At Home Living 020616

Romantic bedrooms

Dim lighting, rich colors set the mood

Saturday, February 6, 2016 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

page 6 n Jamie Kidd on the Kansas Garden Show, pages 2, 3 n Spring’s the time to plant asparagus, page 4 n How to make homemade valentines, pages 7, 8 n Surviving a home renovation, page 10

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Anthony S. Bush/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

2 | Saturday, February 6, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

How does your garden grow? Show’s seminars might be helpful “Gardening Goes to the Movies!” is this year’s theme for the 41st Kansas Garden Show. It’s not too late to join us Feb. 12-14 at the Kansas Expocentre.

Bring your valentine, and see just what gardening and movies have in common.

You might hear music from the top of the Swiss Alps, and you might engage in a battle of the Force. Dinosaurs may eat your lunch, but don’t let me Minion-ize your experience.

Watch for the “Name That Movie” game the Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners have put together for your enjoyment. Participate and you have a chance at several prize packages. You need not be present to win.

The seminars this year again will be upstairs on the mezzanine level, where the concession stands are.

Jamie Kidd

jamiehan@ksu.edu

There is plenty of space.

Master Gardeners will help you find the stairs and elevators to get there.

We will have great presentations and great speakers who will share information. Here is a description of this year’s seminars.

Feb. 12

n 10:30 a.m.: “The Fascinating and Humorous History of the Parks Department.”

Shawnee County Parks planner Bill Riphahn will

speak about the history of the parks department. The presentation includes old photos, some dating back to the turn of the century, and interesting and humorous stories about the parks and the people who developed them. n 11:30 a.m.: “You Can Help the Monarch Butterflies.”

Angie Babbit, the communications coordinator at Monarch Watch, will explore the reasons for the historic monarch butterfly population decline over the past two years and discuss how anyone — from beginning flower gardener to master naturalist — can help boost the monarch population. Milkweed, the sole food source for monarch caterpillars, has several native varieties that can be both beautiful to the human visitor and vital

KANSAS GARDEN SHOW

The Kansas Garden Show, which features a number of exhibitors, seminars and educational exhibits, will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 12-13 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive. Admission is $8; free for children ages 12 and younger. Parking is free. Friday is senior citizens day, so those age 55 and older can buy one ticket and get another free. habitat for monarchs. Babbit will explain the benefits of growing the various species alongside nectar sources, and how planting a monarch habitat can have positive, cascading impacts. n 2:30 p.m.: “Even You Can Grow Grapes in Kansas.”

Ward Upham, K-State Research and Extension’s Rapid Response coordinator and the Master Gardener coordinator for the state of Kansas, has grown grapes, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, pears and cherries for many years. Learn how

table and wine grapes can be grown well in Kansas and hear tips on how to plant, train, prune, protect and care for grapes. n 3:30 p.m.: “Butterflies in the Garden.”

Raymond Cloyd, of Kansas State University, will discuss some of the common butterflies of Kansas and their subsequent characteristics. The presentation will address factors impacting butterfly populations. As a bonus, the final segment of the presentation will cover issues associated with itch mites. n 4:30 p.m.: “Exciting

New Plants, Roses and Shrubs for 2016.”

Rita Arnold, of Arnold’s Greenhouse in Leroy, will provide a PowerPoint presentation of more than 240 new introductions of perennials, roses, shrubs, annuals, succulents and herbs that will be available this spring at the garden center. Particular emphasis will be on attracting pollinators to the garden and landscape, and why these cultivars were chosen and added to their extensive plant selection.

Feb. 13

n 10:30 a.m.: “Hot Hostas for the Cool Shade.”

Rob Mortko, of Made in the Shade Gardens in Olathe, will speak about how hostas continue to

KIDD continues on 3

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Kidd: Presenters to talk about a range of topics at the Kansas Garden Show Continued from 2 reign as the most popular of all perennials. He’ll cover how to successfully select, plant and care for your hostas, as well as the top 20 most popular hosta cultivars, and what’s hot among the latest hosta introductions. n 11:30 a.m.: “Crabgrass 101: Pre-Emergent Basics.”

