Inside out 2014

STANDARD POSTAGE #7 PAID Berthoud 80513

Berthoud, CO 80513

Berthoud Resident

440 Mountain Ave. Berthoud, CO 80513

Š Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

April 3, 2014

Page 10 April 3, 2014 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

GROW-CAB-U-LAR-Y

By Charleen Barr CSU Master Gardener

No, it’s not a spelling test!

Gardening terms are important to know. They help us understand the workings of a garden. Sometimes we can be confused, even overwhelmed, by the many gardening specific words and terms used by those who are regularly engaged in fooling around with earth and its bounty. Perhaps a brief introduction to a few often used terms found in magazines, brochures, and at garden centers will help in becoming familiar with garden vocabulary.

Leggy — What constitutes leggy?

What do leggy seedlings look like?

Seedlings become leggy as they are reaching for the sun, usually as they are getting a hint of their second set of leaves but they may be over four inches tall. They look tall, thin and awkward; they almost make us wonder if the stems will support the leaves.

Soil amendments has nothing to do with the U.S. Constitution, but refers to what one does to correct potential soil deficiencies and increase the health and productivity of the soil.

What you add to the soil is, of course,

dependent upon the soil’s present condition and what is, or will be, growing there. This calls for a soil test. Call your local CSU Extension Office for the form and protocol.

Hardening off describes the process of acclimating plants to outdoor conditions after growing them indoors for a period of time. Hardening off plants means gradually exposing them to outdoor temperatures during the day rather than immediately planting them into the garden. Plants should also be protected from full sun while they are being hardened off.

This also applies to plants purchased from greenhouses.

Double digging should not be confused with “double-dipping” that refers to certain income tax or food practices. It means tilling or turning the soil twice, creating a trench with the first dig, piling that soil to the side, and then going deeper for the second dig to provide more soft soil depth within an area. Plants, such as asparagus needing to be placed deeper into the soil, may require double digging.

Native plants or trees have definitions that are as numerous as the number of such species found in

any given geographic area. “Native” refers to plants, shrubs, and trees that were present in a defined area prior to European settlement. A defined area may be a site, state, region, or ecological classification system in the U.S. or North America.

Front Range native species are identified in Colorado Flora, Eastern Slope, 3rd ed. by William A. Weber and Ronald C. Wittmann.

Determinate and indeterminate are terms used to describe the growth patterns and productivity periods of plants. For example, determinate species of tomatoes tend to reach a certain mature size, stop growing, produce fruit over a limited period of time, and then decline; they generally have a more bushy shape and can be good for container gardens. Indeterminate plants continue growing until frost arrives and produce fruit throughout their lifetimes. Indeterminate plants can get very large and outgrow trellises and containers quickly.

An invasive plant sounds very threatening. These plants tend to spread quickly by roots, seeds, shoots, or all three. Left unchecked, they can literally take over an area, choking

• InsideOut

out other desirable plantings. The definition of invasive may depend on the individual gardener’s idea of what they like or dislike.

Loam is really the texture of the soil between fine-particle clay and coarse-textured sand. It remains pliable and well drained but holds moisture, and plants thrive in it.

Loose-textured clay is described as “clay loam.” Loam with many large particles in it is categorized as “sandy loam.” Over many years, loam has come to be called topsoil and vice versa, but it is particle gradation, not a description of fertility.

Cultivar is simply an artificially contrived species not found naturally in nature. The volumes of varieties of roses available are examples, as are lilies and daisies. pH factor is not the past history of our gardens, but a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of our soil where 7.0 represents neutrality and lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and higher numbers increasing alkalinity. Front Range soils generally range in pH from 7.5-8.5.

See PlantTalk Colorado #1606 “Soil Tests” at www.planttalk.org.

GROW cont. on page 11

InsideOut •

GROW

cont. from pg. 10

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers to the attempt to use a variety of strategies to keep garden pests under control, while at the same time attempts to minimize damage to the environment. A biological, rather than chemical control (releasing ladybugs to control certain insects) is an example.

Till, spade, hoe, seed and roots are terms we know, but to become successful gardeners, be sure to ask questions about gardening terms that are unfamiliar.

Gardening season is upon us and Colorado State University Extension is available to answer your questions.

Visit www.ext.colostate.edu or call the Larimer County Extension Office at 970-498-6000. Master Gardener volunteers are available to answer gardening questions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, March 31 to Oct. 31, 2014 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. You can also email the Master Gardeners questions and photographs at larimermg@gmail.com.

The author has received training through Colorado State University Extension’s Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 11

Cultivate your own bounty of vegetables It only makes sense to turn a little patch of your property into a personal supply of organic food.

Quality and cost-control are the top reasons to do it — and avid gardeners will tell you that there is a special kind of joy in planting, growing, picking and serving the freshest produce possible.

Today, approximately 30 percent of residential homes in North America cultivate a vegetable patch and most will tell you that the growing season can be full of surprises. Sometimes the winter will leave much more moisture in the ground than the year before, but other times drought will hamper your harvest and so will heat, insects, weeds and plant disease.

“Insects and disease can be a serious problem when growing vegetables,” says Reinie Drygala, products manager for PureSpray Green, a leading name in innovative garden products. “If uncontrolled, they will destroy your prized collection of vegetables and flowers.

