Home and Garden 05/27/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017

Look inside for these specials and many others.

Pollinator gardens

Ken Moon: Quick fixes for paint and stucco Preparing a home for elderly residents Hail mitigation

Pollinator gardens

BY JULIE MCINTYRE, SUMMERLAND GARDENS

E

very day we hear news about the decline of the honeybees, monarch butterflies or some other species important to us. How can you help? Growing plants that they prefer is a great start.

Plants benefit from attracting pollinators to their flowers and pollinators benefit from the food they receive from plants. Without this relationship, most plants could not produce fruit or set seed, and we would not be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Bees

alone are responsible for about 80 percent of all pollination in nature, and 33 percent of that is for our vegetables, fruits and nuts, contributing over $80 billion to the US economy. Given the critical importance of bees and other pollinators, recent challenges to their numbers and overall health are a serious concern. But we can do our part and grow some plants that could help.

To support a range of native bees and butterflies as well as honeybees, plant a lot of different species of plants from different

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017

families, including natives. Milkweed, butterfly weed, coneflower, chocolate flower, goldenrod, lavender, parsley, fennel, dill and sunflowers are great choices that support pollinators in different stages of their life cycle. Stop by and we’ll show you more plants that work great in our climate and help the pollinators as well.

Gardening for pollinators requires us to accept some insects in the garden. Plant some extra for the caterpillars. And, avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides, as

these chemicals don’t distinguish between good and bad bugs, and so will harm our pollinators as well as other insects. It’s important to keep our intense focus on bugs in check. Not all bugs are bad and rarely are they so damaging that they will kill the plant.

It’s time we accept a few bugs in the garden, our idea of zero tolerance of bugs is not good for us or for our pollinators.

Summerland Gardens is located at 124 E. Cheyenne Rd.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Quick fixes for peeling paint and damaged stucco

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Dear Ken: I need to replace my rain gutters, what would be best recommended for replacement — vinyl, metal or something else?

— Brian KEN MOON

If you want to do this yourself, you can buy steel gutters, either pre-painted or with a galvanized finish; or colored vinyl, in 10-foot sections you join together. But, personally, I wouldn’t do it. You’ll have innumerable seams all around the house, and each one represents a potential leak.

To avoid all that extra maintenance, I think you should choose aluminum. The company will bring a machine to your house and extrude custom lengths of gutter to fit each drip edge. That way, the only seams will be in the corners and at the end of each run. Choose five-inch, the most popular style for asphalt shingled roofs. If you have

tile or thick shakes, pick six-inch, and insist on primary aluminum — not recycled — because it’s stronger and more reliable.

There are 20+ colors available, and since they are baked on at the factory, they are maintenance-free.

Finally, since virtually anyone can buy an extrusion machine and bolt it to a pickup truck, check homeowner references for the company you’re considering.

Dear Ken: I found out that the bathtub (metal tub) was painted an egg shell color.

Now the paint is peeling. What options do I have? Is there a way to remove the paint, or will I have to replace the tub?

— Richard There are two ways to go here. You can install an acrylic liner in whatever color you like. They make an exact shape to fit your tub. The cost? Maybe $1,500 or so, but you’ll get a 25-year warranty.

The other option is to etch and then spray on an epoxy or acrylic resin coating. Again,

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you can choose from an almost limitless rainbow of colors. In either case you can pick out a new toilet and sink to match, and have yourself a brand new bathroom. The coatings cost about two-thirds less than the liner, but you’ll have a much shorter warranty period, as most are only five years.

Part of your calculation should include how long you expect to stay in the house.

Dear Ken: Stucco damage — about four tennis ball-sized areas of damage — has been caused by wood peckers. What do you recommend to repair the stucco? How do we get a good color match?

— Doris Buy a pre-mixed or powdered material in the basic gray color. Use a trowel to plug the hole at first. Then let that dry and crack a little for about a week. Use the same material for a second coat that you stipple with an old sponge or a rag. Why not use colored stucco in the first place? Because

Let the gardening season begin!

