Flower and Garden Show 2014

Master Gardeners’ Celebrating The 70th Anniversary Of The

VICTORY GARDEN

Flower

&

Garden Show 2014

We invite you to stop by each of our exhibitors!

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

April 25 - April 26 - April 27 NOON-6PM 9AM-6PM

11AM-3PM

Cumberland County Community Complex Crossville, Tennessee

A

special publication of the CROSSVILLE

CHRONICLE

2 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Master Gardeners can help you make your own Victory Garden

Get more nutritional bang for your work by planting nutrient-rich vegetables and savory herbs to supplement your table.

It’s getting closer. Have you saved the date? It is time for the Cumberland County Master Gardeners Flower and Garden show April 25–27. It will be held at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds in Crossville. Admission if $3 (children 12 and under are free). Tickets sold at the gate.

This year’s theme is A Victory Garden and it is the 70th anniversary of the “Grow More in ‘44” program. Growing Victory Gardens gave Americans on the Home Front a feeling that they were doing something helpful to win the war. Many different types of vegetables were grown. Victory Gardens were responsible for growing 40 percent of vegetables in the U.S. There will be a large variety of vendors and exhibitors. All things related to gardening will be displayed and on sale; in addition, to plants and shrubs.

Speakers are lined up for each day of the show, with a variety of topics. Also, the “Ask A Master Gardener” booth will be available to help you tackle your landscape questions. There will be entertinament, food, door prizes, a silent auctions and family activities. There will be something for everyone.

The show will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Beginmation. It’s a good source of vitamin ning gardeners, old pros and those in between are welcome. Come one; come all.

A, thiamin and magnesium.

Turn your ‘victory garden’ into a ‘vitamin garden’ (BPT) — It’s a well-known fact that few Americans actually get the recommended daily dose of vitamins. Many turn to over-the-counter supplements to fill in nutritional gaps. But wouldn’t it be better — not to mention tastier — to get needed nutrients from what you eat? This season, why not turn your vegetable and herb garden into a “vitamin garden?”

Fortunately, many vitamin-packed vegetables and herbs are easy to grow.

Hardy, bountiful varieties like those from Bonnie Plants make it even easier to claim vitamin victory in your veggie garden. Studies show that gardeners tend to eat more fruits and vegetables than non-gardeners, and nothing beats the flavor and freshness of home-grown veggies, fruits and herbs.

In addition to the many health benefits gardening delivers, such as gentle exercise, fresh air and sunshine, growing your own vegetables can help ensure you meet vitamin requirements.

While gardening is great exercise, starting a garden is actually an easy task. With just an hour a day, you can

start a small backyard garden, or even grow your own vegetables in pots.

Just start with transplants, instead of seed; they’ll save time and effort, and provide you with an earlier harvest.

Choose a sunny spot with good drainage, and make sure the soil is in shape to receive plants by soil-kit testing, and amending when necessary. Feed your food plants, water regularly and don’t forget to patrol for pests.

Ready for your garden? Try these gardener-friendly, high-powered vegetables and herbs that can ensure your diet is full of flavorful, vitamin-rich foods:

Herbs

• Basil — Low in calories and cholesterol-free, basil is a rich source of many essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins. It contains exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A. • Oregano — High in anti-oxidants, oregano has both antibacterial and antifungal properties.

• Rosemary — Another antioxidant herb, rosemary is used to fight inflam-

Veggies

• Spinach – Spinach contains more than half the recommended daily value of vitamin A and is high in vitamins C, K , E, folate, manganese, magnesium, iron and potassium. Naturally low in calories, spinach grows well in spring, summer and fall, producing high yields of large, nutrient-rich leaves.

• Tomatoes — Considered a super food, tomatoes deliver high doses of vitamins C, A, K and B6, and minerals such as potassium and lycopene. Hugely versatile, they‚Äôre a great ingredient in a variety of culinary styles, or equally yummy eaten on their own.

There are a range of new, easy-to-grow tomato varieties for 2014 • Peppers — Another versatile veggie available in a wealth of varieties, peppers deliver fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, copper and vitamins A, C, K and B6. Many types are very easy to grow, and others deliver high See VICTORY page 7

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2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Speakers to cover variety of topics at Flower, Garden Show As the Cumberland County Master Gardener’s Flower & Garden Show nears, the list of fascinating and interesting speakers is growing faster than freshly planted garden seeds.

Jeff Poppen, also known as the Barefoot Farmer, will be speaking three times on Saturday.

Poppen has appeared on Nashville’s PBS program “Volunteer Gardener” for the past 15 years and has written a gardening column for the Macon County Chronicle for more than 20 years. He has also written two books – The Best of the Barefoot Farmer Volume 1 & Volume 2.

Also on Saturday, Kathy Michalczo of Erin’s Meadows Herb Farm will be speaking. Michalczo will cover herbal teas for health and vitality and fresh herbs in the kitchen.

Sarah Johnson, of Johnson Nursery & Landscaping in Cookeville, will speak Friday about “Let’s refurbish our winter-damaged gardens and learn about new plants.” Johnson grew up on a farm. Continuing to play in soil and with plants was second nature, especially after she married a fourth generation nurseryman.

In 1969, Sarah and Chuck moved back home to begin their business. Their two

sons are an active part of the business. Johnson graduated from Tennessee Technological University and is a charter board member of the Cookeville Area Rose Society.

Susan Hamilton, director of the UT Gardens, will be speaking Sunday. Dr. Hamilton is co-host of “Garden Talk,” a talk radio show that airs weekly. She has authored the book The Best Garden Plants for Tennessee.

She also writes for the Knoxville News Sentinel, Tennessee Farm & Home Magazine and Fine Gardening Magazine. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in ornamental horticulture from UT, a master’s degree in horticulture and a doctorate in adult education.

Robert Melgar, who will judge the photo contest, will also speak about “Beginning Photography” Friday.

Bring your camera. Melgar is self taught and has traveled out west and photographed grand vistas. Before photography, Melgar was in law enforcement for 32 years.

Diane Morey has agreed to speak. Morey graduated the Technical College of the Low Country in Bluffton, SC, and advanced computer graphics and webmaster See SPeakers page 9

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3

4 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Homestead Timber Frames to feature garden structures, wedding pavilions this weekend Residents of Cumberland County and surrounding areas have been pleasantly surprised and pleased with Homestead Timber Frames, Inc., since 2007. According to owners Bruce and Cyndy Garner, it is because of their ideas in design, the quality of their work and the professionalism of their crew.

Homestead Timber Frames is a traditional tim-

Look for us at booth

#119

ber frame company that provides custom designs and structures including homes, pavilions, barns, gates and

pergolas.

“We use heavy timbers held together by mortice and tenon joinery and wooden pegs,” Garner explained.

“Our choice of wood is locally or regionally harvested and milled.”

Their most popular projects are outdoor timberframed pavilions, which are custom designed to fit their clients’ landscape and living

style. However, since opening in 2007, they have seen much more interest in their garden structures and wedding pavilions, which will be shown at the Spring Flower and Garden Show.

“Our most exciting product is the elaborately designed timber framed wedding pavilion and pool side pavilions,” said Garner.

“These incorporate kitch-

ens, bathrooms and beautiful fireplaces.”

The Garners began timber framing homes and pavilions in 1985 in Knox County. Homestead Timber Frames at 121 Duer Court, Crossville, is their second full-service timber frame company.

“We sell nationwide, but prefer to stay as local as possible,” Garner said.

This year, the couple are anticipating a year of growth as their sales and requests for projects is at an all-time high. In addition, they expect to add to their workforce to meet their customers’ needs.

For more information about Homestead Timber Frames, call 484-7059.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What’s a victory garden? Medicinal herbs offered at Lisa’s Greenhouse During World War II, families planted Victory Gardens in the United States, the Home Front, to help prevent a food shortage at home and abroad.

Commodities like canned vegetables were rationed to ensure there was enough food for soldiers fighting around the world, so Victory Gardens helped people stretch their ration coupons.

Because trains and trucks had to be used to transport soldiers, vehicles and weapons, most Americans ate local produce grown in their own communities. Many different types of vegetables were grown, including tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, beets and peas. Victory Gardens also introduced new flavors to the American dinner table, such as Swiss chard and kohlrabi, because they were easy to grow.

At their peak, there were more than 20 million Victory Gardens planted across the United States.

By 1944, Victory Gardens were responsible for producing 40 percent of all vegetables grown in the United States. More than one million tons of vege-

tables were grown in Victory Gardens during the war.

People with no yards planted small Victory Gardens in window boxes and watered them through their windows. Some city dwellers who lived in tall apartment buildings planted rooftop gardens and the whole building pitched in and helped. Many schools across the country planted Victory Gardens on their school grounds and used the produce in school lunches.

The U.S. government printed recipe books describing how to prepare home grown vegetables to make nutritional and tasty meals. Agricultural companies gave tips on how to make seedlings flourish in different climates.

Excess food grown in Victory Gardens was canned and used during the winter months to supplement the amount of food available.

Growing Victory Gardens gave Americans on the Home Front a feeling they were doing something helpful to win the war, and they were!

—The National WWII Museum

Lisa’s Greenhouse/Pipsissewa Herbs offers much more than plants. Since 1995, the business has also provided new medicinal creations based on ancient techniques.

Its owner, Lisa Bedner, RN, RH (AHG), has 30-plus years of experience as both a medical herbalist certified by the American Herbalists Guild (AHG) and a registered nurse in emergency medicine.

“I’m a traditionally trained Native American herbalist and grower,” she said. “I specialize in medicinal herbs and endangered plants.”

Lisa’s Greenhouse/Pipsissewa Herbs features display gardens and is certified as an Endangered Plant Sanctuary by United Plant Savers. Using traditional Native American methods and practices, Bedner grows sever-

HERBS

Look for us at booth

#306

Bedner plans to customize orders/medicine in the future to meet customers’ needs, as well as add more classes and workshops to her website, www.pipsissherbs. biz.

Lisa’s Greenhouse/Pip-

sissewa Herbs is located in Nameless, TN, about 15 miles from Cookeville. For more information, check out her website above or call (931) 653-4402. Hours are by appointment only April through September.

al different plants and creates herbal medicines to help customers with a variety of issues. Among her bestselling products is a herbal joint salve that helps ease the pain of arthritis and neuropathy.

“We have the largest variety of medicinal herbs in Tennessee,” she said. “All the plants and products are organically grown.”

