Spring 2019 Block Island Times House & Garden Edition

HOUSE & garden SPRING 2019

A special publication of The Block Island Times

Diary of a Gardener Syracuse Carrot Cake

Seaweed in the Garden Photo by K. Curtis

Page 2 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Dine o u t d o o r s

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House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 3

Spring Calendar of Events APRIL 20 21 21 21 22

Easter Egg Hunt in the park. Ball O’Brien Park. 11 a.m. (kids 5 and under) Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunrise Service for the community. Ocean View Pavilion. 6:15 a.m.

BI Ecumenical Choir Easter Concert at the Harbor Church. 9 a.m.

“Ask the Conservancy” Earth Day Walk. Meet at the Sachem Pond first “pull over” parking area, Corn Neck Road. 1 p.m.

26 Voices from the Village. Harbor Church. 7 p.m.

4 Block Island Lions Club 25th anniversary party. Yellow Kittens. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

11 Annual Shad Bloom Trail Race. 1 p.m. B.I School. Register at active.com.

12 Mother’s Day! 21 Organ recital by Walter Hilse at the Harbor Church. 7:30 p.m.

25 Block Island Historical Society opens for the season.

25 Island Free Library “Book, Bake and Bloom” sale. 9 a.m.

24-27 Memorial Day weekend.

27 BIMI “Chowda’ Fest” at BIMI in New Harbor; cost $15/ person or $25/family.

Children under 10 are free. 3 to 5 p.m.

Our Staff

Publisher................................................................................ Michael Schroeder Editor...................................................................................................Kari Curtis

Ocean Avenue, Box 278, Block Island, RI 02807 Phone: (401) 466-2222 Fax: (401) 466-8804 e-mail: mail@blockislandtimes.com webnews: www.blockislandtimes.com

The Block Island Times was founded in 1970 by Dan Rattiner, publisher, and Margaret Cabell Self, editor. It published only summer editions until 1982, when, under the ownership of Shirley and Peter Wood, the Times became Block Island’s first year-round newspaper. In 1988 the Times began weekly publication and became the Island’s “paper of record.” Sold off-island in 1997, the paper returned home in November 1999, and was reinvigorated under the ownership of Peggy and Bruce Montgomery. In 2006, ownership of the paper transferred to Fraser and Betty Lang. Ten years later, in 2016, The Block Island Times was purchased by current publisher Michael Schroeder.

The Block Island Times is a member of the New England Press Association, The National Newspaper Association, The Block Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Westerly Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce. It is printed by The Republican in Springfield, MA.

Production............................................................................................ Chris Izzo

Contributors......................... Renée Meyer, Shannon McCabe, Jessica Veldman

Ross Sinclair Cann, AIA, Kari Curtis, Kim Gaffet, Clair Stover

Photographers......K.Curtis, Shannon McCabe, Jessica Veldman, Renée Meyer, Pam Gelsomini, Kim Gaffett, A4 Architechture Inc., Colby Customs Advertising........................................... Shane Howrigan, Kimberly Starr Dugan

Advertising Design ....................................................................... Adwitads.com Cover photo by K. Curtis

Correction Policy

Advertising: This newspaper does not assume any responsibility for an error in an advertisement.

Editorial: This newspaper will correct errors in reporting.

Opinions expressed in columns or letters to the editor in this paper are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper. The opinions expressed by the cartoonist are not necessarily those of the publisher.

The Block Island Times is published weekly at the newsstand price of $1. Publisher is CCC Media, LLC., PO Box 278, Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI 02807. Yearly subscription, $77.

Periodical postage is paid at Block Island, RI 02807, and additional offices. USPS #003-204.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Block Island Times, Box 278, Block Island, RI 02807.

The Block Island Times House & Garden insert is published twice yearly in April and October.

Photo by K. Curtis

MAY

Page 4 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

In This Issue

18 7

10

8

14

26

7.

Diary of a gardener

22. Breaking up is hard to do

By Jessica Veldman

8.

Ask the Conservancy

Spring is the time of alchemy

By Kim Gaffett & Clair Stover

8.

Block Island native plants

By Kim Gaffett & Clair Stover

10. Reinvent your space

with Colby Customs

By Kari Curtis

By Reneé Meyer

24. Composting 101

By Kari Curtis

25. Is your shower ruining your hair?

A shower head filter can help

By Kari Curtis

26. Seaweed in the garden

By Shannon McCabe

30. Advertiser Index

12. Syracuse Carrot Cake

By Pam Gelsomini

14. New wine in old bottles

By Ross Sinclair Cann, AIA

16. Throw it out!

What you can bring to the Transfer Station

By Kari Curtis

17. Safety reminders from the Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department 18. The ants come marching one by one …

Springtime ant control

By Kari Curtis

18. DIY ant repellants

Five Minute Floral Arrangement 6. A touch of tulips 16. Ditch the vases - daffodils 28. First signs of Spring - forsythia

Expert Advice 11. Ardente Waterspot

20. Asian Noodle Salad

15. Pat’s Power Equipment

19. Arnold Lumber

By Pam Gelsomini

House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 5

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House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 7

Diary of a gardener

By Jessica Veldman It is a raw morning after the April showers we had the night before. I find myself rifling through the seed basket categorizing by planting time. Onions and celery were started long ago in the beginning of February. I have just started hardening them off for their debut to the outside by mid-month. I put them out every morning starting with just a half hour and working up, by an hour to an hour-and-a-half, until they are out all day. The peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants are coddled on the heat mat. No going outside for them, not for another month. As I peruse I notice I need to get my basil and marigolds started or I can forget it and direct sow. A lot of people have this vision of starting squash inside.

Why I am not sure, for it is much easier to start them outside. That being said, if you are going to start squash successfully inside you must pot them up continuously as the roots poke through. They do not like root constriction and will repay you with stunted and slow-to-start plants if you fail to keep up. I would also recommend a non plastic/biodegradeable pot such as a moo pot or peat pot. They don't like their roots disturbed and in this way you can just seamlessly pot them up into the next size.

Enough, out I go. No more futzing about inside — it is time to plant on this sunny day. I march out to the garden, seed basket in hand. In the fall I had amended my garden with a helping of horse manure and seaweed. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Manure is great mainly for the macro nutrients nitrogen (N) mainly but also phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). N is what drives the green growth, P is great for flower and fruit production, and K is for roots and hardiness. Seaweed on the other hand, although possessing it's own fair share of NPK, is also great

Photo by Jessica Veldman

for micronutrients — calcium to stave off blossom end rot and magnesium for chlorophyll production, to name a few. It is also a great soil conditioner and I have found my alliums to be enamored of a large helping to fluff the soil. Just for the love of all that is holy don't leave it until spring. You will find yourself rocking back and forth on a shovel on a hard mat. I know someone who had to turn to a hacksaw to get it under control.

I give the soil another turn and then begin to plant. There are many things which can be started as soon as the soil can be worked: carrots, beets, turnips, lettuces, and of course, my favorite, sugar snap peas. I was determined to get the peas in on St. Paddy's day but the cold temps later that week discouraged me.

Mission accomplished, I got distracted by the grass creeping into my beds. Weeding away I finished up and moved on to the bee garden.

I had started a bee garden last year and it seems to be working. I have quite a crowd of bees floating about all the bulbs I planted for them. They go from the croci to the winter aconite to the blue squill. The squill gives them blue pollen so someone will get a suprise when they work their hive. My bees aren't here yet but they are due to arrive soon. I got this idea in my mind last fall as I surveyed the new bee area in the orchard. I should terrace the orchard. It would look so pretty and like any idea it wouldn't leave me alone after that.

I started working on dry rock retaining

walls shortly thereafter and have been at it all winter. Sunday I finished the retaining wall, but one rock, up to the quince where the stand is going to go. I put in the frame for the concrete and then back-filled with gravel four inches deep. Now I poke at the wall. I need one last rock to finish it off.

