Outdoor Design & Living Guide - Spring 2009

Page 1

PERGOLAS PAGE 10

Man, Fire. Grill A Tale of Evolution PAGE 26

Do It Yourself

Get Organized In Your Garage PAGE 20

Expert Gardening Advice PAGE 8

New Product Guide PAGE 18

Flagstone | Natural Stone Walls | Character Boulders | Decorative Rock | Cypress Mulch | Brick Edging Ponds, Pond Supplies, Koi Fish | Architectural Pottery | Gazebos | Statuary | Fountains

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Supply Design Build “Our experience at and with Deckmasters was a

wonderful one! We went the “Do It Yourself” route. Deckmasters helped us layout a plan, select the materials, delivered the materials, and even put up the ledger on the house and the posts in the ground for us. Being a novice builder, we had plenty of questions. Todd took time for us with every question! Thanks again for all your help! ”

Sincerely, David Richman

West Fargo, North Dakota

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Congratulations! You’ve just picked up the only Fargo-Moorhead magazine that is committed to helping you enjoy and improve your outside space. Now with that being said, my hope to all of our readers is that the Flood of 2009 has not had a great impact on your space. If you have been touched by the ooding situation, our hearts and prayers go out to you as you begin to deal with the clean-up process. It is hard not to write about the Flood of 2009, even though many of us are now dealing with the aftermath of it. As I have dealt with oods in the past, my biggest sense of emotion was one of uncertainty. My wife and I talked about all the different things we would or should do to keep our house and family safe, but when the date of the ood moved up by two weeks, we began working in overdrive. It wasn’t the amount of work that was ahead of us that was daunting, it was not knowing where to start. Much of our questions were going unanswered, as many of our neighbors were putting their faith into the city’s dikes and temporary dike systems. I guess you could say that when it was all said and done, my wife and I learned a lot more about using our gut reaction rather than over thinking the question. When the cleaning is done and grass ďŹ nally starts to turn its ďŹ rst shade of green, we will all have to try and get back to a normal sense of living. In this issue, we dig into the history of how man likes ďŹ re and how he usually ends up burning something. Our product feature area will show you some the newest and coolest products in the outdoor market. Finally, be sure to read up on the newest trend in backyard design, the pergola. Many of us don’t have any idea about what it is, but we know you have seen one, but just didn’t know what it was called! We are also currently looking for pictures of your own outdoor project that may get featured in an upcoming issue. Winners will also receive a patio heater. So e-mail us at info@outdoordesignandliving.com with your pictures and stories about your outdoor projects. Enjoy our newest issue, and please share our magazine with anyone who is looking to develop their own little piece of heaven in the outdoors.

Sincerely, Brian Bestge Editor, Outdoor Design and Living Guide

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new trends in OUTDOOR LIVING Dedicated outdoor enthusiasts are always looking for the next big thing in outdoor design and living. This year, the environment and the economy are driving most new trends in outdoor design, just like the rest of the marketplace. Of course, there is still room for some outlandish opulence (see outdoor ďŹ replaces below) if the recession hasn’t bitten you too badly. Here are a few trends that are just making their way into Red River Valley yards, businesses and city plans. Victory Gardens Her attire may not have been ideal for gardening – sweater dress, stretch pants and patent-leather boots – but First Lady Michelle Obama became the nation’s First Gardener in March when she broke ground on the White House’s very own Victory Garden. Victory Gardens are really no dierent than plain old vegetable

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gardens, except for their purpose. They originated during the Second World War when families across the country were asked to till up their backyards and grow their own vegetables for the good of the nation. Gardening became an act of patriotism. Today’s Victory Garden is still about patriotism. But these days, patriotism also includes environmentalism. Loca-vores (people who grow their own food) are being praised as providing better nutrition for their families and cutting down the amount of fossil fuel that goes into growing and delivering healthy, nutritious food to the country’s tables. Green Roofs The green movement is also taking over building design, spawning the ascendancy of green roofs, or roofs covered with grass and other vegetation instead of traditional rooďŹ ng materials. The primary purpose of a green roof is to reduce the amount of heat generated by the rooftop’s surface. A city’s overall temperature is lower when there are fewer surfaces that radiate heat (concrete, rock, asphalt shingles or tile) and more surfaces that absorb heat (grass and other vegetation). Of course, the green roof can also serve a very rational business purpose when it becomes a relaxing employee lunch spot or a perfect client barbecue venue. Who needs to leave the oďŹƒce to relax when you can just pop on to the roof and experience the calm of a city park? You get double green kudos, too, because you didn’t drive your car to the park. Rain Gardens Rain Gardens are another strategy being used to mitigate the eects of urban environmental damage. Water runo is a serious environmental concern in developed areas, as water that used to soak into the soil is now drained into storm-water systems. Rain Gardens help mitigate this concern by providing an opportunity for water to soak into the ground instead of running o into a storm drain. Homeowners can produce this result by creating a natural collection point for water runo. The eect is achieved by sloping driveways, walkways and slabs toward a vegetated area ďŹ lled with native plants and dressed with rock, bark, grass clippings or other

By: Todd Funfar natural materials. The Rain Garden effect is achieved on a larger scale, of course, in the man-made lakes built into many Fargo-area housing developments. These neighborhood features act as water collection ponds, reducing the strain on storm drains and providing visual appeal. Outdoor Fireplaces Extravagance is so 2007 these days, but not everyone is trimming down and tightening the belt. Outdoor fireplaces are a great outlet for that pent-up spending urge. And when we say outdoor fireplaces, we are not talking about fire pits or chimineas. These are honest-to-goodness fireplaces surrounded by intricate ornamental casings and mantles made of marble, slate or other stone. They are generally part of a luxurious and elegant outdoor social space complete with cushioned seating areas and ornamental tables. Like their indoor brethren, outdoor fireplaces may use a variety of fuel sources. Burn traditional wood for that authentic smoky appeal or make it easy on yourself – not to mention odor-free – and get an outdoor fireplace that runs on gas or electricity. Outdoor fireplaces don’t only come encased in exotic materials. You can get simply-designed outdoor fireplaces with plastic or faux casing materials that will run you a few hundred dollars. Or, choose a top-of-the-line model made of marble or other luxury materials that will set you back $10,000 or more. There are many varieties, so search your options, set your budget and find one that fits your situation.

