Now, while winter is still around, is the best time for homeowners  to get a jump start on planning and prepping for their spring and summer home and garden projects; so when the weather really does warm up, it takes little effort to get the projects underway. In addition to fine-tuning home improvement and gardening plans, it is also a good idea to make certain the required tools are in tip-top shape, so the projects are not delayed. Here are some ways to prepare for the spring and summer seasons with just a few simple steps: Plans – Sketch out those garden plans, and pick the plants that can be purchased or grown from seed. Plans don’t need to be drawn to scale, but they’ll…

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Spring’s new growth and warm sunshine provide inspiration for renewal in our lives. It’s a time to pack away the sweaters and boots for lighter layers and brimmed hats. Homeowners should embrace this same mindset – one where you pack away the heavy textures and colors of winter in favor of breezy fabrics and fun decor that inspire a fresh feeling in your house. Break out of the winter gloom by making some simple changes to your home with bright, fresh decor. Here are the top trends in interior decorating that capture the optimistic feeling of springtime, without having to spend a lot of time or money. 1. Color your world happy To uplift your mood and give your home a new personality, color should…

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The Homeowner’s Helper had a booth at the recent Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show, and owner Tony Messuri had the opportunity to talk with hundreds of area homeowners about the service and its pre-screened, pre-qualified network of contractors. Messuri will be a featured speaker at the April 25 meeting of the Northwest Lima Woods Neighborhood Association, where he will share tips on selecting a home contractor. He also will be leading several seminars during the upcoming Home Improvement Expo May 11-12, where he will address the important topic of how to find and select home improvement contractors for most any home project.

Warm weather is here to stay, which means people everywhere are spending more time outdoors. If the sunshine, gentle breeze and chirping birds are calling your family outside to enjoy some fresh air, it’s time to get your outdoor space ready for fun activities. With some smart home improvements, you can easily prep your patio and deck for a full season of enjoyment. 1: Tricks for properly cleaning patio furniture Today’s patio furniture can be as comfortable and stylish as indoor options, and similarly, it needs to be periodically cleaned. Resin, resin wicker or metal furniture can typically be cleaned with mild soap, water and a sponge or nonabrasive brush. Metal pieces can be polished with a light coat of car wax to bring back…

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More homeowners want their outdoor space to truly be an extension of their house and are taking steps to create an inviting area to relax, play and host guests. If you want to update your deck or patio for warm weather entertaining, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money. You can easily refresh the items you already have and add new stylish elements by keeping some top trends and design ideas in mind. Consider these tips from The Homeowner’s Helper to help transform your space into a welcoming outdoor oasis. With just a few easy outdoor home improvement changes, you’ll have the best patio on the block. Mix functional furniture The line between indoor and outdoor design is blurring. You can…

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Looking for a trendy home and garden makeover that gives instant gratification and doesn’t require a lot of time and resources? The latest trends in fashion and home decorating are drawing inspiration from the bright colors and laid-back attitudes of the tropics. Vibrant tropical colors are influencing home decor and gardens this spring and summer, according to home and garden experts. Whether you want to makeover a deck, patio or porch, add some tropical flair by following the “three P’s” of outdoor design: plants, paint and punch. Plants New tropical plants are easy to grow for any outdoor space. With fantastic colors and foliage, it’s simple to add splashes of intense color throughout your garden, deck and patio. Consider going big and bold with gorgeous…

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Summer is finally here, and with warmer temperatures and longer days, it’s the perfect time to brighten up your home with a few outdoor painting projects. You can add the right amount of color and increase your curb appeal in just one weekend, leaving you the rest of the season to enjoy the finished product. Your home, your style Before rushing to pick out a new paint color or even accessories, first determine what will complement your home’s existing exterior features. By keeping in mind your house’s style factors – like its design, size and age – you’ll be able to make updates that add value to your home.  Next, look for inspiration by browsing through home catalogs, online or even by driving through a…

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Window boxes overflowing with blooms, decorative pots lining the driveway with striking colors, and even a floweringvine climbing up the mailbox – the growing season have arrived, and it is time to decorate the landscape. The latest gardening trend is growing your own produce, so incorporate edible plants as a beautiful compliment to the typical annuals and perennials. This year, spice up the landscaping decor with some tasty options. Edible plants – whether herbs, vegetables, fruits or flowers – add a creative variety of interest to your landscape, and also produce a delicious bounty for your dinner table come harvest time. Here are some ideas to help incorporate edible plants into your landscaping: Decorate an arbor in the garden, along a walkway or near the…

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A column by Jane Ford, Fort Wayne News-Sentinel This year we’ve had 80-degree weather in March, which forced our plants into an early spring, then drought conditions moved in to stay, and, on June 29, a storm of epic proportions blew through and dumped debris (dirt, roofing shingles, tree parts and assorted junk, such as children’s toys in my backyard) from someplace faraway. All of us have stories to tell and have had more days than we care to think about sweltering without fans or air conditioners because the power lines were laying everywhere, all tangled up with downed trees. Many of us have taken refuge with friends or relatives until the power company could do what they do best. This will be an Independence…

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