Fall Home and Garden 2017

Fall Home & Garden

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

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Rogers & Son Floor Covering

Rogers & Son provides residential and commercial improvement products throughout Douglas and Lane Counties. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive products to transform every room in your home or business into a beautiful sanctuary you'll never want to leave.

Cottage Grove Habitat for Humanity

A World Where Everyone Has a Decent Place to Live OUR MISSION: Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communitites and hope.

Building Dignity: Habitat builds houses alongside families who demonstrate need and willingness to partner with Habitat. Families invest hundreds of hours of their own “sweat equity” labor into the houses. Their monthly mortgage payments help fund the construction of more houses. Inadequate shelter binds a family in struggle. A Habitat home frees them to enjoy self-reliance and self-respect. Children benefit, neighborhoods are changed and communities are improved.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Stop by our showroom to see how we can help boost your home or business design. We will help you find the perfect flooring, counter top or window covering product to meet your style and needs. We always have a wide vari- Building Relationships:Modeled on biblical principles, Habitat’s solution to the blight ety of products in stock and will order items for you. of substandard housing is popular with people for many political, professional, ethnic, Rogers &Son has been locally owned and operated since 1977.

We are licensed, insured and bonded. We are also members of Angie's List.

Call Rogers & Son today for more information about our flooring, counter top and window covering selections (541) 942-0500.

religious and economic backgrounds. This is the essence of Habitat — inviting diverse individuals to find common ground through using a hammer, sharing a common goal, and building relationships as well as houses.

Building Community: Habitat fosters reconciliation as people join together to build houses.In Northern Ireland, Protestants and Catholics work side by side on Habitat building sites. In Jordan and Egypt, Muslims and Christians are building bridges of hope. In South Africa, black and white residents heal wounds and form bond of friendship with their neighbors. And in Cottage Grove, we are working to make a difference in our own backyards.

A mojor source of support for all the programs of Habitat is the proceeds from sales at the Habitat ReStore. Please donate your household items and building materials, keep them out of the landfill, be good stewards of the environment, and help Habitat help others. Together we can build our community into a place that welcomes everyone.

Together we can help our neighbors. Together we can make the world a better place, one home at a time.

finish it furnish it

NWCU Home Equity Visa Rewards cards help you finish the home projects you’ve been dreaming of, while you earn Rewards points to redeem and furnish it.

Ask us for more information!

FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 - 3

FALL HOME & GARDEN | HOLIDAYS

Halloween Decor Safety B

ecause Halloween is generally a holiday celebrated by many children, safety is crucial when it comes to your home’s decorations. Make sure to give children a pleasant and safe experience when they exclaim, “Trick or treat!” at your door. Don’t forget to leave your light on.

INSURANCE CHECK Be sure to find out about the amount of personal liability coverage you have through your homeowner’s insurance policy. An agent can give you advice on adding additional coverage if your current plan is lacking.

This insurance is important all year round but can give you even more peace of mind when the neighborhood children are present on your property.

KEEP WALKWAYS CLEAR When decorating you should allow plenty of walking space for your guests. Clear your sidewalk or driveway of any obstacles over which people might trip. Any hazards that can’t be easily removed, such as tree roots or patio furniture, should be visibly marked.

If you have electronic decorations on your property, it is likely that you will be using several extension cords. These can be dangerous if left in the middle of a walkway, especially if a child becomes frightened and flees in a panic. Try to hang these cords overhead or secure them against a building.

There also should be proper lighting for your visitors. Make sure your outdoor lightbulbs are in good working order. For added visibility, consider add-

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While it adds a level of flair, an open flame could create a fire hazard to your home or cause burns to guests. Consider FIRE HAZARDS using LED lights or batCarved pumpkins are popu- tery-operated candles. lar decorations for front The Electrical Safety porches across America. Some Foundation International people choose to add a candle reports that more than 60 perto display their masterpiece. cent of people who decorate ing solar lights along paths, giving people a clear view of their surroundings.

for holidays use at least one extension cord. It has listed these important tips to keep your home safe when using them this Halloween: • Make sure all extension cords and decorations are rated for outdoor use.

