Outdoor Design & Living Guide - Fall 2011 by Outdoor Design & Publishing LLC

Fall 2011

Country Life within City Limits Sengers Enjoy Nature and Convenience in Moorhead

Do it Yourself

Beyond the Backyard

PLUS!

How to plant a Tree Experiencing Door County Ten Things Your Remodeling Contractor Does Not Want to Hear

Help Soldiersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Families Shine Brighter This Season.

This contest is open to all military nominees in the

Publisher

A Little Work Now, an Oasis of Relaxation Later

Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC

Content Manager Sarah McCurdy

Copy Editor Nancy Koetz

Lead Designer Dan Nisbet

Design & Layout

Mike Biewer Jamie Farmen

Contributors

Janelle Brandon Brian Frank Kathy Sigler Malcolm Thompson Rat

Photographer

Laura Caroon Frozen Music Studios Photography

Advertising Information Patrice Boss Phone: 701.541.1318

Mail Correspondence Outdoor Design 301 Sheyenne St. West Fargo, ND 58078

info@outdoordesignandliving.com outdoordesignandliving.com Outdoor Design and Living Guide is published quarterly by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Total printing is 15,000 copies per issue, and the publication is distributed in two states. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC does not necessarily agree with or endorse content of articles or advertising presented. For advertising information, contact Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC.

Ah, the humidity that slaps you upside the head the same way that –40° winds do in February. If you don’t like the weather in North Dakota, wait a few days. The hotter it gets, the longer our landscape project gets, but we are making progress. We have removed most of the landscape logs and replaced them with block bullets, planted six new trees and have landscaped around three trees with seven to go. Our neighbor asked how many more weekends we had left in this project. I replied “All of them.” I thought because we own a landscape design magazine we should make an attempt to have a yard that reflects the magazine. So with the process in motion, the list grows on and on. Why am I telling you this? Because I want to inspire you. If Todd can get off his couch and spend some quality time beautifying the outdoors, you can too! Think about the investment you have in your yard, shouldn’t it be more than an area to mow, or pick up doggy do? Envision it as a backyard oasis, a trip to the lakes without the drive, a place of solitude away from the TV and computer screen. Just you, with a favorite drink and book relaxing in the fading sunlight of a fall evening. Fire up the grill and await the friends or neighbors that are sure to be drawn to your entertainment haven in the backyard. You will be surprised at how a little bit of sweat and toil can make a world of difference in your life after work. In this issue we’ll explore a Moorhead couple’s backyard oasis and we’ll show you a cool before and after, which will inspire you to think of backyard parties in a different way. Hear from a handyman who’s heard it all, learn the proper way to plant a tree and check out the recipes for food and drinks for your next gathering. All of this and more awaits you in Outdoor Design & Living Guide’s Fall issue. Here’s to a relaxing fall,

Todd and Darcy Fuchs Publishers, Outdoor Design & Living Guide

Fall 2011

Feature

6 Country Life within City Limits

Sengers Enjoy Nature and Convenience In Moorhead

14 Retro Redesign 18 Experiencing Door County 22 Rat’s Recipes 23 Fall Delights 24 Inspiration Guide 32 Over the Top Halloween 34 Where to Get Your Pumpkins 36 DIY: Tree Planting Follow along step-by-step as experts show you how. 40 Things We Love About Fall 42 Ten Things Your Remodeling Contractor Does Not Want to Hear

Fall 2011 5

Country Life within City Limits Sengers Enjoy Nature and Convenience In Moorhead By Janelle Brandon

Photography by Laura Caroon

In 1970, Bruce Senger was a junior at NDSU with a work study job managing a German language lab on campus. Patty Lucas, a freshman, took the German language lab and she and Bruce would often visit before or after the lab. One weekend, Patty arrived at a house party Bruce threw in Fargo and the rest is history. Fall 2011â&#x20AC;&#x192; 7

Though they tried to have a child, they were unable and adopted their daughter Jenna when she was twoand-a-half months old. Two years later, 6-month-old Lucas joined the Senger family. The family of four made their home in the country near Kragnes and had only one neighbor for 27 years. Bruce and Patty both commuted to work in the Fargo-Moorhead area. “Patty became tired of the 20-mile round trip commute… especially in bad weather,” shares Bruce. “We also wanted the convenience of having grocery stores and restaurants a lot closer and not having to plan so far ahead as to what we would need in the next couple of days.”

