Home and Garden 2012

HOME&GARDEN

Organic Gardening Backyard vegetable gardens done right. page 3

Energy EfďŹ ciency Simple steps to lowering your electric bill. page 7

Repurposing Old becomes new, with style and grace. page 10

March 30, 2012

THE COMMUNITY NEWS

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Call us to ask how you can save substantial money on your monthly electric bill

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GREEN THUMBS GO GREEN-ER ◗ Tips for organic gardening in your

own backyard

By Martina Treviño The Community News

Organic gardening can be defined in many ways, but Judy Cain of Stuart Nursery in Weatherford breaks it down to the core.

“Basically it means not using chemicals, and trying to do things the natural way,” she said.

A major benefit of going organic is that it’s better for the environment, and in the case of vegetable and herb gardens, it means providing the best, safest food for your family.

The use of some chemicals are not a bad thing, Cain said, but if used incorrectly, problems can arise.

One of the major challenges with the organic methods is that gardens will not always meet the gardener’s preconceived expectations, she said.

Organics are not going to be picture perfect fairytale gardens and accepting the imperfections is crucial.

“It doesn’t hurt if your leaves have a few little holes,” Cain said.

In addition, unlike the instant gratification of dousing something with a chemical spray and seeing it

SPECIAL TO THE COMMUNITY NEWS

A Ladybug (above) is one of the organic gardener’s best friends because they eat aphids. Compost (right) is enriched with table scraps for rich soil.

bug-free right away, patience is also required in organic gardening. Time is needed for some natural methods of pest control to be effective.

Turn to ORGANICS, page 4C

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ORGANICS from page three Cynthia White, Parker County Master Gardener with the Texas AgriLife extension, has been gardening for about 34 years and has chosen to go totally organic. She doesn’t use any herbicides or pesticides.

“I personally am all organic, just by choice. It’s not anything that Parker County Master Gardeners necessarily promote,” she said. “Although, they do discourage overuse of pesticides – promoting integrated pest management, using the least toxic approach.”

The main benefit of the organic way is that you can pick up anything in your yard and put it in your mouth – nobody has put any nasty chemicals in it, she said.

White said organic gardening is easier and more pleasurable.

“You pay closer attention to the garden and try to understand why things happen, instead of just reacting to it,” she said.

Knowing that you don’t have to spray your whole plant or the whole yard because you have little chew marks on a leaf is less stressful, she said.

However, planning and preparation

are essential before a single plant goes into the ground.

Organic gardening is no more complex than traditional gardening, but it too, requires “doing your homework, as with any project,” Cain said.

Gardening information is abundant on the Internet, and deciding what to

use can be overwhelming. Texas AgriLife extension encourages using researched base techniques and their website, www. agrilife.org is a good place to start.

“Garden Location and Set Up” Master Gardner Vegetable Specialist Training, by Thomas LeRoy, AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M System, pro-

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Beginning gardeners should consider location, available space, planting zone (to determine planting times, suitable varieties and frost dates) when planning a garden.

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should be taken into consideration, including pathways, raised beds, compost bins and water features.

The amount of time dedicated to the garden should be factored into its size.

A 10’x10’ garden will take only about 30 minutes weekly to weed/cultivate with additional time required for watering,

pest control, and harvesting.

However, a 30’x30’ garden (which should yield enough produce for a family of four) requires about 4.5 hours per week to weed/cultivate, according to LeRoy. Available daylight (6-10 hours of sun, depending on plant), access to

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water, drainage, proximity to trees and shrubs should also be considered when selecting a site.

Once a site is selected, the first step is to prepare, or amend, the soil. “Organic gardening is all about the soil.

The soil is the key to all gardening,” White said.

Turn to ORGANICS, page 9C

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She recommends adding about 3” of compost, as well as lava sand (to aerate the soil and help hold water) and banded shale (to break up the clay).

This will vary depending on the soil, so testing the soil is essential. Soil testing kits can be obtained from the county extension service, White said.

As far as what to plant, “Choose things you like,” White said. Cain suggests talking with a local nurseryman to see what variety grows well in the area.

“You want to make sure that the variety is appropriate for the area,” she said. Peaches, pears, plums, figs, blackberries, strawberries grow well in East Parker County, she added.

Herbs are easy to grow and are highly recommended for beginners.

“Parsley, basil, rosemary, and thyme are all easy to grow,” Cain said. Some repel pests naturally and many are easy to maintain year-after-year.