That one rock is like the proverbial needle in a haystack. I better find it soon though I need to get this patio finished. The cedar bee stand is going on it and I still need to sand and oil it. The bees are coming as soon as mid-April but just watch since I am going to have it done they won't come until May. Tired, after an afternoon of work, I sit in the mulched walkway and listen to the peepers. A smile creeps over my face as I look at what I have accomplished. Life is good.

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Page 8 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Ask the Conservancy Spring is the time of alchemy

Block Island native plants

By Kim Gaffett (TNC’s OVF Naturalist) and Clair Stover (BIC’s Executive Director)

SPRING

Spring beauty – one of the first flowers to appear in the springtime. Grows to be about 3-6 inches high and produces a delicate white flower with fine pink-purple striping. An important early nectar source for pollinators. Will spread naturally in a garden if it goes to seed. Grows well in sunny areas with moist to slightly dry soils.

Shad — typically presents as a bush, but on Block Island shad can grow to be treelike and dominate the canopy. It has been claimed that Block Island has the tallest shad trees in the world. Produces many small white flowers in the late spring and dark, sweet berries in the summer. Prefers forest edges, meadows and fields.

By Kim Gaffett (TNC’s OVF Naturalist) and Clair Stover (BIC’s Executive Director) Alchemy: a chemical process, intended to transform a base metal, such as lead, to a metal of value, such as gold. Like converting lead to gold, spring’s processes of transmutation are of parallel wonder; it occurs when warming temperatures and spring rains quicken the sap of plants that causes buds to swell, flowers to bloom and leaves to burst.

In springtime, we see nature’s alchemy at work.

These changes inspire many to join in by gardening, an effort that – whether limited to putting a pot of tomatoes on the porch, or a full-fledged horticultural effort – has one wondering: what to plant, where, how much, and when? Vegetables and cutting flowers are largely a matter of taste; but even here considerations of moisture, sunlight, and temperature guide selections and placement.

However, when it comes to landscaping and augmenting the back-forty on Block Island, other guiding principles should be considered. Most Block Island properties are a matrix of wild flowers, brambles, and shrubs: some native, some invasive species. When adjusting these areas, either by removal of plants or addition of plants, we suggest adopting the features of an ecological garden. An ecological garden (as discussed in “Native Plants for New England Gardens”) includes plants that offer year round interest, provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and absorbs and filters rain water.

Whenever possible, ecological gardening includes the use of plants native to your area. These will be plants that do not need additional watering, after the initial planting period. Ideally the soil will be matched to the plants’ natural habitat, such that the only amendment needed will be compost. And, for the protection

of animals and beneficial insects, no pesticides are to be used.

The term “native” for a plant is not definitively defined, and is evaluated by place and time. Generally, a native plant is one that naturally evolved to fit an ecosystem and exists in balance with other plants and animals in that area. Whether a plant is considered native also takes into consideration how, over time, the species came to fit the niche. In the New England ecoregion, the first test for whether a plant is considered native is to determine if it was present prior to European colonial contact. Plants that existed in an area prior to human assisted transportation are thought to have “naturally” adapted to the area over time to the environment, and would be considered native (ex. pasture rose). Plants (or animals, especially insects) that have been transported by humans (often by accident) over long distances may be well adapted to their new home and exist in balance, can be considered “naturalized” (ex. beach rose), but they are not native. Invasive plants (or animals) are those that have been introduced to an area by human intervention; they quickly overtake the native species by out-competing for resources and often are not held in check due to the lack of predators that were not transported with them to their new adopted region (ex. multiflora rose).

Following is a partial list of Block Island native plants that provide food and animal cover all year long.

In addition check out the resources listed below for ideas about what to plant where and when, and for a more complete narrative about Block Island’s flora.

Note: Rhody Native perennial wild flowers and shrubs are grown from seeds collected on Block Island and other southern RI habitats.

To learn more about native and invasive plants in our island landscape join us on an Ask the Conservancy Earth Day Walk, April 22 at 1p.m. Meet at the Sachem Pond first “pull over” parking area, Corn Neck Road.

Prunus maritima - Beach plum.

Beach plum — often found along beach paths and in dunes. Thrives in sandy soils and full sun and is not impacted by salty spray. Produces beautiful blossoms in the late spring and edible fruit that can be collected in the summer. Flowers annually, but produces large volumes of fruit only once every few years. Beach plums are frequently harvested to make jams.

Highbush blueberry — a deciduous, twiggy shrub with dense foliage that grows in or near marshy areas. Bark is often reddish brown and furrowed. Produces small white to very light pink flowers in late spring, which become small blueberries that ripen mid-summer. Berries are very attractive to birds.

SUMMER

Milkweeds — milkweeds provide important forage for pollinators and are especially important to monarch butterflies that lay their eggs on milkweed leaves, and their caterpillars, which consume the leaves. There are several types of milkweed on Block Island: common milkweed, a tall plant with large leaves and clumped pink flowers; swamp milkweed, which has more elongated and narrow leaves and light pink to purple flowers; and butterfly weed, which produces beautiful, showy orange flowers in the early summer. Milkweeds tolerate deer, sun, and dry conditions well, but do not transplant well once established due to their deep taproots.

House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Black-eyed Susan: summer dry areas. Photos by Kim Gaffett

Pasture rose — a low rose shrub with thorny stems and beautiful, large pink flowers. Grows in rocky or sandy, welldrained soils. Prefers full sun, but is one of the more shade tolerant roses. Blooms in the early summer.

Arrowwood viburnum — a deciduous shrub that produces beautiful showy white flowers in late spring/early summer.

Arrowwood grows as a clump of straight trunks that are said to have been used by Native Americans to form arrow shafts.

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Flowers are not fragrant. In the late summer/early fall, the plant produces blue/black berries in heavy bunches that are extremely important to migrating birds. The arrowwood’s berries provide a perfect package of lipids (fat), protein, and carbohydrates to birds.

Buttonbush — a deciduous shrub that prefers sunny, wet habitat. Buttonbush are often found in standing water on the edge of marshes. Typically grows to 6-12’ in height and has unique and fragrant white flowers that bloom in June and attract but-

terflies and other pollinators. The flower heads mature into hard, spherical fruits (1.5” in diameter) that usually last well into the winter. Bright green leaves usually emerge in May.

Northern blazing star — a state endangered plant that flowers in late summer/ early fall. Prefers sandy grassland habitat.

Endemic to the northeastern U.S. Has a showy purple flower that is thistle-like though the plant does not have any spines.

Flowers occur in bunched columns up the stalk of the plant and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Deer browsing is a concern.

Common black eyed Susan — a showy yellow flower with a dark center that thrives in a variety of conditions. Biennial (individual plants live about 2 years), but once established, black eyed susans will return consistently year after year thanks to their abundant seed production.

Prefers full sun and is a good cover crop that retains moisture in the soil. Flowers throughout the summer and provides important forage for pollinators.

“Ask the Conservancy” is a series of outreach activities provided by Block Island Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy that will offer advice and assistance that will help us all make thoughtful decisions about how we live on the island because together, our actions can benefit the whole island’s ecosystem. These activities include everything from occasional articles in The Block Island Times, to walks on example properties, to providing information about how we can all play a role in supporting the island’s plant and wildlife.

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your property “house keeping” or other questions you might have about the island’s nature. Whether you need help with species identification or research, or just want feedback and an opportunity to discuss options and approaches to best steward your property, please give us a call or send an email. (Clair Stover — (860)808-9867 / stover@biconservancy.org, or Kim Gaffett — (401)595-7055.

Page 9

Buttonbush: summer moist areas.

FALL Goldenrod — many types of goldenrod are found on Block Island. Some of the more common types are lance-leaf, rough leaf, and seaside goldenrod. Produces showy, thick clusters of yellow flowers in September and October. Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does not cause seasonal allergies — ragweed, which blooms at the same time is usually the culprit.

Often found in unmowed fields and roadsides. Important for pollinators.