Lisa’s Greenhouse/Pipsissewa Herbs offers free tours as well as the following services: wellness consultations, plant identification, herb classes and workshops.

COME SEE US AT

BOOTH #306 IN Pipsissewa Herbs BUILDING 3!!

Organically grown herb plants Herbal Medicines • Display gardens Largest Selection of Medicinal Herb plants in TN! Wellness Consultations • Herb Classes / Workshops

LISA’s GREENHOUSE

931-653-4402 15 miles from Cookeville www.pipsissherbs.biz Lisa Bedner, RN, RH, AHG

1-877-526-4222

2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Client comes first at Landscape Solutions

At Landscape Solutions, LLC, the client’s needs come first, with the dedicated team of landscape professionals focusing on quality craftsmanship and the latest techniques.

“We approach each job with putting the client’s needs first, without the distraction of beginning a new installation until your job is complete,” said Scott Clymer, who started the business with Joe Sooter in March 2003.

With a staff of about 15 talented, local individuals, the business is able to run two landscape crews and stay open all year long.

The landscape crew is staffed with an industry stan-

Look for us at booth

#414

dards designer who offers onsite recommendations as well as full computer-aided drafting designs. The team of industry certified installers is skilled in masonry, carpentry, site grading and excavation, paver and retaining wall construction, plant and turf knowledge, waterfall projects, and more.

“Our team attends several training programs and trade shows throughout the year,”

said Sooter. “We offer our clients quality service and up-to-date industry knowledge.”

Landscape Solutions also offers all the materials on site to make the client’s designs come to life, or for the do-it-yourselfer to get to work on their own project.

The Garden Center offers two acres of plant material, palletized stone, bulk gravels, mulches and topsoil, as well as pottery, pond supplies, statuary and garden gifts.

Landscape Solutions offers delivery and installation through the retail center, as well as gift certificates. There is always a friendly and helpful staff

member ready to assist.

Danny Barker is the retail manager, and he always has a smile and a solution to many of the landscape problems growers face in this area.

The Garden Center offers an inspiring experience, as well, with beautiful display areas showcasing the variety of beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees, with outdoor garden pieces, such as pottery, hammocks, statuary, deer repellent items and other outdoor accessories.

Landscape Solutions offers integrity and professionalism from the start of any project and, because of their many years of service, are experts in estimating

project costs.

“We know what materials cost — from the cost to hand-select top quality materials, transportation, holding and maintaining,” said Clymer. “We also know our team and can realistically quote our labor hours. Our estimates are very accurate and will often look identical to the actual invoice. We never give a low estimate just to increase our costs on the actual invoice.

Our customers always pay what was estimated, or less, and we itemize all costs for clarity.”

Sooter added, “Remember to compare apples to apples. Don’t just look at the bottom line. Because of

5

our expert estimating techniques and knowledge, we stay spot on to what was promised up front. We have had clients who hired lowbid contractors, only to end up having the project costing hem more than what was originally quoted. We offer free estimates and feel confident that if you communicate your needs with us, we will be your best option.”

Landscape Solutions, LLC, is at 3321 Peavine Rd. The business is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Call (931) 456-9050 for more information.

Why do you love your lawn? Top 10 reasons (BPT) — As summer approaches and your thoughts turn to home improvement and the outdoors, you’re probably considering a variety of ways to make your home more comfortable, more attractive and more environmentally sustainable — while hopefully increasing its value as well. One feature that can achieve all these goals is a healthy lawn.

Perhaps surprisingly, installing and maintaining a natural turf lawn is one of the best home improvement investments a homeowner can make. If you’re weighing your options and wondering whether a lawn is worth the effort, consider the following 10 benefits.

1. Outdoor recreation: An inviting, low-maintenance outdoor space can provide a significant boost to your quality of life.

From picnics and games to lounging in the shade with a drink and a good book, a

lawn offers the perfect setting for outdoor entertainment and relaxation.

2. Increased home value: Grass makes a home more appealing. A wellmaintained lawn is recognized as such a desirable feature to potential homebuyers that it can boost a home‚‘s value by as much as 15 percent, according to a Gallup survey.

3. Excellent return on investment: When it comes time to sell your home, good landscaping can give you a much higher return on your investment than many other home improvement projects. According to a Gallup survey, you can generally expect to recover 40 to 70 percent of the cost of building a deck or patio, while landscaping can offer a 100 to 200 percent return.

4. Stress relief: Grass areas are naturally calming and stress relieving, and the visual appeal contributes to improved mental

health and better quality of life. The healing power of nature can work its magic even in your own backyard.

5. Urban benefits: In cities, grass absorbs noise and provides a beneficial link with nature. Studies have shown that wellmaintained lawns also promote greater community pride and deter littering and vandalism.

6. Cooling: On hot days, grass is much cooler than cement, asphalt and dirt, which trap heat. And grass doesn’t just stay cool to the touch — it cools the atmosphere as well. Each blade acts as an evaporative cooler, and by transpiring water to cool itself, grass also cools the environment, reducing the energy requirements for air-conditioning in buildings surrounded by lawns.

According to the academic professionals with Grass Seed USA, the front lawns of eight average-size homes have the same cool-

ing effect as the air-conditioning systems of about 20 homes.

7. Conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen: Trees may be the first thing that comes to mind when

you think of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but all plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. According to the academic professionals with Grass Seed USA, a

lawn of just 50 square feet releases enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four.* 8. Natural weed conSee lawn page 8

Come See Us At The Master Gardeners Flower & Garden Show!

• Design/Build Landscapes and Garden Center • Custom CAD Designs • Pottery, Garden Accessories

and Gifts

Come By and Be Inspired! www.landscapesolutionsco.com

3321 Peavine Road, Crossville • 931-456-9050

6 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

MSW helps build curb appeal, interior comfort Harry McCulley, president of McCulley Siding & Windows (MSW), started his business in 1989 in Crossville. He utilized the local Waffle House, to meet with his installers and hold other business meetings.

Harry, being successful, began to grow and rented property until he was able to purchase the current property at 152 W. First St. Harry has put together a successful team to help continue the growth and expansion of his company — Diane Barrett, office manager; Mike Storey, Dennis Robinson and Elijah Ridley, remodel and design consultants; and Rick Heuser, master carpenter.

Shane Ridley joined with them last year as general manager of sales and marketing.

MSW is a home improve-

Look for us at booth

#132

ment company (residential/ commercial) offering Everlast exterior cladding, vinyl siding, high energy efficient vinyl windows, steel and fiberglass entry doors, vinyl decks and Duradek (a waterproof deck system), vinyl and aluminum railing of all types, sunrooms, enclosures, screen rooms, screen enclosures. They also provide retractable awnings and patio covers. Last year, MSW Bath Solutions (a division of MSW) was introduced.

“We only use the highest quality virgin acrylic for the

wet area with Silver Shield technology that keeps your bathroom maintenance, mold and mildew free, and all backed by a lifetime warranty,” said Harry. “Not only can you rest easy with the material being used, but also by the installer doing the work. Andy Artibee is an employee of MSW, not a sub-contractor, and has been factory trained by the manufacturer. Our customers can have confidence that we specialize in all that we do.”

In 2014, MSW is adding kitchen remodeling and cabinet restyling, Everlast exterior cladding and Luxury Vinyl Flooring to its product line. Within tje kitchen remodeling and cabinet restyling line, there are no box sized cabinets. Each one is custom made to fit each kitchen perfectly. MSW offers a wide selection of

hardware, as well as granite countertops. Each product is backed with a lifetime warranty.

“You can have a brand new kitchen within 3 days,” said Harry.

Everlast Polymeric Cladding has arrived as an exclusive at MSW. Many who have used fiber-cement board siding have experienced the need to constantly re-caulk the joints due to the fact that fiber-cement absorbs moisture. Thankfully, MSW has found the solution. Everlast has a performance surface that resists moisture, weathering, color fading, high winds and even hail. Homeowners can experience the maintenance free practicality of polymeric cladding with the look and feel of hand-cut cedar, and skillfully applied by licensed, bonded and

Call 811 for all projects, big and small (BPT) — With the snow melted and the ground thawed, many eager homeowners and landscape professionals are ready to start projects that require digging this spring.

During this transition into “digging season,” Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the association dedicated to protecting underground utilities and the people who dig near them, reminds homeowners and professional diggers that calling 811 is the first step toward protecting you and your community from the risk of unintentionally damaging an underground line.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a free call to 811. Installing a mailbox or fence, building a deck or landscaping are all

examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after making a call to 811. Calling this number connects you to your local one-call utility notification center.

According to data collected by CGA, more than half of American homeowners will not make a free call to 811 before digging. Out of those surveyed, 67 percent know that the paint and flags on the ground are used to mark buried utilities, indicating that awareness of underground infrastructure is high among homeowners, but the importance of calling 811 is low.

Here’s how it works: • One free, simple phone call to 811 makes it easy for your local one-call center to notify all appropriate utility companies of

your intent to dig. Call a few days prior to digging to ensure enough time for the approximate location of utility lines to be marked with flags or paint.

• When you call 811, a representative from your local one-call center will ask for the location and description of your digging project.

• Your local one-call center will notify affected utility companies, which will then send professional locators to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate location of your lines.

• Only once all lines have been accurately marked, roll up those sleeves and carefully dig around the marked areas.

There are nearly 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States that your fam-

ily depends on for everyday needs including electric, gas, water and sewer, cable TV, high-speed Internet and landline telephone.

Unintentionally striking one of these lines can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, harm to yourself or your neighbors and repair costs.

Every six minutes, homeowners and professionals unintentionally damage an underground utility line because they did not call 811 before digging.

According to the most recent data from CGA, damage occurs less than 1 percent of the time when the digger has called 811 before a project. To find out more information about 811 or the one-call utility notification center in your area, visit www.call811. com.

insured craftsmen and solidly backed by a lifetime transferable warranty with lifetime fade protection.

Within the new Luxury Vinyl Flooring line, clients can enjoy the luxurious look of a hardwood or stone floor with all the benefits of vinyl. Unlike other floating floor systems, Luxury Vinyl Flooring has a natural solid sound. in contrast to other floating click products. remarkably even without the use of acoustical underlayments. The flooring system also has a unique time released water evaporation system due to the VersaWalk Universal Underlayment.

“We chose this product specifically for its ability to absorb five times its own weight in water without swelling or deterioration,

making it perfect for your kitchen or bathroom,” Harry said. “With MSW, you can now have that same peace of mind with the interior remodeling of your home.

