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2 - Vermont Eagle

March 23, 2013

Think Spring

Identifying your garden preferences A personal garden is only limited by the constraints of a person's imagination. The vast array of plants and flowers available from all over the world can turn anyone's yard into a melange of functional spaces.

When designing a garden, many homeowners do not know where to begin. Much like decorating the interior of a home, how a garden landscape is executed depends on various factors.

Climate and conditions The foremost consideration when planting a garden is the climate where the garden will be located. Planting items that are not conducive to growing in certain conditions can be counterintuitive and a waste of money and effort.

Prospective gardeners must become familiar with the hardiness zones of their region prior to making any plans.

This will help you to determine which types of plants will thrive on your landscape. Once this is determined, examination of the soil and conditions on the property is also helpful. Taking this step will help identify any plant deterrents, such as poor soil quality and pH as well as any pests that may impede plant growth.

If you live in a hot, sandy location, lush tropical plants may not thrive. Therefore, even if you desire a Mediterranean look, you may have to settle for something that works better with your landscape conditions.

Style of the home Landscaping designs often tie into the architectural style of a home. For example, an extensive Asian-inspired garden complete with koi pond and bonsai may look odd in front of a log home. Keep architecture in mind when planning a garden so the look of the home you present is cohe-

sive and fits with the community and immediate vicinity.

Design preferences Are you a free spirit who doesn't conform to convention with firm boundaries? Or are you one who likes order and things in their place? Knowing what makes you tick will help you to choose a gardening style that will be easier to maintain and also make you feel comfortable. For example, prairie-style planting or wildflower gardens are dramatic ways to create natural points of color over a large area.

Most plants are allowed to grow as they may.

Those who like a dreamy ethereal feel to their gardens may be inspired by cottage designs, where generously filled borders overflow into a flower and foliage paradise.

If you are more inclined to follow the rules and like an orderly landscape, a parterre, or formal planting bed, may be more your style. When carefully pruned, box hedging can show off symmetry and geometry in your space.

Some people are more focused on the accents in their gardens than the plants themselves. Modern architecture pairs well with a contemporary style that blends minimalist accents and easy-to-maintain plants.

Although you can change plants in your garden, investing in a garden that you will be happy with for a long time is a costly venture. You may want to consult a landscape architect or local nursery to find the plants and trees that fit with your design and lifestyle. These experts can also instruct you in how to maintain all of your hard work and when to expect the full impact of your new landscape to take form.

Homeowners can browse ideas for gardens in magazines and online, but ultimately it will be up to their personal design preferences and the climate where their home is located to determine which garden will look and grow best.

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March 23, 2013

Vermont Eagle - 3

Think Spring

A few gardening tips for beginners Gardening is a rewarding hobby that many enthusiasts credit with helping them to peacefully escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Though gardening can be both relaxing and rewarding, it's not as easy as it may seem, and the more time and effort a person devotes to his or her garden the more likely it is to be successful.

Gardening can be a little daunting for beginners who have little or no experience planting flowers or vegetables.

But gardening need not be so intimidating, especially for those beginners who adhere to the following tips aimed at helping novice gardeners start their gardens off on the right foot.

• Determine what you should plant. Where you live will go a long way toward determining what you should plant.

While you can plant anything you can get your hands on, the United States Department of Agriculture as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have determined specific plant hardiness zones that indicate which plants are most likely to thrive in given locations. Maps of these zones can be found at www.usda.gov and www.agr.gc.ca. By adhering to the maps, gardeners can significantly increase their chances of growing successful gardens. When in doubt about what to plant, consult a local gardening center or seek advice from a professional landscaper.

• Think location when beginning your garden.

Beginners with large yards have the luxury of choosing the right location on their properties to start planting. When choosing a spot, consider how much sunlight a location gets on a daily basis and the spot's proximity to a water supply. If planting flowers, try to avoid planting in areas with heavy foot traffic so the flowers are less likely to be stomped. If you're planting flowers to accent walkways, then consider erecting a barrier around the flower bed to safeguard the flowers from foot traffic.

