Spring Home & Garden: The Daily Dispatch: April 19, 2013

Friday, April 19, 2013

Inside

2 Using Bold Paint Colors 2 Shopping For A Fire P it

2 Uses For Shredded Pap er 3 Crystal Clear Windows

3 Affordable Fencing 3 How To Select Hardwo od 4 Lawn Irrigation System s

4 Difficult Yard Situatio ns 4 Garden Design Preferenc es 4 Self-Sustaining Garde n 5 Dealing With Deer 5 Preventing Erosion 5 Eliminate Flying Insects 6 Patio Entertaining

6 Eco-Conscious Lawn C are 6 Addressing Drafts

2

Home & Garden

The Daily Dispatch

Friday, April 19, 2013

Using bold paint colors — judiciously

P

aint is one of the least expensive and most versatile means to changing the look of a room. According to the experts from “This Old House,” 60 percent of the colors of a home that visitors perceive come from the paint on the walls.

Choosing a color scheme can be challenging, which is why so many people stick with neutrals like beige and white. For those who are ready to add a spark of color, there are a few guidelines to consider.

Color theory is a science and there are rules of using color that are taught as early as a child’s first foray into art class. We know there are primary, secondary and complementary colors on the color wheel. Even novice home decorators can do well with color if they use the color wheel as their guideline.

According to HGTV, color should flow throughout a house.

Every room need not be painted the same color. However, colors should be complementary

enough that they flow into one another. Don’t paint one room in child’s basic primary colors, while painting other rooms in jewel tones and pastels. Stick with one theme and carry it through the house.

Once you have decided to use a bold color, first find your color inspiration. Color combinations that appear in nature are more readily accepted by people, so look for an item in nature, such as a seashell or a flowering plant that you can base your color choices on. Others pull inspiration from a particular design item. For instance, maybe an area rug strikes your fancy. Use colors that appear in the rug in the room.

Keep in mind that using bold color doesn’t mean you have to paint every wall from ceiling to floor in that color. Rather, if you’re just starting out with bold colors, select one wall to serve as an accent wall. Use that wall as your bold canvas and paint it with your chosen hue.

Keep in mind that using bold color doesn’t mean you have to paint every wall from ceiling to floor in that color. Rather, if you’re just starting out with bold colors, select one wall to serve as an accent wall. Use that wall as your bold canvas and paint it with your chosen hue.

Considering creative uses for shredded paper The benefits of recycling are numerous. Reusing products and items saves money, reduces the amount of energy needed to make new items and reduces the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills.

Paper is a commonly used recyclable material. In the United States, the world’s largest consumer of paper, the average person uses the equivalent of a 100-foot tall douglas fir tree worth of paper and wood products every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Reusing consumed paper helps to reduce the number of trees cut down for making new paper and paper products.

In order to cut down on the space that paper stored for recycling takes up, many people choose to shred the paper and compress it into bags to put out for pick-up.

Shredded paper can be sent out for municipal recycling. However, there are many other practical uses for shredded paper.

Here are the many different ways to put shredded paper to good use.

• Mulch: Forget buying mulching materials from the garden center. Use shredded paper bags and newspapers to provide weed control and to keep plants moist. Lay down the shredded paper as you would any mulching material on the soil in garden beds. Use a hose to wet it down and prevent flyaway. Mixing shredded paper with grass seeds also helps keep the seeds damp to create faster germination when reseeding bare spots.

• Worm bin: Some green gardeners have a worm bin in addition to a compost bin in their backyards. Worms produce a lot of nitrogen, which can cause a strong odor.

Adding shredded paper, which is high in carbon, will neutralize the odor.

• Cat litter: Soak paper in water and a little dish soap to dissolve any ink. Rinse and repeat with clean water. Add baking soda to the paper pulp and knead it in. Crumble the pulp into bits and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Then use as cat litter material.

• Animal bedding: Use shredded paper in the bottom of cages of small rodents, who will use it for nesting material, The paper also will help absorb animal waste for easier cage cleaning.

Paper also can be used for dog or cat beds. Find a discounted material from the fabric store and sew inside out, leaving a small hole for stuffing. Stuff the paper shreds inside, and you have just made an inexpensive dog or cat bed to keep pets cozy.

• Wood stove material: Shredded paper can be used with kindling to start a fire in a wood-burning stove. Some people like to wet the paper and then make molds of “bricks” or “pucks” that can be used more easily once dried.

• Fill gift bags. Rather than buying tissue paper to use in gift bags, use shredded paper instead. Multi-colored shredded paper will go with just about any colored gift bag.

• Packing material: Fill reused zipper-top bags or produce plastic bags with the paper and then use them in boxes when shipping fragile materials.

It’s better for the environment than plastic or foam peanuts.

• Potting soil: Mix paper into potting soil to help the soil retain moisture.

As the paper breaks down, it serves as a nutrition source for the plant.

• Craft projects: Mix shredded paper with equal parts flour and water to make papier mache modeling material.

• Storage: When moving or putting items in storage, pack them in boxes or bags filled with shredded paper to prevent breakage.

• Party confetti: During an outdoor party, enable kids to toss shredded paper as confetti. The material will not harm the lawn or soil.

There are scores of creative ideas for using shredded paper.

