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HOME DECOR

Tis the sleeper-sofa season The holiday season is coming, and so are your friends and family. There’s no denying the allure of Central Oregon during the holidays, so it’s paramount your home is prepared for such visitors throughout the season — if not for your comfort, but also for your sanity. So encourages Jackie Anderson, designer at Haven Home Style in downtown Bend. According to Anderson, sleeper sofas have come a long way through the years and, despite losing consumer favor for a time, have made quite the comeback through improved style and comfort. “Many people may already have designated guest rooms for visitors,” she said. “Sleeper sofas are for moments when you just expect a couple of visitors, and then the kids and the cousins decide to come, too.”

WHAT’S YOUR SIZE? Anderson says that today’s sleeper sofa’s aren’t just one-size-fits-all. Like beds, these sofas offer various sizes to accommodate both space limitations and guest expectations. For example, some sleeper sofas are disguised as a “chair and a half” — slightly smaller than your typical loveseat — which can fold out into a twinsized bed. If a full hide-a-bed better fits your needs, try an apartment sofa-sized option. “These can easily sneak into an office or a media room until you’re ready to use it,” Anderson said. A regular-sized sofa sleeper will typically fold out “Today’s sofa sleepers are much more comfortable, there’s no denying that,” she said. “Support bars into a queen-sized bed. are built lower on the bed, so you won’t feel the frame on the back like you used to. ELEMENTS OF STYLE According to Anderson, sleeper sofas no longer “Some manufacturers have even gotten rid of look the part, and many offer the same style the bars altogether and come up with other mechanisms for comfort and support.” options as regular sofas. “You can’t even tell they’re a sofa bed anymore,” The mattresses are much improved, too. Some she said. “Many offer various arm options, skirts, offer a 5 1/2-inch inner spring mattress, while legs and backs, just as you might expect when other manufacturers even offer an air-mattress option for full- and queen-sized beds. buying any other sofa.” The ever popular sectional is now available in a “A night on a sleeper sofa no longer has to be sleeper. “They can fit into any decor,” Anderson your worst night’s sleep ever,” Anderson said. “In said. “Plus, they’re not as heavy, as oversized or both style and comfort, they’ve truly made quite a as difficult to open as you may remember from comeback through the years.” the past.”

A WORD ON COMFORT While one might not pair the words “sofa sleeper” with the word “comfort,” Anderson said today’s options have strived to change that.

The designers and staff at Haven Home Style can help you pick the perfect sleeper for you and your home. We carry a unique collection of transitional and traditional furniture and decor from major manufacturers and from local craftsmen from right here in Bend!

Call us to schedule a complimentary consultation. 856 NW Bond • Downtown Bend • 541-330-5999 • www.havenhomestyle.com 4 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

Central Oregon Living

FEATURES HIGH DESERT LIFESTYLES 7 10 12 13 16 18 20 21

AUTUMN 2012

central oregon high art exploring the nature of words the pychology of color stuffed with flavor locavore’s corner feeling the rhythm of the road kitchen trends real estate - onward and upward

Thriving With Color

IN THE GARDEN

Feeling the Rhythm of the Road

24 thriving with color 26 garden calendar 28 harvesting seeds

I’m Stuffed

30 expert advice - real estate 31 events calendar To subscribe or to learn more about Central Oregon Living, The Bulletin and Western Communications, including advertising and commercial print opportunities, please call 541-385-5800 or visit www.bendbulletin.com.

Central Oregon Living Autumn 2012 is a product of The Bulletin’s Special Projects Division, 1777 SW Chandler Ave., Bend OR 97702. All content is the property of The Bulletin/Western Communications Inc., and may not be reproduced without written consent.

Printed by The Bulletin Western Communications Commercial Print Division. Story ideas may be submitted to editor Ben Montgomery for consideration. Contact him at (541) 383-0379 or bmontgomery@bendbulletin.com.

Staff members for The Bulletin’s special projects division include: Martha Tiller, Special Projects Manager; Ben Montgomery, Special Projects Editor; Nicole Werner, Special Projects Image and New Media; Stacie Oberson, Special Projects Coordinator. Published Saturday, October 6, 2012

Cover photo by Nicole Werner

Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 5

EDITOR’S

note

Snack time in the garden The other day, I caught myself saying something to my daughter that took me a little by surprise. Maya was eating her dinner, and like a lot of 4-year-olds, she wasn’t eating everything on her plate. And yet she was asking for more. “I’ll give you more broccoli,” I said to her, “but you’re going to have to eat a bite of your hot dog first.” Yes, my wife and I are pretty fortunate when it comes to the eating habits of our daughter. She can be slightly picky, and she’s a bit of a grazer, but we know if we give her a plate full of carrot sticks, cucumber slices or broccoli florets, she’s perfectly fine calling it a snack. We’ve been told that in the eating department, we may have hit the parental jackpot, and I certainly won’t disagree. So with this as a backdrop, it’s little surprise she

took to gardening like mayflies to a streetlight. This was our second season maintaining a plot at Hollinshead Community Garden in Bend, and the evolution of Maya’s passion for gardening took all the expected turns of a someone her age. In April, gardening was all about playing in the dirt — splashing in the mud, making tracks through freshly raked ground, building mounds, digging trenches … the works. But as our 10-by-10-foot square turned into sections, and sections turned to rows, and these rows called for the opening of the first envelopes of seeds, Maya seemed to know she was part of something special. “These are all gonna turn into carrots?” she asked as she sprinkled tiny seeds in prepared rows near one corner of the garden. “Can I eat them next time we come?” “Of course,” we said, “but not next time. You’ll have to be patient. If you do, you’ll have more carrots than you can eat.” As we waited on the growth of the carrots, trips to the garden became snack time for Maya. When she wasn’t picking the spinach or gnawing on romaine, she

was putting a sizeable dent in our snap pea and green bean harvest — all the while reminding me that “I helped plant this, Daddy, so I can just eat what I want.” No argument here. In the mean time, we’d pull up a carrot from time to time, marvel at its lack of size, then gobble it up because, based on Maya’s universal rule of gardening, “we can.” This rule was tested recently when the day finally came to harvest our great carrot bounty. After digging up nearly 20 pounds of them — carrots destined for sides, salads, soups and the freezer — Maya saw a challenge. More carrots than she can eat? Nonsense. If carrots truly do affect your eyesight, I suspect Maya won’t touch a pair of reading glasses until she’s 80. If her goal truly is to eat every last one, she’s failing miserably, though it’s more for lack of size than the lack of effort. No matter. She already has her eye on the next prize: the tomatoes are ripening, and she informed us the Romas would belong to her. We’ll see about that. Ben Montgomery is The Bulletin’s special projects editor.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

ANNISSA ANDERSON, a freelance writer and public relations consultant, also studied culinary arts and worked as a pastry chef in another life. She writes regularly for The Bulletin and other local publications.

An avid crocheter and origamist, JOHN CAL worked as a baker, head chef, ukuleleist, and Sno-Cat driver before settling into writing. He enjoys filling his time with yoga, postcard writing, and collecting bowties as well as candy from around the world. He lives in Sisters.

6 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

CHRISTOPHER L. INGERSOLL is an internationally published writer and photographer working for The Bulletin. He began his career as a photojournalist in the U.S. Air Force. He now spends his free time with his wife and six children doing whatever seems like it would be fun at the time.

AMY JO DETWEILER has been working as OSU Extension Horticulture Faculty in Central Oregon for 12 years. She provides education in home horticulture, commercial horticulture, and provides annual training for the local OSU Master Gardener™ Program.

GREGG MORRIS is a local freelance writer and musician. You can find him around town finishing articles at the local tea shop, performing with his band, Organic Music Farm, homeschooling his daughter, or executing his duties with the Deschutes Co. Search and Rescue team.

Bend has been home to LINDA ORCELLETTO and her husband, Joe, since 1996. Their “fur child” golden retriever keeps them busy with outdoor activities. When not pounding the keyboard or volunteering, she enjoys exploring the back roads and history of Oregon.