• Check cords and lights for damage before plugging any-

thing in.

• Avoid overloading electrical outlets by plugging in too many decorations. A professional electrician can tell you the levels your system can handle.

• Keep all extension cords clear from snow or water exposure.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 - 5

FALL HOME & GARDEN | EXTERIOR

Your Roof’s Integrity

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n aging roof can suffer significant winter damage to its integrity.

Homes in areas with brutal winters are especially at risk, as they are subjected to moisture and freezing and thawing cycles.

That’s why fall is the perfect time to make sure your roof is ready for the long winter.

The American Society of Home Inspectors recommends a professional roof inspection for an aging roof on a semi-annual basis. You can also do your own inspections by looking for curling or cracked shingles and wet spots in your attic. Finding the damage before the cold weather begins can make it easier to get these important repairs completed.

They’ll check for leaks, shingle condition, ice dams and the state of your chimney.

Once they diagnose any imperfections, they will be able to create the plan of action you should take. They will be able to tell you the level of urgency you should take to make repairs.

SNOW ON YOUR ROOF

Roof collapse is a real threat to homes that experience heavy snowfall. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety WHAT AN INSPECTOR warns us that a roof in good standing can only support 20 LOOKS FOR pounds-per-square-foot of Hiring a professional to inspect the state of your roof snow before becoming stressed. Roofs in bad shape will ensure minimal probcan be extremely dangerous lems over the winter. They when under the weight of will do a full interior and heavy snow. exterior inspection to give If you experience a large you peace of mind. Here are amount of snow and you feel a few things they will be that your roof may become looking for.

• Interior – Your inspector compromised, snow removal will head to the attic to check may be necessary. Calling a professional service to eradifor proper ventilation, any cate your roof will be your moisture or mold that may safest option. If you choose be present and the state of to do this emergency service your insulation.

• Exterior – For this inspec- yourself, the IBHS recommends using a long extention, they will travel to the roof to get a clear view of any sion from the ground rather

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Welcome to Uncommon

Uncommon is a way of life at Northwest Community Credit Union. By carefully combining equal parts advocacy, honesty, and expertise, we have become the financial beacon for over 100,000 members.

These members, and their friends and family throughout the Pacific Northwest, have joined NWCU in the spirit of financial cooperation for the good of our communities and one another. We measure our success through member satisfaction, not profits. And that makes us Uncommon.

Uncommon Difference We’re a not-for-profit financial cooperative measured by our members’ satisfaction.

The superior service, compassion, and loyalty we hold for our members and one another makes us Uncommon.

Uncommon Action Uncommon is often something simple, like greeting our members by name or providing helpful guidance on new technologies that make banking easier.

It’s what we do each day and how we do it.

parks, and drive the same streets as our members, so our commitment to our communities is Uncommon. The dollars that are saved, borrowed, and spent here are put back into our communities.

It’s more than just having a branch. It’s giving back however and whenever we can.

Uncommon Advocates Being an advocate is about being responsive to our membership and their wants and needs. It’s uncovering opportunities for our members or being honest about what’s best for your finances when we’re reviewing a loan request.

We are our members’ biggest financial fans, and we will always cheer them on through all their financial moments.

Uncommon Dedication We associate Uncommon with dedication.

That means we come in early, stay late, work weekends, and travel all over the Northwest to get the job done.

Our partnership with our members has spanned generations and will continue for generations to come.

Uncommon Community Involvement We shop at the same stores, visit the same

Save Money by Shopping at Local Furniture Store

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Homestead furniture offers quality furniture at affordable prices.

They are a family owned business that has been in the same location in Cottage Grove for almost 50 years.

The restored historical building’s two floors are filled with furniture for every room of your home with a vast variety of colors, fabrics, styles and woods to fit any taste.

They carry many name brands of furniture. Well known brands that they stock are Mako, Corsicana, Spring Air, Ashley, Bench Craft, Pure Talalay Bliss (Latex Beds) just to name a few. If you don’t see what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to ask Rob because he can probably get it for you.