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Some people like to experiment with a more flashy color in a smaller space. If you’re nervous about beginning in the living room or kitchen, how about trying out bold color in a smaller space, such as a powder room? A more intimate space might seem less overwhelming when painted in a bold color. Go for a deep purple or another jeweled tone. However, try to avoid greens in the bathroom, as they may reflect off of the mirror and cast a hue onto your face that makes you look unwell. Pinks and peaches will shed a rosy glow.

If you will be incorporating complementary colors into the room, use the paint color swatch as your guide. Most paint manufacturers use three or four different shades on one sample card. When selecting a complementary shade, be sure to pick from the same tone on the card.

That means if you’re choosing the darkest of color No. 1 from a card, you’ll want to choose the darkest from color #2.

Another idea is to leave walls neutral and use bold color on design accents. For example, designers at marthastewart.com recommend painting the inside of niches, shelves or cabinets with glass doors in bright tones and the outside white to create an eye-catching space without going overboard. Put a bold color on moulding or use an appliance or a fixture in a bright color as your splash of boldness.

Remember to have balance. If you will be painting an entire room in a bold color, think about having the other decor items in neutral colors. Sofas and rugs should be neutral colors, or consider toning down a vibrant color with the use of white molding or baseboards.

All it may take is a little inspiration to get started on fun, inviting color schemes in the home. Furniture store Raymour & Flanigan offers a handy design tool for incorporating different colors into a space. Find ideas at raymourflanigan.com/Design-Center/ColorStory.aspx.

This year’s ‘hot’ item: Shopping for a fire pit People have sat around an open fire outdoors for centuries. Not only does fire provide warmth and light, but also it offers a relaxing setting for conversation and socialization.

The outdoor fire pit has transformed the concept of backyard entertaining.

Homeowners understand how a fire pit can add value to a home and make their yard an inviting place to be on a summer evening or a chilly autumn night.

Outdoor fire pits are a relatively new creation that continue to grow in popularity. Once available strictly through specialty retailers, fire pits can now be found on the shelves of many home improvement and big box stores as well as online.

Fire pits can add a lot to a home’s exterior entertaining area. Some fire pit styles and materials will last longer than others.

Homeowners should assess their needs and the space available before choosing a fire pit for their home.

First, homeowners must decide if they want a permanent or portable fire pit. If you are ready to make an enduring change to your yard and landscape, then a permanent fire pit is the way to go. These can be made of stone or brick and are often very durable. Permanent fire pits can be incorporated into landscape designs to create a professional patio look. They’re also some of the safer types of fire pits because they cannot be knocked over and the bricks or retaining wall construction provide a barrier around the fire.

Portable fire pits are freestanding units that can be moved around the yard on a whim. They also can be loaded into the car and taken to a neighbor’s house or even to the beach. Portable fire pits are less expensive than permanent models, and some homeowners prefer a trial run with a portable pit before deciding to install a permanent structure.

Portable fire pits are made of metal and usually coated with a fireproof paint.

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Over time, exposure to the elements can cause the metal to rust or weaken, something homeowners should consider prior to purchase.

Homeowners also must consider a fuel source. Wood is a common fuel source for fire pits. Wood can be inexpensive, especially when gathered from around the yard. However, a wood-burning fire will constantly have to be fed with new branches. If you want to have a roaring fire but don’t want to maintain it, then a gas-fueled fire pit is better. Natural gas fire pits can run off of a portable propane tank (think barbecue tank) or be directly connected to a home’s natural gas supply.

Now you can decide on the style. Gas fire pits will give you a greater number of design options, but there are still plenty of choices with wood fire pits. From bowl-shaped pits to rectangular-shaped pits to barrel-style pits to chimineas, there are designs to fit most preferences and size constraints.

Once you have chosen a fire pit, safety should prevail. Here are some tips to consider.

• Keep the fire pit away from the home and objects that can burn. Maintain a safe distance from the fire pit at all times.

• The best place to have the fire pit is on hard stone, cement or tile. Portable fire pits can be placed on patio stones in the lawn.

• Use a screen to keep embers and sparks from escaping during use.

• Keep children a good distance away from the fire pit and always supervise when the pit is in use.

• Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before going in for the night.

• Do not use any accelerants to make the fire bigger or light faster.

• Buy a vinyl cover to protect the fire pit from the elements when not in use.

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Home & Garden

The Daily Dispatch

3

Friday, April 19, 2013

How to make dirty windows as clear as crystal

D

irty windows are unsightly, and they can prevent beneficial sunlight from entering a home.

Cleaning windows need not be done every week, but it shouldn’t be overlooked completely, either. While it certainly may be a chore to clean windows, there are ways to make the task much more tolerable.

Curb appeal can be very important when selling a home. Even a home with a perfectly manicured lawn and the newest roofing and siding can seem unappealing if the windows are dirty. Keeping windows clean requires a good deal of work. For the acrophobics, cleaning second-story windows can test the nerves. Having the right tools on hand and a strategy in place will make the job easier to manage.

Cleaning windows

Cleaning windows won’t necessarily be easy,

but the following nine-step process can make the task less difficult and timeconsuming.

1) Choose a day when it is overcast so you will not be blinded by the sun while cleaning. This also helps prevent streaking.

