Spring 2019
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HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019 | Page 2
Lighting is a Key Component of Curb Appeal
C
urb appeal can affect prospective buyers’ perception of a home. When addressing curb appeal, homeowners may be inclined to focus on features that are easily seen from the street during the day. But what can a homeowner do to improve on his or her home’s nighttime aesthetic?
Outdoor lighting is one aspect of curb appeal that is often overlooked, advises the home improvement experts at The Spruce. Homeowners may fail to recognize the importance of how proper illumination can provide their homes with a warm glow and make it look beautiful after the sun has set. For example, think of how cozy and inviting neighborhoods appear during the holiday season when homes are strung with twinkling lights. Homeowners can replicate that look all year long with lighting elements. Lighting for evening hours also helps maintain a safe environment for people who are visiting the property. Illuminating walkways and doorways provides a clearly visible and safe path to and from
the home. The following are a few ways to improve outdoor lighting. • Focus on architectural features. Outdoor lighting can focus on the external features of the home’s architectural style. Use light to draw attention to interesting gables, dramatic roof lines, dormers, or curved entryways. • Play up landscaping. Stylish lighting can highlight trees, shrubs, pathways, gardens, and all of the elements of softscapes and hardscapes on a property. The lighting experts at Vernon Daniel Associates say that soft lighting can make homes feel warm and cozy. Uplighting trees or other elements can add a dramatic effect.
• Light up all doors. Make sure that doors, both entry and garage, are properly lit for ease of entry and egress from the home. Safety. com, a home and personal security resource, says a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States. Installing motionactivated lights or lights on timers can deter break-ins. Consider using home automation to control porch lights and other outdoor lights remotely, if necessary. · Create entertaining areas. Outdoor lighting can be used to extend the hours residents can spend outside. This is great for entertaining and can be an excellent selling point. Homeowners are urged
not to overlook outdoor lighting as a vital part of their plan to improve curb appeal.
Page 3 | HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019
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Get Ready: Early Spring Landscaping Tips
D
uring the cold months of winter, many people stare longingly out of the window dreaming of spring and time spent outdoors. For those with green thumbs, images of tending to the garden and other aspects of their landscapes no doubt dominate such daydreams.
Draw inspiration from those budding crocuses and daffodils pushing through the last remnants of snow and employ these tips to prepare for the upcoming gardening season. · One of the first steps is to apply a preemergent weed killer to get a head start knocking out weeds that can plague the lawn during the growing season. Killing weeds at the roots early on can mean far fewer hassles in spring and summer, and may prevent new generations of weeds from cropping up each year. · While it may be tempting to take a prematurely warm day as a sign that spring is in full force and purchase a bunch
of annuals, it’s better to know the last of the possible frost dates (check “The Farmer’s Almanac”); otherwise, you may waste time and money planting flowers or vegetables only to have them zapped by another frosty day. · Amend the soil so that it is the right consistency - just crumbling when lifting it. Soil that is too muddy after spring thaw can harden, making it difficult for plants to flourish later on. Speak with representatives at a local lawn and garden center about which types of amendments you can add to the soil in your particular area to enrich it. · Lawn and garden experts at The Home Depot suggest filling in bare patches of lawn now by mixing a few shovelfuls of soil with grass seed. Then apply this patch to the bare areas, water, and continue to care for the area until the spot fills in. · Spend a day in the garage or shed tending to the lawn mower and other gardening equipment. Clean all tools and ensure that everything works, repairing parts as needed. · Give outdoor entertaining
spaces a good scrubbing, clearing away dirt and grime that may have accumulated over the winter. Use a leaf blower to blow away any leftover leaves. · Check if the front porch, railings or decking need painting and/or staining. Tackle these projects when the weather is cooler so everything will be ready for those peak spring days.
year that will complement any existing shrubbery or perennials. Come up with a theme so that the entire yard is cohesive. Before homeowners know it, winter is gone and it is time to once again enjoy long days spent outdoors. Get a jump start on spring lawn prep as soon as you can.
