Neely News May 2023

Watson Boren, Wynn Boren, Alexandra Edgar, Dorian Foster, Amelia Gustafson, Morgan Hippeli, Davis Lantier, Jack Lantis, Natalie Nelson, Ella Ostapiuk, Lillian Owenby, Ryan Seeb, Caroline Stewart, Jack Woods

FROM THE NEELY BOARD

Greetings Neely Farmers!

Ihope everyone is enjoying this great Spring weather we’ve been having. Last month, I had the opportunity to continue a Neely Farm tradition by writing an April Fool’s Day message. Over the years, we’ve seen some good ones by our then-current HOA presidents and boards. Thank you to everyone who reached out with a laugh and to those with inquiries about the ‘project.’ Let us know if you still have questions.

I want to pivot and let you know about a few things happening in Neely. First, I want to thank John Simmons, our Neely Farm Member-at-Large board member, for his service on the board. In April, John let us know he would be stepping down from his position, after having served for over a year on the Board. In light of this, the Board has appointed Steve Woodrough to replace John through his term ending in November 2023. Steve is a long-time and dedicated Neely neighbor and we’re glad to have him join us. Steve previously served as our Neely Farm HOA president, from 2018-2019 and 2022, and has remained engaged in efforts to continue improving our neighborhood.

Secondly, I want to invite neighbors that might be interested in volunteering in Neely to reach out to Board@Neelyfarm.net and let us know. We would like to hear from you and get you connected. This goes without saying, but Neely Farm is an amazing neighborhood, with great amenities and spaces for us to host gatherings and to build community. One area we’d like to focus some attention on is with social events for all ages. The Neely Farm Pig Roast, Halloween party, and Christmas parties were all highly-attended events this past year, as was the Easter Egg Hunt just this past month. To pull those events off, we needed at least 15+ people engaged in leading and helping to execute those events. Looking ahead to the summer, we have pool parties planned and before you know it, we’ll be back to Halloween and the Pig Roast again. We’d like to get a group together to help think through how we might bring back some legacy Neely Farm events like Chastain Night or First Fridays and/ or to think through other new family events that might cater to some of the older children in the neighborhood. We look forward to hearing from anyone interested in helping with this.

Lastly, I want to thank Pam Brazell for her years of service as our Neely News editor. She has done a great job delivering the Neely News for us since 2020 and we appreciate the many hours she has committed to make it happen. I am grateful for Kathleen Gilmore for volunteering to take this role on with this issue being her first.

I hope everyone is excited for the pool opening in May. We’ve got a solid schedule of lifeguards lined up and look forward to having our first month of swimming (and of swim practice for the Neely Mallards!). Take

Joey Dee, Neely Farm HOA President

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS

Jack Lantis

Norcross High School

# of years living in Neely Farm: 10

Extra-Curricular Activities/

Hobbies: NHS Varsity swim team, Fowler YMCA enthusiast and Publix cashier

College/Plans for the fall: The University of Georgia Jack Woods

St. Pius X Catholic High School

# of years living in Neely Farm: 15

Extra-Curricular Activities/

Hobbies: Football, Shot Put, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), Lion Leader

College/Plans for the fall: The University of Georgia

Ella Ostapiuk

Norcross High School

# of years living in Neely Farm: 11

Extra-Curricular Activities/

Hobbies: Varsity Volleyball, National Charity League, National Honor Society, hiking and traveling

College/Plans for the fall: She will study Coastal and Marine Biology at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL

Amelia Gustafson

Artios Academies of Sugar Hill

# of years living in Neely Farm: 11

Extra-Curricular Activities/ Hobbies: Musical Theater, Film

Acting, Singing, Choir, Dance (tap, modern, ballet, jazz, pointe), Travel, Podcast creator for mental health awareness and support, Lead elementary tap teacher at Artios Academy, Intern at Impact Arts Academy, Worship Leader for KidsQuest at Perimeter Church

College/Plans for the fall: Berry College, double majoring in Music and Film Communications with a Musical Theater Minor

Alexandra Edgar

Wesleyan

# of years living in Neely Farm: 6

Extra-Curricular Activities/Hobbies: volleyball, Omicron service club, soccer, active in her Inside Out group at Northpoint Church, created a service club at Wesleyan called Monthly Missions, Peer Leadership mentoring program at Wesleyan

College/Plans for the fall: Alex will be attending the University of Florida on a Navy ROTC scholarship

Ladies, please join us on Tuesday night at the courts for a casual ladies tennis get-together. We have already been playing and it has been a blast.

