Home & Garden (May 13)

4B — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 19, 2013

Home & Garden It’s spring garden time to the buttercup family, these flowers bloom in shades of white to violet.

• Pansy: These flowers are some of the earliest spring bloomers, arriving alongside spring bulbs like tulips.

• Petunias: Petunias put on a show of color through the entire season, making them a popular bedding flower.

Since 1963 Shredded & Screened Soil P.O. Box 730 Pell City, AL 35125

Keith Smith-Vice President

205-338-2050 Office • 205-281-9243 Cell

Buying or Selling - Let Us Help!

Perennials These plants will come back year after year and offer spring shows.

See Flowers, Page 8B

Annuals Looking for first signs of color? Look no further than these wonderful annuals.

“Special Gifts For Special People”

GERI’S GIFTS

• Alyssum: Starting in April, this cascading bounty of tiny flowers offers a sweet aroma that attracts butterflies.

• Dianthus: These vivid flowers also attract butterflies and are often a cottage garden staple.

• Gypsophila: Also known as baby’s breath, these delicate flowers can serve as filler in any landscape. Pink and white varieties are avail-

Commercial & Residential Landscaping/Excavating

314299

Few things are anticipated more in spring than the arrival of new leaves on the trees and budding flowers in the garden.

A landscape awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit and make anyone want to head outdoors.

There are many different plants that begin to show their colors in the spring. A number of perennials, annuals and trees begin to flower or show new sprouts come the springtime. Here are some plants that can be planted for springtime enjoyment.

Denise Sinclair/The Daily Home

Irises come in many beautiful colors. The flower is a perennial and grows well locally.

able.

• Impatiens: One of

the best-known plants for the garden, these annuals come in scores of colors and can generally tolerate full sun to full shade.

• Larkspur: Belonging

1102 West Ft. Williams St. Sylacauga, AL 35150

Office 256-249-3727 Fax 256-249-9007

Baby &Bridal Registry

Bill Pharr, Broker / Owner 256-872-6208

Josh Wilson 256-510-2859 Rockey Pittman 256-404-7014 Brad Chappell 256-391-2139 Kenneth Murphy 256-404-2168 Heather Adair 256-872-3243 Mary Harvard 256-404-0859 Dion Turner 256-861-0330 309551

MONOGRAMMING & ENGRAVING AVAILABLE 119 8th Ave. SW Childersburg, AL

(256) 378-0650 www.gerigifts.com 309560

A TRUCK THAT CAN HAUL IT ALL New! GMC SIERRA

Crew Cab SLT Z71 4x4

AWNINGS $

Stock #G2068

Denise Sinclair/The Daily Home

Now $ Only

Canvas & Aluminum Awnings

Shasta daisies are easy to grow and love the sun.

TALLADEGA, AL

35500 HWY. 21 NO. 256-362-7540 Toll Free 866-878-5245

“We’ve Got You Covered and Have Since 1950” Free Estimates – Easy Terms

401 South Noble St. • Anniston, AL

Trencher Power Blower

256-237-5821 • 800-321-4414

www.billstanford.com 311572

Eugene L. Evans Mfg. Co., Inc.

Dethatcher

32,500

*

BILL STANFORD AUTOMOTIVE

Carports – Decks – Screen Rooms Glass Rooms – Burglar Bars – Iron Railing

Aerators

Was $43,439

•GMC

Patio Covers & Sunrooms

Garden Tillers

SAVE 11,000

*All rebates applied. All customers may not qualify for all incentives. Tax, title & DOC fees extra.

325728

Linetrimmer

206 S. Tinney St., Talladega • 256-362-2433 Mon. - Fri. 7 am - 5 pm; Sat. 8 am - noon

300217

Presbyterian Oaks Apartments I, II & III

Talladega’s Premier Senior Living

Where communities are built, apartments become homes and residents are like family.

Seniors 62 years and older.

