Home, Lawn & Garden
Keep your chimney from catching fire. Page 3. Choose the right window treatments for a room. Page 5. You can bring garden flowers inside. Page 6. Donate excess vegetables instead of tossing them. Page 16.
The Herald â– YO U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 8 9 5 DUBOISCOUNTYHERALD.COM
DUBOIS COUNTY, INDIANA
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017 SECTION B
PAGE 2 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
Specialty hoses designed to fit your needs By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com
est but most durable. Vinyl hoses are more lightweight and easy to use, making them the most popular choice for homeowners. Combination rubber-vinyl hoses are sold often, which have a medium weight and are relatively durable. According to the 2015 Consumer Reports article “How to cut your water use in half,” homeowners tend to overwater their grass and lawn, which can harm your greenery and your budget. Specialty hoses offer ease and efficiency for gardening projects and can even help you save you money on your monthly water bill.
Not all garden hoses are created equal, just as no garden and landscape is constructed equal. Hose styles not only vary in quality and durability but also in their effectiveness for a particular use. If you’ve been approaching all of your watering tasks with one basic garden hose, you may be missing out on the benefits that specialty hoses offer. Specialty hoses can be more well-suited for particular conditions and projects, as well as appeal to a gardener’s personal preference. Having a general knowledge of garden hose considerations will prove useful when you’re on the hunt for the perfect specialty hose.
Flow-control hose This type of hose helps conserve water by employing either an on-off lever or a handheld activator and shut-off. Historically, people would often fold or kink their hose to stop water flow while they hurried back to the spigot to turn off the water. While simple, this strategy often results in detrimental puddling in a landscaping area or a surprise spray of water to the face. Flow-control hoses
Distance Depending on the surface area of your lawn or garden, you may need hoses of different lengths and/or several hoses and attachments. According to the “Garden Hose Buying Guide” on the Lowe’s home improvement store website, garden hoses are sold in increments of 25 feet. “Water pressure diminishes as the hose length increases,” the site says, “so buy a hose that’s long enough to reach where you’ll be using it and no longer.” Buying two shorter hoses and combining them when needed, as opposed to one longer hose, is suggested. Diameter Hoses range in diameter, from 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. Most hoses in the United States, according to the Lowe’s site, are 5/8 inch. If your watering task demands a heavy flow, choose a hose with a bigger diameter. Attachments A hose attachment allows you to choose the force and pattern of water flow, from a steady stream to a rain-like sprinkle. The spray nozzle is popular because it provides a spray pattern for every project. Simply toggle back and forth on the dial. Pistol and twist nozzles have adjustable sprays, such as a fan spray for gentle watering of new flowers and a jet spray for cleaning and washing. Reel and hanger A garden hose reel is a great way to keep your hose kink-free, easy to unspool and neatly stored. Unraveling is as simple as turning a handle. Plus, the hose will be enclosed and therefore guarded from small animals or other damage. Whereas reels are generally portable, a hose hanger attaches to the side of your house. Marie Iannotti, a gardening expert of the lifestyle site The Spruce, says: “The simplest of hose reels are the wheels you mount on a wall and wind the hose around. Simple, but functional. And sometimes simple is the only way things get done.” Material The weight of a hose, which is determined by its material, can make a big difference in your ability to maneuver around during your project. Sure, an extra a shoulder and bicep workout might be appreciated on occasion, but dragging the hose around can certainly be challenging and inconvenient. Rubber hoses are the heavi-
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provide more precision and avoid wasting water. Soaker hose A soaker hose is made from porous material that gently seeps water into your garden and landscape. This is a preferred method of watering for some types of garden plants, bushes, trees and herbs, for they water slowly and evenly. And they are particularly helpful in times of drought. Drink-safe hose Nowadays, there is concern for garden hose water being contaminated with lead that leaks from the hose material. Look for hoses that are labeled “drink-safe,” which are lead-free and made from FDAapproved materials. And since bacteria grows in warm standing water, let the water run until it’s cold before taking a sip. Discuss your lawn and garden needs with an expert at your local nursery. Bring photos of your plants, trees, etc., so the expert can determine your watering needs and suggest the perfect specialty hose.
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It’s smart to invest in a specialty garden hose that suits your watering tasks.
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 3
Keep your chimney clean, prevent fires By MICHAEL MAZUR Special Sections Writer HUNTINGBURG — A dirty chimney can catch on fire. Those words have a profound impact on thousands of homeowners throughout the country who have experienced chimney fires. According to a Consumers Product Safety Commission 201113 report, on average 22,300 chimney-related fires and 20 deaths occurred during that three-year period. In total, there were an estimated 358,800 residential fires resulting in 2,160 deaths,12,230 injuries and $6.35 billion in property loss over that time. In relation to all residential fires that is about 6 percent, but it is still a consequential number, especially to those who have had a chimney fire and suffered the loss of loved ones. One of those fires is too many. However that number is the highest number of fires among the subcategories of heating and cooling equipment which includes, fixed and portable heaters, central heating, water heaters and air conditioning. Barry Waninger, owner of Gray Cat Chimney Service and a CSIA-certified technician, says chimney sweeps have been instrumental in helping to reduce such fires. Some indications that a chimney fire may have occurred are a loud cracking noise — some saying it sounds like the low rumble of a freight train barreling down the tracks — plenty of dense smoke, an intense hot smell and flames shooting out of the chimney, according to the Chimney
Safety Institute of America. And yet, many chimney fires go unnoticed because they are slower burning and less dramatic. Some other signs of a chimney fire are warped metal on the damper and/ or metal connector pipe, cracked and large chunks missing from flue tiles, a discolored or distorted rain cap, creosote flakes scattered on the roof or ground, roofing shingles damaged, exterior masonry cracks and smoke flowing through mortar joints, according to the institute. A clean chimney also keeps the sooty smell from entering your living space, especially when it rains. Waninger said that odor is created when soot residue gets wet. Also, an uncovered flue allows rainwater to end up at the bottom of the fireplace to mix with ash and soot. Installing a chimney cap that covers the flue or your entire chimney can reduce or eliminate the problem. The best time of year to clean the chimney is before winter, just after winter or really anytime they are not in use. Creosote forms when smoke comes in contact with the inside walls because of incomplete combustion and when lower temperatures in the chimney cause smoke to condense. This forms a glaze on the inside walls. A hot fire creates good combustion efficiency, thus less smoke. Waninger says mild winters such as the one this year can be a condition that creates more creosote than a normal winter. This is because during a milder winter people usually can’t burn their fireplaces or wood stoves hot
enough to create good combustion. The fires are smokier and that smoke can create a glaze of creosote. On the other hand, a severe winter will cause homeowners to burn more wood than normal. Sometimes that demand for wood may make good, dried and split wood harder to obtain. Homeowners may resort to green wood which has a high-moisture content, making it harder to ignite and burn hotter. This creates more smoke and more creosote. A chimney fire burns from 1,800 to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. To put that into perspective, Waninger said, air going up a chimney from a fireplace is about 200 to 300 degrees and in a wood burning stove, with its enclosed burning chamber the air going up is 400 to 500 degrees, sometimes higher. Heat can damage masonry such as brick and brick itself can get hot enough to ignite wood. The fire does not have to pass through the brick, he said. Insulated liners can be installed to better control the heat and to make older or newer systems out of compliance compliant with the National Fire Protection Association codes, according to Waninger. A relatively newer insulated liner that is wrapped with stainless steel actually can be installed with zero clearance. For the the past 30 years Waninger has been inspecting, sweeping, repairing and maintaining thousands of chimneys in Dubois County and the surrounding area, from the early days of using the brush that he manipulated by hand to today’s modern meth-
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ods of using a mechanical drill with a rotary brush, an elaborate dust control system and a camera to view conditions inside the chimney. Although at times he has to resort to using the hand brush, depending on the type of system in the home, the age of the system and the material and configuration of the system. Homeowners who have and use fireplaces, wood-burning stoves or have furnaces or other appliances like water heaters that are connected to a chimney should have them inspected and swept annually to maintain a clear path for the gases and soot generated from burning wood, coal or natural or propane gas to vent toxic gases outside the home, preventing fires and the formation of carbon monoxide. And along with fire detectors, homeowners should install carbon monoxide detectors, at least two he suggests — one in the bedroom and one near the appliance. For those homeowners who no longer use their chimney, Waninger recommends having an inspection every five years for damage to mortar, brick or block and the chimney cap caused by rain and to see if any animals or birds have fallen in or built nests inside the chimney. A proper crown can direct water away from the chimney opening and a chimney cap can help to prevent the critter problem, not to mention protection from sparks when a screen mesh is installed around the cap. Waninger mostly does the inspections, sweeping, minor repairs and preventive maintenance,
while outsourcing larger jobs. One of the first things he recommends to homeowners is to make sure the chimney sweep is certified. He said you can go to csia.org to find one in your area. Certification, he says, tells the homeowner “that the technician is knowledgeable of building codes, how the system works and ways to repair and prevent problems., And whatever contractor you use make sure they are using modern chimney lining products.” On average, his inspections and sweeps cost about $230 and take from two to three hours. However, just like anything else, cost can vary because of the many variables a chimney sweep may encounter, such as the age of the house, the type of heating system, whether the system is out of compliance, the configuration of the system, the difficulty of getting inside the system to clean and repair, material used and the steepness of the roof. Any roof over a 6/12 pitch is very difficult to work from. And sometimes the chimney needs to be cleaned before it can be inspected. Also, a heavily creosote-glazed chimney adds to the cost. It also indicates, he said, that there is “something wrong with the flue.” It is best to keep it clean and in working order on a regular preventive basis. It can be cheaper in the long run. “Properly installed and working flues promotes a good night’s sleep,” Waninger said, adding that “the awareness of the importance of having a chimney swept (cleaned) and maintained is getting better.”
