Home & Garden Fall 2017

A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers

www.valcomnews.com • Summer 2017

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Tired Mother Nature and the trees of autumn

By Rod Whitlow

Special to Valley Community Newspapers

Mother Nature is tired. What a long, hot summer she had to endure. This year is winding down, and before she drops her long-held Coat of Leaves and winter begins - she will say goodbye with her annual display of fall color.

Soon the days will shorten and the air will cool, triggering the transition that causes the phenomenon of Fall Leaf Drop.

During that process, the landscape is transformed in a wonderful cheerful way.

Streets, avenues, and gardens become flaming montages of reds, yellows, oranges and burgundies that were once a monotone of greens. The transition is a welcome respite, signaling the change of seasons and a time of rebirth.

Luckily, this chemical pigment change happens in our climate. As in many locations such as southern California, the warmer overall climate isn’t conducive to such a visual feast for the eyes and spirit. Our city is host to many varieties that should be planted for future generations to enjoy. However, some should be avoided.

As an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and purveyor of trees, I have spent my life researching trees and would like to impart some good choices to use, based on fall colors and positive compatibility to our local climate and environment. I will also comment on why to not use some species.

Japanese Maples come to mind always because they are the favorite tree of many, and undoubtedly the most sought-after tree in the world to the horticulturist. With more than 3,000 named varieties, it is the playground to the horticulturist. Fall color is amazing with nearly all varieties. There is a shape and size to accommodate any location, short of a huge shade tree.

If a huge shade tree is desired, think Shumard Oak, which is kin to the Red Oak Family. However the Shumard is superior, in that it is resistant to wood-bore infestation (a wood boring larval stage of a wasp or beetle that kill more trees than forest

fires every year), and that it has a far better and longer lasting fall color than the Pin and Red oaks.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation has had this tree as part of their free shade tree program so you may want to check with them if you need a large one. I like the oaks because they can be counted on to give you a non-invasive root system. Never say never, but they are usually very good around concrete. After eight to 10 years, oaks may start dropping acorns, so you know.

The Chinese Pistache is a wonderful fall color tree. Oranges, reds, and yellows usually combine on this one. A fall drive starting in Vacaville, continuing all the way to Auburn along the freeway will link like dots the path where Caltrans planted these wonderful trees because of their drought-tolerance.

Male clones are available, such a Keith Davey are available which are non-fruiting.

If you’d like to blend in some wonderful yellow fall color with the mostly reddish fall color trees mentioned so far, think Ginkgo.

These prehistoric trees with unique fishtail-like leaves are actually a mix of broadleaf and conifer. If you look closely at leaves you can see the relationship.

Many arborists will after removing a problematic tree, replace it with a Ginkgo. A reputation of having good roots, good strong branches, great fall color make it a proven consideration. But here’s a strong warning - be sure to get a male clone as a female tree has terrible smelling fruit after the tree reaches a certain age.

OK, the Tallow tree should only be used in the outback.

Roots can be an issue, along with fruit drop and stem dieback. However, I’m sure many love their Tallows. Ash trees are great in cooler climates like in Oregon and Washington but they suffer from bores here and generally don’t live long.

Liquidambars, the old standby has terrible roots and seed pods. Don’t plant by a driveway. I have a new variety called Slender Silhouette that I love because it only grows 2 to 4 feet wide. However, I have no concrete around it as it’s grafted on standard rootstock.

The flowering pears, I never use anymore. They have nice colors, but poor branch structure. Capitol and Chanticleer are probably the best forms, but they too will be most likely short lived by tree standards in the valley garden.

As far as fruiting and fall color - think persimmon. This wonderful and hardy easy to grow fruit tree is a beautiful addition to the ornamental garden. The Fuyu is the one that can be eaten right off the tree and the most popular variety. Remember that these often produce more fruit than you will use, but if you’re looking to bring in birds to the garden - they love the left over fruit.

Google all these trees and take a gander. Remember that fall is for planting and Mother Nature is waiting.

Rod Whitlow is an ISA Certified Arborist, licensed Landscape Contractor and Certified Nurseryman. Consultant to Sunset Magazine, you can contact Rod for designing or consulting at (916) 712-0082 or via his website at www.rodwhitlowdesign.com.

