Skagit Home Style & Garden, Spring 2017 by Skagit Publishing

Skagit

HomE style & Garden

Spring 2017

A Home Improvement Guide

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American

goskagit.com HOMEstyle & Garden 2017

Your Home, Your Loan Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to buy, build, or refinance, Skagit Bank is your local expert. To learn more, visit skagitbank.com or call our Home Loan Team at (800) 246-4402.

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HOMEstyle & GardEn 2017

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12 Common pests in our gardens

SICBA Home & Garden Show

Make home inspection a priority 12 Wooden cable reels: the next big trend in recycled design this spring

Blissfully ﬂoat in a hanging chair

13 Nutrient-packed fertilizers for a healthy garden

What to plant to attract butterﬂies to your garden

13 Ring in the spring with a new bistro set

What are spilled ﬂowerpots?

Timeless decor tips for your child’s bedroom

14 Decorate your rockery with style

How to properly plant cedar hedges

DIY: Add a footrest to your kitchen island

14 When is the best time to water your plants? 15 Turn heads with an upsidedown garden 16 Add ﬂowers to your plate

10 How to prolong the longevity of 17 Beautiful, versatile container gardening your rhubarb 10 Pantone’s top shade for 2017: Greenery 11 How to discourage cats from visiting your yard

18 Understanding hardiness zones 19 Earth Day 2017: The importance of environmental literacy

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37th annual SICBa Home & Garden Show March 24th, 25th & 26th We hope to see you on Friday March 24, 2017, when the show kicks off with more than 100 exhibitors sharing what’s new and returning in products for all your home or garden needs. If there is a home improvement or garden project on your list we’re sure you’ll be able to find the information you need from our professionals. On Friday night from 5-7pm, we will have the band, Never Kry, playing and encourage you to make a night of it by visiting the food truck vendors for dinner while at the show. As you wander the exhibitor buildings, rest assured the companies you see are registered, licensed as required and bonded. Make sure you stop by the SICBA booth at the front of the C building to pick up a referral directory for Contractors in both Skagit and Island Counties and learn more about who SICBA is and what we do. This year, venture in to the Azusa Farm Garden center in the G Building. 4

Ask questions and get advice from the Master Gardeners and purchase plants & flowers from local vendors. We welcome Ciscoe Morris back to the show on Sunday and new comer, retired Navy Captain and NASA Astronaut, Heidemarie StefanyshynPiper, as well as many seminars presenters speaking on subjects relevant for today’s homeowners. All speakers and seminars will be held in the E&E Lumber and Homecenter – A building for your comfort and convenience. Do you and your family love Playhouse Lane? We’ve changed it up this year! The playhouses will be placed around the fairgrounds for you and your family to explore and enjoy. Make sure you receive your Playhouse Passport (sponsored by Dwayne Lane’s Auto Center) and get your stamp while visiting each one, then vote on your favorite playhouse. The partnership with builders and charities makes this an exciting event for the entire family. HOMEstyle & GardEn 2017

Another new adventure this year is our Kids’ Zone area. With the help of Skagit YMCA, kids will be able to paint rocks and hide them around the fairgrounds OR take them home to hide. We will also be holding the first Lego® Build Challenge for adults and kids! Sign up in advance to participate for a chance to win the grand prize! Bring the family and spend the day with us enjoying food, fun, exhibits and Entertainment at the 37th Annual SICBA Home and Garden Show. shoW hoUrs: Friday, March 24th 12-7pm saturday, March 25th 10am-6pm sunday, March 26th 10am-4pm Location: skagit county Fairgrounds 1410 Virginia st Mount Vernon, Wa 98273 More inForMation: www.sicBahomeshow.com goskagit.com

Make home inspection a priority this spring The arrival of spring sometimes leads to unpleasant discoveries, like damages to your home caused by winter’s wrath. Next time the sun is shining bright, take the opportunity to inspect your property, checklist in hand. Here are just a few issues to look out for: • Is there debris obstructing your gutters? • Does your roof show signs of damage or premature wear?

