Sunday, April 10, 2011

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Alarm One ......................................................................................2
Badcock Furniture ........................................................................6
Bella Interiors.................................................................................4
Biddy Saw Works...........................................................................1
Bloomers.......................................................................................10
Brown’s Farm & Garden ............................................................12
Cash & Carry Building Supply ..................................................10
Deen’s Carpet & Interiors ..........................................................1
Discount Building Materials ........................................................4
ERA Town & Campus Realty.......................................................5
Farrell Calhoun ..............................................................................9
Flexsteel ........................................................................................11
Friendly City Mini Warehouses .................... inside back cover
The Granite Guys .........................................................................4
H&H Home & Truck Accessory Center ..................................7
Handyman Rental ..........................................................................9
Lowndes Farm Supply ..................................................................7
Martin Truck & Tractor.................................................................3
Northeast Exterminating ..........................................................12
Quality Aluminum .........................................................................2
Ron Lor Window Fashions .......................................................12
Shelter Insurance/Brian Portera ..............................................10
Smith Landscaping & The Greenhouse .....................................9
Something Southern .....................................................................6
Southern Awning & Construction .............................................5
Southern Caregivers.....................................................................8
Starkville Flooring & Interiors ....................................................3
Yardworks .......................................................................................1

About the cover

Featured on the cover is the home of Kyle and Elaine
Conner, located in Southside Columbus. Photos by
Matt Garner.
HOME & GARDEN
Choosing the right flooring
SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH
A
pplication is the most impor-
tant aspect of making a floor
purchase for your home. So
many customers only consider the
aesthetics such as color, pattern and
style when selecting a floor cover-
ing. There are several factors to con-
sider before a floor purchase:
n Is my room a high or low traf-
fic area? Is this floor covering the
best selection for long-term durabili-
ty?
n Is the sub-floor condition suit-
able or surface right for the flooring
to be installed?
n What will be the required
maintenance to maintain the floor-
ing? Will it require a regular profes-
sional cleaning service or can I
maintain it myself?
These questions should be
answered before investing in a floor
for your home.
Every household is different in
relation to determining the high or
low traffic areas in the home. How
often an area is used and traffic flow
patterns within the household are a
major factor. Also, how many adults,
children or pets occupy the house-
hold should be considered in select-
Biddy Saw Works
Our ONLY BUSINESS Is Outdoor Power Equipment.
We have the training and experience to match the right
equipment for your needs AND we service what we sell.
Starting At
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MEET THE
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1218 Hwy. 69 South • Columbus, MS • 662-328-7291
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THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 1
ing a floor covering.
Every floor covering has to be
compatible to the substrate or sub-
floor that it is installed on. Some
flooring requires not only removal of
existing flooring, but total re-surfac-
ing of sub-floors with certain speci-
fied underlayments, before the new
floor can be installed. This aspect is
very vital to a floor covering being
installed properly and will affect the
overall longevity and beauty of the
floor covering.
It is just as important to maintain
your new floor covering properly, Top Soil • Several Varieties of Mulch • Garden Mix
whether it be by a certified profes- Pine Straw • Cross Ties • Boulders • Field Stone • Creek Stone • Flag Stone
sional cleaning service or using the
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mended by the floor manufacturer. Mason Sand • Fill Sand •Fill Dirt
This is a key component to experi-
encing the end result of a beautiful Trees • Shrubs • Tropical Plants • Ferns
new floor that you can enjoy for
many years to come. Gazebos • Play Sets • Play Houses • Adirondack Chairs • Benches
