At Home Living 082215

homes.cjonline.com

REALTOR

®

Saturday, August 22, 2015 An Advertising Feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Jaime Hancock Garden Column – Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Party – Service Directory – Open House Directory –

2 3 7 8

2 | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Renovating the lawn for fall Jamie Hancock

jamiehan@ksu.edu “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” At what point do you determine that your lawn is “broke” and needs “fixin”? There is a general rule of thumb that if 50% of the lawn is in good condition then work on improving it by killing weeds and overseeding with K-State recommended turf grass seed. If less than 50% is in good condition it may be time to “fix what’s broke”.

“Fixin” your lawn will take serious commitment. Timing is critical and all actions needed should not be attempted in one weekend. A successful new lawn requires careful planning and frequent attention until establishment, but the results should be well worth the effort.

September is the best time to seed (or overseed) a lawn. The soil is warm and seeds germinate very quickly allowing time for good root development before winter. Plus, there is less weed competition than in spring. October 15th is generally considered the last day for planting a lawn in the fall.

In the past the popular seed mix was K-31.While it was very hardy it had the appearance of pasture grasses and an unacceptable level of weed and “other” seed.

A much better choice for our area is a tall fescue blend. Find these at your local nurseries and garden stores. They are blends using K-State recommendations for varieties that grow best in our area. Be care-

A Note From

The Gardener

ful if buying pre-packaged blends from the large convenience stores. They often have an unacceptable level of weed and “other” seed. If you try to save money on seed you will be spending it on weed killer later and still not have a quality lawn.

Steps for renovation  Take a soil test. This will determine if any essential nutrients are deficient. Go to www.shawnee.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/ soil-testing.html for directions for the test.  Kill existing vegetation. (If you are overseeding use Trimec, Weed-Out, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-B-Gon Max plus Crabgrass killer, and similar products to kill broadleaf weeds only.) Use Round-Up to kill ALL weeds and grass in the area chosen for renovation. Do this at least 2 weeks before planting new seed. Shortening this time will result in plants not being fully killed. Tilling too soon will only cause perennials to regenerate. (Wait one month if overseeding.)  Grade soil surface so it drains water away from the house and blends into the surrounding terrain. Avoid adding or removing soil around trees. Remove any

dead plant material.  Amend soil. Add compost and fertilizer as recommended by the soil test. Till 10-12 inches deep or as deep as possible.

This should be done several weeks before planting allowing time for soil to settle.

Avoid tilling inside the drip-line of trees.

The small feeder roots will be damaged.

Avoid over-tilling that results in the soil being beaten to the consistency of flour.  Hand rake for the final phase making it smooth to mow or walk on.  Sow seed at the recommended rate.

(Tall fescue blends should be seeded at 6-8 pounds per 1000 square foot.) A gravityflow spreader that drops the seed between the wheels is the most accurate method but, a rotary spreader is faster. Sow half the total amount of seed in one direction and the other half at a right angle to the first. Use half the amount of seed for overseeding. Seeding too lightly or poor seeding techniques will result in a thin, clumpy and weedy lawn. Heavy seeding results in turf dying due to overcrowding, poor rooting and disease problems.  Keep the soil continuously moist until grass is established. Once seeds germinate

they must not dry out or they will die. Water three times per day for 10 minutes for two weeks. Slowly back off the watering times. Don’t stop cold turkey and expect the grass to survive. Teach it to live.  Do not use chemical control for broadleaf weeds from one month before planting until the new grass has been mowed three times. An exception is siduron (Tupersan), a pre-emergence herbicide.

HANCOCK continues on 4A

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | 3

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Party metal vases filled with sunflowers alongside bowls of shiny red apples. Galvanized mini-buckets can hold utensils, while Many people find the approaching end washtubs set off to the side can store iced of summer to be somewhat sad. No more beverages.

Pay homage to back-to-school season by swimming, boating, and cookouts. It’s time to put away the outdoor gear in favor of hanging school banners and pennants. Or, since both the Royals look to be headed to leaf rakes and snow shovels.

