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©Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
April 8, 2021
UT ...Living.
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 8, 2021 Page 1
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Page 2 April 8, 2021 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor To our readers: The definition of home is so much more than the place you live. It’s the hub of life, where your days begin and end. Where your loved ones are. A place that should bring some peace and comfort and be a reflection of who you are, inside and out. The last year has been difficult and with more time being spent at home than ever before making it a refuge and a place you enjoy being is important. There is no better time than the spring to go out with the old and bring in something fresh and new. Whether it’s simply decluttering, planting a garden or changing a paint color improving your space can be a breath of fresh air. 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 bring a vibrant splash of color to your yard or recommendations for how to keep your HVAC running smoothly we hope this magazine will be inspirational and informative.
InsideOut 2021© 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 First time Front range gardener .................................3 Home inspection — for what you can’t see ..........4 Help conserve water ........................................... .... 6 Colors of the year................................................ .... 6 The benefits of smart refrigerators ........................7 Which snowblower is for you? ..................................8 Clearing the air.....................................................10 Need to repair or improve your home? ...............11 Sidewalk repairs coming soon to a neighborhood near you .......................................................................12 Plants not safe for pets ........................................13 Does your green thumb itch? Plant summerblooming bulbs!....................................................14 Safety first when canning your own food..............15 Indoor and outdoor water features.......................16
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First time Front Range gardener
By Kathy Mitchell Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County
What? No blueberries or rhododendrons? If you are like me and new to gardening in the Front Range, the prospect is scary. Coming from “the East” and moving to Colorado has proven that gardening is a new adventure. I was a Master Gardener for four years in Pennsylvania before moving, having 11 acres (mostly wooded), a large in-ground garden, raised beds, berries, a vineyard as well as fruit and nut trees. Imagine my surprise when I dug into gardening (pun intended) in the Front Range. Being welcomed into the Larimer County Master Gardening Program (with the caveat of taking the entire 10week course again) was a welcome challenge. I needed all the research-based information available to make this transition. While the hardiness zone (average annual minimum winter temperature) for the Pennsylvania property is the SAME as here in Larimer County, there are amazing differences that impact how plants grow. Colorado has a lot less annual precipitation, more days of warm temperature and sunshine and lots more wind. This is a semi-arid climate with strong thunderstorms, hail and wild temperature swings. Wow! Then there is the soil. Soil pH in the Front Range is generally alkaline instead of acidic. I was lucky to have “native” or “agricultural” soil in Pennsylvania with lots of naturally occurring organic matter. Here, we’ve got urban landscape soil which is really tricky to deal with as it is often compacted, and can have poor drainage, low oxygen levels and low organic matter. Often this means plants grow more slowly. y first recommendation et a soil test at xtension immediately to determine your baseline measurements — especially for your vegetable
garden beds. s r. ean eeder a longtime associate of the soil testing lab) says, “If you don’t know what you have, you don’t know what to do with it.” A routine soil test costs $35. Find out more at soiltesting.colostate.edu. If you’re not sure how to interpret your soil report, call your local extension office for assistance. When it comes to plants, follow the recommendation of “right plant, right place.” Do your research on what grows well in Colorado landscapes. ass on the blueberries and rhododendrons. xtension has lots of resources to guide you in the right direction for plants that are drought-resistant, native, or plants that can adapt to Colorado conditions. There’s also information on how and when to plant and grow healthy veggies, herbs, perennials, trees, shrubs and ground covers. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus — it is all the resources available at the xtension website. There are fact sheets, webinars, CO-Horts blog, and Ask an Expert (send an email and get a response from a real person). Also, remember the Larimer County Master Gardeners want to help you in your gardening adventures. They are always available via email: larimerMG@gmail.com. Happy Gardening.