• Get started before you plant. Preparing the soil a few weeks before you start planting can help the plants thrive down the road. Add some organic material, such as compost or fertilizer, to the soil roughly three weeks before planting. This helps the soil retain water and nutrients, which will help your garden thrive.

• Time your planting. When you plant is sometimes as important as what you plant. Some climates allow for yearround planting, but many do not. When buying seeds, the packaging might suggest what time of year to plant the seeds. Adhere to these suggestions or your garden might not grow much at all. In addition, keep in mind that many seedlings need significant light throughout the day in order to grow, so choose a time of year with ample daylight.

• Don't forget to mulch. Mulch can be as aesthetically appealing as it is effective. Mulch retains soil, helping roots to grow stronger, while deterring bugs and preventing weed growth. And many gardeners find mulch adds visual appeal their garden, and does so in a very inexpensive way.

• Clean your tools. Beginners rarely recognize the importance of cleaning gardening tools before putting them away. At the end of each gardening session, clean your tools thoroughly, as soil left on your garden tools can play host to potentially harmful microbes that might kill your plants.

Gardening can be a labor-intensive yet gratifying hobby.

By sticking to a few simple rules, beginners can develop a thriving garden to reward all of that hard work.

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4 - Vermont Eagle

March 23, 2013

Think Spring

Time to tackle flying pests in the yard with flying insects, especially when they make time outdoors into an exercise in discomfort. Homeowners concerned about the presence of flying insects in their yard can take various steps to manage sharing outdoor spaces with insect life.

Prevention Different varieties of insects begin their lives as eggs that may hatch into nymphs or worm-like creatures known as larvae.

Oftentimes, these eggs are deposited in water or in damp areas. Mosquito larvae, for example, thrive in stagnant water before they turn into winged, biting insects.

Keeping outdoor areas free of standing water and ensuring proper drainage are two ways to reduce the population of certain bugs in the yard. Welcoming animals,

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such as birds and bats that feed on a trove of insects, to the yard can naturally keep insect numbers down.

Flies lay about 50 to 100 eggs at one time.

The eggs will hatch into maggots in as little as 12 hours after being deposited. Keeping yards free from decaying matter, especially around entertaining areas, can limit the number of flies in the yard.

Traps There are a variety of different traps on the market geared toward different insect life. Most use some sort of attractant, whether a scent or light to lure the insects to the trap. Then the bugs fall inside and cannot get out.

Although there are some chemical-based traps or bug "zappers," there are other more natural traps and more humane options, too. Setting traps away from patios and living spaces will lure the insects to the traps and keep them away from you. Once the trapped insects expire, you can bury them in the ground to naturally decompose.

Setting traps out very early in the season will help to trap as many emerging insects as possible. You also may be able to trap the queens of certain insects, like bees or wasps, further reducing the number of bugs you will see throughout the year.

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Repellents are natural or chemically derived formulas that are worn or placed in proximity to people. These repellents want insects to find them. Once found, the repellents' smell or taste is deemed questionable by the insects, who will then seek out other areas to reside.

Repellents will vary in efficacy and some may need to be reapplied frequently to remain effective. However, they are a useful tool when you will not be staying in one spot in the yard.

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If you spend ample time outdoors, especially at dusk, then investing in a screened-

in room may be the way to go. This way you can enjoy the weather while the insects stay on the other side of the screen. In climates where three-season swimming is possible, some homeowners actually create screenedin rooms that encompass their entire pool.

Beneficial bugs Insects like butterflies and bees are the unsung heroes of the landscape, as they are responsible for pollinating many flowers and plants. Honeybees and bumblebees will generally keep to themselves if their nests are not disturbed and can actually be enjoyable to watch as they buzz from flower to flower. Wasps, like yellow-jackets, can be attracted to sweet smells, so keeping sugary drinks and foods covered can keep them at bay. Or you may want to lure them to another area of the yard with a bit of raw meat or a can of fruit punch.

Sharing outdoor living spaces with flying insects can be aggravating. But there are many options at a homeowner's disposal to control such unwanted guests.

