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GARDEN  How to make your renovation a successful, positive experience  Cottage Gardens Faribault.com

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 17, 2015

Growing Roses that are Healthy and Strong

By Tresa Erickson Roses make a lovely addition to any landscape, as long as you care for them properly. The key to strong, healthy roses is pruning. Roses that are pruned on a regular basis tend to be hardier, with stronger stems and larger flowers. All of the dead, diseased and damaged canes are removed, allowing more light and air to get in and decreasing the risk of further disease.

The best time to prune roses is in the late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant and there is less of a chance of harming it. The swelling of buds is a good sign that it is time to prune. Gloves are a must for dealing with thorny stems. You will also need sharp hand shears and long-handled loppers. The shears and loppers should be of the bypass design, which will make for a cleaner cut.

First, you’ll need to get rid of all of damaged canes. Start pruning at the base of the plant, being careful to remove all of the dead and diseased canes.

Healthy canes will be green on the outside and cream or green on the inside. Damaged canes will look shriveled and dark.

Make 45-degree cuts a quarter of an inch or so above the buds.

In cases where only part of the cane is damaged, try to prune as close to the bud union as possible. Remove all rootstocks as well. This will ensure ample light and air circulation.

Now it is time to shape the plant. A vase shape is ideal for air circulation.

Once you have a shape in mind, select four to six canes and prune them into the shape desired. Continue until you have the shape you want.

When the roses begin bloom- Don’t rush the process or drop it Pruning rarely ever kills the ing, you may need to remove altogether in frustration. Keep plant. It can go wrong, but in the spent blooms. This is called at it, and eventually, you will get most cases, the plant will grow deadheading and will keep the the roses you want. back. It plant healthy and allow it to And, don’t may bloom again and again. wor r y. take Pruning is not hard, but it does take time and practice to perfect.

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some time before your roses turn out how you envisioned them, but in all likelihood, they will survive and thrive, thanks to your diligent pruning. 

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Friday, April 17, 2015

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

How to make your renovation a successful, positive experience (METRO) By Scott McGillivray In the United States, renovation spending has more than doubled since the late 1990s, reaching nearly $65 billion last year alone. Oftentimes the investment a homeowner makes is substantial, both financially and emotionally. The stakes are high.

That’s why it’s imperative that the job is done well from start to finish. There are a number of steps a homeowner can take to ensure a positive experience and a successful outcome, including: 1. Know your goal. Ask the question, “What is this renovation designed to accomplish?

More functionality? Storage?

Living space?” If a homeowner doesn’t know where they’re going with the renovation, chances are they’ll never get there.

2. Do your research. In most things, knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect,

in advance, can keep expectations in check. Investigate options, budgets and timelines, and arrange financing in advance.

3. Hire professionals. Be sure that they are happy to work with you to meet your budget and achieve your vision. Communicate clearly and often to ensure understanding on both sides.

4. Opt for a general contractor and trades that are experienced, licensed and insured.

Don’t hesitate to check credentials and references. Get recommendations from family, friends and colleagues who have had work done and were satisfied with the results.

5. Start with quality building materials. When it comes to home renovation and construction, the adage, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts’”seems apt. While homeowners tend to get caught up in the aesthetics

of a project, such as finishings and paint colors, the key to a successful renovation often lies in what you won’t see. Investing in quality behind your walls will ensure durability, comfort and safety for years to come.

6. Focus on the basics.

This includes quality electrical, plumbing, HVAC, framing and drywall. Don’t underestimate the importance of insulation especially in a basement renovation. Not all insulation is created equal. Opt for insulation that is fire-resistant, sound absorbent and resistant to mold, mildew, bacterial growth, and rot. In my renovations, I like to use products like Roxul’s Comfortbatt and Comfortboard IS to help achieve a more energy efficient home, buy you valuable time in the event of a fire and prevent moisture issues that can pose health risks and lead to costly repairs.

7. Develop a good plan.

This includes preparing for the unexpected. Setting aside a 20 percent contingency fund will help bring you to the finish line when unanticipated issues creep up.