Begin by gathering what you’ll need to get the task done. Having everything at the ready will enable you to move from one window to the next. Here are the basic supplies you will need: • cleaning solution • cloth, newspaper or squeegee • towel • spray bottle • extension pole to reach high windows • vacuum • ladder or step stool • garden hose 2) Take down and clean drapery or blinds when cleaning the windows.

Remove the curtains so you will have an unobstructed surface with which to work.

3) Start with the interi-

mulate the most grime, so begin by cleaning those areas first. Once they are clean and you will not exchange dirt to the center of the window, work on the middle. Wipe the windows in a horizontal direction to help alleviate dripping.

5) To create a streakfree surface, some people prefer to use a squeegee to drag out any pockets of moisture for more even drying. Be sure to wipe the rubber strip of the squeegee after each pass on the window. You may choose to buff out any other streaks with newspaper.

6) Vacuum the window sill and frame afterward to catch any dust and debris.

7) Repeat the process for all interior windows.

Keeping windows clean requires a good deal of work.

8) Move outdoors and And for acrophobics, cleaning second-story windows start off by spraying the can be nerve-wracking. window with a garden hose to loosen any of the or side of the windows, as 4) Spray a lint-free cloth accumulated grime. Use they are easier to access. or the window directly your cleaning solution to Place a towel on the sill to with the cleaning solution. dissolve the rest of the catch any drops so the sill The edges and corners of dirt. You may want to let it or the floor will stay dry. the window tend to accusit on the window if there

is stubborn grime. Repeat the cleaning process used indoors for each window.

9) If exterior secondfloor windows are hard to reach, consider using a ladder and extension pole to extend your reach.

Upper windows will not be scrutinized as closely as lower windows, so you may have a greater margin for error. If the windows are simply too high up, rely on a professional window cleaner to get the job done rather than risk falls or other injuries.

Mixing a solution

It may take trial and error to find a solution that works. Here is one recipe you may want to start with.

1 cup white vinegar 11/2 cups rubbing alcohol 2 drops of dish soap Pour into a clean and empty spray bottle.

Remember: Never mix bleach and ammonia together to create a cleaning solution, as toxic fumes will result.

Exploring bang-for-the-buck fencing options

Fencing ser ves many purposes. Some homeowners erect a fence for privacy, while others do so to contain pets and children. Because fencing can be expensive, some homeowners look for ways to cut costs, which can be relatively easy, especially for those homeowners willing to consider various materials when erecting their fence.

Traditional fences are available in materials ranging from wood to vinyl to metal. Homeowners have other options at their disposal if they prefer a more natural fence.

Different shrubs, trees or grasses can be planted to create a barrier between properties or within the property.

When choosing a fencing material, consider that even a less expensive material may prove more expensive in the long run if it needs sig-

nificant maintenance or has to be replaced in just a few years. Therefore, the most cost-ef fective fencing material may not necessarily be the least expensive one at the store. Here are some materials homeowners can consider.

• Found material: Repurposed wood or metal can be crafted into a r ustic, one-of-a-kind fence. Materials can be found that are no cost, requiring only the cost of labor. Should you build it yourself, this can be next to nothing. Sometimes existing fences on another property can be disassembled and re-built on your own property for little to no cost as well.

• Chainlink/chainwire: Chainlink fencing is one of the most economical types of boundar y fencing. The fencing comes in a variety of diamond sizes and is fixed to galvanized pipes

spaced across the perimeter of the pr oper ty.

Although it is some of the least expensive fencing, it does not of fer much privacy on its own. But if you are looking at fencing simply as a barrier, chainlink could be the way to go.

• Picket fencing: A wooden picket fence is another inexpensive fenc-

ing material. The pickets can be purchased in various heights, and this fence may be used as garden border fencing or to mark a proper ty line between homes. Spacing the pickets widely apart may cut down on the number that need to be purchased, further keeping the cost down.

• Bamboo: Bamboo

How to select a customized hardwood floor in 4 easy steps No other flooring option delivers the splendor, warmth and value of natural wood. Today there are countless colors available to choose from as well as different species, each with their unique characteristics.

No matter the decor style of your home — modern, contemporary, zen, rustic or urban — today’s hardwood flooring manufacturers have something for every style and taste.

In fact, one of Nor th America’s leading manufacturers, Mercier Wood Flooring, boasts over 13 wood species and 74 rich colors and one can choose among over 2,000 options of every conceivable description.

“From natural r ustic looks to cutting edge contemporary, we can offer so many colors, species, finishes, strip widths, and grades that the possibilities for personalizing your floor are almost endless,” explained Michel Collin, director of marketing for Mercier Wood Flooring. Here are the four key steps to consider, according to Collin, to create a unique centerpiece hardwood floor that’s custom tailored for any interior space from country home to urban loft.

1) Color scheme — Are you looking for something light or dark? Understated or with bold character? Choose the color that best matches your decor

from a wide variety of colors available in each species. For uniform hue and a clean look, opt for either “Select & Better” or “Premium” grades. If you enjoy more pronounced color variation and wood with more character, you may prefer “Antique” or “Classic” grades.

2) Species — From Red Oak, Hard Maple, Yellow Birch, White Ash, White Oak or Brazilian Cherr y, each wood species has its own personality and distinct look (grades and width) that comes across in its maturity, hardness, and durability.