A Slice of Paradise The Sengers built their home near the Red River in north Moorhead in 2005 adjacent to the toll bridge connecting Moorhead to Fargo. The Sengers brought much of their knowledge of country living with them to Moorhead. “I grew up on a farm and Patty spent summers at her grandma and aunt’s farm so we have country living in our blood,” continues Bruce. Some of the first spaces the Sengers designed were between the sidewalk and the front of the house and the shrubs in the rocks around the house. “Our favorite space is in the northeast corner of our house and garage,” adds Patty. “With the patio right there next to the fountain and the flowers, it has become the most relaxing place to just ‘be’ in our yard.” Patty works in the flower beds and gardens and Bruce manages the lawn and assists with the gardening.

“Sitting on the patio and enjoying our backyard is such a soothing and relaxing way to let go of all of the tensions of the work day,” says Bruce. “We plant or pull weeds, build a new flower bed or simply sit and enjoy our little slice of paradise. I try to imagine what God’s paradise was like and try to recreate it here for Patty and the kids, our friends, our neighbors, and passersby.” The fruits of the Senger’s labor are many but perhaps the most scrumptious is the homegrown food from the garden. That is, the food that makes it to the dinner table. Bruce and Patty host many furry and feathered outdoor friends that are interested in what is growing in their yard.

Wildlife The space in the middle of the front yard was designed around a Schubert Chokecherry tree. The side yard facing the house originally had more of a slope to it so Bruce and Patty would be able to enjoy all of the low flowers planted there. It ended up settling over the years and some of the flowers were replaced with taller varieties when they did not come back or the deer ate them. “It has been challenging at times to find flowers that the deer will leave alone and that we still admire and enjoy,” Bruce admitted. “We have seen more deer and turkeys in our backyard in the six years we have been in town than we saw in the country for 27!” Shortly after they moved in their new home in 2005, Bruce’s daughter Jenna called him at work in a panicked voice. She said, “Dad, I almost hit a deer!” and Bruce asked, “Where?”

In an even more disturbed voice she said, “In the driveway!” Bruce and Patty get a kick out of watching the woodchucks, deer and turkeys vie for scraps under the three bird feeders. They even spotted red squirrels this year, which is a first. “We have had to be tolerant of the wildlife and try to find trees and perennials that they will not destroy,” observes Bruce. “The animals have not dampened our determination to continue to design new spaces and improve existing ones and I am looking forward to retirement so that I can continue to develop my little piece of paradise!”

Intent and Inspiration Not all designs played out the way the Sengers thought they would. The flowerbed by the mailbox was designed as half of a heart to help distract from the utility boxes, fire hydrant and mailbox. “The initial intent was to put the other half of the heart on the other

side of the mailbox,” admits Bruce. “But I needed some space to pile all the snow!” Much of Bruce and Patty’s inspiration is drawn from Bruce’s childhood church in Orrin, North

Dakota, where he and Patty were married. “The Catholic church in Orrin has beautiful grounds with pathways, grottoes, evergreens and both regular and fruit trees and a vegetable garden,” says Bruce. “I also still have dreams about the Japanese gardens in Como Park in Saint Paul when we first saw them in the 1980s. That was a very peaceful, soothing place to be. Someday I hope to add a little bit of that to my yard.” The Senger’s outdoor spaces reflect the roots of their heritage and they use its produce to recreate the dishes of their ancestors. They use a variety of colors in flowers and in trees to bring out the rainbow in all living things and add spice to life. Some of the tree varieties growing in their yard include tiger-eyed sumac, variegated

willow, purple-leafed maple, bayberry and elderberry. “My advice to others looking to make their outdoor spaces unique is to start with a small project and then add to it as time and inspiration allow,” advises Bruce. “It’s fun to experiment and learn what you’re capable of designing. My neighbor once told me that a simple square or rectangular space does not show much character. Give the design a slight arc or swirl. You won’t know what you can create until you try.” ✽

Writer Janelle Brandon lives in Moorhead with her family. Learn more about Janelle at www.janellebrandon.com.

