Spring Home and Garden 2016 by KPC Media Group

SPRING HOME

AND GARDEN 2016 BEFORE

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Spring Home and Garden

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March 18, 2016

Welcome

Michael Swann mswann@kpcmedia.com Advertising Director

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Jenny Ernsberger Sue Yeager Jeff Jones Cindy Miller Terri Myers Michele Trowbridge Machele Waid

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Michael Marturello mmarturello@kpcmedia.com Special Section Editor

Randy Mitchell

Jennifer Decker

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jdecker@kpcmedia.com Reporter

S. Rick Mitchell Chief Financial Officer

It’s that time of the year again when residents of northeast Indiana start preparing for spring. It’s finally here! In this special section you will find timely information on preparing your home for the coming pleasant weather months. One of the best ways to get ideas for projects that have been put to good use is to see what your neighbors have done. To that end, we are presenting a few thoughts and observations from people associated with this year’s Remodelers Tour. The annual show is put on by the Builders Association of Northeast Indiana, which serves builders in LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties. This year’s show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 7. The association is

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currently working on lining up homes for the tour. On the cover is the new exterior of the Don and Mary Beth Thomas home, which is in Glen Eyre Beach on the first basin of Lake James, with an inset of how the home appeared before it was remodeled by Four Seasons Design and Remodeling. The Thomas home will be one of the featured stops on this year’s Remodelers Tour. In addition, there are many other stories throughout the section to help you learn more about gardening and possibly a few tips on home improvement projects that you might want to tackle. We hope you will find the stories informative. This section can also be found at kpcnews.com.

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March 18, 2016

Spring Home and Garden

“Spring has sprung: Let the gardening begin” JENNIFER DECKER jdecker@kpcmedia.com

ANGOLA — March 19 is the first day of spring and with the departure of snow, thoughts turn to gardening. Crystal Van Pelt, Purdue Extension Steuben County educator, offered some gardening tips that could ensure having lush plants. “Whether it’s with vegetables or lawn, I’m really recommending soil sampling. It’s important so you know what’s in your soil so you don’t over-fertilize,” she said. She pointed out two places locally that do soil sampling are AgriLabs, Auburn, phone 333-0618 or A&L Great Lakes Laboratories, Fort Wayne, phone 483-4759. “One thing I don’t think people know is I’ve seen over-fertilized. It could injure and burn the plants,” she said. Van Pelt said soil sampling can also help with adjusting growth factors, such as using compost because it’s better for sandy soil. Another simple pointer is rotate what’s planted each year. “I’d say if you have sick tomatoes, those

fungal spores could remain. If you have a diseased plant — get it out,” she said. For more details, Purdue has a whole list of horticulture information at hort.purdue.edu. In a Purdue Extension Steuben County newsletter, Rosie Lerner, Purdue consumer horticulture specialist, said to start gardening: • In the home, begin fertilizing houseplants as new growth appears. Start garden seeds indoors before transplanting outdoors later in the spring. Check stored bulbs and produce for decay and discard damaged items. Prune, re-pot and clean houseplants as needed. • For yards, lawns, woody ornaments and fruits, prune trees and shrubs: Plant new trees and shrubs as soon as the soil dries enough to be worked. Plant bare-root plants before new growth begins, but after soil temperatures reach 40 degrees. Remove winter covering from roses as soon as new growth begins. • With garden, vegetables, small fruits and flowers: Plant cool-season vegetables and flowers as soon as the ground has dried enough to work. Do not work the soil while it is wet. Wait until it crumbles in your hand. If the soil forms a solid ball when squeezed, it’s

still too wet. Gradually harden off transplants by setting them outdoors during the daytime for about a week before planting. Start seeds of warm-season vegetables and flowers indoors. In northern Indiana, wait until the end of March or early April. Transplant them to the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Remove old asparagus and rhubarb tops and side dress the plants with nitrogen or manure. Transplant asparagus, rhubarb and small fruit plants. Remove winter mulch from strawberry beds as soon as new growth begins, but keep the mulch nearby to protect against frost and freezes. Remove weak, diseased or damaged canes from raspberry plants before new growth begins. Remove old fruiting canes if not removed last year and shorten remaining canes if necessary. Prune grapevines after winter injury can be assessed. Two upcoming gardening workshops include: • Learn how to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses from fresh produce, preserves and baked goods at the Steuben Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St.,

