Spring home & garden

april 2016

Spring

&GARDEN INSIDE NorthfieldNews.com NorthfieldNews.com The Ombre Effect .......... page 3 NorthfieldNews.com Lil Gardeners .................. page 4 Northfield News Design Underfoot ......... page 16

Look for Car Care on page 19

Faribault Daily News

Northfield News Northfield News

PAGE 2

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

April 2016

STORY INDEX

Just in time for

The Ombre effect ................................................................3 It’s you vs. them .................................................................4 Lil’ gardeners......................................................................4

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Character & charm..............................................................5 Repair & restore .................................................................6 Storage above .....................................................................7 Small space, big flavor ........................................................8 Installation done right .........................................................9 A batty idea ........................................................................10 Attracting nature’s speedsters.............................................11 Landscaping on a budget .....................................................12 Color choice .......................................................................14 Starting from seed ..............................................................14 Smooth once more ..............................................................15 Design underfoot ................................................................16 Totally transformed .............................................................17 So you want a vegetable garden? .........................................18

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The light’s on ......................................................................19 Look for this section on

A special project of the Northfield News 115 5th Street W, Northfield, MN 55057

A special project of the Faribault Daily News 514 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN, April 2016 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Northfield News and Faribault Daily News at no additional charge. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. All rights reserved. ©2016.

April 2016

By Tresa Erickson One of the hottest trends in hair coloring is the ombré effect, a graduation in color from roots to ends. The ombré effect is also hot in the interior design world, with many designers incorporating it into accessories and rooms.

Interested in giving it a go in your home? Here’s how.

Select three colors, preferably one light, one medium and one dark. For a subtle look, use three colors from the same color family, perhaps even from the same paint swatch. For a bold look, use whatever colors you desire.

Prep the room for paint and divide the walls into three sections. Select a color for each

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

section, dark to light or vice versa. Working on one wall at a time, paint each section the appropriate color. While the paint is still wet, lightly mist the edges of each band of color with water and use a dry brush to blend the colors together. Hold the brush at an angle and make small XÕs.

Keep blending until you achieve the desired result. You may also use a sea sponge or a rag to blend the paint. The trick is to move the paint in one general direction, either up or down depending upon how you want the colors to flow.

Some experts also suggest mixing each of the paints and applying a thin band of the mixed colors between the solid colors to help with the blending and provide more paint to move around.

If painting an entire room ombré does not suit you, why not try it in smaller doses. It’s easy to do with spray paint. With a few cans of spray paint and a little know-how, you can transform almost anything into an ombré masterpiece- furniture, mirrors, frames, vases and more. If it can be painted, you can make it ombré.

First, prep the piece for paint and select your colors.

Then apply the lightest color first all over the piece. While the paint is still wet, stand farther away and apply a light coat of the second color, making sure you move in one direction, either up or down depending upon your preference. Repeat with the third color, standing a bit father away.

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Continue in this fashion until you get the look you want.

If this is your first time working with paint, you might want to do a few practice runs to get a feel for creating the ombré effect. Try it on a scrap piece of drywall or a cardboard box.

Practice until you have a real feel for the effect and then give it a go! And, don’t forget. The ombré effect is not intended to be perfect. It is a graduation of color, which can vary around the room or piece.

The ombré effect isn’t just for hair. You can have it in your home on the walls, furniture, mirrors and more!

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN

By Craig W. Armstrong You work hard on your lawn. You seed, you fertilize, you mow and manicure, in other words you take pride in it. Then one day you see a mound of dirt and then another and another.

You take off your sunglasses and rub your eyes only to see damage from tunnels under your precious landscape. Your mind struggles to understand the situation…then you see him… the MOLE. You, my friend have just been drafted into a war for your lawn! Have moles invaded your life and laughed at your obsession to maintain a beautiful lawn? If so, here are a few ideas for taking back your land!

First, who is the mole?

Moles are insectivores, meaning they eat insects. They are especially partial to ants and insect

lava, but love earth worms and that’s probably why they have taken up residence under your yard. There are seven species of moles in the United States. The two most common moles are the eastern mole and the star-nosed mole.

Moles can dig 18 feet in hour and their tunnels can be just below the surface to 5 feet below your lawn. Moles like to dig in the early morning hours, midnight to 7:00 am or in the evening until midnight. Male moles are more active in the early part of the year, February and March, because they are looking for girl moles. Females on the other hand are more active in May and June because they need more food because they are nursing their young. Fun fact, moles can swim.

Keep in mind that the

number of dirt mounds that you find does not indict the number moles that have inhabited your yard. You may have few really hard working moles or several lazy critters.

So, now comes the big question, how do you get rid of them? Some non-lethal repellents might work, but to be sure your only two options are to trap them or poison them.

Mole traps are available at most hardware or lawn and garden stores. If you employ this tactic you will also be responsible for relocating your prisoner. There are “traps” that will kill the mole and this is also an option. You also have the option of using poison. However, with this tactic you run the risk of harming MOLES Continued on page 7

By Craig W. Armstrong

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Parents are always looking for ways to engage their children.

They want activities that they can share, time to teach them something and also listen to what they have to say. One way to achieve these things and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time is to introduce your kids to gardening. The younger you start them the better, because as we all know, teenagers think everything is stupid.

