Q&A Master Gardeners with the

I have a row of 4-5 year old lilacs with a fence around it to ward off deer. The plants are outgrowing the fenced area. At what point are they safe to leave unfenced and have the deer not devour them? When we attempted to open them a couple of years ago, the deer devoured the lower 3-4 feet. We don’t want that to happen againof expandingcourse.Dowejustkeep the fencing forever?

Ihaveplentifuldeerwhodon’tusually bother my mature lilacs, so you will notneedafenceforever. Thedeerwill eatyounggrowth,butoncetheplants mature the growth isn’t attractive to them. It will be a gradual process. Maturesizeforalilacisabout12feet. I’m not sure about their current size. Have you tried a deterrent spray? The most effective sprays contain egg solids,Liquid Fence and Deer Out are two examples. These products will probably reduce the damage,but not prevent all damage. Usually, deer will cause the most damage just as leaves emerge, so spraying the bare branches should reduce damage.

We are building a 3ft high berm of dirt in front of some black walnut trees to act as a barrier and shield.The area in front of the black walnut trees is sunny most of the day. We plan on planting either forsythia or lilacbushesonthetopof theberm since they are fast growing and can grow to a height of 8ft. Any suggestion on what else might work as a good 8-12ft barrier. We are also looking for a fast-growing ground cover to plant on the sides of the berm so we don’t have to weed it. Any suggestions for the ground cover? Thanks!

“Landscaping and Gardening Around Walnuts and Other Juglone Producing Plants” CCE article gives a list of plants that tolerate juglone: https://extension.psu. edu/landscaping-and-gardeningaround-walnuts-and-other-jugloneproducing-plants

Cleaning

How Everyday People Can Cut Energy Consumption

Maintain appliances and replace older ones. While reducing reliance on energy-thirsty appliances is a great way to reduce energy consumption, no one needs to throw away their refrigerators. Instead, maintain appliances so they are not forced to work harder, and thereby consume more energy, to function. Routinely clean the filtersonwindowairconditioners, replacing them if they’re worn down. In addition, have HVAC units serviced annually to ensure they’reoperatingatpeakcapacity. Replace older appliances, includingrefrigerators,thatareno longereffective.

Graduation Etiquette

Handle limited seats with courtesy. Many schools limit the number of seats each student can reserve for guests. This can make it tricky when there are a number of people who are worthy of an invite. Explain to friends and family who you cannot invite that you would love to have them there but are restricted by ticket allotments. Try to have both sides of the family represented. Usually an invite to the after-party will thwart any hard feelings.

Tips For Negotiating With Contractors

Do your homework. Getting the best price typically require shopping around and not settling on the first bid. Experts recommend getting at least three estimates on the same job - and be sure to let each contractor know that you are soliciting multiple bids. This alone may entice a specific contractor to give you his or her best offer up front. Avoid simply choosing the lowest bid. Look at quality of work, reputation and reviews. If you like a costly contractor more than another, see if that contractor is willing to match a lower bid to win the job.

HOW ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES ARE HELPING THE DEAF

Cochlear implants The NDC notes that cochlear implants are electronic devices that are surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear. Cochlear implants utilize electrodes placed in the cochlea, or inner ear, to stimulate the auditory nerve of individuals who have substantial and permanent hearing loss.

The NDC reports that cochlear implants are not necessarily ideal for everyone with significant hearing loss. That’s because no two brains are the same, and it’s difficult to predict how well a given person’s brain will interpret the new auditory signals the implant is sending. In addition, the NDC notes that certain types of hearing loss cannot be remedied with cochlear implants.

Full Color

Cards

9 Editions delivered weekly to 85,000 Homes

140,000 Print Readers

75,000 Digital Readers Office: PO Box 340 1471 Route 15 Avon, NY 14414

Phone: 585-226-8111

Fax: 585-226-3390 www.gvpennysaver.com

Email: sales@gvpennysaver.com

President

...........................Steve Harrison

General Manager

...........................Manuel Karam

Director of Advertising Sales

............................Colleen Mann

Distribution

...........................Chris Harrison

Creative Director ..............................Cristie Leone

Production Supervisor .................................Je Wasson

Circulation Manager

Members of: