Saturday, April 8, 2017 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal
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Gardening
A rosy outlook Local growers talk about popular flower page 6 n Jamie Kidd on arborists, page 2 n Ivan Weichert on giving back, page 4 n Seeds: Key to weed control, page 8
Metro Creative Connection
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Hire an arborist to ensure your tree’s health The spring is bringing a few more showers for our parched yards, but many of us still will be experiencing damaged or dying trees when they leaf out because of the overly dry winter we’ve had. I’m already seeing clients with dead or dying tree branches. Many of these damaged or dying trees are rather large. They are projects too big for the average home gardener, unlike other trees that will need just a little pruning to be healthful. So, what is the best thing to do when your trees are damaged, appear to have a problem or just need to be pruned? Homeowners are usually able to handle small tree problems, but they may not know the correct way to prune or train a tree to help it grow to a healthful maturity. Large trees pose danger and liability. It’s best to call a professional, especially if the tree is anywhere near a power line. But, how do you know whom to call? A certified arborist is a tree specialist who is trained in the “art and science of planting, caring for and maintaining individual trees,” according to the International Society of Arboriculture. Arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care. Certified arborists also must continue their education to maintain their certification. This keeps them updated on the latest techniques. Certified arborists in Kansas have completed training, passed a certification exam and possess a minimum of two years of practical experience applying sound and proper arboricultural
JAMIE KIDD
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
n Tulip Time will run through April 16 at Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee, Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Doran Rock Garden in Gage Park. n “Planting for Curb Appeal” will be presented at 7 p.m. April 13 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Free. n The Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale Extravaganza will be from 9 a.m. to noon May 6 at the parking lot at the Shawnee County Extension Office, 1740 S.W. Western Ave. jamiehan@ksu.edu
practices.
How to select an arborist
Hiring an arborist can be one of the most important decisions you can make in terms of increasing your property value. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and a major asset. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Unqualified tree trimmers may further damage a tree, and more importantly may not be insured leaving you exposed to liability if anyone gets hurt. Pruning or removal of large trees can be dangerous and should be handled only by a professional.
Here are recommendations by the Kansas Forest Service for selecting an arborist. n Check the Yellow Pages, usually under “Trees,” “Tree Service” or “Tree Care Service.” Anyone can list themselves in the directory. Look for “certified,” not just “licensed.” n Beware of door-knockers. Most reputable companies have all the work they need without going door to door. n Ask for evidence they actually work for the company, rather than moonlighting. n Never be rushed into bargains, such as “If you sign an agreement today, I can take 10 percent off the price.” Never pay in advance.
n Ask for certificates of insurance, including proof of liability for personal and property damage and workers compensation. Call the insurance company to make sure the policy is current. In some circumstances, you can be held financially responsible if an uninsured worker is hurt on your property or damage is done to a neighbor’s property. n Ask for local references from other jobs the company has performed. Take a look at these and, if possible, talk with the former clients. Experience, education and a good reputation are signs of a qualified arborist. n Determine if the arborist is a memKIDD continues on 3
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Kidd: Removal of trees should be last resort Continued from 2
ber of organizations such as the American Society of Consulting Arborists, International Society of Arboriculture, Kansas Arborists Association or the Tree Care Industry Association, formerly the National Arborist Association. Membership doesn’t guarantee quality, but lack of membership casts doubt on the person’s professionalism. n Good arborists will offer a wide range of services — pruning, fertilizing, cabling/bracing, lightning protection, plant health care, etc. n Smart arborists will recommend topping a tree only under rare circumstances, such as to save the tree after severe physical damage to the
crown or for a specialized decorative effect. n Conscientious arborists won’t use climbing spikes if the tree is to remain in the landscape. n Beware of an arborist who is eager to remove a living tree. Removal should be a last resort. Agreements for work are usually made verbally. To prevent misunderstandings get a written agreement that includes the following: n Date the work will begin and end. n Exactly what work will be completed. For example, prune all dead, dying, diseased and weak branches and stump removal. n Specify what cleanup will be done and when. n The total dollar amount you’ll be charged.