The question is how do you effectively deal with these pests and still use a product that you can feel good about when it comes to your impact on the environment?

“Our researchers experimented tirelessly to produce a horticultural spray oil for year-round control of insects and disease,” Drygala continued. “The resulting PureSpray

Green is an all-in-one formula for use in organic gardening and allows gardeners to feel good about spraying it on flowers, fruits, vegetables, shrubs and trees. The sister brand Clear Choice is also a breakthrough in herbicide technology for controlling weeds on lawns and walkways.”

Here are a few more quick tips to refresh your start-up skills in the vegetable patch: • Clean up: Clear your patch by removing grass, rocks or other debris.

• Till the soil: Add at least six centimeters of new vegetable garden soil to provide nutrients, improve drainage, and to promote strong root growth.

• Plant at the right time: Early season vegetables include broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas and spinach.

By early June you can plant the warm-weather vegetables like corn, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

• Prevent weeds: Put a layer of mulch around the plants • Control pests and disease: keep an organic-approved spray handy for insect and disease control. Information at: www.todaysclearchoice.com.

• Water: Keep seedlings moist by watering regularly.

• Harvest: Your bounty should grow quickly from seedlings to a full harvest in less than 60 days.

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Page 12 April 3, 2014 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Perennials are a gardener’s best friend

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Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Hostas are perennials that thrive in partial sun and shady areas.

Gardening is often seen as an art form to men and women with a green thumb. Once the landscape is designed, homeowners may not want to change much from year to year. That is where perennial plants can be an advantage.

Designing a landscape and keeping the garden looking beautiful can take a keen eye. It also may require a lot of time and commitment. If home gardeners have to replant items year after year, gardening can become timeconsuming and expensive. Turning to perennial plants and flowers to serve as the anchor for a home garden can make the process easier.

Perennials are plants that live indefinitely. In terms of flowering plants, perennials will bloom every year. In essence, they have the staying power of shrubbery but are more delicate in nature and often appealing to the eye.

There are perennials for every season, soil type and sun exposure. Perennials come in a wide variety of blooming flowers or attractive foliage. Chances are if a homeowner wants to add perennials to the garden, there is a variety available that will fit his or her needs.

Here are some perennials that can be added to the garden: • lavender • ornamental grasses • asters • chrysanthemums • irises • poppies • milkweed • goldentufts • anemones • columbines

• daylilies • peonies • hostas Once perennials are in place, there is relatively minimal maintenance that is required. The tune-ups that may be needed are some deadheading to promote new and stronger growth and some cleaning up after winter before the new blooming season takes place.

Once the early spring season arrives and the ground is not too muddy or rain-soaked, clear out any leaves and debris that have gathered around where perennials are located. Gardeners can also till the mulch or soil in these areas to aerate the planting beds.

Using shears, cut down any dead grasses, stems and stalks from spent perennials that overwintered. Remove any dead wood and broken branches.

Be careful not to trim spring-blooming shrubs because some flowers bloom on year-old stems and this can cause the plant not to flower.

Perennials that aren’t flowering as well as they used to, or have dead centers, may need to be divided to promote stronger growth. This should be done in early spring before the plant blooms or late fall before the winter arrives. Dividing plants and replanting not only grows the garden, but also it is a healthy revitalization for the plant.

Gardeners who prefer to take a laid-back approach to gardening may appreciate the ease with which a beautiful and easy-to-maintain landscape can be created with perennials.

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InsideOut •

Easter brunch recipe

By Rudy Hemmann The Surveyor Are you looking for that special dish for an Easter brunch?

If so, give this Greek influenced quiche a try. I think you will agree it is both easy to put together and very flavorful.

This recipe is adapted from a spanakopita quiche recipe which appeared in a recent edition of “American Profile” magazine.

Spanakopita Quiche 1 Tblsp. butter 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 13 drained 1 pie shell (9-inch, deep dish) 1 Tblsp. flour ½ cup grated parmesan 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled 5 eggs ½ cup 2 percent milk ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg Melt butter in a heavy, medium sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and spinach to onion and stir until spinach is dry, about 3 minutes. Let mixture cool for a few minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix flour and parmesan in a small bowl and sprinkle in bottom of pie shell; add the crumbled feta. Top with the spinach mixture. In a medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg and pour over spinach.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until top is set and a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly and serve.

Makes eight to 16 wedges.

Notes: The original recipe called for a piecrust — either home-made or store-bought — to be pressed into a pie tin or quiche plate. I took the easy way out and used a pie shell we happened to have left over from Christmas pie baking. As regular readers of this column are aware, I seldom peel and chop garlic cloves, preferring instead to opt for the minced garlic readily available at the local grocer. My message is, “You have options.”

Enjoy.

• InsideOut

Page 14 April 3, 2014 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Fickel Park Located at 620 Mountain Ave. Fickel Park is the centerpiece of Berthoud.

Featuring several sculptures from local artists, Fickel Park’s beauty has been an attraction to tourists from all over the state. With an abundance of shade and picnic tables, Fickel Park is a great venue for a quiet lunch. It also features newly refurbished tennis courts with lights.

