April 30, 2014

GUIDE May 2014

A supplement to

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2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

PAGE 2

MAY 2014

Did you know?

Watering a lawn can do more harm than good if the lawn is not watered correctly.

Excessive watering is a waste of water and can cost homeowners money while harming the environment at the same time.

Water that is not absorbed by the lawn can result in runoff, which causes nitrogen in the grass, any fertilizer that was applied and chemicals in the water itself to run into gutters and eventually pollute streams, rivers and oceans. In addition, grass needs

oxygen in the soil to grow properly. But when a lawn is overwatered, the oxygen between the soil particles is pushed out, depriving roots of the oxygen they need to grow in strong. This leads to shallow root systems, which make a lawn more susceptible to stress, disease and insect infestation. But overwatering can also be unsightly, as lawns that are overwatered tend to have more weeds, robbing even the greenest of lawns of its aesthetic appeal.

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2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

MAY 2014

PAGE 3

Landscaping mistakes to avoid When designing their landscapes, homeowners may envision grandiose gardens and lush lawns that are the envy of the neighbourhood. But such designs can be difficult to maintain, and homeowners often find they are not worth the time or money.

Avoiding such costly mistakes allows homeowners to fully enjoy their lawns.

The following are a few landscaping mistakes homeowners may want to avoid so they can spend more time enjoying their landscapes and less time working around the yard.

• Planting the wrong trees and shrubs: When planting new trees and shrubs around your property, choose varieties that won’t overwhelm the property by growing too large. Such trees and shrubs can mask other elements of a landscape, and they can also take a substantial amount of effort

to maintain. Avoid spending too much time pruning trees and shrubs by opting for those that only grow to a particular size.

• Choosing non-native plants: It’s always best to choose plants that are native to a particular region. Native plants have already adapted to the local climate, meaning they can withstand the worst weather that climate has to offer without homeowners having to put in much effort.

For example, if you live in an area where drought is common, avoid planting trees, shrubs, flowers, or grass that need ample amounts of water. Instead, opt for those varieties that can survive without significant amounts of water. Exotic plants might add aesthetic appeal to a property, but that appeal is often short-lived or costly to maintain when a plant is not in its native climate.

• Too much lawn: While

damage from the hot summer sun, and homeowners often respond to that threat by overwatering their lawns.

Overwatering not only weakens root systems, but it also leads to higher water bills. Homeowners can downsize their lawns by planting more trees around the property, adding a garden in the backyard or even adding landscape

features to their property.

• Planting without a plan: When planting new trees around a property, some homeowners plant without fi rst considering the ideal locations for new trees. This can prove an expensive mistake. Planting too close to your house may eventually threaten your home’s foundation, as roots grow deeper and deeper into

the ground. Planting too close to a home also may prove a security threat down the road, when the tree has grown to full height. Such trees may threaten the home during a storm, so consult a landscaping professional when planting new trees so the trees are located in a place that does not threaten the value of your home or the safety of its residents.

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2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

PAGE 4

MAY 2014

How to guarantee your garden starts off on the right foot As winter slowly winds down, many gardeners cannot wait to soak up the springtime sun and get their hands dirty in the garden. Such excitement is not just good for gardeners, but can benefit the garden in the months to come as well.

Late winter or early spring is a great time to get a head start on the gardening season. Even if gardening season is still around the corner, completing the following projects can ensure your garden gets off on the right foot.

Clear debris One of the best things you can do for your garden as winter winds down is to clear it of debris. Winter can be especially harsh on a landscape, and gardens left to the elements are often

filled with debris once spring arrives. Dead leaves, fallen branches, rocks that surfaced during the winter frost, and even garbage that might have blown about in winter winds can all pile up in a garden over a typical winter. Clearing such debris likely won’t take long, but it’s a great first step toward restoring the garden before the time comes to plant and grow the garden once again.

