The Glass House invited six chefs, including local restaurateurs Jeremy McMillan (The Farmhouse Restaurant at the Bedford Post Inn) and Tim LaBant (The Schoolhouse at Cannondale) to celebrate Dine with Design 2012. The culinary lineup includes chefs Ana Sortun (Oleana), named the James Beard Foundation (JBF) 2005 Best Chef: Northeast; Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon), the JBF 2011 Rising Star Chef of the Year; Tony Maws (Craigie on Main), JBF 2011 Best Chef: Northeast; and Missy Robbins (A Voce Madison and Columbus), one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs 2010.
Dine with Design artisans will offer a sampling, including Island Creek Oysters, Beehive Cheese Co., Freddy Guys Hazelnuts, Theo Chocolates, Wave Hill Breads, Blue Pig Ice Cream Factory, Black Cow Coffee Company, Captain Lawrence Brewing, The Summer Kitchen Bake House; a “custom” cocktail from Tuthilltown Spirits, and select wines from Stewart’s Spirits.
Guests will meet the chefs and artisans, sample their cuisine, stroll through the site, and use shuttle service to and from the Glass House courtesy of Callari Auto Group.

The food film festival
On June 9, the Food Film Festival will make its first appearance outside of New York City and Chicago at the Glass House. As part of Dine with Design, festival co-founder George Motz will present eight short films that represent the most significant films shown during the festival’s five-year history. Motz aims to transport guests on a multi-sensory journey organized as a multi-course sampling.
The evening begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Artisan executive chef Frederic Kieffer. Guests then take their seats for the film portion of the event, featuring films that advance from appetizers through main course and desserts.
Tickets for the Modern Picnic ($250 per person), Food Film Festival ($100 per person) and VIP pass for access to both events ($300 per person) are available for purchase online or via phone (866-811-4111). Dine with Design 2012 proceeds support Glass House general operations, educational programs and the preservation of the site.
More information, 203-594-9884.

1.) When should a homeowner consider reupholstery, rather than replacement, for existing furniture? What are the advantages to reupholstery, as opposed to replacement?
Erik Christman (EC), Owner, Darien Design Center, Darien, (203) 655-8739, dariendesigncenter.com: “The following factors play into the decision: Uniqueness — Is this sofa unlike anything you can find today? If you love a piece and cannot replace it, then reupholstery is your only option. Age/Condition — Just like a car or refrigerator, upholstered items age and wear out over time. The more heavily they are used, the more quickly they wear out. If a sofa (or chair, etc.) is heavily worn, reupholstery is not a good option. Comfort/Quality — In speaking to people who have had something reupholstered and have decided later to replace it, the most frequent complaint is that the reupholstered item is not as comfortable as it originally was. Besides the fabric which can vary greatly in cost, the single most expensive component in a sofa is the cushions. The retail cost of high-end cushions made on a custom basis (which is what reupholsterers must buy or make because every sofa and chair has different size and shape cushions) is about $500 per seat and $350 per back pillow. Most people are unwilling to sink $2,500 into new cushions on a reupholstery job. New furniture manufacturers can bring this cost down about 50% by buying hundreds of the exact same cushion at a time. Price/Longevity — Depending on the condition of the piece and the intended use for it, the price to reupholster can be significantly less than the price to replace. If you have a piece that is rarely used so the cushions still look good, and you don’t expect to use it much going forward, but want to freshen it up with a new fabric, reupholstery is the better option from a price perspective. This is the best scenario for reupholstery. On the other hand, if you have a sofa that is heavily used and you will want to use it heavily going forward, the longevity of a high-quality new sofa will make its additional cost worth the price in many cases.”

Peter Murphy (PM), Co-Owner, Dominic’s Decorating, Norwalk, (203) 838-1827, www.dominicsdecorating.com: “Although our clients reupholster for many reasons, the first consideration should be that the piece of furniture in question should be a good quality piece. It’s important to have quality base construction to build on.
“Age is rarely a factor. The older piece is almost always made better than what we see now in furniture stores. If you’ve ever wondered why a piece of furniture has lasted so long, the answer is simple. It was made so much better than the new mass produced, often imported, low budget furniture that’s so prevalent in stores today. Other considerations are things like sentimental value, environmental concerns, or that the existing piece may fit well in a particular room and a new larger bulkier piece simply won’t look as good.
“There are many advantages to reupholstery rather than buying new furniture. Reupholstering your existing good quality furniture is the most risk free choice you can make because after all, you’ve been sitting in that chair for years. You know it has the height, depth and comfort level that you are accustomed to.
“We also support our local craftsmen and women when we reupholster instead of buying new cheap furniture which is more than likely produced overseas.
“It’s economical because you can never buy the same quality new furniture for less than the cost to reupholster the fine furniture you already own. It’s also an environmentally friendly way to update the décor in any room. Why add another big sofa to a landfill when it can be rebuilt and look new again?”

Jan Jessup (JJ), Director of Communications, Calico Corners, Westport, Wilton, Mt. Kisco, Mamaroneck, (800) 213-6366, www.calicocorners.com: “If you have a good quality chair or sofa frame, it is probably worth reupholstering — even if it is decades old. Good quality means that it has a hardwood frame and good lines. If it’s a little dated in style, that can usually be fixed.
“Consider the pedigree of the furniture piece: Is it from a good manufacturer? Does it have a sturdy, hardwood frame? Does it have 8-way hand-tied coil springs? If the furniture has good bones, it’s probably worth reupholstering, no matter how shabby the fabric cover. You may have to use your imagination to envision it in a gorgeous new fabric — but good upholsterers accomplish furniture makeover miracles all the time.”

