Inside/Out 2023

To our readers:

The definition of home is so much more than the place you live. It’s the hub of life, where your days begin and end. Where your loved ones are. A place that should bring some peace and comfort and be a reflection of who you are, inside and out. There is no better time than the spring to go out with the old and bring in something fresh and new. Whether it’s simply decluttering, planting a garden or changing a paint color improving your space can be a breath of fresh air. There are several ideas in the following pages you can use to make the most of your indoor and outdoor spaces. From choosing colorful flowers to bring a vibrant splash of color to your yard or recommendations for how to keep your HVAC running smoothly we hope this magazine will be inspirational and informative.

InsideOut 2023© is published in Berthoud, Colo., by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publishers reserve the right to edit, classify or reject any advertising or news copy. Liability for any newspaper error in an advertisement shall not exceed the cost of space occupied by error. The publishers assume no liability for any advertising which is not published for any cause. The publishers assume absolutely no obligation or responsibility for subject matter in copy placed by its advertisers or their agents.

It is also understood that the advertiser and the agency placing such advertising jointly and severally agree to indemnify Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, LLC against all expense, loss or damage sustained by reason of printing such copy.

INDEX

To bee or not to bee, that is the question, honey.................. 4

Getting ready for spring.................................................5

What’s the buzz? Fun facts about bees...........................5

2023 colors of the year..................................................... 6

How to win free eggs and influence chickens! .................. 8

How many of you have never cleaned the filter? ............9

To solar or not to solar ??? ..............................................10

Sustainable landscaping tips......................................... 11

Shake out the dust: The ritual of spring cleaning ........12

Does you house fit? .........................................................14

Air duct cleaning every 3-5 years improves air..............15

How to plant a container garden..................................16

Academy for Dental Assisting Careers

B-Town Automotive

Budget Home Supply

Cedar Supply

Hood, Dr. Steve

Independent Financial

J Day Appliance

Jones Excavating & Plumbing

Lion Home Service

Longmont Dairy

Loveland Design Center

New Freedom Church

Northern Colorado Landscaping

Thank Page 2 April 6, 2023 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • InsideOut Subscriptions are only $45 per year in the 80513 zip code and $55 per year elsewhere. Or read the Surveyor online for $45 per year. Print and online $55 per year. To subscribe go to berthoudsurveyor.com or call 970-532-2252 440 Mountain Ave. • Berthoud, CO 80513

bee or not to bee, that is the ques on, honey

By Terry Georgia The Surveyor

The buzz about beekeeping is growing as more and more people swarm to the aid of the ailing honeybee population. The threat to our agricultural ecosystem only increases as pollinators of all kinds rapidly lose habitat and food sources to encroaching human development. Hosting honeybee hives on your property can help sustain the bee population and stave off environmental disaster. And having a source for fresh, honey in the yard isn’t a bad perk either, but experts recommend taking a serious look at what beekeeping is really about before getting your Pooh paw stuck in the hunny pot.

only increases as pollinators of all

“Don’t do it like I did!” — Seasoned northern Colorado beekeeper, Lisa Boesen, warns all prospective beekeepers not to make the same mistake she did when she agreed to adopt a hive from a friend. Not really understanding the responsibility she was undertaking, she made several rookie mistakes. “Don’t do it like I did!” she urges, “beekeeping is animal husbandry, they’re not pets. It’s more like raising cows. You have to manage them. You have to make a commitment to taking care of it [the hive]. It’s a science and you have to learn it.” Boesen learned the hard way, when that first hive swarmed in a neighbor’s soffit and she had to have the swarm professionally moved to a safer spot. “I should have gotten a mentor,” she mused. Now she is a mentor herself, and president of the Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association (NCBA).

Learn the A-Bee-C’s — There is a lot to learn about bees and how they live. “There are 900 types of native bees here in Colorado,” says Boesen, “mostly we don’t see them because we’re too busy and we just don’t take the time to look.” She describes most of Colorado’s native bees as solitary, although honey bees are more social, so they live together in hives, whether that hive is inside a hollow tree or inside commercially constructed boxes designed to house colonies. Boesen says joining a beekeepers club is one of the best ways to learn, and to meet others who can help guide newbies through the joys and perils of their first years. “Stay off of You Tube ” she advises, “You don’t know how much experience they have. And what we do here in northern Colorado is different than other places, even within the state.”

Bee prepared — Berthoud native, business owner and town trustee, Tim Hardy, has been a beekeeper for more than 20 years. As past president and current vice president of NCBA, Hardy also urges a thoughtful approach toward beekeeping. is first questions for a prospective keeper are about access. “Do you have the yard space [and] food sources with in two miles for the bees?,” Hardy asks, “Does your community, or neighborhood HOA or metro district allow bees in your area?” He also recommends checking with neighbors to see if they have any concerns. “You definitely don’t want to setup next-door to someone who is deathly allergic to bees.”

In addition to recommending hiring a mentor to help with start-up, Hardy suggests looking at your budget — both money and time. NCBA estimates start-up costs around 1,2 for the bees and necessary equipment in the first year alone. A package of bees costs around 15 . If honey production is the goal, there are additional costs for equipment needed to extract and package the products. Once the hives are established and thriving, which usually takes at least two years, Hardy says it’s the time commitment that needs to be considered. “The time needed, ideally, would be to set aside about four hours a week to inspect your hives, do some reading/research on bees etc.”

