At Home Living 061716

Saturday, June 17, 2017 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

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topeka area water garden society

Waterworks

Annual tour showcases residents’ ponds, waterfalls page 6 n Garden maintenance tips, page 2 n Essential oils ward off pests, page 3 n Buying a retirement home, page 5

jan biles/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

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Garden maintenance, season by season Follow this guide for year-round care Planning, designing and planting can be fun, but how about maintaining the garden?

Overwhelming?

Maintenance approached seasonally can reduce Diane Green the frustration and produce the results any gardener hopes to achieve.

Proper maintenance of garden, trees and lawn are possible with timely care.

So, let’s begin with the care needed in the garden by seasons, beginning with spring.

Spring March, April and May

n While enjoying being in the garden again, add compost or other organic matter when the soil isn’t wet. n Divide perennials and plant. n Prune shrubs while dormant, removing any dead or diseased branches. Don’t prune spring blooming shrubs now, such as lilacs, spirea or forsythias, to avoid cutting off the flower buds.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

n The Shawnee County Master Gardeners will answer lawn and gardening questions from 7:30 a.m. to noon June 24 at the Downtown Topeka Farmers Market, S.W. 12th and S.W. Harrison. n Shawnee County Master Gardeners will present a worm composting workshop from 1:30 to 3 p.m. July 12 in the upper meeting room at the Shawnee County Extension Office, 1740 S.W. Western Ave. Participants will assemble and take home a functioning, indoor worm composting bin, including the worms. Registration and a $10 materials fee are due July 7 at the Extension Office, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Prune those just after blooming. n Consider using a pre-emergent from a garden center or begin pulling weeds by hand.

Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch, which will help weed control, conserve moisture, enhance the appearance and reduce erosion. n Clean up the perennial bed by cutting back foliage and removing winter mulch. n Cut the ornamental grasses to 3 to 5 inches. n In May, begin pinching mums and other perennials for more compact plants. Pinch every 6 inches of new growth until the first week in July. n Plant fall-blooming plants, such as mums, to improve the success of

overwintering with an established root system.

Summer June, July and August n It’s essential to keep plants, bushes, lawns and trees watered consistently now, about 1 inch per week, depending on the heat. n Although watering is critical, fertilizing may not be a good idea. Vegetable gardens and annual beds that are really producing may benefit from fertilizer, but perennials and woody plants usually don’t need it mid-summer. n Deadhead annuals and perennials to produce more flowers. n To rejuvenate ragged plants, trim back as needed to encourage new growth and water them.

n In August, fertilize mums, hardy asters and other fall-blooming perennials.

Fall September, October and November n Clean the garden of any remaining plant material and consider making a compost pile with the leaves and garden debris, excluding diseased plant debris. n After the first frost, remove annuals. n Add mulch if needed. n Get the soil tested for the next growing season if not done in the past three years. The Shawnee County Extension Office will assist you with information and materials.

n Dig and store bulbs in a cool, dry location. n Continue regular watering if ground isn’t frozen. Watering is especially important for evergreens. n Leave winter interest — perennials and grasses for winter appeal and wildlife. n Before putting away garden tools, clean them, wipe metal blades with oil and store them. Drain and store garden hoses.

Winter December, January and February n A mild winter can mean more insects and disease in the spring. It also can mean the freezing and thawing of the

ground can cause perennials to heave up and out of the ground, exposing the plant crown to the cold.

Mulching will help. n When the weather is mild and dry, water the garden and lawn, especially new fall plants and lawn, or risk their survival.

Wait for temperatures to be 50 degrees or warmer for four to five days and water during that period.

If these tips for seasonal garden care are still overwhelming, know that there are books on garden maintenance.

After all, you’ve got all winter to read, plan and dream for next year’s success.

Diane Green is a Shawnee County Master Gardener.

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Rid home pests using essential oils

By Paul Pogue Angie’s List

Sometimes, the most natural methods work best. You can get rid of mice using a reliable old snap-trap, and nothing takes out spiders like a rolled-up newspaper. But if you want to get rid of spiders and mice with minimal force, essential oils may be the solution for you.