We’re stocked and ready for all your garden needs.

Check out our great selection of flowers, baskets and fun container plants.

• Herb plants • Soils and fertilizers • Organic Vegetable starts • Flowers for pots and baskets

you’ll never get an exact match to what you have now. The sun and weather have faded it into a non-standard color. Its’ better to get a gallon of an elastomeric (rubberized) paint mixed to match your existing hue.

Dear Ken: There is water coming from the center of the disposer and dripping under the sink. Do I need a new one?

– Jim Water leaks can originate one place and then fool you by showing up someplace else. Grab a strong light and a roll of toilet paper before crawling underneath the sink.

As you wipe them away and chase the drips upward, you may find that the leak’s origin is that drain collar that sits in the sink hole and holds the disposer in place. If that’s the case, remove the collar, clean it and re-bed it in some new plumber’s putty.

If the drips are coming right through the exterior metal casing, you’re dealing with old age corrosion and you’ll need to replace the entire unit.

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Plants for the Western Garden

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719.477.0267 www.summerlandgardens.com

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

SPENCER’S PRODUCE, LAWN AND GARDEN CENTERS:

Quality plant materials all season long

SPENCER’S PRODUCE, LAWN AND GARDEN CENTERS Fountain: 4720 Center Valley Dr. Colorado Springs: 1430 S. Tejon St.

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BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM ◆ PHOTO COURTESY OF SPENCER’S PRODUCE, LAWN AND GARDEN CENTERS

pencer’s Produce, Lawn and Garden Centers, Inc. has been providing quality plants to gardeners in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas since 1934. Quality is of utmost importance to co-owners Susan and Mike Spencer, who put an incredible amount of time and energy into consistently finding new and better plant material (Dan and Alice Robinson are co-owners as well, and can be found at the Tejon Street location).

“We work closely with our growers — the majority of them local — and have a very open line of communication where if there is ever an issue, we can solve it together,” says Mike.

Mike and Susan go to plant trials each year where they — for example — grow 15 red petunias in a row and observe the habit of the plant and select the best varieties. “We also bring those plants back in the fall for our customers to look at and vote on, and then we tell our growers so

they have an idea what to grow for the next season,” says Susan. Their growers also travel to field trials all over the world in order to find these new and improved varieties. Not only does Spencer’s bring in quality plants, they care for them once they’ve arrived and ensure that they are adapted to the Colorado climate. Their plants are fertilized and well cared for, because they want home gardeners to be successful and not have any problems once they start planting.

“It is one big family when you get into the lawn and garden industry, and I think that’s why we’ve been here so long and love what we do,” says Susan. “I think our growers have our backs, we have our customers’ backs, and we really try hard to make it a family-friendly environment.” Many of the employees have been with the company long-term, and they take great pride in the business as members of the garden center family. They are also well-versed on products and eager CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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2017 HOURS: Mon thru Sat: 8am to 6pm Sunday: 9am to 5pm • OPEN MEMORIAL DAY from 9am-4pm

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FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS! • Color Bowls • Hanging Baskets starting at $39.95 and up • Great selection of annuals, veggies and herbs • Rose of Sharon • Small patio trees • We Sell Fairy Garden Supplies • Gift Cards Also Available Photos Are For Illustration Purposes Only. Sale ends Friday, June 2, 2017.

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SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 5

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

Hail mitigation

I

BY FREDRICKA BOGARDUS, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

needs access to pollinators. Use your imagination and you will come up with other ideas for protection.

If you do not have plant covers in place, then you may have to resort to running outside during the storm and covering plants with whatever you can — cardboard boxes, sheets, plastic, buckets and anything else that will bounce the hail off or at least slow it down. I do not recommend this approach, as it is too risky to your personal safety.

After the storm, if your plants have been damaged you may wonder what to do with the damaged plants. Here are some suggestions: Annuals, if severely damaged, are probably not going to recover. If damage is minor, fertilize lightly and wait a week or so to see if they recover enough to be welcome in your garden. If recovery isn’t satisfactory to you, then your only option is to remove; and if it is still early in the season you can replace the plants. Remember that some plants sold as annuals are actually tender perennials — geraniums are an example.

