Spring Home and Garden

Spring Home & Garden Rockingham County Fairgrounds

April 8 & 9

Windows & Your Wallet How to make existing windows more energy efficientÂ

Safeguarding Your Garden How to keep animals out of your garden

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

How to make existing windows more energy efficient

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rafty windows make homes less comfortable by allowing cold air in during the winter and warm air in when temperatures rise. But comfort is not the only concern associated with leaky windows, as such fixtures also can have a negative impact on the environment.

Leaky windows require heating and cooling systems to work harder to keep home interiors comfortable during times of the year when temperatures can be extreme. In the dead of winter, a leaky window will force a home’s inhabitants to turn up the thermostat, which only increases energy consumption and energy bills. The same scenario plays out in summer, when leaky windows allow hot air in, leading homeowners to lower the temperature of air conditioning units so everyone inside is cool and comfortable.

Thankfully, making windows more energy efficient does not necessarily require homeowners to replace existing windows.

Before going that potentially expensive route, homeowners can consider the following strategies to improve the energy efficiency of their windows.

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weekend projects to try now

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ome improvement projects range from major construction overhauls like bathroom remodeling jobs to smaller renovations that may entail something as minor as painting the walls. Smaller projects can often be conquered in a typical weekend but still provide a strong sense of accomplishment. The following are five projects tailor-made for weekend warriors.

Hang curtains. Curtains can help homeowners cut down on heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly hung draperies can reduce heat loss by as much as 25 percent. In the summer, curtains can block the hot rays from the sun from entering a home, reducing the need to turn up air conditioning units. While curtains won’t fix leaks or block hot or cold air from entering a home, they can serve as a buffer between a home’s inhabitants and the air seeping in through leaks.

Caulk or add weatherstripping. Small cracks and gaps around windows, which are most often found around windows in older buildings, might not seem like a big deal, but such breaches can lead to considerable energy loss. The DOE recommends using caulk to seal cracks that are less than 1⁄4inch wide on the parts of the window that do not move (i.e., frames and where the trim meets the wall). Caulk might be less effective at fixing leaks larger than 1⁄4 inch in width.

Employ weatherstripping to address leaks on movable parts of the window. Properly applied weatherstripping should adequately

1. Improve storage in the entryway. Home entryways are the first places many people drop mail, shed their shoes and toss their keys upon arriving home. As a result, entryways can quickly be overrun with clutter. Storage solutions can include putting in a desk or hutch with baskets underneath to store umbrellas and backpacks. Or hang a coat rack and create a shoe rack to store shoes until the time comes to leave the house once again.

seal windows when they are closed without making it difficult to open or close them later on. Weatherstripping is available in various materials, and homeowners can visit www. energy.gov/energysaver/ weatherstripping to find the material that’s most suitable for their situation.

Install windows films. Plastic window films are another option for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their windows. Heat shrink film can be cut to fit each individual leaky window in a home and then attached to windows using double-sided tape.

A hair dryer can then be used to shrink the

2. Shed new light. Add some design appeal to your home by replacing an old lighting fixture with something more modern.

Such a task is relatively easy, and you need not possess the skills of a trained electrician.

3. Add molding for a finishing touch. Dress up spaces with crown molding or a decorative chair rail that goes around a room. You can even use molding to frame new or existing artwork. Find a molding style that complements the architectural style.

film and remove any wrinkles. Low-emissivity, or Low-E, coatings are a more expensive alternative to heat shrink film, and they can be equally effective at improving energy efficiency. Installation of Low-E coatings can be more difficult, as they do not provide as much leeway for mistakes during application as heat shrink film.

Leaky windows are bad for homeowners’ energy bills and the environment. But homeowners have options other than full window replacements to fix leaks and improve efficiency.

4. Update hardware in the bath and kitchen. Switch the handles, draw pulls and knobs on cabinetry with new hardware. The time commitment is practically nil, but you might just give rooms a whole new feel.

5. Patch and paint walls.

Spend a weekend filling in holes left behind by sinceremoved wall hangings. If the patches dry quickly, paint over them. If not, resolve to do your patchwork one weekend and paint the ensuing weekend.

HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

3

How to transform a fixer-upper

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he real estate market will always have its ups and downs, but real estate is an oft-profitable investment. Real estate investors do their investing for various reasons.

Some see a house as a place to hang their hats for years and years, while others look at properties as nothing more than investments.

Buying a home with the intent to fix it up and resell it is called a “fix and flip.” In such situations, investors buy homes at below-market prices before refurbishing the homes with the goal of recouping their initial investment and

then some when the homes are ultimately put back on the market. Flipping has become popular for both expert remodelers and novice investors. RealtyTrac®, the nation’s leading source for comprehensive housing data, noted in its “Year-End and Q4 2015 U.S. Home Flipping” report that 5.5 percent of all single family home and condo sales during the year were flipped properties. This marked an increase from the same time the previous year.

Investing in a fixer-upper requires a leap of faith and a vision of what the home can look like

The benefits of hiring professional contractors discovered talents they never before knew they had.

But no matter how simple popular home renovation television shows make remodeling projects appear, homeowners should know that such undertakings are far more difficult than they appear on television.

Homeowners who overestimate their abilities and the time they have to complete projects can cost themselves substantial amounts of money. In fact, there are a variety of reasons homeowners might want to work with professional contractors when tackling home improvement projects.

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he DIY movement has inspired many homeowners to tackle home repair and remodeling projects on their own. DIY projects can be rewarding, and many homeowners who have embraced the DIY movement have

Experience A trial and error approach can work with various projects and problems. But applying such an approach to home improvement projects is risky and potentially dangerous, not to mention costly.

in the future. Turning a real estate lemon into lemonade requires certain skills and a good measure of patience. The following are some guidelines to get anyone started.

common pitfalls because they’ve already done this type of work time and again. It’s smart to rely on expert advice, even if it means investing a little bit more.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Make an honest assessment of your abilities and which renovations, if any, you can handle. If you are unskilled or inexperienced working with your hands, then it can be easy for an investment property to quickly become a money pit. Before purchasing a property, hire a trained home inspector to tour the home with you and point out all of the areas that will need renovation.

With this list, begin getting estimates on how much money the work will entail. Determine if this fits with your budget or not. You do not want to invest so much that it exceeds what you could feasibly recoup when it comes time to sell.

Save money by doing some work yourself.

While the pros may tackle the more complex parts of a given project, such as rewiring electricity or changing the footprint of a home, you can still be involved. Ask to participate in demolition, such as taking down walls or removing old materials from the home. Such participation may be fun, and it can save you substantial amounts of money on labor.

Overlook cosmetic things when visiting properties. Cosmetic issues include all of the easily replaceable items in a home, such as carpeting, appliances, interior paint colors and cabinetry. Focus on the bones of the house — the architectural integrity and those little touches that you envision having a “wow” factor.

Seek the help of experts. Some flippers think they’ll save the most money by doing all of the work themselves. This isn’t always the case. Professional architects, designers and contractors may help you save money.

Contractors have an intimate knowledge of where to buy materials and may be able to negotiate prices based on wholesale or trade costs. In addition, experts can help you avoid

Experienced professional contractors with strong track records (seek recommendations from friends or neighbors) won’t have to go through trial and error and are therefore more likely than DIYers to complete a project on time and on budget.

Inspiration One oft-overlooked benefit of working with professional contractors is the likelihood that they can draw up ideas for projects that homeowners might otherwise never have thought up on their own. Homeowners without specific ideas in mind can ask contractors to come up with various scenarios before committing to a particular one. Veteran contractors can draw on years of experience to create designs that DIYers might be incapable of coming up with and/or incapable of seeing through to completion.

