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CONTENTS 6
Lakes Area Home Tour feature: Jim and Joy Boarini renovate their Marion Lake home into a fun and comfortable gathering place for friends and family
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Anybody can DIY a brick patio, right? Tips from a local landscaping pro about how to avoid getting caught between a brick and a hard place Choosing and applying winter mulch
Protect your home from winter freeze
Seven uses for fallen leaves
THIS PUBLICATION IS A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 PERHAM FOCUS AND WADENA PIONEER JOURNAL Publisher: Jason Miller jmiller@perhamfocus.com MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS Photos & Editorial: Marie Johnson mtjohnson@dlnewspapers.com Photos & Editorial: Michael Johnson mjohnson@perhamfocus.com Cover & Page Design: Tasha Kenyon tkenyon@dlnewspapers.com ADVERTISING Amber Bauer abauer@perhamfocus.com Becky Wedde bwedde@wadenapj.com Cover photo: © [volurol] / Adobe Stock
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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 5
Recreation and relaxation Jim and Joy Boarini renovate their Marion Lake home into a fun and comfortable gathering place for friends and family BY MARIE JOHNSON For Fall Home
W
hen Jim and Joy Boarini started looking for a summer lake home around Perham, they knew they wanted a place to get away; a place where they could enjoy some recreation and relaxation, and where their friends and family could gather to enjoy some of the same. When they bought their home on Marion Lake, neatly tucked into a large lot along 397th Street — a quiet, winding and woodsy road in rural Perham — that’s exactly what they got. The Boarinis bought the home in 2015, and since completing a major renovation project on it about a year ago, they’ve been absolutely enjoying it. Sometimes it’s just the two of them, but often, there are other loved ones around. People have traveled to visit from as far away as California and Canada, staying for a day, a weekend, or longer. The couple even hosted a big family get-together at the lake this past July. Everyone who comes loves it, says Joy: “They’ve all appreciated the retreat.” More importantly, Joy and Jim appreciate it. The northern Illinois couple, recently retired from careers in the medical field, had been looking for a summer place in the Lakes Area, and specifically on Marion Lake, for awhile. The sun porch is a new addition to the home, providing more light throughout the main level as well as expansive views of Marion Lake.
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Flowers and small decorations add splashes of color to an otherwise white-and-grey palette. A large kitchen island provides extra cabinet space and seating for four. The main floor living room, located just off the kitchen and dining area, is bright and open, with large windows for ample views of the lake. A mix of hard and soft furnishings and decor make the home look sharp and feel comfortable.
FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 7
Good friends of theirs live on the lake, so they were familiar with the area and had come to love it. Jim found the home on the real estate market, and after several showings the Boarinis bit the bullet and decided “that was it,” says Joy. The purchase was finalized in August, and by that Christmas, the home was undergoing major renovations. The Boarinis decided to renovate so that the house would meet their needs and reflect their style. Joy did most of the design herself, finding inspiration in magazines and online, and sometimes taking suggestions from her contractor and suppliers. One of the couple’s main priorities going into the reno was to add more windows. They wanted to have a nice, wide view of the lake from the main floor of the home, so they determined that adding a sun porch would be an essential part of the project. There were also a number of steps throughout the main floor, as it originally had a sunken living room, which the Boarinis decided to eliminate to have everything on one level. They also reconfigured the existing bathroom
on the main floor to make an en suite for the master bedroom, and a separate powder room was then added to accommodate guests. Downstairs, the bathroom was expanded to make room for a full bathtub (which Joy wanted for her grandkids), and a closet that had been under the stairs was adapted into custom shelving and a kids’ hidden play area known to the family as the “secret room” — that was one of Joy’s middleof-the-night inspirations. Throughout the renovation process, she says, she would often wake up in the wee hours with design ideas. She was going for the modern farmhouse look when it came to the overall style of the home. Their full-time home in Illinois is more traditional, she explains, “so I wanted to take some risks, step outside the box a little. I wanted to stretch my traditional sort of look to something with pops of color. Nothing too crazy, but just stretching my boundaries.” A light-and-dark color scheme adds to the appeal of the Boarini’s large, open dining area.
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A personalized wall hanging pays homage to the lake life that the Boarinis love so much.
