Outdoor furnishings with a touch of Dutch whimsy make their U.S. debut
The casual outdoor furnishings from Netherlands-based Freeline furniture made their U.S. debut at this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair. Priced to appeal to discerning but more value-conscious costumers (pieces start at $185), the cleverly named items use a variety of materials, including teak and other hardwoods, synthetic and natural rattan, textylene, aluminum, and stainless steel. The pieces work equally well in casual kitchens, sunrooms, decks, patios, and other lawn/garden settings.

Several collections from the company will be spotlighted in the Houses at Sagaponac, a high-profile Southampton development featuring the works of 34 influential Modern architects. Sagaponac developers selected Freeline’s cocoonlike plu’MO wicker resort chair, with an outsize half-circle form; the beSKWERE 4 outdoor bistro/dining set; and tjik’NRUN, a table/bench combo for the outdoor spaces of the house designed by Selldorf Architects of New York City.

Other products in the collection include basketCASE, a natural rattan chair; windBLOKKER, a teak/textylene screen for indoor/outdoor use; and hükSED, a teak corner table/chair set. The exclusive North American distributor is Jane Hamley Wells. Jane Hamley Wells, Chicago. www.janehamleywells.com   [ Reader Service August 2005 # 221 ]

New line of landscape products protects the garden, fights the pests
DuPont GreenVista garden products are a new line of residential and professional landscape products launched at this year’s International Builders’ Show in Orlando. DuPont’s Weed Control Fabric, the centerpiece of the new line, blocks weeds from growing and stealing valuable nutrients from plants, while still allowing water, air, and nutrients to pass through to the plants’ roots. Common uses include placing the fabric under mulch, pebbles, stones, and rocks, beneath patios and walkways, under decking, around drains, or behind retaining walls. The fabric is guaranteed to last 15 ears when properly installed and covered with 3'' to 4'' of mulch.

Other introductions in the line include Deer and Bird Netting designed to discourage unwanted deer and birds from eating delicate plants and shrubbery, and landscape anchor pins that secure all types of DuPont landscape fabrics.

As part of a second product rollout, DuPont introduced a protective GreenVista Burlap to help control erosion, keep seeds and plants in place, hold moisture, and promote seed germination, as well as provide protection from harsh climate conditions. A biodegradable Seed Germination Blanket made of excelsior wood fiber and mesh netting will help grass seed germinate and thrive. DuPont GreenVista Products, Wilmington, Del. www.dupont.com [ Reader Service August 2005 # 222 ]

Turning a backyard into a great room
Fire Stone Home Products’ new Outdoor GreatRoom includes an outdoor gas-convection-range island, choice of fireplace or firepit, and a pergola (below). To customize the Outdoor GreatRoom, clients choose a style of Fire Stone Pergola and a grill island with a 24'' or 36'' Legacy outdoor range. A sink, refrigerator, and other outdoor kitchen amenities can be added. To complete the room, clients choose between a Fire Stone Campfire or outdoor wood- or gas-burning fireplace. Fire Stone Home Products, Minneapolis. www.firestonehp.com [ Reader Service August 2005 # 223 ]