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T O P E K A A R E A WAT E R G A R D E N S O C I E T Y

Waterfalls and floating plants Seven sites featured during annual pond tour, Page 6 [SHANNA SLOYER/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

TURFGRASS FUNGI, PAGE 2

LANDSCAPES AND DRONES, PAGE 4

MAILBOX APPEAL, PAGE 8

2 Saturday, June 16, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Brown spot may be turfgrass fungi Reducing nitrogen supply may help

SICK PLANT CLINIC

Ariel Whitely-Noll

B

y midsummer, some lawns may develop patches of brown turfgrass. These brown spots are signs of a fungal disease, creatively named brown patch.

Although many things can cause brown spots in your lawn, this disease impacts tall fescue, creeping bentgrass and perennial ryegrass most severely. Tall fescue is so susceptible that the disease actually can kill turf during extended periods of hot, humid weather.

Brown patch appears in lawns as rough circles of blighted turf. The circles range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter.

Initially, the patches develop a dark purple-green color.

The affected area quickly fades to light tan or brown.

The patches may grow and cover large areas of

Sometimes, a beautiful lawn can be damaged by a fungal disease. Brown spots — circles of blighted turf — are a sign that a fungus may have taken root. [METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]

turfgrass. Some newer tall fescue varieties may turn brown uniformly, without developing circular patches.

Individual plants also can help distinguish brown patch from other lawn issues. In the earliest stages of the fungal spread, there will be irregular, water-soaked spots on individual grass blades.

The spots may have a dark brown border. Blades of grass with brown patch will have a wilted appearance, even

What: During Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners Sick Plant Clinic, experts will inspect problem plant materials brought in by residents and provide diagnoses and treatment recommendations. They also will answer questions pertaining to trees, vegetables, weeds, fruit, lawn care, insects and houseplants.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25 Where: Fairlawn Plaza, S.W. 21st and Fairlawn Road Information: (785) 232-0062

with sufficient soil moisture.

The progression of brown patch is rapid. Large areas of blight may develop within 48 hours. With disease progression, the fungus will attack and kill the crown of the plant. In some cases, turf may recover within a few weeks.

When conditions are more favorable for disease spread, the plants may be killed.

Favorable disease conditions are when night temperatures are above 70 degrees, with a high relative humidity.

Lawns that are given highnitrogen fertilizers are more

susceptible to damage.

There are no tall fescue cultivars with resistance to brown patch. Tall fescue varieties with less damage from brown patch include Adventure, Arid, Falcon, Finelawn I, Jaguar, Olympic and Trident.

Cultural practices have a big impact on brown patch.

Reducing the nitrogen supply helps avoid the incidence of brown patch. Keep the nitrogen levels low or adequate and the phosphorus and potassium levels adequate.

Don’t overfertilize. The majority of nitrogen your lawn needs should be applied in the fall. Anything more than 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year will predispose turfgrass to brown patch. Even spring and fall applications of this quantity will increase the likelihood of an occurrence.

Nitrogen should never be applied during an active outbreak of brown patch.

Another cultural control for brown patch is avoiding late-afternoon or evening irrigation, which extends the number of hours of leaf wetness and increases the likelihood of fungal development.

The best time to irrigate is

Some robust honeysuckles need taming Other varieties don’t spread as quickly

By Lee Reich The Associated Press

Who couldn’t love a plant with a name that speaks of both sweetness and nurturing? Yet, there are those who scorn honeysuckle. And — just as bad — there are those who shower honeysuckles

with too much affection.

The key to experiencing honeysuckle’s sweet side is having the right plant in the right place.

The name “honeysuckle” can refer to any of the almost 200 species in Lonicera, the honeysuckle genus, not to mention all the varieties within each species. They vary considerably in appearance, growth habit and,

shall we say, exuberance.

Threatening honeysuckles Hall’s honeysuckle — deciduous in northern regions and increasingly evergreen as you travel south — is a vine that bears extremely fragrant, yellowish flowers pretty much all summer long.

