All Things Spring 2024

SPRING CLEANING?

Be sure you recycle right

By Debbie Gardner dgardner@thereminder.com

Doing a little spring cleaning? Have your efforts turned up a pile of past-their-usefulness sheets and blankets or shirts and socks that have seen better days? How about old books and toys, or cookware and tools?

If the items are still in good condition organizations like Savers at 135 Memorial Ave. in West Springfield – which even takes books – or the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center at 327 Liberty St. in downtown Springfield, or Goodwill, with an outlet in Northampton at 91 Bridge Rd., will happily find new homes for unwanted goods and clothing through their stores. Other community nonprofits

that help support their mission through thrift store sales, such as the Survival Center in Indian Orchard and Dakin Humane Society’s Diamond in the Ruff Shop in Springfield, present other options for giving cast-off goods new life.

But if the items are too far gone for viable reuse, what are the options? In January, Massachusetts instituted some new rulings regarding what is considered recyclable and what’s considered trash for landfills in the state. And that can leave many questioning, “What do I do with this?”

There’s no question there’s a push in Massachusetts to increase reuse and recycling of the nearly 8 million tons of solid waste MassGov.org said is produced in the state each year. Right now, statistics indicate about one-third of that waste is recycled or composted. But the goal is to reduce that by 30% by 2030, according to the ambitious Massachusetts Solid Waste Master Plan (https:// www.mass.gov/guides/solid-waste-mas-

ter-plan)

According to Elizabeth Bone, recycling coordinator for East Longmeadow, for almost everything you come across there’s now a path toward recycling. “There are more additions than exclusions [in recycling],” Bone told Reminder Publishing. “For example, now the state has mandated to recycle your mattresses and all your textiles – before it was recommended but it was not a regulation. Batteries have to be recycled, along with construction debris and of course, hard plastics.”

The hard plastics, Bone continued, are the items most consumers understand how to handle, as they are recycled through community curbside collections, where the numbers on the bottom indicate how the items are grouped for resale to recyclers. “[The numbers] have nothing to do with the type of plastic” and whether or not it is recyclable, which is a common misconception, Bone explained. “If your town doesn’t accept

number 7, it’s because they don’t have a way to recycle it.”

What’s considered ‘textiles’ under the new rule?

Bone said the new textiles recycling mandate – which went into effect Jan. 1 – is the one that gives most people pause. “I would say people are not aware of everything that encompasses what textiles are … your couch cushion is a textile which could and should be recycled. People think shirts are the only textile, but sheets and pillows and curtains and shoes [are considered textiles as well],” Bone said. Collection hubs such as the Salvation Army sort out what’s usable and “sell on what isn’t to make rags and insulation,” Bone added.

Though local cities and towns all

Newtique - a not-so-new home decor trend

By Tina Lesniak Correspondent

The arrival of spring often sparks the need for a home refresh. Still, decorating a home – even just a refresh – can take significant time, care and consideration. Following the latest decorating trend can make the decorating process something that has to be done every few years. The Newtique trend in home decor pushes for combining the old with the new and making a home a personalized place to be cherished, not one that has to be updated constantly.

“I am always a fan of any trend that makes people rethink how they decorate and buy for their home, especially when it shines a light on repurposing something rather than buying something new,” explained Chrissy Fazio, owner of The Living Room in East Longmeadow. Her shop features a wide range of products from homemade goods and new gift items to vintage and antique pieces, just the kind of eclectic blend that the Newtique trend encourages.

Honoring craftsmanship

One of the motivating factors for this trend is that vintage and antique items tend to be of a higher quality and are longer lasting than the newer versions of the same item.

“We hear over and over how they just don’t make things like they used to,” explained Sharon Ensign, owner of Re-Inspired in Southwick, a business that sells furniture and offers home design services. “With many furniture and decor pieces being mass-produced, the quality has diminished significantly. Re-purposing and/ or updating furniture and decor

See NEWTIQUE on page 6

Blending old and new furnishing styles and accenting with an eclectic mix of pieces, as seen in these vignettes from Re-Inspired in Southwick, are the hallmarks of the ‘Newtique’ style of home decor, a trend that’s growing in popularity.

