Spring
Home, Lawn & Garden Wednesday, April 10 ■ Thursday, April 11, 2013
Prep your home now for spring By ERIN O’NEILL eoneill@lesueurnews-herald.com
Spring has (almost) sprung, but is your house ready? Though it may be a little too soon to start digging up the garden, there are many important steps you can be taking to get your house ready for when the chilly temperatures finally loosen their grip. Clean the gutters When it comes to your gutters and downspouts, putting in a little cleaning and maintenance on the front end is most definitely preferable to dealing with the aftermath of clogged gutters during the first spring shower. “Gutters are a big thing to look at,” said Dean Williams, the owner of Dean Williams Quality Home Improvement in Le Sueur. “You want all the debris that has accumulated over the winter cleaned out before the spring rains.” Take a little time on a Saturday afternoon to empty the gutters of leaves, sticks and whatever other junk may have found its way in there during the long winter months. Once they are cleared, take a good look at your gutters to make sure nothing has come loose or pulled away from the house. “After the winter we’ve just gone through, it’s important to check the condition of your gutters and for any ice damage,” said Williams who provides services on both the exterior and interior of houses. Give your house a check up Though you may have been safely sheltered from the harsh winter elements, your house has been through the ringer. Even the most well-
constructed and sturdy homes could use a little tune up in the spring. “It’s good to take a walk around the house and check for any cracked caulking or breaking in the seal,” said Williams. Any necessary re-caulking should be taken care of to prevent leaking or water damage. After the exterior of the house is in good working order, it never hurts to spruce the place up a bit. “It’s a good time to give your house a rinse down,” said Williams. Power washing the outsides of your home will get rid of winter grime and add a few years to the longevity of your paint job. Trim your trees Before your trees fill with leaves and you have to wrestle through the branches, trim your trees to avoid the potential of long branches damaging your siding and causing other unnecessary headaches. “Trim back any tree branches or shrubs that may be touching your home and may create an excellent path for bugs to enter your home,” recommends Mary Anne Woelfel of Woelfel Building Construction in Le Center. “[These branches] can also damage the exterior as the wind brushes the branches back and forth against your house.” Before you climb down off the ladder, Woelfel also suggests “removing any dead branches that could snap off in a wind storm and damage your roof or any other part of your home.” Test your air conditioner Though the day when you’ll need to turn on your air conditioner may seem like a long way off, it is better to make sure it is ready to run now, than when you are melting from the humidity
Find time to clean out any debris in your gutters before the first spring rain.
in July. “You will soon be running your air conditioner instead of your furnace on a consistent basis, so you should check to make sure it is working properly,” said Woelfel. “If you encounter a problem it will much easier to schedule an HVAC contractor to come look at your system now, before they are swamped with people who wait until that first hot day hits.” Reach reporter Erin O’Neill at 931-8576, or follow her on Twitter.com @LNHeoneill.com
Make sure your air conditioning unit is in good working order or have a professional come out and check it over, before the warm weather hits.
PAGE 2
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
Table of Contents Planning to improve your home?
1
Prep your home now for spring
3
Use bold paint colors
4
Gardening tips for beginners
5
Tackle flying pests in the yard
6
Pros and cons of open floor plans
8
Designing a laundry room
9
Modernize your bathroom with a frameless glass shower enclosure
10
Cost-effective fencing options
13
How to prevent soil erosion
15
Safety measures can help reduce bathroom injuries
Did you know? Many times it is to a homeowner’s advantage to open the drapes and let sunlight shine in. Still, for shift workers, parents of young children who need to nap or just those who have south- or west-facing windows that make rooms overly warm, darkening the room is necessary at certain times of the day. The easiest and most effective way to do so is to purchase blackout curtains. Depending on the brand and quality of the curtains, some of them may block out sunlight entirely while providing additional benefits. While preventing sunlight from entering a room, blackout curtains, which are thicker than traditional curtains, may also be effective at insulating rooms against drafty windows and providing noise reduction.
Home, Lawn & Garden 2013
A Special project of The Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and the St. Peter Herald Home, Lawn & Garden 2013 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and the St. Peter Herald at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2013. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser. Editorial content supplied by Area Professionals and Metro Creative Graphics.
If you’re planning to make a home improvement project, we can help you do it with a home improvement loan. These days, a lot of folks are fixing up their existing home rather than buying new homes. If you have plans, stop by and see us. We’ll see that you get the right loan. We’re an equal housing lender. Think small. Bank smart.
Celebrating 130 Years! www.nicolletcountybank.com
220 South Third Street • Telephone 931-3310 • St. Peter
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
Using
P
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
PAGE 3
bold paint colors
aint is one of the least expensive and most versatile means to changing the look of a room. According to the experts from “This Old House,” 60 percent of the colors of a home that visitors perceive come from the paint on the walls. Choosing a color scheme can be challenging, which is why so many people stick with neutrals like beige and white. For those who are ready to add a spark of color, there are a few guidelines to consider. Color theory is a science and there are rules of using color that are taught as early as a child’s first foray into art class. We know there are primary, secondary and complementary colors on the color wheel. Even novice home decorators can do well with color if they use the color wheel as their guideline.