Seek out a professional floor cov- Backhoe Services • Tractor Work • Driveway Repair
ering retailer who can assist you
We Deliver! 662-327-0399
through the buying process and pro-
vide the proper product knowledge
and service that you will need. The
purchase of flooring for your home
and the right application of that 92 Alabama St.
flooring is as important as any other
investment that you will make as a Columbus, MS
homeowner. © The Dispatch the old Carts & Clubs location
Simple
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2 SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011
Home security systems now more affordable than ever
BY CHARLES WELDON JR.
Alarm One
Special to The Dispatch
H
ow do you keep your home
or business protected? This
is a question more and more
people want to know these days.
With the cost of personal contents
and necessary essentials ever
increasing, and also the current eco-
nomic and unemployment status, it
may be prudent to look into a secu-
rity and/or camera system.
Keeping your home, apartment
or business protected has never
been more affordable as it is today.
And most major insurance compa-
nies allow a percentage discount off
your policy for having your home or
business covered by an alarm sys-
tem. Security systems are strategi-
cally placed sensors that send a sig-
nal to monitoring personnel in the
event an alarm is triggered.
Upon an alarm being triggered,
the monitoring station will try to
make contact with the owner. In the
event no contact can be made, the
monitoring personnel will immedi-
ately notify emergency personnel
Quality service at a
price you can afford!
1430 Gardner Blvd.
Columbus, MS • 662-327-8880
www.givemeprotection.com
Locally owned and operated
ALARMS • CAMERAS • MUSIC • TELEPHONES • HOME THEATRES • COMPUTERS
THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com
such as fire department, law
enforcement or emergency health
services. At Alarm One, Inc. we pro-
vide the sales, service and profes-
sional installation of these alarm
systems along with great customer
service after the sale. We also pro-
vide monitoring for alarm systems
by communication of telephone, cel-
lular back up communicators and
also internet monitoring. Now you
can provide safety and security for
your home and family without hav-
ing a home telephone.
An alarm systems coverage con-
sists of motion sensors, door/win-
dow sensors, glass break detectors,
smoke/heat detectors as well as
fire, police and medical panic
duress buttons. Alarm systems
should be installed by a state certi-
fied licensed alarm technician to
assure they are properly installed to
provide the best service and protec-
tion possible for you and your fami-
ly.
We also sell and install camera
surveillance systems. These are
becoming popular with homeown-
ers as well. Alarm systems can now
also be controlled and operated
from your computer or PDA-style
phones with Internet service. You
may also view cameras at your
home or business by these means
as well.
Alarm One, Inc. offers free no
obligation estimates on any of these
systems and other services such as
intercoms, music receivers, home
theater systems and central vacu-
ums. We pride ourselves in the
service we provide our customers
before and after the sale. We also
offer units like the Life Alert
Medical units with two-way voice
communication. These units are
designed for people with medical
conditions, senior citizens and peo-
ple living alone who may need assis-
tance.
Another safety tip for your home
that you can speak to your local
hardware store or electrician about
is well-placed outdoor motion light-
ing. This will help illuminate areas
for you so you will not have to come
home to dark area to get out of your
car. Also, keep hedges trimmed
around doors and under windows.
By doing this, it will reduce the
chances of an area someone could
•Patio Covers
•Vinyl Siding
•Screen Rooms
•Carports
•Glass Rooms
•Replacement &
Storm Windows
•Seamless
Aluminum Gutters
VISIT OUR
SHOWROOM!
Quality Aluminum & Canvas
“Serving the Golden Triangle Since 1980”
1514 Gardner Blvd. • Columbus • 329-2525
WWW.QUALITYALUMINUMANDCANVAS.COM
HOME & GARDEN
hide behind around your home.
Alarm One, Inc. is locally owned
and operated. We care about the
community we were all raised in.
We strongly urge people if you’re
interested in getting an alarm or
camera system to research the com-
pany you are thinking about using.
In the event you are unable to find
any information on a company, con-
tact your fire marshall’s office. They
will be happy to provide you with
information about a company. All
companies are required by state law
to be licensed in the state they do
business and all their technicians
have to be licensed and checked
through local and FBI background
checks. These are just some safe-
guards to assure you are dealing
with a safe and legitimate company
before allowing them into your
home. Also have a list of questions
you have thought of about an alarm
or camera system ready to ask a
representative when they come out
for an estimate. Alarm One, Inc.
cares about you and the safeguard
of you and your family and we hope
that these tips or topics may have
been helpful to you.
HOME & GARDEN THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 3