• Does your foundation show signs of water infiltration? • Are your outer walls faded or cracked? Do they show signs of erosion? • Do any metal structures (fences, banisters, garage doors, etc.) show signs of rust? When in doubt, consult a specialized contractor in your region. Thanks to their knowledge and expertise, they’ll be able to precisely assess the problem and carry out any necessary repairs. Get your inspection done early and take full advantage of the splendors of spring!

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Blissfully float in a hanging chair It’s nearly impossible to resist the carefree allure of hanging chairs. Is it because they remind us of our childhood days spent swinging at the park? Whatever the reason, we love them! Many different styles of hanging chairs are available on the market to fit every decor trend. Made from wood, resin, cloth, wicker, metal or rope, these floating seats can take the shape of hamacs, water droplets, eggs and cocoons. Make sure to secure your hanging chair to a ceiling beam that’s strong enough to support your weight. If your ceiling isn’t solid enough, choose a model equipped with extra support. For the finishing touch, add some comfortable cushions and stash a few of your favorite magazines nearby. You’re now ready for an afternoon of pure bliss! Ready to add a heavenly touch to your living space? Tour your local furniture stores to find the perfect hanging chair!

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What to plant to attract butterflies to your garden Flower gardens, with their bright colors and delicate aromas, delight our senses in more ways than one. Add colorful butterflies to the mix and these magical outdoor spaces become the very essence of nature’s beauty. If you’re looking to populate your gardens with these whimsical winged creatures, here are a few tricks to get them fluttering your way. First, plant your flower garden in a calm and sunny area that’s well shielded from the wind. Next, install a decorative item like a small mural or a statue—preferably something made of stone—where your pollen-loving friends can perch to soak up the sun or rest between foraging expeditions. Now, for the most important component: the flowers! Butterflies are especially attracted to fragrant, nectar-rich varieties such as: • Milkweed • Hawthorn • Hibiscus • Butterfly bush • Yarrow • Goldenrod In addition to the above, there are countless other plants, flowers and herbs that attract butterflies like magnets. To learn more, visit your local nursery or garden center—and take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on a few irresistible varieties!

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What are spilled flowerpots? Spilled floral arrangements are an increasingly popular trend. This gardening style involves sowing or planting flowers in a way that appears as though they’re cascading from a vase, keg, wheelbarrow or other versatile object. To add a unique and rustic touch to your outdoor space, consider the tips below. The container Different types of receptacles can be used to create your spilled flowerpot; for example, terra cotta pots, oak barrels, metal pails and old gallon milk containers all work marvelously. Take a look around the house to see what you can find! The earth

nutrients to see your plants flourish in their entire splendor. For optimal results, add a fertilizer specially concocted to help flowers grow strong. The flowers Before making your selection, consult a gardening specialist to know which kinds of flowers are most likely to coexist in harmony. Once you have a better understanding, don’t hesitate to aim for diversity! Go with vibrant colors and unique varieties for a truly spectacular effect. Plan a day trip to your local nursery or garden center to procure everything you need for a beautiful spilled flower display worthy of your neighbors’ envy.

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timeless decor tips for yoUr chiLD’s BeDrooM choose sturdy, multifunctional pieces such as: • A high-rise bed with desk space underneath • A bench that doubles as a storage unit • A bed with built-in drawers • A desk equipped with shelving THEMES Kids grow up fast and their tastes change even faster. Think twice before buying bedding or curtains covered with your child’s favorite cartoon character. While trains and princesses are fun and appealing, it’s best to opt for an age-appropriate design that you won’t have to completely overhaul every year. So, when your child pleads for a Dora the Explorer-themed bedroom, keep in mind that she’ll probably be begging for something entirely different next month. FURNITURE There’s no denying it: low-end furniture wears and breaks faster than quality furniture—especially in a child’s bedroom, where flying toys and sticky fingers are the norm. While savings are always on a parent’s mind, higher-end furniture can be seen as an investment rather than an expense. For an elegant design that will hold up for years,

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A parent’s schedule is nothing short of hectic. Between work, daycare, groceries and homework, interior decoration often finds itself quite low on the list of parental priorities. Have you been meaning to redesign your child’s bedroom? To help get those creative juices flowing, here are design tips for a functional and attractive room that will stand the test of time.

