Home &Garden a publication of the
Morgan County Citizen
H &G
Page 6 YOUR LAWN
5 things you can do to improve your lawn today
Page 11 GO GREEN TO SAVE GREEN 6 earth-friendly home improvement ideas
Page 18 DON’T DUMB DOWN THE DEER They’re smarter than you think!
Page 19 LIVE SPICY
4 ways to open a world of flavors in a small space.
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HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
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morgan county citizen
Welcome
Main Street
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pring is no doubt the season of miracles. The landscape literally awakens from its cold sleep before our very eyes in a blaze of colors – green, white, red, purple, yellow, pink, orange. Spring literally unfolds in this most beautiful, fragrant landscape in Georgia’s Lake Country and we are so blessed to witness the season’s beauty in Greene, Morgan and Putnam Counties. As you celebrate this special Spring season, we hope you will enjoy our Home & Garden special section. We especially thank the advertisers – local businesses, employing local residents in our region. They make it possible for all of use to get into the Spirit of Spring! We encourage you to think local first before you go Spring shopping to support your local business communities! So dust the pollen off the porch, get a tall glass of lemonade, find your favorite rocking chair and slip into the pages of our Home & Garden section. Oh and don’t forget to smell the roses because you can always find daily gratitude in Spring’s beauty.
Morgan
Citizen COUNTY
THE MADISONIAN
Serving Morgan County since 1846.
Home & Garden 2016 Patrick Yost
editor and publisher
Tia Ivey managing editor/writer
Jesse Walker photographer
Betsy Jenniges editorial design
Tracey Buckalew ad design
Debbie Smith Cameron Gunter Dianne Yost advertising representatives
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HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
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Your Lawn
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5 things you can do to improve your lawn today
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ou’ve waited all winter for the chance to transform your lawn from that drab, frozen tundra into the lush, green oasis you know it can be. But this transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and you can’t expect Mother Nature to take care of everything herself. Getting your dream yard is going to require a little work on your part, but the rewards are worth the efforts and as you’ll see, even the smallest changes can have a big impact. Follow each of the five simple tips below and you’ll be enjoying your yard all season long.
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Water more heavily, less often. When it comes to watering your lawn, less is more, provided you’re talking about watering frequency and not water amount. Instead of several light sprinklings, give your lawn one thorough watering (about an inch a week) and you’ll ensure more of the water is absorbed by your lawn instead of being lost to evaporation. Cut right, cut smart. When it comes to lawn care, having the right mower makes all the difference. Husqvarna lawn mowers with high performance cutting decks will give superior cut quality and performance and most are capable of bagging, mulching or straight discharge. If your lawn is rough or hilly, a self-propelled drive system can take the work out of mowing. Some models now even have capability of four-wheel drive to further reduce effort.
Trim back overgrown trees and bushes. The most beautiful yard in the world can be quickly overshadowed - literally and figuratively - by unkempt trees and bushes. How far you trim back your trees and bushes is a matter of preference, but any dead branches should be removed. After that, make sure you trim uniformly and clean up when you’re done to finish that polished look. Take the time to aerate. One of the most effective ways to support new grass growth is to aerate your lawn. Using a mechanical or manual aerator, you can punch small holes in the soil, allowing much-needed water, air and nutrients to make it down to the root structure, supporting future grass development and longterm yard health.
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Get motivated to mulch. Regular mulching reduces weeds while promoting the health and growth of your lawn by returning needed nutrients back to the soil. In addition, because mulch clippings are comprised of 85 percent water and just 5 percent nitrogen, leaving them on your lawn can satisfy as much as 25 percent of your fertilizer needs. So the next time you feel the need to bag, opt to mulch instead. After months of winter weather, you’re ready to relax on your beautiful green lawn once again, and getting there is easier than you think. Apply the tips above and you’ll be able to create the yard that’s perfect for everything you have planned for the season. For more tips on improving your lawn and to learn more about Husqvarna mowers and dealer locations, visit www.Husqvarna.com/us.
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HOME & GARDEN
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Madison Fest
Madison Fest Event to bring spring plants, live music, crafts and family fun to Town Park
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Above: McKenna Hydrick of North Augusta, SC, who will be performing at the Garden Stage. Left: The Sweet Harmony Band
adison’s blooming azaleas and dogwoods herald the coming of a new season, but the celebration of Spring hits full throttle on April 30 at Town Park with the 19th Annual Madison Fest – a free family-oriented event featuring spring flowers, plants, herbs, handmade arts and crafts, regional food, creative children’s activities, and great options for ‘greening’ your life. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Madison Fest will include special lectures on the Pavilion Stage, including: Backyard Beekeeping at 11a.m.; Phickles.com: From Idea To Brand at Noon; Smart Pruning at 1p.m.; a Kids Craft workshop at 2p.m.; and, an Adult Craft Workshop at 3p.m. A special Garden Stage will host live music throughout the event, including: singer-songwriter (and MCHS Senior) MaCayla Cook sharing her heartfelt and inspiring tunes; familiar favorites with singer-songwriter Craig Gleason out of Atlanta; a Madison Fest favorite, Wesley Cook, a folk, pop, singer-storyteller from Atlanta; Benson & Leinweber, an acoustic duo performing popular folk, acoustic blues, and traditional favorites; Sweet Harmony out of Covington, playing an eclectic mix of americana, folk, and country standards; and, the diminutive singer-songwriter McKenna Hydrick, the ‘little girl with the big voice,’ from North Augusta, SC. Among the crafters, Madison Fest will showcase distinctive, handmade work and wares of local and regional crafters, artists and designers selling everything from pottery, paper goods, woodwork, and jewelry, to handcrafted soaps, candles and locally grown alpaca yarn. Kids and adults alike will enjoy viewing the sun through special solar telescopes courtesy of the Charlie Elliott Astronomy Club.