KATHY OXBORROW owns Oxborrow Consulting, which assists public and nonprofit agencies. She grew up on a Nevada cattle ranch and returned to her roots after stints in San Francisco and Portland. She lives near Bend and enjoys riding her horse Sara.

DEBBIE RENTON is having a midlife crisis. The children are grown, her metabolism is failing, and she talks to her dogs. She operates a fly-fishing business with her husband, David, and sons, Dillon and Knut. In the off-season, she is a ski instructor at Mount Bachelor.

Central Oregon

High ART Jared Leisek’s high-flying videos capture Central Oregon from a perspective few have experienced. by Debbie Renton / for The Bulletin Special Projects Film stills courtesy of Jared Leisek

From the harness of his powered paraglider, Jared Leisek sees the beauty of Central Oregon like most can only imagine. It’s a good thing he flies with the purpose of sharing what he observes, as evidenced by the stunning and sharply edited videos he’s posted on YouTube during the past year. Leisek’s passion for powered paragliding began in 2005 after his brother, Byron, arrived at his Redmond home following a tandem ride with friends. Byron’s overwhelming enthusiasm rubbed off on his older brother. “We ordered the gear that very same night,” Leisek said. Many blunders ensued as the brothers attempted to learn the sport on their own, which they are quick to point out was a huge mistake. “We had lots of mishaps in the beginning

that led us to get proper training and equipment,” said Leisek, whose brother has started a powered paragliding school. (See the sidebar on page 9.) Videos — found at www.youtube.com/leisek — feature favorite Central Oregon landmarks such as Monkey Face at Smith Rock State Park, the Crooked River, Bend’s Drake Park, and Tumalo Falls. He gives viewers a 107-mile tour of the Deschutes River from Terrebonne to Tygh Valley, and he takes them over the Cascade mountain range. His first posted video was recognized as GoPro’s Video of the Day, but Leisek didn’t let

that get to his head as he continued to push himself in both his flying and filming. “We are our own worst critic,” he said. “I always ask myself, ‘How can I make something that is better than someone else to get people to watch?’” The paraglider that Leisek rides is operated by a gas-powered, two-stroke motor hooked up to a propeller that creates the thrust. Depending on wind conditions, he launches his powered paraglider using a forward technique or a

Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 7

“I always want to be forever young. I want to always enjoy life. I want to look back and say I really had a good time.”

l er L. Ingersol o by Christoph ot Ph / k ise Le Jared

reverse technique. A new wing Leisek purchased gives him several advantages, including stability, and the ability to pull tighter 360s while still gaining altitude as he films. “I’m on a really small wing,” he said. “A lot of the wings are going to be in the 24- to 28-meter range. Mine is between 19 and 21 meters.” 8 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

Leisek’s camera of choice is the GoPro HD Hero2, which he creatively mounts on his foot by taking the vented helmet mount and replacing the webbing with Velcro. This keeps the camera from capturing lines that run from his harness to his wing, obstructing views of snow-capped mountains and crystal blue lakes and streams. It also allows Leisek to maintain his upper body’s focus on his wing controls, while his lower body captures video. With images in hand, Leisek turns to editing with Final Cut Pro X, a program downloaded on his MacBook Pro. Using Conform Speed effects, he is able to drop the speed to 40 percent, resulting in dramatic slow motion shots. This editing process can take hours. “From the moment I get home, it takes me roughly six hours for a two-minute video,” he said. Leisek has launched a company called Snip Film Productions (www.snipfilms.com). These short videos make a huge impact. This is especially true for a video produced for the

Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center that gives a bird’s eye view of the facility and its buildings. Roxie Thornton-Todoroff, director of sales and marketing with the fair, said fair leaders plan to utilize the video on its web site and link it with proposals to possible vendors. “It’s phenomenal,” Thornton-Todoroff said of the video. “It shows what we offer, how large our facility is, how diverse our facility is.” While Leisek’s videos focus mainly on Central Oregon, he is fond of venturing and finding new places to film, which led him to Montana in July. As he flew and filmed north of Missoula, a prototype throttle he was using malfunctioned, forcing him to land in a remote area 30 miles from town. Leisek had the skills to return safely, but as he took in the beauty surrounding him, he decided to stay. “I could have flown, but thought I’m up here now, and I’m going to make the most of it,” Leisek recalled. The result of this adventure is captured in a 35minute video featuring Leisek climbing glaciers,

swimming in and drinking their water, camping in a hollowed-out log, and a failed attempt at starting a fire “castaway style.” Song selection is an important part of Leisek’s editing technique. This is particularly true in his Broken Top video, whose song begins with the opening line, “I am the sun, and the air,” timed in perfection as Leisek floats over a dramatic peak bathed in sunlight. His favorite playlist song when flying is Youth Group’s version of “Forever Young.” “I always want to be forever young,” Leisek said, explaining his preference for the song. “I want to always enjoy life. I want to look back and say I really had a good time.”

Photo below by Christopher L. Ingersoll

“From the moment I get home, it takes me roughly six hours for a twominute video.”

TEAM O L A H F LY Learn-by-doing power paragliders gain knowledge the hard way when they start their passion for the sport, destroying thousands of dollars in equipment and suffering numerous injuries. (Just ask Jared Leisek about the finger he had reattached.)

These experiences led Byron Leisek to launch a school with fellow paraglider Shane Denherder, a full-time paragliding instructor from Utah. Denherder is a certified powered paragliding instructor, certified tandem instructor as well as certified parachute rigger through the U.S. Powered Paragliding Association and U.S. Hangliding and Paragliding Association. Byron also is certified through USHPA, and is studying for his instructor certificate. The school, known as Team Fly Halo, conducts training on the Oregon Coast where the stable airflow allows for better conditions when teaching glider control. Classes include lessons on high-altitude launches and flights, mountain flying, ridge soaring and low flying techniques. Most important in training is master kiting and glider control training. “We spend 35 to 36 hours teaching students to control their wing,” Byron said. Before students even take to the air, instructors insist that they remain within an inch of control when handling their wing. Team Fly Halo’s courses can last up to 10 hours a day. “We push them as far as they can go,” Denherder said. This includes up to 1½ hours a day in what’s known as “ground school,” where instructors take students through courses on mechanics, aerodynamics, topography, weather and flight ethics. Instruction lasts a minimum of seven days to ensure that student pilots are safe enough to take up the sport, one that currently is loosely regulated as long as those participating uphold themselves to high standards. To learn more about Team Fly Halo training camps, visit www.flyhalo.com. Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 9

Exploring

(theNatureofWords)

Grassroots program continues to be a literary force in Central Oregon. by John Cal / for The Bulletin Special Projects

“Central Oregon is a literarily savvy community,” said Robert McDowell, the newly appointed director of The Nature of Words, the area’s foremost literary nonprofit organization. McDowell replaced Ellen Waterston, the organization’s founder who, after creating Nature of Words

in 2005, decided to focus on other pursuits. Since moving here in May, McDowell is starting to discover all of the many beautiful sides of Bend. “It’s very active, not just physically, but intellectually,” said McDowell. “It’s a community of good readers, concerned with all the ways to stay in shape.”

GUEST AUTHORS The Nature of Words 2012

LEFT TO RIGHT: Ayad Akhtar, fiction; Jean Auel, fantasy/ science fiction; Sherwin Bitsui, poetry; Tracy Daugherty, non-fiction; Brian Doyle, fiction; Thor Hanson, nonfiction; Michael Meade, poetry; Aimee Nezhukumatathil, poetry; Paisley Rekdal, poetry; and Kevin Gordon, poetry/ songwiting. 10 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

McDowell, a long-time Oregonian, relocated to Bend from Ashland after applying to the job listing from a surprising online ad one evening. Since taking over the director’s position from Waterston, it seems evident in these early months of the job transition that he has begun to wield the reigns of his perfect dream job.

