At Home Living 072316

Saturday, July 23, 2016 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Pet care

Create a safe home for your furry friends, page 6  Jamie Kidd on Extension research centers, page 2  Brighten yards with late bloomers, page 3  The case for bookcases, page 5  Topeka Daylily Club show results, page 5

homes.cjonline.com Jake Gatchell/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

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Research centers answer food, agricultural questions Local Extension offices have been described as the go-to places when you have questions.

Have you ever wondered where the agents at those offices get the answers to all the questions you ask? Good question. I’m so glad you asked.

Extension universities, including Kansas State University, began when the Morrill Acts were passed by Congress and became the law in 1862 and 1890. Under the acts, federal lands were granted to each state to develop and/or sell to raise funds to build “land-grant” colleges. In response to the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the colleges were to focus on teaching practical agriculture, science and engineering along with classical studies.

Historically, colleges were focused on abstract liberal arts, medicine, law and the ministry.

Only the wealthy were able to attend Ivy League colleges.

Jamie KiDD

jamiehan@ksu.edu

Land-grant colleges made education accessible to the average citizen.

Because farmers were unable to leave their farms for extended periods for classes, Congress and the colleges developed the Extension Service and used “county agents” to bring free education into local communities. Food and nutrition education was added to the curriculum, followed by the 4-H program for children.

Additionally, the need to research better ways of doing things came to the forefront in Washington, D.C. The colleges’

focus was expanded, and research centers were established.

Kansas State University was founded in 1863 as a landgrant institution, the first in the nation, and has five formal research centers in Kansas manned by professionals. Several informal centers in the state are tended by Extension Master Gardeners.

Research in these centers, and in centers across the nation, provide answers to food and agricultural questions. The best trees, shrubs, turf, vegetables, farm crops and flowers for Kansas are determined at these centers. Numerous publications, plant lists and articles are generated from each of these sites.

The Extension offices have access to local and national Extension information, which is available to the public. Most publications are free of charge.

Here’s a look at the research centers in Kansas: n John C. Pair Horticulture

MASTER GARDENER SIGN-UP Remember, Aug. 12 is the deadline to apply to become a Master Gardener in Shawnee County. Classes are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 8 through Nov. 3.

Applications are available online at www.shawnee.ksu.edu. For information, call Connie DeHart at (785) 232-0062, ext. 109.

Center, Haysville, south of Wichita.

The center’s research emphasis is on evaluation of new varieties and production practices in food crops and ornamental plants. Vegetable crops include asparagus, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and tomatoes. Grapes, peaches and off-season strawberries are being evaluated. Ornamentals include shade trees, flowering trees and flowers.

Also being studied are turf-

KIDD continues on 4

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Goldenrod, Russian sage add color to late-summer garden Easy-to-grow perennials’ shape is nice change from rounded flowers

By Nancy Brachey The Charlotte Observer

It is so hot that it seems tempting to ignore the fact that flower beds need a lift from now into late summer. But they do, and a couple of excellent perennials are waiting to do the job.

They are goldenrod, which has gained prominence as a garden flower in recent years, and Russian sage, a misty lavender plant. Both will help beds: Russian sage, from now and for many weeks ahead, and goldenrod, starting in late summer.

These are easy-to-grow perennials that add fine

color to beds at a time when they are getting rather green.

Their upright, spiked shape is also a nice change from the many rounded flowers we see in summer, such as Shasta daisies and asters.

A nice thing about both is the ease of growing them.

Russian sage requires well-drained soil, but both it and goldenrod will prosper in average soil with little attention.

Garden centers sell named varieties of both perennials, which gives you a choice when selecting for height, especially with goldenrod.

Goldenrod was once a flower of the roadside, sort of wild, tall and rangy-looking. That was fine in the natural environment, but not quite the right look for a nice flower bed.

Now, modern named goldenrods, bred for flower gardens, can be as short as 18 inches, such as Cloth of Gold, or 2 to 3 feet tall, such as Crown of Rays.

Fireworks, which produces a long stretch of flowers along arching stems, grows about 3 feet tall, and is one of the varieties that I see more often in garden centers.

It doesn’t require staking even at that height. I

have found it very reliable and quite good-looking.

Clumps tend to develop over several seasons in light shade to full sun.

A young plant set out this summer or fall may look quite thin at first.

But the robust nature of goldenrod will let it develop into a good clump that will bear many stems from late summer into fall.

Russian sage also can be quite tall, 3 to 4 feet or so, and may require a little staking after stormy weather. But it has a beautiful shape, with arching stems covered in small flowers.