Although it was welcomed enthusiastically when it arrived here from Asia in 1806, it subsequently See HONEYSUCKLE, 5 Unlike some other species of honeysuckle, trumpet honeysuckle is sedate enough to make a good garden plant — and it blooms all summer long.

[LEE REICH VIA AP]

between midnight and midmorning. Turf is normally wet during these early-morning hours, so irrigating at those times doesn’t extend the period of leaf wetness.

Fungicides can help suppress brown patch. Preventive applications of captan, chlorothalonil, flutolanil, azoxystrobin, propiconazole, triadimefon and myclobutanil are reliable controls. Some of these controls are expensive, and some products may be restricted-use, or only available to licensed sprayers.

If a moderate outbreak occurs, follow cultural practices and wait to see if the turfgrass will recover. If hot, humid weather is predicted for a significant time after you notice an outbreak, spray may help delay the spread.

Brown patch isn’t always the cause for a brown lawn.

Insects, a thick layer of thatch, dogs and poor soil can all cause similar damage.

For more information on brown patch, visit bit.ly/CJbrownpatch.

Ariel Whitely-Noll is the horticulture agent for Shawnee County Research and Extension. She can be reached at arielw@ksu.edu.

The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, June 16, 2018 3

Open-style vanity provides storage Fixture works well in small bathroom

By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service

Q: Dear Ed: We are redesigning and remodeling our downstairs halfbath. With limited space to work with, we don’t want to overcrowd the area. One of your past articles spoke about benefits of a pedestal sink in a small space. But, we’re looking for extra storage as well. Any bathroom fixture recommendations for saving space along with storage?

— Jill, Utah A: Pedestal sinks and wall-

hung bathroom sinks can open up a smaller bathroom. But, as you mentioned, both wall-hung and the dressier pedestal sinks offer very little storage space.

Vanity-type sinks offer great

storage areas, but with the closedbox design, you can lose that open feeling in a small bathroom.

A solution to all these issues can be an open-style vanity cabinet.

Open-style vanities use the same style sink tops as regular vanities, but instead of a closed-box design, the walls and doors of the cabinet are eliminated, leaving the open framework. This can be a nice place for storing towels and accessories.

So, if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, don’t close the door on installing an open vanity base.

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.

Open-style vanities use the same style sink tops as regular vanities. However, instead of a closed-box design, the walls and doors of the cabinet are eliminated, leaving the open framework. [KOHLER]

4 Saturday, June 16, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

New technology making gardening easier Pros, homeowners taking advantage of drones, phones

A 3-D computer rendering of a prospective residential property was done by Groundworks Landscaping, of East Hampton, N.Y. The rendering provides a clear picture for homeowners to use for seeing their property’s potential. Landscaping and gardening are being made easier via new technology and innovation. [COURTESY OF

By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press

New technology is easing the way we garden, store equipment, monitor watering and reshape landscapes — and some of those tasks can be done remotely, using phones or tablets.

The innovations extend well beyond downloading a few apps. New to the horticultural mix are 3-D modeling, GPS mapping, laser technology, drones, robotics, devices that can read the weather and moisture in the soil for precision planting and irrigation, and battery-powered and low- or no-emission equipment.

“We are seeing an uptick in landscape professionals using advanced technology to plan designs for clients,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

“Today, professionals are using drones to survey homeowner properties to get a birds-eye view before and during the design-creation phase,” she said. “Drones can also help landscape companies save valuable operational and manpower time that can be used elsewhere on a project.”

Three-D modeling also helps

GROUNDWORKS LANDSCAPING VIA AP]

streamline landscape design. It can provide a clear picture for homeowners of their property’s potential, Henriksen said.

Upgrades in battery technology have hastened the move toward lighter, easier-to-carry garden tools.

“Cordless tools that use storage batteries offer the most flexibility and freedom to move around your yard because you don’t have to worry about cords getting in your way,” Henriksen said.

A number of companies build multi-purpose engines that are used to equip a variety of implements ranging from walk-behind and rider mowers to power washers, snowblowers and more.