FASTENERS (AKA SCREWS), PLUGS, & CONCEALED DECK FASTENERS: It seems like every other person calling or stopping into Deckmasters is asking about concealed decking fasteners. Forty years ago, it was the slot screw. Then came the Phillips. The square drive was next, but now it’s the Torx head—once you use this, you will never go back! We now have special trimhead screws for hollow decking, special breakaway screws, plugs, and every imaginable colored head to match decking color. The head designs prevent the “mushroom” effect by trapping and taking any debris under the head, and the color-coated heads match your deck boards. So, why would you want to use these concealed deck fasteners anyway? My first response is that they provide a clean and uniform deck surface, so they look nice. They were developed to eliminate nail and screw holes that often mark up or scar the deck. Raised screws or nails and splintered surfaces can be very dangerous, can cause bodily injury and can be difficult to deal with when you’re shoveling your deck in the winter. Another advantage is that concealed deck fasteners now come in a variety of types: prong, track, biscuit, and interlocking clips. Some manufactured materials have developed specific hidden fasteners that fit into a groove that runs the length of a deck board. If the manufacturer doesn’t have a grooved board or channel, you will need to make a groove with a biscuit jointer, router or table saw. It is important to note that you won’t be able to groove some manufactured cellular PVC coated or hollow deck boards, as it will void your warranty. Also, don’t use aluminum hidden fasteners or let them touch ACQ treated wood, as it is very corrosive. Then, the next question people always ask me is, “If I want to use hidden fastening systems, how much is this going to cost?” I don’t think anyone in the industry would argue that this type of fastening system takes longer to install than a plain old screw, and will cost a little more for you, but in the end, aesthetically you will be more than pleased with the finished product. Hidden fasteners are strong and have a beautiful finished look. My vote is to use them. It’s worth the time and the money.

6SULQJ 2009

EXPERT

When is the best time to treat for slugs? If you had them last year, will you get them again this year?

ADVICE My oriental poppies just bloomed last year for the first time in five years. Why wouldn’t they have bloomed before?

Extension Service Answers provided by: Ron Smith, Ph.D. Horticulturist and Turfgrass Specialist North Dakota State University Department of Plant Sciences

There could be many reasons, but some possibilities might be: soil too high in nitrogen; plants not mature enough to produce owers; if they were divided plantings, perhaps not enough of the root was used in the propagation; or some other factor perhaps in the environment - like temperatures too high for them to thrive, OR, any combination of these things!

Almost as sure as death and taxes. There is no point in jumping the gun on getting stu out this early, except that a good spring clean-up around the area where they were most annoying would go a long way in greatly reducing their number or (hopefully!) eliminating them altogether. Keep in mind that just one slug can beget many more as they are hermaphroditic. If and when they are noted - when the vegetation is actively growing - the safest and one of the most eective methods of control is to place a shallow pie pan of beer at ground level for them to crawl into and die a joyful death - not from intoxication, but simply drowning. To be eective, the pie pan rim must be at ground level — the slugs cannot climb over the edge of the pan.

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Can you get the mulch too thick around perennials? Absolutely. Opt for 2-3� of good organic mulch — there are many on the market. Keep about a one-inch space between the stems of the perennials and the mulch, if possible – especially if there were slug problems in the past. Sorry, stone is mulch not recommended!

Do you need to put new soil into pots every year or can you use the same soil? Everything gets tired - including potting soil. While there are some records of using the same soil in the pots for many years, it is a better bet for success if the potting soil is changed annually. This can be done in the spring, of course, for outdoor plants, but it is suggested that houseplants get their soil changed in the fall just before bringing them in before a hard frost nips them.

What are some good flowering plants to plant on the north side of my house? I want something other than ferns and coleus. My absolute favorite comes early in the spring before tree leaf canopies close in—Virginia bluebells. The purplish/ pink owers are excellent naturalizers in any shady setting. After owering, they die down for the season, but come backed every year. Another indestructible perennial is the Lily-of-the-Valley, which makes a very good ground cover, and has the little bell-like, white owers that are back by an almost bullet-proof dense, green foliage. Some annuals, of course, are pansies, (also violas, their smaller cousin), and begonias. Finally, see if you can ďŹ nd some Toad lilies (/Tricyrtis ‘/Tojen’). They are impossible to dislike. Their orchid-like owers and lush oversized foliage ďŹ ll in shady areas with elegance!

What plants do well on the south side of a house that gets a lot of direct sun and heat? Some of the native ornamental grasses like big or little bluestem simply thrive under such conditions. Potentilla is a nice compact woody plant that likes the direct heat and light. Finally, common daylilies will do well under such conditions, as long as they get ample water.

What perennials are best if you don’t want them to spread too much? You would need to consult a book for this answer, as the few I’ll recommend will not do justice to the ones I’ll have to leave out. Visit the local bookstore - horticulture section - to get some good, complete selections. Some of my favorite: Bleeding heart, sedum (many varieties), Lady’s mantle, Peony, Astilbe, and Echinacea (they multiply a little).

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Pergolas

Open The Door To Comfortable Outdoor Living 2XWGRRU 'HVLJQ

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L

ook up! Pergolas – those airy overhead lattices that offer shade and temper the sun’s sweltering glare – are popping up in sun-soaked settings across FargoMoorhead. You may not know them by their proper name, but chances are you recognize these open, unwalled structures on sight. You may be more familiar with their older, smaller cousins, the vine-covered trellises and arbors that welcome guests into gardens or shade walkways and entrances to homes. But if the heat at the height of summer keeps you off your deck or patio – especially if it faces west or south – you’ll want to get to know how this open, sophisticated solution can turn otherwise-searing outdoor spaces into your favorite room in the house. Pergolas have always been rooted in gardens. Open framed structures festooned with growing vines are known to have provided protection from blinding sun and heat in ancient Egypt. They were equally hot among Italian gardeners during the early Renaissance. The name “pergola” comes from an Italian village near the Adriatic coast. Their original spread was largely limited to hot, sunny regions, though it blossomed in cooler climes during the Arts and Crafts Movement more than 100 years ago. It wasn’t until the 1970s, though, that their fan base exploded in

