Michiana House and Home - June 2023

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796

Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2362 www.michianahouseandhome.com

PUBLISHER

Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

EDITOR

Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS

BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Zellers

MARKETING ASSISTANTS

Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com

Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION

Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

No reproduction of Michiana House and Home is allowed without express written permission.

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $45.00 for one year; and $77.00 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to Michiana House and Home, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2023

Welcome to the June issue! This edition of Michiana House and Home was a lot of fun for the writers to work on.

Most of us involved in putting this magazine together each month have at least one pet at home, so of course we had to do an article on pampering our pets. We cover everything from caticos, enclosed spaces so cats can hang outside safely, to what you need to do if you want to have a back yard chicken coop (HINT: check on zoning requirements).

We did an article on making a home accessible for someone who may be dis abled, but doesn’t need a wheelchair. This idea came directly from writer BethAnne Brink-Cox’s mom. A huge thank you to her suggestion.

Thinking of renovating or expanding your home? Maybe you’re in the beginning stages of considering building your dream home. Then be sure to check out this year’s Parade of Homes Plus sponsored by the Builders Association of Elkhart County. This year’s show is June 17-25 and will feature a number of local

Julie Young tackled Did You Know? this month and came up with some cool information regarding the month of June.

So take a break from all the outside work (lawn mowing anyone?) and enjoy this month’s edition.

Until next month!

Parenting is life’s hardest job and sometimes we all need a helping hand. SCAN’s Community Partners program is here to walk alongside parents, giving them the support and connections to resources they need to be the best parents they can be.

It doesn’t matter what you are facing, you do not have to do it alone.

Call us at 1-800-752-7116

scanfw.org/communitypartners

Community Partners

Who’s ready to dive into summer? There’s no better way to spend a sunny afternoon than at the lake or pool. Make sure everyone stays safe while having fun by practicing Water Safety tips such as:

Never let children swim alone

Young children should wear a life jacket

Do not play breath-holding games

Learn more about Water Safety by going to scanfw.org/water-safety

A Home of One’s Own

Creating an accessible home to meet your specific needs

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

WHAT IS AN ACCESSIBLE HOME?

According to the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, an accessible home is one that encourages independent living and features a wide range of modifications that are accessible, adaptable, visible, and universal to everyone who needs them. These modifications may include wider doorways, walkin showers, grab bars, lower countertops, ramps, smooth flooring and more. Smart Home technology can also help the physically challenged manage their living space with the help of voice-activated software allowing them to turn lights on and off, control temperature settings and close their blinds with ease.

Whether you are starting from scratch with a new home, or retrofitting an existing abode, there are firms who specialize in the design and installation of home modification features that will improve your accessibility. There are also grant programs that provide financial assistance for those who need some help. The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification has a directory to help you locate any potential programs that may cover disability modifications.

MEETING THE NEED

Naturally, when choosing appropriate modifications, it is important to evaluate your specific needs in order to choose the features and elements that are important to you. Those who merely want to “age in place” may benefit from an assortment of typical features that will be helpful in time, such as a one-story floor plan, walk-in shower, grab bar and wider hallways and doorways in case mobility becomes a factor at some point. Those who already experience mobility issues or who are confined to a wheelchair may need a more accessible closet design, smooth floors, roll under countertops and appliances with controls that are easily reached.

Voice-activated controls and smart home technology that can respond to voice commands are not only great for those who have limited mobility but also those who are visually impaired and rely on oral or tactile features in their home. Samsung has created a washing machine that includes some braille on its controls, while other manufacturers have created tactile buttons on appliances that are easier for the visually impaired to navigate. Additional tones and clicks are helpful as well to give these homeowners clear feedback when performing their daily tasks. To support these customers, manufacturers are also providing the visually impaired with audio versions of their appliance manuals to help with installation and troubleshooting needs.