Town Park Located at 200 Seventh St. Town Park is a great venue for family get-togethers. Town Park offers two pavilions equipped with outdoor grills, picnic tables, and nearby restrooms.

Town Park has something for everyone. Featuring a playground for the kids, the park also offers horseshoe pits, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts. Conveniently located next to the Berthoud Pool, Town Park is an excellent venue for recreation in Berthoud. Town Park’s pavilions are available for reservation, starting at $25.

Roberts Lake Roberts Lake is located at 920 10th St. Roberts Lake offers a walking trail,

open grass, and a dock that overlooks the lake. This peaceful park is a great place to exercise, fish, relax, or just enjoy nature.

Bein Park Bein Park, located at the corner of Spartan Avenue and 10th Street.

Bein Park offers the best sports field in the area. This multi-use field is surrounded by a fitness trail and a playground on the northwest corner.

Bein Park’s highly maintained field, equipped with soccer goals, offers great recreational opportunities for anyone interested in soccer.

Bein Park Baseball Complex Arguably the best baseball parks in the area, Bein Parks Baseball Complex offers two fields equipped with lights, restrooms, concessions and covered dugouts.

Hillsdale Park Located just south of Kansas Avenue. Hillsdale Park is an 11 acre park located within the Dry Creek flood plain. This beautiful park was completed in June 2006. Hillsdale has a walking trail that offers a close up view of nature that is unlike any other

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Skate Park Skate Park can be found on the corner of Mountain Avenue and Second Street. The Berthoud Skate Park has just added two 1/4 pipes along with numerous rails and boxes. Still open to the public, the skate park offers an opportunity for skate boarders and bikers to hone their skills.

Pioneer Park Pioneer Park is located on the corner of Indiana Avenue and E. Second St. Pioneer Park, while still in the developmental phase, offers a lush open grass area. Plans for Pioneer Park include a playground and basketball courts.

Railroad Park Located on the corner of Mountain Avenue and Third Street, Railroad Park is the smallest park in town.

Railroad Park offers an abundance of trees and shade that provide a great spot to eat a quiet lunch or just relax.

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Town of Berthoud. Located at the intersection of Meadowlark Drive and Chokeberry Street, Collins Park sits on two acres of lush grass. Outfitted with a new playground, Collins Park is an exciting new addition to Berthoud parks.

Facilities available for reservation: Town Park – North Pavilion Town Park – South Pavilion Town Park – West area Fickel Park Roberts Lake Bein Park Soccer field Baseball field Pioneer Park Railroad Park Collins Park To make a reservation call the Parks Department at 532-1600.

Fees: Half-day: five hours or less Resident - $35 Non-resident - $45 Full day: 8 a.m. to dusk Resident - $60 Non-resident - $70 Event fee: Over 100 people - $200 *Liquor license available, apply at Berthoud Town Hall, 328 Massachusetts Ave.

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InsideOut •

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 15

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Page 16 April 3, 2014 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Home projects perfect for spring The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists.

While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.

Inspect the gutters Gutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while clearing the gutters of debris and reattaching gutters that might have become detached from the home on

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Take stock of roof shingles Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible.

Check for freeze damage Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike humans who can stay inside

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• InsideOut

when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter.

External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

Examine the lawn for low spots Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding.

Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil.

Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home’s foundation.

Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though

Each spring, homeowners should inspect their gutters to ensure the gutters are still attached to their homes and free of debris.

some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to enjoy spring and summer.

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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 17

Composting 101

By Susan Perry CSU Master Gardener Spring is a great time to begin composting for several reasons. First, you can begin gathering the ingredients for the compost pile during spring cleanup.

In addition, homemade compost is a great addition to amend our soils and add some nutrients. Also, the warming weather makes it easier to venture outside to consistently add to, moisten, and turn the pile, as well as to enable the pile to warm up. Finally, spring is a great time to begin the ultimate recycling: rather than putting yard waste and vegetative kitchen scraps into your garbage and landfill, you can return them to the landscape in a productive way. You will be surprised at how much smaller your trash bag is every week.

A compost pile consists of four elements: browns, greens, water and air.

• Browns: dried leaves and grasses, and other dried yard waste • Greens: fresh kitchen vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee and tea grounds, egg shells, old fruits, vegetables and stale bread • Water • Air Generally, the pile should consist of alternating six- to eight-inch layers of shredded browns and greens. Shredding the components to one-half to one inch in size will speed up the composting process (although over-shredding will have the

opposite effect). Adequate moisture and regularly turning the pile to add air every three to five days will also speed up the decomposition process. Remember, un-shredded browns left alone in a pile outside will eventually decompose, but the addition of greens, regular turning (air), moisture and moderate shredding of components are simply ways of speeding up the natural decomposition process.

Moisten each layer as you add it; the mixture should be the approximate wetness of a wrungout sponge. If you add too much water, the pile will start to smell; too little water will result in little decomposition, a dry outside, an ashy interior and possibly the death of the microbes necessary for the decomposition process. The best way to learn is through trial and error, remembering all “errors” can be corrected.

If you’ve added too much water, turn the pile more often to dry it out and mix in more shredded browns. If the pile is too dry, be more generous with the greens and the water as you turn and layer the pile, and consider covering it on dry days with a tarp to keep moisture in.