Ask an Expert: https://ask2.extension.org/ CSU Fact Sheets and Publications: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/ yardgarden/?target=publications CSU Soil Testing Lab: http://www.soiltestinglab.colostate.edu/ Grow & Give Colorado Vegetable Information: https://growgive.extension.colostate.edu/ PlantTalk Colorado: http://planttalk.org/ CO-Horts blog for articles and webinars: http://csuhort.blogspot.com/
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Home inspection — for what you can’t see
By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor
Michael Durante may be new to the home inspection business, but after working for 28 years in construction, he understands the ins and outs of framing, drywall and plumbing. “I built houses. I framed them. I put drywall up. I poured the foundation. I’ve done all the stuff you, as a homeowner, have never seen,” Durante said. “There are lots of things hands-on experience teaches you the classroom can’t. It can’t cover everything that happens on a construction site.” Durante founded Pandion Property Inspections LLC in April 2020, naming it after a bird of prey with brown or black and white feathers and bright, golden yellow eyes. e’s certified by the nternational ssociation of ertified ome nspectors, Courtesy photos commonly known as InterNACHI, a Boulder-based Above: Michael inspects a association and education provider for residential furnace March 14 as part of and commercial home inspectors. his general home inspecThe first uestion a home buyer or seller should tion services. ask inspectors is if they are certified in the state Right: Michael tests the of Colorado, home inspections are not regulated, Du- operation of a sump pump rante said. Then find out what is included in an in- during an inspection. spection and how it is conducted, plus if everything is charged as one fee or if separate fees are added on, he said. Durante includes everything in one price but charges extra for radon testing, recommended in Colorado, which has high levels of the chemical. “It’s pretty much like shopping for a contractor or mechanic. You get that good vibe from them,” Durante said. Durante offers general home inspections for buyers and sellers, plus 11-month warranty inspections for new homes. Those inspections are conducted 11 months after a new home purchase to identify any items the builder needs to fix or repair while the home still is under its 12-month warranty. A home inspection is a report on the condition of a home’s interior systems, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, roof, basement and foundation. urante typically spends three to five hours conducting the inspection, though larger homes take longer he also spends another hour or more researching the property before the inspection and another couple of hours afterward producing the report. “The whole purpose is to evaluate the overall condition of the house,” Durante said. Durante starts with the exterior of the house, looking for indications of structural problems; issues with the foundation, such as cracks or water intrusion; wear and tear in places like the paint or siding; and any possible water damage. He physically inspects the roof by going on it, looking at the overall condition and if there are missing shingles or exposed nails and if the flashing for the vents is properly sealed. Inside the home, Durante heads to the attic to inspect the underside of the roof and the condition of the framing. e measures the thickness of the insulation if it’s not thick enough, it can let in cold and hot air, resulting in an increase in heating and air-conditioning costs. Durante then checks the electrical outlets, using a specialized tool that lets him know if they’re wired correctly he also checks the wiring and condition of the electrical panel or breaker. He checks the windows to make sure they open and close properly and the seals are in good condition if they are double paned, he makes sure they’re not leaking internally or the glass is fogging. He also checks the unit, removing the panels to make sure the unit has the proper filters and is burning as it should (if not, there can be an energy drain and with gas, a buildup of gas that can cause a fire in the vent . There also can be a fire potential from soot buildup in the chimney from carbon deposits. With the water heater, urante checks the plumbing if it’s electrical, he goes over the wiring, and if gas fired, he makes sure it is venting properly so that there aren’t issues with carbon monoxide. He also scans for tampering of the unit’s safety features and for any sites of potential leakage. Other things Durante checks for include the function of the doors, the effectiveness of the plumbing, and the condition of the flooring. s the laminate separating or s ueaking, or has there been a large number of spills, leading to wrinkling or swelling? Do the supply lines work to the dishwasher? Are the faucets leaking? Is there damage on the cabinet floor underneath the kitchen sink What’s the temperature of the hot water, which should be at 120 degrees or less?