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HOME & GARDEN
New this year Madison Fest visitors can participate in a crafting workshop led by Madison’s Painted Pineapple. The kids workshop will convene at 2 p.m. on the Pavilion stage, with the adult workshop following at 3 p.m.–no experience is necessary, bring along your enthusiasm and have some fun! Marco’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, and Captain D’s of Madison are proud sponsors of Madison Fest. Captain D’s of Madison will soon be supporting the electric vehicle market by installing the first electric charging station at it’s Eatonton Rd. location–the first of it’s kind along the Atlanta to Augusta corridor of I-20. Georgia Power is once again proud to sponsor Madison Fest. With Georgia ranked as one of the fastest growing markets for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles nationwide, Georgia Power electric transportation experts will provide information on the benefits of owning an electric vehicle, including special rate options such as the Plug-in Electric Vehicle rate and an interactive savings calculator. Other great Madison Fest sponsors include: Dock 103.9; The Morgan County Citizen; Madison Natural Gas; Naturally Acoustic, Guitars and Mandolins; Team Hendrix.net; The Painted Pineapple and, Terra Bella Landscape. For additional information on Madison Fest 2016, visit www. mainstreetmadisonga.com, or “Like” Main Street Madison Georgia on Facebook. DIRECTIONS: Madison is located 45 minutes east of Atlanta on I-20, Exit 114, and 30 minutes south of Athens on Hwy 441. Town Park is located at 218 W. Jefferson St. in the heart of Downtown Madison, two blocks west of the town square.
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Enjoying the Outdoors is a breeze
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at Southern Spa & Patio
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outhern Spa & Patio is located in Downtown Watkinsville, Georgia and is locally owned by the husband and wife team of Jay and Casey Thornton. The business was founded nearly 40 years ago by Casey’s grandfather and has since been passed down through two more generations. Today, Southern Spa & Patio proudly offers a wide selection of quality, brand name patio and outdoor furnishings. All products are expertly crafted by the most respected names in the patio business and come with a promise of comfort, functionality, and durability. Southern Spa & Patio carries 6,000 square feet of furniture built to last for many, many years. Our casual furniture lines are designed for sun, rain, and simple maintenance. After 8-10 years of use, slings, cushions, or straps may be changed out, recreating a brand new look without the cost of buying a new set. We can fit any budget and any style. Ask us about an in-home design appointment and Southern Spa & Patio can customize a collection to your very own style. We also offer delivery to many locations near and far. At Southern Spa & Patio, we recognize that food is a big part of enjoying the outdoors! We’re proud
to offer a wide selection of grills, grilling accessories, utensils, and seasonings. Whether you’re grilling a steak for yourself or serving up kabobs for a full house, we’ve got you covered. We carry some of the most respected brands in the grilling industry and we’re happy to help make your next barbecue a huge success. From hot tubs and lawn chairs to grills and coolers, Southern Spa & Patio has everything you need to design a showroom-quality patio atmosphere from start to finish. Southern Spa & Patio’s owners have years of industry experience and are proud to offer their expertise to each and every customer. For years, the store has worked alongside the finest brands available. The Southern Spa & Patio team knows who provides the best products, how each product operates, and what businesses offer the most exceptional customer service. Every brand that Southern Spa & Patio carries has earned the owners’ confidence as a provider of the very best spa and patio merchandise available. If you want to make your patio the envy of the entire neighborhood, swing by Southern Spa & Patio and get the process started!
Sweet Sesame Summer Kebabs Ingredients • 1 lb Steak, Chicken, Lamb or Tuna (Tuna pictured above) • 1/4 large purple onion • 1 large green pepper • 1 large red pepper • 10 mushrooms • 10 Cherry tomatoes • 14 cup sesame seeds Marinade Ingredients • 10 oz Teriyaki Sauce • 1/2 cup honey • 1 teaspoon ground ginger • pinch salt Directions Cut meat and vegetables into cubes. Mix ingredients for marinade. Place meat and vegetables into bowl or plastic bag with marinade. Seal and put in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. Remove meat and vegetables from marinade and discard remaining juices. Thread meat and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small amount of space between each piece. Sprinkle sesame seeds onto each skewer, then put them onto your Primo grill and cook for 10 minutes or until meat is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender.
