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Saturday, July 11, 2015 An Advertising Feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal
Jaime Hancock Garden Column – 3 Starting a wine collection – 5 An outdoor oasis – 8 The empty nest – 10
2 | Saturday, July 11, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home
At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, July 11, 2015 | 3
Master Gardeners Want YOU! Jamie Hancock
jamiehan@ksu.edu
“I used to garden ‘by the seat of my pants.’ Now I know how and why. This is great!” “Learning is fun again and challenging. I can’t think of anything I would rather do.” “Everything I grew was by trial and error. Now I can intentionally grow and maintain a good garden. And, I can help others do it also.” “I am no longer bored with my yard.” “This is the most satisfying thing I have ever done.” “I love helping others do what I
A Note From
The Gardener
love to do.”
These are quotes from regular folks who took a chance and looked into the benefits of becoming an Extension Master Gardener. You may already have some wonderful gardening skills and knowledge or you might be the one who can’t grow a blade of grass but would like to; this program could be for you. We are looking for new people to join us. Read on and see if this fits. You will learn what Master Gardeners do and/or what they can do to help you or your organization. The Master Gardener program is a volunteer program in which Kansas State Re-
search and Extension “trades” classroom training for volunteer time. Training consists of 40 to 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture. Instructors include state specialists from Kansas State University, county extension agents and local experts in specific subject matter. After training is completed, volunteers donate 40 hours of service the first year and 25 hours of service in subsequent years. Service activities are coordinated by the local county extension agent. Though volunteer activities vary widely, all are educational, extension related, and represent the interests of Kansas State Research and Extension.
Master Gardeners have become a vital part of the University’s ability to provide accurate, up-to-date and research based information to our clientele. Volunteer time during the year 2014 totaled 101,000 hours with an average of 83 hours donated per volunteer. This is equivalent to 50 full time extension staff positions and is estimated to be worth $2.1 million. We make an impact in our community! Master Gardeners are highly valued by Kansas State University Research and Extension. They are the conduit through which knowledge is imparted to the general public.
HANCOCK continues on 4A
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Hancock: Classes forming soon Continued from 3A The Shawnee County Master Gardeners are a very active group. n They attend regular monthly meetings, as well as regular Advanced Training sessions (always interesting!). n They receive an “in-house” newsletter and timely horticulture publications. n They participate in educational programs such as information booths, “Speakers Bureau”, The Master Gardener Response Line, Annual Plant Sale, seasonal public information sessions, school/ youth programs, and Sick Plant Clinic. n They care for several demonstration gardens including the vegetable garden and composting site on the Expo Centre grounds, the perennial and native plant gardens at the entrance to Cedar Crest (our Governor’s Residence), the history garden at the Kansas History Center (in
progress), the Xeriscape garden and a Prairie Star/Prairie Bloom garden at the Shawnee County Extension office, and a Woodland Shade Garden at Lake Shawnee near the Garden House. n Master Gardeners can write articles for the “Extension News” and The Topeka Capital-Journal. n Special events like field trips, garden tours and conferences provide additional opportunities to learn while enjoying each other’s company. Classes will be forming soon for the 2015/2016 Master Gardener year. Applications are available online at www.shawnee.ksu.edu and are due August 14, 2015. Instruction will begin Thursday, September 3 and finish November 5. There will be a total of eight Thursday sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (No class Oct. 15.) A required pre-acceptance orientation will take place for all applicants August 20th,
9:00 to 11:00 a.m. or 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Gardening can quite possibly be one of the best activities you can do for yourself. Not only can it be a physical stretch and work out for your body, you can learn to grow healthful food in healthful ways. You learn to appreciate a good day’s work with your hands and with family. Gardening is known for being a low stress hobby and those who take advantage of it have a greater sense of satisfaction and well-being. The learning experiences keep your mind active and alive. “It adds years to your life and life to your years,” says Shirley Buller, Master Gardener. Give us a call. (785) 232-0062 Ext. 107. Sign up to become an Extension Master Gardener today. Jamie Hancock is a horticulturist with Kansas State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.
