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home Everything

Your Guide to Home Improvement and Real Estate

Creating Art Piece by Piece Backyard Chickens Grow Your Own Mushrooms

A special supplement to the News~Patriot and Hopewell News.

SPRING 2013

contents

home

4

Everything

Creating Art Piece by Piece

Your Guide to Home Improvement and Real Estate SPRING 2014

Publisher

Craig Richards crichards@news-patriot.com

EDITORIAL

Caitlin Davis, Senior Staff Writer Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer Blake Belden, Staff Writer

ADVERTISING

Ann Wells, Account Executive awells@news-patriot.com Chai Gallahun, Account Executive cgallahun@news-patriot.com

Rachel Cole, Account Executive rcole@news-patriot.com

PRODUCTION

Freda Snyder, Creative Director Steven Patterson, Composing Pat Cook, Composing

Kay Johnson, Account Executive kay@news-patriot.com

Published by Hopewell Publishing Company 516 E Randolph Road Hopewell, VA 23860 P.O. Box 481, Hopewell, Va. 23860 www.news-patriot.com • www.hopewellnews.com (804) 458-8511

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©2014 by Hopewell Publishing Company

2 | Everything Home Spring 2014

Backyard Chickens

8 13

Grow your own mushrooms

17

Revitalize Forgotten Furniture

20

Bringing the Outside Indoors

22

Colorful Springtime Crafts

24

Dispelling Six Common Lawn Care Myths

26

Refresh Your Routine

29

Smarter Pet Care Tips

31

Spring To-Dos

Everything Home Spring 2014 | 3

Creating Art Piece by Piece

Photos bycaitlin davis Cindy Haynie, co-owner of Appomattox Tile Art, works with one of the pieces

By Caitlin Davis Senior Staff Writer PETERSBURG — The artwork that is created at Appomattox Tile Art begins as a 12-by-12 piece of tile, which is essentially rock, and is transformed into intricate designs that can be found in all corners of the country. Cindy and Sean Haynie, co-owners of Appomattox Tile Art in Petersburg, work to create and piece together tile designs to add beauty in everyday homes and buildings.

Both Cindy and Sean hold art degrees as well as a passion for beauty, noting the two studied Byzantine mosaics while in college. The two took that passion and created the business, wanting to give people art for everyday life.

“This is a beautiful way to produce practical artwork. There’s a purpose behind it,” Cindy said. “There’s a purpose behind it.

It’s not just something that somebody has to comment about. it’s something they can use and still be beautiful.”

In 1999, the couple started the business with Cindy’s sister, Nikki, who is still employed with the company as a partner, and the three worked alongside each other for six months be-

Appomattox Tile Art created a mosaic in the new Petersburg library. It depicts famous buildings in Petersburg.

fore hiring Ron part-time, who is also still part of the company.

Now, Appomattox Tile Art has grown to 28 employees, though enduring some struggles along the way.

“We had 6 or 8 employees the first couple of years and then in 2008 we were up to 45 and then in 2009 we got hit with what everybody else got hit with and just had to figure out how to survive those few years,” Cindy said. “And we have come back pretty strong these last three years.”

The company has come back strong and continues to expand their business to all corners of the world.

Though based in Petersburg in a warehouse, Cindy said the company rarely does work in the state. Cindy said Appomattox Tile Art has sent their work to places like Chicago, New York and even Russia.

In addition to shipping all over the world, the company also sells their product to kitchen and bath showrooms. She estimated the company, which is 100 percent wholesale, completes The wall showcases the different types of design the company does

Everything Home Spring 2014 | 5

about 40 jobs per week, adding up to roughly 2,100 jobs a year.

The jobs the company works on usually take three to four weeks to complete and Cindy estimated one employee could put together a tile design in about three to four days.

Material to complete the jobs also travels a distance to the warehouse in Petersburg.

Each piece of tile has to be hand cut in order to fit for a tile design

“We go to Italy several times a year because that’s where we buy most of our material,” Cindy said. “Sometimes we look at blocks and buy the blocks of stone.”

Appomattox Tile Art produces custom stone mosaics. The inspiration from the design can come from almost anything or anywhere, Cindy said. She said a customer can come in with a photo and she can work to turn it into a design to be transferred into tile artwork.