Home accessibility varies depending on the people who live there, but the United Disability Services Foundation is ready to help. The UDS has created an extensive Home Accessibility Checklist to help people with disabilities and limited mobility stay in their homes longer. From the front door to the bedroom closet, they have the tips you (and your contractor) need to get started along with online assistance and support. For more information, visit www.udservices.org/home-accessibility-checklist/. n

When your home no longer meets your physical needs, you don’t have to find one that does. You can make modifications to your current living space so it can be enjoyed for years to come!

Want to grow your own fruit trees?

Better have plenty of PATIENCE

By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

“It’s kind of the image of sending your kid out to go harvest an apple from the tree and unfortunately that’s not a very idealistic way of looking at it,” said Jeff Burbrink, LaGrange County Extension educator for Ag & Natural Resources. “It’s a very complicated world, tree fruit growing.”

It’s not as easy a feat as you may think and if you haven’t done your research, you may be in over your head quickly.

“If you follow a spray schedule from the Purdue Extension or Michigan State, you’re going to be out there every 7 to 10 days spraying,” he said. It takes careful planning and preparation, especially in the early years.

Burbrink explained the majority of modern fruit trees come from grafts. Grafted plants are smaller, making it easier to reach the fruit and also producing more fruit by more evenly distributing light throughout.

It’s not hard to find a grafted tree - any box store will have them. The difficulty, Burbrink said begins at the root.

“That rootstock is just as important as the variety (of fruit) that is above,” he said.

The rootstock will determine

how well the plant will handle differentiating types of soils, moisture levels, disease resistance, and height of the tree. If the scion goes into the ground, there’s a risk the tree with revert back to the height of its ancestral tree.

The rootstock is information most box stores simply aren’t given when they receive a grafted plant. Instead, Burbrink suggests going through a distributor who can customize the rootstock and scion, the fruit-bearing portion, that works best for your needs. For apple trees in Michiana soil, Burbrink generally recommends B9.

Companies who do offer custom mail-order grafts are generally out by this time of year, but they’re accepting preorders for next year, to be shipped in early spring.

If you choose B9, expect a short tree - 9 to 10 feet or so, and a weak root system. You’ll need to stabilize the tree, but according to Burbrink, you can plant them around 18 inches apart and, if all goes according to plan, in four or five years, you’ll have apples. That is, assuming you put the time and energy into proper pruning and care.

“This is not a short-term thing,

this is a long-term thing,” Burbrink said. “People are very impatient. They want instantaneous results… Be patient, too, once you get them into the ground.”

In the first few years, new fruit tree growers will be focused on structure. Pruning is absolutely essential.

“You got to keep them thin enough that the light can penetrate, and you have to leave enough of the wood on there that they actually produce apples,” he said. “You’re establishing side branching that will collect light, that will allow light to come in through the top of the tree and get down into the interior so you can get some apples not only on the top but also in the middle.”

Certain varieties are more disease susceptible and regardless of the variety you choose, scab resistance is essential in Indiana.

Apple scab is very prevalent,” Burbrink said. “They get black spots on them and they turn yellow and pretty soon the leaves drop off and the trees like 8 to 10 years like that and then they pretty much fade out to the point where people just take them out.”

Insecticide is also a requirement for fruit trees in Indiana, Burbrink said, adding organic options that

are effective for apple scab are severely limited. Knowing how and when to spray will also have a strong bearing on the future of your fruit tree and even though Burbrink says it needs to be done, less is more and all-in-ones are a no-go.

“For instance, you don’t really have to spray an insecticide until after the blossoms fall off of most trees,” Burbrink said. “If you spray when the blossoms are on the trees and the bees are coming to pollinate that tree, you’ve just killed the bees. These all-in-one sprays that contain an insecticide or two and a couple of fungicides, if sprayed on the tree when they’re in bloom are killing bees. You have to understand what it is you’re spraying. Most of the time, most people don’t really have to be thinking too much about spraying most fruit trees before the blossoms.”

Instead, choose sprays specific to the problem at hand. Peach trees may get peach leaf curl and cherry trees may get grey mold.