Suite1A. Three sessions: April 6, garden through harvest food safety; April 13, legally, where to produce your project; and April 20, safe food handling, preparation and presentation. The first session is free, but cost is $5 each for the second and third sessions with a March 20 registration deadline. Checks may be made to Purdue CES Ed Fund and mailed or dropped off at Purdue Extension-Steuben County, 317 S. Wayne St., Suite 1A, Angola, IN 46703. • Harmony in the garden will be presented Saturday, April 16, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 314 W. Maumee St., Angola. Registration is at 9 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. Presentations will include creating sustainable landscape by Ricky Kemery, Allen County Master Gardener coordinator, and sensory gardening by Megan Peterson, Steuben County Health and Human Services Extension educator. Cost is $10 per person, due April 6. The event is part of the Tri-County Master Gardener awards brunch. Registration may be paid to Maureen Muschek at the extension office.

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March 18, 2016

Improve your home, diet with a vegetable garden METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Planting a garden can add aesthetic appeal and functionality to a property. Vegetable gardens can transform landscapes while putting healthy and homegrown food on the table. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, homeowners have total control over what foods can be harvested, and they can ensure sustainable, safe practices are used to care for the plants. Vegetable gardens can be compact or expansive, depending on how much space is available to cultivate. However, first-time gardeners may want to begin small so they can hone their skills and experiment to see which plants are most likely to thrive in their gardens. Expansion is always a possibility down the road.

Choose a location Spend some time examining your landscape. Vegetables generally need ample warmth and sunlight to thrive, so find an area of the yard that gets several hours of direct sunlight per day. A sunny spot is good, but you also

want a location with adequate drainage so your garden does not succumb to flooding or fungus during and after heavy downpours. Don’t place the garden too close to rain gutters or near a pool, where splash-out may occur. Select a location that is isolated from pets so the plants are not trampled and cats and dogs do not relieve themselves nearby.

Decide what to plant When deciding what to plant, consider what you eat and how much produce the household consumes, then choose vegetables that fit with your diet. Some vegetables, like peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and squash produce throughout the season. Others, such as carrots and corn, produce one crop and then expire. Plan accordingly when you purchase plants or seeds, as you want enough food but not so much that it will go to waste. Choose three to four different vegetables and plant them in the garden. Select varieties that require similar soil conditions, so that you can adjust the pH and mix of the soil accordingly. This will serve as good practice, particularly the

first year of your garden. After you have mastered the basics, you can branch out into other produce.

Know when to plant Many of the foods grown in vegetable gardens, including tomatoes and peppers, are summer vegetables, which means they reach peak ripeness after the height of the summer season. Pumpkins, brussels sprouts and peas are planted to be harvested later on. These plants may be put in the ground a little later than others. It is less expensive to start seedlings indoors and then transplant them to a garden when the time comes. Seeds can be started three to four weeks before they would be put outdoors. Many vegetables are planted outside in April or May, but definitely after frost conditions have waned. Read seed packets to know exactly when to plant or consult with the nursery where you purchased established seedlings. You also can visit The Garden Helper at thegardenhelper.com/vegtips to find out when to plant, seed depth and how long it takes plants to reach maturity.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Vegetable gardens can become central components of outdoor home landscapes. Not only do gardens add aesthetic appeal, but also they produce fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy throughout the season.

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March 18, 2016

Spring Home and Garden

Certain home projects are perfect for spring METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists. While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no do-it-yourself experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.

Inspect the gutters Gutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring, gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while clearing the gutters of debris and re-attaching gutters that might have become detached from the home on windy winter days and nights. When re-attaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not draining properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding.

Take stock of roof shingles Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Each spring, homeowners should inspect their gutters to ensure the gutters are still attached to their homes and free of debris.

winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so See HOME PROJECTS page 6

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HOME PROJECTS From page 5

homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible.

Check for freeze damage Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike humans, who can stay inside when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

March 18, 2016

Try to avoid some common mistakes on home improvement projects METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Home improvement projects can turn a house into a home. Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts. Homeowners going it alone may find things do not always go as planned. In fact, a Harris Interactive study found that 85 percent of homeowners say remodeling is a more stressful undertaking than buying a home. But homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects can make the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Examine the lawn for low spots

Failing to understand the scope of the project

Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties, looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding. Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home’s foundation. Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to enjoy spring and summer.

Some homeowners don’t realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and reconstruction is involved and how much time a project will take, can help homeowners avoid some of the stress that comes with renovation projects. For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. So such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replacing faucets.