Learn everything you ever wanted to know about crabgrass and its control from Chad Bullock, of Premier Farm and Home in Topeka. n 2:30 p.m.: “Kansas State Research and Extension

Prairie Star Annuals and Perennials.”

Matthew McKernan, of Sedgwick County Extension, will lead you down a path of annuals and perennials that have been researched and tested to prove how well they grow in Kansas. Learn how to reduce your failure rate and increase your enjoyment growing flowers in Kansas. n 3:30 p.m.: “Help! My Plants Are Eating My Bugs!”

Do you have fruit flies and gnats bothering your bananas and tomatoes? One or two sundews or butterworts may take care of the problem. David Bird, of

UPCOMING PROGRAM

Extension specialists and Master Gardeners are planning to present free gardening teaching events each month at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. The next presentation will be “Spring Lawn Care” at 7 p.m. March 31.

The program will focus on how to prepare soil and easy steps to take to have a luxurious, weed-free lawn.

Bird’s Botanicals, will cover how to maintain and grow carnivorous plants. Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, Sarracenias, Nepenthes and other exotic plants will be discussed.

Feb. 14

n 11:30 a.m.: “Grandma’s Tomatoes.”

Learn about the most commonly grown vegetable in home gardens from Terry Cobb, Shawnee County Master Gardener. Learn about selecting the best tomato varieties for gardens or containers and tips on getting tomato plants off to a good start. n 12:30 p.m.: “What’s New at the Ward-Meade

Botanical Garden.”

Ray Schroeder, a 1971 Kansas State University graduate in horticulture who is in his 46th year at the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden, will give a short description of Old Prairie Town and the gardens, as well as talk about the garden’s future and its new additions: hosta display garden, herb garden, butterfly way station and daylily collection. n 1:30 p.m.: “Why Flower Gardening Should Be Important to Men?” Men “get it” when it comes to fruit and vegetable gardening, but often fail to

see the value of ornamental plants in the landscape.

Hear George Arnold, of Arnold’s Greenhouse in LeRoy, talk about why that should not be and why Popular Mechanics says, “Real men have green thumbs!” n 2:30 p.m.: “Starting Seed from Home.”

Starting your own seedlings for the garden is a great way to save money and grow varieties of flowers, vegetables and other plants not usually found in stores or garden centers. Jamie Kidd, Shawnee County horticulture agent, will give tips on starting your own seeds at home.

4 | Saturday, February 6, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Asparagus plants can last decades; harvest after 2 years Weed control is biggest challenge

By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press

Asparagus is a delicious and resilient perennial that can be grown anywhere, from kitchen gardens to roadside ditches and flowery meadows. In raised beds, too.

But be careful when scouting locations. Once established, this hardy plant will produce for 20 years or more.

Asparagus is considered something of a gourmet vegetable, but it isn’t a crop for impatient gardeners, says Brenna Aegerter, a University of California farm adviser based in San Joaquin County.

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Asparagus should be planted in sunny, well-drained sites.

“To be on the safe side, you don’t want to over-harvest, so it’s good to wait at least two years after planting,” Aegerter said. “You don’t want to take them too early.

You want those underground crowns (year-old root systems) to build up a carbohydrate reserve.”

Asparagus should be planted in sunny, well-drained sites in spring, using uniformly sized crowns set 18 inches apart and in

rows some 5 feet apart. Wait until the threat of frost has passed.

Place crowns in the furrows and fill with about 2 inches of soil. Gradually boost the rows with soil as the plants continue their growth, or until the crowns are about 6 inches below the surface.

Each crown can produce about a half-pound of edible spears per year when fully established.

“Asparagus is very droughttolerant and can usually grow without supplemental watering because it seeks moisture deep in the soil,” according to an Ohio State University fact sheet.

The optimal pH for asparagus is 6.5 to 7.5. Weed growing beds thoroughly, and fertilize with a 10-20-10 formulation before planting.

