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Saturday, April 25, 2015 An Advertising Feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Jamie Hancock Garden Column – 2 Before you road trip checklists – 4 The Designers’ Showhouse opens this weekend – 9 What every homeowner should know this spring – 10 designer showhouse photos by REX Wolf/Special to The Capital-Journal

Randy Warren of Custom Wood Products, Inc. hand-carved Washburn’s Ichabod mascot into the kitchen island’s wood base.

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Planting the annual garden Jamie Hancock

jamiehan@ksu.edu I’m feeling it. I’m feeling it. My hands are itching to get down and dirty; in my garden, or course. (What did you think I would say?) This spring has been a real tease, warm, warm, cool; cool, cool, warm, little frost. I know many of you have already planted your flowers and some vegetables. I have been a good girl and resisted the temptation for two reasons.

One, the soil is inconsistently warm. Most plants, while they may not die, will not grow when the soil is not warm enough.

Planting early may help you get a jump start on getting things into the ground it

does not necessarily mean that you are ahead of the game in flower or fruit production. I look at it this way. Planting early means I have to weed, water, and cover my plants at night (if the temperatures drop too much) for an entire month while they do not grow. The plants I plant later in warmer soil will often outgrow the early plants and I have less labor time involved.

The second reason is the Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale is May 2 in the Extension office parking lot.

(I am incorrigible!)

Annual flower beds are just what they say they are…annual. Every year is a fresh opportunity to pour out your creativity and challenge yourself to explore new plants never before seen in your garden.

Some plants will grow beautifully and others will push the limits, but all in all, you will have learned a lot and enjoyed the journey. n The first step is to find an area that you would like to have a splash of color in.

Determine if the area is in full shade, partshade, or full sun. It makes a big difference when selecting plants. n Clear the area of weeds and grasses.

Amend the soil (8-10 inches deep) with peat moss or compost and mix in a slow release fertilizer like Osmocote. The added material will raise the bed somewhat.

This will improve drainage. Most annual flowers don’t like to dry out, but they also don’t grow well in soggy soils. Building raised beds with boards or stones is another great way to maintain good drainage. n Using pencil and paper, roughly draw the shape of your garden. Graph paper can help with sizing. One square can equal one square foot. Use graph paper with large squares to make it easier. Colored pencils can give you a sense of what you are trying to achieve in color schemes. n Designing with annuals can be as easy as picking colors. Choose 3 to 4 and buy plants that are only in those colors. Mono-

chromatic color schemes utilize various shades of the same color such as light pink to dark red. Using colors that are opposite on the color wheel can add a great deal of excitement to your garden. n Choose plants that vary in height, small, medium, and tall. Place the tall to the back and the small to the front. A variation on placement would be to place combinations of heights in groups. Avoid straight lines. They tend to be boring -unless it is a border. n K-State has a great list of annuals that grow very well in Kansas called Prairie Star, the perennials are called Prairie Bloom, visit www.prairiestarflowers.com.

Many of these annuals and perennials will be available at the Master Gardener Sale (I’m still incorrigible!) n Don’t forget the foliage plants. Coleus and sweet potato vine are great plants for adding color without using flowers.

Dusty miller has grayish/silver foliage. It

HANCOCK continues on 3A

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Hancock: Don’t forget the mulch Continued from 2A is wonderful as a border and a contrast for the other more brightly colored plants. It works well at night along with other white flowering plants. Night lighting really sets them off. n Remember to check the light requirements of the plants you are choosing.

Shade plant will not grow well in full sun and vice versa. n After all the flowers have been planted water the garden well to settle the soil around the root balls. When you are sure settlement has happened, sprinkle a pre-emergence herbicide like Preen or Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper (Dimension). Preen lasts

6-8 weeks and will need to be reapplied during the season. Water it in immediately for best performance. Dimension only need be applied once. Watering can be delayed slightly with no problems. Always follow the directions on the label. n Mulch the flower beds with 1-2 inches of compost, wood chips, straw, leaf mold (shredded leaves), or other organic matter. n If a slow release fertilizer was not used, irrigate with a water soluble fertilized at least every 2 weeks.