For more information, check out the Purdue Extension Publication, “Managing Pests in Home Fruit Plantings” at https:// www.extension.purdue.edu/ extmedia/id/id-146-w.pdf. It’s a comprehensive guide to all things pest-related for fruit trees that can be grown in Indiana. n

You see an apple tree on sale and snag it up, because why wouldn’t you? Because fruit trees may not be an impulse buy you’re really prepared for.

By Len Harms

Michiana Master Gardener

In 2005 Diana Lawson, the director of the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau, led a group of industry leaders and other professionals brainstorming ideas for a project that would capture who and what Elkhart County is. Their guidelines were four-fold: connect the cities and towns with each other, encourage extended stays for travelers, attract new visitors and create local interest from the county residents. According to Sonya Nash, who has been part of this attraction from the very beginning, one member envisioned a field planted in flowers. An idea was captured.

Nash, selected as the person in charge of getting it off the ground, promoted the project extensively through many meetings with many people. In 2006 two sites were selected as test sites: American Countryside Market (now Southgate Crossing) and Das Dutchman Essenhaus. These sites affirmed the idea as workable.

Questions needed to be answered. Where the gardens would be; how would the flowers be purchased; who would supply the flowers; what flowers would work best; and what quilt designs would be used? A new question arose. How can businesses without garden space participate? The project grew to include murals painted on the sides of buildings.

The ECCVB Quilt Garden Project is now in its 16th year. In 2007 there were 12 gardens, in 2023 15. The gardens have done very well, though Nash reports there has never been a year without a major issue in at least one garden, such as diseases, grass infestations, weed infestations, a hailstorm, and hungry animals, since Mother Nature is a player in the project.

Covid 19 was a challenge. Because tourism was down, funding reduced, people isolating, and fewer volunteers, the committee asked for organizations to fund the expense of their garden and continue to find ways to plant and maintain it. Out of 17 gardens 16 said they could. This freed the ECCVB staff to invest time and resources to promote the gardens.

ECCVB has invested many resources in promoting the gardens. For the 10-year and the 15-year anniversaries they sponsored bronze statues by Seward Johnson at each of the gardens and some downtowns. They have presented to many tourism groups and have worked to maintain good relationships with all the parties involved.

Many people have visited the gardens, including many from other states and foreign countries. Though the gardens are free, they have brought millions of dollars into the county through hotel reservations, meals purchased, money spent in local businesses and in other ways.

Currently the planning and carrying out of this project is a yearround effort by a few paid ECCVB staff and hundreds of volunteers.

The gardens are open for viewing beginning June 1 and ending Sept. 15. There are several approaches one can use for seeing the gardens, including a one-day plan, a two-day plan, or a few-selected-gardens plan. Whichever way one chooses to see them they will have a relaxing day seeing the county and viewing beautiful gardens. Many of the businesses are also interesting places to shop.

To get started go to VisitElkhartCounty.com or go to a garden near you and pick up a 2023 map and guide after June 1. Have fun and talk to the gardeners if they happen to be working when you visit. They love to talk about gardening.

Through creating an idea, planning carefully, promoting buy-in from interested people, working diligently, and fully committing to the task, the quilt gardens have been a success. n

photos: visitelkhartcounty.com

A survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners found two in three wished they could be their furbabies for a day, because 65% of pet owners spoil their pets daily! And really, who wouldn’t like being able to sleep more? Plus those zoomies are so much fun to watch they must be fun to do, too.

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Why do people spoil their pets? Why not? Seriously, interaction can alleviate anxiety, depression, loneliness and stress. Our bodies produce oxytocin, one of those feel-good hormones that leads to happiness.

Most of us can’t resist buying just one more toy, or a really cute sweater or spending more money at the groomer for a spa day, not just the classic cutting of coat and nails. We hold them, talk to them, sleep with them. (Or not.) In fact, pet nooks are quite the trend now, such as what looks like a casual table–until you see the pet bed on the lower level, a nice replacement for a crate. And catios are just the thing for pampered kitties, which, of course, is just what they think they deserve.