Virginia creeper — red leaves provide fall foliage on Block Island. A climbing vine that can be trained on a trellis. Five leaflets that turn a deep red and orange in the fall. It’s a vigorous grower, so be mindful of where you plant it! Wants full sun and well-drained soils. Produces blue berries that birds will forage for.

Little bluestem — a native grass that can grow to be 2-4 ft in height. Tolerates deer, drought, erosion, and rocky, shallow, or clay soils well. Easily planted by collecting seed heads from plants in the fall and scattering seeds in a desired area.

Each leaf has a tinge of blue at the base.

Flowers with a purple/bronze flower in the late summer, followed by clusters of fluffy white seed heads. In the fall, the bunched stems are an orange/bronze color.

Switchgrass — a native grass that provides erosion control in shallow and dry soils. A warm season grass that is distinguished from other grasses by a patch

of white at the point where the leaves meet the stem. Stem has a reddish tint.

Switchgrass provides excellent nesting habitat for pheasants and fall and winter coverage for the Block Island meadow vole and the white footed mouse.

WINTER

Winterberry — a native, deciduous holly that produces brilliant red berries in the late fall that typically remain throughout the winter season. Provides important forage to overwintering birds and adds a much needed pop of color to the brown and gray winter landscape on Block Island. Prefers sun and medium to wet soils.

Holly — the native American holly is a tree-like shrub that produces bright red berries and dark green, pointed leaves that last well into the winter. Birds use the holly for cover from cold winds and eat the berries. A slow-grower that does well when bunched together with other hollies.

Prefers sun to partial shade and to be relatively sheltered from the wind.

ALL YEAR Eastern red cedar — a small evergreen tree that grows to 10-40’, although on windy Block Island, they’re typically on the shorter side. An effective wind break when planted densely. Provides food and cover for numerous birds and other wildlife. Does well in dry soils and full sunlight. Tolerates salty spray well.

References: Native Plants for New England Gardens by Mark Richardson and Dan Jaffe The Ecology of Block Island, Chapter 4, pg. 65, The Vascular Flora of Block Island Rhody Native: http://rinhs.org/who-we-are-what-we-do/programs-projects/rhody-native-home/plants/plant-guide/

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Page 10 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Reinvent your space with Colby Customs

Before. Colby Customs took this kitchen re-do from a cramped 90s kitchen with a poor layout and unnecessary pantry closet, to a freshly updated space more useful for renters. Courtesy photo.

By Kari Curtis Improving a property’s appeal by transforming it into an attractive and welcoming space has become the order of the day.

More than ever, people are seeking out help to ensure that their homes are the ones that renters and buyers are snapping up.

Contrary to all the blogs and do-it-yourself shows that tell you otherwise, it takes a lot to make a home look picture-perfect.

But short of embarking on a massive renovation, there are some things you can do to put visitors at ease the minute they walk in the front door — whether you're selling your home or not. That's where a home stager comes in. These wizards of visual manipulation can transform interiors, imbuing purpose and functionality with the placement of an ottoman or the removal of a throw pillow.

There is a new business on the island, Colby Customs, a home staging and design service created by Colby Millikin.

“A huge part of why I started this business is the fact that it is a role desperately needed out here” explained Millikin when I ask her how the idea came to be. “Island

contractors do not have an on-island go-to with whom they can refer their clients. It is a problem that my business can resolve.”

And who better to fill that role than someone who resides here, and is easily accessible.

Millikin first came to Block Island in 2005 for summer work to help pay some of her college tuition and held many jobs on the island from cleaning houses to bartending, and managing the Mohegan Café for a number of years. After earning a bachelors degree in education from Fitchburg State University, Millikin began substituting at the Block Island School.

Deciding she needed a more stable winter job, she went on to obtain her R.I. Real Estate license and settled in at a local real estate agency.

“Decorating is something that comes very natural to me,” explains Millikin, “Since starting a family, my guitar playing and song writing have taken a backseat drastically, so I love that this business has been a new creative outlet for me.”

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After. The new kitchen has neutral finishes to compliment any decor and palette. The project included purposeful organizing for a clean, clutter-free look. Courtesy photo.

Millikin can work with you to make your home or business fresh and inviting. She will even get your rental home up and running for the summer season. Rearranging, re-purposing, and organizing can make a huge difference in any space. Typically her projects and transformations happen in the slower winter months before the spring season sets in.

“It is so rewarding to see how pleased clients are with the results when they see their own furniture and artwork reconfigured in their own home,” says Millikin.

Bringing in furniture from Colby Custom’s inventory for staging, if needed, or purchasing new items to complete the look — depending on the particular job and budget. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to make a huge impact.

Aside from working independently with homeowners and contractors, Millikin hopes to be a resource for the various island real estate agencies. “I work for the agent, and staging sells homes” says Millikin. “Relaying to their clients the importance of home staging brings both parties one step closer in generating the highest price in the least amount of time on market.”

Millikan hopes that Colby Customs will provide a much needed service to homeowners who are looking for help with their renovation vision, real estate agents who aim to get top dollar for their clients, and contractors seeking an on-island resource who can tie a project together with a plan for the finished product.

“Block Island is an amazing place filled with opportunities for those willing to put forth the effort. The reward is for those

Colby Millikin who can see the possibilities, and then work to put that plan into action.”

Millikin is nearing the completion of a project that was a full home renovation. A quick “spiff-up” for summer rentals led to more projects at the homeowner’s request.

“It was a fun project demonstrating my flexibility, work ethic, and ability to keep the job moving forward,” says Millikin. “I can manage full renovations just as well as small rehabs.”

Colby Customs offers free consultations. Check out Colby Customs on Facebook or email colbylyn33@gmail. com for further information.

House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

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Page 12 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Syracuse Carrot Cake

By Pam Gelsomini Dish off the Block Island resident Pam Gelsomini has traveled the world to find eclectic local fare and Block Island is where she creates her award-winning dishes. Check out her blog and website “Dish off the Block” for more recipes and ideas at dishofftheblock.com.

Syracuse Carrot Cake - I discovered this recipe when I was in college (many moons ago) at Syracuse University. I was at a birthday party where they served this

cake... and then proceeded to stalk the baker for weeks until she finally forked over the recipe! I can't remember her name but this cake will go down in history. The best Carrot Cake ever!

SYRACUSE CARROT CAKE 2 cups sugar 1 cup salad oil 4 eggs 1 Tbsp. vanilla 2 cups flour 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1 cup raisins 3/4 cup walnuts 3/4 cup chopped dates 3/4 cup coconut flakes 1, 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained and squeezed mostly dry with paper towels 3 cups shredded carrots

Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. In another bowl, mix raisins, walnuts and dates with 2 Tbsp. of the dry ingredients.

Stir the rest of the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in raisins, nuts, dates, carrots, coconut, and pineapple.

Pour into a greased and floured 13” x 9” pan (or 2, 8” cake pans) and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until tester comes out clean.

Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened 3 tsp. milk 1 stick butter, softened 3 and 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar 3 tsp. vanilla Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and beat with electric mixer until smooth and creamy. I double this frosting recipe if I am doing a two layer cake in cake pans.

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House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 13

Page 14 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

New wine in old bottles

Spray foam insulation seals all the leaks in the exterior shell of the building, while helping create a fire resistant, highly insulated shell.

By Ross Sinclair Cann, AIA Throughout Rhode Island, but particularly in historic places like Block Island, many communities are blessed with beautiful, historic structures. These traditional vernacular buildings harken back to a time when architecture had a straight forward, simple and yet elegant quality and form, what is commonly called the “architectural fabric” of the community. They are what draw both inhabitants and visitors to these historic places. Unfortunately, as any owner of an historic home will admit, these old buildings are frequently drafty, expensive to maintain, energy inefficient and lack many of the creature comforts and conveniences of more modern buildings.

Fortunately, thanks to rapid advances in both material science and other building technology, it is now possible to have modern construction that replicates or transforms old buildings into comfortable, energy efficient structures that meet the needs of today’s families in a time that global warming is a growing concern for many.