3) Gloss — Depending on the species, you can choose between a matte, semi-gloss and satin finish.

A matte, semi-gloss finish tends to project a more formal atmosphere; whereas the natural look of a satin finish will feel more casual and better disguise wear and tear.

4) Widths and textures — Wider planks, which are becoming increasingly popular, tend to create a more casual rustic appearance, while narrow planks are more formal. One can now find 61/2” and even 71/4” boards in cer tain species. This is part of the emerging trend of the last few years where consumers are seeking more rustic looks for their hardwood flooring choices. Along with wider boards, another way this is achieved is with the

is a rapidly growing grass that produces a hard wood-like material that is used in many building applications. Bamboo wood can be used to build a fence, but the natural plant also can be planted to form a living fence for privacy.

• S t o c k a d e f e n cing: A stockade fence is one of the more basic

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wood fencing options.

Wooden slats are placed alongside one another to form an effective and affordable privacy fence.

Stockade fencing can be stained or painted to preser ve it. Many home improvement retailers sell panels of stockade fencing so that you can make fence installation a do-it-yourself project.

• Vinyl fencing: Although vinyl fencing is one of the more expensive fencing materials at the outset (it costs about twice the price of a wood fence), it does pay for itself rather quickly thanks to minimal maintenance. Unlike some other materials, vinyl will not rot or discolor. You also won’t have to purchase stain, paint and expensive cleaners for a vinyl fence. That means once you make the investment, you will have years upon years of maintenance-free enjoyment.

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Home & Garden

The Daily Dispatch

Friday, April 19, 2013

Weighing automatic irrigation Managing difficult yard situations, wherever they may pop up systems: The pros and cons Water is essential to keeping a lawn or garden in good health. The trouble with watering is that it can be timeconsuming, especially if your idea of watering is standing outside with the hose. But thanks to irrigation systems, watering has become a lot less hands-on.

An irrigation sprinkler or drip system takes much of the work out of watering a landscape. Some can also be fitted to deliver fertilizer and weed-prevention products to a lawn. But before any digging takes place, homeowners might want to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of irrigation systems.

Advantages

One of the most obvious advantages is the time savings afforded by an automatic sprinkler or drip irrigation system.

Once installed, many systems can be set to a timer to water at specific time intervals and on certain days of the week. This means there’s no need to worry about forgetting to water the lawn and coming back from vacation to find crisp, yellow grass.

Another advantage is that irrigation systems, particularly the drip type, can be positioned so that water is more effectively targeted where it is need-

Some homeowners choose to install automatic irrigation systems rather than using a hose and portable sprinkler. ed. Nozzles can be adjusted and underground drip tubes will deliver water right to the roots, rather than spraying walkways and driveways.

Another advantage is that automatic irrigation systems are generally hidden from view, which means there are no unsightly hoses stretched across the lawn and no more tripping hazards.

Sprinkler heads pop up to spray and then retract when the job is done.

Underground drip systems do their work out of view. For families with young children and pets who share outdoor spaces, automatic systems may be a safer option.

Disadvantages The primar y disadvantage associated with a sprinkler system is the expense. These systems can be quite costly depending on the size of the proper ty. Fur thermore, por tions of the lawn will have to be dug up to install pipework and attach it to the plumbing system of the home.

This can equate to days or weeks without use of the yard. Afterwards, the landscaping will have to be repaired.

It is best to install an irrigation system prior to the installation of sod or extensive landscaping because some of it will have to be torn up. Homeowners who already have pristine yards may be turned off by this reality.

Even the most ef ficient sprinkler systems can have their pitfalls.

Wind can wreak havoc on sprinklers, directing water in the wrong direction.

Underground pests may damage water-deliver y systems, resulting in water pooling or broken parts.

The repairs to fix an irrigation system can be much more costly than replacing a damaged garden hose.

Irrigation systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and homeowners should weigh their options before installing a new system.

When designing your garden, identify your preferences A personal garden is only limited by the constraints of a person’s imagination. The vast array of plants and flowers available from all over the world can turn anyone’s yard into a melange of functional spaces.

When designing a garden, many homeowners do not know where to begin.

Much like decorating the interior of a home, how a garden landscape is executed depends on various factors.

• Climate and conditions — The foremost consideration when planting a garden is the climate where the garden will be located. Planting items that are not conducive to growing in certain conditions can be counter-intuitive and a waste of money and effort.

Prospective gardeners must become familiar with the hardiness zones of their region prior to making any plans. This will help you to determine which types of plants will thrive on your landscape.

Once this is determined, examination of the soil and conditions on the property is also helpful. Taking this step will help identify any plant deterrents, such as poor soil quality and pH as well as any pests that may impede plant growth.

If you live in a hot,

sandy location, lush tropical plants may not thrive.

Therefore, even if you desire a Mediterranean look, you may have to settle for something that works better with your landscape conditions.

• Style of the home — Landscaping designs often tie into the architectural style of a home. For example, an extensive Asian-inspired garden complete with koi pond and bonsai may look odd in front of a log home. Keep architecture in mind when planning a garden so the look of the home you present is cohesive and fits with the community and immediate vicinity.

• Design preferences — Are you a free spirit who doesn’t conform to convention with firm boundaries? Or are you one who likes order and things in their place? Knowing what makes you tick will help you to choose a gardening style that will be easier to maintain and also make you feel comfortable. For example, prairie-style planting or wildflower gardens are dramatic ways to create natural points of color over a large area. Most plants are allowed to grow as they may.