BACK TO BASICS

Design, decorating and renovation tips

furnishings from all over the world. As for paint

R Often small changes using your

edecorating, building your dream home or a
simple renovation can be overwhelming with-
existing furniture, new silk panels, a
out proper guidance, a plan
and a budget. A beautiful home
is something everyone wants,
and the transformation can be
accomplished by incorporating
beautiful furnishings, rugs and
accessories or small construc-
tion projects like installing floor-
ing. It is helpful to find an expert
that will serve clients on a per-
sonal and professional level, and
it will make your experience a Suzanne Lindley
pleasant one whether you are
renovating or constructing a new home.
Professional designers and decorators can
come into your home and suggest paint colors,
fabrics, furnishings and placement that can make
a big difference in your home decor. Often small
changes using your existing furniture, new silk
panels, a new mirror, lamps or a rug can make a
big change. Investing in a professional is money
well spent. Here are some tips that can help you
to make decisions with fabulous results:
n Well designed homes aren’t just “pretty:”
they work well together and have a good flow
new mirror, lamps or a rug can
make a big change.
between spaces and furniture with finishes being
both durable and beautiful.
n Antiques, vintage and reclaimed furnishings
are more prevalent than ever. Find ways to incor-
porate these pieces. Mixing traditional, transition-
al, contemporary and primitive work extremely
well and compliment each other.
n Consider the fixed surfaces in your home.
One room has six sides so make one of them,
such as your floor stand out. Beautiful hardwood
or tile can dramatically change a room.
n Find the best features of your home and
draw attention to them. Don’t overcrowd your fur-
niture and accessories. Remember less is some-
times more.
n Layering colors and textures has always
been a concept on the forefront of design. The
right amount of layered rugs, pillows, fabrics, and
decorative objects bring a great “collected” feel.
People are returning to the beauty of handmade
colors ... you can never go wrong with neutrals if
you like busy fabrics and rugs.
n Invest in the kitchen and bathrooms with
striking surfaces. Consider the flow between cabi-
netry, countertops, backsplashes, custom tile
showers and tub surrounds, flooring and fixtures.
Professionals can help you to pull your look
together and help prevent you from feeling over-
whelmed.
n If your kitchen is large enough for an island,
consider a fabulous piece of furniture instead of a
built-in island. The same is true for built-in cabi-
netry in living rooms, studies, bedrooms and din-
ing rooms. A gorgeous bookcase will move with
you to any home
n Last but not least is the decorator/designer
objective list that is imperative to work with for
your benefit, priority, budget, time frame, scale
and balance. This helps if you are getting ready
for a party, holidays or renovation. Organization
helps keep things on track and minimizes confu-
sion.
Remember beautiful furnishings and finishes
are an investment for any home.
Suzanne Lindley is owner of Starkville Flooring
and Interiors.

Starkville Flooring & Interiors

Let us
make your
home
beautiful!
Katharine,
Suzanne & Meme

Martin Truck and We specialize in:

Tractor Co., Inc. Custom renovations, beautiful silk dra
fabulous furnishings, and all types of
peries,
flooring
5666 Highway 182 E.
Columbus, MS 39702 “Offering great advice to homeowners
© The Dispatch

662-328-5341 in the Golden Triangle!”

www.martintruckandtractor.com
“Serving East MS & West AL Since 1933” 414 Hwy.
H 12
1 East • Starkville, MS • 662.615.1404
4 SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN

Revamp your seasonal

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS decor for a fresher look
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Commercial
BY SALLY EVANS For instance, take the obviously

The Granite Guys

Bella Interiors natural color of green. Green is a fan-
Special to The Dispatch tastic color because it ranges so
widely in its varying shades and val-

W
ith the ugly economic
threats losing some steam
this year, it’s time to revamp
Specializing
l in the
h custom and revup our seasonal décor. I don’t
know about you, but I’m ready to see
fabrication and installation of some all-out displays of seasonal joy!
For the past few years, it seems like
granite, marble, and quartz. the months disappear, having disre-
garded any visual explanations of the
time of year, except for a few
Please Visit Our New Showroom at: Christmas lights in December.
2859 South Frontage Road, Columbus This year will be different. 2011 is
newness. We are now ready to cele-
brate the changing times, hoping for
For an Estimate, please call: the positive turnarounds we have
associated with this new year. Mind
© Commercial Dispatch
(662)329-8687 you, we are going all-out, but the pre-
vious desire for “cutesy” and super
New Construction/Remodeling bright colors have waned.
Big and bold is still ‘it’, but after
We Move Mountains
the past few years, we want to feel
the true essence of the seasons, their
essential meanings of renewal, of
for your Countertops! time passed and time to come, their
ebb and flow, which naturally guides
us. And I say “naturally.”
ues, and by grouping several ele-
ments of green together along with
other pieces that represent Mother
Nature, well, hello spring! And this
also provides your semi-blank canvas
that can have other colors and
objects interchanged within it to rep-
resent the changing seasons, or your
mood, whichever comes first. Warm
flora-inspired tones of red and orange
partnered with a dash of cool blues
will psychologically enhance our gid-
diness for the summer season, allow-
ing us to forget the heat and enjoy
the sunshine.
This trend of portraying the
essential nature of the season will
surely extend through 2012, as we
must make up for the recent “décor-
ignore” we’ve experienced. Be ready
to start fresh, knowing that with each
season, we will gain a real awareness
of the time, a positive outlook, and
ultimately, we will possess a true
gratitude for the seasons to come.