“Ellie has been so generous with her time, advice and guidance in all of this,” McDowell said. “She will always be the founder, and it’s so useful for me to be able to tap into that well of knowledge. “I also feel so lucky to have such a great board that I’ve walked into, that I’ve inherited. They get it. They care and are great fundraisers.”

McDowells transition comes on the cusp of planning the organization’s annual literary event, The Nature of Words, of which the organization shares its name. “Everyone was in high gear,” McDowell said. “I had to step in and get with it quickly.”

In it’s eighth year of inception, as in the past, the festival continues to bring noted writers to the area like Kent Haruf and Anne Lamott, and this year will feature the likes of Jean Auel and Brian Doyle. The Nature of Words still proves to be one of the prominent tools our community uses to stay intellectually fit, but more than ever it is making itself a literary force in the community, not only for its annual festival, but also for what it’s doing in literacy programs for the community at large. “We’re growing,” said Jamie Houghton, the Nature of Words Programs Director. “More and more we’re evolving into an organization that’s about education. Our daily work is

in the classrooms and in the prisons. All of that is really the work at hand.” In Words Without Walls, one of the organizations premiere and furthest reaching programs, NOW has a presence in 32 classrooms at 19 sites across three Oregon counties, and the numbers are increasing. At each site, resident authors/ instructors work with the needs of each individual classroom and site to create individualized curricula to promote creative writing. Participants then have an opportunity at the end of their residencies to present their works and accomplishments to their local communities. “People often call or come into our office and ask why we don’t offer more programs for adults, and we do,” Houghton said. Nature of Words offers classes and workshops year round for all ages, interests and skill levels. It not only works within schools, classrooms and in workshops at their downtown Bend headquarters, but it also has annual programs in both the Deer Ridge Correctional Institution in Madras and Shepherds House in Bend. “I ended up being so affected by seeing this work,” said Houghton. “We don’t get to hear these stories. . . You have these ideas about what people are supposed to be, and you start to realize that we have so much in common. And it’s amazing that

you have and that they have a place to tell their stories.” As the organization’s longest tenured employee, Houghton oozes passion for words and language and what they can do and what she sees they are doing in the lives she encounters. “People feel like they can’t come to our classes because they’re not ‘writers,’ but a writer isn’t just someone who gets published, but someone who writes, and so that’s all of us,” she said. “Learning how to tell your story [and] appreciate the stories of others helps us understand each other. “It’s all about community. And the more writing you do, the more authors you’re exposed to, you become a better thinker, and then a better listener.” “Our work here is such a joy,” McDowell added. “The people here are open and grateful. There’s a lot of good energy here. There’s a very powerful spiritual core. It’s got to do with people being so closely connected with the land and water, and it’s just the perfect place for us to be.”

Annual Literay Festival Wed.-Sun., Nov. 7-11, throughout Bend The Nature of Words annual literary festival, Central Oregon’s premier literary event, takes place each November in Bend. Now in its eighth year, The Nature of Words brings nationally acclaimed authors to Bend for five days of readings, workshops, lectures and a gala author dinner. The Nature of Words has featured more than 60 acclaimed authors since its inception. TICKETS for The Nature of Words are available online at www. thenatureofwords.org. Call 541-6472233 for more information.

Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 11

COLOR TRENDS

The psychology of COLOR

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOR

BROWN

Every room in your house is a candidate for a beautiful and vibrant color. The type of room, its primary purpose, and the mood you wish to create can help determine the appropriate color family. Understanding the psychology of color will help point you in the right direction.

. . . .

RED

Not all people react to colors the same. The hue and vividness of a color will affect the reactions.

Lawyers and professors may work best in a studious environment of deep browns and burgundy.

. Evokes strong emotions . Encourages appetite . Fosters passion or intensity . Red roses symbolize love. Dining room or restaurants are a good choice for reds, as they promote excitement, and enthusiasm. Red is not a good color for study areas. Red is hypothesized to impair performance on achievement tasks.

YELLOW . Cheerful or warm . Most likely to strain eyes or cause eye fatigue . Makes babies cry more.

GREEN . . . .

Represents good luck, tranquility, and jealousy. Symbolizes nature Improve reading ability Relieves stress

Yellow in kitchens will increase metabolism, brighten the room, and give you energy.

Green is the most popular color for a home office or a bedroom as it is the most balancing hue on the color spectrum. It is restful yet rejuvenating. Hospitals will use green because it relaxes patients.

BLUE

PURPLE

. . . .

The color most preferred by men Renders calmness or serenity Curbs appetite Associated with water and peace

Blue is calming, but also increases productivity, making it a perfect choice for an office.

Color of the earth Evokes a sense of strength and reliability. Warmth, comfort, and security. Can create feelings of sadness and isolation.

. . . .

The Color Sense game by PPG Pittsburgh Paints www.voiceofcolor.com/digital-color/color-sensegame is a useful tool to discover your own color personality. When it comes to color psychology, let your instincts guide you. Surrounding yourself with color makes you feel happierâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it will brighten your day. Information provided by Norma Tucker @ Denfeld Paints.

Promotes artistic creativity Color of royalty Connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. Feminine and romantic

Lavender calms the nerves and allows relaxation. It could be a good choice for a living room.

FREE COLOR SAMPLES NOW. EXPERT SERVICE ALWAYS!

Complete the information below and bring it to us by October 31, 2012 to receive three FREE Voice of ColorÂŽ sample jars. Date: ____________________________________________________________________________ Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________ Offer valid until October 31, 2012. Limit 3 sample jars per customer/household. Sample jars not available in all colors.

AVAILABLE AT:

2121 NE Division Bend, OR 97701 (541) 382-4171 12 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

641 NW Fir Avenue Redmond, OR 97756 (541) 548-7707

Find us on facebook DenfeldPaints.com

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Stuffed! Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables filled with flavorful fall ingredients. by Annissa Anderson / for The Bulletin Special Projects | Photos by Nicole Werner

As the Indian summer passes into fall, our seasonal cravings also change. Fall produce naturally calls for baking, and stuffing fruits and vegetables is a wonderful way to create rich, complex flavors in hearty dishes that satisfy.

Ideal Vessels

Basically any fruit or vegetable that can be hollowed out and holds its shape when baked can be used for stuffing. Late-season tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and a multitude of summer and winter squash varieties are the best candidates for filling with endless combinations of ingredients, from basic

to global. Cabbage leaves, as well as other greens, can be steamed first to soften them before baking with meat or vegetable filling. Fruits, like apples and pears, are delightful when stuffed with sweetened fruit and nut fillings and baked in the oven. But baking is not always required; tropical fruits like pineapples and mangos can be hollowed out and stuffed with a mixture of their own fruit and others. Raw vegetables, like tomatoes and cucumbers, also make ideal vessels for serving cold prepared salads and salsas.

Baked Stuffings

Dreamy stuffings can be made out of virtually anything that benefits from being baked. Melting cheeses, like chevre, gruyere, cheddar and mozzarella, are popular for stuffing all kinds of baked vegetables. Often cheeses are mixed with nuts, herbs or sautĂŠed vegetables before being stuffed into the cavities of peppers, tomatoes, squashes and eggplant. Rice- and bread-based stuffings are ideal comfort foods for fall and winter. Cubed bread or precooked rice combined with chopped nuts, herbs and spices Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 13

Stuffed Baked Apples with Maple Glaze (Serves 6) A stuffing of dried fruits and nuts adds crunch and chewiness to tender, baked apples. The buttery maple glaze adds a finishing touch that is quintessentially fall. Tip: If purchasing dried fruit and nuts just for this recipe, buy only the amount needed from the bulk aisle, for maximum freshness and minimal expenditure.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons roughly chopped dried cherries 3 tablespoons chopped dried figs 2 tablespoons roughly chopped sliced toasted almonds 2 tablespoons roughly chopped toasted pecans 6 large, firm baking apples, such as Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Braeburn, cored but not peeled 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces 1/2 cup apple cider 2 tablespoons maple syrup Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400Â°F. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dried fruit and nuts. 2. Place the apples in a baking pan or casserole dish and stuff their cavities with the fruit and nut mixture. Place a piece of butter on top of the stuffing. 3. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into the bottom of the baking pan and bake the apples, basting every 5 to 7 minutes, until they are tender, 25 to 35 minutes. Reserving the pan juices, transfer the apples to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. 4. Pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer the mixture until it becomes syrupy, about 10 minutes. Serve over the apples, adding a dollop of whipped cream if desired. 14 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

and standard flavor-builders like sautĂŠed onion, garlic and celery makes a delicious savory filling for sweet winter squashes like acorn, butternut or delicata.