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filled borders overflow into a flower and foliage paradise.

If you are more inclined to follow the rules and like an orderly landscape, a parterre, or formal planting bed, may be more your style. When carefully pruned, box hedging can show off symmetr y and geometry in your space.

Some people are more focused on the accents in their gardens than the plants themselves. Modern architecture pairs well with a contemporary style that blends minimalist accents and easy-to-maintain plants.

Although you can change plants in your garden, investing in a garden that you will be happy with for a long time is a costly venture. You may want to consult a landscape architect or local nursery to find the plants and trees that fit with your design and lifestyle. These experts can also instruct you in how to maintain all of your hard work and when to expect the full impact of your new landscape to take form.

Homeowners can browse ideas for gardens in magazines and online, but ultimately it will be up to their personal design preferences and the climate where their home is located to determine which garden will look and grow best.

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Shady areas may impede grass growth in a yard. problematic because of the amount of sunshine it receives. Too much sunshine can scald certain grasses, while inadequate sunshine may result in bare patches where grass won’t grow.

If cost is no object, removing or planting trees to establish better growing conditions could be an option. However, today there are many grass blends that are tailored toward specific sunlight scenarios. Homeowners may find that low-light blends will grow better in shady areas.

For those who are finding no luck with grass blends, it may just be necessary to think creatively. Plant shadeloving plants, such as ferns or ground cover, where the grass won’t take.

Design the landscape so it looks intentional. Flagstone and slate placed in certain areas also may mask temperamental growing areas.

There are different options for managing various situations in the yard that can make growing lawn or other plants challenging. If projects are difficult, it could be smart to call in a professional.

Plant a self-sustaining garden Gardening is a rewarding hobby with thousands of devotees.

Backyard gardens provide beauty and aesthetic appeal to a landscape, and they can be a source of homegrown food and a natural habitat for outdoor wildlife. A selfsustaining garden can be an ef ficient addition to any home, but gardens require upkeep and a certain measure of dedication.

A self-suf ficient garden is a garden that sustains itself through proper planning and execution. Such gardens can almost take care of themselves so long as the soil is healthy soil, the seeds are reused and organic material is produced.

Self-sustaining gardens also represent a lifestyle where individuals are responsible for producing their own foods — thus sustaining themselves without the need to shop for produce elsewhere. When planting your own self-sustaining garden, consider the following tips.

• Star t with soil.

Healthy soil is essential to a thriving garden. The soil must have the right pH, correct texture and composition, and be full of nutrients. Ver y often the native soil in yards is not adequate to keep a garden thriving. In such instances, the soil needs to be improved. Adding compost — which can be produced in the yard as well — to the soil will enrich the soil with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

• Maintain proper soil consistency. Soil that is the right consistency, meaning the optimum balance of sand, clay and actual soil, is another necessity for a self-sustaining garden.

The ideal ratio should be 40 percent sand, 40 percent silt and 20 percent clay. Having the right balance of soil can secure root formation and promote proper drainage.

• Test the pH. Certain plants need a specific pH in order to grow. A neutral pH range is typically ideal for growing vegetables. A pH tester can be purchased from a gardening center. Amend

the soil accordingly to get the soil back to its correct level.

• Know the growing season. Vegetables should be planted during the season in which they will thrive. Peas, beets and cabbage, for example, are cold-temperature vegetables, while cucumbers, squash and melons thrive in warm climates.

Plant accordingly so that the vegetables will have the best chances for success.

• Purchase quality seeds. Use fresh seeds, par ticularly ones that have been har vested from your own garden the year before, to have the best chances for germination. Or buy seeds from a reputable source, like a garden center or an online retailer who specializes in vegetable seeds.

• Star t seedlings indoors. You may want to work with seedlings indoors so that you can monitor growth and care for them more easily.

Then transplant the seedlings outside when they are stable enough for the elements.

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Many homeowners aim for a picture perfect lawn complete with rolling acres of soft, green grass. But Mother Nature may have other things in mind, providing homeowners with less-than-stellar growing conditions for their lawns, plants and other foliage. Frustration can mount when a yard is muddy, is especially shady or has soil that doesn’t seem to grow a thing. In such instances, homeowners may have to go the extra mile to get the yard they desire.

• Irrigation issues — Improper drainage or low-lying areas in a yard may contribute to a muddy mess.

Soil that is inhospitable for grass also may end up causing muddy patches because the grass simply does not grow. In some cases, remedying a muddy yard is easy and inexpensive.

Some homeowners find that tilling the soil and amending it with a fiber mulch helps to absorb extra water and make the conditions better for lawn seeds to sprout. This also helps to aerate compacted soil that can hinder grass growth. Adding soil fill also may help to level low-lying areas that can be puddling.

Some homeowners find that they need to do a little more work and spend some more money to fix irrigation issues. Installing a draining system or having the property sloped to draw water away can sometimes be done by a homeowner but is often best left to a professional. You may need to dig trenches, and the property may need to be regraded to make a difference.

• Sandy soil — Grass and other plants may not grow well with sandy or clay soil. Again, amending the soil is one way to remedy the problem.