Debbie and George Taiyanides (D&GT), Owners, Giorgio’s Upholstery, Norwalk, (203) 846-1112, www.giorgiosupholstery.com: “Clients should consider reupholstery in any of the following situations: When they have heirloom furniture that they do not want to get rid of; when the piece of furniture is in good condition however they would like to change the appearance or decor of their room; and when they are looking to refresh their room with a new customizable fabric.
“The advantage of reupholstery vs. replacement is that when reupholstering you have the option to customize your furniture piece to your liking (new fabric, new trim, or new cushion options — i.e. down, feathers, spring, etc.) The true benefit is that your end result is a customized piece of furniture that can match your existing decor. In addition, most people don’t realize that often times, reupholstery is a less expensive option vs. buying a new piece of furniture.”

Jim and Paula Chnowski, Colby’s of Ridgefield (J&PC), 13 Governor Street, Ridgefield, (203) 438-8531, www.colbysinc.com: “Consider reupholstery rather than replacement for pieces that are made well (solid framework), that fit the room, and need an updated change.”

2) How is a piece reupholstered? What happens during the process?

J&PC: “When furniture is reupholstered it is stripped down to the frame, and repaired as needed. Springs and webbing are re-tied or replaced, and cushions are restuffed to specifications. It is then padded and recovered in new fabric.”

JJ: “Reupholstery is major surgery for furniture. Our upholsterers strip the piece down to the bones (the interior frame) and then rebuild it from the inside out. The frame is reinforced if needed. The finish can be touched up. Springs are retied. Fillings and cushions are renewed. And of course, it will be dressed in a stylish new fabric. In short, you’ll have the equivalent of a new piece of furniture when the upholsterer is finished. The process is about the same from piece to piece, although some furniture needs more work than others.”

PM: “The reupholstering process involves removing the existing fabric and filling, checking out the frame for any needed repairs or replacement. We re-web and retie springs as needed and then apply new fabric over new top quality filling.

“One of the most important aspects of the job is the loose cushions. Does the client like them just the way they are? If so, can we use the existing cushions and still do a high quality job tailoring the cushion covers. Or perhaps an older client may want to change the density of the cushions to something like firmer foam so they don’t sink quite as low in the newly upholstered sofa or chair. Others may want to change their cushions to something softer like down and feathers.

“In the case of antiques, both the age and condition of a piece may affect our approach, especially in the case of an older and more delicate piece. For instance, the older antique frame may not be strong enough for webbing to be stretched to the maximum tightness. Or perhaps an alternate, less stressful trimming method such as using a braid instead of replacing the old brass nails may be more appropriate for an older piece that may already have been reupholstered several times.”

D&GT: “All furniture upholstered at Giorgio’s Upholstery is customized to each customer’s specific needs. Reupholstery can be as simple as changing the fabric to as complicated as reconstructing the entire piece and rebuilding it from the inside out.”

EC: “Old and antique pieces certainly require more care because of their value and difficulty of replacement. Often the exposed wood will need some attention, and if a piece has been reupholstered many times, the unexposed wood that has been stapled to numerous times is often chipped and worn away to the point of needing repair.”

3) What are the fabric and trim options for upholstery? What colors/designs/styles are your customers opting for?

PM: “When it comes to upholstery fabrics and trims our selection is enormous. Our clients are picking up on current trends in fabrics and moving toward revivals of classic traditional patterns in newer, brighter colors. We also see a movement toward an earthier décor with neutral color palettes and use of rough and smooth textures together. For example, the layering of a silk drapery panels over a natural woven grass shade.”

D&GT: “Currently we are seeing a trend towards more neutral color tones, which given allows customers the flexibility to add brighter colors as accents throughout the house (neutral sofas with splash of color on their throw pillows, for example).”

EC: “Right now linen and its imitators are the most popular fabric choice on a sofa. People want solid natural colors with a natural texture for the body of the sofa with exposed legs, nail trim, and contrasting throw pillows in bright cheerful colors. People are becoming a little bolder on chairs — sometimes using high-contrast fabrics that previously had been reserved for pillows. The less bold are still using patterns on chairs even if they are more subdued.”

JJ: “At Calico Corners, customers are choosing graphic prints, Jacobean florals, jacquard tapestries and wovens, embroidered crewels from Kashmir, faux suedes, textured chenilles, velvets and mohair. They can take fabrics home for a couple of days to see how they’ll work in the room.

“Because they can recover a piece exactly as you wish, our customers often use a more contemporary fabric on a traditional frame – or a traditional fabric on a more modern frame. The contrast makes it interesting. For finishing touches, they often use contrast cording or decorative cording with their fabric – or they may add a decorative braid or banding at the hem of the skirt. They can add nail heads to emphasize the contours of a piece and to add a distinctive finish to their furniture. And of course, they often order great accent pillows in a contrasting color fabric to enhance their new chair or sofa.”