Examine the soil Soil plays a significant role in whether a garden thrives or struggles.

Examining the soil before the season starts can helpgardeners address any issues before they plant. Ignoring the soil until a problem arises can turn the upcoming gardening season into a lost opportunity, so

test the soil to determine if it has any nutrient or mineral deficiencies. This may require the help of a professional, but if a problem arises, you might be able to adjust the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and still enjoy a successful gardening season.

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Another way to examine the soil is less complex but can shed light on when would be a good time to get back to work. Reach into the soil and dig out a handful. If the soil quickly crumbles, you can start preparing for gardening seasoning. But if the soil

is still clumped together, it needs more time to dry out before you can begin your prep work.

Initiate edging Edging is another task gardeners can begin as they get ready for the season.

Edge plant and flower beds, but be sure to use a spade with a flat blade or an edger designed to edge flower beds. Such tools will cut deep enough so grass roots that may eventually grow into the flower bed are severed.

Depending on how large a garden is, edging can be a time-consuming task, so getting a head start allows homeowners to spend more time planting and tending to their gardens once the season hits full swing.

Fight weeds Though weeds likely have not survived the

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winter, that does not mean they won’t return once the weather starts to heat up.

But as inevitable as weeds may seem, homeowners can take steps to prevent them from turning beautiful gardens into battlegrounds where plants, flowers and vegetables are pitted against unsightly and potentially harmful weeds.

Spring is a good time to apply a pre-emergent weed preventer, which can stop weeds before they grow.

Though such solutions are not always foolproof, they can drastically reduce the likelihood of weed growth.

Though gardeners might not be able to start planting theirgardens in late winter or early spring, they can still get outside and take steps to ensure their gardens thrive once planting season begins.

2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

MAY 2014

PAGE 5

How open windows benefit the environment Warm days full of sunshine give homeowners good reason to open windows and let fresh air into their homes. Not only can open windows boost mood and create an inviting living space, but open windows also can be good for the environment.

• Open windows improve indoor air quality. Indoor air pollution has been described as a primary environmental health problem. Indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air. In addition, it is stated that 50 per cent of all illnesses are caused by polluted indoor air. Because many homes are built to be air-tight to conserve energy and money, unhealthy levels of air pollutants can build up inside homes when windows remain closed.

These pollutants may include radon gas, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes

from paints and solvents and leached chemicals from modern building and furnishing materials.

Opening windows for extended periods of time allows fresh air to spread throughout the home.

Houseplants can also filter indoor air and make it healthier to breathe.

• Open windows reduce energy consumption. A cool breeze entering a home through open windows can reduce the temperature inside of a home without having to turn on fans or air conditioners. This not only helps individuals save money, but also it reduces reliance on electricity and fossil fuels. Opening several windows on opposite sides of the home can create a cross-breeze that will keep the home cool without the help of energyguzzling appliances. Open attic vents can release hot air trapped inside the house

include old cooking smells, cigarette smoke, pet odors, or simply stale air. By opening windows, homeowners can clean the air in their homesnaturally without covering it up with chemical air fresheners or other cleaners. The fresh air itself may simply smell good, or this pleasant aroma can be enhanced by blooming flowers or

other natural scents from outdoors.

• Open windows cut down on use of cleaning products. A home that never gets any fresh air can quickly succumb to allergens such as dust, dander and soot, necessitating the use of vacuums and other cleaning tools and products. But open windows can greatly

reduce the buildup of such allergens, and therefore reduce reliance on appliances that guzzle energy or products that release harmful chemicals into the air.

Open windows allow fresh air to flow throughout a home,improving personal health and benefitting the environment at the same time.

