From tobacco to strawberries Brothers farming the good earth BY JEAN GORDON
home the brothers grew up in a family of eight and helped work in the tobacco field, raise boar F O R E S T C I T Y goats, cattle and tobacco. obacco farmers growing up “But never raised strawberin Kentucky, Charles Moss ries in my life,” Charles said. and his brother Leroy have After reading mounds of litbecome strawberry farmers near erature they gathered from the Forest City. Rutherford County Cooperative On more than an acre of Extension Office, the South property off Bronze Circle Drive, Carolina Cooperative Extension the brothers and Charles’ wife, offices and North Carolina State Debra, believe by April 20 they’ll University, Charles and Leroy be harvesting their first berries. planted 10,000 strawberry plants They planted two varieties — this year and in two or three Chandlers and Sweet Charlies. weeks, they believe they’ll be Having grown up on a tobacco selling their first strawberries. farm, they understand the hard Tobacco and strawberries are work farming requires but they both grown on raised beds so are doing what they love. At that fact gave them a head start JGORDON@THEDIGITALCOURIER.COM
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on preparing their fields. The brothers, along with good friend Faye Morrow, who formerly owned the property, dropped the 10,000 plants on 1.4 acres of property. As Charles and Leroy worked in the fields early Monday morning, they said the plants scattered. Although adjacent, the plots are in two separate fields. One field has the Chandlers and the other Sweet Charlies. Charles and Debra moved to the county three years ago after buying the home and farmland from Faye and his wife Brenda Morrow. SEE BERRIES/PAGE C6
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Charles Moss (right) and his brother Leroy check on the progress of a double row of Chandler strawberries at their farm in Forest City.
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As the strawberry ripens the white petals surrounding it wither and fall off giving way to the fruit’s change in color from yellow to red.
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Extension Briefs Aphids here and there
leaves at the end of the season. Plant debris should be buried or burned. Removing nearby susceptible plants, like rose-of- Sharon and mallow weeds, is important to prevent new sources of inoculum. Chemical control can be achieved through the use of products containing chlorothalonil or myclobutanil.
information on why you should go native. The Going Native web-site assists you in developing your own plant listing Aphids are appearing in the landscape geared towards your landscape. An interon various plants. These soft-bodied, fragactive database will help you select the ile little insects are most often found on native plants that will attract the wildlife the tender growing tips of plants. Pansies species you want to have in your landand iris are among the first spring plants scape. The growing conditions of native to show aphids, but I’ve also detected plants are based on typical locations in the honeydew dropping from certain hardwild but some species may perform well wood trees upon unsuspecting windon sites in urban areas that fall outside of shields parked beneath. Southern bacterial wilt Insecticidal soap is a good managethese site parameters. ment product, but if there are not too For example, bald cypress grows Here in North Carolina, southern bacmany consider just wiping them off. in swampy areas in the wild, but also terial wilt is one of the most commonly Unless numbers are severe, there will be grows well on dry, compacted soils in diagnosed diseases of tomatoes in the little damage of any consequence. Howurban landscapes. The plant selection home gardens and production fields. ever, on iris, later in the season tiny yellistings will allow you to search for the low spots may occur long after the aphids This disease is found throughout the different plant materials using location, have disappeared. Aphid populations are Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of the light requirement, soil moisture, foliage state. mostly seasonal on any one plant, but It is caused by the soil-borne bacterial (evergreen or deciduous), wildlife value aphids can be found somewhere through(ex. Hummingbird nectar plant), bloom out the growing season. Their presence is pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, and is most commonly found on tomatoes, pep- period, fruit/seed availability and deer inconsequential on many plants. resistance. pers, potatoes, tobacco and other memOnce you’re planning is complete, the bers of the nightshade family. Brown web-site creates a plant listing that can be discoloration of the vascular tissue in Hollyhock rust stems and leaves is a distinctive symptom used in visiting garden centers & nurseries for your plant materials. The web-site of bacterial wilt. Hollyhock rust is caused by the funThe discoloration is caused by bacteria also lists invasive & exotic plants of the gus Puccinia