It’s BYOB, all levels welcome, no pressure and no need to RSVP. Tuesdays at 7pm.

We’d love to have more women join us! If you’re interested, contact the tennis committee with your email address and they will add you to the list.

Don’t miss out on the fun with ALTA summer tennis.

If you are looking for the best way to enjoy tennis in Atlanta and want to enjoy one of the safest sports in town, then grab your friends, form a new team, or join a team and come be a part of the unique ALTA experience. We have leagues for Mixed Doubles, Senior Women (45+) and Senior Men (45+).

◆ Mixed Doubles

Saturday 9:00 a.m.

Season runs from June 3-July 15

◆ Senior Women (45+)

Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Season runs from June 1-July 13

◆ Senior Men (45+)

Friday 6:30 p.m.

Season runs from June 2-July 14

If anyone would like to start a Senior ladies or men’s team above, just contact the tennis committee and we will try to help.

Youth Tennis is Back

Hi tennis parents: Sorry for the last minute notice, but we’ve just confirmed coaches for Spring youth tennis lessons! The session will last for 8 weeks (skipping spring break week)

◆ March 30th thru May 25th

◆ Fees for littles’ group ($80)

◆ Fees for bigs’ group ($90)

◆ Drop-in sessions: $20

◆ Thursdays from 5:30-6:15 (Ages 4-8) 6:15-7:15 (Ages 8 and up)

Please email me at slegess1@ gmail.com with your kid’s name and age to sign up. You can bring a check made out to James Harrell at the first lesson or Venmo him @jamesharrell56

*Please note: There is a $30 nonresident fee (per year) for kiddos that live outside of Neely Farm. Make check out to NFHOA.

If you are planning an event on the courts, a round robin, or social event where you will need more than 2 courts, please make the tennis committee aware by sending an email to tennis@neelyfarm.net. Please do not have several people reserve different courts in order to accomplish this as the tennis committee needs to know about all large gatherings outside of our regular scheduled matches. We are happy to help with making certain you have courts for a round robin.

Thank you for hanging up all the squeegees, we appreciate your help. We still have a problem with someone allowing their pets on the courts and leaving feces scattered about. Please if you happen to see any neighbors allowing animals on the courts, kindly remind them pets are not allowed. Also, remember to place the blower battery back on the charger after use as you return it to the basement shed so it is ready for the next team that needs to use it.

If you are new to tennis or the neighborhood and desire help finding a team, please reach out to your tennis committee tennis@ neelyfarm.net

2023 SWIM MEET SCHEDULE

Community Bulletin Board

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Neely Farm Pool Party will by June 3rd!!

HI, FELLOW FARMERS!

If you are looking for ways to keep your kids on track with learning this summer, I can help. I will be offering SOAR study skills for grades 4th-12th, SSAT Prep classes for 6th-8th graders, and individual tutoring for reading, math, Orton Gillingham, college essay writing, SAT, and ACT. Let me know how I can help you!

Shari Moody | 678-656-8805 sharimoodyllc@gmail.com

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MAY 2023

UPDATES

The Neighborhood Watch Committee is looking for new members. Please contact neighborhoodwatch@neelyfarm.net for more information.

Spring is here! For personal safety and protection of private property, please remind the teenagers in your household to respect all rules and curfews regarding our Neely Farm amenities. The River Park closes at dusk. The playground and clubhouse grounds close at 9:00 pm. Friends and family should not use any of our amenities without a Neely Farm homeowner present or they are considered trespassing. There are cameras everywhere.

Everyone, please be mindful that kids will be out of school soon and sharing the roads with us throughout the neighborhood so please slow down and observe the 25 mph speed limit.

FLOCK STATS FOR THE LAST 30 DAYS

79,509 Total plate reads on all cameras

7007 Unique license plates captured entering Neely Farm

504 License plates captured entering River Park

REMINDERS

◆ Slow Down! The speed limit inside the neighborhood is 25 mph! Please be respectful, courteous and cautious.

◆ Lock your car doors when parked in the driveway. Be mindful of garage door openers left in cars.