Inspiration for Cindy can come in the form of a small souvenir from a trip to Yosemite, the patten on a purse or dress, or from a piece of fabric she found while on a trip to Dublin.

Employees at Appomattox Tile Art work to put together tile designs, piece by piece

The intricate artwork that can seen in the company’s designs will soon be part of the Petersburg community. Gil, from Enteros Design in Petersburg, approached Cindy as construction began on the new Petersburg Library facility.

STEP BY STEP #1

Each mosaic piece starts as a 12-by-12 block of stone tile. Cindy said the company also works with onyx, marble and granite.

STEP BY STEP #3

An employee at Appomattox Tile Art puts together one of the mosaic tile pieces.

Once she is done, a clear high tack tape will be placed over the design and then it will be cut into 1 ft sections.

6 | Everything Home Spring 2014

STEP BY STEP #2

The Italian Stallion, with up to 27 diamond blades, cuts the tile square in many different directions, cutting the larger tile into many small tile pieces. These small tile pieces are used to create the larger tile designs.

STEP BY STEP #4

Once the 1 ft sections are cut, Cindy said they are packed and can be shipped anywhere in the world. Once they arrive at the destination, a map, or color guide, is sent on how to individually place each piece based on the pattern.

“He knew the library was going to be something special and he wanted to see if we could donate anything that could be special,” Cindy said.

called Aquaria, was named Best of the Year. The design consists of an overlapping circle pattern.

With a design, created by Gil, the company soon began work on the mosaic tile art that will be under the feet of the visitors to the new library. The design, called a medallion, will be right inside the front doors to the library. The 350-square-foot mosaic piece is a donation from the company to the library, a donation Cindy estimated to cost about $50,000.

In the many years since undertaking the business and continuing to expand, Cindy still has a love for the mosaic artwork.

Her office at the company is filled from the floor, which is a mosaic art piece, to the ceiling with art books, magazines and pages and pages of inspiration. Cindy and Sean and all the employees at Appomattox Tile Art spend each day creating art from what many find on the street.

The work of Appomattox Tile Art has also been recognized by Interior Design Magazine. One of the designs by the company,

“You can take rocks and turn them into pretty things,” Cindy said. “And basically that’s all they are, are rocks.”n

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Everything Home Spring 2014 | 7

Photos by Blake Belden

Backyard Chickens 8 | Everything Home Spring 2014

By Blake Belden Senior Staff Writer As people all over the country are hopping on the green, organic, ‘Do It Yourself’ bandwagon, many localities are giving residents the opportunity to raise chickens, along with other livestock, in their own backyards.

Both the counties of Prince George and Chesterfield recently passed ordinances allowing for citizens to have chickens on residential properties, albeit any restrictive covenants established by neighbor-

hoods or communities still override this legislation.

Steve Overgard, along with his wife, Dawn Peterson, and their daughter, Maddie Overgard, have owned chickens in Chesterfield for years because they live on an agricultural property, but they have found an increasing enthusiasm for raising the animals, having even lost count because they now have so many. “[Chickens] are a great unique pet that will help feed your family,” Steve said.

In addition to acting as a self-sustaining food source, Peterson said that chickens have an entertaining personality and can also be a great responsibility for young kids.

“They’re rewarding. It’s fun to watch them. ... It’s better than what’s on TV to go out and just watch the chickens interact with one another. ... [They’re] a great responsibility for the kids. ... Little Suzie can go get her egg and feed her chicken,” Peterson said.

When they first started keeping chickens, they got six chicks for a spring discount special at Tractor Supply and Southern States Cooperative, an offer also common among other agricultural stores including local business Heretick Feed & Seed, Steve said.

Chickens require an absolutely secure shelter every night with four solid walls and a sturdy roof, according to The Humane Society of the United States.

“They are very, very prone to predators, so you always need to make sure that they are properly secured at night,” Peterson said.

“Night predators are the worst. ... And chickens don’t see well at night, so they’re really vulnerable,” Steve said underlining a long list of predators including fox, cats, dogs, opossums, raccoons, owls and snakes.

Both ordinances in Chesterfield and Prince George require that residential property owners interested in keeping chickens must have a fenced-in run area for ranging during the day, and a size-specified, secure henhouse for the chickens to sleep in overnight.

