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Home • Garden • Design • Real Estate
UT ...Living.
It’s Spring! A Time to clean ...
©Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
April 2, 2020
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To our readers: he definition of ho e is so uch ore than the place you live t s the hub of life, where your days begin and end. Where your loved ones are. A place that should brin so e peace and co fort and be a reflection of who you are urin this difficult season it would be easy to see ho e as a place you have to be nstead let s chan e the narrative you et to be ho e pportunities abound to take advantage of this season and make those changes or improveents you ve said you ust didn t have ti e to ta e on a e this ti e with family to reconnect. Take the time to make your home a place that you love. here isn t a stay out of your yard order and sprin is upon us epaint a room that needs a refresh, browse through a seed catalog for plants, maybe even start a garden. There are several ideas in the following pages you can use to make the most of your indoor and outdoor spaces. From choosing colorful flowers to brin a vibrant splash of color to your yard or reco endations for how to keep you home germ-free we hope this magazine will be inspirational and informative.
Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 2, 2020 Page 1 InsideOut 2020© is published in Berthoud, Colo., by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publishers reserve the right to edit, classify or reject any advertising or news copy. Liability for any newspaper error in an advertisement shall not exceed the cost of space occupied by error. The publishers assume no liability for any advertising which is not published for any cause. The publishers assume absolutely no obligation or responsibility for subject matter in copy placed by its advertisers or their agents. It is also understood that the advertiser and the agency placing such advertising jointly and severally agree to indemnify Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, LLC against all expense, loss or damage sustained by reason of printing such copy.
INDEX Beautiful replacements for ash trees ......................... 2 Save money by improving storage in your home . 4 Tips to revive your porch or patio after winter ..... 5 One time investment of perennials......................... 6 How to deal with springtime pests in Colorado .... 8 Interior design trends for 2020 ............................. 10 Gorgeous trends in green home design .............. 11 Stop mold & mildew ........................................... 11 Rearrange your furniture and design rooms with ease ..................................................................... 12 Five backyard camping trips you’ve gotta try!.....14 If they can’t reach you they can’t alert you...........15 Common household poisons that put kids in harm’s way.......................................................................15 Raised garden beds provide multiple benefits for gardening.............................................................16 Bonsai: How to bring a little nature into your home .............................................................................16 Home garden tips for tomatoes & peppers..........17
What is the Larimer County Extension ?
Larimer County Extension is a partnership between Colorado State University and Larimer County. They are based in Fort Collins and serve the various communities throughout the county, including Berthoud. They provide practical education to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. Their researchbased knowledge is useful and easily accessible. They are here to serve you, your family and our community without any agendas or products to sell. Resources and programs include 4-H, agricultural and natural resource infor ation fa ily leadership develop ent food safety and preservation financial education, and yard and garden experts you can ask for help. For more information visit larimer.extension.colostate.edu. or call 970-498-6000.
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Beautiful replacements for ash trees
By Karen Hallberg CSU Extension Master Gardener The Surveyor
As of September 2019, Larimer County gained the dubious honor of joining three other counties in Colorado (Boulder, roo field and da s) with confir ed e erald ash borer ( ) presence ny true ash ( ra inus species) is suscep tible to attack from this green pest and her destructive larvae; therefore, if you are planning to add deciduous shade trees to your landscape this summer (or replace e istin ash) here are so e su estions Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra), 30’-40’ H x 30’-40’ W. Although not native to Colorado, uc eye does well with occa sional deep waterin and en dures drou ht once established howy yellow blosso s appear Ohio Buckeye in spring, and fall leaf color displays bri ht yellow to oran e red he shiny seeds (buc eyes) enclosed in prickly seed pods and poisonous to humans are hoarded by squirrels Manzano bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum ‘Manzano’), 30’40’H x 25’-35’ W, is a western native and in local trials has proven to be ore cold hardy than ori inally thou ht t is very eric with oran e red fall aple color that we lon for Sensation boxelder or maple (Acer negundo ‘Sensation’) 30’–40’ H x 25’–35’ W, rows ore slowly than the bo elder species so is less prone to brea a e ensation is a seedless ale clone that doesn t attract bo elder bu s t s tolerant of harsh conditions and al aline and salty water and soils ts leaves turn red oran e in the fall Western hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), 40’-60’ H x 40’-50’ W, is a native well perfor in street and yard tree it rows stron and strai ht toleratin wind drou ht and pollution he bar is warty and te tured alls on the leaves caused by an insect are a cos etic issue only and don t typically da a e the tree ac berry fall leaf color is yellow new colu nar form Prairie Sentinel® is perfect for s aller spaces Chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), 40’H x 40’ W, is a broadly-spreading native, proving to be a good shade tree for our area, because it s also tolerant of al aline soils and has shown resistance to the insect that creates galls on bur oa s ts wavy ed ed leaves turn yellow to russet in fall i e ost oa s it li es full sun Texas red oak (Quercus buckleyi), 45’-50’ H x 40’-50’W, is an alkaline- and drought-tolerant member of the red oak group from West e as t rows at a ediu rate with a pyra idal rowth habit he leaves turn a beautiful red in the fall e uest a tree fro a northern seed source Kentucky coffeetree (GymnoWestern Hackberry cladus dioicus ‘Espresso’), 50’-60’ H x 30’-35’ W, is a selection of the
species Kentucky coffeetree that won t produce the seed pods that the fe ale trees do but will bear s aller ( ) white flowers in sprin spres so makes a great canopy tree and is tolerant of our soils heat and cold ts hu e pinnately compound leaves turn yellow in the fall here are any wor thy replacement trees, such as Caddo sugar maple (Acer saccharum ssp addo) and ri son spire oak (Quercus robur alba ri sch idt ) that haven t space to include hec out the Colorado State University tension website for more information: https e tension co lostate edu topic areas yard-garden/large-deciduous-trees-7-419/ https planttal colostate edu topics trees-shrubs-vines/1765Texas Red Oak alternatives-overusedshrubs-trees/