At least two of these companies — Kohler and Briggs and Stratton — have introduced small engines that don’t require oil changes for the life

of the engine. Simply check the dipstick and add oil as needed. No more tilting these walk-behind machines on their sides to drain the oil, spilling some around the driveway or onto your clothing in the process.

Other innovations have further simplified small engines by eliminating manual chokes and purge bulbs.

Just pull the handle once to start.

Consumers want easy, and many of these innovations are boosting purchases, said Michelle Gross, a Briggs & Stratton marketing specialist.

“Our own surveys of consumers indicate that ease of maintenance continues to be in the top 10 purchase factors for walk-behind mowers,” Gross said. “And the No. 1 thing people say they would like to improve after owning a lawnmower is the sound level.”

Mowers equipped with Briggs & Stratton’s Quiet Power Technology

make roughly 50 percent less noise, meaning homeowners can do yard work any time of the day without disturbing neighbors, Gross said.

Efficient storage for lawn and garden equipment makes for less garage clutter and creates space for recreational items like kayaks and mountain bikes.

Another new Briggs & Stratton design allows lawnmowers to be folded in half and stored upright without causing fuel or oil leaks.

It reduces their footprint by up to 70 percent, Gross said.

Scotts, meanwhile, recently introduced a series of devices for precision irrigation. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates traditional irrigation systems waste as much as 50 percent of their water by overwatering.

“Our goal is to give homeowners simple ways to use water more resourcefully and responsibly, and to make watering and caring for your lawn easier and more efficient,” said Josh Peoples, president and general manager of Scotts.

“From using a smartphone to monitor sprinklers and the moisture in plant soil to only watering in specific areas where plants need it, we’re committed to providing effortless ways to not only conserve water, but also to inspire people to grow, indoors or out.”

The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, June 16, 2018 5

HONEYSUCKLE From Page 2

spread with equal enthusiasm, leading some gardeners to curse it.

Especially where winter cold doesn’t keep growth in check, this plant swallows up banks, rocks, trees and shrubs. If you plant Hall’s honeysuckle, keep a watchful eye on it.

Amur honeysuckle, which releases a sweet aroma each spring from yellowish or pinkish blossoms, is another invader that draws critics. This robust shrub will grow as much as 10 feet high and wide, and as its stems arch to the ground, they can take root to create whole new shrubs, which do the same.

The shiny, red berries, paired along the stems later in summer, capture our attention because they

look so tasty. Birds like eating them and contribute to this honeysuckle’s spread, mostly to abandoned fields and the edges of woods, where it often does battle with the multiflora rose, another invasive shrub.

Honeysuckles worth planting Not all honeysuckles threaten to take over the world. And these more timid species still abound in qualities. Take, for example, winter honeysuckle, a plant most appreciated in late winter or early spring.

Its flowers, though not particularly showy, emit a powerful, lemony fragrance over a long period of time.

One of my favorite honeysuckles — one of my favorite plants, in fact — is trumpet honeysuckle.

The flowers, unfortunately, have no fragrance, but they make up for that in ostentatious beauty with their clusters of long, red

trumpets joined at their bases.

Another favorite of mine is woodbine honeysuckle. Its flowers are more subdued, in pastel purple, pink and yellow, but they flare wide open and, according to some people, have a fragrance.

Both trumpet and woodbine honeysuckles are twining vines that burst into bloom in early summer, then continue the show at a more restrained pace for almost the rest of the season. To me, every bare telephone pole cries out for this vine. I’ve clothed two.

One honeysuckle that gets high marks all around is Sakhalin honeysuckle. It’s a reasonably sized, rounded shrub with large, red flowers that are followed by red berries. An especially nice feature of this honeysuckle is the golden yellow fall color of its leaves.

Despite all the other honeysuckles in the landscape — and some

are frighteningly exuberant — let’s make an opening for this relative newcomer, introduced in 1917.

Edible honeysuckles Two more honeysuckles — honeyberry honeysuckle and bearberry honeysuckle — are worth mentioning because of their blue, edible fruits that ripen very early in the season, even before strawberries. These berries have long been harvested in China, Russia and Japan, and the plants have recently been introduced here.

