypton. Inert gases
are odorless, colorless and nontoxic, plus
they reduce heat transfer. Argon, for
example, has about 33 percent less ther-
mal conductivity than air.
Visible Transmittance Number.The visible transmittance (VT) number on
your windows label indicates how much
light the glass lets through. VT values can
range from 0 to 1, but most VT values
fall between 0.3 and 0.8. The higher the
number, the cleaner the glass.
Air Leakage. Different styles of win-dows have different rates of air leakage.
Hinged windows generally offer the lowest
leakage rates, but look for an air leakage
rate of less than 0.3, which is the standardin most areas.
Energy Star Standards. The U.S.Department of Energy has proposed
stricter Energy Star standards that
are expected to be phased in starting
in late 2009, and fully implemented by
2013. Among other things, the new rules
will incorporate more specific regional
guidelines for windows, dividing the
country into six territories instead of
four, and placing Colorado in three zones
rather than two. If you want the most
energy-efficient windows available for
our area, some manufacturers, including
New Windows for America in Northglenn
and Accent Windows in Westminster, sell
products that already meet or exceed the
new standards.
Shopping for replacement windows
can be confusing. But armed with a
little knowledge and patience, you can
improve your homes comfort at the same
time you cut energy costs and help pro-
tect the environment.
Boulder, Colorado
303-993-2645
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Gloriousgreenhouses
By Debra Melani
Winter is as welcome to gardeners as aphids
are to roses: No more red-ripe juicy toma-
toes, sweet-smelling flowers or warm hours
in the garden. Just snow, wind and cold.
But some green thumbs are easing their
winter blues by taking up greenhouse gar-
dening. I just like the cozy feeling and the
greenery in wintertime, says Sue Main,
who has a 6-by-8-foot greenhouse where
she overwinters geraniums, petunias and
fuchsias, and her husband grows tomatoes
and peppers.
Nationwide, greenhouse sales have
increased, especially following the 9/11
food-shortage scare, says Main, a consul-
tant for Charleys Greenhouse & Garden
in Washington state. More people also
want to grow their own food to avoid
pesticides, E. coli contamination and
other threats. Interest in orchid-growing
has also fueled sales, but its the cold-
state gardeners who make up the bulk
of the nearly 1 million U.S. gardeners a
32 home&garden
PHOTOS:TOPBYTT;CENTERANDBOTTOMCOURTESYCHARLEY
SGREENHOUSE&GARDEN,CHARLEYSGREENHOUSE.COM
A greenhouse requires research, time andmoney, but the payoff is the gift of greenery
and a peaceful, restorative space year-round.
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year who have bought greenhouses for
the past five years, says the National
Gardening Association.
A greenhouse is usually a costly invest-
ment that involves more than picking the
prettiest one on a website and hitting
the order now button. The selection
depends on your space and budget, and
on what and how much you want to
grow. Many novices opt for greenhousekits, which can range from window-box
greenhouses to cozy 4-by-6-footers to
industrial 20-by-50-foot models. Some
suppliers will also customize a green-
house to fit any space.
Sometimes with kits, you get what you
pay for, cautions Shane Smith, director of
the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and author
ofGreenhouse Gardeners Companion.
Buyers will have to invest time and energy
to construct the greenhouse, and the
foundation, electricity and plumbing arent
included and often require contractors to
install. These additional expenses can add
up quickly, along with costs for essential
accessories like humidity and misting sys-
tems, benches, and grow lights.
So kit buyers shouldnt assume a bet-
ter price is a better deal, Smith says,
because youre probably getting a lower-
quality product.
Youll also have to choose a style for
your greenhouse, which ranges from tradi-
tional (gabled roofs, A-frames and gothic
arches) to offbeat (domes and prisms).Picking the glazinga greenhouses
wall and roof materialinvolves fore-
thought, too. For Colorado, Main suggests
twin-wall polycarbonate glazing, or five-
wall, if you can afford it. Unless looks
are especially important, she says. Then
you would want glass because you can see
through it a lot better.
Glass also lasts longerunless it
meets up with a rock, Smith says. But
polycarbonate is more energy efficient
something to consider if you dont want
to grow tomatoes that cost more thanstore-bought varieties because of heating
bills. Twin-wall polycarbonate costs about
the same as glass, but five-wall bumps
up the price considerably. However, the
increase could quickly be recouped in
energy savings.
For those on a budget, Smith suggests
Solexx greenhouse kits (solexx.com).
The companys polyethylene blend might
not last quite as long, but offers similar or
better energy efficiency at a lower cost.
Why were we chosen to insulate the Governors Mansion?
Because of the results of the Extreme Energy Makeover Home in Boulder.
Bestway Insulations experts know how important it is to keephomes of all sizes well insulated. That includes your home.Our commitment to reducing your energy bills and keepingyour family comfortable is just one reason why Bestway hasrecorded the highest energy savings from insulation for twoyears in a row at the Extreme Energy Makeover Homes inBoulder and Centennial.
In addition, Bestway Insulation is a qualified contractor for the
Insulate Colorado Rebate program, offered by the GovernorsEnergy Office. The program provides a rebate to homeowners(20% up to $300) who insulate and air-seal their attics andexterior walls to the recommended R-Values presented in the2006 International Energy Conservation Code.
We take our work very seriously because we believe all Ameri-cans have a moral obligation to insulate and seal their homes sothat we dont waste money or energy that heats up our earth.