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MISTAKES From page 6

ible that you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and save more money so you can eventually afford to do it right. Without a budget in place, it is easy to overspend, and that can put you in financial peril down the line. Worrying about coming up with money to pay for materials and labor also can induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm budget.

Making trendy or overpersonal improvements Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free reign when it comes to renovating their homes. Such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer. However, if the goal is to make improvements in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers. Trends come and go, and improvements can be expensive. If your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select

few buyers.

Forgetting to properly vet all workers It is important to vet your contractor, but don’t forget to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so can prove a costly mistake. Contractors often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers.

Expecting everything to go as planned Optimism is great, but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise. The project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way.

Overestimating DIY abilities Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional may save you money.

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Spring Home and Garden

Outdoor lighting helps to add beauty, security METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Tis the season for making changes in and around the home. The arrival of warmer weather renews homeowners’ vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many worthy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours. According to the American Lighting Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is

added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA. • Improve navigation. Lighting is typically layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there’s a bend or an intersection. Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space. • Enhance security. To improve visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. See LIGHTING page 8

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March 18, 2016

LIGHTING From page 7

Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways. • Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are. • Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that casts a glare can be blinding, as can light that’s too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fixtures added to a patio or porch. • Add decorative elements. Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Outdoor lighting can play up the more decorative features of a yard, including flower beds.

features of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire. Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide

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March 18, 2016

Spring Home and Garden

The many benefits of hiring a professional landscaper METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

The flowers are blooming, and the grass has begun to grow anew, making spring a great time for homeowners to once again turn their attention to landscaping. Those who aren’t looking forward to dusting off their lawnmowers and rethreading their string trimmers may want to hire professional landscapers to tend to their lawns and gardens. A recent joint study by the National Gardening Association, Residential Lawn and Landscape Services and the Value of Landscaping found that homeowners spend roughly $45 billion per year on professional lawn and landscape services, as nearly 30 percent of all households across the United States use at least one type of lawn or landscape service. The rising use of lawn care services is indicative of homeowners’ appreciation of the convenience and craftsmanship professional services can provide. While the impact professional landscapers can have on a property’s aesthetic appeal is considerable, homeowners also benefit from working with professional

landscapers in various other ways. • Time savings: One of the biggest benefits of leaving lawn care to the professionals is the amount of time it will save for the average homeowner. Lawns generally need to be mowed once per week during the spring and summer seasons and, depending on the size of the property, that can take an hour or more. Add the time it takes to clean up clippings, mulch landscaping beds and edge the property, and homeowners can expect to devote a significant chunk of their weekends to caring for their lawns. Lawn services employ a few workers who make fast work of the job, leaving homeowners time to enjoy their weekends however they see fit. • Reduced risk for injury: Maintaining a landscape is hard work, and those unaccustomed to this type of activity may find themselves winded or at risk of injury. Improper use of lawn equipment also is a safety hazard. Leaving the work to professionals can help homeowners avoid strained backs, lacerations, pulled muscles, sunburns, See LANDSCAPER page 12

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Time saved and a professional job are just two of the reasons homeowners hire lawn care companies.

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March 18, 2016

BANI members gearing up for Remodelers Tour This year’s show will include home at Glen Eyre Beach BY MIKE MARTURELLO mmarturello@kpcmedia.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTEDX

Mary Beth Thomas just had to have a red countertop in her Lake James home. This countertop is made of quartz. She and husband Don are opening up their home on Glen Eyre Beach for this year’s Builders Association of Northeast Indiana Remodelers Tour.

LAKE JAMES — The Builders Association of Northeast Indiana is planning once again for its annual Remodelers Tour, which will be held May 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For long-time BANI members and builders Jeff Deahl of Four Seasons Design and Remodeling and Dennis Spidel of Dennis Spidel Custom Homes and Lakeshore Design Center, both of Angola, coming up with projects for the tour is fairly precise. Both veterans of the Remodelers Tour and Builders Parade work with their customers, trying to showcase recent remodeling projects as opposed to planning a project specifically for the tour. Deahl said he likes to go to his clients who are pleased with the outcome of their project and work with them to allow the public to come into their homes and see what has been done. “When guys consider projects for the

parade or the Remodelers Tour, guys think, ‘what do I have going now?’ I like to look back to projects that are done, and the customer’s happy and they’re willing to open up their home,” Deahl said. Spidel is the same. “Most people will let me (use their homes) but I have had a few who have said no,” he said. “Last year I had five projects in the show between Lakeshore Design and Dennis Spidel Custom Homes. We showed off a number of things we can do.” Spidel is working on coming up with projects for this year’s tour. “I will have one. I haven’t decided which yet,” he said. Deahl said there are at least two solid projects lined up. Officials with BANI hope to have the list of projects firmed up by early April. The association serves members in LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties. “We’ll have five or six for sure,” Deahl said. “I would love to have some of the younger guys do some projects.” See BANI page11