Social Activities ~ Outings ~ Community Gardens ~ Onsite Benefits & Services Coordinator ~

Non-Smoking Property ~ Rent based on income ~ Generous Utility Allowance ~ 408 S. 5th St., 21 & 23 Ironaton Rd. • Talladega Presbyterian Oaks I - 256/362-5218 Presbyterian Oaks II - 256/761-2469 Presbyterian Oaks III - 256/362-2202 View Apartment Info @ spm.net

311814

309601

Home & Garden

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 19, 2013 — 5B

Air pollution can be indoors Can indoor air quality be improved?

Homeowners and apartment dwellers can take steps to improve the quality of the air inside their homes.

Eliminating the sources of the pollution or reducing its emissions is a great place to start. Those with a gas stove can adjust their stove to reduce its emissions, which can save money while improving air quality.

Another way to improve indoor air quality is to take steps to get more outdoor air into the home. This can be as simple as opening windows and doors and operating window or attic fans when the weather permits. In the kitchen, install fans that exhaust outdoors, which will immediately remove contaminants from

the room. Each of these steps is meant to ventilate the home, and such ventilation should be emphasized when tackling home improvement projects that increase the amount of pollutants in the home. Such projects include painting, paint stripping or sanding.

Air cleaners can also be effective at improving indoor air quality, especially those cleaners that can remove particles from the air inside the home.

Gaseous pollutants may not be removed by air cleaners, so if such pollutants are a problem then an air cleaner may not be the solution.

Indoor air pollution can make a home uncomfortable and unhealthy. More information about improving air quality in a home is available at www.epa.gov.

TERMITES ARE BEGINNING TO SWARM

Termite season is upon us.

Call today for your free termite inspeCtion.

We Gladly Accept

Romans 10:13

256-268-9873 or 800-762-5904 Get your news from The Daily Home

State Farm®

Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Sheila Curtis, Agent

420 West Ft. Williams St., Sylacauga, AL 35150

Bus. 256-249-8188 Fax 256-245-2755

sheila.curtis.jrm9@statefarm.com The greatest compliment you can give is a referral.

Time To Clean Out The Garage Storage Prices From

19

$

TALLADEGA MINI STORAGE 256-362-3195

35750 AL Highway 21 N., Talladega, Alabama (just past Bill Stanford Automotive)

325785

What are the negative health effects of indoor air pollution?

Indoor air pollutants can cause immediate problems or problems down the road.

The immediate effects,

it brief or prolonged, will ultimately lead to disease, there’s also no guarantee that even minimal exposure will prevent the development of disease down the road.

311154

What causes indoor air pollution?

Indoor air pollution can be the result of many things, including biological contaminants (mold and mildew), tobacco smoke, radon, and household chemicals. The concentration of some pollutants can increase when the temperature indoors is high or if humidity levels indoors are high.

Poor ventilation may also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Without adequate ventilation, a home may not get enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources.

As a result, pollutants can accumulate inside a home, making the home uncomfortable and possibly putting its inhabitants’ health at risk. In addition, insufficient ventilation makes it harder for indoor pollutants to escape the home, forcing them to linger inside and negatively affect air quality. This is common during colder months when windows and doors are not open as often and fresh air from outside is not entering the home.

which can include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat as well has headaches, dizziness and fatigue, are typically short-term and can be treated, oftentimes by removing the person’s exposure to the source of the pollution. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, may also appear shortly after exposure.

Long-term effects of indoor air pollution may show up years after initial exposure or after prolonged exposure. Respiratory disease, cancer and even heart disease may result from prolonged exposure or not appear until years after initial exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that there remains uncertainty about the concentrations or length of exposure necessary to produce specific health problems. Such uncertainty could be a result of different people reacting differently when exposed to indoor air pollutants. But while that uncertainty means there’s no guarantee exposure, be

309597

Air pollution is often

associated with heavily trafficked highways or industrial areas home to manufacturing plants.