Fall 2011 11

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BEFORE: This cozy backyard in an established south Fargo neighborhood functions as a relaxing space for the homeowners.

Retro Redesign Leanne Sucrow, Designer

Even though this is a small space, I wanted to show the homeowners how far a little space could go when it comes to entertaining. We used a lot of things that they had inside (thanks to Grandma’s house and collecting vintage items) as well as some repurposed items I brought over. The combination led to a colorful and inviting entertaining space that is unique (and within budget). I like that it’s unique, charming, intimate and of course, it’s user friendly.

AFTER: We created a cozy dining area in the backyard on the existing cement patio. Two antique ironing boards create a great beverage station or place for a buffet line. We strung some twine along the old clothesline poles in the backyard and hung up colorful vintage sheets.

Fall 2011 15

With outdoor parties, you can’t go wrong by bringing the indoors, outside. Using indoor items outside makes them inviting and homey.

BELOW: This antique box was a garage sale find and makes a beautiful candleholder. The vintage mason jars are perfect lemonade glasses.

ABOVE: This antique door will fit perfectly on two sawhorses. In our case, we used vintage TV trays and they worked just great. Mismatched chairs add to the character of the space and a bench with pillows breaks up the predictability. Notice the blue stand on the right, this plant stand had a previous life as an ice bucket.

BELOW: A separate seating area allows guests to gathering in different areas for conversation, while still feeling like part of the group.

Things you can bring outside: benches, side chairs, pillows, end tables – anything that you have inside!

This type of design alllows everyone to be outside and feel like everyone is still gathered in one spot.

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Living Guide

LEFT: To really bring the indoors outside, add a piece of your favorite artwork. We also added a vintage butcher block that we found at an estate sale and a watering can from the homeowners’ farm.

I love the idea of using a vintage door for the dining table. For me, it’s always about thinking

ABOVE: Party favors aren’t necessary, but they are a nice touch. (Revisit our DIY project from Spring issue at OutdoorDesignandLiving.com – Vintage Stamped Silverware!)

In general, look at something and think of how you can reuse it.

outside the box.

Leanne’s Vintage Decorating Tips

A vintage ironing board is a staple piece everyone should own. It can be used as a sofa table, serving station, or display table.

BELOW: Find vintage sheets for just a few dollars at estate and garage sales. This technique adds a beautiful backdrop to the dinner, but also provides a bit of privacy.

Leanne Sucrow, a native of the Chicago area, established her roots

as a green interior designer, Shaklee distributor, and co-owner of Eco Chic Boutique in Fargo, ND. She’s the mother of two: a human 3-year-old and a canine American Bulldog. Leanne is also a nutrition guru, coffee lover, and gets a little weak in the knees when she sees a baby.

Fall 2011 17

Cana Island Lighthouse

Experiencing Door County By Kathy Sigler

Photography by DoorCounty.com / Door County Visitor Bureau

Writer Miriam Beard once said, “Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” Although it isn’t necessary to leave home to experience new ideas, travel does offer the traveler an irreplaceable opportunity to discover who they are apart from their usual routines and environments. With the “autopilot” switch in the “off ” position, individuals often find themselves much more open to the types of new experiences that can inspire them. This fall, as the seasons begin to change, inspiration may be as close as northeastern Wisconsin. 18 Outdoor Design