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HOME & GARDEN
Go green to save green 6 earth-friendly home improvement ideas
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rom cleaning out the garage to upgrading your floors and windows, it often seems like home improvement projects will never end. While you may be dedicated to making your home a better place, it’s also important to consider how it affects your carbon footprint. Are you doing everything you can to make your home earth friendly? Not only could your home benefit from energy-saving changes, but you can also lower your utility bills and live green without sacrificing your style. While Earth Day falls in the month of April, it’s not the only time to commit to environmental stewardship. Consider some of these ideas to be both earth friendly and cost effective year round: CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIALS Start the planning stage of your project by selecting materials with low impact on the environment. For example, reclaimed wood is durable, versatile and renewable, and can add beauty and timelessness to your home. Since it is recycled, your reclaimed wood project doesn’t involve chopping down or harming any new trees. Other eco-friendly alternatives include linoleum instead of vinyl, low or no-VOC (volatile organic
compounds) paints, bamboo and cork. RENT YOUR PROJECT TOOLS Before you go out and buy all the tools and equipment you need for each home improvement project, do a little research to find out what you can rent. Not only does this save you money, but it also limits energy consumption, pollution and waste associated with manufacturing, storing and maintaining new equipment. You can easily find a rental company on RentalHQ.com to provide a variety of products such as aerators, augers, jackhammers, pressure washers, chainsaws and more. HIRE SAVVY PROFESSIONALS If you’re undergoing a serious remodel, you’ll most likely be working with a contractor, designer or other professional to review your plans and turn them into reality. Make sure you not only hire the right people, but make your goal of going green loud and clear. Ask to see examples of their work and have them explain what tactics they use to be environmentally friendly. USE ENERGY EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT If possible, make sure the appliances, tools and equipment in your home have the ENERGY STAR label. This means that the Environmental Protection
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Agency (EPA) qualifies that product as energy efficient. The ENERGY STAR label is becoming more widely recognized as more consumers bring these types of appliances - like ovens, stoves and HVAC systems - into their home for both cost and energy savings. TRY ECO-FRIENDLY LIGHTING A lighting upgrade is essential for an earth-friendly home. While LED and CFL lightbulbs tend to cost more upfront, they use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you’ll save more in the long run. INVEST IN WATER-SAVING FEATURES Fixtures like low flow faucets, toilets and showerheads are just a few of the ways you can conserve water in your home and reduce the amount of your water bills. Additionally, there are plenty of washing machine and dishwasher options that give you the same level of cleaning power while saving both water and energy. Going green doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. Use these tips to save money each month and impact the world around you in a positive way. To learn more about reusing tools and being a friend to the environment, visit rentalhq.com.
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morgan county citizen
Living Art
Reaching new heights with vertical gardening By Grace Donnelly
conservation of space isn’t a concern.
rom corporations to community gardens, vertical gardening has become a popular botanical trend that fuses planting with art and architecture. Whether it covers the entire side of a building or a small frame on your patio, a living wall offers a refreshing blend of practical benefits and whimsical beauty.
Going Vertical Blanc’s living wall creations use a hydroponic system, which means soil is removed and plants are sustained using nutrient-infused water. While this method requires a detailed understanding of horticulture, the popularity of vertical gardening has led to more user-friendly options. “There are numerous systems for growing up,” Hemmings says. These include systems that simply offer support for hanging individual potted plants, or, like Florafelt, have pockets you can plant into directly. Specialty soils have also been developed for successful living walls. Saul Nurseries in Atlanta has had a large outdoor living wall at their Alpharetta location for about 10 years and owner Dave Smith has learned that “you can’t just put potting soil in a bag and put it on a wall.” He says soil choice and watering are important to success when planting up. Irrigation is a particular challenge because distributing water evenly throughout the layers of soil is difficult. This can lead to over-watering at the top or bottom of the system, which damages the plants. During her time as a graduate student at the University of Georgia, JoHannah Biang researched methods of improving irrigation for vertical gardens. These systems are often watered over the top, but “gravity is always working against you.” She found that watering a living wall in shorter increments, for about five minutes several times a day, helps prevent over-saturating one layer. Now, as the farm manager for UGArden in Athens, Biang oversees the care of a variety of fruits and vegetables, including a vertical bed of strawberries in the system
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Why Plant Up? Living walls propose the idea of growing up rather than out, an idea that originated with a French botanist named Patrick Blanc who pioneered the concept in urban centers where the lack of available ground led to horticultural innovation. But this technique does more than just save space, according to Chris Bribach, CEO and founder of Plants On Walls, a company that sells a vertical gardening system called Florafelt. “A plant wall on the side of a building will cool the building off,” Bribach says. “Inside places, of course, it makes people happy, it cleans the air in buildings and the microbiology in the soil absorbs toxins in the air and converts them to fertilizer in the plant.” The Atlanta Botanical Garden planted a living wall of herbs as a feature of their edible garden four years ago. Moe Hemmings, senior horticulturist and manager of the herb wall, attributes the trend’s growing popularity to Pinterest and other DIY sites. A small vertical garden is a great option for people “who don’t have time to garden in the landscape,” Hemmings says. “And a living wall creates a beautiful talking piece for a living room or patio space.” It can be a useful tool to creating more privacy in an outdoor environment and a beautiful accent piece even in areas where
