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THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 2018
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'Ultra Violet' Using trendy hue in decor
In this 2007 photo, a farm tractor scatters dust as it moves across a field on a farm along state road 82 near Tifton, Ga. Soil is an important natural resource that must be preserved against loss by such forces as wind erosion. (AP photo)
Do you know your soil by name?
“Soil don't get no respect,” Rodney Dangerfield might have said (but didn't). Perhaps you know your state bird or flower, but do you know your state soil? Well, in recent years soil has begun to get more respect. Since the celebration of the Soil Survey Centennial back in 1999, each state has been given its own official state soil. It was in 1899 that the U. S. Department of Agriculture started its survey of all the soils in the country. SOILS COME IN MANY 'FLAVORS' You might wonder what a “soil survey” really is. Isn't it all just dirt — some perhaps stickier, or redder or deeper — that lies beneath forest, meadow, farm, home and garden? There you go again. Not enough respect. In fact, soils are distinctive, as different from each other as robins are from blue jays. These differences are hard to appreciate, of course, because soil LEE REICH is mostly underground, hidden from view. But if you were to dig some holes a few feet deep and then look carefully at their inside surfaces, you would find that soils are made up of layers of varying thickness, called horizons. One soil might differ from the next not only in the thickness of its horizons, but also in their appearance and feel. Horizons might be as white as chalk, as red as rust, or as dark brown as chocolate. A horizon might be cement-hard, gritty with sand, or stuff for sculpture. And if you were to tease the dirt along one edge of the hole so it falls away naturally — wow! — each horizon would reveal its particles clumped together in arrangements like plates, blocks or prisms. Such information, and more, has allowed soils to be classified, much as birds, flowers and other living things are. CLASSIFYING SOILS Modern soil classification goes back only a few decades, when all the world's soils were grouped taxonomically into a dozen “orders.” Differences among orders reflect the formative influence of a particular combination of climate, plants and animals, topography, time and original rock material. Just as all vertebrate animals are huddled together by biologists into smaller groupings (mammals, say) and those groupings into still smaller ones, so each soil order is divided and subdivided to include more distinctly different soils. At the end of the dividing and subdividing, you end up with a “soil series” identified with a proper name — like the Haven series in my vegetable garden, for example. YOUR STATE'S AND BACKYARD'S SOIL A particular soil becomes an official state soil by being widespread within the state; being distinctive chemically or physically; having some degree of name recognition; and, of course, getting a legislative stamp of approval. Examples include soils like West Virginia's Monongahela soil, Texas' Houston Black soil, California's San Joaquin soil and New York's Honeoye soil. The job, now, of these “ambassadors” of the benevolent underworld is to rekindle awareness of soil's value as a natural resource that can only be renewed very slowly. Soil provides food, shelter, clothing and more, yet it is being lost at alarming rates to everything from blacktop to erosion. Out in the garden this spring, dig a hole deep and wide enough that you can see and appreciate at least some of the various and distinctive horizons. Then, if you want the name and a detailed description of that soil — or any soil — look at the maps and descriptions in the Soil Survey Reports issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Search online for “soil survey nrcs” and you'll find links to soil maps for counties throughout the U.S. Or go to the link to “web soil survey.” At this site, you can type in a street address around which you “draw” your area of interest (AOI). The site will delineate the names and descriptions of soils within that AOI. Online: http://www.leereich.com/blog http://leereich.com
By MELISSA RAYWORTH Associated Press When the Pantone Color Institute recently announced its color of the year for 2018, the vibrant “Ultra Violet,” it might have seemed a natural fit for fashion and cosmetics. “Ultra Violet is a color that's almost like a neutral in fashion now,” says New York-based interior designer Brett Beldock. “Every newscaster you see is wearing a purple tie.” But this rich violet is more challenging to use well in home decorating. It can easily overpower a room, and needs to be paired carefully with other shades. We've ask Beldock and two other interior designers — Abbe Fenimore, founder of the Dallas-based design firm Studio Ten 25, and Jessica McClendon, founder of the Los Angeles-based design firm Glamour Nest — for advice on bringing this trendy, bold color into home decor in ways that won't quickly go out of style. BEST FOR BEDROOMS McClendon says violet can bring a touch of luxury to bedrooms, especially when used sparingly in rich upholstery fabrics. “Go with a deeper or dustier shade for a more mature look or brighter for a playful, younger vibe,” she says. “If you want a softer, more feminine feel, opt for a less saturated or paler tone.” One key is choosing the right fabric: “If you are thinking about using purple on an upholstered item, opt for fabrics rich in texture or feel,” McClendon says. “Think silk, velvet, chenille, textured woven or even an interesting print. I'm not a fan of just plain solid purple twill cotton because it ends up feeling flat and looking not high-quality.” Along with fabrics, Fenimore likes using violet for accessories in the bedroom “for a rich and sophisticated feel. Amethyst accents like lamps, picture frames or small accessories stacked on books work well,” she says.