If the house has a deck, Durante makes sure it’s structurally sound, has proper railing and is safe for usage. Problem areas can be with its construction, such as the use of under-sized components or the fastening of components in the wrong manner, or wood rot from lack of maintenance, improper sealing and exposure to the elements. or houses with a fireplace, urante checks the condition of the hearth and if the damper is clean or covered in soot depending on how dirty it is, he may recommend a chimney sweep and a full internal chimney inspection. “The biggest thing about a home inspection is we don’t tear your house apart. It’s what you can see,” Durante said. Durante uses several tools to do his job, including moisture meters to determine moisture levels, an endoscope to check for random hot spots that point to faulty ductwork and leaks, binoculars for roofs with a high slope or consisting of clay, an infrared camera to identify hot spots pointing to leaks, and a camera to take photos that capture things not seen by the eye due to angles and lighting. He also has a notebook for extensive notetaking, he said. “There are plenty of various tools that we use in the industry. It’s all personal preference,” Durante said. For more information about home inspections, contact Durante at 820-0121 or inspector@pandionpi.com or visit his website at www.pandionpi.com. He takes calls 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday to Friday and conducts inspections 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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Help conserve water
awn and garden enthusiasts know just how mercurial Mother Nature can be, especially during summer. The specter of drought looms every summer. n recognition of the difficulties drought can pose, the Environmental Protection Agency offers the following tips to homeowners to ensure that water is available to meet critical needs. nspect fixtures for leaks. onservation is the goal of water restrictions. eaky fixtures compro mise conservation efforts, so inspect all interior and exterior faucets and pipes for leaks and fix them im mediately. onsider purchasing a high effenciency toilet. Water wisely. The notes that experts es timate that as much as 50 percent of the water we use outdoors is lost to evaporation, wind or runoff due to overwatering. The EPA recommends watering primarily in the early morning and evening, after the sun goes down, so less water is lost to evaporation. If you have an irrigation system that uses a clock timer, consider replacing the timer with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller, which acts like a thermostat for a sprinkler system, using local weather and landscape conditions to tell the sprinkler system when to turn itself on and off. • Minimize runoff by allowing for soak-time between short water cycles. This might mean water for five minutes, then holding off for an hour and com ing back and watering for another 5 minutes. • Avoid watering on windy days as watering will be less effective. • Set your lawnmower to the highest setting. Longer grass will keep the ground cooler and it will retain more water.
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Colors of the year
www.BerthoudSurveyor.com
(Center) Pantone’s Illuminating and Ultimate Gray (Top left) Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Teal and Chesterton Buff (Bottom left) Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze (Right) Graham & Brown’s Epoch.
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The benefits of smart refrigerators Special to the Surveyor Smart technology can help people manage the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For example, people who utilize smart technology in their homes can adjust their thermostats, dim or increase lighting in a room, adjust the volume on their televisions, and lock their doors. Thanks to smart technology, homeowners can do all of those things and more in mere seconds, all without getting off the couch. Many people were quick to embrace smart technology in their living rooms, where families typically gather to watch movies and entertain guests. But smart technology can be utilized in every room of the house, including the kitchen. In fact, smart refrigerators are one smart appliance that forecasters predict will become increasingly popular in the coming years. A 2019 report from Grand View Research estimated that the global smart refrigerators market size, which was valued at roughly $254 million in 2018, will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 13.7 percent between 2018 and 2025. So while smart refrigerators might be a curiosity for many homeowners at the moment, they will very likely become a staple of many kitchens in the years to come, as adults become more informed about the
ways they can benefit by bringing smart tech into their kitchens. • Smart refrigerators can reduce food waste. Many people have found spoiled food in their refrigerators, and the problem of food waste is considerable across the globe. According to the United Nations Development Program, 20 percent of food purchased in India is discarded, while the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 133 billion pounds of food are wasted in the United States every year. Smart refrigerators can help reduce food waste by reminding owners of expiration dates, potentially compelling them to make use of food before it needs to be discarded. • Smart refrigerators can simplify grocery shopping. The HBS Digital Initiative, which aims to build community and expertise around digital transformation at Harvard Business School and Beyond, notes that some smart refrigerators can be linked to online grocery shopping apps, potentially putting an end to instances in which shoppers forget items at the grocery store. Smart refrigerators also can be linked-to recipe apps, which can make shopping for ingredients that much easier. • Smart refrigerators can save shoppers money. Smart refrigerators can be expensive, with some costing many thousands of dollars. However, over time smart refrigerators can help shoppers save money by saving them from buying items they don’t need. Smart refrigerators can take inventory of what’s inside a refrigerator, making it less likely that shoppers buy duplicate items. mart refrigerators may still be a curiosity for many homeowners, but they figure to become more commonplace in the years to come.
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Which snowblower is for you?