Cost Conventional wisdom suggests it’s less expensive to do something yourself than to hire someone else to do it for you, but that’s not necessarily true of home improvement projects. Labor costs typically account for a substantial amount of professionally contracted projects, but homeowners can cut those

Recognize that not everything must be completely redone. Realize that, in some instances, a coat of paint and some new accents may be all you need to transform a space.

For example, if kitchen cabinets are in good condition, see if they can be refaced or painted instead of replaced entirely. Install new door pulls/handles to add visual interest. Look for some ready-made items, such as bookshelves, instead of installing custom carpentry.

Think about what the buyer wants and not what you want. Renovate with an eye toward prospective buyers’ needs. Keep things neutral and accommodating. Research the latest trends to understand what buyers might be seeking in a home. You want potential buyers to envision themselves moving right in.

Renovating a fixer-upper takes time, but it can be a worthwhile project, and one that can help anyone turn a profit in a booming real estate market.

costs by volunteering to do some of the simpler tasks themselves. In addition, contractors often purchase materials at a much lower cost than individual homeowners because contractors buy in bulk. So while labor costs might be lower on DIY projects, the cost of materials can offset those savings.

Resale value Many homeowners renovate their homes with eyes on improving the resale value of those homes.

But if homeowners want to showcase a newly remodeled kitchen when selling their homes, they should be prepared for prospective buyers to ask who worked on the project. Fearing potential problems down the road, some buyers might be put off by homes that were remodeled by DIYers and not professional contractors.

Renovating a home on your own can be a rewarding project for homeowners. But it’s important that homeowners recognize the many benefits of working with professional contractors before making any final decisions with regard to who will tackle their next project.

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Composite decking can be a smart choice

Harrisonburg, Va.

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Composite decking can mimic the look of wood, but requires much less maintenance.

ecks add character and functionality to a home, increasing outdoor entertaining space and oftentimes improving the resale value of a home. Homeowners have various options when choosing decking materials, but one such option, composite decking, is growing in popularity.

Decks used to primarily be made from pressuretreated lumber. While lumber remains a popular material, more and more homeowners are opting for composite decking products. As anyone who has pressure-washed, stained and sealed wood decks can attest, such spaces require lots of upkeep to look new year after year. Composite decks require much less maintenance, making them highly attractive to homeowners who would rather spend time using their decks instead of maintaining them.

Composite decking is any type of decking material that is formulated from different recycled materials.

The majority of these materials include hard plastic and wood shavings of pulp. Unlike wood, which can fade, crack and rot, composite decking, which has been available for roughly a decade, does not degrade quickly and requires very little upkeep.

Available in a variety of wood colors to match outdoor decor, composite decks also can feature artificial wood grains to make them look similar to wood planks. Although composite decks are not completely impervious to the elements, with some occasional washing to impede mold growth and new technology that has improved stain-resistance,

many of the pitfalls of other materials can be avoided with composite decks.

Composite decking fits in with eco-friendly lifestyles. The planks are made from recycled materials that would normally end up in landfills.

Products from Trex, a popular composite decking manufacturer, are made from 1.5 million shopping bags and wood mill waste. As composite decks do not rot away and are long-lasting, they will not need to be replaced frequently, which is another ecofriendly benefit.

When comparing composite decking brands, look mainly at the colors, materials used in the composition and the fastening systems. Many are fastened with regular deck screws, offers This Old House. The newer systems have channels for hidden fastening, and the composite deck tiles snap into place.

Composite decks do have a few drawbacks. They can be expensive — nearly double the initial cost of wood decks. And although they don’t rot, composite planks can scratch. Without refinishing, damaged boards will need to be replaced. Harsh chemicals may fade color and damage the composite materials, so caution is needed.

Composite decking remains an in-demand choice for outdoor spaces. Low-maintenance and longlasting, these decks have quickly become favorites among homeowners.

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HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Shade-tolerant plants help to complete landscapes Shade-tolerant plants, such as coleus, can add color and appeal to shady areas of a landscape.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

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Most greenery comes with care instructions that include recommendations regarding the amount of shade/sunlight the plant will need to do well. If further assistance is needed, a knowledgeable employee can make suggestions based on landscape needs.

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lants need sunlight to thrive and grow, but some need less sunlight than others. People who find their landscapes are less supportive to sun-loving plants can choose from a variety of shadetolerant plants, shrubs and trees.

Shade tolerance refers to a plant’s ability to withstand low levels of light. Certain plants have adapted this feature to survive in the wild. Plants that grow at the base of forest floors, for example, will get less sunlight than others outside of the tree canopy. Such adaptations enable a wide variety of foliage to grow even though they are not exposed to much sunlight.

While sun-loving plants often have broad leaves and expend significant energy to capture sunlight for photosynthesis, shadetolerant plants expend less energy and tend to be more efficient consumers of soil nutrients and sunlight.

Penn State Extension’s Plant and Pests division says the amount of shade a plant is growing under will directly affect the density of the foliage and the plant’s flowering and fruiting characteristics. Blending shadetolerant plants into the landscape can be an effective use of space. Before choosing plants for an existing landscape, it’s important to assess the level of shade or sun the plants will receive.

Heavy shade: Heavy shade is when no direct sunlight reaches a plant. This occurs at the base of northern-facing walls or beneath thick tree canopies.

Full sun: Areas that receive full sun enjoy direct sunlight between six and eight hours per day.

Moderate shade: These sites have reflected sunlight that may come off of water features.

Light shade: Plants in these areas will get partially filtered or dappled sunlight.

Once homeowners understand which type of

Those who are looking for some preliminary guidance when it comes to selecting shadetolerant shrubs, plants or trees can consult the following list.

Bleeding heart: Bleeding heart, or Dicentra spectabilis, is typically found in woodlands.

It’s a perennial in the poppy family that produces mounded foliage and arching vinelike stems of heart-shaped flowers in the spring.

Amethyst flower: Browallia hybrids offer star-shaped blooms of blue and violet. These plants will billow out of hanging baskets or containers, and they prefer warm shade or filtered sunlight.

Coleus: The coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides, is another perennial that can have a variety of different leaf colors and striations.

Witch hazels: These are a genus in the family Hamamelidacea, which has four different species in North America. This shrub or small tree features arching branches with dense, multi-stemmed clumps. Witch hazel produces flowers in the late autumn when most other plants are sparse.

Bayberry: Myrica pensylvanica can grow in partial shade as a hedge or natural property divider. The leaves of this shrub are aromatic when crushed. The shrub will produce tiny, gray/white fruits in late summer.

English Ivy: Also known as Hedera helix, this trailing plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. It will spread easily and can become invasive.

Those searching for shade-tolerant trees can choose among Sugar maple, Black alder, Flowering dogwood, and White spruce, among others.

Shade-tolerant plants can make welcome additions to the landscape, offering greenery and color in the darker areas of a property.

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

Stay safe when landscaping

Read manuals, wear protective equipment and be safe when doing lawn and garden work.

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andscaping is typically viewed as a chore by homeowners, many of who enjoy doing some work on their lawns and gardens. But only few homeowners may recognize the potential dangers of lawn maintenance.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 230,000 people per year are treated for various injuries resulting from lawn and garden tools. Common injuries include loss of fingers, lacerations, broken and dislocated bones, eye injuries, and burns. Many of these injuries are entirely preventable if homeowners prioritize safety when tending to their lawns and gardens.

Understand the equipment Homeowners should not assume they know how to use all of the tools necessary to maintain lush lawns and bountiful gardens. Familiarize yourself with the proper operation of manual and motorized equipment by reading the owner’s manual thoroughly, making special note of recommended safety guidelines.

Take some time to locate the power buttons and other parts by comparing them to illustrations in the guide. Once you feel comfortable handling the equipment, then you can begin to use it.