At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, July 11, 2015 | 5
Starting a wine collection
Stock Photo/Metro Creative Connections
when allowed to age in a cellar. Synovec noted, “When you get the cellar, you do understand that red wines are to be served Most wine lovers reach a point where at cellar temperature, not room temperathey move from buying wine just to drink ture. It really does make a difference.” The three primary criteria for storing to buying wine to keep. For Dr. Mark Synovec, president and manager of Topeka Pa- wine include: 1. Temperature—wines like to be housed thology Group, that time came after several trips to California’s Napa Valley wine in a cool environment. Ideally, this means a temperature of between 55 to 60 degrees. region. “I would find great wines and want to Large changes in temperature will damage buy a case, but wanted to store it correct- the wine. 2. Humidity—a level of around ly,” he explained in an email. “After a time, 60 percent works best for wine. However, I would also want to buy current vintages anywhere in the 50 to 70 percent range is that could age to increase their drink- acceptable. If it’s too humid, mold will grow ablity. It is also nice to keep back some on the cork. Not humid enough, the cork of these older vintages and pop them out will dry out, causing the wine to spoil. 3. Lighting—wines like dark environwhen friends come buy with a special in a ments. Sunlight and bright artificial lightparticular wine.” If you’re serious about keeping wines, ing can damage wines. then you will need a wine cellar. Most wines, especially reds, reach full flavor COLLECTION continues on 6A
By Linda A. Ditch
Special to The Capital-Journal
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Collection: Storing your wine and humidity levels. If possible, creating an actual space for the cellar is best so the Synovec also pointed out other benefits environment can be controlled to optimal to a cellar, such as the cost savings of buy- wine-keeping levels. A framed area with ing wines by the case. It is also cheaper to super-insulated walls and ceiling will cut ship home a case of wine found on vaca- down of temperature fluctuations. A glass tion than smaller quantities. Plus, “when exterior door at the opening, complete you find a good price on a great wine, you with a threshold and weather stripping for a tight seal, will allow you to show off the can stock up,” he added. A wine cellar can be as simple as the pur- collection while keeping the conditioned chase of a specialty wine refrigerator made air confined to the cellar space. Also, since to keep bottles at the proper temperature traditional air conditioners remove too and humidity, or as elaborate as building a much humidity from the air, a specialized full-scale wine cellar in your home. What- wine cellar cooling unit is needed to keep ever method you choose, always go bigger the room at the proper, steady temperature and humidity level. than you think you’ll need. Synovec had his wine cellar installed as Basements are perfect spaces for wine cellars due to their natural temperature part of an overall home remodeling proj-
Continued from 5A
ect. The design and the wine racks were created through the Wine Enthusiast website (www.wineenthusiast.com). However, do-it-yourselfers can find information on the internet to build home wine cellars, and racks can be made from kits, or materials found at a local home improvement center. No basement? Look around the house for other options. A small closet is a good solution since it will keeps the wines in a dark and balanced environment. A cooling unit could be installed if the temperature is too warm. Avoid spaces in the kitchen, laundry room and utility room due to the temperature fluctuations. Now that you have a space, how do you start to fill it? The first rule of thumb is to
buy what you like. Also look for tasting events at restaurants and wineries, or just spend a few minutes chatting with someone at your favorite liquor shop for ideas. Just because you have a wine cellar doesn’t mean it needs to be full of expensive bottles. It is more important that you enjoy the wines, unless you are considering collecting wines as an investment. If so, you will want to also invest in a fully equipped wine cellar. Once you find wines you like, think big! Buy a case instead of one or two bottles. Before you know it, you’re racks will begin to fill and you will start to wonder, “Do I have enough space?”