Some kids will jump right in while others might need to be convinced. If that is the case, lots of children’s books and TV shows involved anthropomorphic fruits and veggies. You can use these mediums to warm them up to the idea.

The key to successfully gaining their interest is to include them in the whole process.

That means including them in the planning process and getting their input on what to plant and where.

Even if you don’t go with their ideas, including them is important. Even if you don’t use their landscape blueprint, they should still have their own piece of land. If multiple children are gardening, they should each have their own area. Giving them their own area also solves the problem of what they want to plant. If it’s all carrots, then that’s what they get. It’s their plot of land. When decided where they will plant, make sure it is easily accessible for them to water, weed, tend and ultimately harvest. Also make sure it is far enough away from brother or sisters garden. Nothing will start a fight faster than trampling each other’s plants.

Make sure everyone has their own tools. Kid-sized gardening tools are available. Again, if multiple kids are involved, make sure everyone has their own tools. It will help give them a sense of ownership over their garden.

Growing things takes time, so consider recording the pro-

cess to keep the kids engaged.

With the popularity of smart phones, everyone has a video camera. Create videos of the kids working in the garden and progress as the plants grow. When they get bored, show them how far they have come by viewing the first videos.

When harvest time comes, make it an event. This is the culmination of their hard work, so make it a big deal. Let them help prepare the food they have grown and allow them to share their harvest with grandma and grandpa, friends and neighbors.

Speaking of friends and neighbors, getting kids involved in gardening isn’t just for mom and dad. It’s great for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and teachers too.

Involving children in gardening can teach them many things. It will show them the fruits of their labors (pun intended), give them a sense of pride and accomplishment and make them feel like a big kid.

April 2016

Character

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

& Charm

Take a look around your home. What do you see? Furniture, artwork and plants? Beyond that, what do you see? If you live in an older home, you might see a lot from the wainscoting in the dining room to the coffered ceiling in the living room. Generally, the older the home, the more charm and char-

molding and decorative molding. If you have a larger budget, a coffered ceiling will instantly add charm to any room.

Walk into any historic home, and you’ll see a lot of wood. You can make a big difference in your home simply by adding more wood with wainscoting, molding and more. You can upgrade the newel posts on stairs, replace fireplace mantels

chandeliers and some sconces to the wall for even more character.

Not too handy? No problem. You can add charm with accessories. You’ll uncover many unique finds at antique stores, consignment shops and thrift stores. You’ll also find some great vintage reproductions at big box stores. Check with family and friends as well. Who knows what heirlooms they might be willing

acter it has. While newer homes are nice and tend to come with fewer problems, they often lack in character. Today’s construction methods and materials are different, and the homes being built reflect that. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to put back some charm into a newer home.

Molding can do wonders for adding character, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Crown molding is fairly inexpensive, easy to install and can bring substantial charm to a room. So can chair rails, panel

with vintage ones and trade out carpet for hardwood. If hardwood is too expensive, consider laminate. It is budget-friendly, very durable and many brands resemble real hardwood.

Hardware and lighting are two more areas where you can easily and inexpensively add some charm. Shop around for vintage hardware and lighting as well as reproductions and install whatever you find. Trade out those cheap brass doorknobs for crystal doorknobs and those ceiling fans for chandeliers.

Add some medallions above the

to part with. Imagine how much more character you could add to your guest room with your aunt’s old antique brass bed and a colorful, old quilt on top.

There are dozens of things you can do to make a new home more charming. Consult design magazines and blogs for further tips. Have a look online. You’re sure to come up with all kinds of ideas in addition to the ones listed here.

By Tresa Erickson

PAGE 5

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN

April 2016

Repair & Restore

By Tresa Erickson Oh, how you love that old leather sofa in your den. Sure, it’s a bit beat up. The leather is cracked, the nailhead trim is tarnished and the cushions sag, but the frame is still in good condition. Why throw it out for a sofa that will take years to break in? Why indeed. Why not repair it instead?

With the economy still on the mend, more and more people are choosing to repair furniture rather than buy new. Some no longer have the credit to finance new furniture, while others prefer older furniture made of real wood. Whatever the reason, more people are looking to furniture repair and restoration services to bring their sofas, chairs, tables and more back to

life.

Depending upon the scope of the work that needs to be done, you may be able to tackle it yourself. You may be able to treat the leather on your sofa and replace the nailhead trim and cushions. You can probably find everything you need locally, and if you can’t, you can always look online. Purchasing parts online is not uncommon.

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However, you need to be careful. Not every seller you run into will be honest. Look for a reputable seller on a reputable site.

While you may be able to fix your beloved sofa, you may not be able to repair the broken leg on your baby grand piano.

For that, you might need the help of a professional. Again, reputation counts. Look for a reputable service that will back their work. That way, should something unforeseen happen, like another leg break when the piano is en route, the service will take care of it.

If you are dealing with an older piece in need of restoration, your great-grandmother’s pie safe, for example, you need to take extra care in selecting a service. Look for a reputable service that specializes in furniture restoration. The older the piece, the more valu-

able it may be, and the restorer must know how to proceed without reducing the value. As any appraiser will attest, stripping the original finish from an antique can decrease its value tremendously. Quality restoration services will be aware of this and take steps to preserve the original finish during the restoration work.

