SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
The Free Press MEDIA
Spring/Summer 2020
ECO-FRIENDLY living Going GREEN TRENDY YET TIMELESS Interior Design JUST FOR YOU: Custom Construction and Remodeling
INTERIOR AND ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY JORDANPOWERSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | 507.933.0411 INSTAGRAM@JRDNPWRS
BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD When the storm clears, we will gather again. To hugs, to play, to laughter. Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Resort Collection hotels and spas will be here to welcome you. Stay safe. rtjgolf.com
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
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The Free Press MEDIA
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ALTERNATIVE Living Spaces #HouseplantsAreIn AUTUMN TRENDS and Changes Mankato Area’s HOME MARKET The Free Press MEDIA
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
Fall Issue:
Photo by Jordan Powers Mankato Home Tours Home built by DeMars Construction
Spring/Summer 2020
ECO-FRIENDLY living Going GREEN TRENDY YET TIMELESS Interior Design JUST FOR YOU: Custom Construction and Remodeling
On the Cover:
Photo by Gretchen Hunziker Maher. Home remodeled by Pete Weber, Al Peterson & Ironwood Flooring.
DeMars Construction Inspired. Timeless. Passionate.
From conception to completion, DeMars Construction employs a personalized approach to make each custom project a rewarding experience for their clients. Explore the possibilities for your home with DeMars Construction.
Where Experience Meets Extraordinary Construction DeMars Construction 327 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato www.DeMarsGC.com
507-387-5933
The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Press
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
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Leigh Pomeroy stands in front of his 2018 Toyota Prius Prime that gets 54 miles per gallon in town and 133 on the highway.
Eco-friendly living By Grace Brandt | Photos by Marianne Carlson
I
n recent years, more and more people have tried to live “eco-friendly” lives, in the hopes of preserving and even improving the world’s environment for future generations. There is a wide range of opportunities for people who are interested in sustainable living, including recycling, purchasing electric vehicles and exploring renewable energy sources. While some homeowners may worry that eco-friendly options are more costly than “normal” home expenses, there are actually opportunities in the Mankato area to “go green” for any budget.
Solar energy One way homeowners have been embracing renewable energy for decades is through solar panels and other solar energy opportunities. While initially quite costly and not all that effective, solar panels have greatly advanced in recent years to become worthwhile investments. Thanks to a 26 percent tax credit from the state of Minnesota, it now costs about $11,800 to install a 5-kilowatt system onto a home’s roof, and these panels can last upwards of 30 years. For Mankato resident Leigh Pomeroy, the interest in installing solar panels came about 10 years ago after he attended a Nobel Conference focused on energy at Gustavus Adolphus College. “It really woke me up to the issue of climate change,” he recalled. “I said, ‘I’ve got to do something about this.’” 12 •
• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
The first steps that Pomeroy and his wife took were small: replacing old lightbulbs with LED lights and ensuring that their home was sufficiently insulated. But Pomeroy wanted to do more, so he started looking into solar panels. At the time, Minnesota offered a 30 percent tax credit for installing solar panels, so Pomeroy and his wife utilized that to install their panels in 2016. The panels only took a few days to install and produced enough energy to cover about 90 percent of the couple’s energy use. A few years later, Pomeroy had more panels installed (his energy use increased after he purchased a hybrid electric vehicle), bringing the total number of panels on his roof up to 24. According to Pomeroy, the solar panels more than cover his energy use, meaning he doesn’t pay for his electricity anymore. In fact, he receives a credit from his electricity provider, Xcel Energy, every month because of his renewable energy source. (Xcel Energy offers the Solar Rewards program, which offers about $0.07 per kilowatt hour produced by a solar system.) “I just checked my Xcel bill for this month, and it’s -$151,” he said. “I’ve got a credit coming to me for $151. So it’s paying off. When we put on more solar panels, the break-even point went further out, but I don’t care. I’m just doing it because it’s the right thing to do. It’s also nice to not to have to pay electricity bills.” In addition, his house’s value increased by about 2 percent thanks to the solar panels, and that increase was exempt from
The front of Leigh Pomeroy’s home is covered by a small hillside that helps save on energy costs. The roof of the house is metal and covered with solar panels, both of which, are very energy efficient.
property tax. Pomeroy said there are some things to consider before installing solar panels. In fact, for people who really want to live sustainably, he recommends starting even smaller before looking into something like solar panels. “The first thing people should do is look at [their] home and see how energy efficient it is,” he said, referencing energy-efficient windows, doors and insultation. “Have you replaced your incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs? Your furnace and air conditioning units—are they efficient? The low hanging fruit is dealing with energy inefficiencies of the home, and, once that’s taken care of, then you look at solar panels.” When people are ready to move forward with solar panels, they need to consider is just where they plan on installing them. A roof (or area in the yard that will be used for panels) needs to face south/southwest in order to receive enough sun. It’s also important to work with a reputable installer. Pomeroy said there are several good companies in the area, but he still recommended obtaining several quotes and asking for references from others. In addition, people should be aware of the state of their roofs before installing any solar panels, because solar panels can last 25 years or longer—which just
might be longer than a roof will last if it’s not recent. “The biggest problem that a lot of people have are roof penetration issues,” Pomeroy said. “What’s [a panel] going to do to the integrity of your roof? You don’t want to put brand-new solar panels on an old roof. If people are really thinking of putting solar panels in their roof, it’s probably a good idea to get a new roof first.” Pomeroy actually recommended looking into metal roofs, like the one he installed on his own home, because metal roofs can last 50 years, are more energy efficient (because they keep homes cooler) and are safer, meaning insurance costs also go down. While people may worry that solar panels could be easily damaged by Minnesota’s harsh weather, Pomeroy said that the truth is solar panels are built to withstand everything from rain to snow to hail, and they’re also great for protecting a house’s roof. “People worry about storms ruining solar panels, but they’re made to withstand that,” Pomeroy said. “I don’t know anyone who has lost solar panels to wind, sleet, hail, snow… It just doesn’t happen.” While advances in technology have resulted in more affordable, efficient panels, Pomeroy acknowledged that it still isn’t an affordable option for everyone. However, he said for him, the investment was well worth it. “As for downsides… there are none,” he said. “For me, it’s paid off. I know of no one who’s put on solar panels who regrets it—and I’ve talked to people who put up solar panels 20 years ago, back when it was really expensive and they weren’t that efficient, and they still say it was the greatest decision they ever made. I highly recommend it to
anybody who has the ability to put them on their roof.”
Geothermal systems Another option for people who want to harness more eco-friendly energy systems is to install a geothermal heat pump. These heat pumps draw energy (in the form of heat) from the earth under a home. Fueled by electronic power, the heat pump will gather heat from the earth during winter months and expel heat from the home to cool it off during the summer months. It can also create hot water during the summer. Mankato resident Kathy Brynaert and her husband Tony Filipovitch decided to install a geothermal system in their home in 2009. At the time, there were federal and state rebates for alternative energy systems, but Brynaert’s home had too many trees to make solar panels a viable option. Instead, she and her husband looked into geothermal heaters. “We’ve always been committed toward any ways in which we could contribute to using energy in a way that is more compatible with the best interests of the environment as a whole,” Brynaert said.
A driller’s perspective on
geothermal heat systems Todd Seppman, of Mankato-based drilling company Jadd Seppman & Sons, said he has dug wells for geothermal heaters for about 10-12 years. The systems were especially popular when more tax credits were available for them, but they’ve “really died off” in the last three years, especially since gas has been cheaper lately. However, Seppman said that geothermal systems are “a lot more” efficient than a traditional furnace, as far as the amount of energy they can produce. “For a typical furnace, they’re in the 90 percent efficient range,” Seppman said, explaining that that means homeowners receive about 90 percent of the heat they pay for, while the other 10 percent of heat is wasted. “A geothermal furnace can be 300 percent efficient.” Seppman added that his company only drills the wells for the geothermal system, while heating contractors work on the inside process. He said a typical house will need 4-6 wells, which are usually around 180 feet deep. It takes about 2-3 days to drill the wells, and workers “flush” them out with a foodgrade antifreeze so that any leakage won’t affect the area water table. The wells are also grounded from the bottom-up, meaning that they’re filled in (with soil or cement) once the pipes have been installed inside. 14 •
Some of the challenges of installing geothermal systems come from the type of soil a house sits on and how cramped a house’s yard is, since contractors need to use rather large pieces of equipment to drill the wells. Because of this, it’s difficult to give an estimate of how much it would cost to install a geothermal system, especially on an older house. “We’ve done some new construction, which is easier, because you have more room to move stuff around,” Seppman said. “With an existing house, everything’s in place, so it’s getting the lines into the house without wrecking the yard and landscaping too much. For new houses, we come in pretty early before they do any landscaping so we can get our mess made and done. It is kind of a messy process.” Seppman said almost every heating contractor in Mankato now offers geothermal work, and it’s best to talk to one of them before coming to him for the wells. He installed a geothermal system in his own house in 2007 and said he hasn’t touched anything on it for 12 years. “When the gas prices went up, my heating and cooling bill stayed steady,” he said. “We’ve put [a system] in my shop, too. And for a lot of these systems, there’s also rebates through the power companies. I’m on ‘off peak’ on mine, [so the electric company] controls my furnace on and off, and I get a better rate.”
