Home Front Spring 2015

Page 1

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homefront

home&garden solutions&projects

Leader-Telegram Magazine

Spring 2015

Interior trends:

What’s Hot inside

For Sale

The New Tech in Real Estate Marketing

B 4

Festival of Nature Birds, Bugs & Blooms Bash 2015

Garden Trends

What’s in v ogue for outdoo r spaces

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HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

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HomeFront

Spring 2015

Leader- Telegram

3

local contributors

local writers

Sara & Larry Castner of Larry’s Painting on Interior Trends PGs 7-10

Cheryl Corneiller of Floors n’ More on Interior Trends PGs 7-10

Bonnie Feltz of Department of Interiors, Ltd. on Interior Trends PGs 7-10

Steve Betchkal Festival of Nature PGs 21-24

Mary Klinger of Klinger’s Farm Market on Garden Trends PGs 26-30

Nina Koch on Birds, Bugs & Blooms Bash PGs 21-24

Jonathan Leuthe of SpinVision on Marketing Tools PGs 12-14

Courtney Kueppers Interior Trends PGs 7-10

Emily Madsen of Eau Claire Realty on Marketing Tools PGs 12-14

Shannyn Pinkert of C & M Home Builder and Real Estate on Marketing Tools PGs 12-14

Ben Polzin of Down to Earth Garden Center on Garden Trends PGs 26-30

Heather Rothbauer-Wanish For Sale PGs 12-14

Brett Popp of Potting Shed Garden & Floral on indoor plants, holiday decorating PGs 26-30

Heidi Schreiner of Artisans of the Earth Landscaping on Garden Trends PGs 26-30

Julie Stunkel of Natural Touch Landscaping on Garden Trends PGs 26-30

Nancy Skelley Garden Trends PGs 26-30

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HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

26

in this issue cover stories

7 For Sale 12 Festival of Nature 21 Garden Trends 2015 26 What’s Hot Inside

Local designers talk what’s in for your interior this Spring

Learn about new marketing tools used by local real estate agents

Don’t miss this Q&A about Chippewa Valley’s first nature festival, The Birds, Bugs & Blooms Bash

Create outdoor spaces that you’ll never want to leave

HomeFront

Home Front Editor Dan.Lyksett@ecpc.com 715-830-5926 or 800-236-7077 Graphic Artist Angela Rediess Sales Director Kathy.Hayden@ecpc.com 715-833-7420 Magazine Advertising & Distribution Coordinator Catie.Carlson@ecpc.com 715-830-5823 Next issue: August 15, 2015 Published three times a year by the Leader-Telegram Advertising Department. P.O. Box 570. Eau Claire, WI 54702-0570. Copyright 2015 Eau Claire Press Company. All rights reserved.

Available online at www.leadertelegram.com

Spring 2015

Leader- Telegram

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sponsored content

Aging gracefully Time stops for no one. All of us are faced with the reality of “getting older” and, as I author this, I am very aware that at 70 there are some limitations I did not face at 40 or 50. I have the good fortune of being quite healthy with none of the knee surgery, hip surgery, arthritis or other maladies that have encumbered many of my peers. Nevertheless I am well aware of difficulties that come with physical limitations as I have two sons who are wheelchair bound. The hope for many of us is that we can remain in our home for as long as possible. It is a place we feel comfortable in and often is chock full of memories. The biggest challenge that many boomers face as they choose to stay in their homes is accessibility and safety when bathing. Getting in and out of the old bathtub is difficult and sometimes simply impossible. There is a distinct possibility of a serious fall when entering or exiting the tub. There are some rather frightening statistics about the frequency and seriousness of bathroom falls among Boomers and older seniors. Most of us know of a relative or friend who fell and was injured and never quite recovered … life simply went downhill after the fall. The good news is that there are simple, attractive and affordable solutions that can be accomplished in nearly every home that provide for a safer bathing experience. In just a day or two a professional contractor can remove the old bathtub and replace it with a walk-in shower or walk-in tub. A walkin shower offers easy entry and a built-in seat if you choose. The wall system within the shower is attractive and super easy to keep clean. A handheld shower offers added convenience and properly installed grab bars provide increased safety. For the person who still prefers a bathtub the walk-in tubs offer a low entry, a secure seat, and the possibility of specially designed hydrotherapy to ease some of the aches and pains that often accompany growing older. When contrasted with the cost of assisted living facilities or, possibly, a nursing home, the investment in making an existing bathroom safer and easier to care for is a bargain.

There are a variety of DIY (do it yourself) products that can be found in the ”big box” stores. If you have the knowledge to figure out everything required to upgrade the bathroom you may be able to get it but much of it may not be of the same quality as that installed by someone who is going to guarantee their product and labor. In many cases, code requires that a licensed plumber be involved, in addition to the contractor (who should also provide credentials of a fully insured, licensed contractor). It is much better to do the job right than to do it over and that is best accomplished by working with a established contractor. Checking the contractor out on the BBB is always a wise move. I titled this “Aging gracefully”. While it might make for hilarious You Tube videos, slipping and flipping in your bathroom is no laughing matter. Taking measures to be safe as you bathe will allow you to (however slowly) move gracefully and safely. Ensuring a safe bathing experience is a wise investment in your home and your personal safety and, like any investment, it makes good sense to investigate thoroughly before signing up. Article & photo submitted by Miles Wilkins, Owner, The Board Store Home Improvements, Inc. 772182 4-11-15

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HomeFront

Spring 2015

Leader- Telegram

By Courtney Kueppers

what’s hot inside

Interior trends:

home decor

Wallpaper is making a comeback, gray is the new black and accent walls are taking over. HomeFront

Spring 2015

Leader- Telegram

7

home decor

color

of the

year

Cheryl Corneiller, co-owner of Floors ’n More in Eau Claire, began her design career more than 20 years ago. She said this year is all about the colors. People are opting to accent rooms with colors such as coral, teal, marsala and dark blues. “The color this year is gray. Gray is number one,” she said. “It has been the last couple years. Teal is really the other big color this year.” The so-called color of the year is popular on walls, flooring and for woods, the veteran designer said. Paired with gray walls, it’s trendy to have an accent wall, sleek furniture and plush, soft carpet, she noted.

Shades

of

Gray

are popping up everywhere from walls to floors, and everything in between.