Wear appropriate protective gear Failure to wear protective gear can lead to injury. Personal protective equipment includes gloves, eye protection, ear protection, boots, and a hard hat if necessary. When working during visibility conditions or at night, wear a reflective vest.

Other protective items include a hat to shade your eyes from the sun’s rays.

Sunscreen will protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. Long pants and sleeves can guard against flying debris.

Watch your surroundings Thousands of injuries occur to children and pets who get hurt around mowers.

It’s best if children and pets remain indoors when homeowners are mowing or using other power equipment that may kick up debris. Children under the age of 12 may not have the strength or ability to operate lawn tools. Also, never make a game of riding a child on a riding mower. Nobody under the age of 16 should operate riding lawn mowers.

Get approval before digging It’s difficult to know what is beneath the ground without having a property surveyed and marked. Digging without approval can result in damage to gas lines or water/sewer pipes. Always check with the utility company before digging trenches or holes.

Unplug or turn off all equipment When not in use, keep lawn equipment off. Do not try to repair or fix a snag or obstruction in equipment while it is on.

Don’t modify the equipment in any way, such as removing protective guards.

Exercise caution with chemicals Follow manufacturers’ safety instructions when using pesticides or fertilizers. Avoid application on windy days or right before a rainstorm, as this can spread the product and damage the ecosystem. Keep people and pets away from treated areas.

Maintaining the yard is both a necessity and a hobby. Homeowners who prioritize safety can greatly reduce their risk of injury.

Did you know?

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iring a landscape architect may be a smart move for homeowners who are planning major overhauls of their properties. “The Operational Outlook Handbook” defines a landscape architect as “a person who designs parks, outdoor spaces of campuses, recreational facilities, private homes, and other open areas.”

Landscape architects typically must be licensed and many hold degrees in landscape architecture from accredited schools. Architects who work on residential spaces often work with homeowners to design gardens, plantings, stormwater management, and pools. Landscape architects design spaces to do more than merely look good.

Designs also are about functionality and meeting the needs of the homeowner. Outdoor spaces are designed after considering what the homeowner wants to experience and how homeowners want to use a given space. Landscape architects often do not plant and maintain these spaces. Rather, architects collaborate with other landscaping professionals to produce the final results.

HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

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Tips for novice composters

he United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that food scraps and yard waste account for between 20 and 30 percent of what we throw away. But thanks to composting, such waste can be put to work rather than discarded.

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green waste include grass clippings, weeds from annual plants and plant trimmings.

Brown materials include dead leaves and shredded cardboard. Chop or shred large pieces before adding them to the pile.

Compost is organic material that helps plants grow when added to soil. Benefitting the planet in myriad ways, compost enriches the soil by helping it retain moisture. The EPA notes that composting also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers while also suppressing plant diseases and pests. In addition, when homeowners compost, they inadvertently reduce methane emissions from landfills, thereby lowering their carbon footprints.

Give the pile structure. Layering materials can give compost piles better structure. The EPA suggests burying fruit and vegetable waste under 10 inches of compost material, including brown and green waste.

Homeowners who do not know how to compost can consider the following tips as they start compost piles on their properties.

Choose an accessible spot on your property. When looking for a spot on your property for your compost bin, choose a location that’s easily accessible. The less accessible the bin is, the less likely you are to stick with composting over the long-term. The EPA also recommends placing a compost bin or pile in a dry, shady spot near a water source.

Add the appropriate materials. Animal waste, cooked foods, diseased plants, and fresh weeds from perennial plants should not be added to a compost pile. The EPA recommends moistening dry materials as they’re added and adding brown and green materials as they are collected. Examples of

Turn and aerate the pile. Using a garden fork, periodically turn the compost pile. This aerates the heap and provides oxygen that can accelerate the decomposition of the pile.

Piles that are not periodically turned and aerated may grow malodorous, which can be unpleasant for homeowners who hope to add materials to their piles on a regular basis. In addition, without the heat produced by aeration, composting piles will break down very slowly.

Recognize when the material is ready. The EPA notes that compost is ready to use when materials at the bottom of a pile are dark and rich in color. According to the EPA, this can take anywhere from two months to two years, so composters must be patient.

More information about composting can be found at www.epa.gov.

Items to avoid when composting

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omposting is an eco-friendly activity that can also save homeowners money on fertilizer and pesticides.

Organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow, compost reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, reducing the amount of methane gas that such landfills produce. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that not everything can be added to compost piles. The following are some items homeowners should not add to their compost piles or bins, courtesy of the EPA. Black walnut tree leaves or twigs: Leaves or twigs from black walnut release substances that might prove harmful to plants.

Coal or charcoal ash: Coal or ash from charcoal, such as the ash that builds up in the bottom of charcoal grills, may contain substances that are harmful to plants.

Dairy products: When added to compost piles, dairy products, including butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt and eggs, can be malodorous and may attract pests, including rodents and flies.

Diseased or insect-ridden plants: The diseases and insects that plague plants may survive being transferred to compost piles.

When the compost is ultimately distributed, these diseases and insects might then plague other plants.

Fats, grease, lard, or oils: Fats, grease, lard or oils also may attract rodents and flies, and that might be due to the unpleasant odors such substances can produce when added to compost piles.

Meat or fish bones and scraps: Like fats, grease, lard or oils, scraps from meat and fish and fish bones can smell unpleasant, potentially attracting rodents and flies.

Pet waste: Pet waste, including soiled cat litter, may contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses that can be harmful.

Grass trimmings treated with chemical pesticides: Trimmings from grass that was treated with chemical pesticides can negate the effects of composting by killing beneficial organisms produced within compost piles or bins.

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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Problems that can lead to lawn damage

HOME & GARDEN

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beautiful lawn is a goal for many homeowners. Some homeowners may find that lovely lawns may last momentarily, only to disappear when damage — be it pest-, weather- or child-related — sets in.

While well-established turf can be resilient, even the most well-maintained lawns can be vulnerable. Preventing lawn damage first involves getting to the root of the problem.

Lack of sunlight: All plants need the proper ratio of sunlight to grow. Too much sunlight and plant blades can scorch. Too little sunlight and grass may turn brown and die. Although there are shade-tolerant varieties of grass, homeowners also can explore alternative landscapes. Work in a garden bed or create a design that utilizes gravel or mulch. Avoid aggressively pruning back trees to give the lawn more sunlight in that area, as this may just damage the trees.

Chemical spills: Gasoline and fertilizer spills and pesticide applications in high concentrations can cause the lawn to yellow or brown in spots. Carefully refill lawn gas tanks and fertilizer spreaders on the sidewalk or driveway to avoid overflow onto the lawn. If spills occur, flood the area promptly with water to dilute.

Running the mower in the same pattern over and over can cause ruts in the grass that lead to damage.

Foot traffic: Lawns can take a pounding from foot traffic, leading to compaction and spots of dead lawn. Try to redirect the traffic elsewhere to give worn down areas a break. Aeration can

Harrisonburg, Va. relieve soil compaction. If a certain area has become the de facto pathway, install a paver, gravel or concrete walkway in that spot.

Debris: Leaving a tool, kids’ toys, piece of wood, or any debris on the lawn can quickly suffocate the grass beneath and cause the lawn to die quickly. Make sure that no items are left on the lawn for an extended period of time.

Mowing patterns: Running the mower in the same pattern over and over can cause ruts in the grass that lead to damage, so avoid mowing in the same direction on consecutive cuts. Avoid mowing on very hot days or when the lawn is soggy. Both can cause tracks to form in the lawn.

Mowers: Dull lawn mower blades can damage lawns, as can mowing too fast. Grass blades can be torn, snapped and more, resulting in brown spots.