Beeware — Hardy and Boesen agree that vigilance is essential. Hives need to be monitored regularly to ensure the colony is healthy. One of the

parasites can kill entire colonies. “I have actually lost half or all of

biggest threats to bees is the Varroa mite. An infestation of these parasites can kill entire colonies. “I have actually lost half or all of my colonies in any given summer because of Varroa mites,” says Hardy, “I only have three colonies at most, so the damage is

Boesen says it takes time and experience to be able to spot the mites, as well as other diseases and signs of trouble in the hive, such as uneven patterns in the honeycomb. Again, education and experience are key.

the mites, as well as other diseases and signs of trouble

keeper should create an exit strategy before ever

can no longer care for them properly.

Let it bee — Boesen is adamant that every beekeeper should create an exit strategy before ever starting a hive. Because the colony is a living community that requires care, protection and nurturing, it shouldn’t just be abandoned. She recommends planning ahead for what you’re going to do with the hives when you can no longer care for them properly.

Bee supportive — If you ultimately decide that beekeeping is not for you, there are other ways to protect and support bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies and birds. Avoid using pesticides. Plant gardens with pollinator-attracting native plants to help replace the thousands of acres of habitat and feeding grounds that have already been lost. Provide a source of water. Grow a variety of plants that bloom in the spring, summer and fall. And don’t be so quick to delete dandelions, they’re among the first flowers to bloom in the spring, and an important source of food for bees. It takes two million flowers to make one pound of honey. Every bloom helps!

plants to help replace the thousands of acres of habitat and feeding grounds that have already been lost. Provide a source of water. Grow

Despite the challenges, both Boesen and Hardy are enthusiastic supporters of new beekeepers in northern Colorado and they’re willing to help you and your hives thrive. Contact the Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association to find more information and sign up for classes: nocobees.org.

You can do it. You just have to beelieve in yourself!

Ge ing ready for spring

By Joanne O’Malia Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County

There are many things you can do now to help your garden be a success this summer. Planning your garden is an exciting concept. Questions that may get you started: What would you like to grow? What vegetables grew well last year, what didn’t? Do you have any ideas about rotating the placement of vegetables in your garden bed? What seeds do I need? Do I want to start seeds?

If you are starting a new garden, you may want to ponder how much garden you want to take on. Keep in mind your work and travel schedule and your extra-curricular activities. You might be surprised by how much you can grow in containers – and how beautiful it can be. If you want to scale up to feed your family, friends, and community, here are some tips. Aim for 100 square feet or less per person — that is roughly a 20 feet by 5 feet garden. Growing in 200 square feet will allow you to can or freeze food for year-round use (and maybe donate extras to a local food pantry). The Grow to Give website gives lots of great advice for gardeners, including a

vegetable growing guide, available in both Spanish and English: https://growgive. extension.colostate.edu/.

Another idea for the dreary time of waiting for spring is pruning shrubs. Late winter — early spring is perfect for pruning shrubs. Prune out dead, damaged and diseased stems. The goal with shrub pruning is air circulation and light penetration. When you are pruning your shrubs be sure to watch out for overwinter insects in the form of chrysalises and cocoons. Also, if you notice any previously cut stems sealed off with mud, this could be a tiny nest for native bees. Take care to ensure our pollinator friends can have a great summer as well. When pruning shrubs, it is important to know what kind of shrubs you have and whether they blossom old growth or new growth. Old growth refers to blooming on last year’s stalks. These spring-flowering shrubs include forsythia (Forsythia spp.), Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) and quince (Chaenomeles sp.) to name a few. For further complete instructions on how to prune your shrubs please refer to CMG garden notes #616 at cmg.extension.colostate.edu.

The Master Gardeners are always available to answer your gardening questions. Email them at larimerMG@gmail.com or call the Larimer County Extension Office at 7 -4 8-6 . They will also be at numerous events in the Berthoud and Loveland area in spring and summer.

What’s the buzz? Fun facts about bees

By Terry Georgia The Surveyor

• There are 900 species of bees native to Colorado

• About 30-50 thousand worker bees live in each hive

• Each worker bee lives about 42 days

• Drone bees fertilize the queen, then die

• Each drone lives about 90 days

• Only one queen bee lives in each hive

• A queen bee lays roughly one egg each minute

• A queen bee lives two to three years

• Specialized nurse bees tend the larvae as they develop

• Even in freezing weather, honey bees maintain a constant 95degree temperature inside the hive

• A bee makes about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime

It takes 55, miles of flight time for bees to make one gallon of honey

When worker bees find a source of flowers, they return to the hive and perform a “waggle dance” to show other workers where the food source is located

It takes 2 million flowers to make one pound of honey

• When the population of a hive gets too large, workers create a new queen and swarm to another location to set up a new colony

• Professional bee extraction experts can safely move a swarm from an undesirable location to a safer home where they can thrive

2022 colors of the year

By Becky Hemmann The Surveyor

Every year the companies who bring color to the spaces we live and work in present us with their color of the year. 2023 colors are more vivid and striking than last year. After all, after COVID, we are all out and about more and feeling brighter. Research in color psychology suggests that certain colors bring out psychological reactions that affect emotions and mood. It’s an interesting subject as the response to a certain color can be related to several things including how intense the shade is as well as the byproduct of cultural influences and your own experiences. This means the colors we choose can influence how we feel in a space. If your spaces need an update you might consider some of the following colors. When you walk into your home it should make you feel happy to be there!