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Save money by improving storage in your home
By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor
Homes are getting bigger, but it seems like people are still lamenting a lack of storage space. National Public Radio says the average American home has nearly tripled in size during the last 50 years. Despite that, 10 percent of Americans still need to rent off-site storage, according to a report in the New York Times magazine. Self-storage facilities are one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate segments, and the Self Storage Association says there are more than 50,000 storage facilities in the U.S. alone. The commercial real estate company CBRE, Ltd., says there are roughly 3,000 self-storage facilities across Canada, and 65 to 85 percent of self-storage tenants are residential users. Improving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy tips, homeowners can maximize space immediately. Utilize track storage systems losets ay be plentiful but if not efficiently utili ed space ay still see lac ing. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems. Customizing closets using track systems or other odifications can i prove utility of all closets in the house Invest in storage beds Storage beds typically feature cubbies or drawers within a platform-style bed frame. It’s a practical home storage solution, and does not require any building. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, look for kits or plans and ideas online to design a custom storage system to meet your needs. Think vertically Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage possibilities. Items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or travel suitcases, can be stored in high spaces. Shelving on walls can go as high as necessary and be put to use in awkward wall areas, such as in corners or under eaves. Using a peg board on the wall and hooks to hang tools, crafting supplies, toys, you name it, is another great vertical solution for storaging a wide variety of things. Invest in storage benches/ottomans A stopping area inside the front door replete with a storage bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks, and other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight. In living rooms, look for chests or ottomans that are decorative and functional. Store throw blankets or board games inside. Adding a mudroom bench at any entry into a home can add that extra storage to declutter and increase storage. Don’t forget that storage benches aren’t just for the indoors, garden benches are a great storage solution for tucking away tools, hoses, muddy boots, garden gloves, or anything else you might need a place to store things outside. Recess drawers or shelves Gain more storage by recessing a chest of drawers into what is called the “knee wall” of homes that have sloped ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short walls in an efficient anner by sin in drawers or shelves into the without ta in up floor space. You could end up with a full dresser worth of stora e without losin any floor space. Rafter shelving While in the attic (or a garage), add hanging shelves to rafters or exposed beams to create off the floor stora e as well These are just a few of the handy ways to
improve the interior storage space in a home. Countertop wine rack This one is simple but can make a difference in your kitchen. If the old wire wine racks don’t appeal there are many wooden options available to buy or if you are the handy-type look online for plans and build your own. This is another vertical solution that declutters couterspace and looks great. On-The-Wall Pot Rack This is another great kitchen solution if you are short on cabinet space or you don’t want to have to stand on your head and fi ht a stac of pots every time you want to cook something. There are a variety to purchase made from a variety of materials like wrought iron, copper, stainless steal and wood, with every type of style to fit any itchen desi n
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Tips to revive your porch or patio after winter
By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor After a long winter, backyards can look a little neglected, particularly the patio with dried leaves on cushions and everything still the same but more worn. Spring is a great time to spruce up patios, decks and other outdoor living spaces with a few easy steps from cleanin to fi in or replacin what is damaged. A full remodel or repair can be quite costly, but going for a basic refresh shouldn’t re uire a lar e e pense to make things once again appear new. To refresh a patio, which is great for entertaining with parties, family meals and outdoor gatherings, start with some cleaning. Patios can get dirty over the fall and winter months and collect leaves, tree branches and other debris tart by sweepin off e cess dirt and re ovin leaves and branches from the patio surface and any walkways. Follow with a power wash to fully clean the surface and to remove any remaining debris that has beco e fir ly attached Many patios are made out of concrete, but the surface can be freshened with new colors and designs. It can be painted using a brush or paint sprayer or coated with a masonry stain in earth colors or in a pattern, such as a checkerboard
or swirls. Or try laying slate tiles over the concrete with a thin-set mortar. Patios often already have furniture, and if the pieces are still in great shape, change out the upholstery for a fresh look. Replace fabric on foam outdoor cushions to make the furniture look new and add a designer touch. Covers can be sewn or assembled using a hot glue gun, but be sure to choose a fabric that is durable and mildew- and fade-resistant. The frames, too can be refinished if they are wood or metal. But if the frames and cushions are too damaged, purchase something entirely new, such as a glass table and wicker chairs or outdoor couches with a small table for
drinks. Other refreshing options include addin a fire pit which is reat for cooler months and bringing in natural light, or a built-in grill that can be both useful and decorative. Either can serve as a focal point for the space and offer a great place to gather. Don’t forget things that grow, thinking that trimming up the lawn is enou h lant flowers in planter bo es or along the edges of the patio and walkways to add color and improve the view. Additional ideas included bringing in pottery, lawn ornaments and décor to further decorate the space. And don’t forget the shade, such as from shade-providing trees or an umbrella or two over the table and other furniture that will add comfort. Another option is adding a pergola or roof over the entire patio. One last thing is to be sure to update or add lighting for safety and design reasons eplace or add li ht fi tures put in some sconces, or string lights around the fire pit and other features to add to the ambiance.