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After nine years of active service with the Shawnee County Extension office as your horticulture agent, I am taking the opportunity to retire early.” Jamie Kidd
Horticulture agent with the Shawnee County Extension office
Beware of estimates that fall well below the average. There may be hidden costs, or the arborist may not be fully insured or trained.
Fond farewell
After nine years of active service with the Shawnee County Extension office as your horticulture agent, I am taking the opportunity to retire early. Yep. I get to retire early. So far I have been met with responses like, “Oh, no!” followed quickly
by “Oh, yes! Good for you!” Let me express my sincerest gratitude to you, my loyal readers. So often I have met you on the street, in the stores, on the phone and in my office letting me know that you enjoy reading my articles and learning about horticulture. More than one person has commented, “I am not a gardener, but you inspire me to think I can be.” What a compliment! I am humbled and thrilled that I could teach a thing
or two and make sense of things that appear to be confusing or complicated. I also love to bring history alive in horticulture. Your kindness and comments kept me motivated to write. I wish you all well and leave you in good hands with Master Gardener writers who will fill the gap until the new horticulture agent takes over. My best to you all. I will miss you. Note: A retirement reception for Jamie Kidd will be from 3 to 6 p.m. April 28, with a short presentation at 4:30 p.m., at the Garden House in the Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee, 3720 S.W. Yacht Court. People are welcome to drop in and speak with Kidd during that time.
TIP OF THE WEEK: Shower plants with affection It’s time to show your indoor garden some TLC. Give your houseplants a nice, warm shower. Place dusty plants in the tub or shower and rinse them gently with tepid water, using the shower head or a handheld sprayer. Let pots drain before returning plants to their usual spots. Keep them out of drafts. They’ll look better and — without all that dust clogging their leaves — they’ll grow better, too. Source: Sacramento Bee
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Home builders give back to Topeka community By Liz Montano
Special to The Capital-Journal
The Topeka Home Builders Association helps set and encourage the adherence to industry standards for home building. What those less familiar with THBA may not know is Weichert the association is involved with more than the construction of brick and mortar homes. It’s also concerned about the building and strength of the overall community, as well as supporting people in the community. Ivan Weichert, THBA
president and CEO, recently talked about the importance of “giving back.” Q: In past months, we’ve talked about various efforts of the Topeka Home Builders Association to protect homebuyers and even home builders through lobbying efforts in our nation’s capital. We haven’t really weighed in on THBA’s community-wide philanthropic efforts. I’m going to ask you to toot your own horn and share how you support the community outside of the construction arena. Weichert: One thing the Topeka Home Builders Association has done for many years is to be involved in the community and help with many
TOPEKA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION Address: 1505 S.W. Fairlawn Road Information about membership or upcoming events: Visit thba. com; email thba@thba.com; or call (785) 273-1260. projects. As a group, we’ve been very involved with Habitat for Humanity. I think that’s important for the housing industry. Habitat for Humanity is something I’ve personally been involved with for more than 20 years, after being recruited by Emery Fager, the man who started Habitat for Humanity in Topeka. Q: Not to put you on the spot, but you were, in fact, recently given a very prestigious award from that or-
ganization for your years of efforts, were you not? Weichert: I was honored with a Habitat for Humanity Lifetime Achievement Award. But we have several councils deserving of recognition: the Associate Member Council, the Womens Council and the Professional Remodelers Council. Each of those councils has been involved in a variety of projects. The Professtional Remodelers Council has been involved in several
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It’s not always the big, beautiful homes at the top of the market that make the biggest impact.” Ivan Weichert
President and CEO of the Topeka Home Builders Association
projects to help Sheltered Living (Inc.), usually in the form of materials and labor. Our Associate Member Council recently gave a check for $3,000 to the YWCA for the Center for Safety and Empowerment. The council had met with the YWCA and asked them
what they needed. I don’t think that has happened often — for someone to ask them what the need was. Very recently, one of our members, Custom Wood Products of St. Marys, was remodeling their showroom and auctioned off all the products that were in the showroom. They raised $26,000, which they donated to the YWCA and 3Rivers. (3Rivers, with locations in Wamego, Mayetta and Clay Center, is an independent living agency that empowers senior citizens and people with disabilities.) Q: The Womens Council has done its share as well, BUILDERS continues on 5
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Builders: $5,000 in scholarships awarded Continued from 4
right? Weichert: Every year at our holiday party, the Womens Council holds a silent auction with proceeds going to various charitable organizations. They raised $7,800 last year. (The long list of charities includes the Topeka Rescue Mission, Team Blake, Camp Discovery, Race Against Breast Cancer and the United Way Christmas Fund. Team Blake was the effort to help Blake Cazier,
a 2-year-old Topeka boy who died March 7, 2017, following his battle with leukemia.) Q: Then, of course, there are the scholarships. Weichert: Yes. The entire association has a competition for scholarships we award to children of members. We give $5,000 a year in scholarships. Liz Montano is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at (785) 230-3907 or newsbizliz@ gmail.com.