Once planted, mulching is important – it keeps down the weeds and keeps the roots cooler, Cain said.

Even moisture is very essential, Cain recommends using drip irrigation when possible. Care should be taken to prevent overwatering.

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SMART SPRINKLERS ◗ New technology in

watering systems can conserve 50 percent or more

By Katie Terhune The Community News

A new technology in water conservation may be one way for North Texas residents to keep their lawn alive on less water as summer approaches.

Shayne Crumpler, owner of Irrigation Landscape Solutions, said there are a number of systems that allow North Texans to conserve water.

“There’s a lot of new products on the market that are designed for low volume,” he said.

The company advertises “smart” water sprinklers that can sync up with weather stations to adjust output based on local weather conditions.

The systems are programmed to respond to an area’s temperature, humidity, and rainfall to only release water when the plants need it.

“They automatically adjust your watering runtimes and how often it waters based on all those factor,” Crumpler said. “There are different sensors, like moisture sensors, that you can incorporate into them.”

Sprinkler systems that limit water output can be especially crucial in East Parker County, where cities and towns are looking to move to surface water because of supply concerns.

Utilizing greener systems to keep the lawn watered can go a long way towards and saving residents money on their water bill, Crumpler said.

The number of people who are seeking smart sprinklers to conserve their water is increasing, Crumpler said.

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Some cities around the country even supply incentives for residents to choose a “greener” watering system.

“I don’t think it’s hit North Texas yet, but a lot of municipalities, especially in the desert areas like Arizona, California, even El Paso…are giving rebates towards installing products like these,” he said.

Water districts in North Texas have considered similar programs, but none have been implemented yet, he said.

The systems can conserve between 20 percent and 50 percent, depending on how they are used.

“It could go even higher,” he said, citing clients with subsurface drip systems that save more water.

Water conservation had always been an issue in East Parker County but is becoming more urgent as the population expands, Crumpler said .

Without steps towards conserving water, he said, there may not always be enough to go around.

“There’s a limited amount of it,” he said. “Our water quantities are not growing as fast as our population, so we have to preserve what we have, and make it last.”

Installing a greener sprinkler system can cost hundreds of dollars, and is not the solution for everyone, Crumpler said.

Turn to SPRINKLERS, page 9C

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SAVING GREEN ◗ Simple changes can make a big

difference in electricity bills

By Sandra Rousseau The Community News

Like just about everything else consumers pay their hard-earned money for, the cost of heating, cooling and running a home just keeps going up.

According to ElectricityTX, an independent energy management and consulting firm, a typical Texas family spends around $1900 per year on energy for their home, and that number continues to rise every year.

Instead of simply accepting that you have to pay big bucks to the utility companies, it pays to do a little research and institute a few easy changes that will help you to go green - and save some green in the process.

While installing new insulated windows, a hightech reflective roof or solar panels will certainly help cut energy costs, those are big, expensive projects.

Fortunately, there are simple, easy, inexpensive changes you can make around your home, which can add up to significant savings in energy usage and translate to savings on your bill.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs One of the easiest electricity-saving strategies is to replace old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs with halogen incandescent, LED or compact fluorescent bulbs.

While these energy-efficient bulbs cost more to purchase, they’ll save you money in the long run.

Cara Langford, assistant manager at Willow Park Ace Hardware, says the store carries all three types of energy efficient bulbs.

“Not only do these bulbs use less energy, they last longer so they don’t need to be replaced as often,” she said. “I have some in my living room fixtures, which are used all the time, and so far they’ve lasted about three-and-a-half years without burning out,” she said.

According to the United States Department of Energy, you can save around $50 per year on electricity bills when you replace 15 old-fashioned incandescent bulbs with energy-saving bulbs.

Replacing the bulbs in the fixtures you use most often will reward you with the most money savings.

They don’t have to be done all at once; grab a package or two every time you get groceries.

Turn to ENERGY, page 8C

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ENERGY

EFFICIENCY TIPS

from page seven

• Take advantage of daylight rather than turning on bulbs during the day. Keep curtains open during the day, and use thin, lightweight sheer curtains for privacy.

Stop Air Leaks It might seem as though tiny gaps are nothing to bother with.

However, closing them up can add up to noticeable savings on your monthly electric bills.

“If you can see light between the door and the frame when your exterior doors are shut, that means air is escaping,” said Langford.