Lastly, the key to a successful renovation includes patience.

Living in a construction zone or alternately moving out while the work is done - can be stressful and trying. Keep your eyes on the prize. There’s nothing more rewarding than the end result, which can bring years of enjoyment and ultimately add to your home’s bottom line.

Scott McGillivray is an awardwinning TV host, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator. Follow him on Twitter @smcgillivray.

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN

REPAIR YOUR LAWN (METRO) Damage to a lawn may be indicative of various problems. Everything from insects to rodents to the family pet may be responsible for causing burnt patches, holes and other eyesores. Getting to the bottom of the problem is the first step in remediation. Burning and discoloration of the lawn is often a result of high concentrations of dog urine pooling in one area. Diluting the urine by hosing down areas of the lawn can clear up many problems.

Birds, raccoons, skunks, moles, and other rodents may feed on

grubs that reside just under the thatch of the lawn, and animals may tear up lawns in search of this delicacy. Treating the grub problem usually alleviates damage caused by animals. Mole crickets are another common lawn destroyer. These insects resemble crickets, but they burrow beneath the turf to feed on plant roots. The mole crickets can push up channels of turf as they burrow, exposing roots to the elements and causing the grass to die. Getting rid of the insects can revitalize the lawn. 

Friday, April 17, 2015

Cottage Gardens

By Tresa Erickson The best gardens are designed around some basic principles. There must be composition and harmony. There must be balance, proportion, texture and rhythm. There must be a focal point, and, of course, there must be color. The best gardens feature all of these principles in one way or another, including cottage gardens.

Cottage gardens are small gardens surrounding, you guessed it, a cottage or a small structure of some sort. Many are fenced and feature arbors, arches

or trellises. Most have walkways that wind their way through the garden and lead visitors to and fro.

Cottage gardens tend to be rather small and have several deep beds overflowing with plants of all scales. Plant types vary from flowers to grasses to trees and everything in-between.

Almost anything goes, but some of the most common choices for cottage gardens include: · Asters · Bee Balm · Bleeding Heart · Catmint · Coneflowers

· Coral Bells · Cornflowers · Daisies · Delphiniums · Foxglove · Garden Phlox · Geraniums · Goatsbeard · Hollyhocks · Hydrangeas · Irises · Lady’s Mantle · Lavender · Lilacs · Mock Orange · Peonies · Rosemary · Roses

· Sage · Snapdragons · Sundrops · Sweet Pepperbush · Tickseed

These are some of the plants experts recommend for cottage gardens. There are many others.

As noted earlier, almost anything goes in a cottage garden.

Just keep in mind the conditions where you intend to plant and choose accordingly. The right choices will set the stage for a garden that flourishes. 

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Friday, April 17, 2015

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

DOS AND DON’TS OF KITCHEN REMODELS

to walk across the entire kitchen to access the stove) or is unsafe.

Otherwise, minor upgrades may do the trick.

DON’T over-improve the space. A fully equipped commercial kitchen may be handy for a professional chef, but the average person may not need an industrial hood and indoor pizza oven. When you make excessive improvements, you may not be able to recoup as much of the money spent because your home will not be on par with the values of homes in the neighborhood.

DO make sure you can afford the project. Plan for some unexpected purchases and plan out the renovation according to your budget. Skimping on materials or design because of lack of money may leave you feeling dissatisfied afterward. 

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(METRO) According to Remodeling magazine’s “2014 Cost vs. Value Report,” a major kitchen remodeling project should enable homeowners to recoup 74.2 percent of their initial investments. Kitchen renovations have long been a safe way to improve the functionality and value of a home. But not every kitchen project is a guaranteed winner.

Homeowners may inadvertently make changes that end up sticking out like a sore thumb rather than improving the space. Take a look at these kitchen remodeling dos and don’ts to guide your next undertaking.

DO consider the way your kitchen will look with the rest of the home. Keep architectural integrity in mind when designing the space. A farmhouse sink and country cabinets can look out of place in an ultramodern home.