No meats, oils, fats, human or pet urine or feces, whole eggs, bones or dairy

should be added as these can attract rodents. Try to avoid cottonwood and oak leaves, which contain high tannins, large twigs and branches and resinous wood scraps such as pine, juniper and spruce. Grass clippings can be used in limited quantities if care is taken to prevent large clumps and matting, but research shows clippings are best left on the yard to add nutrients.

Because temperatures vary in different areas of the compost pile, it is best to avoid weeds and diseased plants, as they may not be killed during the composting process.

Although traditional composting recommends the addition of soil or manure as a way of adding microbes to the pile, research has shown this only adds unnecessary weight and bulk to the pile, and can become a source of pathogens. And while black and white newspaper was also considered a traditional component, modern recycling is a more effective method of disposing of newspaper than composting. Finally, it is best to avoid adding any yard waste that was treated with pesticides or herbicides.

Locate the pile in an area that has partial or dappled shade and is somewhat protected from drying winds. Other

considerations are proximity to regular water, appearance and local covenants, space to move around as you turn or aerate the pile, and convenience for moving components in and finished compost out of the area. Regardless of where you locate your pile, seek a balance of natural heat and moisture to prevent drying from sun and wind.

Many people build their own compost bins, while others purchase them. In either case, once you have created a pile of adequate volume (approximately 3’ x 3’ x 3’), it should heat up within several days. Slightly smaller volume piles can also be effective, given the correct conditions and management. Within four to six weeks, your pile should stop showing signs of activity. You should allow it to cure for another two to four weeks before using it as a soil amendment or a mulch/top-dressing. If your cured compost has large particles, they can be sifted out before use.

For additional information on composting, consult CSU Factsheet #7.212 on “Composting Yard Waste” from www.ext.colostate.edu.

The author has received training through Colorado State University Extension’s Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

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Page 18 April 3, 2014 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

SNAG some golfing fun

By Bob McDonnell The Surveyor Do you want to take up a new hobby such as golf? Sounds good, but who has time for lessons and hours walking a golf course?

Fear not, there is a new, simple way to learn golf called SNAG. SNAG stands for Starting New At Golf.

This revolutionary system works well for beginners of all ages.

It contains all the elements of conventional golf but in a modified form.

Many factors differentiate SNAG from normal golf.

The equipment — No bulky golf bags needed to play SNAG. It requires only two clubs. In SNAG terminology, the clubs are the “launcher,” used to launch, pitch and chip the ball; and the “roller,” used to roll the ball toward the target post. Both clubs have extra large plastic heads.

The ball — The balls hit by the clubs are slightly smaller than a tennis ball and about as fuzzy.

The cup — Each hole has a portable above-ground marker covered with Velcro for the ball to

stick to. The ball adhering to the “stickyflag” replaces sinking a putt.

The tee — A rubber mat called a “launch pad” facilitates all shots other than putting.

All the necessary equipment for SNAG may be rented at the golf course or purchased online.

This equipment offers many advantages over regular golf. First, it is safer, since it doesn’t involve hard golf balls or heavy metal clubs.

This makes the sport ideal for younger golfers, too.

It is cheaper to play SNAG than a round of golf. Nine holes of SNAG, including equipment rental, costs under $10.

The scaled-down course requires less time to play. Someone without much free time, youngsters who might not walk a nine-hole course and seniors who don’t have the stamina they used to have, benefit from these features.

Lastly, SNAG can be played almost anywhere. This includes backyards, neighborhood parks, soccer fields, beaches and school gymnasiums.

Those wanting to try SNAG don’t have to drive far. Fortunately, a SNAG course exists locally. Cattail

Creek Golf Course at 2116 W. 29th St. in Loveland offers the closest opportunity to try this new sport.

A 2009 study by the National Golf Foundation showed 28.6 million people — or about 9 percent of the U.S. population – above the age of six play golf. SNAG is designed to attract younger golfers and keep them interested as they grow into the sport.

As SNAG catches on, this percentage will grow.

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Now with this environmentally sound product, gardeners can feel a-OK about spraying it on flowers, fruits, vegetables, shrubs and trees. The sister brand ClearChoice is a revolutionary herbicide that promotes a healthy environment and effectively controls weeds on lawns and walkways.

InsideOut •

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 19

Five tips for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn

Homeowners aspire toward a beautiful lawn. It is they need it most. This helps conserve water often the centerpiece of a completed landscape and can by preventing it from evaporating in the sun or serve as a beautiful focal point in a home’s overall curb watering unnecessary parts of the landscape, such appeal. Typically lawn maintenance is time-consuming as driveways and sidewalks. There are even kits and can take a lot of effort on the part of a homeowner. that install on home downspouts that use rainwater However, by employing a few tips it can be much easier for extra irrigation. to establish and help a beautiful lawn to endure.