Now, go and choose some plants you have never grown before. You will be amazed at what you can do. And remember, The Master Gardener Plant Sale is May 2nd from 9-noon (new hours) in the

parking lot of the Extension office, 1740 SW Western (behind the Expo Centre).

Here is a BIG clue, COME EARLY! The plants go very fast so don’t linger over a heavy breakfast. Shop till you drop and then eat lunch. See you at the sale.

Jamie Hancock is a horticulturist with Kansas State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

Note: The Master Gardeners will be presenting “Creative Container Gardening” at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library on May 14 at 7:00 pm. You will learn how to arrange plants in containers and what plants to use. Come and enjoy and creative evening at the library!

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Before you road trip checklists lights, belts, hoses, breaks and battery. n Check your spare tire to make sure it is full of air. Plus, break out the jack to Summer is fast approaching, and with it make sure it still works. If you don’t know comes road trip season. Make sure you’re how to change a tire, be sure to practice ready to head out on one of Kansas’s many before you go. n Assemble an emergency kit: Just in open highways with these to-do checklists of stuff to take care of before you get go- case of a breakdown, accident, or other emergency event, have a kit packed in the ing. car with a flashlight, blanket, basic tools Car Maintenance The last thing anyone wants is to spend and a first aid kit. Jumper cables, duct tape, part of their precious vacation time stuck and a knife are also good additions. Plus, on the side of the road. Follow these steps include water and snacks that are separate to make sure your car/van/truck/SUV is from you road trip treats and only used for emergencies. ready to go: n Know where you’re going: Bring along n Schedule an automotive physical: Make an appointment maintenance check a GPS, printed internet directions, or with your mechanic for an oil change and maps. n Try not to overload the car. The heaviany other necessary services. Be sure the wipers are in good condition and all of the er the car, the more gas it uses. Also, an vehicle’s fluids are up to level. Also make overloaded car is harder to drive, espesure your tires are in good shape (no side cially in an emergency situation. If you’re wall bulges, good tread, and tire pressures using a roof rack or cargo box, try to load it at the recommended level), as well as your only with lighter weight items.

By Linda A. Ditch

Special to The Capital-Journal

n If you haven’t done it yet, read the owner’s manual to you vehicle. That way you will know for certain how everything works, where the extra power jacks are located, and what those warning lights and bells mean. n If children will be along for the trip, consider packing a portable potty and a plastic bucket with a lid (for carsickness emergencies). Also, don’t forget toilet paper and paper towels, plus some plastic bags.

Home Safety Here are some tips to give you peace of mind about your home’s safety while you’re away: n Lock all doors and windows, including garage and upstairs windows. Replace any broken locks and place a heavy wooden dowel in sliding door tracks in addition to the lock. If you have an attached garage, make sure to lock the door leading from the garage to the house.

ROAD TRIP continues on 6A

Stock Photo/Metro Creative Connection

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Road Trip: Play games during the trip Continued from 4A n Stop all mail and newspaper delivery, or ask a friend, neighbor or family member to bring it into your home each day. (This also allows them the opportunity to make sure everything is secure inside.) n Close all the curtains and blinds, and set timers on at least one light and one television to give your home a lived-in appearance. Consider installing a motion-detecting light outside your home. n If you have an alarm system, let someone on your callback list know you will be gone. If the alarm sounds, they will know to meet the police at your home. n Make sure the grass is mowed in the summer (and the driveway and sidewalks are shoveled in the winter.) Ask someone to keep up with these tasks while you’re away. n If you’re leaving a vehicle at home, remove any valuables and lock the doors, even if it is in the garage. Another good idea is to ask a neighbor to park in the driveway while you are gone. n Don’t leave house keys hidden outside.