◆ NEVER leave valuables in your car!

◆ Lock your interior garage door.

◆ Keep your garage doors closed.

◆ Keep your property well lit at night. Keep a few lights in your home on timers. Consider the models that automatically make a modest adjustment to the on/off time to simulate normal activity.

◆ Collect your mail everyday. Consider dropping off outgoing mail at the post office when it contains checks or money.

◆ Communicate with your neighbors.

◆ Add the Gwinnett Co non emergency phone number to your contacts ~ 770.513.5700.

◆ Notify the Board and Neighborhood Watch of any crime or security concerns. Social Media posts are not a substitute for notifying the HOA.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. First – Call Gwinnett Non Emergency number 770.513.5700 or 911 if an emergency

Second – Notify the NWC: neighborhoodwatch@neelyfarm.net

The Bulletin Board is here for neighbors to inform the neighborhood of events/activities. You

Our Front Porch Verified

Tired of seeing so many DIFFERENT VENDORS driving through our neighborhood?

How do you know which vendor is TRUSTED? Which is INSURED?

Is there a place to find out which vendors OUR NEIGHBORS PREFER?

A fun website to use to help children be more conscientious about handwashing and engaged. Visit: scrubclub.org

2myPlace is a 501(c)(3)/non-profit, dedicated to “bridging education with opportunity." Our goal is to reach and teach teens and young adults by offering coaching in life and social skills, keeping them strong, safe and confident. Our audio workshops are led by teens. We introduce the dangers of Human trafficking, bullying, lack of confidence, anger and stress, and anything else they want to address.

Real Beginnings is our program dedicated to helping women (who’ve been sex-trafficked, abused, or addicted) ready to re-establish their lives, following a recovery program. We offer the services necessary to thrive, such as: housing, transportation, psychological services, food, clothing, and medical and dental.

Please help by making a tax-deductible donation at www.2myPlace.org

If you can volunteer services- please get in touch!

Cindee Sapoznik~Founder/CEO 770-815-6044

RESIDENT-OWNED BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BABYSITTING

In Need of a Babysitter?

Hi, my name is Clare Muir. I am 14 years old and would like to help you out at your house. I am a freshman at St. Pius X Catholic High School. I am active in softball, winter basketball and National Charity League. I would like to help you out with your kids. I am the third child of four and babysit my younger sister a lot and help my mom out with her. Now I would like to do so for you as well. I can have fun with your children. I am here to help. I am also available for pet care and watering plants. You can contact me at (678) 628-5480 or email me at cmuir26@spxstudent. org.

CABINETRY

PAVO Corporation

Jonathan Owenby | Number: 678-224-8484 | www. owenbyjones.com jonathan@owenbyjones.com

Rayman Financial, Inc.

Full service tax and accounting firm (business and personal). Jeff Rayman | 678-469-6931 | www. raymanfinacial.com | jeff@raymanfinancial.com

FIREPLACES

Fireplace Connection

Fireplace Repair & Services including Glass Doors, Gas Logs, Outdoor Living Areas, Prefab Fireplaces, Rain pan replacement, Service All Brands. Eric Gaskins 404-569-5422. eric_gaskins@att.net

FRANCHISE

The Franchise Doctor, Inc.

NOTE: If your info is no longer needed in the directory (i.e. plan to move, seasonal business etc.) please email the newsletter (Newsletter@ NeelyFarm.net ) to be removed. We would like to keep this as updated as possible.

AQUATICS

AMS Pools

AMS pools is a full service provider for any aquatics needs including: Cleaning Services, Lifeguarding Services, Pool Construction, Pool Renovation, and Swim Lessons

Please contact for any aquatics needs or employment interest.

6220 Indian River Drive | www.amspoolsga.com chris@amspoolsga.com | 678.457.5341

ANTIQUES

Ring's Relics

Antiques–Buy and Sell. Bob Ring 770-710-8041 | bk827@bellsouth.net

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

EDP Collaborative Design

EDP Collaboratice Design is a full service architectural practice serving commercial/ corporate/institutional/multifamily sectors, with residential design on a case by case basis. Edward Palisoc | 6081 Endden Court. www.edpcollaborative.com | ed.palisoc@edp-collaborative. com | 404-783-1543

AUDIOBOOK NARRATION/ VOICE OVER TALENT

VoxArendale

4191 River Bottom Dr Elizabeth Arendale | @VoxArendale on Instagram Lectioandlattes@gmail.com | (404)775-9442

Elizabeth records, produces, and masters audio for use in audiobooks, video voice over, or radio commercials.

