Organic Fertilizer – Let's Get Dirty!

Posted on December 30, 2016

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Do you want your garden to grow like never before? And be safe
and organic? Anything GREEN will flourish with our worm castings!

With Red Bud Farm’s worm castings, you don’t need any other additives!

Earthworms are some of the cleanest, most helpful creatures in the world! Their excreta (waste)
is formed in tiny, ball-shaped, black pellets called castings. Worm humus (manure) is the end-
product of the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms, also known as vermicasting.

Use both indoors and outdoors on EVERY plant!

Potted House Plants, Annual and Perennial Flowers,
Gardens, Fruits, Vegetables, Extra Growth Start for Seedlings
Yards, Lawn Grass, Landscaping, Shrubs, and Trees

Plants use castings to fight off fungal diseases. Their high concentration of beneficial bacteria and
microbes work with various elements of the soil to resist plant decay. They are also odor-free.
No chemicals, perfumes, or scents are added, nor removed. Castings can be used directly from the
bag on all plants, indoor/outdoor, house/garden. With castings, you can grow pesticide-free food.

This “black gold” (as it is claimed) is the very best, all-purpose, soil amendment anywhere!

Castings are a repellent to white flies, aphids, spider mites, and other pests that feed on plant juices.
They are non-toxic and safe for exposure to children and pets. Castings will not burn plants in any
concentration. Compost piles are greatly enhanced by earthworm castings.

• Non-Toxic • Will Not Burn Plants • Aerates • Odorless • Safe around Children and Pets

Worm castings provide the soil with essential enzymes, trace minerals, and helpful nutrients with
no alteration. They add an abundance of nutrients including nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potash,
and phosphates to naturally improve soil quality like a sustained-release plant food.

“Doing what we can for the cause of growing green and being organic!”

Come to the Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show Jan 13-15, 2017 to chat with the experts at Red Bud Farm about your plants!!

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Solid Hardwood vs. Laminate

Posted on October 17, 2016

By: Penny Keoppel
of Floor Coverings International

We often get asked by our customers whether they should install solid hardwood or laminate hardwood in their home. We know it can be a tough decision, so to help you out we’ve put together a few things you should consider in your decision making process.
Price
Solid hardwood will almost always be a higher price point than laminate hardwood. If budget is a concern for you, laminate might be the better choice. Plan out your budget ahead of time and stick to it to avoid buyer’s remorse down the road.
Longevity
While laminate hardwood is extremely durable, solid hardwoods will last for years and years if cared for properly. If you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, it might be worth choosing solid hardwood over laminate hardwood.
Look
With today’s technology, laminate hardwood looks very similar to solid hardwood. However, most people can still tell the difference. Decide whether or not the look of solid hardwood is worth the extra cost to you.
Environment
One of the key differences between the functionality of solid hardwood and laminate hardwood is that laminate can withstand certain environments better than solid hardwood. In particular, laminate hardwood is better suited for high-humidity rooms like basements. Exposure to moisture can cause solid hardwoods to warp, so if you live in a humid area, laminate hardwood may be the better choice. While solid hardwoods are very popular in the kitchen, if you have a few messy cooks in the house and spills are an everyday occurrence, you may feel more at ease with laminate floors.
Come to the Orlando Fall Home & Garden Show this weekend, Oct. 21-23 2016, and let us at Floor Coverings International of Winter Garden help you decide whether solid hardwood or laminate hardwood is right for you! Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.

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Why Geothermal Energy IS Right For Your Home