The soft effect is very

JOHN D. SIMMONS/CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

Goldenrods once were a flower of the roadside, sort of wild, tall and rangy-looking. Today, goldenrods are bred for flower gardens and can range in height from 18 inches to 2 to 3 feet. pretty, especially when combined with the golden-yellow flowers of goldenrod and perhaps a dash of blue, purple or white

asters that also bloom from late summer.

Some named varieties such as Blue Sprite are in the marketplace.

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Kidd: Talk with experts about planting beds at public field day July 30 Continued from 2 grass for their zone and medicinal plants. Bedding plant trials are compared to those at the state’s other research centers. n Tuttle Forestry Research Center, near Tuttle Creek Dam in Manhattan.

The center is conducting long-term forestry research, including improved tree seed production activities. Its research

has resulted in 22 publications, 56 articles, book chapters and Extension bulletins. n Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center, Manhattan.

The 10-acre center focuses on identifying best-adapted turf species and cultivars for Kansas, best management practices to reduce water and pesticide usage, and improving turfgrass responses to en-

vironmental stresses. The center slates a field day for commercial turfgrass managers the first Thursday of August in even-numbered years. n Pecan Experimental Field, Chetopa.

The focus is on sustainable production of pecans for growers in Kansas and Missouri. n K-State Research and Extension Center, Olathe.

The 342-acre center is

made up of 150 acres of native woodland, 75 acres of bottomland and 117 acres of upland soil grassland, with a creek running through it.

It focuses on bedding plant trials, annuals and perennials, turfgrass, landscape, fruit and vegetable production and the needs of the forestry industry.

The center has a public field day the last Saturday in July — July 30 this year — where you can talk

with experts as you walk through the numerous planting beds. The trial beds have good and poor plants in them. This is how they determine what grows well in our crazy Kansas weather.

More than 250 patio planters with new plants and color combinations, grafted tomato research, organic and inorganic lawn fertilizer information, Master Gardener gardens

and flower bed designs sponsored by Proven Winner can be viewed.

If you are an avid bedding plant or turf enthusiast or you just like viewing colorful gardens, this is the place to be. For more information on the Olathe center’s field day, go to www.johnson.ksu.edu.

Jamie Kidd is a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

Bookcases essential

By Mary Carol Garrity Tribune News Service

I would be lost without bookcases. Literally. Because all of Dan’s books, enough to keep a small village reading for decades, would bury me. And figuratively.

Because I have found that bookcases are one of the most essential pieces of furniture ever made.

They are not only arresting to look at, adding much-needed bulk and beauty to a space, but they also are amazingly versatile. Bookcases can be used in just about every room in your home to add charm as they artfully collect all your stuff in one well-organized spot.

Struggling with how to make the bookcases in your home look their absolute best?

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you style these ready-made stages: n Where is your bookcase located?

This may sound like a strange question, but where you put your bookcase will have a big bearing on what you put inside your bookcase.

My bathroom at the cottage is snug and doesn’t have cabinets or closets, so I had to figure out a way to store all my stuff.

Bookcases came to the rescue, giving me a super-efficient way to not only store house necessities, like towels and toiletries, but also I could turn them into stunning little displays that add to the room’s personality.

Don’t be fooled by the prefix “book.”

Your bookcases don’t have to have one single tome on their shelves. In fact, I worked with a customer who wanted to show off her collection of soup tureens. Instead of a traditional china hutch or buffet, we placed a bookcase in her dining room and filled the shelves with a dramatic display that showed off her collection. n How will your bookcase be used?

My all-time favorite way to use bookcases is to see them as part library shelf, part display shelf. We like to mix accents, like pottery, seasonal greens and artwork, with stacks of books. Have a small piece of artwork you love? Prop it in an easel on a shelf.

When picking interesting items to weave in and out of the books, think about creating a rotating display that highlights pieces from one of your collections.

Whether you collect figurines or old cameras or vintage dishes, work in just a few pieces at a time so the display isn’t overwhelming.

We also love to help families and grandparents design fun and functional rooms for kiddos. An essential is a good bookcase

that helps corral toys, books and clothing.

Be sure to always anchor a bookcase to the wall for safety. n How can you put your personal stamp on your display?

When selecting what should go on your shelves, pick a variety of personal treasures that help tell the story of your life.

Work in snapshots of those you hold dear, mementos from a special vacation, family heirlooms, books that reflect your hobbies or interests. When I visit people’s homes, the bookcases I gravitate to are the ones that show the soul of the family who lives there.