Wildlife: Animals and insects can destroy turf roots. Animals or insects may feed on the grass from underneath its surface, compromising the lawn’s ability to procure nutrients and water. Animals like moles or raccoons may feed on grubs in the lawn, and treating for grubs can alleviate torn-up turf.

Lawns can be hearty, but they’re also highly susceptible to damage. Even seemingly harmless things can compromise the integrity of a lawn. Understanding the causes of lawn damage can help homeowners protect their lawns.

HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

9

Design a garden for all senses

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ardens add visual appeal to a yard, but gardens also can appeal to individuals’ senses of smell, taste, touch, and sound. Gardeners who want to create gardens that appeal to various senses can do so in the following ways.

Sight Aesthetic appeal is one of the most soughtafter benefits of gardening. However, many homeowners put in so much effort planting for one particular season that they may not give thought to ensuring the garden looks vibrant no matter the time of year.

Gardeners can research planting zones to find plants that will blossom at different times of the year so they can enjoy impressive, aesthetically appealing gardens year-round.

Spring bulbs can bloom early on, while annual and perennial summer favorites will thrive under the summer sun. Beautyberry and caryopteris will fill out in the autumn, while holly or mahonia can look lovely in the winter.

Smell Gardeners can dot their landscapes with aromatic trees, shrubs and flowers that will make stepping out into the garden that much more special. Some of the more fragrant plants include gardenia, dianthus, calendula, lavender, and jasmine. Shrubs such as fragrant pineapple broom, Anne Russell viburnum and Christmas box can add fragrance as well.

Sound The lively sounds of the garden are created by the wildlife that come to pollinate and enjoy the environment gardeners have created. By choosing indigenous plants, gardeners can be sure that insects and small critters will seek refuge within the foliage.

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Taste Gardeners can expand their gardens to include fruit-bearing trees and rows of vegetables. Produce can be harvested from early spring through late fall depending on the crops planted.

Touch Apart from including trees and shrubs of various textures in the garden, look for other ways to stimulate a tactile response. Water features add relaxing sound and beauty.

Stones, moss, mulch, and other accents have varied textures that can stimulate the sense of touch in various ways. Don’t forget to include a sitting area so that you can immerse yourself fully in the garden.

Go beyond visual appeal when designing a garden. When gardeners tap into all five senses, they can enjoy their landscapes even more than they already do.

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Songbirds also will add character to a yard.

The Audubon Society suggests including a water source and a songbird border of shrubs along your property’s edge. Provide food sources and make sure they are located a fair distance from the main action of the yard so as not to scare off birds.

Wait for musical chickadees, goldfinches, orioles, and cardinals to arrive and enjoy the accommodations.

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Create drama with bold paint colors

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Harrisonburg, Va.

ainting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space. Paint colors can dramatically change the mood and the design of a home. And depending on a homeowner’s goals, paint can make a statement or blend into the background.

Many people are now looking to bold colors to make spaces stand out. But choosing a paint color can be challenging. Homeowners looking to update walls and complement decor may want to look at some of the more impactful colors that Pantone indicates will be popular for the 2017 season. Primrose Yellow, Lapis Blue, Flame, Pink Yarrow, and Greenery are some of the more eye-catching selections. Once colors are selected, consider these guidelines for using bolder colors in room designs.

Decide how big an impact you want to make.

Are you looking for color overload or just a small focal point of vivid color? Remember, using bold color doesn’t mean every wall must be lathered in that hue. Instead, select one wall to serve as an accent point and use that spot as your bold color display. Otherwise, rely on bold colors to dress up otherwise mundane areas, such as the back wall of a cupboard or moldings and trim.

Try bold in a small space. Many people are surprised at how well bold colors work in small spaces. Powder rooms can be an ideal spot to experiment with paint colors. Try deep colors that can make the area seem intimate and even exotic. Dark, bold hues can be toned down by different accents, such as neutral colored fixtures

and towels.

Go bold in the kitchen. Incorporate a splash of color in the kitchen without going overboard. Try an appliance or design fixture in a bright shade.

Or paint the inside of the cabinets in your favorite color and install glass inserts in the cabinet doors so that everyone gets a peek of the color beyond. A neutral kitchen also can be brightened up with the use of silverware, dishes, pots and pans, and other kitchen items featured in bold hues.

Stick to boldness on interchangeable items.

Those who like to experiment with color may find that they like to switch out the colors now and again. Instead of having to repaint every few months, use decorative items in bright shades to make swapping out color that much easier. For example, replace area rugs, throw pillows and draperies. Paint over terra cotta flower pots when the mood strikes.

Establish balance. Rely on neutral furniture, rugs, moldings and baseboards if you decide to take bold colors up a notch. This will help create a sense of balance in the room.

Painting is a fun way to experiment with color.

Many homeowners are not hesitant to use bold shades of color when they learn the right techniques. And because paint is an inexpensive option for making over a room, homeowners who find they do not like a particular color can easily paint over it with a new color.

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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

M

illions of acres across North America are devoted to lush, green lawns.

According to Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, lawns take up 40.5 million acres and individuals spend $30 billion on average for lawn and garden upkeep in the United States alone. People certainly love their lawns and often wonder if those lawns are best left in the hands of professionals.

Weeding through lawncare service options

The National Gardening Association states that 72 percent of American households do some work in their yards. However, a growing number of homeowners also hire others to make their lawns look pristine.

Homeowners who want to leave lawncare to the professionals can consider the following factors as they search for a company that best suits their needs.

Work with a licensed and insured company.

Lawncare services that are licensed and insured provide more peace of mind to homeowners than the alternatives. Should an injury occur on your property while work is being done, an insured business will be able to take care of it and you won’t be liable.

Ask about membership in a professional or trade organization. Businesses that belong to an organization invest in continually learning about the evolution of lawncare. This increases the likelihood that member companies will be up-to-date regarding the latest, most environmentally friendly lawncare techniques.

Participation in a trade organization also may

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indicate education in the landscaping field.

Research reviews before hiring. Although public reviews may not paint the entire picture and they often reflect only the very positive or very negative experiences previous customers have had with a given business, they can provide an idea of how a lawncare company interacts with its customers. Prospective customers who contact the Better Business Bureau may learn if there have been any glaring complaints against a particular contractor.

Find out which services are offered. Ask each business what services they provide.

While nearly every lawncare contractor will mow the lawn and trim shrubs, many homeowners prefer companies that can adapt when the yard needs a change. This may include pest treatments, fertilization, aeration, and seasonal cleanups.

Look for a company that’s organized and connected. Customer service should be a factor when choosing a lawncare service.

You want to be able to reach the company promptly. A company that responds quickly is ideal, especially if you need to change a service or need to inquire about additional or emergency work.

Shopping for a lawncare service can take time and effort, but the results will be well worth it when homeowners have lawns and landscapes that make their neighbors green with envy.

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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

2017 Home & Living Expo

Sat., A Sun., A

Rockingham Fairgr 4808 S. Valley Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 860-1281

SVBA 201 HOME & LIVING FOOD VENDORS

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LIVE

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HELMUTH BU

Harrisonburg, Va.