HOMEstyle & GardEn 2017

It’s all about compromise! While taking into account your little one’s strongest interests and preferences, suggest a more general—but nonetheless fun—theme such as nature, animals, sports or space. COLOR SCHEMES Thinking long-term about your child’s bedroom means choosing a color scheme that isn’t strongly associated with a specific age or gender. In other words, avoid making cotton candy pink or baby boy blue the room’s main hue. Instead, choose a neutral shade for the walls and spice up the space with brightly colored or uniquely patterned accessories. If your child’s preferences change every year, showcase their new favorite things with wall art, throw pillows or light fixtures. You’ll find it’s a lot more cost-effective than repainting the whole room! goskagit.com

DIY add a FOOTREST to your kitchen island how to properly plant cedar hedges Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, cedar hedges are a strategic—and popular—way to delineate your property and benefit from some privacy. Thinking of getting your hands dirty? Follow these basic steps to learn how to properly plant your cedar hedge.

Many modern kitchens are equipped with a multipurpose island fit for the whole family’s needs. Whether you congregate around yours for drinks, snacks or three-course meals, you can easily enhance the practicality and comfort of your kitchen island with little more than a drill. How? By adding an elegant metal footrest to its base! Carefully note your kitchen island’s measurements before making your way to your local hardware store, where you’ll find everything you’ll need (connectors, rods, brackets, bolts, etc.) to carry out this low-cost task. The only delicate decision you’ll need to make involves selecting the right type of metal to match your existing decor. Will you choose stainless steel, brass or cast iron? The choice is yours! Before you dive headfirst into the installation stage, double-check your measurements. Installing your footrest at the right height is crucial to achieving optimal comfort. As a rule of thumb, your feet should naturally rest on the bar. If you struggle to find your footing, chances are your footrest needs adjusting.

1. Prepare the ground Dig a trench approximately two feet wide and 12 inches deep. Next, add a generous layer of gardening soil (around 12 inches thick).

Time to grab your tools and get started!

2. Buy your cedars Visit your local nursery to find young cedars with an abundance of healthy roots. Don’t skimp on quality! Robust in nature, your cedars will grow strong for years to come, ultimately enhancing the value and curb appeal of your property. 3. Plant your cedars After selecting the finest looking cedars you could find, line them up in the trench, keeping a distance of two feet between each. Make sure the top of the roots falls even with the ground, and water each plant profusely before filling the trench back up with soil.

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And there you have it! For additional information on how to maintain, nourish or trim your new hedge, visit your local nursery or garden center to speak with a specialist. goskagit.com

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How to prolong the longevity of your rhubarb Did you know that when properly cared for, rhubarb can live for nearly 20 years? Follow these tips to ensure yours continues to grow strong for years to come. Existing plants Do you already have a patch of rhubarb in your backyard? If so, make sure you nourish your plants with an all-purpose fertilizer every year. Furthermore, it’s important to regularly remove any weeds sprouting nearby, as these tend to attract harmful insects and spread disease. Avoid using a knife to pick your rhubarb. Instead, take hold of the stem near the base and pull using a single swift motion. Finally, to avoid weakening your rhubarb prematurely, do not harvest more than a quarter of the stem at a time.

distance of three feet between each plant. Bonus tip

New plants

If your rhubarb patch has been looking a little grim these past couple of seasons, try dividing it up and re-positioning the new sections in different areas to stimulate growth.

Eager to grow your own rhubarb? After buying your plants at your local garden center, plant them in rich, nourishing soil. Make sure the area is well drained and receives plenty of sunshine. For optimal results, keep a

To learn more about this delicious leafy perennial, visit a nursery or garden center in your region. Not sure how to incorporate rhubarb in your cooking? Ask a specialist on site!

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Pantone, the world’s authority on all things color, has made a cheerful, vibrant green its 2017 color of the year. Greenery, a bright shade with a hint of yellow undertones, is a true reflection of nature’s beauty, conjuring images of rolling hills and dense forest canopies. Let yourself be inspired by this greenest of greens to create or embellish a bohemian, chic, baroque, eclectic or contemporary design—the possibilities are endless! goskagit.com

How to discourage cats from visiting your yard Does it seem as though all the neighborhood cats have turned your backyard into their very own meeting place? Are you faced with the problem of cats eating your plants or using your flowerbeds as giant litter boxes? Here are some tips that will help you keep cats away from your yard without hurting them.

human hair. Cats don’t like these smells. • Set up some aluminum plates that will bang together in the wind. • Cover the soil with rough mulch, branches or small stones. • Plant types of vegetation that cats hate, such as garlic, onion, lemon thyme, geraniums or lavender. • Install a sprinkler system with a motion detector— cats hate getting wet. • Protect seedlings by covering them with chicken wire or a trellis.

