Spring Home & Garden 2020

Spring

Home

& Garden

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

A Special Supplement to The Tidewater News and The Smithfield Times

2

Spring Home & Garden

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Planning a container garden intended purpose. Containers are available in a variety of suitable materials.

Make sure pots are rated for outdoor use Container plantings can be an easy or they will need to be emptied or stored way to add beauty to your home. Not indoors during the winter months to everyone has the space or time to dediprevent cracking. cate to a large gardening area but most Ensure the planter has ample drainof us have a porch, patio, or apartment age. Some plastic or composite containbalcony that can accommodate a coners do not come with pre-drilled holes tainer hosting a variety of colorful so be sure to add them before filling plants.

When planning your container garden with soil. Adding rocks or pottery shards will not increase drainage. Only include consider the location first. Pay close attention to the amount of direct light the stones in the bottom of a planter if you need to add weight or the drainage area receives during the day as this will holes are so large that a significant determine which plants thrive. Many flowering plants perform best in full sun amount of soil will wash out.

Good potting soil is an essential comand will also require plenty of water. If your container will be away from a water ponent to a successful container garden. source, you may want to select varieties Always use new soil and purchase high of succulents that can tolerate drier con- quality material. Potting soil should be light, airy and relatively free of sticks ditions. In the heat of the summer your and debris. When filling your container, planters will need a thorough watering pre-moisten the soil and fill the pot to daily.

Choose an appropriate planter for the about an inch below the rim. “Garden

BY JAY WILKERSON

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Spring Home & Garden soil” can be a tempting purchase but avoid filling your containers with this inexpensive product. These mixes are designed to amend in-ground flower beds and have poor drainage. It is okay to add a bit of compost to the potting mix just do so sparingly.

Now it’s time to select some plants!

Read the tags and select varieties with light requirements suitable for your location. There are no wrong answers when creating your container though there are some features you may want to include. A great arrangement will have multiple points of contrast, either color, texture or growth habit. One common method is the “thriller, filler, spiller” design. This means adding a dramatic element with some height, something with volume and another that trails down the pot. This approach makes for an interesting composition with an array of diverse growth habits.

Color selection is critical to maximizing the aesthetic of your container garden. Bright colors can pop in the sun and liven up a shady area. Darker colors can draw you in for a closer look. Wildly different shades create an exciting look

3 while color echoes produce an elegant display. Flowering plants are not the only way to achieve a vibrant appearance. Foliage plants are an excellent way to add interest and come in a variety of colors and textures. The choices and combinations are truly limitless.

After the plants are established, a little maintenance goes a long way. Pinch off old flowers and remove any old or damaged foliage. Keep a watchful eye for signs of insects or disease and act early for best results. Balanced, slow-release fertilizers are recommended. Continue feeding your flowers for the entire season and they will reward you with an abundance of blooms.

Successful container gardening is possible at any skill level. Don’t be intimidated by a garden center packed full of dozens of different varieties. Take your time walking up and down the isles. Talk to sales associates and fellow shoppers if you need advice on what to choose. Gardeners are a cheerful bunch and are more than happy to share their experiences. Spring is here and it’s time to get your hands in the dirt. Happy planting!

4

Spring Home & Garden

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Seven things to consider when buying a shed Backyard sheds can be useful assets.

Sheds can create storage space in the garage, basement or other areas of the house that have become gathering spots for gear typically used outdoors. Sheds are ideal for housing mowers, tools and even pool-care equipment. But they can be put to other uses as well, such as being key spots to engage in hobbies or even as a child’s clubhouse.

Various factors should be considered before building or buying a shed. A storage shed can be a significant investment. Once placed, sheds may remain in their dedicated spots for years to come. That means careful thought should go into the planning process.

1. Check your local building codes first.

Before you accumulate building materials or order a shed, be sure to know the ins and outs of shed codes. The codes may impact the shed’s placement, construction, the materials used, size, and numerous

SPRING IS HERE

STOP BY OUR LAWN & GARDEN CENTER Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7-5, Sat. 7-Noon

865 Main Street Smithfield, VA • 757-357-4367

Vegetables • Herbs • Edibles • Ornamental Plants • Trees • Shrubs Perennials • Annuals • Mulch • And So Much More...

other factors. It’s much easier to amend plans beforehand than to face the hassle and expense after learning you did things incorrectly.