2011 Bella INTERIORS Clarksdale, MS Guin, AL Jasper, AL Amory, MS Starkville, MS Oxford, MS

TOUR
of
662-621-2220 205-468-4119 205-295-2000 662-256-9402 662-324-2012 662-236-5615

CHARITY EVENT
HOMES
all proceeds to benefit relay for life

May 1st 1-5pm

$
349 each
Landscape Timbers (Biguns!)
$
699 each
Crossties 8”x8”x8’

Tickets available april 1st at these downtown locations:

Fashion Barn | Bella Derma Organic Skin Spa | Moon Shadow Boutique
$
149 each
Treated Dog Ear Fencing 1”x6”x6’ Check Out Our Large Selection of Boulders!
Bella Interiors | Savvy Spaces | The Purple Elephant
HOME & GARDEN THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 5

EMPTY NESTS AND FULL HOUSES

Remodeling for departing kids and returning parents

DEBBIE NETTLES challenge not of how to deal with today’s homeowners are opting to The right real estate professional
Special to The Dispatch extra space, but how best to add add that extra room — or rooms — can give expert guidance. Programs
more. if they don’t already have one, for like the SRES (Seniors Real Estate

T
he American family is ever-
changing, and its primary
space — the home — has
always changed with it. The present
day is no exception: The largest seg-
ment of the American public, the
“baby boom generation,” is entering
retirement age in high numbers, and
confronting “empty nests” when the
kids go off to college or marry and
move out permanently, presenting
the challenge of what to do with the
sudden extra space (because most
“boomers” prefer to “age in place”
rather than leave their longtime
homes).
Also, the perennial family respon-
sibility of caring for older relatives
because their health needs require
them to move in with their grown
children or in-laws. Extended fami-
lies (including grandparents raising
their grandchildren) have also
become more commonplace.
Situations like these can pose the
Changes that only affect the
inside of a house can be the simpler
type, but are not necessarily any
easier a decision; however, there
are a number of inviting options to
consider. Mature baby boomers,
who are ready to enjoy the fruits of
a lifetime of work and have the
funds to invest in doing so, are con-
verting the extra space vacated by
the kids into everything from “wine
cellars” to libraries.
Home offices are popular and tap
into a growing trend. They come in
handy for organization and privacy,
whether you’ve got a business or
merely need a space to keep your
bills and personal files straight.
Hobbies are big with boomers,
so a hobby room for sewing and
other crafts makes sense. A small
home gym, with treadmill, weights,
and a TV, is also a good investment
for fun and health.
On the other hand, many of
entertaining guests, housing return-
ing relatives or setting up a separate
but accessible space for an elderly
parent or in-law. Before you do this,
consider a number of questions to
answer, including what local zoning
ordinances will allow for additions,
and how the aesthetics and size of
the addition will affect resale value.
You also need to make certain
family maters are explained and dis-
cussed indepth and that all involved
understand. While some younger
families move grandma in with
them, some older parents/grandpar-
ents sell the house to a son or
daughter and move into the addition
themselves. In all such situations,
it’s important to agree beforehand
who owns what part of the house,
whether rent will be assessed, who
will pay for any extra utility or prop-
erty-tax costs, and other sensitive
issues that don’t have to become
divisive ones.
Specialist) designation available to
ERA Real Estate professionals is
one guarantee of expertise in senior
concerns, and other programs such
as ERA® Select Services is another
great way of finding reliable con-
tractors and possible discounts.
Consult with your local real estate
office, and no matter how your
house may change, it will remain a
place where everyone feels at
home.
Debbie Nettles is broker/owner of
ERA Town & Campus Realty in
Starkville. Retired from Mississippi
State University, she is a “certified
Baby Boomer,” who earned her SRES
designation to help provide older
clients with substantial information
when faced with decisions regarding
their residential and lifestyle changes.
You may contact her at debbie.net-
tles@ERA.com or 662-312-6337 to
call or text.

Dream Home
NEXT EXIT

If only finding your dream home were this easy! Navigating

the real estate market can be tricky on your own, so put our
experience to work for you.

ERA Real Estate has been in the business of fulfilling the

dream of homeownership since 1972. By working with a
member of the ERA® family, you benefit from a variety of
programs, services, and methods created specifically to meet
your needs.

At ERA, we are never too busy to take good care of you.