April 8, 9 AM - 6 PM April 9, 11 AM - 4 PM

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STAGE

AUCTION

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BLUE RIDGE LOG HOMES

UILDERS ENTRY GATE

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VENDORS 16____________________ 46____________________ 105___________________ 9, 30__________________ 53____________________ 28____________________ 39____________________ Outside _______________ 40____________________ outside _______________ 91____________________ 25, 32-37 ______________ 92-94 _________________ 55, 56_________________ 70, 71_________________ 66____________________ 49____________________ 79____________________ 106___________________ 97____________________ 48____________________ 41, 42_________________ 112, 113_______________ 20____________________ 57____________________ 77____________________ 76, 103________________ 31____________________ 115, A-C 10x20’ outside _ 10x20’ outside _________ 19____________________ outside _______________ 61____________________ 95, 96_________________ outside _______________ C, D 10x24’ outside _____ 80____________________ 43____________________ 63____________________ 72-74 _________________

“Ask A Builder” Sessions Air Solutions Ancira Vetinary Center Bath Fitter Blue Ridge Bank Blue Ridge Distributors Blue Ridge Exterior Cleaning Blue Ridge Log Homes Bob Wade Auto World Bob Wade Auto World Builders FirstSource Canstruction Canstruction Classic Kitchen & Bath Conmat Group Creative Works Farm Culligan Custom Contracting Cutco David James Custom Homes Design Concrete Builders Dupont CCU Dutch Way Eagle Carpet Excel Heating & Cooling Farm Credit of the Virginias Ferguson Enterprises GutterDome Gypsy Catwalk H/R SPCA Harrisonburg Nissan Harrisonburg Nissan Hawk Security Heartland Home Improvements, LLC Helmuth Builders Highland Outdoor Stoves Rebath SWVA Home Instead Senior Care Home Paramount Pest Control House of Oak & Sofas

Canstruction Actual Build ....................Saturday, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM Ask A Builder ........................................Saturday, 10:00-11:00 AM Saturday, 1:00-2:00 PM Saturday, 3:00-4:00 PM Saturday, 4:00-5:00 PM Upcycle Design Challenge Items on ...Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM display & available for bidding in silent auction Dealer Days ............................................Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Test drive new and used cars Sunday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM during the show hours Classic Car Show ..................................Saturday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Choosing Best Window Treatments .......Saturday, 12:00 PM Gypsy Catwalk Fashion Show & ..........Saturday, 2:00 PM Mobile Boutique Interior Decor Changes over ....................Saturday, 3:00 PM the Past 50 Years Accessorizing for the ................................Saturday, 5:00 PM Maximum Wow Factor

Non-profit outside ______ 64____________________ 1, 2___________________ 26, 27_________________ 101___________________ outside _______________ 59, 60_________________ 67____________________ J&K Outside ___________ 65____________________ 17, 18_________________ Outside independent consultant 89, 90_________________ 83, 84_________________ 85. 86_________________ 21____________________ 98____________________ 107-111, 99-100 ________ Outside independent consultant patio _________________ 44, 45_________________ 47____________________ 68, 69_________________ I 10x10’ Outside ________ 104___________________ 81, 82_________________ Outside independent consultant 24____________________ 114___________________ 58____________________ 38____________________ 78____________________ outside _______________ 52____________________ 62____________________ 12’x50’ outside _________ 50____________________ 54____________________ 22, 23_________________ 51____________________ 87, 88_________________

HRAR Independent Solar Solutions James River Equipment JES Evergreen Joe Bowman Auto Plaza Joe Bowman Auto Plaza Kitchen Craft Landmark Landscapes Landscape Depot/Virginia Sunpower LeafFilter Lifetime Stainless Steel LuLa Roe Marco Metals May Supply Company Michael & Son Services Mosquito Authority Mountain Valley Home Comfort MTC Plexus Premier Vinyl Remodel USA Renewal by Andersen of Central VA Rocking R Hardware Rockingham County Fire & Rescue Rockydale - Mundy Quarries RS Mongers Scentsy Senger Roofing Skyline Roofing, Inc. Squeeky Clean Stanley Steemer Steven Toyota Steven Toyota The Roof Center Tupperware Turner Ashby FFA Petting Zoo VA811 Valley Roofing Vine Vera booth Virginia Gutter Services Water Works Water Treatment

Homesteading Robert Connelly (rainwater harvesting) ..Saturday, 11:00 AM and Chris Cain (Hour Economy) .........Saturday, 12:00 PM MTC Auctions - Live auction ................Saturday, 12:00 PM Skid Steer Rodeo...................................Saturday, 1:00 PM Wine & Interior Design ..........................Saturday, 12:00 PM, Saturday, 3:00 PM Saturday, 5:00 PM Sunday, 1:00 PM Sunday, 3:00 PM Petting Zoo, ............................................Saturday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Sunday, 12:00 -3:00 PM Face Painting, Bouncy House ..............Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Sunday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM Why You Might Consider a ......................Sunday, 1:00 PM Power Bed or Recliner Solid Wood: Solid Savings ......................Sunday, 3:00 PM

FOOD VENDORS Sat., 9 AM - 6 PM Sun., 11 AM - 4 PM

DEALER DAYS Sat., 9 AM - 6 PM Sun., 11 AM - 4 PM

❃ Mashita ❃ ❃ Mamas Caboose ❃ ❃ Sweet Treats ❃ ❃ Grillizza ❃ Vova’s Kettlecorn ❃

❃ Joe Bowman Auto Plaza ❃ ❃ Harrisonburg Nissan ❃ ❃ Bob Wade Auto World ❃ ❃ Steve Toyota ❃

SPECIAL EVENTS

❃ Ask a Builder ❃ Canstruction to benefit Blue Ridge Area Food Bank ❃ Massanutten Technical Center Auctions ❃ Gypsy Catwalk fashion show & mobile boutique ❃ Carter Machinery Skid Steer Rodeo ❃ Upcycle Design Challenge ❃ Wine & Interior Design with Merle Wenger ❃ Kid’s Zone (petting zoo, face painting, bouncy house).

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

How to keep animals out of your garden Container gardens can deter pests from trampling and eating plants.

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any gardeners understand the frustration that stems from seeing a garden destroyed by wildlife. While protecting wildlife is a cause that’s near and dear to many gardening enthusiasts, even the most ardent wildlife supporter does not want to see his or her garden trampled, eaten or adversely affected by animals.

Safeguarding gardens from local wildlife can require some trial and error. Animals may find ways to circumvent gardeners’ initial efforts to protect their gardens, but the following methods might just do the trick the first time around.

Erect physical barriers around gardens.

Barriers may not be gardeners’ first choices, as some people feel barriers such as wire cages or mesh coverings make it more difficult to tend to gardens and rob gardens of some of their aesthetic appeal. But coverings and wire cages can effectively prevent wildlife from trampling or

eating plants while still allowing the gardens to get adequate sunlight. Make sure barriers extend to the ground so animals cannot access gardens by entering beneath the barricades.

Fight intruders with odor. Stray cats may mistake gardens for litter boxes and enter them to relieve themselves. Preventing such intrusions can be as simple as placing items around the garden to reduce the likelihood that gardens will be mistaken for litter boxes. Peels from oranges and lemons or coffee grounds can be placed in the garden and can emit odors strong enough to deter cats.

Install motion detecting lights around gardens. Motion detection technology might be enough to deter nocturnal wildlife from trampling or eating gardens. Animals might be spooked and run away when lights suddenly turn on. A similar approach can be taken using noise instead of lights.

Gardeners who hope to avoid erecting barriers around their gardens can put up posts instead, attaching aluminum cans or wind chimes to the posts that will make noise when animals come near. Much like light, noise can be enough to deter animals.

Consider raised garden beds. When small critters, such as moles, are the main problem, then raised garden beds with

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wood or plastic bottoms and sides can be enough to safeguard gardens. Raised garden beds might not be accessible to small critters, though such beds likely won’t deter larger animals from getting into gardens that are not barricaded.

Erect fencing around the yard. Though fencing is expensive, fencing in a backyard or side yard where gardens are located can deter wildlife big and small from trampling or eating gardens.

Wildlife is worth protecting, but gardeners must also take steps to protect their gardens from animals looking for something to eat.