Living Guide

Considered to be the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Door County consists of several waterfront villages on a small peninsula approximately one hour northeast of Green Bay. This “70 mile county” is bordered on the west by Green Bay and on the east by Lake Michigan. While the best way to travel through the area is by car, once in the Door, many visitors choose to view the scenic bluffs along the shoreline by taking a narrated trolley tour, while others opt to see the fall foliage from the water while on waterfront cruises or while they are kayaking or sailing. Some even claim that the best vantage point is the Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park, where visitors can

Mon–Thurs 10–7 • Fri & Sat 10–6 • Sun Noon–6

climb the 76 foot observation tower on Eagle Bluff to enjoy a panoramic view of the park. While there, outdoor enthusiasts will also want to take advantage of the many opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, boating and camping. In addition to Peninsula State Park, Door County is also home to four other state parks: Whitefish Dunes State Park, Rock Island State Park, Newport State Park and Potawatomi State Park. After working up an appetite doing recreational activities, guests in Door County are in for a treat when it comes to dining experiences. The area is well-known for its Montmorency cherries, and fruit orchards and wineries are

Fall Mums Pumpkins Homemade Salsa & Jam

Indian Corn Gourds Straw Bales

349 E. Main Ave., West Fargo, ND

Fall 2011 19

scattered across the countryside along with restaurants, ice cream shops, bakeries, and farmer’s markets. Those who enjoy inviting friends and family over for meals in their backyard at home may be at least intrigued, if not inspired, by the showy presentation of the Door County culinary tradition of the “fish boil.” This Scandinavian technique has been used for over a century to feed large groups of people, including lumberjacks and church congregations. During the “fish boil,” white fish and red potatoes are boiled in salt in a cast-iron kettle over an outdoor fire. Near the end of the process, the chef adds kerosene to the flames causing a boil over. This removes the fats and oils from the water and signals that the food is ready and that it is time for diners to move inside for their meal. After dinner, there will be time to experience some

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exceptional art and performing arts. Art lovers will not run out of galleries and museums to explore during their trip to the Door. In several of the local galleries, they will even get to talk with some of the artists and observe their creative processes. Also, visitors who are feeling creative will want to make sure to visit the Hands on Art Studio where they can create their own fused glass pieces, metal sculptures and mosaics for their own backyards, or just get some new creative ideas in a fun and dynamic place. For more nighttime entertainment, this time with a distinctively Wisconsin flair, from September 1st through the 24th, the American Folklore Theatre will be putting on the humorous ice fishing musical “Guys on Ice,” with musical numbers such as “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit,” and “The One that Got Away.” From September 30th to October 15th, the theatre will be running “The Spitfire Grill.” This

thought-provoking production is about a woman starting her life over in a small Wisconsin town after she is released from prison and how she sparks a transformation in the community itself. Miriam Beard was right. Travel is about much more that seeing the sights. For more information about opening the Door to inspiration, log on to www.doorcounty.com or call 800-52-RELAX (73529). ✽

Writer Kathy Sigler lives in Moorhead. Learn more about Kathy at www.KathySigler.com. Fall 2011 21

ity on the Y94 Rat is a personal u use, 93.7FM. Yo Morning Playho ngs ni or m ay kd ee w can listen to him w fe a.m. In his from 5:45 a.m.-9 ys e time, Rat enjo ar sp of moments g on al , ts en em prov making home im . es cip d adapting re with cooking an

s e o t a t o P t Boy Scou Those who know me well know that I cannot eat a meal without potatoes. That means there are a variety of potato recipes that cycle through the menu at my house on a regular basis: mashed, baked, julienne, au gratin, tots, fries, hash browns and more. But my love of potatoes started as a young boy making Boy Scout Potatoes (thanks Pack 204). This recipe is easy to make and the simple ingredients combine to make great flavors. It will be a hit for your dinner party at home or tailgating before the big game. • 2 Russet Potatoes • 2 Red Potatoes (freshly harvested potatoes are perfect this time of year) • Baby Carrots • 1/4th Small white onion