Town & Campus Realty

111 West Main Street
Starkville, MS • 662.615.6077(office)
www.eratownandcampus.com
Each ERA™ office is independently owned and operated
6 SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN

HOT DEALS The wow factor

BY CYNDI RUTHERFORD wow factor. The wow factor explains

16 under $999
rooms Interior Designer, ASID Member
Special to The Dispatch
a first and lasting impression of a
well-designed room that takes the
viewers by surprise. That surprise

O
n television, home makeovers shouldn’t only be the result of a sud-
happen within half an hour. den transformation like presented so
We viewers get to see dramat- well in television, but also the result
ic transformations and homeowners’ of great design.
surprised reactions when seeing for A few ways to achieve both great
the first time everything transformed design and a wow factor can be in the
at once. It’s a real life before and unexpected use of color, oversized
after viewing and always exciting. pieces, recycled treasures and dra-
And although the power of television matic lighting. Installing floor to ceil-
FREE
mattress, foundation &
can give us that immediate
makeover, in reality, designers man-
ing draperies outside the perimeter
nightstand with this purchase
of a window frame will very easily
age more practical circumstances. contribute to the wow factor, as well
Homeowners usually can’t or don’t as the use of bold or unexpected col-
all american collection
YOUR CHOICE twin panel headboard,
footboard, rails, dresser & mirror
OR twin bookcase-headboard, dresser &
$
798
reg. $1319.70
want to leave while their homes are
being trampled through or torn apart
during construction. Rare opportuni-
ties do arise though. As a designer,
ors in accent pieces such as pillows,
rugs, art or accessories. Even an
accent wall can be another opportuni-
full size $1549.70 $898 ty to use bold color. Large scaled
mirror PLUS free twin Legends firm mattress I’ve been fortunate to present clients
more value savings $521.70 items, regardless of the size of the
set & matching nightstand. with immediate makeovers, but most room, are also surprising. Examples
often, I work closely with them dur- could be shown in large pottery and
ing a process of planning, design, branches reaching high overhead or
construction and installation. My job in a life-sized painting or mirror
is not only to satisfy my clients by leaned against a wall. So often these
designing their spaces so clearly spe- days, recycled architectural elements
cific for them, but also to go above are becoming a part of new design.
and beyond what is expected by
achieving what we designers call the See WOW, 7

southie collection More value

85” reclining sofa $799.95 $598 SAVE $201.95 savings
85” queen sleeper $799.95 $598 SAVE $201.95
77” console reclining loveseat $799.95 $578 SAVE $201.95 $
605 85

FREE
2 counter chairs
with this dinette purchase

options collection 4pc More value

savings
© The Dispatch

898
table (48”wx48”dx36”h), 2 counter
$
benches & corner chair plus 2 FREE
counter chairs.
$
201 70

416 Hwy. 12 W.
Starkville, MS
R 662-323-3175
HOME & GARDEN
A well-designed room leaves a lasting impression. Using bold or unexpect-
ed colors in accent pieces will easily contribute to the wow factor of the
room.
Wow
Continued from Page 6
Old doors can be hinged for use of a
folding screen, old windows can be
frames for photographs or mirrors,
and even long-standing structural
exterior columns can be brought
inside to compliment new construc-
tion or simply added to the decor.
Lighting is a very simple way to
achieve the wow factor. A room will
easily stage itself by using as many
lamps as appropriately possible and
remembering to turn them on.
Overhead lighting shouldn’t be used
THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 7
Bulk mulch
We offer Hi-Yield, and soils
Fertilome, &
and Natural Guard fertilizers Bulk pelletized
and chemical solutions lime
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duce great design. And while we all
appreciate the immediate transforma-
tions seen on television, dramatic
results can be reached in many ways
attributing to the wow factor we all
© The Dispatch
prefer to have in our own spaces.
8 SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN

Helping Others Home safety through

Is the senior years
Our Tradition
Available 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
BY MARIE MCCLENDON
Southern Caregivers
Special to The Dispatch