2. Choose placement wisely. Spend several days assessing the yard and thinking about the uses for the shed. If you plan to store pool floats and chemicals inside of the shed, it should be located close enough to the pool to be convenient. Look at the lay of the land. If there is a soggy patch of land that can turn swampy under the shed’s foundation, that is a poor location choice. If you need access to electricity, placing it far away from the house could necessitate running expensive wiring.

3. Consider the design. Just because a shed is for storage doesn’t mean aesthetics should be overlooked. Choose a shed style that complements your home. You may also want to match certain architectural feaSEE SHEDS, Page 10

SHE-SHED or MAN-CAVE? We have just what you’re looking for!

Call to schedule a one-on-one appointment. We have many styles to suit your needs!

Design your own to meet your needs. Call us today!

24538 New Market Rd., Courtland • 757-516-8887 (Between Franklin & Courtland off Hwy. 58)

22285 Brewers Neck Blvd., Carrollton • 757-238-2823 201 Market St., Emporia • 434-634-2424

East Coast Buildings

5

Spring Home & Garden

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

How to prevent crabgrass Few things can give a home exterior that sought after wow factor as well as a nicely maintained lawn. A lush green landscape is a great way to show pride in home ownership and improve curb appeal.

As many homeowners know, lawns are under constant attack. The elements are rarely easy on lawns, and watchful eyes must always be kept open for other problems that can plague a lawn, including crabgrass.

Crabgrass can be a formidable adversary in the summer months. According to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, crabgrass begins as seeds.

These seeds germinate in spring or early summer. While crabgrass dies after the first hard frost in fall, crabgrass seeds remain dormant in winter, and the seeds then grow again in the following spring when ground temperature warms up.

Without action to prevent crabgrass

UVPhotoMAX™ uses the power of UV light and an exclusive photocatalytic process to make the air in your home healthier. It reacts with and destroys millions of bacteria, viruses, allergens—especially mold—in the air circulating through your HVAC system.

seeds from germinating, homeowners will likely end up with patches of crabgrass throughout their lawns every summer.

The home improvement retailer Lowes® notes that a healthy lawn is the best defense against crabgrass. The healthier a lawn is, the harder it is for unwanted grasses like crabgrass to thrive. The following are a handful of strategies that can promote a healthy lawn and make it more difficult for unsightly crabgrass to establish itself in the months ahead.

• Keep grass at a consistent length, and don’t cut too low. Maintaining a consistent length of grass by mowing at regular intervals can make it hard for crabgrass to thrive. Crabgrass requires ample sunlight to germinate, so grass that is not cut too short may keep crabgrass from growing in. Of course, grass SEE CRABGRASS, Page 10

WE FEATURE ALL TYPES OF PRODUCTS FOR YOUR FARM & GARDEN CURBSIDE AVAILABLE!

Whole House Germicidal and Odor Reduction Air Treatment • For Healthier Living

UVPhotoMAX installs in your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). It treats the air for bacteria, viruses, allergens, and odor contamination.

32510 Walters Highway Franklin, VA 23851 (757) 569-8141 www.qualityaire4u.com

Animal Health Products | Bartlett Milling Livestock & Gamebird Feeds | Grass & Garden Seeds | Rock Mulch | Pioneer Seed Products | Fertilizer Chemicals | Hay | Rock & Mulch Delivery FARMERS UNITED | 12051 ROLFE HWY., SURRY, VA | (757) 294-3350

6

Spring Home & Garden

Up to $500 in instant rebates OR special financing rate 0% APR with 48 months equal payments t 's bes e n a r T of deal ar e the y

On qualifying equipment Limited time offer

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Why you need a hammock or hanging chair Sunny days and warm weather beckon us to the great outdoors. A day spent in the pool or lounging around the patio is a great way to embrace the relaxing spirit of summer. But those who want to go the extra relaxing miles should consider adding a hammock or swinging chair to their backyard oasis.

Hammocks and swinging chairs make great investments. Outdoor enthusiasts can take them on camping trips, and they’re equally at home right in the backyard. People on the fence about these symbols of relaxation can consider these benefits of hammocks or swinging chairs.

Nap comfortably outdoors Who needs an excuse to catch up on missing sleep? If the time presents itself, the sun and the fresh air can induce a deep sense of relaxation. Lying on a hammock or floating in a hanging chair provides that additional soothing rocking motion that can make a cat nap even more enticing.

Use it indoors or outdoors Create a retreat in any corner of your yard or home. A hanging chair can be hung in the corner of a bedroom to pro-

vide a spot to curl up with a good book or rock a baby to sleep. The same chair can be brought to a covered deck or patio so people can swing with the breeze when the weather allows.