Designed by Zeb Grant of Z Grant Floral Studio
she built for her research. “We always wanted to have strawberries on the farm but we didn’t really have a place for them,” she says. The fruit works well in a vertical environment as do other low-growing species. Biang has also grown lettuce and basil successfully in vertical systems and creeping oregano or raspberry plants tend to do well. When considering “going up” in a true gardening sense, getting plants off the ground can also be beneficial to their growth according to Becky Griffin, urban program associate for the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Program. “For things like squash or pumpkins or even cucumbers, they tend to get mildew on the ground. Getting them up and getting a little air in there helps,” she says. Griffin notes that plants in a vertical garden need support, especially those producing fruit. The material used can vary from typical, like felt or mesh, to creative as long as it provides support for the fruit and the vine. “I’ve even seen gardeners use old panty hose,” she says. Pretty and Practical
photo by Jesse
Walker
When choosing what to plant in a vertical garden, think about the amount of sunlight your plants will get and avoid any that grow high rather than wide or have particularly large root systems. Succulents are a popular pick, and Smith recommends herbs like thyme or basil, and delosperma and sedums, especially evergreen trailing sedums. “You kind of need something that’s a creeper or a crawler or that could hang,” Biang adds. Picking plants that will grow down, such as ivy, orchids or spider plants can give your vertical garden a dynamic look. Hemmings also notes that annuals are often easier to manage in living walls because they don’t get as established as perennials. Planting a vertical garden indoors, along your patio, or on an exterior area of the house can be visually interesting while providing fruits, vegetables, or herbs to your kitchen. With innovative techniques, you can upgrade your garden for a combination of visual interest and practical benefits.
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Home & Garden
Living their Dream
Lifelong friends open their nursery
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ack in the early 1990’s, Ryan Taylor and Tommy Gresham, were two high school kids working part time at Green Acre Nursery in Snellville. Some 25 years later, these lifelong friends, would find themselves proud owners of their own landscape nursery. The two gained experience and knowledge at the nursery. It was not long before they were working steadily in landscape installation all over Gwinnett County. Ryan started his own landscaping business and Tommy became manager of Green Acre Nursery. By the early 2000’s the two relocated to Morgan County and began careers as firefighters, while maintaining landscaping careers. Ryan expanded his business into the successful, Premier Contracting Group. Tommy continued landscaping, lawn maintenance and eventually owned his own lawn fertilization and weed control company. About five years ago, the two began to seriously discuss their dream to open a nursery and landscape supply
company as a possibility. With their individual strengths, ideas, dedication and determination this dream became a reality. Morgan Outdoors was officially open for business in the fall of 2014. Proudly serving all of Lake Country, Morgan Outdoors has everything you need for outdoor living. They have a wide selection of groundcover sold in bulk: mulches, bark, gravel, stone, pine straw, and wheat straw. They deliver! A wide selection of trees, plants and flowers and soils and garden mixes. As spring and summer approach, visit Morgan Outdoors for patio pavers, outdoor fireplace kits, fire pits, patio furniture, Kamodo Joe ceramic grills and Yeti products. Their pole barn kits may be purchased with installation. Morgan Outdoors staff is Jerry Jackson, Jacob Knight, Billy Marett and Tommy Gresham. There lays a stone on the grounds of Morgan Outdoors in memory of the sudden, recent passing of Ryan Taylor. Morgan Outdoors will continue to grow in his honor.
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HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT
Borrow Money Using the Equity in Your Home. · Credit Lines as Low as $5,000* · Primary or Secondary Home · Can Be 1st or 2nd Mortgage · Very Competitive Rates · No Closing Costs (Restrictions May Apply)**
(706) 342–7211 | www.accessunited.com *Credit approval required. **Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductability of interest. If you close your Equity Line of Credit within 36 months, we will add any closing costs we paid on your behalf to your outstanding balance. ©2016 United Bank.
HOME & GARDEN
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Get your
Feed & Seed
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n January of 1949, Mr. Troupe Jones of Greene county opened Farmers Feed & Seed to fill the needs of local dairy and family farmers. Fast forward 38 years to 1987 when Mr. Jones sold his business to Ken Cawthon. Cawthon, a valued employee at Farmers Feed & Seed for 10 years, purchased the business February 1, 1987. Just as the landscape has changed in the area, so has the farming industry in Greene county. Cawthorn has adapted the business with the times. Farmers still sells Purina Feeds and Godfrey Feeds for all sized farms, but also caters to the backyard farmer as well. Whether you need seeds in bulk for your
garden, tools to work the soil, hoses for watering, or a wheel barrow for gathering your harvest, Farmers Feed & seed is your one-stop-shop. Our greenhouse is filled with flowers and vegetables ready to be taken home as well. Also, baby chicks are available as well. In addition to our enormous selection of outdoor supplies and animal feed, we also offer a huge variety of seasonal items that you won’t find anywhere else in town! Feel confident knowing you are working with a company that stands behind their products by offering a complete satisfaction guarantee! Call us today to find out more.