PAGE 4 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
Entice feathered friends to visit all year long By DIANNE CROWN Creators.com Whether you’re setting out to create a thriving habitat for your wild birds or you’d just like to add a new feature, wild-bird expert Wade Kammin has several ideas for spring. If you cover all your bases -- food, water and shelter — then the sky’s the limit. Food and feeders Kammin, who owns a Wild Birds Unlimited store, encourages enthusiasts to continue to support area bird populations with the right foods and feeders throughout the year, not just during the winter months. “When talking about the best choices to feed birds, we first have to talk about what not to feed,” Kammin begins, “such as wheat, milo and oats. These filler grains are often found in bags of seed, but aren’t birdseed. For a diversity of birds, we try to mimic the diet of birds in their natural habitats.” A high-quality bag of food will balance ingredients in the right ratio for birds who feed at different levels and prefer different foods, such as sunflower seed and safflower seed for cardinals; peanuts for titmice, wrens and nuthatches; and suet for woodpeckers. “These foods are high in fat and protein for quick energy,” says Kammin, who adds that including some millet in the mix also encourages doves and juncos, who like to eat on the ground. In addition to offering good foods, try to purchase feeders that will accommodate the variety of standing, perching and clinging styles of your birds. According to the National Audubon Society, “To avoid crowding and to attract the greatest variety of species, provide table-like feeders for ground-feeding birds, hopper or tube feeders for shrub and treetop feeders, and suet feeders well off the ground for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.” If you’re an apartment dweller, select feeders and no-mess seed combinations that can be supported by patio stands or attached to windows and rails. And be considerate of the fourlegged creatures who may just be trying to make a living. Drawing squirrels to the ground level with a corn, seed and nut mix will help
keep them out of your songbird feeders, as will a baffle on your stand feeder. And when, as happens occasionally through the year, you notice an increase in starlings, grackles and other bigger birds, be patient for a couple of days and get to know them until they move back out into the trees and fields. Grackles like to dip corn kernels in water before they eat. Starlings eat in noisy groups, making a variety of calls the whole time. Blue jays have a veritable playlist of songs and calls, often mimicking other bird sounds. Cowbird and catbird calls sound unmistakably like a drop of water and a cat meowing, respectively. They’re all interesting and entertaining. “Living in harmony with them is probably the best approach,” says Kammin. “I try to have an appreciation for every individual bird. Blue jays get a bad rap because people think they’re mean to other birds. But actually, they just come into feeders quickly and scatter the birds, pick up what they want then fly away to eat it. The other birds come right back. I have to marvel at the brainpower of the jays. You can put in-shell peanuts in a separate feeder away from the other feeders and enjoy watching their large family social network.” Audubon offers an important safety note about feeders. “Uneaten seed can become soggy and grow deadly mold. Empty and clean feeders twice a year (in the spring and fall) or more often if feeders are used during humid summers. Using a long-handled bottle brush, scrub with dish detergent and rinse with a powerful hose; then soak in a bucket of 10 percent non-chlorine bleach solution, rinse well, and dry in the sun. In early spring, rake up spilled grain and sunflower hulls.” For the experienced feeder looking for a new feature, consider the increasing variety of compressed seed blocks, which offer longer-lasting, lower-mess and lower-maintenance feeding options; and some of the new specialized feeders on the market, such as the meal-worm feeder, specifically for insect-lovers who can’t crack open hard seed coverings, says Kammin. Last, try to place feeders about 10 feet from shrubs and trees, says
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Hummingbirds are attracted to reds, pinks and other bright colors. Kammin. “This is far enough away that birds at feeders can see predators coming, and close enough to dive for cover.” If you do see a natural predator strike a bird, he adds, “Avoid the temptation to try to help the victim. The hawk or other predatory bird will have to hunt again and get somebody else.”
combination of heights for nesting, cover and food.” Add a few well-constructed housing options as needed, and leave some dead and dying limbs for woodpecker and nuthatch nests, Kammin suggests. Many birds look for brightly
Water Provide fresh water daily. As winter turns to spring, use a heated birdbath or a dog dish filled with enough stepping stones to prevent smaller birds from falling in and drowning. The rest of the year, refresh the water in traditional birdbaths each day and add a sprayer, dripper or jiggler to attract hummingbirds and discourage mosquitoes. Shelter and attraction For the most diversity and activity at your feeders, Kammin emphasizes the importance of one factor: “Above all else, habitat, habitat, habitat. Plant native shrubs, perennials and trees at a
colored flowers when choosing feeding and nesting sites. Reds, oranges and bright pinks will all be good attractors for hummingbirds. These will also attract butterflies and bees, so your habitat will contribute to the overall health of your area’s ecosystem.