As far as feeding chickens, Steve recommended starting chicks off eating Start & Grow. He and Dawn prefer the non-medicated feed, for about a period of four months or so until they begin giving them layer feed.

In the very early stages of a chick’s life, he will grind up the Start & Grow feed to make it finer and easier for the chicks to eat. Both types of chicken food are

For more exotic breeds of chickens, Steve and Dawn ordered batches from out-of-state hatcheries, which will require you to buy a much larger minimum of poultry as opposed to surrounding agricultural stores.

Steve and Peterson own a wide variety of chicken breeds including Cochin, Polish, Jersey Giants, Sultans, Black Copper Morans, Silkies and Rhode Island Reds, many of which they raise in lamp-heated brooding boxes inside their house as chicks and offer for sale on Craigslist.org.

For those interested in these exotic breeds for less than offered by certain hatcheries, Steve said that good places to look are through Craigslist or Pet Chickens of Virginia, an online chicken forum that also provides a lot of information for those interested in owning chickens.

Anyone interested in undertaking the keeping of chickens must first have the proper henhouse materials as well as adequate containers for food and water.

Steve and his wife displayed a bit of ingenuity by mounting empty, plastic coffee containers on the sides of the chicken coop for the chickens to eat feed from.

Everything Home Spring 2014 | 9

available at any feed store.

Dawn said that allowing the chickens to free range gives them an opportunity to supplement their diets with bugs and worms, but that layer feed is ultimately important for healthy egg production because of the calcium and other necessary vitamins.

Another effective way to provide chickens with the necessary source of calcium for sufficient egg production is by free-choice feeding of oyster shells or calcium grit, according to the Suburban Rancher, a cooperative extension of the University of California.

“They can be as pet-like as you want them to be based on how you raise them and how gentle you are, how much attention you give them,” Peterson said, admitting that she has even watched episodes of The Walk-

Steve Overgard showed off his incubator, vital to hatching your own chickens.

ing Dead with chicks curled up in her lap.

Dawn said that one of the great things about getting eggs from your own chickens is the knowledge that they aren’t being restricted or abused for mass production, and that there is a more wholesome look and flavor to the eggs that isn’t affected by chemicals.

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“I grew up on the grocery store egg and then I went to this, and I can taste the difference. I can’t say grocery store eggs taste bad and this tastes good. It’s different. But now that I know the difference in taste it’s like ‘Gosh’, what is it in the grocery store egg that I’m tasting? Probably all that nasty stuff that they’ve been injected with,” Peterson said.

Steve agreed, saying that the quality of backyard eggs is “much, much better. ... When you eat them, there’s no going back to the store-bought eggs.”

Depending on the breed of chicken and season of the year (where spring and summer are generally peak production seasons), egg production will vary.

“Some chickens will lay almost every day, like the white chickens and the red chickens are bred for lay-

ing, so they’re really, really good egg layers. But an average chicken is probably going to lay two eggs every three days,� Steve said.

For those interested in hatching chicks, there are many basic incubators one can purchase such as the Hova-bator at agricultural stores, Steve said. Steve and Dawn both demonstrated the process of candling, where you put up a special flashlight, or candler, against the surface of an egg to determine if there is actually a chicken developing inside.

Candling is a critical process during incubation to determine whether or not an egg is rotten, because if they are rotten the egg may explode, Steve said. n

They raise chicks indoors in lamp-heated brooding boxes directly after they are born.

Everything Home Spring 2014 | 11

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Grow your own mushrooms

Photos By Ashley McLeod

Not many people are aware that growing your own mushrooms is an easy task that most anyone can do.

By Ashley McLeod Staff Writer Mushrooms are a delicious addition to any meal, and are a favorite for many people. But not many people are aware that growing your own mushrooms is an easy task that most anyone can do.

Whether you have a small space in your backyard or acres of land, growing your own mushrooms will take Everything Home Spring 2014 | 13

only a small area and a little bit of time.

field.

Cultivating mushrooms is a little different than growing other vegetables. Instead of using seeds, mushrooms grow from spores. While mushrooms can be grown in the ground, the best way for small growers is to grow them in logs, which can be used for years.