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Helpful and harmful insects

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Garden spiders: Although some spiders can be venomous, many are quite handy to have around the garden. They’ll help control pest populations that can damage plants and crops.

lthough it’s virtually impossible to count them, insects are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Nine hundred thousand different kinds of insects are known to exist. At any given time, it is estimated that there are around 10 quintillion individual insects living.

Dragonflies: These arial artists that zip around the yard are consuming smaller insects that would otherwise pester plants and humans.

ardeners grow frustrated when seeing their gardens infested with insects. In an effort to restore their

gardens, homeowners might be es tempted to eradicate any bug that moves in their yards. But gardeners would be wise to first learn which insects are hurting their gardens and which can actually help gardens in the long run.

Harmful Certain insects can be dangerous to animals and plants. The following are a handful of insects that can threaten the vitality of gardens.

Aphids: These insects suck on the juice needed to sustain plants, particularly when they congregate.

Bald-faced hornet: Hornets tend to be an aggressive species that can sting repeatedly. Should you find a nest near an entertaining space or garden, it can cause trouble.

Carpenter ants: These ants will burrow into wood causing damage. They may compromise any wooden structure in and around a home.

Locusts: Various species of locust can damage plants and crops due to their voracious appetites.

Helpful Plants depend on insects to transfer pollen as they forage, and many insects are quite beneficial to have around. While some pollinate, others are predators of other pests.

Blue-winged wasp: This wasp attacks the larvae of Japanese beetles, helping to control beetle populations.

Bees and butterflies: Butterflies and bees are some of the best pollinators out there, and each can add whimsy to gardens.

Antlion: A foe of ants, they’ll help eat and control ant populations and pollinate flowers. They pose no threat to humans, either.

Big dipper firefly: These colorful insects feast on earthworms, slugs and snails during the larval stage. Fireflies add drama to evening gardens with their twinkling lights.

Butterflies and other helpful insects, such as bees, pollinate flowers and can keep dangerous pests at bay in the garden.

Treehoppers: These small, green insects mimic the look of leaves, and their appetites can affect crops and gardens.

Red pavement ant: As they feed on all manner of human food, these ants can quickly overtake areas with their staggering numbers and deliver painful bites.

Grasshoppers: Certain grasshoppers, like the redlegged grasshopper, can decimate food crops and transfer parasites to birds when eaten as prey.

Caterpillars: Many caterpillars, the precursor to adult moths, will feed constantly on leaves, stems and other parts of plants.

The tobacco hornworm moth caterpillar can damage potato and tomato plants.

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

Create a safe and enjoyable backyard play area omeowners often aspire to have attractive backyards that look like they belong in a magazine. While these can be picturesque and functional for adults, they may not be entirely practical for homeowners who have young children, especially when the majority of the yard is covered with paving stones or concrete.

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When young children are part of a household, homeowners may benefit by designing yards that are both functional and fun.

Incorporating safe play areas for kids is one way to unlock the potential of both big and small backyards.

As children run off to enjoy a playground, safety is the last thing on their minds. Kids are most interested in scaling ladders to treehouses or coasting down slides. That’s why adults must take it upon themselves to keep injury

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prevention in mind.

SafestPlayground.com indicates that playground-related injuries routinely result in severe fractures, internal injuries, concussions, and dislocations. In the majority of playground injuries to children younger than age 5, the head and face are affected. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 experience more leg and arm injuries than younger kids. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states 70 percent of children’s injuries occur on home playgrounds. More than 28,000 children are injured each year on playgrounds across Canada, according to Parachute, a national injury prevention organization.

When considering playground equipment for the yard, parents need to make safety a priority. The Canada Safety Society advises parents to follow the

Harrisonburg, Va.

“5 S’s of Playground Safety”: Surface, structures, site, supervision, and safety.

Surface: Parents should assume that children will fall. To lessen the blow of falls, choose playground equipment with a perimeter of six feet of a softer surface, such as sand, pea gravel, rubber pieces or wood chips. This material should be between six and 12 inches deep.

Structure: The structure of the play equipment should be built from sturdy materials. Pressure-treated lumber was once the standard, but it’s not adviseable for kids’ playgrounds, as the chemicals used in the lumber can leach and young children may actually bite or pick at the wood. Use cedar or another wood that resists decay. Once the structure is built, inspect it frequently for damage.

Site: Look around the landscape for an ideal place to locate the playset. There should be no obstacles that children can hit while sliding or swinging. Avoid

HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

17

overhanging branches and do not place equipment too close to trees or fencing.

Try to keep the set out of direct sunlight, which can make components heat up and scald young bodies.

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Supervision: Do not leave children alone while they are playing. Prevent children from using the playset in an incorrect manner.

Safety: Follow the directions for installation. Make sure all posts are anchored into the ground securely.

Railings should be spaced so that children cannot get stuck between them. Check that metal components have not rusted and that there is no additional excessive wear. Be sure that no tools or other dangerous items are left around the yard.

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Stay safe when gardening in hot weather G ardening is widely considered as relaxing a hobby as it is rewarding. Although gardening when temperatures are mild, such as in spring and fall, can be relaxing, gardening can be much more physically taxing and even dangerous when temperatures rise during the dog days of summer.

Gardens need tending even when temperatures outside are especially hot, so gardeners must take steps to protect their health when working in their gardens during the summer.

Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is something gardeners must do to stay safe when gardening in summer. Water carries heat away from internal organs, helping to prevent heat stroke along the way. Water takes heat through the bloodstream to the skin, resulting in sweat. Gardeners who notice they are not sweating despite the heat should drink more water and even head indoors to cool down. In addition, the American Heart Association notes that keeping the body hydrated helps the heart pump blood more easily, making gardening less taxing on the heart on hot days.

Take frequent breaks indoors or in shady areas. Limit marathon gardening sessions to spring and fall when the weather permits. When gardening in harsh summertime heat, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises gardeners to take RA LEB TI

CE

Take note of your physical condition.

Many people garden alone, so it’s important that gardeners learn the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

The CDC notes that elevated body temperatures, headache, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, and/or confusion are some common symptoms of heatrelated illnesses. Gardeners should go indoors the moment any such symptoms appear.

Garden during the cooler parts of the day. Lawncare professionals advise against watering lawns between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the summertime, as water is more likely to evaporate during this time, which tends to be the hottest time of the day.

Gardeners should avoid working in their gardens during these hours as well.

Garden in the early morning hours when the sun is not burning as hot or in late afternoon or early evening hours when temperatures are less threatening.

Gardening in summer requires gardeners to exercise caution and assess their physical conditions routinely and honestly.

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frequent breaks. Head inside to air conditioned rooms, if necessary, or find shady areas to sit, relax and drink some water. Sitting in the shade will give the body’s thermostat a chance to recover from exposure to extreme heat.

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Gardeners must exercise caution when tending to their gardens during the dog days of summer.

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19

Factors to consider when choosing carpeting

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hen the time comes to choose flooring for their homes, homeowners may be overwhelmed by the vast array of options at their disposal. The choice between carpet and hardwood flooring, laminate or tile is a matter of personal preference. People have long extolled the virtues of hardwood flooring, but carpeting can be just as stylish and provides a host of other benefits as well.

Carpeting insulates rooms in the summer and winter, adding that extra level of protection against the elements. Carpeting also absorbs sound in a home. Many appreciate the warmth and cozy feeling of carpet, especially when stepping out of bed.

Carpeting also can increase the level of safety at home. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpeting makes areas of play safer and may also reduce the severity of an injury in the event of a fall.

Today, there are many different types of carpeting available. Selecting the right carpeting for a room comes down to identifying the level of traffic in a particular room, the attributes homeowners would like the carpet to have and any other needs that fit with their lifestyles. The following guidelines can make carpet shopping a bit easier.

softer on the feet than berber.