She recommends using the light test to look for leaks, then replacing or adding weather stripping to problem areas.

“You don’t want to let cool air out or hot air in during the summer, or vice versa in the winter,” she said.

Insulate Windows While replacing windows is a large, expensive project, there are easier, less costly ways to make your windows more energy efficient.

Langford recommends clear window insulation film, which is sold in sheets and is easily applied.

“You place it on the window glass and use a hair dryer or heat gun to apply

• Teach children to turn off lights, and the computer and printer when they’re finished with them.

Unplug chargers when not in use, and turn off power strips when TVs and computers are off.

• Run dishwasher or clothes washer only when fully loaded.

• Hang clothes to dry rather than putting them in the dryer.

• Instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle, allow dishes to air dry.

SPECIAL TO THE COMMUNITY NEWS

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it,” she said. “One average-sized window takes about five or 10 minutes.”

According to Langford, the insulation is virtually invisible but effective.

“It helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter,” she said.

Fast and Free Energy Savers The U.S. Department of Energy offers many energy-saving tips on their website. Some are cheap and easy, others take more time and investment, but all pay off in the log run.

• Lower your water heater’s thermostat to 120°.

• Ask your electricity provider for an audit. Most companies will send an auditor to your home, free of charge. The auditor will check for poor insulation or air leaks, evaluate appliances for efficiency, and help with a cost-benefit analysis of energy efficient appliances or a new heating and cooling system.

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SPRINKLERS from page six

Residents who wanted to conserve their outdoor use should take other steps as well, he said.

“Be more selective on your landscape,” Crumpler said. “Choose plants that are specifically native to this area like sparse turf: Bermuda grass, buffalo grass, and things like that.”

Native plants use less fertilizer and water, and will be more suited to the hot Texas summers, he said.

Another important factor in keeping water use to a minimum was “hydrozoning,” or grouping together plants that need similar amounts of water, he said. Hydrozoning allows lawn owners to make the best use of their water by being selective about where it goes.

“You’re putting grass with grass, shrubs with shrubs-you’re trying to group them according to what they are, and according to their sun exposure,” he said. “That way, when you do your water scheduling, you can set it up to give it the water that it needs, and you’re not over-watering one area and underwatering in other areas.”

ORGANICS from page five “It is very tempting to overwater, especially for beginners, as bad as it was last year I even killed a couple of things in my concern to keep them from dying,” White said.

A visual inspection can be deceiving, White said.

In the intense summer afternoon heat some plants may get droopy or limp as natural response and not be

in need of watering, however, if it is droopy in the morning it probably does need watering.

She suggests checking the soil by sticking a finger down in the ground 3 or 4 inches to see if it’s wet, “and if it is, don’t water.”

White also stressed the importance of identifying insects. They may not be pests at all, but beneficial insects.

“A lot of times people will see an early stage ladybug – it’s a real interesting creature, looks sort of like an alligator, real small of course. They think,

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‘what do I do to get rid of this pest,’ but they shouldn’t,” she said.

The ladybug larvae are voracious eaters of harmful insects and should be welcome in the garden, White said.

Alternatives to pesticides include such things as beneficial nematodes, praying mantis, ladybugs, lacewings, and insecticidal soaps. Sometimes a strong spray of water is sufficient, liquid seaweed and soapy water are also good repellents if not overused, White said.

She successfully used Trichogramma wasps to get rid of cankerworms in her oak trees. The tiny insects, which measure about 1 millimeter, are harmless to humans.

However, they prevent pests from reproducing by injecting their own eggs into the pest’s eggs, the wasps’ larva then feed on the embryos, stopping the infestation.

For additional information, White recommends Aggie Horticulture, http:// aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu and the Parker County Master Gardeners website, pcmg-texas.org, and their monthly seminars.

The Ask A Master Gardener/Plant Sale will be April 14, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Parker Co. Extension Office, 604 N Main St., Weatherford.

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THE ART OF REPURPOSING ◗ Using old things in

new ways — with beautiful results

By Sandra Rousseau The Community News

As the general public has become more aware of the need to the keep our earth and its environment clean and healthy, the term “repurposing” has become a buzzword, not just in ecological circles but also in the home decorating and furnishing industry.

Smart, savvy homeowners and decorators have learned to get creative and are reusing old items in new ways.

Repurposing proponents say it helps the environment by keeping items out of the landfill, is often easy on the budget, and the unique, repurposed creations give a home an artsy, eclectic look.