Feng Shui

The lucky color for 2023 is forest green, based on the wood element that represents a balance with water; it’s the perfect hue for a year that promises hope and prosperity. In Feng Shui, green represents compassion, flexibility, healing, and growth it’s a color based on nature and can connect the energy of the trees, grass, and nature to where it is placed. Green is also a cool color, bringing refreshing feelings and indulging a healthy state of mind.

Benjamin Moore

“People are ready to bring color back into the home, taking a step outside their color comfort zones,” said Andrea Magno, Color Marketing & Development Director at Benjamin Moore. “Raspberry Blush 2008-30 and the Color Trends 2023 palette empower the use of statement colors that deliver delight and personality while transforming rooms for incredible results.”

Better Homes & Gardens

If you could capture that golden hour glow around sunset when the clouds are kissed with a blushy coral color, what would you do with it? Maybe you’d treasure it within a custom art project or paint your bedroom walls with it. This late-day sunny shade inspired the Better Homes & Gardens 2023 Color of the Year, Canyon Ridge. A subtle spin on terra-cotta, it skews more sunbaked clay than cayenne pepper for a near-neutral ideal on walls.

Sherwin Williams

edend Point SW 81, part of Sherwin-Williams’s 2 23 Colormix Forecast, is a warm, modern mauve that conjures a timeless elegance and is brimming with romance, without being extravagantly showy And it just might be the calming color hug we need going into next year. “It’s if beige could blush,” says Sue Wadden, the color marketing director at Sherwin-Williams. “It’s a pink-undertone neutral that is warm and earthy, and it has a certain softness and soothing quality to it that is really unique.”

Pantone

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and a rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.

Top to bottom: Feng Shui - Forest Green, Benjamin Moore - Raspberry Blush, Better Homes & Gardens - Canyon Ridge, Sherwin Williams - Redend Point, Pantone - Viva Magenta

How to win free eggs and influence chickens!

By Will Cornelius and Ellie Hughes The Surveyor

Inflation has spread to nearly every imaginable good and service in the economy over the past two years pushing up prices at rates not seen in decades. One household staple has seen such drastic price increases that it has spawned its own portmanteau Egg-flation.

According to the consumer price index, the average price for a dozen eggs across the U.S. in January 2 2 was 1.46. y January 2 23, that same dozen eggs cost an average of 4.82, a 23 increase in just three years

When prices rise, consumers get creative and start looking for substitutions or alternatives. ut some people are taking matters into their own hands, literally. Since the price of eggs began to rapidly rise at the end of last year there has been a boom in people raising their own backyard chickens. On Feb. 2, 2 23 the ew York Times ran a story titled “Forget pandemic puppies. Meet the inflation chickens.”

eeping and caring for backyard chickens can be rewarding, but it is not without its own challenges. The first one is finding chickens in the first place. Tractor Supply Co. and Murdoch’s both offer live chicks for sale. If you start with chicks then you will need a brooder. A brooder is an enclosure that will keep your chicks contained, dry and warm for the first six weeks.

After that, the chicks will be ready to graduate from the brooder into their coup. This can depend on the weather and the type of chicken too, the temperature must be at least 5 degrees outside. Consider gradually exposing the chicks to the coup and the outside. etween six and eight weeks the chicks will grow rapidly and need twice the floor space they had before. emember that chicks will become either roosters or hens and only hens lay eggs.

Coups come in all styles, shapes and sizes. They can also be customized for any outside area, but they should all include, food, water, and a nesting box for laying eggs. In addition, they need to be warm and dry inside with perches for sleeping. Most coups include an outside area that is also covered the run but open for the chickens to roam around.

The other major consideration is keeping your chickens safe throughout the year in Colorado. Predators like foxes, coyotes, dogs, cats, hawks and eagles pose a major threat. Ensure that your chicken coop is completely closed off so that nothing gets in. Use a staplegun and chicken wire to completely close off the coup.

ens will start laying eggs between 18 and 22 weeks. It is also possible to adopt or re-home hens from someone else. Consider looking on Facebook Marketplace or contacting a local animal shelter like arimer umane Society. aving a flock of hens is beneficial but it is important to be aware of the pecking order. The originators of the pecking order, hens can be aggressive and peck one another over food, water, or the coup. eep an eye out for missing feathers or when introducing new hens to a flock.

Ok so enough of the fine print how can you get that backyard flock to produce a delicious dividend of daily eggs?

ens can live up to eight years in a backyard flock according to the University of Wisconsin with egg production for three to four years. The ideal day length for hens to lay eggs is 14 to 16 hours. Depending on your backyard or space, hens can also be let out of the coup to roam during the day. During winter some hens will stop laying eggs completely. Adding a timed heat lamp over winter can help keep your chickens laying eggs during the shorter days.