Super stargazing retreat Hammocks and swinging chairs can make it easier and more comfortable to stargaze at night. With a double hammock or chair, bring a romantic partner along to snuggle and watch the cosmos.

Or teach children about the constellations in the night sky.

Be inconspicuous among nature Lying on the ground disturbs the lawn and other outdoor components. Being suspended several inches above the ground in a chair or a hammock can help a person blend in with the natural environment. Birds, small animals and insects may not even know you’re there, and that can make them easier to observe.

Everyone can appreciate the opportunity to sit back and relax. Hammocks and swinging chairs can help a person feel lighter than air and recharge in the warm summer air.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

7

Spring Home & Garden

DIY projects that can conserve energy around the house Home renovation projects can pay numerous dividends. Renovations can have a positive effect on resale value, make homes more livable for residents and, in some ways, make homes more affordable.

Renovation projects that aim to conserve energy can save homeowners substantial amounts of money. Such projects don’t often require considerable effort or even sizable financial investments, which can make homeowners skeptical as to just how much they can save after completing the project.

But the scale of a project may have little to do with how much homeowners will save.

For example, the U.S. Department of Energy notes that a relatively effortless task like turning back a thermostat between 7° and 10° F for eight hours per day can save homeowners as much as $83 per year. A more labor-intensive task like planting shade trees saves homeowners an average of between $35 and $119 per year.

When looking for ways to conserve energy around the house and save money, homeowners need not necessarily commit to expensive projects. The DOE notes that the following are some energy-saving projects and details what homeowners can expect to save after completing them.

While each individual project may not result in jaw-dropping savings, homeowners who follow many of these recommendations may end up saving more than $1,000 per year.

Project: Install exterior low-e storm windows.

What is it? Low-e windows reflect infrared heat back into a home. Such windows are coated with an ultra-thin layer of metal that improves the window’s insulation ability.

How much can I save? Homeowners who install low-e windows can save between 12 and 33 percent on their annual heating and cooling costs.

Project: Seal uncontrolled air leaks.

What is it? Air leaks let cool air in

during winter and warm air in during summer. Caulking, sealing and weather stripping all cracks and large openings can cut back on air leaks that are costing you money.

The DOE recommends hiring a contractor to seal any leaks on heating and cooling ducts.

How much can I save? Homeowners who seal uncontrolled air leaks can save between 10 and 20 percent on their annual heating and cooling bills.

Project: Plant shade trees.

What is it? If you plant a deciduous tree between six and eight feel tall near your home, it will begin to shade your windows within a year of being planted.

Depending on the species of the tree and the home, the shade tree will begin shading the roof within five to 10 years.

The DOE notes that shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce air conditioning costs.

How much can I save? Properly planted shade trees can reduce air condition-

ing costs by anywhere from 15 to 50 percent.

Project: Insulate the water heater tank What is it? New water tanks are likely already insulated. But homeowners with older hot water tanks can insulate their tanks with a water heater insulating blanket kit.

How much can I save? Insulating a water heater tank can save homeowners as much as 16 percent on their annual water heating bills.

Even the smallest DIY projects can produce big savings. More information about energy-saving home improvement projects can be found at www.energy. gov.

David Moose, REALTOR® Cell: 757-870-8048 Office: 757-935-5441 Fax: 757-935-5433 rebroker33@gmail.com

KBL Companies

2815 Godwin Blvd. Suite M Suffolk, VA 23434 Independently owned and operated

WE PROVIDE NEW BASKETS AND HAND SANITIZER. PLENTY OF ROOM FOR PROPER SOCIAL DISTANCING.

U-Pick strawberry patch is open 7am to 7pm, 7 days/week, Rain or Shine, $10/basket

Thanks for Pickin’ Us!

U-Pick Strawberries Just Minutes from Downtown Smithfield 14489 Bethel Church Lane Smithfield, VA 23430 www.browdersfreshpickins.blogspot.com

HARDWOOD MULCH NATURAL~ ~ WALNUT~ ~ CHESTNUT

BRISTOW’S LANDSCAPING

19252 Battery Park Rd. | 357-7395

www.bristowslandscaping.com Open for pickups every Sat. 8am-12pm thru June

CALL FOR D UN YEAR ‘RO Y R E IV L E D

8

Spring Home & Garden

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

“Let Us Help Make Your Dream a Reality.”

