Bark House Newsletter: May 2009

Project Highlight

diamond shingles

Project Name: Ramblestone
Location: 88 Letterfern Drive, Banner Elk, N.C at Tynecastle
Builder: Tynecastle Builders
Designers: Brett Schwebke/Nancy Harrison
Bark House brand materials used: Birch bark paneling, Cherry bark paneling, Bark House shingles, diamond and standard.
Professional Tips: Dream it and HC will make it happen.  There are limitless possibilities when working with these materials and the HC Experts.
For more information on this project, link to www.tynecastlebuilders.com

Ask The Expert

Q:  What impact have you experienced when using Bark House brand materials?
A:  Simply put, everyone one wants to touch the products and that is a good thing.  People are drawn to the texture, the ruggedness, the truth of all-natural products.
Brett Schwebke of Tynecastle Builders

Bark Buddies

sweet spring

From Sandy’s window on the outdoors:  If you have a special request, let us know.
This spring, the wisteria escaped the last frost.  Their fragrance makes the air delightfully sweet.  The bloom resemble a big cluster of purple grapes ripe for the picking.  The plant can be manicured into an ornamental tree or if unattended, will grow into a vine out of control and will virtually “choke the life” from a huge tree as it makes it way toward the sun. You may say, “Why would I want a plant of this nature?” Like everything else, a wisteria is not for everyone, but; the fragrance and beauty of the bloom is another of natures wonders in the NC mountains.  The fragrance reminds me of simpler times growing up on the farm and the anticipation of summer vacation.

Growing Green

forestry management

There is important debate going on right now in the world of sustainability.  Forestry management is one thing that impacts us all.  If you don’t understand carbon sequestration, you probably care about the trees around your front yard.  There are a number of forestry management approaches but they aren’t all equally accessible or workable for the small landowner.  This is a dilemma considering 60% of US forest products come from small landowners, and only 10% of US forest land is certified.
Highland Craftsmen Inc is sponsoring a day long training session on managed forestry and certifications.  The class is July 29 at Mayland Community College.  Phenomenal speakers will be presenting information specifically for the Appalachian region.  More information is available at www.BarkHouse.com click Training at the top and Bark Harvesters.  The class is free.  Pre registrater by calling 828-765-7351 ext 219.  I’ll tell you more about this in our June newsletter.

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