3. Fertilize less frequently. Fertilizer 1. Start with the right type of grass. Not all provides the extra nutrients to keep grass green grasses are alike or compatible with specific climates. and to encourage the grass to send out rhizomes Some are drought-tolerant and others are more akin (underground creeping rootstalks) and stolons to wet-weather situations. There is a particular type (above-ground sprouts), both of which make of grass that is very low maintenance no matter the the grass thicker and more healthy. Follow the climate — zoysia grass. instructions on the fertilizer package and don’t use “Zoysia grass is a great choice for anyone who loves too much. A good rule of thumb is to limit fertilizer the look of a lush, healthy lawn but doesn’t want to be a use to a month before the growing season starts in slave to their lawn,” said John Ridgway of Zoysia Farm your area.

Nurseries (www.zoysiafarms.com/tca) in Taneytown, 4. Mow conservatively. Lawns needn’t be Md. “Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that thrives scalped, otherwise known as cutting the lawn too in summer heat and needs far less water during the short. When the weather has been hot or dry, it may growing season. It also needs less mowing than most not even need to be cut every week. Thin, closely other types of grasses, so it’s much less labor intensive.” cut lawns can lead to dying out grass, shallow root Unlike other grasses, zoysia is sold as individual plant systems and eventually a poor-looking lawn. Zoysia “plugs,” which can be integrated right into an existing grass needs less mowing, so if this is your choice, lawn. They will eventually spread and take over. you may be able to skip some of the most laborEarly fall is a great time to start a lawn provided it is intensive part of lawn maintenance. done 30 days or so before the first hard frost in the area.

5. Enjoy the lawn. Some homeowners want This establishes the grass before winter and it will get a a grass showpiece and fail to ever step foot on head start on the next spring/summer growing season. A beautiful lawn is within reach when you the lawn. But with the right type of grass that is follow a few easy tips.

2. Install an irrigation system. A lawn needs thoroughly established and hardy, the lawn will a steady dose of water and ample sunlight to thrive. remain durable to kids playing, pets frolicking and Some homeowners water too little or water inadvertently pools on the surface simply spending time out in the yard. of the lawn without reaching the roots. Irrigation systems, particularly More information on zoysia grass plugs in the brand name Amazoy zoysia is drip-irrigation systems put water at the roots of landscape plants where available at www.zoysiafarms.com/tca.

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InsideOut •

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 3

Home renovations could increase property taxes

INDEX Gardening tips.................................... 4 Dream Home Projects......................... 5 A lot at steak....................................... 6 Lawn vs. pet........................................ 8 Upcycling............................................. 9 Grow-cab-u-lar-y............................... 10 Cultivate vegetables.......................... 11 Perennials.......................................... 12 Easter brunch recipe......................... 13 Berthoud Parks................................. 14 Home projects.................................... 16 Composting 101................................. 17 Snag golfing....................................... 18 Low maintenance lawn..................... 19 InsideOut 2014© 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.

If you live in New York’s Nassau County, you are possibly paying some of the highest property taxes in the country.

Nassau County residents had an average property tax bill of nearly $8,500 in 2011.

Understanding property taxes is not very cut and dry.

They are supposed to rise and fall with home values, but this isn’t always the case.

There is roughly 80,000 pages of federal code on property taxes, and each state and town often has its own rules governing how property taxes are assessed. State and local budget cuts can raise taxes even if your home value remains the same, as will an increase of benefits for public employees. Property tax is typically the primary means that many jurisdictions raise revenue. So if your community needs money, you can probably count on it financing that need through higher property taxes.

The two things that determine property taxes are the assessed value of your home and the property tax rate for where you live. In many cases, making improvements to the inside and outside of your home can result in higher taxes on your property. Many homeowners do not think about the tax man when they are about to renovate their home. But it is

important to consider that home repairs — even planting a garden — could lead to higher property taxes. Although the vast

majority of repairs that most often affect taxes include major renovations, there are lesser known repairs that can catch even savvy homeowners by surprise.

Here is a look at some of the renovations that could raise your property taxes.

• Adding a room: Converting the garage into a bedroom or adding on a new bathroom will increase your home’s value and the property tax you’ll pay

on the home. Although tax assessors don’t usually make surprise trips to your home to check for renovations indoors, they may peruse permits filed at the clerk’s office and then investigate.

Permits are the primary way assessors learn about improvements, so much so that some homeowners look to circumvent permits when making renovations. But that can cause a number of problems down the line if and when you decide to sell.

• Pools and outdoor structures: Changes to a home’s exterior are some of the easiest to see and document. Permanent changes outdoors, such as the installation of a shed with a concrete floor, a deck or a pool can definitely increase property taxes.

• Landscaping: Hiring a professional to do your lawn and plants can result in higher taxes. It’s called “alteration of land improvement.”

Repaving a driveway or adding a new cement walkway may also increase your home’s value and, subsequently, your property tax bill.

• Fireplaces: The installation of a fireplace can also increase a home’s value, leading to a higher tax bill as well.

Thinking about making a change? It’s a GREAT time to sell!

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• InsideOut

Page 4 April 3, 2014 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Gardening tips for springtime in Colorado

By Mitzi Davis Master Gardener Plant raspberries, strawberries, currents, and gooseberries now. You’ll find bare root plants at the nurseries, at prices lower than potted plants.

Protect new plants from late season snow storms or hard freezes.

Your daffodils might not bloom if they become too crowded. Let the foliage die down naturally, mark the spot and divide them this fall. Plant daffodils in a location that gets six to eight hours of sun a day.