J&PC: There is an overwhelming selection of fabrics and trims. Most customers have a color choice in mind, so we usually start with that. The trend now is called “transitional” which is an updated tradtional style with a contemporary feel. The patterns are more abstract and the colors are more vivid. Popular styles are Ikat, Bohemian prints, whimsical patterns, geometrics, and textures.

4) How is the piece evaluated/measured? Do you send one of your designers to the client’s home, or do they bring in photos and their own measurements?

EC: “Measurement is not that critical to figure price and yardage for reupholstery. An 84” sofa that has 3 seats and 3 backs is the same price and yardage as a similar 92” version. As to the condition of the sofa, people can usually give you a pretty good idea of that. For more unique pieces, photos help. We handle all pick-up and delivery. People often bring smaller items themselves, and turnaround time for most pieces is about 2 to 3 weeks.”

J&PC: “To get a “ball park” estimate for labor it is best to bring in a photo along with approximate measurements. Once a fabric is chosen, an appointment is scheduled for exact cost of labor and yardage amounts for fabric and trim.”

JJ: “We can give a customer a good idea of the yardage required and a ballpark price for labor, whether in the store or in the home. After the upholsterer has seen the condition of the furniture, we can provide an exact estimate. The cost of furniture (new or reupholstered) will also depend on the fabric chosen – and that can vary greatly. The upholsterer will pick it up and deliver it after the piece is finished. Small chairs or dining chairs may fit into a customer’s car and can be delivered to the store.”

D&GT: “We ask that customers bring in photos and measurements of their piece and we provide verbal estimates based on what is shown. We also visit homes to measure for customized window treatments and provide estimates within 24 hours. We offer both pickup and delivery services.”

5) What is the average price range for reupholstery?

J&PC: “The average price varies, depending on how much needs to be done. It can be the cost of buying new. Fabrics start at around $35.00 a yard and up.”

D&GT: “Upholstery prices vary depending on the size of the piece. A club chair, for instance, can run about $450 for labor (not including fabric which can be +$200), while a sofa can run closer to $800 for labor (not including fabric).”

PM: “A client can expect to pay $900 – $1500 for a chair and $2,000 – $3,000 for a sofa.                                                Once we have your furniture in our shop the turnaround time is usually two to three weeks. Prices vary depending on style, condition and fabric price.”

JJ: “The cost to reupholster a large, skirted club chair such as our Rosamond’s Chair is $700, plus 8.5 yards of solid-color fabric (more yardage is required if there is a pattern repeat). If the fabric were $18.99/yard, the fabric would add $162 to the cost, making the total about $862. A new Rosamond’s chair frame and comparable fabric would be $1,331 – for a savings of about $470 by reupholstering.
“The cost to reupholster a tight back, two-cushion sofa such as Vincent’s Sofa is $1,200 plus 15 yards of solid-color fabric. If the fabric were $18.99/yard, the fabric would add $285 to the cost, making the total about $1,485.
“A new Vincent’s Sofa frame and comparable fabric would be $2,484 – for a savings of $1,000 by reupholstering. If a consumer has a sofa with more cushions and a skirt, the cost for custom labor is a little more, and it will take a few more yards of fabric.”

6) What about slipcovers? If a client just wants to change the look of their sofa, for example, and the piece is in good condition, are slipcovers a viable option? What is involved in that process, and again, what about the cost? Can the same fabrics be used for slipcovers that are used for reupholstery?

JJ: “Slipcovers are an option for most fully upholstered furniture pieces in good condition; they don’t work with furniture that has an exposed wood frame (think French Country style furniture).
A slipcover is more like a dress for your furniture – it won’t change the cushions or anything underneath that needs repair. Slipcovers cost less than reupholstery and work best with medium-weight fabrics. The cost to slipcover a piece will be about $200 less than the cost to reupholster.

“Textured fabrics such as twills, rep weaves, damasks and denim add visual interest and resist wrinkling. Cotton duck and sailcloth also make up nicely. Linen or linen blends are guaranteed to wrinkle – which may be desirable, or not!

“The fabric should be tightly constructed and in a color that doesn’t reveal the upholstery fabric beneath. They are usually made with self-welting (same fabric) or with contrast welting in most all seams.

“Slipcovers should be dry-cleaned to prolong their life and appearance. Although some people want to wash their slipcovers, it’s not recommended. A wet slipcover – with 10 or 20 yards of fabric – is very, very heavy and washing puts a lot of stress on the seams. They hold up better if dry-cleaned and there is less shrinkage as well.

Slipcovers can be short and flirty – they don’t have to go to the floor. You’ll also save on fabric if your chair or sofa is suited to a slipcover without a skirt, or if a dining chair can be made with a short pleated or shirred skirt. They can be made to fit like a glove, or with a relaxed fit for a more casual look. Be sure to specify the look you want.”

PM: “Slipcovers are a great option if the piece is in good condition and can generally be
done for less than half the cost of reupholstering. It’s a good way to get a different look for your furniture because there is a sensational selection of slipcover fabrics available at a very reasonable cost.

“A typical slipcover is made from medium weight multi-purpose fabric. This same type of fabric can be used for almost anything else, including window treatments, bed treatments and reupholstery. However, heavier weight upholstery fabrics should not be used to make a slipcover.

