HOME improvement
Clever Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
No matter how cramped and cluttered your living space may be, you can almost always find a spot or two for extra storage. It’s often just a matter of getting creative and utilizing a few clever solutions. Consider these simple ideas to create some extra space in oft-used rooms:
Kitchen
Metal rods with hanging hooks can create storage space on your blank walls. Use them to hang coffee cups, cooking utensils, dish towels or pots and pans.
Magnetic strips mounted on the wall or the inside of a cabinet door can be a simple way to hang knives and free up counter space normally taken up by a knife block.
If your countertop is cluttered with small spice containers and oil bottles, elevate them with a decorative cake stand. Place small jars below and top with pretty decanters and additional spices.
If you’re using prime cabinet space for items you only use once a year, such as holiday cake pans or a big serving bowl you pull out for parties, consider storing them in the attic or a closet instead.
Bathroom
Instead of hanging just one towel bar on the back of the bathroom door, hang multiple to maximize your drying space.
Most modern cabinetry has adjustable shelving. If you haven’t customized the heights of your shelving to accommodate different sized bottles and containers, give it a try.
Family Features
Clever Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
A three-tiered fruit basket might seem perfect for the kitchen, but it’s also a handy way to store bathroom essentials right beside the sink.
Flour and sugar canisters can also be repurposed in the bathroom to keep makeup, toiletries, cleaning supplies and soaps contained. Make sure to buy bins that stack easily.
Bedroom
Nix those nightstands and hang small shelves on either side of the bed. This cuts down on the clutter you can keep and makes cleaning underneath a breeze.
Rolling bins that fit under the bed are perfect for storing linens, out-of-season clothing and children’s toys. They’re also the perfect way to slide
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building block projects out of sight without destroying your child’s latest masterpiece.
Closets with a single hanging rod are one of the biggest space-wasters in the bedroom. Double their storage capacity by hanging a second rod or shelf below shorter jackets and shirts.
Find more ideas to maximize your space at eLivingtoday.com
Too Much of a Good Thing
How to save overwatered plants
Simone Slykhous Creators.com
I
t can take time to realize that you’re ready. Maybe you’ve noticed friends posting about theirs on social media or you have neighbors who have one or two. You start researching all the important questions: What fits in your budget? What size works best for your space? Are there dietary or location restrictions? And after searching high and low for the perfect one, you finally find it: the houseplant you’ve always wanted.
Once you take your plant home, you want to take good care of it, so you feed it, give it plenty of sun, water it and maybe even sing to it every once in a while. However, after some time, you notice that it’s no longer the beautiful green plant it once was. It’s starting to look wilted, and a few yellow leaves have fallen off -- despite new growth. There is also evidence of edema, blisters on the plant stems and leaves.
These are all signs of an overwatered plant. So, is all hope lost? Have you killed your new plant with too much love? Maybe not!
Overwatering is a very common gardening issue. The most easily recognizable sign of overwatering is wilted, yellow leaves. Though this is a tell for both underwatering and overwatering, underwatering will cause dry and crispy leaves, whereas a waterlogged plant will feel soggy and soft.
Edema can leave your plants with unsightly brown or white lesions caused by plant cells
bursting. Indentations on the top of leaves, near new growth, is an indication of expanded cells.
Another detrimental effect of too much water, root rot, can be hard to identify, especially for novice gardeners. Because the roots are hidden in the soil, it’s important to pay careful attention to the leaves of your plants. If they look yellow, or if the plant growth is stunted, then they might be experiencing potentially fatal root rot. Sometimes plants are in soil that is too dense for water to escape. Other times, the pot in which the plant is living does not have adequate — or any — drainage holes. When experiencing root rot, the roots look slimy, gray or brown, and they might let off a rotting smell, unsurprisingly. So why are the roots so important to your houseplant? They are the primary source of food, water and air. When overwatered, plants are getting plenty to drink; however, without air, they start to drown.
After identifying that your plants have been overwatered, the next thing to do is to give them foliage CPR.