A Georgia service provider of custom kitchen cabinetry, shelving, garage and closet systems, countertops, design and installation. Steve Farrier | 4230 River Bottom Drive | pavocorp.com | Steve@ pavocorp.com | 706-927-1000

CHILDREN’S CLOTHES

The Children’s Clothes Horse

Wholesale children’s clothing to retailers and children’s sample sales at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. Please see our website. Janet Hawkins | 404-5248897

www.janethunterhawkins.com

janet@janethunterhawkins.comfacebook.com/ JanetHunterHawkinsInc. Follow us on Instagram@janethunterhawkinsinc

ENTERTAINMENT

Atlanta Comedy Theater

Upscale comedy venue in Atlanta suburbs for comedy, dinner, birthdays, restaurants, and entertainment.

John L. Walker | 770-724-6400 www.atlantacomedytheater.com atlantacomedytheater@gmail.com

ESTATE LIQUIDATION

Atlanta Antique & Estate Liquidators Inc. Owned and operated by Judith Friedman, Atlanta Antique & Estate Liquidators Inc. has been in business in Atlanta since 1991 and conducted over 1200 estate and business liquidations. Judith Friedman | 678-429-1903 | www.atlestates.com | judith@atl-estates.com

FASHION STYLING/WARDROBE CONSULTANT

Strager Style

Fashion Stylist Shaye Strager works with men and women of all ages in organizing their closets, building a wardrobe they love to wear and sourcing new items quarterly or yearly pending desire and budget. Shaye Strager 917-952-5677 | www.Stragerstyle.com Shaye@StragerStyle.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Owenby Jones Wealth Management LLC

A comprehensive wealth planning firm established to serve affluent individuals and their families in an effort to plan for and achieve their financial goals. |

The Franchise Doctor, Inc. is a consulting firm specializing in existing and emerging concepts (start-up), franchise development, operations, strategic planning, financial management, franchise sales and brand building. | Joe McCord 470-375-8874 office | www.franchisedoc. com joe.mccord@franchisedoc.com

FLOORING/DECKING/SIDING

Brazilian Wood Depot

Hardwood Brazilian Decking, Siding & Flooring Sales. Eric Hoover | 770-242-0045 www. brazilianwooddepot.com Eric@BWDepot.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Weightloss System

This system is different... and it really is. I want to share with you this healthy aging and wellness company. Weight loss just happens to be a fringe benefit.

Here are some facts: 10-25 lbs of weight loss is typical in the first 30 days. People gain more energy and sleep, better performance, more lean muscle, healthy aging, and overall optimal health. In a nutshell, the program fires up your metabolism and the detox balances your system to function optimally. 30-day money back guarantee...nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let’s discuss a custom pack that’s right for you. Contact Lisa at 404-213-7676 | lstraussmains@gmail.com

HEALTH INSURANCE

AFLAC

Aflac is the most trusted and recognized name for supplemental benefits. Supplemental benefits provide a cash benefit paid directly to the client. Cash benefits help our clients pay for co-pays and deductibles not covered by their major med plan. Aflac plans covering Accidents or Cancer are affordable for either a individual or family. So if you don't have a cash cow at home to pay for those expenses you may want to consider having a cash duck to help with those expenses. Aflac is not more insurance it is the right insurance for you and your family.  Frank Stinger–AFLAC Benefits Advisor  770-330-1400 .