America. As gas prices soared and supplies dipped, American families traded gasguzzling trips for “staycations” closer to home. Their focus on backyard activities and outdoor living was tailor-made to touch off the boom in pergolas, which permitted them to spend more time more comfortably outdoors. The pretty pergolas now taking root in sun-soaked area yards are larger and more flexible than their garden cousins, the trellises and arbors. Many shade preexisting decks or patios. Others offer a shady respite beside backyard pools or in the middle of gorgeous gardens. They have become focal points in the backyard landscape…transitional living areas that bridge the mental space between the home and the outdoors. According to local deck expert Todd Funfar, pergolas have long been a sensation in home landscapes on the East and West Coasts, where – like here – the summer sun is hot and natural shade is often at a premium. The open-sided structures with uncovered rafters overhead are gaining popularity a little slower but just as surely here, where they first started to appear about a dozen years ago. As on treeless coastal landscapes, the

pergola’s popularity in the Red River Valley is tied to its talent for tempering harsh summer glare. Whether the location is naturally tree-free or newly planted, the result is the same: instant dappled shade. “If your deck or patio faces south or west, it can be almost unbearable to be out there at the height of the summer,” says Funfar, president of Deckmasters in Fargo. “Adding a pergola can cut the sun’s glare by almost half, depending on the time of day and angle of the sun. “It not only makes your outdoor spaces more comfortable and pleasant,” he points out. “A pergola may reduce cooling costs in your home. By cutting the glare, it even reduces fading.” Most of all, a pergola allows you to define your outdoor space in functional areas – “rooms” without walls, lightly enclosed by day but with ceilings open to the stars at night. One part of the patio can be arranged and furnished for outdoor dining, another for relaxing and conversation. A hot tub area can have its own airy personality. Their shady nature, too, makes them a perfect fit for the hot concrete decks that surround swimming pools. Rather than follow a cool swim with a harsh bake in the

6SULQJ 2009

Sun Safety Tips After a cold and snowy winter, spring rewards Red River Valley residents with an abundance of sunshine and a multitude of fun outdoor activities. But whether you’re spending a weekend at the lake, playing 18 holes in the afternoon or mowing the lawn, you need to beware of the sun’s harmful effects on your skin. Here are some top tips for keeping your skin healthy, young-looking and wrinkle-free: Always wear sunscreen. Dermatologists agree that any amount of sun is hazardous for the skin. Its radiation causes the skin’s elastin to break down, bringing wrinkles, age spots and potentially lifethreatening skin cancer. That is why skin experts recommend applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 whenever you are spending time in the sun. When you’re outdoors for lengthy periods of time, apply a new layer every couple of hours. If you’re spending time in the water, reapply sunscreen every time you get out of the water. One important note about SPF: an SPF greater than 30 offers very little additional benefit; in fact, it may irritate your skin more than it offers extra protection. And don’t forget about the two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Many sunscreens provide protection against UVB rays, but not UVA rays. So, make sure your sunscreen protects against both. Sunscreens labeled “broadband spectrum” provide the most protection. Use sunscreen generously, too. Most people only use half as much sunscreen as they should, especially on their children. Which leads to the next tip… Promote good sun safety habits in children It is especially important to create good sun protection habits in children at an early age. Apply sunscreen regularly and generously. Studies show that 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is acquired before the age of 18. The cell mutation that eventually leads to skin cancer builds up over a long period of time, so don’t think kids aren’t susceptible to sun damage. If nothing else, sun exposure is the primary cause of freckles, fine lines and drooping skin. The sun shines on cloudy days, too Many people mistakenly believe that they are safe from the sun’s effects on cloudy days. Actually, just the opposite can be true. Depending on the type of cloud cover, a hazy sky can actually magnify the sun’s harmful rays and do more damage than on a sunny day. So, don’t neglect the sunscreen even when you can’t see the sun directly. Don’t forget your eyes Make sure you wear wrap-around sunglasses with full (UVA and UVB) ultraviolet protection. Follow these tips and your summertime fun will be sun-safe, as well. And remember, tanning beds damage your skin just as much as natural sun. If your image requires a healthy glow, dermatologists recommend spray-on or liquid tans. You won’t hear the Beach Boys singing about a spray-on tan, but at least your skin will look and feel younger and healthier for a longer time. And wasn’t that really the point in the first place? 2XWGRRU 'HVLJQ

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oven-hot sun, the pergola gives guests a place to enjoy the afternoon at poolside. A pergola is built of four key elements. Sturdy posts and headers support a first layer of rafters, usually 2x6", standing on their narrow edges. The rafters, in turn, are topped with a lattice of lighter boards (perhaps 1x2" or 1x4") placed flat and at a right angle. A true pergola has no railings or other features on the ground between the posts; walls are entirely open from the ground to the headers. When designing the pergola, both its location and the homeowner’s preferences are given consideration. Each overhead is designed to fit the home and landscape in scale, in angle to the sun, and in materials that accent or blend harmoniously with the original construction. The open latticework of the pergola’s “roof ” clearly offers the least shade when the sun is directly overhead. Later in the day, though, as it moves toward the west, the spacing and width of rafters and lattice are chosen to create the greatest degree of cool shade when and where it’s needed most. A pergola generally produces up to 47 percent shade around 3 p.m. That’s plenty to offer a pleasant blend of sun and shadow while you relax and dine, but not so complete that it turns your hot tub area chilly and dank. Homeowners who want to preserve more sunshine even at the hottest times of day may choose narrower boards for their lattice or wider spacing. If you want deeper shade or more protection when the sun is positioned overhead, you might choose to plant fastgrowing vines to add another cooling layer and a degree of privacy along a side of the structure. Despite the pergola’s airy good looks, the hefty posts that support headers, rafters and lattice carry a lot of weight. When that’s coupled with the prairie wind

that passes for a summer breeze in North Dakota, one key rule becomes mandatory: substantial footings. Todd, the deck expert, sinks footings 4 feet into the Red River Valley’s notoriously unstable clay. Anchoring the pergola to the house or an adjacent structure does add stability. Complex building codes make this an option in some cities but rule it out in others, where freestanding structures make more sense. Because of the weight of the overhead, Todd recommends against the tempting thought of anchoring a pergola to an above-ground deck. Instead, his designs are built around the deck’s margins with posts anchored independently deep in the soil. When construction is on a concrete deck, he prefers core-drilling to sink the footings. The alternative is using heavyduty decorative braces to add core strength. “Never just set the posts on top of the