• MAY 2020 • The Free Press
According to Filipovitch, installing a geothermal heating system was more expensive than normal because their home sat on limestone, which meant the contractor had to drill through 150 feet of solid rock to reach usable soil. The entire process took a few weeks, since the contractor had to drill enough wells (five total) to supply sufficient heat. “It was kind of a mess,” Brynaert said with a laugh. “They destroyed our backyard. It was kind of dramatic to see these [huge pieces of equipment] digging.” However, once the system was installed, the couple said it’s not really much different than a standard furnace. The inside structure is the same, except for the tubes that allow for heated air to enter (or exit) the house. The heat that comes into the home is about 55 degrees, and it is then further heated by flowing through the heat exchanger. There is a gas burner in the furnace that kicks in as a backup if the temperature outside is extremely cold, such as zero degrees or lower. (“Most of the time, we’re heating off the ground,” Filipovitch said.) The system also provides for the couple’s air conditioning, the first A/C system they’ve had since they moved in. Before, they only used window air conditioners, but Brynaert said the geothermal system is “much more even and efficient.” According to Filipovitch, the couple’s heating is now almost completely carbon free, since they purchase their electricity from the Cooperative Energy Futures Community Solar Garden in Waseca. In addition, the geothermal system has “never had any issues” since it was installed, and they expect it to last quite a long time. “We’re really happy that we did it,” Brynaert said. “It’s a commitment that we had that we wanted to be able to follow through on, to do everything we could to make our way of living as sustainable as possible.” If someone is interested in installing a geothermal system, Filipovitch highly recommended looking into the state of the house first to ensure it’s already as energy efficient as possible. “The advice that we got when looking into geothermal was, the first thing you do is insulate,” he said. “The cheapest and most effective way to conserve heat is insulation. Upgrade your windows. That’s also often where a lot of the energy goes out of the house. Once you do that, then look at better ways to generate the heat.”
Solar energy gardens A geothermal system is one of the most efficient ways you can heat and cool a home.
According to Brynaert, solar panels are still much more popular in the area when it comes to homeowners trying to live sustainably, especially since people can feel intimidated by the digging process that comes with geothermal systems and how their furnace needs to be reworked instead of simply adding panels to their roofs. But she said geothermal heaters are really worth the effort. “To me, it’s the best kept secret,” she said. “You’re using the energy of the earth and enlisting the planet in being a more responsible steward.”
Other eco-friendly options While solar and geothermal energy systems can be great ways for people to live more sustainably, it isn’t possible for every household to utilize one of those two systems. However, there are still many ways people can live more eco-friendly lives. One resource for Minnesotans is CERTs (Clean Energy Resource Teams), a team of professionals across the state working with the University of Minnesota and the MN Department of Commerce. CERT teams are spread throughout the state and work with individuals, businesses, schools, farmers, cities, counties and others to become more energy efficient. Dan Thiede, CERTs strategic communications and engagement director in the state’s central region, said the group’s goal is to help connect Minnesotans with the tools and resources they need to complete renewable energy projects and live more sustainably—and this can include the “small steps.” “We like to think about it like, ‘You can start with small steps,’” Thiede said. “Usually when you get a couple good successes under your belt, it’s easier to think about [bigger] things. The exciting thing is, a lot of the measures that you can take to make
your home more energy efficient are also things that can make your home safer, healthier and more comfortable.” Thiede suggested starting with a home energy audit, which is when a professional examines a home and gives suggestions for becoming more efficient. Some small changes include switching lightbulbs to LEDs and adding insulation to walls. From there, a larger step could be looking into purchasing more energy efficient appliances. Besides big-ticket items such as furnaces, there are smaller appliances—such as refrigerators, washers and dryers—that have also made advances over the years to be more energy efficient. While Thiede said there is no longer a federal tax credit for energy efficiency improvements inside the home, many utility companies offer rebates for energy efficient appliances and other efforts. (There is still a federal tax credit for solar energy systems.) For example, Xcel Energy offers Xcel Rewards, where the company will pay homeowners for any electricity they produce that exceeds what they use. The company will also offer a rebate to recycle an old, working refrigerator if a client wants to upgrade to a more energy efficient one. Thiede said another way people can utilize renewable energy options, even if they don’t have the ability to install whole systems themselves, is to opt into “green pricing” through their utility company. Blue Earth County-based electric company BENCO offers the “Wellspring Renewable Wind Energy Program,” where BENCO members can sign up for wind- or solar-generated electricity, with a slight increase to their monthly bill. “It’s a really great time to be looking at ways that you can save energy and deciding how you want to power your life with renewables,” Thiede said.
Another option for people who want to utilize solar energy but can’t install panels on their roofs is joining a solar energy garden. There are several in the area, such as the Waseca Community Solar Garden (run by Cooperative Energy Futures). This garden is open to residents in Waseca County or any of its neighboring counties (which means it’s available to Mankato residents). When subscribing to the Waseca Community Solar Garden, people can choose how much energy they want to receive, ranging from the minimum subscription of 200 watts (about enough to power two 100-watt incandescent lightbulbs) to the maximum of 120 percent of a household’s energy use. Subscribers who receive their energy from Xcel Energy receive a bill credit for whatever amount of solar they subscribe to, which means they’ll “zero out” their bill if they subscribe for their full use. Meanwhile, subscriptions cost $.02-.03/kilowatt hour, depending on the size of the subscription. People can either pay-as-they-go or pay a larger chunk up front (which ends up being cheaper in the long run). Brynaert has been a member of the Waseca Community Solar Garden for several years and said it’s a great option for people who can’t use their own solar panels. “Sometimes, people think these alternative choices are only ones that people in a better economic position can make, but the solar gardens tries to create options even for renters, or people of less means, so that they can still participate and make a commitment to that environmental cause.” For more information, visit www.cooperativeenergyfutures. com.
The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
• 15
Building Regulations Demystified By Connie Haugen
WHEN DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT? North Mankato • Building Permits are required for all improvements with a value of $300 or more. • Sheds, playhouses, fences, decking, patios, or other hard surfaced areas will require a building permit regardless of value. • Garages, garage additions, driveways, and parking pads require a building permit. • Furnace, boiler, and air conditioner all require a building permit. • A plumbing permit is required for a water heater. • Basement finish or any interior remodel requires a building permit. • Roofing requires a building permit, and there are specific requirements for an ice protection underlayment. See the building department for details. • Landscaping beyond grass, trees, and flowers requires a building permit. Specific requirements exist. See the building department. • An in-ground or above-ground swimming pool requires a building permit. • Fountains, ponds, pergolas require a building permit. The City of North Mankato has additional information on their website regarding setbacks and guidelines for basement finishes, roofing, door and window replacement, sidewalk s and driveways, along with fence plans, porch plan, deck guidelines, and even demolition requirements.
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
Mankato • Permits are required in Mankato for nearly all the same items as North Mankato, with the following differences. • Playhouses do not require a permit. • Landscaping does not require a permit. • Permits for sheds under 200 sq. ft. have a flat fee for the permit. • Asphalt and concrete driveways and parking pads may require a zoning permit. Check with the City of Mankato. • Underground sprinkler systems may require a permit for the water backup.
WHERE DO I GET A BUILDING PERMIT AND WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED? City of North Mankato, 1001 Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato. Phone: 507-625-4141. Information required (as listed on North Mankato’s website): • Address of property where permit work will be done • Owner of property • Description of Construction • Most items require one set of legible and to scale building plans. • Scaled site plan indicating building setbacks & identifying property corners • Survey drawing prepared by a licensed surveyor is required for new dwellings. • Finished drainage plan required for all new construction, showing the direction of all surface drainage, including the approximate location of all tile lines and underground utilities. • Contractors Involved & License Number • You must provide a license number to obtain a building
• • • •
•
permit for any work performed by residential building contractors, remodelers & roofers. As required by state statute, City of North Mankato office is obligated to verify a contractor’s license and must report any work conducted by unlicensed contractors. Plumber (plumbing permits are a separate application form and fee) Electrician Mechanical Contractor Value of Construction (Materials & Labor). This can be the contract price charged by a contractor. For do-it-yourselfers, the estimated value is determined by taking the cost of materials and doubling it. For instance, an improvement using $1,500 of materials would have an estimated value of $3,000. If the materials were free, you will need an estimated value of the materials. Contractor’s or Property Owner’s Signature. This is the person who is taking responsibility for any violations of the state or local building codes in connection with the work performed on their property. If the property owner has hired a licensed contractor, they may want to have the contractor sign the Building Permit before it is issued.
DO I NEED A BUILDING INSPECTION?
The City will require a minimum of 5 to 7 business days to review plan for structural projects before a permit is issued. Plan reviews may take longer during the peak building season. The Building Permit Application is available on the City’s website.
All permits issued require a final inspection.
City of Mankato Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato. Call 311 or 507-387-8600. • The City of Mankato requires almost the same information as North Mankato to obtain a building permit. • Address of the property, including the legal description of the property. • See the City of Mankato’s website for How to Create a Sample Site Plan Checklist. • Materials and labor will need to be included. • Contractors involved, including name, contact information, and license number. • Property owner’s name and contact information. • The Building Permit Application is available on the City’s website.
North Mankato It is your responsibility to call a North Mankato Building Inspector to arrange for all necessary inspections. Please allow 4 hours minimum notice prior to inspection. Larry Wasmund, Building Inspector 507-508-1447 Tom Krause, Building Official 507-838-1466 Jeromy Roberts, Permits Technician 507-625-4141 Mankato To schedule a building inspection, call the City of Mankato at 311 or 507-387-8600. There is also an online customer service chat feature on the City’s website or you can complete a Customer Service Request online and ask questions or request an inspection.