“You can’t completely neglect it, but asparagus isn’t a high-

maintenance plant,” Aegerter said. “It is susceptible to a few serious diseases, but for the most part doesn’t have high fertilizer needs. Its roots go deep, so it also doesn’t need the kind of watering that something like tomatoes would need.”

Asparagus is a surprisingly large fern-like plant that can grow to heights approaching 5 feet in dedicated sites.

“Asparagus produces over a two- or three-month period and needs a large garden to produce a family harvest,” Aegerter said. “It would be much more popular if it didn’t take up so much space.”

Weed control is the most challenging part of growing asparagus, said David Trinklein, an associate professor of plant sciences at the University of Missouri.

“Asparagus is a poor competitor with weeds,” Trinklein said.

“On small plantings, very light cultivation with a hoe may be used to remove weeds, but avoid using power rotary tillers or any other tillage implements that can damage the crown, reduce yields and promote diseases.”

Use organic mulches liberally to suppress weeds, he said.

Asparagus spears or shoots begin emerging from the ground in early spring when the soil warms to about 50 degrees.

“When spears are 7 to 9 inches tall and still have tight tips, they are ideal for harvest,” Trinklein said. “When the leaves of the spears start to unfurl or ‘fern out,’ the spear is past its prime for eating.”

Asparagus tastes best if eaten immediately after harvest. It will tolerate refrigeration for several weeks, but at the expense of some sweetness, crispness and flavor.

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6 | Saturday, February 6, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Tap into senses for romantic haven

By Ann Marie Bush Special to The Capital-Journal

Do you remember a time — perhaps before children entered the picture — when your bedroom was a sanctuary or romantic haven?

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a few tips — from wellplaced pillows to dimmed lighting and candles — can help create a bedroom that can be used for romance and reconnecting with a loved one.

Designers say the five senses are important: sight, smell, touch, sound and taste.

If your bedroom looks romantic, chances are you and your significant other will feel more romantic. Make the bedroom look inviting.

If there are socks or dirty clothes strewn about, pick them up. Get rid of distractions, such as televisions and cell phones. De-clutter the area; make the bed.

Mood lighting is important, said Chris Grandmontagne, owner of Warehouse 414 and an interior designer.

Install dimmer switches on the main bedroom light so the lights can be lowered to help set a more romantic mood. Use bedside lamps or candles if dimmer switches aren’t available. A special shade or scarf over a bedside table can help set the mood, too.

Grandmontagne has been involved in decorating rooms for several previous Designers’ Showhouses in Topeka.

“People tell me my rooms are always sexy to them,” she said with a laugh.

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your bedroom, set a variety of candles in it, light them and lower the lights. Mirrors can be placed to reflect the soft glow of the candles. If you’re worried about using real candles, consider using battery-powered ones,

A simple scarf placed over a bedside lamp can add a touch of romance by changing the color of the light.

WAREHOUSE 414

What: A store that offers a variety of specialty items, furniture, antiques, jewelry, decorative art, glass items and more Address: 414 S.E. 2nd Hours: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday Website: www.warehouse414.com/

PHOTOGRAPHS BY Anthony S. bush/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

His-and-her silk kimonos, along with extra pillows and a bottle of wine, can turn an ordinary bedroom into a Valentine’s Day delight. which are now very realistic, Grandmontagne said.

Decorate the bedroom in rich, deep colors, such as red, burgundy, purple, gold, chocolate and beige. Add extra pillows on the bed; on four-poster or canopy beds, string some soft twinkling lights.

As far as touch, consider the materials you are using.

High-thread-count sheets in 100-percent cotton can feel exquisite. Satin and silk bedding are a nice touch, too, although they can be expensive. Interesting textures, such as faux fur or velvet, are a great addition.

“Down in either a comforter or pillows is nice,” Grandmontagne said. “You don’t have to break the bank

with those. And, faux fur throw rugs are all the rage right now.”