M
ost of us start life depend-
ing on our parents to take
care of us. But as they
age, chances are the roles will
reverse. Here are some tips you
can follow to help yourself or your
loved one continue to live inde-
pendently and safely in the com-
fort of home and age in place safe-
ly:
Luckily, many simple, quick and
affordable updates can make
homes safer and more enjoyable
for you, your family and your par-
ents.
n De-clutter: Disabled spous-
es and older adults have reduced
From fall prevention and seniorizing your home to preparing meals reflexes and balance. Spruce up
or fixing leaky faucets, let our caring staff help you remain in the the look of your home — and avoid
tripping hazards — by removing
comfort of your own home. clutter and items you no longer Installing rails on the side of the
use (especially obstacles in walk- bathtub, along with rubber grips on
ways).
n Shower safety: Showers can
the bottom of the bathtub, is an
easy and inexpensive way to ensure
be an enjoyable and luxurious part safety for your loved ones.
n Flat flooring: According to
of anyone’s day — if they are safe.
Simple renovations can make it
safer and more enjoyable. Start by the Home Safety Council, falls are
adding rubber grips to the bottom the leading cause (66 percent) of
of the shower to avoid slick sur- all nonfatal home injuries. To help
faces. Add a comfortable shower you — or your loved ones — avoid
chair and a hand held showerhead, becoming a statistic, remove throw
and you have created a safe and rugs or ensure that they have a
enjoyable atmosphere. non-slip backing to provide more
n Handy handles: In the firm footing.
course of a day, you grip many n Be prepared: Are the wash-
objects — from cups and pens, to er and dryer in the basement? Are
door knobs and faucet handles. the bedroom and bathroom
upstairs? Since stairs can be diffi-
Dedicated to helping you... Swapping out door knobs or
faucets with knobs for lever-handle cult to navigate for disabled spous-
es or aging parents, having all the
your way in the comfort models can make these everyday
tasks a bit easier — especially for necessities on one floor is ideal.
of your home. someone with arthritic hands. While it may not be in the budget
n Get a grip: For any age, to move everything to the main
floor now, gradually start getting
stairs are a falling hazard in homes
ready by wiring a closet or small
— whether it’s one step or 20. To
room for the laundry — or plan-
increase safety, add hand rails or
ning to expand a half bath to a full
decorative hand grips in high-traf-
bath.
fic doorways where there may be a
Aging in place isn’t overly diffi-
step, such as the garage or front
cult, and you can keep yourself or
entry.
n Communication: Install
your loved one safe at home, and
living in comfort with some of
telephones in every room and have these tips. With a few minor
a cellphone always charged and updates, you can breathe easier
328 Highway 12 West | Starkville, MS accessible. You don’t want seniors knowing your home is safer for
© The Dispatch

running from room to room to find your loved ones — both young and
Starkville/Columbus Tupelo/Oxford a phone, and potentially falling as a
662-324-2405 662-620-8854 old.
result.
HOME & GARDEN THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 9

Gardening, landscaping You start with an idea.

tips for small spaces We start with an empty can.
METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS around for parties or placed at dif- What comes next is up to you.
ferent places in the yard if you'd

F
or gardeners everywhere, like your landscape to have a differ-
finding enough landscape to ent look every now and then.
start your dream garden is n Consider the color: Much
often a big hurdle to clear. Unless like the paint you choose for a room
you live on a farm or own a large can give the illusion of that room
amount of property, your landscape being bigger or smaller than it real-
is likely more limiting than you’d ly is, the color of your garden can
prefer. offer a similar illusion. The color
But a lack of landscape doesn’t blue is known for making gardens
mean you can’t have the lush gar- look larger than they are, so keep
den you’ve always dreamed of. these cooler colors at the back of
Instead, it simply means you’ll have the garden to give the impression
to pull a few tricks out of your gar- that they are more distant. Consult
dener’s cap to get the most out of with a local gardening professional,
the land you do have. be it your landscaper or a salesman
n Use containers: Container at a nearby gardening supply store,
gardening has grown especially for advice on which plants will best
popular in recent years, as the size match your needs.
of most people’s yards has shrunk n Build up, rather than out: Perfecting The Art Of Making Paint Since 1905
thanks to more building throughout A raised bed for your garden won’t
the country’s suburban neighbor- take up as much space, but will still
hoods. Plant whatever you’d like in allow you enough room for an
containers, which take up less space attractive, landscape-complementing
than a traditional garden and also garden. Some can even be built atop

© The Dispatch
offer more flexibility, as the contain- moveable structures, making them
ers can be moved around at will. similar to container gardening with 436 Hwy. 12 W. | Starkville, MS | 662-338-1997
Containers can also be moved respect to their flexibility.

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662-323-1556 • 402 Hwy. 182 W, Starkville, MS
10 SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN

We Have The Best Thinking of an electric car?

Bloomers Around! Get your garage ready
Southe garage with little or nothing else on
Living rn
BY TOM KRISHER
it. Anything else drawing power from
Pl Endless Summer Encore AP Auto Writer
Collecti ant
the same circuit can slow the charg-
on Hydrangeas Azaleas ing.