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Home & Garden • Fall 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Fall lawn care tips Spring and summer may be the seasons most often associated with landscaping and lawn care, but tending to lawns and gardens is a year-round job. If lawn and garden responsibilities dip considerably in winter, then fall is the last significant chance before the new year that homeowners will have to address the landscaping around their homes.

Fall lawn care differs from spring and summer lawn care, even if the warm temperatures of summer linger into autumn. Homeowners who want their lawns to thrive year-round can take advantage of the welcoming weather of fall to address any existing or potential issues.

• Keep mowing, but adjust how you mow. It’s important that homeowners continue to mow their lawns so long as grass is growing. But as fall transitions into winter, lower the blades so the grass is cut shorter while remaining mindful that no blade of grass should ever be trimmed by more than onethird. Lowering the blades will allow more sunlight to reach the grass in the months ahead.

• Remove leaves as they fall. Much like applepicking and foliage, raking leaves is synonymous with fall. Some homeowners may wait to pick up a rake until all of the trees on their properties are bare. However, allowing fallen leaves to sit on the ground for extended periods of time can have an adverse effect on grass. Leaves left to sit on the lawn may ultimately suffocate the grass by forming an impenetrable wall that deprives the lawn of sunlight and oxygen. The result is dead grass and possibly even fungal disease.

Leaves may not need to be raked every day, but homeowners should periodically rake and remove leaves from their grass, even if there are plenty left to fall still hanging on the trees.

• Repair bald spots. Summer exacts a toll on lawns in various ways, and even homeowners with green thumbs may end up with a lawn filled with bald spots come September. Autumn is a great time to repair these bald spots. Lawn repair mixes like Scotts® PatchMaster contain mulch, seed and fertilizer to repair bald spots, which can begin to recover in as little as seven days. Before applying such products, remove dead grass and loosen the top few inches of soil.

Follow any additional manufacturer instructions as well.

• Aerate the turf. Aerating reduces soil compacting, facilitating the delivery of fertilizer and water to a lawn’s roots. While many homeowners, and particularly those who take pride in tending to their own lawns, can successfully aerate their own turf, it’s best to first have soil tested so you know which amendments to add after the ground has been aerated. Gardening centers and home improvement stores sell soil testing kits that measure the pH of soil, but homeowners who want to test for nutrients or heavy metals in their soil may need to send their samples to a lab for further testing.

Fall lawn care provides a great reason to spend some time in the yard before the arrival of winter.

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How to care for tools properly Homeowners often choose to save money and learn valuable skills by doing their own home improvement projects. These minor or major renovations are made much more successful by having the right tools for the job. Investing in good tools can be smart, but those tools are only effective if they are accessible and in good repair. Homeowners who emphasize taking care of their tools can make DIY projects that much easier and more rewarding.

Establish a place for everything Nothing can be more frustrating than wanting to begin a project only to spend precious time looking for tools. Almost as important as the investment in tools is the investment in tool storage.

Hardwood or metal tool chests feature various drawers and cabinets that can house tools of different sizes. By keeping tools in a chest, they’re easy to find and more likely to stay sharp and in good condition.

Metal tools should be stored in a cool, dry area, as dust and moisture can cause rusting issues on metal tools. One way to alleviate rust is to spray metal tools with a product like WD-40 to serve as a moisture barrier, then store them in closed drawers or containers.

All tools do not necessarily have to be stored in a garage or work shed. Many homeowners like to keep smaller tools in the house so that frequently used items are within reach. A hammer, wrench, pliers, and a few screwdrivers are handy tools to have around inside the house.

Put tools back Remember to return tools to their proper storage spots when you finish using them so

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they can be easily found the next time they’re needed. This saves time and even increases personal safety. Tools that are left around can become tripping hazards or end up in the hands of children.

Hang garden tools Whether garden tools are kept in a shed or inside the home, hang them so they don’t crowd the floor. Moisture can creep up from concrete or dirt floors and eventually compromise the tools. Keep cords neatly wound and secured as well.

Rely on original cases Power tools typically are packaged in hard plastic cases. This keeps the tools secure and often is the best method of storage. Original cases also help protect tools from humidity. Label each case so tools are easily identifiable when stacked on a shelf or in a cabinet.