· Think about any annuals you might want to plant in the landscape this
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HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019 | Page 4
new spring color for your beds, ask your nursery worker to point you toward flowering plants that bees like and that are native to your area, requiring less chemical care than other varieties.
Build a Bee House Build or buy bee houses for your garden. North America is home to more than 4,000 native bee species — honey bees were imported from Europe in the 1600s — and most of those don’t live in hives,
Help Save the Bees B
ees produce more than tasty, sweet honey. We owe most of our food to the hard work of one of the species of apis. Seventy out of the top 100 human food crops, about 90 percent of the world’s nutrition, are pollinated by bees, Greenpeace says. But bees are in crisis.
Colony collapse disorder occurs when most of a colony’s worker bees disappear, causing the colony to slowly
die off. CCD ran rampant starting in the mid-2000s, when beekeepers began reporting up to a 90 percent loss of their hives. The disorder has scaled off somewhat, but bees are also under attack from pesticides, global warming, habitat loss and diseases.
the National Wildlife Federation says. Instead, they live in small nests carved into soil or wood. And, bonus, they rarely sting. Talk to your local nursery or agriculture extension agent about what bees live in your area and how to create the best habitat for them.
Don’t Forget the Water Bees and other pollinators need water, too. Add a water feature to your garden. It can be as simple as a bird bath you regularly refresh. Add rocks or pebbles
How You Can Help
that stick out above the water line to
Start by looking at what pesticides you use and opting, if possible, for organic solutions that don’t harm bees. Then plan some plantings. When choosing
give bees and other insects a safe place
?
to land. Dump the water every few days to kill any mosquito larvae, and stay away from chemicals.
DID YOU KNOW? O
xygen is essential for the roots of grass to breathe and grow strong enough to support healthy lawns.
But according to the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, compacted soil can produce a decrease in oxygen content that can make it hard for roots to thrive. Soil compaction can result from a number of activities, including walking on grass or driving or parking vehicles on grass. When soil is compacted, it breaks into
small particles that reduce the amount of pore space in the soil. That makes it hard for water, oxygen and nutrients to get through, threatening the strength of the roots and putting the grass in jeopardy.
Aerating a lawn can help homeowners foster strong root growth and healthy grass. When to aerate may be contingent upon local climate, so homeowners who suspect the soil in their yards
is compact should consult with a local landscaping professional to determine the best time to aerate their lawns.
Page 5 | HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019
MIDLAND DAILY NEWS
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Get a Green Clean
W
hen it comes to getting our homes clean, Americans are increasingly going green.
materials, construction supplies,
To clear clogs: Pour 1/2 cup
pet products, sporting goods and
baking soda down drain, add 1/2
office supplies.
cup white vinegar, and cover the
While it was once the case that
drain. The resulting chemical
one might need to find a specialty
reaction can break fatty acids
A
According to the 2017
or health foods store or even an down into soap and glycerine, ccomplishing a do-it-yourself home repair ShopperScape survey by Kantar individual sales consultant to track allowing the clog to wash down or had renovation can elicit feelingsthe ofdrain. pride. Retail, 4.7 million consumers down green cleaning supplies, (Do not use this method purchased green products for only
they are now widely available
after trying a commercial drain
one year or less and 56 percent of
at many local supermarkets. So
opener—the vinegar can react
U.S. primary household shoppers
there’s a good chance that you can
with the drain opener to create
purchased natural and organic
find a BioPreferred product or a
dangerous fumes.)
products in at least one category.
comparable alternative available for purchase locally.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, when traditional chemical cleaning products are released into the environment during normal use, they can affect water quality and endanger aquatic species, affect indoor air quality and cause skin and eye irritation.