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One time investment of perennials
By Janet Vetter CSU Extension Master Gardener The Surveyor
I have so much fun going to the local garden centers in the spring to browse row-upon-row of candidates for my gardens. While perennials plants may cost more than annuals, the one-time investment of perennials will likely last for many seasons and become the backbone of your flower arden erennials are flowerin plants that die back to the ground during the winter and then reemerge the following spring. Unlike annuals that bloom across the entire growing season, perennials each have a particular bloom period lasting anywhere from two to six weeks. Outside of their bloom period, they bring interesting form and foliage to the landscape. When choosing perennials, consider a Photos from hollandbulbfarms.com variety of leaf shapes and colors. Leaves (L-R) Magnus Purple Conelfower, Fancy Frills Daylily and the Berry Fulfilling Bearded Iris, perennials available from Holland Bulb Farms. may be narrow or broad, variegated or shades of green from lime to deep emerin high plains and intermountain regions. Plant Select® plants have been evaluald. Think about each plant’s mature size and growth habit. Select a variety of ated to flourish in a broad ran e of conditions re uire less water are resilient in plants that will bloom in succession to provide color throughout the growing seaour challenging climate, tend to be disease and insect resistant, offer long-lasting son. Finally, group plants that have similar water and sunlight needs. beauty and are non-invasive. The Plant Select® website (www.plantselect.com) ofSome suggestions for a sunny spot in your landscape include bearded iris, dayfers a garden design gallery that includes plant lists, photographs and downloadlily blac eyed usan n lish lavender yarrow penste on purple coneflower able garden layouts. Plant Select® plants can be found at many garden centers hyssop and aster. Many perennials are also great pollinator plants that will athere in Northern Colorado. tract bees and butterflies ddin flowerin perennials to your landscape will brin beauty and pleasure If you’re looking for additional inspiration, check into Plant Select®. Started for years to come. An added bonus: your landscape can become a destination and in the 1980s as a collaboration of CSU, Denver Botanic Gardens and professional sanctuary for pollinators and other wildlife. horticulturists, today it is the country’s leading brand of plants designed to thrive
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How to deal with springtime pests in Colorado By Kevin Lemasters President of EnviroPest The Surveyor As we begin to see warmer days, the grass begins to green and the flowers bloo ith all of this beauty co e so e of the thin s we don t always li e those creepy crawly thin s any of these pests have been dor ant all winter as well and now are on the ove loo in for food to replenish for the season nts are typically the pest we hear about in the sprin ith the in creased oisture (rain or eltin snow) and the war er days they are out ovin around and fora in for food f you have watched ants you probably noticed that any ti es they are ovin in a line hey use a phero one to leave a trail for others to follow once they find a food source or new ho e f you disturb or treat this trail it will disrupt their activity and cause the to fora e in new areas here are so e thin s you can do to ini i e ant activity around your ho e e ovin leaves or other debris that ay be contactin the i ediate e terior of your ho e is the first step t shelters the fro the weather and al lows the potential access inside e t tri bac any trees or other landscap in that is contactin your ho e nts love to feed on aphids it is their favorite natural food hey will be attracted to the landscapin and if it is touchin your ho e ives the i ediate access in astly eepin any pet food or poten tial other food spilla e cleaned up and away fro the i ediate e terior of the ho e odents are another pest that are on the ove in the sprin ti e hey ve been layin low and tryin to stay war throu h the winter ith the war er days and natural food beco in ore available they are ore obile than usu al he house ouse is a rodent that considered co ensal which eans that they will live a on us he deer ice and voles that we see are less li ely to be an inside pest ut they do tend to find their way into base ents and ara es as they are ovin around s entioned before with the ants eepin any debris or other stored ite s away fro the ho e is ey in not providin the shelter that is nei hbor in your ho e he ne t step is to have so e steel wool or copper esh to seal
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any potential entry points hese s all rodents can enter a space as s all as inch in dia eter so doin a thorou h inspection around the peri eter of your ho e and sealin up those s all holes will ensure they are not ettin in f you are dealin with a rodent is sue re e ber that ice and very curious creatures sin a si ple wooden snap trap is the easiest and usually ost hu ane way to ta e care of the n ost instances you don t even need to bait the trap lacin a few of the in the area where you ve seen the droppin s will typically do the tric piders are a beneficial arachnid that feeds on other insects he best way to eep the away is to address any other pest issue that ay be present f you are seein a lot of spiders it is because there are other insects present for the to feed on oin so e type of eneral treat ent will re ove the food source and the spiders will o so ewhere else to find their eal f your ho e is ad acent to a la e or other e istin water source you probably see a nu ber of webbin spiders hese are certainly ore difficult to ana e as they are feedin on the flyin insects that the water brin s o e treat ents can be ade around the ho e and yard to in i i e those flyin pests but certainly won t uarantee co plete eli ination EnviroPest is based here in Northern Colorado and our team is always happy to provide identiďŹ cations and answer any questions you may have about pests. Thank you for taking a few minutes to learn about some of the spring pests here in our local area.