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PAGE 6

2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

MAY 2014

HEARTLAND BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE “Keeping Stettler Clean & Green”

WHAT DO WE DO? General Initiatives • Identify and tackle beautification and green improvement projects in town • Promote community & youth awareness & involvement in our projects Specific 2014 Projects • Communities in Bloom P As 2011 National Champions, we now participate in the Communities in Bloom International Challenge competition P Categories judged are: Tidiness, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Urban Forestry, Landscape, Floral Displays P Judges will tour Stettler on July 25, 2014 • Stettler Community Gardens subcommittee P Maintain and improve our two Community Garden sites P Community Orchard proposal • Stettler Blooms P Plant it Forward: Get, Grow, Give (Seeds for Kids at Trade Show; Spring Plant Exchange; Fall Seed Exchange; Fruit/Vegetable Rescue); Memorial Tree Park – Tree Walk/Talk; Yard and Garden contests • Environmental Action subcommittee - environment, recycling, waste reduction P Trash 2 Treasure Days; Annual Recycling Awards; Green Tips; BYO Bag promotion P Backyard Composting promotion; investigate the possibility of Curbside Yard/Kitchen Waste pick-up P Walk N Roll promotion to encourage walking/biking to regular daily destinations P Idling reduction awareness • Downtown Park subcommittee P Design of park for land donated by Don and Sylvia Peters on corner of Main Street and 50 Avenue

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? • Improve your home or business property by tidying, mowing, painting the fence • Place a colourful pot at your front step or business entrance • Compost leaves and clippings or take them to the allotted bins in Stettler • Invest in a mulcher for your mower – no more bags of grass!

• Take advantage of the Town Recycling by filling up your Green Boxes with cardboard, glass, all plastics, tins, paper, etc.

• Take toxic items to the Eco Centre at the Stettler Transfer Station (batteries, fluorescents, paint, inkjets/laser toners, products with hazardous symbols) • Pick up litter and dispose of garbage properly; make use of bottle/can recycling baskets on town garbage containers • Take your own re-usable bag when you shop • Pick up after your pet – bags are available along walking paths around town • Keep your street clean and tidy; take pride in where you live If you have any ideas that you think we should know about, please contact any of us or contact the Town Office. Members are: Councillor Will Brown (Chair), Councillor Karen Sernecky Town Staff: Lee Penner, Jacqui Newton Volunteer Community Members: Grace Fix (Vice-Chair), Rob Spencer, Graham Scott, Sue-Anne Hennessey, Marilyn Crow-Shuman, Peter Simons, John Leard.

Heartland Beautification Committee

"Keeping Stettler Clean and Green"

2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

MAY 2014

COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM The summer of 2013 was a very bu busy sy a and nd exciting time to be a member off tthe h he Heartland Beautification Committee. qualified, virtue tion Comm mit itte tee. e. In 2007 our town quali ified, by virtu tuee of gna nati tion of best community of ou ur size in n Al Alb berrta, receiving five blooms and the desig designation our Alberta, to compete on a national the competition. onal level in n th he Communities in Bloom m comp petition. In 2008 to 2011, we competed communities peted at thee national level, in the commun nitiees from 30008000 category (variess with the ye year).

National ear). In 2011, we were chosen n as the Natio ona n l Winner of the 3001-7500 Champion).

2012 -7500 population category (CiB Cham mpion) n).. In 201 12 and 2013, we chosee to compete compeete in the International Challenge Ch halleenge – Small Sma mall ma ll Communities, going against towns from across Canada an and world nd the wo orld (United Kingdom, United States, nited States s, etc.).

Competing nationally ly is lots of of work, and competing internationally in nterrnationallyy is i tougher (but is still worth it). We We have seen that the judging judgin ng is is more rigid. riggid d.