8

HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

Bonnie Feltz, owner of and designer at Department of Interiors, in Eau Claire, said she believes everyone deserves to live in a wonderful space, which is what first attracted her to the field. Feltz said while it’s hard to compare this year’s trends to those of last year, because trends ebb and flow and are constantly changing, there are some exciting things happening in design right now.

home decor

It’s important to work with a designer to “come up with a color scheme that works for the space, for you and what the room can do for you.” she said. “Popular colors are just that ‘popular,’” Feltz said. “Which may be fine for a new accessory or pair of shoes, but not for your interior. You can Google ‘colors for 2015’ and you will see a plethora of sites come up with their take on the popular colors. Just knowing the popular colors doesn’t make them a good choice for your interior.”

walls Feltz is happy to see window treatments making a comeback this year, noting blinds were hot for a long time. “People are finding although (blinds) are wonderful functionally, they do not add to the ambience of the space,” she said. “Nothing says elegance like luxurious window treatments.” To pair with the window treatments, decorators are seeing a rise in wallcovering popularity. Feltz said this is not “the wallcovering of 10 years ago.” Instead this year’s popular wallcovering has embellishments of glass beads, real wood veneer, mica chips, metal silver and even real peacock feathers. Cont. on page 10

HomeFront

Spring 2015

Leader- Telegram

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home decor Cont. from page 9

However, Feltz noted she hasn’t had any customers take her up on the peacock feathers yet. Larry Kastner, owner of Larry’s Painting in Chippewa Falls, said he largely removed wallpaper in homes for the last 10 years but is now putting it back up. Kastner said today’s wallpaper is higher quality than it once was. As far as wall colors go, choice depends on personal preference, Kastner said.

flooring If there’s one area of your house to keep simple this year it’s flooring, Corneiller said. Because there is so much color being splashed on walls and patterns are popping up on rugs and walls, floors are a good place to stick to a neutral color, she said. Hot trends this year feature plush, soft and eco friendly carpets. In general, the carpets are super soft in neutral colors. In places other than bedrooms, people more often are opting for hard surface flooring over carpet, Corneiller said. For those hard surfaces, tile is a common choice. Fabric looking tiles for a softer look, mosaics for backsplashes or wood looking tiles, are all hot trends this year,” she said. “Things are getting cleaner when it comes to flooring because colors are being put everywhere else,” she said, noting less busy floors can help make your space look bigger. “Wood is timeless and

10

holds its value. Gray toned wood is in; it’s more stylish and sleek. You’ll see a lot of that in laminate and hardwood.” Another trend in flooring is luxury vinyl. Corneiller said the flooring trend has really taken over the laminate side. Feltz said flooring is stepping up to meet the needs of clients. “Do you want soft footing for your bare toes? Then choose cork. Do you have little boys and large dogs? Then a luxury vinyl tile or porcelain tile will take the most beating. Do you want carpet but have a pet that has ‘all’ kinds of accidents? Then choose a ‘pet protect’ carpet,” Feltz said.

furniture Furniture has a whole new look in 2015, noting it’s more sleek and classic looking than it used to be, Corneiller said. It’s not big and plush, but smaller and more mundane. “There’s a clean look in furniture. Simple. Not so large and heavy,” she said.

No matter what the year, Feltz said one trend that sticks around are spaces that just “feel” right. “The best compliment we receive from our clients is that their new space ‘feels’ wonderful and how did we know exactly what they wanted, when they didn’t even know themselves,” she said. Kueppers is a Leader-Telegram reporter. She can be reached at 715833-9203, 800-236-7077 or courtney. kueppers@ecpc.com.

HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

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One step to control energy costs is to schedule annual maintenance checks to make sure your unit is running efficiently. Most cooling systems require very little owner maintenance. However, operating dirty cooling equipment can result in an unnecessary loss of efficiency and can damage the furnace. You play a vital role in making sure your cooling system continues to operate at peak performance.

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home sales

Many tools pushing real estate marketplace

By Heather Rothbauer-Wanish

With spring’s arrival, home sales across the country are heating up. And that is no different in the Chippewa Valley. If you are looking to buy or sell a home, partnering with a professional is a good idea. Along with traditional methods of promoting their listed homes, real estate agents are adding new techniques to encourage potential buyers. From longestablished print advertising to utilizing social media, today’s home-selling practices promote a variety of practices that meet all budgets, styles and goals. 12

HomeFront

Spring 2015

Leader- Telegram

home sales Tip

Real Estate Websites & Social Media Sites are great tools for home buyers and sellers.

Shannyn Pinkert is a real estate agent/broker associate with C&M Home Builders and Real Estate in Eau Claire. The company has 24 employees, including the owners, Cody and Molly Filipczak, and focuses on delivering one-of-a-kind homes for families in the area. “Last year, I sold over 50 homes, which includes listing homes and helping clients buy homes. On average, we build approximately 50 homes per year, encompassing both custom homes and twin homes,” Pinkert said. In addition to positive word-of-mouth referrals from past clients, C&M uses its website to the fullest extent possible. Company websites, CandMRealEstate.com and CandMHomebuilders.com, along with Realtor.com, are the listings the company utilizes the most. “We also have Web ads on several local sites and work closely with our website provider to ensure our company websites are fresh, up-todate, and trendy,” Pinkert said. “We are currently working on revamping our real estate website — it will be more property search-friendly by using up-to-date mapping functions to find a property.” Emily Madsen and her husband, Paul, have owned Eau Claire Realty since January 2014. With six real estate agents, one property manager and one office manager, the company uses a variety of methods to market the homes they list.

“We focus on a range of print advertising, including ads in the newspaper and direct mail,” Emily Madsen said. Pinkert agreed. “In this area, the Today’s Real Estate publication is always a great tool because it’s accessible throughout the area and it is distributed with the weekend newspaper every month to Leader-Telegram subscribers,” she said. Social media is a key component for today’s real estate agents. “We have been getting more aggressive with our Facebook presence, including the use of Facebook ads. We are also working on getting a presence on Pinterest and, potentially, Twitter,” Pinkert said. Eau Claire Realty also uses Facebook for promotion. “We ‘boost’ our Facebook posts to the community. And, depending upon the property, we have used virtual tours on our social media sites to give buyers a better view of the home,” Emily Madsen said. “For the younger generations, our websites are the most beneficial form of marketing, as well as our social media presence,” Pinkert said. In addition to their own websites, many real estate agents participate in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), which allows other real estate agents to search for properties listed within the system. The most important part of advertising is capitalizing on each home’s unique features. “We try to make each property’s attributes speak to what prospective buyers are Cont. on page 14

HomeFront

Spring 2015

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home sales Cont. from page 13

seeking,” Emily Madsen said. “The Internet is often critical for advertising each property. We promote our website and find that most people enjoy that a website allows them to easily set up their own searches and look at a variety of homes when it is most convenient for them.” Searching for homes via the Internet is common, but the way that people see pictures and videos of potential houses is constantly shifting. One of the local individuals changing that aspect of home-buying is Jonathan Leuthe, former real estate agent and current owner of SpinVision. “My company was launched in Eau Claire three years ago. After watching technology startups like Facebook, YouTube, and Craigslist change industries overnight, it quickly became clear that the future of helping people with real estate was going to be online.” SpinVision provides a unique approach to real estate by beginning with professional photos and 360-degree imagery showcased on a HD virtual tour. “We start each tour by layering upwards of 500-900 photos per home to produce just 30-50 high-quality images,” he said. As with any type of marketing, first impressions are critical when reaching potential home buyers. “Since the launch of SpinVision, we have produced 1,000 tours. This year, we are on track to reach 400 to 500 tours,” Leuthe said. Leuthe believes that video walk-through tours

Tip

Check out SpinVision the next time you want to tour a home before talking to an agent.