• 1 clove Garlic • 1 Tbs. Ranch Dressing • Salt • Cracked pepper • Butter

Directions Slice the potatoes into cubes, making sure they are the same size for even cooking. Dice the onion, garlic, and a few baby carrots. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Remember, the great thing about these

potatoes is you can adapt the recipe to fit your tastes. Grease the inside of your tinfoil wrap using butter to prevent sticking, then place the potato mixture in the middle of the tinfoil. Seal the tin foil and place directly on the grill (or coals if you’re camping) for 20-30 minutes. Cooking time may vary. In fact if you have a hot grill the upper rack may work better. Tip: If you plan to make these for a large group, combine the mixture as written above, but break it up into more foil packets to ensure efficient grilling time. Remove from tinfoil and add a bit more butter, and a dash of salt and pepper.

el i D g h l l t a s F Spiced Apple

Cran-Apple Martini

5 oz. Apple Cider (Hot) 2 oz. Thatcher’s Apple Spiced Ginger Liqueur Combine in a cocktail glass or mug. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Irish Cream Coffee

1 ½ oz. Stolichnaya Cranberry Vodka 1 oz. Stolichnaya Gala Apple Vodka 1 oz. Cranberry Juice Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

4 oz. Hot Coffee ¾ oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey ¾ oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream 2 Sugar Cubes Whipped Cream (Homemade) Maraschino Cherry Pre-heat your glass by filling it with hot water. Once the glass has been pre-heated, dump the water out. Add the Jameson Irish Whiskey and Bailey’s into the pre-heated glass. Next, fill the glass with the hot coffee and add the sugar cubes while stirring well. Then slowly pour the whip cream over the back of a spoon; you do not want the whip cream to break the surface of the coffee. Finally, top it off with the maraschino cherry.

Recipes submitted by Brian Frank of Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops. Happy Harry’s has locations in Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D. For more ideas, visit www.Happy-Harrys.com.

Fall 2011 23

Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide? Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com

Over the Top Halloweeeeeeeen! Halloween was big when Terry Stargardt was a little boy. Since he and his wife, Ann, moved into their West Fargo home in 1997, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only gotten bigger with each passing year.

Ann, first row, far right. Terry, second row, far left.

In 2010 they tallied 800 trick-or-treaters. Some neighbors shut off their lights, donated their candy to the Stargardt’s and sat on their front lawn, all dressed up. Younger children are often told to come early, because when night falls, those who dare must make it through the “Tunnel of Terror” to earn their sweets. This year the Stargardts want their trickor-treaters to donate a nonperishable food item if they stop by to see the Halloween scene. The food will be donated to a food bank in Fargo-Moorhead.

To see the Halloween spectacle, complete with a real coffin on the front lawn, travel south down Sheyenne Street in West Fargo to house number 3819. You’ll know it when you see it–don’t forget your food item! ✽ We first featured the Stargardt family in our Fall 2009 issue for their fantastic holiday lights display. Visit www.OutdoorDesignandLiving.com and click on “Digital Issues” to view that article.

Fall 2011 33

Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch 14447 Hwy. 10, Glyndon, MN. 218.498.2684 Open Sept. 24-Oct. 30, 2011. Fri. 3-6 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Gate Fee $4.00 per person. Children ages one and under are free. Tickets are required for some of the attractions. Visit the Website for more information: www.BuffaloRiverPumpkinPatch.com

The Children’s Museums Pumpkin Patch Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm 1201 28th Avenue North, Fargo, ND. 701.232.6102 Pick piles of perfectly priced pumpkins from Sept. 27-Halloween (while supplies last). Party in the Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 8-9. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate harvest art at this family fall festival, decorate your pumpkin, and check out the fresh new fun and familiar favorites inside the museum. Admission is $5 and includes museum admission. Museum members are free. Children one and under are free. Dakota Carriage Company Pumpkin Patch 7414 40th Avenue North, Fargo, ND. 701.347.4069 or 701.282.9392 Pumpkin patch-pick in the field or choose from pumpkins already gathered from the field, corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, horse-drawn hay rides, haunted house, snacks and refreshment stand, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, and more. Email: dakotacarriagecompany@anyconnect.com. Open Sept. 24-Oct. 30, 2011. Saturdays 1-5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Gate admission with a pumpkin is $9 for ages 2-100 (under 2 are free). Farm visit without a pumpkin is $6 for ages 2-100 (under 2 are free). Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch 2448 20th Ave. NE, Emerado, ND 701.610.9564 Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides Open Sept. 17-Oct. 29, 2011. Weekdays 3-6 p.m., weekends 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (School groups can make specials appointments, call the number above.) For more information visit www.NelsonsPatch.farming.officelive.com