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 5
Window treatments: Choosing right fit for room By CHELLE CORDERO Creators.com The windows of your home are the eyes to the outside, and how you view the world could make a big difference in your day. Putting just the right frame around your window is more than just emphasizing a view; it also helps set the inside ambiance and adds comfort and connection to your living space. There are many options when it comes to choosing the right window treatment — curtains, blinds, draperies, window shades, film — and then comes selecting the fabric, color, density and more. Choosing the right window treatment is based strongly on your needs — for example, privacy, temperature control, the room’s use, the amount of light and, of course, the view. Depending on where you live and whether you’re in a homeowners association, you may also have to consider the view from the outside. Cellular shades are great for both privacy and energy efficiency. From the side, these shades resemble honeycombs. Their qualities depend on how many rows of cells there are, but to varying degrees, cellular shades let in light, maintain privacy and help to insulate against extreme temperatures. These shades might be super choices for bathrooms, first-floor bedrooms and other places where privacy and light are coveted. Cellular shades not only come in a variety of colors but also have options such as the ability for the top to be lowered and the bottom to be raised, also referred to as a top-down/bottom-up shade,
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A casual, eclectic space — like this one designed by Ricky Yootz — is a perfect place to sit down and enjoy a good book. and can even be fitted with motorized pulls that can be controlled from across a room with a remote. If you work nights and sleep during the day, have a young child who takes naps during the day or have an entertainment room that you need darkened for movies, then you need room-darkening shades, drapes or shutters with solid panels. Draperies lined with blackout lining, a very dense fab-
ric that doesn’t let light penetrate, are very effective at turning the daylight off. For maximum darkening effect, install floor-to-ceiling drapes that cover up to 18 inches on each side of the window frame. Drapes that go down to the floor — or at least well below the windowsill — are also a very modern decorating touch; the rod or track can be installed on the wall or the ceiling, depending on your
preference. Cafe curtains, often used in kitchens, should brush the windowsill. Window glass surrounding entry doors lets the light in but doesn’t really afford you much privacy. Replacing the clear glass panels with stained glass or frosted panels will allow light while helping to protect your home from prying eyes. You can find self-adhesive vinyl that can achieve the
same effect without the higher cost. Double-pane glass or insulated curtain panels will insulate the area, although the insulated curtains will cut down on the light. Remember that the thicker the fabric the less light it will let in. Before choosing the fabric or color of curtains, take a good look at the room. Is it casual or formal? Formal fabrics often include heavier materials, such as heavy silk or velvet. These fabrics add lots of insulation and drape smoothly, but they also require frequent dry cleaning. Less formal fabrics include cotton, linen and wool blends. Choose contrasting, complementary or blended colors as they relate to your furniture. Blended curtains should be a few shades darker than the wall or pick up a subtle color from an accent piece, such as a throw rug. Contrasting colors will make the room pop and set a more casual tone. Select solid drapes or curtains if your furniture upholstery has strong patterns, and consider patterned drapes if your furniture pieces are solid colors. Remember that sheer curtains will let more light in, whereas denser curtains are good for room darkening and insulation. Curtain rods should match the decor of the room. For a more cohesive look, don’t mix distinctive time periods or metal finishes. Mount the brackets into studs where available, or use toggle bolts for added stability. Use a level to hang the curtains straight. Installation is often available from your local curtain shop. Ask for fabric swatches so that you can make your decisions in the room you are hanging the curtains in.
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K & K Industries, Inc. – 812-486-3281 – Merlin Wagler Kerstiens Homes & Designs – 812-482-5072 – Todd Kerstiens Keusch Exteriors – 812-482-2566 – Matt Schwenk Knies Construction, Inc. – 812-482-1024 – Joe Knies Krempp Lumber Co. – 812-482-1961 – Brady Albright Krutz Shoe Sales, LLC – 812-556-0315 – Rick Krutz Kurt’s Carpentry – 812-683-8506 – Kurt Mullis LAN Concrete Technology – 812-639-0402 – Luke Nordhoff Lanex Development Group, LLC – 812-309-3269 – Alex Zehr Lensing Wholesale – 1-800-264-6060 – Tom O’Brien Little Si’s Construction, Inc. – 812-634-1834 – Steve Stenftenagel Logan Lavelle Hunt Ins & Wealth Mgmt. – 812-401-9206 – Trent Hunt Bob Luegers Motors, Inc. – 812-482-5141 – Dave Luegers Marvin & Toni’s Bargain Barn – 812-367-2112 – Marvin L. Weyer MasterBrand, Inc. – 317-752-5601 – John Kempski Meadowood Apartments – 812-482-5913 – Linda Gerber Medcalf Construction – 812-639-0923 – Dennis Medcalf Mehringer Brothers Plastering – 812-482-9243 – Ed Mehringer Mehringer’s Pl.,Ht., & A/C – 812- 482-4425 – Bucket Mehringer Memorial Hospital & Health Care – 812-482-2345 – Gerry Miller Messmer Mechanical, Inc. – 812-482-6766 – Ed Messmer Meyer Truck Equipment – 812-695-3451 - Bryant Kieffner Mullis Custom Homes – 812-544-2848 – Darrell Mullis Mulzer Crushed Stone, Inc. – 812-482-9259 – Greg Hagedorn Neuhoff & Wagner Bld. Supply – 482-7800 – Dave Neuhoff Gene Nigg Construction – 812-634-1021 – Gene Nigg Old National Bank – 812-482-2772 – Nick Stevens Pfaff Construction – 812-630-6221 – Jared Pfaff Power Team Services, LLC – 262-574-5100 – Shawn Klumb Precision Stoneworks – 812-683-1102 – Todd Brittain Premier Power – 317-879-0660 – Kevin Templeman Pund Plbg, Htg, Clg, Inc. – 812-367-2337 – Kenneth Pund Reinbrecht Homes – 812-639-1385 –Jace Himsel Rees Plastering – 812-482-1248 – Landon Rees Ruxer,Ford, Lincoln, Mercury – 812-482-1200 – Gary Weinzapel Safeguard Print & Promo – 800-875-9908 – Craig Schneider Sander Catering – 812-634-1018 – Alex Zehr Schaeffer Specialized Lubricants – 812-482-7656 – Jerry Himsel
James Schoenbachler Const. LLC – 812-630-2026 – James Schoenbachler Schroering Plumbing, Heating & A.C. – 812-482-2466 – Phil Schroering Tom Schroering Construction, Inc. – 812-482-5392 – Tom Schroering Schwartz Building Materials, LLC – 812-481-9400 – Joel Schwartz Scott Corn Construction – 812-630-1447 – Scott Corn Sell4Free Welsh Realty Corp. – 812-482-3385 – Gary Schnell Seufert Construction – 812-367-1340 - Scott Tretter Sherwin-Williams – 812-482-4466 – Jenny Byrd Smith Homes – 812-544-2050 – Ron Smith Smithville Fiber – 812-935-2349 – Lance Bunch Southern Indiana Propane, Inc. – 812-482-5341 – John Schroering Southern Indiana Supply – 812-482-2267 – Paul Geisler Springs Valley Bank & Trust Co.– 812-634-1010 – Terry Giesler Steinkamp Home Center – 812-683-3860 – Dean Knies Sternberg Automotive Group – 812-482-5125 – Curtis Sternberg Superior Insulation – 812-367-1200 – Brad Brosmer Timber Creek – 812-482-3252 – Mike & Pat Hochgesang Tri-Cap – 812-482-2233 – Neil Elkins Tom’s Lawn-Garden & Appl. Ctr. – 812-634-1950 – Matt Mundy Town of Ferdinand – 812-367-2280 – Ken Sicard Testing & Inspection Services, Inc. – 812-848-2056 – Calvin Cash Jr. Truss Systems, Inc – 812-897-3064 – Dennis Hartz Uebelhor & Sons, Inc. – 812-482-2222 – Kurt Haas Uebelhor TV – 812-367-1591 – Scott Uebelhor United Dynamics – 502-301-0827 – Jeff Lockhart Universal Design Associates, Inc. – 812- 367-2831 – Thomas J. Schipp Valery Kessens Appraisals – 812-544-3444 – Val Kessens Verkamp Construction, Inc. – 812-326-2535 – Gerald Verkamp Vinyl Concept – 812-683-3221 – Brandon Zehr Voegerl Construction, Inc. – 812- 367-1281 – Dennis Voegerl Voges Construction – 812-482-9753 – Allen Voges WITZ Radio Station – 812-482-2131 – Bob Bleemel Wagner Brothers Const. Co., Inc. – 812-482-1794 – Sam Wagner Wagner Painting – 812-482-4034 – Ron Wagner Wehr & Sons Construction – 812-482-1026 – Ernie Wehr Whayne Supply – 812-422-1636 – Matt Bueltel Woebkenberg Construction – 812-367-1949 – Denis Woebkenberg Young’s Masonry, Bldg & Rem. – 812-482-1180 – Mark Young
PAGE 6 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
