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• SOME COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO GET A JUMP ON SPRING •
The days are getting longer, the sun is getting brighter and everyone is looking to shake off cabin fever. Spring is almost officially here,
but you can get a jump on the season by bringing some bright color and natural beauty into your home. Here are some easy and
cost-effective ideas to get you started:
THINK GREEN:
Green foliage plants add oxygen and humidity back into the air that we breathe and help remove some
impurities. Rejuvenate and dust off your houseplants. Better yet, pick up a new plant to replace one or two that are tired or to
fill a bare corner or tabletop. Add a new basket or ceramic pot cover to add color and enhance your décor.
BULBS AND BLOOMS:
Nothing says spring more than potted bulb plants. They will give you great color for up to several
weeks depending on how tight the bulbs are when you buy them. Kids enjoy watching them stretch and blossom, too. Walk
through the rooms you use most frequently and look for areas that could use a pop of color. Hyacinths in deep pink and royal
blue, bright yellow daffodils, potted tulips in pink, red, lavender. Other blooming selections include primrose, primula, cyclamen,
violets and lilies. Can't you just imagine the color and the wonderful scents? An added bonus is that you can plant the bulbs
outside this fall for a splash of color next spring.
COMMON SCENTS:
Candles aren't just for the fall and winter holiday seasons any more. Vanilla and lavender are two of
the most popular scents, but you'll find plenty of fresh, clean fragrances and styles of candles that have increased in popularity
and are perfect for year-round use. Try a fresh linen or spring floral scent.
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN:
Trees and shrubs are just starting to bud. Trim a few branches and bring the outdoors
inside to force open the blooms in a vase. Some good choices are forsythia, pussy willow and flowering cherry or crabapple
stems, each of which produces colorful blooms. Becoming more popular are curly willow and red twig dogwood branches.
Although these branches do not have visible flowers, they look great in a vase and give great texture when you add a few
fresh-cut flowers. When you’re at the florist, be sure to pick up floral preservative to add to the water.
FRONT AND CENTER:
Don't forget about the front door and the porch areas. Hang some springy branches or a nice
door piece for instant spring. Bulb plants, pansies and primrose all do well on a porch or patio. You may have to cover them or
bring them inside overnight in case of frost or low temperatures. A cheerful front door will put a smile on your face and those
of your neighbors.
TREAT YOURSELF:
Studies show that flowers are a great weapon against the morning blahs, boost energy and workplace
productivity, and generally improve emotional health. So pick up a mixed, springy handful, a weekly special or even just a few
loose stems of your favorites.
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