Above, Pantone's Color of 2018, Ultra Violet, can bring a touch of luxury to home decorating, especially when used sparingly in rich upholstery fabrics as seen in this bedroom designed by Jessica McClendon, founder of the Los Angeles-based design firm Glamour Nest. Below, in this wallpaper pattern by interior designer Brett Beldock, classical Grecian imagery rendered in crisp white provides a calming balance for the bold Ultra Violet background. Bottom, this playful wallpaper pattern designed by Beldock uses violet brushstrokes on a white background. (AP photos)
CAREFUL PAIRINGS Ultra Violet “can be bold and take over a room quickly if it's not balanced correctly,” says Fenimore. So use it as a supporting player only. Choose color combinations that make Ultra Violet feel like a part of the room, instead of taking over, she says. Good partners might be celadon green, lavender and soft pink. That palette, with a touch of Ultra Violet, would be beautiful in a modern wallpaper used in a small space like a powder room. Beldock loves violet with white, heather gray, khaki, olive or camel. And a mix of violet, chocolate brown and white, she says, would have a smartly retro 1970s feel that could look very fresh today. One warning about color pairings: “I would avoid mixing the color with red,” says Fenimore. “Together, the two shades will quickly take over a room and create an environment with too much anxiety.” BE WARY OF WALLS If you're considering painting your walls violet, Beldock suggests testing a large swatch first. McClendon agrees: “Make sure you look at large samples of the paint before committing. Purple is a hard color, and it straddles a fine line between superluxurious and cheap. You have to be really thoughtful when choosing a purple paint color.” Look at the samples in different lights and in different parts of the room. Two ways to moderate violet's impact on walls: Use it only on a single accent wall, Beldock suggests, or bring it in as part of a wallpaper pattern. In her own wall covering designs, she has used violet as a solid backdrop covered with images rendered in crisp white, or as a playful accent over a simple white background. HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
Ultra Violet a statement color, McClendon says. So even though it's popular right now, “don't commit to painting a room or a large piece of furniture unless it works for your true style.”
But if you love it, go all in. “I've seen rooms that were all purple and amazing,” she says. “Again, it goes back to what your true style is and how you want your space to feel.”
2D The Mining Journal
Thursday, January 4, 2018
House to Home
Mortgage Index Program helps homeowners facing foreclosure get relief
30-YEAR Rate-Fee/Pts.
15-YEAR Rate-Fee/Pt.
High rate
4.125
1
3.625
1
Low rate
3.750
1
3.125
1
Average rate
3.937
1
3.344
1
This graphic represents a Tuesday survey of regional lending institutions. Figures are based on rates at Range Bank, First Bank of Upper Michigan, the Marquette Community Federal Credit Union and mBank.