Create bouquets to enjoy flowers little longer By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com As your garden and planter flowers bloom throughout the season, you’ll surely want to bring some of those blooms inside your home as cut flowers included in floral arrangements or as solo blooms standing pretty in bud vases. And you’ll certainly want to help those gorgeous flowers to last as long as possible, looking bright and fresh for more than a day. In some cases, you’ll want your floral centerpiece to look fresh just throughout your dinner or party, and even that can be a challenge with certain types of garden flowers, such as hydrangeas, which seem to wilt all too soon. So to avoid droopy, curled-petal or crispy flowers, you can take some easy steps to extend the life of your cut blooms. Here are some easy actions to take each time you plan to cut flowers from your garden, trees or planters for indoor display: ■■ Prep your vase before you cut any fresh flowers. Start by cleaning your vase thoroughly with warm soapy water, and rinse all traces of the soap or any gunk, dried-on leaves or other materials from the most recent time the vase held flowers. You don’t want any foreign substances or bacteria in your vase, because they would speed up the decomposition of your freshly cut blooms. Clean your cutting tool, as well, to keep bacteria and decay-speeding materials away from your flowers. ■■ Add cool water to your vase to your choice of water height. This is important to note because you will soon strip away all branches or leaves from the stems of your cut flowers so that none will be submerged once the flowers are placed in the vase. Any leaves or branches in the water would decompose quickly, shortening the life of your flowers. ■■ Decide on a floral life-preserving additive for your vase water. Because you will cut your flowers from your garden, you probably won’t have access to one of those little rectangular packets of flower food that usually come with store-bought cut bouquets. You can purchase at a garden center a container of cut flower food (some specifically for roses and some for general flowers) to
of each stem away while it’s in the water. When a cut stem is exposed to air, it reduces the stem’s ability to absorb and transfer water up to the flower. If your vase is narrow, keep a cool water-filled bucket next to your vase to ensure easy underwater cutting and the quick transfer of each cut stem. More than a few seconds of air exposure hurts a flower’s water retention ability. ■■ When your flowers are inserted in your vase, place the vase in a cool location away from direct sunlight, according to the experts at the garden blog The Flower Expert. Heat shortens the life of cut garden flowers. ■■ An effective way to extend
the life of your cut floral bouquet or arrangement is to place it in your refrigerator overnight, much like the way flowers are stored in floral shops. The cool air helps prevent rot. ■■ Each morning, change out the water in your vase, which is often enough to keep your flowers fresher and healthier, and consider re-cutting the bottom of each stem to provide a new path of water absorption. With careful care of the flowers you cut from your garden or planters, you can keep lovely floral color, texture and scent in your home all season long and avoid paying high prices for flowers at a store.
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Cut flowers from your garden can last a long time with proper preparation and care. use according to product package instructions. Alternatively, you could choose to crush an aspirin and add it to the vase water. Aspirin is a popular life extender for cut flowers. You may have heard of some other tricks, such as adding cider vinegar and sugar or adding a touch of bleach, and recent floral blogger trials have shown these additions to be mildly effective in adding a day or two to your bouquet flowers’ freshness. Far easier would be to just keep the vase water clean and replaced every day to inhibit bacterial growth, according to Georgianne Vinicombe, owner of Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co., as well as keeping your floral ar-
rangement away from heat sources, which can speed up decay. ■■ Strip the bottom leaves and branches from each of your cut flowers using a flower-stripping tool from the garden center (although a pair of very sharp scissors will do). Again, any submerged flora would encourage rot. ■■ Insert each flower stem in your vase of water one by one so that you can use a sharp cutting tool or scissors to cut the bottom
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 7
‘Cabinet-cadabra’: Create storage without closets By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com No matter how many closets and how much cabinet space you have, it might not seem like enough. Ben Soreff of House to Home Organizing says that one of the biggest challenges his clients face is to simply acknowledge the situation. “I have homeowners with no garage, no basement, no attic and limited closets,” says Soreff. “I always advise my clients to lean into it.” Soreff says a lack of storage can be viewed “as a tax for living close to the beach or in a great apartment near Times Square.” Once they acknowledge their storage limitations, homeowners need to adapt to a pared-down lifestyle. “You can’t buy a 12-pack of paper towels or keep your skis in the living room,” he says, noting that the best way to live easily is to remove items you don’t use often. (Hint: Rent skis instead of owning them.) Keep only what you need and frequently use. That means holiday decorations and your bread maker (used once a year) shouldn’t be vying for cabinet or closet space in your main living areas. Getting started From storing kitchen and bath items to streamlining your closets and organizing your bedrooms and living rooms, it can be difficult to find a place for everything. “Shelves and containers are cornerstones to organization, so if your home is not designed with enough cabinet or closet space just create your own,” says Jim Ireland, owner of White Glove Elite, a cleaning company, who recommends buying a portable wardrobe to store clothing and using a shoe rack to keep shoes off the floor. Cute cubes Storage cubes, which are available in a variety of colors, patterns and materials, can be a quick and stylish storage option around the house. Canvas containers fold flat when not in use. Use them to store anything: seasonal clothes, toys, papers around your home office and more. Ireland suggests using fabric bins for under-the-bed storage, saying they provide “a softer, more elegant look.” Another option: consider building your own cube shelves, typically made of laminate or plastic. They can be used alone or stacked together to create a modular shelving unit. Those canvas foldable cubes can be stored inside these shelving units. Up and down Maximize your walls and other hidden storage spaces. “Vertical becomes the solution when space is an issue,” says Soreff. “Items that are used less often must go up.” He also tucks shoes and other similar items in boxes under the bed, even putting lifts on the legs of the bed to create more space. Another suggestion is to keep surplus items, such as paper towels, water bottles and party supplies, out of the main living areas. Instead, tuck them away in a garage or a basement.
Double duty Be smart about your storage options by investing in items that can do more than one thing. Benches, for example, can double as shoe racks. “I don’t advise hanging too much, but behind-the-door shoe holders work better for jewelry and scarves than they do for shoes,” says Soreff, who also advises using one set of bins to store and swap seasonal items. “Take the sweaters out and replace with bathing suits.” Go outside If you have more space outside your home than inside, it might make sense to install a storage shed. Designs have come a long way. Today’s stylish sheds look nothing like the aluminum-box structures you remember. Some modern sheds resem-
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PAGE 8 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
Zen gardening: Find peace of mind in your space By JULIA PRICE Creators.com The world is incredibly hectic — more so now than ever before because added to the usual hustle and bustle of life are social networks, which constantly seem to demand our attention during what might otherwise be our relaxation time. It can feel as if your brain never gets a second to just chill. On top of all the chaos, people are continuing to move to cities, which can reduce their access to outdoor spaces. This is why it’s so important to create a space of Zen and peace, a place where you can just breathe. You may have an entire yard, a small balcony or maybe just a little sun near your windowsill, but regardless of your space, there’s always room for serenity. If you’ve got a bigger yard, you’re one lucky (and soon-to-be relaxed) gal or guy. You can find inspiration from Pinterest, where you’ll be able to search different boards to find the most peaceful outdoor palace that you can recreate or customize. One of the most symbolic displays of harmony is a Buddha. For many people, this type of figure immediately puts them at ease; his teachings were the founding element of Buddhism, after all.
