ATHOME
homes.cjonline.com
H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T
Fresh look for 2018 New coat of paint perks up rooms | Page 6
[METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]
BUFFALOGRASS MAINTENANCE, PAGE 2
GUTTER DRAINAGE PROBLEMS , PAGE 4
2017 HOMES SALES REVIEW, PAGE 7
2 Saturday, February 3, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Follow timetable to manage buffalograss Chemical application key to weed riddance
Ariel Whitely-Noll
I
n recent years, buffalograss has become more prevalent in Kansas lawns as a notoriously low-maintenance grass. Water and fertilizer requirements are extremely low, especially compared with other turf grasses. Although competition with weeds, especially in eastern Kansas, can be a barrier to a lush buffalograss lawn, proper management can alleviate many weed issues. If buffalograss lawns pique your interest, use the following calendar as a guide for care and management. March If broadleaf weeds are making an appearance already, use a spot treatment for control. The crucial timing for treatment of broadleaf weeds should be in late October to early November — well after buffalograss
MARK YOUR CALENDAR The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener program is offering classes and workshops and participating in community activities. Here are some upcoming events: Feb. 9-11: Kansas Garden Show, Kansas Expocentre, S.W. 17th and Topeka Blvd. Feb. 22: “Recycling in the Garden,” 7 p.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Information: shawnee.ksu.edu/ lawn-garden/master-gardener; (785) 232-0062
is dormant. Treatments are much more effective in fall, because the weeds are smaller and sending energy, as well as the herbicide, to the roots. Treatments in March are for survivors only. Spray early enough in March that the buffalograss is still dormant. To check for dormancy, look at the base of the plant for green shoots. Green means the grass has already begun to break dormancy, and you should avoid spraying. Treatment should be on a day that is 50 degrees or warmer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce effectiveness, so make sure
to check the forecast. A combination product, such as Trimec, WeedB-Gon or Weed-Out, is most effective. Weed Free Zone is also good and will give quicker results under cool conditions. April Crabgrass preventer should be applied between April 1 and April 15. Another indication of timing is when the eastern redbud is in full bloom. A product with prodiamine (Barricade) must be applied two weeks earlier. Crabgrass preventers must be watered in for activation. Now that the buffalograss is greening, broadleaf herbicides shouldn’t be used. Although an application wouldn’t kill the grass, it will stunt its growth, making your lawn more susceptible to weeds. June June is the time to fertilize. One pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet will suffice for buffalograss. As with all chemical applications, more is not better. Additional nitrogen will give your buffalograss a deeper green, but it also will encourage weeds. If grubs make an annual appearance in your lawn,
June through mid-July is the time to control them. Apply a product containing imidacloprid, because these products kill the grubs before they damage your lawn. Application can be as early as mid-May for billbugs and May beetle grubs. As with earlier crabgrass preventers, watering in this chemical is key to activation. If you don’t normally have grub damage, don’t treat for grubs. If you’ve seen grub damage, treatment should focus on certain areas, rather than spraying the entire lawn. Beetles are more likely to lay eggs (that become grubs) around lights or in moist soil. If you’ve had grubs, treat those areas first and gauge how effective control is. Late July through August Keep an eye out for grub damage during this time. If a chemical application was made in June, this shouldn’t be necessary again. You can fertilize again in July, although weeds should be considered before doing so. Late October to early November Now that fall has arrived,
broadleaf weed spray can be used — if broadleaf weeds are a problem in your lawn. You should carefully examine your lawn, because chickweed and henbit — both winter annuals — are small and can be easily overlooked. If spray is needed, use a product that contains 2,4-D, because it increases effectiveness on dandelions. As with spring applications, treat on a day that is at least 50 degrees. Again, watch for rain, because rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application reduces effectiveness. Along with properly timed chemical control, regular mowing reduces broadleaf weeds in buffalograss, because broadleaf weeds can’t survive consistent mowing. If annual grasses like crabgrass or foxtail are an issue, they can be prevented with prodiamine, pendimethalin or dithiopyr. With all chemical control, labels should be followed exactly. More information on buffalograss can be found at bookstore.ksre.ksu. edu/pubs/mf658.pdf. Ariel Whitely-Noll is the horticulture agent for Shawnee County Research and Extension. She can be reached at arielw@ksu.edu.