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A crew with Dennis Spidel Custom Homes removes a foundation at one of the company’s projects. The concrete was recycled for reuse on a project. Spidel will have a project in this year’s Remodelers Tour, which is May 7

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March 18, 2016

BANI From page 10

Of the projects Deahl is sure will be in the show is one that came from his neighborhood in Glen Eyre Beach on Lake James. It is the home of Don and Mary Beth Thomas, who last May moved full time into the home they have owned on Glen Eyre for 27 years, previously as a rental. “It’s a cool lake house,” Deahl said of the house his team remodeled and enhanced with a four-seasons room. “Our dream was to be able to live at Lake James,” Mary Beth said. “So we sold our house in town and built our dream house. My sister calls it our forever home.” Mary Beth and Don put a lot of features into the home that were prized by Mary Beth. For example, she wanted a kitchen with white cabinets and red countertops. She had Sherwin-Williams match the red in paint for the main entry door to the house. “I just couldn’t resist it,” she said. Her favorite part of the house is the new four-seasons room that looks out over the first basin of Lake James. “That’s my favorite spot, overlooking the lake,” she said. “There are just so

many little things that came together to make this journey happen. Four Seasons just did a great job.” This year’s show will be promoted in the April 21 Angola Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at Four Seasons, 205 W. Harcourt Road. What Spidel likes about the tour is the type of potential customer it attracts. The tour will attract scores of visitors while the Builders Parade will attract hundreds. The people visiting the Remodelers Tour, Spidel said, tend to be more serious about doing a project. This year’s Builders Parade will take place Aug. 5-7 and Aug. 12-14 and is open noon to 6 p.m., said Jan Garman of the Builder’s Association. It is expected to have at least seven new homes. “It’s exciting,” Garman said. The sites have yet to be announced, but are expected to be in Noble and Steuben counties in Indiana and Branch County, Michigan. The Builder’s Association is still looking for projects for the Remodelers Tour and Builders Parade, Deahl said. “We’re still looking for projects for this year’s Remoders Tour and this year’s parade in August,” he said. Builders interested in either show should call the association at 665-8921.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The four-season room at the home of Don and Mary Beth Thomas opens up to a view of the first basin of Lake James. The Thomases will open their home, remodeled by Four Seasons Design and Remodeling, for this year’s May 7 Remodelers Tour hosted by the Builders Association of Northeast Indiana.

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LANDSCAPER From page 9

and any other dangers that can result when tackling landscaping projects. • Financial savings: On the surface, hiring a landscaping service may seem like a costly venture. However, after crunching some numbers, many homeowners realize that doing the work themselves may cost more in the long run than hiring a professional landscaping service. Homeowners who decide to go it alone must purchase expensive equipment, and those lawn tools will require routine maintenance, which costs additional money. Inexperienced homeowners may incur extra fees to “fix” mistakes that occur during the learning process. Each year, new seed, fertilizer, mulch, pesticides, and other supplies also must be purchased. But professional lawn care services typically charge a set fee per month, and that fee covers the maintenance of both your property and the equipment needed to keep that property looking great. • Know-how: Many professional landscapers know how to address lawn

March 18, 2016

care issues that may arise throughout the year. They will know how to deal with dry patches of lawn or poorly draining areas, and they also can make recommendations on plants that will thrive under certain conditions. • One-stop shopping: Certain landscaping services provide many different options for prospective customers. Basic lawn cuts may be one package, but there also may be services for seasonal seeding, weeding, leaf clean-up, and winterizing. • Consistent maintenance: Homeowners who frequently travel or spend much of their summers away from home often find that lawn care companies are a wise investment. Established weekly schedules ensure the landscape always will look its best whether homeowners are home or out of town. Spring is a great time for homeowners to decide if hiring professional landscaping services is in their best interests. The time and money saved, as well as impact professional landscapers can have on a property, make landscaping services a great investment for many homeowners.