New toilet seats make good scents By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service
Q: Dear Ed: I really enjoy learning about new products from your column, and I just heard that some toilet seats now have built-in air fresheners. How do they work, and will they fit on existing toilets? — Don, Minnesota A: If you’re looking to control bathroom odors with a little high-tech ingenuity, new toilet seats with built-in air fresheners are now available. First, they fit most exist-
ing toilets. Just make sure to order an elongated or round front seat, depending on the type of toilet you have. These battery-operated deodorizing seats use tiny intake fans and carbon filters to help trap odors. Plus, an integrated air freshener with replaceable aroma pack cartridges adds a pleasant scent to the area. These special toilet seats can even include extra features such as programmable night lights, anti-slip seats and slowclosing lids.
Kohler
Toilet seats with built-in air fresheners are now available. Also, different types of aroma packs are available, so installing a de-
odorizing toilet seat can really make a lot of good scents.
Everything 6 | Saturday, April 8, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
you always wanted to know about
Roses By Jan Biles
jan.biles@cjonline.com
If growing roses seems like a thorny prospect, it’s time to pull on your gardening gloves and put aside your fears. Topeka Rose Society members say the beautiful flowers aren’t difficult to grow. All they need is water, food, sunshine and a little attention. “There are thousands of types of roses … and you can never have enough,” said Greg Laird, past president of the organization. Laird speaks from experience. He and his wife, Linda, tend two acres of roses on property near Lake Perry. Founded in 1955, the Topeka Rose Society encourages the growing of roses in home gardens in Topeka and its surrounding area. The organization, which has about 28 members and is affiliated with the American Rose Society, meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, typically at Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site, 124 N.W. Fillmore St. Programs focus on selection, growing and showing of all types of roses, landscaping, pollination, insects and diseases. The society’s members act in an advisory capacity for the maintenance of the Reinisch Rose Garden in Gage Park and coordinate an annual rose show, which will be Sept. 15-16 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.
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The Lairds cut their roses and place them in buckets of water before using them to create vase displays. TRS member Don Boyd said President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation on Nov. 20, 1986, designating the rose as the national flower. A testament to how easy they are to grow, roses can be found in gardens and landscapes in every state.
What to grow
So you’re ready to tackle growing roses. One of the first things to do is to decide what you want to plant. According to the TRS website, gardeners can choose from several types of roses, which have distinct character-
istics: n Hybrid t e a s : La rge specimen blooms and long stems. n Grandifloras: Large blooms and long stems, but more than one bloom to a stem. n Floribundas and polyanthus: Smaller blooms, but five to 20 blooms on each stem, depending on the variety. n Miniatures: Bushes average from 12 to 18 inches in height and width, but can range from teacup size to 2 to 3 feet. n Climbers and ramblers: Can grow to a large size and are often used to cover arbors, fences and unsightly views. n Shrubs: Most are everblooming. n Old garden: Bloom once in the spring, but color and fragrance are outstanding. TRS president Richard Berndt said growers should do their research before they buy roses. ROSES continues on 7
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McCartney, a dark pink rose, is among the flowers grown by Topeka Rose Society members Linda and Greg Laird.