SPECIALIZING IN SUPER-INSULATING HOUSES
BESTWAY INSULATION SERVICE
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Solexx kits dont require the permanent
investment of laying a foundation, either.
For newcomers to greenhouse garden-
ing, tent-like cold frame kits, which cost
as little as $300, may be a good way to
go, Smith says. Although not useful year-
round, they do allow you to grow seedlings
very early in the season and keep greenery
growing through late autumn.
Single or Attached?Perhaps the biggest decision is whether
to buy a freestanding or house-attached
model, which has some advantages,
Smith says. Ive always contended that
the closer you are to your greenhouse
physically, the better youre going to take
care of it. And if you attach it to your
home, thats about as close as it gets. You
might be more apt to sip your morning
coffee out there and think, I need to
fertilize my orchids.
A well-insulated attached greenhouse
on the south side can also decrease home
heating bills, he says. At the same time, the
house buffers the greenhouse from north-
erly winds. Heat, electricity and plumb-
ing are probably more accessible with
an attached greenhouse, which is impor-
tant if you want to garden year-round.
Otherwise, you shut it down for the three
coldest months or grow only incredibly
tolerant plants, Smith says. There are also
propane-heater options for greenhouses.
On the flip side, freestanding green-
houses set up anywhere, and come in
larger sizes.
Green Go-AheadBefore buying a greenhouse, make sure
the doors and frame (typically alumi-
num or wood) are sturdy, and that it
comes with a warranty. Also, be sure the
company provides technical assistance, a
thorough and easy-to-follow manual, and
an instruction video.
Snow and wind load are also impor-
tant factors to consider, especially in our
area. Snow easily slides off steep roofs,
and curved eaves are often not available
in energy-saving polycarbonate models.
Building codes and neighborhood cov-
enants may also govern choices.
Main recommends at least a 75-mph
wind load and 35-pounds-per-square-foot
snow load for greenhouses in Colorado.
Check with the local codes, she says,
and see if upgrades are available for the
models youre interested in.
Despite the expense, time and research
necessary to greenhouse-garden, Smith
predicts it will continue to grow in popu-
larity. People are getting more into gar-
dening, he says, and they really enjoy
picking their own flowers and vegetables.
Its also just a great cure for winter.
Insulate with Reflectix (a foil-faced,
bubble-wrap-like material) on the
east, west and north walls, and northroof portion. Insulate the foundations
outside perimeter with a 1-to-2-inch-
thick vertically placed Styrofoam board
that extends down for at least a foot.
Weatherstrip vents and doors,
and caulk cracks. To determine where
leaks are, close up the greenhouse,
light an incense stick and hold it
against the walls and joints. If the
smoke moves, seal that spot.
Line the north wall with metal
or black drums filled with water. The
drums absorb heat during the day and
release it at night.
Invest in a night curtain, which
you can roll across the inside of
the greenhouse at night. Just like a
blanket, its useful in extremely cold
and windy areas.
Source: Shane Smith,
greenhousegarden.com
GREENHOUSE TIPS
Glass greenhouses(left) showcase plantsbecause you can see
through the walls. Butthey dont insulate aswell as polycarbonategreenhouses (above),a better choice forColorados climate andyour energy bills.
PHOTOSCOURTESYCHARLEYSGREENHOUSE&GARDEN,CHARLEYSGREENHOUSE.COM
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38 home&garden
By Debra Melani
Who doesnt love a spa day? The primping.
The preening. The relaxation. But some-
times its hard to find the time. Or maybe
you cant shell out the bucks. So why not
join the millions of in-home spa goers?
We asked a few experts how to pamper
in private without spending a wad of cash.
Their first suggestion is to get your pri-
orities straight. Instead of thinking about
Spalicious!
Creating an inexpensive in-home spais salve for the soul.
whats for dinner, your kids soccer game,
your parents health, or anything else,
remember that a spa day is for you. Its
your time to relax, slow down, breathe
deeply and put yourself first.
Next, stock your home spa with items
that appeal to the five senses: taste, touch,
smell, sight and sound.
To accomplish that, youll need a few
essentials on hand: a thick, plush robe
and cushy slippers; a washcloth, a back
brush, and a loofah or other scrubber;
a pitcher of chilled spring water with
lime or lemon and a fancy drinking glass;
a teapot for steeping green or white
tea; your favorite CDs; cleansers, toners
and moisturizers; coarse sea salt, body
scrubs and pumice; fluffy hotel-style cot-
ton towels; luxurious hair-care products;
a bath tray, a pillow and a cooling-gel
eye mask; an aromatherapy diffuser and
natural essential oils; self-massage tools;
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An aromatherapy diffuser
and natural
essential
oils are
crucial for ahome spa.
Chromatherapy showerheads deliver a rainbow
of mood-altering colors.
Meditative
music
soothes
the soul.
Babassu bath
and body oilprovides a silky
moisturizing
experience.
Soaking tubs made of
rock add an earthy feel to
luxury baths.
a small bowl of fresh fruit and/or vegeta-
bles and dip; naturally scented candles;
fresh flowers.
You may not use all these items on the
same day, but youll be ready for different
types of pampering, depending on the
amount of time available for your in-home
spa day.
Seeing Is RelievingWhen picturing the perfect spa retreat,most people envision themselves neck-
deep in soapy suds, eyes clad in cucum-
bers. But what you see when your eyes are
open matters, too.
Clear the clutter, says Candis Ayers,
spa director for St Julien Hotel & Spa in
Boulder. Clothes on the floor and junk on
the counters hamper a meditative mind-set.