Reinvest Home equity loans from United Bank
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re you cooking in a cramped or outdated kitchen? Think about how a few updates could make cooking meals for your family and friends a more enjoyable experience. Does your back yard need a makeover? Imagine grilling out on your new deck while your kids splash in the pool on a hot summer afternoon.
With a home equity line of credit from United Bank, you have the power to reinvest in your most valuable asset …your home. Stop by our office in Madison or call (706) 3427211 to learn more about how you can use the equity in your home. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS # 413054
• Baby chicks and ducks (spring) • Greenhouse items (spring) • Fall plants • Gas grills (spring/summer) • Pre-filled propane tanks (spring/summer) Finding high quality seasonal products can be a challenge, don’t do it alone! The friendly staff at Farmers Feed & Seed has over 60 years of experience in the industry and is sure to offer the products you need at prices you can afford! Visit Ken Cawthon and Farmers Feed and Seed at 204 N. West Street, near the Old Depot in downtown Greensboro, Georgia.
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morgan county citizen
HOME & GARDEN
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Farmview Market
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Grand Opening!
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pring is here and the crops are coming in and making their way to the new Open Air Farmers Market at Farmview along with a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, April 30, 2016. Come enjoy a day of food and family fun as we welcome musical guests, keynote speakers, guest chefs, and more! Market hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The Farmview Market café will be open for breakfast at 7 a.m. The farmers market will open at 8 a.m. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Ribbon Cutting to officially open Farmview Market which consists of a Café, Butcher Shop, Grocery and now the Farmers Market. Then at 10:00 a.m. our Guest Speakers will start with Gary Black, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner; Richard Monson, President & CEO, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit; and Andy Ainslie,
Georgia
HOME & GARDEN
Chairman, Morgan County Board of Commissioners All through the day will be events like a ‘Farm Kids Corner’ with craft activities for children. We will have musical performances by A Band of Brothers bluegrass quartet 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Swamp Rabbit Railroad 2-4 p.m. There will be dancing performances by Happy Soles Cloggers of Madison and pet adoptions brought to you by the Humane Society of Morgan County. Also, Chef Demonstrations by Holly Chute, Executive Chef, Georgia Grown; David Larkworthy, Chef/Owner Five Seasons Brewing; and Seth Freedman, Chef, Peach Dish. Market vendor demonstrations by some of your favorite food suppliers such as Revere Meats, 1000 Faces Coffee (at the Farmers Market), Georgia Peas & Produce,
Overstock Outlet
Great Deals to Small town America
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he Kennedys have been part of Morgan County where they’ve own a farm since 1986. Father, Terry, and his son, Justin, opened Georgia Overstock Outlet in March of 2014 at our first location in Rutledge, Ga. After quickly expanding we moved to our new location in Madison at 1143 Eatonton Rd. They are now entering their second year of business and are looking forward to expanding and growing throughout the state of Georgia. We’ll soon be stocking M&P from Smith & Wesson, along with Benelli hand guns. The Grizzly coolers we carry are made in AMERICA with a LIFETIME warranty. They are less expensive than their competitor, lighter, and hold ice longer. We do Corporate Computer installation, networking, upgrading etc up to 75% below retail. Justin also serves as the student pastor and worship leader of the Redeemer Church of Madison. He and Terry tour as singersongwriters and Georgia country music artists. Come in and see them today and let us know how we can serve you and how we can help you get what you need at the price you can afford. We’re in the business of passing on great deals to Small Town America.
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Fire & Flavor, Front Porch Pecans, Caly Road Creamery, Cheeky Maiden, H2H Smoothies, Backyard Safari, High Road, Town Square Olive Oil, KYVAN, Proper Pepper, ABUNDTant Love, Doux South, Mountain Fresh Creamery, Beautiful Briny Sea, The Sauce Company, Jittery Joes, Ziegler’s Honey, Nature’s Kitchen, Honey Creek Bee Farm, Bread & Butter Bakery, Back to Basics, LuLu’s Eats, Harrison Family Farm. Market Hours 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday - Saturday Open Air Farmers Market every Saturday through November. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 2610 Eatonton Hwy, Madison, GA 30650
We are still adding activities to this event, so check our Facebook Fan page for more details!
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HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
morgan county citizen
Don’t dumb down the deer
They’re smarter than you think! Outsmart them and protect your yard.