Peppermint oil pest control is an effective means of repelling spiders and mice. Spiders smell through their legs, and so they’re very sensitive to oils on the surface. Mice rely on their sense of smell, so they tend to be turned away from distinct essential oil odors. Mice tend to follow pheromone trails left by other mice, and peppermint oil confuses those senses.

As a bonus, essential oils are environmentally friendly and safe for your family and pets compared to toxic chemicals.

bradley west

Essential oils can be used to rid your home of spiders and mice.

However, you might think twice about killing spiders because they’re an effective insect deterrent.

Preparing essential oils

You have three options for setting up essential oils to repel mice and spiders: sprinkling it directly, spraying it or soaking cotton balls.

If you know where pests are coming in, or have a suspicion

— such as crevices, cracks, windows and other hiding places — you can apply a line of undiluted oil across that entrance point.

You also can create a diluted mix of water and a small amount of peppermint oil and spray it across a wider area. This is particularly useful if you’re not sure where they’re getting in and want to cover an entire corner or window. You also can soak cotton balls in undiluted oil and place them near the entrances you want to block.

Targeting spiders

Peppermint is the most effective oil to repel spiders. Besides peppermint and spearmint, essential oils for spiders include citrus elements, such as orange, lemon and lime. Citronella, cedar wood, tea tree oil and lavender also can be effective.

However, consider whether you want to get rid of spiders at

all. You obviously want venomous spiders to be far away, but in many cases, especially if they’re outside windows or doors, spiders are effective pest control.

There is no better natural insect exterminator than the spider, and no more potent bug repellent than a spider’s web.

Temporary fix

As with spiders, peppermint oil is an effective deterrent of mice, but you need to keep several drawbacks in mind. Essential oil is not a long-lasting product; it will need to be replaced every few days. And especially in the case of mice, you want to check those peppermint-soaked cotton balls every so often. Once the odor fades away, that cotton will make attractive nesting material for the mice.

PESTS continues on 9

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Cast-iron fixtures are a solid choice Fixtures combine strength, style, eco-friendliness

By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service

Q: Dear Ed: We’re building a new house, and I want to use cast iron for our sinks, shower base and bathtub.

My husband says it sounds old-fashioned to use cast iron for so many plumbing fixtures and I should look at other material choices as well. Is there anything out of the ordinary with my preference to use as many cast-

iron fixtures as possible?

— Ann, Wisconsin A: Today’s plumbing fixtures are available in a variety of materials.

In most cases, it gets down to personal taste and using a good material fit for the needed fixture application.

From what I’ve seen, cast iron can be a great all-around fixture choice because of three basic reasons:

n Strength: Hey, it’s called enameled cast iron.

It’s a strong, heavy-duty material that is very resistant to scratches, chips, cracks and burns. n Style: Because castiron plumbing fixtures are available in constantly changing shapes and colors, cast-iron fixtures always seem to be in style.

For kitchen sink use, you can easily match just about any type of countertop.

n Green factor: Castiron fixtures contain a good portion of recycled materials, and that’s good news all around.

So, when you add everything up, nothing should cast a doubt on your castiron fixture choice.

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.

kohler

Cast iron can be a great all-around fixture choice.

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Small nest egg, big dreams?

Brandpoint Planning for retirement means making a lot of decisions, including when you’ll stop working, how much you’ll withdraw from your savings each year, and where you’ll live.

Many Americans view retirement as an opportunity to move into a house they’ll love and live in for all their golden years. In fact, 64 percent of retirees have moved or plan to move, according to a Merrill Lynch survey.

Some retirees move to be closer to children or grandchildren, down-size into a more manageable home, live in a warmer locale, or secure a more luxurious home where they can easily age in place.