Place a bouquet of fresh flowers (or
a well-done silk imitation) in your line of
sight from the tub. And dont forget the
mood-setting must: candles.
Although some, like Ayers, prefer the real
thing, battery-operated candles are increas-
ingly popular in spas, says Mindy Terry, a
nationally recognized spa consultant and
president of Creative Spa Concepts.
Here are a few ideas for an in-home spa.
Simulatedbeeswax
candles contain
LEDs that
create a safe
and realistic
flickering glow.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants
and mood-enhancers that can elevate
your spa experience.
Round, square orrectangular rain showers
turn an ordinary shower
into a tactile sensation.
Gourmet
teas add a
rejuvenating
touch to spa time.
PHOTOBYPINKCANDY
SPA SPECIFICS
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home&garden 4
Some are really realistic, and many
have rechargeable batteries, Terry says.
Not only are they safer for people with kids
and pets, theyre environmentally friendly
something many of Terrys clients prefer.
Both women agree mood lighting is
crucial in creating a spa setting, and note
a growing industry trend: chromatherapy.
This holistic approach uses colored lights
incorporated into shower heads, or jettedtubs, to affect health and mood.
Forget bright, white overhead light-
ing, Terry says. Instead, consider installing
dimmer switches, experimenting with vari-
ous light bulb colors, and placing lighting
around the rooms perimeter so that it
washes over the walls.
Colors, tiles, artwork and fixtures are
all personal choices that should reflect
your needs, beliefs and sense of beauty,
Terry says.
Opt for calming colors (blues, greens)
if youre overly stressed or scheduled. If
your energy is sapped, you might prefer
vibrant hues (reds, oranges) to bring you
into balance.
Years ago, we didnt put a whole lot
of emphasis on aesthetics, Terry says.
Natural soy-based candles are a healthier
alternative to artificially scented candles.
Towel warmers are a toasty addition to anin-home spa.
PHOTOSCOURTESYMANUFACTURERS
ANN COOPER
Ann Cooper & AssociatesMetro Brokers @ the Steelyards
Dear Friends,
As you know, Im one of Boulders BEST realtors. Your satisfaction is of paramountimportance throughout the experience of buying and selling real estate. These are tough times
for everyone. Though Im certain that over the horizon, both locally and nationally,are exciting possibilities. The economic climate will change for the better.
Please call me. We can discuss whether this is a good time for buying/selling;review your real estate investments; I can share with you my vision of where Boulder County
real estate is currently and where its headed; discuss your needs. I am grateful for theopportunity to serve you and Im hoping that 2009 brings you success (however you define it).
May you have good health, an abundance of friends, great familial relationships and peace!
All the best, Ann
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42 home&garden
But today, the environment has become
as significant to the spa experience as
the treatments.
Sounds of SilenceIncorporating sound into your home spa
can be as simple as a bubbling fountain or
a meditative CD.
Terry recommends piping satellite
radio, which provides a wide range of unin-
terrupted music, into your sanctuary. It
allows you to select from multiple genres
of music, so you could choose six or eight
channels that are really meditative.
If you have a CD player or iPod docking
station, Ayers suggests a local company
called Sounds True. The Louisville-based
company offers a variety of music for pur-
chase or download that focuses on health,
healing and relaxation, with everything
from classical music and sacred chants to
hymns and New Age sounds.
Other options: White noise and
sounds like ocean waves, rain forest
chatter or raindrops are available on
many clock radios. A gurgling fountain
is always relaxing, and a flat-screen TV
gives you both audio and visual, letting
you gaze at a turquoise ocean and white
sandy beach while listening to lapping
wave sounds.
Smell the RosesAromatherapy is a key element in a home
spa. Essential oils have been used since
ancient times for healing and mood ele-
vation. These plant-derived oils exert
different effects. Lavender, jasmine, san-
dalwood and ylang-ylang are good for
de-stressing, while eucalyptus, rosemary,
basil, peppermint, spearmint and juni-
per are revitalizing. Essential oils not
only affect mood, they facilitate healing.
Cypress is used to increase circulation,
lavender mitigates headaches and lemon
may improve skin tone.
There are several ways to incorporate
aromatherapy into a home spa. You can
add drops of your favorite essential oil
or oils to a bowl of warm water, soak a
washcloth in the water and apply it to
your face and neck as a compress. You
can also add six to eight drops of laven-
der or rosemary essential oil to 16 ounces
of shampoo for either a restorative or
invigorating scalp massage.
Or simply enjoy the scents as you relax
in a warm bath. An ornamental diffuser
with a touch of lavender oil calms frayed
nerves and adds a decorative touch. Or
sprinkle some essential oil on a heatedwashcloth and put it across your face so
you inhale the scent, Ayers says.
Aromatherapy experts can help clients
create their own oils and bath salts with
formulas tailored specifically for their skin
types and health needs, Terry says.
While some scented bath products are
fine, Ayers recommends organic, natu-
ral lines for most shampoos, soaps and
lotions. St Julien uses a locally based com-
pany, Inara, for many of its bath products.
Dont ignore your senses when settingup a home spa, which is why essentialoils, candles, a whirlpool, soothingmusic and a temple rub from yourpartner all enhance your spa experience.
PHOTOS:TILEBYTHESUPE87;JACUZZIBYBLAZKURE;OILSBYL
IVFRIIS-LARSEN;MASSAGEBYADAMBORKOWSKI
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44 home&garden
The fair-trade companys Babassu Sugar
Rub is amazing, she says. Your body just
feels like silk. If environmental issues
concern you, stock your sanctuary with
eco-friendly products.