Cleaning and maintaining the coup is a must for hens to keep laying eggs. The coup itself needs to be cleaned of chicken droppings at least every two days. Use newspaper and bedding straw inside the coup to make this more manageable. Chicken droppings are excellent for composting.

Make sure that the hens have fresh water and feed in their coup too. In addition to a feeder with chicken feed, make sure to feed your hens calcium to help with their egg production. You can save their eggshells, lightly toast them, grind them into a meal and feed them back to the hens to get their calcium.

One final reminder is to check municipal and town codes for backyard chickens. For example, the Town of erthoud has no restrictions on backyard chickens according to its municipal code but the City of Fort Collins prohibits roosters and limits hen flocks to eight in the city limits.

Photo by Will Cornelius floc o ac yar ens in o elan paces aroun loo ing or worms.

How many of you have never cleaned the filter in your major appliances?

By David Tisue The Surveyor

Most people know if they have a clogged water filter in their fridge, mostly because it has a warning, mine beeps and blinks until I replace it like a whining child. ut did you know your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer should all have their filters or hoses cleaned out too?

Dishwashers have filters to help prevent big chunks of food or even sometimes chunks of a broken dish from clogging up the drain. Almost all dishwashers have some sort of filter that should be cleaned parodically. Usually, in a dishwasher, the filter is located at the bottom of the inside of your dishwasher, where the water drains out. It only takes a little time to wash out the filter and put it back in. I admit I hadn’t done it for a couple of years when I first found out I should have cleaned it every six months. My dishes weren’t getting cleaned as well as they should. It was almost completely clogged with gross slime that needed attention. My dishwasher now cleans much better, and I check it frequently to make sure it is not gunked up.

Many people don’t know that there is a filter in many washing machines that needs to be cleaned. This is because lint, dirt and detergent can build up over time and clog your machine’s water outtake. To determine if your washer has a filter consult your manual or look it up online by the brand and model of the unit. Some newer machines don’t have them at all, as they have self-cleaning filters inside the motor. ut for the rest of us, it will be in one of these places:

In the front of the unit, behind a small hatch

• At the end of the drainage hose.

• Behind the detergent dispenser.

Under the cover of your center agitator.

Along the top rim of the drum of your washing machine

Mine was located in the drawer behind the detergent dispenser. It should be cleaned every six months. I don’t think I have ever cleaned it, so it was a dirty mess. It only takes a few minutes to clean and helps prevent clogs that could be costly in the long run. Replace the clean filter, and you will have cleaner clothes in a washer that works more efficiently.

A clogged dryer hose is one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. Dryers should be cleaned at least once a year, and it’s a simple task you can do yourself. You want to tackle it when you have a couple of free hours to spend on household chores. It will result in dryer clothes, cleaner lint screens and a happier laundry experience.

To clean your dryer hose. You must first pull the dryer out from the wall. Unplug it, and if it’s a gas dryer, turn off the gas valve as well. Disconnect the dryer duct located in the back of the dryer. Using a hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, clean and suck out as much lint and debris from the hose and the back of the dryer. You can also get an attachment for your drill with a brush designed to pull out the lint from a dryer hose (available on Amazon and many hardware stores) to go deep into the hose and extract any clomps of lint deeper. Also, locate and check the exterior vent outside your house to see any clogs on that end. Replace the hose and reconnect the dryer to its power and gas line if you have one. Then push back your clean dryer, and there you have it.

To solar or not to solar ???

By David Tisue The Surveyor

Solar can be a great alternative to electricity. Here in Colorado, we get plenty of sun. in fact, along the Front Range, we get around 300 glorious days of sunshine every year. Harnessing some of those beautiful rays to help pay your energy costs can be a tempting concept. Not to mention the idea of creating less pollution and being kind to mother earth, solar is a worthy option for your power usage. In Colorado alone, the solar industry has created more than 6,700 jobs, with that number growing exponentially as the popularity of going solar increases. Currently, the Centennial State ranks 14th in the USA, so there is plenty of room to grow, especially in residential solar installations. In addition, new legislation to encourage more people to install solar on their roofs was signed into law in 2022. Among its provisions is a 30% tax credit that could spur more Americans to “go solar” over the next several years. So, what is involved in installing solar on your roof?

Going solar can help you save at least 80% on your electricity bills. Although the initial investment may seem exorbitantly high, installations can cost anywhere from $16,000 to over $60,000, depending on the project size. There has been a 43 drop in solar cost over the past five years, and the 80% drop in the last ten years has made home solar power cheaper than ever. With the amount of sunshine Colorado gets, the payback time can be as short as nine years, and the out-of-pocket cost does not include state and federal solar incentives, which can bring down the total solar cost by nearly a third.

Researching solar can be a daunting prospect. There is a ton of information and misinformation out there, not to mention those pesky doorto-door solar salespeople who won’t stop knocking at our doors. Seriously, they just need to stop. It’s driving my dog crazy, who always thinks someone is coming to visit her and gets so disappointed when it is, yet again, another solar person. Even when you actually do reach out with questions, they want to hard sell you. Personally, a hard sell makes me want to run for the hills. I just never trust their motivations. That being said, I have wanted solar since I moved into my new home in Berthoud.