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Interior Design Trends for 2020
tray, although now it is a sleek end table that slides over the arm of a couch to create a couchside tabletop. Think L shaped side table. This There’s nothing new under the is a functional piece of furniture as is a console sun. That’s true of every type of that acts as a bar table when stools are added. fashion and interior design is no A lot of trends this year seem to be throwexception. What is old is new again backs — like four-poster or canopies on beds. and what has been done will be Yes, we are surprised too but it’s back. Queen done once more. Victoria slept in a canopied bed and now you Walkthrough Taliesin West, can too all whilst being on point when it comes Frank Lloyd’s Wright’s winter to interior desi n his type of bed fits with the home and school in the desert from comfy bed trend that is happening. 1937 to 1959. This Arizona propBlack is back in a big way. While bold colors erty is still a school and houses the make a statement, there’s something powerful Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. about a black and white room. For one thing, it It is an example of how items from ta es uts to o blac and the loo is definitely the thirties can feel like new and resolute. fresh designs. Although color can Courtesy of Sherwin-williams.com Lastly, it is rattan’s moment to shine. We’re date a design; one room is entirely Sherwin Willians Color of the Year 2020 Naval SW 6244 adornes the walls of not talking about that old broken wicker chair 1970s burnt orange. a livingroom. in the attic. This look is coming off the patio The color of 2020, according to and into the living room, and it is often quite Sherwin Williams, is Navy, although in some places it is being called Classic sexy featuring curves made for comfort. This part of a natural, environmentalBlue. For many years, the popular color has been gray. Entire rooms have been look that is being incorporated into a room’s design this year. the hue of a stormy day, from the couch to walls to drapery. Blue accents have We think you can do whatever you want in your home. After all, it is all always been trendy, like blue throw pillow on a gray couch, but now, blue has about what makes you comfortable and what makes your space homey. Howevtaken center stage. er, if you would like to add a couple of stylish concepts to your interior design, Blue will be everywhere this year from kitchen cabinets to bedroom dressthis will lead down the 2020 path to your home being in style this year. ers. Another trend is comfy beds with cushioned backboards. Unsurprisingly, In addition to being a contributor to the Surveyor, Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is comany of these backboards will be upholstered in blue. owner of Ryan Schlaefer Fine Furniture, Inc. a to-the-trade furniture company. It’s not just blue that’s making a splash in the design world. Bold colors are This furniture is available through CARTER, INC. in Denver and Alexander uber stylish. For instance, a bright red couch in a blue room. The more color Sinclair Showroom in Scottsdale, Ariz. the better, which is a departure from the recent past where neutral, natural tones were trending. There has been a narrative going around that millennials won’t take their parents’ or grandparents’ old furniture, but apparently, that’s not true. According to “House Beautiful,” there will be a “reinvigorated enthusiasm for antiques” in 2020. That French antique vanity collecting dust in the garage may be worth a little more in the coming year and decade because this is a trend expected to continue. It’s not on any “Popular in 2020” list but we are seeing an explosion of wallpaper and much of it is in bold prints or colors. Wallpaper is an easy way to introduce geometric patterns to a room, something that according to “Elle Decor” will be big in 2020. Instead of neutrals, blush is now the accent color of choice, partly because it pairs well with bold colors. For instance, blush upholstered dining room chairs with a ceruse oak dining table and blue walls. Or, blush throw pillows on a vividly red couch. Nearly every article about furniture trends of 2020 indicates that functional furniture Courtesy of Wayfair.com is popular, but what does it Functional furniture is in right now and this mean to have a “functional” “Heidi B” side table from Wayfair.com is both piece of furniture? We have functional and sylish. already seen a return of the TV By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer The Surveyor
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Gorgeous trends in green home design
to boostin your insulation Reclaimed pieces: ne of the uic est and easiest An eco-friendly home offers ways to have a positive environ ental i pact is buyin any benefits esides reducin as little new as possible he ne t ti e you need a piece of your carbon footprint and bein furniture create so ethin rustic by recyclin or upcyclin better for the environ ent you an old or vinta e ite with a new coat of paint or a fresh can save lots of oney on your wood stain f you re plannin a de olition try deconstrucener y bills in the lon run lus tion instead un build the structure and find ele ents any of the latest trends are you can salva e or reclai li e e posed bric and wood si ply beautiful ere are so e bea s to consider for your ne t ho e or Water conservation: ith ore parts of the world e remodel: periencin drou ht savin water is one of the top concerns Bamboo materials: a boo for environ entalists astin water is also e pensive and is a renewable resource that can leads to hi her utility bills p radin your ho e with Courtesy of ecofriendlyhouses.net be harvested ently without diswater conservation features can o a lon way and ost turbin the surroundin environare desi ned to loo slee and ini alist pt for low flow ent t s also a reat alternative showerheads toilets and sin fi tures to hardwood since it can re enerate faster than trees he ti eless aterial is Insulated concrete