Keeping furniture in good condition is part of maintaining a home. You wouldn’t overlook a broken baluster on your stair- way, so why

overlook the sagging cushions on your sofa? Considering repairing your sofa, particularly if you love it so or are short on cash. In an economy that continues to struggle, the purchase of new furniture may not be an option for everyone. For those who cannot afford to buy new or simply do not want to, furniture repair and restoration may be the answer. Just make sure you do your homework and choose a reputable service that guarantees their work.

April 2016

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Storage Above

By Tresa Erickson We all have things we need to store. Many of us turn to our closets and drawers for storage, then to our garages and basements, and finally to our attics when all else is full. If you have an attic bursting at the seams, here are some tips for dealing with it.

Unlike drawers, closets, garages and basements, attics are not as easily accessible, and once something goes into them, it really is out of sight, out of mind.

Chances are there are a lot of forgotten items hiding in your attic, things you haven’t seen in a really long time, things you may not even need. To be sure, you will have to clear out the attic, drag everything downstairs and go through it.

Choose a good day to clear out the attic and grab some buddies to help. Don’t go it alone. It could take you many hours going up and down the stairs to get everything out, and if you are flying solo, you may just give up and call it quits.

Remove everything from the attic and take the time to sort through it. Have a keep pile, a donate pile and a trash pile and be ruthless in the sorting, retaining only what you need and MOLES Continued from page 4 pets, children or even yourself.

But if you’re feeling very mad scientist, follow safety guidelines and give it a try.

Getting back to using traps, you will need more than one. Remember, after your first capture or kill, your problem probably

use. If you haven’t seen or used an item in a year, you probably don’t need it. Donate it. If something is broken, toss it. Don’t set it back with the intentions that you will fix it when you have time. Chances are you will never find the time. The same goes for a sell pile. Don’t start one unless you know for certain that you will make the time to list the items or take them to a consignment shop.

When you are finished sorting, deal with the piles. Bag up the trash and drop it in the garbage bin or haul it away. Box up the donate items and take them to the nearest donation center. Box up the sell items and take them to the nearest consignment shop or list them for sale.

Plan a day to deal with the keep and follow through.

Pull out items that should not be stored in the attic due to extreme temperatures, candles, for example, and store them elsewhere. Then place like items together in plastic bins. Don’t use cardboard boxes, which can easily be penetrated by rodents, insects and dust. Label all bins for easier access.

Depending upon what isn’t over. You will need to relocate the traps and be patient. This can become a battle of wills, but intellect and opposable thumbs are on your side. Keep in mind, just because traps are mechanized and don’t employ the use of poison, they can still be dangerous. Use caution, especially around children and pets.

The mole is an insect eating,

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and how much you are storing in your attic, you may want to make an inventory. That way, you will know for certain what is and is not up there and won’t spend countless hours searching for something.

Once you have everything boxed and inventoried, you can start putting it back in the attic.

Don’t pile bins wherever. Place bins with items you use often near the door with plenty of room to get to them. Place bins with items you use less often, like Christmas decorations, farther back. If your attic does not have a floor, take extra care with storage. Put down some plywood for bins.

Attic storage is essential for many, especially those with few closets, no basement and a small garage. Maximize your attic’s storage potential by taking the time to clear it out and reorganizing everything in a more efficient way.

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By Craig W. Armstrong

You don’t have to live on a farm or even have a yard to grow your own food. All you need are some pots or other planting containers and some potting soil. Granted your harvest is not going to feed the masses but you can grow enough for yourself and probably a friend.

First, if you live in an apartment or other rented space, make sure that your landlord will be OK with it. Next, make sure you can provide your plants the sunlight they will require on a daily basis. Most vegetables need about 6 hours of sun per day, most herbs require less.

Let’s talk about herbs for a minute. If your green thumb is just ripening, herbs may be the way to go. You get the pleasure of eating what you grow and they require less skill to grow than vegetables.

Basil is a good herb to grow.

This herb is easy to grow, plus it tastes and smells great. Growing basil is a good way to test your watering skills. It’s relatively hardy and will bounce back if

you don’t water it enough. Other tasty herbs to grow include chives, cilantro, dill, mint and thyme. You can also give fluffy a treat by growing catnip.

Do you want to go beyond herb? You may want to start with leafy greens. These include lettuce, spinach, and the growing in popularity, kale. If you are feeling really brave you can plant small tomatoes, pepper or even green beans.

No matter what you choose to plant, if you are just starting out, plant seedlings. Let the pros get you started and buy what are called “toddler” herbs and vegetables. Find them at your local farmer’s market or nursery.

They will grow faster than seeds and have a lower degree of difficulty. Once you earn your wings or greens as it may be, you can plant from seed, but start slow and give yourself a chance to succeed.

Once you’ve decided what to grow and where to grow it, you’ll need pots and potting soil. Pots are not the only container used for planting, the key is to make sure you enough

depth and room for your plants to grow. Don’t plant a bunch of seedlings in one pot or container. If you do put a couple of plants together, make sure they are separated by several inches.

Also, when planting things together, make sure they have similar sun and water requirements. As for the potting soil, make sure it is formulated for containers…not gardens. If you have questions, ask someone at the greenhouse or hardware store.

Two rules about watering.

Don’t over water and make sure you have enough drainage. A good rule of thumb, or finger in this case, is to stick your finger in the pot and if the soil is dry an inch down…it’s time to water.

You want to water your herbs and vegetables, not soak them.