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enclosed “room” feel beneath the overhead.

concrete or ground,” he cautions. “The wind will catch it.” Beyond the basics, pergola styles vary, from the classic, simple post-and-beam look to more elaborately finished designs. Decorative end cuts add a distinctive finish to the rafters, which may extend to a greater

degree over the edge of the headers. Some pergolas pick up architectural details from the house itself, creating a lovely integrated view of home and garden. Subtle lighting adds to the evening drama. Low-wattage lights may wash up and down the posts, for example, accentuating the

Fashions and innovations in backyard decks have directly affected pergola design. When pergolas were new on the patio scene, like decks, they came in one material – wood, often cedar or redwood, and one family of colors – wood tones. The alternative was going all-natural, allowing the surface to weather to soft, silvery grey. Different times, tastes and home designs have broadened those choices. The first is wood versus care-free manmade material. Wood creates more upkeep and has some structural issues (warping, for example). On the other hand, it’s classic, environmentally friendly and gentler on the pocketbook, costing as much as 40 percent less than man-made alternatives. If wood is your choice, you may choose from a spectrum of staining options – more or less pigment, for example, offering more transparency or a more opaque surface that hides much of the wood’s natural grain and knots. A dark stain with low pigment content fits well with the hacienda look. Two coats of stain that’s rich in pigment, on the other hand, can produce sparkling nautical white that sets off Cape Cod houses, in particular, so perfectly. Man-made materials multiply the choices. Stamped grain aluminum, finished in a wide range of permanent colors, is today’s leading choice. All kinds of decorative elements are available, from columns to wrap utilitarian posts to carefree (and warp-free) headers, rafters and lattices. They’re maintenance-free; colors don’t yellow, and they tend to be easier to work with. The down side is their higher initial cost. With the popularity of pergolas has come a trend to take greater advantage of these transitional indoor-outdoor spaces. Homeowners are expanding the pergola-ed deck or patio’s function even further as the sun is tamed and the space becomes more

6SULQJ 2009

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defined, distinctive and usable. Lighting and heating rank near the top of the list. In addition to accent lights that emphasize the lines of the structure, additional lights can create cozy conversation or game areas as dusk closes in. Ironically, the quest for coolness and shade also creates an opportunity to extend the patio season with a source of evening warmth. Many pergolas feature freestanding fire bowls or fire pits. Others have propane heaters – stretching out those backyard evenings deeper into autumn. Nor does today’s patio furniture resemble the webbed and plastic-coated tubing that once haunted the field. The outdoor living areas defined by pergolas seem to invite room-style furnishings. Outdoor furniture is taking on more of the comfort and style more familiar in the family room, adapted for the elements with moisture-resistant upholstery and frames. Patio and deck dining sets now come with more stylish and colorful regular and gatheringheight tables and chairs. The fully equipped kitchen – sometimes complete with plumbed sinks – is making inroads in the outdoors, too. Top-of-the-line gas grills offer extended grill surfaces, a full complement of burners and temperature control so precise that they can be used for baking. Propane-powered patio refrigerators are just around the corner. Finding backyard shade in the blast furnace of high summer has come a long way. Remember Dad and Mom trying to crank the umbrella on their patio table to just the right angle for a sliver of shade – ready to grab it as the wind swooped in? Cool and shady and comfortable in the heat of day, patios and decks in even the hottest locations owe their modern possibilities to the pergola. A touch of sophisticated charm up overhead can turn a nearly unbearable expanse of heat and glare into your favorite room in – or outside – your house.

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6SULQJ 2009

Spring 2009

NEW PRODUCT GUIDE Extended Reach Gutter Cleaning Wand $79.95 This hose extension increases your reach by 20’, allowing you to clean second-story gutters while standing on the ground. The wand attaches to a standard hose and delivers a powerful stream of water through its nozzle to dislodge leaves and small branches from gutters or rinse dirt and dust from windows and siding. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer at www.hammacher.com

Lechuza Sub-Irrigation System Planter $19.99 +

Table Top Fire Bowl 79.99 This table top file bowl has a wicker finish, and is made of fire proof materials. It features a stainless steel burner for increased durability, includes lava rock filler, and has a push button ignitor and gas flow control. It runs on 1 pound propane tank, and lasts 3 – 4 hours. Available at Scheels Home and Hardware.

Solar Underground Pest Deterrent $59.95 This environmentally friendly pest deterrent is powered by an integrated solar panel. The spike stakes into the ground, where it emits sonic vibrations every 30 seconds that irritate burrowing pests and compel them to disperse. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer at www.hammacher. com

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LIVING GUIDE

The sub-irrigation set from Lechuza enables water to circulate just like in nature. As a result, the plant’s roots will not rot in standing water, and will ensure your plant is receiving the exact amount of water for up to 12 weeks. Available at Baker Nursery.

Motion Activated Garden Sentry $59.95 This motion-activated animal deterrent protects your flower beds, garden, and ponds from animals without using harmful chemicals or requiring unsightly barriers. The device activates an integrated sprinkler when a visitor enters its 105° fieldof-view, spraying a forceful yet harmless stream of water. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer at www.hammacher. com

',* ,7 3/$17 ,7 6&5$3( ,7 Whatever the task, is Outdoor Design and Living Guide wants to provide you with the latest in outdoor products. From grilling tools to outdoor fire pits, these products are just some of the newest and most innovative on the market. Some items can be purchased in the area, while others may be specially ordered.

Upside Down Tomato Garden $79.95 This planter elevates the planting bed so vines grow downward. Hanging vines need almost no attention as tomatoes ripen in the air (not on the ground) where they won’t rot. Complementary plants can be planted on top, which holds up to 80 lbs. of topsoil. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer at www. hammacher.com

Cordless LED Grill Light $49.95 This cordless outdoor grill light uses long-lasting LEDs for weather-resistant light. It attaches to a grill shelf with a heavy-duty mouth spring clamp, and it has a flexible neck adjustable to any angle so you can direct the light where needed during after-dark grilling. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer at www.hammacher.com

The Atlas Glove The Original. The Atlas Glove is ergonomically shaped, and knit without seams. It’s flexible, comfortable, extremely durable and machine washable. Various styles, colors and multiple styles for different uses. Available at Baker Nursery.