Give them to a friend, neighbor or family member instead for emergencies. Give this person’s contact information to the alarm company incase of a problem. n If you will miss trash collection day, have someone take your cans to the curb

and then take them back in once the garbage is picked-up. n Move valuables (jewelry, coins, important papers, etc) to a safety deposit box or fire-proof safe. n Unplug computers, televisions and any appliance that would be damaged by a power surge. Shut off the water to your washing machine. (The hoses are notorious for breaking and causing a flood.) Also, clean out your refrigerator. n Don’t change the message on your answering machine. Look in your owner’s manual to learn how to check messages from an outside phone. n Make sure your address can be seen clearly from the street for emergency service personnel. Also, keep your trees trimmed up to seven feet and shrubbery trimmed down to three feet to provide a clear line of sight for anyone that goes past the house to see possible criminal activity. n Sign up for the Topeka Police Department’s vacation check program. Homeowners fill out a vacation patrol form, which will cover everything from what vehicles are allowed at the home, who may be visiting the home, when timers on lights will activate, the alarm system particulars, and contact numbers incase of an incident.

Then members of the Volunteers in Police Service program will check on the property each day. To sign up for the TPD va-

cation check program, call (785-368-9551) or stop by the department (320 S. Kansas Ave.), or go online (www.topeka.org/tpd/ vacationhouse) to fill out the form.

On the Road Entertainment How do you keep from hearing a constant stream of “Are we there yet?” from the backseat? Yes, you can glue the kids to a movie or game on their tablet, cell phone or other mobile device, or the in-vehicle DVD player, but here are some other suggestions to try: n Create a road trip activity kit for each child, filled with their favorite books, colors, pencils, paper, cards, games…anything the child enjoys and will keep them busy. If possible, buy all of the items in the kit new so opening it is part of the fun. (Pinterest is full of kit ideas if you’re looking for inspiration.) n Don’t forget the snacks! Some easyto-pack ideas include cereal in zipper bags (or the ready-made cups), energy bars, trail mix, and crackers. In a cooler, pack yogurt, juice, mini bags of veggies and fruits, and string cheese. Don’t forget bottled water. n For the littlest children, try to plan travel times to coordinate with their sleep patterns to keep them on schedule. n I spy animals: Make it a competition to see who can see the most animals on the trip. Have someone keep a list of each person’s animal sighting. The one who sees

the most animals wins. n Have a sing along: Break out the old camp song, or any tune kids are familiar with from school, church, television or movie. n Play name that tune: This can be fun for the grown-ups and older kids. Find a radio station that plays a mix of songs from both today and the past. See who can name the title and artist as each new song begins. Cell phone apps like Sound Hound can help settle any dispute. Just click on the app, hold the phone up so it hears the song, and the app will tell you the song’s name and who sings it. n The alphabet game: Go old-school by challenging the kids to spy each letter of the alphabet, in order, from the signs along the road. The letter must come from the beginning of a word. For example: Burger King is good only for the B and the K. Add letters from license plates and the sides of trucks to make the game go faster. n Try not to go more than two or three hours at a time before taking a break. (This is also a good idea for the driver.) Then everyone can get out and stretch their legs before the trip continues. Do a little planning ahead to find some fun road-side attractions, be it the local tourist trap or a playground, park, or pick-your-own orchard. Also, pack a ball to play with at rest stops.

Kansas staycations – Finding adventures in your own backyard

By Jenni Harrison Special to The Capital-Journal

Kansas “Staycations” are popular choices when picking summer travel destinations. Learn more about the Sunflower State while choosing an affordable vacation. Here are ten ideas to get you started thinking of a Kansas getaway.

Festivals, Fairs and Rodeos There is always something going on somewhere. Plan around an event like the Midsummer’s Festival in Lindsborg, an annual Swedish festival. Check out the local shops and art galleries or dine at the Swedish Crown for an authentic Lindsborg visit. Join the road that will take you through the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway and see tourist sites like nearby Coronado Heights or Mushroom Rock State Park. Neighboring Salina is rich in arts. Dine at Martinelli’s Little Italy and then catch a show at the Stiefel Theatre across the street.

Explore a New City Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and has plenty to offer including various shops and live performances.

Visit Exploration Place and Old Cowtown Museum or nearby Hutchison’s Cosmosphere to name a few. Feast at local establishments like the Donut Whole, Bomber Burger, Stroud’s, or one of the other thousands of

available restaurants. A two hour drive from Topeka, Wichita is sure to have something for everyone.