“The decision of where to live in retirement is important and can directly affect quality of life in your golden years,” said Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX LLC. “Research by Trulia shows that in virtually all areas of the country, it makes better financial sense for retirees to buy a home, rather than rent. In fact, buying is nearly 42 percent cheaper than renting for seniors across the country.”

With offices in more countries than any other real estate brand,

brandpoint

Many Americans when they decide to retire move into a home where they can live out their lives. Research by Trulia shows that in virtually all areas of the country, it makes better financial sense for retirees to buy a home, rather than rent.

RE/MAX agents have helped millions, including retirees, find the home of their dreams. Lewis and the RE/MAX team offer some advice for buying your retirement home: n Have a plan.

Ideally, you should think about where you want to live long before retirement, but it’s never too late to think about your priori-

ties. Do you want to be close to family or health care resources?

Do you desire a home in the mountains or somewhere you’ll never see snow again?

Trulia’s research shows some of the cities most popular for retirees are also ones where buying a home can save you the most money over renting. Desirable, warm-weather locations in Flor-

ida and Arizona offer significant value, even in regions where average home prices are higher.

Make a list of what you want in a home location so you’ll have a starting point for your search. n Don’t delay.

If possible, don’t wait until poor health or declining finances force you to move somewhere that’s not your ideal location.

Move while you’re still young enough to enjoy your dream retirement home. n Get professional financial advice.

It’s important to protect your nest egg and keep it growing throughout retirement. A professional financial planner can help you understand what size mortgage is right for you, so your dream home doesn’t strain your finances. n Be mindful of amenities.

When choosing a location and a home, in addition to your personal priorities, it’s important to keep in mind accessibility to amenities important to seniors.

Community features such as good transportation, quality of roads, safe neighborhoods and access to health care, socialization opportunities, shopping and cultural venues are all options to

consider. n Rely on real estate pros.

Once you know where you want to be, it’s time to find a real estate agent or Realtor. They can help retirees sell their current home so they can make the purchase of their dream retirement home a reality. n Focus on must-haves.

Make a list of must-have features and those you would like your retirement home to have.

Share the list with your agent to help him or her focus on properties that meet your criteria. Your list of must-haves and desirables will likely be very different from the list you made when you bought your first home. Now, a singlelevel house with large bathrooms and a level lot may be more desirable than a two-story with lots of bedrooms and a big backyard.

Finally, says Lewis, keep in mind whether you plan to age in place.

“More Americans are looking for homes that will allow them to stay independent and living on their own throughout their retirement years,” he said. “If that’s your plan, look for home features that will help facilitate that, like wider doors, few or no exterior stairs, and good lighting.”

Marble leads latest decorating trends Acrylic furnishings, farmhouse chic also popular Brandpoint If you’re planning to tackle a home decorating project this year, here are the top trends you should consider: n Marble wallpaper.

A lot of the 2017 trends are about going back to classic styles, and it doesn’t get much more classic than marble. Few materials evoke high-

end living as simply and effectively as marble, a global symbol of refined taste and sophistication.

Marble was a big trend in 2016, and it looks like it’s here to stay.

With faux-effect materials and faux-marble wallpapers growing in popularity, you can count them to be a top pick for accent walls, powder rooms, kitchens and

more. n Deep blues. Though black has long been a decorating darling, designers are now recruiting deep blues for their go-to power hue. It’s a bit more approachable than pure black, and it has a lovely nautical vibe when used in conjunction with materials like rope, brass and wood.

Navy velvet couches

are a popular way to incorporate the color into your home. And if you want to keep your space light, wallpaper with blue accents is a great solution.

Whether you go for indigo, cobalt, navy or some other blue hue, a dramatic, deep blue color will add interest to your space. n Acrylic everything.

TRENDS continues on 10

brandpoint

With faux-effect materials and faux-marble wallpapers growing in popularity, you can count them to be a top pick for accent walls, powder rooms, kitchens and more.