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The warmer months provide ample opportunities for outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying time spent in the yard as a family. But moments in the fresh air and sunshine can be negatively affected by the presence of flying, buzzing or biting bugs.

When the weather warms, insects that may have been dormant during the winter begin to exit their dens and reproduce in earnest. Many insects overwinter as eggs and larvae, and multitudes break their dormancy at the same time as host plants.

Beetles, flies, gnats, bees, mosquitoes, termites, butterflies, moths, and many other bugs can be seen in abundance in the spring. While there are people who enjoy bugs' presence as true harbingers of the new season, others who are less enamored

March 23, 2013

Vermont Eagle - 5

Think Spring

Some tips on deer-proofing a garden Creating a beautiful and bountiful garden is a popular pastime for people all across the country. It is important to keep in mind that aesthetically appealing plants may be appetizing to area wildlife, including deer.

Those who do not want their gardens to turn into all-you-can-eat buffets for deer, rabbits and other wild animals can take a more proactive approach to gardening.

Deer are opportunists who will no doubt see your garden as a salad bar ripe with all of their favorite foods. As housing developments continue to encroach on the natural habitats of deer and other animals, these animals are becoming more visible. Deer may not be able to forage for food effectively in their smaller, natural surroundings, or they may become accustomed to the "easy pickings" they find in neighborhood yards.

Either way, you may encounter a deer in or around your area.

Keeping deer at bay involves some work and maintenance on the part of a homeowner. There are safe and humane methods to repelling deer, or at least blocking access to the plants worth protecting. Here are the main ways to deer-proof a garden.

Fence It Fences are one way to deter deer from entering a yard and dining on your garden.

Keep in mind that deer can jump fences that are quite tall, but they have to be especially motivated to jump an eight-foot-tall fence.

Still, they tend to be weary about scaling a fence when they cannot see what is on the other side. Therefore, if you are fencing out deer, choose a fence that camouflages the garden well and completely encloses the area to be protected. If you do not want the fence to be solid, consider putting stakes or thorny plants within the garden so that the deer will hesitate to jump into the garden.

Scare Them Deer are naturally skittish around people, but over time they can become quite complacent around human beings. Once a deer decides that something will not pres-

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ent a threat, the deer can adapt to its presence.

Motion-activated devices may not work, nor the presence of pets. Predator urine is typically an effective way at keeping deer at bay. Bottled coyote urine can be quite effective, although human urine may work as well. Reapplying the product weekly around the plants is a good idea.

Repel the Deer There are many organic or chemicallybased products on the market that deer may find offensive to the taste or smell.

Hot pepper, sulfur and eggs or even the use of soapy water have been successful in certain instances. The use of blood meal or even human hair around the garden may repel the deer and keep them on a different foraging path. However, remember that any deer that is very hungry may ignore unpleasant tastes or smells for a quick bite.

Change Plants If other food sources are available, there are some species of plants and trees that deer will avoid. Filling your garden with these plants can help you maintain a beautiful, albeit untasty, environment for deer.

When planting annuals, select among: * Alyssum * Begonias * Calendula * Celosia * Dianthus * Foxglove * Geraniums * Parsley * Poppy * Snapdragons In terms of perennials, plant these items once, and deer could stay away: * Ageratum * Anemone * Astibe * Bearded iris * Catmint * Honeysuckle * Lantana

* Monkshood * Rock rose * Rosemary * Soapwort * Wisteria Plant these herbs alongside flowers for even more protection: * Chives * Eucalyptus * Garlic * Mint * Thyme * Wintergreen Gardeners who use a combination of methods to keep deer out of their yards and gardens may have a higher success rate at deterring these animals.

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6 - Vermont Eagle

March 23, 2013

Think Spring

Various materials can be used to pave a driveway When renovating a home, many homeowners look to increase the home's curb appeal. "Curb appeal" is a term used to describe how the home's exterior appears to buyers the moment they pull up to the curb. A home that impresses prospective buyers before they even go inside is said to have a strong curb appeal, and that curb appeal can add significant value to a home.

