Spring Home & Garden 2017

2017 Spring

HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

A Special Supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER | WEEKLY PROSPECTOR

Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2017

How to make spring projects more eco-friendly

T

he arrival of warmer weather means different things to different people.

Some anticipate opportunities for outdoor fun, while others may be considering redecorating or remodeling their homes. into wanting to freshen up the interior of a home. Heavy draperies and comforters are put away, and lighter fabrics are taken out of storage. Whenever possible, reuse or repurpose items you already have rather than purchasing new items. Longer drapes can be cut and hemmed to be used as window treatments in other rooms. Making a patchwork blanket out of old T-shirts is a crafty project that makes use of items that would otherwise be destined for landfills.

When laundering linens, skip the energy-using dryer and let items line dry in the sun and fresh air.

If you decide to purchase some new items, look for products made from sustainable or organic fabrics. Hemp and bamboo textiles have grown in popularity. Hemp and bamboo plants grow quickly, and their durability makes these materials smart choices.

When replacing items around the house, donate older items to a charitable organization.

For the latter group, home improvement season provides a great opportunity to make homes more eco-friendly.

When planning home improvement projects, it’s best to first choose a project and then look for ways to make the project more environmentally friendly. Such an approach may not only benefit the environment, but it also may benefit homeowners’ bottom lines.

Interior decorating

Longer days and warmer temperatures often translate

Flowers and plants

Spring and summer call to mind beautiful blooming plants. Relying on native, sustainable plants is practical, environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, sustainable plants are native plants. Native plants sustain local wildlife more effectively than non-native alternatives, so include native plants in your sustainable garden. Native plants also are less reliant on pesticides and herbicides to keep them healthy and viable.

Don’t forget to bring plants indoors as well. Even

though you may be opening the windows more, indoor plants can filter and purify indoor air. The NASA Clean Air Study, led in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, found that certain common indoor plants naturally remove toxic agents such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air. Efficient air cleaning is accomplished with at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space.

Proper disposal

Spring cleaning is another tradition for many families come the end of winter and dawn of spring. Many people use spring as a time to go through closets and garages to remove items they no longer use or need. In an effort to clean up fast, some people may dispose of chemical products, paints, treated lumber, and many other items in ways that can be damaging to the environment. Always learn local municipal guidelines for proper disposal of potentially harmful products. Area recycling centers may have drop-off areas for stains and paints, used motor oil and other potentially harmful products.

Before discarding something, see if it can be donated or sold. This will result in fewer items ending up in landfills.

Exercise caution outdoors as well. Runoff from cleaning products used on home siding or driveways can leach into the surrounding soil or find its way into sewage drains that ultimately direct fluids to public waterways.

Choose environmentally responsible products whenever possible.

Springtime renovation and cleaning projects provide the perfect opportunity to adopt eco-friendly practices that pay dividends for years to come.

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May 2017 | Spring Home & Garden Guide

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Refresh your patio

A

s the weather begins warming, you may be planning to get more use out of your patio. Patios are the perfect area for outdoor social gatherings.

Get your patio in shape this spring by creating a comfortable meeting spot.

An attractive patio space can become the focus point of your backyard. Accents such as pillows, mirrors and lights can give your patio a wonderland feel, quickly making it your new favorite spot to relax.

some flair to your patio is an area rug.

There are differences between interior and exterior rugs. A rug that is meant to be kept outside will be made of stronger materials that help it hold up to different weather conditions.

Another aspect to consider is the shape of your rug. Plan to choose a rug that is shaped the same as your patio table. For example, a circular rug is a good choice under a circular table.

Outdoor Lighting

Having a well-lit patio gives you the freedom to entertain your guests even when the sun goes down. Installing a lighting system on your patio can be expensive if there is not existing electricity outdoors.

Contact a licensed local electrician for a quote to see if it is feasible for your budget.

If you’re looking to brighten up your patio on a budget, solar lights are a good option. A simple strategy that can go a long way is to place solar spotlights around the perimeter of your patio. If you have a ceiling over your patio, consider hanging solar string lights above you.

Add Accent Items

You can completely change the aspect of your patio by adding a few different accent items. Consider some of these inexpensive items for a fresh new look: • Pillows: Adding colorful pillows to drab or old furniture can give your patio new life.