Find Green Products Both cleaning products manufacturers and the U.S. government have responded to demand for people looking for more natural ways to clean their homes. The United States Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred program certifies a wide range of products that are safer for the environment than traditional ones. Visit www. biopreferred.gov for the list of household cleaning products, including oven cleaners, sponges, dish soaps, laundry detergents, personal care and toiletries, products for babies and children —
Floor cleaner/polish: Use a few drops of vinegar in cleaning water
Do It Yourself
to remove soap traces. For vinyl
The great thing about going green
or linoleum, add a capful of baby
with your cleaning is that it’s
oil to the water to preserve and
incredibly affordable and easy
polish. For wood floors, apply a
to do DIY. We all appreciate a
thin coat of oil and vinegar (in a
pre-made cleaner, but if you are
one-to-one solution) and rub in
willing to put in some minimal
well. For painted wooden floors,
prep work, you can set yourself up
mix 1 teaspoon of washing soda
for cleaning your home naturally
into 1 gallon of hot water. For brick
in no time at all. Here are some
and stone tiles, use 1 cup white
formulations for basic cleaners,
vinegar in 1 gallon of water and
from Delaware Healthy Homes,
rinse with clear water.
that are up to the task of getting your home sparkling clean.
Bathroom tub and tile cleaner: Rub in baking soda with a damp
All-purpose cleaner: Mix 4
sponge and rinse or wipe with
tablespoons of baking soda with 1
vinegar and follow with baking
quart warm water.
soda as a scouring powder.
Disinfectant: Mix 1/2 cup borax
Window and glass cleaner: Use
into 1 gallon of hot water.
a vinegar-and-water solution,
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cornstarch-vinegarand-water solution, or lemon juice and water. Wipe with newspaper unless you are sensitive to the inks in newsprint. To avoid streaks, don’t wash
and much, more,
windows when the
including building
sun is shining.
Reasonable Rates
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HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019 | Page 6
Plant Local N
ative planting means choosing blooms and bushes that grow in your area on their own.
nursery or garden store, look up your address on the map and determine your plant hardiness zone.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says native plantings are already adapted to your climate and soil conditions and provide important nectar, pollen and seeds to native fauna. They do not require fertilizers, need fewer pesticides, are less thirsty and can prevent erosion, may not require mowing, and promote biodiversity.
Look around your yard. Observe the places where you want to plant and how many hours of sun and shade those spots get. Does water pool there? Is it dry? What’s the soil like? Is it close to your house or driveway? What native plants are around you? What’s your budget? These are all questions the plant experts at your local garden store will ask.
Know Your Zone
Be Patient
The first step to native planting is to know your planting zone. The USDA maintains the map, which is available online. Before you leave for your local
Location, Location, Location
Remember, this is a marathon. Native plants may take a year or so to get established and grow into their new habitat, the USDA warns. When you
plant, you’ll also need to leave room for the plants to grow and propagate. If the gaps in your garden are killing you, ask your garden center about potted plants or small garden sculptures you can easily move to fill in.
Controlling Weeds and Invasive Species While you’re at the nursery center, talk to the experts there about weed control and invasive species to look for. Especially if you’re reusing beds that were planted with invasive species before, you may have your hands full for a couple of years. Weed control techniques to consider are pulling them by hand, using environmentally friendly mulches to suppress weeds among young plants, and the careful use of herbicides.
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Page 7 | HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019
E
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The Small Garden
ven if you don’t have a large yard or green space to work with, you can still have a beautiful outdoor space to work out your green thumb. Here are some hints for making the most of your little slice of the great outdoors. . Think Vertical
Just like in cities, the quickest way to get more space may be to go up. Line a fence or wall with artfully placed flower boxes and alternate color and greenery. Choose Jobplants Number: for 00791800 leafy texture as well Customer: Millar’s Appliance as blossoms, and remember Phone: (989)686-2661 to take into account the amount of sun your space
gets. Not into a lot of elbow grease outdoors? Try shelves of succulents in a variety of colors and pots.
Take Advantage of Vines You don’t need a lot of room for flowering (or even fruiting) vines to grow. Instead, arrange them along shaped trellises or cages and take advantage of their natural propensity to spread. Keep the vines pruned to keep them from taking over.