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100 Warren St Suite 317 MANKATO, MN. 56001 The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
• 17
From all-encompassing landscape projects to simple hanging planters, there’s a way to make your outdoor space homier, more welcoming and more relaxing so that you can enjoy it all summer long.
Going green By Grace Brandt | Submitted Photos
A
s the weather grows nicer and temperatures finally rise above freezing, Mankato residents are once again turning their attention to the outdoors. There are endless options when it comes to sprucing up your home, whether you have a large yard or a small yard—or even no yard at all. From all-encompassing landscape projects to simple hanging planters, there’s a way to make your outdoor space homier, more welcoming and more relaxing so that you can enjoy it all summer long.
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
Gorgeous gardens While it might seem intimidating to try to grow your own garden, Jacqueline Karsten of Drummers Garden Center and Floral said that it’s actually easy to cultivate a beautiful space. However, she does recommend starting small and working your way up. “[That way] you don’t bite off more than you can chew, because plants are a living thing and they do take a little bit of care,” she explained. Karsten recommended new gardeners start with potted plants or containers of annual flowers. (Annuals have a oneyear lifecycle, while perennials rebloom every year.) Container gardening has gotten to be more popular in recent years because entire gardens can be grown in anything from tubs to hanging baskets, so people don’t need to dig up their yards. “A lot of people do container gardening [because] that makes it super simple,” Karsten said. “You don’t have to do any maintenance on your soil in the ground, [whereas] traditional gardening is more maintenance and time and effort. [Plus], some plants just do better in containers. It keeps them away from rabbits, rodents and deer.” According to Karsten, a good way to start is to try two or three different types of plants at first and start adding more as the season progresses. Different plants have different growing seasons. For example, some annual flowers (such as snapdragons and pansies) can be planted earlier in spring, while cooler weather vegetables (such as beets and Brussels sprouts) can be added in July or August. Another option for potential plant enthusiasts is growing an herb garden, especially because several herbs can be grown in one 10-inch pot. Karsten suggested starting with herbs that are more tolerant of drought (and thus don’t need as much watering), such as rosemary, lavender, thyme and oregano. But, she added, it’s more important to grow herbs you’ll actually use. “You’d want to grow something that you want to eat,” she said. “Don’t just try something because it’s easy.” People can even grow herbs in the same container as flowers and vegetables. Karsten suggested a combination like sage, mint, a cabbage and pansies for beginners wanting to give container gardening a try. “[If you] add a flower in there, it doesn’t really take over, and you can create this really beautiful arrangement, even with an herb garden,” she said.
Jacqueline Karsten of Drummers Garden Center and Floral said it is easy to cultivate a beautiful space.
“Herbs have a beautiful texture to them, and a smell. [The arrangement] is a really beautiful sensory experience because you have the color and smell and touch.” Gardens can come in all shapes and sizes—and even small yards can accommodate them. Karsten said smaller spaces can benefit from incorporating different heights of plants, with taller species in the back and shorter ones in the front. The important thing is not to overcrowd your space, no matter how big it is. “You can actually put a lot in a little space, but don’t overcrowd it, because they will grow,” she said. “We want the area to fill out, but we have to have a little bit of patience with it, because the plants will spread out.” Karsten added that people with smaller yards should be sure to consider how much sunlight different parts of their property receive during the day, factoring in the direction the yard is facing and whether there’s any shade from trees. Different plants require different levels of sunlight. “Then you can look at the list of plants that require the amount of sun,” she said, recommending that people think of “odd numbers” when planting. “If you just like easy really maintenance, [you could pick] plants like hostas or a shrub or a small tree… and little plants around it. Plant three plants in a small area. It’s going to look really good. It could completely change the look of your yard.”
Going wild While people often turn to gardens in order to beautify their outdoor space, Karsten said that doesn’t mean that they need to perfectly cultivate every inch of the yard. In fact, one trend that is growing in popularity is introducing more native plants into a yard, from native grasses to pollinator plants from the area. And, while some people might balk at letting part of their yard “go wild,” Karsten said this practice is actually good for the environment and still allows natural beauty to thrive. “[It’s about] the addition of diversity among your garden plants,” she said. There are many types of native grasses that people can use, including some species that are shorter growing— there’s even “no-mow” grass that only grows to six inches high. This grass can be especially helpful in hard-to-mow areas of a yard, since homeowners can still cultivate something that looks nice and isn’t difficult to care for. In addition, native grasses often help prevent soil erosion thanks to their deep and spreading root systems. Karsten added that these native plants are also more maintenance-free after they’ve been properly established. Since they’ve already adapted to area conditions, they’re tolerant of many different soil health levels, so they grow easily. In about two years, the plants don’t require any more maintenance than occasional rain showers. These plants also offer a crucial service by
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Mankato resident Karen Wright encourages gardeners to buy locally not only to support local businesses but also because locally grown plants and flowers will likely grow better.
A gardener’s perspective
M
ankato resident Karen Wright has been gardening for more than 50 years and is a loyal customer at Drummers. Wright completed the requirements to become a master gardener in 2016 and gardens both at her home in Mankato and her cabin on Lake Washington. She has extensive gardening experience with vegetable gardens, flower gardens, water gardens, container gardens, houseplants, square foot gardens and landscaping. According to Wright, more gardeners are turning to online sources to find the plants they want, and she does too when she finds good deals. However, she still prefers to shop at local nurseries and greenhouses. Her favorites include Donahue’s, Drummers and Edenvale Nursery in Mankato, and Bachman’s in the cities. “A lot of the local nursery businesses have been having trouble because of online business,” Wright said. “A lot of people are just ordering things online. However, anything that is grown locally is probably going to be better for your garden. And you’re dealing with real people. While a lot of the gardeners are ordering online, I think there’s a lot of value to working with your local nursery or shop.” Wright said she has noticed how local nurseries and greenhouses have been adding more and more varieties of plants to attract customers, as well as specially ordering plants on request. 20 •
• MAY 2020 • The Free Press • Home Magazine
“It’s that personal touch that they can do,” she said. “They’ll be able to order it for you. They’re really willing to accommodate you.” Wright said gardening centers have also begun hiring plant specialists to offer advice, which is a resource that gardeners lack when ordering online. In addition, in order to compete with online stores’ wide marketing presence, local gardening centers have begun adding more events to draw people in, such as the chance to make a fairy garden or pot a plant with your child. “There’s a lot more outreach,” Wright said. “That way, they can sell their product and get people into look. That’s been a big trend I’ve seen.” When it comes to gardening trends, she said that more people are gravitating towards square foot gardens or raised garden beds in order to save space, as well as participating in shared community gardens. She also noted that “organic” gardening is becoming a higher priority for both gardeners and garden centers. “A few years back, you had to go to specialty places to find ‘organic’ vs. using chemicals,” she said. “I am all about taking care of the environment for our future generations, so I’ve been on the ‘organic’ bandwagon for a while.”
“Our lives are more and more confined to inside spaces. That time outdoors is a time for relaxation and a time to take a breather. We all know that moving, getting physical exercise from gardening, from creating a space outside that you can just go relax or entertain, is a huge help in regards to mental and social health. And we’re seeing it more and more, because we know it helps us in some way to be outside in nature, and we want to create a space that reflects that. It’s super nice to just walk out the door and have [the garden] be there. You can just take 5-10 minutes to have this space to relax in, to just breathe the air. It’s not just about aesthetically making something look beautiful; it’s an investment into your own health.” –Jacqueline Karsten, Drummers Garden and Floral providing nectar, pollen and seeds for butterflies, bees, birds and other animals. “If you want to beautify your yard with native plants, your ground [health] is usually going to be just fine,” Karsten said. “These plants are very tolerant of many soil health levels. That’s why you’re seeing a resurgence of natives and pollinator plants that are specifically Minnesota-grown. You’re putting in the effort, and you’re seeing the result. It’s not necessarily right away, but you’re not struggling to try to keep this plant alive; the plant wants to stay alive.” Besides native grasses, there are dozens of other plants native to the Minnesota area. Some flowers include
the meadow blazingstar, sharp-lobed hepatica, swamp milkweed and partridge pea.
Looking at landscaping For Mankato homeowners who are looking to do a little more extensive work outside, there are several options and local experts who can assist them. Like gardening, landscaping projects can vary extensively in range and price, from a simple patio remodel to an entirely new yard setup. According to Jim Thomas, co-owner of Thomas Tree & Landscape, Inc., the first step is to simply talk with a professional about the work you want done. At Thomas’ company, he will send a potential client a questionnaire about the project, including the rough budget, timeline and details that the client wants included. From there, he sets up a free consultation, where he or one of his employees will spend about an hour on the client’s property to come up with a clearer idea for the project. Next comes the design process, which is included for free if the client decides to go ahead with the project. It’s difficult to estimate the cost of an “average” landscaping job, Thomas said, since each project is so individual—but he added that spending $10,000 for a project “isn’t anything.” However, his projects can run from $1,000 to upwards of $40,000, with the majority falling in the “medium-sized” job range of $5,000-$10,000. But Thomas insists that homeowners shouldn’t be intimidated by the larger numbers, since he’s able to come up with a project that will meet a homeowner’s needs and budget at the same time. “You can still get a lot of work done for under $5,000,” he said. “That’s where that initial consultation comes in. Sometimes people want a lot of work done, but they don’t have the budget, so what we’ll do is look at the whole entire project, break it up and give them three different estimates. They can do sections of it for the next 2-5 years. We do that frequently with people. I realize not everyone’s got $20,000 to spend on land, so you’ve got to break it up for them and prioritize.” Some popular projects that Thomas has done in recent years have been bigger patios, more retaining walls and more extensive paver stones. Paver stones in particular have come a long way recently, he added, pointing to the many unique patterns, colors and designs now available.