Those plants should be treated like the perennials below.

Perennials, shrubs and trees will probably survive even severe damage.

They may not look great this year, but will be back another year. Fertilize lightly to encourage foliage growth, and cut back severely damaged foliage and broken branches. Clean up the garden to minimize the risk of plant disease carried in the debris. It may take a few weeks but most of these plants should recover.

When you have questions, Colorado State University Extension has researchbased answers. Get answers to your horticulture questions by Ask.Extension. org any time day or night. Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. — 12 p.m. you can phone 719-520-7684 or email CSUmg2@elpasoco.com. For current garden tips, visit www.facebook.com/ ColoradoMasterGardeners.EPC. For current classes visit elpaso.extension. colostate.edu.

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017

•

•

f there is any single risk to your garden for total destruction, it is probably a 20 minute hailstorm in the middle of the growing season. Plants that were just moments ago flourishing and green can be reduced to something that resembles chopped spinach.

While there isn’t a lot you can do to prevent the damage, you can try to give your plants some protection and perhaps minimize the damage.

Watch the weather. Protection won’t do you any good if it isn’t in place when the storm hits. Hail is difficult to predict but certain weather patterns may give you a clue. Hailstorms occur when ice crystals form within clouds. Warm air rushing upward keeps the ice crystals suspended in the cloud. The strength of that updraft is a direct result of the heating at the surface. The stronger the updraft, the larger the crystals that form. When they fall as precipitation bigger crystals — nickel-size — will do more damage than smaller, pea-size ice. Very warm weather and predicted thunderstorms in the afternoon are the risk periods for hailstorms. The warmer the weather the more likely damage will occur.

Hail cloth is available in local garden centers. It is a tightly woven cloth that allows sunlight through, but is tough enough to repel hail. This is a great product idea for the top of hoop structures, tomato cages or any other structure you may have available.

For young plants, consider some temporary protections while the plants get started. Walls of water can be placed on heat-loving plants such as tomatoes. Gallon milk cartons with the bottom cut off can protect new seedlings such as cucumbers, squash and others. Make sure to leave the cap off for ventilation. They offer pretty good weather protection, and can be left on until the plant outgrows the structure or

Photo by Fredricka Bogardus

WA L L S OF WAT E R A RE A G RE AT WAY T O P R O T E C T Y O U R N E W LY P L A N T E D T OM AT OE S F ROM H A IL , W IND A ND L AT E F ROS T S.

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BY HEATHER GUNNERSON, SPENCER’S PRODUCE, LAWN, & GARDEN CENTERS

This is the perfect time of year to plant a garden! Soils have warmed up, the temperatures aren’t too hot, and the threat of freeze (a not so distant memory) is hopefully passed. Using a tomato set spray on tomatoes, peppers, beans, strawberries and other blossoming crops will help increase yield even if the nighttime temperatures aren’t ideal.

Hummingbirds are in the area! Set up your feeders and freshen the nectar every three to four days. To attract even more, plant a hummingbird-friendly garden.

The weather has had quite an impact on our plants — large and small. Trim dead branches or foliage, leaving as

much healthy green as possible. Insects thrive on stressed plants. Prevent infestations using systemic insecticide on trees, shrubs, roses, perennials and annuals. Feed anything in your garden that has been affected using proper fertilizers. Water for a few weeks using root stimulator to help bring plants out of shock and diminish stress.

Moving plants in and out or protecting them from the elements can cause leaves to yellow. An application of liquid iron should easily fix this.

As always, visit your local garden center for solutions to your unique garden problems.

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SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

How to prepare elderly residents A HOME FOR

•• METRO SERVICES

U

pon reaching retirement age, new retirees may face decisions regarding their living arrangements.

Some seniors may opt to stay put, while others may want to downsize their homes to save money and relieve themselves of the burdens of maintaining larger homes.