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Increase your indoor growing space by going vertical. Shelf units with built-in light fixtures that can be found at numerous retail outlets in northeast Indiana provide multiple layers of growing space.

Homegrown flavor possible from an indoor garden BY MELINDA MYERS

Add some homegrown flavor to your winter meals. From microgreens to tomatoes, it is possible to grow produce indoors. Microgreens are a quick and easy way to add some flavor and crunch to your plate. Just plant seeds labeled for sprouting or microgreens in a shallow container filled with a sterile potting or seed starting mix. Within two weeks you will be harvesting nutritious mini vegetable and herb leaves for salads, sandwiches or snacking. Take it one step further and grow a few of your favorite herbs on a warm sunny windowsill. Select a container with drainage holes and set on the appropriate size saucer to protect your woodwork. Fill the container with well-drained potting mix and plant seeds or transplants. Purchase basil, chives, parsley, oregano and rosemary plants from your local garden center or the produce department. Greens, like lettuce and spinach, will also grow in a sunny window or better yet, under artificial lights. Grow them in a container filled with a well-drained

potting mix similar to your windowsill herb garden. Plant seeds according to the seed packet. Continually harvest the outer leaves when they are four to six inches tall. Those that like a bit of a challenge may want to try growing a compact tomato, pepper or eggplant. You’ll get the best production with a combination of natural and artificial light or full spectrum lights. Natural sunlight and full spectrum lights contain the variety of light plants need to grow, flower and fruit. Blue light promotes leaf and stem growth, while red combined with blue promotes flowering. Consider investing in energy-efficient and long-lasting high-intensity grow lights for the greatest yields when growing tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and other fruiting plants indoors. Leave lights on for 14, but no more than 16 hours each day. Plants need a dark period as well as bright light each day to grow and thrive. Use a timer to ensure the plants receive the right duration of light. Most flowering and fruiting plants need a high intensity of light, so keep the lights six to twelve inches above your plants. See INDOOR GARDEN page 13

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March 18, 2016

INDOOR GARDEN From page 12

Use reflective surfaces under and around the plants to bounce light back into larger plants. Increase your indoor growing space by going vertical. Shelf units with built-in light fixtures like the Stack-n-Grow Light System (gardeners.com) provide multiple layers of growing space. And once your tomatoes, peppers and eggplants start flowering, you will need to shake things up a bit. Gently shake the plants several times a week, better yet daily, to move the pollen from the female to the male parts of the flower so fruit will develop. A gentle breeze from a fan or vibrations from a battery-operated toothbrush work well. Indoor gardening won’t yield the same results as a sunny outdoor garden, but the flavor can’t be beat when gardening outdoors is not an option. Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook.

Spring Home and Garden

Now’s the time to get seeds started indoors BY MELINDA MYERS

Get a jump on the growing season by starting your favorite or hard-to-find plants indoors from seeds. Starting hard-to-find plants, like many of the heirloom or newly introduced varieties, from seed may be the only way you will be able to add these to your garden. Plus, you’ll be extending the growing season and bringing the fun of gardening indoors. All you need is a little space, a few supplies and of course, seeds to get started. Check the back of your seed packets for planting directions. Most recommend when and how to start seeds indoors as well as any other special care the seedlings will need. Purchase, recycle or make your own containers from newspaper. Sanitize used pots by dipping them in a one part bleach and nine parts water solution and then rinsing them with clean water. Fill the containers with a sterile well-drained potting mix or seed starting mix. Once the containers are filled, plant the seeds according to the seed packet directions. For most seeds, plant them twice their diameter deep and gently water. Continue to

water often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Extend the time between watering and increase your seed starting success by covering the container with plastic. Or purchase a seed starting kit, like the self-watering Growease seed starter kits. Move your containers to a sunny window as soon as the seedlings emerge from the soil. Turn plants often to encourage even growth. Or increase your success by growing seedlings under artificial lights. You can make your own light system or purchase tabletop, shelf units or easy to assemble light systems, like Stack-N-Grow (gardeners.com). Keep the lights four to six inches above the top of the seedlings for best results. As the seedlings grow, be sure to maintain this distance by simply raising the lights or lowering the containers. Move overcrowded seedlings to larger containers once they have two sets of true leaves. The first leaves that appear are rather indistinct and are called seed leaves. The next set of leaves look more like the mature plant’s leaves and are called true leaves. Once the next set of true leaves forms, it is time to transplant overcrowded seedlings. Use a fork or spoon to carefully lift

out the seedling. Clusters of seedlings can be dug and carefully teased apart before planting in individual pots. Be careful not to pinch and damage the young tender stems. Place seedlings in their own clean container filled with moist sterile potting mix. Plant the young plants at the same depth they were growing in the original container. Thin seedlings started in individual containers as needed. If you planted several seeds in each small container remove all but the healthiest one. Prune the weaker seedlings to ground level, so the remaining seedling can develop into a strong transplant for the garden. Continue to grow your plants in a sunny window or under artificial lights and water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Soon it will be time to move your homegrown transplants into the garden. Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook.