The first step is to change their location. Reposition them in a shady area, because root systems in shady areas use less water.
Next, check that the pot or planter is draining sufficiently. “If no drainage holes exist, add some or repot the plant into a pot with drainage holes,” says Kerry Meyer, gardening expert for Proven Winners website.
If possible, putting your
plants into a new container with fresh soil could resuscitate them. If the plants are impossible to move, then even a minor shift could help. Leaving space between the walls of the pot and the roots of the plants will allow for faster drying by creating air pockets. If possible, gently shift the root ball of each plant by tilting the container and gently tapping the sides until it is released.
According to the experts at BrightView Landscapes, “Check your soil regularly. Don’t be afraid to push your finger about an inch or two down in to the soil to check the moisture.” And only water when the soil feels dry. Don’t fertilize at this point, because overwatered roots are delicate and can be easily burned by fertilizer.
If you have too much love to give and enjoy keeping your plants well-watered, then it might be time to buy a plant
that thrives in a damp environment. Some options include astilbe, sedge, rose mallow, hibiscus, swamp azaleas and viburnum. You can also pull a 180 and find plants that need little to no watering at all.
Aloe plants, succulents, deer grass, cacti and others enjoy desert-like environments and can make for great indoor plants. With so much love to give, you will find your perfect plant partner.
After 30 years in business, McCarthy’s Landscaping & Irrigation refuses let the grass grow under its feet
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
REGION – After 30 years in business, McCarthy’s Landscaping & Irrigation could’ve rested on its laurels.
Founded as a one-man, one-truck operation in 1995, the business has expanded into one of Central Mass.’s most trusted landscaping companies. With the exciting 30-year milestone finally here, perhaps it would’ve been reasonable for the company to revel in the success and accept the status quo.
But that’s not what is happening at McCarthy’s — in fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Roger and Sue McCarthy, the husband-wife duo who manage the business, are using the three-decade mark as an excuse to redouble the company’s efforts. In the last year, McCarthy’s has added another mowing crew, invested more in lawn fertilization technology, and hired office support in an effort to respond to customers quicker.
There will be time to reflect on the milestone later. For now, the company is focused on its clients.
“We’re very proud of making 30 years. Whether it’s a landscaping company or any company, that’s a big deal –not many companies make it that long, or even if they do, it might not even be with the same owners,” said Roger McCarthy. “But really, we’re trying to do a lot of things for our customers. We’re here to stay, we’re going to keep
growing, and we’re going to keep providing the excellent service that people have become accustomed to.”
In addition to lawn maintenance — mowing, weedwhacking, and other areas meant to spruce up your property — McCarthy’s does hydroseeding, landscape lighting, hardscape construction, irrigation installation, patios, outdoor kitchens, and more. In short, McCarthy’s is ready to help get your outdoor spaces in perfect shape.
The company is known for its service. McCarthy’s employees are professional and respectful — they’ll get the job done right, but they’re also more than happy to answer questions. Many customers develop close relationships with their crew, and for hardscape projects, employees have constant oversight to ensure everything is moving smoothly.
“Our guys are respectful to the customer. Customers are welcome to come out and talk to them, ask them for something so everything is done the way they want. At the end of every day, if a project’s not finished, our guys make everything neat again. There’s no trash, no cigarette butts on the ground. Yes, our customers may be having a project done in their yard, but it doesn’t have to look like a minefield,” said Roger McCarthy.
“It’s really simple,” added McCarthy. “We leave it better than we found it.”
And McCarthy’s crews are more than happy to do the work, because they’re actually happy. Many members of the crew have been with the company for over 10 years, rare in an industry like landscaping. McCarthy’s treats its employees like family and takes great pride in its “company culture.” To celebrate the company’s 30th, employees will
be treated to a WooSox game, and McCarthy’s will foot the bill for Wonder Bar Pizza and Coney Island Hot Dogs.