W
e survived the latest round of snows in northern Colorado. Who knows when the next blast will arrive but it could be yet this year or next snow season. Many people (including me) were very thankful they had a snowblower in their garage when they looked out at three feet of snow in previous weeks. Snowblowers come in all shapes and sizes. One of the Surveyor Columnist first decisions to be made when buying one is whether to have a one-stage, two-stage or three-stage blower. A single-stage snow blower is the lightest smallest and easiest to handle. They have a single high-speed auger that scrapes the snow off the ground and propels it up through the discharge chute. These blowers are typically 18 inches to 22 inches wide. The manuals say singlestage machines are designed to handle average snowfall depths up to six inches on driveways up to two cars wide by two cars long. My personal snowblower is 20 inches wide. The early March storm put it to the test. I had to push into the snow, pull back and push again. I swear I heard it say, “I think I can, I think I can.” Bob A two-stage machine has a slower-turning corkscrewMcDonnell like augur that gathers snow. The snow is pushed into a high-speed impeller that propels it out the chute. Two-stagers are designed to handle snowfall depths up to 12 inches on larger driveways up to two cars wide by three cars long. Most are self-propelled with multiple forward speeds. They are more efficient and faster than a single stage machine and handle more snow in a shorter period of time. The width on the two-stagers usually starts at 22 inches goes up from there. Three-stage machines also have a slow-turning auger that gathers snow and moves it toward the center of the housing. However, the secondstage auger is designed to propel the snow into the impeller at a faster rate than a typical twostage machine. A three-stage snow blower can remove heavy snow almost 50 percent faster than the same size two-stage machine. Threestage snow blowers are designed for heavy snowfall depths up to 18 inches on driveways up to three cars wide by four cars long. Some models of snowblowers have a choice of gasoline-powered or electrical-powered. The electric ones used to require a heavy-duty outdoor power cord. Now, many are the type that plugs into an outlet in the garage to charge, ready for use when it snows. Most of the electric snowblowers I have seen are for lighter snowfalls. Many gasoline-powered snow blowers have a rope-pull start, much like a lawnmower. Sometimes, many pulls are required, which can be strenuous. If this is a consideration for you, check out ones with an electric start button. Gasoline engines come in two-cycle and four-cycle versions. The big difference is that oil needs to be mixed with the gas in a two-cycle. Tubes of oil may be purchased at hardware stores to add to the gasoline can before using a snowblower. A few years ago, I discovered pre-mixed fuel. A can of it contains gasoline and oil in the ratio needed to run the snowblower. Before I switched to premixed (which is more expensive, by the way), I would try to start my blower for the first snow of the year. t would not start. t seems gasoline goes stale when it sits in the tank and fuel lines. I have had no problem starting my snowblower after it sits for months once I used the pre-mix. The only thing worse than not having a snowblower is having one that does not work when you need it most.
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Did you know?
Special to the Surveyor
Disinfecting garden tools can help ensure the long-term health of plants and vegetables. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, cause diseases that can damage and even kill plants. These pathogens can be transferred to plants and infect them through bits of soil and plant debris that get stuck on common gardening tools, including shovels and pruners. Pathogens are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, which is why even tools that appear clean may still contain harmful substances on their surfaces that can prove life-threatening to plants. Disinfecting tools at the appropriate time, such as when the tools are being stored in fall or before using them in spring or after using them to remove infected plants, can prevent the damage caused by invisible pathogens. Avoid using strictly bleach to disinfect garden tools, as the UME notes that bleach corrodes metal and can therefore render tools that require sharp edges ineffective. A homemade solution that’s nine parts water and one part bleach can be used to effectively clean shovels, spades and rakes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) in concentrations of 70% or more can effectively disinfect surfaces for bacteria, fungi and viruses. Such a solution can be used to disinfect hand pruners and other small hand tools. Store-bought cleaners with an active ingredient that is .1% alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate also can be effective when disinfecting small hand tools as well as small pots and saucers.