According to HGTV, color should flow throughout a house. Every room need not be painted the same color. However, colors should be complementary enough that they flow into one another. Don’t paint one room in child’s basic primary colors, while painting other rooms in jewel tones and pastels. Stick with one theme and carry it through the house. Once you have decided to use a bold color, first find your color inspiration. Color combinations that appear in nature are more readily accepted by people, so look for an item in nature, such as a seashell or a
flowering plant that you can base your color choices on. Others pull inspiration from a particular design item. For instance, maybe an area rug strikes your fancy. Use colors that appear in the rug in the room. Keep in mind that using bold color doesn’t mean you have to paint every wall from ceiling to floor in that color. Rather, if you’re just starting out with bold colors, select one wall to serve as an accent wall. Use that wall as your bold canvas and paint it with your chosen hue. Some people like to experiment with a more flashy color in a smaller space. If you’re nervous about beginning in the living room or kitchen, how about trying out bold color in a smaller space, such as a powder room? A more intimate space might seem less overwhelming when painted in a bold color. Go for a deep purple or another jeweled tone. However, try to avoid greens in the bathroom, as they may reflect off of the mirror and cast a hue onto your face that makes you look
Style, Quality and Craftmanship Go Into Every Diamond Cabinet
unwell. Pinks and peaches will shed a rosy glow. If you will be incorporating complementary colors into the room, use the paint color swatch as your guide. Most paint manufacturers use three or four different shades on one sample card. When selecting a complementary shade, be sure to pick from the same tone on the card. That means if you’re choosing the darkest of color #1 from a card, you’ll want to choose the darkest from color #2. Another idea is to leave walls neutral and use bold color on design accents. For example, designers at marthastewart.com recommend painting the inside of niches, shelves or cabinets with glass doors in bright tones and
the outside white to create an eye-catching space without going overboard. Put a bold color on moulding or use an appliance or a fixture in a bright color as your splash of boldness. Remember to have balance. If you will be painting an entire room in a bold color, think about having the other decor items in neutral colors. Sofas and rugs should be neutral colors, or consider toning down a vibrant color with the use of white molding or baseboards. All it may take is a little inspiration to get started on fun, inviting color schemes in the home. Furniture store Raymour & Flanigan offers a handy design tool for incorporating different colors into a space.
OPEN HOUSE! APRIL 18-20
Thursday & Friday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. FREE REFRESHMENTS! DOOR PRIZES! Come and see the new RV’s for 2013
Music by JIM JAM Friday 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Dutchmen • LifestyLe fLagstaff DenaLi siLverback ceDar creek cottage s Kitchen s Bathroom s Office s Entertainment s Counter tops s Flooring
800-432-8289 s Henderson Fred Wentzlaff
10%
OFF
507-625-4647
on Parts
www.keepersrv.com
3 miles south on Hwy 22 Mankato (1/3 mile east ona 200th St)
PAGE 4
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
SLATE FROM GE
IN STYLE IN STYLE ON SALE ON SALE SALE SLATE FROM GE SLATE FROM GE
Gardening tips for beginners
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that many enthusiasts credit with helping them to peacefully escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Though gardening can be both
relaxing and rewarding, it’s not as easy as it may seem, and the more time and effort a person devotes to his or her garden the more likely it is to be successful. Gardening can be a little
daunting for beginners who have little or no experience planting flowers or vegetables. But gardening need not be so intimidat-
* UP ** UP TO $300 SAVE SAVE TO TO $300 SAVE $300
when you buy
when whenyou you buy 2buy or more 22orormore more
a®®prepaid GE Visacard prepaid card * Receive Receive a GE * Receive a GE Visa Visa prepaid card when you buy select Slate finish when you buy select Slate finish when you buy select Slate finish appliances April 4 – 24 appliances | April 4 – |24 appliances | April 4 – 24 ®
See GARDENING Page 5
*
* Via mail-in rebate.*See for details. Viastore mail-in rebate. See store for details. * Via mail-in rebate. See store for details.
GE® 30” Free-Standing Gas Range ® 30” Free-Standing Gas Range GE® 30”GE Free-Standing Gas Range
® GE® ENERGY STAR 29 Cu. Ft. French® ® GE®STAR ENERGY STAR 29 Cu. Ft. F GE® ENERGY 29 Cu. Ft. FrenchDoor Ice & Water Refrigerator IceRefrigerator & Water Refrigerator Door Ice &Door Water
• Gas convection oven • Self-clean heavy-duty • Gas convection oven • Gas convection oven oven racks • Self-clean heavy-duty oven • Self-clean heavy-duty oven • Self-clean oven racks racks • 5.0 cu. ft. oven capacity • Self-clean oven • Self-clean oven • 5.0 cu. ft. oven capacity • 5.0 cu. ft. oven capacity
• Stainless steel doors with hidden hinges • Stainless steel doors with • Stainless steel doors with •hidden Stainless steel dispenser hinges hidden hinges with pullout tray • Stainless steel dispensersteel dispenser • Stainless • Dual icemaker with pullout tray with pullout tray • TwinChill™ evaporators • Dual icemaker • Dual icemaker • TwinChill™ evaporators • TwinChill™ evaporators
DEALER CHOICE DEALER CHOICE DEALER CHOICE
JGB600EEDES
JGB600EEDES
Visit with Pauline at Wells Federal Bank to find the right products available to help your finance your remodeling project.