Posted on October 10, 2016

The benefits of geothermal are lifelong. Geothermal systems provide you unlimited comfort inside your home, and you will also enjoy month-to-month savings on energy bills. Act quickly before December, and Obama’s tax incentives will help you purchase a brand new geothermal system along with installation services at little cost to you.
There are plenty of reasons to go geothermal. A geothermal system for the home is:
Economical
Sustainable
Reliable
Comfortable
Innovative
Affordable with Obama’s Tax Incentives
The Economical Benefits
Did you know you can use the ground next to your home to cool the inside? Well with a geothermal system you can, and you can use less energy doing so, saving you a lot of money on your monthly energy bills!
A geothermal system cools the inside of your home by using coils that are installed underground outside, using 30 percent to 60 percent less energy than traditional systems. You can potentially save up to 80 percent on your energy bill a year. Now that’s being economically savvy!
The Sustainable Benefits
Geothermal systems are the future of home cooling! About 70 percent of the energy that a geothermal system uses is completely renewable.The efficiency of a geothermal system has other HVAC systems beat!
The ground, even just two feet under, is drastically cooler than the temperatures above ground, even on the hottest days of summer! The refrigerant lines are buried underground to take advantage of the natural coolness of the earth. This method is so efficient that it has the same environmental impact as taking 13 cars off the road a year!
You’ll enjoy great refrigerated air, with an environmentally friendly twist!
Reliable
When you go geothermal, you don’t have to worry about the system breaking or glitching from usage. Geothermal systems are incredibly reliable, and all major parts are warranted for 10 years, just in case. When you choose One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, you don’t have to worry about maintenance. You get two years of maintenance with us as part of your geothermal system package! Our installation professionals are licensed and backed by our U-WIN Guarantee! We guarantee punctual, professional services, and 100 percent satisfaction with your new AC.
Home Comfort
Let’s face it: refrigerated air is glorious when the extreme summer and spring seasons hit!
When the hottest days of summer hit and you need to crank up your AC just to survive. When you go geothermal, you can rest easy knowing your electric bill won’t be breaking the bank.
Along with bringing you the comfort of cool air in the summers, the geothermal cooling method is very stable with excellent indoor humidity control. This prevents the air in your home from becoming “over dried” in the summer. Refrigerated air will not fail you like traditional swamp coolers do.
Innovative Technology for the Home
Geothermal systems are multi-functional and can be expanded with plenty of additional components!
Did you forget to turn up your thermostat before leaving for work? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating offers smart thermostats with installation. This provides our customers the ability to control their thermostat from their smart phones.
People often forget how important air quality is. Each geothermal system comes with an ultraviolet air purifier and a state-of-the-art electric air filter to keep your family safe from indoor toxins, such as mold and carbon monoxide.
This article was provided by:
Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Las Cruces, NM
(575) 449-3565 • OneHourAirLC.com/geothermal
They’ll give you a free quote and answer any questions you have.

Remodeling For The RIGHT Reasons!

Posted on September 28, 2016

There are many reasons to get a bathroom remodel, and one of the most common is having an outdated bathroom. But, how do you know if your bathroom is outdated or that it is time to remodel for the right reasons?
Unusual colors is one of the common signs of an outdated bathroom. What may once have been a warm gold, has faded to a rather murky yellow, leaving the floor and walls to blend together despite the different patterns.
There’s also a couple flaws that make a bathroom unsuitable for long term use. For example, Its important to measure a toilet properly before purchasing so that you get the right height and style to match with the plumbing in your home. Otherwise, eyesores will abound in most any outdated bathroom.
Additionally, some tubs have no shower option. And though deep tubs are a great way to soak, they can make it difficult for home owners to age in place with grace. If you’re having difficulty climbing in and out of your tub, or find that you no longer use your tub, then it’s time to upgrade to a bathroom feature you’ll adore, such as a bathtub to shower conversion.
Need some color in your life? Updated colors are soothing and refreshing. As a bonus, pale colors visually increase the space of this bathroom, making the ceiling feel taller, and the floor feel longer. Love it!
Another great idea? Using wainscoting adds a professional look, and will also help prevent walls from warping and molding, giving your bathroom a longer life, and making it easier to maintain. Additionally, wainscoting visually increase the height of the room, again making it feel larger and more welcoming.
As for that old bathtub, we can replace it with a low threshold shower that will allow homeowners to age gracefully. A built in shower bench ensures a place to sit back and relax while grab bars ensure the user’s safety.
Ready for a Remodel?
Come by the San Antonio Home & Garden Show, this weekend, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 and talk with ReBath about your needs & plans! Don’t hesitate to bring your pictures, blueprints and questions!