Spring Home and Garden

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March 18, 2016

Ask a Designer: making a home’s entrance inviting all year BY MELISSA RAYWORTH Associated Press

In summer, it’s not so hard to make a great first impression at the entrance to your home. Put out a few baskets of colorful flowers and your work is done. But early spring? That’s more complicated. March can be “the darkest and gloomiest time of year, and it’s easy to kind of have your house go right along with that,” says stylist and crafter Marianne Canada, host of the “HGTV Crafternoon” web series. “We’re not quite ready for putting out Easter eggs or pastel colors,” but many people are craving a dose of cheerful style and color. Here, Canada and two other designers — Andrew Howard of Jacksonville, Florida, and Brian Patrick Flynn, designer of the HGTV Dream Home 2016 — offer advice on making a home’s entrance inviting and stylish, no matter the season.

Bold color All three designers suggest painting your front door a bold color that delights you. With little expense and just an afternoon’s effort, you can give your

home’s front entrance a major facelift. “And if you get sick of a bold or dark color, so what?” says Flynn. “It’s only a quart of paint to recover a super-small surface.” For houses with dark brick or siding, he suggests a deep, rich color like forest green. Canada agrees: “My house is almost black,” she says, and the front door is painted a bright teal with white trim. Fresh paint is also practical. “Front doors really should be painted every one to two years anyway,” says Howard. “I also love painting doors in a high-gloss finish, or painting the panels one color and the rail and stile another.” He also recommends painting the front porch ceiling; Haint blue is commonly used in the South. And don’t forget your home’s other entrances: “I like painting secondary exterior doors bold colors,” Flynn says. “In my previous house, I painted the side entrance door bright violet, and it became an excellent conversation starter when guests would come over.” Canada points out that it’s fine to paint on a chilly day “as long as you’re above 40

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Wilder wreaths “A lot of people think fall and winter when it comes to wreaths,” Canada says, but you can hang them year-round. And if you’re bored with traditional wreaths, create your own. On her door, Canada has a DIY wooden sign (just “a slice of wood,” she says, that’s “still got bark on the edges”) painted with chalkboard paint so it can hold any message or picture. “Mine says ‘Come on in!’” she says. It’s the perfect place to let kids draw spring flowers or write their own welcome messages. Howard also likes to get the whole family involved in front-door decorating. “Occasionally, if my kids make a wreath or something at school, I will put it up on the front door for a week or so,” he says. “They can proudly show their friends when they come in.”

Hot house numbers “Gone are the days when people would See HOME’S ENTRANCE page 15

If you love bold colors but worry they’d be overpowering on your front door, consider putting a striking shade on a side door, as shown in this photo of a house designed by Brian Patrick Flynn.

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March 18, 2016

HOME’S ENTRANCE From page 14

just buy those reflective sticker numbers and put them on their mailbox and call it done,” Canada says. We’re now seeing “beautiful house numbers … and going oversize.” Flynn sees big, raised house numbers as an investment in the front of a house. “I’m all about splurging on house numbers that honor the architecture of the house, and also going way oversize with them so they’re easily visible from the street,” he says. “I usually opt for laser-cut metallic numbers installed on 2-inch standoffs so they leave a little shadow effect.” Brushed stainless-steel numbers look great on dark-colored houses, Canada says, and classic wrought iron can be gorgeous on a traditional house.

Entertaining everywhere People are starting to use more of the

Spring Home and Garden

yard for entertaining, Canada says, including front porches and stoops, not just backyards or decks hidden from the street. Some are putting firepits in front or side yards in view of neighbors. “It’s a lot more welcoming,” she says. Howard likes to welcome guests with potted plants flanking an entry door. “They can be changed out from time to time and are not very expensive,” he says. Put out potted ferns in early spring, he suggests, and they’ll probably last through to the first frost in fall. If the house is the right style, Howard says, “I love a great comfortable porch swing. They make them oversize nowadays where you can get comfortable and really stretch out. I also love the idea of a great tile on the front porch, particularly Spanish or Cuban style.” “I am also a big proponent of changing the light fixtures, sconces and door hardware from time to time,” he says. “They can get worn and dirty after a while, and changing them makes for a big improvement.”