JGB600EEDES
Don’s Appliance & TV 209 S.Appliance Minnesota&Ave. Don’s TV Don’s Appliance St. Peter 209 S. Minnesota Ave. & TV 209 S. Minnesota Ave. St.507-931-3832 Peter Peter Store St. Hours 507-931-3832 Mon-Wed 8am-6pm 507-931-3832 ThurHours 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-5pm Store Sat 9am-3:30pm Mon-Wed 8am-6pm Store Hours Thur 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-5pm Mon-Wed 8am-6pm Sat 9am-3:30pm
Thur 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-3:30pm
DEALER CHOICE DEALER CHOICE DEALER CHOI
GFE29HMDES
GFE29HMDES
GFE29HMDES
DEALER TAG DEALER TAG
DEALER TAG
DON’S APPLIANCE & TV
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
PAGE 5
Tackle flying pests in the yard The warmer months provide ample opportunities for outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying time spent in the yard as a family. But moments in the fresh air and sunshine can be negatively affected by the presence of flying, buzzing or biting bugs. When the weather warms, insects that may have been dormant during the winter begin to exit their dens and reproduce in earnest. Many insects overwinter as eggs and larvae, and multitudes break their dormancy at the same time as host plants. Beetles, flies, gnats, bees, mosquitoes, termites, butterflies, moths, and many other bugs can be seen in abundance in the spring. While there are people who enjoy bugs’ presence as true harbingers of the new season, others who are less enamored with flying insects, especially when they make time outdoors into an exercise in discomfort. Homeowners concerned about the presence of flying insects in their yard can take various steps to manage sharing outdoor spaces with insect life. PREVENTION Different varieties of insects begin their lives as eggs that may hatch into nymphs or worm-like creatures known as larvae. Oftentimes, these eggs are deposited in water or in damp areas. Mosquito larvae, for example, thrive in stagnant water before they turn into winged, biting insects. Keeping
outdoor areas free of standing water and ensuring proper drainage are two ways to reduce the population of certain bugs in the yard. Welcoming animals, such as birds and bats that feed on a trove of insects, to the yard can naturally keep insect numbers down. Flies lay about 50 to 100 eggs at one time. The eggs will hatch into maggots in as little as 12 hours after being deposited. Keeping yards free from decaying matter, especially around entertaining areas, can limit the number of flies in the yard. TRAPS There are a variety of different traps on the market geared toward different insect life. Most use some sort of attractant, whether a scent or light to lure the insects to the trap. Then the bugs fall inside and cannot get out. Although there are some chemical-based traps or bug “zappers,” there are other more natural traps and more humane options, too. Setting traps away from patios and living spaces will lure the insects to the traps and keep them away from you. Once the trapped insects expire, you can bury them in the ground to naturally decompose. Setting traps out very early in the season will help to trap as many emerging insects as possible. You also may be able to trap the queens of certain insects, like bees or wasps, further reducing the
Make every dime count when you combine your down payment with our great mortgage rates! If you’re thinking of buying or building a new home, stop in today, and let us show you how CornerStone State Bank mortgage loan can save you money.
CORNERSTONE STATE BANK 406 Popular Street Belle Plaine, MN 56011 (952) 873-2500 1516 Cloquet Avenue Cloquet, MN 55720 (218) 879-6781
415 N. Main Street Le Sueur, MN 56058
451 3rd Street Green Isle, MN 55338
401 4th Street NW Montgomery, MN 56069 (507) 364-2265
Independent - Locally Owned Bank
number of bugs you will see throughout the year. REPELLENTS Repellents are natural or chemically derived formulas that are worn or placed in proximity to people. These repellents want insects to find them. Once found, the repellents’ smell or taste is deemed questionable by the insects, who will then seek out other areas to reside. Repellents will vary in efficacy and some may need to be reapplied frequently to remain effective. However, they are a useful tool when you will not be staying in one spot in the yard. SCREENS If you spend ample time outdoors, especially at dusk, then investing in a screened-in room may be the way to go. This way you can enjoy the weather while the insects stay on the other side of the screen. In climates where three-season swimming is possible, some homeowners actually create screened-in rooms that encompass their entire pool.
BENEFICIAL BUGS Insects like butterflies and bees are the unsung heroes of the landscape, as they are responsible for pollinating many flowers and plants. Honeybees and bumblebees will generally keep to themselves if their nests are not disturbed and can actually be enjoyable to watch as they buzz from flower to flower. Wasps, like yellow-jackets, can be attracted to sweet smells, so keeping sugary drinks and foods covered can keep them at bay. Or you may want to lure them to another area of the yard with a bit of raw meat or a can of fruit punch. Sharing outdoor living spaces with flying insects can be aggravating. But there are many options at a homeowner’s disposal to control such unwanted guests.
PAGE 6
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Pros and cons
of open floor plans O
pen floor plans have evolved to be the floor plan of choice in new homes and current home renovations. Turn on a home renovation show, and you’re likely to see eager homeowners knocking down walls to open the kitchen to the family room. Walls have become anathema to homeowners. There are many supporters of the open floor plan, particularly those who entertain frequently or like to keep an eye on children throughout the house. Although open floor plans are touted, there are plenty of people who have never been enamored with having all of their rooms flowing into one. There also are some people who prefer a different style. For those who are not fans of the open floor plan, blame the excess of the 1980s for their inception. In homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, rooms were compartmentalized
and isolated for specific activities. During the 1980s, an era of “bigger is better,” when entertaining was widely popular among homeowners, designers noticed that many homeowners preferred an open floor plan in which rooms merged into one another, creating the illusion of more space. These floor plans also enable people to be in separate rooms and still interact with one another across the space. A home’s floor plan largely depends on the preference of the homeowner. There are many advantages to having an open floor plan versus one that is more compartmentalized. Here is a look at some of the pros and cons. Pro Open floor plans can be safer for parents of young children. If the home opens up with the living spaces branching off from the kitchen, parents can keep an eye on
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
children while the parents prepare dinner. It also Con People who are collectors or who have eliminates the number of places that kids can a lot of furniture or accent items may find that hide and get into mischief. open floor plans do not work well with this type of design mantra. Con Privacy is reduced in a home with few walls. Much in the way that an open floor plan Pro Because several rooms run into one enables children to be seen from every angle, it another, color choices for walls and furnishings also enables you to be seen — and all of your in a home with an open floor plan can be limited belongings as well. There’s also no place to and cohesive, making choices easier. retreat to if you need a minute to collect yourself Con On the flip side, those who want to when entertaining. You’re on display unless you incorporate different color schemes and eclectic retreat to the bathroom. styles may have difficulty deciding on where to Pro Entertaining can be easier in a home with “end” rooms or how to co-mingle furniture. an open floor plan because hosts and hostesses are not separated from their guests or holed up in the kitchen the entire time. An open space enables everyone to mingle and conversations to flow. Con Those who like to host events without showing guests all of their dirty dishes or secrets of the kitchen may dislike an open floor plan. Pro Light can flow effectively through an open space, minimizing dark rooms and reducing the need to install more windows. Light in and of itself can help a home feel more spacious. Con While light can flow easily, so can sound. Noises through the house may be amplified. A student doing homework in the dining room may be disturbed by the television blaring in the family room. Talking on the phone or even finding a quiet nook to read a book may be challenging. Stop in or call one of Pro Open floor plans allow for our professionals more family time together in one space than a home with a more compartmentalized layout.
