Issue #01

Welcome to the b+r Installations email newsletter. In each issue we hope to serve up great ideas for making the most of the Texas outdoors.

In this issue we’ll introduce you to one satisfied Texan who, along with her family and friends, is enjoying lovely views of Arlington’s Oak Lake from the shade of her new backyard patio. Then it’s on to the garden to learn about Coral Bells, back into the kitchen to whip up a Texas-style batch of b+r barbeque sauce, and finally, to Paris, Texas, for the annual Festival of Pumpkins. Enjoy, y’all!

Featured Installation - Taking in the view

Judy Watts of South Arlington couldn’t be more pleased with the new “addition” to her home. “I have a gorgeous lake view to the east that I wanted to enjoy from my patio rain or shine.”

After seeing an advertisement for b+r installations, Judy logged-on to brinstallations.com, where she says she discovered endless options and designs. Intrigued by the low-maintenance claim and the beauty of the lattice shade products, Judy called b+r.

Randall Patterson, co-owner of b+r was soon helping Judy with design ideas for her new patio oasis. To maximize the Watts’ views, Randall suggested a combination lattice/solid cover for the eastern exposure of the home. “This way if it rains, you have complete protection, and under the noon-day sun, the lattice provides a partially shaded retreat,” Randall advised.

As the first in her neighborhood to install a shade cover, Judy was the first to apply for a permit from her neighborhood association. She was pleasantly surprised when her request was quickly approved.

"The beauty of the product and the fact that it will never deteriorate sold them on it,” she says.

The Watts family’s experience with b+r was a good one. “We share yard boundaries with neighbors, and it is important that the people we hire to work on our home are people we can trust to tread carefully and be considerate,” Judy says. The professionalism of the b+r team impressed Judy so much, that she asked them to return to add another lattice cover over the small patio outside of her south-facing bedroom.

"I couldn’t be happier with b+r installations’ work. And I couldn’t be more pleased with my patio shelter where I can visit with neighbors or enjoy a quiet evening with my family just enjoying the view,” she says.

Texas Eats - A barbeque sauce with a bit of spice and a lot of tang

It’s Fall in Texas, and we’re looking for excuses to spend more time outdoors enjoying our milder (ah, the 80s!) temperatures. To put some kick in your outdoor grilling, here’s a recipe that will inspire you to ring up some friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy another beautiful Texas day.

b+r Barbeque Sauce:
1 large onion, pureed or finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 can of beer
1 can tomato paste
1 tablespoon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
1 cup bottled Chili sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Juice of one lemon
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Cayenne pepper and black pepper to taste
Sauté onion puree and garlic in butter on low for 5 minutes.
Add everything else. Bring to boil then simmer for 15 minutes,
stirring frequently.

IN THE GARDEN - A perennial that rings with the seasons

Common Name: Coral Bells
Genus: Heuchera

When enhancing the landscape of your home, a great Texas find is Coral Bells (also known as Heuchera). Coral Bells are a perennial that take the heat without complaint, carry their good looks through the winter, and provide striking color and texture.

The Coral Bells are a group of American plants that grow wild on slopes and cliffs from Connecticut to Western Canada and south on into Mexico. In Texas, most varieties grow in dense clumps, from which spikes of small flowers rise in spring and summer.

Plum Pudding’, a dazzling hybrid, will spruce up any partially shaded border. Delicate sprays of pinkish flowers appear in summer, but the lovely flowers are dwarfed in beauty by the dramatic burgundy foliage and silvery netting between the veins.

Heucheras will tolerate a fair amount of sun or shade, provided they are planted in neutral, well-drained soil that doesn’t hold too much moisture. Heuchera’s are hardy plants _ susceptible to few pests or diseases. ‘Plum Pudding’ in particular has shown superior resistance to mildew, spider mites and white flies.

The seasoned gardener will often pair Coral Bells in an attractive display with ‘Beacon Silver’ Lamium and silver-leafed Pulmonarias for a stunning mix of color and texture.

So when planning you next landscaping project, don’t forget to let the Coral Bells chime in.

TEXAS OUTDOORS – Paris’ pumpkin craze

Pumpkin pies, pumpkin carving, pumpkin bowling – Paris has gone pumpkin crazy!

Join the town of Paris, Texas for its annual Festival of Pumpkins Thursday, October 24th through Saturday, October 26th. Pedestrians take back the streets to take part in a city-wide celebration honoring our big goofy-faced friends of the garden.

Only a two and a half hour drive from Fort Worth, Paris’ Festival of Pumpkins makes a great day or weekend outing. And, with activities for kids, parents and grandparents, everyone is sure to enjoy themselves.

Historic hayrides, bingo, dominoes, shopping, antiquing, rock climbing, sports, crafts, live music and tasty treats are just a sampling of what’s planned for this year’s event. For more information and accommodations, visit www.festivalofpumpkins.com.