malvacearum. This very southeast. colonizing the plant’s vascular tissue, destructive disease often limits the use plugging it up. The plant loses its ability to of hollyhocks in the Southern landscape. conduct water, which results in yellowing Symptoms of rust infection begin as and wilting, especially during the hottest For new vegetable gardeners light yellow to orange spots on the upper part of the day. Infected plants quickly colleaf surface. Brown pustules develop on lapse and die. Diseased plants should be For first-time vegetable gardeners the underside of the leaves and erupt to removed and susceptible species should learning how various vegetable crops reveal bright orange rust spores. not be planted back into infested areas. grow and when the best time to harvest These spores are windblown to them can be challenging. General mainhealthy leaves and infection begins again. tenance for a vegetable garden requires Disease increases rapidly because hollyGoing native in your landscape watering, fertilizing, pest management hock rust can infect over and over again. and sanitation. The plants become very unsightly as the Vegetables require at least 1-inch of For those looking for options using infected leaves start to die and fall off. water per week, which is about 75 gallons native plant materials, check out N.C. Typically, rusts are highly host-specifof water per 100 square feet of garden ic. This particular rust infects hollyhocks State University’s “Going Native-Urban area. and other members of the mallow family. Landscaping For Wildlife With Native Remember to water at the base of the Plants” website (http://www.ncsu.edu/ Control rust by limiting leaf wetness. plants to keep the foliage dry. After plantgoingnative/ ). Avoid overhead watering and space The web-site will give you step-by-step ing, long-season vegetables like tomatoes, plants to improve air circulation and proinformation on how to develop your own peppers and cucumbers will need at least mote leaf drying. Rust can overwinter in landscape plan and implement the native one sidedressing of 3 cups 10-10-10 fertilplant debris so sanitation is important. plant materials suited to your area. There izer per 100 square feet. Apply the fertilRemove infected leaves in early spring and remove infected stalks and lower is a short, 10-minute video that shares izer at least 4 to 6 inches away from the
base of the plants. Keep the area around the garden weed-free. Removal of any disease-infested plants can help in preventing further spread of plant diseases. Mulching will also help in decreasing the amount of weeds in the garden while also conserving water. Organic mulches such as straw, leaves and compost decompose naturally in the soil over time. Routinely checking your vegetable plants will help in eliminating many of the potential insect and disease problems. Turn over the leaves to check for insects. The nutritional content, freshness, and flavor that vegetables possess depend on the stage of maturity and the time of day at which they are harvested. Over mature vegetables will be stringy and coarse. When possible, harvest vegetables during the cool part of the morning and process them as soon as possible. For snap beans, begin harvesting before seeds develop in the pods. Beans are ready to pick if they snap easily when bent in half. With sweet corn the silks at the end of the ear of corn will begin to turn brown and dry out as they mature. Check a few ears for maturity by opening the top of the ear and pressing a few kernels with your thumbnail. If the liquid exuded is milky rather than clear, the ear is ready for harvest. For cucumbers, begin picking when the fruits are deep green, before a yellow color appears. Pick 4 to 5 times per week to encourage continuous production from your plants. Mature cucumbers left on the vine will slow and stop the production of the entire plant. Properly fertilizing & watering, eliminating weeds and removing diseased plants will help keep your garden healthy and productive through the summer months. Content provided by: Stephen Bambara, Extension Entomologist-N.C. State University; Steve Franks, Extension Entomologist-N.C. State University; the NCSU Plant Insect & Disease Clinic; and Jan McGuinn, Extension Agent- Agriculture.
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Russ Burnick (left) and Shannon Calton carry on a conversation in front of Burnick’s daffodils and pansies on opening day at the Farmers Market of Rutherford County just as the day was coming to an end. The day was a little slow on Tuesday but farmers, craftspeople and bakers attended and sold items. The market, located off U.S. 74A is open Tuesday from 7 a.m.to 12 noon; Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
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Managing difficult yard situations M Rutherford County couple Lisa Higgins (left) and Brandon Higgins (right) review their goals for the Ag Big Planner program with their mentor, Mitchel Pridmore (center), a loan officer who works out of the Spindale Service Center of Carolina Farm Credit.