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Clearing the air A
fter the fires last year received a lot of uestions about filters, cleaning filters and smoke. ust a heads up, some smoke particles are really small and will not get caught in a normal furnace filter. ome are larger or they attach to other particles and can be removed by a normal filter. The best thing you can do during heavy Guest smoke periods is clean or Columnist replace your filters more often. thought would touch base on some of the different types of filter systems, how often they needed to be cleaned or replaced. With filters for us people it is all about static pressure drop. The lower static pressure drop across a filter the better Darren it is. When a filter gets loaded Knoll up or dirty the goes up and things start to break down. robably the biggest problem see in filters are people using a tight pleated filter made by a company, not to be named, that claims to be able to remove allergens, mold spores, viruses and bacteria. These tight pleats that are about apart restrict the airway too much and cause many problems with furnace and air conditioners. They have a really high . The way they test them is misleading and they can advertise that their product does as they say. The problem is by the time the filter gets plugged up enough to filter like they claim the system is starting to fail because of lack of airflow. ome people have ducting issues and need to use a flat non pleated filter if you are using one of these they need to be replaced every days. like to use a uality pleated filter that will probably cost around . ome of the best that have found are in no particular order, och, urolator, an andler, oneywell and ce ardware. ome of these will have to be ordered online but others can be found at local hardware stores. pleated filter should be replaced every three months. ost of the furnace manufacturers make a or media filter that goes into a cabinet. These have a low and are great as long as people continue to use the manufacturer’s recommended filter. on’t go online and get the knockoffs for a cheaper price . These big media filters should be replaced anywhere between six months and one year. ometimes they have be to replaced more often. any people using carbon filters for odors. These work great for odors but have a really high . on’t use them unless you have a technician come out and test the to make sure it is ok. lectronic ir leaners are the best normal filters out there but they are expensive to install. The manufacturers claim over a year period they are the cheapest filter you can buy because they have very little and keep your system running at top performance. ll the top manufacturers make a good electronic air cleaner. prefer oneywell but most of that is just personal preference. ’s just need to be cleaned. ome have post filters that they want replaced but just clean them also and have had good results with them. ’s can remove particles down to s of one micron which is very small. The human eye can see objects down to microns. ’s will remove molds, pollens, some viruses and dust. filters go even smaller but they usually come with a higher and we don’t see many of them in residential homes. There is a company that makes filters from wit erland called ir and these filters are the best on the market with the lowest period. f you
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have really bad respiratory problems these are the filters to get. They are pretty expensive but only need to be replaced every three years. They will give you a reduction in particles down to s of a micron in the first hour of run time. don’t really like the plug in electrostatic type filters as don’t see much improvement for people that have them. feel they are sold as an add on for companies to make money but really don’t benefit the homeowner all that much. opefully, you are not deep in a good sleep after all that boring stuff, but wait am not done yet. There are some good add on items for people that can really help with allergies and other respiratory problems. lasma on enerators. reat little devices that shoot plasma ions into the air. lasma ions cause particles to break down to their lowest molecular structure and then clump together with dust and other molecules, which then allows them to be removed by your normal filter. lasma generators are not terribly expensive and can be easily removed and taken with you if you move. lasma ion generators do kill bacteria, molds, viruses even O and pollens. ltra iolet lights work for some people but have run some tests and found many people do not feel a difference with them. They are also expensive as they need the bulbs replaced every couple of years. o if you are going to get a light installed make sure and check the price of the replacement bulb first. opefully, this will help people out and save you some money on utility bills and filter costs. f you have uestions give me a call at .
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Need to repair or improve your home? The arimer ounty ome mprovement rogram could be for you
Special to the Surveyor The program provides very low-interest loans and emergency grants to ualified low income homeowners in arimer ounty to repair, improve, modernize or to remove health and safety hazards. The arimer ome mprovement rogram is administered by the oveland ousing uthority and offers interest rate loans to income ualified households in arimer ounty to repair or improve their homes. The program is focused on helping with maintenance, health and safety, handicap accessibility and energy efficiency related issues. aximum loan amounts are , for single family dwellings, and , for mobile manufactured homes. The newest feature of the program is its mergency rant rogram, that offers up to , per household, for emergency repairs throughout arimer ounty. ualifying repairs include items such as failed water heaters, busted pipes and other items that pose an immediate threat to a homeowner’s health and safety. The program serves all of arimer ounty, for homes including manufactured mobile homes located outside the cities of oveland and ort ollins, including unincorporated areas of arimer ounty. enefits of the program include ow interest home improvement loans available to ualified, low income, owner occupied households throughout arimer ounty. ousehold maximum income of of the rea edian ncome mergency grants available for emergency repairs to ualified owner occupied, low income households throughout arimer ounty. ifetime limit of , per household. ousehold maximum income of of the rea edian
ncome obile manufactured home improvement loans available to ualified, low income households throughout arimer ounty. ousehold maximum income of of the rea edian ncome has a generous pool of funds available to assist low and moderate income homeowners, with household income at or below of the area median income, for home repairs and maintenance that they might not overwise be able to afford. ualification for the loans is easier than a traditional loan or second mortgage, with several factors being considered, not just credit scores. orrowers cannot have any judgements or outside liens on their property and can’t be in foreclosure. They must have homeowner’s insurance and property taxes paid to uality. pplications are now being accepted and funding is available on a first come first serve basis. To apply or learn more about the program visit lovelandhousing.org or contact inda Wright, program manager, at phone or email lwright lovelandhousing.org . There’s not many programs like this in our country, and we are grateful to offer this exceptional benefit to northern olorado homeowners to help repair and maintain housing for families in our community, while encouraging pride of homeownership and self sufficiency. This program serves to prevent homelessness caused by unsafe or unhealthy living conditions. said eff eneis, executive director, with the oveland ousing uthority. The purpose of the oveland ousing uthority is to provide low and moderate income residents of oveland with opportunities for home and community through housing. To learn more about , visit lovelandhousing.org .