TOPEKA ROSE SOCIETY
What: An organization that provides information about growing and showing roses. When: 7 p.m. second Tuesday of each month; open to the public. Where: Preston Hale Room at Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site, 124 N.W. Fillmore St.; locations may vary in summer. Upcoming programs: “Weed Identification and Herbicides for Home Use,” April; “Diseases Vectored by Insects,” May; “Propagating Rose Cuttings,” June; “Rose Arranging,” July; and “Preparing for a Rose Show,” August. Information: Visit topekarosesociety.com or its Facebook page or contact Greg Laird at (785) 232-6292 or greg_laird2003@yahoo.com.
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Roses: Society members share their growing tips Continued from 6
“Don’t buy just because it looks good,” he said, adding variety, fragrance and making sure the rose matches the location’s Planting Hardiness Zone, which is 6 in the Topeka area, is important. Once you have decided on what to plant, you’ll need to scout out a location where the rose can thrive. The site should have good drainage and at least four hours of direct sunshine. “Roses will tolerate different soils, but it needs to be one with good loam content,” past president George Schureman said. The location needs to be large enough so the roses have plenty of room to grow: 18 inches for miniatures; 2 feet for grandifloras and floribundas; 4 to 6 feet for climbers, shrubs and old garden roses.
Into the ground
OK, you’ve brought home the potted roses you’ve purchased at a local nursery. Roses in the Topeka area can be planted any time after there are sustained mild temperatures. The best times to plant are April through June and September through November. Here are some guidelines for planting potted roses, compiled by the late John Parks, a Topeka rosarian: First, dig a hole 2 feet across and 18 inches deep at your selected location. Place the bud union 2 inches below ground level — measure this while the rose is still in the pot. The soil in the potted plant should be slightly moist. If soggy wet, the soil will fall apart when you try to remove the rose from the pot. Fill the hole with the
Submitted jAN bILES/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL
The Topeka Rose Society provides information about growing and showing roses and coordinates an annual rose show. Among its members are, from left, Don Boyd, past president Greg Laird, past president George Schureman and president Richard Berndt.
PETAL PICKS
A few Topeka Rose Society members recently revealed their favorite roses. Linda Laird: Johann Strauss, a pink-blend floribunda that has a full bloom and green apple scent. George Schureman, past president: Dolly Parton, a pink rose with big blooms that is considered remaining dirt and water well. Continue watering the rose for several weeks until it is established. The roses should bloom in May or June.
Care tips
With their delicate, colorful blooms, roses may seem to be a high-maintenance flower. But Topeka Rose Society members say that isn’t so. Here are some tips on how to care for your roses from Park’s research: n Water to a depth of 1 inch per week, even if it has rained. In the summer, increase to 2 inches twice a week to be sure
Souvenir de la Malmaison, a light pink rose, is among the flowers grown by Topeka Rose Society members Linda and Greg Laird.
the third-most fragrant rose. Don Boyd: Pink Promise, a hardy white rose with a pink interior. Richard Berndt, president: Double Delight, a small red-blend rose that is hardy and fragrant. Greg Laird, past president: Rose de Rescht, a deep pink old garden rose that is fragrant, diseaseresistant and blooms year-round.