“When people make spawn, they don’t use the spores. They take the mycelium material from the cap of the mushroom and grow it on the wood chips or whatever they’re making the spawn out of,” said Kaeser.

The first step to growing mushrooms is to cut a few logs. The best logs to use come from living trees and are best if cut during the winter. Oak is considered to be better for cultivating mushrooms, but you may also use maple or sweet gum logs.

The logs should be at least 5 inches in diameter so that there is enough space for the mushrooms to grow.

In order to grow mushrooms, you also need to purchase spawn.

Spawn is what is used to transfer mushroom mycelium, which is the living part of the fungus that causes mushrooms to grow, or the roots of the mushroom.

“The spawn comes from mushroom caps,” said Jim Kaeser, the Mushroom Man. Kaeser is a master gardener in Chester-

14 | Everything Home Spring 2014

Spawn can be in the form of grains, sawdust, or pegs. The type of spawn you purchase depends on the type of mushroom you decide to grow, and can be found in nurseries or other places that sell gardening products, as well as online.

Once you have the spawn, the next step is to inoculate the logs. It’s best to wait a few weeks after cutting the logs before beginning the process of inoculation, or “planting” the mushrooms.

“All plants have an immune system, and if you inoculate the logs right away, it will fight off the spawn because it’s like an infection,” said Kaeser. “You need to wait to inoculate them so this won’t occur.”

The best time to inoculate the logs is in early March and into April. At this time the cold weather has mostly passed. According to Kaeser, it is the best time because the logs will have laid dormant long enough, but are still not dried out.

To inoculate the logs, you will need to drill evenly spaced holes into the logs. The holes should be large enough to where the spawn will fit inside, but not too large to where the spawn is loose and can fall out.

The next step is to place the spawn in the holes, and gently tap into place so that the whole spawn is inside of the log. Continue this action until all of the holes in the log are filled, and you’ve inoculated your log.

When harvesting the mushrooms, cut at the base of the stem, right at where it is attached to the log.

After harvesting, store your mushrooms in an open container with a damp paper towel. If you keep the mushrooms in the refrigerator, they will last up to three weeks. If you want to dry the mushrooms, store them in a dry paper bag in the pantry and use when needed.

After fruiting, wait a few weeks and then soak the logs again in order to grow more mushrooms to fill your cravings. n

Some people like to seal the spawn holes shut, but Kaeser advises to leave them open.

“You can seal the holes, but the best way to allow moisture in is to leave it open,” said Kaeser. “You don’t want the logs to dry out.”

You want to keep your logs in a shaded area, and keep them from drying out. You can either water the logs, or occasionally soak them in water for a couple of hours.

After a short period of time, your logs will begin to fruit mushrooms.

“From the time you inoculate to the time you get your first mushroom could be anywhere from six months to 12 months,” Kaeser said.

After you begin to notice growth on the logs, it only takes a few days for mushrooms to be seen.

The time it takes depends on a number of factors, including what type of mushrooms you are growing and what the temperature is. Lower temperatures and humidity levels will produce a greater amount of smaller mushrooms, while higher temperatures and humidity will produce a smaller amount of larger ones.

Harvesting your mushrooms at the appropriate time is very important. You want to pick the mushrooms when they are at their largest, and fully mature.

“The best time to harvest is when the caps of the mushrooms begin to uncurl or have just uncurled.”

“You want to wait until the mushroom is as big as it’s going to get in its maturity. Watch to see when the edge uncurls. When it goes flat, it’s mature. A few hours after this happens, it will start to give off its spores,” said Kaeser.

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Revitalize Forgotten Furniture with a Simple DIY Transformation Family Features Putting your own flair into an old piece of furniture or thrift store find is a creative and budget-friendly way to transform unused items into personal treasures.

Refinishing old tables, chairs and other wooden items can instill new life, making these pieces functional and contemporary once more.

Whether you’re repurposing a piece entirely, or simply updating the look, there are a few things to keep in mind: • Color: Do you have a specific room in mind to use your selected piece? If you have a place already chosen, consider a colored stain to match the room’s décor. If not, a versatile wood tone may be a better choice.

or casual use? To protect from wear and tear on daily-use items, be sure to finish your project with an appropriate sealant or protective coat.