Depending on your space limitations, you can purchase a variety of sizes for your very own meditating Buddha. Some great places to start your search are Amazon.com and Lotus Sculpture (great for statues and larger figures). For a range of twists on a classic, head to Etsy and search for “Buddha sculpture.” The Buddha is a great place to start, but let’s get to the greenery. If you’re new to the plant game, make sure you take photos of your indoor or outdoor space, and then head to your lawn and garden shop and start asking away. It might be best to skip the department stores and chains that offer an outdoor section and instead visit a mom-and-pop type business. Generally, the people at that kind of place are able to give you more time and focus. Depending on your space, you may also want a peaceful spot to sit, and they may be able to direct you to a local carpenter who can craft the perfect wooden benches for your yard. If you’re looking for something a little cozier or softer, you can check out lots of different department stores that offer outdoor and patio seating — weatherproof and simple to put together, if they aren’t sold as already assembled items. If you’d like to add a water el-
JULIA PRICE/CREATORS.COM
No matter how small your living space is, you can find a way to add some Zen. ement to your yard (or windowsill), you can shop a wide range of sizes online without even leaving the comfort of your couch. You can find a fountain made of stone
that can sit on your nightstand or a large ceramic fountain that can also serve as a part-time bath for birds. And of course, if you want to attract birds, you’re going to
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want to add a bird feeder. Check out Pinterest for some great DIY tips. Last but certainly not least, without the proper lighting, no matter what you do with your personalized garden space, it will feel a little empty. That’s why you can either create your own special lighting by taking on a crafty project or check out your favorite stores for options. You can also skip the intricate lighting setup and go for a simpler option — candles. That’s also a great way to soften your indoor or small outdoor mini-garden space. Just remember to blow them out before you head to bed. When you are setting up your garden, set the space energetically before you even begin to start physically creating it. That way, when you step into your garden, your mind already goes into relaxation mode and your body and breathing respond. From there, you can pull out a book or simply listen to the wind and let your thoughts drift away, connecting you back to your most natural state
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 9
Minimalist home office can help with productivity By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com If your desk at home is overwhelmed by clutter and there’s little or no space to actually get work done, it’s time to streamline your home office. Cleaning your workspace can be a big job, but it’s worthwhile. “It really is about carving out a considerable chunk of time to thoroughly go through everything that is currently housed in the space,” says Jeanie Engelbach, founder and “boss lady” of apartmentjeanie, a professional organization company. Engelbach, who says clients are always surprised about how much time it takes to get their home office properly organized, advises clients to mark a date on the calendar to clean and organize the home office. “Treat and honor it like an appointment and the project won’t feel overwhelming,” she says. Focus When getting organized, focus on the job and move quickly, all while envisioning a tidy and organized area. “The success of a cleaning project is one’s ability to acknowledge, assess and act fast,” says Engelbach. “Not to get mired in reviewing, reminiscing and reliving what is currently being edited will help make the process go smoothly and quickly.” She recommends sorting through “absolutely everything that is in the space” so you can decide what to keep, throw away, recycle, shred or give away. Easily accessible Be logical about organizing the space and maximizing your time. “Frequently used files need to be” easily accessible, says Kelly Barber, a certified professional organizer and regional leader at Me In Order, a hands-on organizing firm. She suggests keeping commonly used papers close to your desk in a top filing drawer. “Items that you use daily should be in arm’s reach of your office chair,” Barber says. “The less frequently you use items the farther they can be away from you.” For example, extra supplies, from staples to copy paper to spare notepads, should be kept in a cabinet or closet. Once your home office is organized, make sure you have the right storage tools and containers to help keep it orderly. Don’t overbuy storage containers, and if you realize you have a surplus of extra supplies — for example, too many tape dispensers — return the excess items.
be paid together so you are not spending time searching for all the necessities,” says Barber. Add personality Make sure you enjoy working in your home office by adding personal touches to make the area welcoming. “The space in which you work needs to be inviting but convey structure and order,” says Engelbach, explaining that home office furnishings should be stylish, be functional and reflect the rest of the home’s style. Staying organized Once your home office is streamlined, work hard to keep it that way, or the clutter will consume you. “Keeping papers properly filed, desktop clean, piles properly corralled helps focus, time management and fosters a sense of
APARTMENTJEANIE/CREATORS.COM
Streamlining your home office can help you stay organized and be productive. calmness, which improves performance, confidence and attitude,” says Engelbach, who advises
cleaning out desk drawers every six months. She concludes, “You’ll hopeful-
ly never get so inundated by clutter, stacks and piles that you can’t organize it all within the hour.”
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Label it Create labels for files and other items in your office. That way, you’ll easily be able to store and find the stuff you need when you need it. Getting orderly could be as easy as color-coding each project. Barber recommends using a green folder for a home refinance project and a blue folder for medical bills. Finance fix Home offices are often used for more than just work. For example, if you’re paying bills from your desk, you need to make sure you’re prepared for the job. “Keep an expandable file with envelopes, stamps and bills to
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PAGE 10 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 11
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PAGE 12 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
Foundation Repair
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 13
How to estimate the cost of a room addition By MARK J. DONOVAN Creators.com When your home is undersized, outdated or lacking vital amenities, it may cost less to improve than to move. A room addition is great way to transform your home into the ideal fit for your lifestyle and personal taste. That said, it is a costly endeavor that almost always far exceeds the do-it-yourself realm of home improvement projects. With careful planning and knowledge of what an add-on project entails, you can develop a firm budget and a clear vision. HomeAdvisor is a leading nationwide online home improvement marketplace. It reports that the average national cost of adding a room or building an addition is $40,942. Understanding the costs associated with such a grand total will help you navigate the project. Most homeowners hire a general contractor for a room addition, who provides a project cost estimate and handles the hiring and managing of subcontractors. Some act as their own general contractor to save anywhere from 15 to 30 percent of the overall project cost. However, this job involves a lot of work, including developing build plans, calculating material and labor costs, finding and hiring subcontractors, and scheduling and managing the team all the way through. There are two main ways to add onto your house: horizontally or vertically. The direction is often dictated by the purpose of the addition and the existing floor plan. One article on the HGTV website titled “Building Up Vs. Building Out” cites pros and cons for each. Building out, which generally involves installing a new foundation or slab, typically involves the least disruption of your existing space and lifestyle. But Roy L. Fyffe, a spokesman for the American Association of Code Enforcement, says you might have to acquire a zoning variance from the town, and “could also face limitations from the town’s floor-area-ratio rating, which dictates what proportion of a lot can be built on (including the house, garage and driveway).” Conversely, building up will not restrict your yard or add to the existing footprint of the house. However, many towns limit the maximum housing height, and, Fyffe adds: “If you’re adding a
single building item, down to the curtain rod. The key to obtaining an accurate cost estimate is to have a complete set of building plans and specifications and vet those plans through the proper authorities. The U.S. News & World Report article mentions a cautionary tale of a resident in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who ran into trouble when his homeowners association
said the his add-on wasn’t up to code. Check with your homeowners association, county and insurance company before beginning the build. The more thorough your plan the less likely it will be that you meet unwanted surprises. Though a room addition can be a costly, tedious process, the benefits of walking in the door to a home that you love and that is of your creation is priceless.