Rapid No Turn Composter $299.95 The three-chamber bin turns organic matter into compost using solar energy. Apertures help speed decomposition and eliminate odors. It cuts composting time to as little as 12 weeks, compared to the six months required by other bins Available from Hammacher Schlemmer at www.hammacher.com

Grill Daddy Grill Cleaning Tool $19.99 Travel size, heavy duty stainless steel bristles, removable brush for easy cleaning, cleans with the power of steam. Available at Scheels Home and Hardware.

6SULQJ 2009

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TAKING CHARGE of the Most Neglected Corner of Your Home The line between indoor and outdoor living is often drawn right through your garage. What a cramped and unappealing line that can be! After the chores of fall and the long, dark days of winter, chances are good that your garage wouldn’t stand up to the white-glove test – or even the nosyneighbor test – as more pleasant weather rolls around. :FU DMFBOJOH UIF HBSBHF NVTU SBOL BT one of homeowners’ least-favorite springcleaning tasks. Why not invest some extra time this TQSJOH UP FBTF UIF TRVFF[F PO UJNF BOE UFNQFS JO ZFBST UP DPNF #Z PSHBOJ[JOH your garage as you spruce it up this spring, you’ll not only be ready to relax in June‌ you’ll reap dividends every day of the year. Not only that. By joining a growing trend toward more ďŹ nished garage space, well furnished with storage and polished into more pleasant surroundings, you’ll

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LIVING GUIDE

actually add useful living space to your home. /PUFT +Fĉ 4XBOTPO PG 5XJO $JUZ Garage Door, the garage oers plenty of square footage for casual three-season entertaining. In smaller homes and condos, that space can be a blessing — a built-in party room when you’re planning larger family get-togethers or special events like graduation open houses. It can also oer comfort to smokers banished from indoors. Add a couple of comfortable patio chairs and a little counter space, and those who haven’t been able to shake the habit have an alternative UP TUBOEJOH PO UIF EFDL JO ESJ[[MF PS downpour. "O PSHBOJ[FE HBSBHF OPU POMZ NBLFT JU possible to get from car to house without TVDLJOH JO ZPVS CSFBUI BOE TRVFF[JOH sideways between stacked-up clutter. It oers a genuine sense of relief to those who feel overwhelmed.

“There truly is a sense of peace in a XFMM PSHBOJ[FE TQBDF w TBZT 6STVMB )FHWJL of Smart Spaces, a Fargo company that designs storage systems for closets and other indoor rooms as well as the garage. i*U NBLFT ZPVS MJGF TP NVDI FBTJFS :PV know where to ďŹ nd a tool or a product‌ and, just as important, where to put it back when you’re ďŹ nished. “If you’ve collected the tools and bought the supplies to accomplish a project, what good do they do you if you can’t ďŹ nd them, or if they aren’t usable when they ďŹ nally UVSO VQ w 6STVMB VTFT B DPNCJOBUJPO PG VQQFS BOE lower cabinets, full-length storage, open and closed units and counters to turn even cramped garage space into everything-inits-place order. Each garage design takes into account the interests and needs of those who’ll use it. 6QQFS DBCJOFUT GPS FYBNQMF BSF recommended for storing paint, garden and

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cleaning chemicals and other substances dangerous for children and pets. For an extra measure of safety, look for cabinets that can be locked – or add locks of your own. Among the products that require secure storage: t ,FSPTFOF HBTPMJOF t 1FTUJDJEFT BOE XFFE LJMMFST t :BSE BOE HBSEFO GFSUJMJ[FST BOE MJNF t -JHIUFS n VJE JODMVEJOH DIBSDPBM TUBSUFS t 5VSQFOUJOF QBJOU UIJOOFS QBJOU BOE paint remover t "MM BVUPNPUJWF QSPEVDUT JODMVEJOH antifreeze t 3BU BOE BOU QPJTPOT .PUICBMMT Not just any cabinet can live up to the demands of the garage. She uses components with heavier shelves supported by more frequent vertical partitions, placed no further apart than 30 to 32 inches. The entire cabinet, including shelves, is made of very-high-density particle board faced with melamine.

6SULQJ 2009

The proper rules for disposing of your household hazardous wastes When you’re contemplating spring cleaning, sorting out what to keep and what to throw away appears to be the biggest challenge. But, depending on what ends up in your throw-away pile, you’re not quite done. Not everything can be simply set on the curb with your garbage for the city to kindly cart away on pick-up day. While most typical household trash is plain vanilla, in terms of garbage rules, some common items are not. These sometimes require special steps in packaging or a personal trip to your city’s hazardous materials collection facility. (Addresses are at the end of this article.) Virtually all paints, varnishes, stains, sealers, thinners, strippers and the like are considered hazardous waste. Is enough left to be useful to others? Then the best solution is to take these usable remainders to Fargo’s Product Reuse Room or the Product Exchange Corner at Moorhead’s hazardous waste facility. After staff has taken a close look at what’s donated, neighbors who need limited quantities can browse the donations and take what they need at no cost. Fargo alone had 1,300 “customers� for these materials in 2006. You can dispose of latex paint cans in your regular garbage if you dry them out first. Remove the tops to let nature take its course; then dispose of them without lids so garbage collectors know they’re empty. Other substances need to go to hazardous waste collection points in tightly sealed containers. Other questionable household chemicals, too,