The cupboards in the master bathroom, for example, are a brilliant blue, and the kitchen cabinets are two-toned, with the center island cabinets being slate grey while the rest are white. In the end, Joy says, “I think everything turned out fabulous. I love it.” One of the biggest challenges during the reno was trying to do everything long-distance from Illinois, “so we couldn’t pop over every night and see the progress,” she says. To overcome that challenge, the Boarinis relied on help from their Marion Lake friends as well as “good communication from the contractor — lots of phone calls and pictures and things.” They wanted the home to be move-in ready as soon as the renovation was done. All the major pieces of furniture and decor were ordered ahead of time and put in place right away, so they could just come in and start enjoying their new home without having to do a lot more work once they got there. It was a lot of planning and preparation, Joy says, “but then one day was move-in day and it all just came together.” Now that they’ve lived in the house for awhile, “there are so many different little things” they love about it, Joy says. A favorite feature is the new sun porch, of course, which allows them to look out over the lake at all times. Because of strict lakefront impervious surface regulations, they had to jump through some hoops to be able to add that porch on, even traveling to Fergus
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Joy dared to step outside of her comfort zone to add splashes of color to her home, such as these blue cabinets in the master bathroom.
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Falls at one point to plead their case to county officials. But the extra effort was well worth it to them, Joy says: “The sun porch was something we wanted to add to really be able to maximize our time and enjoyment of the lake. That was the intent, to be able to look out on the lake. So the windows, I think, are special.” They also took out a wall on the main level to increase their lake views even more, and to add more natural light throughout — an open concept floor plan that’s another favorite feature of Joy’s. There’s also a bedroom that she designed especially for her grandkids, and that room holds a special place in her heart, as well: “I have visions of the future for that,” she says. But really, there’s no part of the house she doesn’t love. Every part of it, she says, is special to her, and holds some meaning. This was the Boarini’s first experience with home renovation, and Joy says it was very positive overall. “I have to say it was really fun,” she says. “Having just retired, I had the time to do it. And myself and my
husband work well together — I have the creative side and he has more of the practical side.” She also enjoyed working with the local contractor, Mark Johnson of Big Pine Construction, and the local tradesmen, all of whom were reliable and shared helpful ideas and tips. Whether she took their suggestions or not (sometimes she did, sometimes she didn’t), she says, “they always came up with a way of making it happen. They were phenomenal to work with.”
Soft, personal touches like this cloth banner that spells out “The Lake Home” offer a feel of old-fashioned comfort.
Other local collaborators she mentioned were Winkels Carpet Center and Lumber Depot. “The quality of the work, the friendliness… just everybody was so great to work with,” says Joy, “which made the whole process really fun.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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Customers...become frustrated when what they built looks nothing like the image in their head or from the magazine picture they found. That is when they will call a landscape contractor. CHRIS YOUNGBAUER, OF YOUNGBAUER LANDSCAPING
Don’t get caught between a block and a hard place Do your homework before digging into a DIY landscaping project BY MICHAEL JOHNSON For Fall Home
T
he thought has crossed the mind of many a DIYer: “Boy, a brick patio would sure be nice. I bet it wouldn’t be that hard to do.” Yes, in many cases, landscaping projects can be done yourself, and even done well. But one local landscaping professional suggests that wannabe DIYers do their homework first to make sure the job lasts a lifetime. Chris Youngbauer, who co-owns Youngbauer Landscaping in Verndale, took a break from rolling out new sod recently to answer some common questions he hears in his line of work. One common situation involves a DIYer who didn’t plan for everything involved in the landscaping project. “Customers begin a project only to realize that they don’t have the proper equipment to finish the job, or they become frustrated when what they built PAGE 12 | FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2018
looks nothing like the image in their head or from the magazine picture they found,” Youngbauer says. “That is when they will call a landscape contractor.” Some of the most common landscaping projects he works on include retaining walls, paver patios, sidewalks and landscape beds composed of some type of edging, fabric, plants and either mulch or rock. In those situations, Youngbauer offers installation tips to the weekend warriors planning to start their own landscaping projects: 1. Use quality materials: Price can be a good indicator of quality. Youngbauer explains that some cheaper landscaping blocks simply won’t hold up as well as more costly blocks. He can usually determine quality just by the sound of the block when he’s tapping it in place or making a cut. A lower quality block will crumble more easily, and if it doesn’t break during installation, there’s a chance it will after the freeze and thaw of a Minnesota winter.
Before — a homeowner was looking to dig out a large area of yard to create a basement walkout.