Starting even smaller
I
f you’re living in an apartment or other small space, don’t be discouraged—you can still grow a beautiful garden. Besides herb gardens, you can also explore other types of houseplants. “Houseplants are a big thing that’s happening right now,” Karsten said. “That’s another good way to start for beginners.” She added that people with houseplants can bring them outside in warmer weather, which usually helps them thrive more than usual because of the sunlight and natural watering. “A lot of people bring their houseplants outside during the summer,” she said. “It’s a really nice way to invest in greenery that you can’t have to maintain. I bring mine outside. [During colder months], they’re all tucked in under grow lights, but I bring them outside and they do so great.”
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Like gardening, landscaping projects can vary extensively in range and price. Jim Thomas, co-owner of Thomas Tree & Landscape Inc. said talking to a professional about your vision for your yard is a great first step. Thomas sends potential clients a questionnaire about the project, including the rough budget, timeline and details that the client wants included. 22 •
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“We tend to do a lot of really cool backyards,” he said. “It seems like people are spending more time at home, so they’re making pretty big investments into their properties to stay home and enjoy their home. I don’t know if people aren’t taking vacations or what, but it seems like they spend a lot of money and a lot of time on their backyards.”
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Gardening and working in the yard can become a relaxing and enriching pastime, according to Karsten. She also calls gardening a wonderful source of meditation and physical activity.
Surprisingly easy
W
hile new gardeners may worry that their free time will be consumed with caring for plants (especially weeding!), Karsten said gardening is surprisingly easy once plants are established. “Once something that’s low maintenance gets established, you might need to do initial cleanup in the spring and maybe some pruning, but no more than a couple hours a week,” she said, adding that many plants require only a “a couple hours a month” to properly tend. “Most of [the time] is probably fending off weeds, but there are really great ways of getting rid of those once you have mulch down, or ground cover plants that can help you battle that.” Karsten added that gardening can become a relaxing and enriching pastime, despite the work involved. “It becomes a really wonderful source of meditation and physical activity, so you want to be able to add plants to your garden,” she said. “There’s maintenance every year like weeding, trimming and pruning, but it becomes a joyful experience. That’s why you’ll see avid gardeners out there a lot. It’s really fun to watch things grow. Even if it seems like it isn’t fun to trim branches, once you do it, you plant something new and succeed, it is quite addicting.”
“We tend to do a lot of really cool backyards,” he said. “It seems like people are spending more time at home, so they’re making pretty big investments into their properties to stay home and enjoy their home. I don’t know if people aren’t taking vacations or what, but it seems like they spend a lot of money and a lot of time on their backyards.” In addition, several homeowners have asked him for “sitting walls” around their patios, as well as more 24 •
outdoor lighting and fire pits, especially those powered by gas. These are more expensive, but they’re easier to use. “Fire pits are huge,” Thomas said. “It was all wood fire pits, but now, the last several years, people are switching to gas fire pits. You just walk out, hit a switch and the fire pit is going.” Thomas Tree & Landscape, Inc. also works with clients on greenery-based landscaping projects, ranging from flowers to shrubs to trees. According to Thomas, there are “a hundred new
• MAY 2020 • The Free Press
plants” on the market every year, and since they often come in many sizes, the variety of plant materials is “almost endless.” While he doesn’t carry plant materials or green goods, he works with local floral businesses, along with some others in the Twin Cities, to supply clients’ needs. About once every two weeks, he’ll order a semi-truck load of plants during the busy season for upcoming projects. According to Thomas, his schedule is pretty full already, so it would take about a month to set up a new appointment and four months to start working on a project. His company works on projects from the end of March until Thanksgiving, while the “off” season is spent planning designs, organizing the schedule and also plowing snow for businesses and residents. “We’re always the last one to shut down,” Thomas said about his long season. “I always save patio jobs or retaining wall jobs for late in the year when it’s too late to plant, so we can still work on them if it’s snowy.” The company also has a “landscape design center,” where people can come purchase materials for projects they want to tackle themselves. Inventory includes mulch, decorative rock, sand, paver stones, pond supplies and other items. Thomas said that while most customers prefer to leave the project to him and his crews, some enjoy doing the work themselves. “People who like to putz in their backyard come out with their pickups, and we load them up with a truckload of [whatever],” he said. “But we’ve got a lot of people who don’t want to do any of that.” No matter what kind of project people have in mind, Thomas has probably done it—but he cautioned homeowners from having unrealistic expectations in the age of perfectly edited home improvement reality TV shows. “People look on websites and see all these beautiful patios and backyards, but they have no idea that the yard they’re looking at is a $50,000 landscape,” he said. “They see all these home improvement shows and things, [but] they don’t understand the cost of it. People don’t know how much landscaping is. We try to help them all out.”
Common gardening issues
A
ccording to Karsten, the two biggest challenges that local gardeners face are insects and fungus. However, there are ways to protect precious plants from these pests. “It’s really disheartening to see hard work get eaten by insects, or fungus take over plants like tomatoes,” she said. “But there are actually certain plants that can repel insects from just their smell, such as lavender and rosemary. Also, there are just general practices to avoid fungus, like not watering foliage during the day [and] watering the ground instead of the leaves.” Karsten added that pesticides can be useful to protect gardens, even if people might shy away from using “chemical” additives. Many pesticides now utilize natural chemicals that are found in flowers and insects, which means they aren’t as harmfufl to the environment. “I would definitely recommend adding something,” Karsten said. “Nutrients and insecticides are just
fine to use. I would say that you can use and incorporate a chemical to help your plants fend off insects, but the health of your plant is going to be the No. 1 way to defend it from fungus and insects. A stressed plant is not going to do very well against those issues.” A plant can become stressed for several reasons, Karsten explained, including over- or underwatering, lack of nutrients or poor soil. She recommended that gardeners run a nutrient test on their soil, which can be done through a simple take-home kit. For bigger gardens, she said there’s also the option of sending soil in to the University of Minnesota, which has a soil testing program. “If your soil is not healthy, you’re not going to have a good time with gardening,” she said, adding that soil quality varies greatly across Mankato. “There are some areas that are healthier than others. It sounds really complicated, but once you get the basics down of what a plant needs, it can become very easy after you start paying attention to its behavior.
Certain plants can repel insects with just their smell such as lavender and rosemary protecting your plants and flowers from pesky insects.
You’ll start seeing changes pretty quickly.” For even more professional help, Karsten said people can simply stop by Drummers to talk with the experts. “Even beginners will know, ‘My plant doesn’t look happy,’ but they just don’t know why it’s not happy, and that’s why we’re here,” she said. “We can diagnose what’s making that plant stressed. That’s kind of a big part of our job, diagnosing plant problems.”
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The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
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Mankato resident Barb Lamson and her husband use rain barrels to fill their pond and water all of their plants throughout their entire yard.
Mulch ado about nothing By Grace Brandt | Photos by Marianne Carlson
A
s people strive to live more eco-friendly lives, almost everyone knows about the need to “reduce, reuse and recycle.” But there’s another important part to that process that many people don’t understand nearly as well: composting. Much like recycling, composting takes waste and creates something new and useful. It’s also surprisingly easy to do, with different levels of participation available for different household needs.
A three-city-wide effort Food waste accounts for almost 22 percent of all waste that goes into municipal landfills, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—more than any other single material in everyday trash. While you might think that food waste isn’t as harmful as the non-biodegradable waste that fills up area landfills, in reality, this waste still creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Because of this, many cities encourage 26 •
• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
residents to participate in composting, also known as organics recycling. Residents of Mankato and North Mankato have the opportunity to participate in city-run composting thanks to a partnership between the two cities and Mankato Area Zero Waste, a grassroots nonprofit organization focused on reducing waste in all forms. “We’re working towards reducing waste in any form, but we first got engaged when we saw that food was one of the biggest contributors to landfills,” explained Betty Winkworth, co-chair of the group. “[Composting] was an area that had been developed more in Europe and other areas of US, [while] recycling had just leveled off at that point. This was an area that was ripe for working on.” Winkworth said that Mankato Area Zero Waste started with a pilot program in 2016, starting with 25 families who paid $25 each to have their food scraps composted. The collection times
happened on Saturdays, with volunteers waiting at designated stations for the families to bring their compost. After that first year, the organization entered into a partnership with the city of Mankato, which took over running the compost program. (A state grant also helped facilitate the partnership.) The city works with West Central Sanitation, with the cities of North Mankato and Lake Crystal also involved. Meanwhile, Mankato Area Zero Waste and its volunteers now focus on educational and community outreach efforts. The composting program is free and open to anyone, not just residents of the three main cities. Anyone can come use the designated dumpsters, which can be found in several locations within the three cities. The only requirement is to sign up beforehand (which can be done on the City of Mankato’s website), so that Mankato Area Zero Waste can track how many people are using the program. Right now, about 1,130 families in the three-city area participate, with about 830 households coming from Mankato. “It has grown a lot, and it’s continuing to grow,” Winkworth said. “I think in general, people get hooked on it. It’s very satisfying to think, ‘There is a simple thing that I can do that makes a difference,’ and it is. It’s making a difference, bit by bit. There are lots of different things we can do to be more ecologically friendly, but this is one of them.” For people interested in participating in the city composting program, Winkworth suggested starting simply. Households can designate something such as a five-gallon ice cream tub for organic compost, which includes food scraps, food-soiled paper goods, coffee grounds and houseplant trimmings. (For more information on what is accepted, go to Mankato Area Zero Waste’s website.) Winkworth said she empties her smaller container throughout the week into a larger one lined with a compostable bag, and she ends up taking that container to the nearby dumpster about once a week. “It’s a very simple way to start,” she said, adding that including paper goods can help keep the mixture from becoming “too juicy” or smelly—and will also prevent bugs. “You can do a great deal of good and get the whole idea by doing your food scraps and paper products. If people run into a snag, they can go to our website or give one of us a call. We want people to not be discouraged if something isn’t going right.”