I had a great conversation with Namaste Solar, based out of Boulder. They walked me through a typical installation and cost analysis. There is a 3–4-month lead time, typically taking 1-2 days for the installation. Namaste does all their own installations, making them all in-house. When solar panels are installed, there is no damage to the existing roof. It costs around $5,000 to remove panels when replacing a roof. So, having a roof in good shape, to begin with, is key. Modern solar panels have modern inverters so that if any one area of a panel fails, the rest of the system continues to function. It typically takes about 12 years for the panels to pay for themselves, though, with the cost of energy skyrocketing, that may be sooner.

Then there are the batteries, which most solar panels can be hooked up to, a whole system ideal for going completely off grid. However, batteries can be very expensive, and with supply issues still ongoing hard to come by. Technology is also changing so rapidly that today’s batteries will be obsolete in 3-5 years, making a battery wall a hard choice at the moment.

What if you don’t like the look of solar panels on your roof? Well, there are also solar shingles that look just like regular shingles and can catch

those beautiful rays without the look of panels. These shingles work similarly to solar panels. Though the shingles are slightly less efficient than panels, they both convert the sun’s rays to electricity. The shingles can be installed on a larger surface area negating the difference. Solar shingles are about the same size as traditional roofing shingles, weighing about 13 pounds per square foot. The thin tiles are less than an inch thick and it takes about 350 tiles to complete a typical solar roof installation. They look remarkably similar to regular roofing shingles and are becoming a popular alternative.

Both solar panels and shingles are rated to withstand golf ball-sized hail, and panels and shingles are rated to last about twenty years. Over that time, they will more than pay for the installation cost. With the sharp rise in the cost of electricity, many people now see huge savings. My neighbors, who had their panels installed three years ago, now see power bills that are remarkably lower than everyone else in the neighborhood. Including payments for the installation, they are still way ahead of the rest of us with their power bills. Their bills are relatively the same year after year. That alone makes solar a tempting prospect. There are many solar installers out there. I encourage you to do your own research and choose what is best for you.

Namaste Solar can be reached at Namastesolar.com.

Sustainable landscaping tips

Special to the Surveyor

Spring is here, and it is our favorite time of year. The landscape changes into vibrant colors, promising growth and new life. We have noticed an increasing demand for sustainable landscape designs that balance our local ecosystem, reduce negative environmental impact, and create a more modern-looking yard to sustain Colorado’s high-plains, desert environment. If you are installing a new landscaping project or renovating an existing outdoor space, consider these sustainable landscaping tips for longlasting and appealing benefits.

Set goals and create a design: Whether you do your own research or talk with a pro, determine what your goals are for your outdoor living area. A functional and attractive design will be unique to your outdoor space and usage. Even if you decide to complete your project in budget-friendly stages, a complete plan will be a worthwhile investment in creating a sustainable and cost-effective landscape for your home.

Sustainable irrigation: Sustainable landscaping includes appropriate water usage and waste reduction. A sustainable irrigation system can also save money. Colorado State University’s Extension Office says that “savings averaging 40% are easily possible with proper design, maintenance and management of automatic irrigation systems.” Regardless of the age of your sprinkler system, annual maintenance is recommended to check for leaks and adjust sprinkler heads.

Make smart plant choices: When thinking about plants, consider placement, soil, size and water usage. If you are creating your own plant list, consult with local nurseries or PlantSelect.org to learn about waterwise plants that offer big beauty while using fewer resources.

Add shade:Consider the exposure to the sun and wind when creating your sustainable landscaping plan. When placed strategically, shade offers a physical benefit to plants and your home that can help reduce energy costs.

Optimize hardscapes: Adding hardscapes (paths, walls, patios) to your yard reduces your turf area and enhances your outdoor living space. Hardscapes are an excellent option for homeowners who enjoy spending time in their yards while reducing lawn and plant maintenance. It is also a great way to direct traffic and keep guests offvulnerable landscapes.

Lean on professionals: There is a lot to consider when it comes to sustainable landscaping. Leaning on local landscape professionals can save you time and money in the long run. A 2017 study at Colorado State University found that for every dollar invested in a residential landscape, the average return is 135%. The study also shared that a high-quality landscape can increase the value of a home by as much as 10%.

Spring is the best time to reach out about your goals for your outdoor living space. Northern Colorado Landscaping has the knowledge and tools to create the sustainable landscape of your dreams. Contact us today at info@northerncoloradolandscaping.com or call 970-593-2151.

Shake out the dust: The ritual of spring cleaning

helps people relax,” she says, “they sleep better, study better a clean space makes people happy.” She acknowledges though, that keeping a house spotless shouldn’t be a priority if it causes anxiety. “Embrace your own lifestyle,” she urges, “cleaning is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why my clients can choose the kind of help they want and we do what they need. I just want to help make everyone’s life easier, we need more of that in this world.”

Beggs has generously shared two of her go-to cleaning hacks for everyone to try. See the sidebar stories for how to clean a garbage disposal, as well as the formula for a cleaning solution Beggs claims works wonders on any stain. To see more of Ashley Beggs’ cleaning hints, go to her Poppin’ Bubbles Cleaning pages on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok, or visit her website: www.poppinbubblesllc.com.