Growing citrus indoors takes patience, pays off handsomely By MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON Associated Press When Heather Rhoades bought her first indoor orange tree nearly 20 years ago, she had to order it from a specialty online retailer. Now, it's not uncommon to find citrus trees at local gardening centers or big box stores, said Rhoades, owner of Gardening Know How , an online resource based in Bedford, Ohio. Interest in growing edibles and diverse plants has helped make citrus trees more popular and available, Rhoades said. Would-be growers can find a variety of lemon, lime and orange trees from which to choose. “It's easier for people to get a hold of citrus trees and they're more willing to try to grow them,” she said. “Try” might be the operative word, added Missy Henriksen of the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Growing citrus takes patience. The trend toward bringing citrus and other tropical plants indoors began with commercial spaces but has been gaining traction among homeowners as well, she said. “Interior landscaping is growing in popularity, and the use of tropical plants and citrus trees originates with the growing desire of homeowners to create beautiful ‘interiorscapes’ that are more exotic and dramatic than your typical houseplants,” she said. Dwarf fruit varieties, such as the calamondin orange, Tahitian orange, tangerine, kumquat, Meyer lemon and Kaffir lime are the best choices for growing indoors. “Keep in mind, however, citrus trees are not for everyone,” Henriksen said. “They're best suited for homeowners who are willing to devote the time and attention these plants need to thrive, or who can hire a landscape professional to regularly tend to their plants.” Start by selecting a healthy plant, Rhoades said. Look for a tree with rich, glossy leaves. A citrus plant that's dropping leaves has likely not been watered properly, she said. Avoid trees that look “leggy,” she said. Next, make sure the container is large enough for the roots to grow, Henriksen said. Finally, place the tree in a spot where it will receive plenty of sun. You may want to supplement its exposure to light by using a grow lamp, she said. Research the tree's water needs and follow them closely, said Rhoades. But check the soil each time before watering. “Check it on a schedule,” she said. “Don't water it on a schedule.”
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This photo provided by Lowe's shows a dwarf citrus tree growing inside a home in Mooresville, N.C. (AP photo) Sometimes it's better to just mist the leaves with a spray bottle than to water the tree, said Barbara Pierson of White Flower Farm in Litchfield, Connecticut. It's also a good idea to move citrus trees outdoors during warm weather, said Greg Gatlin, interior account manager at Southern Botanical in Dallas. They can be outdoors as long as temperatures don't dip below 50 degrees. When moving trees between the indoors and outdoors, make sure the temperature does not vary more than 15 degrees, as that can shock the plant. Fertilizer also is important, Pierson said. She recommends using fertilizer designed for citrus. If that's not available, use regular fertilizer, but make it with half the amount of fertilizer to the recommended amount of water. Fertilize once a month when the plants are indoors and twice a month when they are outdoors. “If you don't feed, the plants are going to show it,” she said. If cared for properly, the plants will eventually produce small amounts of fruit, though that may not be the biggest reward, the experts said. For Rhoades, the citrus blossoms are the payoff. “The flowers are literally intoxicating,” she said. “Your house smells wonderful.” For others, the trees offer a sense of escape, Gatlin said. “People want to bring more of that vacation feel to their homes,” he said. “If you can't take that trip to the islands at least you can experience part of it by having
the plants around.” If citrus trees sound like too much work, there are low-maintenance tropical plants that can create the same effect, Henriksen said. Palm trees, including the lady palm, kentia palm, fishtail palm and parlor palm, can be grown in containers, and often transition well between indoor and outdoor spaces all year. “While most of us are attracted to plants because of their beauty, the message is slowly starting to get out that there are benefits to having plants indoors,” Henriksen said. “They increase oxygen levels, help purify the air by removing toxins and improve your mood. As many people prioritize natural elements as part of healthy living styles, plants are often an underutilized home enhancement that packs a powerful punch of health benefits.” DO'S AND DON'TS OF INDOOR CITRUS TREES Do fertilize. Do keep citrus in a spot indoors that gets lots of sun. Do check the moisture of the soil regularly. Do check the roots each spring to see if the plant requires a larger pot. Change pots when the roots ae circling the bottom of the container or coming out of the bottom. Don't over-water. Don't put the trees in full sun when moving them outdoors, as the leaves will burn. Don't expose them to swings in temperature. Don't prune them too hard. Source: Barbara Pierson, White Flower Farm, Litchfield, Connecticut