Program educates young, small farmers FROM STAFF REPORTS
FOREST CITY — Brandon and Lisa Higgins of Rutherfordton are participating in an innovative program designed to educate young, beginning, small and minority farmers about successfully managing their operation. The Farm Credit University (FCU) Ag Big Planner program teaches financial management skills that provide a sound foundation for keeping their diverse operation growing. Carolina Farm Credit teamed up with four other Farm Credit institutions in the southeast to co-sponsor 32 program participants. The Higgins couple operates C-Saw Farm, a sustainable hog, broiler and beef operation they started in 2006. Customer demand led the Higgins to expand their operation to someday include an artisan cheese operation. “We’ve offered this course for four years, and participants find it invaluable. The types of loans and paperwork required
in agribusiness are unique and can be overwhelming. This course prepared individuals to discuss financing options to fund their operation, replace equipment, or expand the business,” says Michael Morton, CEO and president of Carolina Farm Credit. The college-level, 10-module, online course began in the fall and takes six months to complete. In addition to budgeting and financial andmanagement skills, the course emphasizes how to capitalize and navigate the challenges in agribusiness. By the end of the course, the couple will design a strategic business plan for their unique small farming operation. In addition to the online course, the couple has a close mentoring relationship with Mitchel Pridmore, a loan officer from the Spindale Service Center of of Carolina Farm Credit. In North Carolina, the program is also being partially funded by a grant from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commissioner.
any homeowners aim for a picture perfect lawn complete with rolling acres of soft, green grass. But Mother Nature may have other things in mind, providing homeowners with less-than-stellar growing conditions for their lawns, plants and other foliage. Frustration can mount when a yard is muddy, is especially shady or has soil that doesn’t seem to grow a thing. In such instances, homeowners may have to go the extra mile to get the yard they desire.
Irrigation issues
Improper drainage or low-lying areas in a yard may contribute to a muddy mess. Soil that is inhospitable for grass also may end up causing muddy patches because the grass simply does not grow. In some cases, remedying a muddy yard is easy and inexpensive. Some homeowners find that tilling the soil and amending it with a fiber mulch helps to absorb extra water and make the conditions better for lawn seeds to sprout. This also helps to aerate compacted soil that can hinder grass growth. Adding soil fill also may help to level low-lying areas that can be puddling. Some homeowners find that they need to do a little more work and spend some more money to fix irrigation issues. Installing a draining system or having the property sloped to draw water away can sometimes be done by a homeowner but is often best left to a professional. You may need to dig trenches, and the property may need to be regraded to make a difference.
Sandy soil
Grass and other plants may
Shady situations may impede grass growth in a yard. not grow well with sandy or clay soil. Again, amending the soil is one way to remedy the problem. Although it will take some work at the outset, amending the soil can improve conditions and reduce how much maintenance the lawn needs. Digging down several inches and adding nutrient-rich filler soil will help create conditions that are better for growing. Those who are interested in planting vegetables could opt for raised garden beds above the challenging soil.
Shade
Sometimes a yard is problematic because of the amount of sunshine it receives. Too much sunshine can scald certain grasses, while inadequate sunshine may result in bare patches where grass won’t grow. If cost is no object, removing or planting trees to establish better growing condi-
tions could be an option. However, today there are many grass blends that are tailored toward specific sunlight scenarios. Homeowners may find that low-light blends will grow better in shady areas. For those who are finding no luck with grass blends, it may just be necessary to think creatively. Plant shade-loving plants, such as ferns or ground cover, where the grass won’t take. Design the landscape so it looks intentional. Flagstone and slate placed in certain areas also may mask temperamental growing areas. There are different options for managing various situations in the yard that can make growing lawn or other plants challenging. If projects are difficult, it could be smart to call in a professional. Metro Creative Connection contributed to this report.