New technology: Insulation

Some of these new technologies are suitable to both adaptive reuse of older buildings and others are better geared to new construction. One area that has seen the greatest advances in the last twenty years is in the field of insulation. One hundred years ago there were few options to properly insulate a building; some historic buildings have no insulation or old newspapers stuffed into the walls. Not only did this make the building extremely energy inefficient but it also made them susceptible to fire. Today the number of options is abundant and each alternative has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Perhaps the most efficient form of insulation is Closed Cell Icynene. This is made by mixing two materials that chemically interact at a spray nozzle to create a selfexpanding and hardening insulation. This has the advantage of sealing all the leaks in the exterior shell of the building and helping create a fire resistant, highly insulated shell, which also provides structural stabil-

ity as the foam hardens. The disadvantage is that it is relatively expensive compared to other alternatives and very difficult to remove at a future point. Another type of self-expanding insulation is called Open Cell Foam. This is less insulated, less fire resistant and less structurally supportive than the Closed-Cell variety, but it is also less expensive and more breathable.

Another relatively new insulation alternative is called “mineral wool.” This is made from heating rocky material to a molten temperature and blowing it into a fibrous form which is then packed into batts, not unlike the pink insulation that was predominantly used for much of the last half of the twentieth century. This insulation, in addition to be a good thermal insulator, is also extremely resistant to fire and, because of its heaviness, is a very good sound insulator as well.

Heating and cooling systems

Heating and cooling systems have advanced a long way from the oil fired furnaces that circulate heated hot water through large, clunky cast iron radiators. Condensing boilers, geothermal heat pumps, split system AC units and a variety of other new and innovative systems have come on the market in the last 10 to 20 years to help heat and cool buildings much more efficiently than was previously possible.

Modern substitutions

Not all of the innovations are limited to the interior of the building. With regard to trim and decking, composite material and cellular polypropylene are excellent substitutes for wood, which is very susceptible to rot and decay. These materials have the same density and a similar cellular structure to wood and so they can be cut and milled in ways that replicate wood trim using standard woodworking tools.

With regard to the decking, each year these materials look more natural and avoid some of the problems that existed with the first generation of composite decking.

In terms of side wall sheathing, there are now various composite materials that help preserve the cedar shingle or closely replicate wood clapboard but which are much more immune to insect damage and

It is now possible to have modern construction that replicates or transforms old buildings into comfortable, energy efficient structures. Photos courtesy of A4 Architecture Inc.

natural rot. In place of heavy and brittle slate tiles, there are now stronger, lighter porcelain tiles that are almost identical in appearance to natural slate tiles. There are even solar panels made to look remarkably like asphalt shingle roofs so that you can benefit from a southern solar exposure to create electricity without the panels looking incongruous to building style.

These are just a few of the many dozens of advances in building technology that a homeowner can use in the construction or renovation of a house to make the building last longer, operate more cost efficiently and yet continue to look and feel like a

home that has been a longstanding part of the community in which it sits. Reach out to your local architect or builder to help you implement some of these advances the next time you want to make your home’s carbon foot print smaller or to reduce the amount of maintenance you will have to undertake in the years ahead.

Ross Sinclair Cann, AIA, LEED AP, is an historian, author, educator and founding Principal of A4 Architecture Inc. He holds architectural and history degrees from Yale, Cambridge and Columbia Universities.

House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Expert Advice

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Page 16 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Throw it out!

Five Minute Floral Arrangement

What you can bring to the Transfer Station

Ditch the vases - daffodils Do not get hung up on vases as the only means for displaying flowers. Use household items like tiny creamers, tea pots, cups or water pitchers for a whimsical touch. I love the idea of using individual tea pots for arrangements — simple, pretty, different. Also daffodils, which do not last long, are a great gift for a take away spring favor, and also great on a nightstand in a guest bedroom, or to add some softness in a bathroom. Find inspiration anywhere and everywhere.

By Kari Curtis

Have you seen the website for Block Island’s hometown recycling center? Officially called the Town of New Shoreham Transfer Station, run by Block Island Recycling Management, it is still what many people on the island affectionately refer to as “the [old] dump.” It is where to take all of your garbage.

The website has all of the information you will be looking for when cleaning out your spaces this spring. Along with regular household garbage, there are many items that you can bring to the recycling center and drop off, for a fee. The website will give you all of the pricing for items big and small — from appliances to mattresses.

Listed below is some of the information you will find on the website, but take a look for yourself — and if you have any questions, give them a call!

The Transfer Station is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. until May 1. Hours change after May 1 to Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Memorial Day weekend.

Call (401) 466-2864 for hours and information, or visit blockislandrecycling.com.

Recyclables Accepted

In the containers bin: • Tin, aluminum and scrap metal: Aluminum and tin cans, foil, pie plates and empty aerosol canisters.

• Glass, bottles and jars: Wine, beer, liquor and soda bottles, glass water bottles and glass jars. Please remove metal lids.

• Plastic bottles and jugs: Containers up to 5 gallons, bottles (soda, shampoo, water), jugs (milk, juice, detergent), jars (mayo, peanut butter, jelly), tubs

(butter, ice cream, margarine), plastic take-out containers, iced coffee cups, yogurt containers, plastic egg cartons.

No plastic bags or foam containers.

• Milk cartons and drink boxes: Milk and juice cartons, juice boxes, flavored-milk boxes and cream and creamer containers.

In the paper and cardboard bin: • Mixed paper: Mail, envelopes, magazines, catalogs, phonebooks, paper bags, shredded paper, paperback books, writing and computer paper.

• Thin cardboard: Cereal boxes, show boxes, pizza boxes, paper egg containers, gift boxes and paper towel and toilet paper rolls • Newsprint: All newspaper, advertising and inserts.

• Corrugated cardboard: All boxes and other corrugated cardboard, smooth on the outside, wavy in the middle.

They also take: • Appliances and scrap metal: Washers, dryers, refrigerators and air conditioning units.

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House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 17

Safety reminders from the Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department

The Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department is located on Beach Avenue. Photo by K. Curtis Fire numbers: Make sure your fire number is plainly visible from the street at night. You should display it near the street where fire and emergency vehicles will arrive. If your road forks after leaving the main road, post another fire number at the fork.

Fire extinguishers: Each floor of your house should have a working fire extinguisher, plus one in the garage and one near the barbecue area. At a minimum, place one in your kitchen and one near your furnace or boiler.

Each member of your family should be familiar with their locations and their use. Make sure the fire extinguishers are in good working order each year, and if in doubt, replace them. Also, make sure everyone in the house knows the fire number.

Barbecue grills: Whether it be gas or charcoal, your grill should be at least ten feet away from any structure. It should not be on a wooden deck, nor should there be any structure over the grill.

Information for renters: If you rent your home, make sure this information is posted in plain view and that the locations of extinguishers in your home are known. Post a sticker on each phone with your Fire Number.

This is the first question the dispatcher will ask if anyone calls to report a fire.

Smoke detectors: There should be a minimum of one smoke/carbon monoxide detector on each floor. They should be located on the ceilings in hallways, adjacent to the bedrooms.

In basements, they should be located

at the top of the stairwell. If you have questions regarding the placement of detectors, please call the Department.

The Building Official reminds us to replace every battery-powered smoke detector every seven to eight years.

Testing smoke alarms: Test your smoke detectors on the first day of every month. The test only takes a few minutes. Keep a supply of batteries on hand in the event of a battery failure during testing.

Fire drills: Your entire family should know the following procedure: • Alert everyone in the house, and then call 911.

• Insure that all people in the house are accounted for.

• Know where the furnace/boiler switch is, and if possible, turn it off.

• If possible, close all windows and doors.

• Stand in the road to direct fire and emergency vehicles Brush piles and grass: Do not let brush piles accumulate for years. Take brush to the Transfer Station. After uncut grass has grown for the season, cut it to the ground or have an island lawn professional do it. It is important to have a well maintained buffer around your house.