Experts to share knowledge at garden show Educational seminars planned throughout three-day event By Jan Biles jan.biles@cjonline.com
Shawnee County
Extension agents and area horticulture experts will be sharing information on a number of topics during the upcoming Kansas Garden Show. Seminar topics range from growing asparagus to carnivorous
plants to food safety to trees. The garden show will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 9-10 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Kansas Expocentre, S.W. 17th St. and Topeka Blvd. Admission is $8, with no charge for
children age 12 and younger. Free parking is available. On Feb. 9, people age 55 and older can buy one ticket and get another ticket free of charge. Leland Heifner, longtime promoter of the garden
show, said this year’s theme is “Gardens Around the World.” Last year, the three-day show attracted nearly 11,000 visitors. The garden show will See HAPPENING, 8
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, February 3, 2018 3
Is your indoor air quality hazardous to your health? Carbon monoxide, radon levels should be checked By Megan Linhoff Angie’s List
We all know that outdoor air pollution can be hazardous to our health, but indoor air quality presents several risks that we should keep top of mind as well. Sources such as heating systems, certain building materials and even nature itself can release harmful gases or particles into the air inside our homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And inadequate ventilation can lead to increased concentrations and exposure. Here’s a look at three common indoor air pollutants and what you can do to avoid unsafe levels in your home. Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. Common sources of carbon monoxide include improperly vented gas appliances, poorly maintained boilers and furnaces, and clogged
A blocked fireplace chimney or flue can allow carbon monoxide to accumulate inside your home. [DREAMSTIME]
or leaking chimneys. Carbon monoxide can be fatal at high concentrations. And at lower concentrations, it may cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, impaired vision and reduced brain function, among other symptoms. To prevent high concentrations of carbon monoxide, it’s important to properly maintain all combustion equipment and ensure proper ventilation. The EPA recommends having a trained professional inspect chimneys, water heaters, gas furnaces, and gas ranges and ovens annually. It’s also important to keep a carbon monoxide detector in good
working order in your home. Radon Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Like carbon monoxide, it is both odorless and colorless. All homes, new and old, are susceptible to radon. The gas typically enters a home by rising up through the soil and seeping into the cracks and crevices of a home’s foundation, but it also may enter the home through wall cracks, construction joints and water supply
sources, among other areas. The EPA estimates that one in 15 homes in the United States is affected by high levels of radon. Exposure to elevated radon levels is known to cause lung cancer and serious respiratory health issues. The best way to ensure that your home is safe is to administer a radon test. You can hire a qualified testing professional or purchase a home kit to test your home for radon. There are both short- and long-term tests available. The EPA recommends starting with a short-term test. The results of this test will indicate whether you should follow up with another shortterm test or a long-term test. The higher the results, the greater the likelihood that you’ll need to hire a radon mitigation specialist to address the problem. Volatile organic compounds Volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from a variety of household paints, disinfectants and solvents, as well as some building materials — including
‘Transition’ toilet seat fits adults, kids Seat eliminates need for potty chair By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service
Q: Dear Ed: We have a young child about to start toilet training. We also have a small main bathroom that gets a lot of use, and we are looking for a good toilet idea. Instead of a separate potty chair or seat, is there a plumbing option to use our present elongated
toilet to take care of everyone in the family and guests? — Lauren, Rhode Island A: I have worked with a
“transition” seat. Transition toilet seats install and operate like a standard toilet seat, but they can accommodate both adults and children. The secret is a built-in child’s seat sandwiched between a standard seat and the toilet seat lid. Sounds confusing, but picture a three-layer cake on
a hinge. The bottom section is an elongated toilet seat to fit elongated toilets. In the middle is the special smaller-opening child’s seat, and on top is the seat lid. Made of molded plastic, the components fit together nicely for easy raising and lowering of both seats. So, if you need a toilet seat to do double duty, look into a transition seat. Master contractor/plumber
Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes. Transition toilet seats install and operate like a standard toilet seat, but they can accommodate both adults and children. [KOHLER]
certain carpets and flooring. The health effects of VOC exposure will depend on the level of exposure and the amount of time exposed, but VOCs are known to cause eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; nausea; damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system; and, in some cases, cancer. To decrease exposure to VOCs in your home, the EPA recommends carefully following label instructions, increasing ventilation when using VOC-emitting products, and safely storing and disposing of unneeded chemicals. Many products offer low-VOC or zero-VOC options; it’s best to choose these whenever possible. To evaluate your risk for poor indoor air quality, take a survey of your home. Identify where combustion systems are located, inventory how chemicals are stored and assess whether ventilation is adequate. If you’d like further reassurance that your home is safe, contact your local health department for guidance on how to evaluate your home’s air quality with the help of professionals.