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ACE EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE
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Gardening classes offered at Cooperative Extension office FROM STAFF REPORTS
SPINDALE — For those who would like to learn more about gardening, the following sessions are of fered through the Ruther ford Extension Center, Callahan Koon Road in Spindale. The programs are free; but reser vations are required. Register for each class at least one week prior to the class by calling 2876011. April 12: Unusual Fruits: Wanna Go Bananas? Maybe Nuts? Or Just Fr uity? The program will focus on growing banana trees, hazelnuts, pomegranates and figs at home. May 11: Herbs Many culinar y herbs will work well in the garden. Lear n about their care and har vest techniques to use for a favorite meal. June 14: Hot Perennials For the summer garden, find out more about which perennials sur vive best in full sun and limited
moisture conditions in the area. July 13: Demonstration Garden Explore the Extension Demonstration & Teaching Garden. Many plant varieties will be on display in the Raised Bed Gardens, Japanese Garden, Rain Garden, Daylily Display Garden, Pittosporum Garden and Butterfly Garden. August 9: Lawns Caring for a lawn can be a challenge. Learn about the best turfgrass varieties to plant, types of fer tilizer to use and how to maintain the lawn. September 14: Made in the Shade For landscapes with limited sunlight, plant materials will be used for shade garden. October 11: Mums A fall favorite, the class will concentrate on the types of chrsanthemums that can work well in any garden. Learn the steps needed for a fall flower display.
Pesticide Collection Day April 24 FROM STAFF REPORTS
SPINDALE — Pesticides from the home or farm that are no is use can be safely disposed of on Wednesday, April 24. The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Ser vices’ Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program, in cooperation with the Rutherford County Extension Center will be of fering this Pesticide Disposal Day for residents in Ruther ford County and all of the surrounding North Carolina counties. The Pesticide Disposal Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ruther ford County Extension Center located at 193 Callahan-Koon Road in Spindale. Nearly all pesticide products will be accepted at this disposal
event, including banned and outdated pesticides. For pesticides with unreadable or mission labels, please contact the Extension Center for instructions. Save any por tion of the label to help identify the materials so you can be assisted with disposal. Unknown materials cannot be accepted. For pesticide containers greater than 5 gal. in size, please contact the Extension Center at 287-6011, before pesticide day. Each year the Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program visits between 40-50 counties to collect unwanted and unused pesticides. For additional information on transporting the pesticides safely to the Disposal event, contact Jan McGuinn at the Rutherford Extension Center.
Bat Cave Preserve clean up continues FROM STAFF REPORTS
BAT CAVE — The Nature Conservancy is removing invasive plants from the Bat Cave Preserve in Hickory Nut Gorge. Since the preserve is open by invitation only, volunteers who assist with the work are invited to receive an afternoon lesson from a naturalist. Work and Learn Oppor tunities include “Rich Cove Wildflowers” on April 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on May 11, “Ferns and Mosses” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the morning, participants will remove exotic invasive species such
as privet, Japanese honeysuckle and English ivy that threaten the biodiversity of the preserve. After lunch, an expert will lead a walk through the preserve. The preser ve is par ticularly attractive in the spring because of its abundance of spring wildflowers, including bloodroot, toothwort, trillium, and violets. Two rare salamander species are found in the preserve s well. For more details or to register, contact Tara Granke at Mtns_Volunteers@tnc.org or call 828-350-1431 ext. 104.
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Identifying garden preferences A personal garden is only limited by the constraints of a person’s imagination. The vast array of plants and flowers available from all over the world can turn anyone’s yard into a melange of functional spaces. When designing a garden, many homeowners do not know where to begin. Much like decorating the interior of a home, how a garden landscape is executed depends on various factors.
Climate and conditions
The foremost consideration when planting a garden is the climate where the garden will be located. Planting items that are not conducive to growing in certain conditions can be counterintuitive and a waste of money and effort. Prospective gardeners must become familiar with the hardiness zones of their region prior to making any plans. This will help you to determine which types of plants will thrive on your landscape. Once this is determined, examination of the soil and conditions on the property is also helpful. Taking this step will help identify any plant deterrents, such as poor soil quality and pH as well as any pests that may impede plant growth. If you live in a hot, sandy location, lush tropical plants may not thrive. Therefore, even if you desire a Mediterranean look, you may have to settle for something that works better with your landscape conditions.