14

HomeFront

Spring 2015

Leader- Telegram

will continue to have a huge initial impact when engaging home buyers online. “Think of a walk-through tour as a movie preview. If you are looking for a good movie and you like the preview, you’re more likely to take a closer look at the full tour,” he said. SpinVision connects its tour-profiles in as many ways as possible. “During the last week of February alone, our active marketing reached around 30,000 viewers organically without any paid posts,” Leuthe said. These video tours allow a home to get in front of many prospects very quickly. “From there, full marketing tours can further pre-qualify buyers before agreeing to private showings, and, if done properly, can help sell a home at a higher price in a shorter amount of time,” Leuthe said. “That’s why quality media is so important from the start. More often than not, it pays for itself,” he continued. Whether a home is advertised through an open house, forsale signs, radio ads, television promotion, mass emails or print advertising, the methods for reaching customers are broad. No matter the agent you work with or the geographic location, a professional presence is critical for success. “Put your best foot forward right from the start — you only get one first impression,” Leuthe concluded. Rothbauer-Wanish is a freelance writer and owner of Feather Communications in Colfax.

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None of the aforementioned concerns should keep you up at night, but they are all considerations that should go into your decision-making process when selecting a company to install your new gutters. The gutter business attracts many people who may learn how to do gutter installation but are less skilled at the “business side of the business.” They offer low prices to generate work but then discover they can’t survive. There are plenty of stories of “one-man shows” who install by day, make sales calls by night, and lack the time and energy to get truly organized. If you’re shopping for new rain gutters, you should look for a company like Asher’s that takes a total professional approach when it comes to gutter installation. From our sales presentations and estimate process to our quality install workmanship and strict adherence to safety procedures, we constantly strive to make you feel glad you selected us for your project. After all, your goal is to install new gutters that will give you a long-lasting solution. Our goal is to deliver complete customer satisfaction with your new gutter product. Article submitted by Asher Lasting Exteriors.

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Add lightercolored accessories. Swap out darker decorations that are remnants of winter, and add light and airy items.

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16 HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

To get more tips on décor and dream home ideas, follow C & M Home Builders and Real Estate on Pinterest and Facebook. We have galleries on www.candmhomebuilders.com as well.

Bring natural elements into your house. Include new plants, greenery, fresh cut flowers or twigs in a vase.

Tips to Revive Your Decor for Spring Article submitted by Molly Filipczak, C&M Home Builders and Real Estate.

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771592 4-11-15

The exterior surfaces of your house are constantly exposed to harmful elements, both man-made and natural. Ultraviolet light rays, wind, rain, dirt, and grime physically abuse the surface causing it to oxidize or chalk. Nature continues to deteriorate the surface of your house via stains caused by mold, mildew, birds, insects, trees, and water. Then comes the assault caused by man-made elements such as industrial and automotive exhaust, acid rain, chimney soot, and BBQ smoke. Some of these elements physically abrade the surfaces of your home, while others attack it on a chemical level. Each house – and each SIDE of each house – is affected differently by these elements. There is unfortunately nothing you can do to prevent these elements from attacking the surface of your house. However, there are some very important things Sparkle Wash can do to diminish their effects.

Why Wash? Maintenance of your home should include periodic cleaning of the exterior surfaces. This includes your house, deck, patio, walks, and driveway. Cleaning will not stop nature’s elements, but it can remove a buildup of harmful substances and slow chemical reactions. Periodic washing by Sparkle Wash reduces your long-term maintenance costs and increases the value of your real estate by maintaining a like-new appearance.

Mildew & Mold Mildew is a common problem in some areas due to the heat and humidity, and mildew inhibitors in paints do not address the problems of stains caused by wind-borne spores. Sparkle Wash uses environmentally friendly, patented cleaning agents that are designed specifically to eliminate mildew spores while also removing chalk caused by oxidation. Sparkle Wash cleaning agents leave behind a clean surface that is not readily hospitable to mildew spores and mold.

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Article submitted by Sparkle Wash of Eau Claire.

Look for the

Sparkle

Income-Based Rents No Asset Limits X Rents Based on 30% of Income X Heat, Garbage, Water and Sewer Included X Tenant-Driven Activities X Emergency Pull Stations in Every Apartment with Direct Link to City Fire and Ambulance X

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sponsored content

the money as needed. The lender will set a limit on the total amount a person can borrow. You only pay interest on the outstanding balance, not on the entire line of credit. People use home equity loans and credit lines to finance a variety of things, such as:

Home Improvements Thinking about putting an addition on the house? Or always wanted to finish the basement? Using the equity in a home to finance its improvement could make sense and help build more equity.

Put Your Home Equity to Work for You Article submitted by AnchorBank. 769436 4-11-15

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As the weather gets warmer, people start thinking about home improvement projects or other to-do list items. One way to help cover the cost is a home equity loan or credit line, which offer the follow advantages: Low cost – the fees associated with these loans are very reasonable. Tax deductible interest – Interest may be tax-deductible; consult a tax advisor. Easy to obtain – A loan could be approved in a relatively short time.

What’s the difference between loans and lines? Home equity loans – Sometimes referred to as second mortgages, these involve borrowing a set amount of money and making principal and interest payments over a specified period of time. The debt is secured by the home and the repayment period can vary. Home equity line of credit – Instead of borrowing a fixed amount of money all at once, a person establishes a line of credit against the equity in a home and draws on

HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

Automobile Purchases Because auto loan interest rates are generally higher, and rarely tax deductible, people often use the equity in their homes to finance the purchase of a car. Sometimes the dealer may offer a promotional financing rate, but it is wise to see how it compares to the rate on an equity loan or line.

Education One way to help pay for education expenses is a home equity line of credit. It can be set up in advance, and the parent can borrow what is needed each year.

Consolidation of Debts Some cringe every time they open the mailbox and another credit card bill arrives. They may have a wide array of debt. Taking advantage of the equity in a home to consolidate high interest debt may be something to consider. Doing this lets you lower the cost of the debt and keep track of only one loan. If you have questions, AnchorBank can help. Stop by a neighborhood AnchorBank, call 800-252-6246 or visit anchorbank.com.

COMPLETE EXTERIOR REMODELING

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FREE

New

NO-HASSLE ESTIMATE

Countertop Technology

OUR PRICES ARE COMPETITIVE EVERYDAY

After

Countertop refinishing in this instance is done on site with no tear-outs and minimal down time for the customer. Gary Eslinger, owner of Perma Glaze of Western, WI, has seen the Stone-Flecks product gain popularity here in the Chippewa Valley. “As people learn more about the advantages of this product and process, they use the Stone-Flecks to renovate kitchens and baths at minimal costs and inconvenience.”