4 Saturday, February 3, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Rain gutters can cause home drainage problems Pooling water can lead to costly repairs By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press
The person who coined the phrase “saving for a rainy day” must have been a property owner with home drainage problems. The financial costs of poor drainage can be substantial, and the human health costs significant, too. Prevention is important, and many clues exist for predicting trouble, says Ryan Larsen, a civil engineer with NDS Inc., a manufacturer of drainage products in Woodland Hills, Calif. “Low spots in the landscape can be hard to see, but areas where the ground is wet for long periods of time after it rains or the sprinklers run are locations where water is collecting,” Larsen said. Discoloration and mold growth on a home’s foundation and places where stucco, siding or paint easily fall off a house are indications water is pooling, he said. “You should suspect water
An extender attached to a rain gutter downspout is used to direct water away from a home. Most water damage problems are caused by water pouring from rain gutters onto just one point where it can collect against foundations and flood landscapes and planter areas. [DEAN FOSDICK VIA AP]
is getting into your home if you detect damp or musty smells in your basement or crawl space,” he said. Most homes have some kind of drainage problem, and most often the damage comes from rain gutters, Larsen said. “Because a lot of homes have gutter downspouts that lead straight to the
ground, you’ve got all this water coming off the roof and pouring to just one point, where it can collect against a home’s foundation and flood landscapes and planter areas,” he said. “Fortunately, gutter problems are also the easiest to fix with a downspout extender.” The financial costs of poor
drainage can add up. Outlays for drying basements can range from $1,000 to $10,000, according the U.S. National Flood Insurance Program. Repairing foundation damage can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $25,000, the National Association of Realtors says. The human health costs of poor drainage on properties also can be sizeable, Larsen said. “Poorly drained runoff from roofs can enter basements or flow inside homes through foundational cracks or leaks where it can warp floorboards and turn finished rooms into mildewy and moldy messes that can attract insects and rodents,” he said. Inadequate drainage also cracks foundations, creates standing water that ruins yards and gardens, and allows breeding spots for disease-carrying mosquitoes and heartworms. “Soggy, poorly graded ground spells certain doom for lawns, shrubs, plants and gardens,” Larsen said. Three of the most common solutions for drainage problems are catch
basins, pop-up emitters and French drains. Catch basins trap sediment and contaminants beneath downspouts for drainage to safer locations. Pop-up emitters are connected to underground drainage pipes and channeled away from structures. The pop-up tops allow water to drain when full but remain closed when empty to keep out rodents and debris. French drains are gravelfilled trenches that direct storm water away from specific areas. They collect water over their entire length, rather than from one particular spot. With water drainage problems, though, come opportunities, said Monica Day, a water resources educator with Michigan State University Extension. “Be creative,” Day said. “There are positive ways of dealing with too much water. Keep it in the soil but where it’s not damaging anything. Let (ornamental) plants grow there to filter out the water and retain it. “That provides beautification as well as practicality,” she said.
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, February 3, 2018 5
Hybrid plant produces multitude of squash Yield can be up to 10 pounds per day By Debbie Arrington The Sacramento Bee
Apparently, a lot of people like growing zucchini — as well as the idea of sharing it with others. Gardener Dale Creasey, of Fair Oaks, Calif., found that out quickly when he
offered to share seed for his “super producer hybrid zucchini” with others. An accidental cross between an Italian squash and a small pumpkin, this fast-growing hybrid can produce 4 to 10 pounds of squash per plant per day. The sample I tried looked like a green butternut squash with tender, sweet white flesh and few seeds. The
squash tends to get wider before it grows longer, but can eventually resemble a double-wide baseball bat. “The zucchini is generally fatter, but most also get longer the bigger they become,” Creasey explained. “Being a hybrid, they can be of many shapes.” During his retirement, Creasey turned his interest from water to gardening.