• Lanterns: Creating a path of lanterns leading to your patio creates an attractive welcome.

• Mirrors: If you have an unused fence or wall near your patio, mirrors in rustic frames will give your patio a whimsical feel.

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Over time, a patio floor can appear less than appealing. Weather can cause cracks or imperfections to your floor. A simple way to hide these imperfections and add

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2017

Steps to a more organized, functional garage

O

rganization can help homeowners transform their homes into less cramped, more spacious oases without forcing them to finance potentially expensive expansion projects.

Homeowners who park in their driveways may find that their garages have become crowded, cluttered spaces in which searching for tools can feel like scouring a haystack in search of a needle. Organizing a garage can create extra room in a home while affording homeowners the chance to protect their vehicles from the elements. Homeowners who want to turn their garages into something more than cluttered storage units can employ the following strategies to transform these largely overlooked areas into more valuable spaces.

• Choose the right day. Garages tend to be separate from the rest of the homes they’re a part of, meaning the only way to organize a garage is to first remove all items from the garage and into the driveway. Because items removed from the garage will be exposed to the elements, homeowners should choose a day that’s temperate and sunny to clean their garages. If possible, homeowners should opt to organize their garages in late spring, summer or early fall when there are additional hours of daylight. This protects homeowners from having to work in the dark should the job take longer than they initially anticipated.

• Discard or donate duplicate items. Duplicate items are some of the main culprits behind cluttered garages. As garages gradually become more cluttered, homeowners may buy tools they already have simply because they cannot find their original tools. When or-

ganizing the garage, create separate piles for duplicate tools, placing still-useful items in a pile that can be donated to neighbors, local charities or organizations and another pile for old tools that are no longer useful.

• Host a garage sale. Homeowners who want to organize their garages and make a buck at the same time can host garage sales. Make only those items that are still functional available for purchase, and let neighbors and bargain hunters do the bulk of your organization work for you.

• Designate areas of the garage for certain items.

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example, store kids’ bicycles and outdoor toys in a corner of the garage that is opposite the corner where potentially dangerous items such as power tools and gas cans will be stored. Keep the center of the garage open for vehicles.

• Periodically park cars in the garage. Homeowners who are comfortable parking their vehicles in their driveways can improve their chances of maintaining organized garages over the long haul by periodically parking in the garage. Doing so not only prevents the gradual buildup of clutter that can slowly take over a garage, but also protects homeowners’ automotive investments.

Maintaining an organized garage can help homeowners make more practical use of the space in their homes.

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3 ways to tackle spring cleaning in a single weekend

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time to

refresh

S

pring cleaning is an annual rite of passage in many households. Because winter weather tends to encourage people to stay indoors more than they would during other times of the year, clutter can slowly but surely accumulate in a home over the course of a typical winter. That makes spring cleaning a necessity.

Few homeowners likely enjoy spring cleaning. The warm weather associated with the arrival of spring makes many people who have spent the previous months indoors less than enthusiastic about spending a spring weekend indoors cleaning and clearing away a season’s worth of clutter. But homeowners who organize their spring cleaning projects can ensure such efforts take just a weekend or less.

1. Enlist the family

Chances are everyone who lives in the home can lay claim to some of the dirt, grime and clutter that built up over the winter. So it only makes sense that everyone then pitches in to clean the home come springtime. Parents and heads of household can delegate tasks to everyone, incentivizing cooperation with the promise of rewards if the cleaning is completed in a single weekend.

2. Clear your schedule

Another way for homeowners to ensure their spring cleaning projects are started and finished in a single weekend is to clear their schedules for the entire weekend. Homeowners who expect to spend part of their day away from home and still finish their spring cleaning projects will likely find the job unfinished come Sunday night. When planning a spring cleaning weekend, schedule projects for

a weekend when you have no prior commitments or plan far enough in advance that you can avoid making plans on a given weekend. While it might not make for the most eventful weekend, it will greatly increase your chances of getting everything cleaned and cleared out in two days.