COLLECTION continues on 7A
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Collection: Storing your wine Continued from 6A
Exploring Kansas Wines One way to fill a wine cellar is with bottles from local Kansas wineries. Here are a few nearby where you can taste what the state’s wine makers have to offer. ‰ Crescent Moon Winery, 15930 246th St., Lawrence, 785-550-5353, www.moonandwine.com—Open on Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. for tastings, or by appointment. ‰ Crooked Post Winery, 7397 K-92 Hwy, Ozawkie, 785-876-9990, www.crookedpostwinery.com—Open Friday and Saturday, 12 to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. They also offer a number of tasting and entertainment events throughout the summer. Visit their website for more details. ‰ Glaciers Edge Winery and Vineyard, 1636 SE 85th Street, Wakarusa, 785-862-5421, glaciersedgewine.com—Open Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 12 to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. ‰ Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery, 18807 158th St., Basehor, 913-724-9463, holyfieldwinery.com—Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. ‰ Jefferson Hill Vineyard and Guest House, 12381 Washington Rd., McLouth, 913-796-6822, jeffersonhillvineyard.com—Open for tastings Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. ‰ Matrot Castle, 6424 SW Huntoon, Topeka, 785-215-3425, www.topekawine.com—Offers tastings of wines from Davenport Orchards and Winery on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ‰ OZ Winery, 417 Lincoln Ave., Wamego, 785-456-7417, ozwinerykansas.com—Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. ‰ Prairie Fire Winery, 20250 Hudson Ranch Rd., Paxico, 785-636-5533, www.prairiefirewinery.com—Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. ‰ Wyldewood Cellars, 32633 Grapevine Rd., Paxico, 785-636-8466, www.wyldewoodcellars.com—Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. Best know for their elderberry wine offerings.
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An outdoor oasis
Rex Wolf/Special to The Capital-Journal
Above: The Edigers created an outdoor entertaining area with a fire pit and tongue and groove cedar ceiling. Right: The all-season living area with black wicker furniture creates an indoor nature retreat. By Shanna Sloyer Special to The Capital-Journal
When Rick and Deb Ediger purchased their Sherwood home in 2002, the upstairs deck area was open and exposed to the elements. In its final stages of completion, the Edigers asked the builder to screen in their deck as a condition of the sale. Seven years ago, they hired a handyman to install Plexiglass windows, making the room an additional all-seasons living area. “I grew up and had a screened in porch when I was a kid,” said Deb Ediger. “I like to sit out there and drink my coffee and listen to the rain.”
Ediger decorated using a variety of colors and textures that meld together to create the beautiful space that it is today. Featuring light that streams through natural fiber blinds, the room is a haven for Ediger’s plants, which lend to the feeling that the outdoors have been brought in. From black wicker furniture to a bambooinspired rug and soothing water feature, it’s a place to relax and unwind from the realities of life. A television and wicker speaker also allow for the room to be used for entertainment if desired. An exposed deck with furniture for
PORCH continues on 9A
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Porch: Outdoor living spaces for everyone Continued from 8A lounging and a grill for outdoor entertaining is located off of the all-seasons room. Until last summer, the patio located beneath was largely unfinished and unused. The Edigers had a partial cedar wall built that provides protection from the wind and gives them the privacy that they desired. A cedar tongue and groove ceiling gives the patio a finished look. Their new space includes a tile fire pit and comfortable furniture that they use when they have company, including their two grown daughters and their families. Fern plants, palms, lanterns, and an area rug, along with another water feature make for cozy entertaining quarters where grandchildren can roast marshmallows over the fire, and Deb Ediger has plans for projecting movies for nighttime viewing. “I’m a die-hard decorator at heart,” laughed Ediger. “I decorate in my dreams.” Her advice to others who may be considering similar projects is to start with a
plan. “Get a vision for it. Don’t do something you’re not sure of because you’re in a hurry. I waited until I had a clear vision of what I wanted.” Ediger suggests starting with the things you like in mind, and using colors and textures that speak to you as you design. She also encourages do-it-yourself decorators to add their own flair to their decorating projects. “I love the rain and being outside, but I also love privacy and the fire pit,” said Ediger. “I love to sit outside when a storm rolls in, and I wanted to be able to smell the cedar when it rains.” Most importantly, Ediger had a desire to create pockets of space in her home that felt like an escape from the ordinary. Instead of investing in vacations, she wanted to bring the idea of vacation into her home. “It’s a mini getaway or retreat,” said Ediger. “You can have a little retreat without leaving your house, and you can share it with your family and friends.”