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must be taken to your city’s hazardous waste facility for disposal. This includes a surprisingly long list of substances that we take for granted around our homes. Among them: t )PVTFIPME DMFBOJOH DIFNJDBMT o ESBJO cleaners, oven cleaners, floor products, even polishes. They’re hazardous waste. (“Green� cleaners raise no alarms.) t )FBMUIZ MBXOT BOE HBSEFOT NBZ IBWF a long list of highly toxic chemicals behind their lovely leaves and blossoms. Chemical weed killers, insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers are hazardous waste. Again, disposing of unused “green� products is generally problem-free. t 57T NPOJUPST BOE DPNQVUFST BSF banned from the landfills because cathode ray tubes (“picture tubes�) and CRT monitors contain enough lead to be considered hazardous. Computers themselves include additional toxic materials. t "% OJDLFM DBENJVN BOE MJUIJVN rechargeable batteries from cell phones, laptops, cameras and other devices, however, go to hazardous waste collection points. Batteries Plus also accepts these, along with the button batteries used in hearing aids. t $BS BOE USVDL CBUUFSJFT BSF CBOOFE from landfills. Bring them to Interstate Battery or Batteries Plus or city hazardous waste collection points. Moorhead does not accept car batteries. t 5IF TIBEF USFF BVUP NFDIBOJD generates other garbage that requires special handling, too. Antifreeze is highly toxic to humans and wildlife alike; it cannot be poured down the drain, but must be recycled or taken to hazardous waste collection points. Used motor oil and drained

oil filters cannot be sent to landfills. Other car-care materials, from windshield washer solution and brake fluid to batteries, also are considered hazardous waste. Many service stations and several local companies accept household-sized amounts of used motor oil for recycling, including Jiffy Lube and Tires Plus. Oil and other automotive waste can be dropped off at the cities’ hazardous waste facilities. Clean-Up Week is May 4–8 in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, Dilworth and Clay County. For specific disposal rules for each community, go to your city’s website.

Hazardous Waste Information and Drop-Off Fargo Household Hazardous Waste Building 606 43rd Street North Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Second Saturday every month, 8 a.m.–noon Call 701-281-8915 or 701-730-8704 to schedule appointment for drop off. Moorhead Household Hazardous Waste Facility 2729 Highway 10 East Open April - October Monday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesday, noon–6 p.m. First and third Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon Or by appointment. Call 218-299-5077 or 218-299-5002 West Fargo City Sanitation Department 117 Eight Street West Open weekdays For information, call 701-433-5400

A combination of open and closed storage can accommodate most of the odds and ends kept handy in the garage,

GSPN TNBMM QBSUT UP HBSEFO UPPMT 6STVMB OPUFT UIBU HFUUJOH UIFN VQ Pĉ UIF n PPS DBO save many a crash landing: “Garages are

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accident-prone. By putting things where they belong, you eliminate damage both to ZPVS FRVJQNFOU BOE UP ZPVSTFMG w :PVS CJHHFTU TUPSBHF IFBEBDIF JT probably the snowblower you’re so ready to put away and the lawnmower ready to get moving. A garden shed is ideal! When that’s not possible, it’s important to ďŹ rst, get your equipment ready for months of storage, and TFDPOE QSFQBSF UIF HBSBHF n PPS UP TISVH o whatever’s tracked in on the tires. %BMF ,BBU[ PG 4DIFFMT )PNF BOE )BSEXBSF TBZT UIBU Pĉ TFBTPO TUPSBHF IPMET the key to a trouble-free change of seasons. 3JHIU OPX UIBU NFBOT SFBEZJOH ZPVS snowblower to occupy its own corner – by ďŹ rst preparing the engine for a peaceful summer and then making repairs for a trouble-free ďŹ rst snow. Dale’s prescription begins with administering a good fuel additive to the last tank of gas, then running the engine for ďŹ ve minutes to insure that it has circulated.

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6SULQJ 2009

Then, he says, drain the tank. (Remember that gasoline and oil are hazardous wastes and require special disposal.) Then start the engine once again and let it run until it dies. Dale explains, “By using the additive ďŹ rst, you make sure that even if you don’t get every drop of gas out, it won’t thicken and break down.â€? Then change the oil and check the blower’s gear boxes, belts and parts for wear and damage. Spring is the time for repairing snowblowers, he points out: no waiting list. As for your lawnmower, roll it out, add gas and ďŹ re it up‌if you followed the same sequence of steps last fall to prepare it to stand by over the winter. You would

have cleaned or replaced the spark plug, sharpened the blade, checked and replaced the belts, and wheeled it to its corner with a sigh of relief. Now the grass is growing again, and the lawnmower – if not the person who steers it – is ready to go. Finally, the oor. If yours is typical, you may be looking at concrete rough with pocks from road de-icer and spotted with drips of motor oil, antifreeze or other unsavory auto uids. Your garage will never live up to its party-room potential without doing something about what’s underfoot. Your choices: Resurface and apply paint or an epoxy ďŹ nish by hand, or turn to specialists

for one of the new total solutions that leave it gleaming and impervious to future harm. Je at Twin City Garage Door says that those who entertain outdoors, who use their garages for hobby shops, or who simply are meticulous about upkeep are discovering the ultimate in oor surfaces – the polyaspartic oor coating system. “Polyaspartic oors started out in Phoenix,â€? he says. “Down there, homeowners use them both inside the garage and on patios and decks outdoors. “This is a perfect way to show o your motorcycles or your vehicles – like a jewel setting,â€? he adds. “It’s the ďŹ nal touch.â€? Polyaspartic oors are considerably more durable than the epoxy surfaces now favored by do-it-yourselfers – which themselves were a big step forward over plain old painted oors. The ďŹ rst step in applying the new hightech surface is grinding down the concrete, a process that can take two days. Almost an eighth of an inch is removed to open up the material, making it highly absorbent. When the ďŹ rst coat of the thick polyaspartic liquid is applied, it forms a permanent bond. That ďŹ rst polymer coat is tinted with the base color chosen for the oor. Colored akes are added to the clear second coat. “You can choose from a whole variety of color combinations,â€? Je says. “The akes give the oor a distinctive decorative glossy look.â€? The second coat is cut down so the

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edges of the flakes are flat with the surface. A final coat encases the flakes in a perfectly sealed surface that can range from slightly rough for traction to super-smooth for effortless sweeping. The entire application process takes about three days – two for grinding and one for applying coatings. It can be driven on after 24 hours. Is there a danger to all this garage beautification? Perhaps. Jeff says customers fall in love with the perfect, impervious surface of his floors. Ursula reports serious affection for her storage systems, as well as the sense of calm and accomplishment they inspire when the garage is organized and clean and has taken its rightful place among the living spaces in the home. Jeff spells out the risk: “You could get so happy with how your garage looks that you won’t want to park your car in there any more.”