W
ith gas prices rising and
Yewtopia The Original Even if you have a dedicated cir-
Plum Yew Knock-Out instability in the Middle
Jubliation Blushing Bride East, the thought of an elec- cuit in the garage, it still may not
Garde Roses
Robin Holl nia
work for you. Most garages have
Twist-N-Shout tric car in the garage might be get-
standard 120-volt outlets. But a dedi-
Scarlets P y ting more appealing.
cated 240-volt outlet, similar to the
eak Holly Before you jump for the new tech-
kind that powers an electric dryer,
nology, though, make sure your can cut the charging time in half.
garage is ready to be a refueling sta- That’s important depending on the
tion. electric car you buy.
Garden To
piary Heirloom Depending on which car you buy Two mass-market electric cars,
Vegetables
and how old your home is, it could
Poodled Caro
PLANT
the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan
lina Sapphire cost a couple thousand dollars to
Cone Compact Southern Leaf, have different power systems
SOMETHING
prep the garage so you can charge a
a Charm
and different charging needs. The
Cone Loropep car quickly enough to take off for Leaf is all electric and can go up to
alum
TO EAT! A uals &
nn work in the morning with a full bat- 100 miles on a single charge. But it
Perennials tery. needs more juice than the Volt to
Start with the age of the home. refill the batteries. It takes eight
© The Dispatch Older houses may not have enough hours to recharge a Leaf even with a

Bl mers
juice to handle an electric car. Fifty
years ago, who would have thought
we’d be plugging in cars at night?
So the garage may have to be
rewired. According to experts, you
3738 Caledonia Steens Rd. • Caledonia, MS 39740 need at least a 12-amp circuit to
charge a car in a reasonable amount
356-0250 • M-F 8-6 • Sat. 8-5 • Sun. 1-4 of time. You also need a circuit in the
240-volt circuit.
The Volt can only go about 40
miles on battery power, but it has a
small gas motor on board that can
keep the car going when the battery
runs out. With its smaller battery
pack, it can be recharged in 10
hours even on 120 volts.

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© The Dispatch

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HOME & GARDEN THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 11

Does lots of white make it chilly or chic?

BY JENNIFER BARGER dimension with texture or furniture shapes,” she
The Washington Post says. “It’s a way to simplify. And if you mix in metal
pieces or natural things, it’s beautiful.”

M
y husband and I dwell at The Staged
House Inn. OK, it’s our Virginia row-
house. It’s up for sale, so we’ve jettisoned
stuff that might repel buyers (vintage toy robots, a
photo of Grandpa that makes him look like a vam-
pire) and transformed our space from color-laden
to mostly neutral. Think white curtains, tiles, tow-
els, carpet. I’m mad for brights, but being sur-
rounded by simplicity, I’m calmer, and our pad
seems cleaner, even if we forget to vacuum. Plus,
when I thumb through shelter mags or hit furni-
ture stores, I’m noticing a lot of other people are
doing a similar sort of, well, whitewashing.
“I think the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of
saturated colors on walls and in bedding, and that’s
why people are returning to white,” says interior
designer Emily Henderson of HGTV’s “Secrets of a
Stylist” and the blog Style byemilyhenderson.com.
This design neutrality pact has resulted in
glossy Parsons tables (hello, West Elm!), snowy
Roman shades and - gasp - the return of the white,
slip-covered sofa, last seen during shabby chic’s
heyday, circa 1992.
Atlanta designer Suzanne Kasler, known for her
milk-on-cream rooms, has been creating pale
spaces for much of her career, and she recently
launched a collection of predominantly white
accessories - pottery, faux antlers - with Ballard
Designs (Ballarddesigns.com).
“What I love about white is that you can layer in
Kasler thinks a full court press of paleness
evokes the shore or cottage. But many other design
fiends find living in rooms devoid of all color a bit
too sci-fi-spaceship for every day.
“When I walk into an all-white room, I feel
cold,” says David Dennis, who sells lots of bright
pieces in his Washington, D.C. shop RCKNDY .
“There’s not much creativity in that. I prefer a
space with white and pops of color.”
Indeed, the reason why retailers like Ballard,
West Elm and Crate & Barrel are selling so much
white may be that it plays well with other shades
and keeps a room from looking like a Mardi Gras
float.
“I love color, but we’ve gone over to more white
recently,” says designer Marya Karlton. “In the
bedroom in particular, it’s nice to not have so
much visual noise.” She decked the boudoir she
shares with her husband Rick with a white IKEA
bed, snowy antique dressers and cream walls, but
accented it with a bright red Persian carpet and a
gray quilt.
Sometimes, the opposite idea - accessorizing a
colorful space with creamy finds - can work equally
well.
“I’m obsessed with footed white pottery, and I
bring groups of it into almost every room I do,”
says Henderson. “It looks kind of Swedish.”
Suddenly, the collection of vintage bumpy milk
glass bowls and compotes I’ve collected for years
AP Photo/Two’s Company
This product image courtesy of Two’s Company
shows the Victoria pierced porcelain plates. Like
freshly washed laundry dancing on the line on a
sunny day, this season’s white decor is a wel-
come sight.
seems chic to me again.
Of course, many people may steer clear of the
new snow daze for purely practical reasons: Pale
textiles, floors and walls show dirt faster than a
poodle in a puddle. “In a super-white room, you
wonder, ’What is the lifestyle of this person?”’ says
Dennis. “Obviously they’ve got no kids, no pets
and no red wine!”
Still, after my slightly pallid makeover sells my
house, I’ll be taking those white towels and cur-
tains to our new place. I’ll need all the serenity I
can muster as we unpack a zillion boxes.