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A field of Black Eye Susan flowers may be someone’s idea of the perfect garden. For example, an extensive Asian-inspired garden complete with koi pond and bonsai may look odd in front of a log home. Keep architecture in mind when planning a garden so the look of the home you present is cohesive and fits with the community and immediate vicinity.
Design preferences
large area. Most plants are allowed to grow as they may. Those who like a dr eamy ether eal feel to their gardens may be inspired by cottage designs, where generously filled borders overflow into a flower and foliage paradise. If you are more inclined to follow the rules and like an orderly landscape, a par ter re, or formal planting bed, may be more your style. When carefully pruned, box hedging can show off symmetry and geometry in your space. Some people are more focused on the accents in their gardens than the plants themselves. Moder n architecture pairs well with a contemporary style that blends minimalist accents and easy-tomaintain plants. Although you can change plants in your garden, investing in a garden that you will be happy with for a long time is a costly venture. You may want to consult a landscape architect or local nurser y to find the plants and trees that fit with your design and lifestyle. These experts can also instruct you in how to maintain all of your hard work and when to expect the full impact of your new landscape to take form. Homeowners can browse ideas for gardens in magazines and online, but ultimately it will be up to their personal design preferences and the climate where their home is located to determine which garden will look and grow best.
Are you a free spirit who doesn’t confor m to convention with firm boundaries? Or are you one who likes order and things in their place? Knowing what makes you tick will help you to choose a gardening style that will be easier to maintain and also make you feel comfortable. For example, prairie-style Style of the home planting or wildflower Metro Creative Landscaping designs gardens are dramatic Connection contributed to often tie into the archi- ways to create natural this report. tectural style of a home. points of color over a
Tackle flying pests in the yard The warmer months provide ample opportunities for outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying time spent in the yard as a family. But moments in the fresh air and sunshine can be negatively affected by the presence of flying, buzzing or biting bugs. When the weather warms, insects that may have been dormant during the winter begin to exit their dens and reproduce in earnest. Many insects overwinter as eggs and larvae, and multitudes break their dormancy at the same time as host plants. Beetles, flies, gnats, bees, mosquitoes, termites, butterflies, moths, and many other bugs can be seen in abundance in the spring. While there are people who enjoy bugs’ presence as true harbingers of the new season, others who are less enamored with flying insects, especially when they make time outdoors into an exercise in discomfor t. Homeowners concerned about the presence of flying insects in their yard can take various steps to manage sharing outdoor spaces with insect life.
Prevention
Dif ferent varieties of insects begin their lives as eggs that may hatch into nymphs or worm-like creatures known as lar vae. Oftentimes, these eggs are deposited in water or in damp areas. Mosquito larvae, for example, thrive in
stagnant water before they turn into winged, biting insects. Keeping outdoor areas free of standing water and ensuring proper drainage are two ways to reduce the population of certain bugs in the yard. Welcoming animals, such as birds and bats that feed on a trove of insects, to the yard can naturally keep insect numbers down. Flies lay about 50 to 100 eggs at one time. The eggs will hatch into maggots in as little as 12 hours after being deposited. Keeping yards free from decaying matter, especially around enter taining areas, can limit the number of flies in the yard.
Traps
There are a variety of different traps on the market geared toward different insect life. Most use some sort of attractant, whether a scent or light to lure the insects to the trap. Then the bugs fall inside and cannot get out. Although there are some chemical-based traps or bug “zappers,” there are other more natural traps and more humane options, too. Setting traps away from patios and living spaces will lure the insects to the traps and keep them away from you. Once the trapped insects expire, you can bury them in the ground to naturally decompose. Setting traps out ver y early in the season will help
to trap as many emerging insects as possible. You also may be able to trap the queens of certain insects, like bees or wasps, further reducing the number of bugs you will see throughout the year.
Repellents
Repellents are natural or chemically derived formulas that are worn or placed in proximity to people. These repellents want insects to find them. Once found, the repellents’ smell or taste is deemed questionable by the insects, who will then seek out other areas to reside. Repellents will vary in ef ficacy and some may need to be reapplied frequently to remain effective. However, they are a useful tool when you will not be staying in one spot in the yard.