Type of carpeting There are many different types of carpeting, some of which are best suited to certain situations. For example, plush and saxony carpets are better in low-traffic areas. These carpets may show footprints and also vacuum tracks and dirt, but they’re higher on the comfort spectrum than other types of carpet.

Berber, which is more flat and dense, helps mask stains and tracks. It is durable in high-traffic areas.

Textured carpets like frieze are cut from fibers of different heights, so they mask stains and are also

Installation Select a reliable carpet retailer and installer for your business. Competent installers will lay the carpeting in the correct manner so that it will look beautiful and maintain its durability for the life of the product. Shop around to find the right installer or even do the work yourself if you feel capable.

Take time when shopping for carpeting, which is a substantial investment that can last for many years if the right material is chosen and installed correctly.

Padding Padding can impact the way carpeting feels and how long it lasts. It isn’t always necessary to purchase the most expensive or thickest padding. However, it is wise to pick a pad that matches the type of carpeting you’re selecting and one that aligns with how you plan to use the room. You may be able to go with a thinner pad in low-traffic rooms and beneath dense carpeting like berber. In high-traffic rooms, choose a thicker, more durable padding.

Padding prevents carpet backing and fibers from coming apart over time. It pays to invest in a padding that will last as well.

Expect the unexpected when renovating a home

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ccording to projections released in 2015 by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, a growing number of people in the United States planned to renovate their homes in 2016. The report estimated that spending on remodeling and repairs in 2016 would climb 8.6 percent to $310 billion, a figure that is close to the peak reached in 2006.

While it is still too soon to tabulate all of the figures from 2016, a quick glance at the data indicates renovations have increased across the country. And one only need travel through communities to see a greater number of contractors and homeowners working on homes.

Tackling any renovation project is an exercise in patience. Renovations can impede on daily activities and cause a certain level of upheaval in homeowners’ lives.

Homeowners planning renovations also may find that they must have some wiggle room when it comes to both their budgets and their expectations. Remodeling, particularly with regard to older homes, may unveil unforeseen issues that only arise in the face of the renovation.

So what can homeowners expect during a renovation?

The following are a few issues that might arise during home improvement projects.

Homeowners often discover hidden Dirt and noise: Homeowners can count on dust, problems when delving into renovations. debris and noise throughout the renovation process.

Budgeting for remediation can help Dust appears when walls come down or go up, and remove some of the stress of unexpected construction teams typically erect temporary walls or delays and concerns. tarps to contain the debris. Air filtering systems also can

limit dust particles. Noise is unavoidable. If it becomes troublesome, arrange to be outside of the home when the bulk of the construction is taking place.

Delays or schedule changes: Even the best contractors cannot control every aspect of the job. They rely on subcontractors and vendors to do portions of the work.

Materials may not always arrive on time, or they may fall short of homeowners’ expectations. This can push back the project schedule. Homeowners should hope for everything to be done on time, but it can be less stressful if homeowners anticipate delays and be a pleasant surprise if there are no delays.

Hidden issues: Contractors may uncover all sorts of issues that need to be addressed before a project can progress. Examples include the presence of asbestos (common in older homes), plumbing problems, incorrectly wired electrical systems, and leaks or moisture issues.

These problems also can impact the cost of the project, so set aside some money in the budget for unforeseen expenses. Chances are you are going to need some extra money to handle a few surprises during the project.

It’s important to expect the unexpected when embarking on home renovations. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting delays and coping with the upheaval to daily schedules are par for the remodeling course.

However, the end result is often well worth the time and effort.

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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Avoid aches and pains when gardening

P

eople who have not spent much time in a garden may not consider this rewarding hobby much of a threat to their health. But as veteran gardeners can attest, gardening can contribute to nagging aches and pains that can force even the most ardent green-thumbers indoors.

Gardening is a physical activity that, despite its peaceful nature, can be demanding on the body. Thankfully, there are several ways that gardening enthusiasts can prevent the aches and pains that can sometimes pop up after long days in the garden.

y

Use ergonomic gardening tools. Ergonomic gardening tools are designed to prevent the types of aches, pains and injuries that can cut gardeners’ seasons short. Gardening injuries can affect any area of the body, but injuries or aches and pains affecting the back, wrists and hands are among the most common physical problems gardeners endure.

Look for ergonomic tools that reduce the strain on these areas of the body. Even arthritis sufferers who love to garden may find that ergonomic tools make it possible for them to spend more time in their gardens without increasing their risk for injury.

Alternate tasks. Repetitive-strain injuries can affect gardeners who spend long periods of time performing the same activity in their gardens.

By alternating tasks during gardening sessions,

gardeners can reduce their risk of suffering repetitive strain injuries. Alternate tasks not just on muscle groups worked, but also level of difficulty.

Remember to include some simple jobs even on busy gardening days so the body gets a break.

Take frequent breaks. Frequent breaks can help combat the stiffness and muscle aches that may not appear until gardeners finish their gardening sessions. Breaks help to alleviate muscles or joints that can become overtaxed when gardening for long, uninterrupted periods of time. When leaning down or working on your hands and knees, stand up to take breaks every 20 minutes or the moment aches and pains start to make their presence felt.

Maintain good posture. Back injuries have a tendency to linger, which can keep gardeners indoors and out of their gardens. When gardening, maintain good posture to prevent back injuries.

Gardening back braces can protect the back by providing support and making it easier for gardeners to maintain their posture. Tool pouches attached to gardening stools or chairs also can be less taxing on the back than gardening belts tied around the waist.

Gardening might not be a contact sport, but it can cause pain if gardeners do not take steps to prevent the onset of muscle aches and strains when spending time in their gardens.

Kick your lawn’s grass.

With the KIOTI® CK2510, you can get a big, tough 60" drive-over mower deck. Easy to put on so you can tame that lawn of yours.

Easy to take off so you can do other work. We have a whole range of tractors to choose from. Let’s find the perfect one for you. *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/15/17—6/26/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire.

Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2017 Hunter Douglas.

All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q2NPS&LC1

ROCKINGHAM NEW HOLLAND • 540-434-6791 600 WEST MARKET STREET • HARRISONBURG, VA 22801 • www.RockinghamNewHolland.com ©2016 KIOTI Tractor Company a Division of Daedong-USA, Inc.

HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Treating lawns during drought or dry periods

Did you know? ne of th the he ways homeowners can keep their lawns looking lush and green is to aerate the turf when the need arises. Aerators perforate the soil with small holes. These holes allow air, nutrients and water to penetrate all the way to the roots, helping them grow deep and strong. Deep, strong roots are essential to healthy, lush lawns. While aeration can help many lawns, not every lawn will necessarily need to be aerated. Lawns that get heavy use, such as those that are often played on by children or pets, will likely benefit from periodic aeration. Feeling the lawn also can help homeowners determine if it needs to be aerated. Lawns that dry out quickly or feel spongy may be overcome with thatch, which can prevent lawns from getting the air, water and nutrients they need to thrive. Lawncare professionals recommend aerating lawns that contain thatch that is more than one-half inch. Thatch also can foster grub infestations, providing another benefit to removing it and aerating a lawn. When to aerate depends on the type of grass. Homeowners should consult with a lawncare professional about the best time to aerate their particular lawns, but it’s generally recommended that cool-season grasses be aerated in early spring or fall, while it’s best to aerate warm season grasses in late spring.

O

“D

rought” can be a four-letter word to many lawncare enthusiasts.

Homeowners who put in the hours and hard work to create beautiful, lush lawns can see the fruits of all their labor gradually disappear when drought sets in. That can be both frustrating to homeowners and detrimental to long-term lawn health.