Interior stain and sealers offer a protective element built into the product, such as Cabot Premium Wood Finish, which provides rich color and tough, durable results.

• Product: Is this your first project?

If so, water-based products can be a simpler, DIY friendly alternative to oil based stains and finishes. Will your “new” furniture be in frequent

• Preparation: Although you may be anxious to put your new treasure to use, taking time to properly strip and prepare your wood for its new finish will ensure the best results.

Supplies:

Chemical stripper Hand-held paint scraper Tack cloths or lint-free rags Rubber gloves Safety glasses Orbital sander with 60-, 120- and 220-grit discs Interior wood stain and sealer product, such as Cabot Premium Wood Finish (in the ready-to-use or custom-tinted to your color of choice) Painters’ tape Paint brush 300 grit sand paper Everything Home Spring 2014 | 17

This DIY project, created by Beth Hunter, author of the blog “Home Stories A to Z,” shows you how to take a tired, outdated coffee table from attic to amazing in three simple steps.

1. Use a chemical stripper to remove heavy layers of paint, stain or varnish. Follow the label’s directions, allowing the stripper to sit for the designated amount of time and then gently scraping and wiping away the residue (tack cloth or lint-free rag is important, so you don’t leave particles behind).

Tip: Remember to wear gloves approved for chemical handling and eye protection, and be sure to set up your project in a well-ventilated area. A respirator may be necessary to ensure you don’t inhale too many 18 | Everything Home Spring 2014

powerful fumes.

2. Once your piece has been stripped, wiped clean with a damp rag and allowed to thoroughly dry, you are ready to sand. Although for some small projects sandpaper sheets will do, you’ll get the best results using a quality orbital sander (there are many options in the $50 to $100 range, well worth the investment if you’ll be doing more projects in the future).

Using the sander, start with a low-grit, coarse sandpaper (60 grit) and work up to the high-grit, fine paper (220 grit). The low grit takes off any remaining finish quickly and roughens the wood, while the finer grits smooth the wood and create a pristine surface.

After sanding, use a tack cloth to wipe down your piece

Source: Cabot Wood Stain

and remove the dust.

3. Now you are ready to add color. For this project, a series of colors in the new Cabot Premium Wood Finish line were used, including Mussel Shell, Stormy Teal, Riverbed and Coffeehouse. The products in this line are water-based stain and sealers so they dry quickly, and are good choices for a DIYer because they stain and protect at once while providing highquality, beautiful results. These finishes also offer smooth application without the need for a primer or conditioner and a simple soap and water clean-up.

If you will be using multiple colors, as with this project, tape off areas to make crisp lines. Use a brush to apply the product, and allow to dry as described on the package directions. Use ultra-fine grit sand paper, such as 300 grit, to lightly sand the first coat. Finish with a second coat.

Tips: For a richer color, use the finest sand paper possible to remove as little stain as possible between coats. Apply more layers for a darker look, or only one coat for a distressed look.

For additional DIY project ideas for your home, including tips and how-to videos, visit www.cabotstain.com. n

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Courtesy Photos W-4500 JELD-WEN patio door

Bringing the Outside Indoors Making Patio Space an Extension of the Home Family Features

your home:

When the weather conditions are just right, a relaxing evening spent on the porch or patio is perfect for enjoying good company and the beauty of the outside world. Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy these comforts regardless of the season?

Choose Natural Materials

Bring the rejuvenating, refreshing and calming effects of nature into your personal space with a few simple touches. The best place for incorporating these organic elements is the space closest to your patio or outdoor space. Let this area serve as a transitional space where the outside world connects with the comforts of your interior.

Here are a few tips to make your outside world an extension of 20 | Everything Home Spring 2014

For chairs, sofas, rugs, pillows and other décor, choose natural patterns, textures and fibers. Pair materials like hemp, rattan, bamboo, wicker and jute, with softer textures, such as cottons, velvet and velour for added dimension.

Light Up the Room

Nothing pleases the senses like natural light, so be sure to rid windows and doorways of heavy drapery and other barriers.

Bring this beautiful resource inside by adding a retrofit folding patio door, such as the JELD-WEN® W-4500, which uses floor-supported technology for a simpler fit into an existing door opening.