To find interesting artifacts for your shelves, go through your cabinets and closets, open boxes of mementos hidden away in the basement, and pull out things that are meaningful to you. To make it more fun, invite a friend to join you. Our friends sometimes are able to see our things with new eyes and show us just how cool they are.

This column was adapted from Mary Carol Garrity’s blog at www.nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol@ nellhills.com.

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Daylily Club lists flower show winners The Capital-Journal Results from the Topeka Daylily Club’s annual American Hemerocallis Society-accredited flower show are in. The show was July 9 at the Fairlawn Plaza Mall, and about 200 free daylilies were given to attendees.

In the horticulture division, 130 entries were judged. American Hemerocallis rosettes went to Debra Cole, best extra-large flower and best miniature flower; Judy Briggs, best large flower and best small flower; James Fry, best double flower; Dale Vail, best spider flower; and Chris Tyler, best unusual flower.

Tyler also received the best in show award for her unusual form flower, Margo Reed Indeed, and the sweepstakes award.

Purple ribbons were

Steve Paige

Winners at the Topeka Daylily Club’s show were, from left, Debra Cole, Judy Briggs, James Fry, Dale Vail and Chris Tyler. awarded as follows: two to Cole, three to Vail, four to Jess Danner and Briggs, six to Tyler, and seven to Fry. The design division received 13 entries, with blue ribbons going to Danner, Carolyn Litwin and Elaine Holmstrom. Litwin’s “Carousel” design was selected as the top design and received the Tricolor Award. Runners-up were Shane Johnston with two red ribbons and Holmstrom with a red ribbon.

Twenty-four images were entered into the photo contest. Emilie Gahnstrom received two blue ribbons, and Robin Rusco received a blue ribbon and a purple ribbon. Runnersup with a red ribbon each were Helen Fry, Eric Mack and Rusco.

The People’s Choice Awards, which ask the public to vote for their favorite entry, went to Briggs for horticulture, Danner for design and Gahnstrom for photography.

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Bringing a pet into a home takes planning Price said. Helping Hands has rooms where families can interact with a potential pet before adoption.

“We like to see what the cat or the dog will do when the kids are in the room,” she said.

“Make it a family decision. Make sure everyone gets along. You’re going to have less behavior problems in the household if you make it a family decision.”

However, while it may be a family who chooses the pet and responsibilities are shared to care for the animal, Price stresses parents shouldn’t get a pet specifically for their children.

“Kids are not going to take care of the pets for more than a year, maybe less,” she said. “Remember, that commitment is for the adults, not the children.”

By Angela Deines

Special to The Capital-Journal

Bringing a new pet into a home with small, excited children should be done with caution, advises Margaret Price, manager of admissions, foster and rescue and behavior assessment at Topeka’s Helping Hands Humane Society.

A good introduction is to sit in a circle as a family on the floor when bringing the dog or cat home for the first time.

“We sit down and get to know the animal, more down on their level,” she said. “Just speak to them, pet them. Don’t overwhelm them, because that makes them nervous.”

Other cautions are to never let small children bother a dog or cat when they’re eating, sleeping, playing with a toy or using a litter box. It’s vitally important that small children learn to give their new pet some space.

“Kids want to play with them constantly,” she said.

“Make sure you let those animals sleep, even during the day.”

When a pet establishes a “spot” in the house where they’re comfortable, the area should be left alone by children and other family members, Price said.

“They’ll learn to go to that spot when they’re overwhelmed,” she said.

Justin Brokar, manager of special events, education and fundraising at Helping Hands, said small children who are used to being around dogs don’t always understand they need to be gentler with cats.

“They may be a little rougher with the cat,” he said. “Dogs are a little sturdier. They (children) play more with the dogs, and they may expect the same behavior from a cat.”

Some precautions need

Pet-proofing your home

Jake Gatchell/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Six-year-old Brady Bell and his 4-year-old sister, Cambrie Bell, interact with Guinness, an 8-month-old mixed breed, during a visit to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 S.W. 21st St. It’s important to include children when choosing a family pet to make sure everyone gets along. to be considered when deciding where to place pet food, especially if the young children in the home are putting small objects in their mouths.

Price recommends using a baby gate to create separation between a child and the pet’s food bowls. Some people prefer picking up the food as soon as the pet is fed.

Keeping the food, water, litter box and sleeping area in a separate space in the house allows the animal to feel they’re safe and reduces the chances of aggressive behaviors, she said.