When applying bath products, scrub
mindfully, suggests Julie Hunt, founder ofSHE, a personal-development teleclass for
people who want to live brilliant, happy,
successful lives. Gentle, circular motions
will increase circulation and eliminate
toxins and excess water, Hunt says. One
of her favorite detoxifying, exfoliating and
cleansing tricks is to mix an ounce of
ground coarse sea salt with 10 or so drops
of your favorite essential oil. Add water
and make a paste, so it spreads easily.
Apply it to your entire body and slough off
dead skin with big circular strokes.
Feelin No PainThere are many ways to indulge the sense
of touch in a home spa: Rub your temples.
Enlist your spouse. Buy self-massage tools,
like rollers, kneaders and acupressure
balls. And simply immersing yourself in
warm water increases blood circulation.
Add jets to your tub and you bump up
the benefits, Terry says. She, however,
would opt for the elegant, earthy aesthet-
ics of a Stone Forest tub. Theyre beauti-
ful big tubs that are actually stone vessels.
Jets are difficult to clean, however. To
eliminate the threat of bacterial buildup,
Terry recommends a pipeless system
(sanijet.com) if a jetted tub is a must.
What I would do is put a lot of focus
on my shower, Terry says. A shower with
jets attached to the walls and directed
from all sides would be her top choice,
along with a rain showera giant showerhead that mimics being in a downpour.
You really get a fun water experience,
she says.
If these items are beyond your budget,
splurge on plush towels, robes and slip-
pers. If youre really feeling indulgent, a
towel warmer can take the chill out of cold
nights. Or get your partner to toss a towel
in the dryer for five minutes before you
finish your bath.
Taste Your Joy
Not traditionally a big focus in spas, the
sense of taste has garnered more attention
in commercial spas lately. Things used to
be focused only on fitness and wellness,
Terry says. For example, alcohol used to
be taboo in a spa setting, but alcohol is a
way some people relax. Spas are now taking
more of a softer approach, and this should
carry over into peoples home spas.
For Terry, however, theres nothing
better than having a great cup of tea when
youre in your bathtub reading a book.
She prefers Reneu Concepts for her tea
and Bissinger chocolate for her spa indul-
gence. But a bowl of fresh fruit or veggies
and dip is a healthier alternative.
Remember to indulge in simple plea-
sures, too, like cooling-gel eye masks and
a cleansing, revitalizing regimen for your
face, hair and body. After cleansing with
an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory facial
cleanser, Hunt likes to firm and tone herface by rubbing it with a plastic bag filled
with ice cubes.
And dont forget to treat your feet,
especially if your job requires you to stand
for hours. A quick, easy foot treatment is
to fill a basin with warm water, Epsom salts
and several drops of peppermint essential
oil (you can also add fresh rose petals, if
your garden is in season), and soak your
feet in it. Then get out the pumice stone
and smooth out rough spots.
Whatever eases your mind and stimu-
lates your senses, incorporate it into yourprivate sanctuary, Terry says. Come up
with some kind of a theme or concept and
use it as a guiding philosophy.
But remember this is your time, so
dont rush. Slow down your breath, your
thoughts and your movements, Hunt
advises. The benefits and joy you experi-
ence during your in-home spa day will be
more colored by your desire and intentions
than by any fancy, expensive products you
can buy.
A good soak is just what the doctor ordered, whetherits in an expensive chromatherapy Fuzion BlueJacuzzi (pictured above) or a regular old-fashionedtub, followed by wrapping yourself in a plush robe.
PHOTOS:T
EAPOTBYNANCYKENNEDY;TUBCOURTESYJACUZZIGROUPWORLD
WIDE
Gourmet teas on an in-home spaday not only taste great, they canbe relaxing as well as healthful.
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home&garden 47
Architect Thomas Beck
built his green home in Estes Park a
decade before green building was trendyto prove that energy efficiency and
tasteful design could go
and in hand.
By Lisa Marshall
Long before green was the new black and the word eco-
friendly was omnipresent, an idealistic young CU archi-
tecture student named Thomas Beck embarked on a quiet
mission to spread the word about sustainable building.
The year was 1974, and the nation was reeling under the
Arab oil embargo, with mandatory gas rationing, a maxi-
mum 55-mph speed limit, and year-round daylight saving
time in place to save energy. Beck attended the National
Solar Energy Conference in Denver and walked away with
an insight that has since guided his career: I realized that
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48 home&garden
oil and gas are not infinite, says Beck,
founder of T.W. Beck Architects in Estes
Park. We are just too wasteful, and we
dont have to be.
For more than 30 years, Beck, now 52,
has built a career around those ideas,
designing solar- and wind-powered homes
with recycled materials and energy-
efficient appliances, even when green
building was anything but trendy. (He
notes that while President Jimmy Carter
put solar collectors on the White House
in the 70s, President Ronald Reagan
removed them when oil prices retreated
in the 80s).
Beck also built his own sustainable
dream home. Its a 5,800-square-foot
model of possibility that boasts wind and
solar power, recycled tile and insulation,
sustainably harvested wood and other
energy-efficient technologiesall without
sacrificing aesthetics.
I wanted to demonstrate that you could
have an energy-efficient home and green-
built products, and that it didnt have to
look weird, says Beck, standing outside
his elegant stone-and-stucco home, which
Left:Thick wooden beams stretch out like tree
branches in this Estes Park homes great room.