Homeowners looking to improve the curb appeal of their home can do so in a variety of ways. One often overlooked yet effective way to make a home's exterior more appealing is to revamp the driveway.

Driveways may not be high on a homeowner's renovation totem pole, but a cracked or unsightly driveway can give prospective buyers the impression that a home has not been properly taken care of. When addressing a driveway, homeowners have a host of paving materials at their disposal.

Asphalt Asphalt is an affordable paving material, which likely plays a role in its popularity among homeowners. Asphalt is also easy to install and requires little maintenance, two additional benefits to homeowners who don't have much time to install or look after their driveway.

Asphalt is made from a combination of concrete, gravel and tar, and though it's easy and affordable to install,

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Brick Brick is among the more expensive paving materials, as brick is a labor-intensive material to install. But brick allows homeowners to create distinctive patterns that can add quite a bit to a home's curb appeal. Once installed, brick driveways don't require much maintenance, though cracked bricks will need to be replaced.

Cobblestone Cobblestone can be very pleasing to the eye, but that aesthetic appeal won't come cheap. Among the more expensive paving materials, cobblestone can also be a handful to maintain, as weeds can penetrate the cobblestones rather easily. Loose or missing stones can be unsightly and will need to be replaced.

Many homeowners who love the look of cobblestone choose to use it along walkways or on their patios, as these areas won't require as much materials, saving both money and the time it takes to maintain the cobblestones.

Concrete Concrete is perhaps the ideal paving material for the homeowner who wants to express his or her individuality.

That's because concrete driveways can be laid in a variety of colors and designs, adding a touch of personality in a place many homeowners likely thought such expression was impossible.

Though affordable, concrete can fall victim to the elements, as extremely cold temperatures can cause the concrete to shift and ultimately crack. Concrete pavers can remedy this problem, though that will add to the overall cost of the project.

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asphalt, as any kid can tell you, can get awfully hot under the summer sun. Asphalt can also crack rather easily, so homeowners must weigh its immediate affordability against the likelihood that perhaps it will need to be replaced sooner than other materials.

A gravel driveway can give a home a historical look that few of today's homes can boast.

Gravel is an affordable material that requires little maintenance, though weeds can grow through gravel and must be removed to maintain the driveway's appeal. Washout is a concern for some who want a gravel driveway, but edging the driveway with a material like timber or bluestone can prevent the gravel from washing away should heavy rains fall.

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March 23, 2013

Vermont Eagle - 7

Think Spring

Spring cleaning tips on how to clean dirty windows Dirty windows are unsightly, and they can prevent beneficial sunlight from entering a home.

Cleaning windows need not be done every week, but it shouldn't be overlooked completely, either. While it certainly may be a chore to clean windows, there are ways to make the task much more tolerable.

Curb appeal can be very important when selling a home. Even a home with a perfectly manicured lawn and the newest roofing and siding can seem unappealing if the windows are dirty.

Keeping windows clean requires a good deal of work. For the acrophobics, cleaning second-story windows can test the nerves.

Having the right tools on hand and a strategy in place will make the job easier to manage.

Cleaning windows

Mix your own cleaning solution It may take trial and error to find a solution that works. Here is one recipe you may want to start with.

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Remember: Never mix bleach and ammonia together to create a cleaning solution, as toxic fumes will result.

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Cleaning windows won't necessarily be easy, but the following nine-step process can make the task less difficult and time-consuming.

1. Choose a day when it is overcast so you will not be blinded by the sun while cleaning. This also helps prevent streaking. Begin by gathering what you'll need to get the task done. Having everything at the ready will enable you to move from one window to the next.

Here are the basic supplies you will need: • cleaning solution • cloth, newspaper or squeegee • towel • spray bottle • extension pole to reach high windows • vacuum • ladder or step stool • garden hose 2. Take down and clean drapery or blinds when cleaning the windows.

Remove the curtains so you will have an unobstructed surface with which to work.

3. Start with the interior side of the windows, as they are easier to access. Place a towel on the sill to catch any drops so the sill or the floor will stay dry.