“For more than 25 years, MSW has stood out among the competition because of our satisfied customers, who are always eager to refer us to their friends and families. We appreciate all of our customers, our employees and our vendors who we have partnered with over the years to help our company achieve the success we have today and for our future success. We strive to ‘make home improvement easy.’”

McCulley Siding and Windows, Inc., is at 152 W. First St. and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (931) 484-6601.

FULL DESIGN SERVICES Custom homes, Barns, Outdoor Structures and Additions

931-484-7059

CUSTOM TIMBER FRAME HOMES & TIMBER FRAMED PAVILIONS VISIT OUR BOOTH AT THE MASTER GARDENERS SPRING FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH

www.HomesteadTimberFrames.com

2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

7

Check out Crossville Garden Center’s new facility Crossville Garden Center offers a variety of annual and vegetable plants, including heirloom varieties, perennials and some trees and shrubs, as well as a great variety of garden seed and gardening supplies.

Crossville Garden Center is at 1760 West Ave. in Crossville and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crossville Garden Center is owned and operated

by David and Miriam Otto who have owned the busi-

Wide variety of plants, heirloom vebetables and more offered ness since 2006.

“We try to grow as much of our own plants as we can.

Therefore we are aware of what our plants are grown in and what they’ve been sprayed and fed with,” David Otto said.

Crossville Garden Center offers a large selection

of vegetable plants, including heirloom varieties, that they grow for their customers’ home gardens. They also offer a pelletized poultry manure by the bag for organic gardens.

Crossville Garden Center specializes in growing a large selection of hanging

Check for signs of good, healthy soil Upon first glance, a garden may appear to be the picture of health. However, further examination may reveal that the garden isn’t all that it seems, and perhaps that healthy facade is artificially manufactured.

Chemical fertilizers and an abundance of water may temporarily boost the appearance of a garden, but gardens need more than a quick fix to maintain longterm health. The following are a handful of indicators that a garden has established itself and is likely to maintain its health for years to come.

• Earthworms: The presence of earthworms in the garden and surrounding soil indicates a healthy garden. Earthworms are essential to healthy plants because they aerate the soil by channeling through it.

These channels enable rain to soak into the soil and air to reach roots. Earthworms, through their castings, also add important nutrients to soil. Dig a few inches into the garden. If you find an

abundance of earthworms, it is a good indication that all is well.

• Water infiltration: Take a glass of water and pour it onto the soil of the garden.

If it takes five seconds or less for the soil to absorb the water, then that soil is probably doing well. However, soil that can’t soak up that water may be having problems, or there may be problems on the horizon.

Those problems will likely manifest themselves when the temperatures begin to rise.

• Foliage color and growth: A plant leaf can tell a lot about the health of a plant. Shriveled or pale leaves could be indicative of a problem. If the plant looks sickly, soil might need to be modified or the problem may lie inside of the plant itself. Take a clipping of a poorly growing plant and place it in a glass of water. If the water becomes cloudy or milky, there may be a bacterial problem. If the water remains clear, the plant may have a virus. The

presence of fuzz or hairs growing on leaves could indicate the presence of a fungus.

• Plant residue: The presence of stubble or leftover plant particles from previous plantings helps the soil retain moisture and suppress weeds. This material also can prevent erosion. It’s good to have some residual plant matter in your soil. If the soil is too “clean,” it may not be as healthy as you think.

• Flowers: Certainly there are low-maintenance plants that do not produce flowers, but relying only on these plants in your garden can prove troublesome over the long haul. Bees, birds and butterflies are attracted to sweet, flowering plants.

These animals and insects are essential to pollination, and without them the garden cannot procreate. A thriving garden is one that has a mix of plants, including some flowering varieties that will keep birds, See SOIL page 13

Look for us at booth

#105-106 baskets both for shade and sun to beautify front porches and back patios.

“Our family has grown produce and vegetables since the 1990s. Then, we began to grow bedding, plants, hang-

VICTORY

• Continued from 3 yield and produce early in the season.

• Squash — Popular and prolific varieties like zucchini and yellow squash require minimal care to produce hefty harvests. Green zucchini deliver vitamins C, K and B6, as well as folate, manganese and potassium.

Yellow squash — either crookneck or straight neck — are easy to grow, early to mature and particularly high in vitamin C. And what’s the one vitamin every single veggie and herb in your garden delivers? You can count vitamin D — the true “sunshine vitamin” among the nutritional benefits of vegetables, herbs and gardening. While you’re outside working in the garden, your body is turning all that sunlight into much-

ing baskets and flowers in the greenhouse,” Otto said.

“These hanging baskets are a great gift idea for Mother’s Day.” Crossville Garden Center recently expanded and opened a new building.

“Our brand new store building is the newest project we’ve worked on all winter and are very excited about the added room and space. It’s more convenient for our customers and it features a loading dock and

public restrooms,” Otto said.

In addition to the new facility, Crossville Garden Center has also expanded its line of organic fertilizers with a new product called Healthy Plant, which comes in a natural time-release dry form such as fish oil, crab shell, shrimp shell and crustacean blend.

For more information about Crossville Garden Center, call 484-9242, or visit the new center at 160 West Ave. in Crossville.

needed vitamin D. Added to the vitamin value of veggies and herbs are the exercise and relaxation that derive from gardening. This summer, why not focus on growing your vitamins rather than getting them from a bottle? They’ll taste better than anything

that comes from the pharmacy, plus you’ll reap health, wellness, and the many mental and physical benefits of gardening.

For more information on varieties, how-to’s, trouble shooting and even recipes, visit www.bonnieplants. com.

LL Stop by rfodrenAing Your Gaeds!

Ne

Flowers & Hanging Baskets Vegetable Plants & Seed Seed Potatoes & Onion Sets Trees & Shrubs Fertilizers & Garden Tools

Come See Us at the Master Gardeners Spring Flower & Garden Show April 25th - 27th At the Crossville Community Complex

Read to CROSSVILLE GARDEN CENTER know! Located on West Avenue • 2 Blocks Behind Kmart • 484-9242 Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 8am - 5pm, Wed. & Sat. 8am - 4pm

8 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Sowing Seeds more than just a garden center Sowing Seeds Nursery and Garden Center offers flowering trees, shrubs, fruit vines, bushes, vegetable plants, strawberries, herbs, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, flowering baskets, landscape design and implementation, a kid’s play area, petting zoo, pick-your-own strawberry patch, homestead tours, field trips, a pumpkin patch, Christmas Extravaganza, Taste of Thursdays, homegrown and homemade items and goat’s milk products.

Sowing Seeds Nursery and Garden Center is owned and operated by Glen and Wendy Smith and is in Pikeville, TN, at 1282 Nine Mile Cross Rd. W.

Look for us at booth

#416

“We are a full-service nursery and working homestead. We are not just a nursery, but an adventure. We carry many hard-to-find items. Many of our customers want to find items their granny or grandpa raised and others want newer items and we try hard to carry, or locate, them all,” Wendy Smith Said.

Customer service is important at Sowing Seeds

Nursery and Garden Center.

“Customer service is extremely important to us. From educating people on the plants we offer, but also well beyond the point of purchase, we are always available for any future questions or concerns our customers may have,” Smith said.

Sowing Seeds Nursery and Garden Center has approximately five acres dedicated to its nursery with four greenhouses and are open year-round.

Smith said the business also plans an expansion of 5,000 square-feet of greenhouse space this coming fall.

“Spring and summer

are our busiest time. We offer a kid’s play area and petting zoo. In the fall we have a pumpkin patch and offer mums for wholesale and retail. From the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day we have our annual Christmas Extravaganza,” Smith said.

Sowing Seeds Nursery and Garden Center is located a half-mile off U.S. Hwy. 127. During the Christmas Extravaganza, Sowing Seeds Nursery and Garden Center decorates from Hwy. 127 to the nursery, which is transformed into a Christmas Village.

“We do offer Christmas trees for sale, but our biggest attraction is the night-

Landscaping mistakes to avoid When designing their landscapes, homeowners may envision grandiose gardens and lush lawns that are the envy of the neighborhood. But such designs can be difficult to maintain, and homeowners often find they are not worth the time or money.

Avoiding such costly mistakes allows homeowners to fully enjoy their lawns. The following are a few landscaping mistakes homeowners may want to avoid so they can spend more time enjoying their landscapes and less time working around the yard.

• Planting the wrong trees and shrubs: When planting new trees and shrubs around your property, choose varieties that won’t overwhelm the property by growing too large.

Such trees and shrubs can mask other elements of a landscape, and they can also take a substantial amount of effort to main-

Take care in choosing your plants and always have a landscape plan in mind

tain. Avoid spending too much time pruning trees and shrubs by opting for those that only grow to a particular size.

• Choosing non-native plants: It’s always best to choose plants that are native to a particular region. Native plants have already adapted to the local climate, meaning they can withstand the worst weather that climate has to offer without homeowners having to put in much effort. For example, if you live in an area where drought is common, avoid planting trees, shrubs, flowers, or grass that need ample amounts of water.

Instead, opt for those varieties that can survive with-

out significant amounts of water. Exotic plants might add aesthetic appeal to a property, but that appeal is often short-lived or costly to maintain when a plant is not in its native climate.

• Too much lawn: While a large and lush lawn appeals to many homeowners, a yard that is all grass can be difficult and expensive to maintain. Lawns without trees are susceptible to damage from the hot summer sun, and homeowners often respond to that threat by overwatering their lawns. Overwatering not only weakens root systems, but it also leads to higher water bills.

Homeowners can downsize their lawns by plant-

ing more trees around the property, adding a garden in the backyard or even adding landscape features to their property.

• Planting without a plan: When planting new trees around a property, some homeowners plant without first considering the ideal locations for new trees. This can prove an expensive mistake. Planting too close to your house may eventually threaten your home’s foundation, as roots grow deeper and deeper into the ground. Planting too close to a home also may prove a security threat down the road, when the tree has grown to full height.

Such trees may threaten the home during a storm, so consult a landscaping professional when planting new trees so the trees are located in a place that does not threaten the value of your home or the safety of its residents.

ly drive through the light show with music. Santa is also here on Saturdays during that season,” Smith said.

Sowing Seeds Nursery and Garden Center also offers a Taste of Thursdays through their spring and summer seasons.

“Every Thursday we provide free samples and recipes of items made with the products we sell, from refreshing teas, bread dips, chutneys, salsas and more,” she said.