Fire truck entry to your property: Make sure the brush on either side of your driveway is cut back. At a minimum, fire vehicles require 12 feet side-to-side and 13 feet clearance above. If you have questions, call the Department.

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Page 18 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

The ants come marching one by one....

Springtime ant control

DIY ant repellants

By Kari Curtis We all hate how ants enter our houses, especially in summers. They live in our house like they own it; well there are some ways that may help to get rid of the ants; one of them is to keep your house absolutely clean.

Here's how to get rid of ants at home:

1. Chalk One of the home remedies to get rid of ants is to use chalk. Chalk contains calcium carbonate, which helps in keeping ants away. Spray some powdered chalk in the areas that are the entry points of ants or draw a line of chalk at the entrance.

In order to keep ants of your house, draw chalk lines so that these bugs don't enter.

While it not clear as to why this line stops the ants from coming inside, it is surely effective. Make sure you make the line in a way that is out of reach of any child in the house.

By Kari Curtis I take pride in my advanced detective skills, and I apply them to almost everything. For example, figuring out who left the empty milk container in the fridge, who left the mess on the counter, who wore muddy shoes into house, and most importantly, where is the entry point of the army of ants invading the house? Having ants everywhere outdoors is fine, that’s where they actually belong. But when I see them trailing along the kitchen countertops, or anywhere else inside, I need to spring into action.

Most commonly found invading your space are odorous house ants. You will find these ants anywhere you have sweets and food laying around. An odorous house ant is a member of the tapinoma sessile species of ant, also known as stink ants or coconut ants. They are brown or black in color and only about 1.5-3mm in length total, which makes them a very tiny species of ant.

Odorous house ant colonies

The odorous house ant has a hierarchical system with a queen who is in charge of producing the young, workers and scouts who provide food for the queen, take care of the eggs and seek out food away from the nest. Colonies can range in size from a few hundred to tens of thousands. The scouts go out and search for food to bring back to the nest. Given their size, scout odorous house ants can get into a home or building very easily. Once a food source is found, the scouts leave an invisible scent trail back to the colony that the rest of the workers can use to find their way back to the food source. That’s when you may see the trail of ants traipsing through your kitchen, up the counters and into the food sources. The odorous house ant loves to eat sugary things over anything else. So, if you have something like cookies, pastries, donuts or even fruit and vegetables out on the counter, they could attract odorous house ants. They will also happily snack on dairy products. This is not to say that odorous house ants only eat sugary foods.

They are scavengers and opportunists — meat or other foods left out or dropped on the floor will also attract them. This includes things like dog and cat food, and food left in garbage cans.

When you see the first few ants, you can sponge them (and the surrounding area) with soapy water to eliminate the pheromone trail. Immediately work to figure out where they’re getting into your house, and begin placing homemade ant bait at the entry points.

How to get rid of house ants Although odorous house ants are hard to remove, they are just like other ants.

Ant insecticides and traps can be used to get rid of them. However, they are also quite clever and there could be multiple colonies in an area utilizing different ways to get inside. So you might get rid of one ant colony just to get invaded by another.

Want to make your own ant bait? Borax will kill odorous house ants, and powdered sugar will attract them. Make a homemade ant bait by thoroughly mixing one-part borax with three-parts powdered sugar.

Fill tiny containers (such as bottle caps or jar lids) with this homemade ant bait and place them close to the place where you suspect ants are entering your house. If you see trails of ants, place small containers of the mixture directly in their path.

This prevents most of them from traveling all around your house if they have easy access to this sugary treat. Have pets or kids who might get into this powdery mixture? Try this instead: mix one cup warm water with ½ cup sugar and three tablespoons borax. Soak it up with cotton balls and place them in shallow dishes near ant trails. Resist the urge to kill all the ants you see. They will carry the bait back to the nest, unable to differentiate between the borax and sugar, and the borax particles will eventually kill the entire colony. The more homemade ant bait carried back to the colony, the fewer ants you will have.

More tips for house ants:

Spray white vinegar near baseboards, in any cracks, and on countertops where they may be traveling. You can allow the vinegar to dry on surfaces or wipe with a clean cloth – this eliminates their chemical trail and will deter some of the stragglers.

Repeat several times a day. Practicing good sanitation practices is one of the best ways to make your home less attractive to ants. Keep spills, crumbs, and garbage cleaned up in the kitchen. Be sure to store all food — especially sweets — in tightly sealed containers or zip-top bags. They will get into things like jars of honey that have drips on the side or around the lid, so sealing the jar in a zip-top bag will protect it.

The ants will choose more desirable bait (like spilled soda or cookie crumbs) over this natural bait, so learning how to get rid of ants naturally means keeping your place clean!

2. Lemons Place lemon peels in places where the ants enter the house.You can also wash your floors with water that has a little lemon juice added to it. Ants apparently don't like the smell of lemon juice so they will keep away. Anything sour and bitter may keep the ants away, but any sugar is ants' best friend. Keep your kitchen slab absolutely clean and place the peels right there.

Here are some other DIY remedies to treat ant problems: • Some ants like protein and grease.

Mix a spoonful of peanut butter with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of borax. Using a plastic straw, tap the end into the mixture repeatedly until the straw is full of the mixture. Cut the straw into ½ inch pieces and place them next to ant trails.

• Put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and place in areas ants are crawling around.

• Sprinkle cinnamon (being careful not to get it on things that will stain) near entry points.

• Some ants dislike baby powder.

Sprinkle around the perimeter of the house or indoors where ants are entering your house.

• Rub a little Vaseline near the areas they are entering the house.

3. Oranges Oranges are the same as lemons; they keep the ants away from visiting your house.

Make a paste of one cup warm water and a few orange peel, which will help in getting rid of ants. You can place orange peels on the kitchen slab or wherever you think these ants may enter from. It acts as natural deterrent for ants that may not only keep them out, but also keep them away.

House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

believed that cinnamon acts as a natural repellent as ants can't stand strong smells.

For more effective results, you can add some essential oil to the cinnamon powder, so that is bursts with stronger smell, keeping the ants away.

4. Pepper Ants hate pepper. Sprinkle pepper at the areas from where ants enter your house.

Cayenne pepper or black pepper are hated by ants. You can also make a solution of pepper and water and spray it near the entrant areas. The pepper won’t kill the ants but definitely deters them from returning to your house.

8. Peppermint Peppermint is an insect repellents, that can help you get rid of ants. Ants don't like the smell of peppermint and are likely to avoid areas that contain traces of it. Peppermint has a strong fragrance that cannot be tolerated by the ants, which keeps them from entering the home. Prepare a mixture of 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and a cup of water and sprinkle it wherever you find ants. Repeat this twice a day. You can even sprinkle dried peppermint instead of the liquid mixture.

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5. Salt Spreading salt near nooks and corners where ants enter the house will help keep ants away. Table salt is one of the best and the cheapest ways to get rid of ants naturally. Use ordinary table salt, not health boosting rock salt. All you need to do is to boil water and add a large amount of salt to it, stirring it until dissolves. Pour into a spray bottle and spray where you think ants tend to enter.

6. White Vinegar Ants can't bear the smell of white vinegar.

Prepare a solution of equal amounts of water and white vinegar. Add a few drops of essential oil to it and shake well. Store this solution and sprinkle it at the points from where the ants enter. Repeat this once daily. Again, this solution may not kill the ants, but definitely keeps them away from entering the no-entering zone. Spray it around your windowsills, doorways and other places where you usually see ants coming.

Page 19

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7. Cinnamon Put cinnamon and cloves on the entrance of the house and the areas from where you think the ants can enter. This a good method to also keep your house smelling fresh and earthy. Cinnamon is often regarded as an effective DIY ant control option. It is

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Page 20 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Asian Noodle Salad

By Pam Gelsomini, Dish off the Block

ASIAN NOODLE SALAD 1 lb. linguine, cooked al dente ¼ cup olive oil 1 cup snow peas, stringed 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded 2 scallions, white and green parts sliced thin ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped 1 jalapeno, minced ½ cup red bell pepper, julienned and cut into about 3” strips ½ cup yellow bell pepper, julienned and cut into about 3” strips ½ cup orange bell pepper, julienned and cut into about 3” strips 1 cup edamame beans, cooked and shelled Place linguini in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Place snow peas in a small pot of boiling water until crisp tender, about 1 minute. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Add to the bowl with the noodles along with all of the other salad ingredients.