“Here at Dominic’s we have a long history of making custom made slipcovers because our founder, Dominic Moschella, was a slipcover cutter by trade. We still use the same time tested methods to make slipcovers that Dominic used when he started the business over 60 years ago. All slipcovers are fully pin fitted to each piece of furniture, usually right in the client’s home. We also deliver and put all slipcovers on when finished.”

EC: “Slipcovers are less expensive to make, but require more yardage than reupholstery. Because they are less complicated to make, the item being covered does not have to leave the home. The tailor will come to the home and spend some time cutting and pinning the fabric, which he later sews and sends to the client who can put it on herself.”

D&GT: “We recommend slipcovers when customers are looking to have a more casual look in their room and would like the flexibility to take the slipcover off to wash. Usually when we slipcover a piece we suggest fabrics pre-washed from the mill to avoid shrinkage when cleaning. All slipcovers are customized to each furniture piece. Labor costs are usually less expensive than reupholstering.”

J&PC: “ Slipcovers are a way to “cover over” an existing piece of furniture. The fabrics are usually lighter in weight and not as durable as upholstery weight fabrics which are knit backed and tested for abrasion. The price is less expensive than reupholstery.”

Gothic revival– Julie Stauffer

The annual Secret Gardens Tour benefiting the New Canaan Nature Center will take place on Friday, June 8.
The 2012 tour will feature properties that represent the past, present and future of New Canaan garden design. Featured properties include a historic estate with extensive grounds, a former farm recently restored with the latest sustainable practices, and gardens that range from rustic charm to formal grandeur.
In addition to hundreds of varieties of annuals and perennials, attendees will see a wide variety of majestic specimen trees and woodland gardens. The self-guided tour takes place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., allowing attendees to visit the gardens at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Properties in this year’s tour include the following.

Gothic revival
From the entry posts with Gothic arches to the accents of ivy and moss, this property conjures up the romance of an old English estate. While the house and surroundings suggest a long-standing presence, the landscaping and stonework were completed entirely within the last two years by Elise Landscapes. A series of garden rooms was created to flow seamlessly from indoor rooms, while others invite contemplation, entertaining or play. The intimate walled garden with a calming fountain surrounded by Japanese hydrangea leads to a parterre-style rose garden that showcases eight different David Austin English roses. Cross the lawn to the lower garden, where steps, flanked by Liquid Sweetgum “Slender silhouette,” lead to a reflecting pool. Near the outdoor kitchen, kiwi fruit climbs over the pergola and a vegetable garden features an obelisk that can support climbers, such as pole beans and cucumbers.

Sustainability meets style
This property, formerly one of New Canaan’s largest farms, recently underwent a complete restoration that incorporates the latest in sustainable design and building. The extensive landscape elements include kitchen and cutting gardens, a white garden, majestic Japanese red maples, a croquet court, orchard, and rooftop herb and vegetable garden. A boardwalk leads visitors to the wetland meadow that underwent restoration through the elimination of invasive plant species. Just a few of the notable sustainable features include a wind turbine that generates power to the grid, 16 geothermal wells, and a solar-heated swimming pool that uses plant bacteria and microbes in place of chemicals. This property, with its rich history, diverse landscape and gardens, showcases the best in sustainable design.

Peaceful pathways
Heart, soul and softness sums up this garden, created and maintained by the homeowner for more than 20 years. A handcrafted cedar arbor welcomes you to shaded perennial beds, woodland plantings and mature trees. The property is dotted with one-of-a-kind sculptures, a handcrafted gazebo and artisanal furniture. Natural mulch paths wind through the woodland garden, and a Shagbark hickory covered in climbing hydrangea dominates the lawn.
Elise Landscapes & Nursery and the Bank of New Canaan are the lead sponsors of the tour.
“The Secret Gardens Tour is a New Canaan tradition that we are thrilled to support, and we see this as a terrific opportunity to reach out to those who are passionate about garden design and appreciate spectacular landscape design,” says Mark Hicks of Elise.
Austin Patterson Disston, Devore Associates and Hobbs Inc. are providing support by sponsoring the lunch, which will feature a gourmet meal from New Canaan’s Fabulous Feasts.
The volunteer committee, headed by co-chairs Becky Barlow, Penelope Jones, Muffy Lewis, and Peggy Toce, has worked since last fall to select the gardens and plan the tour logistics. Tour tickets are $75 including lunch or $50 for the tour only. Tour tickets will be $60 on the day of the tour. Tickets may be purchased at the New Canaan Nature Center, by calling 203-966-9577, ext. 50, or online at NewCanaanNature.org.

Susan Cohen and Diane Devore

Susan Cohen of Greenwich and Diane Devore of Fairfield participated in a discussion about the role of women in the landscape architecture field, including how they entered the field. The discussion followed a documentary film on the same subject, Women in the Dirt.
Cohen said she had never heard of landscape architecture until well after graduating from college, earning her license when she was a grandmother, while Devore said her interest was sparked when young by her father’s interest in organic farming.
The event was part of the organization’s annual program to mark the birthday of Connecticut-born Frederick Law Olmsted, a late 19th century landscape architect best known for designing urban parks such as Central Park in New York City.