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Sidewalk repairs coming soon to a neighborhood near you By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor For those who use a wheelchair or walker, or families with children who ride in strollers, even just walking with your own two feet, it can be difficult to get around in some parts of downtown Berthoud; the town’s sidewalk system is and has been in a state of disrepair for some time now. Yet, according to town officials, fixes and improvements are right around the corner. Town dministrator hris irk explained the town contracted with an engineering firm to complete a study of repairs and improvements that are needed all across town. The firm found that a total of around $13 million in repairs were needed. According to Berthoud town code, sidewalks that are inaccessible or create a tripping or other safety hazard are the responsibility of the homeowner whose property abuts the sidewalk. However, the town board voted to create a costsharing project with homeowners who can apply for the program and the town will cover half the cost of repairs. iven the most serious and pressing sidewalk problems are in the downtown area, Kirk said repairs in that area of town will receive priority. or the current fiscal year, the town has budgeted $450,000 for sidewalk repair projects and irk said the town plans to continue funding at that level, assuming the Board of Trustees is on board. We’re going to focus on downtown first, will make a lot of progress this year and we plan to budget $500,000 every year for as long as it takes, irk said. dditionally, irk explained that whenever the town embarks on a street repair project, such as recent ones in the neighborhood near Roberts Lake and along Fifth Street, the project also includes funds to cover necessary repairs for sidewalks in the project area. nytime we repave a road, we have a responsibility, not just a legal responsibility but a moral responsibility to go through and update the sidewalks adjacent to it,”
irk explained. We will continue to budget funds for sidewalks by themselves and we will continue to budget funds for sidewalks every time we do road maintenance projects every year. A further source of funding has also just come about. The town received approval through the olorado epartment of Transportation to receive a $300,000 grant from the department’s afe outes to chool program. We’re creating a backbone, that’s the way I like to describe it, that connects Bunyan Avenue to Ivy tockwell ... we will connect to that east-west backbone on Welch and that will connect all the way to Mary’s Farm across First Street and then up north all the way to Bunyan and Berthoud Elementary,” Kirk said of the plans for the grant money. We’re going to be building one consistent, accessible sidewalk path all the way from First Street coming across Indiana, up econd, down Welch heading west all the way down to eventh treet and improving the sidewalks along Seventh Street that go all the way up to unyan, s reported by the urveyor on March 25, the town board unanimously agreed to accept a bid from Mountain Constructors for $399,026 to complete the project , of that bid will be paid through the grant and the remaining $99,026 will be covered by the town. ig picture wise, irk said, The idea is that when we create that kind of a spine and then we can use the rest of our town funds to connect into it. What we’re doing is eliminating gaps in the existing sidewalk and then repairing sidewalk that is not suitable and building new accessible curb ramps at the corners. The town’s current sidewalk repairs budget of , is in addition to the , grant. omeowners who have questions regarding the cost share program and encouraged to contact the Town of Berthoud at .
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Plants NOT safe for pets P
lants and greenery add beauty to your home, both inside and out but certain ones can be toxic to cats and dogs. Here’s a list of some of the most common plants that are NOT pet-safe. If your pet chews or ingests these plants side effects can range from mild systems to severe. These can include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness, drooling, burning, dermatitis, convulsions, pale gums or tongue, loss of coordination, difficulty swallowing to liver and kidney damage, heart arrhythmias and even death. Always contact your local veterinarian and the Animal Poison Control Center if you believe your pet has ingested a toxic plant.