Screens
If you spend ample time outdoors, especially at dusk, then investing in a screened-in room may be the way to go. This way you can enjoy the weather while the insects stay on the other side of the screen. In climates where three-season swimming is possible, some homeowners actually create screened-in rooms that encompass their entire pool. Metro Creative Connections contributed to this report.
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In most cases, pool water will not damage lawns because the chlorine level is not high enough.
Can pools and lawns cohabitate peacefully? Increase storage possibilities
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Messy closets and clutter elsewhere in the home may be indicative of a storage deficit. But there are ways to easily increase storage space.
The backyard has become a go-to destination for warm weather recreation. As the “staycation” has grown in popularity, more ef for t has been put for th in making the backyard a place where all members of the household can enjoy themselves. That means merging interests into one space. A pool may be competing for acreage along with a decorative patch of lawn. Some homeowners wonder if lawns and pools can be successful alongside each other. Many question if chlorinated pool water poses any ill ef fects on the grass in the backyard. In addition to splash-out of water during fun times in the pool, water also will be tracked across the lawn from children and adults exiting the pool or will flood the grass when it is necessar y to clean and “backwash” the filter. Will you be left with a dried-out patch of chlorine-burnt lawn? Probably not. Healthy chlorine levels in a pool are kept so that the pool water is gener-
ally on par with the chlorine levels contained in regular tap water. You wouldn’t hesitate turning on the hose to water your lawn, so you shouldn’t be overly concerned about pool water splashing out of the pool, particularly if you are stringent about maintaining the proper pH levels and chlorine levels. Also, soil can withstand chlorine at high acid levels and is pretty resilient about self-correcting. Furthermore, grass blades are selective about which nutrients they absorb, so excess chlorine likely will not penetrate the grass blades. Chlorine also dissipates in the sun. Therefore, while the levels may be elevated upon just hitting the grass, over a short while the chlorine will essentially be used up and pose no additional threat to the surrounding lawn. Some people have actually said that watering your lawn with pool water can be an ecofriendly way of curbing water usage. Therefore,
it may be safely used on lawns and most flowering plants. It is unadvisable to water vegetable gardens with pool water because of any trace levels of other chemicals that may be found in the pool water. Homeowners still concerned about exposing their lawns to pool water can create a buffer zone around the pool. In-ground pools are traditionally bordered by concrete or patio blocks. Place stone or mulch around the perimeter of an above-ground pool to catch any splashes and to create a barrier between the pool and the lawn. Also, direct backwashed water through a long tube and have it flow it to an area away from the lawn. Pool owners who want to have vibrant grass likely don’t need to worry about chlorine damaging their lawns. In fact, the lawns may flourish with the extra watering. Metro Creative Connection contributed to this report.
Caring for a freshly sodded lawn Sod, sometimes called as much as $1 per twotur f, can quickly tur n foot square. Depending a barren landscape into on the size of your lawn, a rich, thick carpet of this can be a costly job green. Homeowners hop- even before adding the ing to revive their lawns cost of additional supcommonly turn to sod as plies, such as soil, fertilizthe quickest means to do er and tilling equipment. just that. However, once Many homeowners who the sod has been laid install sod want to ensure down, few homeowners their investment lasts. may know how to keep it Here are the main ways looking its best. to care for and protect Sod is real grass that is sod until it is fully estabgrown on special farms. It lished. is generally grown locally • Once the sod has to avoid long transpor t been laid down, the lawn times that could dr y out should be thoroughly the product. Sod is typi- soaked with water. Most cally sold in squares or experts recommend soakrolls of grass that come ing it to a depth of 6 inchw i t h t h e r o o t s a n d es. soil already • It is imporattached. There Sod is typically tant to estabmay be some sold in squares lish a watering sor t of thin chedule to or rolls of grass skeep backing materithe sod al on the sod to that come with m o i s t . Wa t e r keep the grass the roots and the sod to a blades together. soil already depth of one Many hominch ever y eowners tur n attached. other day for to sod when the first three growing lawn from seed weeks to enable the roots becomes pr oblematic to secur ely establish or too time-consuming. themselves in the soil. Seeds can be blown • Water the sod every around in the wind or be other day unless the eaten by birds and other weather has been ver y animals before they have warm. After four weeks a chance to germinate. you can generally go up Sodding a lawn is a to five days without watermajor investment, costing ing as long as you transi-
tion slowly. The sod will change colors if it is not getting enough water. Never let the lawn turn yellow, other wise you may have to cut out dead spots and re-sod. • Wait two to four weeks before mowing the sod. Keep the lawn height to around two inches to ensure that it won’t scald in the sun. • After two months of established sod growth, aerate the sod to keep the soil from being too compact and to enable oxygen and nutrients to get into the soil. • Keep children and pets off of the sod while it is establishing itself. • Fer tilize the lawn ever y 50 to 60 days, beginning in March and ending in October. • Inspect the sod for pests, which may include insects or problems like fungi or weeds. Treat accordingly with products designed to remove pests. Using sod to establish a lush lawn is a fast, albeit more expensive option to sowing seeds. After a few weeks the lawn will be thick and secure. Metro Creative Connection contributed to this report.