A Marriage of Flavors

Using ingredients from various ethnic regions for fillings can create an entirely different effect while utilizing familiar vegetables. For example, stuffing baby eggplants with lamb, mint and feta cheese creates a Middle-Eastern inspired meal. Filling baked peppers with a creamy, whipped feta mixture conjures up the

atmosphere of a Greek Taverna. Eating cabbage rolls filled with veal, rice and paprika temporarily transports diners to Eastern Europe. Combining ingredients used within one cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cuisine, like using ingredients that are in season together, usually creates the best overall effect. A filling should always be perfectly seasoned and able to stand on its own before being stuffed into its vessel for baking. This way, the dish will emerge with a pleasing marriage of flavors.

Winter SQUASH Favorites A wide variety of winter squashes are now available at farm stands, pumpkin patches and groceries. Here are a few favorites. SPAGHETTI: The flesh of this mild-tasting squash has the texture of spaghetti once it’s cooked. Simply bake until tender and scrape out the cavity with a spoon to separate it into juicy, pasta-like strands. BUTTERNUT: Butternut squash is easy to peel and incredibly versatile. Peeled and cubed pieces of this deep orange-colored squash can be boiled or roasted and added to stews or curries. Pureed, they become the base for a brightly colored, delicious soup.

DELICATA: Small and oblong with green and yellow stripes, the sweet yellow flesh cooks up to be nutty and pleasantly dry. These squash are great for baking, filled with stuffing or just plain. KABOCHA: Shaped like a pumpkin with rough, dark green skin, the exterior of kabocha squash hides its surprisingly sweet and smooth, dark orange flesh. While harder to cut and peel than butternut squash, it tastes even more wonderful when baked and/or pureed. ACORN: These small, dark green squash are great for baking, as they are easy to halve. The small cavity is ideal for stuffing.

Wild Rice, Chestnut & Pecan Stuffed Squashes (Serves 8) These stuffed squashes can be served as a main dish, or cut in half to serve more as a side dish at festive fall gatherings. Cooked, peeled chestnuts can be purchased at specialty groceries; if unavailable, increase the amount of pecans by 1/3 cup. Note: Any extra stuffing can be put into a covered casserole dish and baked at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

3 1/4 cups water 1 cup wild rice 1 teaspoon salt 4 small squashes (acorn, small butternut, or delicata), cut in half with seeds scooped out Canola oil, as needed 3 stalks celery, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 pound button or cremini mushrooms, chopped 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 1/4 cups cooked peeled chestnut pieces, chopped 2/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted 4 slices whole grain bread, toasted and cut into small cubes 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F degrees and have ready 1 or 2 baking sheets. Combine 3 cups of the water, the wild rice and salt in a 2-quart saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn the heat down to medium-low, and cook for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the rice is tender. 2. Brush the cavities of the squashes with canola oil. Arrange them on the baking sheets, cut side down, and bake them for 30 minutes. 3. To make the stuffing, combine the celery, onion, garlic, and olive oil in a large skillet. Cook and stir for 5 to 6 minutes, or until soft and transparent. Add the mushrooms, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, poultry seasoning and remaining 1/4-cup water and stir over the heat until combined. Transfer to a large bowl along with the chestnuts, pecans, bread cubes, and cooked wild rice and mix well. 4. Remove the squashes from the oven and generously fill the cavities with the stuffing. Cover the baking sheets with aluminum foil, shiny side down, and return the squashes to the oven for 30 minutes longer or until tender when pierced with a fork. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve.

Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 15

LOCAL RANCHES DD Ranch

Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 3836 NE Smith Rock Way, Terrebonne 541-548-1432 www.ddranch.net

Pine Mountain Buffalo Ranch 23585 East Highway 20, Bend 541-312-0185 www.pmrbuffalo.com

Smith Rock Ranch

aka Central Oregon Pumpkin Company Open through Wednesday, Oct. 31 Pumpkin Patch Hours: Mon-Sat, Noon-6 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Maize Hours: Fri, 3-7 p.m.; Sat, 1 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1250 NE Wilcox Avenue, Terrebonne 541-504-1414 www.pumpkinco.com

Rainshadow Organics

U-Pick open through Thanksgiving 70955 Lower Bridge Way,Terrebonne, OR 541-279-0841 www.rainshadoworganics.com

RedTail Farm

Bend, OR 97701 info@redtailfarmofbend.com 541-350-3667

16 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

LO CAVO R E’S CO R N E R: Are farmer’s markets on your list of things you’ll most miss this fall? Don’t fret.

GO STRAIGHT TO THE

FOOD SOURCE by Chef Bette Frasier / for The Bulletin Special Projects

As the weather grows colder and farmer’s markets close up shop until next summer, many assume this means the end of fresh, local produce from Central Oregon and the surrounding region. Autumn’s arrival, however, signals an abundance of fall harvest crops. Without the markets around town, you may have to journey a bit farther to get your fix, but as you’ll learn below, there is a wealth of family-friendly outdoor activities to be had when you venture out into the country.

DD Ranch

Located in Terrebonne with stunning views of Smith Rock State Park, DD Ranch has been a favorite stop on our Farm & Ranch Tours since we began our culinary excursions. Mike and Diann Duggan, along with their son Scott, raise grass-fed and antibiotic free beef and pork on their land, along with acres of corn, potatoes and sunflowers. DD Ranch also produces 100 percent raw honey (never processed or pasteurized), which is not only creamy and delicious, but can also help boost your immune system. Each season brings a wealth of fun, family friendly activities at the ranch. Autumn means it’s pumpkin patch time, complete with hayrides, hay maze, Kids Corral and u-pick corn and u-dig potatoes. Every winter, the Duggans are busy helping Central Oregonians pick out Douglas Fir Christmas trees grown on the farm and holiday wreaths lovingly crafted by Diann. If you’re lucky, you’ll visit DD Ranch when their Cafe BBQ Grill is open for business, slinging hamburgers and hot dogs made from all-natural beef and pork.

With a wealth of wild and domestic animals calling the ranch home (the land qualifies as a wildlife sanctuary), DD Ranch is a also a great destination for birdwatching, hiking and nature observing throughout the colder months. And with their barn able to accommodate large groups, the ranch can host educational field trips, birthday parties and other celebrations.

Smith Rock Ranch

A few miles away at the Smith Rock Ranch (a.k.a., Central Oregon Pumpkin Company), owner Matt Lisignoli and his family are also providing a variety of fun family activities for the fall season. The Pumpkin Company’s main attraction is the u-pick Pumpkin Patch, home to tons of pumpkins for all of your JackO-Lantern needs. For those seeking edible fare, they also offer several varieties of pumpkins that taste great when cooked up—especially in a pie crust. Lisignoli grows several kinds of heirloom pumpkins including Cindarellas, Jarrahale (which are blue) and perennial pie-favorite Long Island Cheese. At their farm stand, you can also purchase more than a dozen varieties of squash (in the same cucurbit family as pumpkins) such as blue hubbard, delicata, butternut, spaghetti, Kabocha, Danish (acorn), and pink banana, as well as pears and apples straight from Kimberly Orchards. Both DD Ranch and the Central Oregon Pumpkin Company can help you as you start planning your Thanksgiving centerpieces, supplying gourds of all shapes and sizes to adorn your table.