Quality Workmanship & Materials Guaranteed ~ Since 1988 Price is what you pay, VALUE IS WHAT YOU GET!

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Stone-Flecks forms a tough, durable finish that provides superior protection for many years as it is applied. And with multiple piece countertops with seams, the Stone-Flecks finish is designed to cover those seams and produce a one-piece top. With over 20 different eco-friendly colors, you can make any countertop come alive.

Before

Homeowners, apartment managers and hotel operators who want the “natural” look and beauty of stone finishes have carefully compared the performance of Stone-Flecks to expensive granite and stone. “Dollars and durability are the most asked questions,” states Eslinger. “Refinishing is generally half the price of replacing and as for durability, it’s a non-porous finish that is highly resistant to acids, stains and damage. Stone-Flecks retains its natural luster and is simply cleaned with soap and water. Plus, it requires no annual cleaning and sealing.” We love the new technology involved with this process. How someone has figured out a way to suspend multiple colors inside another color then applied it to this elegant and inexpensive, lowmaintenance product is amazing.

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Over the years, trends in countertop surfaces have ranged from colored laminates to concrete-based material with coloring applied, plus the many different stone finishes. Today new technology has brought us a product and process to include “Imitation Stone Finishes” with Stone-Flecks.

ALL TYPES OF SIDING • WINDOWS & DOORS SEAMLESS GUTTERS • ROOFING • ADDITIONS • DECKS NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION • 3 & 4 SEASON ROOMS

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Are bacteria and fungus lurking in your bathtub? Don’t Replace It, Perma Glaze It!

BEFORE

Refinishing of Bathtubs, Wall Tile & Fiberglass Tubs Custom-Cut Acrylic Tub/Shower Surrounds • Safety Grab Bars • Drains & Overflows • Claw Foot Tubs • Chip Repair

• Fiberglass Repair • Custom Colors • Stonefleck Kitchen & Bath Countertops

AFTER

www.bathtubrefinishingeauclaire.com

So once again, we say “Don’t replace it - Perma Glaze it!” Article & photos provided by Perma Glaze of Western, WI, LLC 771109 4-11-15

715-839-TUBB (8822)

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Custom-Cut Acrylic Tub/Shower Surrounds

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Make the backyard your favorite

vacation destination!

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BIG BOX,

SHOP LOCAL. Allow us to transform your yard into a place of relaxation.

Expand your dining, lounging, and entertaining into the beautiful outdoors!

715.491.8490

HomeTech Innovations “Eau Claire’s ONLY Home Technology Experience Center”

TheNaturalTouchLandscaping.com

Article submitted by HomeTech Innovations.

Specializing in:      

Custom landscape design & install Outdoor kitchens, fire & water features Patios & walkways Retaining walls & terraced beds Decorative rock, mulch & plantings Landscape maintenance

HomeTech Innovations, located at 1830 Brackett Ave, is your one stop shop for everything related to home technology. Our showroom showcases the latest technology in Whole Home Audio, Home Automation, Projector Systems and Screens, 4K/3D/ LED Displays, high-end speakers, IP Cameras, security systems, motorized/non-motorized window treatments and more.

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Call the Leader First • Siding: Vinyl, Steel, Seamless Steel & Cement Board • Soft & Fascia

• Seamless Gutters • Shingles • Steel Roong • Window Replacement

HomeTech Innovations is owned and operated locally by Hunter Braatz & Garrett Lewis, both of Eau Claire. We are certified in Control4 Automation products, as well as various low voltage sub-systems.

• Fabric Awnings • Decks & Room Additions • 3 or 4 Season Sunrooms • Custom Metal Trim

HomeTech Innovations offers a one-of-a-kind experience, whether building a new house, starting a remodeling project, or simply looking for an exceptional audio/visual experience. We offer a oneon-one personal experience that the big box stores and many of our competitors can’t. We understand how difficult technology can be. It’s constantly changing and hard to keep up with the latest and greatest technology. At our showroom we have the ability to show you exactly what options you have through a series of hands on demonstrations, which really helps our clients imagine how our services will improve their quality of life. HomeTech Innovations is a member of the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association and is fully insured. Call 715-330-HOME anytime and take advantage of our free consultations.

855 Industrial Drive, Mondovi, WI

715.832.6062

771936 4-11-15

www.libertyexteriors.com 770616 4-11-15

20 HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

nature events

sponsored content

Festival

of

Nature

‘Birds, Bugs & Blooms Bash’ coming to Chippewa Valley

honeybee

By Steve Betchkal

Dragonfly

lady bug

Butterfly

Lilac

Nature festivals have been popping up like Orange Hawkweed across the nation and in the state of Wisconsin, too. There are currently successful birding and nature festivals in Ashland, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge and Door County. Until this year, the Chippewa Valley was merely a place for which other nature festivals drew attendees. Nina Koch of Menomonie decided to change that. She came up with the idea to kickstart a festival in our area and has done the body of the work to make it happen. The event is called “The Birds, Bugs & Blooms Bash” – or “B4” for short. I asked her to talk about the origins of the event and describe some of the planned highlights.

Nina Koch

QA &

Cont. on page 22

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Just the Facts

What:

Birds, Bugs & Blooms Bash

sponsored by Gaylord Nelson Audubon Society, Beaver Creek Reserve, Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center, Sustainable Dunn, Visit Eau Claire, Wisconsin Arts Board, Wisconsin Public Radio. A variety of nature observation options – from learning about freshwater mussels, poisonous snakes and mosses to canoeing, stargazing and tracking timber wolves. Also indoor sessions including a photography seminar and a tour of UWEC’s Newman Clark Bird Museum.

When:

June 5-7.

Where:

UW-Stout’s Memorial Student Center. Field trips will range

Centered in

throughout Dunn, Chippewa and Eau Claire counties.

Who:

The public

is invited to attend the entire weekend or choose individual events. Children are welcome. Lunch is not included in the registration cost, but the Memorial Union is within walking distance of a number of downtown Menomonie restaurants.

Q&A How did you come up with the idea, Nina?

How Much:

All events weekend pass, $20 before May 15, $30 after.

Children free with paid adult. Single event and daily passes also available. For listing go to birdsbugsblooms.com/ registration.

General Website:

birdsbugsbloomsbash.com.

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HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

Nina: “A year ago I helped an organization called Tropical Wings (where I am an active member and board member) create a bird festival in various locations along the St. Croix River. The meetings to create the festival were all held in Hudson. I was completely involved, but I didn’t have people resources available since I don’t live in that area. I thought how easy it could be to create a nature festival in the Chippewa Valley because of the wonderful community of devoted conservationists. Since I retired from teaching in June of 2014, I have the time to devote my energy to some of the most important things in my life — birds and the conservation of wild places. I have been birding most of my adult life and want to make a difference in helping our planet be a healthy place for plants, animals, and people. My main objective for the festival is to educate people, provide opportunities for the enjoyment and appreciation of the outof-doors, and to promote conservational action on any scale.”

bluejay

nature events

Q&A

People seem to have no problem finding excuses to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Is there a need for a nature festival in this area?