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ith 2015 breaking records as the warmest year ever in the U.S., you’ll soon be seeing an unhappy side-effect of the mild weather; more deer will be browsing your backyard when the weather gets warm. Most of us have seen more acorns, a bumper crop in fact, that provided deer with an easily accessible, plentiful food source which helped them get through winter in good shape. They’re healthy and will be ready to birth plenty of fawns come spring. This season we’ll see deer populations rise in suburbia across the country. Don’t discount deer’s intelligence, they’re smarter than you think; they actually possess a memory of negative experiences, learn from them and adapt their habits accordingly. Deer know they’re greatly exposed to danger due to hunters and predators in woodlands and have moved right to the edge of woodlands, in close proximity to suburban neighborhoods, where they’ve learned they’re safe. They’re also smart enough to know danger is not present or even threatening in suburbia and they will
remember your bountiful backyard food sources, too. Once in your yard, you can count on deer damage to your trees, shrubs, gardens and landscapes that you’ve invested much time, money and effort in. The damage to residential landscapes, crops and timber from deer foraging ranges around $1 billion annually. With a single deer capable of eating a ton and a half of vegetation per year, just one or two deer can cause significant damage. Deer don’t have to devastate your yard this spring and summer, according to Scott C. Williams with the Department of Forestry and Horticulture at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “You can definitely use deer’s intelligence against them to trick them right out of your yard. Just as they learn where to find safe, reliable food sources, you can “train” deer to avoid any specific area.” Negative conditioning works well to deter deer from your yard, but it’s important to choose a strategy that outsmarts them continuously. Scare tactics such as dogs barking, canned noise and scarecrows have
limited effects, as deer quickly learn there’s no real harm associated with these “threats.” Fences also have limitations; deer can easily jump over any fence lower than 8 feet and few neighborhoods will approve a fence of that height. “A product that combines scent and taste deterrents, will be most effective in keeping deer away from suburban landscapes,” Williams says. “Deer will remember the unpleasant smell and taste of your backyard’s food source and they’ll pass by your yard rather than eat something they’ve already been conditioned to learn will be distasteful.” Bobbex Deer Repellent is such a product that combines scent and taste deterrents. Testing by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station proved Bobbex is more effective than nine other commercial repellents (including coyote urine), scoring a 93 percent in protection, second only to a fence at 100 percent. The all-natural repellent blends six scents, including rotten eggs, garlic, fish, clove oil and vinegar (among other things) to mimic predator scents, classifying it as an effective
fear repellent. It also tastes terrible to deer, but is actually good for plants because it contains elements high in nitrogen and phosphorus. The product dries clear, is harmless to humans and pets, won’t burn plants and its odor, after 24 hours, is undetectable to humans. You can easily apply Bobbex with a simple trigger or pump spray, according to label directions, and school deer to pass you by. Best practice is to use the product throughout the entire year, since deer and their ability to devastate your yard, are never out of season. Continued use will ensure protection of plants and landscapes and constantly reinforce to the deer that your backyard doesn’t offer any good, tasty sustenance. Visit www. bobbex.com to learn more. Although deer are smart enough to spot easy food sources, it is possible to humanely and effectively keep them out of your backyard all year. It’s a simple matter of using their smarts to outsmart them and convince them they’re better off looking elsewhere for food.
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HOME & GARDEN
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4 ways to open a world of flavors in a small space.
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f a big part of your weekend is dedicated to experimenting with recipes and combining ingredients to create new flavors, you just might be a foodie. If you have a checklist of restaurants you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t had a chance to because you’ve been busy eating elsewhere, chances are more than one friend has called you a foodie. Like many people who seek out delicious meals, you probably know what every chef knows: the secret to great cooking is always fresh ingredients. The best way to ensure fresh ingredients is to grow them yourself. Many who live in urban areas, in condos or in apartments feel that because they don’t have a yard, they can’t grow their own herbs or vegetables. But brands like Burpee are encouraging urban gardening, and have opened a world of herb and veggie plants for those who only have a deck or a windowsill. To give you an idea of what kind of
culinary adventures you can have, here are five tips for vegetable gardening in a small space. Window box gardening You don’t need a big backyard, in many cases all you need is a box and a window. Window box gardening is not only an efficient way to maximize space, but a great way to add an edible aspect to your décor. Try small-space vegetable plants like peppermint stick celery or masterpiece pea for their unique taste and texture. Become a homegrown mixologist Use the fresh herbs you grow to make exciting cocktails for your guests. Herbs add depth and personality to cocktails, and even provide some much-needed vitamins, so you’ll be drinking to your health. A few ideas are mint for the perfect summertime Mojitos, rosemary infused greyhounds, or a sprig of parsley and thyme in your Bloody Mary. Color your world There’s an old saying that you should
eat the rainbow. Well, you should also grow the rainbow! Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are just some of the veggies that can make up a colorful home display. Best of all, these healthy and delicious veggies, like Burpee’s sweet savour pepper plant, can be grown on your doorstep, balcony or patio. Play with your food Growing your own vegetables means you have ample opportunity to experiment and “play” with your food. This can be as easy as adding some fresh herbs like mint or rosemary to ice cream or experimenting with pickling using those extra cucumbers you’ve grown. These four tips are only the beginning of what you can do with a home garden. Drawing on its 136-year history, Burpee plants offer an online Garden Coach to help you be a better gardener through inspiration and information. It’s never been easier to enjoy fresh ingredients from your garden, no matter how small a space you have to work in.