4. Spray a lint-free cloth or the window directly with the cleaning solution. The edges and corners of the window tend to accumulate the most grime, so begin by cleaning those areas first.

Once they are clean and you will not exchange dirt to the center of the window, work on the middle. Wipe the windows in a horizontal direction to help alleviate dripping.

5. To create a streak-free surface, some people prefer to use a squeegee to drag out any pockets of moisture for more even drying. Be sure to wipe the rubber strip of the squeegee after each pass on the window.

You may choose to buff out any other streaks with newspaper.

6. Vacuum the window sill and frame afterward to catch any dust and debris.

7. Repeat the process for all interior windows.

8. Move outdoors and start off by spraying the window with a garden hose to loosen any of the accumulated grime. Use your cleaning solution to dissolve the rest of the dirt.

You may want to let it sit on the window if there is stubborn grime. Repeat the cleaning process used indoors for each window.

9. If exterior second-floor windows are hard to reach, consider using a ladder and extension pole to extend your reach. Upper windows will not be scrutinized as closely as lower windows, so you may have a greater margin for error. If the windows are simply too high up, rely on a professional window cleaner to get the job done rather than risk falls or other injuries.

8 - Vermont Eagle

March 23, 2013

Think Spring

Eco-conscious ways to tend to your lawn While there are many eco-friendly improvements homeowners make inside their homes, it's important to note that there are several ways for men and women to be more environmentally conscious outside of their homes as well. Lawn care can be done in a way that's conscious of the environment, and the results can be just as appealing as if the lawn were tended to without regard for the planet. The following are just a few of the many ways homeowners can adopt more eco-friendly practices when tending to their lawns. • Be conscientious when watering.

Overwatering a lawn is pretty common, especially during the dog days of summer, when homeowners try to overcompensate for hot days with excessive watering. The growth of moss on sidewalks or the driveway is a telltale sign that you're watering

too much, as is a standing pool of water on the grass. Homeowners who find it difficult to determine when their lawns have gotten enough water can purchase an intelligent irrigation control system that adapts your watering to a lawn's needs as well as the weather. • Turn back the clock on your tools.

Before gas mowers became the standard, man-powered push mowers were used to cut the grass. Such mowers still exist, and they require no fuel, making them a more eco-friendly option than their gas-powered counterparts.

Along those same lines, leaf blowers are a far less friendly way to rake leaves in the fall or clean the yard after a long winter.

While there's no denying their effectiveness, leaf blowers need gas to operate, while a rake just requires some elbow

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beautiful. But that beauty typically comes at a steep price, impacting local wildlife and perhaps even the local water supply.

When pesticides are applied to a lawn, the chemicals within may run off into your local water supply. If you can't avoid pesticides entirely, then do your best to minimize how often you use them. • Don't let rain water go to waste. Rain barrels are a great way to make good use of rain. Rain barrels can be placed beneath a gutter's downspout, where they will collect water that can be reused throughout your property to water the lawn and garden.

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grease and a little extra time out in the yard. • Stay local. If you need to plant new grass or you're beginning a garden, then stick with local plants, flowers and grasses rather than more exotic options that are not native to your area. Plants, flowers and grasses that aren't native to your region will require more maintenance and often more watering. That added maintenance might prove to be a headache, and that excessive watering will not be beneficial to the environment. Native plants, flowers and grasses have already adapted to your climate, and they can be provide just as much aesthetic appeal as more exotic alternatives. • Avoid pesticides whenever possible.

Many homeowners treat their lawns with pesticides, which can make a lawn look

292 Colonial Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753-5890 32534

WWW.CO-OPINSURANCE.COM

40179

Spring Cleaning? Look for Household Hazardous Waste!

Household hazardous wastes include any unused product that is poisonous, reactive, corrosive, or flammable. You can easily identify hazardous products by reading packaging labels. Look for key words such as Warning! Danger! Poison! Caution!

Improper disposal of these products poses a risk to human health and the environment.

If you find any hazardous wastes, bring them to the HazWaste Center!