Although it will take some work at the outset, amending the soil can improve conditions and reduce how much maintenance the lawn needs. Digging down several inches and adding nutrient-rich filler soil will help create conditions that are better for growing.

Those who are interested in planting vegetables could opt for raised garden beds above the challenging soil.

• Shade — Sometimes a yard is

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The Daily Dispatch

Home & Garden

5

Friday, April 19, 2013

Dealing with pests — of the four-legged kind Tips for preventing

C

reating a beautiful and bountiful garden is a popular pastime for people all across the country.

It is important to keep in mind that aesthetically appealing plants may be appetizing to area wildlife, including deer. Those who do not want their gardens to turn into all-you-can-eat buffets for deer, rabbits and other wild animals can take a more proactive approach to gardening.

Deer are opportunists who will no doubt see your garden as a salad bar ripe with all of their favorite foods. As housing developments continue to encroach on the natural habitats of deer and other animals, these animals are becoming more visible. Deer may not be able to forage for food effectively in their smaller, natural surroundings, or they may become accustomed to the “easy pickings” they find in neighborhood yards.

Either way, you may encounter a deer in or around your area.

Keeping deer at bay involves some work and maintenance on the part of a homeowner. There are safe and humane methods to repelling deer, or at least blocking access to the plants worth protecting. Here are the main ways to deer-proof a garden.

• Fence it — Fences are one way to deter deer from entering a yard and dining on your garden. Keep in mind that deer can jump fences that are quite tall, but they have to be especially motivated to jump an eight-foot-tall fence. Still, they tend to be weary about scaling a fence when they cannot see what is on the other side. Therefore, if you are fencing out deer, choose a fence that camouflages the garden well and completely encloses the area to be protected. If you do not want the fence to be solid, consider putting stakes or thorny plants within the garden so that the

Gardeners who use a combination of methods to keep deer out of their yards and gardens may have a higher success rate at deterring these animals. deer will hesitate to jump into the garden.

• Scare them — Deer are naturally skittish around people, but over time they can become quite complacent around human beings.

Once a deer decides that something will not present a threat, the deer can adapt to its presence.

Motion-activated devices may not work, nor the presence of pets.

Predator urine is typically an effective way at keeping deer at bay.

Bottled coyote urine can be quite effective, although human urine may work as well. Reapplying the product weekly around the plants is a good idea.

• Repel the deer — There are many organic or chemically-based products on the market that deer

may find offensive to the taste or smell.

Hot pepper, sulfur and eggs or even the use of soapy water have been successful in certain instances.

The use of blood meal or even human hair around the garden may repel the deer and keep them on a different foraging path. However, remember that any deer that is very hungry may ignore unpleasant tastes or smells for a quick bite.

• Change plants — If other food sources are available, there are some species of plants and trees that deer will avoid. Filling your garden with these plants can help you maintain a beautiful, albeit untasty, environment for deer.

When planting annuals, select among: • Alyssum • Begonias • Calendula • Celosia • Dianthus • Foxglove • Geraniums • Parsley • Poppy • Snapdragons In terms of perennials, plant these items once, and deer could stay away: • Ageratum • Anemone • Astibe • Bearded iris • Catmint • Honeysuckle • Lantana • Monkshood • Rock rose • Rosemary • Soapwort • Wisteria Plant these herbs alongside flowers for even more protection: • Chives • Eucalyptus • Garlic

soil erosion

Homeowners who spend time tending to their landscape ar e increasingly looking eco-friendly ways to maintain their lawns and gardens. Homeowners who once relied on potentially harmful pesticides to craft a lush lawn now prefer ways that don’t leave such a significant carbon footprint.

Preventing soil erosion is easy and can be accomplished in a number of ways.

• Don’t over water — Some may assume that keeping soil as damp as possible keeps it healthy. However, overwatering the soil can cause runoff that washes the soil away. In addition, overwatering the soil can degrade it and contribute to erosion. Instead of over watering, keep the soil moist but don’t overdo it. If you’re having trouble keeping soil moist, consider laying down some mulch, which helps retain moisture and deliver nutrients to the soil that keep it healthy.

• Plant trees and shr ubs — Trees and shrubs are friends to soil, providing shelter while their roots keep the soil in place and prevent it from easily blowing away on a windy day. It also helps soil from washing away when warm weath-

er arrives and the landscape must be watered on a daily basis.

• Create runoff barriers — Runoff barriers are edges that can be made of brick, stone or other materials that help reduce r unof f. Many homeowners install runoff barriers along sidewalks and driveways to ensure the soil does not spill out onto the pavement, but these also help the soil as much as they help to keep walkways and other areas free of soil and looking tidy.

• Consider leaving some grass around the garden. Tillage is the process of preparing land to grow crops. While many homeowners don’t view their weekend gardening as growing crops, similar principles apply whether you’re growing crops on a farm or just a few vegetables in the backyard. One such principle is conservation tillage, which means leaving a portion of vegetation in the ground instead of stripping everything away before planting.

For home gardeners, consider leaving a small amount of grass around the garden to keep the soil within the garden’s boundaries. It’s a principle similar to installing runoff barriers, and it can be just as effective at preventing soil erosion.

Eliminate those pesky flying insects in the yard The warmer months provide ample oppor tunities for outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying time spent in the yard as a family. But moments in the fresh air and sunshine can be negatively affected by the presence of flying, buzzing or biting bugs.

When the weather warms, insects that may have been dormant during the winter begin to exit their dens and reproduce in ear nest. Many insects over winter as eggs and lar vae, and multitudes break their dormancy at the same time as host plants. Beetles, flies, gnats, bees, mosqui toes, termites, butterflies, moths, and many other bugs can be seen in abundance in the spring. While there are people who enjoy bugs’ presence as tr ue harbingers of the new season, others who are less enamored with flying insects, especially when they make time outdoors into an exercise in discomfor t.

Homeowners concerned about the presence of flying insects in their

yard can take various steps to manage sharing outdoor spaces with insect life.

• Prevention — Dif fer ent varieties of insects begin their lives as eggs that may hatch into nymphs or wormlike cr eatur es known as lar vae. Oftentimes, these eggs are deposited in water or in damp areas. Mosquito lar vae, for example, thrive in stagnant water before they tur n into winged, biting insects. Keeping outdoor areas free of standing water and ensuring proper drainage are two ways to reduce the population of certain bugs in the yard.

We l c o m i n g a n i m a l s , such as birds and bats that feed on a trove of insects, to the yard can naturally keep insect numbers down.

Flies lay about 50 to 100 eggs at one time.

The eggs will hatch into maggots in as little as 12 hours after being deposited. Keeping yards free from decaying matter, especially around entertaining areas, can limit the number of flies in the yard.

• T r a p s — Ther e emerging insects as posare a variety of dif fer- sible. You also may be ent traps on the market able to trap the queens geared towar d dif fer- of cer tain insects, like ent insect life. Most use bees or wasps, fur ther some sor t of attractant, r educing the number whether a scent or light of bugs you will see to lure the insects to the throughout the year.

• Repellents — trap. Then the bugs fall inside and cannot get Repellents are natural or chemically derived out.

Although there are formulas that are worn or placed some chemi c a l - b a s e d When the weather i n p r o x i m ity to people. traps or bug warms, insects These repel“zappers,” lents want t h e r e a r e that may have insects to o t h e r m o r e been dormant find them. natural traps during the winter Once found, a n d m o r e begin to exit their the repelh u m a n e lents’ smell options, too. dens and or taste is Setting traps reproduce in d e e m e d a w a y f r o m earnest. questionpatios and able by the living spaces will lure the insects to insects, who will then the traps and keep them seek out other areas to away from you. Once reside.

Repellents will var y in the trapped insects expir e, you can bur y ef ficacy and some may them in the ground to need to be reapplied frequently to remain effecnaturally decompose.

Setting traps out ver y tive. However, they are early in the season will a useful tool when you help to trap as many will not be staying in

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eybees and bumblebees will generally keep to themselves if their nests are not disturbed and can actually be enjoyable to watch as they buzz from flower to flower.

Wasps, like yellow-jackets, can be attracted to sweet smells, so keeping sugar y drinks and foods covered can keep them at bay. Or you may want to lure them to another area of the yard with a bit of raw meat or a can of fruit punch.

Sharing outdoor living spaces with flying insects can be aggravating. But there are many options at a homeowner’s disposal to control such unwanted guests.

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one spot in the yard.

• Screens — If you spend ample time outdoors, especially at dusk, then investing in a screened-in room may be the way to go.

This way you can enjoy the weather while the insects stay on the other side of the screen. In climates where threeseason swimming is possible, some homeowners actually create screenedin rooms that encompass their entire pool.

• Beneficial bugs — Insects like butter flies and bees are the unsung heroes of the landscape, as they are responsible for pollinating many flowers and plants. Hon-

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Home & Garden

The Daily Dispatch

Friday, April 19, 2013

Prepare your deck or patio for entertaining

ew things are better than having a functional and beautiful outdoor space to entertain guests.

Having a great outdoor space enables a person to host parties or intimate gatherings all year long. Establishing an entertaining space and maintaining that space are essential when planning another year of fun in the sun.

There are many things homeowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional. As the season approaches, include some landscaping and decorating components to your preparatory plans to make the space as comfortable and aesthetically appealing as possible.

Here are a few key tips for readying your yard for entertaining possibilities.

Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs. • Check the area for any needed repairs.

Prior to your first entertaining session, look over

the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may present safety hazards.

Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they do not cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you are unsure of any structural deficits, consult with a contractor. • Hire a reputable contractor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-ofmouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members are good, and you can also double-check qualifications by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints

and talk. Have a bar or serving area where refreshments are made and served. Make sure there is a shaded area for when the sun is too uncomfortable to make sitting outside enjoyable.

Similarly, have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool. Don’t forget to establish a spot for the kids to converge with scaled-down amenities. • Consider a fireplace or fire pit. For Consider the use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an entertaining space. Any of these options centuries man (and can help minimize weather-related damage to outdoor woman) has gathered around fire for socialfurniture. ization and a means to warming up. Having a have been lodged or use when the weather is a service such as Angie’s warm and humid. Having backyard fireplace, pit List to read reviews of his a bit of concealment also or chiminea is a conversation-starter, a decoraor her work. means you can create a tive focal point, and a • Think about closprivate space that isn’t functional tool to extend ing in a portion of a easily viewed by neighthe number of seasons deck or patio. The use bors or passersby. in which outdoor enterof a canopy, netting or • Plan well-defined taining can take place. even greenery to protect areas. Just as rooms an entertaining space can serve different purposes Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety. It help minimize weatherinside of the home, outshould be out of the way related damage to outdoor areas can be sepadoor furniture. Netting rated according to usage. of foot traffic, but central enough so that it can be a will keep a good number Establish a sitting nook of biting insects at bay where guests can gather gathering point.