Much of your experience will be trial and error. But like most things in life, you learn from your mistakes. Once you are successful and you begin to eat what you have grown, you’ll be hooked. Have fun and enjoy the fruits, or vegetables of your labor.

April 2016

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

PAGE 9

Installation Done Right

By Tresa Erickson

Vinyl siding is a big investment, and when done right, it can add tremendous value to a home. If the time has come for you to side your home, make sure you choose the right installer. The best siding in the world won’t make up for poor installation. Here are some tips to ensure you select the best company for the job.

Ask around. Find out where friends and family got their siding done and how well the installation went. Browse ads as well.

The best companies will have informative websites and offer free estimates. When you have a list of potential installers, give them a call and set up an appointment.

Most will jump at the opportunity to send out someone to talk to you. If not, cross them off your list. If they are too busy to talk you now, they will most certain-

ly be too busy to talk you later down the road during installation.

When interviewing potential installers, make sure they are knowledgeable about their products and procedures. The salesperson should be able to show you the siding products the company offers as well as point out each product’s features, benefits and warranties. They should also walk you through the installation process and offer design assistance and solutions to your unique needs. Ask about licensing, insurance and certification.

Is everything in order? Can they provide a list of references? Do they seem easy to work with?

Before the salesperson leaves, make sure you get a written estimate. This should describe the work in detail, identify the products that will be used, and list all of the material and labor costs. It should also ad-

dress time and payment schedules. You should know exactly what you will be getting for your money from the prep work to the actual installation to the cleanup and when that will occur.

Whatever you do, don’t sign on the dotted line until you are ready. Thank the salesperson for their time and get ready for the next appointment. Once you have met with the companies on your list, do your homework.

Contact the references provided and find out how the installation went. Read some online reviews.

Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure no complaints have been lodged against the company.

Set up another meeting with the companies at the top of your list to discuss the job further. This is when you can talk money and make sure the financing is in order. If the price seems too steep, don’t be afraid

to say so. Chances are a deal can be made. You can also discuss design preferences and work scheduling. You don’t want to be on vacation when the installation begins on your home. Most jobs can be completed in less than a week, barring bad weather, and you’ll want to be there to ensure

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things are going as expected.

At this time, the salesperson should walk around your home with you and tell you exactly what will be done. They should describe the installation process from beginning to end and make sure all of your needs will be met.

It is crucial that you do this step

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With any luck, you will find an installer you like and trust.

Once you do, make sure you get a contract signed. Don’t wait unINSTALLATION Continued on page 15

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April 2016

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Gardens are made up of many things. They can be filled with fruits, vegetables, flowers and sometimes ceramic gnomes. Gardens can be also be used to attract birds and butterflies, but how about attracting something a little different?

How about attracting bats to your garden? These little guys get a bad rap and are experts at insect control. Read on, you may want bats to become a part of your landscape.

First, bats are wild animals and should not be caught or handled. The risk of getting rabies from a bat bite is minimal, but it does exist. Bats are not naturally aggressive, but like any wild animal, they will bite if they feel threatened. With that said, bats can be fascinating creatures to observe and as mentioned above, they are a natural insect disposal system. That is to say that they eat insects…a lot of insects. A small brown bat can eat more than 1,000 insect an hour.

Now imagine what a colony of bats can do. You would never have to buy insect repellent again.

Attracting bats requires a bat house. You can a buy a bat house or build your own. Many plans exist on the Internet for building your own bat house.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, do some homework and decide which layout is best for you.

If you are building your own bat house, there a few

things to keep in mind. Bats need warmth. They are like temperatures between 85 and 100 F. This means your bat house needs to be painted with dark colors, preferably black or dark gray. The color will absorb the sun make the house warmer.

The house should have a chamber at least 14 inches wide and a couple of feet tall. The landing area, or entrance, should be rough to aid in traction for

mount it to a structure, see if you can find a barn or another out of the way building. Trees seem like a good idea, but they are not. Trees make the bat house too vulnerable to predators like owls, birds of prey, snakes and other creatures that might enjoy a nice bat-snack.

When placing your bat house, it should be close to a water source like a ponds, creek or garden pond. Try to get the

the little bug-eaters. The house should also be water-proof.

Placement of your bat house is crucial. Because heat is so important to bats, the house should be placed somewhere that gets a lot of sunlight, all day long if possible. It should be off the ground at least 12 feet.

This will put it at a good landing height and also keep ground predators away. Mounting the house on a pole is a great idea.

They can be mounted to your house, but consider the bat droppings. If you do want to

structure within ? mile of water.

Other than making sure the house stays in good condition, the only real maintenance is cleaning up the bat guano (bat poop). But this is an upside to guano, it makes great fertilizer.

Again, remember that these are wild animals and should be observed and not caught, played with or touched.

So, is being a landlord to bats for you? It may not be for everyone, but for insect control and just plain coolness, bats can’t be beat.

April 2016

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

PAGE 11

Attracting Nature’s

By Craig W. Armstrong Their speed nearly defies the laws of physics, they travel a great distance to amaze you and they are one of nature’s most interesting creatures, they are hummingbirds. These birds that appear as blurs are joy to watch and you can attract them with certain flowers. So, if you like to grow flowers and want to witness nature’s flying speedsters, here’s how.