Because at the end of the day, the grass will keep growing. For Roger and Sue McCarthy — and everyone at McCarthy’s Landscaping & Irrigation — business is less about dollars and cents. Instead, it’s about making an impact on somebody’s life, restoring pride in customers’ lawns, and developing
relationships with clients and employees.
It’s why McCarthy’s has stood the test of time.
“If someone had asked me in 1995 to predict where I would be in 30 years, I don’t think I would have ever predicted that I would still be doing what I’m doing,” said Roger McCarthy. “But what can I say? We love doing what we’re doing. We really enjoy putting the right people in the right places to make sure the
customer is taken care of.” McCarthy’s Landscaping & Irrigation services every town within the Community Advocate coverage area. For more information — or to schedule a consultation — please call 508-842-7110 or visit https:// mccarthyslandscaping.com/.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
Paint is the Best Decorating Tool
Joseph Pubillones creators.com
Have you ever come up with a decorating idea for your home and then been able to see it through completion? If you have, certainly you are have experienced that sensation of satisfaction, the sheer pleasure derived from the process of change. For most, the interior walls of a home are the largest areas one will ever have to work with to express a personal sense of style and creativity.
There are so many ways to change a room through the design of its walls. Sometimes it’s just a fresh coat of paint in a new color that gives a room a new look. A change in color, pattern and texture can aid in changing the dynamics of the room, and sometimes even the way it functions. For example, a small dark bedroom can become a bright and cheerful card room by changing the color on the walls to clear tints and light tones, regardless of the furniture styles.
Strategizing the scheme for a room, the style and mood can be exciting and fun but also daunting and confusing. Seeking ideas, colors and patterns can be a bit of a fun treasure hunt. Your inspiration may take you through museums, designer show houses, furniture store vignettes, shelter magazines and the pages of design books. The best idea for any project is to start a file in which you collect advertisements of desired pieces of furniture. Paint swatches of favorite colors from your local paint store or wallpaper samples all should become a part of your inspiration board.
Your selection and combinations of the items will help you to concoct a personal and specific design for your home. These will be the guidelines in the execution. The next phase will take into consideration whether you will do the project yourself or whether
you will have help of contractors and professionals. Sometimes this decision is based on budget, and for others it might be a matter of talent in any particular area of home renovations. Whatever your choice, the important thing is that the result makes your home be seen in its best light. There are a couple of rules about color:
Lighter colors make a room seem larger, whereas darker colors bring the walls closer and make a room seem smaller. While this is generally true, the opposite is also true. Midnight-blue walls recede the walls, as do black, brown or dark gray. Rooms painted in red and yellow tones feel warmer and are best used in rooms that do not get a lot of light. Cool colors such as blues and greens are ideally used in rooms that have a lot of natural light. Greens are easiest on the eyes. Pink, rose and peach are thought to be best for complexions. Of course, as seen in our first example, rules are meant to be broken. Joseph Pubillones’ column, “The Art of Design,” can be found at creators.com. •
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E.W. Gemme & Sons Co., Inc.
painting houses
By Evan Walsh Managing Editor
GRAFTON – From humble beginnings, Paul Gemme (1885-1944) made something everlasting.
As a 22-year-old immigrant from Quebec, Gemme founded his own painting company, Gemme Painting, in 1907. His talent was evident from the beginning – he did all the decorating of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Worcester, for instance — and his painting was prodigious.
Ernest Wilfred Gemme, Paul Gemme’s son, took control of the company in 1945. Twenty years later, the business was passed to Roger Gemme, who incorporated the company in 1980. In 2020, Rene Gemme continued his family’s business, becoming the fourth generation of Gemme ownership.
It’s been nearly 120 years of quality painting. And all of
it comes back to Paul Gemme.
“He was a master at decorating, painting. There isn’t anything he didn’t know. He was even a skilled carpenter,” said Roger Gemme, sitting next to a portrait of his grandfather at his company’s Grafton headquarters.
“He was very, very talented, really. We want to give him all the kudos. He was a real craftsman, a real talent. He was really a genius.”