2. Use proper installation techniques: For example, a proper paver patio requires specific installation techniques below the surface — rather than just removing sod, you need to add a little sand and then the paver stone. How you treat the ground under the pavers can depend on the soil type, Youngbauer says. In most cases, it requires removing soil and packing soil to make sure you achieve an even surface to work on, and one less likely to shift. 3. Use plantings zoned for our area: Purchase plants from local certified nurseries, as they will stock plants that are hardy for this area. You might be able to buy some really great-looking plants at a big box store, but if it’s not zoned for this area, you might end up replacing the plant every year.
After — the results show a dramatic change to the landscape, creating an inviting entry to the home.
Q&A with Chris Youngbauer Chris Youngbauer, of Youngbauer Landscaping in Verndale, answers a few commonlyasked questions by customers in the local area. Q: CAN YOU GUARANTEE NO WEEDS IN MY LANDSCAPE BEDS? A: There is no long-term cure to prevent weeds. You can use the best weed fabric on the market, which will keep weeds from coming through, but most weeds start above the fabric and grow down. Lawn debris, weed seed and grass clippings find their way into a landscape bed and take hold. Frequent weeding and possible herbicide can be ways to keep weeds in check. Q: CAN YOU RECOMMEND PLANTS THE DEER WON’T EAT? A: There are plants listed as deer resistant, however the deer population level and how hungry the deer are seem to dictate whether the deer stay away. I have heard of a few home remedy stories, which might work in some instances, however there are some organic sprays that seem effective if applied as recommended on the label. Q: I HAVE A LOT THAT IS 100 FEET BY 150 FEET, CAN YOU TELL ME HOW MANY SPRINKLERS ARE NEEDED? A: Yes, however there are several variables that determine the number of sprinklers, specifically structure positions on the lot and the water source.
FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 13
“HARDSCAPING” AND HOW TO USE IT Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-living features of a landscape. These features can include everything from decks to walkways to ornamental boulders. Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps develop a home’s hardscape. Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs. DIY landscape designers should heed certain tips before embarking on hardscaping projects.
Choose the right materials. As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of additions they would like on their properties. Common hardscape features include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls. Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard.
English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and ornate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal. The overall plan of the design should be figured out in advance, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once, so that the eventual finished project will be cohesive.
Think about the purpose. Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes. Pebbles or gravel can mitigate trouble areas that don’t grow grass or plant life well. Retaining walls hold back soil in yards with sharply inclined hills. Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs, as well as planting beds. Fencing, another
An escape like this, created by Youngbauer’s Landscaping, takes quality products, lots of planning and plenty of work to make sure it’s a lasting part of your home.
form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy.
Consult a professional. While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, large-scale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addition, professional installation can ensure hardscaping features last for years to come. •
Pick a theme. The right style allows hardscaping and softscaping materials to work together. For example, homeowners may want to give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a koi pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal PAGE 14 | FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2018
Another example of a retaining wall and patio walkout.
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The Boarinis were so grateful for the work that everyone had done, in fact, that after the reno was complete they held an open house just for the workers, so they could see the finished product that their input and efforts had helped produce. It was at this open house that Joy met Peggy Rutten, of Lumber Depot. Rutten is an organizer of the annual Lakes Area Home Tour, and she invited the Boarinis to show their home as part of the next available tour. Joy agreed, and the Boarini home became the fifth stop along this fall’s seven-home tour. “We just love being on the lake,” sums up Joy of how she and Jim feel about their summer home. “We love being in Perham. We love being near friends. It really is our place to get away and really feel comfortable… We’re very happy with how everything turned out.” •
We just love being on the lake… It really is our place to get away and really feel comfortable. JOY BOARINI
The 2018 Lakes Area Home Tour A fundraiser for the 549 Family Foundation, which supports Perham public schools, the annual Lakes Area Home Tour features select East Otter Tail Lakes Area homes each fall as part of a self-guided tour of homes. Attendees get the chance to see some of the latest in architectural and interior design as well as participate in raffles and get fall decorating ideas, and then can take advantage of special discounts at area stores. This year’s tour features seven homes and takes place Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets, a tour map and more information can be found online at http://549family.com/lakesareahometour/. Tickets will be sold online through the day of the tour, and will also be available at the individual homes on that day. All proceeds from ticket sales go to the 549 Family Foundation to provide educational opportunities for Perham public school students.
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www.wadenastatebank.com FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 15
CHOOSING AND APPLYING WINTER MULCH
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Homeowners may associate mulch with springtime lawn and garden care, but mulching in fall can be beneficial, as well. According to the Morton Arboretum in Illinois, mulch protects roots against extreme temperatures, and not just those associated with summer heat waves. Mulch is often connected with its ability to help soil retain moisture during especially warm times of the year, when it promotes strong roots that can help lawns and plants survive periods of extreme heat. But when applied in the fall, mulch inhibits freezing and thawing in winter, reducing the likelihood that plants will be injured. While applying mulch in fall can be a good idea, homeowners should first consider a few factors.
