Page 2 - 2014 Spring Home and Garden - Gresham Outlook

C2 SPRING HOME & GARDEN
The Outlook, Sandy Post, Estacada News
March 2014
Water: Introducing fountain, bubbler
ABOUT THIS
SECTION
add more than just ornamentation
The Spring Home and
Garden section is an annu- al publication of The
Gresham Outlook, Sandy
■ From page C1
Post and Estacada News.
Today’s section is the Where is it?
are surprisingly lightweight, irst of two editions. Look for the second edition in- Creative Visions Landscape is at 9965 S.E. Orient Drive in Boring, Dori DeLaunay,
resemble wooden sculptures, serted in your newspaper telephone 503-663-5483.
owner of Creative Visions
and range in price from $400- $1,000, depending on the foun- next week.
The Spring Home & Gar- Landscape, stands with a
tain’s height. Cost includes a kit containing a pump and den sections provide you with helpful ideas that will tures, DeLaunay said, with in- variety of patio
power cord, so all you have to keep you busy all the way stallation falling somewhere fountains, crafted from
do is ill the reservoir with wa- ter, plug the fountain into a through summer.
ENJOY!
between DIY and hiring a pro- fessional.
resin to
power source and you’re good “You can do it yourself, but resemble wooden
to go.
Creative Visions also carries CONTENTS:
before you dig a hole for a pond, talk to an expert,” she sculptures. Fountains
a variety of tabletop models, perfect for those in an apart- PAGE C3
recommended. “There’s a lot that goes into a pond, especial- function on
ment or condo with limited ex- • Herbs: Grow them indoors ly if you want to have ish. For recycled water, causing no
terior space, DeLaunay said. Positioned on a table, they of- or outdoors.
example, you need a dedicated source for the UV light and impact to a
fer the same level of tranquili- ty as their full-size counter- PAGE C4
pump, otherwise you could have problems with the cir- homeowner’s water bill.
parts. And since all fountains • Ceiling fans are cool and cuits in your home. You never STAFF PHOTOS:
are designed to work on recir- culated water, there’s no im- cooling.
want to run a pond on an ex- tension cord. That’s just not a JIM CLARK
pact to your home’s water bill.
“They’re very simple,” De- PAGE 5C
good idea, so we suggest talk- ing to an electrician before
Launay said. “Very low main- • Turn your home into a cat you do anything.”
tenance. All you need to do is add some algaecide when you paradise.
Like smaller water features, ponds run on recycled water.
notice the water is kind of yucky — to keep the water PAGE C6
But unlike fountains and bub- blers, ponds need to run 24/7,
clean. In the winter, just drain • Dress up your wardrobe at to protect the components
the water and protect them with an insulated cover like Naked Lady Clothing Swap
from algae build-up. Expect to see some luctuation in your
you would a barbecue.”
• Get seeds started indoors home’s electricity bill.
Those who prefer a more dramatic statement in their this spring
If you’re fond of those ginor- mous prehistoric-looking gold-
landscaping are opting for bubblers — iberglass or resin PAGE C8
ish called koi, be prepared to extend some extra care to en-
pillars crafted to look like • Build your own greenhouse
sure their survival.
stone. Water is drawn from a reservoir beneath the sculp- PAGE 11C
“Koi go dormant during the winter and rest on the bottom Tabletop fountains are ideal for those living in an apartment or condo, with limited exterior space. They not
ture, travels up a hose, bub- bles at the top and gently cas- • Go green when you clean
of the pond,” DeLaunay said. “But the water needs to be il- only bring the soothing sounds of water to small areas, but are easy to care for.
cades down the sides of the • Is your home ready for tered year round. Fish waste
pillar.
Homeowners looking for the warmer weather.
they’re more eye-catching, but also because they’re safer blers because there’s no stand- ing water,” she said. “The res- Creative Visions offers a va- riety of sizes in bubblers, from produces high ammonia levels, which will burn the ish’s gills
wow-factor in a water feature are drawn to bubblers, DeLau- than ponds for families with small children.
ervoir is buried in the ground and can be covered by a layer small 2-footers to nearly life- size, running in the neighbor- and kill them. The ilter re- moves all the ish waste, so the
nay said, partly because
“People with kids like bub-
of rock, so it’s out of sight.”
hood of $500-$2,000. Height de- ish have clean water to live
termines cost, of course, but all supplies (pump, power in.”
Choosing how to feature wa- Professional movers & service Priestley & Sons
cord, etc.) are included. De- ter in your yard is limited only with a smile since 1929
Launay noted that bubblers can be found in real stone, by your imagination. Its thera- peutic beneits can turn a Specializing in Residential &
such as hand-carved granite or basalt columns from the Co- plain, nondescript backyard into an oasis instead of a Business moves of every size!
2255 NW Birdsdale
lumbia River Gorge, but chore.
Gresham, OR
they’re “really heavy and much more expensive.”
“There are so many more designs out there than there 503 661-7920
0314
Then there are ponds, which are really the crown jewel in used to be for bubblers and fountains,” DeLaunay said, info@priestleymoving.com
05.SHG
landscaping. Often designed to “and they’re being used for 4341
include ish, vegetation and stair-step waterfalls, a pond of- more than just a landscaping ornament. People want tran- http://priestleymoving.com
fers visual appeal that is hard to beat.
quility. We hear ‘That’s so soothing’ a lot when people
But they are higher mainte- come into our store.”
ODOT#103323
nance than other water fea-