Dodge City and the Old West Visit the Old West through reenactments and interactive displays at the Boot Hill Museum, including a high noon shoot-out between the good and bad guys.

Attend Dodge City Days festival and rodeo. Schedule a day visit or overnight stay at Moore Ranch in nearby Bucklin where you can live life as a Rancher or participate in a Cattle Drive at certain times of the year.

Find Nature Whether you like to boat, fish, canoe, bike, hike, or take photos, outdoor Kansas provides many opportunities to get outdoors. Consider planning a trip with one of the many lakes available as your starting point. Wilson Lake will provide you with breathtaking views. Stay at nearby historic Midland Railroad Hotel and drive along the Post Rock Scenic Byway at sunset.

Check out the downtown folk art scene and the unusual home of S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden in the eccentric town of Lucas. You must stop in and say hi to Doug Brant at Brant’s Meat Market while in town, where you can always be greeted with a smile and free samples. Don’t forget the beef jerky, a delicious snack for your journey home.

Monument Rocks More natural beauty can be found at the western

part of our state. Monument Rocks and nearby Chalk Pyramids are natural chalk formations that are over 80 million years old. Worth the drive, these are said to be best seen at sunset or sunrise. To extend a trip out west, you can see what Oakley or Scott City have to offer as well. Travel the Western Vistas Historic Byway and on your way back east, have a Green River at the one hundred twenty three year old soda fountain in the Gibson Health Mart of WaKeeney and visit the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays.

Forts and History If history is your passion, there is plenty to see inside our state. Historic Forts like Fort Scott and Fort Hays provide tours and events. Wagon ruts from the Santa Fe Trail can be seen throughout the state. Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park outside of Baldwin City provides a stunning anti-slavery John Brown reenactment that will keep you enthralled. Abilene is home to the Museum and Library of President Eisenhower and Atchison features Amelia Earhart’s childhood home and museum.

The Flint Hills A favorite among many, the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway is breathtaking during any season. Home to native grasses and flowers, the byway will whisk you through small towns such as Council Grove and Strong City. History abounds at every stop throughout

the trip. Favorite eateries include the Hays House of Council Grove, operating since 1857. Bring along comfortable shoes for hiking in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and enjoy a stay at one of the local Bed and Breakfasts.

The Rest of Kansas’s Scenic Byways Known for historical or scenic beauty, the remaining byways of the state’s eleven are wonderful day or multi-day trips. Frontier Military, Glacial Hills, Gypsum Hills, Native Stone, Route 66, Smoky Valley and Wetlands and Wildlife are nice additions to any Kansas staycation. Grab a sandwich from the Old Riverton Store along Route 66 or bird watch in the Kansas Wetlands. No matter what your interest, there is a Byway for you.

Get Lost Intentionally. For those seeking to find what’s around the next corner, this can be a trip in itself or applied to any of the above suggestions. Simply take a road and see where it goes. You may find a stunning courthouse in a town you’ve never been to or simply see a bluebird cross your path on a dusty, desolate road.

For some expert advice about what can be found, I would recommend Marci Penner’s 8 Wonders of Kansas Guidebook as a helpful tool. Most importantly no matter where you land, you will always discover something new about our state.

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The Designers’ Showhouse opens this weekend

By Angela Deines Special to The Capital-Journal

The 35th Annual Designers’ Showhouse will be held April 25 through May 17 at the Washburn University’s president’s home at 3130 S.W. Shadow Lane, in Topeka. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for ChildCare Aware of Eastern Kansas that provides high-quality child care options for families in eastern Kansas.

Jan Hutt, showhouse coordinator, has lead a team of 16 Topeka-area designers in redecorating the current home of Dr. Jerry and Susan Farley. The Colonial-style house was built in the late 1920s and has been the home of Washburn University’s presidents since 1970.

The showhouse will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It will be closed Mondays except for group tours who book in advance by appointment. Call 785-357-5171, ext. 1, to book or have questions about private group tours.