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Topeka area water garden society

And the water runs through it photographs by jan biles/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Jeanne and Dan Woodard, of Topeka, will show off their backyard pond during the 26th annual Topeka Area Water Garden Society’s Pond Tour on June 24 and 25. Nine ponds and the Ward-Meade Botanical Gardens will be showcased during the tour.

Annual tour features 9 ponds, botanical gardens

By Jan Biles

jan.biles@cjonline.com

Old tree branches are positioned alongside the outer edge of the pond to add interest.

Topekans Jeanne and Dan Woodard were thinking about removing the pond in their backyard, but after talking with area experts they decided to make some renovations instead.

Now, the 30-by-18-foot pond is among those featured during this year’s Topeka Area Water Garden Society’s Pond Tour.

“I always wanted to do the pond tour, but the pea gravel (surrounding the pond area) didn’t look good, and we came close to taking out the pond last year,” Jeanne said.

The Woodards’ pond was constructed nine years ago and sits on a space once occupied by their aboveground swimming pool.

In February, at the Kansas Garden Show, the Woodards talked with Topeka Area Water Garden Society members about the problems they were having with the pond’s water pump system. Later, they also sought advice from Water’s Edge in

POND TOUR

What: 26th annual Topeka Area Water Garden Society’s Pond Tour, featuring nine ponds and the Ward-Meade Botanical Gardens When: 9 a.m. to noon June 24 and noon to 4 p.m. June 25 Cost: $6 for adults; free for ages 11 and under. No pets allowed.

Ticket locations: Fantasy Falls & Water Gardens (at Downtown Topeka Farmers Market), Hy-Vee, Jackson’s Greenhouse and Garden Center, Porterfield’s Flowers & Gifts, Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site’s general store, Skinner Garden Store, Topeka Landscape Inc. and Wild Bird House, all in Topeka, and Water’s Edge in Lawrence.

Information: tawgs.org or Topeka Area Water Garden Society Facebook page Lawrence.

After those conversations, they decided to change the landscaping of the pond by removing the pea gravel WATER continues on 7

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Water: Tour features 10 sites Continued from 6

and replacing it with grass.

They also updated the water pump/aeration system, added some new plants, and removed the goldfish so only koi lived in the pond.

The 3,200-gallon pond features eight waterfalls, tree branch accents along its outer edge and a variety of plants. Six gargoyle statues guard the pond.

The Woodards’ pond, 2341 S.E. 53rd St., is among 10 sites that will be featured during the 26th annual Pond Tour from 9 a.m. to noon June 24 and noon to 4 p.m.

June 25. Admission is $6 for adults; children ages 11 and under enter free. No pets are allowed.

The Topeka Area Water Garden Society is a nonprofit organization that encourages the appreciation of water gardening and water features. It meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month February through November in the Preston Hale Room at the Ward-Meade Botanical Gardens, 124 N.W. Fillmore St. Occasionally, the group meets at a member’s pond.

Other sites on this year’s Pond Tour include: n Ronald and Alice Stuhr, 731 S.W. Roosevelt.

The Stuhrs’ pond is a 6-by-9-foot rectangle that is 24 inches deep. It circulates water through a filtration system and a fountain that runs year-round. Plants include water lily, water hyacinth and ornamental grasses. Fish include goldfish, shubunkin and black fish. n Mike Parker, 5519 S.E. 45th St. Two small ponds flank the sidewalk and patio in Parker’s backyard. One pond has a waterfall and fish; the second features plants and an old-time well pump with running water. n Alan Beam, 5525 S.E. 45th St. Beam’s pond was built six years ago and has gone

Planting a natural dye garden is easy, cheap

By Kim Cook

The Associated Press

jan biles/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

The Woodards’ tiered pond features eight waterfalls, six gargoyles and several flowering plants. Koi swim in its water. through several changes since then. The pond started as two prefabricated ponds and two waterfalls.

It was rebuilt to create three waterfalls. A new filter system and new landscaping have been added.

The 20-by-12-foot pond is the centerpiece for a gazebo and rock patio. n Craig and Ann Case, 3701 S.E. Shawnee Heights Road.