In addition to their inventory

of fine furniture, Homestead has a complete floor-covering department with whatever you are looking for, vinyl laminates, tile, and carpet. We also feature locally manufactured hardwood cabinets & Jenko furniture.

Installation and free estimates are available. Heatizon systems are also available.

Financing is available through Synchrony Financial, along with accepting Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express cards.

The next time you are in the market for new furniture, or updating your flooring or carpet, save yourself the trip to Eugene and stop by Homestead to see what they have to offer.

You’ll be glad you did!

615 Main Street • Cottage Grove • 541-942-8711 • homesteadcg.com

FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 - 7

FALL HOME & GARDEN | EQUIPMENT

Benefits of a Leaf Blower D

epending on where you live and the number of trees near your home, leaves could be a big problem each fall.

Leave behind the sore arms and hips that using a rake creates and consider investing in a leaf blower.

These powerful tools speed up the leaf-cleaning process and allow you to perform it comfortably.

A leaf blower is useful for more than just clearing areas of leaves. You can also gain big benefits in the winter by blowing vehicles and pathways free from freshly fallen snow and ridding areas of your property of dirt and light debris. You should know what to look for when choosing your blower and the benefits you can receive.

CHOOSING A MODEL

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When you begin researching leaf blowers, you may be overwhelmed with the numerous available options.

You must choose from gas or electric, cord or cordless and power. The perfect model depends on how much you will rely on the tool.

Take a look at some of the pros and cons of these different types according to Consumer Reports: • Gas: Great benefits a gas leaf blower offer are power and portability. Using fuel as a power source will generate more blowing force than blowers that use electricity.

However, they are usually heavier than electric models,

require more maintenance and are much noisier. If you will rely on a blower to perform big jobs often, then a gas model may be the way to go.

• Battery powered: Great for smaller, less frequent jobs. A battery-powered blower will be less powerful than a gas engine but can be considerably lighter. These can make safe companions when using to clean gutters.

Make sure you have a spare battery on hand as your operating time will be limited.

• Corded: Powerful corded blowers are available but lack the convenience of gas- or battery-operated models. If you choose to invest in a corded unit, be sure you have long extension cords and the time to properly store them before and after each job.

OTHER USES Don’t let the name fool you, a leaf blower has more useful functions than just cleaning up leaves.

Use a leaf blower to quickly dry your car after washing.

Prevent fire hazards in your home by using a blower to rid your dryer’s exhaust of lint.

With a little bubble solution and a leaf blower, create the most incredible bubble machine your children have ever seen.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 - 9

FALL HOME AND GARDEN | FALL MAKEOVER

The Garden Shed

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as your backyard shed become an eyesore?

Are rusty metal or rotting wood the first things you notice when you head in for the mower?

Then it’s time to spend some time rejuvenating it this fall. With less than $100 and a creative eye, you can overhaul your favorite outdoor space into one you can be proud of.

Grab some paint and get ready to put in some elbow grease. You’ll be showing off your shed makeover to anyone who comes for a visit.

ADD PAINT Sometimes an outdated shed that has seen better days simply needs paint. Special metal paints can even cover up rusty areas that immediately draw your attention. Choose the color you’d like your shed to be and head down to the local hardware store.

Opt for tough exterior paint that can stand up to the elements, and don’t forget a separate color for the trim work.

Royal blue or dark gray is complemented wonderfully by pops of white door and window trim.

Consider matching your home’s colors, too. If you recently re-sided your home with a new color, it may be time to make your outdoor structures such as garden sheds and barns match.

FOCUS ON THE INSIDE Once the outside is swell,

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it’s time to make sure you actually want to go into the shed. Incorporate shelving and smaller storage units to allow for more space. Hang your weed trimmer from the studs of the wall and organize your gas, oil and weed killer containers to free up floor space.

While painting the inside

of your shed probably doesn’t make much sense, reinforcing it against the extreme hot and cold temperatures does.

Add some standard insulation between the studs.

Staple a plastic liner to the studs and enjoy a shed that’s cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter months.

LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION them look like part of your Pre-fabricated sheds are more popular than ever. You can buy them with wraparound porches, large interior space and even lofts. With some insulation and a power source, they can even serve as guest houses.

You can make them look even better by adding landscaping around them to make

yard. If your storage unit doesn’t come with a deck, build a 6-inch platform. Add mulched flower beds around the edges of the shed to serve as bright, beautiful borders.

The more you treat your shed like an extension of your home, the better it will look in your yard.

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FALL HOME AND GARDEN | BAKING

Apple Pie Recipe

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s there anything better in the fall time than sitting down with a heaping hot slice of warm apple pie? Yeah, we didn’t think so.

Making an apple is as easy as, well, pie.

Follow the recipe below from Pillsbury to pull off your own version.

Don’t forget to compliment your creation with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and cup of milk.

INGREDIENTS

Crust: 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box Filling: 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium) 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate; press firmly against side and bottom.

In large bowl, gently mix filling ingredients and spoon into crust-lined pie plate.

Top with second crust.

Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to make a seal.

Cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown.

Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch-wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.

Cool on cooling rack at least two hours before serving.

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FALL HOME AND GARDEN | LANDSCAPING

Trees & Shrubs

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ook around your yard. Do you see colorful trees and shrubs as the summer turns to fall? Are your eyes met with rich reds and fiery oranges?

If not, it’s time to add some fall-inspired trees and shrubs to your landscape. Doing so requires some basic knowledge of your location’s planting recommendations and the types of trees and shrubs that thrive there.

Spend a Saturday morning at your local nursery picking the brain of its expert owner. Ask questions about planting, maintenance and colors, and then make an informed decision about where some new trees and shrubs would fit best in your yard.

You’ll be gazing into the vibrant glow of beautiful fall leaves and plants before you know it.

MAPLE TREES Some trees are just made for the fall. Able to withstand colder temperatures and known for dazzling with bright leaf colors in the fall, maple trees can turn a hillside or backyard gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow.

Some sugar maples can grow up to 75 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so know how much your yard can handle before digging your hole. Vine maples and Japanese maples can give you a smaller, yet just as striking, fall tree option.

POMEGRANATE When it comes to smaller trees and shrubs, pomegranate offers a unique twist. Some varieties produce edible fruit in the fall, while others are strictly ornamental.

Know which kind you have before taking a bite. Some produce single colorful flowers that form fruit, but not the soft, juicy kind that you’re looking for. Either way, pomegranates can give your garden or yard a burst of color just in time for the fall season.

BLUEBERRY Speaking of colorful, how about adding a little blue to your life? Blueberry bushes continue to transform during the fall with leaves that turn yellow, orange or red.

Both the northern and southern varieties are eye catching because of their brilliant fall colors. There also are evergreen types that feature some leaves that turn red and others that stay green all winter.

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LANDSCAPE AND BUILDING MATERIALS

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | IN THE GARDEN

Prep Your Plants for Winter A

s the year draws to a close, so does the responsibility of weed pulling and maintaining your garden.

However, there is still plenty of work to do before your garden is ready for winter’s harsh conditions.

Do your part this autumn to protect your hard work and promote a healthy return next spring.

Even though it appears your garden has stopped growing, there is a lot of activity occurring underground. Your spring-blooming bulbs, perennials and even new trees are developing the roots they will rely on when the warm weather returns.

What you do in the fall to provide protection will have a big impact on your garden next year.

Once you begin experiencing frost, you should plan to lay down a fresh layer of mulch to your flower garden.

It should be considerably thick as it will be the protective barrier for your plants over the winter months.

PREPARING PERENNIALS Once your perennial flowers begin showing signs of frost damage, cut the stems to frost level. This is an effective way to remove eggs from pests and diseases on your plants. It’s important to wait until a few frost cycles before applying mulch to perennials.

Your goal is not to warm the soil but to regulate the temperature. A good layer of mulch will keep the ground frozen, keeping a consistent temperature that your perennials will thrive under.

ROSE GARDEN TIPS Roses are incredibly popu-

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lar in American yards. They also require a good level of maintenance before winter.