the surface roots don’t dry out and place stress on the bush. n Roses respond well to a liquid feeding of Miracle Gro 15-30-15 — or its equivalent — every one to two weeks. Miniatures require much less food and actually do better on a liquid diet only. Feed mature roses monthly with a generalpurpose granular fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Place two to three handfuls around each bush. n Spraying roses recurrently with fungicides can help prevent black spot and mildew. “So many roses need to
be sprayed because of the black spot we have here,” Laird said. n Mulching is recommended because it cools the ground, conserves water, holds down the weeds and enriches the soil as it turns to compost. The mulch layer should be 2 to 3 inches thick. “I use wood cedar chip mulch and ground-up leaves,” Schureman said. “It doesn’t have to be anything expensive.” n Pruning should begin in the spring and continue throughout the season. Cut back dead canes to live green wood where the pith, or cen-
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The Lairds are avid rose enthusiasts. They grow two acres of roses near Lake Perry. ter of the cane, is white or near white. The cut should be made 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud. “It’s important to deadhead spent buds,” Laird
said. n In mid-October, cover the bud union and the canes with a mound of dirt, leaves, hay or straw that is 6 to 12 inches above the ground. Remove in mid-April.
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To control garden weeds, start with the seeds By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press
Weed seeds are among the most patient organisms in nature. Many weeds can produce thousands of seeds per plant per year, and those seeds might lie dormant for decades, just waiting for the right conditions to sprout. If you want to control weeds, then find where these seeds accumulate — in “seed banks.” “Gardeners should care because that’s where all their seeds are coming from,” said Ed Peachey, a weed science specialist with Oregon State University Extension. “If you don’t prevent weeds from producing seeds, then you’ll wind up with large seed banks, and always fighting with the weeds
that emerge from those seed banks.” Weeds are unwanted because they are considered unattractive in manicured yards, they spread quickly, and they muscle aside desirable plants from life-giving sunlight, nutrients and moisture. “Understand what you have in your garden and then decide what to get rid of,” Peachey said. “Some weeds are incredibly well adapted to gardens, and they compete.” Weed seeds or banks accumulate in neglected lawns, near downspouts and shaded areas, around pathways and driveways, in newly cultivated ground — even under decks, despite the scarcity of sunlight. Weeds have a number of things in common, said
Sandra Mason, an extension horticulturist with University of Illinois Extension. “They go through their life cycle rapidly, flower quickly, produce vast quantities of seeds, and have some seed adaptations for travel by wind, water or animals,” Mason said in a fact sheet. Soil movement and changes in water content invigorate annual seeds, Peachey said: “Most weed seeds don’t live particularly long, a few years perhaps. But there always are a few that can linger.” A dandelion may produce 15,000 seeds per year, purslane more than 52,000, and pigweed can leave behind more than 117,000, according to Colorado State University Extension horticulturists.
AP
The fluffy white ball of a mature dandelion shows the seeds ready to scatter and colonize disturbed soil. Weeds have a tendency to flower quickly and produce vast quantities of seeds. Some have adaptations for travel by wind, water or animals.
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Clean like a pro with these tips By Sophie Miura Domaine
Why is it that your home looks completely different after a professional deepcleaning service steps in? Countertops you’ve wiped a hundred times shine brighter, shower grout you scrubbed to no avail has gone away, and your home looks like someone applied a lighter, brighter Instagram filter to it. According to cleaning experts, the difference is in the details. “Queen of Clean” author Linda Cobb, “Speed Cleaning 101” author Laura Dellutri and “Clear the Clutter” author
Donna Smallin open up to the Real Simple magazine about the most common mistakes that undermine your spring-cleaning efforts. n Mistake 1: Washing windows on a sunny day. Motivated to wipe your windows when the first signs of spring show? According to cleaning experts, you’re making a rookie error. “Glass cleaner dries up much more quickly in direct sunlight, resulting in streaks on window panes,” Real Simple explains. “That’s why, in any season, the ideal time to clean windows is late afternoon or evening, or when the skies
are overcast.” n Mistake 2: Stacking the dishwasher without thought. “When spoons sit in one direction in a standard dishwasher basket, they end up, well, spooning, which prevents a complete clean,” they explain. Instead, alternate placing spoons face up and face down to ensure they get an even clean. n Mistake 3: Not using vacuum attachments. If you own pets, experts say it’s imperative to use vacuum attachments to collect fur; otherwise, it’s likely you’re just pushing dirt and debris from room to room.
Service Directory
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