Effective Cleaning Solution

Courtesy of Ashley Beggs

Poppin’ Bubbles Cleaning

How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Courtesy of Ashley Beggs

Poppin’ Bubbles Cleaning

Fill the disposal and part of the sink with ice cubes.

By Terry Georgia The Surveyor

No one knows exactly when spring cleaning became a tradition, but historians have documented the phenomenon in multiple cultures dating back well over two thousand years. Apparently the onset of spring has always awakened a primal urge to clear out and clean up.

The Old Testament’s Book of Exodus describes the Israelites departing Egypt so quickly they didn’t have time to wait for their bread to rise, leaving them with only unleavened bread for the journey. Subsequently, the Torah required that during the springtime commemoration of the journey (during Passover) no traces of leaven can be left in the house, which means cleaning every last corner.

In the 1800’s when people burned coal and oil inside their homes for heat and light, coal dust and grease covered pretty much everything by the end of winter. Spring was the perfect time to throw open the windows and shake out the dust.

Even modern researchers have identified what they call the “fresh start effect” when people are more inclined to achieve a goal when that goal is tied to specific dates or events, such as the beginning of the year, the end of the week or the first glimmer of spring. So, if clearing out that pile of stuff in the closet has been on your to-do list for months, early spring is an ideal time to get ‘er done.

Since the urge to purge in the spring is nearly unavoidable, the question becomes how to go about it. What are the essentials of a good spring clean? We posed that question to professional house cleaner, Ashely Beggs, who owns Poppin’ Bubbles Cleaning in Berthoud. She loves helping people by taking on the chores they don’t have the time or energy to tackle themselves. As a mom with two small boys, who runs her own business and goes to school full time, Beggs values cleanliness and organization. Her website features cleaning hints and shortcuts to make cleaning easier for everyone.

For a good spring clean, Beggs recommends concentrating on areas that usually don’t get much attention the rest of the year:

• Purge. If you haven’t touched it in a year, get rid of it. Change or clean filters in the furnace, water dispenser, washer, dryer and dishwasher.

• Clean the oven.

• Wipe down tops of refrigerators and cabinets.

• Wipe down baseboards.

• Clean windows, sills and window tracks, including sliding door tracks.

• Clean and sanitize the garbage disposal (see sidebar for Ashley’s special technique).

• Empty the refrigerator to wipe down and sanitize the interior.

• Clean the back side of the TV.

If you can move them without hurting yourself, clean underneath and behind major appliances.

• Wash out trash cans (add a little baking soda under the bag to help reduce odors).

• Clean behind and under beds, couches and other large furniture. Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.

• Clean behind toilets. Yes, even behind the toilets. It’s no fun, but it’s once a year. Twice if you’re ambitious and want a deep clean in the fall too. eggs believes that cleaning is therapeutic. “ aving a clean space is what

10 oz bottle of hydrogen peroxide (with spray nozzle)

1-2 teaspoons of Dawn dishwashing liquid

1-2 teaspoons of baking soda

Place the soap and baking soda into the bottle of peroxide and gently swirl to mix.

Works on sweat stains, pet urine, blood and just about any other stained fabric, carpet or mattress.

Avoid using on granite, quartz or stone countertops.

Run cold water and turn on the disposal. Keep it running until you see black gunk coming out of the disposal (this may take a few minutes).

When the black gunk appears, add a dishwasher detergent tablet to the disposal while it’s still running. It will foam up. Continue running the disposal and cold water for about 30 seconds.

Cleans and disinfects the disposal.

Photo by Terry Georgia

Does your house fit?

Even small improvements can feel like big transformations

By Terry Georgia The Surveyor

What makes a house a home? Love, of course, and stuff.

As comedian George Carlin famously mused: “A house is just a pile of stuff with a cover on it.” But is that really all? That “stuff” makes a house unique to those who live there. It makes a house a home. That theory extends to the bones of a house as well. Does your kitchen layout truly suit the way you live? After all, the kitchen is typically the room where most people gather for meals, homework, projects or parties — the heart of a home. Does yours work for optimum function and comfort?

How about the bathroom? Is it a place to store your toothbrush and towels or could it become a mini spa that brings peace and calm, if only for a few precious minutes a day?

From a simple coat of paint to a down-to-the-studs renovation, there are thousands of ways to refresh and renew a home to better reflect the needs and style of its residents.

“New lighting and a fresh coat of paint can change the entire look of a room.” says Tanya Simpson of Simpson Construction Services in Berthoud. She and her husband Brian Simpson urge prospective clients to think carefully about what they want to achieve before considering upgrades or renovations. “Every single one is unique and different,” Brian says of homeowners and the improvements they want to make, “we love getting to know clients first and see what they like. We listen and find out their expectations. It’s a creative process.” The Simpsons spend hours with their clients, helping focus ideas of function, form and style. They describe Berthoud, quite accurately, as “old school vs. new-build.” Homes can date from the Victorian styles of the 1800’s to new cookie-cutter developments that offer a limited number of floor plans, leaving some owners searching for ways to make their homes stand apart from their neighbors.