It’s important to remove all existing mulch from beneath your rose bushes. Watch your local weather to determine when the first hard frost is expected. Before this occurs, spread fresh mulch around

the base of your plants. Make sure to water your rose bush thoroughly after mulching.

After the freeze, add more mulch! The experts at Better Homes and Gardens recommend creating a cylinder around your bush and covering it with mulch for ultimate protection in harsh winter

conditions.

PROTECTING TREES Newly planted trees are especially at risk during the winter. You may choose to wrap the trunks of new trees to prevent frost cracks caused by fluctuating temperatures.

You should also cover the

root system with two to four inches of mulch. This will increase a tree’s ability to absorb water and insulate against the weather.

During the winter, water your tree if you experience a few weeks without a natural water supply like rain or snow.

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FALL HOME AND GARDEN | ENTERTAINING

Throw a Harvest Party

A

re you looking for any excuse to throw a party? How about the change of the seasons? Say goodbye to summer’s heat and hello to fall’s treats with a fun harvest party at your home.

Invite your guests to dig into meals prepared with produce from your garden and desserts inspired by the cool, beautiful season.

Impress them with your attention to detail and creative infusion of fall’s most prominent influences. The quintessential harvest party takes some careful planning and the perfect balance of fall foliage, friends and fun.

THINK PUMPKINS Is there a symbol that better represents the fall season than the pumpkin? Utilize the brightness and shapes of pumpkins in your decorations, table centerpieces and even your dishes.

Mix in some uniquely shaped gourds on the tables or deck areas to give party-goers something to talk about.

Fill a wheelbarrow with an assortment of pumpkins and gourds. If you have friends brining over children, give the kids their own pumpkin to design or color. Pumpkins mean fun during your fall harvest party.

A GRAND ENTRANCE You want your guests to realize they’re at a harvest party from the minute they pull up in your driveway, so make your entrance grand. apples and leaves around your walkUse autumn-shaded streamers to way and front steps to draw your mark your mailbox or front gate. Hang guests into your harvest wonderland. cornucopia-inspired collections from your front patio or build DIY scarecrows out of straw and old shirts.

THINK FALL FOODS Creatively arrange pumpkins, gourds, What would a fall harvest party be

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without the harvest?

Infuse your party with fall flavors and serve up recipes using the bounty from your garden or local farmer’s market.

Find new fall recipes to try out on your guests — ones that include

apples, sweet potatoes or pumpkins.

Find fruits such as peaches that hit their peak during the early fall months and incorporate them into tasty pies.

Fall is the perfect time for a party to celebrate the new season with the ones you love.

FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017- 15

FALL HOME & GARDEN | LAWN CARE

Your Lawn in Autumn

A

s the temperatures drop, it’s easy to forget about your lawn. You might be surprised to learn how important autumn maintenance is to ensure a beautiful yard when spring arrives. Autumn is the time of year when grass absorbs important nutrients and moisture to prepare itself for the long, dormant winter.

As beautiful as the changing leaves are during the fall season, they can be disastrous to the quality of your lawn. Be sure to remove fallen leaves from your yard as soon as possible.

Allowing them to remain on your lawn can cause them to become wet and stick together. This creates a barrier that may suffocate your grass and cause certain fungal diseases.

If you have a large yard, you may benefit from a riding lawnmower featuring a collection bag. Leaf removal can be effective in smaller areas with a leaf blower or a standard rake. Be sure to dispose of your leaves in a way that is compliant with your city’s law.

CONTINUE MOWING As long as your grass is growing, it is important to continue your mowing and watering rituals. Keeping it well maintained allows sunlight to reach the peak of grass blades, lessening the possibility of browning throughout the winter.

Make sure your mower’s blades are sharpened at least twice a year. Dull blades tend to pull at the grass rather than cut it cleanly. This can also add to the risk of grass becoming brown at the tips.

As you prepare for the last few mows of the season, you can allow your grass time to

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adjust to its lower height by gradually lowering the blades.

Scalping your lawn right away can create stressful conditions on turf grass.