But air pollution can occur anywhere, including inside your home.

Though it can be easy to recognize outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution is not always so easily identifiable. But understanding indoor air pollution can help men and women, whether they live in a private home or an apartment, improve the air quality in their homes.

311539

Finding A Quality Lender Has Never Been Easier.

Let us show you how to unlock the equity you’ve built up in your home.

Your home improvements don’t have to wait.

Whether you’re looking to make an addition or remodel, we can make the financing possible.

2071 Sylacauga-Fayetteville Hwy. Sylacauga AL 35151 Office phone: +1 256 245 1777 Office fax: +1 256 245 0606

Please contact one of our loan officers to discuss your specific lending needs today.

Omya Inc. is proud to have been a part of the Sylacauga and surrounding communities since 1992.

TALLADEGA OFFICE

Tommy Wallace (256) 761-2644

Joel Elliott (256) 761-2216

LINCOLN OFFICE

Don Huddleston (205) 761-2204

Kandi Griffin (205) 480-2015

MUNFORD OFFICE Joe Williams (256) 761-2234

Member 309499

FDIC

www.fnbtalladega.com

All loans subject to credit approval. Other regulations may apply.

325769

Website: http://www.omya-na.com

Jay Kirk Stephens (256) 358-9000

Home & Garden

6B THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 19, 2013

All-natural fertilizer options for the garden that blood meal also may be a deterrent for deer and other animals who like to nibble on garden plants.

When shopping for fertilizers, select ones that are all-natural. Many organic fertilizers also can be made from materials at home. eats a plant-based diet will produce manure that will be acceptable for the garden or lawn. Avoid manure from animals that eat meat as the feces may contain harmful bacteria or parasites. Not only will manure add nutrients to the soil, it will also help with moisture retention.

Fish meal: Made from ground and dried fish scraps, this fertilizer is a good source of nitrogen. It can provide a boost to soil in the early spring that will last well through the grow-

ing season.

Elemental sulfur: A lawn that has turned yellow may be lacking in the right levels of sulfur.

Elemental sulfur, when used sparingly, can help boost levels and return the lawn to normal.

Blood meal: This dried blood product is collected from slaughtered animals and can be another nitrogen booster for the soil. Vegetarian gardeners may avoid its use for this reason, however. Some gardening enthusiasts say

7 ways to update a home homeowner can do it, too. Find a focal point in the room and angle the furniture toward it. Don’t make the focal point the television, however. Try changing the placement of chairs and sofas. Simply moving a curio cabinet from one corner to another may also make a difference.

2. Add lighting.

Lighting at different levels in the room can create a vibrant impact. Many homeowners mistakenly put in a couple of table lamps and think that will be adequate. However, properly illuminating a room means varying the lighting to create different moods at different times.

Plus, more light can make a room feel more welcoming.

3. Add new pillows or drapes. Changing a few aspects of a room can give it an entirely new look. If you want to add a splash

of color but don’t know See Updates, Page 7B

Hand-Held Blower

•15.4 cc pro-grade 2 stroke engine #PB250LN

$

Our Area’s Only Mexican Lunch Buffet Served Sunday-Friday

Check Out Our Full Bar!

159

FREE Mosquito Yard Shield Attachments

215 N. Broadway Ave. Sylacauga, AL

256-249-3360

(While Supplies Last)

JR AIR COOLED ENGINES

)MPROVE THE LOOK AND FEEL OF YOUR HOME WITH YOUR LOCAL LIGHTING SOURCE FOR OVER YEARS

244 W. Battle St. • Talladega

256/761-1714

POWDER BOX ANTIQUES ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

NEW KIDS PLAYHOUSES & PORTABLE BUIDLINGS BOOTH RENTALS CONSIGNMENT ESTATE SALES

Visit our large showroom to see a variety of products, or browse and purchase online at LightShowBama.com

Better Products. Better Service.