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Estimate the cost of a room addition before starting a project to stay on budget. whole additional story, you’ll also need to account for a stairwell, which can easily eat up around 80 to 120 square feet or more of living space. And your contractor will likely have to tear apart the walls and ceilings in the space below to beef up the structural supports and feed in the electrical, plumbing and heating lines.” These factors are important to consider given how contractors calculate the cost estimate. Room addition costs are quantified in dollars per square foot. And contractors charge a premium when providing a room addition cost estimate. A U.S. News & World Report article online notes that according to CostHelper.com, a bathroom or bedroom addition could cost $25,000 to $50,000, and a large room, such as a family room, could run as high as $100,000. Certain cost variables are independent from your specific project, such as market demand for building materials and homeconstruction labor. Price gouging is not uncommon when the housing market is hot, so study contractor proposals carefully. Do not hesitate to visit your local home
improvement store and compare material costs against those listed in your estimate; they will differ slightly but shouldn’t differ drastically. Visit www.homeadditionplus. com for practical, comprehensive room addition construction bid sheets, contractor bid sheets and home building guides for any room. Included are questionnaire forms (like checklists and requests for quotes) that you can give to potential contractors for them to fill out when bidding the job. These forms will not only help you learn the right questions to ask potential construction partners but also reduce risk, and save you time and money. You can price out every
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PAGE 14 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
Get beautiful lawn for less with DIY solutions By MARY HUNT Creators.com I love a beautiful yard, but I hate spending money to get it that way, which explains why I am always looking for do-it-yourself cheap ways to kill weeds, grow flowers and feed lawns. I have come across some very clever tips and tricks, not the least of which is to reclassify the dandelion as a low-maintenance, exquisite ground cover! While you ponder that suggestion, take a look at these clever ideas to make your own landscape supplies. Lawn food Mix 4 pounds magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) with a bag of your favorite lawn food that covers 2,500 square feet. Now feed your lawn only half the amount of this mixture as recommended on the lawn food bag. You’ll save a lot of money because you’ll be using less than half the normal amount of fertilizer, and this formulation cuts down on the nitrogen, which makes your lawn grow so fast. You’ll have the wonderful deepgreen color, better root structure, and you won’t have to mow as often. Lawn snack Try this on your lawn every three weeks during the summer. (With every third snack, add 1⁄2 cup clear corn syrup or molasses
DEAN MORIARTY/CREATORS.COM
Dilute your favorite lawn fertilizer with Epsom salts to get more coverage at a lower cost. to the mixture.) ■■ 1 can beer. ■■ 1 cup children’s shampoo. ■■ Household ammonia. Pour the beer and shampoo (and corn syrup when it’s the third snack) into a 20-gallon hoseend sprayer jar; fill up the jar with ammonia and apply, following the instructions on the hose-end sprayer. You’re going to have very happy grass. Treat for vegetables If you want some startling growth in your vegetable garden, mix up a batch of this artillery punch. All of this smelly stuff
goes into that 20-gallon hose-end sprayer: ■■ 1 can beer. ■■ 1⁄2 cup molasses. ■■ 1⁄2 cup household ammonia. ■■ 1⁄4 cup fish emulsion (available at garden supply store). ■■ 1⁄4 cup hydrogen peroxide. ■■ 1⁄4 cup whiskey. ■■ 2 tablespoons children’s shampoo. ■■ 1⁄4 teaspoon instant tea granules. Apply to vegetables (using the hose-end sprayer, of course) early in the day, one time halfway through the growing season.
Keep trespassers out of garden By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN Creators.com If you have a garden in your backyard, chances are you are growing food for your family and friends, not for the four-legged visitors that are wreaking havoc on your harvest. Deer, rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks might be entertaining to watch, but they can be less enjoyable when they are dining from your vegetable patch. Longtime Wyoming resident and avid gardener Barb Tschacher lives in the country and is all too familiar with the damage that can be done when wildlife takes a liking to plants and trees. That’s why she believes in investing in fencing. “If you are serious about gardening, like we are, it pays to surround your garden with fence,” she says. “Rabbits are best kept out with chicken wire or rabbit fence. Make certain the fence is close to the ground — or even partially underneath — so the rabbits can’t get in by going under it.” For smaller plants, you can try using a cylinder of mesh, keeping the mesh at least three inches away from the base of the plant to prevent nibbling. Animals like to eat in peaceful areas. That’s why you should also insert pinwheels or hang old CDs or aluminum pie plates from sticks to add noise and movement to the garden. Rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks also might be put off by chili powder or cayenne pepper. If the powders get on their nose or whiskers they will probably stay away. Or, try spraying plants that are being damaged with a repellant made by mixing two tablespoons of cayenne pepper, two tablespoons of garlic powder and a bit of dishwashing detergent with 20 ounces of warm water. Let the mixture sit in the sun for a few hours and then spray it either on the plants or around the garden. Remember you’ll have to reapply the mixture if it rains — and wash
the plants thoroughly when they are harvested. Gardening expert and author Mike McGroarty says peppermint is another natural repellant. Either plant a few peppermint plants or dip cotton balls in peppermint oil and drop them around
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Bug zapper This is a preventive measure to keep diseases and bugs away. Start using it early in the season on everything -- lawn, flowers, shrubs, vegetables and fruits. ■■ 1 cup antiseptic mouthwash. ■■ 1 cup flea and tick shampoo (make sure it contains “pyrethrum” or “pyrethrins”). ■■ 1 cup chewing tobacco juice. Wait! You don’t have to start chewing and spitting to make this recipe. Sneak into the store and buy a container of chewing tobacco. Dump it into an old nylon stocking, tie it off and steep uncovered in one quart of boiling water until the water turns disgustingly brown. Put a cup of it along with the other ingredients into your trusty 20-gallon hose-end sprayer; fill balance of jar with warm water and apply to about 2,500 square feet. Keep the kids and pets away while applying. Any remaining
mix or tobacco juice should be clearly labeled and kept out of reach of children. Backyard birdbath As long as you have a beautiful yard and garden you might as well invite some songbirds to splishsplash and entertain you. In addition to hanging bird feeders, delight your family with a birdbath. Pick up a large 12- or 16-inch diameter drip tray (the kind used under a potted plant.) Put the tray on the ground in a sheltered part of the garden, positioning rocks or small logs around the perimeter. Put a large rock in the middle of the bath to act as an island. Fill with water and wait for the action. Flush out water every two or three days. For more information on the ingredients mentioned above, please visit http://www.everydaycheapskate.com/gardener.
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 15
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PAGE 16 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
What to do with extra produce from harvest By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com
donated in good faith later causes harm to the recipient.
Bowls of berries, baskets of veggies and bundles of fresh herbs: Sounds like a great garden, right? But what happens when your home garden has a large harvest and you have more produce than you need or can use? It would seem wasteful to let it rot. Yet it’s a bit stressful finding a home for all the garden goodies. Overabundance is actually a great thing, and it shouldn’t be too much of a burden. The key is having a plan for what you’ll do with the extras — before the harvest gets overwhelming.
Sell it Depending on how much produce you have, you may be able to sell it. “You may find it economical to sell at the farmer’s market,” suggests Harp, who says you’d need enough produce to sell $200 worth per day on a weekly basis to make it worth your while. While she says most cities only require a food permit if you’ve used the produce to make and sell other dishes, check into local laws. Large farms need agricultural permits and taxpayer identification numbers to sell their goods.
Give it away When she has extra produce from her community-supported garden, Sarah Hamaker gives away the surplus by listing it on Freecycle. “We’ve given away collard greens and squash,” says Hamaker, who buys groceries in bulk and likes to share when she has extra food, including meat. It’s also a good idea to share your garden haul with family, friends and co-workers. Post a message on social media; leave a basket of fruit in the office with a note; or set up a simple farm stand outside your home, offering up your surplus for free. Can it Nutritionist Celina Harp of SmartFood Kitchen suggests canning extra produce. “Finding a local commercial kitchen is an easy way to knock out a year’s worth of canning in a day,” she says. “The large, heavy stoves and 20- to 30-quart pans allow you to preserve hundreds of jars in a few hours.” Get cultured Another option is turning the veggies, such as cabbage and kale, into cultured vegetables. The ancient method of food production, also known as fermentation, preserves food in airtight jars. “Eating cultured vegetables regularly can contribute to gut health, regularity, immune function and decreased allergies,” says Harp, who explains that the veggies’ natural bacteria help make the culture. Keep cultured vegetables at room temperature for about a month or two. After that, they can be refrigerated for up to three
Where to donate In Dubois County, excess vegetables and fruits can be donated to the local food banks during operating hours: ■■ Shared Abundance, 321 E. Fourth St., Huntingburg: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday, 1 to 4 and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The phone number is 812-683-5490. ■■ Community Food Bank, 1404 S. Meridian Road, Jasper: 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The phone is 812-482-9009.