The Sowing Seeds Nursery and Garden Center farm animals include

chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, miniature horses, quarter horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, goats, donkeys, and red-wiggler worms for composting.

They plan to add Idaho pasture pigs in late May. For more information about Sowing Seeds Nursery and Garden Center, call (423) 533-4029, or stop by the business at 1282 Nine Mile Cross Rd. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LAWN

10. Self-repair: A lawn is naturally self-repairing. If you choose the right grass for your climate conditions and lawn use patterns, it will be highly resilient and regenerate quickly in response to stresses such as drought, frost or foot traffic.

“There are many reasons to love your lawn,” says Bryan Ostlund, executive director of Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers and turf specialists. “Whether you want a safe place for the kids to play or a welcoming outdoor space for a barbecue, grass fits the bill. It’s a remarkably easy and budget-friendly way to add aesthetic, recreational and economic value to your home.”

• Continued from 5 trol: If you want a relatively low-maintenance landscaping option for an area of bare ground, try grass.

A healthy lawn discourages the growth of weeds, and grass will easily outcompete other plants when you create the conditions that favor it.

9. Erosion prevention: Grass is one of the most efficient and inexpensive ways to prevent erosion caused by wind and water.

A thick lawn absorbs rainfall, virtually eliminating any runoff, and the extensive root systems of the individual grass plants bind the soil more effectively than many other ground covers.

931-707-7727

FREE In-Home Consultation

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2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

9

Campbell’s Pool and Spa offers innovative products efits of the infrared waves of water care product manu- with other outdoor needs, the sauna help reduce mus- facturers. like grills and accessories, cle spasms, remove toxins “Our parts repair staff outdoor kitchens and fire Look for us and mineral waste from the are some of the best in the pits. Campbell’s also offers a at booth body, improve blood cir- region,” said Dodson, who decorative artist line of metal culation, bring relief from is also a licensed swimming art to compliment any yard. #128-129 arthritis and fibromyalgia, pool operator and a graduate The weathered steel strucimprove skin tone and help of invitation-only manufac- ture resists rust and weathers strengthen the immune sys- turer training. She also has naturally. Each sculpture is tem.” received certification from individually crafted by hand shapes. They can be placed Campbell’s Pool and various water care product in the United States. on grass, eliminating grading Spa is also licensed for all manufacturers and is knowl“We invite you to visit in the yard, and can be easily three types of in-ground edgeable in water care. She our showroom where you assembled by a homeowner. pools — vinyl liner, fiber- is a product specialist for will see the Hot Springs hot “Splash Superpools are glass and concrete/gunite. all products carried or sold tubs on display — both wet tough enough for swimmers Salt water pools continue to by Campbell’s Pool and and dry, the Splash Superto do a kick return on the grow in popularity for both Spa. “Shoppers have several pools, Infrared Sauna and wall without affecting the in-ground and above-ground options for finding informa- the many other products we pool — something that can’t swimming pools. Addition- tion about products today. carry for your outdoor enjoybe done on metal-walled ally, low-cost, yet effective, We believe in excellent cus- ment,” Dodson said. “Makpools,” explained Tony pool pump systems are being tomer service. Our staff is ing your home a ‘staycation’ Campbell, owner. “Through offered, which can save cus- here to serve the customer makes perfect sense. Let us this line, we’ll be able to offer tomers hundreds of dollars from the point of purchase help you create the perfect a unique pool that offers a just by changing the pumps through the entire use and environment for you and wide range of hydrotherapeuon their in-ground pools. experience of the product. your family.” tic and exercise features of The business operates Also, our direct manufacturCampbell’s Pool and Spa the SuperStream, which can four stores, so there is an ers back the products we sell, is at 3106 Miller Ave. and generate up to a 4 mph resisincredible pool of talent assuring the consumer that is open Monday, Tuesday, tant current. That’s more than and knowledge capable of their purchase is protected.” Thursday and Friday from enough to keep most swimaddressing the needs of cusIn addition to pools and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday mers stroking at an effective tomers. The spa and pool spas, Campbells Pool and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and cardio workout rate.” technicians each carry cer- Spas offers all the products Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 Splash Superpools are so tifications and honors. The needed to keep those items p.m. Call (931) 484-4999 for owns 42 acres of land and keeps 10 acres staff is trained on water care in top-notch condition. And, more information. landscaped with her favorite shrubs, trees and is certified by several the business can also help • Continued from 3 and flowers. Her property was recently feacertificate course from Clemson Universi- tured on the Volunteer Gardener, a PBS horty. She also has an associate degree in graph- ticultural show out of Nashville. She also lecic arts and advanced techniques in flexog- tures at various groups on horticultural techraphy. Morey is affiliated with the Jasper niques. Her presentation, “Growing Big with County Master Gardeners in South Caroli- Little Soil,” will explain how working with na. Her personal viewpoint is to learn more natural materials and using very little soil, about the benefits and value of caring of the gardens can prosper. This is nature’s own Glen or Wendy Smith earth and our impact on it and learning new recycling program.

1282 Nine Mile Cross Rd., W • Pikeville, TN Nancy Christopherson is a transplantideas and innovative ways to make your livSowingSeedsNursery@gmail.com ing space more functional, more fun and ed Master Gardener from southern Michiwww.SowingSeedsNursery.com gan. She has been a Cumberland County more productive with less effort.

In addition, Cumberland County Master Master Gardener since 2008. She currently co-chairs the Plateau Discovery Gardens, Gardeners will cover an array of topics.

Fred Mullen, a native of Tennessee, who Fall Gardeners Festival and Internship Comhas been gardening on the Plateau his entire mittee. Growing up, Christopherson was adult life, will speak on tomatoes. He has determined never to have a garden, since one been a master gardener since 2010 and of her chores was to weed the family flower instructs at the Discovery Gardens on blue- beds. Then “Bill” moved into the neighborberries, blackberries, raised beds, square foot hood and transformed a deeply shaded, soilneglected hillside into a shade garden fit for gardening and vegetable gardening.

Carol Burdett will talk on building new any gardening magazine – a true Garden of garden beds. In 1998 Carol was one of the Eden. That’s all it took. Christopherson was very first two Master Gardeners in Cumber- hooked and enrolled in the Master Gardener land County. She is now on the state Board training course. She will talk about the Masof Directors for the UT program. Burdett ter Gardener program.

Hwy 127 South (20 minutes from Central Baptist Church) • 423-533-4029 Campbell’s Pool and Spa has a long history of providing customers the innovative products they want and need. This year is no different, with the Crossville business offering several exclusive options to make enjoying the outdoors even easier, from an extra-tough aboveground pool to new technology in saunas and hot tubs.

Campbell’s Pool and Spa can also work with homeowners to create their own unique oasis with construction of in-ground and aboveground swimming pools, or refurbishing of existing pools, landscaping, and constructing outdoor kitchens and fire pits.

“This year, Campbell’s Pool and Spa will be the exclusive dealer for Splash Superpools above ground pool products. Splash Superpools, made in the United States by a manufacturer committed to innovation, are above-ground pools that come in round or rectangular

tough, they’ve been used to house dolphins at Sea World and to transport distressed animals back to sea. Recently, the United States synchronized swimming team performed a routine in a Splash Superpool during the Late Show with David Letterman.

Campbell’s Pool and Spas, a family owned business, also carries only the Hot Springs brand of hot tubs. Hot Spring brands of hot tubs are the most energy efficient hot tubs on the market and offer the best warranties in the industry.

This year, Infared Saunas have been added to the product offerings, as well, with models for one or two persons, or corner units for two to three persons.

“This will allow us to even better round out our company vision to provide products for the health benefit of our customers,” said Cindy Dodson, manager of the Crossville store. “The ben-

SPEAKERS

Visit Our Booth at the 2014 Master Gardener Spring Flower and Garden Show!

GARDEN PLANTS TREES & SHRUBS ANNUALS & PERENNIALS HANGING BASKETS & MUCH MUCH MORE

Sowing Seeds Nursery & Garden Center

10 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

LIST OF EXHIBITORS EXHIBITORS.............................BOOTH # A-Z Printing..........................................407 Advanced Termite......................109 & 110 Ask a Master Gardener..............311 & 312 Bowls by HM........................................108 Budget Blinds.......................................301 Campbell’s Pools.......................128 & 129 Coffey Landscaping.............................310 Colonial Wagon & Wheel.....................413 Crossville Garden Center.............105, 106 Cumberland County High School.........409 Cumberland County Piecemakers. . . . . . .211 Cumberland Farmers Co-op.........117, 118 Curb Appeal.........................................412 Daylily Nursery...........................304 & 305 Dennis Bosze.......................................204 Dirt Dawg Nursery................................130 Downtown Crossville Inc...........DCI Room Fine Art Photography...........................201 From Start to Spinach..........................402 Fun Patio & Accessories.............115 &116 Hinch Farms.........................................208 Homestead Timber Frames..................119 Horizons Ltd.................................126, 127 Jellies By Jen.......................................408 LaBelle Acres.............................209 & 210

EXHIBITORS.............................BOOTH # Madaris Siding & Windows..................309 McCulley Siding & Windows................132 MG Family............................307, 308, 309 Molly Brown’s.......................................202 Morton’s Horticultural Prods.................411 Natural Affinity Soap.............................203 Oaklawn Timber & Stone.....................134 Obed Watershed Comm Assoc............403 Payne Nursery...........................124 & 125 Plateau Discovery Garden..........120 &121 Pipsissewa Herbs.................................306 Robin Hood’s Barn...............................205 Roger’s Rigs & Rigamarole..................410 Shea Butter Secrets.............................313 St. Alphonsus Crafters Guild......206 & 207 Stone Memorial FFA............................401 Sunset Builders LLC.............................114 The Feed Store...........................103 &104 The Rose Gardener...................122 & 123 TN Parks & Greenways Fndtn.............131 TNT Landscape Services...........112 & 113 The Lawn Rangers, Inc..............101 & 102 Western Carolina Softub............302 & 303 White Harvest Seed Company.............133 Wildtree Herbs.....................................107

LIST OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS’ OUTSIDE EXHIBITORS EXHIBITORS.....................................................................BOOTH # Custom Copperworks..................................................................420 Custom Landscape & Design......................................................421 Dendrophilia Landscapes............................................................424 Erin’s Meadow.............................................................................419 Homestead Timber Frames.........................................................418 J&B Stuff......................................................................................417 Landscape Solutions...................................................................414 Oaklawn Timber & Stone.............................................................415 Overman Sheds...........................................................................423 Sowing Seeds Nursery & Garden................................................416 Tri-County Rentals.......................................................................422

Program Schedule

Jeff Poppen, The Barefoot Farmer from PBS-TV Sponsored by Bilbrey Funeral Home Friday, April 25th 12:15 p.m.