DON’T overlook the importance of a seasoned designer or architect. These pros will know the tricks to maximizing space and achieving the ideal layout of appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors.

DO look beyond surface details to the structural integrity of the design. The kitchen should be functional, longlasting and beautiful.

DON’T design just for today, but look to the future as well. Unless you are willing to spend $50,000 every five years, look for styles and materials that will last for the long haul.

Older homeowners may want to make adjustments now that address potential mobility issues down the road.

DO work with what you have. A complete demolition and renovation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. Only invest in major changes if something is not working (such as having

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PUT THE BEST FACE ON YOUR HOME APPRAISAL

By Craig W. Armstrong

People get their home appraised for many reasons. Most commonly, a home appraisal is part of the selling process.

Sometimes, a home appraisal is needed for insurance or refinancing purposes. No matter what the reason, there are things you can do to make your appraisal more successful.

Start by hiring a qualified, licensed appraiser in your state.

Ask for a referral from your real estate agent, insurance agent or loan officer. Once you decide on an appraiser, provide them with all the information they will need. Start by explaining the purpose for the appraisal. Next,

compile the paperwork. Some items you should have available are recent real estate tax bills, recent inspection reports, any surveys that have been done for your land and any written agreements related to the house.

Create a list of updates that have been made to the house. Provide the date of the updates and the costs involved. Did you have a new dishwasher installed?

ThatÕs an update. Consider anything you have done to increase the value of your home.

Condition counts. What the appraiser sees will set the tone for their appraisal. Start with the outside. Has the lawn been mowed? Are the bushes trimmed? How does the siding

PAGE 5

look? You want to make a good impression from the time the appraiser drives up. The same goes for the inside. You want to present a clean, organized home.

An appraiser doesn’t want to see work that needs to be done, like missing carpet, torn wallpaper, broken fixtures, missing tiles and so on. Keep the house at a comfortable temperature. If it’s summer, turn on the air conditioning, if it’s winter, turn on the furnace. In essence, you are trying to create a comfortable environment for the appraiser.

Make the appraisal process distraction free. This means cage

or remove pets from the home.

The same goes for the kids. Send them to Grandma’s for the day, if possible. Make yourself available to answer any questions, but for the most part, stay out of the way. The appraiser has a job to do and may want to avoid small talk, at least until the appraisal is done.

Having your house appraised can be stressful. The key is to be prepared. Try to anticipate the needs of your appraiser, supply them with all the information required and let them do their job. 

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 17, 2015

LONG LIVE THE GARDEN!

By Tresa Erickson

Go to any nursery, and you’ll come across a wide variety of annuals and perennials. Annuals are just what they sound like. They live for a short time and die. If you want them back in your garden the next season, you will have to replant them.

Perennials, on the other hand, are longer lasting. Many live for years, coming back season after

season. If you are hoping to give your landscape a boost this year, you might consider adding in some perennials.

There are hundreds of perennials. Some of the more popular choices include: · Asters · Beard Tongue · Calendula · Catmint · Chinese Hibiscus · Coneflowers

· Coral Bells · Coreopsis · Daisies · Dianthus · Fernleaf Bleeding Hearts · Forget-Me-Nots · Foxglove · Geraniums · Guara · Impatiens · Lavender · Peruvian Ivy · Rudbkeckia

· Sage · Salvia · Star Clusters · Sweet Alyssum · Verbena · Yarrow You can also plant some evergreens. These will stay green year-round. Some popular choices include the acacia tree, balsam fir, bristlecone pine, blue star juniper, dawn redwood, dwarf blue spruce, Frasier fir,

silver Korean fir, sweet bay and sweet olive. Hop bushes are another idea that will do well in poor conditions.

There are all kinds of options for keeping your garden colorful and thriving for as long as possible. For further suggestions for your area, see the friendly faces at your local nursery or garden center. 

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls (METRO) A home today must be more than just aesthetically pleasing. The costs of fuel consumption and extreme-storm damage, plus costs in the way of carbon footprints, are making all of us insist on far more property benefits, including superior durability and resilience from pending disasters.