On the other side of the spectrum, fancy chicken coops are becoming quite the thing.

There are kits and patterns for them and one business offers some that cost, no kidding, $1m. That’s more than most of us could or would ever spend to build our own homes!

Matt Sandy serves as the Kosciusko County Area Plan Director, and has handled a lot of questions about chickens in the county. “I know there are many who would like to have chickens in town. Agriculture use, such as chickens, cannot just happen in a residential area.

“But owners can ask for an exception, and that would go to a public hearing, (it) gives us – and neighbors – a chance to voice any concerns. We take a number of things into account. One thing we do is look at the town itself. We would feel remiss if we said yes and the town ordinances said oh you

can’t; we don’t want to create that conflict.

“Bird flu can wipe out a whole building of birds! We are very conscious about how it will impact the rest of our community. What about manure? You can only spread so much on a garden!

“Noise. Are you having roosters? Some like to be woke

catiospaces.com

up that way, others don’t. It can be easy to get the birds, but by the time you look at coops, vaccines, maintenance and food you have a lot into them. Mostly what we have seen are folks who want eggs and meat. I think they look at it as a cheap source, but it isn’t, at least not at first.” You don’t, in other words, want to start the process and then realize it’s not for you, even if your city allows them.

While Kosciusko County at this time does not allow chickens within city limits, Sandy said, “I will never say never. I’ve been doing this work for 20 years and I’ve seen a lot of change. Some of our schools do have ag programs, and they can have chickens. That’s new, and we didn’t think about that before.”

Ordinances and environments change for all sorts of reasons; you might just want to tuck away those chicken coop plans! n

around michiana

JUNE 1-30 (SELECTED DATES) | SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more.

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Free admission

1105 Northside Blvd. 574-282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com

JUNE 11, 18, 25 | NILES, MICH. NILES SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

• June 4, Celtics and Classics (Celtic and Irish folk tunes)

• June 11, Los Luminos (a cappella)

• June 18, Phil Anderson (easy listening acoustic guitar covers)

• June 25, Hey Annie (classic rock covers)

6 p.m. Sunday

Free admission

Riverfront Amphitheater 269-683-4700 nilesmi.org

JUNE 16 | MIDDLEBURY MOVIES IN THE PARK

7 p.m. in Riverbend Park, Middlebury. Bring a blanket or chair. Food available for purchase. Free admission. Sponsored by Middlebury Then & Now, Friends of Middlebry Parks, Middlebury Parks Department and Old Hoosier Meats.

JUNE 17-25 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF ELKHART COUNTY’S PARADE OF

HOMES

PLUS

Visit seven feature homes and one home under construction and see the quality craftsmanship of several Elkhart County builders. Feature homes open 1 pm to 8 pm Saturdays and Sundays, June 17, 18, 24 and 25; 4 pm to 8 pm Thursday and Friday. Home Under Construction only open 1 pm to 8 pm Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18. $8.00 Advance; $10.00 at door 574-293-0997 Baec.com

MULTI-EVENT VENUES

GOSHEN THEATER | GOSHEN

• June 5, Goshen Theater Drama Club Summer Camp orientation meeting, 5-7 p.m. Monday. Summer camp runs June 12-30.

• June 8, Effervescence: A Celebration of the Arts, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, $150/person

• June 9, Free Movie Night: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” 7 p.m. Friday.

• June 19, South Bend Civic Theater Presents: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” 7 p.m., free admission. 216 S. Main St. 574-312-3701 goshentheater.com

POTAWATOMI ZOO | SOUTH BEND

• June 19, Tiny Bookworms Story Series, 9:30-10 a.m., designed for children 0-2 $12/adults, $10/children 3-14, $10/adults 62 and older, free/children 2 and under Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily June 1 to Aug. 31.