3. Do your homework

Homeowners who want to complete their spring cleaning in a single weekend should do their homework with regard to finding local recycling centers or charitable organizations to whom they intend to donate items. Many charitable organizations will come to private homes to pick up donations, but such pickups often must be arranged in advance rather than on the morning of the day homeowners want items to be taken away. In addition, if recycling will be a part of your spring cleaning efforts, familiarize yourself with the weekend hours of nearby recycling plants so you can drop items off on your cleaning weekend instead of leaving them lying around to be donated later.

Spring cleaning might not make for the most enjoyable way for homeowners to spend a weekend. But planning ahead and making efficient use of the time available to them can help homeowners tackle their spring cleaning projects in a single weekend.

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2017

Plant a small garden

W

hile a garden will provide you with healthy, rich produce throughout the warmer months, it also can consume valuable space. You may think your yard lacks extra space to contain a large garden, but you can grow an efficient garden in a smaller space.

Small gardens can hold many different types of produce. They also can be easier to manage. Even a small garden plot will require a lot of maintenance, so, don’t think you need to plant a large, overwhelming garden to get rewarded.

Location

When choosing a location for your small garden, keep in mind that most vegetables require a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight per day. Your garden will need to be planted facing south on your property. This will ensure your plants get the amount of required sunlight.

Before you begin prepping your land for a garden, analyze the plot during the sunnier parts of the day. If you notice shadows appearing on your plot, you will need to either move the obstructions causing the shadows or choose a different spot. Moving obstructions may not always be feasible, especially if the shadows are caused by permanent fixtures such as a fence or tree.

You also should avoid planting near trees.

Not only will the shade hinder your gardens’ growth, but they also have deep roots, which

may get in the way of your budding plants.

Build a Raised Bed

Raised-bed gardening is great for keeping your plants contained in one small area. It also is effective at keeping out pests due to the tall border.

To build a raised-bed garden you must first determine how much space you plan to use. Next you will need to lay the frame.

Either set up concrete blocks around the perimeter or piece boards together with screws.

Lay weed resistant cloth on the floor of your new bed. This is to keep weeds from entering your garden. Fill the bed with a 50/50 mixture of soil and compost. Leave about 2 inches of space between your mixture and the top of your frame.

Vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, radishes and onions will do great in a raised-bed garden. You can still even use trellises for plants that require support, like tomatoes or cucumbers.

Avoid planting melons or potatoes because they require a large amount of room to grow properly.

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May 2017 | Spring Home & Garden Guide

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2017

3 trouble signs for driveways

T

hough they are often easy to overlook, driveways are durable parts of a home that can greatly impact a home’s curb appeal. Driveways endure quite a bit of wear and tear over their lifespans, and homeowners who have not given their driveways much thought may want to start looking for potential trouble signs that indicate a need for some driveway maintenance.

According to the online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of a driveway installation in 2015 was just under $3,700. Those costs are influenced by a host of factors, including the size of the driveway and the material it’s made of. Damaged driveways do not necessarily need to be replaced, as some may just need minor repairs. But homeowners who see any of the following trouble signs in their driveways may want to consult a professional contractor to determine what their next steps should be.

Puddles that form during a rainstorm may not be indicative of anything other than a rainy day. But water that pools or runs down the middle of the driveway may indicate drainage problems. Such problems may be the result of structural problems with the slope of the driveway, which can cause bigger issues down the road.

When water is not absorbed into the ground or directed away from your home, it can then flow into the house, potentially making your garage or home susceptible to water damage.

1. Potholes

3. Cracks

Potholes might be most often associated with heavily trafficked roadways, but even driveways are susceptible to potholes. As the ground beneath the driveway expands and contracts, the pavement above that ground weakens and becomes more susceptible to damage.

That damage may ultimately lead to large chunks of the driveway breaking down, creating holes as a result.

Homeowners who live in areas that experience heavy snowfall may see their driveways develop potholes after they are shoveled or plowed. Potholes that are not fixed may damage vehicles that drive on the pavement, and potholes may even expand over time.

2. Accumulation of water

Cracking is one of the more noticeable issues that can plague driveways. Many driveways experience cracking as materials inevitably succumb to the elements. Driveway cracks may develop for various reasons, including poor initial installation. Tree roots that grow beneath the driveway surface may also contribute to cracking as the driveways ultimately succumb to the pressure created by the growing roots.

Some cracks may prove less problematic than others, but homeowners should still speak with a contractor if they notice their driveway is starting to succumb to cracks.