Robert Melgar Beginning Photography

1:15 p.m.

Diane Morey Permaculture Sustainable Design System

2:30 p.m.

Fred Mullen Tomatoes

4:00 p.m.

Sarah Johnson

Let’s Refurbish Our Winter Damaged Gardens and Learn About New Plants.

Saturday, April 26th 9:15 am

Nancy Christopherson Master Gardener Course & Classes

10:15 a.m.

Jeff Poppen The Barefoot Farmer from PBS-TV

11:30 a.m.

Kathy Michalczo Erin’s Meadow’s Herb Farm Herbal Teas

1:15 p.m.

Jeff Poppen The Barefoot Farmer from PBS-TV

2:30 p.m.

Kathy Michalczo Erin’s Meadow’s Herb Farm Fresh Herbs in the Kitchen

4:00 p.m.

Jeff Poppen The Barefoot Farmer from PBS-TV

Sunday, April 27th 12:00 p.m.

Carol Burdett Building New Garden Beds

2:00 p.m.

Dr. Sue Hamilton Great Conifers from UT Gardens

FL GAR

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2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

11

12 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Labelle Acres offers natural bath products Labelle Acres may be a small business, but that is what has made it such a success.

“I personally make all of our products in small batches to ensure quality,” said owner Brenda Lindroos. “Many of our products are made using ingredients found on the farm.”

Located in Jamestown, Labelle Acres offers soaps, lotions and other bath and beauty products. Their most exciting products are their all natural goat milk soaps, body butters and body scrubs. Additions to the fragrances (there are up to 36) as well as adding the line of natural goat milk soaps has given a boost to sales in the last two to three years.

“These items are so natural that they could be eaten without concern,” she said.

“Our customers tell us that our soap is like a milk bath in a bar.”

Lindroos has always been interested in herbal medicine and a more natural way of living. The meat she eat comes from the farm, and she makes many of her medicines from what is found on its 90 acres.

In 1998, she began selling natural and organic products. Increase in her creations has grown as people become more aware of the need for caution in topi-

While it can be pleasant to see deer traipsing through your yard, they can bring dangers with them, such as animals that prey on them and disease. They can also damage landscaping plants.

Look for us at booth

#209-210 cal products as well as the food they eat.

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of what you put on your body as well as what you put in it,” she said. “The small business I operate makes it very easy for me to keep track of quality, which is the most important aspect of the business.”

Lindroos has future plans of adding a bit more in the lotion department.

Goat milk lotions have been requested numerous times and she hopes to have it ready for the Master Gardeners’ Spring Flower and Garden Show. Another aspect she is considering is laundry. A spot remover is currently in the works, but will take some time to “refine,” she noted.

Lindroos also dedicates time to teaching others how to make and preserve their own foods. The workshops start in the spring and continue through the fall months. For more information about Labelle Acres, call (931) 863-5595.

2014 Flower & Garden Show Friday-Sunday at the Community Complex Admission $3 — kids under 12 free

The hidden dangers of deer — and how to protect your home (BPT) — It’s hard to live in suburbia these days and be unaware of the difficulties deer can cause homeowners. They lunch on your landscape and brazenly cross busy roads at the worst possible times.

But did you know that deer can carry parasites that transmit debilitating diseases to people? Or that nationally, deer versus car collisions claim about 200 lives per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?

Bambi’s less beautiful when you consider the deer dangers you don’t know.

While damage to bushes, blooms, shrubs and gar-

dens can be annoying at best and costly at worst, deer can pose other risks to the safety of your home and family, including: • Disease dangers — Deer often carry ticks that transmit debilitating diseases like Lyme disease and brucellosis. Lyme disease can cause headaches, fever, fatigue, joint pain and rashes, and is often hard to diagnose. Left untreated, Lyme can damage the nervous system and even cause memory loss. Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that causes flu-like symptoms, including fever and headaches.

In addition to affecting the

LaBelle Acres Belinda Lindroos PO Box 54 Clarkrange, TN 38553 931-863-5595 cell 931-397-5596 labelleacres@yahoo.com www.labelleacres.com

central nervous system, it can attack the heart lining, too.

• Pet threat — Direct injuries to people caused by deer may be uncommon, but deer that dwell in suburbia often come in contact with pets. Even a small doe can cause considerable injury to a dog or cat if the deer feels threatened and cornered. Bucks with antlers can be even more menacing to pets, especially during rutting season.

• Real estate reductions — Everyone knows

that curb appeal is king when you’re trying to sell a house. Deer eat 6 to 10 pounds of food daily, tearing leaves from plants and bark from trees. Their foraging can weaken and even decimate plants. Deer damage to landscaping, especially trees, can seriously spoil curb appeal, sometimes causing potential buyers to think twice before purchasing a home in an area known for deer damage.

• Perpetual predation — See Deer page 13

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2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

13

One-stop shopping offered at The Feed Store The Feed Store has been in business since 1986 and is proud to call itself Cumberland County’s Southern Farm and Garden center. The family-run business is owned by Angelyn and Michael Ingram, who has several years of experience with animals and nature from growing up on a farm. Their farm and garden center is designed to meet all their customers’ needs under one roof.

“We cover a wide range

Look for us at booth

#103

of things, but specialize in lawn and garden due to our large selection of landscaping supplies,” said Michael.

Their best sellers in that department includes bulk landscaping materi-

Simple ways to limit weeds

Weed growth in a garden cannot only prove unsightly, but also ultimately harmful to plants and vegetables.

When weeds appear in a garden, they have already begun to steal nutrients and water from surrounding plants, and if allowed to grow tall, they can also block sunlight from reaching the plants.

Unfortunately, weeds can be resilient, and there is no way to guarantee they won’t grow. But gardeners can take several steps to limit the growth of weeds so the plants in their gardens can grow strong.

• Work the soil regularly. When weed roots are removed from the soil, weeds die. But just because you hoed or tilled the soil last month does not mean new weeds won’t grow in and start robbing your plants of essential nutrients and minerals this month.

The garden should be cultivated regularly, and you should pay particular attention to the soil after the garden has been watered.

If weeds are allowed to

go to seed, the garden can quickly be overwhelmed by them, as young weeds tend to grow in quickly and a little water might be all they need to sprout. So make a point to routinely cultivate the soil with a hoe or tiller, being careful when working on soil around growing plants.

• Lay down black plastic.

Some gardeners may want to avoid laying black plastic down in their gardens for fear that such a weed deterrent robs the garden of its natural beauty. While that might be true, the black plastic also robs many weeds of their ability to grow in. Some weeds may be especially stubborn and grow in under the plastic, forcing their way through the holes cut into the plastic for the plants to grow through. But laying black plastic covering over the garden before it’s planted is often an effective way to limit weed growth.

• Lay mulch in vegetable gardens. Mulch can See limit page 14

als, flower and vegetable plants, fountains and bird baths, birdhouses and feeders.

“The biggest surprise to most customers is the large supply of outdoor decor we carry — concrete statuary and fountains, metal wall hangings, garden stakes, Plant Nannies, decorative glass bird baths and more,” said Michael.

“We have many products that are not available in other stores...” he added,

“such as the biggest variety around of unique feeders and bird seeds for feeding backyard birds. We also have a complete department of beekeeping supplies. “We are continually adding new items in every department so that there’s something of interest each time you visit.”

“The livestock market has certainly changed — less people keep chickens, cows, etc… Therefore, we needed to expand into

other areas. We try to keep up with changing times,” Michael explained, “so last year, we added a new plant station and greenhouse. We carry annuals, perennials, flowers and vegetables.”

In the pet department, they have recently added all-natural Antlerz to their treats and natural handmade felt toys made in Nepal that are very durable and washable.

“We’re still growing after all these years,” he

said.

The Feed Store also sells carports, culverts, utility trailers, pet food and supplies, livestock feed, Case knives and much more.

The Feed Store is at 928 Hwy. 70 E. in Crossville and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 456-0604 for more information about their products and services.

DEER

measures such as: • Deer repellent — It’s possible to deter deer without the use of harsh chemicals. Some topical sprays use taste and smell-aversion ingredients to deter deer from browsing on foliage, shrubs and trees.

• Fencing — While fencing is considered a sure-fire way to keep deer out, it’s not always desirable or practical to fence your yard. Many communities restrict the height of fences, some are unsightly, and deer have been known to jump fences as high as 10 feet.

• Devices — Noisemakers and lights that are motion-activated may scare deer away for a short time, but deer will eventually learn there’s no real threat and return to an area where deterrent devices

are in use.

• Unpalatable plantings — Hungry deer will eat almost anything, but it is possible to plant some vegetation that deer are less likely to eat. Interspersing plants like yarrow, fuzzy lamb’s ear, catmint, and hellebore, may offer some

protection for plants that deer find desirable.

The easiest way to deter deer danger at your home is to start using a proven effective, spray on deer repellent and thwart the problem before it becomes bigger than you bargained for.

• Continued from 12 Deer are prey animals, and an abundant population of them in a small area can draw predators looking for easy-access meals at your house, on a regular basis.

Coyotes and bobcats won’t hesitate to attack family members and pets, plus they can carry diseases such as rabies.

To protect your home from deer damages — both known and unknown — it’s important to be proactive. If you act before the deer do you may be able to prevent their destruction altogether. Once deer settle into an area, it can be difficult to convince them to leave. Since no one wants to unnecessarily harm deer, it’s important to try safe, preventive

SOIL

• Continued from 7 butterflies and bees coming back again and again.

• Minimal weeds: If the only thing you’re growing is weeds, then there is a problem in the garden.

Weeds tend to be more tolerant of poor soil conditions and can quickly take over and force other plants out. Planting ground cover

and using mulch is a natural way to keep weeds at bay. You may need to do some manual work on your hands and knees and pull out weeds as well. The fewer the weeds, the more likely your plants will grow tall and full.

Signs of a healthy garden include the presence of beneficial insects and good color and plant growth.

Still Growing After 27 Years!