I haven’t found the berries to be particularly tasty. Then again, this is a new fruit, at the same point in development now as the apple may have been 2,000 years ago, so I’m willing to wait and see. I’ll assume that the nectar — which gives honeysuckles their name — is at least as sweet as that of other honeysuckles.

6 Saturday, June 16, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

T O P E K A A R E A WAT E R G A R D E N S O C I E T Y

Waterfalls, floating plants among pond tour highlights Seven water gardens to be on view June 23-24

By Samantha Egan Special to The Capital-Journal

Whether pond enthusiasts, garden admirers or both, those who venture on the Topeka Area Water Garden Society’s Pond Tour next weekend are in for a botanical feast for the senses.

In its 27th year, the selfguided tour features seven stops that showcase carefully crafted water gardens, both public and private. Some have multiple ponds that are a part of a greater landscape masterpiece, while others are simpler, yet provide the same sense of tranquility.

“We like any diverse amount,” said Craig Dannenberg, president of the Topeka Area Water Garden Society, who helps select the stops. “People might see a giant water garden and think it’s a lot of work and expensive to make. It does benefit us to have streams and things that are smaller to see diversity.”

The tour will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 23 and noon to 4 p.m. June 24.

Some stops also will be open for nighttime tours from 9 to 10:30 p.m. June 23.

Tickets are $6; there is no charge for children age 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at Topeka Hy-Vee, Jackson’s Greenhouse & Garden Center, Old Prairie Town General Store/WardMeade Historic Site, Patio Pool & Fireside, Skinner Garden Store Inc. and Wild Bird House, all in Topeka, and Water's Edge in Lawrence.

Water, wildlife and flowers Karen and Ken Darting’s

The Saathoffs’ garden contains more than 500 varieties of hosta, among a host of other plants, and 1,000 feet of stone pathways.

[SAMANTHA EGAN/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

TOPEKA AREA WATER GARDEN SOCIETY’S POND TOUR

Bob and Cheryl Saathoff’s garden, 5831 S.W. Turnberry Court, has won several awards from the Topeka Beautification Society over the years. [SAMANTHA EGAN/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

What: A self-guided tour of seven Topeka water gardens When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 23 and noon to 4 p.m. June 24. Some stops also will be open for nighttime tours from 9 to 10:30 p.m. June 23.

Cost: $6; free for age 12 and under. Tickets available at Topeka Hy-Vee, Jackson’s Greenhouse & Garden Center, Old Prairie Town General Store/Ward-Meade Historic Site, Patio Pool & Fireside, Skinner Garden Store Inc. and Wild Bird House, all in Topeka, and Water's Edge in Lawrence.

Information: facebook.com/kawtawgs

home at 3100 S.E. Blazing Star Drive features a pond with a double waterfall that attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, foxes, raccoons and squirrels.

Around the pond and throughout the yard, the Dartings have planted a variety of plants, which both attract wildlife and tell stories of Karen’s childhood.

Their mock orange plants, for example, resemble the ones where Karen’s kittens would play, while the locust trees remind her of her treehouse.

“I think I’m connected to plants,” she said. “I

trying to recruit them for the tour since last year.

After attending the pond tour for years, the Catheys decided to build one of their own. They also joined the Topeka Area Water Garden Society to get tips and ideas.

When designing their water garden, the Catheys were looking for something to complement their stone house, which was built in the 1930s and recently was nominated to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“I like a finished look, so that’s where the idea of the patio around it

could tell you a story about each plant here.”

While Ken is the designated “shovel digger,” he attributes the vision for their backyard paradise, which they started 10 years ago, to his wife.

“It’s like a painting,” Karen said. “You paint with color and texture and design. The pond is part of the design, and it’s part of nature, and I love the ecosystem that has grown with that.”

While Ron and Rhonda Cathey, 2532 S.W. Granthurst, have had their pond only since May 2017, Dannenberg has been

came from,” Rhonda said.

“Wooded lots are very pretty, but that wasn’t what we had to work with.”

The Catheys' home also will be a part of the night tour on Saturday, where they will display their lighting landscaping.

