Home/Garden Decorator Spring 2023

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR

Summer Heat Summer Heat

BY ANGELA INSBROOKE

As the summer heat approaches, it's important to prepare your home for the hot weather. Taking a few simple steps can help you stay cool and comfortable, and protect your home from the effects of the summer sun. Here are some tips for preparing your home for summer heat.

Plant trees and shrubs: Planting trees and shrubs around your home can provide shade and help to keep your home cooler in the summer. Choose plants that are native to your area and that will thrive in the heat.

Keep windows and doors closed: During the day, keep windows and doors closed to prevent hot air from entering your home. Open them at night to allow cool air to flow in.

Use window coverings: Use window coverings such as blinds or curtains to block out the sun's rays and keep your home cooler. Choose light-colored coverings to reflect the sun's heat.

Use fans: Fans can help to circulate the air in your home and keep you cool. Place them near windows to help draw in cool air at night, and use them to circulate the air during the day.

Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Check your insulation and add more if needed to keep your home comfortable.

Service your air conditioner: Make sure your air conditioner is in good working order before the summer heat arrives. Have it serviced and cleaned to ensure it is operating efficiently.

Use energy-efficient appliances: Using energyefficient appliances can help to reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bills. Consider replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models.

By following these tips, you can prepare your home for the summer heat and stay cool and comfortable throughout the season. So take the time to get your home ready now, and enjoy a comfortable summer ahead.

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THE STORY BEHIND THE

Peggy Martin

BY ANGELA INSBROOKE

The Peggy Martin rose bush is a variety of rose that has a fascinating and poignant history. This beautiful flower is named after Peggy Martin, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, which is located southeast of New Orleans, who lost her home and possessions in Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

After the devastating storm, Martin returned to her home in Plaquemines Parish to find that her rose bushes had miraculously survived the flood. Despite the fact that the rest of her home and neighborhood had been destroyed, these rose bushes were flourishing.

Inspired by the resilience and determination of these rose bushes, Martin set out to propagate and share the flowers with others. She worked with the New Orleans Botanical Garden and the New Orleans City Park to grow and distribute the Peggy Martin roses to residents who had also been affected by the hurricane.

The Peggy Martin rose bush quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of disaster. Its vibrant pink and red blooms became a symbol of the city's determination to rebuild and recover from the devastating storm.

In addition to its symbolic significance, the Peggy Martin rose bush is also known for its hardiness and resilience. It can withstand extreme heat and humidity, making it a popular choice for gardeners in the Southern United States.

Despite its ability to withstand harsh conditions, the Peggy Martin rose bush does require some maintenance to thrive. It should be pruned regularly and fertilized to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms. It is also essential to protect the bush from pests and diseases, as these can quickly spread and damage the flowers.

The story of the Peggy Martin rose bush is a reminder of the strength and resilience of nature, and the power of hope and determination in the face of adversity. It is a symbol of the enduring spirit of the people of New Orleans and a reminder that even in the face of disaster, beauty and resilience can always be found.

GROWING

Blueberries

BY MARY SMITH

Plump, juicy blueberries aren’t just delicious. They’re high in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and vitamins. Fortunately, for very little effort, blueberries are easy to grow—if you have the right soil conditions.

IDENTIFY THE BEST BLUEBERRY PLANTS

When you grab a boost of blue, you’re most often eating high bush blueberries. However, the high bush blueberry classification covers a range of different blueberry varieties, each of which is unique in its season, size, shape, color and taste. Depending on the climate and ripening

season in your area, certain varieties will grow better than others.

SELECT YOUR BLUEBERRY SPOT

Once you’ve found the right blueberry plant, you’ll also want to find a place it can thrive. Select a sunny location with well-worked, well-drained soil that is free of

weeds. Avoid planting near trees, which block out sunlight and suck up the moisture in the soil. It’s best to grow blueberries in an area where water is readily available so you can keep their roots moist throughout the growing season. Raised beds or patio containers are good options for areas where the soil is not ideal.

PREP YOUR SOIL

Soil preparation is crucial to the health of blueberry plants. Blueberries prefer acidic soil, and if the soil in your area is not acidic enough, you may need to make adjustments, with guidance from your local garden center or Cooperative Extension. Planning ahead is crucial – if changes in your soil’s pH levels are necessary, it’s best to make them a year before you plant your blueberries.