First, who are these blurry winged wonders? There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds and they are only found in the southeastern Alaska to southern Chile. Though they are not indigenous to North America, but they do visit every year, and that’s when you can attract them. However, before we get to that, a few more fascinating facts about hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds flap their

wings 90 times per second. Their name comes from the sound made by their wings, moving at that speed. Due to the speed of their wings, their heartbeat is estimated at more than 1,200 beats per minute. Their maneuverability is amazing. They can fly forward, backward, up, down and even upside down. They can hover, which is when they are mainly seen, by flapping in a figure eight pattern. Their diet consists of nectar, tree sap, insects and pollen.

High-performance athletes require large amounts of nutrition to fuel their bodies.

The same is true of the hummingbird. Because they expend so much energy with these feats of speed and aerial acrobatics, they require a lot of food. This is where you can entice them.

THE HOMEZONE OUTLET

cessible. The best way to do this is to layer them either shortest to tallest, front to back or shortest on the outside to highest in the middle of the bunch.

If you don’t have a green thumb you can purchase a hummingbird feeder. If you choose

Plant your blooms in a sunny area and make sure they flower from spring to fall. This will keep them coming back as long as possible. Hummingbirds are attracted to color, not scent.

The flowers you plant should be bright, colorful and have tubular flowers. Some of the best flowers to attract these winged wonders are; coral bills, nasturtium, foxglove, bleeding heart, bee balm, hollyhock and trumpet creeper, just to name a few.

When planting your flowers make sure they are easily ac-

Residential

this option you will need to make your own nectar. It’s easy, just boil water and stir in sugar. The ratio should be 1 part granulated sugar to 4 parts of water. This sweet concoction can be stored in your refrigeration for 2 weeks.

Because hummingbirds are attracted to color, some people will say to add food coloring to your nectar. This can actually harm the birds, so don’t do it.

Your feeder itself will be brightly colored and will serve as the attraction.

However, hummingbirds are not the only ones who will enjoy the nectar you created.

Both bees and ants will try their best to steal the sweets. Ants

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he same is true of the hummingbird.

Because they expend so much energy with these feats of speed and aerial acrobatics, they require a lot of food. This is where you can entice them.

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PAGE 12

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

April 2016

landscaping on a budget

Wouldn’t it be great to have a beautifully landscaped yard without breaking the bank? It’s possible by doing the work yourself, doing your homework, and planning ahead.

By Craig W. Armstrong

Like any successful project, making a plan is where to start.

Your plan should start with your design. What is your goal? Do you want beauty, functionality or both? Start by letting your imagination run wild, then start eliminating things that may not be cost effective or give you the result that you seek.

During the planning stage, you can consider consulting a landscape professional. This is going to cost and dig into your budget but it may be worth it. If the consultant can bill you based on an hourly rate, a couple hours of their time might be worth it.

If you do consult a professional, make sure you are prepared. This means having a plan of what you want, a list of questions and get

their estimate on cost.

Consulting doesn’t have to be formal. Consider talking to someone at your local green house, nursery or big box lawn and garden department. Just make sure their advice is free and don’t get pressured into buying from them.

When figuring your costs, remember that you get what your pay for. This means if you find material, plants, flowers, etc. that are unusually cheap, there is probably a reason. Some things can be skimped on to make ends meet, but the really important elements should be quality. What is an important element? That’s up to you.

Consider landscaping a journey and journeys take time.

This means you need to be patient and focus on quality, not

completion. Complete sections of your yard and that will allow you to buy material in phases. By focusing on a section at a time, you will have time to pay things off and thus not over extend yourself financially.

Being patient can pay off.

Consider making purchases in the off season. Annuals, perennials, mulch and even lumber can be cheaper in the winter months. It’s all about supply and demand. No one needs a bathing suit in the winter, that’s why if you can find one, it’s pretty cheap. Just make sure anything you buy long before you plant it can remain viable.

Online shopping isn’t just for clothing. You can find LANDSCAPING Continued on page 15

Spring Into Volunteering!

Nothing brightens our campus like springtime in bloom. Thanks to our residents, staff and a host of volunteers from throughout the community, our beautiful grounds lift our spirits and make us proud.

With new features planned for Pathways of Faith Park, we’ll be busier than ever keeping our 30‑acre campus looking sharp. Ready to help? Contact us today to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Call 507-664-3472 or email Milosha Malecha at mmalecha@ northfieldretirement.org for more information. Hooray for spring!

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN

April 2016

Starting from Seed

By Craig W. Armstrong

By Tresa Erickson When it comes time to paint a room, some people adopt a similar approach. They go to their local hardware store, find the paint swatches and stand there for some time contemplating the choices. Some may have an idea of the color they want and purchase a few samples, while others may be at a loss and take home whatever swatches interest them. Even then, selecting a color might be difficult. What’s a person to do?

First off, take it easy.

Choosing the wrong paint color is not the end of the world. You can paint again. Keep that in mind as you look for color cues.