Glyphosate (Trade name Roundup) has a lower EIQ (Environmental Impact Quotient) toxicity rating than insecticidal soap, horticultural oil or pyrethrum. Use it only on green and growing plants so that the herbicide can be carried to the roots to kill the plant.

“Tax Day” (April 15) is a good way to remember to remove tree wrap from your young trees. Leaving tree wrap on all year restricts tree growth and can result in girdling injury and can harbor insects and diseases. You can also remove stakes and guy wires if the trees were planted more than one year ago.

Core aerate your lawn to improve water infiltration, reduce soil compaction and control thatch. Water

the lawn before aerating if the soil is dry. Aeration will not interfere with pre-emergent herbicide/fertilizer that has already been applied. Leave the cores on the lawn to decompose or rake them up and add them to your compost pile.

Late summer and fall-flowering perennials, like phlox, asters, chrysanthemums, Helianthus and

yarrow can be divided now. Divide the clumps and replant the vigorous outer portions of the plant and compost the older parts that likely won’t rebloom. Early flowering perennials like bleeding heart, Oriental poppies, columbine, iris and coral bells should not be divided until later in the season, after flowering.

Succession sowing of relatively

small quantities of many vegetables is the secret to having young, succulent crops to harvest for fresh eating the whole summer. But, if you are planning on canning some of your vegetables, consider having a larger crop ripen at one time. It will make canning more efficient.

Remove dead flowers from tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs but do not remove the foliage until it has naturally died down.

Fertilize the bulbs and established perennials that are starting to show new growth, with a balanced fertilizer like 5-10-5 or 6-6-6 at a rate of ¼ pound of nitrogen (N) per 100 square feet.

Wash any fertilizer off the foliage and water well.

The author has received training through Colorado State University Extension’s Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

Larimer County is a county-based outreach of Colorado State University Extension providing information you can trust to deal with current issues in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition and food safety, 4-H, small acreage, money management and parenting. For more information about CSU Extension, Larimer County, telephone 970-4986000 or visit www.larimer.org/ext.

InsideOut •

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 5

Plan for year of Dream Home Projects

Special to the Surveyor Spend some quality time with your house, and make a list of the pluses and minuses as if you were considering whether to buy it. Use this list to develop projects that will create your “dream home” over a year’s time. To help you, Woodcraft offers some ideas for projects and products.

Project ideas • Use paints, stains, dyes, finishes and related products to reinvigorate the wood throughout your home, including doors, shutters, walls and furniture.

• Add molding or other trim to give walls an upscale look.

• Expand storage space with wall-hung or free-standing shelving in as many rooms and areas as possible; matching shapes, hardware and color to each room’s decor.

• Replace or upcycle kitchen, bathroom or garage cabinets, as well as outdated bathroom vanities.

• Add a wood deck, patio or porch to your outdoor area, and repair/revive or build outdoor benches and other furniture.

“If the changes you envision involve unfamiliar tasks, do some research,” says Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice.

“We offer books about home improvement topics, as well as ‘Woodcraft Magazine’ technique downloads and how-to videos for many products online. Or get some expert advice at your nearest Woodcraft store.”

Helpful products • General Finishes Water-Based Milk

Paints include a 28-color base selection of premixed acrylic paints that can be combined to create even more colors suitable for indoor or outdoor projects. Use the milk paint with the six translucent Glaze Effects to create eye-catching decorative finishes, such as distressing, antiquing or shabby chic.

• General Finishes Gel Stains and Topcoat are easy to use – simply wipe on with a rag and wipe off the excess. Stains are available in 12 shades, including the popular Java and Georgian Cherry. A perfect solution for attractive redesigns at an affordable price.

• OneTime Wood Protector is a proprietary acrylate resin blend that penetrates wood’s cellular structure and cures it by exposure to UV radiation. It protects new wood, old wood, pressure treated wood, or wood that has had the previous coating removed – for seven years!

Great for outdoor wood projects such as wood shake roof, deck, chairs, picnic tables, fences and more.

• Festool’s Rotex RO90 Multi-Purpose Sander switches easily between three sanding modes –aggressive, random orbital finish sanding, and delta detail sanding – that will handle a host of tasks from stripping stubborn paint to creating a smooth finish.

• Earlex Gemini HVLP Sprayer can be used as a cup-fed gun to spray fine finishes and paints, or with a pump to push waterbased paint/stain directly from the can

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variable-speed motor. via a 13’ hose to the gun for covering large • “Transforming Your Kitchen with surfaces.

Stock Cabinetry” is a 160-page soft-cover • The QuikBENCH Portable Workbench book by cabinetmaker holds 300 pounds Jonathan Benson and alone; add another to his wife, Sherry Benson, form a sawhorse to a chef, that shows how hold 2,000 pounds. Or to transform a kitchen connect several for a using money-saving stock larger workstation. If cabinetry and a wellyou need a scaffold, thought-out plan. choose the portable • Grex 18-Gauge 2” Vika Twofold Nailer -- Green Buddy is a Workbench and precision nailer that fires Scaffold. Both benches 1/2” to 2” 18-gauge nails include power strips. for trim and moldings, * The EZ Pro Crown cabinet assembly, King Crown Molding Woodcraft product manager Ben furniture and cabinet Jig from General Bice applies finish to a cabinet finish work, jig fixtures, Tools works with a miter saw to cut crown door, using a single QuikBENCH. light wood assembly and molding joints precisely The bench’s built-in power strip more.