“In newer [tract] homes things are monotone and usually “builders grade” countertops and fixtures,” says rian, “we find that people want a luxury feel without a luxury price. They’re looking to put their stamp on the home — to make it different from others.”

The Simpsons have worked on many upgrades, especially to kitchens and bathrooms. Some of the trends they’ve noticed include more colors in kitchens. “One contemporary look is a cream-colored paint in the kitchen with cabinets painted in multiple colors,” observed Tanya. She adds that kitchen islands are still very popular, but a new trend is repurposing antique sidebars or buffets to replace a standard island.

Formal dining rooms are also quickly becoming a thing of the past, but expanded decks and outdoor kitchens are gaining popularity, a trend the Simpsons attribute to Colorado’s love for outdoor living. Some outdoor kitchen designs are quite elaborate, complete with refrigerated coolers, ice makers, pizza ovens, rotisseries and even dishwashers. “We did one outdoor kitchen where we matched the stone to the original stone on the house.”

“Colorado has a style,” observed Brian, “I call it “sophisticated rustic. It can be as simple as adding some wood beams or steel I-beams with a

sanded wood trim.” But then he immediately corrected himself, concluding that while that rustic style is popular, each home’s style is different and each owner’s stye is different. is goal is to find the unique design that fuses both.

Tanya suggests starting small if you’re unsure about tackling a redesign. Take a small bathroom, for instance. “You don’t have to start with a big space, but whatever you do, make it super cool.” The Simpsons describe bathrooms as trending toward a spa-like feel. Bathtubs are disappearing in favor of curb-less showers. Shower doors are even disappearing, replaced instead by partial walls. Extra large 4-foot by 2-foot tiles are trending, as are smooth river rock walls and floors. Overhead rain showers, large built-in niches and benches help finish a “spa-like experience.”

Whatever changes you decide to make, the Simpsons recommend vetting your contractor carefully. “I always encourage clients to contact references,” advises Brian, “if you schedule a preliminary visit with a contractor and he’s a no-show, especially if he doesn’t call to say he’s not coming, that ’s a really bad sign.” rian also recommends finding someone who will give a free bid on the work and urges clients not to agree to pay a huge deposit. “Asking you to pay 25-5 up front is a huge red flag.” A small $1,500 - $2,000 deposit is acceptable so the contractor can buy materials to get the project started (expect to pay more up front for custom cabinets or other custom-built items), but make sure you agree to all the details before signing the contract. He should bill weekly to avoid any surprises.

The Simpsons also recommend managing expectations about time. “Contractors want to give you their best-case estimate,” Brian concedes, “but in most cases it takes longer. Illnesses on the crew, delays in getting building permits and scheduling inspections can all take longer than expected. Constant communication is the key. Just remember, when it’s all done and you’re happy with it, you won’t remember how long it took!”

One last thing Brian recommends is giving serious consideration to how much the changes will add to your property value and how much value you’ll get personally out of the changes. “It all depends on your lifestyle and your plans for the future,” he says, “the way Colorado home prices are trending up, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms and basements are always a good investment.”

See more examples of Simpson projects on Facebook under Simpson Construction Services or contact them at tanyak.simpson@myscsbuilders.com.

Photos courtesy of Simpson Construction Services, Berthoud The right designer and/or construction manager can help design changes in your home that will make it more comfortable and functional while reflecting your personal style.

Air duct cleaning every 3-5 years helps improve a home’s air quality

By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor

With all the construction going on in Berthoud, plus the windy conditions and nearby summer fires, it’s optimal to clean the air ducts in a home’s air-handling system every three to five years.

How often the cleaning should be done depends on location, but it isn’t needed yearly as some big box companies recommend, said Jacob Killingbeck, president and co-owner of J & B Simply Clean Carpets in Berthoud with his wife, Brooke-Lynn, as well as J & B Simply Clean Car Wash, also in erthoud.

“If you don’t clean them, the air quality won’t be as great,” illingbeck said. “It can make allergies bad from the poor air quality and reduce the efficiency of the furnace and air-conditioner. They run harder and work harder.”

Killingbeck has been cleaning carpets and air ducts through his business for 10 years, starting out in Austin, Texas, and working the last four years in erthoud. e uses high-powered brushes operating at 1,000 RPMs and a 40 horsepower motor in his van to provide suction behind the brushes to be able to clean out the air ducts, the air returns and the pressure and trunk lines that are

part of the duct system.

Air ducts are throughout the home to handle outgoing air from the air-handling system — there is roughly one air duct or air return per every 1 square feet. The air returns in the air duct system are the points where air draws back into the system and is sucked into the furnace a furnace filter catches dust and debris and optimally should be changed every two to three months. Pressure and trunk lines are cavities connected to the furnace and run between the subfloor if there is a basement and under the house, if there isn’t one. They are the rectangular boxes that appear in the ceilings of unfinished basements.

“Depending on square footage, air duct tubes are running to the trunk line. They are the main cavity for the air to flow throughout the house,” illingbeck said. “Every ounce of air circulating through the system is coming through this one access point.”

Killingbeck does an air duct cleaning by going through the entry of every air duct and air return where the lines are connected to a furnace and cleaning those out, plus the trunk and pressure lines. As long as he keeps his equipment maintained, he’s able to contain what he collects and not get it in the house, he said.