Rex Wolf/Special to The Capital-Journal
A variety of textures and colors blend together to create a beautiful space.
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The empty nest By Todd Epp Special to the Topeka Capital-Journal
Junior has finally graduated from college after six years of living at Elsewhere State University. He’s finally “fledged,” leaving Mom and Dad with an opportunity to finally repurpose the bedroom. Call it the empty nest. For some, before Junior’s or Missy’s bed can even cool from here they slept, they’ll be selling or donating the bunk beds and the dresser. It may become a man-cave, sewing room, office or whatever. But moving Junior’s stuff out, remodeling or redecorating right away may not be the best option either. “The first question is how long are you staying in your home and do you plan to retire there and staying there until they can’t,” said Jake Brown, 33, owner of Win-
Photo submitted by Winston Brown Construction
Creating a mater bath suite with the extra room.
ston Brown Construction, Inc. of Topeka. “Most people say they love their house.” Brown says if the homeowner only plans to stay a few more years in the house, it might be easier to just keep the bedroom a bedroom. A new family will prefer a bedroom to a home gymnasium or home office, he added. So, if Junior or Missy have left and gotten married, grandchildren may be on the way. Once there are grandchildren, the equation might go back the other way, says Traci Cavanaugh, 46. She’s the owner of Kids 2 College Furniture in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She says you may need to turn an office or sewing room back into a room suitable for the grandkids. Cavanaugh says changing from kid’s room to office and back is becoming challenging as home designs change. “Bedrooms are getting smaller,” Cavanaugh said. “They are maybe only 10 by 10 feet, while the kitchens and great rooms are getting bigger.” She says one solution
if the room is going to remain a bedroom are loft beds. Cavanaugh also has practical experience. Her 20-year-old daughter Kaylie moved back from college for the summer. That was after Traci moved Kaylie’s bedroom furniture out—including a queensized bed. Then Traci moved in a treadmill and a wall-mounted TV into the new exercise room. But then the room reverted to a bedroom—and the new stuff replaced with the old. Like Brown, she suggests a third way. Downsize and move to a smaller home or
beyond just a home office or a sewing room, according to Brown. “Where’s the washer and dryer? Usually in the basement,” Brown said. “Put them on the main level and it is easily accessible. This appeals to people in their late 60s and 70s.” Brown says they’ll put an island in the middle of the room to act as both a sorting table and a sewing or crafts table. Also, he says empty nesters will put the clothes hamper on rollers under the island for easy access. A variation on that idea, according to
Create a large walk-in closet in an adjacent room. condo with no lawn moving or shoveling snow. Just as soon as you can ditch the kids, downsize the take that trip to the Bahamas,” Cavanaugh laughed. If you do go the remodeling route, there are some things you can do with the room
Photo submitted by Winston Brown Construction
Brown, is to turn the room into a master closet with a stackable washer and dryer. Then, all you need to do is take the clothes out the dryer and hang them up. Another popular option, according to Brown, is a master suite if there is an
NEST continues on 13A
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Nest: Fitting a new purpose Continued from 10A adjoining bedroom. This might include a walk-in shower with a large shower head, a seat, and ledges to put shaving bathing items. Other touches include a raised toilet and vanity. It helps homeowners stay in their home as they age. Brown cautions, that these remodeling
projects can be expensive, from $17,000 to $50,000. His most expensive project was turning an empty nest room into a soundproof music studio for a guitarist. “He could go and jam out,” Brown said. Another way to go is to redecorate the room. That’s according to Penny Carter, a designer at the Furniture Mall of Kansas in Topeka with 25 years of experience.
“You want your pieces to fit, so make sure to do a space plan, color coordinate, find your comfort level, be organized, maximize storage and make it functional,” she suggested. And, Carter has a solution in case Missy or Junior return for visits—a daybed or a sofa sleeper in the newly redecorated room.
For ideas, Pinterest has hundreds of photos of what others have done with their empty nest rooms. The Topeka Home Builders Association website lists members that perform home remodeling. Besides the Furniture Mall of Topeka, there are interior decorators in the Topeka area who can help.
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