However, other people (myself includ- the payoffs and the Chiefs are back in aced) say to summer, “Don’t let the door hit tion, try decorating with team parapheryou on your way out, and take the heat and nalia. One of my favorite things to do for a party is to set up a television outside so humidity with you!”

Whether you’re saying so long to sum- sports fans (of which I’m one) can watch mer or welcome to fall, now is a great time the game. Just be sure to station the TV in for one last cookout to celebrate the transi- the shade for optimum viewing.

For the menu, I decided to go with some tion.

Start with decorating your deck or patio. traditional summer foods mixed with Picture a rustic, casual evening outdoors favorite sport-watching munchies and with plenty of hay bales scattered about, dishes that utilize the season’s harvest. Of some covered with soft (and washable) course, the grill takes center stage for one throw blankets. Color choices could be last encore. Stick with tradition by cooka combination of summer and fall, with ing up some hot dogs and hamburgers, and bright yellow and red mixed with muted then set up a condiment bar so people can choose their own toppings. (You may want green, orange, and brown.

For the table, a burlap runner will give to hold a fun contest for the most creative it a rustic look and a neutral backdrop for hamburger and hot dog, with prizes.) Also, other decorations. In the center, position condiment combinations, such as how to

By Linda A. Ditch

Special to The Capital-Journal

make a Chicago dog, can be printed and framed to set on the bar, or written on a chalkboard.

The grill may also be used to create two appetizer favorites—Buffalo wings and potato skins. You can also grill corn on the cob and serve it with a cheesy Parmesan herb butter. Potato and macaroni salad would make nice side dishes, but I prefer to make a farm-fresh cherry tomato salad topped with balsamic vinaigrette for a lighter, and more refreshing, alternative.

As the sun goes down and the temperatures cool, light up a campfire. Whether you’re using a fire bowl or fire pit, it should ideally be located 50 feet from any combustible material. Pay attention to both nearby buildings and overhanging trees, plus the wind speed since burning should be avoided when the wind blows between 5 to 15 miles per hour. Also, you’ll want to have a water source available and only burn normal fireplace-type wood.

Anything larger than a campfire-sized blaze, such as a bonfire, requires a burn

PARTY continues on 6A

Linda A Ditch/Special to The Capital-Journal

Fall party food.

4 | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Hancock: Regular mowing promotes grass spread Continued from 2A  Mowing. A common mistake is to wait too long before mowing new grass.

As soon as cool-season grasses reach a height of 3 inches, mow with a sharp blade set at a height of 2 inches. Regular mowing stimulates grass to spread rather than grow upright.  If a soils test is not performed, a lawn starter fertilizer can be applied according to package directions. Too much fertilizer can burn tender new grass. Don’t overfertilize.

Establishing a new lawn is a lot of work.

If done well you will save yourself time and money. Start with good seed and prepare well. The rewards will be well worth it.

Next week’s article will cover overseeding when full renovation is not necessary.

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

Note: The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners will present “Gardening to Attack Bees and Butterflies” at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public

Library on August 27th at 7:00 pm. Learn the ins and outs of attracting bees and butterflies to your yard.

This is great information to start or enhance your butterfly experiences.

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | 5

6 | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Party: What do you need?

Continued from 3A permit. Larger outdoor fires are only allowed during specific time periods the fall and spring. For more information, visit the fire department’s website, www.topeka. org/TFD/ and click on the Burn Permits:

Informational Flier link located on the home page.

Once the fire is going, it’s time for s’mores. Set up a bar with all the traditional fixings of milk chocolate bars, graham crackers, and marshmallow, as well as some non-traditional selections, such

Grilled Buffalo Wings Makes 24 wing pieces

1 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce (I used Franks Red Hot) 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon celery seed 2 garlic cloves 12 whole chicken wings To prepare the Buffalo sauce: Place the hot sauce, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and celery seed in a small sauce pan. Smash the garlic cloves and add to the sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Removed the garlic cloves and set aside.

Cut the chicken wings into pieces, discarding the wing tips. Grill over medium to medium-high heat until crispy and cooked through, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove wings from the grill, dip in the buffalo sauce, and place on a platter to serve.