Study the accessories, artwork and furniture in the room. Perhaps you can draw inspiration for the wall color from one of dark color for the walls to enyour favorite pieces—the yellow hance the viewing experience. in the weave of your sofa or the Consider lighting and the blue vase on your mantel, for color palettes of surrounding example. rooms. The more light there is Think about the purpose in the room, the darker or boldand mood of the room. Is it a er color you might be able to place to chat, watch TV or get choose. Look at the color of the work done? Is it lively or quiet? rooms that connect to the room Bolder colors will work well for you are painting and try to semore sociable areas like kitch- lect a complementary color. ens and dining rooms. Muted That way, you will not interrupt tones will work better for qui- the flow from room to room. eter areas like home offices and When selecting a color, bedrooms. If you are dealing with an entertainment room, COLOR you might want to choose a Continued on page 17

GET UP TO

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Many of us think we have green thumbs. We may have grown a flower, a tomato plant or maybe just kept a houseplant alive, but how green is your thumb, really? Growing from seeds is a challenge, even for the pros, but with some time and practice, you can do it. While your success means research as well as trial and error, here are few tips to get you started.

Experts agree that record keeping is very important. This starts by labeling your seeds. After your seeds are labeled, you will need to start a journal. The journal should contain when the seeds are sown (planted), when they germinate (sprout or begin to grow) and when they are ready for transplant. Of course you can add more information to your journal. It will make a great reference guide when you plant more seeds down the road. Plus, it’s a fun way to pretend you’re a real scientist, or in this case, a botanist.

If you need to store your seeds before planting, make sure they are kept in a cool dark place, like a refrigerator. Make sure they are labeled and bagged in separate plastic bags and of course properly labeled. When it comes time to plant there is a way to make sure the seeds are still good. Take a small amount of each type of seed and soak them in water for a few hours. Viable seeds will sink while dead seeds will float.

When planting your seeds make sure they have enough room to grow. Wide, shallow containers help prevent overcrowding and excessive moisture. Plastic pots are recommended over clay because they retain moister on a consistent basis.

These containers can be purchased, but used food containers and butter tubs work too. Just make sure you poke holes in the bottom for drainage.

Before using any container, make sure it is clean of pathogens. Soak it in 10% bleach for 15 min-

utes.

After planting the seeds, a layer a fine potting mix can be added. Just make sure the mix does not come between the seed and moisture.

Keeping seeds from getting over watered or under watered is a true balancing act. Plastic wrap can be put over the seeds to keep the moisture consistent. However, you still need to check them on a daily basis. If rehydration is needed in the

entire pot, place it in 2 inches of warm water and let the soil absorb the moisture from the bottom.

If only the surface needs water, you can spray it lightly with a spray bottle.

Of course your seeds will need sunlight and will not germinate without it. Try to place them in a spot that gets sunlight at least 12 hours per day.

Once a shoot emerges from the seed and leaves develop, it is time to fertilize. This too is a balancing act. Half strength liquid fertilizer is recommended, but check with your local green house or hardware store lawn and garden department. This is a crucial time, so consult an expert.

The last step is to acclimate your seedlings to the outdoors. This should be done gradually over a few days. You are basically getting the plant used to direct sunlight.

It sounds like a lot of work and it is, but imagine the satisfaction. Growing plants this way is not for everyone, but with research, patients and perseverance it can be done. Are you up for the challenge?

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN

SMOOTH

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INSTALLATION Continued from page 9 til it’s too late and the installer is all booked up. Call as soon as you make your selection and be prepared to put down a deposit.

Choosing the right siding installer takes time. Don’t rush the process. Siding is too big of an investment to take a chance on the installation. When you choose a company and the job begins, do what you can to assist the crew. Open up your home to them if you live in a remote area or temperatures are extreme. The

crew will probably work from sunup to sundown, and giving them access to a bathroom or a shady porch will make the day easier for them.

When the job is done, take the time to review the work and let the foreman or project manager know if anything else needs done. Call, email or text any concerns you have. Don’t let things go for six months and then get in touch with the company and expect the crew to come rushing

to your aid. Chances are they will be on another job, and you will have to wait, and wait, and wait.

Speak up and get everything completed to your satisfaction as soon as possible. And, remember, if you’ve chosen wisely, everything should go well and end well.

to build a cool sculpture or statement piece.

Finally, networking can be great for lots of reasons. It’s a great way to learn, share ideas and maybe even save some money. Buying in bulk and splitting the material might save you a few bucks and having that friend help with the labor would be pretty nice too. However, you need to

return the favor and help them as well. You will also build relationships with people who have common goals and interests.

DIY landscaping doesn’t have to be overwhelming or put you in debt. Do your homework, take your time, get some help and most of all, enjoy yourself.

LANDSCAPING Continued from page 12 some great bargains on what you might need for landscaping. Surf the net and uncover some deals.

Think outside the box. If you look around and make some contacts you might be able to find material that’s free. Free compost and leftovers from construction sites are real options.

Also consider junk yards. They can be great places for material

Once More Spring

By Tresa Erickson Build a house, and you may just get everything you want. Buy a house, and there will probably be some things you want to change. Maybe you’d rather have hardwood than carpet or a tiled backsplash in the kitchen. One thing that many homeowners long to change is textured walls. While texture can hide imperfections, it does not appeal to everyone.

It can be difficult to clean and paint, and depending upon the quality of the application, it may not be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. If you are considering smoothing out some of the textured surfaces in your home, follow these tips.

Gather everything you will need, including a couple of sanders and loads of drop cloths to catch the mess. You can purchase or rent a drywall sander and a pole sander. Don’t use a regular sander. It will take

longer, and it will create a bigger mess. Drywall sanders have vacuum attachments to suck up the dust. You will also need loads of coarse, medium and fine-grit sandpaper, as well as a dusk mask and eye protection. Don’t forgo the mask and eye protection. All of the dust swirling could easily lead to a sinus or eye infection. Finally, you will need some primer, paintbrushes, rollers and trays, as well as a trowel, putty knife and some joint compound.