forms: any ho eowners now prefer to build with very popular for floorin and can also be used for bathroo and itchen cabiinsulated concrete for s ( s) because the aterial offers better ener y effinets hen buyin this aterial for your ho e loo for a hi h uality susciency and perfor ance than traditional wood o es built with udura s tainable producer since cheaper versions can be less sturdy also provide better fire protection and can help you save as uch as percent Passive house: o beyond efficient appliances with an entire house that on heatin and coolin costs our ho e is less li ely to contain cold areas as uses little to no ener y erived fro the er an assivhaus passive house is the insulation is continuous around the entire house a ove ent that refers to a desi n process that creates buildin s that have a ind ore infor ation about the benefits of buildin with eco friendly s all ecolo ical footprint and re uire little heatin or coolin se the philosoat nudura co phy to uide decisions for your ho e fro addin solar panels on your roof Special to the Surveyor
Stop mold & mildew
Special to the Surveyor
old and ildew are not only unsi htly but unhealthy hese fun i row readily in da p areas and are found in the air breathed both indoors and outside f left unaddressed old and ildew can threaten the health of a ho e s inhabitants ildew is a type of old that re ains relatively flush with the surface it rows on ther olds can row puffy in appearance olds serve the purpose of destroyin or anic aterials but in hi h a ounts these icroor anis s can cause respiratory proble s sinus con estion throat irritation headaches and other issues particularly when old rows unchec ed indoors says etter o es and ardens s a result it is essential to address old before it beco es proble atic ccordin to oly on a dryin technolo y and te porary cli ate solutions co pany the wet season in winter is when olds often row and e pand old can brea down the inte rity and stren th of the surfaces where it rows o eowners can e ploy the followin strate ies to prevent old rowth eep all surfaces clean usin proper cleanin products iluted bleach solutions are hi hly effective at illin icroscopic fun i viruses and bacteria educe oisture and hu idity by ensurin sufficient air circulation in roo s particularly bathroo s and itchens n e haust fan will help re ove oisture uic ly abrics covered in ildew that can be laundered should be carefully reoved and washed in chlorine bleach and hot water n o y en bleach product also can be effective nvest in a dehu idifier that can reduce oisture in the ho e in proble areas such as da p base ents or ara es i plu bin lea s as soon as possible e ove da p leaves and snow fro areas around the foundation of the ho e nsure that utters and downspouts are clear of debris and can shuttle water away fro the house effectively eplace crac ed or defective ortar in base ents a e sure all seals on windows and doors are not co pro ised and are in ood wor in condition e sure an in line hu idifier is ad usted to the ri ht settin and isn t pu pin too uch oisture into the heated air otherwise the added huidity can contribute to old f there is a flood or water infiltrates a ho e in other ways hire a professional service to help clean and dry the ho e effectively
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Rearrange youR furniture and design rooms with ease Special to the Surveyor
Redesigning a room can involve several steps, from choosing a paint palette to taking down walls to buying new furniture. When it comes time to put the space bac to ether findin an appealin furniture arran e ent or layout renovation that a i i es space efficiently can be challen in if it re uires ovin heavy pieces of furniture around. To make such tasks easier, homeowners can rely on a bevy of room-designing apps that enable one to manipulate a room in the digital realm. Some people have great spatial reasoning and can work out designs in their head or by plotting items on graph paper. But many homeowners may need a little e tra help y fi urin out a floor plan anyone can start laying out their furniture and other design elements. Room planners come in various forms, from free downloads available through popular furniture companies to pay-for-use, third-party software. The following are some the more popular room planners homeowners can utilize. · Amikasa: This app enables users to create room layouts using furniture and more from real brands. It features a walk-through mode so you can take a virtual tour afterwards. · Autodesk Homestyler: Brought to you by the company that produces professional design programs for architects and designers, like AutoCAD, Autodesk and Revit, this user-friendly technology allows you to create 3D renderings and move
around furniture, decorative items, appliances, and other elements right in the app. · Floor Plan Creator: Start with the basics by plotting out precise and accurate floor plans his app enables you to create ultiple floor roo s in and et autoatic fi ures for peri eters walls and ore · Ikea Home Planner Tools: The free, easy-to-use home planner tool from the popular furniture giant enables you to see how items from the store can look in your space — before you bring it home. The Kitchen Planner from the company also makes it simple to enter Ikea components and see how much the proposed kitchen design may cost. · Magic Plan: his is another popular feature filled app for plannin designs. The technology even allows you to take a picture of your existing room and create floor plans · Planner 5D: This is an extensive roomdesign tool that helps you design rooms down to the smallest architectural details. It also can be taken outdoors for landscaping and pools, utilizing 3D graphics. · Room Scan Pro: his app draws floor plans simply by having you hold the phone up to a wall. The software will then scan the circumference and plot out the re uisite easurements. These are just a few of the room planners that can make it easier to see what a finished desi n product may one day look like.