Creasey, 84, worked as a planning hydrologist with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for 27 years. He now tends about a quarter-acre vegetable garden, dedicated to contributing fresh produce to needy families. Each summer, he contributes more than a ton of vegetables (mostly squash and tomatoes) to local food banks and charities.
That was his inspiration for sharing his squash seed. The more people who grow this prolific squash, the more possible donations to others in need. As the tale of “Dale’s super squash” worked its way throughout the state and across the country, he got requests for seeds from as See SQUASH, 10
6 Saturday, February 3, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
PAINTING
Start the year with a clean slate Tips for adding color to your interior walls By Samantha Egan Special to The Capital-Journal
If you could use fresh surroundings to go with your “new year, new you” resolutions, a coat of paint may just do the trick. “A fresh coat cleans everything up and makes everything new again,” said Karen Ingenthron, an interior designer at Allied Paints Inc., 2818 S.W. Gage Blvd. While Ingenthron says 2018 is the year of strong, bold colors — think rich browns, reds and dark charcoals — she recommends thinking specifically about your space when choosing a shade. “I always start with the givens. What’s in the room? Flooring, furniture — the things that you’re not going to change,” she said. “Whatever you do, you want it to look coordinated.” If you’re tempted to go bold, Ingenthron says to consider the rest of your home and reserve the vibrant shades for rooms you want to stand out. “You want those rooms to be spectacular and draw attention,” she said. Though a common decorating adage is to save darker colors for larger rooms, Ingenthron doesn’t always agree. “Sometimes, a small room really pops if you have a bolder color,” she explained. “Of course, if you do a bold, darker color, it will make it feel a little smaller, but I never let that affect me as much.” If selling your house is on your 2018 resolution list,
Leslie Noller, of Allied Paints Inc., shows off some of the color swatches available at the Topeka store. Designers say 2018 is the year of strong, bold colors. Think rich browns, reds and dark charcoals when choosing a shade. [KEITH HORINEK/THE CAPITALJOURNAL]
Ingenthron says lighter, neutral colors, like soft grays and beiges, are the way to go. Accenting a lighter color with a darker paint also can help highlight your home’s most attractive features — a fireplace, for example. Once you’ve decided on a color, get ready to roll up your sleeves. Jon Bays-Broils, of Spectrum Paints, which recently acquired ColorWorks Paint and Supply at 4410 S.W. 21st St., recommends starting by cleaning the walls with a damp rag. If your walls are particularly dirty, he says to mix trisodium phosphate with water. Avoid soap, because it can
leave residue behind. When purchasing a roller cover, Bays-Broils said a 3/8-inch size usually works best. And while you may be tempted to go with the cheapest model, spending an extra buck and a half for a higher-quality cover will help achieve a smoother finish. “A lot of people buy cheaper roller covers and have trouble with it shedding into the paint,” he said. “You would be amazed at the difference.” Rather than tackling the room in large sections, Bays-Broils tells his customers to work in 4-foot-by-4-foot sections and make a “W” motion as they roll up and
down. He recommends working from top to bottom, one wall at a time. After the wall is covered, use a brush to “cut in” and paint the areas too tight for rollers, such as at the ceiling line, corners and along the trim. Bays-Broils advises using a soft, nylon bristle brush, then coating it, cutting in and dipping it in the pan once or twice. Repeat until the room is complete. While you may see brush strokes while the paint is wet, resist the urge to keep brushing over and over. “If you over-brush it, then you’re not allowing the paint levelers to do their job,” he said. Once your color is on the walls and before you start in on a second coat, finish the process by back rolling, a process that ensures the paint is evenly distributed and reflects light in the same direction. “Skipping back rolling is probably one of the biggest mistakes I see,” said Bays-Broils. “If you don’t back roll between coats, it’s night and day.” To back roll, use the roller and, without adding any extra paint, roll straight down the length of the wall. After the paint is dry, Bays-Broils lightly scores the paint film with a razor blade before gently pulling the tape off the wall. While paints dry to the touch in four hours, the longer you can give it to dry, the better. For bathrooms, delay using the shower to avoid any streaking from condensation. Bays-Broils said paint reaches maximum hardness in 14 days, but you don’t necessarily need to skip the shower for that long.