Landscaping Can Change Your Life & Health… No, Really… Here's How

Posted on September 13, 2016

There are many environmentally sound reasons to landscape.
Professionally designed and well-maintained landscapes protect water quality, reduce soil erosion, improve air quality and lower air temperatures in the summer, which is a huge perk here in Texas!
There are many personal health reasons to landscape.
What we hear most from prospective landscaping clients is that they want to create an outdoor friendly space for themselves, family and friends. Having access to a beautiful environment for relaxing and entertaining will improve your quality of life and decrease your stress level.
There are many economic reasons to landscape.
A professionally designed and installed landscape does more than just make your home look great and cause your neighbors to stare. It increases the value of your home. By a lot. Depending on factors such as starting value, neighborhood and season, study after study shows that landscaping is a much better return on your investment than other home remodeling projects such as kitchens and bathrooms.
“First impressions are as important for houses as they are for people.
If you are considering selling, good landscape design can add up to 20% of value to your home.” Bob Villa
“Forget wiring your new home for audio, video and data. Pass on the upgraded kitchen cabinets. Say no to thicker carpets. If you really want to add lasting value, opt for landscaping.”
LEW SICHELMAN, Herald Tribune
Landscaping. Worth every penny… and then some!

THIS WEEKEND! Come to the Collin County Home & Garden Show & talk with the folks at Flowers’ Garden & Landscapes to learn more!

Kitchen Trends – Clean White Kitchens Are In

Posted on September 9, 2016

Kitchen trends, by necessity, move a good deal slower than say gadgets, clothes or even cars. Even if you upgrade to the latest phone every year, follow the latest Paris runway styles and trade in your automobile every three years you probably don’t even consider remodeling your kitchen but once every 15 to 20 years.
Like all trends, those for kitchens tend to come back around in an updated, more modern way. This year, white kitchens are surging like never before, perhaps reflecting a desire for more light in our lives. Take a look at a few of our newest designs here or on our Portfolio page where you can filter specifically for White rooms!
The new white kitchen is a nostalgic reminder of the kitchens we grew up with; perhaps in a grandmother’s kitchen. Many times in that era a piece of furniture would be brought in as an additional work surface or storage area. Often it would have a different top, perhaps a piece of marble for rolling out dough and baking or wood butcher block for chopping.
Where there’s room, the new kitchens incorporate a similar island – the modern equivalent with better storage and seating areas to encourage interaction with the cook.
A kitchen remodel using the latest in appliances, surfaces, technology and design for work flow gives you every modern convenience. Sometimes, you really can’t get better than the original – note the large, deep farmhouse sinks in many of these remodels!
The new light and bright kitchens add to the desired sense of openness that is sought after in everything from open floor plans, natural light and an inviting space.
In every style, from Traditional to Contemporary and Transitional to Modern, the white kitchen is becoming a timeless classic for every family.

This article was provided by S&W Kitchens of Orlando. Stop by the Home & Garden Show this weekend at the Orange County Convention Center to talk with them face-to-face and see all things Home & Garden!

3 Warning Signs That Your Roof Is Leaking

Posted on March 31, 2016

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Sleeping peacefully at night? To continue staying dry at night, make sure to check out these easy to identify, but often overlooked warning signs that your roof is or will be leaking soon!
1. Missing Shingles
We are all in the habit of looking straight ahead. As we pull out of the garage and back in, it’s easy to neglect seeing what’s not covering your home. Whether it’s just one or several missing shingles, it’s wise to invest in performing a monthly check up just to make certain that everything is in place.
2. Small Discoloration In Your Ceiling
This is almost a guarantee that your roof is or has been leaking in the past. Often more than not, that tiny little spec or dark spot doesn’t seem like a big deal, but if recognized earlier enough, it can be the difference between a few hundred dollars vs. several thousands in repairs.
3. Search That Scary Attic
It may not be on your to do list, but inspecting the rafters in your attic with every seasonal change is a good idea. This could be considered a valuable preventive measure and by catching the leaks early can save you on repair costs.