SPACE AND PLANT YOUR BLUEBERRIES

It’s time to get your plants in the ground! In most areas, it’s ideal to plant blueberries in the fall or spring. You can plant blueberry bushes as close as 2 or 2.5 feet apart to form solid hedgerows, or space them up to 6 feet apart so they grow individually. If you plant in rows, allow 8 to 10 feet between the rows.

FERTILIZE YOUR BLUEBERRY PLANTS

Blueberries are part of a plant family that includes the flowering azalea, mountain laurel and heather-plants. You can ask your local garden center for fertilizer recommendations, but once established, blueberry plants typically respond well to acid fertilizers such as azalea or rhododendron formulations. Follow the instructions on the label carefully – blueberries are sensitive to over fertilization! You’ll want to apply fertilizer one month after planting, not at the time of planting. For best results, fertilize your plants once in early spring and again in late spring, always watering thoroughly afterward.

MULCH YOUR BLUEBERRY PLANTS

Blueberries do best with 2-4 inches of mulch over the roots to conserve moisture, prevent weeds and add organic matter. Bark mulch, acid compost, sawdust and grass clippings all work well.

Blueberries should be planted either in fall by mid-October or in early spring after severe freeze danger has passed. When you receive your plants, check them to make sure that they look healthy and the roots are moist. For best results, planting should be done within a day or two of arrival.

A CHECKLIST:

Maintaining A Garden

All Year Beautiful Beautiful

BY ANGELA INSBROOKE

1

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS: Select plants and flowers that are wellsuited to your climate and soil conditions. Research which plants are drought-resistant, sunloving, or shade-tolerant and choose accordingly.

MULCH YOUR BEDS: Mulching your flower beds helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Use a mulch that is appropriate for your climate, such as wood chips or pine straw.

3

PLAN YOUR DESIGN: Take the time to plan out your landscape design in advance. Consider the layout of your yard, the types of plants and flowers that will thrive in your climate, and the features you want to include, such as a patio or water feature. 2 4

WATER REGULARLY: Proper watering is essential for keeping your landscape looking its best. Water your plants deeply and consistently, making sure to give them enough water to reach their roots. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.

FERTILIZE REGULARLY: Feed your plants the nutrients they need to grow and thrive by fertilizing regularly. Choose a fertilizer appropriate for your plants and follow the recommended application instructions.

PRUNE REGULARLY: Pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of your plants, as well as promote healthy growth. Be sure to prune your plants at the right time of year, and use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plants.

PROTECT YOUR PLANTS FROM PESTS AND DISEASES: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can damage your plants. Use natural remedies or appropriate pesticides as needed, and remove and dispose of any infected plants to prevent the spread of diseases.

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ADD ACCENTS: Add interest to your landscape with accents such as containers of flowers, birdbaths, or garden ornaments. These touches can help to bring your landscape to life and give it a personal touch.

Maintaining a pretty landscape all year requires a bit of planning and effort, but the result is well worth it. Here is a checklist of steps to follow to ensure that your landscape stays looking its best throughout the year. 5 6 7 8

WHEN YOUR DEBT IS OUT OF CONTROL

BY ALLEN IRWIN

Getting out of debt can be a long and challenging process, but it is well worth the effort. Debt can weigh heavily on your finances and your peace of mind, and taking steps to reduce and eliminate it can greatly improve your financial situation. Here are some steps to help you get out of debt.

 ASSESS YOUR DEBTS

The first step to getting out of debt is to understand exactly what you owe. Make a list of all your debts, including the creditor, the interest rate, and the minimum monthly payment.

 SET A BUDGET

Once you have a clear picture of your debts, you'll need to set a budget to help you pay them off. Determine how much money you have coming in and going out each month, and look for areas where you can cut back on expenses.

 PRIORITIZE YOUR DEBTS

Not all debts are created equal, and it can be helpful to prioritize which ones to pay off first. High-interest debts, such as credit card balances, should generally be a top priority, as the interest can quickly add up.

 CONSIDER CONSOLIDATION

If you have multiple debts, consolidating them into a single loan can make it easier to manage and pay off. This can also lower your interest rate, which can save you money in the long run.