American art pottery is lecture topic
A study of American art pottery will take place at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich on Monday, May 14, led by Martin Eidelberg, Professor Emeritus of Art History, Rutgers University.  Hosted by the Connecticut Ceramics Study Circle, this annual seminar will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will include a gourmet box lunch for all participants.
Dr. Eidelberg, a prolific author and lecturer in 20th century American ceramics and glass, will divide the study into three lectures: an overview of the American Art Pottery movement from 1875-1915, the fascination with the new French process of painting under the glaze, known as Barbotine decorated ware, and following lunch, a highlight of the advances in glazing technology of that era.
Explored in detail will be the styles, ceramicists, and potteries of The English Reform, Japonism, Art Nouveau, and Arts & Crafts movements, particularly their arrival in he United States, how hey were perceived, and how they interacted with each other.
Reservations can be made by calling 203-966-9291, or by email: rsvp@ctceramicscircle.org.  Cost is $95 for members and $135 for non-members.

Local talents creates tabletop design for ball    
The 30 tablescapes for The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross’s annual Red & White Ball on April 28 were designed by talented individuals from the area.
The design for this year’s theme, “When Help Can’t Wait,” will be accompanied by those of designers, builders, florists and retailers such as: Dale Minske of Wilton, Olga Adler of Ridgefield, retailer Olley Court, Carey Karlan, Point One Architects, Catherine Cleare, Connie Cooper, RMS-Companies, Sam Allen, Lynn Garelick, Sandra Oster, Olga Adler, and Hoagland’s.
Proceeds from the ball allow the Greenwich Chapter to provide humanitarian aid to those in need.

Bartlett Arboretum Spring plant sale
The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens’ annual spring plant sale is Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 from 10 to 4, 151 Brookdale Road in Stamford.
Visitors may browse through hand selected varieties of perennials, flowering trees and shrubs, herbs, grasses and annuals. The UConn Master Gardeners will be offering free soil ph testing.
All proceeds of the sale support the mission of the arboretum and gardens: to explore, examine, understand and appreciate the natural history of the botanical world.
The 91-acre property consists of champion majestic trees, rare plant collections, themed gardens, and natural landscapes traversed by hiking and walking trails. The historic site features the former residence, training grounds, research library and botanical collections of arborist, Dr. Francis Bartlett, that date back to 1913.
More information: bartlettarboretum.org or 203-322-6971.

Happy Home is Jennifer Paganelli’s latest book
Happy Home, a new book by Wilton designer and author Jennifer Paganelli, shows readers how to whip up 21 accessories to transform their space into a “sunny, happy place.”
Each project shows Paganelli’s whimsical style — from luxe drapery to cheery tablecloths and napkins. The book features step-by-step instructions, a glossary, pattern sheets tucked into a front pocket, and color photos.
Ms. Paganelli is the creator of Sis Boom Fabrics and author of Girl’s World: Twenty-One Sewing Projects to Make for Little Girls.
Happy Home was published by Chronicle Books, which was founded in 1966 and maintains a list that includes titles in fine art, cookbooks, children’s books, music and popular culture.

My lazy gardener
My Lazy Gardener, an automatic watering device that also aerates and warms, is now available at Stew Leonard’s stores.
AgroSci of Colchester produces My Lazy Gardener, which will be in Stew Leonard’s gardening section.
“My Lazy Gardener can give the greenest of thumbs to the laziest of gardeners. It not only self-waters, but also aerates and warms, promoting growth. Install, fill a water jug, plug in My Lazy Gardener and watch your plants grow. And it costs less than most self-watering systems,” said AgroSci CEO Chris Pianta.
My Lazy Gardener’s system is composed of a heating element, a watering wick and a water supply line that is inserted into a jug or bottle. A thermostat tells the wick when to water and the heating element when to warm. The heating element also promotes aeration by converting water to vapor. As warmer air rises out of the container, cooler air is sucked in through its drainage holes.
“Plants usually die because of over- or under-watering. Consumers do not know when or how much to water,” said Mark Prescott, said inventor and AgroSci president. “My Lazy Gardener takes away the guesswork. It increases productivity by consistently managing temperature, water and air in the root zone — three basic requirements for plant growth!”
My Lazy Gardener can slash a plant’s water consumption as much as 50 to 90 percent, while also reducing supplemental heating in hobby greenhouses.

Geiger’s expanding offerings
Geiger’s Landscape in Westport is celebrating 58 years of business and has expanded its home and garden center and product line for 2012. Expanded areas include:
Garden Shop
•    Horticultural Consultation
•    Organic Solutions
•    Plant & Lawn Care Products
•    Garden Tools
•    Soil, Mulch, Stone Products
•    Pottery & Garden Ornaments
•    Seeds, Bulbs, Aquatics
Floral Shop
•    Custom Floral Arrangements
•    Fresh Cut & Silk Fl owers
•    Houseplants
•    Home Decor
•    Flower Vases
•    Botanical Accents
•    Holiday Decorating
Nursery
•    Garden Design
•    Specimen Shrubs & Trees
•    Perennials & Annuals
•    Roses & Tropicals
•    Ornamental Grasses
•    Vegetables & Herbs
•    Custom Flower Containers

Since 1955, Frank Geiger Sr. and his team of landscapes architects and designers have created design solutions that merge their clients dreams, unique characteristics of their property and architecture with “great design standards.”
Geiger’s has always embraced the environment, organic landscape care, and greening urban centers as a constant supporter of beautification committees. You may see Geiger’s in your town where they beautify more than 250 retail and professional locations in 25 towns in Connecticut and New York. The program was developed some 15 years ago when Geiger was inspired to green villages and towns. Geiger’s does this at no charge all year and invites all to participate in the beautification program.
Geiger’s is also known for its beautification program that enhanced more than 25 towns in Fairfield and Westchester County. More at geigerslandscape.com.