To learn more about roof repairs and prevention from your local experts, stop by the Lexington Blue booth at the CKY Home & Garden Show THIS WEEKEND! Plus, enter to win a FREE roof or $5000 at their booth!!

10 Tips for Designing your Outdoor Living Space!

Posted on March 30, 2016

By: Julie Lewis of Housewarmings – Lexington, KY

1. Most of us can’t wait to get home from a day at work and get outside! The most used outdoor spaces typically have easy access from inside your home. Outdoor Rooms off a Living Space or Kitchen typically get the most use.
2. Once we get outside most of us want a little serenity and privacy! Use landscaping to screen your Outdoor Room. If Landscaping is not an option Potted Plants and Outdoor Drapery can help with privacy, as well.
3. Just as it does inside, FIRE draws people together. Add an Outdoor Firepit or Outdoor Fireplace. There are sizes and designs for everyone – from Wood Burning to Propane or Natural Gas. Be sure to check your Local Building codes to Verify Fire-Safety and Placement.
4. Everyone loves a good view! Orient your furniture to maximize your best view or create a focal point. If you don’t have the greatest view be creative – highlight a Fire Feature or a Fountain; if you have a ceiling add a dramatic Light Fixture or Fan.
5. Remember you’re not “roughing-it! Your Outdoor Furniture should have all the comforts of being Indoors. Today’s outdoor cushions almost rival their indoor counterparts – look for deep cushions and durable outdoor rated fabrics, add lots of decorative pillows, even an outdoor throw.
6. If your space is small remember some Furniture Pieces can do double duty – Dining Chairs can also serve as Lounge Chairs; Benches and Ottomans can also serve as additional seating and storage.
7. Personalize your space! Don’t forget about Outdoor Accessories – there are so many to choose from! Consider a beautiful Outdoor Rug to add comfort and help define your space. Don’t forget Outdoor Lamps and Candles with Hurricanes and Lantern, too. Add what makes you happy!
8. If you’re an avid or weekend Griller be sure to consider the location of your Grill or Outdoor Kitchen. Locate your cooking surface where the smoke will be less intrusive to your Living Space – but close enough to your Indoor Kitchen for quick access.
9. Don’t forget entertainment! Add an Outdoor TV or Sound System. A wireless outdoor Wi-Fi antenna can provide an extra boost so you can stay connected.
10. If the heats got your down – consider adding some sort of sun screen. There are many things to choose from depending on your space; from Pergolas to Retractable Awnings, even Large Room Size Cantilevered Umbrellas.

To learn more come to the Central Kentucky Home & Garden Show, April 1-3, and see the seminars by Housewarmings or visit their booth!

5 Professional Outdoor Lighting Design Tips

Posted on March 30, 2016

By: Paul Gosselin of NightScenes Landscape Lighting Professionals – Austin, TX
Almost anybody can stick some lights in the landscape of your home and it would be an improvement over not having any lights at all. In order to make it better though, a little time needs to be dedicated to the actual lighting design. Here are a few tips to take an ordinary outdoor lighting system to another level:
1. Don’t use the same fixture for everything. The most commonly used fixture for residential outdoor lighting is the “bullet” or spot light. This fixture can accept an MR16 lamp, either halogen or outdoor-rated LED, which can produce several different lumen levels and beam spreads, depending on the lamp. Unfortunately, we commonly see the same lamp in every fixture, which can be a bit boring. When using this type of fixture, don’t be afraid to use different lumen outputs and different beam spreads. You can even use different light colors these days with LED lighting.
2. Move some fixtures to different locations. We see this all the time where the installer will place a single fixture in front of each tree. Yes, this does look better than no light at all, but there is no imagination and no depth in the design this way. Try back lighting some of these specimen plants to generate some interest and dimension.
3. Avoid the runway look. An all-too-common lighting design mistake is lining a walkway with light fixtures, commonly known as the runway look. Try staggering path lights back and forth on both sides of the walkway, or you may try lighting on only one side.
4. Use more fixtures with lower lumen outputs. All too often we see people trying to save fixtures by using fewer lights, but using higher light intensity. This produces really over-bright spots with very dark holes between them, creating an unsafe situation on the property that just looks bad. A great lighting design uses different light levels throughout the landscape without black holes unless there is a dramatic reason for it. Keep in mind that these dark holes become very good hiding places for bad guys.
5. Experiment with the lights. Try different locations with different fixtures to see how you can get the best effects. I know that wide wash fixtures work better for grazing walls to enhance surface texture because I did some experiments. Using bullet lights against a wall creates what I like to call the “mark of Vorro” (instead of Zorro). If you’ve seen homes with a row of V looking light beams shining up on them, you can bet that they used bullet lights with 30 degree beam spreads and no lenses. Wide wash fixtures will create a nice wide, more diffused beam of light, eliminating the telltale V that is often seen in poorly designed lighting plans.
These are just a few very basic tips, but they will help you create a more visually pleasing overall lighting system. And to learn more, bring your pictures, plans and ideas to the Austin Spring Home & Garden Show April 1-3 and stop by booth number 643 to talk with NightScenes!