TIP OF THE WEEK
[METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]
Thinning paint The fumes of paint thinner can make a painting job pretty unpleasant. Bob Vila, best known as a host for home building and improvement television shows, offers this tip for making paint thinner: Create your own oil-based paint thinner with a quarter cup of lemon oil and a cup of linseed oil. Mix it into your paint little by little until it’s the right consistency for your project.
Source: bobvila.com
“The longer you can give it, the better,” he said. “But a couple days is your best bet.” Though you won’t need to wait as long to reap the benefits of freshly painted walls as you might for other resolutions, patience is key. “Don’t get in too big of a hurry,” Bays-Broils said. “I always take my time — especially when back rolling. Be patient.” Samantha Egan is a freelance writer from Topeka.
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, February 3, 2018 7
Low inventory affecting area housing market Home prices are higher; days on market fewer
At the same time, sales volume has increased The Capital-Journal
By Jan Biles jan.biles@cjonline.com
The 2017 Housing Market Review compiled by the Sunflower Association of Realtors Inc. indicates the short supply of homes for sale in Shawnee County and seven nearby counties affected sale prices, the number of homes sold and the length of time a house was on the market last year. The report, which contains data covering Brown, Nemaha, Jackson, Jefferson, Shawnee, Osage, Lyon and Greenwood counties, shows the total sales of existing homes fell, while the total sales of new construction rose. The number of days a house was on the market before being sold decreased, while the price of homes increased. “The total sales volume was up 3.9 percent over 2016, even though the number of contracts written were less and new listings and the number of sales were down,” said Linda Briden, CEO of Sunflower Association of Realtors Inc. Here are some of the Housing Market Review’s findings for the eight-county area: • In 2017, a total of 3,835 homes were sold, down 3.5 percent from the previous year. Of those sales, 3,798 were existing homes, down 3.8 percent from 2016, and 37 were new construction, up 54.2 percent from 2016. • The median price of total homes sold in 2017 was $125,000, a 6.4-percent increase from 2016. The median price for existing homes in 2017 was $125,000, a 6.75-percent increase from the previous year. The median price in 2017 for new homes rose 20.2 percent over the previous year, up to $273,000. • The average number of days a home was on the market in 2017 was 43, a decrease of 22.1 percent
Report: Home sales slightly down in Shawnee County
The total sales of newly constructed homes rose in 2017 in the area covered by the Sunflower Association of Realtors Inc. The area includes Brown, Nemaha, Jackson, Jefferson, Shawnee, Osage, Lyon and Greenwood counties. [METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]
from 2016. Existing homes spent an average of 43 days on the market in 2017, a decline of 21.6 percent from 2016. New homes averaged 54 days on the market in 2017, a 59.7-percent drop from 2016. “For the month of December (2017), (Shawnee County) had a 2.7 months’ supply of homes,” Briden said. The 2.7 months’ supply of homes represents a 6.7-percent dip in inventory from 2016. Briden said a low inventory of homes is being seen across the nation, but numbers fluctuate among areas of the country. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, says higher prices for homes and the short housing supply makes many households doubt that now is a good time to buy a home.
“While overall demand remains high, it is not translating to meaningful sales gains across the country. Too many prospective first-time buyers see few options within their budget and home prices that are rising much faster than their incomes,” Yun said. “Until new and existing housing inventories steadily increase, creating more opportunity, many would-be first-time buyers will be forced to continue to rent.” The Sunflower Association of Realtors adds, “While agents in the Sunflower MLS (multiple listing service) would welcome increased inventory, the current situation does afford current homeowners an excellent opportunity if they are considering selling.” Contact niche editor Jan Biles at (785) 295-1292.
