Backyard sanctuary

It was back in mid-July when I selected Sweeney as the winner in my Free Press Prairie Garden Makeover Contest after reading the enthusiastic letter stating her desperation for a do-over.

"The minute I read in the Winnipeg Free Press your call and challenge for an outdoor space mini-makeover, my head has been spinning with ideas and excitement," Sweeney wrote.

"Do I really need a project? Yes, I do. We already spend every spare minute outdoors. I am definitely an outdoors person. By looking at the before pictures, I see a blank and boring canvas.

"While going around taking pictures, I probably have everything to put something together. Do I sew???? I am the queen of home sewing, in addition to having taught sewing. I have made more bedspreads, curtains, cushion covers, table runners and tablecloths than I really care to remember.

"Do I paint? In the 30 years we have been in our house, the only painter (handyman) to do interior painting, outside painting, vanities, staining, sanding, patching is moi. And did I mention painting the interior of the kitchen cupboards?

"I am so pumped that I have pulled back from purchasing white flowing curtains, which will flow in the wind, and a perfect vinyl outdoor rug. Why? I am waiting for you: my mentor, my cheerleader, my motivator and the person to give me the encouragement. I can hardly wait to start.

"I would also like to add that I own my own drill, sander, saw, screwdriver set, tape measure -- you get the idea."

Her enthusiasm was inspirational and would be a big help, as the mandate for the makeover was to redo a patio, porch, deck or balcony with a budget of just $250. We met up at her Southdale home shortly after that so I could get an idea as to Sweeney's personal style and taste, and come up with a game plan.

Her home was very modern, done in cool grey tones with accents of black and white and a touch of red. But out on the huge deck, her white metal outdoor furniture had either hunter green or bright gold cushions and a matching green umbrella. We decided to concentrate on two areas -- the main being a sitting area, much like an outdoor living room, and on the far side, a reading/ lounging nook off the bedroom.

I knew finding just the right fabric to serve as the inspiration for the makeover was going to be a challenge. After a lot of searching, the bold striped canvas in sizzling citrus tones I chose served to consolidate the green and gold cushions and inject some pizzazz into the palette. That done, I turned my attention to finding an area rug and accessories to transform the space into a place where the Sweeneys could kick back and relax or entertain with style. Meanwhile, Marcia Sweeney took the fabric to the cottage and whipped up a pile of toss cushions, table runners and napkins with it.

Volunteering to help with the makeover, Sharlene Nielsen of Front Door Stories concentrated on finding suitable plant material to fill the four large concrete containers she generously donated to the project. Nielsen knew the site was in full sun and exposed to winds. She bought some low-maintenance plants and also received a few donations from D.J. Paterson Plant Paradise and Noll's Greenhouses.

"Going with the contemporary idea and the full-sun aspect for the plant material, I felt I could showcase something innovative with textures and plants that one would not normally think of using," Nielsen said. The tall Amaranths picked up the colours in our scheme and the trailing spider plants contrasted nicely with the black containers. Some ornamental fountain grass rounded out the arrangement.

"The end result was beautiful, in my opinion," she told me.

Smaller containers -- actually, inexpensive white wastepaper baskets from the dollar store -- were planted with more fountain grass or bronze-leaved canna. Nielsen's two boys, 12-year-old Gaven and seven-year-old Erik, along with Nielsen's husband Paul, moved the large pots, plants and soil while Sweeney and her daughter Tara potted up the smaller containers on the lawn.

For the lounging area, Nielsen had a great idea for giving it a spa feel. We incorporated Sweeney's plug-in fountain nearby to take advantage of the soothing sound of trickling water. Some sheer white curtain panels I brought along were draped at the sides of the patio doors to soften the edges and billow in the breeze. Over in the conversation cluster, the ample seating was anchored by the hunter green area rugs that served to define the entertainment area. The former dining table was pushed up against the large stone wall to serve as a buffet table. Lastly, we dressed the space for a brunch buffet with colourful accessories, candles, fruit and cut flowers from the garden. Sweeney had some housewares that we re-purposed, such as the large glass vase and several house plants that will be happy outside.

Miraculously, for such a large space, we came in on budget.

Here's what we spent:

Later, Nielsen summed up the dramatic makeover.

"What a fabulous experience. It's a great feeling to give someone a space they will enjoy. Our homes should be our sanctuary for de-stressing and regrouping, with life being so busy these days."

Sweeney's daughter Tara added, "The deck was always a nice place to sit and look at over the lake, but it lacked warmth. Now, after the wonderful deck makeover, it feels like an extension of the living room."

As for Sweeney, she's taking full advantage of her new space. A short e-mail from her the following day read, "I just finished enjoying my coffee on the deck. Thanks to both of you. Gotta go back out there..."

A reader writes:

Linda, could you please answer this question for me? I have a variety of bulbs that I have purchased over the last couple of years and due to the time it has taken for me to landscape, I have not planted. Would they still be OK? Is there some way to test their viability? I would appreciate hearing from you, as I hate to toss them. Thanks for your help.

--Wendy C.

Properly treated bulbs contain all the essential ingredients for growth if they are planted soon after bringing them home. But they are a perishable item, even if stored under ideal conditions.

A couple of years seems much too long to expect your bulbs to still be viable. The easiest way to tell, however, is to give them the squeeze test. If they are still firm, they might be worth planting. If they are mushy or have sprouted, it's probably best to throw them out.

The best time to buy and plant bulbs is in the fall. Pick a week in late September or early October this year and plan to purchase and plant some fresh, firm, healthy bulbs.

Events:

West Kildonan Horticultural Society will be holding its next meeting at the West Kildonan Memorial Community Centre, 346 Perth Ave., at 7 p.m. Sept. 2. There will be a perennial plant exchange. Bring two good-sized perennials; a 10-cm (four-inch) clump or flower bulbs. Please clearly label with the plant name, growing conditions and your name. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. There is a $2 charge for non-members. Annual family membership is $10. For more information, please call 633-1283.

The Prairie Horticulture Certificate at the University of Manitoba will host an information session at 7 p.m. Sept. 3, room 130 in the Agriculture Building. Courses in this home-based study program begin Sept. 29. Please RSVP to Jennifer at 474-9926 or toll free at 1-888-216-7011 ext. 9926.

linda.stilkowski@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 26, 2008 $sourceSection$sourcePage