Sago Palm Tomato Plants Aloe Vera Ivy Amaryllis Gladiola American Holly Daffodil
Baby’s Breath Milkweed Castor Bean Azalea Rhododendron Tulip Chrysanthemum Begonia Oleander
Chives (all plants in the allium family are toxic to cats and dogs including onion, garlic and leeks) Snake Plants
Peace Lilly Hydrangea Cyclamen Dieffenbachia Hyacinth Jade Plants Pothos Poinsettia
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Does your green thumb itch? Plant summer-blooming bulbs! By Charleen Barr Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County If you’re “itching” to garden, do not despair. There are spring blooming bulbs planted in the springtime for a summer bloom. Dahlias, canna lilies, calla lilies, Asiatic lilies, allium and gladiolus are bulbs that add great splashes of color to our gardens long into the growing season and most of them make great cut flowers. Thousands of dahlias are available in a wide array of shapes, sizes and colors. This popular plant produces beautiful, brightly colored flowers and are sold as tubers. They are planted after May frosts, approximately 3-4” below the ground’s surface (depending on the size of the bulb) in partial to full sun areas. They will begin to grow and bloom the first year in late summer and stay in bloom until frost. In our area, they must be dug up in the fall because the tubers won’t survive winters in the ground. ladioli are uite common in formal floral arrangements and are easy to grow summer-blooming plants that are sold as corms. Corms are planted approximately 3-4” deep in full sun. Like dahlias, they must be dug up in the fall and overwintered in a cool, dark place. alla ilies are popular flowers for fresh flower arrangements and are often seen at weddings. Cannas are grown for their great height, colorful flowers, and showy foliage. oth of these flowers add a tropical feel to Gladioli water features. Both callas and cannas are sold as tuberous rhizomes and planted just below the soil surface in partial to full sun. They will grow and bloom the first year. Both are treated as annuals and need to be dug up in the fall. siatic and oriental lilies are colorful additions to any cut flower garden and extremely easy to grow. Sold as a bulb, they should be planted approximately 6 – 8” below the ground’s surface in full sun. They are winter hardy and can be grown in zones 3-9 with no fear of winter weather. Easter lilies can also be planted in Colorado gardens with varied success. Allium is a member of the onion family that are very ornamental and showy. These bulbs make great cut flowers in a ball shape that consist of many tiny florets in hues of white, yellow and blue. They do not need to be dug from the ground after frost. You may also find alliums as fall-planted bulbs that bloom in the spring. When the bulbs have finished flowering and the foliage has died, cut back the flower stalks to the ground but leave the foliage. The plant needs this time to photosynthesize and make food reserves to produce next year’s flowers. f rodents tend to eat your bulbs, sprinkle red pepper into the planting hole to help deter them. A more secure method is to plant your bulbs encased in hardware cloth. The roots and stems will grow through the cloth, but the rodents will not be able to get to the bulbs. Calla Lilies
Dahlias
Allium
Purchasing prepackaged bulbs, corms and roots helps eliminate plant mixups. Marking the planting site helps eliminate trying to plant something else in the same spot. You’re just in time to try your green thumb at planting bulbs. Come summertime, you will be glad you did. For more information, refer to CSU Extension Fact Sheet #7.411 at extension. colostate.edu.
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 8, 2021 Page 15
Safety first when canning your own food
By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor
Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with delicious flavor and can make for wonderful additions to anyone’s diet. But as many foodies know, it’s not always easy to find your favorite fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. Various fruits and vegetables are more readily available at certain times of the year when they’re considered inseason. Though such foods won’t necessarily be unavailable throughout the rest of the year, they might be harder to find in the offseason. n recognition of that difficulty, many people turn to canning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association note that home canning can be an excellent way to store and preserve various foods, including produce. However, both the FDA and the AMA warn that improperly canned foods can cause botulism. Botulism is a rare, potentially deadly form of food poisoning. n fact the olorado epartment of ealth and nvironment reported five cases of botulism last year from improperly canned food. The threat posed by improper canning is significant, and the and offer the following tips to help people safety and properly can their own produce. • Use the right canner. When canning foods, use a canner manufactured for canning and not just pressure cooking. When choosing a canner, make sure it’s the right size, as the FDA notes that canners that are too small can lead to undercook-
ing. anning low acid vegetables, which includes green beans and corn, as well as meats, fish and poultry re uires the use of a pressure canner. oiling water canners should not be used for low-acid foods, as such products cannot protect against botulism. lean your pressure canner regularly. Maintaining a pressure canner also is vital to avoid food poisoning. f the canner has a rubber gasket, make sure it is flexible and soft and not brittle, sticky or cracked. Routinely clean openings on small pipes or vents to ensure these parts do not contain any debris. Air should be vented from the canner for 10 minutes before the canner is • Discard foods if you’re concerned about safety. The FDA and AMA recommend home canners adopt the “when in doubt, throw it out” mantra. Home-canned foods can be contaminated even if they look, smell or taste normal. nspect jars carefully when opening home-canned foods. Leaking, bulging or swollen containers may contain contaminated foods. Food also may be contaminated if containers are damaged or cracked or if they spurt li uid or foam upon being opened. ontaminated foods may be discolored, moldy or smell bad. dditionally make sure to check the seals on jars. mmedietly following canning the food if the jar has not sealed properly, refrigerate and consume within a couple of days. anning foods at home can be a great way to enjoy your favorite foods even when they’re not in-season. But safety should be the utmost priority when canning foods at home.