“Because of the water, the light is dancing off the trees and off the house,” Ron explained. “There’s just some visual effects that are very relaxing and calming.”

Bob and Cheryl Saathoff’s backyard at 5831 S.W. See TOUR, 7

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TOUR From Page 6

Turnberry Court features two ponds with floating plants, wildlife and waterfalls, but Bob says visitors will probably spend more time in his garden.

This may not come as a surprise after learning that Bob was one of the gardeners who helped develop the gardens at Ward-Meade Historic Site, where he estimates he volunteers about 1,000 hours per year.

“It’s just a passion. I run out of room here, so I had to find another place to go,” he said with a laugh.

The Saathoffs’ garden contains more than 500 varieties of hosta, among a host of other plants, and 1,000 feet of stone pathways, adorned with various benches, statues and slabs of limestone from the Flint Hills, which the couple hauled home themselves.

The garden has won several awards from the Topeka Beautification Society over the years, and Bob said it’s the competition that keeps him focused.

“I guess I compete by trying to make it the best it can be,” he said. “I don’t believe you do your best unless you compete.”

Karen Darting says her vision for her backyard water pond is similar to a painting: “You paint with color and texture and design. The pond is part of the design, and it’s part of nature, and I love the ecosystem that has grown with that.”

Karen and Ken Darting’s home, 3100 S.E. Blazing Star Drive, features a pond with a double waterfall that attracts a wide variety of wildlife. [PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA EGAN/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

More gardens Other stops on the Topeka Area Water Garden Society’s Pond Tour are: • Ward-Meade Botanical Garden, 124 N.W. Fillmore

St. Tour attendees will see new additions to the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden, including a pergola, metal artwork inlays to the fencing and a tori, or Japanese gateway.

• Cheryl Weber and Dave Pomeroy, 2321 S.E. Libra

Court. This 1,200-gallon water garden features many tropical plants around the pond, and numerous

A multi-tiered waterfall is the highlight of Ron and Rhonda Cathey’s backyard water garden in southwest Topeka.

pathways paved with rocks excavated during the creation of the pond.

• Rees and Kathy Webber,

3936 S.W. Barons Lane.

This round, 1,000-gallon pond and 20-foot stream was built in 2006 in a shady

spot between an elm and a tulip tree. Frogs return each year to sing at night.

• Brad and Amy Cheney, 3241 N.W. 43rd St. The owner of Nature’s Image Aquatic Design, Brad started with a 3-foot-tall terra-cotta

When designing their water garden, Ron and Rhonda Cathey looked for something to complement their stone house, which was built in the 1930s and recently was nominated to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

pot bubbling fountain and recently installed a pondless waterfall. The 16-foot stream and falls begin by facing the east deck before

running down a stream and ending in the front drive.

Samantha Egan is a freelance writer from Topeka.

8 Saturday, June 16, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Mailboxes add to curb appeal 10 quick design hacks for hanging art Know the rules before installing them

By Paul F.P. Pogue

Create your own art; use pieces in unexpected ways

Angie's List

By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service

Artwork can come in all different shapes and sizes. Whether painted canvasses or photography, art can be displayed and hung in a number of ways to create an interesting look that will help brighten and add interest to any home.

Here are some quick design tricks to hanging art: • Hang identical pieces of art in a grouping to create the illusion of art in a series. One of the biggest designer tricks is to hang identical pieces of artwork to create two pieces of art in a series called a diptych or three pieces of art in a series known as a triptych.

• Use oversized framed pieces of photography instead of art. Blackand-white photography especially can make a powerful statement.

• Place art in rooms of the home that are often forgotten, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

• Don’t be afraid to lean art frames and mirrors against a wall instead of hanging them. Often with oversized mirrors, this technique can create an interesting and dynamic look.

• Create your own art using framed letters or even wallpaper.

This can be a fun and festive look, especially in children’s bedrooms.

Framed wallpaper creates a unique piece of homemade art to place on the desk of a child’s bedroom. [DESIGN RECIPES]

• Integrate natural frames.