Montgomery mansion tour
There will be tours of Montgomery Place, Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. May 19-20, in celebration of New York’s Heritage weekend. Tours of the mansion are free, tours of the Montgomery Place mansion will be free and available from 11 to 4 p.m., with the last tour at 3 p.m. The rare 1797 map of Red Hook and Rhinebeck will be on display for the first time. The tour will include the stately public rooms, the gardens, the lawns overlooking the Hudson and a self-directed hike through the West Meadow, the South Woods or down to the falls of the Sawkill. More information, 845-758-1036.

Photo Caption: Building A Future from the Past, a new exhibit at the Wilton Historical Society, explores the ways architects preserve and restore antique homes while preparing them for 21st Century living. From left: Tierney O’Hearn, co-president of the Wilton Historical Society, guest curator Richard Bergmann, exhibit sponsor Jeffrey Titus, and Greg Chann, society co-president.

An exhibit now running at the Wilton Historical Society details how antique homes have been preserved, protected and restored over the years.
In the exhibit, Building A Future from the Past, which opened in March and runs through October, the Wilton Historical Society at 224 Danbury Road and a team of 11 architecture firms from throughout the area explore the many ways historic homes are being saved while being adapted for life in these modern times.
The exhibit explores architects’ work to preserve antique homes while bringing them into the 21st Century.
Antique homes and their strong visual presence along roads in Wilton and throughout New England are an important part of the tapestry that creates the character of the town.
Reminders of the town’s and nation’s heritage, these buildings serve as living monuments of our past. For the owners, antique houses provide a very real connection to the lives of Wiltonians long since passed. For those driving by, they offer glimpses of a landscape steeped in history and nostalgia.
The exhibit shows the craftsmanship and viability of homes built 200 years ago, and explores the historical, cultural and environmental benefits of their preservation.
Curated by Richard Bergmann of New Canaan, and made possible through a $1,000 lead sponsorship from Titus Built of Wilton, the exhibit offers a glimpse into the innovative solutions architects are bringing to antique homes.
Featured architects are: Richard Bergmann Architects – New Canaan; Erskine-Middeleer Associates – Wilton; Faesy-Smith Architects – Wilton; David Ling Architects – New York; Bartels-Pagliaro Architects – South Norwalk; Austin Patterson Disston Architects – Southport; Kathleen Poirier Architects – Wilton; Kevin Quinlan Architecture – Wilton; Rob Sanders Architects – Wilton; Michael Smith Architects – Wilton, and Richard Tomasetti Architects – Wilton.
The exhibit and events are free to members and children, $5 for non-member adults. More information is available at wiltonhistorical.org or 762-7257.

Before

Your home should be at its best
Potential buyers for a home are first searching the Internet to qualify a house to purchase. With that being said, your home should look its best as the competition is “tough” out there. The perfect investment for any seller and Realtor’s time is hiring an accredited staging professional (ASP). They are dedicated professionals who have studied and learned the proven and powerful techniques that have been developed for more than 30 years. The percentage of paying a professional in comparison with the price of a home is minuscule. Staging sets the scene throughout your home to create immediate buyer interest in your property.

A staging firm will first meet with the clients to get a feel for the home and hear the client’s expectations of what staging can do for selling their house. Next is a “walk through” to see how each room is set up, what furniture is needed while clients are still in the home, and what pieces could be stored or more likely moved into another area to give that room its best look.

After

Next is editing your accessories — very important. You need to start the packing process anyway. Your stager will suggest what accessories to leave so that your home looks inviting.

A big impression on buyers is “fresh” paint and it doesn’t have to be white. I have selected different colors in every room of a house and it makes a significant difference in the power of selling your home. After painting, the stagers will usually take two to three days to complete the process of placing furniture and area rugs, hang artwork and properly accessorize each room. With most staging projects, the only purchases are new bed covers for the master bedroom, fresh towels in the major bathrooms, bath rugs, new soap dispensers, some faux plants, decorative pillows and candles.

Make sure your landscape is weed-free and looking its best for the season. Your front entry is the most important for that first impression. Let it say: “Welcome to your new home.”

Terri Reilly ASID allied and IAHSP, TR Design
82 Wilton Road West, Ridgefield CT 203-994-4366, Trdesignasid.com

An extensive renovation by V&A Quality Construction recently transformed this traditional colonial into a chic family home. A combination of beautiful materials keeps the kitchen aesthetic clean and the space bright. Circulation and functionality were greatly improved by breaking the workspaces into distinct areas between the main kitchen, butler’s pantry and desk area and then closely grouping key appliances to increase efficiency.– Jane Beiles Photography

Traditional meets contemporary
The owners of this classic 1903 Colonial Revival recently completed a comprehensive, 10-year renovation led by the firm of Amanda Martocchio Architecture + Design. Together they worked to maintain the home’s vintage character while updating the mechanicals and introducing a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. The result is a spectacular marriage of old and new. The interior is infused with natural light and views of the beautiful grounds, while the clean design and warm furnishings create intimate gathering spaces and a perfect backdrop for their collection of modern art. The kitchen environment, created by Ms. Martocchio and constructed by Prutting & Company Custom Builders, was designed for a family who loves to cook and eat. Structural modifications unite the kitchen to the informal family space, making room for an elevator, while large sliding doors now connect the airy new kitchen to the outdoor dining area and expansive back yard. This dialogue between traditional and contemporary continues outside with the uniquely modern pool house set up on a hill. Overall, the landscape, architecture, interiors and furnishings coordinate well to reflect a single unified vision for this home.

