photography by Ted Dayton

Congratulations Procrastinators
Clearance Sales make
this the Perfect Time to Buy
Patio Furniture
Have you been putting off buying new patio furniture? Lucky you! Now is one of the best times to buy outdoor furniture! There is still a huge selection, and, at Oasis Garden & Patio, prices have been reduced up to 60 percent.

Selection is excellent, but don't forget - it's first come, first serve! By shopping now, your perfect set of patio furniture will be delivered this week. Take advantage of Oasis' free SCV delivery and free assembly for an even better deal; 255-9909

photography by Mel Carll

Outdoor Living Essential: Rustic Decor
Bird houses, statues, iron work, lanterns, candles, beautiful ceramic pots and other accoutrements are what turn a "blah" yard into a welcome extension of your interior living space. And now you can decorate for less. Save up to 50 percent on selected accessories and gift items at Green Thumb, plus up to 40 percent off all patio furniture beginning Friday, September 3 at 9 a.m.; 259-1072

Paint me Pretty!
Increase your Home's
Curb Appeal
Everyone wants to be proud of their home, and those good feelings start (or stop) as soon as you pull up to the curb. To change your home for the better - or keep it looking gorgeous - Mint Condition Painting suggests Dunn Edwards paints for all exterior home improvements.

"The use of Dunn Edwards paints is seen as an investment that will guarantee longer-lasting protection of the home's exterior," says Jon Green, owner of Mint Condition. "Traditionally, stucco is an exterior building material noted for its durability and versatility, and most homes with stucco have a wood trim accent. These areas need to be maintained on a regular basis to hinder the wear and tear from changing weather conditions," he explains.

The Mint Condition Painting staff are experts in exterior painting, staining, repairing and finishing, with an end goal of complete customer satisfaction; 251-5521

Faux Grass can make You Real Happy
Synthetic grass has evolved from a prickly past to become known for soft, natural-looking blades that save homeowners time, money and frustration.

Imagine: No more watering, no reseeding, no fertilizing, no sprinkler installation, no landscape maintenance cost, no investing in expensive yard tools. Now the dog can "use" the grass without fear of burn spots. You're not yelling at kids to stay off your lawn anymore. The weekend is again made for playing, not for mowing. Yes, life is good!

The finest synthetic turf and installation is available from
Landscape Pros; 510-8865

Landscape design by NV Landscape, Inc.; 286-8888

Q&A with Jeff Brown of NV Landscape
IN: I have a small backyard, but I want to make a big impact when entertaining. Ideas?

JB: The time of day that you want to entertain is important. Is it an afternoon barbecue or an evening get together? Afternoons mean hot sun and the quest for shade. The shade can be from trees, free standing arbors or umbrellas. The bottom line is: Have shade! In the evening, it is all about lighting. It sets the mood. Use low-voltage lighting where you can but make sure to use high-quality low-voltage lighting, which will save energy, stand up to the elements and last a long time. I also use lanterns and candles. A few candles can really add drama.

IN: I want something no one else has. What's new and different?

JB: This is exactly why you should work with a designer. I evaluate your home, lifestyle, interests and what makes you tick. Then it clicks!

IN: We want a gorgeous yard without a lot of maintenance or high water bills. Is there a way to design the space so that it kind of just takes care of itself?

JB: I can help you with a low-maintenance, not a no-maintenance garden. That is doable and easier then you might think. I will match plants with the same water needs together, so that they are watered together. Different plants with different water needs will be grouped separately. It might also be that the design focuses more on the hardscape, than plants. Together we will figure out the right balance.

Saturday, September 18
Free Landscape Education Class at Castaic Lake Water Agency!
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Castaic Lake Water Agency (27234 Bouquet Canyon Road), learn about Water Management/Audits. Water use in and around the home, as well as ways to improve water use efficiency, will be discussed. A demonstration of a simple landscape audit will be included, too; 297-1600 www.clwa.org

Make "Just SCV's Best" do the Interviewing for You
The Just SCV's Best brand helps to overcome the difficulty consumers have when looking for a company for their home improvement needs. Just SCV's Best is an endorsement. Just like the "Good Housekeeping" seal, you can be assured that a Just SCV's Best member company is a company that is well trusted, dependable and a leader in their field.

The companies that display the Just SCV's Best brand have been thoroughly scrutinized and reviewed by professionals before being accepted into this limited, elite group.

A Just SCV's Best company ensures that you will be getting quality work, that they have an impeccable reputation and meet the standards that are shared by their professional colleagues.

There are a lot of companies that are in the home improvement industry, but there are only a few that meet the qualities that give them the right to exhibit the Just SCV's Best brand next to their names.

So when hiring a company to improve your home, be sure to look for the Just SCV's Best brand. "Just SCV's Best" means that they are a company that is the best; www.justscvsbest.com