To keep cats away from your garden, plant some garlic, onions, lemon thyme, geraniums or lavender. • Sprinkle your garden with citrus peel or pepper, or cover the soil with a thin layer of coffee grounds or

You could also create a “cat zone.” Organize a small corner of your yard especially for your four-legged visitors by planting some catnip well away from your flowerbeds. This perennial is easy to grow and attracts cats, who love to lick, chew and rub against it. As a last resort, you could use a repellent containing piperine and oil of black pepper, which is readily available in stores. This kind of product should be used with care, and you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.

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Common pests in our gardens With its top-quality soil, mild seasons and abundance of rain, there’s no question that the Pacific Northwest is a gardenfriendly region. However, your precious plants aren’t the only ones who benefit from these optimal conditions. Some bothersome bugs are particularly suited to the coastal climate and can pose a true threat to your harvest. You should get to know the top three. APHIDS These tiny terrors exist in a variety of sub-species that share a common goal: to snack on your tasty vegetable garden. They feed in colonies and reproduce at an impressive rate, so it’s important to eradicate them before they become an overwhelming threat to

your plants. Signs of aphid damage include curled, atrophied leaves and stunted growth among young stems. To get rid of these unwanted guests, your greatest ally is none other than the common ladybug; you can purchase an army of these aphideaters at your local garden supply store. SLUGS If you wake up to find irregular holes

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with smooth edges on your plants’ leaves, there’s a good chance you have a slug problem. These slimy foes attack at night and are most active during wet, humid and overcast weather—a frequent forecast for the Pacific Northwest. To get rid of them, skip the potentially damaging salt. Instead, lure slugs into a tempting trap using citrus rinds or beer. SNAILS Like slugs, snails mainly snack on foliage, but they also enjoy fruits that grow close to the ground, such as tomatoes and berries. Eliminate these unwelcome guests using the same type of trap as for slugs, or pick up some pet- and kid-friendly iron-phosphate bait from your local garden supply store.

WooDen caBLe reeLs: the next big trend in recycled design Giving a new life to old wooden pallets has been a defining trend in home decor over the past few years. Now, keeping with the theme of upcycled design, fans of rustic and industrial styles are turning to electric cable reels — yes, those gigantic wooden spools — to create a variety of items for the home and garden. Indeed, reclaimed spools can be converted into all sorts of decorative objects and furniture, such as: • Dog houses • Benches • Bar stools • Bookcases • Desks • Chairs • Giant clocks • Display units • Bistro table sets • Headboards Let your creativity flow! You can paint the spools, varnish them or leave them in their natural, rugged state and use them to embellish any area of your home — including the garden! goskagit.com

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nutrient-packed fertilizers for a healthy garden If your dream is to grow your own cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, beets, onions or any other of your favorite vegetables, the first thing you’ll need to do is make sure you have good fertile soil to work with. How? By aerating the earth and adding a good dose of fertilizer! What are fertilizers? Fertilizers—either mineral or organic in substance—provide vegetables with the nutrients they need to grow with vigor. Often used in combination with other growth stimulants, they can make all the difference between a meager crop and a bountiful harvest. Which is right for your garden? There are a variety of products available at your local garden center specially formulated to enrich almost any soil type. The most efficient fertilizers for your basic gardening needs, however, are those that include the following ingredients:

Take a table, add two chairs and voilà: you’ve got yourself a bistro set. Specially designed for outdoor use, a bistro set allows you to soak up the sun and feel the fresh air from the comfort of your balcony or patio. Either on your own or with a friend, it’s finally time to savor the arrival of spring, fresh lemonade or soothing tea in hand. MATERIALS Patio bistro sets need to withstand the fading, rust and mold that all outdoor furniture is subjected to. They’re usually built out of one of the following: • Steel • Aluminum • Wicker • Ceramic • Resin • Polyester • Rattan • Glass Designed to combine functionality, durability and elegance, bistro sets are available in a variety of styles (rustic, urban, minimalist, etc.) to fit every homeowner’s needs. Before you head to the stores, however, make sure to properly measure the space where you intend to set up your furniture. It would be a shame to find the perfect ensemble, only to realize that it doesn’t fit on your balcony!