Below:A century-old railroad trestle from the
Great Salt Lake was recycled to make the great
rooms trusses. Other woods came from standin
dead cherry, walnut and ash trees from a family
farm in Indiana.
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EXTRAORDINARYDESIGN
PAYSEXTRAORDINARYDIVIDENDS
170 South Saint Vrain Ave.
Estes Park, CO 80517
970-586-3913
twbeckarchitects.com
BECK Architects, P.CArchitecture, Planning, Interiors
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is powered by seamlessly integrated solar
roof tiles and two miniature windmills.
Step inside, and youll find not only a
testament to Becks dedication to green
building, but an example of what can hap-
pen when two diverse design styles col-
lide. In 1999, the Colorado architect was at
a reunion in his hometown of Shelbyville,
Ind., when he bumped into a kindergarten
chum, Anne DePrez, whom he hadnt
seen in decades. Soon afterward, Beck, a
bearded outdoorsman who loves to swim
and ski moguls, and DePrez, an Indiana
trial lawyer who loves to read and play
piano, were planning their wedding and
scouting for property in Colorado. They
found a wooded, 40-acre oasis high above
the town of Estes Park, and quickly agreed
that with the closest power pole located
Above: Eco-minded architect Thomas
Beck integrated solar roof tiles into
the design of his elegant stone-and-
stucco home.
Left:Two small windmills help
provide electricity for the 5,800-
square-foot home.
home&garden50
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home&garden 5
Below:A rocky outcrop that holds the
couples wood-fired hot tub is connected
to the main house by a log bridge.
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52 home&garden
Beck built an environmentally friendly
house that looks and functions normally.
Earthy slate and concrete tiles lend
lodge-like ambiance to the kitchen.
Wedgewood has received the Env ironmental Stewardship Program
certication from the K itchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.
We are proud to be the rst cabinet manufacturer in the State of
Colorado to receive this prestigious award.
Flatiron Crossing Showroom
1685 Boxelder St.
Louisville, CO 80027
303.664.1400
Making sure more than
just our cabinets last.
www.wedgewoodcabinetry.com
http://www.wedgewoodcabinetry.com/http://www.wedgewoodcabinetry.com/8/14/2019 Magazine+ +2009+Winter
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home&garden 53
2 miles away, an off-the-grid power sys
tem was necessary.
When the design process began, how
ever, the couples differing tastes becam
apparent. She was a traditionalist; h
preferred a lodge look. She preferred
Asian art and vibrant hues; he preferreearthy, natural tones. After months at th
drawing board, Beckwho served in th
challenging triple role of architect, gen
eral contractor and husbandcreated
hybrid that reflected both of them.
He created a marriage of our prefer
ences, DePrez says simply.
In the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright
Beck designed their home to fit its uniqu
surroundings, with enormous west-facin
windows overlooking what is arguabl
the best possible view of Rocky Mountain
National Park. The Lord gets credit fo
this part, says Beck, standing on his awe
inspiring deck with nearly 270-degre
views from Longs Peak in the south t
Mount Olympus in the north.
Among the homes more unusual fea
tures is a 30-foot-tall, windmill-sportin
The downstairs lap pool serves as a
humidifier and water tank in case of fire
Niwot interiors
303-652-1727
Niwot Rd
HWY287
119
-Dia
gonal
Boulder
Art & Accessories | Bedding | Carpet & Area Rugs | Ceramic & Stone | Custom Window Treatments
Fine Home Furnishings / Furniture | Flooring | Home Staging | Kitchen & Bath Remodeling | Space Planning | Upholstery
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54 home&garden
log bridge that leads from the north side
of the house to a rocky outcrop, where the
couples golf tee box and wood-fired hot
tub reside.Inside the homes towering great
room (designed to optimize acoustics for
DePrezs mini grand piano), thick wooden
beams branch out into a tree motif, mak-
ing visitors feel as if theyre standing
beneath a wooded canopy. Bookshelves
(for her) abound in nearly every upstairs
room, while downstairs, a lap pool (for
him) doubles as a home humidifier and
water tank in case of fire.
When it came time to pick the homes
color scheme, the couple chose colors
from some of the large Tibetan rugs
found in nearly every room, including
the deep blues, maroons and greens
that reminded them of Asia (her favorite
travel destination) for the upstairs mas-
ter bedroom and bath. In the mid-level
kitchen, earthy slate and concrete tile
offer lodge-like ambience.
Lightening the LoadFrom the get-go, Beck was meticulous
about saving energy, recycling materials,
Below and right: Beck melded his love of the lodge look with his wifes
preference for traditional and Asian styles, while capitalizing on the homes
incredible mountain vistas accentuated by the many windows.
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running a solar-powered job site and keep-
ing waste in check. The guys would throw
lumber out and Id throw it back at them,
he jokes.
To keep new timber purchases to a
minimum, Beck harvested standing dead
cherry, walnut and ash trees from his fam-
ilys Indiana farm. He then took the wood
to a sawmill and hauled it to Colorado to
use for the homes doors and trim. For thegreat-room trusses, he recycled a century-
old railroad trestle from the Great Salt
Lake. In the master bathroom, he chose
deep-blue tile crafted from recycled wind-
shield glass. For insulation, he used natu-
rally treated shredded blue jeans. And he
based every decision on energy efficiency
when selecting lights and appliances.
The key to living in an off-the-grid
house is to reduce your load, Beck says,
noting the homes use of compact fluores-
cent lights, an LCD television and energy-
saving appliances.