First up will be the sanding. Even with all of the best precautions—heavy drop cloths and a drywall sander—this step will be messy. Move everything possible out of the room, cover whatever remains including light fixtures, tape down some drop cloths, and prepare for the dust to fly!

Strap on your dust mask and goggles, and grab that pole sander. Use it to scrape off large, heavy chunks of texture. Then

get out the drywall sander and get to work. Start on one wall and work your way around the room, being careful not to press too hard and damage the walls.

Make sure you stop from time to time to change out the sandpaper.

When you have made your way around the room, you can start cleaning up the mess. Take the drop cloths outside and shake them out. Then grab a bucket of water and wash down the walls. Now you are ready to prime the walls.

When the primer has dried, you can apply joint compound to the walls to fill in any holes and even out the surface.

Apply one coat and let it dry.

Then apply a second coat. Sand the walls once more with your pole sander, this time using low-grit sandpaper. Now you have smooth walls that you can paint as you wish.

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PAGE 16

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Design Underfoot

When painting

hardwood floors, think about color as well as pattern... using various finishes and glazes for unique designs.

Hire an artist to create the look of a marbled floor with paint.

By Tresa Erickson

Hardwood floors are all the rage these days, and most people prefer them au naturel.

Sometimes, however, au naturel doesn’t work. The hardwood floors may not be in good enough condition to be refinished or be mismatched from various repairs made over the years. In instances like these, the best option might be to paint the hardwood.

In the 1700s, it was not uncommon to find hardwood floors painted white, yellow, red and green. Paint protected the wide planks of wood from the hardsoled boots and shoes worn by people of the time. Today, painted hardwood floors are starting to make a comeback, and the key to durability is the layering of thin coats. Three thin coats of paint layered on top of each other will wear better than one thick coat of paint.

Painting hardwood floors is no different than painting any other surface. You can paint it all one color or multiple colors for a different look. You can create faux finishes or patterns if you wish. Who doesn’t like the look of a black and white checked

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floor? Painted hardwood floors not only look nice but can solve some design issues. A big geometric pattern can make a small room look larger, while vertical stripes can lengthen a room.

When painting hardwood floors, think about color as well as pattern. Consider using various finishes and glazes for unique designs. Love the look of marble but can’t afford it? No problem. Hire an artist to create the look of a marbled floor with paint.

For the best results, you will

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want to prep the floor well. Sand it down with 150-grit sandpaper.

Repair all cracks and depressions. Then wash the floor to remove all dirt, dust and debris.

Allow the floor to dry and then apply a primer. Give the primer ample time to dry and then sand the floor lightly with 220-grit sandpaper for better adherence.

Wipe down the floor again and apply a thin coat of paint with a natural-bristle brush for a smooth finish. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours and then apply another coat. Repeat twice more

April 2016

and add a couple coats of polyurethane for protection. Otherwise, heavy foot traffic will wear down the paint quickly and give your floors a soft patina. Give the polyurethane six months to cure and apply one final coat.

Painting hardwood floors is not difficult or expensive, and it can add interest to a room and disguise defects. However, it is not for everyone. Make sure it is what you want, because once you paint the floor, removing it won’t be easy.

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April 2016

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

PAGE 17

COLOR Continued from page 14

Soil settles, tree roots expand, rain falls, the sun beats down, and before you know it, your driveway has not one but several cracks. Replacing the whole driveway can be expensive. Repairing the cracks can be much more cost effective, but the results may be unsightly. The best solution might be to repair the cracks and resurface the driveway.

Resurfacing is essentially applying a new layer of concrete over the existing slab. It only takes a few days, and if done right, it can make your driveway look like new. The first step is to repair the cracks, and in order for them not to resurface, you must repair them right. Grind them

out. Then give the whole driveway a good cleaning.

This will ensure good adhesion of the concrete resurfacer later. Use a power washer to remove all dirt, debris, oil, grease and loose concrete. Pay special attention to the cracks, making sure all debris has been removed. Finally, fill the cracks with concrete epoxy. This will bond the broken slabs together and keep the cracks from reappearing.

In order to resurface the driveway, you will need a concrete resurfacer.

Regular concrete will not do. It may cost less, but it has no bonding agents and will not adhere to the slab.

Be prepared to spend the amount needed for a quality concrete resurfacer.

Most brands come in gray,

but if you desire, you may have the resurfacer tinted.

Ask the salesperson for assistance with tinting the resurfacer of your choice.

Check the weather and choose a good day for application. The temperature must be 50º or above on the day of and 40º or above in the day following, with no rain for at least eight hours after application. You may also want to gather a few friends to assist you. Resurfacing an entire driveway is a lot of work.

Before you get started, there is some prep work you should do.

Sweep your driveway, and if needed, clean it again.

Then fill all expansion and control joints with weather stripping to prevent the concrete resurfacer from

getting into them. Finally, mix the resurfacer according to the manufacturer’s directions. You want a syrup consistency.

When you are ready for application, pour the resurfacer onto the slab in one-foot wide strips and use a long-handled squeegee to scrub it in and spread it back and forth.

Wait five minutes and then use a concrete broom to apply a non-slip finish.