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HOME & GARDEN
Springtime Snakes By Tia Lynn Ivey
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s winter comes to an end, the warm sunshine is not the only thing on the rise this time of year, but the emergence of snakes also increases. As snake sightings increase during this time or year, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of snakes in order to recognize which are dangerous. According to a University of Georgia’s department, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), Georgia is home to dozens of types of snakes, but only a few are poisonous. “There are 42 species of snakes in South Carolina and Georgia and only six of them are venomous. The venomous species that we do have tend to be quite secretive and are some of the least frequently encountered species,” reported SREL. “The most frequently observed of our resident snakes are black racers, rat snakes, and nonvenomous water snakes, common and important predators in our ecosystems.” The six species of venomous snakes in Georgia are: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Timber Rattlesnakes, Pigmy Rattlesnakes, Copperhead snakes, Cottomouth/ Water Moccasin snakes, and Cornal Snakes. (See sidebar to learn what each of these snakes looks like). THE SREL suggests families educate themselves and their children on how to identify venomous snakes, as keep an extra eye out on curious pets during this
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Timber Rattlesnake Copperhead Snake time of year when they are outside. The best method to keep oneself safe from a snake is avoidance. If you see one passing through your yard or on the road, let it move on without trying to forcibly remove it. SREL Coral Snake also warns Cottonmouth Snake against falling for “snake deterrent” products because they do not work as advertised in open areas. The best way to prevent snakes from lingering on a property is to remove debris and wood from the yard, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Pigmy Rattlesnake as snakes will often congregate for 5.5 deaths each year, a 0.0008% around such structures to keep cool snakebite and death in the United death rate. Most of these accidents States is greatly exaggerated. While during hotter month or to better occur at home with captive pets and there are approximately 7000 conceal themselves to stalk prey. in backyard encounters. Further, the reported snakebites on an annual Springtime is a breeding season majority of wild bites occur when basis, an estimated half of these for snakes, and people will most the person is attempting to harass, are actual envenomations and the likely encounter snakes as they are kill or handle the snake. White rest are ‘dry bites’ where the snake crossing a road or moving through males and young adults (18-28 years bites but does not inject venom. On a backyard and resting near “habitat old) are the most frequently bitten average, there are fewer than 1900 edges” such as bodies of water demographic. Certain precautions overall animal-related deaths in the or forest lines. According to the can be taken to avoid almost all country each year; bee and wasp SREL, the threat of snakes is not as snake bites, reducing the true threat stings and dog attacks account for a prominent as publicly characterized. of snakebite to lower than that of majority while snakes only account “The true risk of venomous being struck by lightning.” photos supplied
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Don’t skimp on safety when building a deck
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hen dreaming of your at-home outdoor oasis, safety may not be top-of-mind. But when making decking decisions, a key element to enjoying your retreat for years to come is ensuring it is safe and structurally sound. The experts at Trex, the world’s No. 1 decking and railing brand and leader in high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products, offer the following tips for building a safe and worry-free deck:
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Know your codes. Codes for building materials were established to help ensure quality and safety. The primary reference for deck requirements is the International Residential Code (IRC). Use this resource to confirm all your deck materials are code-compliant and deliver the highest levels of quality and peace of mind. For an easy guide, check out this Professional Deck Builder article written by a code official. Build a solid foundation. The substructure is the foundation that supports your deck, not to mention your family and friends. Here, again, pressure-treated lumber can warp, rot, twist, split and decay over time. From 2003-2007, more than 20,000 injuries resulted from a structural failure or collapse of decks with a wooden substructure.* For maximum stability and longevity, opt for a steel substructure such as Trex Elevations Steel Deck Framing System. Designed specifically for the outdoors, Elevations is the only steel framing product in the U.S. to be deemed IRC compliant for exterior use. In addition
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to unmatched structural integrity, steel improves the overall aesthetics of a deck both above and below. Choose durable decking. Decks are exposed to the elements 365 days a year, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Over time, wood can begin to rot, crack and splinter, increasing the risks of injury and structural failure. To avoid these issues, consider a wood-alternative decking material, such as composite, which offers superior stability that won’t weaken under harsh weather or heavy foot traffic. Composite boards also deliver a smooth deck surface, require very little upkeep (no sanding, staining or painting) and are guaranteed to last twice as long as the average wood deck. Reinforce with railing. In addition to style, railing adds security and support to a deck. In fact, railing is a building code requirement if your finished deck if 30 inches or more above the ground. Available in a variety of styles, composite and aluminum railings are ideal choices for stability and durability. Keep in mind balusters should be spaced no more than four inches apart to prevent small children and pets from squeezing through.
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Light the night. Prevent unwanted trips and other mishaps by incorporating lighting into your outdoor space. Trex Outdoor Lighting, for instance, provides sophisticated, understated fixtures to enhance the ambiance - and safety - of any deck. Available in multiple colors and styles, the energy-efficient lights are dimmable, weather-proof and salt-air resistant. Because they are LED lights, they also are cool to the touch, making them safe for homes with children or pets. For more deck safety tips, visit trex.com. *Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Outdoor Deck and Porch Injury Study,” 2010.
Tips to Attract Beautiful Birds to Your Yard “During spring, flocks of birds migrate and are looking for places to refuel and rest,” says Spencer Schock, Founder of WindowAlert, makers of birdfriendly products for homes. “A few small tweaks to your yard, is like placing out a welcome mat.”