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Rheault Farm 2902 25th Street South, Fargo, ND 701.241.8160 Fall Festival is September 17-18 & 24-25, 2011 Enjoy free admission to the park and fun fall activities, including: arts and crafts, face painting, straw bale maze, picking and purchasing the perfect pumpkin and much more! For more information visit www.FargoParks.com/se_fallfest.html

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How to Plant a By Todd Fuchs, Outdoor Design & Living Guide Publisher

Planting a tree seems easy enough. You dig a hole, drop a tree into it, and then fill remaining space with dirt – well it’s something like that. Spend some time at the nursery to find out what type of tree suits your yard the best, visit with the experts to find out which species or variety of the species will fit the idea you are trying to achieve, whether it’s for shade, a screen, energy conservation, ornamental, or a wildlife habitat. We sat down with Eric at Baker Nursery in Fargo. He pulled our yard up on Google, sketched up a layout of our yard, and started tossing out some landscape ideas on planting locations. He offered us some ideas we hadn’t thought about and he helped us visualize how that scrawny 6' tall tree will some day be 30' tall and 20-25' wide.

BEFORE you dig call North Dakota One Call at 800-795-0555 or 811. Minnesota residents call Gopher state OneCall at 800-252-1166. Once the lines are located and the locations for the new trees are determined, we can start.

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Start by setting your tree (while in its tub) on the spot you wish to plant it. Using your shovel as a guide, measure out about 6'' from the tub and make dig marks in the sod to form a nice round hole.

Using a bucket or wheelbarrow to carry away the sod and excess soil. Begin to dig your hole using the previously marked circle as a guide.

Again using your shovel as a quick measuring stick, measure your tree bucket for height. Use this measurement to check the depth of your hole. It is very important that the tree is not buried too deep. Using your feet pack the base of the hole to give the tree ball a solid level spot to sit. There is a point on the tree “trunk” that turns to “root” That point should always be above the soil line to prevent the trunk from rotting after being buried in damp soil.

After removing the tree ball from the bucket, loosen up the roots. They have “learned” to grow in circles from the pail, called “pot bound” and they need to be loosened up to start their new lives in your yard’s soil. This is very important to prevent the roots from “girdling” and possibly killing the tree.

5 Fall 2011 37

One method is using the shovel, cutting some marks and twist to free them, otherwise just use your hands and pluck at them a while. Then you are ready to carefully set the tree ball into your hole.

Fill in the hole with some good black dirt (in our heavy clay soil a lighter mixture is preferred) this will help with drainage to prevent root rot. Carefully pour in a layer at a time and lightly pack around the ball, paying particular attention to the trunk so that, when finished, your tree is as vertical as possible. Continue to add soil until hole is filled.

Detail the soil so that the trunk bulb is not covered, and the water will taper away from the trunk.

Give your new tree its first refreshing drink of water to help soak and settle the soil around the tree ball.

10 38â&#x20AC;&#x192; Outdoor Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;

Living Guide

We now have to give the new tree a bit of help. Drive 2 t-posts approx 24''30'' from the tree. Use tree straps and wire to attach the tree to the posts. Tighten the wire using your wire cutters. (No need to over tighten, you will just bend the t-posts in and not offer any additional support).

Add wood mulch or chips to prevent weed encroachment. Porous landscape fabric may be used but DO NOT use plastic sheeting as this will prevent air and water movement.