FERTILIZING Don’t forget to fertilize this autumn! This season is a great

time because grass blades grow much slower in cooler temperatures. However, beneath the soil, roots and stems continue to grow rapidly. Applying fertilizer assists in the action underground to grow deeper, keeping a supply of nutrients available until spring arrives.

Talk to the experts to find the perfect lawn fertilizer for your area’s needs. Most lawn-care professionals prefer a slow-release type that contains nitrogen.

SEED IN BARE AREAS Give special attention to

areas in your yard that are lacking a full amount of grass.

You can use an all-in-one mixture to quickly see results.

These special mixtures contain grass seeds as well as a beneficial fertilizer to give your new grass a healthy start.

16 - FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

Willamette Valley Restoration Inc.

Willamette Valley Restoration is a locally owned and operated, full service general contractor and restoration company. Located in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley and Central Oregon Coast, we have been serving Lane, Linn, Benton, Northern Douglas, and Coos counties since 1996.

WVR is ready to work on any project from minor damage restoration to major remodel projects. Our team is industry certified and uses state of the art equipment and techniques. We are available 24/7 for emergency services due to smoke, fire, water, or storms. We also specialize in residential and commercial new construction, remodeling, concrete work, roofing, and painting interior/exterior.

WVR guarantees our clients the highest, most technically accurate workmanship available in the disaster-restoration industry today. Our professional trained staff are screened, certified, bonded and insured.

We provide a complete restoration and general contractor service that meets and exceeds all industry standards. We further guarantee that all services performed will be to your complete satisfaction and will be completed in a prompt and professional manner.

WVR will help restore more than just your peace of mind!

NOW OPEN Thurs.-Sat. 10am-4pm

Alarm Yourself Against Fire Risks Follow these fire prevention tips to safeguard your home and family.

• Always remain in the kitchen while cooking, and keep things that can burn, such as towels, plastic bags or paper, at least three feet away from the stovetop.

• Store matches and lighters in a place where children cannot reach them.

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from curtains, newspapers and other things that can burn, and never leave heaters unattended.

• Have your chimney, furnace, fireplace and wood or coal stove inspected every year.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside or near every bedroom. Test alarms monthly, and replace batteries once a year.

• Develop and discuss a home fire escape plan with your family.

Identify two exits from every room, and pick a meeting place outside the home.

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ReStore Find almost everything you need for your next project and support Habitat.

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Call 541.767.0358 for more information • Email: info@habitatcg.org

South Lane County Fire & Rescue 233 Harrison • Cottage Grove 541-942-4493 www.southlanefire.com

FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 - 17

FALL HOME & GARDEN | MAINTENANCE

Pressure Washing Tips J

ust as a coat of paint can instantly enhance your home’s interior, pressure washing is a quick way to make the exterior more attractive.

Over time, your home’s siding will become exposed to mold and other elements created by the weather.

The good news is that pressure washing can make siding look new, revitalize a weathered deck and brighten up a dingy driveway.

Take the time to give the outside of your home a deep cleaning this fall.

RENT FROM A LOCAL VENDOR

quieter but have less power. The lower amount of pressure makes it less likely to cause damage to what you are washing. They are great for car washing, spot cleaning or infrequent jobs, such as light mildew removal. Always use caution when spraying while there are electrical components present.

CLEANING YOUR SIDING

Consumer-grade pressure washers are designed to clean If you will probably only use a stains rather than strip paint, so pressure washer once or twice a cleaning your home’s siding is an year, you might benefit from rent- easy task if done correctly. Follow ing rather than purchasing. The these steps while pressure washexperts at your local equipment ing to avoid damage to your rental agency can assist you in home and its surroundings. choosing the perfect machine for • Protect yourself and belongthe job. ings. When pressure washing, Whether you choose to rent or make sure to wear eye and hand purchase, these powerful washing protection. You should also cover tools will make a huge difference plants near your home and applito your home’s curb appeal. ances such as an air conditioning unit.