Clean tools after use Hand tools and gardening tools usually can be cleaned with rags. If these tools are especially dirty, give them a wash with soap and water. Just be sure to dry the tools thoroughly after washing them.

LifeHacker advises wiping down wooden handles on tools with linseed oil to keep them in good repair.

Power tools may benefit from compressed air being blown into smaller crevices to dislodge sawdust and other debris. Lubricate any moving parts with a product recommended by the manufacturer.

Keeping tools clean and in good repair goes a long way toward safer, more efficient home improvement projects.

Home & Garden • Fall 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Fall 2017 • Home & Garden

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Make it a green winter with these energy-saving tips Conserving energy is a great way to protect the planet and save money. While energy bills might be highest in summer thanks to air conditioning units, certain factors around a house can make winter more wasteful and costly than it needs to be.

Energy bills are influenced by a variety of factors, including geography and how energy-efficient a home is. For example, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average monthly utility bill in Connecticut in 2015 was $153.13, while New Mexico residents paid slightly more than half that amount ($79.23) on average. Homeowners cannot control winter weather, which can greatly affect how much energy homeowners consume between December and March.

However, there are other ways for homeowners to curtail their energy consumption and save money throughout winter.

• Address any leaks or drafts. Drafty windows and doorways can make the air inside homes feel warmer in the summer and colder in the winter. As autumn weather grows colder, homeowners can perform simple inspections around windows and doorways to determine if they have any leaks. On a cold and/ or windy day, place a hand near all windows and doors to feel if there are any leaks. Use caulk or another type of sealant to address leaks so you can keep cold air out and set your thermostat to a reasonable, eco-friendly temperature.

• Inspect air vents, faucets and plumbing fixtures. Air vents, faucets and plumbing fixtures attached to exterior walls should be inspected for leaks. Such inspections might need to be conducted from outside the home, which can make it more difficult to detect if cold air is entering the home. Look for gaps in the insulation around these areas, filling in those gaps as necessary.

• Inspect heating systems at the start of each new season.

According to EnergyStar.gov, heating systems account for 29 percent of the average homeowner’s energy expenditures. Inspect your heating or HVAC system before the start of winter, making sure all gas or oil connections are operating properly.

EnergyStar.gov notes that dirty burners and cracked heat exchangers can cause heating units to operate less efficiently and may even pose a safety risk. Inspect the air filter of the heating

system at least once per month, as filters can quickly become dirty during a heavy-use season like winter. Dirty filters cause the system to work harder to keep a home warm, unnecessarily wasting energy as a result.

• Install a Wi-fi enabled programmable thermostat. Some programmable thermostats can be very difficult to use effectively, making it far too difficult if not impossible for homeowners to set their thermostats for various temperatures in

a single day. Wi-fi enabled programmable thermostats that allow homeowners to control their heating and cooling systems via their smartphones can be more user-friendly than many other programmable thermostats, ensuring homeowners are saving money and not wasting energy heating empty homes.

Winter utility bills can be costly, but homeowners can reduce their cold weather energy consumption in various ways without sacrificing comfort.

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Home & Garden • Fall 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Fall 2017 • Home & Garden

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Photo by Raina LeGarreta

You can add a warm, fall decor to rooms in your house by simply changing bright lights to amber lights and/or colored candles.

Creating the coziest abode

Add comfort to your quarters via colors and lighting

By Raina leGaRReta

Special to Valley Community Newspapers

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Are you seeking fall design ideas that will bring a sense of warmth and comfort to your home?

If you’re like me, you probably do most of your home entertaining during the cooler months; a time when holiday parties and family gatherings abound.

There’s no better time than now to modify the interior designs of your house to better suit your fall celebrations; focusing on creating an atmosphere that shouts, “the coziest abode.”

Now don’t fear.

I know that when the average person even thinks about changing their interior designs, dollar signs may automatically pop up in their eyes.

But you can rest assured that there are affordable ways to design your home for the fall that will be eye-catching and unique.

When my husband and I modify the interior designs of our house each fall we tend to focus on two main aspects the most: color and lighting.

I believe that these two things can make or break the feeling inside any living quarters; you can completely change the aura of your rooms by simply changing the colors and/or lighting inside of them.