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Consider donating extra produce from your graden to food pantries, which are always in need of fresh fruits and veggies. years. Hart says the longer you let them sit, the better, as it enhances the flavor and allows more of the beneficial bacteria to grow. Donate it Consider this: Every year, about 6 billion pounds of fresh produce is wasted. Last year alone, Feeding America secured 967 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for people in need. Local food pantries would love to receive fresh produce donations. “Providing produce to families in need is an ongoing challenge for food pantries,” says Ellie Agar of Hunger Free Colorado, an antihunger organization. Most donations are from drives that collect nonperishable food. And produce received from larger food banks is often ready to spoil by the time it gets to smaller pantries. A survey of Denver food pantries found that produce was the second-most-wanted item for recipients; protein, such as beef or
O rien talan d A rea R ug C lean in g
chicken, was the No. 1 request. “Local gardeners and producers can fill a critical nutrition gap with their extra produce by donating directly to their local food pantry,” says Agar, who advises donors to call ahead to make sure the pantry will accept the fresh food. Don’t worry about legal liability. The federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects food donors from civil and criminal liability if the food they
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 17
Installing attic fan often invaluable By MARK J. DONOVAN Creators.com On a hot summer day, your home’s roof temperature can approach 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Much of that heat works its way into your home’s attic, and from there, some of it eventually makes it way into the living areas of your home. When the sun sets, that trapped heat doesn’t just evaporate. It stays trapped in your attic and home, causing you to have to either live with the heat or keep your air conditioner running at full capacity for much longer. This is where the installation of an attic fan can be invaluable. Besides making your home miserably hot and uncomfortable, trapped attic heat also affects the integrity of your home’s roof shingles, eventually leading to the accelerated breakdown and eventual failure of asphalt shingles. Again, this is why installing an attic fan is so helpful. However, a hot summer should not be your only motivation for installing an attic fan. During the winter months, when the home is closed up tight, moist air from the living areas of the home works its way up into the attic. This is particularly true if the attic’s home is not well-insulated. With doors and windows consistently kept closed during the winter months, the home has
little ventilation. Thus, moist air from showers, cooking and laundry eventually finds its way up into the attic, if it is not properly vented from the main living areas of the home, which most of the time it is not. If not vented from the attic, warm moist air in the attic during winter months will condense and then freeze on the roof sheathing and rafters. This can eventually lead to mold and mildew growth in the attic, which can then present all types of health hazards to the home’s occupants. The trapped moist air can also lead to rotting of the roof’s framing structure. With the installation of an attic fan, you can start to prevent the warm moist air from staying trapped and condensing in the attic during the winter months. When the attic fan is operating, it helps to draw cold outside air in from the soffit vents, located near the roof eaves, and pushes the warm moist air out of the attic via the roof vent. This same process works in the summer -- when the attic fan is operating during the summer months, the cooler outside air is drawn into the attic through the soffit vents and the hot attic air is vented out the attic roof vent. Thus, the heat battery that would otherwise exist in the attic is eliminated, enabling the air conditioner to work less in your home, and saving you on your home cooling costs.
JOZSEF KINCSE/CREATORS.COM
Installing a fan in the attic can truly be a lifesaver. In the past, homeowners had to remember to turn their fans on and off. In addition, the attic fan had to be wired into the home’s existing wiring that added to the cost of installation. With today’s technology, those problems are a thing of the past. These fans can auto-
Create space for laundry
home energy costs and extend the life of your home’s roof, consider installing an attic fan. The investment would pay for itself in a short time, and you’d live more comfortably in your home more of the year.
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By MARK J. DONOVAN Creators.com When we were getting ready to sell our late-1980s vintage home, we heard quite a few complaints about the fact that the washer and dryer were in the basement. Most real estate agents and prospective homebuyers wrinkled their noses when they learned of this apparently ugly fact. From this experience, I would suggest that if you are thinking about someday selling your home and it has a basement laundry, you should think about raising it up to the first or second level of the home. One idea would be to convert another room in your home to a dedicated laundry. For example, a mudroom, den or small bedroom could be a viable area for creating a dedicated laundry. Ideally, you could select a room that already has plumbing — or at least has adjacent walls that can provide access to plumbing drain/ vent stacks and supply lines. To meet today’s prospective homebuyer’s expectations, the laundry design should include more than just space for the washer and dryer. It should also include a large deep sink and countertops, as well as floor- and wall-mounted cabinets to house detergents and other clothing cleaner products. Moreover, it should be spacious enough to enable soiled clothes to be comfortably stored in it, as well as clean clothes to be folded and ironed. Also think about including a wall-integrated drying rack for those items that can’t be put into a dryer.
matically turn on and off based on the attic temperature. Also, you can purchase attic fans that are solar-powered, thus eliminating the need for calling in an electrician to help with the installation. So if you want to save on your
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PAGE 18 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
To do or not to do your own gardening By CHELLE CORDERO Creators.com Gardening is relaxing and therapeutic for many, and that green thumb is a pride and honor once you achieve it. Most projects need little more than patience and common household tools. However, there are times when even the most talented do-it-yourself gardener wants or needs professional help. Professional landscapers offer a variety of services from lawn mowing to fertilizing and design. Depending on your needs and budget, you can find the right service to complement your green thumb. If you choose, you can have the enjoyment of planting and cultivating your prize flowers while having a service do the tedious task of mowing and raking the rest of the lawn. You can also always hire someone to give you a prize-winning-worthy garden. A complete professional landscape maintenance program is more than mowing, edging and blowing leaves away. You will often find a staff of horticultural experts, designers, pest control specialists, weed control and general lawn maintenance. Since a professional landscape maintenance program requires more time and visits from specialists in their fields, the price tag is higher than basic maintenance. Professional landscape companies are commonly hired to maintain the yards around large corporate enterprises. If you are a homeowner who is
MANFRED ANTRANIAS ZIMMER/CREATORS.COM
Professional landscapers offer a variety of services to homeowners. simply interested in keeping your yard neat and manicured while you are busy with other pursuits, then a basic lawn maintenance program may be the right fit. Your grass will be kept trimmed and cut grass and other debris will be removed. Periodic fertilizer applications and pest control can be scheduled to keep your lawn looking green and healthy. Your neighbors will appreciate your efforts to support property values. This is also ideal if you travel frequently, and will help to keep your property looking inhabited and serve as a deterrent to would-be thieves. The consideration of a professional company to care for your yard should go beyond just the very basic services you now require. Some mowing companies, while they can do the job well, will
offer only those simple services, and you may have to hire different companies for that unexpected need such as pest or weed control. Full-service landscape maintenance companies will often offer varying packages based on your needs and the flexibility to upgrade, or downgrade, components to keep your yard in tip-top shape. When you are selecting professionals to for individual projects or regular maintenance ask to see jobs they have already worked on, ask neighbors for references, and interview the person responsible for service contracts; ask to see package deals and specific terms about any changes made to your plan. Be sure to: ■■ Define your expectations. ■■ Set a realistic budget. ■■ Communicate any changes
Importance of organization By JOSEPH PUBILLONES Creators.com Organizing yourself toward a better future is often a necessary first step in preparing for any new interior design project. Like most projects, organization is fundamental for making positive changes to your home, office or any environment. For some, the experience can be liberating and restorative, yet others struggle with the thought of purging decades of accumulation. Finding the right storage system is key to organizing your home. Wall units, shelving or closet storage are just some of the potential solutions. The design of furniture and accessories has evolved over the centuries along with the development of the human habitat. While on the one hand, people seek to optimize their dwelling by providing it with more amenities and equipment, on the other hand, the increasing property values cause spaces to be reduced more and more, conspiring against that comfort that is originally sought. How does one reconcile these two realities? There is some furniture, such as modular furniture, which folds, and some is even multifunctional. Shelving belongs to this group of furniture. Nowadays, contemporary renditions reminiscent of the midcentury Danish wall systems, as well as vintage pieces, are the darlings of the interior design world and they are back in full swing. The variation in models is almost infinite. There are shelves for books, toys, liquors and sporting goods; many designs include drawers, shelves, cupboards and keyboards. In homes with small spaces, shelves serve to take advantage of the places where no other furni-
ture can be placed. They are ideal for corners. They can also be arranged to divide a room or below window frames to create layers of architecture. Shelves are considered a contemporary piece of furniture, however, you can find or design one with a classic and
traditional line, as well. The most preferred material for these wall units is solid wood, which can be lacquered or stained in a myriad of colors. Designs can be made of earth-friendly reclaimed wood with customized finishes, making them your own.