Nina: “There is a need for nature festivals everywhere. Every community has conservation issues. The more we can educate and raise awareness, the more likely people will take action. This is the first nature festival in the Chippewa Valley.”

QA

Will this type of event do anything to raise public consciousness about plants and animals? Is that important?

&

Paul Blanchard photo

Nina: “This event should raise more awareness of the plants and animals in our area. Many of the field trips will focus on plants and animals with an emphasis on conservation, and there are many presentations that will explain the dire need for action regarding the health of our planet. Since everything is interconnected, the issues affect our own health. Examples of presentations that could raise awareness and promote conservation action are: • ‘State of the Bees’ by Dr. Jim Burritt who has done research on the infectious diseases of honey bees; • ‘Discovering the Red Cedar River’ by the Tainter Menomonie Lake Improvement Association, and • ‘The Plants You’ll Love to Hate’ by Katherine Stahl of West Central Wisconsin Invasive Management Association. After a social hour and silent auction, the keynote speaker for the opening evening, Friday, June 5, will be Tom Schultz, one of Wisconsin’s most accomplished bird artists and a prominent illustrator for the best-selling National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America.

Cont. on page 24

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Paul Blanchard photo

nature events

Q&A

Who’s presenting on Saturday night?

Cardinal

Nina: “I am most excited about the keynote speaker for Saturday, June 6 — Ben Thwaits from Northwest Passage Child and Adolescent Center. Ben developed a program called ‘In A New Light’ — a program that helps struggling students heal through nature photography. His message touches the heart strings and proves how nature heals us. I think that his students’ testimonials towards nature and the healing process are valuable. They seem to be able to articulate what is difficult to express about our appreciation of nature. I hope you can make it!”

Q&A

What is your measure of success? Do you have an optimal turnout in mind?

Cornflowers & chamomile

Q&A

Sounds like a lot of work! Are you overwhelmed?

Dragonfly 24

Nina: “Success will be measured in two ways: number of participants and participation satisfaction. Success would be to fill each field trip (space limited on field trips) and to see the presentations well-attended. If participants leave the event saying that they would like to come again next year, that too is a measure of success. We will have surveys available to get feedback about the event.”

HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

Nina: “I have been so overjoyed with the response to this event. Whether it was asking someone that I didn’t know to speak or lead a field trip or telling people who are potential participants about the event, the response has been exciting. Very few people turned me down when I asked them for help. Many people are thanking me for giving them an opportunity to speak at the festival and many others are looking forward to participating. It’s so nice to have such a supportive community and be working with gracious volunteers.”

Steve Betchkal is a freelance writer based in Eau Claire.

We Offer: xxxxx  Income-Based Rent xxxxx  No Asset Limit

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Klinger Farm Market is open year round!

HUD Subsidized Rent for Low Income Persons 55 or Over OR Disabled

300 William St. Eau Claire, WI 54703 For Applications, Contact the Housing Authority of the City of Eau Claire (715) 839-4943 NEW last year:

CSA Program Our store and gift center is open year round. Always available: fresh produce, homegrown potatoes and a large selection of candy, jams & jellies, dressings & salsas, Klinger’s honey and local maple syrup. With a large selection of garden décor, miniature gardening accessories, glazed pottery, wind chimes, houseplants, and plenty more in our garden center you are sure to find what you need. Also, gift certificates for Klinger Farm Market make a great gift for anyone. During the spring and summer months our 17 greenhouses are full of annuals, perennials, shrubs and fruit & shade trees. Hanging baskets are one of our specialties and they are a simple way to make your home look beautiful!

Klinger Farm Market now offers a CSA program during harvest season. Members prepay for a portion of the season’s harvest and receive weekly shares of fresh homegrown & locally grown produce. It is a great way for you and your family to try new things and learn healthy eating habits. Call and ask us about it today!

Summertime also means our ever-popular sweet corn is available! Also available when in season: handpicked tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, peas, beans, cauliflower, beets, cabbage, squash, and much more.

Tours Available Call for an Appointment (715) 839-8154

 One-Bedroom Apts.  Pets Allowed with Restrictions  Secured Building/Security Entrance  Emergency Call System  Coin-Operated Laundry Facilities  Tenant-Driven Activities  Community Room  Cable-Ready Outlets  Air Conditioners Provided  Garbage and Water Included  Elevator Service  On-Site Maintenance  Off-Street Private Parking

Handicapped Accessible Apartments Available

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Greenhouse Open House Fri., Sat., Sun, April 24, 25 & 26 DAILY DRAWINGS FOR DOOR PRIZES

OPEN HOUSE SPECIAL 15% OFF On All Perennials* *Excludes trees, shrubs & fruit-bearing plants Bare Root Fruit Trees available.

In the fall, families can enjoy our annual corn maze and family fun area. With a corn maze, petting zoo, jungle gym, pumpkin bowling, corn box, duck races and other fun & games everyone is sure to have a great time! We also carry all of your fall decorating needs. Pumpkins, gourds, fall mums, asters, straw bales & corn shocks are all available.

25% Less than

THE PRICE OF POTTED FRUIT TREES WHEN YOU BUY BARE ROOT.

Complete Line of Bulk & Pre-Packaged GARDEN SEEDS Seed Potatoes & Set Onions

During the winter months our January birdseed sale is the perfect time to stock up on all of your bird and wildlife feed. We have a large variety to choose from including black oil sunflower, nyjer thistle, specialty blends, shell corn and much more. Article provided by Klinger Farm Market.

6 miles North of Chippewa Falls on Hwy. 124, then ½ mile West — 12756 132nd St.

771603 4-11-15

715-288-6348

Open Daily 9 AM-7 PM • 7 Days A Week

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New for 2015

garden

trends

By Nancy Skelley With the coming of spring, our thoughts drift toward the yard and garden and our outdoor living spaces in general. Even if you don’t have a big project outside this season, you probably want a place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. For some of us, it’s a garden full of flowers or vegetables, while for others it’s just a place to relax and maybe cook up a burger. Regardless, there are plenty of new trends and fun ideas to help make your outdoor space exactly what you’d like it to be. 26

HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

outdoor spaces annuals

Ranunculus can be an annual or perrenial depending on climate.