The Cases enlarged their pond and added additional decorative rock 10 years ago.

The pond, which features a variety of plants, sits in front of their home. In addition to regular hours, a night tour of the pond will be offered from 9 to 10 p.m. June 24 and 25. n Doug and Kim Young, 4745 N.W. 44th Place.

The 25-by-12-foot oblong pond has three levels that are lined with Oklahoma moss-covered sandstone.

The water from the pond is pumped up to a bog that is about 8 feet in diameter.

From the bog, the water runs down a waterfall with two levels of rock before it returns to the pond. The pond features native tallgrasses, wildflowers and fish. n Don and Sandy Regier, 4319 N.W. Valley Road.

Built by Custom Water Gardens in 2003, the pond features an Aquascape Biofalls and a 25-foot stream

that travels under a wooden foot bridge to a 16-by-21-foot oval pond. The pond is surrounded by Colorado river rock and glacier rock and has a variety of perennials, shrubs and trees. n Bruce and Donna Martin, 5232 N.W. 44th St. The Martins’ home features two hillside ponds, constructed of stone hauled in from their farm. Feeding into the ponds are waterfalls and stream beds.

Plants include perennials, shrubs, water lilies, horsetail and water hyacinth.

The ponds are stocked with shubunkin. n Adam and Alisha Tucker, 2098 Barton Road.

The Tuckers’ pond is just off the back deck of their country house. The pond holds about 1,500 gallons of water and runs 7,000 gallons of water per hour through its two biological filters. Koi and goldfish live in the deep 19-by-12-foot pond, which also has a waterfall. n Ward-Meade Botanical Gardens, 124 N.W. Fillmore St. The Topeka Area Water Garden Society helps build and maintain the ponds and streams at the site and over the past few years has been working on creating a Japanese garden.

Contact niche editor Jan Biles at (785) 295-1292.

As interest in eco-friendly products and methods grows, it’s no surprise many artists and other creative types are planting natural dye gardens.

Low-cost and easy to grow, dye gardens can be planted just about anywhere. Over the centuries, popular plants used for dyes included indigo, madder and saffron. Tree tannins, lichen and fungi, as well as flowers, leaves, stems and even roots, were also transformed into dyes.

Brian Parker, of Home Depot, says several plants easily grown in a home garden can produce lovely dyes, and he recommends experimenting with hues.

“Combining plants like hibiscus and lavender will yield richer colors — try experimenting, just as you would with paints,” he said.

“Hibiscus is a great plant for a beautiful purple dye. Add lemon and salt when dyeing a camellia plant and you’ll get a bright pink, magenta color. Roses and lavender can bring out a brilliant pink dye with just a little mint and lemon juice. Marigolds and sunflowers produce shades of yellow; use both the stalks and the petals for the most potent color.”

Chris Dalziel is a gardener, homesteader and fiber artist in Greenwood, British Columbia.

“I recommend planning your garden around both perennials and annuals, with a thought to the colors that each plant gives,” she advised.

“Aim to have the three primary colors — blue, red and yellow — represented in your garden in abun-

the home depot via ap

Camelia japonica yields a beautiful magenta/pink dye.

Planting natural dye gardens is becoming a popular pursuit for those with green thumbs, as well as artists who work in various mediums. dance. From these, the full rainbow of colors will be available to you.”

Chamomile, yarrow, goldenrod and coreopsis all yield different shades of yellow.

“By planning for several yellows, you’ll also have many greens and oranges to choose from,” Dalziel said.

Owyn Ruck and Visnja Popovic, co-founders of New York’s Textile Arts Center, say the main thing is to plant what’s native to your area, so do some research. Not only are plants more likely to thrive in their native environment, but their color intensity also is affected by conditions like sun exposure, moisture and temperature.

Plants also may produce different dye quantities at various points in their life cycles.