Natural-colored frames can feel modern and minimalist, and they can serve as a welcomed alternative to traditional colors such as black and white.

• Consider hanging nontraditional artwork, such as Plexiglas or framed shadowboxes filled with interesting items of mementos.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.

The mailbox is one of the most enduring icons of the American home. Even in an age of email and streaming video, nearly every home in the nation maintains some kind of mailbox, a reminder that some things can only be delivered by the reliable old U.S. Postal Service.

You may not give much thought to your mailbox, but it’s an essential tool for your home, and it’s often one of the first things a visitor sees — the most literal form of curb appeal. Keep this in mind when installing or replacing a mailbox.

Follow the rules The U.S. Postal Service regulates mailbox design specifications. For instance, door slots must be at least 30 inches above the floor, and roadside mailboxes are generally required to be placed at a height of 41 to 45 inches.

You should contact the local post office and consult any applicable homeowner association rules before installing a custom mailbox. All mailboxes bought off-theshelf should bear the Postmaster General’s seal of approval.

Mailbox materials Metal mailboxes provide a solid, reliable service. Aluminum mailboxes are the most popular products

A mailbox is not only an essential tool, but it also can enhance your home’s curb appeal. [DREAMSTIME]

on the market. They’re very durable and highly resistant to rust. An aluminum mailbox is most likely to survive many years, especially if weather and moisture are serious considerations where you live.

Steel and copper provide a unique and highly durable look. They require more maintenance than aluminum See MAILBOX, 9

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MAILBOX From Page 8

but can last decades if properly maintained.

No matter what mailbox style you use, consider pressure-treated wood for the mounting post.

Insects and woodpeckers can do plenty of damage to untreated wood.

A brick mailbox surround provides the ultimate distinctive mailbox design. Brick mailboxes create an elegant but understated aesthetic, and they’re also the most durable in the face of vandals or thieves. However, check it out first with your local post office: Some postmasters don’t like brick mailboxes because they can pose a damage threat to delivery vehicles.

If you do install one, make sure it’s far enough away from the curb to minimize risk. A mason can design a brick mailbox for you.

Instead of buying a premanufactured mailbox, you can hire a pro to create an unforgettable impression on those driving up to your home. Carpenters and handymen are excellent choices for building a custom mailbox.

Next-generation mailboxes Design aside, mailboxes still serve an essentially utilitarian purpose: to hold your mail safely until you can retrieve it. In the age of online services and same-day package delivery, the next-generation mailbox is 1 foot tall, 13 inches wide and more than 16 inches deep.

The USPS says this is more than enough to handle more than 70 percent of all packages currently being delivered, and it fits on standard mailbox posts.

Next-generation mailboxes can be purchased at many retailers.

Mailbox maintenance Periodically inspect your mailbox and keep up on necessary repairs.

Pay particular attention to the door, making sure it opens and shuts smoothly, and the mounting system, which should be firmly secured.

Keep an eye out for insect nests and remove any you see. Trim the ground below the box to keep bugs at bay.

Wash it regularly to prevent mildew.

10 Saturday, June 16, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

TIP OF THE WEEK

Inside the kitchen The Food Network Magazine reports the following cooking tips from well-known chefs: • Giada De Laurentiis, of “Giada at Home”: “My grandfather taught me this tip: After you drain pasta, while it's still hot, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top before tossing it with your sauce. This way, the sauce has something to stick to.”

• Josh Besh, author of “My New Orleans”: “Take the time to actually read recipes through before you begin.”

• Wolfgang Puck, of Spago in Los Angeles: “When making mashed potatoes, after you drain the potatoes, return them to the hot pan, cover tightly and let steam for 5 minutes. This allows the potatoes to dry out so they'll mash to a beautiful texture and soak up the butter and cream more easily.”

• Paula Dean, of “Paula’s Best Dishes”: “Remember, y'all, it’s all about the prep. Take away the stress by doing the prep the night or day before. You'll look like a star.”

• Guy Fieri, of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”: “Brine, baby, brine!

Ya gotta brine that poultry to really give it the super flavor.”

[METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]

Source: foodnetwork.com

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