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Garden Seeds • Flower & Vegetable Plants Lawn and Garden Supplies Bulk Landscaping Materials Concrete Statuary Bird Food, Houses, Feeders & Baths

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New Seasonal Hours

Monday - Friday 7-6, Saturday 7-4 928 Highway 70E • 931-456-0604

14 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Oaklawn Timber & Stone products hand crafted, inspired by nature

Identifying the source of the problem is the first step to addressing dead grass.

Get an Rx for dead grass A patch of dead grass on an otherwise lush lawn can be a frustrating eyesore for homeowners. Whether lawn care is your passion or just something you do to maintain the value of your home, dead grass can be exasperating.

But as unsightly as dead grass can be, addressing it and restoring the dead patches can be somewhat simple. Before you can restore grass, however, you must first identify the source of the problem.

Grass often dies because of urine damage, which is typically characterized by a dead spot surrounded by otherwise green grass.

Grub infestation might be at fault when dead grass appears, and such an infestation often produces patches of light brown grass that are scattered throughout the lawn. It’s also possible that dead grass is a result of human error. If your lawn was overfertilized, then patches of gray-green grass may appear. Fungal disease is another common culprit behind dead grass, and such disease can manifest itself in differ-

ent ways. Once you have identified why the grass is dead, which may require the help of a professional, then you can begin to treat your lawn.

Urine damage

Urine damage is often limited to a particular area of the grass where your family pet routinely relieves itself. Once a particular patch of grass has worn down, the pet may move on to another spot.

But if you quickly notice a dead spot due to urine damage, you can train the animal to urinate elsewhere, limiting the damage it causes. When repairing the grass, dig a hole that’s roughly four inches deep and fill it with fresh soil until it’s level with the soil surrounding the dead patch. Then you can sprinkle seed on top of the freshly laid soil and water the spot.

Insect damage

Addressing dead spots caused by insect damage can be a little more complicated, and some homeowners may prefer to hire

a professional. If you want to handle the problem on your own, apply pesticide to the affected areas so the insects behind the problem are killed. Once the insects are no more, cut the grass, raking the affected area to remove the dead grass and any additional debris. Scatter grass seed See grass page 15

LIMIT

• Continued from 13 serve multiple benefits in a garden. Many people find mulch aesthetically appealing, but mulch serves more practical purposes as well.

Mulch made of organic materials, such as bark chips or grass clippings, is often too heavy for weeds to push through, making it difficult, if not impossible, for weeds to sprout in the garden. But mulch also conserves moisture in the soil, strengthening plant roots as a result. Stronger roots can lead to a healthier garden.

• Cut down on plants’ elbow room. The more space between plants, the

Natural stone and wood add a unique touch to landscape design. At Oaklawn Timber and Stone, all materials are harvested locally, offering high quality materials hand selected for each customer.

Oaklawn Timber and Stone, owned by Jason Kemmer and in business since 2005, provides landscaping design and installation services, including natural stone boulders, patios, walks and steps, timber frames and pergolas, river stone and mulching.

Top selling products include water features with hand-carved water basins and natural boulders drilled and hollowed by hand.

“We craft these ourselves,” Kemmer explained.

He specializes in natural stone walls, which can actually save customers money more room weeds have to grow. So decreasing the space between plants can limit weed growth. But spacing plants too closely together can make it difficult for vegetables to grow in as well. Spacing recommendations will likely be included on packaging when buying seeds, but reducing those recommendations by an inch or two may allow the plants to grow in strong while limiting weed growth at the same time.

Garden weeds can put plants in jeopardy and rob gardens of their beauty. But there are a handful of ways gardeners can limit weed growth without harming their plants.

Look for us at booth

#134

over artificial stone. Oaklawn Timber and Stone is a direct source for flagstone and fieldstone, making it able to eliminate the middleman distributor.

Landscapes should be functional, as well as beautiful, and Kemmer offers solutions that provide both form and function.

“We try to incorporate edibles and useable plants into our landscapes,” Kemmer explained. That includes herbs and even small raised vegetable gardens to grow salad greens and tomatoes.

The natural materials and products are also able to blend beautifully with new innovative products, such as natural gas logs and propane fire pits in natural boulders. Oaklawn Timber and Stone also offers design and build services for outdoor kitchens and vintage hewn cabins and structures.

“I guarantee all my work and have many satisfied customers that any potential client may call to see their jobs first hand,” Kemmer said. “My reputation is the life of my business and I appreciate all of my customers.”

Oaklawn Timber and Stone is located in Cumberland County at 5754 Hwy. 70 E. The business is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 267-2355 for more information.

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Full Service Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance

484-2070

“L et Y our L aw n R eflect T he P rid e Y ou H ave In Y our P roperty”

2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

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Lawn Rangers keeps your lawn, home in great shape The Lawn Rangers, Inc., at 1001 Miller Ave., has been serving Cumberland County since 1997, when owner Andy O’Conner sold his lawn care business in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to Tennessee.

Since that time, The Lawn Rangers has continued to grow and is proud to be one of the leading companies serving the residents and businesses of the Cumberland Plateau.

The full-service lawn maintenance company has two to three maintenance routes each week, with two full-time crew members on each route. Crews service lawns five days each week, and the same crew takes care of the same clients, building a relationship and opening the lines of communication.

“These crews are proud to be an integral part of the company and they work hard to ensure their customers are always 100 percent satisfied before they leave the property,” O’Conner said. “Our employees are always in professional uniforms for easy identification and the mowing equipment

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#101

we use is all walk-behind commercial mowers, versus zero-turn or sit-down heaver mowers, so you get a superior cut every time.”

The Lawn Rangers also offers landscape design and installation services, led by foreman Dylan Beaty. Beaty and his crew can be seen out and about in the community working on mulch and trimming shrubs to cleaning out stopped-up gutters. This crew specializes in transforming homes and offices. Computerized, full-color drawings and landscape plans help clients visualize what their new lawn will look like when finished.

In addition, The Lawn Rangers can help with spring and fall maintenance, with high-tech leaf removal system, overseeding, new lawn installation, construction of timber and stone walkways, pruning,

pressure washing, gutter cleaning and more.

Whatever the client’s needs are, this group is ready to take a dream and make it reality.

Tresa Corum is an integral part of The Lawn Rangers team, greeting visitors to the office, answering questions and running the office to ensure great customer service.

Maintenance personnel service the equipment daily to make sure everything runs smoothly, as well.

In 2011, The Lawn Rangers moved to a larger, more convenient location at 1001 Miller Ave., across from Tennessee Technology Center at Crossville. The office is open Monday through Friday. Call 484-2070 to learn more.

“Our motto has always been ‘Let your lawn reflect the pride you have in your property,’” O’Conner said.

“We are proud to say we have more than 100 years of combined experience in the landscape industry.

The Lawn Rangers Inc. is a proud member of Planet Landscape Association and the local chapter of

Low-water plants can help your garden weather a drought Coping with drought is a way of life for many people across North America.

The National Climatic Data Center, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, works cooperatively with Canada and Mexico to monitor climate and drought conditions across the continent.

According to the NOAA, the globally-averaged temperature for 2013 tied as the fourth warmest year since 1880, when record-keeping began. 2013 also marked the

37th consecutive year with a global temperature above the 20th century average.

Warm temperatures, when paired with below-average precipitation, can quickly escalate and cause drought, making things difficult for those who make their livelihood by working the land or even just weekend gardeners.

Low-water garden plants are a smart choice for those who live in areas that often deal with drought. These resilient plants can keep

gardens looking lush and beautiful regardless of water restrictions. In fact, low-water gardening has become a popular trend among eco-conscious gardeners and even is a costsaving measure for homeowners.

Establishing a garden of drought-tolerant plants requires knowledge of hardiness zones and which plants will thrive in certain areas. Native plants, in genSee drought page 18

Business Network International. O’Conner is an active volunteer with the Arc of Cumberland County and Structured Athletics of Cumberland County, a sports program for children and adults with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities.

O’Conner and his family are members of Calvary Chapel of Crossville and have two children, Thomas, 18, and Emily, 14.

Thomas can often be found out working alongside his father and The Lawn Rangers team when he’s not in school.

O’Conner and his wife, Lisa, were recently honored for their community service for their work with children and adults with disabilities in Cumberland County.

They proudly accepted the Dimpled Globe Award for Community Spirit from the United Fund.

GRASS

also prove difficult to address, as applying fresh seeds too soon can kill any freshly growing seedlings.

So grass that has been damaged by overfertilization must first be allowed to fully die. Once that has happened, the grass can be cut and any remaining debris or dead grass can be removed. Seed can then be scattered, and you can even add some additional soil before laying down an appropriate amount of fertilizer and watering the

lawn immediately. If you don’t trust yourself to use fertilizer correctly, then hire a professional to do the job for you. This will cost a little more, but you likely won’t wake up to more dead patches of grass down the road.

Dead grass can be unsightly and turn an otherwise lush lawn into a patchy eyesore.

But addressing dead grass can be easy and can quickly restore a lawn to its green grandeur.

• Continued from 14 over the affected areas and then apply an appropriate fertilizer and water immediately. Professionals may know just the right fertilizer for your lawn, so even if you want to go it alone, visit a local lawn care center to ask for advice about addressing your particular problem.

Fertilizer damage

Fertilizer damage can

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16 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Payne Nursery raises its own nursery stock Payne Nursery offers one of the largest selections of landscaping products, free landscape designs, and landscaping services in the area.

“We raise most of our products right here on the Plateau, with more than 80 acres of field grown and container stock,” said Tony Payne, owner of Payne Nursery.

Payne Nursery is at 4127 Coalbank Rd. in Sparta, TN. Their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Payne Nursery has been in business since 1985.

“We are carrying more container product for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers and for year-round sales,” Payne said.

Payne Nursery specializes in growing their own products.

“With more than 30 years in business, we grow 95 percent of everything we

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#124-125 sell. We have so much variety of product, it’s difficult to pin-point a best-selling product. Our selection is great and ever-growing,” Payne said.

Payne Nursery is constantly updating its nursery, products and their facilities.

“We are constantly trying new products and we take a lot of pride in our family-owned and operated business. And we are told by our customers that it shows,” Payne said.

For more information about Payne Nursery, call (931) 935-2041, or stop

by Payne Nursery at 4127 Coalbank Rd. in Sparta, TN.