He acknowledges that some will view
the size of his house as anything but sus-
tainable. But Beck says he and DePrez had
to think about resale value when deter-
mining how big to build. We thought that
if we ever wanted to sell it, a house on top
of that hill with that view really demanded
more than 2,000 square feet. So, insteadof building small, they built smart, creat-
ing a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home
that Beck says uses about 25 percent of
the energy a conventional house of that
size would use.
Thirty-four years after being bit by the
alternative energy bug, Beck still attends
annual solar conferences to brush up on
the newest technologies, and ushers cli-
ents and curious visitors through his home
in hopes that theyll incorporate at least a
few of his energy-saving ideas into their
own homes.
The public just needs to be educated,
and then they will demand more green,
Beck says, noting that a wealth of green
progress has been made since he com-
pleted his house in 2002. Plus, he says, It
always feels good to be mimicked.
Standing on the log bridge by his
homes windmills, architect Thomas
Beck says he believes the public will
start demanding energy-efficient options
once they understand how easily they
can be incorporated into everyday life.
303.818.0241 || ellisbuilds.com
Building Healthy Spaces with Sustainable Practices & Skilled Craftsmanship
E L L I SC O N S T R U C T I O N
Custom Homes & Renovations
C
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By Michael Whiteman-Jones
Glass is strange. It can be clear, opaque or a
mix of the two. It can be frighteningly fragile,
yet strong enough to walk on, or even bullet-
proof. Formed into a single windowpane, its an
energy sump. But combine it with plastic and
extrude it into fiberglass, and its an amazing
insulator. Its made from some of the Earthssimplest materialssand, soda ash and lime
but has to be mixed and heated exactly right
or it shatters.
Glass is also strangely versatile. It can
be powdered, spun, crushed, cut, slumped
over a form, melded, molded, cast or blown.
Normally, its clear. Add some cobalt oxide and
it turns blue. Add a bit of 24-carat gold and it
becomes red. A few grains of silver halide, and
itll darken in sunlight, but magically turn
clear in shade. It can be etched, painted,
stained, tinted, ground, polished and
sandblasted, and crafted into a wide
range of shapes, from bowls and bottles
to beads and baubles.
Its no wonder that glass attracts so many
artists and enhances so many homes.
Because its practical and versatile, glass is
widely used in utilitarian objects, like glasses,
vases and bowls, as well as decorative acces-
sories like candlesticks, knickknacks and orna-
ments. Its also used in custom backsplashes,
countertops, shower doors, mirrors, bars, pan-
els, and of course, windows and doors.
But those custom items are going to cost
you. Out of a hundred of our customers, only
one will be able to afford custom etched glass,
says Rob Altschuler, owner of A-Ability Glass
Co. in Boulder, which manufactures etched-
glass shower doors, among other products.
Homeowners who can afford custom glass
should also expect it to take longer to make
and install, he says.The results are worth it, however, because
of the singular ability of glass to transcend util-
ity and ascend into the aesthetic realm.
Table This IdeaConsider the work of Denver artist Kit Karbler,
for instance.
Karbler developed an obsession with glass-
blowing early on in his 33-year career. After
earning a fine arts degree in 1975, he dabbled
in a variety of media, including painting,
bronze casting and ceramics. But during
a rainy-day walk decades ago, he passed
a small gift shop and was instantly capti-
vated by the sight of an artist blowing glass.
It smelled right, sounded right and looked
right, he says. Ive never really left that
shop.
Karbler devoted his life to learning glass-
blowing techniques and opened his own stu-
dio, Blake Street Glass, in lower downtown
Denver in 1979. Initially, he made small gift
items like perfume bottles. Later, though, his
work evolved into something truly unique:
From tables, sconcesand stained glass tobowls, backsplashes
and doors, glassharnesses light in waysthat make it spectacular
in the home. PHOTOCOURTESYKITKARBLER
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home&garden 59
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60 home&garden
trademark pieces that transform ordinary
objects into art by combining geometric
and natural shapes and richly saturated
colors in unexpected ways. He often inter-
sperses stone, metal and precious stones
into glass pieces that sometimes seem
insanely off balance or even whimsical.
Karblers idiosyncratic dining room
and end tables, for example, have earned
him an international reputation. About 17
years ago, he needed a table for his home
and decided to make it with what he knew
bestglass. I wanted a table that was as
Lyons-based artist Kathy Bradford
trained as a fine artist and sketchesher multidimensional natural designsonto paper before sandblastingthem into glass panels, like the onespictured here. Although she alsoworks with colored glass, Bradfordsays her favorite color is clear.
much a sculpture as it was a table, he
says. The result was exciting, and so he
made another, and then another, juxtapos-
ing quiet and loud, angular and smooth.
Soon, he was shipping tables to clients
all over the globe. Now theyre one of the
mainstays of his business, taking up to six
months to make, typically costing $5,000
to $10,000, and looking much too delicate
to be sensible. But Karbler insists theyrebuilt to last. I want people to use the
tables, he says.
3-D DramaIf its form and function that initially
attract artists and homeowners to glass,
its the materials complexity and varie-
gated nature that keep them coming back
to it for the home. To me, glass is the
most complex of all media I have worked
with, artist Kathy Bradford says. Im
not one to be linked into two dimensions.
Glass is multidimensional, really. That is
one of its properties that has kept me
coming back for more.
Bradford works out of her studio and
home near Lyons. Trained as a freelance
photographer and fine artist, she loves
black-and-white drawing, but acknowl-
edges its not lucrative. Fortunately, she
learned to translate her eye for graphic
detail from paper onto glass.