Proven Winners Black Cherry Supertunias

The Pantone color of the year is marsala, a rich, earthy, wine-red color, and whether it’s in plants or patio cushions, it’s a color we’re sure to be seeing this year, both indoors and out. Proven Winners has introduced a new supertunia variety called black cherry that shows off deep wine red blooms on a plant that’s perfect for either the garden or for containers. Be on the lookout for it at a garden center near you. Annuals are becoming a stronger trend than the traditional tried and true perennials, according to Mary Klinger from Klinger’s Farm Market in

edibles

Container plantings are trending toward edible plants such as tomatoes, peppers and herbs which provide beauty and food. Ornamentals mixed with edibles are a trend that Ben Polzin at Down To Earth Garden Center in Eau Claire has seen growing stronger every year. “People want

Vinca

Chippewa Falls. She’s seen annual flower sales increase as people are looking for season-long color and the ability to completely change it up each year with a different color or even a completely different plant. Annuals like Proven Winners supertunias make great landscape plants. They provide the landscape with seasonlong color, and they’re low maintenance because they don’t require deadheading or trimming. They are also drought resistant, so with good mulching, watering needs are greatly reduced.

When choosing a container for a mixed planting that will include vegetables, be sure to choose one not only big enough in diameter but is also deep enough. Mary at Klingers Farm Market recommends thinking of the size of a 5-gallon pail and use the image to determine proper depth. Tomatoes grown in a shallow container won’t produce much fruit, if any. Deeper pots also hold water better.

something attractive, but they also want the ease of having vegetable plants close at hand and these mixed containers,” he said. He’s also seeing a trend toward grafted vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and even eggplants. Tasty heirloom varieties are grafted onto hardy, disease-resistant root stocks to create plants which produce large amounts of delicious vegetables. These grafted plants cost a bit more, but for small space gardeners they are worth the extra money.

annuals Sun Annuals: Ageratum Angelonia Argeranthemum Calibrachoa Cleome Cosmos Dianthus Dusty Miller Gazania Geraniums Lantana Lobelia Marigolds Nicotiana Osteospermum Pansies Petunia Phlox Portulaca Salvia Scaevola Snapdragons Sunflower Torenia Verbena Zinnias Shade Annuals: Begonia Impatiens Coleus Abutilon New Guinea Impatiens Torenia Sweet Potato Vine Bacopa

Cont. on page 28

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outdoors sponsored content spaces

Cont. from page 27

repurposed household items With the increasing popularity of Pinterest and other similar social media sites, more people are up for do-it-yourself projects, either to improve their home and outdoor space or just for fun. This probably accounts for at least some of the continuing trend of using repurposing materials. For example, who would think that flowers planted in a shoe or an old teapot could be so cute? Brett Popp of the Potting Shed in Altoona sees repurposing as a very strong trend for the coming spring season.

tropical plants In the realm of mixed containers, for something exotic and fun, why not go tropical? Tropical plants are fun to grow and can even be brought inside as houseplants for the winter. Customers at the Potting Shed in Altoona will find some of these tropical/annual mixed containers, often in a bright and funky pot. Some tropicals such as hibiscus, citrus trees and elephant ears can be moved from outside to inside for years.

Repurposing extends way beyond just creative planting ideas, especially when it comes to lumber. Building things from old pallets or from lumber salvaged from old barns and buildings continues to be a popular trend. Pallets can be used to create anything from outdoor furniture to planters to fences/dividers used to separate both indoor and outdoor areas. Metal is also trending, whether it’s rusted metal or bright colors like gold, which seems to be making a comeback this year. Silver and bronze tones have been popular for several years now, but it seems that gold is the new metallic color in accent pieces. Some of the most interesting items feature mixed metals, in things such as garden sculpture, patio lighting and even gazing globes and other glass items with metallic accents.

outdoor living rooms Basic patios have evolved in recent years into complete outside living spaces designed to maximize their use. Contributed PHOTO: Natural Touch Landscaping

While outdoor living rooms have been popular on both coasts for several years, it has taken a while for Midwesterners to tailor this trend to our climate and make it their own. We want to enjoy our outdoor season to the fullest, so these areas are likely to include cooking space, outdoor lighting and very often a heat source such as a fire pit or outdoor heater. Where pergolas have long been popular garden structures, Julie and Lloyd Stunkel at Natural Touch Landscaping in Elk Mound find they’re also becoming the structural bones for outdoor rooms. Aside from defining the space, pergolas can offer some shelter from sun and weather. They also serve as excellent support structures for vining plants, which can soften bright sunshine and provide cooling during hot months, as well as color and interest during other seasons. Natural Touch clients are also using concrete in creative ways. In outdoor kitchens you might see concrete bar tops with specialized texture and color. Old concrete patio slabs can be etched to look like flagstone. To warm a cool fall evening, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces suit to a tee. Fireplace structures can be incorporated in the cook space, but if a cooking area is not part of the space, fire pits can be in the form of stone, brick, or metal, and they can be permanent or movable. There are also options for wood pellet or propane heaters. Having a heat source extends the use of the outdoor room and makes it even more appealing, Heidi Schreiner of Artisans of the Earth Landscaping finds that younger people in particular are looking for ways to spend more time outside and to make their outdoor spaces more usable. Her clients are seeking outdoor kitchen space, lighting, and space to entertain, in other words, the WOW factor. She also sees styles becoming “ultra organic” mixing knotty woods, rusted or reclaimed metal items and other natural features for a contemporary yet timeless style.

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outdoor spaces perennial & shrubs While perennials may not be quite as popular as they once were, we are all still on the lookout for that workhorse perennial or shrub that will provide color throughout the seasons with little maintenance or skill in growing. In the perennial world, that perfect new plant may just be something easy to grow and eye-catching like Frans Hals daylily from Bailey Nurseries in Minnesota. This bicolored daylily is sure to be a bright spot in the garden and its two-toned blossoms are sure to be conversation starters. Some varieties of barberry are about to be prohibited in Wisconsin, so in answer to that, Bailey’s has also introduced limoncello and Toscana, two new varieties of allowed barberry that are sure to please gardener and landscaper alike. Barberries are known for being easy to grow and performing particularly well in hot, sunny spots, and these two are no exception. Their bright colored leaves, lime green for Limoncello and red for Toscana are sure to make them an outstanding addition to the landscape. Hydrangeas have enjoyed a run of popularity for several years now, and that doesn’t appear to be ending any time soon. Many of our larger favorites such as limelight are now available in smaller versions. Little lime sports the same beautiful lime green blooms as its parent plant, but is better suited to smaller landscapes with its more compact form. Vanilla strawberry hydrangea continues to be popular as well, with its large strawberry-rose blooms. It makes a beautiful show in the landscape or garden and is also wonderfully easy to grow. Another trend spied by our local experts is group or mass planting of single varieties of perennials or shrubs. This mass planting offers far greater visual impact when viewed from the street and it can also simplify plant maintenance: Same varieties, same care requirements, easier to care for.

succulents Perennials succulents such as the ever expanding range of sedums are great, colorful choices for full sun areas that tend to be dry. The come in many sizes and forms from low and trailing to tall and full, and they are so easy to grow! Succulents can also be brought in as dish gardens or simple houseplants.