Other Destination Farms

For help with the other centerpiece of Thanksgiving, make sure to order your Central

Oregon turkey from one of several farms in the area, like Rainshadow Organics, also located in Terrebonne, or Pine Mountain Ranch in Bend. (You can also order a holiday goose from Pine Mountain.) Farmer Sarah Lawrence of Rainshadow Organics just opened up a u-pick farm stand last month, allowing visitors to walk through the two and a half acres of row crops and greenhouses and harvest exactly what they need. Open through Thanksgiving, the u-pick farm stand offers a great opportunity to see what many of your favorite vegetables look like when they’re still in the ground. Cabbage, kale, parsnips, celeriac, turnips, carrots and more are all on the menu at the end of the season for Rainshadow Organics. Defying the perception that Central Oregon’s season is only three months long, Heidi and Doug Moir of RedTail Farms in Bend grow greens all year round. Their unheated greenhouses shelter fantastic nutritional powerhouses including kale, chard, spinach, mustards, arugula and mache The best way to stay informed about what’s growing on at RedTail is to join their email list (see

address on opposite page). You will receive a weekly update of what products are available to order, plus stories and pictures from the farm. Finally, if making a trek out to the farm isn’t in your schedule, you can take advantage of two Bend-based services that make getting local and regional food products a snap. Agricultural Connections and Central Oregon Locavore make it easy to keep the fresh produce and meat coming long after the farmers’ market season is over with their online ordering systems. So don’t be fooled by the chilly weather. Local food is still available, even in Central Oregon. Chef Bette Fraser is the proprietor of The Well Traveled Fork, hosting cooking classes, culinary tours and providing catering services. She can be reached at WellTraveledFork.com or 541-312-0097.

Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 17

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoever made the roads in Central Oregon must have been a biker...â&#x20AC;?

Feeling the

Photos by Christopher L. Ingersoll / Bulletin file photos

18 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

“The air breaks over my front fairing in such a way that it hugs me to the bike, and I feel like a part of the machine.”

by Christopher L. Ingersoll / The Bulletin Special Projects

The formula is simple: combine a rider, two wheels and an engine, put them on a road, and you get the essence freedom. Some ride to experience true companionship, while others find that being on a bike is the only place where they can truly be alone. Either way, riding in Central Oregon is a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual way to experience the rich landscape and the miles of dynamic back roads. “Whoever made the roads in Central Oregon must have been a biker because you can get into a rhythm when you are riding here,” said Kinne Callaway, an avid biker and Bend Resident. Callaway, who rides a cruiser during most of the summer, rides as a means of making and maintaining friendships. “Riding isn’t as fun if you are alone, but I like riding with people and I like the kind of people that ride,” he said. Jim Weiner, who also rides a large cruiser, enjoys riding with his wife and other riders. “I feel there is a common bond between riders of all makes and models,” he said. “When I was getting my endorsement again after 30 years of not riding, a fellow rider smiled and said ‘welcome back,’ which helps to explain the mindset of other riders. Another thing that comes to mind is freedom. I feel it heightens all of your senses when you are able to experience everything around you without windows and doors.” Bert Thurston, who has been riding sport bike for several years, said that riding the open roads in Oregon clears his mind and gives him a sense of peace. “Every mile on my bike is a mile away from stress,” he said. “Traveling on two wheels leaves a lot less room for your mind to wander so you are forced to clear your head to avoid getting into a crash. It sounds kind

of funny, but when I am riding out on the road, I actually talk to myself and work things out in the privacy of my helmet. Riding is a spiritual experience for me.” A sense of peace and aloneness is an experience shared by other riders as well. Keith Kirkpatrick, who recently picked up an on/off-road bike, agreed with the thoughts. “You know it’s hard to find time to unwind, but riding a motorcycle can get your head clear pretty fast,” he said. “The nice thing about it is that you can be going somewhere while you are relaxing, so it doesn’t impact time for other things like work or family.” With an on/off-road bike, however, relaxing isn’t always the goal. Motorcycles of any sort have a hefty power-to-weight ratio which means that even the casual rider has access to a lot of acceleration. The speed and power in conjunction with the maneuvering style of a singletrack vehicle creates a sensation that is exhilarating and can provide quite an adrenaline boost. “It’s an amazing lesson in physics and engineering when you get up to speed on a bike,” Thurston said. “The air breaks over my front fairing in such a way that it hugs me to the bike, and I feel like a part of the machine. The rounded tires dig into the ground so you feel like you are sticking like glue around the turns, and you feel the speed much more intimately than you would in the cab of a car.” The common thread among bikers in Central Oregon, however, is a love of the scenery and the weather. “Although the riding season may be rather short, calendar wise you don’t have the inclement weather that can take the fun out of a ride,” Weiner said. “There are roads to suit any rider, from straight roads, sweeping curves, to totally twisty. Of course, when you’re talking about Central Oregon, you have to add the incredible scenery from the desert to forest and mountains. We have it all.” Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 19

KITCHEN TRENDS

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Moisturizing and cleansing at the same time MicroSilk is unlike any bath you’ve experienced before now. It’s not just water, but billions of oxygen-rich microbubbles that reach where mere water and soap can’t. The negatively charged bubbles enter your pores, bond to impurities, and gently lift them away, leaving your skin fresh and clean in a way

and body, promote deep sleep, and enhance recovery from physical exhaustion. Not surprisingly, you’ll also find high concentrations of anions around waterfalls, mountain streams, and beaches. With MicroSilk, you need only go as far as your bath to benefit from them.

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you’ve never experienced. But it’s not just about what the bubbles take away. MicroSilk is about giving back to your body in ways that have never been possible until now. A MicroSilk bath is like giving your entire body a facial, making your skin feel luxuriously silky. MicroSilk also makes you look younger, by moisturizing and plumping your skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

An oxygen-rich bath is good for your health What makes MicroSilk a totally unique bathing experience? The difference is in the microbubbles. How? Jason’s patented MicroSilk system supersaturates the water with billions of tiny, oxygen-rich microbubbles, increasing oxygen

levels up to 70 percent higher than common tap water. Because they’re so small, the microbubbles remain suspended in the water, blanketing your body in a luxurious cloud of oxygen. This increased oxygen level energizes cells, stimulates the immune system, kills bacteria, and promotes healing.

The positives of negatively charged ions The billions of dissolving microbubbles in the MicroSilk bathing experience also provide therapeutic levels of anions – negatively charged ions. These ions don’t just work in the water, but they’re released into the air around the bath. Anions are known to improve serotonin levels in the brain, a wellknown contributor to feelings of well-being. In addition, anions help relax the mind

Because of their tiny size, microbubbles tend to remain suspended below the water’s surface. As suspended bubbles collapse, heat energy is released into the water. So bathwater temperatures stay warm, skin temperature increases evenly, and body temperature differences are minimized. This even rise in body temperature increases cardiovascular activity, while the release of heat energy from the microbubbles gives you an improved “sauna effect.” This sauna effect opens pores, allowing in more moisture. A MicroSilk bath stays warm, relieving stress and relaxing tired muscles, without the need to continually add more hot water.

Clean and green By maintaining the warm temperature of the bathwater, the dissolving microbubbles help save water and energy. Microbubbles also help reduce chemical use because they clean your skin without the need for soaps or other cleaning agents. And that’s good for you and the environment.

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Onward and Upward? Recent data indicates the local residential housing market is on its way up. by Kathy Oxborrow / for The Bulletin Special Projects

Many indicators point to an upward swing in the Central Oregon residential real estate market. If you look at the sale prices, number of units sold and the average price per square foot of homes sold, the data shows that these numbers are all rising. “We’re starting to see a trend — five to eight months — of increased sales prices and units sold,” said Lester Friedman, a broker at Coldwell Banker Morris Real Estate and past president of the Central Oregon Association of Realtors (COAR). “It’s good and steady, not spectacular, but good, steady growth in the market.”