Although she creates multifaceted,
abstract contemporary pieces that com-
PHOTO
COURTESYA-ABILITYGLASSCO.
PHOTOCOURTESYKATHYBRADFORD
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home&garden 6
bine colors and shapes, some of her most-
admired work realistically depicts the
natural world, like glass panels with trees,
owls, deer and other nature scenes. She
sketches a design first, and then carefully
sandblasts it into thick, clear glass. My
favorite color is clear, Bradford says.
Her work could be described as stark,
but the meticulous detail and layering cre-
ate surprising dimensionality on glass pan-
els that are typically less than a half-inch
thick, and the results are strikingly elegant
and rich looking. I dont fear the competi-
tion because nobody in the world is dumb
Above: Boulder artistMary Barron makesher distinctive lightedsconces by fusing ormelting together bitsof colored glass in ahot kiln.
Right: Glass is very
versatile and canbe spun, crushed,cut, slumped, fused,molded, cast or blown.This artist is preparingto blow molten glass.
PHOTOCOURTESYGREGRAVENWOO
D
PHOTOCOURTESYADAG
IOARTGLASS
LET YOUR VOICEBE HEARD
For a better quality of life.
Contact the office for more information
at(303) 778.1400 x325or at hbadenver.com
Join the Flatirons Building Councilof HBA of Metro Denver
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home&garden 63
Although she creates purely artis-
tic pieces, Barron approaches her art
with business acumen, working almost
exclusively with designers and whole-
salers rather than individual clients.
Some of her production-oriented work
is available at more than 100 specialty
stores nationwide, including McGuckin
Hardware in Boulder.
Textured and jewel-like, her tiles and
knobs are brilliant, shimmering bits of
richly colored glass and metal. Sometimes
theyre even curved and bent to form
corner pieces that add matchless sparkle
to kitchens and baths. Many are created
for clients looking to complement their
dcor with specific colors, patterns or
designsdragonflies or martini glasses,
for example.
Barrons custom-cut and colored
sconces are free-flowing, wavy, contem-
porary pieces lit with bright, 150-watt
halogen bulbs and housed in sleek satin
nickel bases. Tiles start at about $5 each
knobs at about $15. A custom sconc
runs between $250 and $300. And tilin
an entire kitchen could run $10,000 o
more. But youll gain a made-to-orde
kitchen that harnesses and reflects ligh
in spectacular fashion.
When you see glass, photos dont d
it justice, Barron says. I created the tile
for one kitchen, and in person the whol
wall looks wet. The homeowners can
stop touching it. Its very tactile. But my
love is light and color. I love bending ligh
around the corner.
In the home, art glass can be big, bold and expensive like this painted glass panel calledNight Time at Red Rocks (above left) by Boulder artist Erinn Diekman. But it can also besmaller, subtler and more affordable like the $45 Coloradiful Winestoppers (above right) byBoulder artist Jacqueline McKinny.
PHOTOCOURTESY
ERINNDIEKMAN
PHOTOCOURTESY
JACQUELINEMCKINNY
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66 home&garden
Such questions leave some shoppers
shaking their heads in confusion, says
Mark Menagh, executive director of the
Boulder County Farmers Markets, which
sell a lot of organic produce. They dont
understand how Pop-Tarts can be organic.
I dont either, frankly, he says.
Organic Slice of Pie
Organic foods account for a small sliceof the food marketabout 3 percent.
But sales are growing, even in the tight
economy, according to the Organic Trade
Association in Greenfield, Mass. In 1990,
organic food sales were about $1 billion. In
2007, they hit an estimated $21.2 billion,
and in 2008 theyll push $24 billion. That
makes organic foods one of the industrys
fastest-growing segments, which explains
why manufacturers are scrambling to put
organic products on shelves.
Longtime organic advocate Steve
Hoffman welcomes the interest, even
if its motivated by profit rather than
concern for health or the environment.
Hes managing director of The Organic
Center (organic-center.org), a nonprofit
Boulder organization that conducts scien-
tific research into the benefits of organic
agriculture, and hopes to increase organic
foods consumption to about 10 percent of
the food supply by 2010.
But Hoffman acknowledges organic
foods face a challenge because most shop-
pers expect unblemished produce and
cheap prices, and dont fully understand
the drawbacks of conventional agricul-
ture. Were promoting organic as a sys-
tem of agriculture that doesnt pollute the
environment and our bodies with toxins or
genetically modified organisms, he says.
The discerning consumer should make
sure organic is on the label.
Obvious or Obscure?But can consumers trust that what they
buy is truly organic?
Congress and the USDA decided in
1990 to define organic and, by late 2002,
the organic seal started appearing on
foods. The label is meant to assure con-
sumers that organic foods are produced
without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or
fertilizers, as well as antibiotics, synthetic
hormones, genetic engineering, sewage
sludge, lead salts, potassium chloride and
irradiation. Its also supposed to promote a
system of farming that builds soil fertility
while minimizing environmental damage
and encouraging biodiversity.
Yet, organic labeling can be perplex-
ing. Most consumers mistrust organic
labels, and dont fully understand the
organic seal, according to a 2007 survey
of 850 natural and organic food shop-
pers by Mambo Sprouts Marketing in
Collingswood, N.J. More than a third
mistakenly said locally grown produce is
healthier than organic produce, even if
its not certified organic. About 70 percent
said better in-store signage would help
them make decisions, and half said theyd
feel more confident if stores had their
own organic food standards. This survey
revealed that consumers are definitely
looking for more clarity and definition in
organic product classifications, Mambo
CEO Matthew Saline says.