Treating lawns during drought or dry periods can be tricky, as some homeowners may be forced to adhere to water restrictions established by their local governments. Still, there are some ways to obey the law and still help lawns withstand drought and dry periods.

Postpone fertilizer applications.

Fertilizers are designed to help grass grow, but growing grass needs water it won’t have access to when water restrictions have been put in place. If a lawn needs to be fertilized during drought or dry periods, homeowners should consult with lawncare professionals, who may have experience applying fertilizer during drought.

Professionals also may have access to more fertilizing products than homeowners will find at nearby lawn and garden centers.

Pull weeds by hand instead of applying herbicides. Herbicides are substances used to destroy unwanted vegetation, such as weeds. When applied during droughts or dry periods, such products can make it harder for grass to overcome weeds.

Instead of applying herbicides during drought or dry periods, pull weeds by hand.

Doing so can address a weed problem without harming the grass.

Water early. Water restrictions might not

Homeowners can employ various techniques to keep their lawns looking lush throughout drought and dry periods. completely deny homeowners the right to water their lawns. Rather, such regulations restrict how much water homeowners can use to treat their lawns during drought or dry periods. Watering early, ideally between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., ensures as little water as possible will be lost to evaporation and as much as possible will find its way onto the grass and into the soil. During periods of drought, temperatures tend to be at their highest in mid- to late-afternoon, so change automatic sprinkler timers if they are set to water during these hours.

Adjust lawnmower blade height. Grass grows more slowly during drought or dry periods. As a result, homeowners won’t need to mow as often during such times as they would when conditions are more favorable. But lawns may still need to be mowed during drought. When mowing, leave grass on the longer side. Mowing stresses grass, which is already under considerable stress during drought. By setting mower blades to cut no more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time, homeowners can encourage roots to grow deeper. Deep roots help the grass combat the effects of drought.

Drought and dry periods need not ruin homeowners’ lush lawns. But lawn care enthusiasts will have to alter their lawn care routines when conditions are dry.

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

See us at Home and Living Expo

Harrisonburg, Va.

Recognizing and addressing grub infestations

Rockingham County Fairgrounds Saturday April 8, 9-6 • Sunday April 9, 10-4 Special Sale Pricing on these groups

Digby Sofa Collection Register for FREE Power Bed

L

awns face many threats, not the least of which is grubs. The larvae of certain types of insects, including beetles, grubs feed on the roots of grass and plants and can turn even the greenest, most impressive lawns into unsightly eyesores.

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Many homeowners spend lots of time tending to their lawns, so the effects of grub infestations can be especially frustrating.

Learning to recognize what grub infestations look like and how to address them can help homeowners restore their lawns as quickly as possible.

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What do grub infestations look like?

According to the University of Illinois Extension, lawns affected by grub infestations will show wilting and browning of irregularly shaped areas. But grass that is turning brown is not always indicative of a grub infestation, as numerous factors can cause grass to turn brown.

Homeowners who suspect their lawns have been infested with grubs can approach spots where brown grass is meeting green grass and pull up the sod. Grubs appear slimy and C-shaped, and 10 or more within a square foot of sod is a sign that grubs have taken over.

Another potential indicator of grub infestations is holes or dirt channels in the lawn. These might be a byproduct of skunks, moles and raccoons digging up the lawn in search of grubs to eat.

Soft, spongy ground that is easy to pull up may also be indicative of grub infestations.

When are grub infestations likely to occur?

The timing of grub infestations may depend on geography. Homeowners who suspect their lawns have been infested by grubs can consult with lawn care professionals to determine if that’s likely. Some grub infestations discovered in the spring may actually be byproducts of infestations that began in the previous fall.

How can grub infestations be treated?

One way to treat grub infestations is to remove thatch from lawns. Thatch can harbor grubs by shielding them from pesticide applications. Aerating a lawn allows air, water and nutrients to penetrate the soil, fostering stronger roots that promote healthier lawns.

Aerating also removes thatch, taking grubs’ shelters away in the process.

Another way to combat grub infestations is to water deeply and infrequently, which encourages strong roots. Grubs prefer moist soil, and beetles are less likely to lay eggs that become grubs in lawns that are watered infrequently and deeply.

Insecticides can be applied to treat grub infestations, but insecticides might be most effective at preventing such infestations rather than treating existing ones. If grub infestations are discovered early, insecticides can prevent the problem from spreading.

Grub infestations can be an unsightly nuisance. But such problems can be solved if recognized and addressed quickly.

HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Home safety checks to complete today A new kitchen or a bathroom remodeling job might be dream projects for many homeowners, but the right home improvement project at a given moment is not necessarily the most glamorous project. Sometimes safety upgrades around the house must take precedence over more popular projects.

Accidents or injuries can occur in any part of the home, but homeowners who take certain preventative measures can greatly reduce their injury risk. The security resource A Secure Life points out that more than 18,000 Americans die every year from injuries that take place in the home. Unintentional injuries account for millions of medical visits each year. Home injuries also are prevalent elsewhere in the world. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reports that there are approximately 6,000 deaths every year that result from accidents at home.

Periodic inspections for potential hazards can keep everyone safe. The following are a handful of ways for homeowners to ensure their homes are as safe as possible.

Check for sturdy handrails and prevent tripping hazards.

Falls are one of the leading causes of home injuries. Falls can be a particular threat for youngsters and the elderly. To help prevent falls, make sure that staircases feature sturdy railings and that there is ample lighting in walkways. Remove obstructions from frequently used paths inside and outside the home. In addition, insert nonslip padding beneath runners or throw rugs.

Check for frayed wires or faulty outlets. Address any electrical problems around the house, including frayed wiring and faulty

outlets. Sparks can lead to fires, and poor wiring may cause unforeseen problems behind walls. Repair or replace any loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices. Be sure that cords do not run under doorways or rugs. Replace outlets that are in disrepair and install ones with ground-fault current interruptors as an added precaution. If small children live in the home, use plastic safety covers over unused outlets.

Practice window safety. Young children are curious and do not always recognize the inherent dangers around them. Children excited to see the great outdoors may climb up to peer out windows, and open windows are falling hazards. Screens do not offer an adequate barrier against falls. Consider locking windows or use safety bars to guard against falls. Test to see how easily screens can be pushed out, replacing any that do not provide adequate resistance to curious youngsters’ hands.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice per year, and test them to make sure they’re in good working order at least once per month. The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing hard-wired smoke alarms every 10 years. Battery-operated alarms may need to be replaced even sooner. Many carbon monoxide detectors work for five to seven years. Check the back of alarms for a date stamp that indicates how old the product is and when it expires.

Safety checklists are an important part of home maintenance.

Check faulty wiring and replace A proactive approach can prevent both injuries and damage outlets that are not working. to the home.

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HOME & GARDEN

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Spring projects

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Harrisonburg, Va.

Let DuPont Community Credit Union help you with your home improvement project with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

Receive $250 No closing costs1 Rates as low as 3.50% APR2 Apply today at one of our 12 locations, on the phone, or online at mydccu.com.

The $250.00 offer applies to only approved and funded loans for which an application was submitted April 1, 2017 – May 31, 2017. Offer of $250.00 will be deposited into your DCCU savings account on the day of loan funding and may be reportable as taxable income. 1Minimum loan amount of $10,000 required for $250.00 and no closing cost offer. “No closing cost” does not include the cost of an appraisal if one is needed. Original closing cost will be assessed if the loan is paid off and closed within two years of funding. Terms, Restrictions, and Fees may apply. Rate valid as of 04/01/2017. 2APR may vary. Maximum rate 16.00%. Offer subject to creditworthiness and collateral limits. For complete credit cost and terms, visit mydccu.com or call 1.800.245.8085. NMLS ID# 609369 | nmlsconsumeraccess.org