Barb Lamson shows off her elaborate rain barrels. She and her husband do not use any city water in their garden.
Backyard composting For people who want to become even more involved with composting, it is possible to create your own compost bin in your backyard. (It is important to remember that you can’t compost all of the same things in your own bin that the City can collect for its composting, mostly because of how hot West Central Sanitation is able to heat its organic waste during its composting process.) These bins only require a little care during the composting process and can create nutrient-rich soil for personal gardens. Mankato resident Barb Lamson has been creating compost in her backyard for at least 25 years. The avid gardener said she set up her first compost bin because her property’s soil was full of clay and difficult to garden. She knew compost would help with her problem, so she built a bin (and eventually a second one) out of fence boards. The inside of the three-walled container is lined with mesh to hold in her scraps, and she also has flexible tubing that she sticks into the compost pile to provide more oxygen for the composting process. Compost bins can be created out of all sorts of materials, according to Lamson. While she used fencing, people have also The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
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made bins out of pallets, wood blocks or other building materials. The key is to keep the front (and top) of the container open for easy accessibility. “Think of it as a pen,� Lamson said. “You have [the compost] penned up like you would an animal.� She added that location is very important when it comes to setting up a compost bin, since compost needs the heat of the sun to break down materials but also can’t be too hot or it will dry out. Because of this, she recommended building a compost bin in a spot that is sometimes in the shade. The composting process is fairly simple. Lamson said the mixture
requires a “green� layer (grass clippings, food scraps and other organic matter) and “brown� layer (materials full of carbon, such as shredded paper, leaves and shredded twigs). Each alternating layer should be about a foot deep. In between the layers, people should also sprinkle the mix with water—not so much to be soggy, but enough to be “a little wet.� People can also add activators such as Super Hot (an organic activator made of nitrogen and microorganisms), but it’s not necessary, and Lamson doesn’t. She does usually add a little soil on the top of the compost mix to discourage wild animals. “I don’t want animals to think, ‘Well,
Participating in the City of Mankato’s composting program The City of Mankato accepts several different kinds of organic waste in its composting dumpsters, including: • Fruit and vegetable scraps • Meat, ďŹ sh and bones • Bakery and dry goods • Eggs and eggshells • Dairy products • Food-soiled and non-recyclable paper • Pizza boxes, cardboard tubes, paper egg cartons • CertiďŹ ed compostable plasticlined plates, cups and containers • Coffee grounds and ďŹ lters • Wood chopsticks, popsicle sticks and toothpicks • Houseplant trimmings • Hair and nail clippings
The City does not accept: • Yard waste (grass, leaves, brush) • Plastic bags • Milk cartons/juice boxes • Animal waste, litter and bedding • Styrofoam • Non-certiďŹ ed compostable plastics • Plastic-lined paper products • Diapers and wipes • Recyclable items • Liquids To learn more about composting, especially regarding the City of Mankato’s program, visit: www.mankatozerowaste.com.
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Press
golly, here’s a buffet,’� she explained. Lamson said she leaves her compost mixture for a few weeks before “turning� it (or mixing it up). When the weather outside grows warmer (around 70-80 degrees), she starts turning her compost mix. She turns it about every two or three weeks during the summer and gives it one last turn before fall. She doesn’t have to do anything to it during the colder months. “[Composting] is really a wonderful thing,� she said. “You have all these microorganisms that are working in the soil that you don’t see that are helping the plant to grow. It’s such a great thing, it really is.� Lamson estimated that she gets “three-to-four wheelbarrows� full of soil from her compost bins every year—and it’s high-quality stuff. “I’m a master gardener, and I love gardening, and I love to help other people, and I love to share my plants, but I never share my compost,� she said with a laugh. “It’s such a miracle that you put the stuff that you’re never going to use again [into the bin], and it turns into this really wonderful rich soil that helps your soil. It’s such a win-win kind of thing.�
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Barb’s composting tips
A
ccording to Lamson, one pitfall new composters fall into is not knowing what’s best to add to their compost piles. While many things are able to be composted, they sometimes need to be broken down further before adding them to the bin to ensure that they turn into soil in the quickest time possible. “Before we had a mulching lawnmower, I’d put the grass down [into the bin] and rather than breaking up, it’d just mat together,” Lamson recalled. “I’d also throw in things like sunflowers and hollyhocks, but their stems are very woody. I would just cut it up into 12-inch stalks, and they’d never break down. They just were too big. If you start a compost pile and you find that you’re turning things and there are certain things that didn’t break down, it’s because they’re too big. Just reduce them in size, and then they’ll break down much faster.” In addition, Lamson warned about letting your compost bin become wet or soggy, since then the mixture doesn’t heat enough to break down into soil. In addition, wet bins can start to smell. While occasional rain showers don’t affect the bins, it’s important not to overwater the mixture. It’s also important to make sure you don’t pack your mixture too tightly into the bin, since that will slow down the composting process.
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(Left to Right) Back Matthew Michaletz, Jon Michaletz, Bob Barbara Richter, Barbara (Left to Right) Back Row:Row: Matthew Michaletz, Jon Michaletz, Bob Richter, Campbell, Gail Michaletz, Michaletz,Craig ScottHanson Michaletz, Craig Hanson and Brenda GailCampbell, Michaletz, Scott and Brenda Kreinbring. Front Row: Kreinbring. Carrie Pyzick, Front Row: Carrie Pyzick, Jan Johnson, Amanda Thompson, Stacy Witte, Holly Sens, Jan Johnson, Amanda Thompson, Stacy Witte, Holly Sens, Nicole Blackman Nicole Blackman, Not pictured: Christina Meyer
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After a long Minnesota winter, homeowners get the redecorating itch come spring time. When that itch strikes, it is a perfect time to sample current trends and treat yourself to a fresh, fashion forward home.
Trendy Yet Timeless: Interior Design for a New Decade By Katie Roiger | Submitted Photos
H
ome sweet home. It’s that place you look forward to returning every day, your refuge from work, your space for shared family memories, and your personal
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
recharging zone. Its familiarity is comfort, and its uniqueness is your palette for self-expression. No matter how perfect your home already is, around this
Deb Morin, interior decorator and owner of North Mankato’s cofeeshop and home goods boutique Neutral Groundz poses for a photo inside of her shop.