“Prices in Bend are up almost 11 percent, and sales are 16.5 percent ahead of where they were this same time last year,” he added. The median price of residential property sales for August 2012 in Bend was $261,000 compared to September 2010 when the sales price was $201,000. That’s a 29.9 percent increase. In the Central Oregon market that includes Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties, the average

price per square foot of property sold also rose. In September 2010, the price per square foot for residential units was $108.68. For home sales in August 2012, it was $124.74. Rob Moore, president of Arbor Mortgage Group, said he’s seeing a lot of activity at the low end of the housing market. “Certain segments of the market that are under $200,000 are very competitive,” he said. But Moore pointed out that those sales don’t translate up Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 21

“We’re starting to see a trend—five to eight months—of increased sales prices and units sold. ... Prices in Bend are up almost 11 percent, and sales are 16.5 percent ahead of where they were this same time last year.”

to the high or middle end of the housing market. So while he believes the trend is positive, he said a broad-based recovery would be across the market, and he’s not seeing that right now. He added, though, that he is “cautiously optimistic.” From the builders’ perspective, conditions are also improving. Cindi O’Neil, co-owner of SolAire Homebuilders, a Bend-based green builder, said she’s seeing slow but steady progress from 2009 when her company hit the bottom. “From October 2011 to now, we’ve had steady leads, steady appointments and fairly steady contracts for building homes,” O’Neil said. Construction permits have been increasing. In August, the City of Bend issued 82

22 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

residential-related construction permits compared to 55 for the same month one year ago. One of the ways SolAire Homebuilders was able to sustain itself during the recession was building spec homes funded by private investors because construction loans from banks pretty much dried up. Loans also became harder to secure for buyers of existing homes due to increased federal regulation in response to lenders’ lax loan underwriting policies, which precipitated to the housing crisis. “Federal regulations have held the banks back, and the banks’ reluctance to take risks have held back custom home building and speculative home building in this country, and particularly Central Oregon, because we were

designated as a very distressed area,” said O’Neil. While credit requirements are tighter now, interest rates are at historic lows. Moore from Arbor Mortgage says there is plenty of money to loan. Buyers just have to produce more documentation to qualify for loans now. “Interest rates are unbelievably low, so it makes houses way more affordable,” Moore said. Another sign that the housing market is in recovery, according to Moore, is that he’s seeing more traditional sales. “You’ve got a willing buyer and a willing seller, and they consummate a deal and everybody is happy,” he said. It’s a sellers’ market right now because

“From October 2011 to now, we’ve had steady leads, steady appointments and fairly steady contracts for building homes.” inventory is low. In September 2010, there were 3,726 residential units listed for sale in Central Oregon compared to 2,698 in August 2012, a 27.6 percent decline. Bend has seen a 33 percent drop in homes listed—in September 2010, 1,204 residential units were on the market but only 806 in August 2012. That reduced inventory is causing competition among buyers. Friedman said two months ago, a house in southeast Bend had 31 offers on it. That’s made buyers with cash the winners when there are multiple offers on property. Cash sales in the Bend market accounted for 25 percent of sales from January until now, according to Friedman. “Cash is king,” he said. “If there are multiple offers, one of the first questions I’ll ask is if any of them are cash offers. And if there are, then you know you’re probably in trouble because without an appraisal, cash will probably win the day, all else

being equal.” That’s because lenders need appraisals to ensure that what they are financing reflects the market value of the property. But with cash, the lender is not in the picture, thus no appraisal is required, speeding up the process. So it looks like a much rosier picture for the Central Oregon housing market on all fronts. Anecdotal evidence and the data from COAR all seem to confirm that the Central Oregon residential housing market has hit the bottom and is on its way back up.

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Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 23

Thriving with COLOR Colorful and hearty, asters are ideal flowers for the high desert climate.

by Linda Orcelletto / for The Bulletin Special Projects | Photos by Christopher L. Ingersoll

Asters, which bloom in late summer and fall, look like daisies and come in shades of magenta, purple and pink, with a yellow center. Both perennial and annual, there are more than 600 species of the plant. Their sizes range from six inches to six feet, but in Central Oregon, the average height is two to three feet. 24 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

“People like asters because of their brilliant colors, especially since we don’t have much color this late in season,” says Giovanna Cloward, owner of Galveston Gardens since 1975. Asters have hearty, large cluster blooms that are long-lasting, when in a mix of partial shade/sun. To allow longer color and blooms, plant several in the direct sun so they blossom sooner, and others in the shade, for later blooms. Unfortunately, asters aren’t deer resistant, so use products such as Deer Away repellent or other product to keep the deer from munching on the tender heads and shoots. As with all living things, they flourish if taken care of regularly. Organic, well-drained soil watered every other day is best. To avoid too much or too little moisture, follow the even/odd watering schedule set by the city. “Asters thrive this time of year because they prefer cool nights, which make them ideal for our climate,” says Cloward. “They also make great cut floral arrangements.”

Asters make superb plants for landscaping, in borders or in a wildflower garden. They also attract butterflies. Asters are best planted in organic soil and not in pots because they won’t winter over. Cut off the dead blooms to allow new buds to form to lengthen the blooming potential. Save the dried blooms for their seeds. No need to save the seeds until spring, you can plant before the first heavy frost. Make sure to put at least two inches of mulch (leaves, pine needles or bark), to protect the seeds and newly planted asters from frost and snow. If you want to get a head start from planting from seed, divide the new growth from plants that are three to four years old from the outer edges after the plants are finished blooming. Don’t disturb the “mother plant,” which is the center, or heart, of the plant that allows it to regenerate itself. After you’ve divided the plants, cut all stalks to two to three inches above the soil to ensure a healthy and vigorous blooming plant for years to come.

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GARDEN CALENDAR

OCTOBER

Continue to water and mow your lawn minimally. At the end of October and into November, blow out your automatic irrigation system for the winter. At the end of the month, put down a “winterizer” fertilizer on your lawn at a rate of 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, using a soluble or mixed soluble slow release nitrogen fertilizer. A common winter fertilizer has an N-P-K of 10-5-14. You would need 10 pounds of product per 1,000 square feet with this ratio. Spread two to four inches of compost or mulch on top of your vegetable garden.

winter mulch. For more information, check out the following rose care publication: http://extension. oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1624-e.pdf.

Pull up all dead plant materials, rake diseased leaves and remove all fallen branches. This will prevent insects and disease from overwintering in your landscape. Leave your ornamental grasses up in winter to provide winter texture in the landscape. Cut them back to the ground in early spring. Prune your evergreens and conifers. There seemed to be a lot of pear sawfly feeding on the leaves of plums, cherries, chokeberries, etc. If you had a run in with these

by Amy Jo Detweiler / Special to The Bulletin

Plant any new grass seed or wildflower seed now to come up in the spring. Plant a window garden of lettuce, chives and parsley. Place mulch around berries for winter protection. Store garden fertilizers and supplies in a safe, dry place, out of the reach of children. Start your compost pile for next fall. Do not use grass clippings or plant debris that may have pesticide residue, disease or insects in your compost pile. Wrap the trunks of young, think-barked trees (maples, aspen and ash) with paper tree wrap

Harvest and store apples; keep at about 40 degrees with moderate humidity. Pick your green tomatoes before a heavy frost hits them. Only mature green tomatoes can be ripened off the vine. Mature tomatoes are light green in color with a reddish tinge on the blossom end. The pulp inside of a mature tomato should be jelly-like, not firm. To ripen, wrap them individually in newspaper and place them in a box so they are not touching one another in a room at 60 to 70 degrees. Check them every three to four days for rotten ones. They will ripen over a three-to-four-week period. Save seeds from the vegetable and flower garden. Dry and store. Time to pick out your pumpkins from local growers for all of your fall festivities. Harvest sunflower heads; use seed for birdseed by hanging the flower heads upsidedown from a structure or tree. The birds will get a tasty treat, and you will get surprise sunflowers popping up next year. You can also toast the sunflower seeds and treat yourself. Cut back your perennials to 1½ inches above the ground and mulch with pine needles or wood bark mulch to protect the roots through the winter. Some perennials that prefer additional mulch for winter protection include pincushion flower (Scabiosa), lavender (Lavendula) and veronica. Regular roses need special winter care including 26 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

pests, now is a good time to put down a systemic containing the active ingredient imidacloprid found in products by the brand names Green Light, Monterey, Bayer or Merit. This product can either be put down now or in the spring and can help protect your plants next season.