Interest-free loans help homeowners catch up on payments LANSING — Nearly 2,200 Michigan homeowners in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure because they fell behind on their mortgage, property tax or condominium fee payments will be able to stay in their homes this year after receiving more than $15.2 million in financial assistance from the Step Forward Michigan program. The federally funded Step Forward Michigan program provides no-interest loans to homeowners who are behind on their property taxes, mortgage payments or condominium fees, according to a press release. The interest-free loan is completely forgiven if the homeowner stays in the home for five years. From January through November 2017, Step Forward Michigan helped 2,197 homeowners by providing $8.9 million to cover mortgage payments, $6.3 million to cover property tax payments and $54,829 to cover condominium fees. It’s estimated the program in December will have loaned about $1 million to 160 more qualifying homeowners, raising the 2017 totals to more than 2,350 homeowners helped with $16.2 million in loans, the release states. About $38 million is still available for new loans to assist around 5,500 eligible households — those affected by a large medical bill, home repair, layoff, divorce, death in the family or other qualifying hardship — through 2020. “If you’ve been hit with a hardship, you could get an interest-free loan of up to $30,000 to get caught up on property taxes, mortgage or condo payments,” Michigan State Housing Development Authority Executive Director Earl Poleski said in the release. “Even better, if you stay in your home for the next five years, the loan is forgiven and you don’t have to pay it back.” Since the state began offering the program in 2010, a total of 35,482 homeowners statewide have qualified for $312.5 million in loans, according to the
Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation, which oversees the Step Forward Program in collaboration with MSHDA. County treasurers across Michigan consider Step Forward Michigan a valuable tool both to help homeowners stay in their homes and to help county governments receive the tax money they need to pay for services such as law enforcement, recreation and safety. Lenders also have welcomed the program, since it can help financially struggling homeowners get caught up on mortgage payments. Interested residents can see if they’re eligible by answering a short series of questions online at stepforwardmichigan.org or by calling 866-946-7432 toll-free. To qualify for assistance, a homeowner must be a Michigan resident, have an ownership interest in the property and be able to sign new mortgage lien on property, occupy the property as his or her primary residence, have enough income to cover the mortgage, condo association fees, and/or property tax payments going forward, and have cash reserves no greater than $10,000. Any homeowner convicted in the past 10 years on a financial-related felony, including larceny, theft, fraud, forgery, money laundering and/or tax evasion is not eligible for the program. A homeowner can receive a loan only once from the program. Over the past six months, the average loan amount has been just over $7,000. Loan payments go directly to the county treasurer’s office, mortgage lender or condominium association, not to the homeowner. For assistance on applying for the program, homeowners can turn to a number of local agencies that can be found at MSHDA’s website. More information — including an indepth Frequently Asked Questions document — is available at stepforwardmichigan.org.
Pilot program replaces mobile homes in southern Minnesota By KRISTINE GOODRICH Mankato Free Press MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — The Simmons family's last home had holes in the floor and their pipes often would freeze and sometimes burst because it got so cold inside in the winter. Kelsey and Donald Simmons covered the holes with two-by-fours and made other improvisations they could afford on a tight budget. But they realized it wouldn't be long before their mobile home built in 1972 would no longer be inhabitable. In November they moved into a newer, warm trailer with solid floors thanks to a partnership between the city of Mankato, Minnesota Valley Action Council and three mobile home parks, with support from a state grant. The pilot program is replacing three dilapidated mobile homes with newer ones at no cost to the homeowners if they stay in their new home for 10 years, the Mankato Free Press reported . The Simmons family is the first recipient of a new residence. They moved into a 2002 home that was for
sale in the Southhaven Mobile Home Community just blocks from their former home last month. “This is the best thing I could ask for my family,” Donald Simmons said. He and his wife worked hard to care for their former home but couldn't keep up with its constant repair needs, he said. “This is a dream come true,” Kelsey Simmons said, adding that even her two children are taking pride in their new home by taking their shoes off at the door and picking up their toys. One resident of the Lime Valley Mobile Home Park and one resident of the University Park Mobile Home Community soon also will get new places to hang their hats. “Really it's about making sure these folks have a safe, affordable home. Everyone deserves that,” said Judd Schultz, housing services director for the Minnesota Valley Action Council. Another goal is to remove blight in the mobile home parks. The vacated homes are demolished. “It's not only helping that household, it's helping the park as well,” Schultz said.
A state grant provided $79,000 toward the pilot project. The city of Mankato gave $40,000 of the federal funding it receives to support community development. The three participating mobile home parks each contributed $10,000. Those dollars will fund purchase of three mobile homes as well as transportation and demolition costs. Recipients of new homes must have an income of no more than $24,000 but enough so that they can afford lot rent, utilities and upkeep. They are given a 10-year no-interest loan that will be forgiven if they live in and maintain their replacement residence for 10 years. Schultz and other project leaders hope the pilot will lead to more grants and participation from all seven of the mobile home parks in Mankato.
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Thursday, January 4, 2018
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4D The Mining Journal
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Northern
Michigan
Land Brokers
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