Are you thinking of a
Spring Project?
12th www.interstatebuildingsupply.com Thursday, April 18 – 8-5:30pm • Friday, April 19 – 8-5:30pm Saturday, April 20 – 9-6pm
Highlights from our past Sales Events
600 Southside Drive • Le Sueur 507-665-6426 • Fax: 507-665-8907
Hog Roast and Music
* FREE Estimates
* Great Service
* FREE Delivery
* Competitive Prices
* Quality Products
• Pole Buildings
• Decks
• Homes
• Siding
• Garages
• Cabinets
• Additions
• Insulation
• Doors
• Patios
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
507-931-2720 -
After hours: 507-469-0118 120 W. Nassau Street - St. Peter, MN 56082
RYAN PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING • Residential & Commercial • Bonded & Insured
PAGE 7
Protect Your Investment Now is the time to install seamless rain gutters!
MN License #059165PM
• • • • • •
New Home Construction Remodeling & Repairs Heating & A/C Boilers - Steam & Hot Water Water Heaters Infloor Radiant Heat
www.ryanph.com
RYAN ELECTRIC Residential - Commerical Industrial - Farm Family Owned & Operated • Remodeling • New Construction • Repairs • Sales • Underground Location • Panel Upgrades • Trouble Shooting Bonded and Insured
www.stpeterelectric.com
507-931-2720 -
After hours: 507-469-0118 120 W. Nassau Street - St. Peter, MN 56082
Did you Know? 1 inch of rain could mean 1,000 gallons of water pouring off your roof!
• 100% Aluminum • NO Painting • NO Leaks • Many Colors • Gutter Guard • Leafproof® • Residential & Commercial
“A quality product at a better price.”
Richards’ Seamless Gutter, Inc. Serving Southern Minnesota Since 1976
Free Estimates - Call 507.345.7070
1.800.944.3466
20885 State Highway 83, Mankato
PAGE 8
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
Designing
a laundry room When purchasing a home, buyers often look at the kitchen space and how many bedrooms there are, while largely ignoring other rooms, including the laundry room. Oftentimes, the washer and dryer are relegated to a dark corner of the basement or garage, and homeowners simply accept their laundry lot. More and more manufacturers now produce washers and dryers that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. As a result, homeowners and renters need not feel they have to hide laundry rooms like they did in the past. Having the laundry nearby the family action — and paying attention to laundry room design — can make the work of keeping clothes tidy that much easier. Many designers would agree that you need not sacrifice style for function in a laundry room. As with
roof? ! New dows deck? nice. Win w e N e b ! s ld r wou gutte siding dows and New Win , s e Y
any other area of the house, impart design elements into the room and make it a room in which you want to spend time. • First and foremost, select appliances that offer the features you need and want. Also, find appliances that fit the space you have. Front-loading appliances have become the latest musthave, but some units may be too big or expensive for your space. Those with a limited area for laundry can invest in a stackable set, in which the washer and dryer are combined into one vertical unit. For those who want to add a pop of color, select among the variety of colored washers and dryers that are turning up in store showrooms. You’re no longer limited to white, black and beige. • Consider cabinetry in your laundry space. Cabinets and drawers are not just for
Has the long Winter got you dreaming of Home Improvements?
the kitchen. They can hide cleaning products, detergent, dryer sheets and so much more. Fill drawers with stainremoval sticks and items to mend clothes that may be missing a button or have a small hole that needs tending. • A laundry area also can be much more than just a place to wash and fold clothes.
See LAUNDRY Page 15
SAVE UP TO $500 THE MORE YOU BUY THE MORE YOU SAVE
$100 OFF
$300 OFF
$500 OFF
50 sq. yds. carpet
100 sq. yds. carpet
200 sq. yds. carpet
0r 500 sq. ft. hard surface
0r 1,000 sq. ft. hard surface
0r 2,000 sq. ft. hard surface
Or rug retail price of $599
Or rug retail price of $999
Or rug retail price of $1,699
April 11 - June 3, 2013 Hurry in. Don’t miss this great deal. Get details at shawfloors.com/savemoresale
Rickway Carpet
See our loan experts
YOUR ADDRESS HERE YOUR PHONE #/URL
YOUR LOGO
Rickway Inc. HERE YOUR STORE HOURS 1107 Cross Street • North Mankato 507-625-3089
John in Henderson or Travis, Ed, or Mariane in LeCenter
Open Saturdays 9 am-Noon!
FIRST STATE BANK Le Center | 507-357-2225 Henderson | 507-248-3740 www.fsblecenter.com
www.rickwaycarpet.net Carpet | Area Rugs | Tile & Stone | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient
SHOWROOM HOURS Mon. - Thurs. 9am - 8pm Fri. 9am - 6pm Sat. 9am - 4pm
©2013 Shaw. At participating retailers only. Save $100, $300 or $500 (*USD/CAD) off a minimum purchase of qualifying styles, respectively. Material only, excluding trim, pad and underlayment. Limited styles available. Pricing determined by retailer. Ask your salesperson for details.