6SULQJ 2009

In the beginning – of the back yard, that is – were men, meat and fire. The attraction was so powerful, the payoff so delicious, that the American patio was given its original reason to exist. Grilling. The manly art may have roots back in the campfire, but the moment of its true birth was about 1920, when Henry Ford invented the charcoal briquette. Yes, that Henry Ford. The inventive father of the Model T was loathe to waste anything in his plant in Dearborn, Mich. Too, like all men everywhere, he loved camping and cooking over fire. He collected scrap wood from interior fittings of his motorcars, charred it in a

furnace, pulverized it to dust, added starch as a binder and compressed the powder into little pillows. These “Ford Charcoal Briquettes” were sold, along with small brazier-style grills, in fledgling Ford auto dealerships across the country. Charcoal was a breakthrough for outdoor cookery. Briquettes heat more evenly and hold heat longer than wood or lump charcoal fires and create no smoke. Ford delegated development of his company’s charcoal line to an employee, E. G. Kingsford. Kingsford bought the business in 1951 and changed its name. He sold it in 1973 to Clorox. Today charcoal briquettes are a nearly half-billion dollar business. The Kingsford brand controls half of it. If backyard grilling was born in Detroit in 1920, it truly came of age in 1952, when an employee of an Illinois metalworking plant that manufactured ocean buoys had the brainstorm that transformed outdoor cooking. This innovation, too, began with manufacturing scraps. George Stephen, an avid griller, was frustrated with the uneven and uncontrollable flame of

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LIVING GUIDE

his open brazier grill. (That’s the technical name for those flat, open charcoal pans topped with a grid still seen in convenience and discount stores.) On the job at Weber Brothers, he used scraps to put together a creation his neighbors dubbed “Sputnik” – a dome on the bottom with another smaller dome fitting tightly over the top. Charcoal went on the bottom, and meat grilled on a rack over the charcoal. A success! The same folks who had teased George about Sputnik soon were asking him to make one for them. He began selling it commercially as the Weber kettle. By decade’s end, he’d bought out the company, changed its name to Weber-Stephen Products, and laid the groundwork for generations of grillmen. The propane-powered grill was introduced in the early 1960s when several southern utility companies were looking for ways to promote more household uses

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6SULQJ 2009

for their product. Modern Home Products was among the ďŹ rst to market. Nearly 25 years later, Weber entered the arena with its Genesis grills, the dominant gas grill in today’s marketplace. Dan Denk, a grill expert at Scheel’s, picks up the story here: “Weber made the ďŹ rst covered grill, and that changed everything. It gave the griller control over his ďŹ re and made it easy to create a great meal consistently.â€? Fifty-ďŹ ve years later, the Weber name is emblazoned on dozens of models of grills based on George’s original inspiration: big ones, small ones, short ones, tall ones; charcoal, gas and electric; enamel colors, polished metal, stainless steel and cast iron – priced from $99 well into the thousands. There are other brands, yes, and Scheel’s carries some of those, as well. Napoleon and Kitchen Aid oer high-end gas models that, like top-of-the-line Webers, feature enough grilling space to feed a crowd, side burners, rotisseries and infrared burners aimed at them, warming drawers, work surfaces, storage space, lighting and

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LIVING GUIDE

s e p i c e R for the Grill

es Rosemary Potato1 lb potatoes, quartered

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Savory Grilled Vegetables

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Perfect Pizza‌on the Grill

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Use your favorite pizza crust recipe and a Grill Top Pizza Pan. Roll crust to desired size and warm grill to medium (350-400). Plac e crust on Grill Top Pizza Pan. Allow to cook 5 minu tes. Turn crust over, Add pizza sauce, moz zarella cheese and toppings of your choice (remove crust from grill to do this). Put pizza back on grill and cook 15-20 minutes, longer if you have put lots of toppings on. Rotate pizza twice while cooking.

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6SULQJ 2009

enough shiny steel to light up the eyes of the proudest patio hot-rodder. 5SBEJUJPOBMJTUT XIP MPWF the aroma of wood smoke BSF ESBXO UP UIF 5SBFHFS HSJMM MJOF 6OMJLF UIF others, its grills use wood pellets as fuel, imparting a distinctive wood-ďŹ red taste. Another novel option is the Big Green Egg, based on an ancient Japanese clay cooker called the kamado. Dan divides his grill customers – yes, they’re mostly male or women shopping for Father’s Day – into three categories based, he says, on iXIBU UIFZ SF JO JU GPS w Íł BU PGUFO determines which kind of grill would suit their needs. “Some guys are looking for convenience‌a grill that’s easy to use. Then gas is the best way

UP HP w 8FCFS T (FOFTJT MJOF XBT EFTJHOFE to oer the same degree of even heat and control that grillers expect from its classic kettles. They add the convenience of instant ignition, ready heat and fast cool-down and clean-up. )F DBMMT B TFDPOE BOE TNBMMFTU HSPVQ PG HSJMMFST UIF iTBGFUZ TFU w iÍł FZ SF MJNJUFE in their choices because they live in BQBSUNFOUT PS DPOEPT PS UXJOIPNFT w IF says. “Electric grills are easy to use, but what you gain in safety and convenience, ZPV NBZ MPTF JO n BWPS BOE QPXFS w 8IP T MFGU Íł FZ SF UIF iQSJNBM HSJMMFST w .BO .FBU 'JSF “They wouldn’t be satisďŹ ed with electric PS CPSJOH HBT HSJMMT w %BO IZQPUIFTJ[FT i'PS them, it’s an art. They enjoy the challenge. They like to take direct control. “Or, then, they may just be purists who are convinced there’s nothing that tastes better than a perfectly charcoal-grilled TUFBL w

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GRILLING TIMES Ground Beef Patties

Fish Fillets

1/2” thick to 3/4” thick: grill until cooked 10–16 minutes.

Cook until fish can be pulled apart with a fork: 4–6 minutes per 1/2” thickness. Turn once.