Creative Containers Keep in mind that your containers will need to drain, be mobile and stand up to the elements. Once that’s covered, you can make
almost anything into a flower pot with a little work. Get creative and recycle (clean) tin cans and interesting containers. A lot of local garden centers and pottery shops may also offer up pretty pots at great prices.
plants, such as fruit trees,
Pair it Up
including apples, citrus,
If you’re planting edible
peaches and more.
pair them up, if needed, so they bear fruit. Talk to the experts at your garden center about varieties that need a mate and those that are selfpollinating. Many fruit trees are created to grow on patios,
Contact Us
Millar’s Appliance is locally owned and operated proudly serving our customers since 1939. We invite you to come down and meet the most experienced sales staff in Bay City. Our knowledgeable professionals will lend their expertise in the appliance and electronic industry when helping you choose the washer, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, oven, dishwasher & microwave to fit your needs.
www.millarsappliance.com • millarsappliance@gmail.com
721 N. Euclid Ave Bay City, Michigan 48706 Phone: 989-686-2661 Email Us: millars@sbcglobal.net
Store Hours Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm Saturday- 10:00am - 2:00pm Sunday - Closed
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HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019 | Page 8
3 Potential Trouble Signs for Driveways pavement, and potholes may even expand over time.
T
hough they are often easy to overlook, driveways are durable parts of a home that can greatly impact a home’s curb appeal. Driveways endure quite a bit of wear and tear over their lifespans, and homeowners who have not given their driveways much thought may want to start looking for potential trouble signs that indicate a need for some driveway maintenance. According to the online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor. com, the average cost of a driveway installation in 2015 was just under $3,700. Those costs are influenced by a host of factors, including the size of the driveway and the material it’s made of. Damaged driveways do not necessarily need to be replaced, as some may just need minor repairs. But homeowners who see any of the following trouble signs in their driveways may want to consult a professional contractor to determine what their next steps should be.
1. Potholes Potholes might be most often associated with heavily trafficked roadways, but even driveways are susceptible to potholes. As the ground beneath the driveway expands and contracts, the pavement above that ground weakens and becomes more susceptible to damage. That damage may ultimately lead to large chunks of the driveway breaking down, creating holes as a result. Homeowners who live in areas that experience heavy snowfall may see their driveways develop potholes after they are shoveled or plowed. Potholes that are not fixed may damage vehicles that drive on the
problematic than others, but homeowners 2. Accumulation of Water should still speak with Puddles that form during a rainstorm a contractor may not be indicative of anything if they notice other than a rainy day. But water that their driveway is pools or runs down the middle of starting to succumb the driveway may indicate drainage to cracks. problems. Such problems may be the result of structural problems with Driveways may not the slope of the driveway, which can draw the attention of cause bigger issues down the road. homeowners too often, but When water is not absorbed into the damaged driveways that go ground or directed away from your ignored may ultimately lead to very home, it can then flow into the house, costly problems. potentially making your garage or home susceptible to water damage.
3. Cracks Cracking is one of the more noticeable issues that can plague driveways. Many driveways experience cracking as materials inevitably succumb to the elements. Driveway cracks may develop for various reasons, including poor initial installation. Tree roots that grow beneath the driveway surface may also contribute to cracking as the driveways ultimately succumb to the pressure created by the growing roots. Some cracks may prove less
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Page 9 | HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019
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Enjoy Safe Backyard Barbecues This Summer B
ackyard barbecues are synonymous with warm weather. And why wouldn’t they be? Grilling over an open flame when the weather is warm embodies the relaxing spirit of spring and summer, prompting many people to leave their oven ranges behind in favor of charcoal and gas grills.