Build up your mulch a bit in the center but there is no need to build “volcanoes.” Make a small dish around the trunk to again keep water off the trunk. Now we have to support our trees for that first year or two. They need to be watered at least once a week – more often during the height of Summer – deep soakings are preferred over light waterings. A simple finger test into the soil should help guide your watering schedule. Over watering can result in oxygen deprivation. Use half strength Miracle Grow for the first fertilizer application. Contact your local county horticulturist for the proper fertilizer application in your soil conditions.

ALWAYS CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

811 or 800-795-0555 IT’S FAST, IT’S EASY, IT’S THE LAW

One call gets your utility lines marked and helps protect you from injury and expense.

www.ndonecall.com Fall 2011 39

Things We Love About Fall… Gia Rassier Communications Specialist, Moorhead, MN

Photo credit: Lissadee Photography

• Energy of new academic year– Working at a college means 800 first-year faces on campus every fall. I love the excitement that just comes with all the new beginnings– not to mention the famous Concordia beanie toss. • New school supplies–Who would turn down a brand new box of Crayola crayons and BIC 0.mm #2 pencils for 33 cents? • Farmers Market at Concordia– Fresh, local, sustainable produce homegrown on campus and in the great FM community. Delish.

• Crisp, but not cold weather–Perfect for long sleeves, sweatshirts and TOMS shoes. • Finding that perfect crunchy leaf to jump on • The lighting–It’s my favorite time for outdoor portrait photography because of the distinctive early morning and evening golden hour. • My favorite pair of jeans and hooded sweatshirts • Long walks outside with my Canon 60D

See your name in print and share a story in our Winter issue! Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OutdoorDesign and tell us about your favorite holiday memory or winter memory in 50 words or less. 40 Outdoor Design

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Chris Hayden Legal Assistant, Fargo, ND

Photo Credit: Shanda Hayden

• Wearing jeans and hooded sweatshirts • Going to my step-daughter’s Volleyball games • The changing colors • Baking

• Halloween Parties • Crock-pot Sundays • Cheering on the home team at a football game • Snuggling up with my husband to watch movies

Mike Williams Fargo City Commissioner

• Crisp mornings • First frost knocks mosquitoes for a loop • Changing colors of leaves and grass • Rush as huge flock of Mallards mill over my blind • Walleyes put on the feedbag • Harvest moon

• Watching the sun rise simultaneously with the geese off Sprague Lake by Rutland • Eating slightly ripened, tart, Harrelson apples • Rooster Pheasant flushing at my feet • Riding bike with my wife right up to the first heavy snow

Kathi Salvevold Teacher and photographer, Moorhead, MN

• Of course, the beautiful colors of the fall leaves. • Spending an afternoon at the pumpkin patch with my family… chasing each other through the corn maze, going on a hayride, picking pumpkins, etc. • Enjoying warm apple cider or hot chocolate on a cool evening… which leads to another of my favorites… the crisp autumn air. • Bon fires with friends and family and also cozying up to the fireplace inside. • Fall foods, which include: apple crisp, caramel apples, hearty soups, breads, carrot cake and pie.

• The start of a new school year… a chance to set new goals and meet new students. • Decorating my house and outdoor spaces for fall with mums, pumpkins, cornstalks, and Halloween decorations. • Bundling up in fall clothes… scarves/mittens, comfy sweaters and jeans, boots. • Watching baseball playoffs and the start of the football season. My daughter is going to play soccer this fall, so I am excited to watch her too. • The new season of some of my favorite TV shows… that is, if I have time to watch them. :)

Ten Things Your Remodeling Contractor Does Not Want to Hear By Malcolm Thompson

In the sixteen years I’ve worked as a remodeler I’ve given hundreds of estimates. Every project is different, but I’ve noted some recurring themes when it comes to new clients. They wonder if I can do the work better than the next guy, if I can be trusted, and if I can work within their 42 Outdoor Design

Living Guide

budget. It is also my job to bring to their attention particular challenges their project entails. What follows are typical comments I get from clients when I come to give an estimate and my responses (or at least what I would like to tell them).