Individual tickets are $12 at the door or $10 if bought at a ticket outlet in advance. Children under the age of eight are not permitted to attend the showhouse. Groups of 10 or more can have a self-guided tour during normal showhouse hours at a reduced rate.

A catered lunch at $9 per person will be served 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Reservations are encouraged by calling 785-357-5171, ext. 1.

For more information about the Designers’ Showhouse, go to http://east.ks.childcareaware. org.

Rex Wolf/Special to The Capital-Journal

Clockwise from left: The renovated third floor guest suite includes an oval mirror, pedestal sink and tub with shower and a glass door. The bathroom was designed

by Connie Steinlage, Jan Sova and Morgan Mills of Midwest Health, Inc. Porcelain tiles in soft colors replaced the carpet that was once on the bathroom floor to give the space more of a retreat feeling. Now the closet area has new window treatments and a powder area, designed by Jill Miller and Jan Davis of Carpet One Floor & Home.

This narrow space off of the second floor served as the master bedroom’s walk-in closet. This was how visitors to the Designers’ Showhouse Bare Bones preview in January saw the third-floor guest bathroom before renovations began.

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Termites 101:

What every homeowner should know about this spring

By Shanna Sloyer Special to The Capital-Journal

Spring’s real estate buying season is revving up as potential homebuyers begin the search for the perfect home. Unfortunately, some of nature’s most troublesome pests are also searching for a place to call home this time of year. As the weather warms up, winged termites emerge, with swarms colonizing in every state except for Alaska.

According to Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cause approximately $5 billion in property damage each year. Termite damage isn’t typically covered by homeowners insurance, and more than half of Americans have never had their homes inspected for termites, according to an NPMA survey.

If you’ll be buying or selling a home this spring or have never had a termite inspection, consider the following termite information from the NPMA: n Leave it to the professionals The average homebuyer or homeowner isn’t trained to recognize evidence of termite infestation. Termites chew through wood, flooring and other materials behind-the-scenes, so it can take years before the signs of an infestation are visible to the untrained eye. An inspection by a licensed pest professional is the best way to detect an infestation of wood-destroying

organisms (WDOs). Most lending institutions require a WDO inspection before they will approve a loan. n Ask for what you want and know what you’re getting According to Justin Hamilton, Vice President of Quality Termite and Pest Control in Topeka, a real estate contract dictates whether or not an insect inspection is ordered before the purchase of a home. Include an insect inspection by a licensed pest professional in your terms of sale.

“Usually the seller pays, but the buyer gets to pick the inspection company,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton also stresses that not all insect inspections are equal. In the state of Kansas, a termite inspector must be certified with the Kansas Board of Agriculture to inspect for WDOs. Most home inspectors are not certified to inspect for termites, so you will need an insect inspection in addition to your home inspection. n Know what to expect In Topeka, the average cost for a new home inspection is between $65-$105.

Some companies back their inspections with a year’s warranty so that if termites are found within one year of the inspection date, at least a partial treatment will be rendered.

Most inspections will last about an hour while the specialist probes the home from top to bottom looking for telltale signs of termite damage. When the inspection is

Thomas V. Myers/Brandpoint

over, the specialist will report to the buyers what was found, and provide an estimate of how much it might cost to repair any termite damage discovered.

“My advice is to be there when the inspection happens,” said Hamilton. “Have the inspector show you what they’re doing and seeing, rather than just reading a report.” n What to do if WDOs are present Termite detection, remediation and control aren’t do-it-yourself tasks. If the inspector finds signs of termite infestation and damage, you’ll need to hire a professional to remedy the problem. Buyers who discover the infestation before the sale is final will be able to negotiate with the

seller to take care of the problem. Most lending institutions will refuse to finalize a mortgage for a home with unresolved termite issues. n Prevent future infestations For homes without WDO infestations, homeowners should take steps to protect against termites going forward. Hamilton recommends having your home inspected at least once per year since Kansas is an area prone to termite infestations. To learn more about termite prevention or to find a licensed pest professional in your area, visit www.pestworld.org, the education website of the NPMA.

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