– Christina Martin, Loan Officer, NMLS #1288467

Farmers Bank offers construction loans providing you the opportunity to build your dream home or add-on to an current home. Christina Martin is a residential construction specialist and she’s ready to evaluate your individual needs, explain the benefits and features of our products, and help you decide which plan is the right fit to make your dream home a reality.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

9

Spring Home & Garden

We’re Here to Help with All Your Fuel Needs!

• Auto Delivery • 24-Hour Emergency Service

Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop Visitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway. Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create. There are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway.

• Bold front door color: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway. Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick. The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim.

• Custom walkway: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway. Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.

• Contain plants. Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and well-tended.

Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and

carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.

• Highlight the address. Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers. Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door.

• Utilize high-end materials. The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury. These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures.

• Add architectural details. Find out which architectural elements will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention. Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement.

We’re ready to deliver on time, whenever you need it, wherever you need it.

We offer an excellent variety of gas logs and heaters. Parker Oil Company is your hometown propane expert and leading provider of heating oil and related services!

Give us a call today!

757-562-3400

www.parkeroilcompany.com

Serving Western Tidewater and beyond.

10

Spring Home & Garden

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Garden tools for beginners Novice gardeners may not know where to begin in regards to which tools they need. The following are six items that can serve as a solid foundation for beginning gardeners.

1. Gloves: Your hands will be working hard, so it pays to protect them from calluses, blisters, splinters, insects, and dirt. Look for water-resistant gloves that are also breathable.

2. Hand pruners: Hand pruners are essential for cutting branches, cleaning up shrubs, dead-heading flowers, and various other tasks. Choose ergonomic, no-slip handles that will make work easier. Rust-resistant, nonstick blades also are handy.

3. Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow can transport gear to garden beds or tote dirt, leaves, rocks, and other materials around the landscape. A good wheelbarrow is strong but light enough to maneuver when full.

4. Hose/watering can: Keeping gardens hydrated is part of ensuring their health. That makes a hose and a watering can two invaluable tools to have around. Invest in a lightweight, expandable hose if storage space is at a premium. An adjustable nozzle will enable you to customize the water flow as needed. A watering can is an easy way to tote water to hard-toreach pots and containers.

5. Garden kneeler: Gardeners often bend and kneel while working in the soil. That puts pressure on the back and knees. A comfortable garden kneeler with memory foam or one made from shock-absorbing material can reduce aches and pains.

6. Garden hoe: Garden hoes till soil, remove weeds and perform many other tasks. A garden hoe can be used along with a full-sized shovel, trowel and garden rake.

We’re Here to Help You with All Your Honey-Do List, Garden Needs, Feeds & More!

Visit Our Garden Center!

From bedding plants to fruit bushes and trees, visit us to stock-up on your gardening needs!

Fertilizers • Seeds • Plants • Containers • Raised Beds

Visit Us ONLINE for a Variety of Items & Choose Ship-to-Store!

CRABGRASS: FROM PAGE 5

should not be allowed to grow kneelength, either. By raising blades to the mowing height appropriate for their type of grass, and mowing at regular intervals so the grass remains at that height through the summer, homeowners can promote healthy lawns and make it harder for crabgrass to germinate.

• Never cut too much of the blade off of the grass. When mowing, don’t cut too much of the blade off the grass with each cut, even if the grass seems especially long. As noted, cutting too low al-

lows sunlight to reach crabgrass seeds.

But cutting too much off the blade, even if the grass is still high after a mow, can injure the grass. Injured grass can make lawns more vulnerable to weeds and crabgrass.

• Apply a pre-emergence herbicide.

Pre-emergence herbicides kill germinating grass seedlings before they emerge from the soil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding when and how much herbicide to apply. If crabgrass has already started to grow, it’s likely too late to apply a pre-emergence herbicide.

Crabgrass is an unwelcome invader in many lawns. Spring can be a great time to prevent this unwanted guest from returning this summer.

Gardening Equipment!

SHEDS: FROM PAGE 4

We Carry a Full Line for all your pet & live stock needs!

WINDSOR Hardware & Supply Company

Pick up a sales flyer today!

5 Joyner Ave., Windsor, VA | 757-242-6123 | www.windsorhardware.com

tures, like arched doorways or dormers.

Design also may relate to practicality. For instance, storing a riding mower inside may necessitate dual doors that open widely.