pottery Pots can be one of the best and least expensive ways to dress up the look of a front porch or patio. Whether they are made of ceramic, plastic, metal or even wood, it’s all about color and style. Pots can turn a boring, sedate front porch into a lively landscape feature. Klinger’s Farm Market in Chippewa Falls is seeing bright California colors and citrus colors as a trend for this year. They also feature some amazing rustic wood planters. Cont. on page 30

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outdoor spaces Not your average yard, it’s so mulch more. Stop by our retail landscaping center for all of your DIY projects. You’ll find everything you need including: 6 colors of mulch, black dirt, landscape rock and much more. K&M Lanscaping Retail Center www.kmlandscapingwi.com 715-839-8499 631 E. Madison Street Eau Claire, WI 54701

Cont. from page 29

bees & butterflies Our changing climate and environment affects not only humans but all the creatures we share the planet with, including bees and butterflies. Many gardeners and land owners are acutely aware of the importance of these insect friends to our very survival. Bee health in particular hugely impacts the very food we eat. With that in mind, people are being much more conscious of planting with the health and survival of these insect friends in mind. By planting pollinators and food plants for bees and butterflies we provide food and habitat for them, and help keep the population in our area at healthy levels. Along with that we must carefully consider our use of insecticides, which often impact the very creatures we hope to protect in other ways. Insecticides should only be used as a last resort and package directions should be carefully followed. Whenever possible, natural controls should be used instead to avoid harming beneficial insects. With spring in full swing and summer just around the bend, most of us can’t wait to get out into the yard and garden to enjoy the sun and forget winter was ever here. Hopefully you’ll find a way to incorporate some of the fun new trends into your own yard and garden! Nancy Skelley is a Master Gardener from Eau Claire.

City of Eau Claire Housing Division Housing Rehabilitation Program The City of Eau Claire Housing Division is taking applications for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. The Rehabilitation Program is federally funded and offers loans up to $20,000. This program is for homes in need of repair, not for extensions or cosmetic renovations.

For eligibility information and application call Chris at (715) 839-8294. The hearing impaired may contact this office by TDD at (715) 839-4943. If there are other specialized needs due to handicap, i.e. sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, reader, please contact this office.

Type of Work: • Roof and window replacement • Plumbing repairs or upgrading • Electrical repairs or upgrading • Carpentry repairs

• Heating system replacement • Energy saving repairs • Siding repairs or replacement

Eligibility Requirements: HUD Income Guidelines: FAMILY SIZE MAX. INCOME • City of Eau Claire resident 1 $36,600 • Assessed value not to exceed $146,500 2 $41,800 • Property a minimum of 25 years old 3 $47,050 4 $52,250 • Owner Occupied (at least 1 year) 5 $56,450 • Good Credit History 6 $60,650 • HUD income guidelines apply 7 $64,800

30 HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

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$69,000

771780 4-11-15

xxxxx xxxxx

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We have what you’re looking for this growing season! The Barn Opens April 8 Greenhouse Opens First Week Of May (weather permitting)

4 Tips for a Beautiful Lawn With the arrival of warm weather, perhaps you’ve started thinking about how you can make your lawn the destination for creating summer memories. Follow these tips and you’ll be wheeling out the patio furniture in no time.

1 3

Mowing

Lime

Prepare your lawn mower by sharpening the blades and keeping them sharpened throughout the season. This will cut the grass rather than tear it and improve the efficiency of your mower. Mowing at the proper height (2 ½” – 3 ½”) helps the lawn fight stress, disease, and weeds. Keep the clippings on the lawn, there are many advantages by doing this as long as the clippings are not covering the grass beneath it.

To enhance the color and health of your lawn, consider adding a lime application to your maintenance routine. You can determine if you need lime based on the pH level of your soil. If the pH level is off the plant will not fully use the benefits of the nutrients.

2

Fertilizing

A fertilizing program is essential for ensuring your grass receives the adequate amount of nutrients. When opting for the right fertilizer, look for a slow-release granule. This type of fertilizer releases on demand, spreads uniformly, and balances growth.

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4

Watering

To keep your lawn green, it should receive about 1 inch of water each week. During the warm dry season it may be necessary to supplement rain by running your irrigation system or sprinkler. If you have an irrigation system ensure your rain sensor is functioning properly to avoid watering during a rainstorm. It is best to water in the early morning hours as it will reduce water lost to evaporation and wind.

Most lawns require an average of 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in a season. However, proper timing and application rates play a vital role in the health of the lawn.

LIVE THE TOTAL LAWN EXPERIENCE Article provided by Rainmaster Lawn Systems.

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lemon balm

dandelion

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APPLE TREES AND GRASS?

NO WAY!

Apple trees and grass are not exactly good companion plants. I’m Don Albrecht, owner of Albrecht’s Nursery in Chippewa Falls, WI. I’m asked often how wide a mulch ring is around any given fruit tree. This can be a spacious argument, depending on who you ask. But let’s just suppose for a moment, that you could fast forward time about five years after you’ve planted your first apple tree. Let’s also suppose that you’ve also planted chives around that tree. Why chives? Well let’s just assume that the variety of apple you wanted is more susceptible to apple scab; chives can take care of that. Chives not only are added to many dishes in the kitchen, but are also used as nature’s pest confusers. Plant these around the trunk of the tree.

Daffodil

These also get planted in a ring around the tree. Not only are they among the first blossoms in the spring, but are a rodent deterrent, keeping the rodents from chewing the bark off. Plus flowers to bring in for the dining table.

Daffodil

Currants

All black, white or red currants are beneficial below the tree. They each offer medicinal and culinary uses.

red current

Strawberry

Another plant that is not only good to eat, but draws in beneficial insects. The canopy of the tree provides less sunlight, the strawberry will spread out as the tree grows, on its own, or with your help to get out from underneath the tree canopy to get more sunlight.

Lemon Balm

Another plant used for stabilizing soil, drawing in beneficial insects, medicine and food flavoring. Many herbs are used here. Don’t limit yourself to Lemon Balm only.

Pea Vines

Why not let a pea vine climb up the tree? Food, nectar and most important in this situation, nitrogen fixing. Many plants fall into this category called nitrogen-fixing plants. These plants set atmospheric nitrogen that the tree ends up with.

pea vines

Dandelion

32 HomeFront

strawberry Spring 2015

Why the dandelion has become one of the homeowners most dreaded plants Lord knows. For food, medicine and soil structure, there are few other plants that are as nutritious and healing, efficient, prolific and persistent. This applies to pear trees especially. However, most fruit trees fall into what we are about to explain. Pear blossoms are not quite as sweet as other flower blossoms in the morning. But as the day goes on, the nectar levels build and by the afternoon these levels will attract the attention of the bees. Where am I going with this? Well, the dandelion has been feeding the bees all morning, but by the afternoon the sugar levels start to shut down, as the sugar levels on the pears are coming up. Like humans, bees also get a variety of food. So you can see one of the importances of the wonderful dandelion.