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In this photo provided by Brian Patrick Flynn, distinctive color and hardware elevate the style of this front door and offer a fun contrast to the simple, clean lines of this front entryway, designed by Brian Patrick Flynn.

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Spring Home and Garden

March 18, 2016

Mulch can keep soil moist, discourage weeds METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Lawns and gardens can often benefit from the laying of mulch. Mulch serves various purposes in lawns and gardens, and many experienced lawn and garden enthusiasts lay mulch to ensure their properties make it through spring, summer and fall unscathed. First-time homeowners with little or no landscaping experience may not understand the benefits of mulch, which can be used to strengthen soil and protect properties from the elements.

What is mulch? Mulch refers to a material spread around or over a plant to enrich and/or insulate its soil. Many homeowners prefer mulch made of wood chips, which is both effective and readily available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that organic mulches, which include leaves, wood chips, compost or grass clippings, can be used by homeowners who want to develop eco-friendly landscapes.

Why mulch? Mulching can benefit plants around a property in various ways. Many people lay mulch because the mulch helps soil retain moisture in the summer, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest. This can help plants survive summer heat waves. Mulch also can be used to suppress weeds. Weeds, which steal moisture plants need to build strong roots and survive summer, need light to grow. When laid correctly, mulch deprives weeds of the light they need to grow. Organic mulches can even provide homes for crickets and a type of beetle that feed on weed seeds. Mulch also can deter harmful pests depending on the type of mulch homeowners choose. When purchasing mulch, homeowners will have to choose between the aforementioned organic mulch or man-made mulches, which may be made of plastic or rubber. While man-made mulches may repel pests, they also can have adverse effects. Plastic, for example, can heat up in the summer and cause plants to burn. Certain organic mulches can repel insects that can threaten plants. That’s because the

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Spring Home and Garden

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Fairy gardens are a fun way to introduce children to gardeing. Once families get started, they may want to create entire fairy villages.

Six steps to creating fairy gardens for kids METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

theme by adding some seashells and Gardening can be an enjoyable activity colored stones. for adults and children alike. Gardening 3. Draw up your design. Before encourages creative thinking and can make securing anything in the container or for an eco-friendly activity as well. digging into your garden bed, sketch out Adding a touch of whimsy to gardening a garden design. This gives you an idea of can make it that much more attractive how the finished product will look. Even to children. Perhaps that is why fairy before planting, gently place plants and gardens have become so popular among other components in their spots and move youngsters. Fairy gardens can be designed them around accordingly until you find the in outdoor gardens or in containers that desired look. children can nurse and enjoy indoors. Here 4. Include similar-needs plants. Mixing are six steps to get your fairy garden up plants that have different requirements can and running. make it challenging to care for the fairy 1. Choose your container or location. garden, so select plants that require similar Decide where to place the fairy garden. levels of sunlight, prefer similar soil Hollowed-out tree stumps are both conditions and require roughly the same contained and outdoors, and kids may feel amount of watering. Herbs are a smart like the fairies inhabited this neglected choice because they stay small and are area of the yard and made it their own. easily maintained. Otherwise, use containers you already 5. Don’t forget a fairy dwelling. You have, such as old pots, hanging baskets, will need to add a house for the fairies picnic baskets or cookie tins. Wooden to inhabit. Small bird houses can work, birdhouses with their roofs removed also but you also can consider old teapots, can make for clever places to house the bird-nesting boxes or even homemade gardens. houses assembled out of bark and twigs. 2. Choose a theme. Fairy houses can Use your imagination and the garden will take on any theme their creators prefer. take on a life of its own. Themes help children decide what to 6. Invite the fairies. Children can include in their gardens. For example, invite fairies to take up residence (fairies a seaside retreat may work well with often show up at night and tend to remain little reclining chairs, sea grasses and unseen), or children can create their own succulents. You can then complete the fairies using craft materials.

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Spring Home and Garden

March 18, 2016

How to take care of your trees METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Trees maintenance should be a priority as homeowners once again start tending to their lawns and gardens. More information about caring for trees is available at www.arborday.org.