“The brush contacts the entire tube going down to the trunk and pressure line,” Killingbeck said, adding that he cleans forward and back, not just one way.

As he cleans, illingbeck finds the usual accumulated dust, dirt and pet and animal hair, plus a few oddities, like coins and small toys that can fall through the cracks of a register.

“The coolest thing I ever found was a 1 -year-old antique back scratcher,” illingbeck said. “It was a family heirloom.”

On occasion, Killingbeck comes across the bodies of mice, snakes and birds, as well as construction debris from careless builders, like drywall, wood, tile, grout, nails, screws and light switches.

“ uilders don’t care and use air returns and vents as trash cans,” illingbeck said. “A lot of times they will just sweep stuff in there and call it a day.”

For that reason, Killingbeck recommends getting air ducts cleaned when moving in, even if the house is new.

“Air duct cleaning is not something a lot of people know about,” Killingbeck said. “It’s definitely gotten more popular in the 2 s, and the equipment is better.”

Killingbeck warns against air duct cleaning scams in a highly unregulated business, where companies will underbid jobs and not use the proper equipment, nor have the needed experience. e also warns against flat rates he charges for the first eight air ducts and a fee for each additional air duct — and the use of unfounded scare tactics like the absolute need to remove germs and bacteria.

“People can’t see into air ducts and have to put their faith into the company doing the cleaning for you,” illingbeck said. “A lot of times my company ends up cleaning other people’s messes.”

Killingbeck recommends homeowners call a professional to do the job since getting all the dust and debris out is not possible without the right equipment. A shop vacuum, for example, can only hit the first few feet of the air duct system, he said.

“Every one of these tubes is connected together. Everything runs to one point, which is the furnace,” illingbeck said. “If there is dust in one area of one duct and it circulates air throughout the house, it will make its way back to the furnace and blow back through the air duct.”

Courtesy photo

Jacob Killingbeck, president and co-owner of J & B Simply Clean Carpets, stands by a truck mount, a motor that supplies suction power to his air duct cleaning equipment.

cOnTaInEr gArDeN

By Deb Courtner Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County

As warm weather approaches, it’s time to prepare for growing food and flowers. If you have limited yard space or just want to be able to move your plants to safety in a hail storm, growing plants in containers may be an attractive option

Plants — What can you grow in containers? Just about anything, as long as the pot size is adequate. If you’re into vegetables, you can grow tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, beans, beets, carrots, scallions and leafy greens to name just a few. When selecting plants, look for those that have been developed for containers and/ or go by the names of “bush” or “determinate.” And, of course, you also can grow herbs, such as basil, sage, rosemary and mint.

As for flowers, most gardeners grow annuals (as opposed to perennials) in pots because annuals bloom all season long. If you have a hot, sunny area, good choices are lantana, Peruvian petunias (calibrachoa), pentas and geraniums. You can throw in some ornamental grasses, too. For shadier areas, possibilities include fuchsia, begonias, lobelia and impatiens.

Containers — You can grow plants in just about any container. Just make sure that the container didn’t contain toxic materials in the past, especially when growing edibles. Viable containers include clay pots, ceramic pots, plastic pots, buckets, storage bins and even plastic tote bags if they’ll stand upright.

If you select plastic containers for edibles, look for resin codes 1, 2, 4, and 5 on the bottom of the pot or bucket. Avoid 3, 6, and 7, which can be harmful.

Drainage is perhaps the most important component in keeping your potted plants alive. If drainage is inadequate, plant roots will rot. When choosing a container, make sure it has drainage holes. If it doesn’t, add some by using an awl, large nail or drill. With ceramic pots, be sure to use a masonry bit on your drill.

For more information, refer to Colorado State University Extension’s fact sheet #7.238 at extension.colostate.edu which offers additional details on selecting containers.

Potting mix — Use high-quality potting mix or soilless mix from a reputable nursery in your containers. Potting mix usually consists of or-

ganic matter, peat moss and perlite. Some brands also contain a slowrelease fertilizer. If your potting mix doesn’t have added fertilizer, then mix a slow-release, granulated fertilizer into the media before planting.

Planting — Frequently when you buy plants, you’ll find that the roots are all tangled up from growing inside a small pot. Some plants may even have roots growing out the bottom of the pot.

If the plant is only slightly root-bound, simply fluff the roots by teasing them apart with your fingers. If, on the other hand, you’re dealing with a gnarly situation, unfurl roots at the bottom of the pot the best you can. If necessary, cut the roots to a workable length. If the root ball is packed solid, don’t be afraid to cut an inch or so off of the bottom of the root ball and make a few slices into the sides, as well. Once you’ve done that, begin your root fluffing.

The point of root fluffing is to enable the plant roots to grow out into the soil for nutrients rather than growing in on themselves. Once root fluffing is complete, insert the plant into your container potting mix, tamping down the potting mix slightly to eliminate air pockets.

Water the plant with a watering can until water runs out the bottom of the container. Watering will help the soil settle. If the potting mix level drops noticeably after watering, fill sunken areas with more potting mix.

For more details on container gardening, check out CSU Extension’s free webinar, Planting Container Flowers, at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=cfsyUeMEQiA.

Photos from Pinterest