• The Kreg Jig(R) K5 without difficult angle and uses for multiple benches are also pictured.

Pocket Hole System offers calculations and an easy way to use pocketcompound angle cuts. hole joints in your furniture and home • 3M PSA-Backed Veneer is real projects, such as decks and porches. wood veneer permanently bonded to 3M • M1 Tape Measure features patented Pressure Sensitive Adhesive. It can be Sight Scribe that allows you to measure applied to MDF, particleboard, plywood and mark without a pencil. Lock your and drywall with excellent results. measurement with the M1 blade lock and The veneer is used for furniture repair, take it wherever you need to mark. countertops, shelves and architectural To learn more about these products and applications. others that can help you update your home, • Fein’s MultiMaster Q Start Kit is visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) equipped for sawing, rasping, scraping, 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com. removing grout, sanding, polishing and cutting, all powered by a 250-watt,

Page 6 April 3, 2014 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

A lot at steak

By Bob McDonnell The Surveyor As warmer weather approaches, many home cooks think of outdoor grilling.

If your old gas grill did not survive the winter, here are some tips to use when buying its replacement.

Price: For most of us price is important.

Gas grill prices span from about $100 to well over $1,000. Know your budget before you set out on a shopping trip.

Material: Not all grills are created equal. Metals used in grills range from cast aluminum, sheet metal and cast iron, to stainless steel.

Ideally, stainless steel is the best but also the most expensive. See comments above about budget.

If you cannot afford stainless steel, metal with a “porcelain enamel” finish offers toughness, rust protection and ease of cleaning.

Cooking surface: Size matters when it comes to gas grills. Think about what kind of cooking you do. Is it just the two of you,

or do you entertain others often? There is no sense buying a large grill that handles 40 burgers if you only cook two or four at a time.

If you do go for a larger grill, find one with dual heat controls. This way only half of the grill heats,

• InsideOut saving fuel.

A typical three-burner gas grill contains 450-500 square inches of cooking area. This size works for the average household. For those needing a larger cooking surface, consider a five or six-burner unit with 550 to 650 square inches of cooking area.

Heat: Gas grills have a British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating. This shows the grill’s gas usage and heating potential. In short, it measures the amount of heat created by the burner. Don’t think that a high BTU rating means faster heating or better cooking.

Instead, look for grills with 100 BTUs persquare-inch of cooking space.

Burners: Ideally, look for stainless or brass burners.

Aluminum burners burn out and cast iron burners rust.

Grates: As with other features of the grill, grates come in various materials.

Consider that chrome or nickel-coated wire grates don’t leave a wide mark and tend to rust. Cast iron grates conduct heat to the meat well but they need to be oiled to keep them from rusting. Many cooks prefer a baked-on porcelain or stainless grates. They give great wide grill marks and they are easy to clean.

Extras: Side burners, sear burners, rotisserie, smokers, etc. Home Depot’s grilling expert, Ken D’Anastasio says, “Over 80 percent of customers will buy grills with all the extras and never use them.”

Remember — a well-taken-care of grill lasts a long time. Choose wisely.

InsideOut •

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 7

Page 8 April 3, 2014 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Beautiful lawn vs. faithful pet Putting a stop to lawn care woes

Over time a pet that is routinely using a patch of grass as his personal potty will damage that stretch of lawn. The behavior of canines plus the chemical components of the urine contribute to the brown, dead patches synonymous with dog waste.

But there are ways to mitigate the problem.

Dog urine and feces can often be a frustrating problem, even to pet-lovers. The war between wanting a pristine lawn and a healthy pet can drive pet owners to investigate ways to prevent or reduce marring of the lawn. Do those urban legends like tomato juice or baking soda work? In most cases, no. However, there are ways to reduce the amount of lawn damage with other methods.

Dog waste chemistry Understanding why urine and feces can affect the lawn requires understanding the makeup of these waste products. The fundamental problem involves the concentration of nitrogen in the solid and liquid waste. Primarily in dogs, the kidneys serve to remove excess nitrogen from the dog’s highprotein, meat-based diet. In small concentrations, nitrogen applied to a lawn can actually serve as a fertilizer – helping the lawn to be green and bright.

But it’s the higher concentrations that do the most damage. These essentially burn out the grass and cause brown, bare patches that can be rather

unsightly.

A few decades ago, Dr. A.W. Allard, a Colorado veterinarian, examined numerous variations in dog urine and the effects on several common lawn grasses. He found fescue to be the most nitrogenresistant. Yet, even that grass has its saturation point and can brown.

Who is the biggest offender?

Dog owners sometimes think that female dogs have different urine chemistry because they tend to do the most damage to the lawn. The fact is, both male and female dogs can do damage, it just comes down to the way urine is applied. Male dogs oftentimes “mark” their territories or spray a small amount of urine to different parts of the landscape. These small concentrations may not damage the lawn much. However, a female dog tends to squat and apply the urine in one spot at a high concentration. That liquid seeps into the lawn and can do damage. Male dogs that do not lift their legs and prefer to squat can do the same level of damage as females.