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nfortunately, migration is not without peril or hardship, but Schock says turning your home into a refuge for birds can be fun and add beauty to your yard. He offers these tips to keep feathered travelers safe during their migratory journey. • Protect flight: Millions of birds die annually by striking glass, making windows a hazard to birds in flight. Try applying special decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight to your home’s windows, particularly those windows that are highly reflective of open sky. The decals won’t affect your view because they’re virtually invisible to humans, but will help keep birds safe. For example, those from WindowAlert have patterns that give the appearance of slightly frosted translucent glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds. The brand also makes
a high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid, which can be applied between decals. Such ultraviolet decals have been scientifically proven to keep birds safer. A 2015 American Bird Conservancy Study found that the more WindowAlert decals that were applied to a piece of glass covering the departure point of a flight tunnel, the more birds avoided it (a net protected all the birds in the study from actually getting hurt, no matter where they chose to fly). • Bed and Breakfast: Birdfeeders come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and simply adding one to your yard can help beautify it and give birds the energy needed to continue their flight. Remember though, bird strikes are often a problem near bird feeders, as feeding birds are easily frightened and are apt to take wild, evasive flight; position feeders closer than three feet or farther than 30 feet from windows. If your feeder is close to the window, birds fly away from the house. Believe it or not, the safest type of feeder is the kind that attach to the window itself. You can also make your home’s outdoor spaces more bird-
friendly filling your garden with the right plants and flowers for pollinating bird species. • Watch and record: Grab a pair of binoculars and a field guide book and take note of the types Indigo Bunting of birds you see and when. This will help you become better prepared for next season. In addition, consider becoming a “citizen scientist” by submitting your observations to The Audubon Society and Cornell University’s database at ebird.org. For more tips on making your home and garden a bird haven, visit WindowAlert.com. * Info adapted from StatePoint and WindowAlert
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HOME & GARDEN
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7 Steps To Patio Perfection
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affodils bloom brightly by the back door, temperatures are balmy, cookout season is on the horizon and you’re ready to give your outdoor living space a breath of fresh air. Great patios and decks enhance your enjoyment of spring and summer, and boost home value, so it’s well worth the investment to update and upgrade your home’s exterior living space. Patio (or deck) perfection can be within your reach this season. Simply follow these seven steps to create an outdoor environment where you’ll be proud to entertain all summer long.
1. UPDATE YOUR PATIO FURNITURE.
Whether your current patio set is worn out, you need more seating or are just in the mood for a whole new look, new patio furniture can change the way you feel about your outdoor environment - and how much time you spend there! Whether you want traditional wicker, durable metals or exotic woods like Eucalyptus, you can find the right dining set, settee, chaise lounge, glider, ottoman, coffee table, rocker or swing among the 50,000 individual home decor items carried by every At Home store.
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REPLACE CUSHIONS ON YOUR CURRENT SET. If your current patio furniture is in good shape but just in need of some freshening, it’s easy enough to give it new life with small tweaks like updated patio cushions. Cushions are the crowning touch to catch the eye on patio furniture, and you can find hundreds of patterns, shapes and styles of patio pillows and cushions at At Home.
3. ADD A WATER FEATURE
One of the best ways to create your own oasis can be with a water feature. Easy to find and simple to set up accessories like a fountain can bring the harmony of water to your outdoor environment. For example, those with a waterfall feature immediately create a feeling of Zen and help drown out the noise of everyday life.
4. MAKE SOME SHADE.
When you need a break from the sun, but aren’t ready to head indoors, shade can help you stay outside so you can enjoy the fresh air longer. You can add shade in many ways, from installing a retractable awning over the deck or patio to strategically planting trees or climbing vines on a trellis. And of course, the simplest way to add shade is to use patio umbrellas, which are available in a wide range of hues, patterns and styles.
5. HEAT UP YOUR GRILLING STATION.
What outdoor environment would be complete without a great grill? Accessories make grilling fun and easy, and ensure you’ll look and operate like a pro when whipping up summer fare. From grilling mitts to barbecue tool sets, burger and kabob grilling baskets, grill toppers and even taco shell baskets, you can outfit your grill station with everything you need for a great grilling experience.
6. LIGHTEN UP.
When you’re having a great time outdoors, who wants to go inside just because it’s dark? Add some lighting to your outdoor living space to create ambiance and allow you to enjoy your patio long after the sun goes down. You can invest in hard-wired patio or deck lights, go eco-friendly and easy with solar lights, or choose from an array of battery-powered or candle-fired lanterns.
7. USE DECOR TO CREATE A THEME.
Just as your home’s interior has a design theme, choosing a theme for your patio or deck can pull the look together. Whether your taste is Boho Chic, Tribal or Weekend Getaway, you can find decor items that underscore the theme. Wall decorations, outdoor rugs, decorative planters and flower pots, wind chimes and statuary all work together to create a look you’ll love throughout the spring and summer.
The perfect patio - and hours of outdoor enjoyment - is within reach this spring and summer. Visit www.southernspaandpatio.com.
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HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
morgan county citizen