Our two judges in 2013 Evelyn Diego, California 013 were E velyn Alemanni from San D ieego go, Californ nia a area and Steve Preston, Brampton, one on, from Br rampton, Ontario. They weree in town for on ne very full touring day and part of the day before. We were able ab ble to show sho sh ow them theem many of the differentt projects a and undertaken nd initiatives that are beingg unde dert rtaken n in n the community. Theyy visited many many sites and had some quiet quiiet time time to write writ itee notes and rest. They said that ""Stettler idea…", and doing Stettler has the right idea… …", a nd "is do oing ng a great many things right." Theyy noted many things around to town, including own wn, includ udin ing the numerous revamping mping and rrevitalization evitalization projects in thee downtown, d wn do w town,, the the heritage conservation environmental environmental n and envir ronmental initiatives and thee en nvi vironmen ntal focus of the town and nd council. They provided many usefull comments com omments and and made several valuable recommendations, upon. le recomme endations, which we are acting ngg u pon. po Stettler did not win in the International Interrnational Challenge, however howeveer we we did d d receive di reece c ive five blooms and special Museum ial mention n for the Heritage Preservation n–M usseum an and and were a finalist in three Outstanding categories (which ee Outstand ding Achievement Award categ egor ories (whi icch h iiss against all applicants, regardless s, regardles ss of community size).

One of the most valuable benefits the Bloom judges able benefit ts of competing and hosting th he Bl B oom m ju judg dges is that they provide excellent su suggestions focus uggestions and challenges forr us u to focu cuss on each year. Many of the comments been incorporated he comment ntss and suggestions have bee en in incorpor ora at ated into our annual goalss and initiati initiatives. demonstrated tive ves. s. T This year we demonstr rat ateed ed a high h llevel evel of community involvement ement and d a diverse div d i erse range of projectss and and initiatives. initiativves.

The members of the Heartland Beautification Bea eaut utification Committee agree agree gree that gr thatt it was wass only because of the support of the eentire n ire community that we nt we were we able to o achieve five bloom status everyy year. Thanks Stettler for p pitching and ittching in a itch nd showing how much you care forr your community.

JUDGING SCORES/2013 ORES/2013 CRITERIA Tidiness ction Environmental Action ation Heritage Conservation Urban Forestry Landscape ndcovers) incl. Turf & Groundcovers) Floral Displays

TOTAL 820/1000 820/10 000 00 (82%) (82 82%) 2%) %

TOTAL TOT TAL A POSSIBLE POSSIBLE 126.5 150 124.5 150 122.5 150 141.0 175 159.5 146.0

200 175

5 BLOOMS BLO BL OO OMS MS

% 84.3 83.0 81,7 80.6

2012 201 012 85.7 84 4.8 8 84.8 .3 80.3 9 81.9

2011 2011 84.7 84.7 .7 86.

6.0 86.0 78 8..0 0 78.0 83.

3.4 83.4

2010 2 0 201 87.5 87.5 5 83.7 3.

83.7 82.

25 82.5 80.6 0.6 80.6

79.8 83.4

9 83.9 85.0 00 85.00

82.5 82.5 86 6.3 3 86.3

84.3 4 4.

84.3 81.1 .

81.1

Note: Not te: Community Involv Involvement vemen nt w was as as a assessed sse ess s ed e 2010 2013. in each category iin n 201 10 & 2 013.

2009 20 009 09 87.2 87 87.

8 7.2 2 82 82.4 4 82.4 78.4 78 .

78.4 81.2 1..2/ 81.2/ 84 8 4.8 8 84.8 84 84

2008 2 20 00 08 8 87.6 87 7.6 7. .6 6 82 82 81 1..6 1 .6 81.6 81.

81 1.6 1.

81.6 82/ 2/ 82/ 83.

83 8 3.6 3.

83.6 80.

80 0.8 0.

80.8

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

! g n i r Sp 2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

MAY 2014

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2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

MAY 2014

PAGE 9

Powering up for the summer season Warm weekends are prime time for yard work and outdoor projects. To avoid turning tasks into turmoil, be sure to take a few extra moments to ensure the power tools you use are safe.

CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, offers tips to help ensure the safety of you and your family while doing yard work this weekend.