time of year most homeowners get the redecorating itch. The Minnesota winter has been long and grueling, keeping you huddled in your living room under a plaid blanket for months. This year, the COVID-19 stay-at-home recommendations tacked another month onto our enforced hibernation. Even if you absolutely loved your décor the first time you arranged it, you might be tired of looking at it by now. If your house furnishings are ready for a change but you don’t know where to begin, don’t stress about what to try next! Spring is a perfect season for sampling current trends and treating yourself to a fresh, fashion-forward home. Before taking a peek at the currently popular interior design movements, it’s important to remember that you are your own best authority for embellishing your home. “The most important thing is a house that makes you happy” said columnist Kelly Williams Brown in her book Gracious. “It’s not that the things in the house need to match each other, but they should match you.” If you feel inspired to try this season’s palette but worry that the new colors will force you to scrap your china armadillo collection, never fear! Mankato’s design authorities offer several suggestions for seamlessly blending new trends with personal style. Todd Johnson, owner of Mankato’s Johnson Furniture, has over 40 years of experience in encouraging customers to trust their own instincts. “You don’t want to be trendy: You want to be on-trend,”
Johnson explained. “The difference would be someone walking in our store and saying, ‘Well I like this, but how long will this be “in”?’ A lot of times we’ll tell the client, ‘It’s up to you! If you like it today, buy it today.’” Johnson believes that many of his customers let their natural taste be clouded by worries that their personal preferences will quickly go out of style, especially when it comes to colors and patterns. “Most people will gravitate toward neutrals,” said Johnson. “It’s our job to help them find pieces that they might not have chosen for themselves. Color will put a smile on their face. It puts some sparkle in their eyes, and they feel magic.” This year, the hottest furniture colors are shades of blue. “Furniture industry follows women’s clothing,” Johnson noted. “If there’s a color that’s very popular with women, it seems like it [furniture] tends to go in that direction.” Big sectional sofas in blue tones are especially stylish for 2020, as are blue area rugs and even blue walls. “The color of the year is a kind of a navy,” said Jes Tano, coowner of the Whimsy and Weathered interior design boutique. She and Denise David, her mother and fellow Whimsy owner, have noticed a movement away from the white farmhouse-style look of previous years toward a more widespread use of color. “Navy is the new grey, for certain,” agreed David. “We’ve had people do a whole dining room in it.” Deb Morin, interior decorator and owner of North Mankato’s The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
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coffeeshop and home goods boutique Neutral Groundz, believes that when it comes to choosing colors, it’s important not to get stuck hung up on how certain colors are typically used. Although blue and white are both trending, she says that people can be afraid of using them together because they equate the combination with a marine theme. “Recently I was decorating a bedroom in Mankato and the owner said, ‘I don’t want any blue and white,’” Morin shared. While wishing to honor her client’s tastes, Morin couldn’t help noticing that many of the pieces her client liked best were blue! After some discussion, Morin suggested keeping the bedroom walls neutral, but adding a few splashes of blue throughout the room. The owner agreed. “We did end up with blue and white, but we did it in the bedspread, pillows, and candles, and mixed it with a lot of greenery just to soften the room,” said Morin. “She loved it when it was done!” Painted accent walls are fading in popularity, whereas pops of color from single-palette rooms or painted furniture are having a moment in the spotlight. “We’ll follow trends from the east and west coast as they trickle up to us,” David said. “It used to be grey walls and light furniture and now it’s a reverse. We’re actually seeing some black trim, especially on windows, which is brave but beautiful.” One of the season’s biggest trends is painted wood. Trim, furniture, and even cabinets are receiving this special treatment. Brighter jewel tones such as green and purple are starting to increase in use, but white and neutral hues continue to be favored. “A year ago, we were painting so much white furniture it was unbelievable,” laughed David. “The most popular color now is alabaster. It’s a shade of white, but not stark.” In addition to creating a chic appearance, painting wood is a solid choice for homeowners who want to try adding color to their homes but don’t want to commit to an entirely navy room. Best of all, homeowners don’t need to buy anything but a few gallons of paint to bring this fashion into their living spaces. In addition to blue tones, Morin has noticed that elements of 1970s color schemes are coming back into style. “I’m talking the oranges and the browns,” Morin laughed. “You’re seeing that and you’re seeing a lot of tan – very natural and almost hippie-ish, I want to 32 •
say!” Morin thinks that the resurgence of 1970s earthy tones is due in part to the current movement toward natural décor and sustainably-sourced products. “It’s kind of a modern trend,” Morin said. “You see the macramé plant holders coming back, and a lot of natural woods. Bamboo is very big. I’m showing it right now in table-toppers such as plates, silverware, and bowls. It’s beautiful.” Right now, Morin’s favorite piece in stock at Neutral Groundz is a coffee table made from the root of a teak tree. Not only does its simple design highlight the gorgeous material, but its sturdiness makes the piece multifunctional. “It’s very heavy, but it can be used indoor or out if people want it on the patio,” Morin explained. Fortunately, home decorators don’t have to choose between the equally widespread painted wood and natural wood trends. If the wood pieces in a room are similar but don’t match each other exactly, this can create a pleasing overall appearance. It might sound counterintuitive, but mixing the two finishes is the most popular way to furnish this year’s homes and provides a depth of texture that is key to creating interest. “We’ve had a ton of raw wood accessories: Frames, trays, risers,” said Tano. “It’s just very soft and it bounces off white [paint], but it’s warm and cozy. It’s a super, super strong trend for us.” “It’s a very complimentary mix with the painted furniture,” David added. “You could have a painted buffet and two raw wood end tables.” What if you like the natural wood look, but can’t find identical pieces? Not to worry. When it comes to pairing wood furniture, Johnson’s advice is straightforward. “Don’t try to match anything!” he said. “If you try to match and you’re off by a shade or two, it looks worse than if you hadn’t.” Instead, he recommends choosing pieces that are a few shades lighter or darker than each other. “It still ties everything together,” said Johnson. The current inclination towards color works to the advantage of those who still prefer more neutral overall looks. “Bring your color in with your accessory pieces because you can always change those out as the trends change,” suggested Morin. “You can change a candle, you can change pillows, you can
• MAY 2020 • The Free Press
change throws, you can maybe get a new picture on the wall - those things are easily changed, whereas not all of us want to repaint.” The same principle can also apply to furniture. While chairs, ottomans, and other smaller pieces provide opportunities to highlight a fun color, bigger pieces make a great canvas for a changing rotation of accessories. “If you have a neutral sofa, all you’ve got to do is take those blue and cream and burgundy pillows off and pick up a different pair of pillows,” said Johnson. “Now your color’s not going to be that blue or that burgundy anymore if you want to introduce yellow, or turquoise, or some kind of green. With a neutral sofa, you can do that.” Neutral doesn’t have to mean unremarkable, however. One of Johnson’s favorite upholstry tricks is to pair a soft hue with a rich texture or subtle pattern. The same principle applies to area rugs. A brightly colored or patterned rug on top of a muted surface is a
While chairs, ottomans, and other smaller pieces provide opportunities to highlight a fun color, bigger pieces make a great canvas for a changing rotation of accessories. The same principle applies to area rugs. A brightly colored or patterned rug on top of a muted surface is a playful and complimentary look that works for both hardwood and carpet. The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
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playful and complimentary look that works for both hardwood and carpet. “Don’t be afraid to use rugs on carpet,” advised Tano. “If you really want to change a room but don’t want to change the carpet, play with an area rug.” Placing an area rug under a larger piece of furniture changes the entire look of a carpeted room and adds another layer of texture. As an added bonus, modern rugs have become affordable and user-friendly. “It used to be that big rugs were never washable,” David said. “Now, even a rug that fits under a dining room table can be washable. It’s going to make the room a lot softer and prettier, but it’s going to save your carpet in the long run.” Homeowners can also tie in color splashes with another nod to the 1970s: Wallpaper! Entryways and single walls in bedrooms or bathrooms are the most common choices for papering. While the trend may seem retro, the patterns and technology are anything but. White and black minimalist prints, thin lines, soft florals, and plaids have replaced the loud, geometric designs of previous eras. “Plaid always sounds busy, but it’s not,” said David. “The way its designed is very, very clean, just because it’s a larger scale.” The idea behind modern wallpaper is still to add texture and color without overwhelming the viewer. Plus, if you don’t like it after a season, it’s a breeze to remove. “It’s got a built-in adhesive and the tack isn’t too strong,” David explained. “If it’s not where you need it to be, you just pull it off and put it back on. It’s made for this generation.” After learning about 2020’s exciting trends, it may be tempting to immediately dive into a full-scale home overhaul. Realistically speaking, however, it’s important to begin by determining your overall goal, which is largely defined by cost. “The first thing to do is to set a budget of what you are willing to spend,” said Tano. “Everybody wants to love their space and if you can set a true budget with yourself, then you just design your space around that. If you’ve committed to buying new furniture, then buying new furniture may change what you do for accessories. If you’re committed to keeping your [current] furniture, then you may need to commit to new accessories because otherwise you won’t have a big enough change.” Once you have a workable budget, the next thing to do is to decide what
elements of your home décor could most use some alteration. “Walk into a room and pay attention to what you do,” Morin said. The human eye can scan a space in seconds and frequently does so unconsciously. Morin recommends taking a thoughtful trip through your house and observing how each room makes you feel. What do you like about your current décor? What do you want to be different? “We always ask people, ‘What do you have a kinship to?’” shared David. “For us, that means what will stay and be worked into the new design plan.” Some of Tano and David’s clients feel stuck with pieces that are either too new, expensive, or sentimental to scrap. In these cases, the Whimsy owners recommend that their clients research ways that other decorators have turned unwieldy items into showcase-worthy arrangements. “Let’s say you have a leather recliner and your husband loves it, and there’s no way you’re getting rid of it,” David joked. “A recliner with a beautiful throw, a nice pillow, and a basket tucked next to it is much better than just the recliner. You want to try to find the look that you can update around what you’re keeping.” “Over the years, we hardly get anyone coming in asking for curio cabinets, grandfather clocks, beanbags, or cedar chests,” Johnson said, but acknowledged that many instances occur where a client may feel compelled to keep some of these older pieces. “There’s always a designer or salesperson who can help you keep that in place. There’s no right or wrong. Your focus will always be those newer pieces of furniture that will help bring the room to life.” As always, the magic is in the details. “It’s about how you pair things together to create your own style,” Tano said. “A lot of people go into a furniture store and buy a collection of furniture, but it’s the little things that go with them that make it a home and not a store.” Even the number or positioning of accessories makes a huge difference when it comes to creating appealing arrangements. “When you’re grouping things together, do them in odd numbers rather than even,” said Morin. “The textures that come out with that are what people are attracted to. Let’s say you have a grouping on a table. Maybe have a book with some plants sitting on top of it and some things next to it, but
you’re still working in odd numbers.” Often, accessorizing is the fastest and cheapest way to incorporate trending color and maximize the “Wow!” factor. When it comes to creating visual interest, Tano and David swear by fake botanicals. “I love faux plants!” said David. “I just don’t feel like I can have enough of them. They warm a space up and you don’t have to commit to watering them. We bring faux plants to every house we do.” Want a fresh look but can’t commit to painting the walls or changing the furniture? Swapping out the hardware on light fixtures and cabinets creates an amazing difference in overall appearance. “Gold trimming is huge on anything,” said Tano. “Some people even call it antique gold – it’s almost like a matte and it doesn’t have that shininess.” Homeowners with a roomier budget can even consider extending this trend to their appliances. Maggie DeGrood of DeGrood’s Appliance says that certain companies are making it possible to customize refrigerators, cooktops, and dishwashers so that customers can mix and match their colors.
“You can get gold handles on a black fridge and really make it super creative,” Degrood said. Switching out light fixtures is an equally easy trick to update your home’s appearance. “Frosted globes are out,” said David. “Either try taking the globe off and just leaving the bare bulb, which is very in, or get a $5 clear globe. It’s super inexpensive.” Finally, one of the best decorating hacks of all is also the simplest: Declutter! Remove excess knickknacks from the tops of dressers and bookshelves, and use attractive baskets to store magazines, games, and other objects that can easily junk up a space. “Jes made me take down everything I had on top of the cabinets,” David laughed. “The trend is a very clean look.” No matter what your budget or time frame, 2020’s trends are easily accessible to those who want to update their living space. When you pair new looks with favorite possessions and remember to have fun with the process, you are guaranteed a lovely, welcoming, and interesting home every time.