HOME FURNISHINGS

Leah Kristin Designs

Full service Interior Design Firm for both Commercial and Residential spaces. Leah Kessler | 404.513.1633

www.leahkristindesigns.com

Leah@LeahKristinDesigns.com

INSURANCE

SDK & Associates, Insurance Services

Helping families secure their insurance needs since 1986 including: Life, Disability, Long term care, & Health Insurance. | Sunil Sachdeva | (678) 521-8484 | sdkinsurance.com sunilsachdeva@hotmail.com

INVESTMENTS

Carter Terry & Company

A privately held investment bank, multifamily office, and private capital investment firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia to assist affluent families with the asset selection process and creditor protection issues. Adam Cabibi 404-907-3090 | www.carterterry.com acabibi@carterterryco.com

JEWELRY

The Colorstones

All kinds of gemstones beads, jewelry findings, jewelry custom made and repairs and jewelry classes. Pakorn Thanyawatpokin (Albert Than) | 10800 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 184, Roswell | 413624-4745 | 2350 Cheshire Bridge Road, Suite 204, Atlanta | 314-626-4745 | www. b-e-a-d.com

LANDSCAPING

TurfPride LawnCare

Services include fertilization, weed & insect control for lawn and landscape; aeration; overseeding | Ron White | 770-590-7200 www.turfpride.com | info@turfpride.com

AKA Tree Removal

Full Service Tree Removal, Stump Grinding and Mulch Suppliers | Jeremiah Wilson 404.713.4305 | akatreeremoval.com info@akatreeremoval.com

MARINE

SELCO USA, INC.

Import and sales of marine generator controls, protection and monitoring, for vessels of 75’ and greater. Wholesale. Anders Jakobsen | 770-455-9110 SELCOUSA.com info@SELCOUSA.com

MEDIA PRODUCTION

Chris Paul Productions Inc

Comprehensive Media Production Services for Broadcast, Corporate and Web. | Chris Paul 678-966-3011 | chrispaulproductions.com chris@chrispaulproductions.com

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER/AUTHOR

Artemis Skye McNeil

Best-selling author of “Keys of Love” and Founder of "The Happiness Habit" Online motivational speaking on Principle-based life skills for health and positivity. thehappinesshabit@yahoo.com | www.artemisskye. com | 404-579-7985

PAINTING

Ashford Painting

Stephen Adams | 4531 River Bottom Drive| ashfordpainting.com stephen@ashfordpainting.com| 404-369-0668

Ashford Painting is your full service commercial and residential painter. Interiors or exteriors, we have you covered.

PET / BABYSITTING

Convenient House Sitter/ Dog Sitter

Anne Marie Armstrong | (404) 797- 7097 amarmstrong@atlantalandgroup.com

I have grown up in Neely Farm and lived here since 1997. I am now 29 and looking to help out neighbors who need someone responsible, caring, and consistent to watch your home, take care of your pet/ pets, or water your plants. I have always loved dogs and currently have 3 dogs.  Please contact me at the phone number or email below.

PLUMBING/HOME SERVICES

Zurn Plumbing Service, Inc.

We are a full service plumbing company that specializes in residential repairs and replacements. If it’s Plumbing, We do it! Lisa Burns | 770-451-6765 www.zurnplumbing.com lisazburns@zurnplumbing.com

PRINTING

Trinity Press

Trinity Press is a full service commercial printing company. | Joe and Kay Dye 770-248-1964 | joe@trinitypress.com kay@trinitypress.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Counseling Services LAPC

Therapist specializing in Adolescents and young adults- DBT Trained “Enjoy returning to a life worth living for" Christine Barnes | 678-205-4322 | 770-765-3089 | atlantabehavioral.com therapistcb@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE

Anthony and Sandy Hippeli | Palmerhouse Properties

We’ve worked in multi-facets of real estate since 1998. We know what it takes to get your house ready to sell using modern agent methods. We also know how to strategically set your offer apart from the competition when buying real estate.

Contact Us Today!

Anthony -678-262-8389 | Ahippeli@gmail.com

Sandy 770-364-2827 | Shippeli@gmail.com

Website: HippeliRE.com

Follow Us on Facebook: facebook.com/HippeliRE | Follow Us on Instagram: instagram.com/hippeli_realestate

Integrity One Realty

32 years of listing and selling offering discount listing fees and flat fee listings. | Robyn Anshell 678-781-4865 www.integrityonerealty.net robynanshell@integrityonerealty.net

King Industrial Realty, Inc. / CORFAC International

Real Estate Broker specializing in Industrial Real Estate Leasing and Sales. | Stephen C. Ratchford | 404-942-2003 | www.kingindustrial.com sratchford@kingindustrial.com