The Real Difference Between Hard & Soft Water

Posted on March 28, 2016

So What is the Difference between Hard Water and Soft Water?
The main difference between hard and soft water is the mineral content. Minerals commonly found in hard water are chalk, lime, calcium, and magnesium. Rain water is naturally soft but picks up these minerals as it runs through the ground. Hard water can cause problems in the house.
Hard Water Problems
Calcium, lime, and magnesium cause the problems commonly associated with hard water. Here are some of the most common issues:

There are spots on dishes after cleaning.
There is soap scum in the tub and shower.
Scale buildup and drain clogging is frequently occurring in the tub and shower.
The clothes are dingy after going through the washer.
Large amounts of sediment are present at the bottom of the water heather or other appliances including faucets.

These signs are a good indication of hard water but there are more conclusive methods you can use to test your home’s water.
Bottle Test
Gather a clean empty plastic bottle with a cap and dish washing liquid. Remove the cap and fill the bottle about halfway. Add about 5 drops of the dish washing liquid and shake vigorously. You should see foam forming. If the foam stays, the water is not hard. If the foam quickly dissipates, the water is hard.
Water Test Kit
A hard water test kit will indicate the hardness of the water with a good accuracy. To perform the test you start out by filling a vial with the water in question. Then add a drop of solution and shake well for 5 to 10 seconds. Keep adding one drop and shaking until a half inch of suds is sustained. Each drop used represents 1 grain of hardness. Anything less than 3 grains of hardness is at most slightly hard and does not need to be remedied. Anything higher than 3 you might want to treat.
You can buy these kits online or Call 512-388-0022 to Schedule your FREE! Water Test from a professional.
Hard Water Solutions
If you do have hard water and the resulting problems, the best solution is a water softener. These devices run the water through a resin bed to exchange the hard ions with soft ones. The resin bed will slowly buildup up hardness ions and need to be cleaned, as you might already know the Kinetico systems clean themselves. The salt in the bin is the key chemical for this cleaning process (a.k.a. regeneration process). Depending on the hardness of the water, this regeneration process is run on a timed basis triggered by a control panel. More efficient systems work based on the usage of water and not on a clock.
If a water softener is too expensive or isn’t possible for your home, try these tips:

-Use an homemade all purpose cleaner to remove scale buildup.
-Use a squeegee to remove sitting water after a shower or bath.
-Use vinegar to prevent clogs.
-Use a detergent that works with hard water.

While these are temporary remedies, will help you out on the short term. We highly recommend a Water Softener or Treatment for the prolongation of your appliances and plumbing.
Give us a Call if you want to find out more about your quality of water and the available solutions.We also offer Water Purification Systems and Reverse Osmosis Systems
Stop by the American Water booth @ The Austin Spring Home & Garden Show THIS WEEKEND!
Serving From Belton TX to Buda TX and anything in between.

Do you want your garden to grow like never before? And be safe and organic? Anything GREEN will flourish with our worm castings!