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decorate your rockery with style In horticulture, a plant is said to be variegated when its foliage displays two different colors. Using colorful foliage brings elegance and light to your flowerbeds and rockeries. Here are some tips to help you show off your variegated plants to advantage. First of all, to preserve the bi-colored foliage, you need to be very careful about respecting the needs of the plant, especially hours of sunshine, soil type and watering. You should also apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Remove any completely green leaves that appear as soon as you notice them; this is a phenomenon called reversion, and it can affect all variegated plants. For a more striking effect, variegated plants have to be showcased. Plant

them next to species with dark green foliage, and play with contrasting colors and textures. In small spaces, opt for quality, not quantity; too many variegated plants in one place may not give the desired effect. Use them to liven up shaded or semi-shaded areas and in planters or pots to give your deck a sophisticated look. An esthetic tip: grow golden variegated plants in white resin pots and creambased mixes in terracotta pots. Garden centers introduce new species of variegated plants every year in order to meet the growing demand for them. A sales associate or landscaping specialist can help you find perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and conifers that will make your yard the envy of your neighborhood.

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When is the best time to water your plants? Do you usually water your plants in the middle of the day when the sun is at its zenith? If so, you should rethink that habit! Midday is actually the worst time to accomplish this task. Ecologically speaking, you risk wasting more water due to the strong sunlight prompting rapid evaporation. The solution? Take out the hose either in the early hours of the morning or when the sun starts to set. At daybreak the sun is still cool, which means water won’t evaporate as swiftly. Furthermore, it’s actually healthy for a plant’s foliage to dry out gradually throughout the day. A drier foliage protects your flowers and shrubs from disease related to high levels of humidity. Consequently, when watering at dusk, aim for the ground rather than the foliage. If not, humidity will cling to your plants throughout the long hours of the night, which can cause spores or other harmful bacteria to grow. For more practical advice regarding the proper maintenance of your flowers, trees and shrubs, make your way down to your local nursery or garden center today! goskagit.com

Turn heads with an upside-down garden are also suited to this type of gardening. A variety of herbs and flowers also produce great results in a hanging garden. THE UPSIDE OF UPSIDE-DOWN GARDENING

Tomatoes are a great choice for an upside-down garden.

Hanging gardens are much easier to maintain than traditional ones. Since the plants are at eye level, there’s no need to bend over for watering or picking fruit. And you can say “goodbye” to tilling and weeding, as neither are required. Plus, plants grown using this spacesaving technique tend to be more vigorous and have better, stronger roots. Furthermore, their fruits don’t touch the soil, which reduces the risk of rotting and pest attacks. TRY IT FOR YOURSELF

The two most common species grown upside-down are tomatoes and cucumbers, but other vegetables like eggplants, beans and peppers

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Are you ready to grow your own upside-down veggies, flowers or herbs? All you need is a large container, a mix of soil and fertilizer and something to hang it all up with. Drill a hole around two inches in diameter in the bottom of the container. Stick the plant’s stem through the hole, from the inside of the pot, and cover the roots with soil. Hang it up somewhere that receives enough sunlight, and voila! You’re all set for gardening success.

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Growing plants upside-down in hanging containers is nothing new, but the idea gains in popularity every summer thanks to its many benefits, both for the gardener and the plants themselves. Many enthusiasts swear by this technique, which produces a hearty harvest with minimal effort and space required.

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add ﬂowers to your plate Edible flowers are a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. So why not reserve a part of your backyard for growing edible flowers this summer? Just bear in mind that you’ll have to take a few precautions. Borage, nasturtiums, violets, bee balm, phlox, gladioli and even tulips are just some of the flowers that you can eat. There are many others, but be careful: not all flowers are edible. In fact, some are even toxic. So, before you taste a flower, make sure you know exactly what you’re about to eat. The flowers you use to embellish your recipes should not have been treated with pesticides. Pick fresh flowers early in the morning when the dew has evaporated or after sunset. Shake them to remove any insects; remove the stamens and rinse with cool water. Place the flowers on a paper towel, and when they’re dry, put them in a plastic container in the fridge. Most flowers will keep for several days.