4. Invest in quality materials. Spending a little more and using quality materials can ensure it lasts long enough to be cost-effective. The right materials will be resistant to splitting, cracking, decay, and insect damage.

5. Prepare the site well. A proper foun-

dation for the shed is almost as important as the shed itself. You cannot just drop the shed on the lawn and leave it, as the shed can sink or structural issues may arise if it is placed on a weak base.

6. Blend into the environment. Surround the shed with shrubs or plants so that it blends into the yard and complements the space.

7. Deck out the interior. Use every storage tool at your disposal to maximize floor, wall and even rafter space for storage. Plan where items will be kept and customize the storage options around those locations.

Sheds can be an asset and improve storage capability in the backyard.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

11

Spring Home & Garden

CRAWLEY II MASONRY CONSTRUCTION FOUNDATION REPAIR CRACKS BRICK & CONCRETE RETAINER WALLS

43 Years Experience

CONCRETE SLABS CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS CONCRETE FOOTINGS Brick & Block Foundations Historic Brick work Masonry Chimneys- Fireplaces

757-715-3148

15523 Benn’s Church Blvd, Smithfield Shop Local. Shop with Experience. Shop with Confidence. Shop American Made.

At Ivor Furniture Company, we take the time to consult with each of our customers ensuring their purchase is customized to their unique style.

Visit us today, at the stoplight in Ivor, for the best selection in our community!

Iv F nit e C p y

• Operating with Normal Business Hours •

35569 General Mahone Blvd, Ivor, VA 757.859.6231 • ivorfurniturecompany.com

12

Spring Home & Garden

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

The differences between organic and inorganic mulches The benefits of mulch are widely known among lawn and garden enthusiasts. By insulating soil from extreme temperatures, helping soil to retain moisture and preventing weed growth, mulch can help plants, trees and gardens thrive, even during periods when Mother Nature can make that very difficult.

Novice gardners may find themselves a little confused when visiting a lawn and garden center to purchase mulch. That’s because there are various types of mulches. One of the ways to simplify that is to break mulches down into two main classes: organic and inorganic. Learning to distinguish between these two classes can help homeowners choose the best mulch for their properties.

Organic mulch Organic mulches are made up of materials that decompose over time. The ex-

perts at BobVila.com note that, because they decompose over time, organic mulches must be replenished on a regular bais. Hardwood and softwood chips are among the most popular and recognizable organic mulches. Evergreen needles, leaves, grass clippings, and compost mixes also fall under the organic mulch umbrella. Many gardening enthusiasts prefer organic mulches because they help soil retain moisture, improve soil fertility and help to deter weed growth.

Inorganic mulches Inorganic mulches are permanent because they do not decompose over time.

Gravel, brick chips and crushed stone are examples of inorganic mulches.

Homeowners who do not intend to plant after laying mulch may lean toward inorganic mulches, as they won’t require

Keeping You Comfortable All Season Long!

Call today to schedule your MAINTENANCE CHECK UP then sit back and relax!

We Service All Makes & Models!

Rawlings Mechanical Corporation

757-653-2225

Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors • Residential • Commercial Linden St., Courtland, VA • rawlingsmechanicalcorp.com • Est. 1958

much work, if any, after being laid. However, the Chicago Botanic Garden notes that inorganic mulches do not improve soil quality. In fact, because inorganic mulches like rocks and stones absorb heat, they can be detrimental to plants in areas where weather tends to be very dry

and hot.

The right mulch for a given property depends on a host of factors. Understanding the differences between organic and inorganic mulches is a great first step toward finding the right mulch for your landscape.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

13

Spring Home & Garden

House powerwashing tips Powerwashing, also known as pressure-washing, utilizes a high-velocity water spray to remove dirt and residue from the exterior surfaces of a home. It is frequently used on vinyl siding, concrete and sometimes wood decks to treat mildew and other growth that accumulates over time.

Powerwashing can be a great way to remove grime without having to scrub by hand. But it requires a delicate touch to get it right. Sometimes it is best to leave the job to professionals. But homeowners willing to give it a go can try powerwashing themselves, as various stores rent power washers.

The home improvement website ImproveNet says that, until very recently, pressure washers were almost exclusively commercial machines sold to professionals or rented to do-it-yourselfers. Lately manufacturers have targeted homeowners looking to buy with lightweight options. For those who see powerwashing as a routine venture, purchasing a unit may be worth the investment.

It is important to exercise caution when operating a powerwashing machine. The high-velocity spray can tear through skin.