Grilled Potato Skins Serves 4 to 8

4 baked russet potatoes Oil Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup grated cheddar or pepper-jack cheese 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled or chopped Sour cream, for garnish Chopped green onions, for garnish Heat the grill to medium-high. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and, using a spoon, scoop out the flesh from the center, making sure to leave about 1/4 to 1/2-inch of the flesh inside of the potato skin. Brush the potato halves lightly with oil on both sides and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place the potato halves cut side down onto the hot grill grate. Cook the potato halves until browned and crisp, and then turn to the skin side. Divide the grated cheese between the potato halves, close the grill lid, and cook only until the cheese is melted.

Remove the potato halves from the grill. Top with crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions.

Cherry Tomato Salad 2 pints cherry tomatoes, cut in half 1/2 purple onion, finely diced 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh minced basil 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Place all of the ingredients into a bowl. Stir gently to combine. Best served at room temperature. If made ahead of time, cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before serving.

as peanut butter cups, sliced strawberries, and raspberry jam. Also have plenty of roasting sticks at the ready.

Another sweet treat are bowls of caramel corn to munch on around the fire. My favorite recipe is made with maple syrup—the real stuff, not the artificial kind.

Kids love it!

One final gathering of friends and family is a lovely way to end the summer. It will also add to the memories to keep us warm as we settle into the colder months ahead.

Grilled Corn with Parmesan Butter Serves 4 to 8

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 8 ears of corn Oil To make the Parmesan butter: In a small bowl, place the butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mash the ingredients together and mix until well blended. Spoon into a serving dish, cover and chill until ready to use. (Remove from the refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften. Note: This butter also makes great cheesy garlic bread.)

Shuck the ears of corn. Wrap each in a damp paper towel and place in the microwave. Cook on high for 5 minutes. Remove from the paper towel and place on a grill over high heat. Grill, turning often, until each ear has browned grill marks all around. Remove from the grill and serve with the Parmesan butter.

Maple Popcorn Butter for bowl and spoon 10 cups popped popcorn 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 1 cup assorted nuts

Butter the inside of a large bowl, plus a large mixing spoon. Set aside. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Set aside.

Pour the maple syrup into a deep-sided, heavy-bottomed sauce pan. Over medium-high heat, bring the syrup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to boil until it reaches 236 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Place the popcorn and nuts into the buttered bowl. Slowly pour the hot maple syrup over the top of the popcorn/nuts and quickly stir until all of the popcorn is coated with the syrup.

Pour the popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Allow the popcorn to cool and set. Enjoy, or store in an airtight container.

PARTY continues on 10A

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | 7

Service Directory

Service Directory

Boost your brand, product or service with an ad in the service directory! At Home Living is read by home owners, buyers and sellers across the Topeka and surrounding area. To place your ad contact your MultiMedia Sales Consultant or 785.295.1125.

8 | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | 9

10 | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Party: Party necessities Hot Dog and Hamburger Bar Necessities:

 Regular and poppy-seed hot dog buns  Regular and onion hamburger buns  Ketchup  Mustards, yellow and brown  Barbecue sauce  Mayonnaise  Salsa  Sweet pickle relish  Dill pickle slices

 Dill pickle spears  Diced onion  Sliced purple onion  Sautéed onions  Banana pepper slices  Jalapeno pepper slices  Sauerkraut  Tomato slices  Lettuce leaves  Chili  Coleslaw  Crispy bacon, sliced and crumbles

 Nacho cheese  Blue cheese crumbles  Sliced American, cheddar, and pepper-jack cheeses  Grated cheddar cheese

S’mores Bar Necessities:  Graham crackers in regular, cinnamon, and chocolate  Chocolate-covered graham cracker cookie squares  Marshmallows

Continued from 6A  Chocolate bars in milk, dark, mint and cookies ‘n’ crème flavors  Carmel chocolate bars  Sliced strawberries  Peanut butter  Chocolate hazelnut spread  Raspberry jam  Roasting sticks

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | 11

12 | Saturday, August 22, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home