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Just for You:
The Benefits of Custom Construction and Remodeling By Katie Roiger | Submitted Photos
L
et’s say you’re ready for one of the biggest life changes of all. Perhaps you’re tired of apartment life. It could be that you ready to commit to a big purchase with a significant other. Say you just don’t need the space you currently occupy. Or, maybe you, your kids, and your three basset hounds are bursting out of your duplex. This can only mean one thing. It’s time to move! Searching for a new house can be one of life’s most exciting
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
experiences. Of course, now that you are ready to change everything about where you are currently living and embrace a new adventure, you want your next home to be as close to perfection as possible. Unfortunately, what is currently available might not suit your needs. Some potential home buyers, after religiously following the local housing market, realize that none of the available properties strike them as the place they want to make their refuge from the world. None of
the multiple houses they tour evokes that special feeling of homecoming, of entering the space that will shelter, nourish, and support their personal and family life. What to do? Sometimes the answer is to wait and see – that perfect house could be just about to go on the market. In some cases, though, the answer is that your dream house simply hasn’t been constructed yet. “When you’re building a new home, you’re going to get exactly what you want,” said Max DeMars, owner of the Mankato-based DeMars Construction. A second-generation contractor, DeMars grew up in the construction industry while building side-by-side with his dad, and has been working on his own since his high school graduation. In his experience, building a home can have many hidden benefits. “It might be challenging to find a house that’s in perfect condition, so you may have to factor in the cost of renovations,” DeMars said. Even if a home buyer finds a pre-made house he or she likes, in most cases the building will need some kind of upgrade such as new carpet, fresh paint, or possibly improved framework. “Another perk is that it’s better for you,” DeMars continued. “Other homes may contain asbestos, lead paint, mold, or something like that. When you build a home, you can pick your materials.” But wait: Isn’t building a home more expensive than buying premade? Jamie Sorenson, president of the Minnesota River Builders Association and Market Representative at Cambria, says that cost depends on a variety of factors. “One of the first questions asked is, ‘How much will this cost me?’” Sorenson shared. “The answer isn’t always clear cut. When it comes to home construction, not only do we face the unforeseen, but the plan often changes during the process because, for example, the clients decide they prefer a higher-end product over the mid-range one we initially discussed.” “The biggest risk of building a new home is higher cost and longer time frame,” said DeMars. Both he and Sorenson agree that there are many ways to keep home construction as costeffective as purchasing a premade home. One simple solution is to have a solid budget set before breaking ground on the site. “Often construction starts with many of the decisions deferred until later in the process,” explained Sorenson. If a home builder doesn’t know what
Top: A closeup view of the gallery workstation. Left: This kitchen highlights the contrasting texture of the rough brick backsplash, traditional white cabinetry and a black walnut butcher block countertop which adds visual texture and contrast.
materials they want to use, frequently they put off the choice until they are already committed to the project and then are unpleasantly surprised by the cost. By creating a budget and researching each selection in the building process, they are more likely to have a beautiful, cost-effective end result. “Include contingency,” said Sorenson. “Because some costs are unforeseen, it’s better to plan for extra costs, just in case. If you don’t need it, it means you come in under budget.” If planning is the solution, some potential builders may be daunted by the idea of having to chart each expense, service, and vintage spray-painted faux-antique light fixture – especially if they have never commissioned a home before. Fortunately, they don’t have to forge their trail unaided.
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The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Press
“Utilize the MRBA as your local resource,â€? Sorenson advised. “If you have questions or concerns, reach out and we can point you in the right direction.â€? The Minnesota River Builders’ Association includes a plethora of builders, remodelers, subcontractors, and suppliers who support the building industry in the Blue Earth, Brown, Sibley, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Watonwan, Faribault, and Martin counties. No matter what question a client has, chances are they’ve dealt with it multiple times. Once a home builder determines that he or she has the time and budget available to build a home, the real fun can begin. “Everyone has a different vision for their house,â€? said Gretchen Maher, a local who has had ďŹ ve houses built and sold in the Mankato area. “Go with what makes you feel at home. What feels cozy to you? What feels welcoming?â€? While planning a house, Maher collects pictures from books, magazines, and Internet articles of homes and spaces that appeal to her. When it’s time to make a oor plan, she refers to her pictures to decide what about them strike her fancy. She then tries to incorporate the overall themes into her vision for the house. Collecting inspiration can be as simple as going to an open house event. The MRBA hosts an annual Tour of Homes where visitors can explore new home constructions and ask the contractors any questions they want. “This is such a great way to view the talent that our local building industry has to offer,â€? said Sorenson. “Research and dive into what you like and don’t like. It’s kind of like speed dating for your new home.â€? Chatting with an expert is a great way to kickstart new house plans. Maher is a ďŹ rm believer in shopping around for contractors the way she would shop for materials. As a result, she has fond memories of working with local builders who helped her draw up a house plan that suited her style. “Don’t just go with the original person who gives you a quote,â€? Maher said. “Look around a little bit, because there’s quite a difference in pricing.â€? For those who may feel designchallenged, Sorenson suggests ďŹ nding a dependable interior designer. “Designers are highly-trained professionals, not just people with a good eye for color and a knack for picking furniture,â€? said Sorenson. “Think of them as the wedding
planners of the home building industry. Designers are able to assist in keeping your project on schedule and underbudget. The best deliver cost-effective value whenever they help build a home. This will ensure that your home has a well-rounded feel with no details left out.” The beginning of 2020 marked several continued trends for home construction. JBeal Realty’s Katie and Kevin Regan, a husband-and-wife realtor duo, have noticed that the current most popular house designs among their clients are fluid and airy. “A lot of people want open floor plans,” said Katie, who mentioned that the home-selling and the home-building markets draw inspiration from each other when it comes to what buyers want – and what buyers currently want is a house with multi-purpose spaces. “A lot of contractors are getting rid of the formal dining room.” Other soughtafter features include home offices and multiple first-floor bedrooms. “Younger families don’t want to be too far away from their kids,” explained Kevin. He and his wife suggest keeping an eye on what is currently popular in the housing industry, especially if the home builder plans to sell his or her house someday. When designing a house, making the kitchen a focal point is a good choice. In modern homes, kitchens are becoming less of a mere space to complete food prep and more of an area to have family time or even host parties. “Home chefs have gone from the isolated to the center of attention in newer homes,” Sorenson said. “The large kitchen design brings everyone around the island and not the T.V. We are starting to see islands in a variety of different paint colors and wood stain colors.” Garrick Rudolph, General Manager of custom cabinet business Cherry Creek Inc., has also noticed a trend toward showstopping yet lasting kitchens. He and his team specifically design products that are attractive and sturdy. “We are focusing on building homes that are suited for people that are wanting to live in their home as long as possible,” Rudolph said. “We are designing them with things that are going to last a really long time and allow them to live there as long as they want.” This approach allows home builders to save money in the long run since the cost of future replacements or repairs is minimal. One particularly effective costsaver used by Cherry Creek is a special
The entry way is the first impression your home makes on visitors. The two bottom photos show updated style and improved flow compared to the “before” photo above.
type of finish that requires processing in an oven in order to cure. The end result is a thicker stain that lasts longer than a standard finish. With their materials’ quality assured, Rudolph’s clients are free to decide what overall look most appeals to them for their kitchen. Fortunately, when it comes to cabinets and fixtures, home builders have almost limitless options for combinations of stain and texture. “We’re seeing a lot of more natural wood tones, combined with paint,” said Rudolph. “Matte black is popular with cabinets right now.” The white-painted woodwork of the last few years is still a widespread choice, but now home owners are branching out into greys and even richer colors. “In addition to neutral shades, dark
jewel tones are making their way back into the kitchen; black, navy, emerald green and even plum,” Sorenson explained. “It’s so much fun to see the drama this can create, giving the space a luxurious feel.” Another lively 2020 trend is using contrasting textures and sheens. In combination with the popular naturalwood look, many cabinet makers are offering different distressing techniques. Cerused wood is making a comeback. During past centuries, craftsmen used a white, lead-based pigment to mute the overall color of a particular wood in order to highlight the simple beauty of the wood’s grain. Oak has always been a popular choice for this type of finish due to its stunningly visible grain patterns. Today’s craftsmen can implement the
The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
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When designing a house, making the kitchen a focal point is a good choice. In modern homes, kitchens are becoming a popular area to have family time or host parties.
same technique, but with much more health-conscious and environmentallyfriendly products. Once you determine the desired look of your custom kitchen, the next thing to do is to determine how the space will flow. According to Rudolph, kitchen design has changed significantly over the past few decades. “The old concept of kitchen design was that you were supposed to design in a work triangle,” Rudolph explained. The idea for a work triangle is simple: If you were to draw imaginary lines that connected your cooktop, your refrigerator, and your kitchen sink, the distance between each should be equal. While that concept is still in use, modern design is trending more toward creating a single area for meal prep. Frequently, this means a central island containing the sink, plenty of space for either cooking or entertaining, and potentially some seating space. “It’s about creating a workstation so you don’t have to travel back and forth across the kitchen,” said Rudolph. 40 •
“It’s very convenient; it’s comfortable; you’re not in people’s way when you’re cooking or entertaining.” Cherry Creek Cabinets sells a galley workstation that incorporates these principles and has been very popular in the Mankato area. In both custom-built homes and recent remodels, the movement toward quartz or granite countertops is still going strong. Rather than the tile or laminate of previous decades, buyers are turning to more durable surfaces that are designed to make a statement. Local, family-owned quartz surface producer Cambria celebrated its 20th anniversary by releasing 20 new designs that range from neutral, earthy hues to vivid palettes with eye-catching color veins. “Cambria is stain-resistant and won’t etch like a true marble, so life can happen,” said Sorenson. “No tiptoeing in a Cambria kitchen! With over 180 design options, there is something for everyone.” If the timing is right, the location exists, and the budget is reasonable,
• MAY 2020 • The Free Press
custom construction can be a great choice for any individual or family. But what if some of these components are missing? Let’s say that perfect spot for building isn’t available, or it’s a little too pricy. Or, more commonly, perhaps you already love your current property and can’t imagine living anywhere else – but after years of use, it needs a major facelift. In these cases, renovation might be a fantastic choice. “Remodeling is going to become a really big thing,” predicted DeMars. “We’re taking houses and reworking the floor plan: Scrap the house and start over. We’ve done about three of those in the past five years.” Maher’s current home is actually a remodel rather than a new construction. She and her husband decided that a renovation project would be an exciting new challenge and began looking for houses that had good bones. After scouring the market, they stumbled upon a home that suited them down to the ground.