“If a kid interrupts and won’t let (the cat) use the litter box when they want to, cats are going to go somewhere else private, like in a closet or under-

neath a bed or on a bed,” she said.

“Once they start doing that, they’re going to continue going there.”

Choosing a family pet

Picking the right dog or cat for your family is a big decision and shouldn’t be done solely by the parents,

When it comes to making your home safe for pets, Brokar recommends taking the same precautions as if child-proofing your home.

“All the dangers are the same,” he said, adding electrical cords should be stored properly and trash cans should be covered, especially in bathrooms where there may be discarded razors.

“You don’t want your kids digging in there, and you don’t want your dog pulling a shaving razor out of a trash can,” Brokar said.

The same goes for cleaning supplies and prescription medications.

“Make sure they’re up high or your cabinets are locked with baby locks,” he said. “Dogs will get bored and get into things that they shouldn’t.”

Brokar and Price emphasize using several interactive toys to keep dogs stim-

ulated and focused so they won’t get into mischief.

“They’re like kids in that they get bored, and they’ll go looking for something to do,” Price said, adding the toys don’t have to be new but a different one should be introduced every two or three days.

Price suggests putting a new dog in a crate or a small room when you’re not home to reduce potential problems while you’re away.

“Don’t let them have the whole household,” she said.

Plants and food

Brokar suggests not letting your pet chew on any household plants.

“There could be chemicals that were used on the plant,” he said. “Even if it is a so-called ‘safe’ plant, that could still be harmful, and there are poisonous plants.”

However, certain grasses are safe for cats to eat.

“They still get those nutrients and whatever they’re attracted to without harming your plants,” he said.

Poinsettias, on the other hand, are toxic to dogs and cats.

“I personally don’t have plants in my house because I have pets,” Price said. “It’s just a safety factor for me.”

Another key point Price makes about feeding your animals: People food is for people, not your pets. Certain foods can be harmful to household animals.

“I know we like to give them little snacks,” she said, “but dog food is for dogs and cat food is for cats.”

Fighting boredom

The key to reducing behavior problems and fighting boredom for your dog

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Planning: Cats and dogs need exercise Continued from 6 or cat is to socialize them, exercise them and mentally stimulate them as much as possible.

“Physically and mentally exercise your pets,” Price said. “A tired dog is a good dog; a tired cat is a good cat. They need to play; they need to exercise.

They need socialization. That makes a very well-rounded pet (and) a happy pet.”

“We get a lot of animals from people who can’t take the (bad) behavior anymore,” Brokar added. “When in reality, they’re just fine. They’re just bored.”

Price encourages pet owners to take advantage of the shelter’s training and agility programs, as well as behavior consulting.

Information about those services can be found on the Helping Hands website at www. hhhstopeka.org.

“We like to be able to see every pet — cats and dogs — stay in their home,” she said.

Unfamiliar animals

Increasing the chances your child will be safe when they’re around Fido or Fluffy — or around an unfamiliar animal — can be accomplished by taking some simple steps, Price said.

If a dog is unknown to a child, Price said, the child should always ask for permission to pet the animal.

“Not all dogs want to be petted by kids,” she said, adding

Jake Gatchell/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

When a pet establishes a “spot” in the house where they’re comfortable, the area should be left alone by children and other family members. it’s best to have the child pet the back of the dog. “We tell kids not to hang their heads or get in (the dogs’) faces, because some dogs have what I call a ‘bubble’ and they don’t like that closeness, especially from strangers.”

Price said a child should offer a treat with an open palm to the side of the dog or put the treat on the ground.

“So that fingers don’t get bitten,” she said.

Because summer’s a time when children and animals are outside more frequently and with walks to and from school beginning in August, Price said children need to be

aware of how to handle themselves when encountering a stray dog.

“Leave it alone,” she said.

“Don’t go near it; don’t run away from it. Keep your eye on it and walk away from it, or put something in between you and the dog — like a tree, a car, a bike, things like that —

if they’re following you. But leave the dog alone.”

If possible, the child should tell a trusted adult that a loose dog is in the neighborhood, so animal control officers can be notified.

Angela Deines is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at angela.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Dry herbs quickly with the use of your car The quickest way in the world to dry herbs: Just lay a sheet of newspaper on the seat of your car and arrange the herbs in a single layer, then roll up the windows and close the doors.

Your herbs will be quickly dried to perfection. What’s more, your car will smell great.

Source: Paul James, host of “Gardening by the Yard” on HGTV

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Service Directory

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