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Timing: Mulch being applied as winter protection should not be applied too early in the fall, as doing so may delay the soil freezing process. Homeowners should wait until after a hard frost in the fall to apply winter mulch. In many places, hard frost will not appear until late fall.
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Texture: The Morton Arboretum recommends mediumtextured mulch. Fine particles may pack down and retain moisture that will evaporate before it reaches the plant roots. Materials that are too coarse may be incapable of holding sufficient amounts of water to benefit the soil. Nutrients: Humus is an organic component of soil that forms when leaves and other plant materials decompose. Organic mulches provide humus and decompose over time, adding nutrients into the soil. The arboretum recommends that homeowners use organic mulch that was composted or treated prior to application so any weeds, insects or microorganisms are killed. Application: Correct application of the mulch is essential. Applying too much mulch can adversely affect lawns, plants and soil, causing decay and making lawns and plants more vulnerable to disease. Homeowners uncertain about when and how to apply mulch in the fall can consult with a lawn care professional to devise a plan that ensures their lawns and gardens hold up against winter weather.
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old weather often leaves people scurrying to do whatever is necessary to safeguard themselves from the big chill, and it’s important homeowners also protect their homes from freezing temperatures.
should be turned off, though the valves on these outdoor faucets should be left open to drain. Also, outdoor faucets can be covered with insulating foam covers. The Red Cross says pipes that freeze most frequently include pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, garages and crawl spaces. Close
vents to the outside in areas like attics and basements to limit the amount of cold air that gets indoors. Think about insulating unheated areas, as well as using pipe sleeves, heat tape or wraps on exposed pipes. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Plumbing Plumbing and pipes may be vulnerable to cold weather. Frozen pipes may burst and cause substantial damage to a home, potentially causing flooding and structural damage. Homeowners should disconnect and drain garden hoses before winter arrives. Water to outdoor hose bibs
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
7 uses for fallen leaves
B
y the time autumn hits full swing, the trees will have shed their leaves for the season, and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance, and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to. It is impossible to count just how many leaves fall to the ground each year, or just how many pounds of leaves get collected curbside, but the numbers are substantial. Cleaning up leaves is considerable work, but not all of those leaves need to be carted away. In fact, there are several different uses of leaves that can be beneficial. 1. Spread leaves as a protective mulch to cover tender perennials or root crops/bulbs in the ground. The leaves will form a natural insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plants within a bit warmer over winter. 2. Create a pile of leaves that will break down and form a crumbly, compost-like material called leaf mold. Even though leaf mold may sound like a blight, it’s actually a good amendment to garden soil, improving its structure PAGE 18 | FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2018
and ability to hold water. Leaf mold also attracts beneficial organisms that are vital in healthy soil. 3. Brown leaves can be added to green materials in compost piles to improve the health of the compost being formed. According to the healthy living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost. Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them. 4. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow. 5. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement. Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake. This will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight. 6. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in cold areas of the home, such as basements or garages, to act as added insulation. Bags of leaves can also be placed around planting containers to protect them from frost. 7. Gather a few of the best-looking leaves and preserve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together. Or use clear contact paper to achieve the same effect. •
By opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, homeowners can allow warm air from a home to reach pipes under the sink. During extreme freezes, keep cold water dripping from a sink to prevent pipes from freezing.
Service HVAC systems It’s important to ensure that heating systems are working properly prior to the cold-weather season. It may only take hours for the interior of a home to reach dangerously low temperatures without adequate heat. Homeowners should schedule annual checkups of furnaces and hot water heaters. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, install a clean air filter and make sure all thermostats are working properly.
Have fuel ready Homeowners who heat their homes with oil, wood or coal should make sure they have plenty of fuel on hand in advance of winter. Shortages can occur, and it may take some time for new fuel to arrive in the midst of a cold snap. As a precaution, homeowners can rely on portable space heaters to fill in the heating gaps during freezing temperatures. Exercise extreme caution with these devices, turning them off when leaving the room and remembering to avoid overloading outlets.
Protect the outside, too Drain birdbaths, clean out downspouts and remove water from other items where water can freeze and cause damage. Inspect roofing prior to the snowy season, but stay off roofs during freezing weather. Remove snow shovels and other winter gear from storage and make sure the items are easily accessible during snowstorms. •
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