Edible flowers are a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

As well as being a beautiful addition to salads and pastries, edible flowers can be used to make an herbal tea, lemonade, butter, sauce, syrup or jelly. You’ll really impress your guests if you sauté a couple of fresh flowers quickly and serve them with a main dish or starter. You could even cool your drinks with flowers embedded in ice cubes. This summer, there are plenty of new ways to appreciate flowers—you can start by putting some on your plate. Enjoy!

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The beauty of using containers to create an at-home garden is how accessible it is. Potted plants are an especially good solution for people with little or no ground space available, such as those living in apartment complexes with only a small balcony to work with. People with limited physical abilities can also benefit, as raised flowerbeds

WHAT TO GROW There is a huge selection of garden plants suited to containers. Vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, onions and peas thrive in larger pots, while a variety of herbs can be successfully grown in even the tiniest containers. It’s a great way to keep a fresh supply of kitchen staples like parsley, basil, rosemary and thyme on hand at all times. For a more decorative container garden, annuals are your best bet, as they provide colorful blooms all summer long. Popular choices for potted flowers include begonias, marigolds, petunias and zinnias. Get creative with your container garden. Old household objects can be recycled into unique-looking plant homes, and your local home improvement store is chock-full of containers that will give your garden a unique flair.

Give new life to old objects by using them as planters.

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Understanding hardiness zones Hardiness zones are largely decided on a given plant’s ability to survive in each zone’s lowest winter temperature, without factoring in summertime data or snow cover. As a result, two areas that have similar winter temperatures but vastly different amounts of snow—or summers that have nothing in common—can end up in the same zone. With so many variable factors, hardiness zones aren’t always true to reality.

Hardiness zones can be useful, but they aren’t always accurate. Hardiness zones are geographical areas in which a given category of plant can successfully be grown. The concept was first developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and countries around the world have since adapted the system to their own territories. But while hardiness zones can be quite useful, both for the casual gardener and the agricultural world, the model is far from perfect.

Furthermore, climate change is an unpredictable force that modifies weather conditions around the world, which means that hardiness zones are always evolving. In 2012, the USDA updated its map of hardiness zones in the U.S. to reflect the warmer weather of the previous three decades, but even this newer data will likely be obsolete before long. The bottom line is that hardiness zones are useful tools when it comes to choosing plants adapted to a certain area, but they should be taken with a grain of salt. Find out what your area’s hardiness zone is, and do your own research to see how accurate—or not—the assessment actually is.

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Earth Day 2017

The importance of environmental literacy

n April 22, over a billion people worldwide are expected to take part in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Earth Day activities. The 2017 theme for the event, as announced by Earth Day Network, is Teach for the Planet: a Global Climate and Environmental Literacy Campaign. Environmental literacy is about understanding our relationship with the environment and using this knowledge to maintain our planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall health. Climate literacy deals specifically with how our actions impact on the climate, and how the climate, in turn, affects us. According to an in-depth report conducted by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), two-

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thirds of Americans lack a basic understanding of environmental topics and issues and 80 percent are influenced by incorrect or outdated information. These findings are true among both average Americans and those who sit on governing bodies. Additional research found a significant positive correlation between environmental literacy and the likelihood of practicing pro-environment behaviors. To that effect, individuals with high levels of environmental knowledge are 50 percent more likely to recycle, 31 percent more likely to conserve water, and 30 percent less likely to use harsh chemicals for yard care.

positive results that stem from better environmental knowledge. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s therefore important to enhance climate and environmental literacy in curriculums from kindergarten through grade 12, both in the United States and abroad. In addition, media outlets have the responsibility of disseminating accurate information on topics regarding climate change and other environmental issues. Individuals can also actively grow their knowledge on these topics by consulting reliable sources of information such as their local newspaper and trusted organizations like the Environmental News Network (enn.com).

This type of data indicates the HOME style & GardEn 2017

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