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Five backyard camping trips you’ve gotta try! By Katie Harris The Surveyor It doesn’t matter whether your family’s teeming with avid campers or new to sleeping under the stars— backyard camping is an adventure in outdoorsy-ness that anyone can enjoy. These themed campout ideas were designed with a whole host of aspiring campers in mind, from the rugged, backyard explorer types to those who cringe at the slightest speck of dirt under a fin ernail hatever your pleasure, we’ve got the backyard adventure for you. Movie night campout
Hang a sheet on the side of the house and grab the projector, or set the television up outside and enjoy a movie night under the stars! Turn your backyard into a plush, pillowy paradise complete with sleeping bags and plenty of blankets. A deck or patio is a great locale for this campout, as you’ll need access to power and a table to set your projector or TV on. Havin the itchen nearby will also co e in handy for root beer float and popcorn refills Once you’ve stuffed yourselves full, enjoy cozying up together and watching a family favorite, before falling asleep in the great outdoors. You may not feel like you’re roughing it but trust us, it counts. Neighborhood game night campout
Invite all the neighborhood kids over for a backyard game of baseball, kickball or our favorite flashli ht ta ( fter the coronavirus pande ic is over ) a pin out with a lar e roup can be uch less inti idatin for first timers than going it alone, so suggest the whole gang bring their sleeping bags along and make a night of it. Line up the sleeping bags in the backyard, and let the kids have a big, outdoor sleepover. They’re sure to conk out quickly after running around all night (and involvin the nei hbors will eep the fro rouchin at you in case the fun lasts into the wee hours) Haunted campout
ho doesn t love a ood scare or this ca pout it s andatory that you circle your sleepin ba s around a ca pfire hy ecause every scary ca pout movie ever told us so. ust out the s ores fi in s and ta e turns tellin the scariest host stories you can think of as you inhale marshmallows as fast as you can roast the or added fun try storytellin by turns durin which ca pers ta e turns adding details to the story, and no one knows how it will end until it does. haunted ca pout isn t co plete without sas uatch spray on hand (our top secret recipe is food colorin and water in a spray bottle) and plenty of flashli hts to et a better loo at those creepy shapes in the distance ( s it a roc sleepin bear hort straw has to ta e a closer loo ) Roughing it campout
his one s for you on wanson ho needs a tent when you have trees Challenge your family members to a fort-making competition using only items found in nature tic s a e e cellent walls ud seals up crac s boulders fortify. As an added incentive to build structures that will stand the test of time, or at least the next 12 hours, remind everyone they’ll be sleeping in their creations. ood old fashioned hot do coo out over a ca pfire followed by a fa ily singalong will have you feeling like you’re back in the cowboy days. The kids
i ht resist at first when you tell them that cowboys didn’t have iPads back in the 19th century, but a family rendition of “Git Along Little Dogies” is sure to help them come around. Teddy Bear Picnic Campout
The littlest adventurers might enjoy a mini campout, teddy bear picnic style! Have them pack their suitcases for the big evening, complete with comfy p.j.s, a couple of their favorite books, a deck of cards, paper and crayons. Next, load up the tent with your kiddo’s most treasured dolls and stuffed ani als (and aybe even a well behaved fa ily pet) and let the picnic commence! or a fun twist pic up a cheap tea set at a local thrift store and serve juice and mini sandwiches tea party style. pend the rest of the evenin playin card a es readin to ether or ust enjoying your backyard view from a new perspective before carrying your sleepy youngsters back inside for bed.