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
Modernize your bathroom with a frameless glass shower enclosure
M
ore homeowners are looking to transform their bathrooms into luxurious, relaxing retreats that feature the looks and amenities of an upscale spa. One way to upgrade the appearance of a bath — and to lessen the burden of maintaining it — is to install a frameless shower enclosure with CLARVISTA® glass by PPG, a shower glass that features fused-on coating to keep its showroom looks longer than more traditional clear shower glass. The biggest advantage associated with frameless shower enclosures is that they can add to the overall value of your home if they’re done right. Here are some additional reasons to consider a frameless shower for your new or remodeled bath. • They’re fashionable. Frameless shower enclosures open a world of possibilities because they perfectly complement du-
rable, high-style surfaces used in the bath such as tile, marble and granite. They also provide a great way to show off distinctive shower heads, faucets and fixtures. Finally, because of their openness and transparency, frameless shower enclosures can make your bath feel bigger than it really is. • They’re versatile. Frameless doors can be designed to fit any
We Carry A Great Selection of Weber Charcoal, Gas, Q Grills & Accessories!
Locally and employee owned
1951 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato www.candssupply.com
Open Mon.-Fri. 8am-7pm Sat. 8am-5pm Sun. 11am-5pm
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
space, making them ideal for bathrooms large and small. And they don’t have to be boxy — frameless shower enclosures can be circular, oval or triangular. Even standard square or rectangular enclosures can be dressed up with an artfully
bowed, patterned or etched glass door. • They’re durable. Frameless shower enclosures look elegant, but one of their most redeeming qualities is toughness. Standard shower glasses can range in thickness from
PAGE 9
3⁄8 inch to 1⁄2 inch, which makes them sturdy, structurally sound and safe. Watertight seals prevent leakage, and because there is little to no metal used in frameless enclosures, homeowners never have to worry about replacing corroded parts.
• They’re easy to live with. Let’s face it: we all want to live in our homes for as long as we can. Frameless shower enclosures are a great way to let your home age with See MODERNIZE Page 16
PAGE 10
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Cost-effective
fencing options
Fencing serves many purposes. Some homeowners erect a fence for privacy, while others do so to contain pets and children. Because fencing can be expensive, some homeowners look for ways to cut costs, which can be relatively easy, especially for those homeowners willing to consider various materials when erecting their fence. Traditional fences are available in materials ranging from wood to vinyl to metal. Homeowners have other options at their disposal if they prefer a more natural fence. Different shrubs, trees or grasses can be planted to create a barrier between properties or within the property. When choosing a fencing material, consider that
LENDER
Never Again! Never Replace Your RoofAgain!
needs significant maintenance or has to be replaced
See FENCING Page 11
s e t y!
Equal Housing
Gr
even a less expensive material may prove more expensive in the long run if it
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
Letour our experts experts install a Metro Let MetroGranulated Granulated Steel Roof that will last Steel last aalifetime. lifetime.
a da R t to
s a u e ll a
Member FDIC
C
Four unique unique roof profiles Four les made madefrom from stone-coated steel, to fifitt your stone-coated yourneeds. needs.
roofing ng | siding | windows roofi windows || gutters gutters Lic. BC600237
Wanda Jaster Mortgage Lender
St. Peter
507.931.4000
Mankato
507.625.1121
Gaylord
507.237.5521
www.BoelterisBetter.com www.BoelterisBetter.com
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
FENCING: Different materials to go with a variety of budgets From Page 10 in just a few years. Therefore, the most cost-effective fencing material may not necessarily be the least expensive one at the store. Here are some materials homeowners can consider. Found material: Repurposed wood or metal can be crafted into a rustic, one-ofa-kind fence. Materials can be found that are no cost, requiring only the cost of labor. Should you build it yourself, this can be next to nothing. Sometimes existing fences on another property can be disassembled and rebuilt on your own property for little to no cost as well. Chainlink/chainwire: Chainlink fencing is one of the most economical types of boundary fencing. The fencing comes in a variety of diamond sizes and is fixed to galvanized pipes spaced across the perimeter of the property. Although it is some of the least expensive fencing, it does not offer much privacy on its own. But if you are looking at fencing simply as a barrier, chainlink could be the way to go. Picket fencing: A wooden picket fence is another inexpensive fencing material. The pickets can be purchased in various heights, and this fence may be used as garden border fencing or to mark a property line between homes. Spacing the pickets widely apart may cut down on the number that need to be purchased, further keeping the cost down. Bamboo: Bamboo is a rapidly growing grass that produces a hard wood-like material that is used in many building applications. Bamboo wood can be used to build a fence, but the natural plant also can be planted to
form a living fence for privacy. Stockade fencing: A stockade fence is one of the more basic wood fencing options. Wooden slats are placed alongside one another to form an effective and affordable privacy fence. Stockade fencing can be stained or painted to preserve it. Many home improvement retailers sell panels of stockade fencing so that you can make fence installation a do-it-yourself project. Vinyl fencing: Although vinyl fencing is one of the more expensive fencing ma-
terials at the outset (it costs about twice the price of a wood fence), it does pay for itself rather quickly thanks to minimal maintenance. Unlike some other materials, vinyl will not rot or discolor. You also won’t have to purchase stain, paint and expensive cleaners for a vinyl fence. That means once you make the investment, you will have years upon years of maintenance-free enjoyment. There are many different fencing materials that can coordinate with a variety of budgets.