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to your landscape goals to the provider so they can tweak the service. Even if you are adept at maintaining your own yard and you have the time and knowledge, some jobs are still more than you want to tackle. You probably could use help for tasks such as digging, contour sloping of the land, if underground wiring or plumbing needs to be laid, or depending on your local regulations if special permits and certifications are required. If your yard is prone to flooding or is too dry or rocky, a horticulturist can help plan and maintain the right types of plants that will flourish in that setting. If you want to install permanent outdoor lighting for nighttime backyard entertaining, a professional landscaper can de-
sign the placement for attractive effectiveness and subcontract the job to an outdoor lighting expert who can install to local codes and ensure a safe result. Many outdoor water features begin with deep excavations, insulating pipes and ensuring that they don’t leak, and allowing for proper drainage. Water feature designers work closely with landscapers to install the right feature for your garden. Home pools and spas require the use of large excavating equipment and compliance with local ordinances. A pool services contractor can help provide a safe, functional and attractive home amusement area. Decking and concrete contractors understand the proper construction needed to ensure a safe and eye-catching outdoor entertainment area in your yard.
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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 19
Silence is golden: Soundproofing apartment, condo By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com Sirens, barking dogs, 3 a.m. video gamers, professional dancers upstairs, who may or may not be teaching Godzilla to salsa -- living in an apartment or condo can be a very noisy experience, not to mention a daily exercise in calmness. When plugging your ears or having a conversation with your neighbors just doesn’t cut it, take matters into your own hands and soundproof your space. These simple, affordable tips will help your home return to a place of rest and relaxation, no matter those around you. Michael LaFratta, owner of Silentium Soundproofing, is an expert on urban noise. He notes that noise pollution most often occurs due to a lack of soundproofing when a building was initially constructed, or people living in close proximity. When there is not enough mass and space between walls, ceilings or floors, sound is easily transferred. It’s tough but not impossible to tell in advance whether you would have a noise issue in a particular home. LaFratta suggests visiting a potential home at night when neighbors will be home or having your attorney check the housing board minutes for noise complaints. That said, considering the competitiveness of the housing market today, many would not opt out of buying or renting a home simply because of noise pollution. And renters often can’t make major changes to a property. These possible solutions will help you bring some peace and quiet to your home. Fill the space Interior designer DeAnna Radaj is the author of “Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In” and “Feng Shui for Teens.” As someone who has dealt with noisy neighbors and had clients with similar issues, she recommends creating an environment in which sound is absorbed, deadened and lessened. With shared walls, it’s best to “place all heavy case good furniture like media centers, bookcases and shelving on the shared wall to help absorb sound vibration and noise,” she says. Otherwise, placing items in the corners of the rooms (they could be purely decorative) helps, too. Radaj recommends live plants -one for every 100 square feet of living space. They are a triple threat: absorbing sound, detoxing the air and adding a design aesthetic. If you are able, weather stripping your windows will help block outside racket. Stop the clatter Some noise pollution comes from within your home. Radaj says, “Make sure there are plenty of ‘soft’ surfaces.” Buffer the noise from hard surfaces like tile and hardwood floors by decorating the space with a rug, a carpet, upholstered furniture or curtains. Any or all of these options will decrease the volume of the offending sounds. This can be especially useful in homes with pets or small children. Wall to wall Empty wall space can create echoes. The simplest solution is to hang artwork. 3M hooks are no-nail hanging tools that work
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Soundproof your home for respite from noisy neighbors. well to keep art in place, Radaj says. Using either adhesive tape or hanging putty, they are very renter-friendly. Hang framed artwork, or even a rug or tapestry, on your walls according to your personal style. And though you might not expect it, reflecting light is considered by some to help with noise reduction. According to feng shui theory, Radaj explains, a mirror bounces negative energy and
sound back in the direction from which it came. As such, you can hang a mirror on the wall facing the noisy area, say, across from the wall you share with your nextdoor neighbors. Radaj’s mother taped a makeup mirror inside a piece of artwork that was hung on the shared wall of her condo. Regardless of the effect it may have on irritating noises, a mirror is stylish and can also make a space appear to be larger.
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As with many things in life, when it comes to noise pollution, short of picking up and moving altogether, whatever you resist will
persist. Try one of these simple, affordable tips so that when thinking of home, the word “serene,” not “scream” comes to mind.
PAGE 20 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017
Select right fence for your home’s perimeter By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com
see-through style doesn’t provide much privacy but it’s strong and offers security for pets and kids. Chain-link fences are getting dressy for residential use. Color coatings are smooth, help protect against rust and they blend in well, often appearing invisible from a distance. Popular colors include black, brown and green.
Dreaming of a white picket fence? Envisioning a rock wall? Imagining a wrought iron gate? Deciding to install a fence around your home’s perimeter can be very exciting. However, it is also a significant investment in time and money. Make sure your choice is perfect for your budget and your style. First steps Getting started can be as easy as looking at your surroundings. “Do your neighbors have fences?” asks Audra Hamlin of Northwest Cedar Products. “Do you want to match them or hide them?” Landscaping is another consideration. Consider how a fence will impact your existing lawn, trees and recreation areas. “Is there an big old tree you want to make sure you keep?” Hamlin asks. “Do you want to highlight certain areas of your yard? Do you need to hide an air conditioning unit or other unsightly items?” It’s also practical to think about the fencing needs you may have for pets, kids and privacy in general. Next, consider the style and materials you’d like for your fence. Wood Wood fences are the traditional fence choice. According to the American Fence Association, the largest professional association representing the fence, deck and railing industry, the benefits of wood fencing include: looking
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Before installing a fence, consider how it fits in with your surroundings and personal style. nice, offering privacy and lasting a long time. Wood is a cost-effective and an environmentally friendly building material. “The best material is cedar,” says Hamlin. “It is long lasting, beautiful and does not need to be stained or sealed to maintain.” While 4-by-4-inch lumber posts are standard, consider installing 5-by-5-inch lumber posts. Hamlin says they don’t cost much more but will “add years to the stability of a fence.”
AFA says Rocky Mountain red cedar and Southern yellow pine are two of the most popular wood fence options; redwood is prevalent on the Pacific coast. Most woods are treated to resist pests and avoid rotting. Vinyl Vinyl fences have the look of elegant wooden fences without the fuss of maintenance. These fences are long lasting and don’t require painting or touch-ups. They won’t rust or split, and typically they won’t fade, either.
Ornamental More cost-effective than wrought iron, aluminum fences look stylish and are durable. Because aluminum won’t rust, this fence is a particularly good choice in coastal areas. Homeowners have many decorative choices when selecting ornamental fences, too. Think rings, arches, scrolls and fancy finials.
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