Besides replacing the trim and laying hardwood throughout the entire main level, Maher opted to nix the formal dining room. She said she loves the fresh open look.
“The minute I walked into it, compared to the other houses we looked at, I could totally see it being our house,” remembered Maher. The home was originally built in the late 1970s, however, and the Mahers could tell. “In its day, I’m sure it was beautiful, but it was definitely time to be updated,” laughed Maher. In many ways, the home was the opposite of the open, neutral houses that are popular now. Wallpaper and paneling were everywhere, as was popcorn ceiling detail. In terms of floor plan, some rooms felt closed-off. The Mahers decided to view the project as a chance to create their dream home. “When we moved in, we were basically sleeping in our living room because the bedrooms were all under repair,” Maher said. “The repairs were full-scale, involving new paint, flooring, fixtures, and a completely overhauled bathroom.” “I went with more neutral colors and put in new carpeting,” said Maher. “The colors I chose were a soft gray and a kind of greige. We tore out all of the woodwork and replaced it because it was oak and thin. We put in new doors and went with a wider trim. We actually
painted all the woodwork white. As soon as you walked upstairs, it was just like night and day. It made everything brighter, more open, and airier.” With the upstairs completed, the couple’s next step was tackling the main floor. Besides replacing the trim and laying hardwood throughout the entire level, Maher opted to nix the formal dining room. “We took out the opening between the kitchen and the dining room,” Maher said. “There was just a little doorway between the two, so we opened that up. That looks really nice and fresh.” Another of Maher’s favorite changes was the upgrade she gave their living room. The room’s vaulted ceiling made one wall look too big and bare – certainly not cozy! Maher took her own advice and began collecting pictures of elements she thought would improve the space. “I started drawing up what I wanted to see there,” said Maher. “I added windows, bookcases, and a fireplace and it totally made the room. It really brightened it up.” The result was a room that, like the rest of the house, reflected Maher’s personal style and
“Have fun!” is Sorenson’s biggest recommendation to potential builders. “This is your home. Make it perfect for you and your family.” served as a beautifully livable area. Although the process of moving is often stressful, finding a great new home doesn’t have to be. Whether starting from scratch or revamping an existing house, custom construction might just be a home buyer’s dream come true. Following the simple steps of budgeting, reaching out to professionals, and having a style plan will free you up to enjoy the ride. “Have fun!” is Sorenson’s biggest recommendation to potential builders. “This is your home. Make it perfect for you and your family.”
The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
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DIRECTORY
C & S Supply 1951 N Riverfront Drive Mankato Candssupply.com
507-387-1171
Bonnie Kruger of CENTURY 21 Atwood 209 South 2nd Street, #200 Mankato bonnie@atwoodrealty.com
DeMars Construction 327 N Riverfront Dr., Mankato demarsconstruction @gmail.com
Design Element 1711 Premier Drive Mankato www.thedesignelement.net
507-387-5933
507-345-8771
Heartland Security
Hewitt Roll-A-Dock
213 NW 8th Ave Melrose asandbakken@ heartlandss.com
709 Old Hwy 14 Nicollet
507-327-0633
First National Bank Minnesota Now Serving You from Four Branch Locations
St. Peter 507-931-4000
Mankato 507-625-1121
Gaylord 507-237-5521
Belle Plaine 952-873-2296
Apply Online: www.fnbmn.bank/personal-lending www.fnbmn.bank
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26-29 GAUGE • MAY 2020 • The Free Press
855-624-0009
Standing seam architecture look for half the price
507-225-3421
Hilltop Florist 885 Madison Ave. Mankato hilltopflorist@hickorytech.net hilltopflorist.com
507-387-7908
Hilltop Vacuums Plus 950 Madison Avenue Mankato
Jordan Powers 1609 N Riverfront Drive Mankato jordanpowersphotography.com
hilltopvacuums.com
507-933-041
507-387-5125
Kato Insurance Agency 100 Warren Street #204 Mankato info@katoins.com
KB Cleaning 1653 Stadium Lane Mankato
507-995-5476
Lloyd Lumber Company
Mainstream Cabinets
1860 Commerce Drive North Mankato lloydlumberco.com
306 Main Street Mapleton msc@hickorytech.net mainstreamcabinets.com
507-625-4500
507-524-3377
jscottybuilders.com Jeff
612-701-6315 Chris
507-382-4945
Lacina’s Siding & Window Inc.
Liberty Heating & Cooling
2104 N Riverfront Drive Mankato lacinasiding.com
601 Poplar St, Mankato info@ libertyheatingcooling.com libertyheatingcooling.com
507-625-5064
507-389-9855
Menards 1771 Premier Drive Mankato
Minnesota River Valley Title & Abstracting
menards.com
100 Warren St Suite 317 Mankato dkscruggs@mnrivertitle.com
kbcleaningmn.com
507-387-4081
JScotty Builders
507-387-3400
507-720-6415
CARPET • RUGS • HARDWOOD • andersontuftex.com
1107 Cross St. North Mankato 507.625.3089 www.rickwaycarpet.com The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
• 43
Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
1640 Adams Street Mankato mnvalleyfcu.coop info@mnvalleyfcu.coop
100 Memorial View Court Mankato mnvalleyfcu.coop info@mnvalleyfcu.coop
507-387-3055
507-387-3055
Rickway Carpet 1107 Cross Street North Mankato rickwaycarpet.net
507-625-3089
Northern Comfort Inc.
Novel Energy Solutions, LLC
917 Southbend Ave, Mankato sales@ northerncomfortinc.com northerncomfortinc.com
2303 Wycliff Street, Suite 300 St. Paul, MN 55114 novelenergy.biz
507-387-6596
612-345-7188
Rush River Steel and Trim
Sawatsky’s Pool Inc.
Schmidt Siding & Window
35227 290th Street Henderson, MN 56044 rushriversteel.com
433 Belgrade Avenue North Mankato pools@sawatskypools.com swatzskypools.com
901 N 5th St, Mankato info@ schmidtsidingandwindow.com Schmidtmankato.com
507-248-3577
507-388-3624
507-625-6412
We Are Truly Grateful for Being Voted #1 in HVAC & Plumbing
Thank You For Putting Your Trust In Us
Front: Brooke, Chris, Peg, Keith, Greg, Julie; Middle: Monica, Wendell, Austin, Jared, Mike, Korey, Alex, Jay, Denise; Back: Jesse, Tim, Travis, Austin, Tayler, Rex, Paul, Lori, Mike
For 45 years your comfort has been our business! Heating • Cooling • Plumbing Northern Comfort offers heating, air conditioning and plumbing services to residential and commercial customers.
Call today for a FREE in-home estimate for any replacement work! 917 Southbend Ave | Mankato, MN
507-387-6596
www.NorthernComfortInc.com 44 •
• MAY 2020 • The Free Press
St. Andrews Title 300 St. Andrews Dr. Suite #210 standrewstitleandexchange.com
Think Spring! With A New Zero Turn Mower Two Great Brands – One Great Location We Service What We Sell! Authorized Dealer Sales & Service
507-385-4459
Wilcon Construction 111 Redtail Court Mankato An Employee Owned & Local Business Since 1957
wilcon-construction.com
507-317-4831 HOME • FARM • COMMERCIAL 1951 Riverfront Dr., Mankto • 507-387-1171 www.candssupply.com
Windrush Home Plan# 29300
At Menards®, we understand the importance of your home and we are dedicated to bringing you the best quality in selection and savings. From a light switch to a kitchen remodel, Menards® has what you need at our everyday low prices.
Stop in to your nearest Menards® location or visit
to start shopping today! The Free Press • MAY 2020 •
• 45
Quality Products and Exceptional Service from your local, hometown lumber yard and rental company for over 73 years.
Lloyd Lumber Company Marvin windows and Doors brings its Built around you® philosophy to life with every customer and every product it creates. A premier manufacturer of made-to-order windows and doors, Marvin offers unparalleled value with craftsman-quality construction, energy-efficient technology and the industry’s most extensive selection of shapes, styles sizes and options.
507-625-4500 1860 Commerce Drive North Mankato HOURS: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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• MAY 2020 • The Free Prese