As relaxing as backyard barbecues can be, they can quickly take a turn for the worse if cooks don’t emphasize safety when grilling out. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 9,600 home fires are started by grills each year. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that, between 2012 and 2016, an average of 16,600 patients went to the emergency room each year because of injuries involving grills. Such statistics only highlight the need to balance the fun of grilling with safety when hosting a backyard barbecue or cooking for the family. The following are some steps people can take to ensure their backyard barbecues are safe. · Recognize that gas grills pose a threat as well. It’s easy to assume gas grills don’t pose as great a threat as charcoal grills, which produce soaring flames once the charcoal is lit. But the NFPA notes that gas grills are involved in 7,900 home fires per year. No grill is completely safe, and cooks must emphasize safety whether they’re using gas grills, charcoal grills or
smokers. · Only use grills outdoors. Grills should never be used indoors. Even if rain unexpectedly arrives during a backyard barbecue, keep the grill outside. If unexpected rain is accompanied by lightning and thunder, extinguish the fire in the grill and go indoors. · Place the grill in a safe location. Grills should be placed well away from the home. Avoid locating grills near deck railings or beneath eaves and overhanging branches. Cut overgrown branches before lighting a grill fire if they are in close proximity to the grill. · Keep your grill clean. The buildup of grease and fat, both on the grill grate and in trays below the grill, increases the risk of fire. Clean the grill routinely. · Properly light the grill. Lighting gas and charcoal grills requires caution. Before lighting a gas grill, make sure the lid is open. If you must use starter fluid to light a charcoal grill, the NFPA advises using only charcoal starter fluid. Never add any fluids to the fire after it has been lit. · Do not leave a grill unattended. Cooks should never leave a lit grill unattended. If you must leave the grill, only do so if another adult can stand in your stead. Lit grills pose a threat to children and pets, and unattended grills can be blown over by gusts of wind or tipped by wild animals, such as squirrels. Standing by a lit grill at all times can protect against such accidents and injuries.
Grilling is a favorite summertime activity. For more information about grilling safety, visit www.nfpa.org.
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Store Hours:
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Sat. 9-4 pm
1703 S. Saginaw Road, Midland, MI 48640 Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Next to McDonald’s Thurs. 9-6 pm
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HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019 | Page 10
Tips for Staining
S
taining wood can transform the look of everything from fencing to decking. While wood can be beautiful in its natural state, staining can protect the wood and complement landscaping and other home design elements. Staining can seem like a simple project, and that is often true. However, certain woods, such as pine, cherry, maple, and birch, can be difficult to stain. Boards with attractive grain patterns also can absorb stain differently, resulting in blotching and uneven tone.
prior to sanding. Follow the directions carefully when using chemical strippers. Natural bristle paint brushes are handy for oil-based stain applications. Synthetic paint brushes can apply water-based finishes. Many do-it-yourselfers find that foam brushes or paint pads are the most handy because they provide a smooth finish and there’s no need to clean up the brushes afterward.
Many professionals recommend using wood conditioners or pre-treaters Before beginning a staining so that the stain will not project, it is important for leave blotches on the homeowners to test the wood. This is especially stain chosen on a sample important for homeowners piece of wood to see how the who determined their color and absorption turn wood is prone to uneven out. This gives homeowners color absorption. Allow the chance to understand the conditioner to dry what they’re dealing with according to product and time to make any directions. necessary accommodations to achieve a more even look. Stain should be applied so that it is evenly coated. Begin by gathering the Wipe off the excess to get necessary supplies. A pair the preferred color. Apply of latex or vinyl gloves will more stain as necessary to protect your hands. Drop get the desired color. Many cloths will catch any drips stains only offer color, or spills. Safety goggles so you’ll need to apply a and a dust mask provide finishing coat to protect the protection if sanding is wood. Otherwise, look for required prior to staining. a product that combines If sanding is necessary, stain color and a finish to homeowners will need an save time. orbital sander, hand sander and sandpaper. Start with Remember to remove the coarsest grit sandpaper knobs, hinges, and handles and move to a higher grit from a piece before for a smooth finish. Wood staining, as the stain may that is covered in paint affect the color of any metal may need to be stripped hardware and damage it.
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Page 11 | HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019
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6 Steps to Creating
FAIRY GARDENS for Kids
G
ardening can be an enjoyable activity for adults and children alike. Gardening encourages creative thinking and can make for an eco-friendly activity as well.
well with little reclining chairs, sea grasses and succulents. You can then complete the theme by adding some seashells and colored stones.