Remain eco-conscious while tending to your lawn

Many homeowners are constantly on the lookout for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly.

Such a pursuit is both noble because it helps the environment and practical because it often saves money.

While there are many eco-friendly improvements homeowners make inside their homes, it’s impor tant to note that there are several ways for men and women to be more environmentally conscious outside of their homes as well. Lawn care can be done in a way that’s conscious of the environment, and the results can be just as appealing as if the lawn were tended to without regard for the planet. The following are just a few of the many ways homeowners can adopt more ecofriendly practices when tending to their lawns. • Be conscientious when watering. Over watering a lawn is pretty common, especially during the dog days of summer, when homeowners tr y to overcompensate for hot days with excessive watering. The growth of moss on sidewalks or the driveway is a telltale sign that you’re watering too much, as is a standing pool of water on the grass. Homeowners who find it difficult to determine when their lawns have gotten enough water can purchase an intelligent irrigation control system that adapts your watering to a lawn’s needs as well as the weather. • Turn back the clock on your tools. Before gas mowers became the standard, man-powered push mowers were used to cut the grass. Such mowers still exist, and they require no fuel, making them a more eco-friendly option than their gas-powered counterparts.

Along those same lines, leaf blowers are a far less friendly way to rake leaves in the fall or clean the yard after a long winter. While there’s no deny-

ing their ef fectiveness, leaf blowers need gas to operate, while a rake just requires some elbow grease and a little extra time out in the yard. • Stay local. If you need to plant new grass or you’re beginning a garden, then stick with local plants, flowers and grasses rather than more exotic options that are not native to your area. Plants, flowers and grasses that aren’t native to your region will require more maintenance and often more watering. That added maintenance might prove to be a headache, and that excessive watering will not be beneficial to the environment. Native plants, flowers and grasses have already adapted to your climate, and they can be provide just as much aesthetic appeal as more exotic alternatives. • Avoid pesticides whenever possible. Many homeowners treat their lawns with pesticides, which can make a lawn look beautiful. But that beauty typically comes at a steep price, impacting local wildlife and perhaps even the local water supply.

When pesticides are applied to a lawn, the chemicals within may run off into your local water supply. If you can’t avoid pesticides entirely, then do your best to minimize how often you use them. • Don’t let rain water go to waste. Rain barrels are a great way to make good use of rain. Rain barrels can be placed beneath a gutter’s downspout, where they will collect water that can be reused throughout your property to water the lawn and garden. Rain barrels can be relatively expensive, but over time they will pay for themselves as you save money on your water bill.

Lawn care can be conducted in a way that benefits the environment as well as your bottom line.

• Invest in quality outdoor furniture.

Today’s yards are extensions of a home’s interior. Guests no longer want to sit on uncomfortable metal or plastic furniture. There are many different outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the decor inside your home for a cohesive look. • Accessorize.

Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors.

Don’t shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space. Weatherresistant materials ensure everything from clocks to televisions can be used outdoors. Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other entertaining items for the outdoors.

When refurbishing outdoor entertaining areas, emphasize comfort, safety and functionality.

Increase comfort, save money by addressing household drafts Homeowners know that no home is perfect.

Sometimes a home’s biggest issue can be relatively small and easy to fix, while other issues are more substantial and require a bit more time and money.

Drafts around the house fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. Though not necessarily difficult or costly to fix, drafts can be an uncomfortable nuisance and may require a little more elbow grease than more minor issues around a house. The following are a few ways homeowners can address drafts around the house. • Check the fireplace. Homeowners with a fireplace might be inviting drafts in through their favorite feature. If the damper on the fireplace is open, drafts will enter the home. Simply close the damper and the home will

likely get a lot less drafty. room is to hang thick cur• Check for gaps tains or drapes in front of around windows and the window. The heavier doors. The most likely cul- the material, the more prit if a home is drafty is effective it will be at keepgaps around windows and ing cold air from circulatdoors. Windows and doors ing around the room. • Inspect that aren’t the attic. If p r o p e r l y Though not s i z e d a r e necessarily difficult y o u r h o m e has an attic, no doubt or costly to fix, that oft-forinviting gotten room drafts into drafts can be an upstairs might the home. uncomfortable be the source The solu- nuisance and may of the home’s tion to this p r o b l e m require a little more drafts. When a home is doesn’t have elbow grease than heated, the t o b r e a k more minor issues air inside the bank. around a house. that home is Instead of pressurized, replacing old windows and doors, driving that air through use weather stripping ceiling penetrations and and press it into the gaps into the attic. This creates around the frame. This leaks that allow warmth can block drafts, and you to escape the house while should be able to notice an inviting colder air in. Plug any air leaks into the attic, immediate difference. • Hang heavier cur- which should eliminate tains or drapes. Another drafts as well as condensaway to address a drafty tion.

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