Residents of the District’s 19 member towns may bring in household hazardous waste FREE of charge every Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The HazWaste Center is located at the District Transfer Station, 1223 Rte. 7 South in Middlebury. A flat fee of $2 per visit is charged for residential latex paint or joint compound. Latex paint and joint compound are not hazardous and may be solidified and disposed of with regular trash. There is a $1 admin fee per visit to the Transfer Station, unless all materials brought are no-fee items.

Not accepted: laboratory chemicals, fireworks, flares, explosives, ammunition, smoke detectors, or radioactive waste.

Addison County Businesses must pay for disposal and must call 388-2333 for an appointment time.

Solid Waste Questions? Call us at 388-2333 or visit www.AddisonCountyRecycles.org Management District The HazWaste Center is partially funded by a grant from the VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation.

40201

March 23, 2013

Vermont Eagle - 9

Think Spring

Watering 101: Help your lawn thrive this year Hot weather can take its toll on just about everyone.

Even the most ardent fan of summer eventually grows weary of a heat wave, which can make something as simple as walking down the street seem exhausting.

While human beings have their ways of surviving the heat, such survival can be more difficult for your lawn and

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garden. Certain grasses and plants thrive in hot weather.

But when the dog days of summer finally arrive, even those grasses and plants built to withstand the summer sun can suffer. That's why watering takes on such importance in the summertime, when grasses and plants need water to avoid drying out and possibly even dying. The following are a few basic watering techniques to help homeowners keep their lawns going strong through the warm season.

• Water when it's coolest. Watering when the temperatures are their lowest might seem counterintuitive. After all, homeowners might think their grass and gardens need water most when the temperature is at its highest. But watering when the temperature is cooler decreases evaporation, meaning your lawn will get the water it needs and won't lose any to steamy conditions that cause evaporation.

This is especially important when the amount of water you can use is limited by a drought restriction. You'll want to make sure the water you can use is actually going to the lawn and not evaporating as you're watering.

Watering in the early morning or in the evening, when

the sun is not as strong and the temperatures are generally at their coolest, also reduces the likelihood that your grass will burn. That's because water attracts the sun, and a lawn that's wet in the middle of a hot day might attract too much sun and cause the lawn to burn.

• Recognize that not all plants are the same. How much water a plant needs and how frequently it needs to be watered largely depends on how deep its roots are. A plant with shallow roots won't need to be watered for long periods of time, but it will need to be watered frequently, whereas a deep-rooted plant like a tree or a shrub will need to be watered for long periods of time but not as frequently. Research the plants around your property to determine the depths of their root systems and water accordingly.

• Lean on mulch to retain moisture. Mulch is often considered an aesthetically appealing addition to a landscape, but it serves a practical purpose as well. Mulch retains moisture during the hot summer months, reducing the need to water -- a valuable benefit during a drought restriction.

Mulch also makes it difficult for weeds to grow, which can keep homeowners from spending hot summer afternoons pulling weeds out of their gardens and flower beds.

• Strategically locate sprinklers.

Sprinklers Inspired by the commercial cutters should be located so no you’ve seen in action on corporate water is ending up on the campuses, Timecutter Z cuts your driveway or sidewalks mowing time in half compared to around your property. tractor technology.

Watering the concrete or Spin around asphalt is wasteful, and saplings. that's water that could be Turn like you’re going toward your plants. on rails.

When watering by hand, be Hit reverse sure all of the water is findwithout hitting ing its way to plants and not a switch. on any walkways.

Fly down the Successfully watering a straightaways. lawn and garden during the dog days of summer can greatly reduce the risk of ending summer with a lawn full of bald spots and a garden filled with wilted plants.

Come see us at the VERMONT HOME & GARDEN SHOW

April 17-19

Be nimble. Be quick. Be done.

40441

Crosby Sales & Service

463 Lime Kiln Road, So. Burlington 862-5642 • www.koenigcedar.com

40490

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8 Center Street, Brandon, VT • 802-247-3303

The Be st W

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in the Busines s

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40181

Only ride an ATV that is right for your age. Supervise riders younger than 16. Arctic Cat recommends that all riders take a training course, and that they read and understand their owner’s manual before operation. For safety or training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at (800) 887-2887. ©2012 Arctic Cat Sales Inc., ®™ Trademarks of Arctic Cat Inc., Thief River Falls, MN 56701.