Joseph’s Homes Realty

We never lose sight of who we work for. We offer uncompromising service allowing our clients to achieve their real estate goals with professionalism and outstanding results. | Joe Cassar, Broker | 678-823-7677 | Joe@JosephsHomes.com www.JosephsHomesRealty.com

Marsha & Ned Richards Keller Williams Realty

As Neely residents for 30+ yrs,, we know what makes the Farm special. Please call with any real estate questions. Marsha Richards, Certified Luxury Home Specialist | 770-596-2169 | marsha@marsharichards.com | Ned Richards 404-314-2435 | nedrichards@kw.com

ROOFING

Skyfall Roofing + Restoration

Skyfall Roofing + Restoration is a Georgia service provider in exterior home repair and storm restoration with two main areas of focus—roof repair and roof replacement. We started this business to bring quality, trust, and integrity to an industry where it can be hard to know with which service providers you should feel confident to repair your home. Schedule an appointment with your neighbor, Tate Davidson (770-876-3522); our professional representative so you can experience the difference we are talking about. Our evaluations are free of charge, so let the sky fall! We have got you covered.

TRAVEL/VACATION PLANNING

Jeanne Derderian, Travel Advisor

As a member of Virtuoso, I am able to utilize our worldwide partners to provide you with a memorable trip full of unique experiences. I would welcome the opportunity to craft a trip for you and to act as your personal concierge during the planning, traveling and returning stages. Jeanne Derderian, Luxury Travel Advisor/ 678-557-9450/ jeanne@largaytravel.com

WDWGetaways

Planning your dream Disney Vacation shouldn't be overwhelming. Let me take the stress out, and put the fun back in to your vacation. My services are free, and include Itinerary planning, Advanced dining reservations and discount monitoring. I specialize in Disney and Universal. Halle McCoy | 678-294-1255 | www.wdwgetaways.com | hallem@wdwgetaways.com

TUTORING

Brad Lantis

Tutoring/coaching services for middle school and high school math, through calculus; and high school sciences. blantis@gmail.com | 404-271-2715

Shari Moody

If you are looking for ways to keep your kids on track with learning this summer, I can help. I will be offering SOAR study skills for grades 4th-12th, SSAT Prep classes for 6th-8th graders, and individual tutoring for reading, math, Orton Gillingham, college essay writing, SAT, and ACT. Let me know how I can help you!

Shari Moody | 678-656-8805 sharimoodyllc@gmail.com

WEATHER BY CHRISTINA

When Is The First 90 Degree Day in Atlanta?

The month of May can bring wild temperature swings!

Morning lows can dip as cool as the upper 30s to low 40s, while afternoon highs can vary between the mid 50s and the upper 80s.

May is also the month when temperatures can soar into the 90s, and on average, Atlanta registers its first 90 degree day on May 31.

However, the earliest 90 degree day on record for Atlanta was recorded on April 23, 1980. The latest first 90 degree day occurred on July 28, 1961.

The hottest temperature recorded in the month of May is 97 degrees, which occurred on May 29, 1941.

Facebook: Christina Edwards WSB

Twitter: @ChristinaWSBwx

GREEN & GROWING

All good things must come to an end, right? Or, is the best yet to come with summer gardening?? Many of the pops of color on display during the bleak winter months, and even the shortlived, but much welcomed, spring blooms have now faded. After spending a week out of town recently, I was beyond grateful to return home to what had to be the height of spring color. Irises, rhododendrons and peonies were the brightest they’ve been in years! And with many days topping out around 80 degrees, long-lasting pansies and violas are starting to look leggy. So what’s a gardener in transition to do?

Make any sized outdoor space a retreat! Hang birdhouses, add lawn ornaments or pathway lights, fill birdfeeders and birdbaths, and spruce up that old patio furniture! Take a mental health break from work and chores, and prioritize time to spend an afternoon browsing at the nursery. I’ve done a garden consult for my friend, WSB-TV news anchor Lori Wilson, and we had so much fun together, talking about ALL the possibilities for her newfound space! Gardener or not, who doesn’t light up at the vision of beautifying an enjoyable and usable space?!

Don’t let a bare space, with all its potential, become overwhelming. Instead, get excited about the ways it can be designed and planted to reflect personalized styles and tastes. Don’t hesitate to ask friends and neighbors for a fresh perspective. And, sit in on a free garden class or workshop. Many times, these are offered throughout the year by county Extension agents and Master Gardeners. I keep an updated list of garden events around Atlanta at my website, www.wsbradio.com/greenandgrowing.