OPEN TUES.-SAT. 10 A.M.-6 P.M.

256-369-1207

g All energy efficiency Comin appliances furnished Soon Active Ages 55 and Up Seniors, Ages 55 and Up

“Where we treat you like family.�

99

S

40745 U.S. Hwy. 280 Sylacauga

in!

Hurry emain!

Units R Only 8 pen Now O ys! a Saturd

ture. They’re also a good idea for those looking to preserve the health of the planet.

Best Mexican Food In The Southeast!

311233

Oftentimes, buying a home opens up a bottomless pit of opportunities for projects and improvements. While some homeowners engage in different repairs and fix-ups out of necessity, many others like to freshen-up their spaces out of personal preference instead of need. But even the most well-intentioned projects can be waylaid if budgets are tight.

What many homeowners may not realize is that there are many ways to make updates and changes to a home that do not require a major overhaul or a large price tag. The following are seven projects that won’t break the bank.

1. Move around furniture. You may be able to change the look of a room without spending any money. Interior designers know how to arrange furniture for maximum appeal, but the average

Peat moss: Peat moss is a type of moss that grows on the top of peat bogs.

Peat moss is able to hold large quantities of water in its cells, which makes it a good soil additive to help retain moisture at the roots of plants. This is handy when dealing with very sandy soil or plants that need an increased moisture content to grow well.

Natural fertilizers and

soil amendments can make the lawn and garden a safe place for pets, children and other animals to ven-

309564

Organic fertilizers can be just as effective as their chemical counterparts while providing health benefits chemical pesticides cannot.

Organic fertilizers are effective at strengthening the soil for both lawns and planting beds. There are a number of different materials the home gardener can try, some of which may already be around the house.

Compost: Compost is often called “black gold� because of its rich nutritional content and how it can quickly amend the quality of the soil.

Compost heaps or bins can be set up in the yard so that individuals can manufacture their own compost from scraps of material used around the house. Discarded fruit peels, eggshells, leaves, and paper can be added to the compost pile. Over time, natural bacteria will break down the materials until they form an effective fertilizer.

Manure: Manure remains one of the best and most practical fertilizers out there. It’s easy to find, and any animal that

309561

BOATHOUSE

S

H

H

O

O

W

W

R

R

O

O

O

M

O

M

1700 S. Quintard Ave Anniston AL 36201 256-831-7680 LightShowBama.com ARBOR

GAZEBO

Some Income Income Restrictions Some RestrictionsApply Apply

58 Elizabeth Lane, Sylacauga, AL

TELEPHONE 256-369-2500

309598

Coosa Village Apartments 71 Years Strong!

FREE TES! A M I EST

Caring for the Next Generation!

J&J DRUG CO. DOWNTOWN CHILDERSBURG Pharmaceuticals • Gifts Trusted Medical Supplies Friendly Hometown Service

•Decks •Gazebos •Metal Roofs •All Construction Land or Water

PLEASE GIVE US A CALL! Bobby Hubbard Tony Hickman

(256) 362-7793

Doug and LeShane Calvin, RPh. - Owners

309563

(256) 223-1944

Visit Us At customdocksllc.com or on Facebook

311580

256-378-7761

Ask About Our Free Delivery

CUSTOM DOCKS LLC

Home & Garden

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 19, 2013 —7B

Time-saving cleaning tricks

• Do the dishes after every meal. A sink full of dishes can make the kitchen look like a mess, and letting dishes pile up increases the risk of an insect infestation.

Although it may seem like a chore, keeping on top of dishes actually reduces your workload.

If you’re lucky enough to have an automatic dishwasher, then load dishes directly into the dishwasher instead of putting dirty items into the sink.

• Protect your microwave. The inside of the microwave tends to get dirty rather quickly.

Heating up snacks or quick meals may result in spill-overs or splatter.

To cut down on cleaning time, stack several paper towels on the turntable.