General Tips for Yard Maintenance • Ensure products such as electric lawnmowers, barbecues, power tools, ladders, decorative lights, extension cords and safety apparel carry the mark of a recognized or accredited certification organization, such as CSA Group.

• Protect yourself by wearing protective eyewear and footwear recognized by a certification organization, such as CSA Group.

Hearing protection should be worn when operating loud machinery, vehicles or tools.

Lawnmowers • Before mowing, take the time to remove objects in your yard that may obstruct your mower or be flung by its rotating blades.

• Never clear an obstruction in a running mower. If the mower is

or wire size – to handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against electric shock.

Extension Cords • Check extension cords for wear and damage

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• When working outside, only use cords clearly labeled for outdoor use.

• Never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet. If a cord becomes hot when plugged in, discontinue use immediately and replace with a heavier gauge cord.

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electric, turn off the power and unplug the machine. If it’s gas, turn off the power and make sure the engine isn’t running and that all safety features have been activated.

Portable Power Tools • Never use a power tool that has a cracked casing, loose parts or frayed cords.

Ensure all safety guards

are in place and in proper working order.

• Make sure the tool is turned off before it’s plugged in or unplugged.

Always unplug the tool before changing parts like drill bits or cutting blades.

• Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge –

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2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

PAGE 10

MAY 2014

How to reduce home improvement project waste The home improvement industry has grown considerably over the last several decades, as homeowners increasingly took steps to turn their homes into personal oasis. But such projects often produce substantial amounts of waste, negatively impacting the environment as a result.

An estimated 170 million tons of building construction, renovation and demolition-derived wastes were generated in 2003, a year when the housing market was thriving and homeowners were not shying away from costly home improvement projects. With the housing market once again on the rebound, the home improvement industry figures to benefit once again. There are steps eco-conscious homeowners can take to reduce waste while improving their homes.

• Save salvageable materials. Some materials simply must be discarded when making improvements to a home. But many more materials can be salvaged.

When making renovations to a home, separate materials like lumber, hardware, fixtures, and even appliances that can be salvaged from those materials that

must be discarded. Many communities are home to organizations that collect salvageable materials, and these materials can be reused by fellow homeowners or other organizations down the road.

• Speak to contractors about recycling. Contractors working on a home typically know which materials can be recycled in a given area. When discussing prospective projects with contractors, homeowners can mention their willingness to recycle materials. Wood is a versatile material that can be turned into reclaimed or composite wood products, including decks or other items used around the home. Old wood being removed from a home may even work as mulch, which homeowners can spread around their yards to add aesthetic appeal and protect plants on hot summer days. Even asphalt and concrete can be recycled into new products, and homeowners should

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discuss their wishes to recycle as many materials as possible.

• Choose recycled content building materials. Another way to reduce home improvement project waste is to make use of other homeowners’ discarded materials. Recycled content building materials are products that include materials recycled from previous projects.

These once-sparse materials are now commonplace, and labels often include the percentages of postconsumer and recovered materials used in each product. Materials such as drywall, insulation, kitchen countertops, glass tiles, carpeting and carpet padding may include recycled content, and the growing popularity of such products has made them relatively simple for homeowners to find. When working with contractors, homeowners should emphasize their desire to use materials made from recycled content.

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eye and the environment.

• Embrace adaptability when designing a new home. Rarely do homeowners design their homes with renovations in mind. When building a dream home, homeowners do not consider the likelihood that they will one day move out or even outgrow the home.

Estimates vary considerably with regard to how long the average homeowner stays in his home, with some suggesting as little as seven years.

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2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

MAY 2014

PAGE 11

Pros and cons to air duct cleaning Many homeowners consider having the ductwork in their homes cleaned.

Mailers often tout the benefits of this service and warn of the potential hazards that could be lurking inside uncleaned vents and ducts.

But whether or not air ducts need to be cleaned remains open for debate. A quick review of air duct cleaning can help homeowners make a more informed decision.