What homeowner has not lamented that they have many more belongings than they have storage space? In some homes, particularly in older homes, closet space and other areas to store items may be lacking. Apartment dwellers often find they’re lacking in storage space as well. But savvy homeowners can find both permanent and temporar y solutions to their home storage problems. One of the easiest ways to create storage space is to simply remove some belongings from the residence. Go through closets around the house and pick through the attic and/or garage to see if there are any items that can be discarded or donated. Items that are broken can be discarded, while those things that still have utility can be donated or sold. The next step is to maximize the space of your existing closets. Many closets are equipped with just a shelf and a clothing rack, greatly limiting the storage potential. Investing in a closet organization system is one way to transform a poorly utilized space. These systems can be purchased, often inexpensively, from a home improvement center. Compiled of modular racks and shelving, the positioning can be customized depending on
the size of the closet. space under the sink has Oftentimes, the addition already been claimed. of shelving or another Many apar tment rack for hanging clothes dwellers recognize the can solve some storage advantage of having issues. These closet sys- items that ser ve doutems also are ideal for ble-duty in their living renters because they spaces. For example, a can be installed with convertible sofa can be minimal damage and be used for sitting and then removed when a lease turn into a bed for overexpires. night guests. Ottomans H o m e o w n e r s m a y that have a storage comhave to think vertically partment can house anyto solve storage solu- thing from throw blantions. Wall space may kets to magazines. An be abundant in ar moir e may a home where house the telec l o s e t s a r e Investing in a vision but also n o t . T h e r e - closet have a pull-out fore, shelving organization shelf that can and cabinets hold a laptop system is one can be places computer. to keep items way to In the kitchneatly of f the transform a en, move food floor. A series poorly items out of of shelves can cabinetr y and utilized space. be installed into a “pannext to a washtry” you create ing machine to keep elsewhere in the house, laundr y supplies organized. In childr en’s such as a laundry room rooms, build bookcases or garage. This frees up the height of the room more room for pots and so children can store pans. Cabinets that have frequently used reading pull-out shelving help material and toys on the maximize tight recesslower levels, and adults es of cabinets and keep can put collectibles and things organized and mementos near the top. in sight. For those with Hang hooks to hold hats limited cabinets, pots and robes. Whenever and pans can be hung possible, look to store from a pot rack suspenditems on the walls where ed in the kitchen. Even when there is they will keep clutter off a small amount of storthe floor. S t o r a g e c a n e v e n age space, individuals be created in the bath- can find clever ways to room, where the space neatly store items. over the toilet can be Metro Creative used to hang a cabinet to store hand towels and Connection contributed to other toiletries if the this report.
NOW OPEN! Pinnacle Meats Glendon Sommers, Owner
1201 MCENTIRE ROAD RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139 located in the Greenhill Area just 2 miles off 64/74.
Meat Sales Coming Soon!
We offer custom slaughter for beef and pork, as well as sheep & goats.