“We Raise Sunken Concrete”
FREE s Estimate
Save up to 1/2 the cost of replacement Residential • Commerical • Sidewalks • Driveways • Patios • Pool Decks • Steps • House & Garage Floors • Void Fills • Caulking • Warehouse Floors • Grain Bin Floors e r After fo 15 Years Experience e B
507-388-2300
www.mankatomudjacking.com
WOELFEL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, INC
390 W. Derrynane St. Le Center, MN 56057
Denny & Mary Anne Woelfel Contractor Lic. #BC 518532
Call us for all your Spring Building Projects
507-357-6207
woelfel@frontiernet.net • www.woelfelbuilding.com
“Experienced Quality Carpentry ... Guaranteed.”
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
3
Corner of 2nd & Cherry Street | Mankato (507) 345-3223 www.earljohnsonfurniture.com
GREAT STORES LOCATION!
1
VOTE FOR US FOR READER’S CHOICE!
HURRY IN NOW AND SAVE UP TO
INTERIOR DESIGN SHOWROOM
$1000 CASH BACK
A Division of Earl Johnson Furniture
May is National Karastan Month! Receive up to $1000 back on all gorgeous Karastan Carpets! CARPET | COUNTERTOPS | WINDOW TREATMENTS BLINDS & SHADES | FLOORPLANNING | TILE & WOOD
40
A Division of Earl Johnson Furniture
OVER
STARTING AS LOW AS
SAVE UP TO
40%
AT OUR BIG CLEARANCE EVENT!
MATTRESSES ON DISPLAY!
$299
QUEEN SET
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
How to prevent soil erosion Homeowners who spend time tending to their landscape are increasingly looking eco-friendly ways to maintain their lawns and gardens. Homeowners who once relied on potentially harmful pesticides to craft a lush lawn now prefer ways that don’t leave such a significant carbon footprint. Preventing soil erosion is one way to incorporate conservation into lawn and garden care. Conservation is one of many environmental practices aimed at preserving the planet’s natural resources, which include soil. Preventing soil erosion is easy and can be accomplished in a number of ways. Don’t overwater. Some may assume that
keeping soil as damp as possible keeps it healthy. However, overwatering the soil can cause runoff that washes the soil away. In addition, overwatering the soil can degrade it and contribute to erosion. Instead of overwatering, keep the soil moist but don’t overdo it. If you’re having trouble keeping soil moist, consider laying down some mulch, which helps retain moisture and deliver nutrients to the soil that keep it healthy. Plant trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs are friends to soil, providing shelter while their roots keep the soil in place and prevent it from easily blowing away on a windy day. It also helps soil from washing See SOIL Page 15
Installing runoff barriers made of brick, stone or other materials around plants and shrubs is one way to reduce soil erosion and runoff.
Building Dreams... Call us today about our
Construction Loan Special! We would like to help make your dreams become reality. Tom Obele 507-593-4040
Michele Zimmerman 507-263-1919
Working together to serve you!
112 S. Main St. Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-2265 • www.ffmbank.com
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
100 OFF
$
PER WINDOW with the purchase of 4 or more
Interest free financing till 2018* Replace all the Windows in Your Home for $125 per Month (based on 10 Windows White/White) Lacina carries the best products to provide you with lifetime warranties on your maintenance free home improvements.
• Energy Efficient • Low Maintenance • 8x Stronger than Vinyl • Stainable EverWood® interior option • Installed for you
Serving you in Southern MN since 1996!
& WINDOWS, INC.
Because it’s your home.
2104 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato 507-625-5064 866-625-5064
www.lacinasiding.com *Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the finance period. OAC LIC #20272178
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11 2013
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
Safety measures can help reduce bathroom injuries
F
alls cause many injuries inside a home. Seniors are especially susceptible to harmful falls in the bathroom, where slippery tiles can prove too difficult for older men and women to navigate. A 2011 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 234,000 Americans ages 15 and older were treated in an emergency department for nonfatal bathroom-related injuries in 2008. That adds up to roughly
640 people per day. More than 80 percent of bathroom-related injuries were caused by slips and falls, mostly while getting in and out of the tub or shower, and about 30 percent of those injuries included cuts, scrapes and bruises. Bathrooms can be more dangerous than other rooms of the house for a variety of reasons. The bathroom is generally comprised of hard surfaces that can become slippery when wet or exposed to high humidity. A bathroom may become hotter than other rooms because of the steam that ac-
SPRING HOME & GARDEN companies a hot shower. Heat may dilate peripheral veins and lower blood pressure in some people. This may lead to dizziness that can result in falls. Furthermore, people tend to rush in the bathroom as they get ready for work or school. Rushing around can lead to slips and injuries on wet surfaces. Installing safety features in the bathroom is a key way to reduce the risk of accidents. Many manufacturers have even designed these features so they blend with bathroom decor. When renovating bathrooms for safety, consider the following options. • Anti-scald features: Burns can be serious business. Few people have been spared the momentary burst of hot water that occurs in the shower or at the faucet when another household member flushes a toilet or uses a large amount of cold water elsewhere
in the house. Anti-scald showerheads and faucets prevent sudden bursts of hot water. Use in conjunction with turning down the temperature of the hot water heater to eliminate burns. • Nonslip mats: Bathroom injuries often occur when people are getting in and out of the shower. Having a non-slip mat on the inside of the shower or tub as well as one with a grippable surface and plush top layer on which to step after exiting the shower can reduce falls. Don’t step out of the shower onto a flimsy towel that can slip out from underneath your feet. • Bath bench: The elderly or those prone to lightheadedness in the shower may want to invest in a bench or seat to put into the shower. This enables sitting while washing. • Safety bars: It can be tempting to grab onto towel racks or faucets to
SOIL: Create runoff barriers so soil does not spill out From Page 13 away when warm weather arrives and the landscape must be watered on a daily basis. Create runoff barriers. Runoff barriers are edges that can be made of brick, stone or other materials that help reduce runoff. Many homeowners install runoff barriers along sidewalks and driveways to ensure the soil does not spill out onto the pavement, but these also help the soil as much as they help to keep walkways and other areas free of soil and looking tidy. Consider leaving some
boundaries. It’s a principle grass around the garden. similar to installing runoff Tillage is the process of barriers, and it can be just preparing land to grow crops. While many homeowners don’t view their weekend gardening as growing crops, similar principles apply whether you’re growing crops on a farm or just a few Full landscape Design and Installation vegetables in the backyard. Back Hoe & Excavating Services One such principle is Fast • Reliable • Affordable conservation tillage, which means leaving a 507-931-0901 or 952-492-3160 portion of vegetation in www.lawnsareus.com the ground instead of stripping everything away before planting. For home gardeners, consider leaving a small amount of grass around the garden to keep the soil within the garden’s
as effective at preventing soil erosion.