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Lawns and gardens tend to draw the bulk of homeowners’ attention come spring and summer. But it’s important that property owners tend to the trees that dot their property as well. The types of trees homeowners have on their property may influence when it’s time to trim and prune the trees. Homeowners concerned about tree maintenance should speak with local landscaping professionals and tree services about caring for the trees on their specific properties, but there are a few tricks to pruning trees that homeowners should keep in mind when dusting off their gardening tools. • Prune at the right time. The Arbor Day Foundation notes that pruning during dormancy (i.e., winter) is the most common practice. Pruning in late winter, after the season’s coldest temperatures have passed, can lead to impressive and healthy growth in the spring. The ADF advises that some trees, including maple and birches, may bleed sap during pruning. But this is normal and should cease as the tree starts to bloom. Novice landscapers should confirm with landscaping professionals about the best time to prune trees on their properties to ensure they are not inadvertently harming the trees or making them more vulnerable to fungus. • Use appropriate tools. When removing branches, use sharp tools to minimize damage to the bark. The

ADF notes that young trees are best pruned with one-hand pruning shears with curved blades. For trees with high branches, use a pole pruner or hire a professional tree service. Novices should avoid anything too risky when pruning their trees, leaving the more difficult jobs to the professionals. • Follow the rules of pruning. When pruning trees, the ADF advises homeowners follow the one-third and a quarter rules of pruning. In adherence to these rules, no more than a quarter of a tree’s crown is removed in a single season, and main side branches are at least one-third smaller than the diameter of the trunk. When trimming deciduous trees, homeowners should never prune up from the bottom more than one-third of the tree’s total height. Finally, where possible, homeowners should aim for side branches that form angles that are one-third off vertical to form 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock angles with the trunk. • Water correctly. Like lawns and gardens, trees need water to thrive. Insufficient watering can make it hard for trees to thrive in summer, but overwatering can be harmful, too. The ADF suggests that watering each tree for 30 seconds with a steady stream of water from a garden hose equipped with a diffuser nozzle should be sufficient. Newly planted trees may need more help as they try to establish deep root systems, so consider laying mulch around newly planted trees. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture and form deeper, stronger root systems.

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March 18, 2016

Spring Home and Garden

Stop weeds before they take over METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Few things can be as troublesome to gardeners and landscapers as weeds. Weeds seemingly spring up overnight and quickly can overrun lawns and/or garden beds. Landscaping enthusiasts may spend countless hours and weekends coping with weeds without truly getting to the root of the problem. However, preventing weed growth need not be so difficult. According to the experts at “This Old House” and The Family Handyman, the secret to preventing weeds is to maintain a thick, healthy lawn. A vigorously growing lawn will crowd out weeds and block the sun weed seeds need to germinate and thrive. As a result, fewer herbicides may be needed and homeowners can spend less time on their hands and knees pulling out weeds.

Mow at the right height Crabgrass is a notoriously virulent weed that can quickly snuff out blades of grass. Crabgrass likes hot, dry conditions, and it only takes one plant to spread the seeds that can overtake the lawn. Preventing these conditions can stop crabgrass from flourishing. Mowing at higher heights and leaving grass blades taller can shade the soil, helping to prevent the germination of crabgrass. Shady conditions also will help the soil retain moisture and prevent the arid conditions crabgrass likes so much.

Water deeply Weeds are accustomed to growing in adverse conditions, including especially hot temperatures. When such conditions arise, weeds establish deep roots while the roots of the grass can easily die off. Instead, when watering, wet the soil to a depth of four to six inches. This helps grass to establish strong root systems that will help lawns overpower pesky weeds.

Time weed killers Whether you manually remove weeds or apply weed killers, timing is key. Combat weeds in the early spring before

Did You Know?

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Weeds, such as dandelions, can quickly take over lawns and gardens.

they have a time to fully form and start proliferating through seed dispersement. Once seeds spread, their growth is difficult to control. Recognize that no single herbicide or weeding tactic will work for every type of weed. Broadleaf weeds, like dandelions, unwanted grasses, and sedges are the three most common types of weeds. Homeowners will have to adapt based on the type of weed that is most prevalent in their lawns.

Watch fertilizer amounts Strike a balance with fertilizer, finding the right amount to deliver continuous nutrition to the lawn, but not overfeed it so that weeds can thrive. Many lawns only require fertilizer once or twice annually, in the autumn and spring. By following these guidelines, lawn and garden enthusiasts can prevent the proliferation of unsightly and potentially harmful weeds.

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Spring Home and Garden

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