What is duct cleaning?

Before looking into the advantages and disadvantages to duct cleaning, it is advantageous to examine the process involved when cleaning air ducts. There are two ways to have the ducts cleaned in a home:rotary vacuum brushing or high pressure air washing.

Vacuum brushing utilizes a spinning brush to scrub dust and debris off the air vents and a vacuum to capture whatever is dislodged.

High pressure air washing uses pressurized air blown through the air ducts. A truck-mounted industrial vacuum is attached to the furnace, and all of the air register vents in the home are covered. Once all the air ducts have been blown clear, another air wand is fed into the end of the hot and cold air supply lines. Dust and debris is then drawn backward into the vacuum.

Pros One of the more obvious advantages of air duct cleaning is improved health and hygiene in the home.

Those prone to allergies may fi nd that routine cleaning helps ameliorate the problems of sneezing and watery eyes. Duct cleaning can remove allergens and dust.

The Environmental Protection Agency says air duct cleaning is handy if there is a noticeable accumulation of dust and

debris in ducts or if particles are actually released into the home from supply registers.

If ducts are infested with rodents or insects, cleaning will make indoor air much safer.

Mold is another factor to consider when determining if ducts need to be cleaned.

Mold spores fl oating in the air can lead to illness.

Professional cleaning may be the only way to remove mold

and mildew from the system.

Homeowners who have fireplaces may find the air becomes dirtier faster. That’s because of the residue put into the air from burning wood and other fuel. This residue not only builds up inside of the chimney in the form of creosote, but also can form a sticky, sooty layer inside of ductwork. Cleaning the ducts can remove this soot.

Cons The EPA advises that no research has definitively shown that duct cleaning prevents health problems.

Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.

This is because much of the dirt in airducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. What’s more, dirty air that enters the home from outdoors or indoor activities, such as smoking or cleaning, can actually cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty airducts.

There also is no evidence that cleaning ducts and components of the heating/ cooling system will make the furnace or airconditioner work any more efficiently.

Air duct cleaning is an expensive undertaking. On average the cost of such a service can range from $400

to $1,000, depending on the extent of the cleaning and the size of the home.

Cleaning the ducts also can be dirty and timeconsuming. Cleaning may spread contaminants that were lodged inside of the vents throughout the air more readily.

Some cleaning services will advise the use of chemical biocides to treat the interior of vents. These are designed to kill microbiological contaminants. The EPAwarns chemical biocides have yet to be fully researched, and homeowners should be fully informed before deciding to permit the use of biocides or chemical treatments in air ducts.

Homeowners should never attempt to clean air ducts themselves. If the decision is made to have the cleaning done, it should only be on an as-needed basis and completed by a reputable cleaning service.

Experience Spring at Parkland Garden Centre “Back to the roots”

Spring into Action and keep your cool this summer!

• Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Heating • New Homes & Renovations

403-742-5237 4706 - 44 Ave. Stettler (beside Fountain Tire)

HEDGING COTONEASTER 18” & up $ 99

10 for 89

WAVE PETUNIA STARTERS 10 for $10

The ! c Spe ialists

OPEN YEAR ROUND EFFECTIVE MAY 1ST Mon-Fri 9:00am-9:00pm Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm Sundays 10:00am-6:00pm

*While quantities last

Located 3 minutes east of 30th Avenue on Highway 11 @ParklandGarden

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www.parklandgarden.ca

Phone: 403-346-5613

Gardening Concerns? Talk to our Specialists!

2014 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

PAGE 12

MAY 2014

2014 Spring Inspirations Your local source for annuals, hanging baskets, containers, perennials, trees and shrubs, water plants, vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, landscaping supplies, garden decor and a whole lot more…

Donalda AB 403.883.2849 www.echoglengardens.com

Spring Hours – May 1 to June 30 Monday to Thursday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday - 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Weekends & Holidays - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer Hours – TBA

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