Mist it with water for the next 24 to 48 hours to cure it.

Stand back and admire your new driveway.

You should be able to walk on it in six to eight hours and park on it in 24 to 48 hours.

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don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. If you see a bright teal that you like, consider using it.

It does not have to be on every wall. Try it on the trim, ceiling or just one accent wall. Consider using glazes or different finishes to add depth and texture to the room. Use flat paint on the walls and satin on the trim for a twist.

When you have narrowed down your color choices, take the time to test them out. Get some samples and paint some large patches on the wall. Look at the samples in the morning, afternoon and evening. Compare them in different lighting and against items already in the room to determine what is going to be a good fit.

Selecting a paint color takes time. Don’t expect it to happen in a few minutes. While it is possible, it is not likely. Explore all of your options, and should you run across a program that will allow you to import a photo of the room and paint the walls virtually, do it. It will be far easier to see how the room will look on the screen than it will be to envision it in your head.

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PAGE 18

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

So You Want a

By Craig W. Armstrong For most people creating something comes with great satisfaction. Growing your own food takes that satisfaction to the next level. Many people choose to buy their food, but if you ever thought of growing your own, here are few tips to get you started.

Because your success in growing vegetables is not a matter of life or death, if you fail just run to the store, your goal should be to have fun. Go into your first vegetable garden by looking at it as a learning experience. Your job is to enjoy the journey.

The first thing to consider when planning your garden is sunlight. We all need it, especially our plants. A good rule of thumb is 6 hours. Most vegetables grow to their full potential with minimum

April 2016

Vegetable Garden?

of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

While this is a good rule to keepin-mind, not all veggies require the same amount of sun exposure. For example, leafy crops like our friend spinach does fairly well in shaded areas. Root crops such as carrots and radishes need more sun than their leafy counterparts, but can still thrive with less than 6 hours of sunlight. However, fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers love the sun and require lots of it.

Next consider drainage. We all know that plants need water, but they also need air. Water drainage depends on your soil. Sandy soils drain better than soils heavy in clay. Therefore, when planning the area for your garden, consider the soil, it’s critical to your success. A way to ensure you get the soil with the best drainage is to use raised garden beds. Essentially you are

creating a box full of soil and planting inside of it. Many vegetable gardens are grown this way and it’s great for beginners.

Size matters, especially for your first vegetable garden. The size of your garden should be based on how much time you are willing to spend “tending” it, how much space you have and how much money you want to invest.

Have a plan. Grab some paper and do a layout of your garden.

A few things to keep in mind are leaving enough room for your plants to grow, leaving room for you to work within the garden and access for transporting things to the garden.

You will need to choose between planting by seed or transplant. Many people like to plant from seed because of the challenge. It’s up to you, remember

this is learning process.

This is very brief lesson in growing your own. You will want to do your homework, talk to people who have gardening experience and the folks at the local greenhouse or retailer.

Growing your own food can give you great satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment. It doesn’t have to be hard or stressful. Enjoy the process and grow vegetables that you enjoy, but always remember if you fail, there’s always pizza delivery.

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April 2016

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

PAGE 19

The Light’s On

By Tresa Erickson You slide into your vehicle after a long day at work, eager to get home, kick off your shoes and take it easy, when you see it. One of the warning lights on your instrument panel is shining bright, indicating that all is not well with your vehicle. Ugh! The instrument panels on most vehicles consist of a variety of red and yellow lights that let drivers know when there is a problem with their vehicle.

Some lights are more cause for concern than others. Here is a brief description of the warning lights you might see on your vehicle and what you should do in the event they occur.

Service Engine Soon This light may also be labeled “Check Engine” and can be triggered by any number of problems from a loose gas cap to a legitimate issue with the engine. As long as

your vehicle drives fine, there is no reason for you to panic. You should have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

Air Bag Readiness This light indicates there is a problem with your air bags and you need to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Don’t ignore the warning and take a chance on air bag failure in an accident.

Anti-Lock or ABS This light indicates the anti-lock feature on your brakes has been disabled and you should have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Your brakes will continue to work, but if you get into a situation where you have to brake hard, the wheels could lock up.

Engine Oil This light indicates the oil pressure is low and you need to have your vehicle serviced immediately. Don’t ignore the warning and continue to drive your vehicle, or you could risk extensive damage to

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Low Engine Coolant This light indicates the engine coolant is low and you should address the problem right away. Shut off your vehicle, wait for the engine to cool and then check the coolant level. Add some if needed.

The light may go off. If it doesn’t, you should have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

Engine Coolant Temperature This light indicates the temperature of the engine is beyond the safe maximum and you should have your vehicle serviced immediately. Don’t ignore the warning and continue to drive your vehicle, or you could risk extensive damage to the engine.

Battery Voltage This light indicates the battery is no longer being charged and you should address the problem right away.

You have about 20 minutes of driving left before your vehicle

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shuts down completely, so you should turn off all unnecessary electrical accessories and have the battery checked. You may just need a new battery, or you could be experiencing some other problem with your electrical system.

Warning lights can come on at any moment when you are driving. Take them seriously, and if you don’t know what one means, consult your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Of all of the warning lights, the ones monitoring the engine oil, engine coolant and battery are the most serious. You should take prompt action the moment these occur to prevent breaking down on the side of the road and damaging your vehicle.

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PAGE 20

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

April 2016

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