Alicia Collins of Forte Gifts and Flowers in Aledo refers to repurposed items as “gifts that keep on giving.”

Collins says Forte strives to offer cus-

SANDRA ROUSSEAU/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

An old birdcage, a cookie jar and a pitcher turned into planters.

tomers as many multi-purpose items as possible.

“Most of our gifts can be used more

than one way in your home,” said Collins. “For example, our fresh flower arrangements normally don’t come in

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a plain vase,” she said. “We like to put them in a beautiful pitcher or a pretty cup and saucer – something that can be used again for another purpose.”

Forte also offers merchandise that has been reincarnated from something old and unwanted into something new and beautiful.

“We have these precious bracelets that are made from antique spoons,” said Collins. “A woman in Weatherford makes them. She shops for antique spoons, her husband pounds them out and then she stamps them with sweet messages like ‘You can see in the dark if you walk in the light.’”

Jan Orr-Harter, owner of Hot Tamale Antiques in Aledo, points out that while repurposing is a currently a popular decorating trend, it is actually nothing new.

Orr-Harter says that in the past, when people had much less, repurposing was a necessity.

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people making quilts from fabric scraps and building furniture from old wood,” she said. “We get antique furniture pieces in and often we can tell the wood was used for something else before it was made into furniture.”

Orr-Harter sees two main repurposing trends happening today.

“One is making new items out of old; for example using antique industrial items like a metal chicken feeder, and turning it into something useful, such as a light fixture,” she said. “The second trend is simply putting an old, beautiful on item on display and appreciating it as art. Clear Fork Station has a number of old farm implements they display as art.”

Amy Hetzler-Milner of Old Town Aledo’s Fal De Ral Home and Design has been repurposing items in her store for years, and is currently in the process of converting three old iron grates into pot racks, which will hang from the ceiling.

“Using items in unusual ways is really what makes your home unique,” she said. In addition to grates remade as pot racks, Hetzler-Milner has used old doors as tabletops, iron fence panels as wall hangings and birdhouses to hold plants.

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March 30, 2012

SANDRA ROUSSEAU/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

Unique bracelets repurposed from antique silver spoons at Forté in Aledo. The spoons are heated and stamped with inspirational messages.

Hetlzer-Milner is also a proponent of re-imagining old furniture pieces.

“Older pieces are made better than new ones,” she said. “I tell my customers to look at the lines of a piece and not to worry about the finish. If a piece has good lines, we can repaint it or redo it

and turn it into something gorgeous.”

Some manufacturers are using recycled goods as raw materials for truly special items.

Chattel, also in Aledo, sells beautiful pieces of Vietri glassware made from recycled glass.

Beatriz Ball serving pieces, also sold at Chattel, are handcrafted from recycled aluminum.

These classic-looking metal serving pieces can go from the freezer to the oven to the table and never need polishing.

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GOING STRONG ◗ Family owned landscapers

celebrate 25 years

By Sandra Rousseau The Community News

While small businesses often struggle to survive in today’s tough economy, Mike and Trena Farnham are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their business, Farnham Landscape.

Mike Farnham started the business as a one-man mowing enterprise when he was a college student.

“I actually started mowing lawns when I was probably 12 years old,” he said. “I may have started off as a one-man show, but it is absolutely a team effort now and I’m very proud to work with the fine people we have on our team.”

Over the years, Farnham Landscape’s services have grown far beyond mowing.

Today the company specializes in complete landscape design and installation, including outdoor areas, stonework, custom concrete work, water features

and landscape lighting, as well as lawn fertilization programs, deep root fertilization, aeration and drainage solutions for both commercial and residential customers.

In addition to landscape design and installation of landscape and outdoor living spaces, Mike Farnham is licensed by the state of Texas to provide irrigation services as well as turf and ornamental care, such as insect/disease and weed control and fertilization services.

The Farnhams pride themselves on personalized customer service.

“We’ve realized over the years that if you really make your customers happy and do what you tell them you’re going to do, it comes back to you in so many ways,” Mike said.

Mike and Trena are both Aledo High School graduates who have lived in the community for many years.

They have two daughters; Macey is in seventh grade at Aledo Middle School, and Morgan is in 10th grade at Aledo High School.

SPECIAL TO THE COMMUNITY NEWS

A flowing stream (above) makes a focal point for a garden built by Farnham Landscaping. A stone sidewalk (right) through a garden, and stone retaining wall around a patio.