But those are not the only situations seniors find themselves in. Some seniors realize they can no longer care for themselves without assistance. In such instances, seniors may opt for assisted living facilities or choose to move in with a relative, such as a grown son or daughter. While assisted living facilities are designed to meet the needs of the

HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017

BEAT THE RUSH

elderly, young men and women welcoming seniors into their homes may need to take on some home improvement projects to ensure their homes are as safe as possible for elderly residents.

Lawn Mower Tune-ups

CONVERT A ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR INTO A BEDROOM While this may not apply to all seniors, some men and women struggle with stairs as they age, and that can make it difficult for them to fully participate in a household. Homeowners with an extra room to spare can convert a room on the first floor of their homes into a bedroom so seniors won’t have to climb up and down stairs throughout the day. That ease of accessibility to the primary floor of the house encourages seniors to be active participants in a household. If possible, choose an area that is close to a firstfloor bathroom.

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TAKE STEPS TO MAKE BATHROOMS SAFER The National Institute on Aging says that more than one in three seniors over age 65 fall each year, and 80 percent of those falls take place in the bathroom.

Slippery tile floors can make it difficult for seniors to navigate bathrooms safely, and bathtubs and shower stalls present additional challenges. Install grab bars on bathroom walls and next to toilets to provide support. In addition, consider installing a shower chair or bench and removable shower nozzle in the shower or tub so seniors can sit down while they bathe and rinse without having to stand up on slippery surfaces. Make sure any mats around bathtubs and sinks are nonskid to reduce the risk of falls even further.

INSTALL AN EXTRA PHONE LINE OR TWO While kids and adults between the ages of 18 and 50 may never use the landlines in their homes, many seniors still rely on traditional telephones as their primary means of communicating with the outside world. Install extra landlines in your home, including in seniors’ bedrooms, so they can more readily access the phone should they fall and need to call for emergency help. Phones in seniors’ bedrooms may also provide some additional privacy to seniors who don’t want to carry on phone conversations in busy areas of the home, such as the kitchen or living room. Such lines may also reduce feelings of isolation.

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Mowers, Trimmers Chain Saws, Log Splitters Garden Tractors, Generators Pressure Washers Toro - MTD - Murray Husqvarna - DR - Troy Bilt Commercial/Residential PRIORITIZE ACCESSIBILITY WHEN STORING ITEMS When storing groceries, books, magazines, or other items seniors are likely to use, choose locations that are accessible to seniors. Avoid storing items on the top shelf of pantries, bookcases or entertainment centers, as seniors with limited mobility may not be able to reach them.

Many seniors move in with their adult children to make their golden years safer and more enjoyable and manageable.

Such a change in living arrangements may necessitate some changes on the part of homeowners so they can ensure their homes are safe for seniors.

GR AB BARS AND SHOWER BENCHES CAN M A K E B AT H R O O M S MUCH SAFER FOR SENIORS. MAKE SURE A N Y M AT S A R O U N D B AT H T U B S A N D S I N K S ARE NONSKID TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FA L L S E V E N F U R T H E R .

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SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey 12 Shooter’s piece across 1 Crisis advice 13 Peaceful 10 Military clipping?

15 Shade of black 14 “Fish” star 20 Distillery leftovers 15 It’s often transported upside22 Wipe out, in snowboarding down slang 16 Parts of many place settings 23 Least obfuscatory 17 “Loot” playwright 25 Bobby in a ’70s chart-topper 18 Fictional 1847 autobiographer 26 Give the third degree 19 Physics model using an 27 Palindromic court star analogy to the solar system 29 Cheese with PGI status 21 Adulterer follower, in slang (protected geographical 24 They’re framed indication) 25 British racing cars 30 Pass 28 Trees whose bark contains the 32 First name in landscape anti-inflammatory salicin photography 31 Real piece of work 33 Clotted cream may be put on 35 Make trouble one 38 1997 Emmy winner for 34 Superman’s kin Outstanding Lead Actress 36 Indians’ habitat?: Abbr. in a Drama Series 37 Brazilian mountain chain 39 It might cause quite a shock 44 Essential __ 40 Coder’s conditional 46 Bochco drama 41 Bible-toting aunt on “Sanford 47 Big enchilada and Son” 48 Manipulator of the Moor 42 The French?