Hot Dogs and Sausages For pre–cooked links or hot dogs: cook until done 4–6 minutes. For raw meat: can precook in skillet then put on grill 8–12 minutes, turning often.

Boneless Steak Marinade if you prefer. 1/2” to 1” thick: grill 8–14 minutes for medium rare, 12–18 minutes for medium well. Turn often.

Bone In Steak Grill 7–14 minutes for medium rare, 11–18 minutes for medium well. Turn often.

Fish Steaks

Chicken Breasts Cook 8–12 minutes until juices come out clear, turning often.

Pork Chops 1/2” to 3/4” thick: grill until a little pink in center for 12–16 minutes. Turn often.

Pork Tenderloin Cut in half lengthwise so it cooks evenly. Cook 12–18 minutes, turning often.

Lamb Chops 1/2” to 1” thick: grill 12–16 minutes. Turn once.

1/2” to 1” thick: grill 4–6 minutes on each side for every 1/2” thickness.

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6SULQJ 2009

veggie

Economics 101

Like it or not, today’s modern family is learning how to stretch every dime in the monthly budget. But even the most frugal family still needs to put food on the table. While some people look to cable television or internet expenses to shave off a few bucks, some families are contemplating growing their own food this summer. This idea is harkening back to the end of World War II, when Americans were encouraged to grow their own food in Victory Gardens. Americans were encouraged to can their own food so that manufactured canned goods could go overseas to feed the troops. This call for Victory Gardens created more than 20 million gardens in the United States, filling

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the need of 9 to 10 tons of the country’s food production. Our national government isn’t asking Americans to plant a garden because of a food shortage, but “Recession Gardens” are

garden planning (Z `V\ WSHU `V\Y NHYKLU OLYL HYL H ML^ [OPUNZ [V YLTLTILY! :[HY[ ZTHSS .V UV SHYNLY [OHU » _ » 7PJR H SVJH[PVU [OH[ YLJLP]LZ HZ T\JO Z\U HZ WVZZPISL [OYV\NOV\[ [OL KH` PM UV[ YLJLP]PUN M\SS Z\U ,_HTPUL [OL ZVPS [V THRL Z\YL [OH[ P[ OHZ H NVVK W/ SL]LS

popping up all over the country. A family producing some of their own food in the summer makes a positive impact on the environment, yet also has the added bonus of helping a family’s economic situation. While shopping at your local grocery store is convenient, prices are higher for organic vegetables. It costs about $1.50/ pound for organic potatoes, $0.99/pound for organic carrots, $6.98/pound for fresh organic greens, $1.99 each for organic cucumbers, and fresh tomatoes from the vine run about $2.67/pound. We pay for the convenience of the supermarket, especially when it comes to the organic products, which are grown without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. It’s easy to get these products, and for some families, paying the extra money jives with the busy lifestyle they lead. So the question remains, “Is it cost effective to grow your own vegetables versus buying your own vegetables at the neighborhood grocery store?” In order

to make this comparison fair, we looked at what it takes to plant and harvest five very common vegetables that grow well in our Midwestern climate: potatoes, green lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes. We want to make it clear that this is non-scientific research, but is just an average person seeking information to make an informed decision about whether to “dig in” and grow a vegetable garden. We have calculated the rough cost it would take for two people to care for and maintain this modest 4' x 4' vegetable garden for the summer season. To set it up, we anticipate that you will need to rent a tiller from your local rental store to till your 4' x 4' plot. You will need to purchase some basic gardening tools like a good spade, small trowel, and a hand rake. You also may want to purchase rabbit fencing to secure your garden plot from other creatures who love to eat vegetables, and some organic mulch to help your garden grow. We researched the cost of seeds for our five types of vegetables, and most of the seeds can be purchased for about $2.99 a bag, and contain many more seeds than you will need (from 80 to 200 seeds per package). You can also buy starter plants from your local nursery for the tomato plants, which will likely run you about the same price per plant, but you will get fruit faster in the season. One tomato plant should yield about 40 pounds of tomatoes. However, everyone’s individual

growing conditions will affect the number of fruit that your plant bears. So for about $15 in seeds and about $50 in tools and other supplies, a family could start a modest garden for the summer, and yield numerous pounds of vegetables for your family. Growing your own vegetables is definitely cost effective, but it isn’t “cheap” in the time department. The reality is that growing your own vegetables is going to take some “sweat equity.” Your garden will need to be watered, weeded, and maintained throughout the summer. We estimate that this will take, at most, two to three hours per week to maintain the garden and get your vegetables to harvest. If you have children, this is a perfect opportunity to have a science lesson in your backyard—how seeds grow, what plants need to grow, and how plants should be cared for. It will allow your entire family to

learn about responsibility, while spending quality time together gardening. And when it’s time to harvest, spending time in the harvest, and perhaps canning your goods for the winter, could be great fun for your family. Whether or not you choose to dig into your own small garden plot or not, we hope that the information that we have compiled will allow you to make a decision that is right for your family. Summer is but a few months out of our year. Enjoy every minute we have outside, as before we know it, the snow will fly again in North Dakota and Minnesota!

FIND YOUR PICTURE PERFECT HOME Just call me. I'm ready to take on the challe challenge!

Cell 701-491-0572 dheller@cableone.net www.dede-heller.com 2521 So. Univ. Dr. Fargo, ND

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LIVING GUIDE

5507 53rd Ave SW, Fargo 701-232-4001 www.deckmasters.net

At Curb Design Inc., we have set the standards that all the others try to follow. We are locally owned and guarantee consistent and quality workmanship at every project, big or small.

From new home construction to industrial applications to enhancing existing designs, Curb Design has the solutions for all of your decorative concrete and landscaping needs.

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Our Red River Valley is a wonderful place to live. Whether at work, home, or at our favorite retreat, we are reminded of that often. Knight is grateful to have been a part of this wonderful community for 120 years, and thankful for the quality of life we are able to enjoy with our families and neighbors. We are committed to wise stewardship of our gifts and mindful of using them in responsible and sustainable ways. Your Knight Team Please contact Rich Slagle, President and CEO, with comments or questions.

701.235.1121 / knightprinting.com 2XWGRRU 'HVLJQ LIVING GUIDE 3401 Fiechtner Drive South Fargo, ND

58103

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