Route 30 - Cornwall, VT 802-462-2468 www.champlainvalleymotorsports.com

10 - Vermont Eagle

March 23, 2013

Think Spring

Spring cleaning: Garage organization 101 Garages are coveted by homeowners across the country, offering a space to park a car and protect it from the elements. But many people do not park a car in their garage, only to find the garage become a home to clutter.

Garages tend to become the official catch-all of a home.

When an item cannot be crammed into a hiding space elsewhere, it often ends up dumped into the garage, where it joins the long list of other abandoned items. It can be easy to let garages become a wasteland because everything put inside a garage is behind a closed door. That mess can quickly build up, and reclaiming your garage requires energy, time, organization, and a plan.

Organizing a garage will take time. An entire weekend or two consecutive days may be necessary depending on the level of disarray. Taking everything out of the garage and going through the sorting process may take the most time.

When sorting, separate any broken items, which can immediately be put at the curb for trash pick-up. Examine things that you have not used in some time. If you haven't missed it, there's a good chance that you can discard the item or

donate it. Create separate piles for donations and trash.

Move the items that will be kept into a separate pile.

After all of the trash and donations are removed from the premises, then you can look at what is remaining and begin planning out a more organized storage system.

There may be things in the "keep" pile that are simply out of place in the garage and may be better stored elsewhere.

Think about which items can be moved to a basement or attic because of their infrequency of use, such as holiday decorations, suitcases, and collectibles. You may prefer to move lawn and garden items out of the garage and into a shed in the backyard.

After completing the sorting process, look at the garage as a blank space and measure out the room that you have.

This will provide an empty canvas as a starting off point.

To maximize the amount of space you have as a work area or a place to park your car, invest in as many tools as possible to utilize vertical space. Shelving, hooks and cabinetry will take things off of the floor, while storage units with doors can hide items that lack aesthetic appeal.

Rolling tool caddies and cabinets can keep all tools neat and in organized drawers so you're never hunting and pecking for a tool again. A cabinet that has a lock and key can be utilized for dangerous chemicals that need to be kept out of the hands of children and away from pets.

Think about how the garage will appear from the curb when the door is raised and create a design that will be functional and neat.

Take the opportunity while the garage is empty to give walls and floors a fresh coat of paint and improve the lighting in the garage. A brighter garage makes for a better work station.

For those who can use a little extra help, there are professional garage organization companies that can come in and install custom cabinetry and work surfaces. This is an option if you desire a high-end garage.

When putting items back into the garage, label where everything is stored until you become accustomed to the new organization. This way you'll be able to find everything easily.

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March 23, 2013

Vermont Eagle - 11

Think Spring

Prepare a deck or patio for entertaining

Having a great outdoor space enables a person to host parties or intimate gatherings all year long. Establishing an entertaining space and maintaining that space are essential when planning another year of fun in the sun.

There are many things homeowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional. As the season approaches, include some landscaping and decorating components to your preparatory plans to make the space as comfortable and aesthetically appealing as possible.

Here are a few key tips for readying your yard for entertaining possibilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs.

• Check the area for any needed repairs. Prior to your first entertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may present safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they do not cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you are unsure of any structural deficits, consult with a contractor.

• Hire a reputable contractor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members are good, and you can also double-check qualifications by contacting the Better

Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged or use a service such as Angie's List to read reviews of his or her work.

• Think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio. The use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an entertaining space can help minimize weather-related damage to outdoor furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm and humid. Having a bit of concealment also means you can create a private space that isn't easily viewed by neighbors or passersby.

• Plan well-defined areas. Just as rooms serve different purposes inside of the home, outdoor areas can be separated according to usage. Establish a sitting nook where guests can gather and talk. Have a bar or serving area where refreshments are made and served. Make sure there is a shaded area for when the sun is too uncomfortable to make sitting outside enjoyable. Similarly, have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool. Don't forget to establish a spot for the kids to converge with scaled-down amenities.