Take note of whether a potential garden space is mostly sun or is comfortably shaded. That will guide what plants thrive and how healthy they’ll be. Here are some recommendations for plants that can be enjoyed throughout the summer!

Tolerates full sun

New Guinea impatiens appear to be tolerant or resistant to downy mildew Celosia, a.k.a. Cockscomb Deer rarely bother these

New Guinea impatiens and those labeled ‘sunpatiens’

Petunias may be perennial given mild winter conditions

Geraniums are great for hanging baskets

Mini version are Calibrachoa

Deadhead by removing spent blooms at the base of the stem

Begonias like some light shade Many varieties and sizes

Dianthus, a summer blooming perennial Good bedding flower like pansies

Prefers partial to full shade

Coleus is known for colorful foliage more than flowers

Hostas come in various shades of greens and whites

Elephant ears can overwinter in the ground

Fills in a bed, grows 1 – 3 ft. tall and wide

Deer do love to browse

Make a good visual border

Astilbe, a summer blooming perennial Are clump forming and spread easily Heuchera, a.k.a. coral bells Attractive foliage when blooms are gone

Ashley Frasca is host of the radio show Green and Growing, heard on 95.5 WSB Radio every Saturday from 6-9:00 a.m. For gardening tips, information, and advice, follow her Facebook page: Facebook.com/greenandgrowingwsb

This bare spot in Lori’s yard became a mini vegetable garden, now home to 3 cherry tomato plants.

POLLEN

Yuck. It comes in through the window, the window that is open so you can smell the sweet smells of spring.

It comes in on your clothes after working in the garden. It comes in from your garage where it has been hitch hiking on your car for the past 2 weeks.

However it is not the only yuck in your house. Dust, mold, little bugs and other trash can find its way into your vents and settle in your ductwork.

How do you keep your ductwork clean in order to keep that yuck out of the air that you are breathing?

Well, to start with you can change the filter on your furnace on a regular basis. Almost all of the air in your house passes through the filter at some point, keeping the filter clean can help keep your air clean.

While I don’t generally give out prices here I will in this instance to illustrate A – that it is a serious procedure that calls for serious money and 2 – to show you how ridiculous and how little work or good you will get out of a $49.95 deal.

This is really when you should absolutely have your ducts cleaned:

Ƚ Immediately after you move into a newly built home. Lots of construction debris, saw dust, dry wall scraps, and Doritos bags end up in the duct work of a newly build home.

Ƚ And after that every 4-6 years. Lemme repeat that, every 4-6 YEARS is sufficient.

But

what about cleaning those ducts?

You know they are just loaded with yuck. What’s the deal with duct cleaning?

Here are a couple of things you should know about cleaning your ducts, or as I like to call, ‘Duct Sucking”.

Ƚ Maybe one of the biggest scams in the home services field unfortunately, centers on cleaning your duct work. I am talking about carpet cleaning companies that say they can clean your air ducts for some really cheapo amount – and by the I mean like $49.95 - “As long as we are here” then all they do is vacuum around your registers and if you are lucky they stick the vacuum 2 ft. into your duct.

Ƚ For your information – a good thorough duct cleaning by a professional will run you in your average sized home $500 - $600.

(This is unless you have someone in the house with breathing problems. If that is the case, then you should get your hvac man/lady out to your house to upgrade your furnace filtration situation. That is money better spent than on a yearly or every two year duct cleaning scam.)

I will repeat: every 4-6 years. The beauty of this is that a good, honest, reputable duct cleaning company will agree that it is not a yearly maintenance project, and that you can go years in between cleanings. One more thing. A quality duct cleaning company will/should clean your drier vents too. Hey - they are also ducts...

If your duct suckers can pass the mustard on all that, you are on to a good one. Get your ducts cleaned. Then do it again.

In 2029.

Hey! I have a few home improvement projects I need to do. Do you have any suggestions of who to call?

Yes! Just use the advertisers in our neighborhood newsletter and directory. I’ve called several and they’ve been great.

Wow! Really? I didn’t know that. I’ll check them out.

That’s great, because their advertising makes the newsletter affordable for our community, so please support them!

Neighbor

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