Good books on the gardening, foraging and actual

dye-making experience include Ruck and Popovic’s “The Textile Artist’s Studio Handbook” (Quarry, 2012); Kristine Vejar’s “The Modern Natural Dyer: A Comprehensive Guide to Dyeing Silk, Wool, Linen and Cotton at Home” (Abrams, 2015); and Chris McLaughlin’s “A Garden to Dye For” (St. Lynn’s Press, 2014).

Vejar, of Oakland, Calif., discusses unusual non-flower natural dyes like onion, rhubarb and eucalyptus.

McLaughlin, who also lives in Northern California, includes vegetables, such as black beans, red cabbage and beets.

Making dye from plants generally requires chopping them up, adding water and boiling them. Wear rubber gloves, and do your research before experimenting. Natural fibers like silk, cotton, wool and muslin take dye most successfully.

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Tackle home improvements before the move-in Brandpoint You found the perfect home, so it’s not surprising that you want to move in as quickly as possible.

However, there are some projects that are best done when the house is still empty.

Consider completing the following items before the moving trucks arrive. n Painting. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update a room, and it’s common to buy a home knowing you will need to paint several rooms or the entire house after the sale.

However, painting is best done while every wall is accessible and there are no worries about getting paint on furniture or rugs. n Changing locks. Now is the time to change the locks on your new home to eliminate the risk of any former keyholders accessing your new space. Do this even if you know the former keyholders, because you never know who they shared keys with. This fix is quick, inexpensive and it provides you with peace of mind. n Flooring updates. Redoing a floor is always easier when the floor is empty. Whether you’re choosing to redo wood floors

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There are some home improvement projects that are best done before move-in, including any roof repairs or re-roofing. or lay tile before you move in, tackling this process now also allows you to keep wood and tile dust off of furniture and collectables. n Roof repairs. Roof repairs

are a must.

If the home inspection revealed any damage to the roof, make the necessary repairs before moving in. Choose a contractor experienced with the

type of shingles your home requires. n Removing popcorn ceilings. No one likes these. We’re not sure anyone ever did, but alas, they are a common sight,

especially in older homes. Popcorn ceilings (and walls) are easy to remove, but messy. Use a spray bottle to moisten an area, then scrape the texture off with a towel. Cleanup will be much easier if you complete this project before introducing your furniture to the space. n Fix leaks. If left untreated, water leaks can do serious damage to furniture, rugs, flooring and other valuables. Leaks also can lead to secondary problems, like rotting wood, mold and mildew. And let’s be honest, no one wants to live in a house where you can’t use the water, so address plumbing issues before you move in. n Child and pet proofing.

Careful child and pet proofing can protect your babies (furry or otherwise). Gates at the top and bottom of stairs, outlet covers and locks on cabinets, drawers and any other place chemicals or medicines are kept can help make your new home a safer place.

As difficult as it can be, sometimes delaying your move-in by a few weeks can save months of frustration in the long run. So don’t wait, because the sooner you start, the sooner you can start your new life in your new home.

Black makes a comeback as roof improvement trend Brandpoint Grays, browns, taupes — after decades of neutral-colored shingles dominating entire neighborhoods, homeowners are turning to the dark side.

Home improvement experts agree black roofs are making a comeback, offering a sleek alternative that boosts curb appeal and enhances design elements.

Decades ago, black was the traditional color for asphalt roofs. Homeowners, seeking to mimick the look of expensive wood-

shake shingles, started to opt for brown and gray composite shingles. Black shingles began to fall out of popularity.

But today, homeowners are looking to stand out rather than fit in. A black roof breaks up the sea of sameness of entire city blocks in neutral roofing colors. This bold exterior choice makes a statement with an eye-catching, clean color that contrasts against neighboring homes.

“People today want their homes to be one of a

kind,” said Brian Borgard, sales territory manager for TAMKO Building Products. “They want something bold, something to differentiate their homes from their neighbors.”

Like many shingle manufacturers, Borgard said, TAMKO’s best-selling color for many years has been a brown meant to emulate wood shake.