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If they can’t reach you Common household poisons they can’t alert you that put kids in harm’s way
Special to the Surveyor
Special to the Surveyor
Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority or LETA911, is the governing authority of 911 in Larimer County. If you live, work or are visiting Larimer County, you are covered by this program of emergency alert systems and various other programs like Text to 911. Emergency Alerts are utilized by all agencies within Larimer County to get vital life-saving information to the public uic ly and efficiently Emergency Alerts, commonly referred to as a reverse-911, are used when there is an imminent threat to life such as: • Missing endangered child (Amber Alert) • Missing endangered adult • Flooding ildfire • Police activity that would require you to evacuate or take shelter • Natural gas leaks • Severe threatening weather (rotation in clouds, large hail with cloud rotation, tornado warnings)
Parents may think that only chemicals with clear warning labels pose a threat to youngsters. However, many everyday items can be poisonous. Here’s how to recognize some of the more common hazards lurking in typical homes. Medications account for roughly half of potentially toxic exposures, according to NYU Langone Health. A child who gets into overthe-counter or prescription medications can be in real trouble. To children, medicines may seem like food, beverages, candy, or toys. Some medicines need not be ingested to be dangerous, so make sure all are kept well beyond the reach of curious tykes. Pesticides/herbicides used to treat lawns and gardens may be toxic to children and pets. It is important to read labels thoroughly and to always strictly follow instructions. Houseplants can be dangerous. Although many common indoor plants only cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms if consumed, daffodils, dumb
Why is it important to sign up for alerts?
The Emergency Alert System receives data from the 9-1-1 database and will automatically send alerts to all landline phones. By signing up you will be able to receive alerts to your mobile phone in the form of texts, voice calls and emails. You can register multiple devices (cell phones, emails etc.) and sign up for several different locations that are important to you (i.e. your child’s school or your elderly parent’s house) The information that you provide will be used for emergency purposes only. LETA will not give or sell your telephone numbers or email addresses to any other vendor or organization. Sign up online at leta911.org or call 970-962-2170
cane, foxglove, hydrangea, lilies, oleanders, rhododendrons, and wisteria, may have toxins that can affect the stomach, respiratory system, liver, or heart. Speak with a pediatrician about how to keep kids safe around these plants. Alcohol and nicotine. It may only take a small amount of alcohol to make children ill. Alcohol can be found in beverages, but also in perfume, mouthwash, cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and over-the-counter cold medications. NYU Langone says alcohol poisoning in children can cause low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures and coma. Liquid nicotine or nicotine replacement gum can be hazardous as well. Illicit substances also carry serious health consequences for children. Changes in breathing, unconsciousness or seizures may result depending on the substance. Keeping children away from potential poisons takes diligence. Certain substances may be best kept behind lock and key and/or up high where curious hands cannot reach. Homes should have the poison prevention hotline number clearly displayed.
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• InsideOut
Raised garden beds provide multiple benefits for gardening foot fro each corner rop up the short sides usin the rebar at the center for te porary support and ha er those into place As spring approaches so do or beds that are already built sta es can be placed at the thoughts of gardening — and corners inside the bed for e tra support se alvani ed nails a great way to start is to grow or screws to attach the boards to the sta es flowers ve etables orna entals nce asse bled line the botto of the bed with porous and herbs in a raised arden weed bloc or landscape fabric (this helps prevent weed and bed rass rowth while allowin water to drain) ill the bed with hy opt for a arden bed soil to within a few inches of the top he depth of the bed can hy confine ardenin to a bo vary but use a ini u of inches of soil or fill it hi her at planter or flower pot an ideal inches levatin the plantin area e sure to choose the correct soil for the plant selection a es it easier to control the ost applications will include topsoil co post and soil do the weedin and eep pottin i or another or anic aterial but the ratios the plants safe fro pests plus can be ad usted accordin to the plant provides a ore protected area e t add starter plants or seeds and as they row be sure for new seeds and delicate transto stabili e the as needed with plant sta es props or to ato plants he soil war s up earlier ca es e sure to water the thorou hly enerally once and retains te peratures lon er they et established plants need about inch of water every e tendin the rowin season wee lso water in the evenin when te peratures are coollants send their roots deeper er but chec the plants on hot afternoons waterin whenever for water resultin in a stron er the soil feels dry foundation better water inta e avin the bed raised helps retain control over soil uality and increased productivity and content especially in areas with roc y clayli e and nusin a arden bed also eeps trient poor soils o prevent the soil fro dryin add ulch a space loo in tidy fittin the straw or hay on top of it to help retain oisture pro ect in s all spaces and a lso a e sure you choose the ri ht aterial for the bed ing gardening chores easier and and opt for thic er boards to a e the wood last lon er ore co fortable less e pensive option is usin re ular pressure treated lu o et started pic where to Demeter Corrugated Metal Raised Bed, 34” x 68” available online at ber a i ture of che icals is applied to prevent rot fro gardeners.com place the arden bed consider oisture and weather and the wood should be certified as what will be planted and the safe for or anic rowin ore e pensive