April marks 22 years since Mitch and Debbie Speck started their remodeling company. Felicia and I just wanted to tell you again how much we appreciate the work you do for us. We
Originally named Speck Enterprises, in 2007 are incredibly thankful to have found a contractor
they remodeled their company name to who delivers outstanding results at a fair price.
Specktacular Home Remodeling to help people get a better understanding of what they do. I remember when we were first beginning to
Over the years, their commitment to service work with you and were discussing the kitchen
and attention to detail has remained a top estimate you provided. One thing you said stood out then and continues to stand out: “I provide
priority allowing them to complete hundreds of design and remodeling projects throughout good value.” Felicia and I have reflected on that
the Portland metropolitan area while retaining statement several times over the past few years and
an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau.
have come to really appreciate it and agree with it.
Both Mitch and Debbie hold and maintain national certifications as National Association We appreciate how much effort you put in to try
of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Certified to understand how we think and to tailor your work accordingly. We also appreciate that you ask us
Kitchen and Bathroom Remodelers (CKBR). questions that get beyond the “what” to the “why”
Mitch holds an additional certification as a NARI Certified Remodeler (CR). Mitch’s portfolio of so that you can brainstorm even better solutions
experience also includes serving as Chairman than what we have in mind. Frequently, we have
of the Board for the Oregon Remodelers brought a potential solution to you -- but, rather
Association and as the President of the NARI Greater Portland Chapter.
than just implementing it as is, you have asked questions to understand the fundamental problem
Specktacular Home Remodeling uses a careful we are trying to solve. With that knowledge, you
and thoughtful approach for every client by usually recommend superior solutions that exceed
providing outstanding solutions to remodeling issues. Mitch has been described a “A visionary our expectations.
who takes a home from ‘what is” to ‘what can Last but not least, we also appreciate your
be.’” Debbie has a mastery of spatial planning character and our friendship.
Again, we love working with you and are looking
which allows her to help homeowners make the most of their remodeled area. Both Mitch and forward to working with you in 2014 and beyond.
Debbie use a unique process that turn dreams - Trevor and Felicia
into reality. A recent letter sums it up nicely:

Whether you are updating a bathroom, replacing your cabinets, renovating
your kitchen or redesigning your entire
house, Specktacular Home Remodeling
provides solutions with thoughtful
design and professional implementation.
Answers to frequently asked questions,
things to look for when choosing a
contractor and a portfolio sample can be found at www.SpecktacularHome.com

Specktacular Home Remodeling

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE SINCE 1992
45225 SE Paha Loop. Sandy, OR 97055

503.668.0710
14
SHG03
Licensed/Bonded/Insured CCB 82147
WWW.SPECKTACULARHOME.COM
453779.