Driveways may not draw the attention of homeowners too often, but damaged driveways that go ignored may ultimately lead to very costly problems.

May 2017 | Spring Home & Garden Guide

BLACK HILLS PIONEER | WEEKLY PROSPECTOR

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The benefits of hiring professional contractors

T

he DIY movement has inspired many homeowners to tackle home repair and remodeling projects on their own.

DIY projects can be rewarding, and many homeowners who have embraced the DIY movement have discovered talents they never before knew they had.

But no matter how simple popular home renovation television shows make remodeling projects appear, homeowners should know that such undertakings are far more difficult than they appear on television. Homeowners who overestimate their abilities and the time they have to complete projects can cost themselves substantial amounts of money. In fact, there are a variety of reasons homeowners might want to work with professional contractors when tackling home improvement projects.

Experience

A trial and error approach can work with various projects and problems. But applying such an approach to home improvement projects is risky and potentially dangerous, not to mention costly.

Experienced professional contractors with strong track records (seek recommendations from friends or neighbors) won’t have to go through trial and error and are therefore more likely than DIYers to complete a project on time and on budget.

Inspiration

One oft-overlooked benefit of work-

LOOKING FOR THE

ing with professional contractors is the likelihood that they can draw up ideas for projects that homeowners might otherwise never have thought up on their own. Homeowners without specific ideas in mind can ask contractors to come up with various scenarios before committing to a particular one. Veteran contractors can draw on years of experience to create designs that DIYers might be incapable of coming up with and/or incapable of seeing through to completion.

Cost

Conventional wisdom suggests it’s less expensive to do something yourself than to hire someone else to do it for you, but that’s not necessarily true of home improvement projects. Labor costs typically account for a substantial amount of professionally contracted projects, but homeowners can cut those costs by volunteering to do some of the simpler tasks themselves. In addition, contractors often purchase materials at a much lower cost than individual homeowners because contractors buy in bulk. So while labor costs might be lower on DIY projects, the cost of materials can offset those savings.

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2017

Problems that can lead to lawn damage

A

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While well-established turf can be resilient, even the most well-maintained lawns can be vulnerable. Preventing lawn damage first involves getting to the root of the problem.

• Lack of sunlight: All plants need the proper ratio of sunlight to grow. Too much sunlight and plant blades can scorch. Too little sunlight and grass may turn brown and die. Although there are shade-tolerant varieties of grass, homeowners also can explore alternative landscapes. Work in a garden bed or create a design that utilizes gravel or mulch. Avoid aggressively pruning back trees to give the lawn more sunlight in that area, as this may just damage the trees.

• Chemical spills: Gasoline and fertilizer spills and pesticide applications in high concentrations can cause the lawn to yellow or brown in spots. Carefully refill lawn gas tanks and fertilizer spreaders on the sidewalk or driveway to avoid overflow onto the lawn. If spills occur, flood the area promptly with water to dilute.

• Foot traffic: Lawns can take a pounding from foot traffic, leading to compaction and spots of dead lawn. Try to redirect the traffic elsewhere to give worn down areas a break. Aeration can relieve soil compaction. If a certain area has become the de facto pathway, install a paver,

gravel or concrete walkway in that spot.

• Debris: Leaving a tool, kids’ toys, piece of wood, or any debris on the lawn can quickly suffocate the grass beneath and cause the lawn to die quickly. Make sure that no items are left on the lawn for an extended period of time.

• Mowing patterns: Running the mower in the same pattern over and over can cause ruts in the grass that lead to damage, so avoid mowing in the same direction on consecutive cuts. Avoid mowing on very hot days or when the lawn is soggy. Both can cause tracks to form in the lawn.

• Mowers: Dull lawn mower blades can damage lawns, as can mowing too fast.

Grass blades can be torn, snapped and more, resulting in brown spots.

• Wildlife: Animals and insects can destroy turf roots. Animals or insects may feed on the grass from underneath its surface, compromising the lawn’s ability to procure nutrients and water. Animals like moles or raccoons may feed on grubs in the lawn, and treating for grubs can alleviate torn-up turf.

Lawns can be hearty, but they’re also highly susceptible to damage. Even seemingly harmless things can compromise the integrity of a lawn. Understanding the causes of lawn damage can help homeowners protect their lawns.