The Farnhams are proud Bearcat supporters, attend Trinity Bible Church, are members of the East Parker County Chamber of Commerce and are pleased to have located their thriving business in Aledo.

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13C

SPLENDID SUCCULENTS ◗ Slow-growth, low-

maintenance and simple beauty make for a perfect container garden

By Katie Martinez The Community News

Succulents are so-named for their ability to retain water, which allows them to flourish in arid conditions.

Virtually all cactus plants are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

There are countless species of succulent that have all the carefree qualities of a cactus, without all

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the spines.

Tori Rutledge of Willow Park Ace Hardware said container gardens are a great option to spruce up a patio table or walkway with minimal expense and effort.

“They are huge right now,” she said. “One of the things people are really moving toward on container gardens are natural pots.”

Succulents can be planted in an endless variety of containers from traditional pots to driftwood or rocks.

“I really like the wooden pots and barrels,” she said. “A popular item at our store right now is the raised garden made out of cedar wood. The wooden pots would last as long as the plastics, but they look so much better and you don’t have any of the weird chemicals seeping into the soil because it’s all natural.”

The particularly crafty might consider a wall panel, put together using an old frame and some chicken wire and plywood. But a simple container garden can be put together in an hour or so.

SUCCULENT TIPS • Drainage Succulents should be allowed to dry out between watering. Adding gravel to the bottom of the pot and using a sand/soil mix can help keep the moisture levels right.

• Light Most succulents like a bright light, but different species like more or less and extreme temperatures intensify the effects. Watch newly established plants for signs of bleaching.

• Temperatures Container gardens will do fine outside most of the year in Texas.

During winter months, and especially before a hard freeze, bring it indoors and place in a sunny windowsill.

• Watering Succulents require a little more water during their growing season, which is usually spring through fall. During the winter months the plants will become dormant.

• Planting Succulents are slow-growing and can be planted fairly tight; there aren’t a lot of spacing requirements. Keep light and water needs in mind when choosing species to plant together.

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Fun with Fixtures

THINK BIG Add homey décor touches or double-duty fixtures and shelving units to meet your needs.

◗ Create a spacious retreat

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Let there be Light

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Don your overalls and bust out the hammer – here’s how to breakthrough a boring bathroom without sending your savings down the drain.

Think Outside the Bathroom Bold and bright colors light up a lavatory. Working with a number of homedesign firms in California, Christina MacDonald, of DRS & Associates, says choose a sink that makes a statement.

“Today, there are so many designs made from innovative materials like bamboo, onyx and colored glass.”

American Standard’s 2008 Bathroom Habits Survey, revealed that being comfortable and being able to multitask are top priorities bathrooms.

Don’t be trapped by tradition. When it comes to lighting don’t think you can’t use something glamorous like a chandelier.

Create old world style by swapping out the current light fixture and bringing in ornate illumination. No re-wiring necessary.

Floor Coverage Love the faucet but hate the floor?

For a quick fix to cover tile or linoleum forget limiting yourself to bathmats. opt for an indoor/outdoor rug that you would typically use in a front foyer or living room.

Built to absorb water and heavy foot action, carpet of this variety offers colors, patterns and sizes that go beyond the traditional range of bathmats.

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Shower Door Bore Think of the shower stall as a wall for art. Hanging a beautiful shower curtain in front of sliding glass doors adds instant style.

No doors? Go mod by removing the shower rod. Bring this style saving look to your bathroom by attaching a really beautiful, textured fabric.

Both Hall and MacDonald agree for the quickest bathroom fix-up, look no further than your fixtures.

Hit up the local hardware store to change out the existing hardware like the towel bar, toilet paper holder and cabinet knobs, suggests Hall, which means minimal effort and money for a maximum makeover.

For an upgrade that appeals to the body as much as the eye, MacDonald suggests swapping out your old showerhead for a spa rain canopy.

A fan of a clutter-free surface, MacDonald also recommends wallmounted accessories like soap dishes and toothbrush holders for a cleaner, more pulled together look.

“Opt for a suite of furnishings in the same pattern for a fresh transformation.” Simply switching from your sleek shower curtain holders to a decorative detailed set changes the look from mod squad to French Country without consulting an interior decorator.

From new knobs to a fancy faucet, picking a new pigment or swapping the shower curtain, get the biggest bang for your buck by taking on the bathroom yourself. © CTW Features

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