GAS OR ELECTRIC? • All about angles: Spraying Pressure washers are typically your wand straight at your home offered in two types: electric or allows dirt to seep deeper into the gas. A model that gets its power surface rather than wash away. from gasoline will usually feature Instead, hold the wand at a a much higher pressure than their 45-degree angle and at a distance electric counterparts. recommended by the manufacRemember that extra pressure turer. might make it easier to cause • Start at the bottom. Clean damage to your home’s siding or from the bottom and make your wood if used improperly. A gas way up. Once you are ready to pressure washer should be conrinse, you should start from the sidered for heavy-duty jobs, deck top. This will avoid streaks. or pavement cleaning and com• Watch the windows: The high mon jobs. pressure may cause them to Electric pressure washers are break.

© FOTOLIA

18 - FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

FALL HOME & GARDEN | PLANNING AHEAD

Planting Bulbs for Spring P

erennials have the amazing ability to return with beautiful blooms each year.

Plant these unique bulbs in the fall and you’ll be greeted by gorgeous flowers each spring.

Annual flowers are different from perennials, as they only last one blooming season. While they generally provide colors that last from spring all the way into fall, you must replant them each year.

Perennials will typically display their flowers for a shorter time than annuals, but strategic planting of different types of flowers can guarantee beautiful landscaping over the course of an entire season.

PROPER PLANTING

© FOTOLIA

In order to ensure your flower bulbs will thrive underground over the long winter, it is important to follow the directions included. Here are some things you should consider before planting this fall.

• Planting depth: Each bulb might require a different planting depth. A general rule of thumb for large bulbs is around 8 inches deep, while smaller bulbs typically need only about 5.

• Planting location: Different plants need different elements in order to grow successfully. Pay attention to the instructions to determine whether your bulbs should be planted in full or partial sun, or shade. If your plants don’t get the right amount of sunlight, you might not see them

develop blooms next spring.

• Fertilizing: Perennial bulbs can benefit from an organic fertilizer spread on top of the soil.

This is usually beneficial for bulbs that are returning for the second year.

• Your location: Refer to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map when choosing bulbs to plant. You also might find it helpful to talk to your local nursery for their advice on when and what to plant.

SPRING-BLOOMING FLOWERS Make sure to refer to the hardiness map before choosing perennials to plant in your area this fall. These flowers require a period of cold dormancy before they can bloom. Here are a few popular spring-blooming flowers that will add beauty to your outdoor garden: Tulips: A flower that prefers a full-sun location. They can grow up to 14 inches tall.

Daffodils: These deer-resistant flowers tend to multiply each year. They require little maintenance and come in many different types.

Allium: A species that is available in more than 300 types, they create a colorful and exotic aesthetic in a flower garden.

FALL HOME & GARDEN - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 - 19

Service & Technology a priority for Alpine Heating & Air Conditioning Alpine Heating & Air Conditioning has the solution to your home heating and cooling needs. Our owner operators and technicians are highly trained to properly solve all HVAC problems or concerns. We at Alpine strive to provide the most quality, affordable, and honest local heating and air conditioning services that every home or business owner deserves.

Our goal is to develop a one on one relationship with every customer to better help us understand your needs and gain a level of trust that is earned by

our exceptional service. When it comes to Heating & Air conditioning systems our specialists believe that comfort is an essential part of the meaning home. As a business owner we agree that it is vital for your customers to be comfortable when visiting your business and we can help.

Our business has been built by satisfied and comfortable customers and we invite you to enjoy the services and products we offer. When it comes to your home we stop at nothing to ensure our work exceeds your expectations.

In today’s technology, home heating and cooling products are advancing further than ever. We are constantly attending new product training seminars that allow us to better understand how these amazing products can maximize your comfort needs. These new products are engineered by the country’s top manufactures with their sights set on energy efficiency and optimum customer comfort. It truly means that your comfort can be better and cost you less money to achieve it. We can make a difference to our

environment one high efficiency home heating and cooling system at a time.

Contact us today to see what tax credits and incentives are available to you for these amazing systems.

Our leading brand of heating and cooling equipment is so confident in their product that they are allowing us to pass on to you the best warranty in the business today. We also have the best training on other ways to increase your efficiency and comfort along with our energy saving products.

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