NOVEMBER Plant a cover crop in your garden area to come up next spring. You can plant winter wheat, cereal rye, winter rye, triticale, winter barley or winter peas.

to prevent sunscald. Remove it in April. Do not leave the tree wrap on throughout the summer as it may harbor unwanted insects. Wrap your new trees two to three years in a row until the outer bark has thickened. Now is a good time to remove and discard paper wasp nests from the eaves of your home. At this time of year, the nests may be empty. Wasps only occupy their nests for one season. Remove at dusk when wasp activity slows down.

MASTER GARDENER EVENTS Spring Bulbs: Design, Plant and Maintain Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Two classes offered in conjunction with the 4th Annual Central Oregon Master Gardener Association (COMGA) bulb sale. Class will be held in Redmond at the OSU Extension office (located on the fairgrounds near parking lot â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dâ&#x20AC;?) from 10-11 a.m. and

in Bend at the Bend Senior Center on Reed Market Road from 1-2 p.m.

Apply to be a Master Gardener Apply in Mid-October Interested in becoming an OSU Master Gardener? We are celebrating our 31st year in Central Oregon in 2013! OSU Master Gardeners are individuals that are trained volunteers in the areas of general gardening and plant problem solving. Applications for the class of 2013 will be available by mid October. For information, contact 541-548-6088 or go online at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/ to download an application.

High Desert

Gardening

Be sure to sign up for a new year of High Desert Gardening for a color newsletter with locally written tips and articles about Central Oregon landscapes and gardens. It is available electronically or in hard copy. To check out a sample of our newsletter, call us at 541-548-6088 or visit us online at: http://extension. oregonstate.edu/deschutes/ announcements/high-desertgardening-newsletter

Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 27

Save your

Seeds

Some local gardeners have embraced the practice of seed harvesting for reasons of finance as well as personal fulfillment. by Gregg Morris / for The Bulletin Special Projects

As fall weather creeps up on Central Oregon farmers and gardeners, it’s hard not to reminisce on our joys and hardships in the fields and raised garden beds. One way to keep alive the joys of gardening as the evenings bring frost is to participate in the age-old tradition of seed saving. “Saving seeds is great on many levels,” said Jim Fields, owner of Fields Farm, Bend. “First of all, it’s great to be a part of saving open-pollinated plants that have been around for a really long time.” Seed saving is the collection and storage of seeds from your garden to allow for easier and cost-effective planting in the spring. This traditional practice has been embraced by home gardeners and organic farmers alike as a self-sufficient way of maintaining lineage in the garden and rejecting genetically modified plants and vegetables. In addition, seed saving provides many of the same benefits as tending to a garden. It allows gardeners to take their expertise to a new level, all the while adding a step toward self-sufficiency. By saving your own seeds, you also save money as you eliminate the need to buy seeds each year. Local gardener Amy Stafford puts it another way: “Why would you spend money year after year on seeds that are already in your garden?” Another benefit to collecting and saving seeds is your connection to other gardeners and friends. Many seed savers not only save seeds for their own gardens but also trade the seeds with other gardeners and seed collectors. “If something doesn’t quite work in my garden, it may work well in someone else’s garden,” Stafford said. “The same goes for plants and veggies that may not work in a friend’s garden, but work in mine.” “We usually like to save the seeds of something we grew that turned out well, and we didn’t have time to harvest,” says Pearl Stark, who’s 28 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

“We usually like to save the seeds of something we grew that turned out well, and we didn’t have time to harvest,”

been saving seeds for the past six years. The natural selection aspect of seed saving allows people to incorporate trusted and hearty seeds in their gardens. The connection between gardeners is the basis of a worldwide community of growers who ensure the strength of plants and vegetables for generations to come.

Getting Started

The first step in saving seeds is allowing the flowers to go to seed. This production of seed heads is important to harvest the best seeds possible. Try to let the seed heads dry out as much as possible while still on the plant. As with most parts of gardening, the exact time and date for seed harvesting will vary with each garden. On a dry, sunny day, collect the dried seed pods from the plants. Make sure you get them before the frost or birds and prior to the pods breaking open. Take care when cutting the seed heads to catch as many seeds as possible. If you are collecting seeds from different plants, make sure to separate and label each type of seed. After the collection, place your seeds in a ventilated container and try to keep it in a warm and dry spot outside. Make sure they are protected from wind, rain and rodents. To prevent rotting and mold, always allow the seeds to dry completely before storage. When the seeds are dry, shake

them through a screen or sieve over a white piece of paper. The screen should hold most of the seed pods and allow the seeds to fall through to the paper. A simple paper envelope is enough to keep the seeds. It is a good idea to store them in a cool, dry area. If you store them in a garage or shed, make sure to place the envelopes in a rodent-proof container. Always label the envelopes with the name of the plant and the date collected. For best results in your garden, try to plant the seeds the following spring.

The Plants

The best plants from which to save seeds are annuals and perennials known for keeping their characteristics. Examples include echinacea, white

clover, California poppy and marigolds. “Here in Central Oregon, we are limited on what we can save,” Fields said. “Here at the farm, we save mustard, arugula, corn, potato, garlic, shallots and tomato.” “We save the greens such as lettuce and radishes for sure, mostly because they grow so bountiful,” Stark added. “We also save beans, peas and sunflowers.” Seeds from hybrid and crosspollinated flowers and vegetables may not produce the same plant. “We are going to try and save the pumpkin seeds,” Stark said. “But those are usually a little harder since you don’t know what they are crosspollinated with.” “I like to save amaranths, lupine, and, of course, vegetables,” Stafford added.

Central Oregon Seed Exchange is to create a sustainable local food supply and support global biodiversity. According to its website, organizers are “working to increase local seed saving, increase seed exchange, provide education around how to effectively save seed and develop seed stock acclimatized to our unique area, and generally support sustainable agriculture in Central Oregon.”

Central Oregon Seed Exchange

A local nonprofit organization dedicated to seed saving was formed earlier this year. The goal of the

Photos by Nicole Werner Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 29

expert

advice

The turning of the market Has the market hit bottom? The answer long seemed ambiguous ... until now. T h e market has turned, and I have seen and felt it for the past six months. O n e c a n n o t make pudding without having the ingredients, and we now have the ingredients to explain where the market is right now. For you number crunchers out there, the data supports that the marketplace, in certain markets, has turned a corner, with some turning

30 | Central Oregon Living | Autumn 2012

faster than others. Some say the election will have something to do with values next year, but that is next year. Let’s focus on today as that usually is the best way to keep one’s sanity in check. May, June and July of 2012 compared to the prior years respectively reflect market unit sales steadily increasing. Continuing the trend in August 2012, 231 total units closed compared to 192 in August of 2011. That is a 20 percent increase in total unit sales! Traditional re-sales are up 30 percent, with bank-owned closings down 19 percent and short sale closings down 15 percent. Year-to-date

closings are 1,579 to 1,355, or a 17 percent increase. Traditional re-sales are up 47 percent, short sales down 10 percent and bank-owned sales are down 20 percent. The average days on market for all price ranges and all units are down, ensuing a four-month supply of inventory. Wait wait wait! We must take a step back from this analysis and break it down further. This is too broad of brush to paint — too much sugar for the pudding. Your price point in the marketplace will completely dictate what you can expect for a selling timeframe. What does this all mean? What is the forest saying to the tree? What is the tree saying to the forest? If you have a home priced less than $600,000, expect to take more time for your agent to get your home into escrow. If you have a good, quality home priced less than $250,000, be ready to find a replacement property sooner than later. First-time home buyers, investor buyers and the lower-mid price range homes are selling quite handily. As an important side note, picture Gomer Pyle talking to his boss: “Golly gee, Sarge, you won’t get anywhere trying to sell your overpriced home. Why not give yourself a break?” If you are too high and do not have an offer, time for you to see your tree for the forest. Give yourself an ego-ectomy and work with your Realtor. Avoid the temptation to browbeat him or her about why the 14th open house hasn’t resulted in any sales. If your Realtor has advised you that you are stumbling due to price,

please listen to her. She is on your team. Price cures all ills. It will always be true that we cannot pull an offer out of our iPad because you need to net a certain dollar amount if that figure is above market value. The risk I say in stating the mar-