• Consider a fireplace or fire pit. For centuries man (and woman) has gathered around fire for socialization and a means to warming up. Having a backyard fireplace, pit or chimney is a conversation-starter, a decorative focal point, and a functional tool to extend the number of seasons in which outdoor entertaining can take place. Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety. It should be out of the way of foot traffic, but central enough so that it can be a gathering point.

• Invest in quality outdoor furniture. Today's yards are extensions of a home's interior. Guests no longer want to sit on uncomfortable metal or plastic furniture. There are many different outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the decor inside your home for a cohesive look.

• Accessorize. Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors. Don't shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space. Weather-resistant materials ensure every-

thing from clocks to televisions can be used outdoors.

Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other entertaining items for the outdoors.

When refurbishing outdoor entertaining areas, emphasize comfort, safety and functionality.

When it comes to your Heating, Plumbing and Water Systems, our trusted team does it all!

Call today to schedule an appointment for service.

Replacing, Removing or New Construction call us for a free estimate.

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BIO-DIESEL • K1 KEROSENE GASOLINE • HEATING OIL Plumbing & Heating 125 Monkton Road Bristol, VT 802-453-2325 Fuel Delivery 185 Exchange Street Middlebury, VT 802-388-4975

40489

H E R E ’ S W H AT C O U N T S

40442

Get ready for fun on the water!

Early Season Specials

• Sailboats • Fishing Boats • Kayaks • Canoes • Inflatables • New & Used

You work hard to make your house a home. At NBT Bank, we’re committed to helping you make the most of your home’s equity. So, you can accomplish everything that counts most to you. Now, get a new Home Equity Line of Credit with a six-month introductory rate of 1.00% APR. Or, ask us about a great fixed rate on a new home equity loan.

When it comes to your home, you can count on us. Stop by or call us today.

CURRENT VARIABLE RATE AFTER DISCOUNT PERIOD

1.00 3.25 %

%

APR*

FIXED FOR 6 MONTHS

AS LOW AS PRIME

NO CLOSING COSTS FOR LINES UNDER $250,000

The variable rate above reflects a discount of 0.50% for automatic payment from an NBT Bank account.

2649 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT

802-985-5222

40182

APR*

800.NBT.BANK nbtbank.com

* To qualify for the introductory rate, a minimum line of $20,000 must be approved for a new home equity line of credit and advanced at closing, and payments must be automatically deducted from a checking account at NBT Bank, N.A. or its divisions, Pennstar Bank and Hampshire First Bank (hereafter referred to jointly as NBT Bank). Customers with an existing home equity line of credit from NBT Bank must be approved for an additional $20,000 to qualify. Residence must be a 1-4 family owner-occupied dwelling with a maximum loan to value of 80%. Rates shown are as of March 11, 2013. The 1.00% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is an introductory rate for 6 months, and after that the rate can be as low as the floor rate of 3.25%. The APR after the introductory discount period is variable and may change monthly based upon changes in the Prime Rate but will not fall below 3.25% or exceed 15.90%. The Prime Rate is the highest Prime Rate offered in the Wall Street Journal based on the tenth day of the preceding month. Property insurance is required and flood insurance when necessary. Title insurance is required for all loans over $250,000 in a first lien position and may be required for loans with aggregation over $250,000 when the home equity is in a second lien position. If you cancel the line of credit within 4 years, you must reimburse us the third-party fees paid in connection with opening the line. Closing costs paid to third parties generally total between $167 and $1,989 in MA, NH, PA and VT. See your tax advisor for details on the tax deductibility of interest. Offer subject to credit and collateral approval. This is not a commitment to lend. Additional terms and conditions may apply depending on the type of collateral and other loan terms offered or chosen.

Member FDIC

32538

INTRODUCTORY RATE

Small Boat Exchange www.smallboatvt.com

A N E W S TA R T.

Think Spring

March 23, 2013

32537

12 - Vermont Eagle