FREE Estimates • Complete Lawn Mantenance Programs • Boulder & Block Walls • Paver Patios, Walkways, Driveways, & Fire Pits • Waterfalls, Ponds & Rain Gardens • Lakeshore Restoration & Drainage Correction • Irrigation Start Up • Mulch Bed Overlay • Hydro Seed & Erosion Control Accept major credit cards
For Total Lawn Care Come to UFC!
• Fertilizer • Grass Seed • Lawn Mowers • Trimmers
1702 N. Hwy. 169, St. Peter • (507) 931-6683 www.tdsgardencenter.com
Garden Seeds Now in Stock!
316 North Main • Le Sueur 800-252-5993 or 507-665-6421 www.ufcmn.com
PAGE 15 get in and out of the shower, but these items cannot provide the necessary leverage to safely move in and out of the shower or bathtub. Safety bars with a brushed surface for traction are more secure. Grab bars need to be securely attached to a wood stud in the wall and not into drywall or the tub enclosure. • Raised toilet seat: A raised toilet seat reduces the amount of squatting and the distance that has to be covered to sit on the commode. Grab bars on the raised seat itself will provide added safety. • Telephone: The bathroom may seem an odd place to install a telephone, but having one nearby in the event of injury can ensure help gets to the injured party much more quickly. • Regular cleaning: Routinely ridding showers and tubs of soap scum and mildew can reduce the
Anti-scald showerheads help reduce burn injuries in bathrooms. slippery coating that forms as a result of these substances. Also, be sure to keep clutter in the bathroom to a minimum to stop trips and falls over errant items in the area. Bathrooms can present many dangers, but certain safety tools and renovations can help reduce the risk of injury.
Jim Schmidt Concrete and Masonry LLC. Patios • Sidewalks • Garage Floors • Exposed Aggregate • Brick & Cultured Stone • Retaining Walls • Foundations & Poured Walls • Mini Excavator & Bobcat Work • Free Estimates
Jim Schmidt Owner
59636 153rd St. Mapleton, MN 56065 C (507) 340-4364
PAGE 16
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
LAUNDRY: Taking time to organize and plan can MODERNIZE: A great way to meld timeless style make your laundry room functional and inviting From Page 8
Many people like to turn this spot into a multipurpose zone. By including some shelving and a refrigerator in the laundry room, you can create a food-storage pantry. A large countertop normally used to fold clothes can also double as a gift-wrapping station. Think about merging a laundry room with a craft room where sewing or scrapbooking can take place. • Remember to leave room for the soiled clothing. Raising hamper bins off of the floor to be suspended from a rod above the washer frees up valuable floor space. Otherwise, keep the hamper behind a curtain or tucked into a cabinet to ensure the laundry room always looks neat, even when you haven’t yet gotten to the newest pile of dirty clothes. • Don’t be afraid of adding color and artwork to the laundry space. In fact, embrace it. Here’s an out-of-the-way area of the home where you can explore your creativity and have a little fun. Try an eyeopening color, such as apple green or bright yellow to add a sunny disposition to the room. • You don’t have to spend a fortune on a laundry room re-do. Shop in salvage stores or antique shops for custom pieces to add character to the space. You can probably find cabinetry or shelving for a fraction of the cost of new items, and these older items may add more character to the
space. • Save space by installing a counter just above the dryer so you will have a place to fold and stack clothing. • The bulk of dirty clothes will be generated in the bedrooms and bathroom of the house. But who wants to carry clothes down to a laundry area
on a lower level? See if you can tuck a laundry room into an upstairs closet or nook to make doing laundry more practical. Although a laundry room is often an afterthought, taking time to organize and plan the space can make it both functional and inviting.
• They’re easy to clean. With frameless shower enclosures, there are fewer nooks and crannies where dirt and grime can accumulate, making them easier to clean than other shower styles. For an added level of clarity and sparkle, homeowners should request Clarvista glass by PPG, the coating of which is fused to the glass,
which makes the surface almost impervious to corrosion from water deposits, humidity, soap scum and household cleaners. Simply wipe the wet glass every few days with a dry towel or squeegee, and your shower enclosure can look as new as the first day you had it installed.
Quality Lawn Care
FREE ESTIMATES • REASONABLE RATES • Lawn Fertilizing • Crab Grass, Dandelion, Weed Control • Tree/Shrub Feeding & Spraying • Landscape Insect Control
10% OFF
ANY NEW PROGRAM (1st Time Customers)
ASK ABOUT OUR FREE LAWN APPLICATION OFFER!
CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE
40 years quality, local service
1-800-722-2268
Custom Cabinets...