E.W. Gemme & Sons Co., Inc. — the full name of the business — has an illustrious reputation. All of the rave reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and satisfied customers are a testament to one thing: the company’s emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.
“It is best to do a quality job. When you do something great, something perfect,
the customer is happy. They know we’ll do the job well, and we’d do the same for anyone. It feels great, I can’t explain how good it feels. It’s more rewarding than anything,” said Rene Gemme.
And E.W. Gemme & Sons has a seasoned team of painters, with most employees having decades of experience in the industry. With experience comes reliability. The company quotes honestly — it might not be the lowest bid, but it can always be trusted for excellent work.
It’s as the company’s catchphrase states: “It costs less to get the job done right the first time.”
E.W. Gemme & Sons also has some of the best customer service in the area. The company understands the amount of trust residents place in the company — painters are doing delicate work in people’s homes, after all. E.W. Gemme & Sons doesn’t take that privilege lightly.
“We treat it like we were living there. We respect everything — when we walk in, we wipe our feet. We’re quiet. We don’t swear. We don’t
make these noises and stuff that people do, and some people forget we’re there,” said Rene Gemme.
For more information on the company, please visit https://www.ewgemmeandsons.com/. For a quote, please call (508) 839-4775 (Grafton) or (508) 757-5239 (Worcester). The company services every town in the Community Advocate coverage area.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
Deck Prep Tips
Spring deck preparation tips to keep your deck looking like new
Mark J. Donovan Creators.com
Spring is the perfect time of year for doing some basic deck prep work for the ensuing warmer weather. Before you start pulling out the grill and deck furniture, inspect your deck to see how it has weathered the winter. Look for cracked and splitting decking, faded and/or peeling deck stain or paint, signs of mold and mildew, rot and decay, and damaged deck railings.
Regardless of whether your decking material is wood or composite, at a minimum give it a good cleaning in the spring. Use a mild cleaning solution, a stiff bristle brush and a garden hose to give it a good cleaning. Alternatively, you can use a pressure washer; however, take care not to damage the decking boards by using too high a pressure setting. If you observe black splotchy mold and mildew patches, use a deck cleaner that can remove them. Also, if your wood deck has bleached out and faded to an undesirable gray and you want to restore its original color, look for cleaning products that can specifically do so.
After giving a wood deck a good cleaning, look to see whether the water beads up on the boards or instead absorbs into the wood. If the water seems to absorb into it, then the next step in your deck prep work is to apply a deck sealer. When applying any deck sealer, make sure the decking is completely dry and there is no rain in the forecast for a couple of days. If it rains within 24 hours of your applying the deck sealer, it may never fully dry. As a result, the deck may remain permanently tacky. Also, when applying a clear deck sealant, make sure not to apply too heavy a coat. Otherwise, again, you may end up with a permanently tacky deck surface.
When it comes to specific deck water repellant products, I prefer a semitransparent stain to the traditional clear deck water sealer. Clear deck water sealers can be difficult to apply and are apt to leave the deck permanently tacky if too much is applied. Also, deck water sealers tend to peel after a couple of years. Stripping or sanding a deck to remove a peeling deck sealer is a project you want to avoid at all costs.
Expect to have to apply a deck sealer every couple of years or so, even if you use a semitransparent stain. Also, look to use deck water repellants that include a mildewcide, which will help to impede the growth of mold and mildew. Mother Nature is simply very rough on deck surfaces.
Finally, as part of your deck prep work, if you observe any rotted or decaying boards, floor joists or railing pieces, replace them with new moisture- and insect-resistant lumber. Make sure to use corrosion-resistant fasteners for attaching the new lumber. Required new decking material should be installed prior to sealing the deck.
Once you’ve completed your spring deck preparation work, you can expect to enjoy the beauty and functionality of your deck for the entire warm weather season, with little to no maintenance. Simply sweep or hose down the deck a couple of times during the summer to keep your outdoor living space looking new and feeling wonderful.
Mark J. Donovan’s website is at http://www.homeadditionplus.com.