Smells also can bring a special touch to the bedroom, she said. Add great scents to the bedroom with candles, oil diffusers and incense, or spritz some of your favorite cologne between the sheets. You can use a scent or perfume that brings

back memories of early dates. Plug-in air-fresheners can keep the room smelling great all day and night.

Music is important, too.

Create a playlist of your favorite romantic music and pipe it into the room via speakers or an iPhone hooked up to speakers. If music isn’t your thing, consider a sound machine that can make it feel like you are on a beach or in a tropical rain forest.

And, Grandmontagne said, if you can’t afford a lot of expensive pieces, invest in one piece that can make a room sensual.

“I go for quality over quantity,” she said. “One really sensual item is better than a bunch of cheap things.”

As for taste, don’t forget to add some champagne and chocolate or wine and strawberries.

Add some “creature comfort” items, such as slippers, a nice robe or a silk kimono robe, to make the experience extra special, she said.

Let your imagination run wild, and get ready for a night of romance.

Ann Marie Bush is a freelance writer from Topeka who can be contacted at toanbush@yahoo.com.

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 6, 2016 | 7

Show your love with homemade pop-up or lacy valentines

By Shanna Sloyer Special to The Capital-Journal

Red hearts are on the calendar and love is in the air, which means Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.

With it comes the impossible task of finding the perfect cards.

Whether they’re too sappy, too flashy or too generic, it can be a challenge to buy valentines that express exactly how you feel. If you’re having trouble, or if you’re a hopeless romantic who longs for the days when valentines were constructed with ribbon and lace, try your hand at making your own.

To up the fun factor, consider making it a party.

Divvy up the supplies you’ll need and have everyone bring materials to contribute. Make it a night of appetizers and wine with friends, or get the kids involved. Creativity is all that’s required.

Supplies

Your imagination limit when it comes supplies you will to create beautiful

is the to the need cards.

Here are some ideas to get started: n Heavy weight cardstock in red, pink, white and antique brown n Scrapbook paper in coordinating colors and designs n Double-sided tape/ glue stick n Craft knife/X-Acto blade n Scissors n Tweezers n Craft paint or calligraphy pens n Paper doilies (available in craft or baking supply stores) n Thin ribbon in coordinating colors n Buttons in a variety of sizes.

Getting started

Crafting websites are great places to gather ideas. I found inspiration and used several provided templates at www.marthastewart.com.

Other resources that will spark your creativity include Pinterest and the HGTV and Better Homes and Gardens websites. I chose four different techniques

to try for a variety of looks and styles.

Pop-up cards

These are great for kids or anyone who is a kid at heart. I used bright, bold papers in coordinating solids and patterns. To begin, choose a template from the Martha Stewart website or make your own. I used the “XOXO,” “LOVE” and heart templates.

Trace the outline of the template onto your cardstock, and then cut out your design using a craft knife.

Fold the cutout accordionstyle along the dotted lines, so it’s able to lie flat when folded up.

Measure and cut a piece of cardstock slightly larger than the height and width of your cutout. Cut a coordinating piece of scrapbook paper for the inside of the card, leaving a solid border around the outer edge, and secure with tape or glue.

Fold the cardstock in half.

Line up the middle fold of the cutout with the center crease of the folded cardstock. Secure either end with double-sided tape. The card

should lie flat when closed, but pop up when it’s opened, creating a dimensional effect.

Lace designs

Paper doilies cut and arranged into designs or used as trim can lend an oldfashioned appearance to the modern valentine. You can find these in the paper crafting section of your local craft supply store or check the baking aisle.

Begin by planning out your design. Bouquets of flowers and lacy hearts are a couple of themes that work well with this technique.

Cut your card length-wise or width-wise depending on your desired layout.

Some doilies have natural patterns that lend themselves to this project, but if yours doesn’t, you can use a template to create your desired shapes or try it freehand. Secure the cutout designs to the front of your cardstock. You also can use a scalloped trim on the open edge for a touch of romance.

VALENTINES continues on 8

Rex Wolf/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Above: Hand-sewn cards are relatively simple to make, but they look like something you spent hours creating.