woods such as ceplants needs for li ht such as dar contain natural oils that help with the rottin and also are ore durable full sun partial sun shade or shade efore puttin the bed in place a e lternatives to wood include concrete bloc s and bric s but with the use sure the round is level and brea up and loosen the soil underneath of concrete the soil will have to be a ended to increase the soil p balance traditional arden bed which will sit above round is a bo consistin of he soil can be tested for p and nutrient content usin a it that can be pura fra e with no botto or top and that is filled with soil and plants t can be chased at ost ho e i prove ent stores purchased as a it or asse bled in a few si ple steps followin a plan nce the bo is ready to o aybe pic a few flowers that can be rotated o build your own there are any options or instance to build a by to retain color all season n oy the beauty and the fresh in redients to brin foot bed et four by plan s two that are feet lon and two that are to the table and invite your nei hbors to see the arden and parta e of the feet lon plus pieces of foot rebar tart by positionin your boards so bounty that the inner corners touch or the lon sides ha er two pieces of rebar By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor
BONSAI: How to bring a little nature into your home By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor rin in the outdoors indoors can add so ethin e tra special to your space a ine havin a tiny aple tree citrus tree or even a rove of trees to enoy inside all your lon he apanese art of onsai which literally translates to tray plantin uses cultivation techni ues to produce in containers s all trees that i ic the shape and scale of full si e trees of different varieties hrou h the use of trainin and different techni ues the trees are encoura ed to row in a natural and creative way l ost any type of tree or shrub can be turned into a bonsai ro aples to citrus trees n fact y brother once rew an oran e tree inside his apart ent fro a seed but findin a saplin is uch easier owever with a little online research you can discover which trees ore user friendly than others he ost i portant thin is to prune the roots and leaves to aintain the dwarfed appearance ic a tree type you d li e to start trainin a e sure the tree is healthy and is suitable for your eo raphical location ( ) spens don t do well thou ht about a in y own little rove f not be prepared to a e acco odations for the plant when the frost arrives ecide on a style you would li e your for your tree atural and wild curved pristinely pruned whatever you would li e to see the end result be repare soil i based on whichever tree species you chose i the additives to ether in a lar e container
ro here there are two possible paths you can follow f you re satisfied with the si e of the plant and the way it loo s prep the bonsai pot that you have pic ed out his can be any type of container you li e i in soil and place a s all layer of soil on the base of the pot f you re o ay with the way the tree already loo s place it in a pot or leave it in the round for further rowth f you don t put it in the round place it in a pot add the free drainin soil and allow the plant to ature for a few years nce you re ready to be in wire trainin your tree (which is what uides your tree into the shape you want) ta e the wire at both ends so that it can hold down the root ball a e the tree and dislod e it fro the pot rune bac the roots and use water to wash away any dirt left on the root ball ituate the tree into your desired pot ire both ends to hold down the root ball ill in the soil and cover the root ball se a chopstic to probe the soil and force it into the root syste eep on fillin in the soil and pushin it into the root base ater the tree and allow it to recover hether it s one tree of a tiny rove consider ta in a little piece of nature to en oy in your ho e or wor space
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Home garden tips for tomatoes & peppers
By Jon Weiss CSU Extension Master Gardener The Surveyor
Tomatoes and peppers are popular vegetables home gardeners can either grow their own plants from seed (transplants/starts) or purchase them from a garden center. In selecting what varieties to grow, consider the maturity or days to harvest (DH) information printed on a seed packet. The DH may be expressed as a number or a word: early (< 69 days), midseason (70-80 days), lateseason (> 81 days). A DH of 65 means 65 days after transplanting, you will likely have ripe fruit. For peppers, the 65 days refer to DH to mature (usually green) fruit. Add another 7-10 days if you want the fruit to turn color. Remember, this is just a guide and your local growing conditions, the weather and various other factors (hail!) will affect overall plant growth and development. To determine when to
sow seed for tomato starts, consider that it will take 6-8 weeks to grow the plants and another 7-10 days to harden them off (acclimating the plants to the outside environment). Therefore, if you plan to transplant June 1, you need to think about sowing the seed in the late March/early April timeframe. Peppers require an 8-10 week growing period in addition to 7-10 days to harden off. Tomato and pepper varieties are numerous, and it comes down to what you prefer to eat. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying a new variety this year, pay attention to the DH and the size of the fruit. The larger the fruit, the longer it takes to ripen and mature. You have several options in growing tomato and pepper starts from seed. You can plant several seeds in a pot. Once the seeds have germinated and have several new leaves you can thin seedlings to the strongest plant. Some gardeners plant a row of seed in a flat and when the plants are small, transplant them to individual pots. Make sure to give your plants good light to minimize them developing into leggy (elongated) plants. When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to plant your peppers into the garden, keep
the base of the plant at soil level. Tomatoes (especially those that have become leggy) can be planted deep (up to their first leaves) because they have the ability to send out roots from the stem. Water your plants after transplanting and fertilize them about a week later to get them off to a good start.
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