Dicey DefinitionsFarmers with annual sales of less than
$5,000 are exempt from USDA organic
labeling guidelines. But everybody else
must comply or face fines of up to $11,000.
Ewell Culbertson, owner of Pachamama
Organic Farm in Longmont, says he
spends about $1,000 and countless hours
every year filling out paperwork to make
sure he meets USDA standards, which are
enforced by the Colorado Department of
Agriculture and private third-party organi-
zations. Its a lot easier to sell our product
than it is to grow it, he says.
The organic seal can be displayed
on only two types of products: 100 per-
cent organic fresh produce, and multi-
ingredient packaged products that are at
least 95 percent organic. However, water
and salt are excluded ingredients, as are
commercially unavailable organic ingre-
dients like baking powder, yeast, natural
coloring, thickeners, enzymes and sub-
CHEMICALS, CLAMS & KIDS
Conventional farmers prefer chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides
because they make it easy to grow cheap food. But research shows farm
chemicals contribute to many health problems, especially in children, whose
developing bodies are more susceptible to harm. Those problems include weaker
immune systems, hyperactivity, asthma, eczema, cancer and allergies.
Cheap food equals expensive health care, says Steve Hoffman, managing
director of The Organic Center in Boulder.
Farm chemicals are also tough on the environment. One recent example:oxygen-deprived ocean dead zonesareas up to 45,000 square miles where
marine animals cant live. Dead zones have steadily increased since the 1970s,
thanks mainly to farm chemicals. There are now about 150 worldwide, according
to a United Nations Environment Programme report. Theyre mostly caused by
excess nitrogen from farm fertilizers, which flow into rivers and oceans, triggering
rapid plankton growth, which in turn depletes oxygen, killing fish, clams, lobsters
and other aquatic creatures. One of the worlds most notorious dead zones is in
the Gulf of Mexico, where the Mississippi River dumps runoff from Midwest farms.
Humankind is engaged in a gigantic global experiment as a result of the
inefficient and often overuse of fertilizers, says Klaus Toepfer, former executive
director of the U.N. Environment Programme. Unless urgent action is taken to
tackle the sources of the problem, its likely to escalate rapidly.
The solution is obvious, Hoffman says: Eat more organic foods.Michael Whiteman-Jones
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No GuaranteesThe organic seal doesnt guarantee
anything, of course, because farmers,
manufacturers and retailers can make
mistakes or even lie. Its mostly still an
honor system, concedes Wyatt Barnes,
owner of Red Wagon Organic Farm in
east Boulder. Theres a pretty hefty
fine if you get caught cheating, but I
dont think anybodys been caught. Well,
almost nobody. Consumer watchdogs
scolded Wal-Mart last year when The
Cornucopia Institute, a farm advocacy
group, repeatedly nabbed the retailer
displaying nonorganic foods in its organic
food sections. Wal-Mart wasnt fined, but
it was warned by regulators to stop or
face legal action.
PHOTOBYBUQUET
WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
There are many ways to reduce your familys exposure to potentially harmful farm chemicals. Even if you cant
always buy organic, knowing what produce to avoid and how to prepare produce cuts your health risks.
The Organic Center in Boulder publishes a seasonal buying guide that shows consumers which domestic
and imported conventional fruits and vegetables are most likely to pose the greatest risk of toxic pesticide
exposure. Organic Essentials says the riskiest domestically grown fruits include cranberries, nectarines,
peaches, strawberries, pears, apples, cherries and cantaloupe, along with imported grapes, nectarines,
peaches, pears, strawberries, cherries, cantaloupe and apples.
The riskiest domestically grown vegetables include green beans, sweet bell peppers, celery, cucumbers,potatoes, tomatoes, peas and lettuce, along with imported sweet bell peppers, lettuce, cucumbers, celery,
tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, peas and carrots. Pay special attention to what you buy during winter, when
riskier imports account for a larger share of available produce.
Preparation also makes a difference. Peeling can help eliminate pesticides, although it also takes away
nutrients and may not completely get rid of pesticides because theyre often systemically absorbed by
produce. A three-year study by the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Connecticut Agricultural
Experiment Station showed that the mechanical action of rinsing fruits and vegetables under tap water
significantly reduces pesticide residues. Commercial washing solutions, however, were found to be no more
effective at removing pesticides than either a 1 percent solution of dishwashing liquid or rinsing with tap
water alone. Washing with a vegetable brush also helps remove dirt and wax, and it can help prevent
contamination from food-borne illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli.
Michael Whiteman-Jones
Boulder Independent
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home&garden 69
Sometimes, its how rules are interpreted
that creates controversy. A few years ago,
Boulders Aurora Organic Dairy was accused
of violating USDA rules by not allowing its
cows enough access to pasture and milking
cows it couldnt prove were organically
raised. USDA officials dismissed the case
when the company agreed to reduce the
size of its herd and add pasture, but dairy
officials maintain their animals were treatedhumanely and that they were meeting
USDA guidelines. Still, that case, coupled
with industry efforts to relax organic pro-
duction standards, raises concerns about
what organic labels really mean.
Barnes says such concerns shouldnt
dissuade consumers. The only vote that
counts anymore is your dollar, he says,
adding that the best protection is shopping
locally and knowing your farmers.
Menagh agrees.
Big corporate farms and manufacturers