Flowering plants have unique insect attractions Many flowers compete with one another to attract butterflies, birds and bees for pollination, but at least two species of flowering plants have enhanced their ability to attract insects in unique ways. The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium) is native to western Sumatra, where it grows in openings in rainforests. It is the largest unbranched flower in the world and can reach up to 15 feet tall. But this alone is not what makes the titan arum so special. It is unwise to step in close to get a whiff of this enormous bloom, as the plant gives off a rancid odor reminiscent of rotting meat. It is sometimes known as the carrion plant or the corpse plant for this reason. The plant has created this scent to attract flies for pollination. The rafflesia, which is native to southeastern Asia as well, is another plant that produces a rotting aroma to attract insects. The rafflesia has no stems, leaves or true roots ­— it’s basically one large flower.

Get kids excited about gardening Many adults understand the joy of gardening, but gardening can be equally fun for children as well.

While some adults may feel that certain children do not have the patience or perseverance to see plants grow from seeds to adulthood, selecting plants that are hardy and sprout quickly may be the key to igniting a love of gardening in children.

Choosing seeds that sprout quickly can hold the attention of children who are new to gardening.

Many different plants fit this bill. Beans, peas, sunflower seeds, and bell pepQuick-sprouting seeds can capture the attention of per seeds are easy to start youngsters. and germinate quickly. In addition, many leafy vegDeploy landscape fabric in war on weeds Landscape fabrics are used to prevent weed growth while still allowing air, oxygen and water to flow to and from the soil. Landscape fabrics are a chemical-free way to prevent weed growth, endearing them to eco-friendly homeowners.

Landscape fabrics, once laid, also are a far less labor-intensive method to prevent weed growth, as they can be effective for several years, during which homeowners can expect to perform little or no maintenance. In addition, many homeowners prefer landscape fabrics because they can help the soil effectively maintain moisture during dry periods, when gardens might otherwise be highly susceptible to drought.

Once put down, landscape fabric can be covered with mulch to add aesthetic appeal.

etables, such as chard, lettuce, spinach, and mustard, germinate in three to five days. Herbs, such as basil and parsley, also sprout fast. All of these plants are good options for introducing children to gardening, as each provides quick gratification.

To further interest children, it is a good idea to plant seeds in a way that allows youngsters to monitor the progress of growth.

Use a transparent container, such as rinsed-out glass jars and canisters, to house the plant. Such containers give kids an unobstructed view of the process, during which children can plot See kids page 18

“Your Start to Finish Landscape Source”

Payne Nursery All The Folks At

Look forward to seeing all our friends and new customers at the MASTER GARDENERS’ SHOW We have a large selection of Healthy Plants! We are open to the public.

Tony Payne - Owner paynenursery@blomand.net If you can’t make it, come and see us at the Nursery 4127 Coalbank Rd. • Sparta • 931-935-2041 www.paynenursery.com

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2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

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Co-op continues to meet local needs From staking trees to fertilzing stressed plants, a variety of gardening myths remain popular today, but could that myth be doing more harm than good?

Weed out gardening myths from facts Gardening is an ageold activity that was once a necessity but has transformed into a hobby for thousands of people. While gardening still serves practical purposes, many gardeners still consider it a hobby first and foremost.

Time-tested gardening techniques have prevailed, but there remain certain myths about gardening that are best dispelled. The following are some of the more common myths associated with gardening.

• MYTH: Compost tea is more effective than traditional compost. All over North America and the United Kingdom, gardeners have jumped on board the compost tea bandwagon.

Compost tea is a fertilizer created by steeping compost in water mixed with sugar in brewing kits. The mixture is allowed to sit and aerate to encourage beneficial organism growth before it is sprayed on plants. According to supporters, compost tea suppresses disease and boosts plant yields. However, there is no evidence to suggest that compost tea works any better than adding compost in its normal

state to the soil. In fact, leaving buckets of the “tea” around to ferment could actually create a breeding ground for E coli and other bacteria.

• MYTH: Plants under stress should be fertilized.

This is not the case. Horticulturists advise that fertilizing plants that are not deficient in nutrients can actually add to existing stress levels for plants. Plants are not often stressed by a lack of food, but rather heat, faulty planting or space constraints. A fed plant will use the energy to absorb the nutrients instead of defending against a blight or establishing better root systems.

• MYTH: Young trees need stakes. It may be tempting to stake that little sapling to protect it against the weather and strong winds, but doing so may actually work against the foundling tree. Staking trees to inhibit swaying may not stimulate the tree to grow thicker, lower trunks that will help the tree in the long run. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends that saplings be staked for around one year and then have the stakes removed to encour-

age the tree to be strong and stable on its own.

• MYTH: Water droplets and sunshine lead to burnt leaves. Gardeners have been told to resist watering their plants during the hottest times of the day. Many assume it’s because water droplets lying on leaves will magnify the sun’s rays and burn the leaves. According to Dr. Gabor Horvath at the Eoetvoes University in Budapest, water droplets will rarely damage plants because the drops are too close to the leaves to cause burning before they evaporate. Watering during the hottest points of the day is not advised because water evaporates and gets wasted.

• MYTH: Sand added to clay soil makes it looser and better for plants. Clay soil is a deterrent to gardening because it can be so hard to dig and difficult to cultivate, but some feel it’s best to add sand to the clay to make it a better soil mixture. You would need a great deal of sand to do this in the right manner, but many gardeners simply dig a hole, add sand and hope for the best.

However, water runoff will pool in the sand and not be

absorbed by the clay, potentially causing the plants to drown.

• MYTH: Adding compost or potting soil to the planting hole for a tree or shrub is beneficial. Gardeners frequently add compost or potting soil to the hole where the root ball of a tree or shrub will be placed. But this encourages the roots to grow only in this nutrient-rich area, rather than spreading throughout the landscape to form a stronger and more durable root system. If you are going to amend the soil, do so evenly across the landscape.

• MYTH: Use gravel or rocks in the bottom of planting containers to improve drainage. Rocks and gravel can actually impede the growth of plants and take away space for roots to grow. The drainage may be affected as well, as water will sit above the gravel or stones and saturate the roots. Stick with plain soil for better drainage results.

A variety of gardening myths still prevail. Over time, behaviors can be changed if gardeners learn to separate myths from facts.

For the past 67 years, the Cumberland Farmer’s Co-op — known simply as the Co-op — has provided for the agricultural needs of the community.

“We pride ourselves in being part of our community with several years of experience in our employees to better serve the area,” said manager Andrew Baisley. He has been with the Co-op for 16-plus years and holds an agribusiness degree from Middle Tennessee State University. It doesn’t hurt that he has lived on a farm all his life.

Despite a slow-moving shift in customer base from the shrinking agriculture industry to an urban trade market, the Cumberland Farmer’s Co-op has continued to be a source of product knowledge on top of the customer service offered.

This shift has helped grow the small engine repair sideline that compliments the farm and home

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fertilizer business and the custom application of fertilizer to fit the needs of its customers.

This season the Co-op is featuring new lawn and garden products as well as the customer favorites that can be found in the store.

Cumberland Farmer’s Co-op is looking forward to a new 10,000-squarefoot showroom which will allow for the expansion of product lines.

Located at 152 Elmore Rd. in Crossville, business hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until noon. For more information, call (931) 4849577.

GREEN AND GROWING

Garden Seeds • Fertilizers Peat Moss Garden Tools Herbicides & Pesticides Helping you to grow it and control it.

CUMBERLAND FARMERS CO-OP “Your complete Farm Headquarters”

152 Elmore Rd., Crossville • 931-484-9577

18 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Advanced Termite rids home, lawns of pests Advanced Termite and Pest Control, LLC, offers the most advanced techniques to rid homes of unwanted pests, but they do so much more.

Services like the crawl space encapsulation, spray foam insulation, radon mitigation, dehumidification and fungi treatments can all provide improved air quality for the home and increase indoor comfort.

“Quality creates demand is what our company stands on,” owner Dave Passon

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#109

said. “We have well certified technicians and knowledgeable, trained sales personnel so they can answer your questions about any of our services or products.

Our office staff are friendly and professional and can

handle all your needs.”

Advanced Termite has been serving Cumberland and the surrounding counties for 14 years, and continues to grow by giving customers the quality service they deserve. Passon has developed some of the most popular services offered, including crawl space encapsulations and radon mitigation.

Crawl space encapsulations add value to the home and improve the quality of the air residents breathe.

Don’t overwater your lawn Watering a lawn can do more harm than good if the lawn is not watered correctly.

Excessive watering is a waste of water and can cost homeowners money while harming the environment at the same time.

Water that is not absorbed by the lawn can result in runoff, which causes nitrogen in the grass, any fertilizer that was applied and chemicals in the water itself to run into gutters and eventually pollute streams, rivers and oceans. In addition, grass needs

KIDS

• Continued from 16 the progress of seed germination and easily spot root and stem development.

Once the seedlings grow larger, they can be transplanted into different containers.

Many seedlings can sprout with water alone.

Children can easily grow new plants from clippings of a mature plant left resting in a shallow cup of water, and seeds may not even need soil to germinate.

Kids may have luck sprinkling seeds on a dampened, crumpled-up piece of paper towel. Cotton balls also make a good place to nestle seeds. Either material will hold on to water, keeping the seeds moist until

oxygen in the soil to grow properly. But when a lawn is overwatered, the oxygen between the soil particles is pushed out, depriving roots of the oxygen they need to grow in strong. This leads to shallow root systems, which make a lawn more susceptible to stress, disease and insect infestation. But overwatering can also be unsightly, as lawns that are overwatered tend to have more weeds, robbing even the greenest of lawns of its aesthetic appeal.

they sprout. Afterward, the seedlings can be carefully moved into a soil-and-compost mix. The paper towel and the cotton balls will decompose and add to the organic matter already in the soil.

Edible plants often make good choices for children because kids can reap the rewards of their efforts.

Herbs can be sprinkled onto food, or fruits and vegetables can be grown in containers and then served at mealtime. Kids can show pride in their accomplishments, especially if they have tangible results on the dinner plate.

Children who want to try something different can explore other types of plants. Aquatic plants, or those found at the pet

store to grow in aquariums, can be easy to grow.

They need little more than a container, fresh water and sunlight. Cacti and other succulents are also fun to explore. These plants are quite hardy in that they can stand up to moderate abuse, such as failure to water frequently enough.

The unique appearance of cacti make them interesting focal points for an indoor garden.

A love of gardening that’s fostered inside can also be explored outdoors.

Set aside a plot of dirt where kids can sow their own seeds and tend to their own gardens. This hobby can help children learn patience and hard work while fostering an appreciation of nature.