We’ve always known where the market is right now based on the data, but what everyone really wants to know if we have hit bottom. Now we know. ket is back is this: sellers may be tempted to think their castle is back to market-peak pricing. Not at all. The inventory levels are shrinking, and buyers are competing with other strong buyers. Be ready, be sensible and logical. We are returning to a healthy real estate market for which I am truly grateful. A good sign for a healthy market is where we are at currently: the lower-end homes start settling in to steady sales, and that activity trickles up to the mid and upper range homes. We’ve always known where the market is right now based on the data, but what everyone really wants to know if we have hit bottom. Now we know. We have the right amount of ingredients to make the perfect pudding. The flavor is your choice. Enjoy! Cindy King is a principal broker with Re/Max Key Properties

Central Oregon Living EVENT CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UPCOMING WEEKS IN HIGH DESERT MUSIC, ART, FOOD AND FUN. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 6-7

Wednesday, Oct. 17

Friday, Oct. 26

Sunday, Nov. 11

BEND FALL FESTIVAL: A celebration of all things fall featuring activities, a fashion show, contests, art and food; Sara Jackson Holman, The Horde and the Harem, Leaves Russel, Tango Alpha Tango, Sophistafunk, Larry and His Flask and the Steve Kimock Band perform; free; Family Harvest Area; downtown Bend; 541-389-0995.

IGNITE BEND: A series of five-minute presentations on a range of topics, each chosen by the presenter; 7 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre, 835 N.W. Wall St.; 541-480-6492 or www.ignitebend.com.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS COMEDY BENEFIT: Event featuring comics Karen Lacy and Kermit Apio; with dinner available for purchase and a silent auction; benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon; $50; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre, Bend; 541-3170700 or www.towertheatre.org.

EMPTY BOWLS: Eleventh annual event features gourmet soup and a selection of artisan bowls, with live music; proceeds benefit NeighborImpact; $25 or $15 children; 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Central Oregon Community College, Campus Center, 2600 N.W. College Way, Bend; 541280-0284 or www.emptybowlsbend.org.

Friday, Oct. 19

Saturday, Oct. 27

FALL BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Bend Public Library hosts a bag sale of books; free admission, $4 per bag; 1-4 p.m.; Deschutes Library Administration Building, 507 N.W. Wall St., Bend; 541-312-1021.

BETHLEHEM INN BENEFIT DINNER: The eighth annual dinner, titled “The Perfect Pair,” features gourmet dining, handcrafted beers and fun; proceeds benefit Bethlehem Inn; $45; 5-8 p.m.; Deschutes Brewery & Public House, 1044 N.W. Bond St., Bend; 541-322-8768 or www.bethleheminn.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 9

Saturday, Oct. 20

Tuesday, Oct. 30

SHAOLIN WARRIORS: Kung fu masters demonstrate martial arts associated with the Shaolin Monastery in “Voices of the Masters”; $35-$50 plus fees; 7:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre, Bend; 541-317-0700 or www. towertheatre.org.

JAN BRETT: Children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett will discuss her latest book, “Mossy”, with a drawing demonstration and book signing. Presented by Deschutes Public Library; free; 10 a.m.-noon; Tower Theatre, Bend; 541-317-0700.

THE CAPITOL STEPS: A parody, with music, of contemporary politics; $40-$55 plus fees; 7:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre, Bend; 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.

Sunday, Oct. 7

Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 11-14 BENDFILM: The ninth annual independent film festival features films at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, the Tower Theatre, Tin Pan Theater, Regal Old Mill Stadium 16, Sisters Movie House and the Oxford Hotel; $200 full festival pass, $125 full film pass, individual tickets $11 in advance, $12 at the door; 541-388-3378, info@bendfilm.org or www.bendfilm.org.

Saturday, Oct. 13 SKYLINERS WINTER SPORTS SWAP: Event features deals on new and used athletic gear, including ski equipment, winter clothing, ice skates and more; a percentage of the proceeds benefits the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation; $3; $6 per family; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; 149 S.E. Ninth St., Bend; 541-388-0002 or www. mbsef.org.

Saturday-Monday, Oct. 20-22 CENTRAL OREGON SYMPHONY FALL CONCERT: The Central Oregon Symphony performs a fall concert, under the direction of Michael Gesme; featuring Dan Franklin Smith; free but a ticket is required; Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunay at 2 p.m., Monday at 7:30 p.m.; Bend High School, 230 N.E. Sixth St.; 541-317-3941, info@cosymphony.com or www.cosymphony.com.

Sunday, Oct. 21 REDMOND COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION PERFORMANCE: MarieJosee Lord performs classical and popular music; $50 season ticket, $20 students, $105 family ticket; 2 and 6:30 p.m.; Ridgeview High School, 4555 S.W. Elkhorn Ave.; 541350-7222, redmondcca@hotmail.com or www.redmondcca.org.

“THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW”: Showing of the 1975 R-rated film starring Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry; with dancing and a singalong; ages 21 and older; $12 plus fees; 10 p.m.; Tower Theatre, Bend; 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.

Friday, Nov. 2 FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK: Event includes art exhibit openings, artist talks, live music, wine and food in downtown Bend and the Old Mill District; free; 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 3 ART PARTY: View and purchase art from a variety of artists; food and drink available. A portion of the proceeds benefit the St. Charles Foundation and Sara’s Project; free; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Harkness-Williams home, 1 Beech Lane, Sunriver; 541-593-2127 or sunriversister@chamberscable.com.

Friday, Nov. 16 ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF BEND’S 18TH ANNUAL GALA OF TREES: Ring in the holiday season with a celebration of joy while extending a hand of assistance to a child in need; includes dinner, dessert and a silent and live auction; $100; 6 p.m.; Riverside Convention Center; www. assistanceleaguebend.com; 541-389-2075.

Monday, Nov. 26 PUNCH BROTHERS: Bluegrass fusion group; $25-$50; 7:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre, Bend; 541-317-0700 or www.towertheatre.org.

Saturday, Dec. 1 JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK FOR ARTHRITIS: Runners and walkers don holiday costumes for these 5K and fun-run races; proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation; $25, $15 ages 12 and younger; 9:30 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. awards, 11:30 a.m. races start; downtown Bend; 888-845-5695 or www. bendjinglebellrun.kintera.org. BEND CHRISTMAS PARADE: Parade theme is “A Picture Perfect Christmas”; free; noon; downtown Bend; 541-388-3879.

Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 7-11

Sunday, Dec. 2

THE NATURE OF WORDS: Bend’s annuual literary festival which, in its eighth year, brings nationally acclaimed authors to Bend for five days of reading, workshops, lectures and a gala author dinner; Tower Theatre, Central Oregon Community College, OSU Cascades, the Century Center and the Bend Public Library; www.thenatureofworlds.org.

REDMOND COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION PERFORMANCE: Presidio Brass performs original arrangements for brass, piano and percussion; $50 season ticket, $20 students, $105 family ticket; 2 and 6:30 p.m.; Ridgeview High School, 4555 S.W. Elkhorn Ave.; 541-350-7222, redmondcca@ hotmail.com or www.redmondcca.org. Autumn 2012 | Central Oregon Living | 31