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VARIETY OF FRUIT TREES:

There are a few more great plants to go along with your tree.

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• APPLE • PEAR • PLUM • CHERRY

FLOWERING CRAB TREES MAPLES & MANY OTHER SHADE & ORNAMENTAL TREES BERRY BUSHES:

Nitrogen-fixing plants are a necessary part of growing great fruit. Peas and beans will fit the bill just right, though there are a number of great plants for this. Stand back now and take a look at what you’ve just done. It’s five years down the road; you have a great selection of plants with all kinds of uses around your apple tree. This is just one example of all the possibilities out there. You have food, medicine, pest repellants, and plants that draw in beneficial insects, all in one little space around your tree. Bees are extremely important here and will have a nice variety to choose from. We are maximizing the flowering components of an orchard interplant, to eliminate grass, to draw in all pollinators, predatory insects, and even insectivorous birds. Accomplishing multiple crops in one area versus one crop, one area. Multiple crops to compliment each other easily eliminates chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers. Albrecht’s Nursery does not approve of these chemicals. Not only do the chemicals harm us, they can harm benificials that we need to bring in to keep the balance. Article provided by Albrecht’s Nursery & Landscaping.

• RASPBERRY • BLUEBERRY • LINGONBERRY • GOJIBERRY • HONEYBERRY

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Mower & Tractor Check-up It’s a good time to check the oil, sharpen the blade, and replace parts

Article submitted by Eau Claire Lawn Equipment.

After being weighed down with snow, the grass won’t need cutting right away. But with spring just around the corner, it’s a good time to get your mower or tractor ready. That way, it will start when you need it. Here’s how to get your gear in shape: tractor blades should be sharpened three times a year.

Fuel comes first.

Any gas in your walk-behind mower’s fuel tank? If you added stabilizer before the winter, you should be able to start the mower right up. Similarly, if you ran the mower dry last fall, you can add stabilized gas now. Otherwise, siphon out the degraded gas before adding new. Tractors, with their larger engines, are less susceptible to fuel problems. Still, fuel up with gas to which you’ve added stabilizer.

Mind the electrical.

Your spark plug needs changing about every 100 hours of operation; if not, it can affect engine startup and overall performance. If you don’t know when you last changed it, do it before using the mower. With the mower off, remove the spark-plug cap and use a socket wrench with a spark-plug socket to remove the old plug. Take it to an auto-parts store or outdoor-gear dealer and get a new one. For a tractor, most manuals instruct you to keep the battery indoors on a trickle charger. If you didn’t, fully recharge the battery before starting the season, or you’ll reduce battery life. The engine alone can’t fully recharge the battery.

Check or change oil.

If you didn’t change the oil at the end of last season, do it now—a mower can overheat and fail prematurely from dirty or insufficient oil. For a mower, change the oil when the fuel tank is empty to avoid spilling. Position an autostyle drain pan beside the mower on the side of the dipstick cap. Remove the cap, and tip the mower over the pan to drain the oil. Refill to the dipstick marking. A tractor needs an oil change only as specified in your manual. At the very least, check the level and add as necessary.

Change or clean filters.

A dirty air filter may prevent your mower or tractor from starting. On your mower, it’s paper and can be removed in seconds. Take the old one to an outdoor power equipment dealer if you’re not sure which one to get. For a tractor, replace your carburetor’s air filter if it’s paper. If it’s foam, wash it in soap and water. Rinse and squeeze it dry. Some manuals suggest you also oil a foam filter with engine oil. If so, squeeze the filter dry again before you reinstall it. Tractors have a fuel filter, too. Check your manual for the proper maintenance schedule and procedure.

Sharpen those blades.

Dull blades rip rather than slice the grass, and that makes your engine work harder than it needs to. To remove your mower’s blade, wear heavy leather gloves, remove the spark plug wire, and jam in a short 2x4 to keep the blade from turning as you loosen the bolts. Even

Carburetor Maintenance:

The carburetor is an integral part of your small engine, so it’s important to keep it running smoothly for the overall health of your lawn mower and other outdoor power equipment. You can clean the main fuel jet with carburetor cleaner and compressed air to blow out loosened debris. Carburetor cleaner dissolves deposits in your carburetor and choke, and consequently, can reduce your need for maintenance, repair, and downtime, while improving starting for all 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines. Carburetor cleaner can be found at your local power equipment dealer. 770619 4-11-15

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strawberry jam

fruity treats Prep: 20 min. Process: 10 min. 56 servings Ingredients 2 quarts strawberries, washed and stemmed 1 package (1 ¾ oz.) powdered fruit pectin 6 ¾ cups sugar

Directions 1. Crush strawberries and measure 4 ½ cups berries into a large saucepan. Stir in pectin and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Add sugar and return to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. 2. Remove from heat and skim off foam. Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot half-pint jars, leaving ¼ in. headspace. Remove air bubbles; wipe rims and adjust lids. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner. Yield: about 7 half-pints. Originally published as Quick and Easy Strawberry Jam in Country Woman July/ August 1996, p41

Editor’s Note: The

processing time listed is for altitudes of 1,000 feet or less. Add 1 minute to the processing time for each 1,000 feet of additional altitude.

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fruity treats

fresh lemonade syrup Prep/Total Time: 25 min. MAKES: 16-20 servings Ingredients 3 cups sugar 1 cup boiling water 3 cups lemon juice (about 16 lemons) 2 T. grated lemon peel Directions 1. In a 1 ½ qt. heatproof container, dissolve sugar in boiling water. Cool. Add lemon juice and peel; mix well. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Yield: 5 ½ cups syrup (number of batches varies depending on concentration of lemonade). To prepare lemonade: For 1 serving, combine ¼ to ⅓ cup syrup and ¾ cup cold water in a glass; stir well. For 8 servings, combine 2 ⅔ cups syrup and 5 cups cold water in a 2-qt. pitcher; stir well. Yield: 1 serving.

36

HomeFront Spring 2015 Leader- Telegram

Tip Add

strawberry syrup or sangria to lemonade. Pour over ice, with fresh strawberry and lemon slices. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

fruity treats

strawberry tart TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 25 min. + chilling 12-16 servings Ingredients ¾ cup butter, softened ½ cup confectioners’ sugar 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 package (10 to 12 oz.) vanilla or white chips, melted and cooled ¼ cup heavy whipping cream 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened ½ cup pineapple juice ¼ cup sugar 1 T. cornstarch ½ teaspoon lemon juice 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions 1. In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in flour (mixture will be crumbly). Pat onto a greased 12-in. pizza pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 25-28 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. 2. In another bowl, beat melted chips and cream until smooth. Beat in cream cheese until smooth. Spread over crust. Chill for 30 minutes. 3. For glaze, in a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Cool. 4. Arrange berries over cream cheese layer; brush with glaze. Chill for 1 hour before serving. Store in the refrigerator.

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