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Indoor and outdoor water features
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any people intuitively know that being around water is relaxing. Whether it’s a day at the beach or a lake water has a way of calming the mind and body. Now research has even shown that “blue space” or being near water can have the same benefits as spending time in “green space.” A European research group lead by scientists at the University of Exeter in the U.K. found evidence that spending time around water is beneficial to human health. Water takes you away from distractions and simplifies the visual landscape — essentially giving your brain a break. Cognitive and physical effects of water include an improved sense of physical health and wellbeing. Other research has looked at the benefits of the sounds of water like rain and waterfalls. The sounds tend to be rhythmic and usually build up or dissipate gradually, rather than suddenly, which our brain finds inherently soothing. If you don’t happen to have waterfront property you can still enjoy the benefits of water features inside Eco ponds or natural ponds contain a and outside your home. balance of plants an animals to proTypes of water features duce their own ecosystem. 1. Ecosystem or natural ponds include a natural balance of fish, plants, aeration, filtration and rocks and gravel. Everything contained in the feature interacts naturally with one another helping to create and maintain a sustainable, low-maintenance ecosystem pond. These ponds are completely unique. If you are concerned about murky water there are biological filters and pond skimmers that will help keep the water clean. 2. Pondless waterfalls are simply a recirculating waterfall or stream without a pond. It is an ideal option for families with small children, you can add the sight and sound of running water into your landscape without safety concerns. These features can also be inside your home and vary in size from a desktop version to entire walls. Pondless waterfalls are great for small yards or patios.
They work by using a pump and a basin to store the necessary amount of water for the waterfall to work. Other benefits include the lovely sound of cascading water plus they need little to no maintenance. 3. Rain curtains are a very modern design feature. Tiny holes of equal size and in the desired pattern (usually a straight line) are drilled into the upper portion of the device. A pump is added to recycle water to the top. The sound mimics that of gentle falling rain. Rain curtains can be added over a portion of the swimming pool or can be used in other outdoor features. 4. Laminar jets have become a popular water feature and are commonly seen at warm weather hotel pools and splash pads. The streams of water that flow from the jets can be as wide or narrow as you like or can be expelled intermittently through the use of programmable units. LED lighting can also be added to produce the effect of a solid stream of liquid light. Indoor waterfall 5. Fountains. Good old-fashioned fountains. Fountains can be grand and complex or delicate and minimal. This is another feature that can easily be included inside the home with a tabletop version or wall mounted. Outdoor fountains have enormous variety and can fit any style or space. The sound they make will depend on whether the water in your fountain dribbles lazily from layer to layer or pours in great volumes down the face of elaborate rock structures. 6. Finally, don’t forget the humble bird bath. Probably the most common type of water feature they are inexpensive and give the added benefit of enjoying the wildlife they attract. You might also consider giving butterflies, bees and other handy pollinators a place to get fresh water by providing a dish filled with water and partially submerged stones to give the buzzy types a place to land and get a drink. If you have a big budget to add some soothing water to your property you can have a natural looking stream installed along with lush landscaping. Or, how about your own lazy river to swim in? These installations are best left to the professionals as they will require technical savvy as well as extensive landscaping design and abilities. The range of options for adding a water feature to your home are almost limitless. Whether you only want to spend $10 or tens of thousands of dollars, you’ll be sure to find a beautiful way to bring the benefits of water to your living space. (left) Pondless waterfalls are safer and require less maintenance. (below) A simple DIY pollinator watering station.
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 8, 2021 Page 17
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