Adding a touch of whimsy to gardening can make it that much more attractive to children. Perhaps that is why fairy gardens have become so popular among youngsters. Fairy gardens can be designed in outdoor gardens or in containers that children can nurse and enjoy indoors. Here are six steps to get your fairy garden up and running.
3. Draw up your design. Before securing anything in the container or digging into your garden bed, sketch out a garden design. This gives you an idea of how the finished product will look. Even before planting, gently place plants and other components in their spots and move them around accordingly until you find the desired look.
1. Choose your container or location. Decide where to place the fairy garden. Hollowed-out tree stumps are both contained and outdoors, and kids may feel like the fairies inhabited this neglected area of the yard and made it their own. Otherwise, use containers you already have, such as old pots, hanging baskets, picnic baskets or cookie tins. Wooden birdhouses with their roofs removed also can make for clever places to house the gardens. 2. Choose a theme. Fairy houses can take on any theme their creators prefer. Themes help children decide what to include in their gardens. For example, a seaside retreat may work
imagination and the garden will take on a life of its own. 6. Invite the fairies. Children can invite fairies to take up residence (fairies often show up at night and tend to remain
unseen), or children can create their own fairies using craft materials. Fairy gardens are a fun way to introduce children to gardening. Once families get started, they may want to create entire fairy villages.
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4. Include similar-needs plants. Mixing plants that have different requirements can make it challenging to care for the fairy garden, so select plants that require similar levels of sunlight, prefer similar soil conditions and require roughly the same amount of watering. Herbs are a smart choice because they stay small and are easily maintained. 5. Don’t forget a fairy dwelling. You will need to add a house for the fairies to inhabit. Small bird houses can work, but you also can consider old teapots, bird-nesting boxes or even homemade houses assembled out of bark and twigs. Use your
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HomeStyle/Spring - May 25, 2019 | Page 12
DID YOU KNOW? R
ain barrels provide an ecofriendly opportunity to repurpose rain water while helping homeowners conserve water and save money.
But homeowners must exercise caution when using rain barrels in their lawns and gardens. Water collected by rain water should never be used for drinking, cooking or bathing. Pet owners should know that water collected by rain barrels also should not be used to bathe pets. Rain barrel lids should also be tightly secured to prevent mosquito infestations.
Secure rain barrels to also protect children and pets from falling in. Overflow valves should always direct water away from structures to prevent water damage to homes or
sheds. In addition, to reduce risk of falls and injury, homeowners should be certain that water is not directed toward sidewalks, driveways or other areas where foot traffic is
common. Before the arrival of winter, homeowners should disconnect their rain barrels from downspouts to prevent the formation of ice.
RESIDENTIAL MONTHLY HEAVY ITEM & BRUSH COLLECTION The City of Midland provides residential properties with monthly curbside collection of heavy items and brush. To utilize this program residents place items at the curb by 7:30 am on the Monday of their area’s scheduled collection week. See map to the right. Area A is the first Monday of the month, Area B is the second Monday of the month, etc. Crews begin collection for each area on the designated Monday. The actual collection day will vary, depending on the volume of items out for collection in the area. Once the crew has finished collection on a street, they do not go back. To ensure collection, items must be placed at the curb by 7:30 am on the designated Monday. The earliest items can be placed at the curb is the Saturday preceding the scheduled collection Monday. Monthly residential heavy item collection is designed to pick up items such as, boxes of any size, furniture, mattresses, carpeting, etc. To utilize the monthly brush collection program place brush parallel to the curb in lengths of 8 feet or less, with a one foot space between the piles. QUICK TIPS: • Place heavy items and brush in clearly separate piles • Never place heavy items or brush in the street • Place piles away from trees, mailboxes, guidewires, fire hydrants, etc. If you have additional questions please check out our website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov or call The Department of Public Services at 837-6900.
Find out more information at https://cityofmidlandmi.gov/heavyitembrushcollection or call 989-837-6900