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Page 22 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Breaking up is hard to do

By Renée Meyer A bit over a year ago I decided I needed to go on a plastic diet. I had just read “Plastic Ocean” by Charles Moore and Cassandra Phillips. Moore is sometimes credited with the discovery of the great Pacific Ocean garbage patch, and whether he did or didn’t his book certainly brought awareness of the problem of so much plastic on the loose in our waterways, rivers and oceans – plastic that never really goes away, instead breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces, resulting in a toxic plastic slurry now making its way up the food chain.

One of the most fascinating aspects of “Plastic Ocean” is the history of plastic; the chronicle of man’s attempts to make better materials for certain applications – the tire for instance, or stockings. While plastic comes from the Greek plasticus “to mold, form,” today the term brings to mind substances derived from oil and other chemicals, that come in a myriad of varieties of hard, flexible, solid and liquid. Plastics show up in some products that one might never expect, such as hair conditioner.

While we may be able to recycle some types of plastics, those are but a fraction of the amount we use in everyday life.

And recently the news cycle has made us aware of the impact of the Chinese ban on the import of waste plastic that it had been recycling, on the world’s behalf, for years.

A piece on “60 Minutes” a few months ago dealt with this problem, and one of the interviewees said something, regarding China like “Evidently, they have figured out a way to recycle it.” As if, we, in America haven’t.

Well, why not? And instead of seeking alternatives, manufacturers seem to have doubled down on making more and more of the stuff. Plastic is cheap for them but for the world and its inhabitants it is coming at

A variety of canning jars, both vintage and modern. Photo by Renée Meyer. a dire cost.

I never considered myself a huge consumer of plastic, but as I began my “diet” the first thing I noticed was how much I used, whether I liked it or not, although admittedly much of my consumption is from sheer bad habits. I could bring my reusable bags to the grocery store, but I was still filling them with plastic wrapped bread, cheese, meats. Once home and opened the partially used product gets transferred to yet another piece of plastic – most often a “freezer bag.” My bad.

Fortunately, I had been gifted a set of glass storage containers. A nice set of Anchor Hocking containers in a variety of shapes and sizes appeared under the

Christmas tree, and even though it violated my “I don’t need any kitchen stuff” policy that year, it was greatly appreciated. The glass containers themselves, unlike the snap on plastic lids, can go in the microwave oven, the regular oven and the freezer. After over a year of use, the lids still fit on tightly and haven’t warped.

This was not the case with a glass Ziploc container. The glass is fine, but the lid warped after a few uses and doesn’t sit tight on the container.

For a really tight lid, consider a Glasslock container. Although its lid too is made with some plastic, it has little wings on the lid that snap down on the container making it airtight. It’s perfect for holding salt dur-

ing those humid months when it otherwise wants to turn to liquid. Glasslock containers come in all shapes and sizes, and like the Anchor Hocking, many of them – not all- are suitable for both the microwave and regular oven and freezer.

In keeping a sort of personal plastic diary, I noticed a problem. I am evidently addicted to the plastic freezer bag. It’s a habit I want to break, or at least lessen. We grow a lot of tomatoes that we then turn into puree and throw in the freezer for use throughout the winter. For years, the container of choice has been the Ziploc bag. I also like to make chicken stock and freeze it for soups, sauces and gravies. Here, the storage container of choice has long been reused plastic deli

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House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 23

DEBBIE’S ECO-FRIENDLY HOUSE CLEANING CARPETS AND UPHOLSTERY

Spring has sprung! Time to freshen up for the season!

Treat your home to a day at the spa!

Anchor Hocking and Glasslock storage containers. Photo by Renée Meyer. containers. Reading “Plastic Ocean” made me aware that reusing these things over and over again my not be such a good idea. So, I have to find an alternative…

Enter the canning jar. I don’t want to actually “can” my tomato sauce. That takes a lot of energy to heat up and boil large quantities of water. Plus, it heats up the kitchen, which would be fine if tomatoes ripened in November. But they don’t.

Canning stock would require a pressure canner, which I don’t have. Still, I do have a lot of canning jars that I use for homemade salsa, pickles, and jam, and I have begun to rethink how I might use these instead of plastic.

It turns out you can stick a canning jar in the freezer without it breaking. Just make sure to leave plenty of headspace so the freezing liquid doesn’t expand so much that the jar explodes.

Canning jars come in a variety of sizes but there are only two standard lid widths, regular and wide. If one is freezing liquids, look to use a jar with a straight side. Jars with “shoulders” will make it harder to get the liquid out of the jar if it’s partially frozen. When one is doing actual canning, the lid itself, but not the ring that secures it to the jar must be new to form a seal, but if you are using the jar in the refrigerator or freezer, the lid may be reused.

Canning jars normally are sold by the dozen and if a variety of sizes is desired, it may make sense to find some like minded friends and do a swap.

Canning jars are becoming trendy as drinking glasses, too and they are easily portable. You can fill them with coffee or tea and take it to work and either enjoy cold or warm, as they can go in a microwave without the metal lid of course.

When I was a kid, before the advent of single-serve beverages to go, we used to make a big pitcher of tea each morning in the summer. All day long we had what seemed like a limitless supply of iced tea at our disposal for the mere cost of a few teabags. Why not make your own iced tea?

Consider this, the price of a 16 oz. container of Snapple is over two dollars. The price of a name brand tea bag is about ten cents.

Sorry Snapple.

As consumers, we don’t seem to have much choice when it comes to plastic avoidance. But they said that that organic foods would never gain much foothold in the marketplace, and look at just how much organics have gained in market share today.

We really do vote with our pocketbooks, and if we conscientiously look to purchase products packaged in a more environmentally friendly manner, perhaps we can persuade manufacturers to change their habits.

As one looks on the grocery store shelves, you may find for instance, the small size of something comes in plastic, but a larger size comes in glass. Or switch your brand. You can buy mustard in a plastic squeeze-bottle or you can buy it in a glass jar. You can buy your clothes detergent in a plastic jug or in the form of a powder that comes in a cardboard box.

Pay attention to the lid, or cap on a container also. Small caps are among the

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most likely to escape the trash or recycling stream and end up all over the environment, much to the detriment of seabirds and marine animals that may mistake them for food. Notice if the cap on your milk jug is a screw-on cap or one that just snaps on the container, making it more likely to be lost.

Recently the store was out of the brand of cream I usually buy. The brand available happened to come in the old-fashioned fold-out container instead of having a little plastic pouring spout. By changing brands I can send 52 fewer of the little plastic buggers to the landfill per year. It’s the little things that count.

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washtrust.com Or better depending on line amount. Properties must be located in Rhode Island,Massachusetts, or Connecticut. Property insurance required. All loans subject to creditapproval. Home Equity Line of Credit rates are variable, and once opened, will adjustmonthly, according to movements in the Prime Rate. 1.99% Annual Percentage Rate homeequity line is for the initial 12 months. 3.60% Annual Percentage Rate home equity lineis for the initial 36 months. After the initial 12 or 36 months, the rate becomes Prime -.75% on lines of $250,000 - $1,000,000; Prime -.50% on lines of $100,000 - $249,999;Prime - .25% on lines of of $25,000 - $99,999. Rates shown in effect as of 12/20/2018.Your APR will vary monthly if the Prime Rate changes, but will not exceed 18.00% or beless than 3.00%. Check The Wall Street Journal for current rates. Wall Street Journal Prime Rate as of 12/20/2018 is 5.50%. Account closure fee of $350 for lines up to $500,000 or$500 for lines over $500,000 will apply if line is paid off and the account closed withinfirst three years. Best rate featured above requires line to be in first lien position; otherrates apply to second lien position; a Washington Trust personal checking account required. $10,000 minimum initial draw to third party required. Annual fee of $50 waived for thefirst year. Some home improvement projects may be subject to inspection fees and asatisfactory completion certificate. Subject to recording fees of approximately $74 in RI, and $93-177 in MA and CT. Trust review fees of $250 may apply if property is held in a trust.Not intended for homes currently for sale or intended to be sold within 12 months ofclosing. Offer available for new lines only. Other restrictions may apply. Property insurance is required. Flood insurance where required by law. Single-family, owner-occupied primary residences or second homes only.

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Page 24 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Composting 101 Adding Compost to Soil

By Kari Curtis If you are planning to have a garden, whether floral or vegetable, it is important to have good soil. You don’t even need to spend any money — one of the best natural soil builders is free!

You make it yourself, while helping the environment at the same time. Plus, it improves soil texture and encourages garden-friendly visitors such as earthworms and beneficial microorganisms.

What is it?

Compost is an organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming. The process of composting simply requires making a pile of wetted organic matter (leaves, grass clippings, food waste) and waiting for the materials to break down after a period of weeks or months.

A three-sided compost bin made from wooden pallets.

How to start?

Making compost is simple and inexpensive. You can use a homemade container made from welded mesh wire, concrete blocks or wooden pallets — anything

conducive to forming a pile three to five feet across, but not more than five feet high. Or, you can buy a compost bin, many come with a “turning” feature that speeds up the decomposition process.

Now what?

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Start layering waste materials like grass clippings, leaves, coffee grounds, kitchen scraps (not meat or bones), or pulled weeds and plants from your garden. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will be broken down by the many types of bacteria. In about two weeks the bacteria will have reduced a lot of the material in the pile to compost, creating heat. To avoid running out of oxygen, the pile needs to be turned to be aerated. Commercial compost machines often make this easier by putting a drum or container on some sort of turning device.

Things that should not be put in a compost pile include meat and bones, large amounts of sawdust, pet manure or anything made of metal or plastic.

When the compost has been broken down and is ready to use, you can now add the mixture to your soil.

Annual Gardens: For annual flower beds, or vegetable gardens, it is best to work the compost into the soil in the spring. Before planting anything, spread two inches of compost into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

If the garden area is large, put a scoopful of compost into each planting hole.

Perennials: Perennial flowers, shrubs and trees really benefit from an annual application of compost. A one inch layer of compost covered by two inches of mulch will do the trick. This layering helps to maintain moisture. You can also add a layer of compost in the fall to really maximize the following year’s garden.

Other uses for Compost: Compost can nourish your lawn as long as it is used sparingly — too much can smother grass seedlings. Sprinkle 1/8th of an inch of compost throughout your lawn, it makes an ideal fertilizer during the spring and fall growth spurts. A healthy application of compost would be 200 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. A bare minimum rule of thumb is this: 50 lbs. of compost per 1,000 sq. ft.

For container gardening, screen the compost to remove any large chunks. Mix two parts compost with one part rich garden soil and one part sand.

Gardens prosper with proper compost applications and it is a great way to recycle daily household and yard waste.

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• Site Development,- excavation, grading, underground utilities, roads, house demolition, stone wall building, lawns • Roads - built and maintained • Asphalt - aprons, roads, parking areas Jameson, Mac, Andy, and Bain Transue • Materials - gravel, sand, stone, loam, fill, boulders, road mix, cold patch • Septic Systems - Soil evaluations/design, installed and maintained, new construction/alteration, gravity and advanced treatment.

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House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Is your shower ruining your hair?

A showerhead filter can help

The AquaBliss comes with everything you need, including extra fitting gaskets and plumbers tape. Photos by K. Curtis

By K. Curtis If you have hard water in your shower, your hair is well aware of it. Hard water isn't harmful to your health, but it can be a headache.

If you're on the fence about whether you need a shower filter, let's discuss hard water for a second. If you have mineralized or chlorinated hard water, you might end your shower feeling a slimy coating on your skin and hair that wasn't there before. That's because hard water makes rinsing shampoo and conditioner out of your hair more difficult and the minerals it contains can leave a soapy film. In fact, it could even turn light colored hair a blue or greenish color (trust me on that one). The

film and residue can also irritate your skin, leaving it itchy and dried out.

Honestly, who has time for all of that?

I did some research and found that I could purchase a shower-head filter online, and install it myself — a wonderful thing!

With many options and brands to choose from, I went with a lower priced filter that I am hoping works as well as the high end filters. I bought the AquaBliss shower head filter on-line from Amazon. It arrived two days later, and I promptly installed it in my shower in under five minutes. Swap out the filter every four to six months and you're good to go!

The best part? I could see and feel the difference immediately.

Filter installed, no problems!

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Page 25

Page 26 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING

Seaweed in the Garden

ECO-FRIENDLY STEAM CLEANING

Debbie Lucchesi

401-218-8713 • 401-466-8827 debbiecoral@verizon.net Established 1997

CARPETS, UPHOLSTERY, TILE & GROUT Treat your home to a day at the spa!

FREE DELIVERY TO THE BLOCK ISLAND FERRY

By Shannon McCabe

Spring has sprung and Highland Farm is here for all your landscaping needs.

We have fresh, locally produced mulch and bagged products ready to be shipped at a moment’s notice.

Our selection of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and vegetables is growing every day.

Homemade bakery treats such as pies can be special ordered.

Come check out our selection or give us a call at 401-792-8188 with any questions you may have.

As always, delivery to the Block Island Ferry is free!

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Seaweed has long been considered a precious garden amendment. For centuries, coastal farmers have headed to the beach in oxen driven carts to haul loads of the mineral-rich fertilizer from the generous sea to their awaiting garden plots. This annual fall practice was a serious business in coastal areas before the advent of industrialized large scale farming and chemical fertilizers. Farmers in the 1800s could purchase “rights” to certain areas where the seaweed collecting was particularly choice.

While seaweed is traditionally collected in the fall, traces of it can be found on the beach in the spring.

Seaweed is still considered a valuable garden amendment or mulch, and if you happen to have access to a beach, lake or pond with seaweed, consider collecting some for your garden.

Seaweed is a large algae that grows in marine environments. This means that not all seaweed comes from the sea, you can also collect seaweed from the shoreline along ponds and lakes. Unless you have unusually high sodium levels in your garden, which is unlikely, seaweed does not need to be rinsed off to leach out the salt before adding it to the garden. If you are worried about excess salt, you can rinse it off with fresh water from a garden hose before applying. When harvesting, be sure to check with town ordinances to ensure

that it is legal to collect seaweed in that area. As a rule of thumb do not harvest more than one third of the seaweed in any one patch, as seaweed washed up on the beach does serve a purpose in the beach environment, as erosion control and food for critters.

There are several options for how to use seaweed in the garden once collected. Add it to the compost pile to aerate and add nutrients as well as speed the composting process. You can work seaweed directly into the soil in the fall as an amendment.

When incorporated it will help to improve a hard packed soil structure by improving aeration and making soil more loose and fluffy. Seaweed also contains beneficial trace minerals that are beneficial to plants as well as micro nutrients that do not need to be broken down for the plants to take up. You can also use seaweed as a mulch.

This will help to suppress weeds as well as retain moisture, help to protect from temperature swings, which stress plants, and it’s a fantastic slug repellent (sharp and slightly salty). Mulch around plants four to six inches thick and consider reapplying when the seaweed naturally shrinks down. Seaweed can be considered superior to some other mulch choices as it shares no diseases with land plants and also does not contain weed seeds.

So head on down to the beach with your oxcart or pickup truck and get yourself a load of the good stuff!

House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 27

DIVE INTO PROFESSIONAL

POOL SERVICE & REPAIR THE BENEFITS TO CHOOSING JPS POOL SERVICE

OUR SERVICES POOL OPENING AND CLOSING

We have staff on Island a minimum of 3 days a week (April Thru Oct.) with an on island shop and vehicle.