For any Room.
- Custom Kitchens - Vanities - Laundry Room - Bars - Entertainment Centers - Fireplace Mantels - Home Offices - 3 D Computer Drawings - FREE Estimates - & More
jwcabinetsmn.com
Locally owned & operated by Jesse Wenisch
LE SUEUR, MN • 507-665-0061
New & Used Furniture Receive An Extra 14% off All Purchases! Thurs. - Fri. 10 AM - 6 PM - Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM
NEW ARRIVALS - too numerous to list! WE ARE BUYING! You bring in or we pick up. 901 So. Victory Dr., Mankato (2 miles So. Madison East) Couch, Tables, Lamps, Beds and Much More!
From Page 9 you because the entry can be leveled with the floor to create easy access as you become older and less mobile. And frameless glass shower enclosures don’t become passé — they offer a great way to meld timeless style with ageless accommodation.
(507) 625-1463 Delivery Available Open: Tues.-Fri. 10 am - 6 pm; Sat. 10 am - 2 pm
Opening April 2nd Tuesdays 12 noon - 6 p.m. (April 2nd - October 29th) 2nd Saturdays 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (April 7th - October 8th) Open Through October 29th
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Top Shop
PAGE 17
Celebrating our 60th year!
of Mankato, Inc.
Custom Countertops Give Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning a Call! Your Local Choice for Comfort and Savings!
SAVE up to $2950
Undermount sinks now available with laminate.
Laminate Countertops offer great durability and a large selection of color choices and multiple edge proďŹ les to choose from. Laminate is a very cost effective way to update your kitchen.
on a NEW Lennox home Comfort System
Duct Cleaning $60 off
Our $349 Duct Cleaning Service
20% off
Furnace and Humidifier Replacement Filters
Exp. May 31, 2013
Granite
Quartz
Contact our design specialist to create your own custom countertops. 507-388-3351 | 315 Cross Street | North Mankato
To p S h o p M a n k a t o . c o m
507-665-3300
226 S. Main Street - Le Sueur www.gopherheating.com
Exp. May 31, 2013
PAGE 18
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
Gardening: Clean your tools From Page 4 ing, especially for those beginners who adhere to the following tips aimed at helping novice gardeners start their gardens off on the right foot. Determine what you should plant. Where you live will go a long way toward determining what you should plant. While you can plant anything you can get your hands on, the United States Department of Agriculture as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have determined specific plant hardiness zones that indicate which plants are most likely to thrive in given locations. Maps of these zones can be found at www.usda.gov and www.agr.gc.ca. By adhering to the maps, gardeners can significantly increase their chances of growing successful gardens. When in doubt about what to plant, consult a local gardening center or seek advice from a professional landscaper. Think location when beginning your garden. Beginners with large yards have the luxury of choosing the right location on their properties to start planting. When choosing a spot, consider how much sunlight a location gets on a daily basis and the spot’s proximity to a water supply. If planting flowers, try to avoid planting in areas with heavy foot traffic so the flowers are less likely to be stomped. If you’re planting flowers to accent walkways, then consider erecting a barrier around the flower bed to safeguard the flowers from foot traffic. Get started before you plant. Preparing the soil a few weeks before you start planting can help
the plants thrive down the road. Add some organic material, such as compost or fertilizer, to the soil roughly three weeks before planting. This helps the soil retain water and nutrients, which will help your garden thrive. Time your planting. When you plant is sometimes as important as what you plant. Some climates allow for year-round planting, but many do not. When buying seeds, the packaging might suggest what time of year to plant the seeds. Adhere to these suggestions or your garden might not grow much at all. In addition, keep in mind that many seedlings need significant light throughout the day in order to grow, so choose a time of year with ample daylight. Don’t forget to mulch. Mulch can be as aesthetically appealing as it is effective. Mulch retains soil, helping roots to grow stronger, while deterring bugs and preventing weed growth. And many gardeners find mulch adds visual appeal their garden, and does so in a very inexpensive way. Clean your tools. Beginners rarely recognize the importance of cleaning gardening tools before putting them away. At the end of each gardening session, clean your tools thoroughly, as soil left on your garden tools can play host to potentially harmful microbes that might kill your plants. Gardening can be a labor-intensive yet gratifying hobby. By sticking to a few simple rules, beginners can develop a thriving garden to reward all of that hard work.
From Dream
to DESIGN to Done. 200 South Front Street 507-931-3200 www.stpeterlumber.com Locally owned & operated Since 1988.
507.665.2026
www.classicgranitandmore.com
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Protects Roof from Winds up to 170 miles per hour
Ask about our new financing.*
* Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 E. Brickyard Rd. Suite 640, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment terms vary from 24 to 132 months. Interest waived if repaid in 365 days. 16.75% fixed APR, effective as of 2/17/13. Subject to change.
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Wednesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 11, 2013
1616 Aspen Drive, St. Peter
703 N 5th Street, St. Peter
4 bed, 1 full, 1 three-quarter bath
Multi-Family Triplex
$172,500
$162,000
40596 River Bluff St. Peter 2.5 acres, 5 bed, 1 full,
500 W. Jackson St St. Peter
2 three-quarter bath
2 bed, 1 full bath
$329,000
$16,500
2124 Peregrine Ln N. Mankato
803 Churchill Ct St. Peter
5 bed, 2 full,
2 bed, 1 full,
1 three-quarter bath
1 three-quarter bath
$228,500
$214,500
507-931-1703 • St. Peter, MN www.pellinc.com
Lee Pell 931-1703 (after hours) 931-9097 Matt Brostrom 931-1703 (after hours) 507-514-3307 Shari Brostrom 931-1703 (after hours) 931-9468