Did you know?

One of the ways homeowners can keep their lawns looking lush and green is to aerate the turf when the need arises. Aerators perforate the soil with small holes. These holes allow air, nutrients and water to penetrate all the way to the roots, helping them grow deep and strong. Deep, strong roots are essential to healthy, lush lawns. While aeration can help many lawns, not every lawn will necessarily need to be aerated. Lawns that get heavy use, such as those that are often played on by children or pets, will likely benefit from periodic aeration. Feeling the lawn also can help homeowners determine if it needs to be aerated. Lawns that dry out quickly or feel

spongy may be overcome with thatch, which can prevent lawns from getting the air, water and nutrients they need to thrive. Lawncare professionals recommend aerating lawns that contain thatch that is more than one-half inch. Thatch also can foster grub infestations, providing another benefit to removing it and aerating a lawn. When to aerate depends on the type of grass. Homeowners should consult with a lawncare professional about the best time to aerate their particular lawns, but it’s generally recommended that cool-season grasses be aerated in early spring or fall, while it’s best to aerate warm season grasses in late spring.

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Bradly R. Dana, D.D.S., FICOI, MICOI Monique M. Dana, D.D.S., FICOI, MICOI

The Glass Shop 436 E. Colorado Blvd.

Spearfish, SD 57783 605-642-3872 www.theglassshop.net kendra@theglassshop.net

Let Our Family Care for Your Family!

1306 Main St. 1814 5th St. Spearfish, SD Rapid City, SD 605-642-7727 605-342-6038 www.danadentalarts.com

Locally Owned & Operated

Introducing The Highland Prairie View

“Wall of Windows” Modular Home

ing ded by Windows • Vaulted Pine Ceil Front Living Room & Kitchen Surroun Areas) in (Ma rs Doo tty Pine Solid Core Interior Raised Panel Hickory Cabinets • Kno h Bat wer • Utility Entry to Main Luxurious Master Bath with Tile Sho rowave ridgerator, Dishwasher & Built in Mic Upgraded Appliances with SxS Ref

Made For a Setting with a View!

W NOW: $1 AS: $185,845 57,495 ( Set on y

our fou

ndation

2800 Hwy 44 East, Rapid City, SD (605) 342-7100 Monday 9 am - 7 pm • Tuesday-Thursday 9 am - 6 pm Friday 9 am - 5:30 pm •Saturday 9 am - 4 pm

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER | WEEKLY PROSPECTOR

Flowers in bloom

ttractive landscaping makes for a beautiful backdrop for relaxing and hosting outdoor events.

Create a great backyard atmosphere with full-sun blooms.

The United States Department of Agriculture has created a beneficial hardiness zone map. You can reference the map before deciding on flowers.

Depending on where you live, you might have more specific options you can take advantage of.

The flowers featured here will thrive in full sunlight anywhere in the United States.

Profusion Zinnias

These annual blooms create an attractive border for paths or landscaping stones and look beautiful in a vase. If you are looking for an attractive flower that will last into fall, Profusion Zinnias are the solution.

You can find these in a variety of colors including cherry, gold, white and orangered.

Brown-eyed Susan

Your backyard will pop when you showcase these amazing yellow or orange flowers that attract both butterflies

and birds. Their drooping leaves are highlighted with a polka-dot center. Warmweather climates can enjoy these annuals well into winter months. You can also find these flowers in a perennial breed.

Sunflowers

A staple in backyards across America, sunflowers provide amazing views and tasty snacks. There are many different variations of these flowers, so be sure to read the growth chart before planting.

Sunflower heights can range from 2 to 15 feet tall. Near the end of the season, don’t forget to harvest the delicious seeds produced by these large flowers.

Marigolds

These cheerful yellow or orange flowers will add highlights to your backyard. They are known for their powerful fragrance, which is effective in keeping pests out of gardens. Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow and require little maintenance. Some can grow up to 2 feet tall.

Globe Amaranth

This is a clover-like flower that can last year round and stands out in bouquets or gardens. Different varieties can be found in colors of red, white or purple, giving you plenty of options when planting your garden. Two standout breeds are Strawberry Fields and All-Around Purple.

Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2017