RENOVATION WEEKLY POOL SERVICE

Emergencies situations are quickly handled and difficult issues that are bound to arise, dealt with ease.

ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTION

We have great relationships with pool builders that have built on island for needed assistance on larger projects.

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WE OFFER FREE ESTIMATES AND A SATISFACTION GUARANTEE! CT License# SP1- PLM 0288461 Rl REG #33102

SPECIALIZING IN HIGH-END GUNITE POOLS 401-230-3493 | www.poolguyri.com |

Page 28 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

Five Minute Floral Arrangement

Twelve Minutes is the new Hour.

First signs of spring forsythia Forsythia’s yellow flower is sort of like Mother Nature’s hint that spring is actually here. Late winter always makes gardeners antsy for spring, and forsythia relishes this season — as if it’s just as excited to get started as any gardener. With rich golden blooms, in shades from pale yellow to rich gold, these plants stand out.

Clipping long stems of the shrub and placing them in tall glass containers around your home will brighten up any room.

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Working on Block Island? At just 12 minutes, New England Airlines is your quickest way to and from the island. And as always, workbelts and tools fly free.

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Block Island’s Airline Since 1970 466-5881 • 596-2460 • 1 (800) 243-2460 FlyBI@BIRI.com • www.blockislandsairline.com Flights by Reservation Only

Landscape Architects (Lic. in RI, CT, NY, MA) Landscape contractor (RI License # 11996) (ASLA) American Society of Landscape Architects Member Arborist Lic. (RI) – Pesticide Certification (RI) DESIGN / BUILD MAINTENANCE

DVL LANDSCAPE, Ltd. CULTIVATING BLOCK ISLAND’S NATURAL BEAUTY dvllandscape@aol.com

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House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 29

MARBLE•GRANITE•QUARTZ

Proud to be known as ‘Rhode Island’s Hidden Gem’, our family-owned business has served Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut since 1989. Our expert staff can assist you with design ideas for your kitchen, fireplace, bathrooms, and more. We strive to give you the best quality products and services. Our desire to be a superior presence in the stone fabricating business has won us a reputation of quality and dependability.

“We are not trying to be the biggest, we just want your project to be the best!”

-William Place President/Owner Showroom & Slab Yard:69 Aster Street, West Warwick, RI 02893 Telephone: (401)826-9700 E-Mail: QTCI@aol.com

Page 30 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

advertiser index A A4 Architecture 320 Thames St. Suite 353 Newport, RI 02480 (401) 849-5100 | rcann@a4arch.com A&B Family Appliance 466 Main St. Wakefield, RI 02879 (401) 284-4108 abfamilyappliances.com A. Transue Corp.

P.O. Box 1558 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-5907 Antonio’s Home Services P.O. Box 1554 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 480-5270 Ardente Plumbing 79 A Tom Harvey Road Westerly, RI 02891 (401) 315-2727 | www.ardente.com Arnold Lumber 297 Main St. Wakefield, RI 02879 (401) 783-3311 | arnoldlumber.com

B Ballard’s Oil Company P.O. Box 689 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-2977 Bartlett Tree Experts 240 Highland Ave. Seekonk, MA 02771 (401) 466-2818 | bartlett.com Block Island Plumbing & Heating P.O. Box 1787 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-5930 Block Island Recycling Management P.O. Box 125 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-2864 | birm02807@aol.com

C Chris Phelan P.O. Box b2 Block Island, RI 02807 chris@dock-bi.com Classic Chimney PO Box 9190 Warwick, RI 02889 (401) 739-0284 | classic-chimneyri.com Colby Customs P.O. Box 1854 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 280-0302 | colbylyn33@gmail.com Connelli Land Improvement P.O. Box 205 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-2549

Cormack-Routhier Agency, Inc. One Harry St. Cranston, RI 02907 (401) 944-9400 | cormackrouthier.com

Karin Sprague Stone Carvers Inc. 904 Tourtellot Hill Rd. Scituate. RI 02857 (401) 934-3105 | karinsprague.com

Coventry Lumber 2030 Nooseneck Hill Rd. Coventry, RI 02816 (401) 821-2800 | coventrylumber.com

Kitchens Direct, Inc. 1 Pier Marketplace Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 783-3100 | kitchensdirectne.com

D

M

D. Brown Appliance Repair P.O. Box 386 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 497-2628 Debbie’s Eco Friendly House Cleaning P.O. Box 104 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 218-8713 | (401) 466-8827 DVL Landscaping P.O. Box 1208 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466- 2081

F Fleming Feed 353 Rte. 165 Preston, CT 06365 (860) 889-7536 flemingsfeed@sbcglobal.net

G Geoffrey Rigby-Leather P.O. Box 897 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-2391 | islandresdesign.com

H

McLaughlin & Buie HouseWrights llc.

363 Cedar Ave. East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 378-2916 | the-housewrights.com

N New England Airlines P.O. Box A2 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-5882 | (401) 596-2460 block-island.com/nea

South County Sound & Video 1080 Kingstown Rd. Suite 2 Wakefield, RI 02879 (401) 789-7704 mark@scsv.net Stix Man Construction P.O. Box 869 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 787-3497 stixmanconstruction@gmail.com

T Tile Craft Design Center 1305 Kingstown Rd. Peace Dale, RI 02879 (401) 783-7770 tilecraftdesigncenter.com

P Pat’s Power Equipment 3992 Old Post Rd. Charlestown, RI 02813 (401) 364-6114 | patspower.com Pennington Sprague Company, Inc. P.O. Box 370 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-2378 Priscilla Anderson Design P.O. Box 363 Block Island, RI 02807 (617) 947-4044 priscillaandersondesign.com

Q

Highland Farm 4235 Tower Hill Rd./Rte. 1 Wakefield, RI 02879 (401) 792-8188 | highlandfarmri.com Howard Johnson Inc. 1978 Kingstown Rd. Peacedale, RI 02883 (401) 789-9375 howardjohnsoninc.com

I Interstate Navigation P.O. Box 3333 Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 783-4613 | blockislandferry.com

J

Quality Tile 69 Aster St. West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 826-9700 | qtci@aol.com

R Rawlings Floor Covering 204 Main St. Wakefield, RI 02879 (401) 783-8020 sales@rawlingsfloor.com Riverhead Supply 6000 Post Rd. North Kingstown, RI 02852 (401) 541-7480 | rbscorp.com

S

JPS Pool Service N. Scituate, RI 02857 (401) 230-3493 | poolguyri.com

K Karen Beckwith Creative PO Box 737 Lenox, MA 01240 (413) 637-4479 | karenbeckwith.com

Scott Heinz Construction & Design P.O. Box 354 Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-8868 | sheinz67@msn.com South County Cabinets 137 Franklin St. Westerly, RI 02891 (401) 596-7070 southcountycabinets.com

10 Crossland St., Charlestown, RI 401.789.1700 • www.scsv.net Audio | Video | Satellite | Data | HD Cameras

W Washington Trust Company Ocean Ave. Block Island RI 02891 (800) 475-2265 | washtrust.com Westerly Glass 2 Industrial Highway Westerly, RI 02891 (401) 596-4733 | westerlyglassco.com

House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES

Page 31

Page 32 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2019

FULL SERVICE DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY BLOCK ISLAND CURRENT AND COMPLETED PROJECTS THIS YEAR

Russo-Schill: New addition and full remodel.

Connie Finn: Full interior remodel.

Loya: Old Gully school house second floor addition.

Rypkema: Full remodel.

1661: New farm building including a yoga studio, retail shop, and apartments.

McGuirk: 5 bed house addition with full remodel and new 2 bed garage.

ADDITIONS

NEW CONSTRUCTION

CABINET SHOP

REMODELING

PLANS

RESTORATION

401-787-3497 STIXMANCONSTRUCTION@GMAIL.COM

Reg#31012