It is key to get a feel for the washer, and try less pressure first to get a handle on the magnitude of the tool.

Don safety gear prior to using a pressure washer. Gloves, eye protection and ear

protection can be handy. Most units will connect to a standard garden hose.

Choose old clothing and expect to get wet.

Never point a powerwasher hose at anyone and do not attempt to rinse feet or hands in the spray.

The renovation resource The Family Handyman suggests starting with a wide-degree nozzle to test out the spray on the surface that needs to be cleaned. A 15or 25-degree nozzle is usually the wand for general cleaning and paint stripping without damaging the surface of the home. Experiment with an optimal distance of the washer wand to get the desired cleaning effects without causing any damage. Work using a horizontal and slightly downward angle to avoid driving water up under the siding of a home.

Avoid spraying any electric wires or components on the home. Also, try not to spray upward, and angle the spray away from doors, windows and vents.

Some washers have reservoirs that will hold a detergent solution. Choose the right detergent for the job. Keep in mind that cleansers containing bleach can damage surrounding plants, so they may need to be covered while the washing takes place.

Avoid the use of ladders when operating a powerwasher. The push-back from the wand can cause falls. Instead, opt for an extension wand to address the upper reaches of a home.

AUTOMATIC HOME STANDBY GENERATORS

P R O T E C T T H E T H I N G S T H AT M AT T E R M O S T

Life is better With Power

Complete Turnkey Installations Senior Citizen Discounts Active Duty Military Discounts 36 - 60 Month Financing Service Contracts Available Serving Hampton Roads Since 1956

Tidewater Petroleum Cooperative, Inc.

(757) 504-0913

www.tidewaterpetroleum.com

14

Spring Home & Garden

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

THE

C A B I N E T C O M PA N Y OF VIRGINIA

Call now to schedule a consultation with our design team (757)357-5519

www.thecabinetcompany.net

Complete Kitchen Remodel!

• “Turn Key” Kitchens, Baths, Offices & Built-Ins available through licensed & insured contractors.

• Appliances, Faucets, Flooring, Sinks & Lighting through our network of Experienced Professionals • Wholesale Distributor of Timberlake & Plato brand cabinets.

• Custom built cabinets & furniture • Granite, Laminate, Corian, Cambria, Swanstone & Cultured Marble

Serving all of Hampton Roads with 2 locations

Smithfield • Showroom Open Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm 19351 Battery Park Rd, Ste D. Smithfield, VA Newport News • Satellite Office by appointment only

Spring Home & Garden

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

15

Improve storage in your home Homes are getting bigger, but it seems like people are still lamenting a lack of storage space.

National Public Radio says the average American home has nearly tripled in size during the last 50 years. Despite that, 10 percent of Americans still need to rent offsite storage, according to a report in the New York Times Magazine.

Self-storage facilities are one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate segments, and the Self Storage Association says there are more than 50,000 storage facilities in the U.S. alone. The commercial real estate company CBRE, Ltd., says there are roughly 3,000 self-storage facilities across Canada, and 65 to 85 percent of self-storage tenants are residential users.

Improving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy tips, homeowners can maximize space immediately.

Utilize track storage systems Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems.

Customizing closets using track systems or other modifications can improve utility of all closets in the house.

Invest in storage beds Storage beds typically feature cubbies or drawers within a platform-style bed frame.

It’s a practical home storage solution, and does not require any building.

Think vertically Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage possibilities. Items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or travel suitcases, can be stored in high spaces. Shelving on walls can go as high as necessary and be put to use in awkward wall areas, such as in corners or under eaves.

Invest in storage benches/ottomans A stopping area inside the front door replete with a storage bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks, and other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight.

In living rooms, look for chests or ottomans that are decorative and functional.

Store throw blankets or board games inside.

Recess drawers or shelves Gain more storage by recessing a chest of drawers into what is called the “knee wall� of homes that have sloped ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short walls in an efficient manner by sinking drawers or shelves into them, without taking up floor space.

Rafter shelving While in the attic (or a garage), add hanging shelves to rafters or exposed beams to create off-the-floor storage as well.

These are just a few of the handy ways to improve the interior storage space in a home.

Did you know?

Wetness in a landscape is one problem many homeowners encounter. Wet areas in a lawn not only become muddy and messy, but they also can cause permanent damage to the grass. Puddles can kill the roots, while wet spots can freeze and damage the lawn. Particularly problematic spots can remain soggy for days, while some people find their yards are seemingly always wet.