Cats that use the outdoors instead of a litter box may also create brown spots, particularly if they visit the same spot over and over.

Fixing the problem Apart from diluting the urine, which can cause its own issues, the best way to alleviate brown spots is to walk the dog around the neighborhood to other appropriate spots. Otherwise, a dog-only area can be set up in the yard. Then pet owners must train their dogs to use that specific area. Laying down pea gravel or mulch can be a way to absorb

• InsideOut

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

It’s possible to be a lawn-lover and a dog-lover with a few tips to keep grass green.

the urine without having it damage the lawn.

Camouflage, like bushes or a fence, can set the dog area apart from the rest of the backyard as well.

It can take up to two weeks or more to train an older dog to take to the new potty area. Puppies may adapt a little faster. Collecting urine and feces and placing it in the dog’s area can help set up a scent mark that may make it easier for dogs to learn that’s where they’re supposed to go. For the training period, pet owners should accompany their dogs to the new area on a leash; do not leave the pet unattended in the yard. He or she may revert back to the normal spot being used for relief.

With time and patience, pet-lovers can cohabitate with their pooches and still enjoy a nice lawn. It just takes a little creative thinking and training.

InsideOut •

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 3, 2014 Page 9

Upcycling: transforming the old into a better new

Turn old or discarded furniture, cabinets and doors into fresh new creations through “upcycling” — high-end “recycling” that reduces trash at landfills by refurbishing or repurposing existing pieces, often enhancing the value. Woodcraft offers the following ideas and products to get you started.

Upcycling projects

• Family furniture: Save chairs, tables and other furniture passed down through the generations by doing repairs, if needed, and staining/painting to suit your current decor.

• Other furniture or “yard sale finds”: These also can be stabilized and given a new look through stain/paint or distressing, but some may also lend themselves to transformation for other uses, such as turning a chest of drawers into bookshelves, a chair into a swing, a dresser into a seat, and more.

• Doors and more: Solid wood doors make great tops for tables and kitchen islands, old-fashioned screen doors hung from the ceiling can store pots and pans, and old windows make attractive wall hangings used “as is” or with additions, such as photos.

• Cabinets: Change the look of your kitchen, bathroom or workshop with a new color for your cabinets and new handles and pulls.

Helpful products “Woodcraft offers many products — including professional advice — that can make upcycling projects easy and successful,” product manager Kent Harpool said. “A few products are listed here, but our retail store owners and salespeople, customer service staff and tech experts are available to help you select from Woodcraft’s extensive line of tools and supplies, as well as understand how to use the products. We know wood

and how to work with it, repair it and transform it. Visit furniture and cabinets requires only cleaning and light a store near you, or give us a call — let us help you.” sanding.

• Repair: Furniture that has been around awhile For a beautiful hand rubbed wood finish look, choose may need repair. For weak chair General Finishes Gel Stain and joints, drill a hole, inject Briwax Topcoats. Available in 12 shades, ChaiRx, and wait for it to swell the including the popular Java, these joints for a strong bond. For other urethane stains and topcoats are easy repairs, Titebond I, II or III and other to use: simply wipe on with a rag and glues will work. wipe off the excess. To protect the • Transition: Changing the use and gel stain, especially for heavy-use form of wood pieces will involve varied surfaces such as tabletops, General tasks.

Finishes offers three options: Gel For projects that involve Satin Top Coat, PolyAcrylic Top Coat disassembly of furniture or doors, or High Performance Top Coat. followed by reassembly of some pieces General Finishes Water Based into a new creation, the Kreg Jig(R) Milk Paints and Glaze Effects offer a K4 Master System offers quick joinery wide range of color possibilities. Use — strong pocket-hole joints. one of the 20 premixed acrylic Milk Stanley Chair Braces are designed Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Paint colors, such as Tuscan red, or for corner reinforcement on chairs, Woodcraft graphic designer Tara combine two colors (using a topcoat tables, chests and more for quick, easy Piggott applies a coat of General between applications). To create eyeconstruction and repairs.

Finishes Java Gel Stain to a cabi- catching decorative finishes such as • Color: Once you have selected distressing, antiquing, marble effects, net door. and/or repaired a piece of old furniture shabby chic and more, choose one of or created a new piece from an the six translucent glaze effects to go existing one, determine where your upcycled piece will with any water-based stain or paint. “live,” which color or colors will look best there, and Old-Fashioned Milk Paint is a powder made from which type of paint or finish will achieve the desired earth pigments, which is mixed with water to make effect.

20 rich colors that authentically reflect colors found on Use Restor-A-Finish(R) to “uncover” the original existing antique furniture and buildings. finish on an heirloom or other old piece of furniture.

To uncover the original wood surface on furniture, Available in six colors plus neutral, it revives the wood SOY-GelTM Professional Paint Stripper is easy to use, finish’s luster while blending out minor scratches and virtually odorless and has no known health hazards. blemishes.

For more information about Woodcraft products, To change or refurbish the color, the three products contact the store nearest you, visit www.woodcraft.com listed below are easy to use. In addition, surface prep for or call 800-535-4482.