 USE THE SNOWBALL METHOD

The snowball method involves paying off your debts in order of smallest to largest balance. This can help to boost your motivation and give you a sense of accomplishment as you pay off each debt.

 SEEK HELP

If you're struggling to get out of debt on your own, consider seeking help from a financial professional or a credit counseling service. They can provide valuable guidance and support to help you get back on track.

 STAY THE COURSE

Getting out of debt can be a long and difficult process, and it's important to stay committed and focused. Keep working at it, and don't be discouraged if you have setbacks along the way.

By following these steps, you can take control of your debts and work towards a debt-free future. It may not be easy, but the peace of mind and financial freedom that come with being out of debt are well worth the effort.

Make Your Child's Playroom More Fun

BY BECONRAD

Having fun is far from child's play, especially when your kids can't find the toys they want. If you have ever endured a tantrum as your child searches in vain for his or her favorite toy, you know just how frustrating a disorganized and crowded playroom can be.

If you want to make playtime more fun for your child and less stressful for you, smart organization is key. No matter how young your child, there are simple steps you can do to make playtime more fun.

❶ Start with a fun toy chest. A chest full of toys is lots of fun, and that is a good place to start. Bigger toys will be easy to find even in a relatively large storage chest.

❷ Set up a donation bin. Your kid may be tired of a particular toy, but that plaything can still provide joy for another child. Set up a donation bin in the playroom and encourage your kids to give their old favorites to someone new.

❸ Place a surprise somewhere in the room. If you want to make play-

time more fun, hide a surprise toy somewhere in the playroom. It could be a brand new toy, or a forgotten plaything from years gone by.

❹ Organize the playroom with small storage bins. Stacking storage bins are great for playroom organization, so pick some up and say goodbye to lost and misplaced toys. Clear storage bins are great for finding toys quickly, while color-coded bins are attractive and provide easy organization.

❺ Set up a casual toy rotation. Playing with the same old toys can be boring, so rotate your child's toys for maximum fun. The rotation schedule does not have to be formal; just shake things up now and again.

❻ Make smart furniture choices. Beds with built-in storage drawers are great for keeping toys and clothes neat and organized. If it is time for a new bed or bedroom set, look for furniture pieces that do double duty.

 Encourage your kids to respect their toys. Let your kids know that toys are not free, and that their playthings should be treated with respect. Letting your kids earn their own money and buy their own favorite toys will further encourage them to respect the things they own.

If toys are spilling out of your child's bedroom and threatening to overrun the playroom, it is time to get organized. Every parent has stepped on an errant toy at one time or another, but the right organization can reduce the danger and make playtime a lot more fun. These tips can help you get started, so playtime can be fun for you and your child.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS THAT INCREASE HOME VALUE

BY ALLEN IRWIN

If you're looking to increase the value of your home, there are a number of home improvements you can make that are relatively easy and cost-effective. These improvements can not only increase the value of your home, but also make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters. Here are some of the easiest home improvements to increase home value.

FRESH PAINT

One of the quickest and easiest ways to increase the value of your home is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers and make your home feel bright and welcoming.

LANDSCAPING

A well-maintained landscape can make a big difference in the curb appeal of your home. Plant flowers and shrubs, mow the lawn and keep the yard clean and tidy.

CLEAN AND DE-CLUTTER

A clean and clutter-free home is more inviting and looks more spacious. Take the time to thoroughly clean your home, including the floors, windows and surfaces, and get rid of any unnecessary clutter.

UPDATE FIXTURES AND FINISHES

Updating fixtures and finishes, such as doorknobs, light fixtures and faucets, can give your home a fresh, modern look and increase its value.

ADD STORAGE

Adding storage can help to de-clutter and organize your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Consider adding shelving, cabinets, or storage areas in the garage or basement.

UPDATE THE KITCHEN

The kitchen is often a key selling point for buyers, so consider making updates such as painting the cabinets, adding new counter tops, or updating appliances.

REPLACE OLD WINDOWS

Old, drafty windows can be a major turn-off for buyers. Replacing them with energy-efficient windows can not only increase the value of your home, but also save you money on energy bills.

ADD ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES

Energy-efficient features such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and insulation can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers.

By making these easy home improvements, you can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters. So get started today and watch the value of your home soar!

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