One Of A Kind
FURNITURE
For A
One Of A Kind
PRICE!

© The Dispatch

New Fabrics and Furniture Arriving Weekly

203 INDUSTRIAL RD • STARKVILLE, MS • 323-5481 Ext. 249 • Open Thurs. & Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-3pm
12 SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011
Windows! Windows! Windows!
That’s what we do.
Roller Shades • Wood Blinds • Vertical Blinds
Mini Blinds • Plantation Shutters
Free Estimates • Residential • Commercial
Ron Lor Window Fashions
130 S. McCrary Rd. • Columbus, MS • 329-1557
THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com
Bring the garden to your table
METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS
G
rowing a garden is a rewarding
experience for someone look-
ing to add color and wildlife to
the landscape. However, growing a
fruit and vegetable garden offers the
same delight and more — a harvest
of fresh produce you can enjoy with
every meal.
There are few things more satisfy-
ing than nursing a seedling or young
plant into maturity and being able to
harvest what it grows. However, keep
in mind that biting into that juicy
tomato or grilling up that fresh-
plucked zucchini is the last step in a
successful garden.
Plan your garden
While you may want your garden a
stone’s throw from the home for easy
access, consider the conditions of the
soil and the light that area gets before
planting. A vegetable garden typically
needs six or more hours of sunlight
to thrive. So watch how the sun
strikes areas of your landscape
throughout the day and see what bar-
riers to the sunlight (trees, houses)
present themselves. Soil conditions
include how well the soil will drain,
It’s Termite Season!
Jimmy Linley
Richard Linley
Northeast
Exterminating
© The Dispatch
Starkville
Columbus
West Point
HOME & GARDEN
soil quality and obstacles that show
up while digging, including rocks or
deep roots. Determine if soil quality
can be amended with compost, peat
moss and other nutrients.
Prep the soil
The best soil for a successful gar-
den is fertile and well-drained. Hard
shale, rock ledges, gravel beds, deep
sand, and other types can make gar-
dening difficult to impossible. If this
is all you have to work with, consider
container gardening instead, where
you can better control the soil condi-
tion. Most soil just needs a simple
tune up with organic matter to make
it hospitable for a vegetable garden.
Get planting
If you are sowing seeds, create
shallow grooves into which you will
deposit the seeds. Cover the seeds
with a fine soil and lightly water to
set. The most important thing to
remember concerning seeds is that
they require adequate moisture to
germinate. Keep seeds moist until
they form strong seedlings.
Depending upon your choice of
vegetables, you could enjoy fresh veg-
etables from May through October.
If it
crawls,
call...
LLC
662-323-5232
662-329-9992
662-494-7555
© The Dispatch
 Friendly City
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Spring is here and with it arrives a fresh, authentic look
at the Golden Triangle, its residents and life in the South.
se of Southern Culture
The South’s Newest Showca
THE PREMIERE ISSUE —

IN THE PREMIERE ISSUE

An exclusive interview
with Columbus native and
Minnesota Vikings Head
Coach Leslie Frazier
•
The paintings of Paul Thorn
At the Helm •
LESLIEMinnFesoRtaAVikZingIEs R
of the
Betty and Mike Waters
at home
UNTAMED •
INTERIORS e Discover the Meridian you
Mike & Betty Waters at Hom

+ never knew existed

The Art of the
Trailer Park Troubadour:
PAUL THORN ...plus the fashion of Spring,
strange food habits, a review
of Tom Franklin’s latest novel
ON SALE NOW and much more!

IN COLUMBUS
OL Beard’s Antiquities on 5
d’ A h Bella, Books-A-Million, The Dispatch, Fitness
5th,
Factor/Kudoz Coffee Shop, Front Door/Back Door, Lighting Unlimited, Reed’s of Columbus,
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