500 S. Greenlawn Ave.

574-235-9800

potawatomizoo.org

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SOUTH BEND

• June 2, Kennedy’s Kitchen

• June 9, 16, 23, 30, Fridays by the Fountain lunchtime concert series, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., free admission.

• June 9, Terry & the Heartbeats

• June 9, Pulse FM’s Downtown Summer Series: “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” 8 p.m. Friday, free admission

• June 16, High Life

• June 23, Van Dyke Revue

• June 23-24, John Mellencamp Live and In Person, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $49.50 to $302.50

• June 25, “The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes,” 6 p.m. Sunday, $18.50 to $153.50

• June 30, Hey Annie 211 N. Michigan St. 574-235-9190 morriscenter.org

LERNER THEATER | ELKHART

• June 16, Los Huracanes Del Norte: A Otro Nivel Tour 2023, 8 p.m. Friday, $42.50 to $102.50 410 S. Main St. 574-293-4469 thelerner.com n

This year’s Elkhart County

to offer variety of styles and ideas

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

It’s time for the annual Builders Association of Elkhart County Parade of Homes Plus in Elkhart County again, beginning June 17 - 25.

You’ll see some of the work of Todd Meier and Team Construction Company. Meier is the current president of the Builders Association. “Team has been building homes in Elkhart County and the surrounding area since 1991 and has been in The Parade of Homes for the past 30 years.”

When asked about the plans used for these beautiful homes, Meier replied, “House plans are usually trademarked. So whoever developed or produced the plans you see within the pages of the Parade of Homes magazine actually owns those plans – they are the property of that specific builder. The best thing to do If you find a particular plan you like while visiting the homes in this year’s parade is to contact that builder and open the conversation. That way they can help you take that plan and tailor it to your vision. You can also visit builder websites. You will most likely find a variety of different plans as well as photographs of completed homes.”

There’s never a repeat home in the parade, but you will find many of the builders are the same. This year six of the seven builders have been featured many times in the Parade of Homes – Town & Country Builders, Schrock Homes, Team Construction, Fireside Homes, M.J. Construction and Legacy Homes.

New to the parade this year, as well as being northern Indiana’s newest home builder, is Elevation Home Builders out of Elkhart. Aaron and Brittainy Gilliland, owners of this new business, have submitted something called a ‘barndominium.’

You may never have heard of it before, but you’ll be intrigued by this house. “It’s built in a pole frame structure.

Some people think it just has the look of maybe a huge barn or garage. We’re calling this a luxury home–there are two large garages, but it’s mostly house. In fact, it’s 3,600 square feet of house, 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms, plus office. The garages are 1,000 and 400 square feet. It’s in the woods on five acres, and we kept the lot wooded,” said Brittainy Gilliland.

Kelly Barr and her husband, Bryan, own Square 1 Builders. Their daughter, Sam, also works with them. While they were unable to participate in the parade this year, due to timing issues, their company’s work has often been featured many times in previous years. When asked about the newest trends in homebuilding, Barr was quick to provide an answer.

“Square 1 Builders has been in business over 25 years, and we have participated in many Parade of Home events over the years. It’s always interesting to see where the latest trends are heading. We are seeing more and more buyers who desire a modern rustic farmhouse look, with warm tones. I say that, yet many are choosing to add a pop of color–whether it’s a wall color, or maybe a bold color choice of green or blue for cabinets. Also, there’s still a

FEATURED HOMES

strong draw to the large, open concept for entertaining.

This idea is carrying over into the outdoor living space Homebuyers are looking for homes that have spaces to entertain, to that create a feeling of community.” In fact, the Barrs won quite a few awards last year for their home entry, and Bryan Barr will be the president of the Builders Association in 2024.