Home sales slowed in Shawnee County in 2017. At the same time, however, home prices and sales volume increased, according to the 2017 Housing Market Review compiled by the Sunflower Association of Realtors Inc. Here are some of the findings for Shawnee County: • Total home sales in 2017 were 2,550, down 1.4 percent from the previous year. Existing home sales in 2017 were 2,523, down 1.6 percent from 2016. Twenty-seven new houses were sold in 2017, up 28.6 percent from 2016. • Total sales volume for 2017 was $379 million, up 5.5 percent from 2016. The sales volume of existing homes in 2017 was $371.7 million, up 4.9 percent from the previous year. The sales volume of newly constructed housing in 2017 was $7.34 million, an increase of 46 percent over 2016. • The average sale price of a home in 2017 was $148,633, an increase of 6.9 percent from the previous year. The average sale price of existing homes in 2017 was $147,315 and the average sale price of new homes that year was $271,821, an increase of 6.6 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively, from 2016. • The median sale price of a home in 2017 was $129,500, a 7.9-percent increase over 2016. The median sale price for existing homes in 2017 was $128,000, an uptick of 6.7 percent from the previous year. The median sale price for newly constructed homes in 2017 was $267,900, an increase of 27.6 percent over 2016. • The average number of days a house was on the market in 2017 was 38, down 20.7 percent from the previous year. The average number of days on the market for existing homes in 2017 was 37, a 20-percent dip from 2016. Newly constructed homes spent 65 days on the market on average in 2017, down 54.6 percent from 2016.
8 Saturday, February 3, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
HAPPENING
KANSAS GARDEN SHOW What: A three-day horticulture showcase featuring displays, vendors and educational seminars When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 9-10 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 11 Where: Kansas Expocentre, S.W. 17th St. and Topeka Blvd. Admission: $8, includes free parking. Free for children age 12 and younger. Buy one ticket and get one free on Friday for those age 55 and older.
From Page 2
feature 20 educational vendors and 100 commercial vendors, focusing on gardening and landscaping, water features, new plants, gazebos and numerous other products, Heifner said. Other highlights include learning about volunteer opportunities tied to garden projects throughout the city and a chain-saw artist who will be creating artworks from tree stumps. Here is the schedule for this year’s seminars: Feb. 9 • 10:30 a.m.: “Garden to Plate: Food Safety for School and Community Gardens” by Lisa Martin, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program agent at Shawnee County Extension. The program outlines good practices for growing produce and minimizing contamination risks. • 11:30 a.m.: “Invasion Ornamentals,” by John Welborn, director of Shawnee County Weed Department. Learn the history, origin and uses of invasive ornamental plants, as well as their nature and tendencies. • 2:30 p.m.: “Myth Busters: Getting the Facts and Not the Fiction on Canning Food Safely,” by Martin and Susan Fangman, Family and Consumer Sciences agent at Shawnee County Extension. Test your knowledge of safe canning procedures during this interactive and fun food safety presentation. • 3:30 p.m.: “Top 10 Bugs in Your Garden,” by Raymond Cloyd, professor of entomology at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Cloyd will discuss the top 10 bugs — insects and mites — that feed on plants in landscapes and gardens and plant protection strategies. Bring bug samples and ask questions. • 4:30 p.m.: “Garden to Plate: Food Safety for School and Community Gardens,” by Martin. (See above for description.) Feb. 10 • 10:30 a.m.: “Accessible Gardening,” by Bessie Tolbert, Master Gardeners coordinator at Shawnee County Extension and Master
Karen Pendleton, owner of Pendleton’s Country Market in Lawrence, will talk about growing and cultivating asparagus and its culinary preparation at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Kansas Garden Show in the Kansas Expocentre. Pendleton is one of several experts making presentations during the three-day show. [METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]
Gardeners volunteer. Learn about how changes and adaptations can keep you gardening for years to come. • 11:30 a.m.: “Cool Carnivorous Plants,” by David Bird, owner of Bird’s Botanicals in Blue Springs, Mo. Bird will explain the culture of many carnivorous plants, what bugs they eat, and how to grow and propagate them. • 2:30 p.m.: “Growing and Cultivating Asparagus,” by Karen Pendleton, owner of Pendleton’s Country Market in Lawrence. Pendleton will share information about the planting, care, feeding and culinary preparation of asparagus. • 3:30 p.m.: “Indoor Plants for Health and Happiness,” by Ariel Whitely-Noll, horticulture agent at Shawnee County Extension. Learn how plants can impact your work, sleep and overall health.