“Weathered Wood was the ultimate color even five years ago, but people are looking for a change,” he said. “They want something new, but still neu-

tral.”

In 2016, TAMKO’s blackcolored Heritage Laminated Asphalt Shingles were the most popular next to TAMKO’s Weathered Wood. This year, Borgard said, it’s possible black could eventually overtake the top spot as many contractors are switching all their shingle orders from brown to black.

Roofing contractor John Cotten can testify to the trend in his own business.

“I’ve seen a definite increase in the demand for black roofing,” said Cot-

ten, owner of John Cotten Roofing in Joplin, Mo., a TAMKO pro-certified contractor. “I think homeowners are tired of seeing the same shingles on all of the houses in their neighborhoods. They’re ready for a change.”

So, why are so many homeowners opting for black shingles? n Black is modern. A younger generation of homeowners wants a modern home profile. The natural wood-shake aesthetic is often perceived as too traditional or old fash-

ioned. n Black matches everything. Unless the exterior of your house is navy blue or dark brown, a black roof will match and enhance the facade. n Black highlights.

Rather than hiding or overpowering the features of your home, black tends to highlight architectural features and makes other colors appear brighter. n Black stands out. In a neighborhood of neutrals, black is sure to draw the eye of potential homebuyers or passers-by.

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Pests: Place oils to act as force field Continued from 3

You want to make sure you place the essential oils right where mice are entering, rather than where they’re already getting in.

Generally, you want to

combine peppermint oil pest control with other measures. For mice, plugging up holes with steel wool tends to keep them out, since they have a hard time chewing through it.

Peppermint oil pest con-

trol may seem like a lowimpact and simple approach, but it can be very effective.

If you place the oils correctly, they should act as a virtual force field, telling pests in no uncertain terms to go the other way.

Service Directory

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Trends: Zesty green grabs your attention Continued from 5

Acrylic was a trend that picked up steam in 2016 and will keep going strong this year. Because most acrylic is clear, it works with almost any type of design style or color scheme.

Acrylic furniture pieces and accessories have been around for years, but they primarily came in very modern shapes that wouldn’t work well in a more traditional home.

All of that has changed, and now you can find the best of both worlds with this more modern materi-

al being used in furniture with traditional designs. n Farmhouse chic.

Reclaimed wood, aged metals and distressed details are showing up everywhere in interior design and aren’t going anywhere in 2017. Farmhouse chic decor is a spin on the classic farmhouse style with an added soft elegance. Classic shapes, rustic simplicity and natural materials celebrate country-inspired charm, while soft and cozy neutrals evoke a luxurious and chic style. n Greenery. Named the 2017 Pantone color of the

year, greenery is meant to represent refreshment, revitalization and our connection to nature. It seems to be an instant hit for those looking for a back-to-nature hue that brings zest while still managing to work with warm wood tones.

Greenery is an attention-grabbing color, and it can be used to add pop and contrast to the overall interior. The earthy tone is a welcome complement to some of the more neutral hues that have gained prominence in the past year. n Forget hygge; this

year is all about lagom.

Last year was about reaching the highest level of coziness and comfort, an outlook encapsulated by the Danish term “hygge” (pronounced “hooga”). Now there’s an even more sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle we’ll all be wanting in 2017: lagom.

It’s a simple Swedish philosophy on everyday life that means “just the right amount.” The lagom home strikes the perfect balance between minimalism and cluttered, resulting in a clean, calm space that is also warm and inviting.

metro creative connection

Tip of the week: Replacing pillows How do you know when you need to replace your bed pillow? Experts say to replace them every few years. If you’re not sure if your pillow is still doing its job, ask yourself: n Is the foam or batting inside the form lumpy or bumpy? n Does your feather pillow have to be punched or fluffed up for support? n If you fold the pillow in half, does it stay folded?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time for a new pillow. Remember, rather than tossing them in the garbage, old pillows can be repurposed, such as creating a soft lining for a pet bed.

Source: heloise via goodhousekeeping.com

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