There is a judging day, with various categories, depending on the cost of the home, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite, the Peoples Choice Award, by visiting baec.com. Don’t you want to take a drive? Check out the winners, get some ideas for your own home? Some inspiration? The possibilities are endless at the 2023 Parade of Homes Plus. n

This home is only open Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 1:00-8:00 pm

Carrot Cake

Baked Oatmeal

By Molly Yeh, Girl Meets Farm

INGREDIENTS:

CREAM CHEESE TOPPING

6 oz. cream cheese at room temperature

2 T. granulated sugar

1 t. pure vanilla extract

CARROT CAKE OATMEAL

2 1/2 c. old fashioned oats

3/4 c. coarsely chopped pecans

2 large carrots grated coarsely (about 1 1/2 c.)

3/4 c. golden raisins

1 1/2 t. baking powder

1 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 t. ground ginger

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

1/2 t. kosher salt

1/2 c. plus 2 t. packed dark brown sugar

2 cups whole milk

2 large eggs

4 t. unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 t. pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

For the cream cheese topping: Combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar and vanilla in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth. Set aside.

For the carrot cake baked oatmeal, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the oats and pecans in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Cook and toss until the oats and pecans are lightly toasted and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly while the oven preheats.

To the skillet with the oats and pecans, add the carrots, raisins, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg and 1/2 cup brown sugar and toss to combine. In a large spouted measuring cup, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter and vanilla. Whisk to combine. Pour over the oat mixture.

Stir and toss to combine well, making sure all of the oats are evenly distributed in the egg mixture.

Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Dollop dots of the cream cheese topping over the surface of the oatmeal. Bake until the oatmeal is set and slightly puffed and the top is golden and caramelized, 30-35 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Did You Know?

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

June is a super month

Known as the time in which we celebrate dads, grads and blushing brides, the month of June promises long, lazy days and magical summer nights. No matter if you plan to take some time to rest and recharge, go on a road trip, or gather with family and friends, June is a “super” month to do it all!

June has a fascinating origin story. Historians say it is either named for Juno, the female counterpart to Jupiter and the goddess of marriage and childbirth, or that it is derived from the Latin word “juvenis” meaning young people, which were celebrated near the end of spring. June is also associated with another unique origin story – Superman/Clark Kent, whose birthday is commemorated on June 18.

There are three birthstones for the month of June: Pearl, which represents purity, sweet simplicity, and innocence; moonstone, which represents prosperity, passion, and balance; and alexandrite, which was named for Czar Alexander II is often incorporated in engagement ring settings and represents good luck and financial success.

Looking for the perfect addition to your spring garden? Consider one of June’s birth flowers: Rose and Honeysuckle. While the former typically symbolizes love, the latter represents happiness and positive energy.

Flag Day Fun Fact: Although the Continental Congress approved the design of our first national flag on June 14, 1777, it was Wisconsin teacher Bernard Cigrand who originated the idea of a national celebration of the Stars and Stripes on the anniversary of its adoption. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson es tablished June 14 as Flag Day, however it was not included in the 1968 Uniform Holiday Act and is not a federal holiday.

June has some of the best fishing days of the year so why not take the whole family out to enjoy Free Fishing Days, June 3-4 at any of the state’s public waterways. No license required.

June’s full moon is known as the “Strawberry Moon.” It signifies the peak of strawberry season so be sure to hit your favorite farmers’ market or U-pick patch for the best selection.

Twins for the win

Geminis, those born from May 21- June 20 are creative and flexible people who enjoy a fast-paced environment that rarely stays the same. They are drawn to mid-century modern architecture with large windows, geometric lines and flat planes. They love a great pop of yellow, which reflects warmth and happiness, but they also have to balance out the bold with less intense shades to achieve a cohesive look. Gemini’s typically arrange their furniture in a way that promotes communication and include plenty of whimsical conversation pieces, but they also require spaces in which to learn as well as a showcase for their latest interest. Variety is the space of their lives and convenience is key to making their house into a home.

Famous June birthdays:

June 9: Michael J. Fox, actor

June 12: Anne Frank, diarist

June 17: Venus Williams, athlete

June 18: Paul McCartney, musician/songwriter

photos: shutterstock.com