Below: Quilling and paper doilies cut and arranged into designs or used as trim can lend an old-fashioned appearance to the modern-day valentine.

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Valentines: Let your creativity soar Continued from 7

Quilling

Quilling is the art of rolling, curling or twisting paper to create dimensional designs. You can purchase a quilling tool set if you desire, but I was able to create the same effect using a small pair of sewing scissors and tweezers.

Choose a design for your card. Words or simple patterns or shapes are good choices if you’re attempting this for the first time. I used a lighter color cardstock for the card, and then attached a slightly smaller piece of white cardstock to the front, leaving a border. The white cardstock acts as a backdrop and makes the quilling design stand out.

Cut several strips of coordinating cardstock about ¼-inch wide. Use your scissors to curl the paper strips

as you would gift-wrap ribbon, and then cut pieces to fit your desired words or shapes. (Hint: Lightly draw your design out in pencil on your cardstock first.) Carefully use your tweezers to create bends and twists in the paper strips.

When you’re satisfied with the results, dab glue or use a glue stick on the bottom edge of the paper strip.

Attach the paper to the front of the cardstock. You may have to hold the paper strip in place for several seconds to ensure that it’s secure. Let designs dry flat overnight.

Hand-sewn cards

If you like a homespun appearance, hand-sewn cards are relatively simple to make, but they look like something you spent hours creating. You will need several pieces of cardstock cut

to size and coordinating scrapbook paper for the inside of each card, as well as a length of thin ribbon and an embroidery needle.

Lightly draw your design (I like hearts or initials for this one) on the front of your card in pencil. Begin by pushing the needle threaded with ribbon through the backside of the cardstock, sewing around your design.

Leave a small amount of space between each stitch you take.

When the entire design is stitched, clip the ribbon, leaving a short length. Tape the ends of the ribbon flat to the inside of the cardstock.

Attach a piece of scrapbook paper to the inside of the card to cover it. Add buttons or other embellishments if you desire.

Shanna Sloyer is a freelance writer from Topeka. You can reach her at ssloyer@yahoo.com.

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 6, 2016 | 9

10 | Saturday, February 6, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

You, too, can survive a home renovation

By Julia Millay Walsh Domaine

If a friend tells you she is renovating her home, when she finishes gushing about her new herringbone marble backsplash, expressions like “Our place is a wreck right now,” “I’m so stressed” and “I’ve had it up to here with my contractor” may soon follow.

To help you handle your renovation without losing your cool, we spoke with New York-based interior designer Leslie Banker, who leads design firm Pamela Banker Associates and has co-authored two decorating primers: “The Pocket Decorator” and “The Pocket Renovator.” Read on for Leslie’s tips on surviving your remodel.

1. Get out if you can.

“For a complete gut renovation, there’s no choice but to live somewhere else while the work goes on. For small-

er renovations, if you must stay at home, be sure to seal off dust-free areas with plastic sheeting and implement strict rules banning dirty shoes in clean areas. If you are living through a kitchen renovation, set up a makeshift kitchen elsewhere in the house.”

2. Protect what you plan to keep.

“Existing floors that are not being replaced must be covered so they don’t get scratched. Carpets that are being kept need to be sealed with plastic so they don’t collect dust. Hardware, such as doorknobs, in the work zone should be carefully stored, or else protected in place.”

3. Build and nurture your team.

“Assemble your design team — architect, interior designer — early in the process. Hire people you trust and like, and let them do their jobs without mi-

cromanaging. Commit to the project fully by being available to answer questions and go on regular site visits while always keeping in mind how the best results come from great collaborations and positive team dynamics.”

4. Stick to the schedule.

“There are things you can do to help keep a project moving ahead on schedule: Do as much planning as possible before construction begins; don’t change your mind once you’ve committed to decisions; and be willing to accept a second choice if something is delayed or backordered..”

5. Sock away money for contingencies.

“You’ve planned everything down to the last tack, but, as with most things in life, something unexpected often pops up. Plan to spend at least an additional 10 percent of the construction budget on contingencies. ”

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