Should a spill occur, simply discard the top paper towel for an easy clean-up.

• Switch your soap.

Glycerin or liquid soaps do not have traditional binders that are in many bar soaps. Without the binders, which are the

Updates From Page 6B

• Concentrate on one room at a time. Some people suffer from cleaning attention deficit disorder. This means they’ll begin one task and then go into another room for something and start a new task, and so on.

Focus on one room at a time to save time. You will do a more thorough job with less frustration.

• Establish a drop

• Do laundry every day. Invest in a hamper that enables you to sort clothing into different compartments, including lights, darks and delicates. This way the sorting is already done when it comes time for washing. Then aim to do a load a day so that you’re not faced with 100 pounds of laundry come the weekend.

to freshen towels and linens. A paste of baking soda can often scour tough stains, like marker, while vinegar has been known to neutralize pet odors from accidents.

• Think outside the box. A can of Coca-Cola can be effective at cleaning the ring in the toilet.

An unsweetened package of Kool-Aid brand lemonade can be used to freshen and clean an empty dishwasher. The citric acid will scour the inside and get rid of any scaling or hard water stains.

Cleaning is a task that may not be enjoyable, but it is a necessary evil of healthy living. Keeping on top of the mess can save time in the long run.

Make Your Bath Beautiful and safe in Only One Day!

Many Styles & Colors to Choose From.

Contact us about a FREE in-home consultation SPECIAL OFFER - $500 OFF full tub/shower system Tub or pan, walls and valve/faucet.

Visit our website at www.mynextbath.com

205-640-3868 or 1-866-696-8228

lifetime WARRANTY ask for details

309882

Shop locally for all your home and garden needs

• Rely on baking soda and vinegar as cleaning products. These kitchen staples are the workhorses of many cleaning projects. A mix of baking soda and vinegar can dislodge a clogged drain and be added to a wash

THE TREASURE CHEST

•Furniture •Jewelry •Home Decor •Books •Childrens Clothes Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm 4908 Cogswell Ave. Pell City, Alabama

205-814-5400

DAVIS CARPET SERVICE LLC

•Carpet •Vinyl •Tile •Hardwood and Laminates •Residential and Commercial •Sales and Installation

Tommy & Terry Davis, owners

59400 AL Hwy. 77 S. Talladega

256-362-5636

311142

what to do, think about incorporating some new throw pillows or change the curtains. An accessory here and there in a bright color also can incorporate a new hue without it being overwhelming.

4. Change knobs or small accents. Give a room a new look by focusing on the small details.

Switch out cabinet knobs for something updated and modern. Take inventory of wall outlets and light switches and think about selecting new ones that coordinate with your home decor.

5. Use plants. Empty corners or spots you’re not certain how to fill may benefit from a plant. Plants are inexpensive ways to add instant color and visual appeal to a room. Plus, having live plants can help improve indoor air by filtering out contaminants. A home with plants also feels more cozy.

6. Hang new wall art.

It may be time to look at your photos and artwork and make a few adjustments. Finding new prints to hang could instantly change a room’s ambience.

And you needn’t spend a lot of money on professional photography, either.

Grab your camera and take a few close-up shots of flowers or take in a landscape scenery. Many of today’s home printers can produce professional-quality prints in minutes.

7. Try a new coat of paint. After you’ve exhausted other avenues, choosing a new paint color may be the new look you desire. Painting is one of the least expensive yet most dramatic methods of changing a home’s interior. With dozens of hues to choose from, and new apps that enable you to take snapshots of things in nature or in your life and match them up to a paint color, you will have scores of opportunities to explore fresh new colors for your home.

When you get inspired to make improvements to the home but fear how much it may take out of your wallet, consider inexpensive tricks that can induce a big “wow” factor.

• Work from the top down. Dust and dirt settles at the lowest levels.