49 They carry charges 43 Bite 50 It’s also called scroggin or 45 Muppets chimp __ Minella schmogle 47 Made bank 52 Sanskrit scripture, with “the” 51 Thickening agent 53 Swear to be true 55 Nugget of wisdom 54 “Sanford and Son” first name 56 “Pick it up!”

59 The “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” 55 Chi follower 57 Instrumental 60 Like bears and koala bears 58 Styled after 61 False __ 62 Best Upset, e.g.

Friday’s Puzzle Solved down 1 Tinder meeting 2 Follow 3 Around 4 Boob tube 5 Dimple on a die 6 Earlier 7 Neophyte, briefly 8 SSN, e.g.

9 Problem caused by fallen dough?

10 MVP of Super Bowls I and II 11 Word that sometimes precedes itself HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

by Chad Carpenter

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

B.C.

by hart

ziTS

by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

Frazz

by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 13

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

HG 14 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017

by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

ADVICE

Dear Hurting: What you call possible immaturity, I call abusive. The behavior you report: — going out by himself several times a week, returning home and putting you down, boxing you in so that you are constantly worried about tiny “infractions” — these are all alarming actions of a relationship that is imbalanced and abusive.

The best path for you is the path that leads you out of this unhealthy relationship. It’s time to ask him to leave your home. If you need more encouragement, please seek out family and friends who can help you to look at this risky relationship in an objective way. Don’t let this person isolate you.

Answer: You’re a good daughter, Doris. There is something pretty new that’s approved for the treatment of diabetic eye disease. For a long time, laser treatment, or panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), was the best eye docs could do to treat diabetic retinopathy. And in some cases, it still is.

However, anti-VEGF treatment (VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factors) has been improving, and sometimes actually can reverse retinopathy and improve vision.

One anti-VEGF, ranibizumab injections (Lucentis), recently was approved for all forms of retinopathy. It was found to stop disease progression for up to two years! Anti-VEGF therapy generally comes with fewer risks than laser surgery, which can cause a slight loss of peripheral, color and night vision.

Diabetic nonproliferative retinopathy, the first stage of the diabetic eye disease, happens when chronically high glucose levels damage blood vessels in the retina, making them leak. This can lead to macular edema — a swelling in the retina’s macula — the area responsible for your sharpest vision. Proliferative retinopathy is a more advanced stage in which the damaged retina releases VEGF (hence the anti-VEGF treatment). That causes tiny, fragile blood vessels to grow. They rupture, and more grow in their place. Scar tissue builds up, and the retina may become detached.

Vision can be severely compromised, or lost entirely.

So tell your mom to explore all of her options with her ophthalmologist (make sure the doc specializes in diabetic eye disease).

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.

Dear Amy: My boyfriend and I have been together for two years.

He has a beautiful daughter whom I have a great relationship with.

He and I are 12 years apart, and at times I second guess his matuAMY rity. He moved in with me about DICKINSON eight months ago. I know he loves me and I love him dearly, however, his temper can really make me second guess everything too easily.

He likes to go out with friends about three times a week. When he comes home, I tend to get very nervous and begin questioning what I might have done wrong to get him upset. It can be anything from not blow-drying my hair, to leaving a piece of his mail on his side of the bed.

I understand some men like their women to do things for them and I want to do things for him.

But that piece of mail turns into a pile of garbage in his eyes, because it starts an argument of why am I so lazy. He claims I don’t do anything for him or think of anyone but myself. Then he begins to express that’s why I’m so overweight and he body shames me in every way a man can.

I will take the bait occasionally and speak up for myself, but his anger takes over and he’s never wrong. Other times I simply stay quiet and he goes on and on.