Choose Natural Colors

Pick chairs, sofas, coffee tables and buffet pieces that are white or ivory. These light colors will make the outdoor tints of greens, blues and browns pop. For the woodsy look, choose faux bois upholstery, a textile pattern that mimics the grain of wood.

Spruce Up the View

Add trees or other lush landscapes to serve as your focal point when you look outside. Attach window boxes and plant flowers and shrubbery in colors that complement your décor. Add trees or other lush landscapes to serve as your focal point when you look outside. Truly access your serene views with a wider expanse and with ease by adding a folding patio door, such as the JELD-WEN W-4500, which comes in a variety of different colors, finishes and is available in 2-, 3- or 4-panel configurations. For more information on JELD-WEN windows and doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com.

Add Natural Elements to Décor

The right decorative tchotchkes can evoke the serenity of nature within your space. For a rustic look, add dried flowers, pinecones, rocks, wood and straw. For a seaside touch, use sea shells, starfish and jars of sand for a coastal inspiration. If you lack space to scatter throughout the room, place these items in a large decorative bowl and use as a centerpiece.

Frame It

The best way to incorporate your favorite natural nuances is to

photograph it. Do you have photographs from that trip to the Grand Canyon or Glacier National Park? Display those beautiful memories and scenery. Dust off your favorite old photos and place them in neutral-toned frames to set throughout the space.

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Everything Home Spring 2014 | 21

Colorful Springtime Crafts

Easy projects add color to the home

Family Features Celebrate the uplifting colors of spring with easy-to-make crafts that bring inspiration and creativity to the home.

Natural appeal

Let the wild charm of the outside world inside your home this season. The use of moss brings a full spectrum of gentle greens to your door or wall with this Moss Letter, a simple project from the crafting experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. With the use of just a few materials, you can showcase your love for Mother Nature with your own personalized touch.

Divine designs

Bring the signs of spring to life with designs that incorporate the dreamy scenes of floral blooms and butterflies.

Your refrigerator will become a work of art with Stamped Tile Magnets – an easy decor project to brighten any kitchen.

Every recipient treasures gifts that come from the heart. These charming crafts take less than two hours to create, and they’re perfect presents for upcoming birthday parties, wedding showers or unique hostess gifts for those upcoming springtime soirees.

For more crafts and projects for spring, visit www.joann.com.

Courtesy Photo S

22 | Everything Home Spring 2014

Stamped Tile Magnets

Project courtesy of Amy Bell, www.positivelysplendid.com Crafting Time: 1-2 hours Skill Level: No experience necessary Supplies and Tools: Small ceramic tiles Disc magnets Martha Stewart satin acrylic craft

paint in Blue Calico Martha Stewart Fair Isle Dots adhesive stencils Small foam pouncers Heavy-duty adhesive 1. Adhere the stencils to the ceramic tiles. Use the foam pouncers and acrylic paint to embellish the tiles as desired. Allow paint to dry completely.

2. For a permanent finish, oven cure the tiles according to the paint package instructions.

(Alternatively, air cure for 21 days.)

3. Affix a magnet to the back of each tile with the heavy-duty adhesive. Allow to dry for 24 hours before use.

Moss Monogram Letter

Project courtesy of Gloribell Lebron, www.knowhowshedoesit.com Crafting Time: 1-2 hours Skill Level: No experience necessary Supplies and Tools: Small canvas Moss (The Moss Collection) Glue gun and glue sticks Computer and printer (optional) Pencil Ribbon Scissors 1. On the canvas, lightly draw desired letter with a pencil or print a letter from computer and trace it.

2. Sort the moss out over workspace, mixing and matching to achieve desired look.

3. Glue the moss in 1-inch sections inside the drawn letter.

4. Trim moss around letter as needed.

5. Hang using a satin ribbon and tie a bow

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1. We have been building and installing awnings for 100 years 2. Locally owned and operated in Petersburg, Virginia 3. Products built in-house by our employees 4. Installations performed by our own employees, never a subcontractor 5. Local service includes repair and maintenance serviceswe won’t leave you in the lurch

Personalize It! ·Garden Flags ·Wall Graphics ·Window Graphics Everything Home Spring 2014 | 23

Dispelling Six Common Lawn Care Myths Family Features

Myth #1: All grass is created equal.