I’m getting a bunch of estimates. The best deal may not be the guy with the cheapest bid. A three-year slump in home construction has seen many layoffs in the new building trade, particularly among the inexperienced and lower skilled. Many have turned to remodeling and handyman work at cut-rates. They might be adequate framers for new construction, but unfamiliar with the idiosyncrasies of your hundred-year old home. Don’t be surprised that they are nowhere to be found a year from now when the roof they repaired starts leaking again. Your best bet is to hire an established contractor with references you trust.

I want to know exactly how much this is going to cost. Ah, the old dilemma: fixed bid or time plus materials. Remodeling is not like new construction where the home builder knows the exact cost per square foot. With remodeling there is no telling what is lurking behind those walls. It is almost always worse than expected. Rare is the contractor who refuses to cut corners when hidden problems of a fixed-bid project starts eating into the profit. Be frank and honest about your budget. A good remodeler who works by the hour can guestimate what you will get for that money within 15-20%. You may pay a little more, but the contractor is less likely to sweep dust under the carpet.

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We’re not really sure when we’re going to start. If a contractor is willing to give an estimate, it means they’re eager to work. The proposed bid or labor rate may be time sensitive. From November 15 to April 1 is the slow season when contractors are more likely to lower their rates. Come spring, your remodeler might be too busy. Oh, and please, don’t wait until the first snow to call about getting that drafty door replaced. To everything there is a season.

I want to do the demolition myself. Demolition is hard, dirty, and dangerous. It is not about taking a sledgehammer and going to town as they do on reality television. Incorrect demolition can add thousands to remodeling costs. DIY demolition holds up contractors who have to wait for clients to get around to doing it.

We already bought the materials. Eager to get started, clients often buy the wrong stuff. Contractors usually have a preference on certain brands. They may be able to get better materials at lower costs. I insist on selecting wood for a project myself. Few clients know how to pick a straight 2x4. Bad materials add hours to a job. That discontinued tile might have been a steal six months ago, but what do you do when you cannot find another five pieces to finish the job?

We want everything done before next week’s party. It is surprising how much remodeling is done for special occasions. Sometimes this causes clients to set unrealistic deadlines. I had a client who, wanting to celebrate Christmas in their new game room, insisted upon installing carpeting before the walls were framed. Trying to work without destroying the carpet was a nightmare.

I don’t care if the work isn’t perfect. This is code for any number of things, all of which sound bad to contractors. Some clients really mean, “I’m expecting perfect, but I’m not going to pay for it.” Others just want “good enough.” Then again, what is good enough? I only build one way – to the best of my ability.

We’re selling – can’t you just patch it? This almost always involves a disaster of a bathroom. The drywall behind the shower tile has melted or the sub-floor has rotted. To the client the issue is “just a bit of mold.” Band-Aids, however, never work in remodeling. If the structure is not there, no amount of patching is going to hold. Chances are a home inspector will spot your shortcuts and you will have to do it over to make a sale.

I think we’ll do the painting ourselves. Painting is harder than it looks. People will spend thousands for a new bath and then screw it up with a bad paint job just to save a few hundred dollars. Eighty percent of painting is preparation, which clients almost never do. Yes, you have to prime. No, there is no such thing as a one-coat coverage. Primer and paint all in one? Do you buy hair shampoo and conditioner in the same bottle?

Gee, thanks for coming over so quickly to give us a bid. We’ll let you know. When I hear this I know I’m not getting the job. I’ve taken two hours to explain just how I’m going to do the project. They like me, but either they now think they can do it themselves or the cost is way above their budget. The next day I fight the urge to slash my price. I tell myself that quality isn’t cheap, it’s a bargain and pray that the next prospect understands that. ✽

J. Malcolm Thompson is the owner/operator of Thompson Custom Remodeling. Since the 1970s he has remodeled older and newer houses in New Jersey, Vermont and the Fargo-Moorhead area. Find him online at www.ThompsonRemodeling.net. Fall 2011 45

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