Living on the river
Hailing from Savannah, Ga., the owners of this charming abode always desired a casual home with a wraparound porch. Accordingly, they purchased this home on the Silvermine River six years ago based on its setting and the potential to one day add the dream porch. After tapping into a talented network of friends and acquaintances to help them execute their vision, their dream home is now a reality. Tori Legge of Stirling Mills guided the interior design, ensuring her clients’ wishes for open lines of sight and easy outdoor access be reflected in the construction plans. The homeowners love to entertain, so Ms. Legge made sure the depth of the new porch would adequately hold a full-size dining table and furniture arrangement. Since the tight property consists of three material elevations, creating proper flow from the main living space to the porch, down to the pool and ultimately to the river presented a major design challenge. However, architect Jim Schettino and contractor Paul Tully of Imian Partners were up to the task. The renovation project included an extra long swimming pool (to allow lap swimming for the husband — a former competitive swimmer), thus limiting the space available for transitioning from the house, but Schettino and Tully resolved the issue beautifully by installing French doors in almost every room on the main floor, and a double staircase leading down to the pool area.
A sense of serenity
Tucked away near a picturesque corner of town, this new shingle-style home conveys the quiet serenity of coastal living. Designed by Robert Storm Architects and built by Coastal Construction, this home offers a welcome reprieve from the active lifestyle of this young family. Inside, the light-filled living spaces are well defined with strong architectural elements. Generous connecting spaces and ample lines of sight reinforce the relaxed feel of beach living. With the help of designer Tori Legge, from Stirling Mills, muted colors invoke a sense of calm and serenity and are balanced with a variety of textures and natural materials. A generous kitchen, anchored by a sizable island that provides both work space and dining for five, is the hub of this home. The three-inch bulletproof concrete slab counter is extremely practical for this young family and keeps the aesthetic neutral. A family workstation in the mudroom takes organization to new heights and includes individual mail slots for each family member. Pet owners will appreciate the built-in dog bed, which provides private space for the family pets without the clutter of a cage. Overall, this home oasis makes every day feel like a vacation.

The owners purchased this home on the Silvermine River based on its setting and the potential to one day add a wraparound porch. After tapping into a network of friends and acquaintances, their vision is now a reality. Tori Legge of Stirling Mills handled the interior design, working with architect Jim Schettino and contractor Paul Tully of Imian Partners. The living room and all major areas on the main floor now have French doors leading out to the wraparound porch and the outdoor living spaces.– Jane Beiles Photography

Functional and timeless appeal
An extensive renovation, executed by V&A Quality Construction, recently transformed this traditional colonial into a showcase of modern design. Seeking to add spaciousness and light, the homeowners enlisted architect Matt Dougherty to expand the footprint at the rear and reimagine the downstairs living spaces. Now, the kitchen and breakfast area serve as the hub of the home and flow into gathering spaces in either direction, including a new, accessible yet private “media room.” New transom windows provide abundant natural light and establish an open feeling, while ceiling coffers and pilasters bring definition to the new space without making it feel enclosed. The transoms are echoed in an interior hallway to add interest and light to the pantry area. A combination of beautiful materials keeps the kitchen aesthetic clean and the space bright — the painted white wood, mirror and glass panels, and burnished fixtures all reflect natural light and give the room a timeless appeal. The renovation also improved the kitchen’s circulation and functionality by breaking the workspaces into distinct areas between the main kitchen, butler’s pantry and desk area, and then closely grouping key appliances to increase efficiency. Gorgeous new millwork adds grace and pairs well with modern materials (with design help from Pimlico Interiors) such as metallic grasscloth wall covering and glamorous light fixtures to give this home its unique character.

Family space is transformed
When his clients approached architect Neil Hauck, they were bursting out of their house. Although comprised of limited space, poor layout and low ceilings, the home’s location on a cul-de-sac in town was ideal for this young family. Due to coverage limitations, Mr. Hauck’s only option to gain space was to push into the rear yard and go up. In doing so, the design team reshaped the exterior character of the house to reflect the simplicity of the shingle-style homes so admired by the homeowners. They also transformed the interior of the house into a period home through the use of subtle details that now give the house character. The heart of this renovated home is the family space: the kitchen, family room and breakfast nook. While each opens into one another, a series of design devices gives each its own identity. Interior designer Michelle Morgan Harrison artfully balanced the classic lines of the home with modern furnishings, giving each room a unique personality while allowing it to flow harmoniously into the spaces around it. The second floor boasts the majority of the expanded floor area and includes a new master suite, a homework nook, and a relocated laundry room. By increasing the pitch of the new roof, the team also created space for a large playroom and combination office/guest suite. This home aptly demonstrates that style and sensibility can coexist under the same roof.