Feb. 11 • 11:30 a.m.: “How to Kill a Tree (or How to Avoid It),” by R.O. Brown, an arborist and member of Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners. Learn how to properly plant a tree, what species do best in Kansas and how to prune small trees. • 12:30 p.m.: “Community Gardening 101,” by Diana Hershberger, volunteer for Topeka Common Ground and Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners, and Brenda Jarboe,
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) nutrition educator and Community Garden Network coordinator, both at Shawnee County Extension, and Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners volunteer. Learn what's happening with community gardening in Shawnee County and the basics of starting and running a successful garden. • 1:30 p.m.: “K-State Herbarium,” by Mark Mayfield, research assistant professor in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. Explore the history and uses of the herbarium and learn about some of the specimens housed there. • 2:30 p.m.: “Exciting New Annuals, Herbs and Vegetables for 2018,” by Rita Arnold, owner of Arnold’s Greenhouse in LeRoy. Arnold will share varieties of annuals, herbs and vegetables that will make their debut this year. More details about the seminars will be available in the 2018 Kansas Garden Show special section published Sunday in The Topeka Capital-Journal. Contact niche editor Jan Biles at (785) 295-1292.
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, February 3, 2018 9
Interior designers list what’s in and out in 2018 Bright colors hit the mark; minimalism is a miss
warmer tones and brighter shades are on the rise. Jewel tones top the list again, with shades of teal, eggplant and emerald green the top choices. • Velvet and stone: Brushed metals, velvet and stone are on the rise. • Geometric patterns and florals: Twenty-four percent mentioned geometric patterns as a top trend, while 32 percent believe florals will remain strong in 2018.
By Sophie Miura Domaine
The start of a new year always sparks a conversation about trend predictions among home decor experts, but few are as equipped to share their picks as 1stdibs. The global marketplace recently tapped its extensive network of roughly 40,000 interior designers to find out which trends they believe are on the rise — and which to retire now. “1stdibs is fortunate to have 40,000 of the most talented interior designers take part in our trade program,” said Sarah Liebel, general manager of the 1stdibs trade program. “This group is responsible for putting together some of the most beautiful spaces throughout the world.” Here’s what the tastemakers had to say about 2018’s top trends.
Trends to retire Teal is one of the top color choices for home interiors this year. Other popular colors are eggplant and emerald green. [DREAMSTIME]
Trends on the rise • Warm, bright colors: Thirty-six percent of designers said more color,
• Minimalism: “While modern design maintains popularity, designers report expecting to see more complexity in both color and details come into vogue versus the minimalist style (down 3 percent from 2017) we’ve seen recently,” 1stdibs said. • Millennial pink: The once-popular shade of blush is on the way out. • Brass: Most designers predict brass finishes will fall out of favor.
10 Saturday, February 3, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
SQUASH From Page 5
far away as New York. “I probably have exceeded 200 emails, and it is continuing. I did not expect to become a national celebrity,” he said. “I also plan to send seeds to the many charitable organizations that help those overseas, with descriptions and instructions (on how to grow).” Creasey shared the secret behind his amazing harvests: He plants his squash in mulch hills. “I have what I call the ‘hill garden’ or the ‘mulch garden,’” he explained.
Dale Creasey, a gardener in Fair Oaks, Calif., named his prolific squash “super producer hybrid zucchini.” It looks like a green butternut squash and has a thin skin, sweet flesh and few seeds. [DEBBIE ARRINGTON/SACRAMENTO BEE/ TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE]
“(It started with asking) lawn maintenance people to bring me their grass clippings and shredded stuff and leaves, and dumped them in a pile. I hauled chipped limbs … as well. After a few years,
the materials decomposed into the organic soil of the hill garden. I added fertilizer and water. “One year, I had six hybrid zucchini plants on this hill. They produced 60 pounds — or more — of fruits every day for several months. I took 2,500 pounds to the food closet. Some went to Loaves & Fishes (a hunger relief agency), Saint John’s women’s shelter and Union Gospel Mission (ministry addressing homelessness).” Gardeners who would like some hybrid zucchini seeds may send their request to Creasey at creaseymark@ surewest.net.
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, February 3, 2018 11
12 Saturday, February 3, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com