The lawn is the backdrop to the home and essential to curb appeal. While keeping a healthy lawn may seem straightforward (mow, water, fertilize, etc.), don’t be fooled by some common lawn care myths.

Truth: Grass and their seeds come in many different varieties, all with various maintenance, climate and mower requirements. While some varieties require more sunlight, others may be prone to certain diseases.

Courtesy Photo S

24 | Everything Home Spring 2014

The type of grass and scope of land you need to mow will determine how powerful of a lawn mower you’ll need. Large lawns with thicker, tougher grass will require a mower with higher horsepower and bigger, taller wheels. Varieties of grass that have thinner blades and slower growth, or a small backyard space, can be maintained easily with a lower horsepower machine. Riding mowers like the John Deere 100 Series come in a variety of models to fit different needs.

Myth #2: The shorter I cut the grass, the less often I need to mow.

Truth: For the best quality turf, only remove onethird of the grass blade with each mow. Shorter clippings break down more easily, allowing some of the natural nitrogen to return to the soil. If you cut too much at one time, the long clippings can cause stress on the grass, inhibiting healthy growth.

Myth # 3: Bagging it is best.

Truth: Although bagging grass clippings is a common practice, mulching is much more beneficial to your lawn. Mulching returns essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, back to the soil.

As noted above, removing only a small amount of the grass blade each time you mow produces shorter clippings that can decompose more quickly and discourages the development of fungal diseases. If you do decide to bag, be sure to compost your clippings and reuse on site. Look for a lawn tractor, like the John Deere X300 Select Series, which comes with a mulching feature on the mowing deck, to help return the clippings to the soil.

Myth #4: Focus on the green.

frequently cutting grass in the same direction can mat down the turf and inhibit growth. By varying the mowing pattern, you will reduce strain on the turf and encourage a healthier, more beautiful lawn.

Myth # 6: You’re off duty in the winter.

Truth: Many people think grass “dies” off in the winter so you can take a break from lawn care; however, this is the best time to care for your equipment.

Complete mower maintenance such as adding fuel stabilizer, blade sharpening and replacing missing or damaged parts and your mower will be prepped and ready come springtime.

Aside from practicing the proper mowing techniques, having the right equipment is one of the most important factors in maintaining a green and vibrant lawn.

The proper type and size for your lawn and lifestyle will help you mow more efficiently so you can spend more time enjoying and less time maintaining your lawn. Visit www.johndeere.com/residential to learn which type of riding lawn equipment is right for your yard.

Sometimes the Biggest decisions in life are the easiest to make.

Truth: While grass is what we see and tend to, the soil is the most essential component for a healthy growth year-round. Soil supplies the roots with necessary nutrients, which in turn yield a beautiful lawn. Consider taking a soil sample to your local university extension program or landscape supplier for soil analysis. This will help determine the best type of fertilizer to use throughout the year.

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Myth #5: Keep a consistent mowing pattern.

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Everything Home Spring 2014 | 25

Refresh

Your Routine

26 | Everything Home Spring 2014

Courtesy PhotoS

Family Features

Off and Let Loose.

The changing season evokes a sense of renewal, inside and out, making it the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate you and your surroundings. It’s time to let a little sunlight in and celebrate the warmer months ahead.

Make time for hobbies you love As the weather warms up, you will likely find yourself attending more get-togethers, outdoor sporting events and other celebrations with friends and family. As schedules become increasingly hectic, be sure to set aside time for the hobbies you love most. Whether it’s gardening, cooking or reading, scheduling time for the activities you enjoy will help ensure they happen. After all, making “me time” a priority can benefit your overall happiness in more ways than one.

From trying a bold, new hue with living room accents to taking a yoga class, there are numerous ways to reinvent yourself and your surroundings as you mentally prep for the season ahead — even if the weather is saying otherwise. Use your senses and embrace the unbridled joy that comes with the change of seasons — from the bright pops of color that enliven your home to the comforting floral scents that enhance your mood. Use these simple tips to transition into this exciting and vibrant time of year.

Freshen up your home From the drapes that adorn your windows to the artwork that lines the walls — your home is a true reflection of your personality and style. As you break free from last season’s routine, be sure to update your space too. Store away old decor and make room for more upbeat, invigorated gear. Add vibrant pops of color and bright patterns with new accessories for a simple update that feels fresh.