Avoid messing up what you have just cleaned by beginning any cleaning task high up and moving downward. Therefore, dust shelves and cobwebs from ceiling corners first, then tackle tables and other surfaces before ultimately cleaning the floors.

zone. Foyers tend to accumulate a lot of clutter. Organize the space so you’re less tempted to drop items as soon as you come in. Keep the recycling bin (or shredder) handy for dealing with junk mail. Have a coat rack for hats, coats and umbrellas. Keep a basket available so you can transport items that belong in other rooms in the house.

35450 Alabama Hwy. 21 North • (256) 362-6113 www.talladegainternational.com

311244

PRE-MEMORIAL DAY EVENT *** shop early and beat the crowds ***

FREE FURNITURE GIVEAWAY

Here’s How It Works:

Make any purchase from our affordably priced selection.

We’ll give you 50% of the total to spend on any additional merchandise you choose!

It’s simple-the more you buy, the more you get in FREE FURNITURE!

PURCHASE $1000 $1500 $2000 $3000 $4000

FREE FURNITURE Get $500 FREE Get $750 FREE Get $1000 FREE Get $1500 FREE Get $2000 FREE

Get 50% Additional Merchandise FREE with any purchase!

NOW is the perfect time to buy! If you are planning a new living room purchase, buy it NOW and receive additional FREE MERCHANDISE! Maybe a great dinette or a comfortable set of new bedding. We’ll give you 50% of your purchase to spend on anything else!

THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER! DON’T MISS OUT!

$500 minimum puchase required. Financing available with approved credit.

Appliances, electronics, Tempur-pedic® and previous purchases excluded.

Talladega 200 W. Battle Street (256) 362-2330 Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30

www.standardfurniture.net

325731

Cleaning does not have to be such a difficult job. There are a number of time-saving strategies to keep the mess to a minimum and keep your weekend afternoons free from all-day cleaning marathons.

primary cause of soap scum, you will have to contend with much less soap scum in showers and sinks. To further cut down on soap scum, use a small, flexible squeegee to wipe down tile walls and glass doors after each shower.

314301

House cleaning is a chore few people relish.

House cleaning can be monotonous and timeconsuming. But ignoring cleaning tasks may leave you with a much larger mess to tackle.

home & garden

8B — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 19, 2013

Denise Sinclair/Home staff photo

Azaleas come in different varieties and colors and grow well in the South.

Coosa Valley Medical Plaza 209 West Spring Street Suite 200 Sylacauga, Alabama 35150 256-245-5241

Flowers From Page 4B • Cherry blossom: The flowers that sprout on cherry trees are some of the first signs of spring.

Their pink or white buds are often a spectacle, so much so that towns and cities hold cherry blossom festivals.

• Columbine: These beautiful blooms attract butterflies and can be a nice part of a garden bed.

• Jacob’s ladder: Variegated foliage that

is dappled with violetcolored flowers can add a sweet smell and visual interest to the garden.

• Primrose: These flowers come in a variety of shades, making them versatile in any garden. They also tend to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

• Sweet violet: These fragrant flowers are edible as well as attractive. These plants can self-plant, so unless a gardener wants them to spread, they should be kept contained.

Upsidaisy

Resale Boutique Your Pick When Kids Grow!

LOTS OF NEW SUMMER CLOTHING IN STOCK

101 N. Broadway Ave., Sylacauga 256-249-9519 Friend us on Facebook

296348

HUBBARD PHARMACY

Craddock Health Center physicians have a proud heritage of medical care dating back to 1912

“The We Care Pharmacy” We accept Express Script All Other Insurance & Medicare Part B Inside Piggly Wiggly on Hwy 280 in Sylacauga Hours: Mon-Fri 8-6 Sat 9-12

(256) 245-7708 Come by and see Leigh Ann and Rachael today!

293043

Contact Information Physician on Call 24 Hours a Day For an Appointment Call (256) 249-1100 We accept most insurances Visit our web-site at www.craddockhealthcenter.com

309599