“In that case, open the door to a home built with concrete reinforced walls, instead of wood, and see how you will receive greater safety, comfort, investment value, and energy efficiency,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in building

technology.

“Concrete is a major solution for weather extremes, and for more than a decade now, the building system using ICFs (insulated concrete forms) has proven to deliver the most durable building frame.”

The ICF principle is simple, Blyth says.

The walls are constructed with pre-assembled, interlocking units (similar to Lego), so they’re easily transported to any building site. Each form consists of two panels of thick foam (expanded polystyrene) connected

with a patented web system. Guided by the architectural design and beauty aspects you request, the ICFs are stacked, steel reinforced, and filled with concrete until the entire building envelope is complete.

Here’s a snapshot of additional building benefits: Disaster-resilient: ICF walls withstand winds of up to 402 kilometers per hour and give you a fire protection rating as long as four hours.

Energy efficiency: Premium insulation delivers an energy-efficiency rating as high as R-50 due to the thermal

mass of the concrete (compared to an average R-20 in wood structures), and that equates to reducing household energy bills by as much as 70 percent.

And if optional inserts are added to the ICF forms, this efficiency is improved even more.

Occupant comfort: Outside cold can easily travel through the typical wood-framed wall, causing uneven temperatures inside your home. However, the monolithic ICF wall eliminates drafts and cold spots and it is an effective sound barrier, filtering out unwanted noise.

Green living: Concrete is a sustainable material; trees are not needed; the system uses only recycled polymers and steel; the building process creates less waste than traditional methods; and the occupants use fewer fossil fuels for a much smaller carbon footprint.

Short- and long-term value: A concrete home is built to last and retain its value longer. In the short-term, the superior durability of concrete walls require less maintenance, repair and money to maintain than wood structures. 

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Friday, April 17, 2015

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

PAGE 7

SOUNDPROOF Gardens For The THAT MAN MIND, BODY CAVE

By Tresa Erickson

(METRO) Enjoy a jam session or watch an intense sports game with the boys without disturbing the rest of your house.

Soundproofing your man cave will ensure that the noise of male bonding, deep voices, loud music and cheering doesn’t disturb the entire household.

A simple solution to controlling noise is acoustic insulation. A mineral wool product, such as ROXUL Safe ‘n’ Sound,

offers sound absorbing qualities that will let you crank up your subwoofer and cheer and jump around when your favorite team scores.

Installing mineral wool insulation on the interior walls of your man cave or media room will control sound, delivering a place you can call your own sanctuary to hang out with the boys. 

Have you ever been to a nursing home and seen residents working in a garden? Chances are the residents were working in a therapeutic garden. Evidence suggests that gardening eases stress and provides numerous other health benefits, making it ideal for patients of all types.

Therapeutic gardens can be found in a number of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, assisted living residences, retirement communities, hospice centers and religious communities.

Some gardens are geared toward a specific condition, like Alzheimer’s disease or cancer. Others are geared toward a specific group, like seniors or veterans.

Almost all therapeutic gardens are designed to meet the needs

of patients as well as their family, friends and caregivers.

The plants in therapeutic gardens are usually non-toxic and easy to grow. Species that attract butterflies, hummingbirds and any other of Mother Nature’s glories are ideal. Who wouldn’t enjoy sitting in a garden and watching butterflies and hummingbirds flit about.

Therapeutic gardens offer many health benefits. Patients who have spent time in one have reported feeling better about themselves and life in general.

Gardening improves mood, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, increases the absorption of vitamin D and keeps disease at bay. It also burns calories, encourages healthier eating habits and improves fitness levels. It may even increase pain tolerance for those suffering from chronic

AND SOUL

pain. aging their patients to take up The benefits of therapeutic gardening, whether at home or gardening are too great to ig- in a therapeutic garden setting

nore. Therapeutic gardens have somewhere. Almost anyone can sprung up all over the world for benefit from gardening, whatpeople of all ages suffering ev- ever the state of their health.  erything from amputation to autism. Many health care providers have taken note and are encour-

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 17, 2015

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