I love this man and I try so hard to sleep these things off. But I find myself becoming an angry person being around him while he’s upset.

Can you help me with this? — Hurting

—

Question: My mom thinks she needs laser treatment for her diabetic retinopathy.

I’ve told her that there’s new stuff DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN out there and that she should find out more about the latest treatments before she makes any decision. What do you think? — Doris G., Bayside, N.Y.

—

ADVICE

Dear readers: A springtime Saturday is the perfect time to check out your plumbing mechanisms: Tighten loose connections to the washing machine, and check the hoses for signs of wear, like HINTS cracks and leakage. The washer FROM tends to get used more in the HELOISE summer, especially with a busy family, so prevention is a good practice. Every three years is a good interval for replacement of hoses.

Next, be careful about what goes down the garbage disposal. Thick summery food waste, like corncobs and husks, watermelon rinds and banana peels, most likely will overtax your disposal.

Place these items in your compost pile. Run plenty of cold water with whatever items you do send through the disposal.

You always can call your plumber to come and inspect your sewer lines. Inquire about trees that are close to the house during the inspection. Root growth can be a problem. — Heloise Dear Heloise: Choke chains are terrible for dogs. You cannot train a dog using fear and intimidation. Also, the chain can catch on carpet and furniture indoors, and on tree branches and other things in the yard. I don’t know why these horrible things were ever designed!

If you are training your dog, it is best to use reassurance, encouragement and positive reinforcement. — Mary S., Hammond, Ind. Dear Heloise: Unfortunately, I broke my ceramic spoon rest. I tried to glue it back together with ordinary white household glue. It fell apart.

I decided to use transparent tape after I reglued it. I set it overnight, and then removed the tape.

It has held together, and still does! I thought that might be helpful to your readers. — Patricia T. in Wildwood, FL Dear readers: Ripe bananas can be refrigerated for three to five days so they will still be usable to peel or mash for smoothies, bread, cakes and pudding. Here’s to less waste! — Heloise —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) Your moods can be like a seesaw. You may be up in the air and exhilarated, then down on the ground and afraid to move.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Cupid’s arrow might just find its mark. If your heart were to grow wings and fly, there is likely someone who would be flying right after you. You’ll be the center of attention whether you like it or not.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Your ambitious side may be showing, but like a slip that hangs below the hem of a skirt, it might be embarrassing.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Take a little trip to clear your mind. Put your restless energy to good use by getting out and about with congenial companions. Embrace creative pursuits; give in to a desire for adventure.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Check another book off your reading list. Your greatest joy might be found spending quality time meeting your own personal goals.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You may feel driven to achieve financial success, but a significant other may have other ideas. Put business decisions on the back burner and concentrate on romantic moments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) All good things come to those who wait. You may decide you have waited long enough and are ready to enjoy some rewards.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Make the best of the things you have rather than regretting those you don’t. You can get in step with your inner self and understand what you really want. Hook up with people who share your desires.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) When you find time on your hands, use it wisely.

You may be challenged by having too many tasks and too little energy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You may find you’ve become the object of someone’s desires. There may be a hidden string that will trip you up if you pursue a new relationship. Hold off on making key relationship changes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) A positive and optimistic outlook can be a dynamic and helpful instrument to use when dealing with your family.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Wandering through unfamiliar financial environments could leave you overwhelmed. A quiet evening with a special someone could fulfill your dreams.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY May 27 Your intensity and passion to succeed propel you toward achieving your ambitions during the upcoming eight to 10 weeks. You aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves or get your hands dirty, so you can make your dreams a reality. You may give too much importance to casual friendships in July when a romantic fling or a lighthearted vacation may brighten your life. You handle financial matters with more skill than usual in September.

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 15

SPENCER’S PRODUCE, LAWN AND GARDEN CENTERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

to guide customers.