WE CAN BE REACHED AT 286-9502 OR 429-3064 CELL
C6 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, April 7, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
To report news or sports, call 828-245-6431 or email dc@thedigitalcourier.com
Flowering Bridge annual plant sale T
L A K E
LU R E
he Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge will host their annual plant sale Saturday, April 20 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. in conjunction with the Gorge Sale on the Trail. All proceeds will go to further the development and
enhancement of the community project. In the search to fill the bridge gardens, the plant committee has gathered a large varietyof beautiful plants. Most of the plants were put in Saturday with expected full bloom by summer.
Each of the garden beds are diverse with different varieties of flowers, said committee chair Bill Miller. Hundreds of volunteers have been instrumental in building the bridge gardens with a cost savings of more than $300,000, Miller said.
Wildflower walks: what’s blooming? FROM STAFF REPORTS
CHIMNEY ROCK — Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock Park typically features an abundance of spectacular wildflowers in spring and fall with more than 550 species of vascular plants. Currently in bloom are the cut-leaf toothwort, bloodroot and Little Sweet Betsy Trillium at lower elevations in the Park. Phacelia, violets, redbud, spicebush and more trillium often appear in early April. Typical flowering trees and shrubs include magnolias, black locust, dogwood, and later in April, Carolina rhododendron. For more details on guided wildflower walks and the latest report on what’s blooming, visit chimneyrockpark.com.
Contributed photo
Spring wildflowers are in bloom in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.
ers, this hike will take you along the Four Seasons trail. Be prepared to walk 1-2 miles with frequent stops to study in detail some of the Park’s 700+ species of known plants. Led by wildflower photographer Steven Faucette. Cost: $18 for Adults, $3 for Annual Passholders; $9 for Child (ages 5-15), $2 for Grady’s Kids Club Spring Wildflower Members (includes Park Walk admission). Advance regisSaturday, April 20; tration required. 1-3pm The Park is often Mother’s Day Spring abundant with blooming Wildflower Walk wildflowers in the spring, S a t u r d a y, M a y including Trillium, vio- 11;11am-noon lets and flame azalea. On Celebrate Mother’s a quest to see a dazzling D a y s u r r o u n d e d b y variety of native wildflow-
blooming wildflowers on a beautiful spring hike. Bring your daughters, girl friends or the whole family! On a quest to see a dazzling variety of Park wildflowers, this hike may take you sightseeing along multiple trails. We’ll take frequent stops to study in detail some of the Park’s 700+ species of known plants. Cost: $16 for Adults, $3 for Annual Passholders, $8 for Child (ages 5-15), $2 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission). Advance registration required. For more information on the walks and wildflowers in bloom, call 1-828625-9611.
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According to the flowering bridge newsletter, the East End Gardens and the construction of the natural bridge planters exceeded the original plans. But due to the support of individuals and businesses, the Friends of the Bridge, completed the bridge project $300,000 less
than the lowest contractor estimate. The volunteers are more confident than ever that the bridge and surrounding gardens will become a major tourist attraction in the near future. The grand opening is planned for October.
BERRIES FROM PAGE C1
When Leroy’s wife passed away last year, Charles asked him to come to North Carolina and live with him and help farm. “I was going to fish and camp for the rest of my life, but he begged me to come here,” Leroy said. “I love farming.” Charles and Debra arrived by the way of Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida. They were looking for a place to retire from Florida. “I wanted four seasons and I said I was not going above the Mason Dixon Line,” Charles said. Debra discovered Rutherford County on the Internet and subsequently found the farm land and property that was for sale by the Morrows. Before settling in Rutherford, the couple looked at property in New Bern.S.C., where they have friends, but were encouraged to come to Rutherford where the taxes are kinder to retirees, Charles said. Charles had retired from his union job as a truck driver for Roadway Express. Debra was completing
Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
Charles and Leroy Moss planted 10,000 strawberry plants this year. As it was the first time farming the fruit, the brothers have learned a lot during the process and hope to double the number of plants for next year. a career with the Veterans Administration. The brothers are also raising sweet corn, peaches, have planted blackberries and will plant other fruit trees. “But I love farming and anything worth while I
can do it,” Charles said. “Buy local, spend local,” Debra said. The Mosses will sell the strawberries from their property and also the farmers markets in the county.
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