It can help prevent allergy problems caused by mold, dust or other micro-organisms found in dirt crawl spaces.

“Customers are amazed at the transformation — both in what they save on their energy bills and the difference in the air inside their home,” Passon said.

The crawl space goes from dirt with moisture and trash under the home to dry, conditioned air and clean, white covered ground and walls.

The method, which Passon developed, insulates as well as encapsulates the crawl space area in one step. By adding its Pest Band System, Advanced Termite can also continue to treat pests at the foundation level after the encapsulation is in place.

Advanced Termite and Pest Control, LLC, also offers all varieties of pest control and termite treatments as well as installation of gutter drains and French drains.

To better serve customers, the business has moved to a larger facility on Hwy. 70 E. in Crossville. At this location, there is more office space and a large warehouse, allowing the business to stock products for customers.

For more information, call 456-6689 or visit the office at 1671 Hwy. 70 E. Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the website www.advancedtermite.net.

DROUGHT

are drought-tolerant and do well in climates like Southern California’s. These plants produce blooms that attract insects and birds alike.

Gardeners who would like relatively low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants can opt for succulents. Succulents, which include aloe, cacti and jade, are characterized by thick, fleshy water-storage organs. Succulents prefer bright light and can thrive

in south-facing conditions.

It’s good to concentrate the most amount of watering for succulents during the spring growing season. Keep soil well-drained to avoid damage to shallow roots.

Heed landscape conditions when selecting plants for the garden. Droughttolerant plants are a good idea in those regions where weather is naturally arid or if homeowners prefer plants that can grow regardless of seasonal water restrictions.

• Continued from 15 eral, will be more tolerant to fluctuations in weather than plants that are imported. Contact a garden center and speak with someone knowledgeable about plants that will do well in lowwater conditions. In addition, choose plants that have a reputation for drought resistance.

Butterfly bush is very hardy and requires little water. Although it is considered an invasive plant in some areas, gardeners who keep on top of seedlings and off-shoots can keep the plant in control.

This shrub will create an enormous amount of flowers that will appear in the spring and will continue to bloom throughout the summer. The butterfly bush also attracts scores of butterflies to a landscape.

Pink evening primrose is full of delicate, pink flowers that spread on runners.

It prefers dry soils, and even though it can thrive when soil quality is poor, it cannot tolerate soil that is too wet. It can grow in USDA zones five to nine.

A variety of sage plants, including white sage, black sage and Cleveland sage,

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2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Dirt Dawg Nursery brings unique designs to customers Dirt Dawg Nursery owner Jeff Harvey believes everyone should have some unique plants in their garden.

“The more unusual, the better,” he says.

That’s why he strives to offer specialty plants not commonly sold in large stores or nurseries.

One of those is dwarf gingkos. The deciduous tree only reaches five to six feet in height and they look great in any size garden.

“Several are on standards and these are gorgeous,” He said.

Dirt Dawg Nursery also offers open fields of iris and daylily digs in the spring during their bloom time.

He also offers a variety of equipment to help make gardening and flower arranging easier, including a shovel that is perfect for digging holes for quart and gallon container plants. It is half the size of a regular shovel so it can get into tight spaces. There is also the hollow

Guarantee a great start for your garden As winter slowly winds down, many gardeners cannot wait to soak up the springtime sun and get their hands dirty in the garden.

Such excitement is not just good for gardeners, but can benefit the garden in the months to come as well.

Late winter or early spring is a great time to get a head start on the gardening season. Even if gardening season is still around the corner, completing the following projects can ensure your garden gets off on the right foot.

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#130

leg, a bag that attaches to your waist that can be used to deadhead plants and keep the yard free of plant debris.

He has a terrific selection of pin holders for flower arranging, as well as a variety of gadgets that help make the process easier.

New this year is a line of high quality pruners and scissors from ARS. These are well balanced and ergonomic pruners that have an great feel.

Jeff is a Master Gardener and a national award-winning flower arranger. He is also a consulting rosarian and arrangement judge.

Dirt Dawg Nursery is in Watertown, TN. Call (615) 268-7089 for an appointment.

19

Ensure your garden has the best chance for success with a healthy start. Clear debris and check the soil.

Clear debris

on a landscape, and gardens left to the elements are often filled with debris once spring arrives. Dead leaves, fallen branches, rocks that surfaced during the winter frost, and even garbage that might have blown about in winter winds can all pile up in a garden over a typical winter. Clearing such debris likely won’t take long, but it’s a great first step toward restoring the garden before the time comes to plant and grow the garden once again.

Examine the soil

Soil plays a significant role in whether a garden thrives or struggles. Examining the soil before the season starts can help gar-

One of the best things you can do for your garConsider all options for storage den as winter winds down When people think of outdoor storage, they general- is to clear it of debris. WinSee START page 20 ly envision garden sheds to house their lawn and garden ter can be especially harsh equipment and tools. However, if space doesn’t allow for a large shed, there is no need to fret because there are other storage possibilities. Consider a garden ottoman or bench, for example. Store small items inside the ottoman, which can also serve as a table or additional seating. In addition to an ottoman, a garden tool that can keep shovels and Furniture For: rakes organized. Homeowners with a deck can construct Patios & Decks lidded deck boxes to store patio cushions or any other Sunrooms & Screened-in Porches outdoor equipment. Utilizing the space under the deck is another idea. Cover the perimeter of the bottom of the Houseboats • High Wind Areas deck with lattice and install one piece on a hinge to serve Poolside & Backyards Thousands of ant species abound as a door. Store equipment underneath and out of sight. It Located 6.3 miles west of Sparta on Hwy. 70 Layaway & Delivery Available There are thousands of species of ants all over the also will be protected from the elements. on the northbound side of highway. Go thru the Summer Hours world. Ants live in many different climates but are notably caution light @ Hwy. 136 and we are just over 10 am - 6 pm Tues - Thurs active and most abundant in warm temperatures. Chances the 1st hill. Just look for the Orange Umbrella!

10 am - 3 pm Fri - Sat are, at some point during the spring and summer, you will Hours Located In Building #1 10 amWinter - 4 pm Tues - Thurs come in contact with ants in your area. Although many We have a new lone of pruners from ARS. Top of the line quality with a 10 am - 3 pm Fri - Sat ants are black and red, there are a few species of ants that unique lock release. Just squeeze the handles and they unlock.

Closed Sunday & Monday are light brown and even yellowish in color. Pharaoh ants These are wonderful pruners and scissors that will get and thief ants are light-colored ants that are often mistakyou through many years of gardening! en for each other. Thief ants build colonies in large numWatertown, TN bers close to other ant colonies and then use tunneling to jeff@dirtdawgnursery.com “steal” food. Pharaoh ants are also very small and tend to www.Dirtdawgnursery.com make well-hidden nests, which allow them to infest a prop6630 Smithville Hwy., Sparta, TN Jeff Harvey, Owner • 615-268-7089 erty or home quite quickly. Because both of these types of www.Funpatio.com Capri, Dirt Manager ants can become pests, you may need to hire a professional 931-761-8020 So many plants, so little space! exterminator if the ants become a nuisance.

Celebrating 14 Years In Business

Dirt Dawg Nursery

20 2014 Spring Flower and Garden Show • Crossville Chronicle

Budget Blinds offers COME VISIT OUR BOOTH AT YEARS newest window trends MASTERTHIS GARDENER SHOW!

Budget Blinds has provided the community with solutions to their window treatment needs since 2003.

Whether it’s decorating and sun control or insulation and installation of a product, the company is committed to helping everyone find the right solution for their needs.

“Budget Blinds is the largest retailer in window treatments in the world,” said Jake Williams, owner and manager. “No one can compete with the quality, selection and pricing that Budget Blinds can provide. Budget Blinds is the only retailer with a manufacturer backed, no questions asked warranty.”

Budget Blinds’ current best-selling products are shutters, cellular shades and fauxwood blinds. However, the business continues to grow and offer new products.

START

• Continued from 19 deners address any issues before they plant. Ignoring the soil until a problem arises can turn the upcoming gardening season into a lost opportunity, so test the soil to determine if it has any nutrient or mineral deficiencies. This may require the help of a professional, but if a problem arises, you might be able to adjust the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and still enjoy a successful gardening season.

Another way to examine the soil is less complex but can shed light on when would be a good time to get back to work. Reach into the soil and dig out a handful. If the soil quickly crumbles, you can start preparing for gardening seasoning. But if the soil is still clumped together, it needs

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#301

According to Williams, soft fashions are making a comeback, and Budget Blinds is leading the way with its exclusive inspired drapes line and curtains.

“We have a new line of products for the whole home,” said Williams. “You can actually have your whole home (up to 10 windows) installed with custom fauxwood blinds for only $649 no matter what the size.”

All Budget Blinds employees are professionally trained experts in the window treatment field. Williams has more than 10 years more time to dry out before you can begin your prep work.

Initiate edging

Edging is another task gardeners can begin as they get ready for the season. Edge plant and flower beds, but be sure to use a spade with a flat blade or an edger designed to edge flower beds. Such tools will cut deep enough so grass roots that may eventually grow into the flower bed are severed. Depending on how large a garden is, edging can be a time-consuming task, so getting a head start allows homeowners to spend more time planting and tending to their gardens once the season hits full swing.

Fight weeds Though

weeds

like-

of experience and has attended numerous special training and window treatment seminars.

“We specialize in expert advice on picking the right window treatment for our customers’ needs. Then we provide expert installation of that product,” he said.

Visit the website www. budgetblinds.com for the latest offerings. Also call Budget Blinds at 707-7727 for additional details. Budget Blinds is located at 2455 Shorty Barnes Rd. in Suite 7. They operate by appointment only.

“With Budget Blinds’ expert advice, commitment to quality and service and our low-price promise, there is no better place to call for all your window treatment needs. Call now for a free in-home consultation,” said Williams.

ly have not survived the winter, that does not mean they won’t return once the weather starts to heat up.

But as inevitable as weeds may seem, homeowners can take steps to prevent them from turning beautiful gardens into battlegrounds where plants, flowers and vegetables are pitted against unsightly and potentially harmful weeds.

Spring is a good time to apply a pre-emergent weed preventer, which can stop weeds before they grow.

Though such solutions are not always foolproof, they can drastically reduce the likelihood of weed growth.

Though gardeners might not be able to start planting their gardens in late winter or early spring, they can still get outside and take steps to ensure their gardens thrive once planting season begins.

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