Bright white lights illuminating white walls in rooms where gatherings occur may prompt a feeling of agitation for guests. This all coincides with research that proves that the types

of lighting we are exposed to can change our moods, circadian rhythms, etc.

In any case, bad moods are definitely something we want to avoid conjuring up at a holiday party – so you may want to go with calmer lighting.

You can choose to use amber lights instead as your main lighting for certain rooms – or even make candles with holders of various colors be your main lighting; or, like my husband and I, do a combination thereof.

We are big fans of the wax candles with red glass holders, which we purchased at Smart & Final for less than $12 for a case of six.

This kind of lighting brings a calm, yet welcoming, vibe to rooms that people will join in most; we also like the retro design feel it gives to the atmosphere.

Painting rooms in fall colors such as dark oranges, dark blue-greens, etc., is also a great option that really adds fall decor to the rooms.

If you don’t want to change the colors of your walls you can also opt to choose wall murals, which come in a variety of designs and sizes, and range anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on what you choose.

These wall murals can simply be pasted on your walls with an adhesive, or you can choose the non-pasted type that come in panels.

For example, our wall mural in the family room consists of an outdoors design so that when you walk through our front door it resembles a rain forest.

The sky’s the limit to the designs you can choose for these wall murals, which can be purchased at Home Depot or online.

Home & Garden • Fall 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

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Don’t toss the tomato A guide to saving tomato seeds for next year

By Cameron Macdonald

Special to Valley Community Newspapers

I spent the past six months protecting my garden’s tomato bushes from mold, slugs, hornworms, grasshoppers, and a heartless mole that used my tomato patch as a shortcut through a neighbor’s yard. But it was all worth it – I was able to prepare more tomato salads and tomato sauces than my relatives and neighbors could tolerate.

One favorite this year was a new variety called, Brad’s Atomic Grapes. Napa’s Wild Boar Farms cross-bred this small tomato that’s as sweet as Fuji apples, and displays a wild blend of blues, violets, blacks, reds, and golds when they grow in full sunlight.

I wanted to preserve as many “Atoms” or seeds as possible for next spring and I learned a few tricks to make it happen.

Step 1 – Harvesting Take a ripe tomato that’s beginning to soften and place it on a cutting board. Slice the tomato crosswise and take a small spoon to carefully dig out the seeds. Place the seeds into a small glass jar – I used an old bulk spice jar. Gently rinse the seeds with water and carefully pour out the excess water. Let a little water remain in the jar, or add a little water if there is no water left. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and puncture a few holes to allow air into the jar.

Photos by Cameron Macdonald

Above: The first step is to slice the tomato crosswise and gently dig out seeds with a small spoon. Right: Place the seeds into a small glass jar and cover with a plastic wrap. Puncture a few holes in the cover and keep the jar out of sunlight. Let the seeds ferment for four to five days.

Step 2 – Fermenting (the gross part) Once the jar is full of seeds and gelatinous tomato guts, place the jar on a countertop and let it stand for at least four days to ferment. Don’t panic if a layer of mold forms on the seeds.

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Home & Garden • Fall 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

I preserved seeds from several tomatoes I grew this spring and summer.

Tomato

Continued from page 10

separates the healthy seeds from the duds.

Many of the healthy ones will gradually sink to the bottom. If you’re worried about the stench, place the jar in a shady area of your porch that never gets sunlight. The key is to keep the seeds away from the sun in order to start the fermentation.

Step 3 - Drying and storing After four to five days of fermentation, it’s time to dry out the seeds. Uncover the

jar and carefully remove the mold with a spoon. Now scoop up the seeds and place them on a flattened coffee filter. I cut out a large piece of a No. 4 Coffee Filter for my seeds. Lay down the paper on a countertop or an outdoor table and let the seeds dry for a day. You can dry them outdoors during warm weather but keep them away from the sunlight to avoid seed damages.

When the seeds are dry, use a butter knife or your fingernails to carefully scrape the seeds off the paper. Place the seeds in a baggie and write the seed variety’s name and harvest year. Store in a dry, cool area to preserve the seeds for planting next spring.

Dry out the seeds on a coffee filter indoors or in a shaded outdoor area.

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Home & Garden • Fall 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

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Home & Garden • Fall 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

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Home & Garden • Fall 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com