Wake up your senses Fragrance offers another easy way to invigorate your routine. Choose fragrances that embody the rejuvenation and excitement of the season. The new Glade Limited Edition Spring Collection for example, is a refreshing assortment of five fragrances inspired by the uplifting feelings of the season, such as Lift

Try something new This is a time of new beginnings and what better way to start fresh than by trying something new?

Work a new hobby into your routine, such as yoga or painting. Or, attempt something you’ve always been afraid to try. The thrill of accomplishing something you haven’t done or feared doing will leave you feeling empowered.

Feel the breeze When the birds are chirping and the tulips are blooming, take advantage of the beautiful, mild weather. Incorporate more outdoor activities into your schedule and find ways to enjoy time outside each day. Some fun outdoor activities include biking to work, hosting a dinner party on your patio or planting a garden. And while you’re at home, be sure open up those windows and welcome the lovely breeze inside.

For more fresh ideas to embrace the season, visit www.glade.com.

Inside & Outside

Waterfront Dining Sunday – Thursday 11:30AM–10PM Friday – Saturday 11:30AM–11PM

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Check our website for specials

www.DocksideOnTheJames.com Everything Home Spring 2014 | 27

Make it a scent-filled season According to a recent survey conducted by Glade, nearly 90 percent of Americans say that scent has the power to inspire feelings. Experience the powerful effect fragrance can have on everyday life by following these tips:

• Create everyday indulgences Freshen up your bathroom by adding soaps or room sprays in your favorite fresh scents, like lavender or citrus.

• Invigorate your senses Liven up your home with fragrance, while awakening your taste buds by trying new recipes with seasonal fruits, vegetables and spices like refreshing mint, zesty grapefruits and sweet cherries.

• Bring in some buds Plant a window garden using your favorite herbs or grab some fresh-cut flowers from your garden for an instant pop of color and a burst of fresh fragrance.

28 | Everything Home Spring 2014

Smarter Pet Care Tips Family Features For pet owners, protecting their pets from the dangers of pests can seem like a never-ending battle. But there are preventative measures you can take now to be ready for whatever the weather brings.

A threat triggered by warm weather A flea and tick outbreak can be triggered by a number of factors, including the temperature where you live.

As pest populations can multiply rapidly when temperatures rise, most of the U.S. is affected at various times throughout the year. The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting that much of the U.S. will have warmer than average temperatures this spring and summer.

This unusual early heat may help jump-start flea and tick outbreaks months before pet owners typically treat their pets, home, and yard, potentially catching

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Everything Home Spring 2014 | 29

households unprepared and vulnerable to harmful infestations.

Three simple steps Smarter pet care starts with comprehensively eliminating pests wherever they may be hiding – on a pet, in the home, or in your yard. Check out this three-step solution for protecting your pets this season: Step 1: Treat your pet The most-effective way to defend your pet from fleas is to use a product that kills not only adult fleas, but also eggs and larvae to break the flea life cycle and prevent infestations. Consult your vet about products that have an ingredient that kills flea eggs and larvae to keep them from becoming biting, breeding adults.

Step 2: Treat your home Both the indoor and outdoor environments where your pet spends time are spots in need of preventative treatment. Start by thoroughly washing and vacuuming any

30 | Everything Home Spring 2014

area where your pet lounges or sleeps. This includes pet bedding, carpeting and crates. Properly vacuuming an area can remove up to one-quarter of the flea larvae and over half the flea eggs. It also physically disturbs flea pupae, urging them to leave their cocoons. Finish your treatment with fogger and carpet products designed to provide complete coverage and kill pests on a variety of surfaces.

Step 3: Treat your yard The last step toward protection involves treating your yard – a prime location for pests to seek refuge after being shed from the coat of your neighbor’s pet or even a wildlife animal. First, start by mowing your grass, being sure to collect and dispose of all yard clippings.

Then apply a special yard spray designed to cover all areas of your lawn.

Taking a proactive approach towards pest prevention will help keep (pesticides do not protect humans) your pet protected all season long. n

TO-DOs spring

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www.crh-electric.com crhelectric@comcast.net Everything Home Spring 2014 | 31