Spencer’s Garden Center has two locations, one in Fountain at 4720 Center Valley Drive and the other at 1430 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs. The Fountain location has a bigger nursery, and stocks more trees, shrubs and vines because of the ample space. The Tejon location offers more as far as vegetable plants, bedding plants and produce. Both stores are unique, and the staff is always willing to transport materials back and forth for customer convenience. In fact, Mike’s dad, Noble Spencer, Jr., is 90 and still drives the truck back and forth from Tejon Street to Fountain for his customers.

Products available include trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, roses, vegetable plants, herbs, hanging baskets, color pots, chemicals, fertilizers, seeds, water plants and even beneficial bugs, like lady bugs, which are becoming very popular and help gardens thrive. The chemicals and fertilizers they sell are family-friendly and environmentally-safe. Bedding is available through October or even

November if there is warm weather; and in July they bring in Colorado produce.

“Every single one of our produce providers is like family, and many we’ve been working with since the ’60s,” says Mike.

Chili roasting is customer-favorite at Spencer’s, and in the winter they provide fresh cut Colorado Christmas trees, wreaths, roping, fruit baskets and more.

“I don’t think there is a bad day when you have flowers in front of you. I come and feel such joy from the colors and just want to spend time in the garden,” says Susan. Mike adds, “I love to give local solutions to local problems, whether with a natural product or synthetic product.

It’s fun to understand customer issues and provide safe and effective solutions.”

Colorado may have unpredictable weather, but Spencer’s Produce, Lawn and Garden Centers are always there to help customers through a successful growing season. “This is the time of year that gardeners live for, and we pride ourselves in providing the best quality plants that will thrive and bring beauty to their garden.”

Create Some Habi tat for

Hummingbirds, Butterflies & Bees Perennial Plants for Hummingbirds, Butterflies & Bees • Hyssop • Salvia • Penstemon • Blanket Flower and MANY, MANY MORE!

Hanging Baskets

Saturday, May 27, 2017

GOREN BRIDGE BOB JONES GORENWITH BRIDGE

©2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

WEEKLY BRIDGE QUIZ Q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

Q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠AQJ542♥ KQ3♦ A85 ♣7

♠ 5 4 3 2 ♥ A K Q 10 5 3 ♦ A 5 ♣ 6

WEST NORTH EAST 2♥* Pass Pass *Weak two-bid

SOUTH 1♥ ?

SOUTH ?

What call would you make?

♠ A 10 4 ♥ K 6 ♦ K J 5 3 2 ♣ K Q J

♠Q5♥ KJ♦ AKJ42 ♣Q985

With the opponents passing, you open one diamond and partner jumps to three diamonds, pre-emptive.

What is your rebid?

As dealer, what call would you make?

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♣ 2♣* Pass 2♥ ? *Michael’s cue bid, 5-5 in the majors

What call would you make?

• over 300 Varieties • 16 Fruit & Berry Varieties • 61 Pepper Varieties • 110 Tomato Varieties 60 are Heirlooms

$2.99 Herbs start at $3.49

Vegetables start at

73 varieties to choose from.

Expires June 4, 2017. Must present coupon.

Limit 3 - One Coupon per customer.

What is your rebid?

Q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A Q 9 2 ♥ Void ♦ A K Q 4 ♣ K 9 6 5 2

We carry the largest selection & best quality in the region! We carry over 300 varieties to choose from

WEST NORTH EAST Pass 1♠ Pass

Q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

Q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

$5.00 off

VEGETABLES HERBS FRUITS

Q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ K 9 ♥ A K Q 10 6 4 2 ♦ Q 5 3 ♣ J SOUTH 1♥ ?

WEST NORTH EAST Pass 2♦ Pass

Expires June 4, 2017. Must present coupon.

Limit one free per customer per visit.

Expires June 4, 2017. Must present coupon.

Limit one free 4 1/2” pot per customer per visit.

Open Memorial Day 9 am - 3 pm!

What is your rebid?

Look for answers on Monday.

(E-mail: tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

HG 16 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017

.com For more info visit our web site. Hours: Mon-F 9-5:30 Sat 8-5 Sun 9-4