Sunsets at the river’s edge
Ideally situated along the Rippowam River and surrounded by lush woods, this home is a constant source of inspiration for the resident family of artists and nature lovers. To take advantage of the private grounds and natural setting, the homeowner created a custom-designed art studio off the kitchen. Here, skylights on the north side provide the perfect light for an artist to work while enjoying the constant source of inspiration provided by the Rippowam River. Although the house is relatively new, it maintains quite a bit of history since it was designed around two perpendicular stones walls, one of which is still home to a 60-year-old thriving hydrangea. Incredibly, one of the massive stone walls runs from the front of the house through the kitchen and 10 feet beyond onto the back patio. From the kitchen windows one may enjoy the view of the Rippowam River and forest beyond. Western exposure provides evening sunsets and the sound of the river flowing can be heard throughout the house. Custom-designed red mahogany double doors open onto the outdoor stone patio living/dining area with a fireplace. The interior floors are reclaimed wide-planked pine; a farmhouse table was designed with the same wood as well as the adjoining family room mantel. In the kitchen, lower cabinets of varying heights are painted an earthy green while upper cabinets are painted ivory to blend in with the wall color and give the room a feeling of spaciousness. Details such as brushed nickel fixtures and hexagonal chicken wire panels give the kitchen an earthy feel.

Kitchen space for the 21st Century
Twenty years ago, Front Row Kitchens designed and remodeled this New Canaan kitchen and was subsequently asked to be part of the first New Canaan Cares Kitchen tour. Recently, the same homeowner enlisted the help of Cobble Court Interiors to help update the kitchen space for 21st Century living. In making key changes to wall sizes and door openings, the new plan allowed for a bright transitional space with clean lines and updated functionality. Custom white enamel cabinetry is balanced by a custom quarter sawn ebony oak island appointed with wainscot panels and ebony brackets. Drawer banks under the sleek Wolf cook top create symmetry while the custom white hood reinforces the clean lines of the kitchen. Creative storage spaces allow the homeowner to keep counters clutter-free, and the blue Calcutta marble counters and backsplash give the space a chic look and feel. The new plan also allowed for a family space and work area with a custom enamel stone desk tailored to the business needs of a budding entrepreneur. Once the design phase was completed, the homeowner again called upon Front Row Kitchens to execute the design plan using custom cabinetry by Plain & Fancy. This wonderful collaboration created a beautiful and functional space for the next 20 years.

Peter and Jennifer Cipriano with their children, Peter and Isabella, who will be attending Meadow Pond School, at Copia Home and Garden Center in Vista, N.Y.

Copia opened last spring with a promise of being here to stay. Some were skeptical, expecting them to close after the flurry of spring activity, but this feeling diminished as summer progressed. Aside from selling beautiful annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, compost and fertilizers at competitive prices, a highlight was the farm-fresh local produce they sold, some even grown by Peter and Jennifer. Fall’s pumpkins, gourds and mums segued into the holiday season with handmade wreaths and freshly cut Christmas trees. During the winter months, non-GMO seeds were started in the greenhouses, and in the store houseplants, orchids, firewood, feeds and birdseed were sold, while Peter kept busy with garden consulting and residential landscape planning. Now we’re back to spring and Copia will be celebrating its one-year anniversary the weekend of April 14.
This past year Peter has been commuting to their home on Long Island, but that is changing. This month his family is moving to Vista, where they’ll be living in the apartment over the Garden Center. Now Jennifer can be at Copia full time. Their children, Peter and Isabella, will be attending Meadow Pond School. “We’re now a permanent part of the community,” Peter says with a huge smile.
Word of mouth is part of their success story. It only takes one visit to realize this is an exceptional garden center. Customers rave about the personable friendly service and are appreciative of the free advice. Peter and Jennifer have several innovative and exciting ideas for the future that will expand Copia in different directions.
They welcome your gardening questions either by email or in person. To help get you started, here are their answers to some common concerns.

Q. The bulbs in my garden are sprouting too soon. How can I protect them?
A. They’ve already undergone the chilling time required to properly break out of dormancy and bloom at the right time. The plants are fine and will develop at a slow pace, but may bloom early. If an arctic blast comes through when they’re just about to bloom, they’ll freeze off, and the flowers may wither and die, yet the plants will survive. Sometimes a cold-nip will cause slight malformations or miscolor the flowers, but for the most part, this will be barely noticed.

Q. We’d like to plant a vegetable garden, but feel it may be too difficult. Any advice?
A. This may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. To begin, find the sunniest part of your yard. Turn the soil over by hand or with a rotor tiller to create slightly raised rows. Top with compost before planting your vegetables. They’ll need water as the plants grow larger and their roots develop and grow deeper. To do this, attach a piece of burlap over the end of a hose, which will reduce the water force. Place the hose in the furrow until the entire length is filled before moving it to the next one. This doesn’t have to be done often.

Q. What can I do about the deer?
A. You’ll need a fencem, tall enough for deer not to be able to scale, around your garden. For your flower gardens we have a variety of sprays that are helpful. Little scented spikes that only the deer can smell may deter them, especially from hostas. Invisible netting can be placed over your shrubs.

Q. How can I add color to my planters now?
A. Replace the soil with equal parts compost and potting soil. Fill with cool weather flowers: pansies and violas, ranunculus (they look like peonies), potted daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, sedums to add color and texture, and lettuces, especially mesclun mixes. For height and added interest, use branches of curly willow, forsythia or cherry in the center of larger planters.