Photo Credit: Sharon Ensign, Re-Inspired, Southwick

Planning a day trip? Check out the Trustees

By Debbie Gardner dgardner@thereminder.com

With 120 properties across Massachusetts under its purview, the Trustees of Reservations may be one of the best-kept getaway secrets in the state. From hiking trails and campgrounds to working farms and historic homes, the nonprofit organization offers residents a plethora of ways to experience culture, history and the outdoors – some free and others at very affordable prices.

“The interesting thing about the Trustees is you’ve almost certainly been to one of our properties, but you just haven’t realized it,” said Sarah Cassell, managing director of marketing and communications for the Trustees.

“We’re the nation’s first and the state’s largest land conservation nonprofit that’s been around for 130 years and yet the depth and breadth of what we do still surprises many people.

“While most people know us for our hiking trails and Crane Beach, we also have five working farms, close to a dozen summer camps, two art museums, a collection of historic houses and more than 5,000 programs a year that range from cooking classes to outdoor yoga to learning about the effects of climate change,” Cassell continued. “And all of the revenue generated from membership and programming goes into helping keep more than 120 properties across Massachusetts open and accessible today, and for future generations.”

A trailblazing vision

The model for today’s National Register of Historic Places, as well as 1,600 land trusts throughout the U.S., the Trustees of Reservations [known then as

See TRUSTEES on page 5

Top: Sunset at Crane Beach | Photo by Sarah Rydgren; Courtesy of The Trustees Above Left: World’s End | Photo by Richard Heath; Courtesy of The Trustees Above Right: Powisset Farms | Photo by Peter Marotta; Courtesy of The Trustees

have recycling programs, “textiles are not recyclable at your curbside,” Bone said. “You need to contact your town to find out if they have a textile bin somewhere [for recycling].”

Upcoming textile recycling events

Easthampton is one local community that is providing an outlet to comply with the new recycling regulation. On April 1, the town, in conjunction with the Red Cross, installed a textile recycling bin at City Hall, located at 50 Payson Ave. The bin is part of a pilot program to increase recycling options in the city and should be in the location for six to 12 months.

“This is a great step that we can do right now,” Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said. “We like taking action here, so let’s take a step forward for something residents have asked for.”

In Hampden, on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a three-truck recycling fundraising event at the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen St.

• Hartsprings Foundation will be accepting clothing, all cloth items, bedding, linens, towels, shoes and purses. Boxed items holding books, kitchenware, breakable knickknacks, small appliances, small speakers, sporting goods and toys also accepted.

• Gold Circuit E-cycling will be accepting electronics and other

Trustees

Continued from page 4

Trustees of Public Reservations] was founded in Boston in 1891 by “pioneering landscape architect and open space visionary Charles Eliot,” according to information on their website. Today the Trustees oversee and maintain 350-plus miles of trails, 75 miles of protected and accessible coastline, 14 designed landscapes, 15 parks, 81 ecological landscapes, 56 community gardens and five working farms. They also oversee six National Historic Landmarks, 10 National Historic Places, a Natural Historic site and 340 buildings, 11 of which are historic homesteads.

People-pleasing properties

“Without a doubt, Crane Beach in Ipswich is our most popular property,” said Cassell. “It’s consistently rated as one of the best beaches in New England and you can combine a beach visit with a stroll up to Castle Hill to explore a 59-room Stuart-style mansion and the meticulously kept grounds and restored gardens surrounding it.

“World’s End in Hingham is another extremely popular spot,” Cassell continued. “Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and once considered as a potential site for a United Nations headquarters, its drumlins and unsurpassed water views offer a spectacular hike and an unmatched view of the Boston skyline.

“Powisset Farm [in Dover] is a popular spot in the Metro West area hosting farm dinners and offering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares,” Cassell noted. “And Naumkeag [in Stockbridge] is the jewel of the Berkshires, where people can explore 48 acres of elegant and varied gardens before heading into the Gilded Age style cottage.”

Other popular Trustees properties include The Field House, a mid-century modern bed-andbreakfast and historic museum in Williamstown, deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum just west of Boston, featuring dozens of outdoor sculptures and interactive exhibitions that entertain kids and adults alike, the Inn at Castle Hill, a bed-and-breakfast on the Crane estate and the new bungalow tents at Dune’s Edge campground

recycling for a charge.

$15 charge – LCD monitors, printers, copiers, Fax, projectors, receivers, amplifiers, radios, toasters, coffee makers, etc.

$25 charge – CRT tube, TVs no matter the size, monitors, rear projection TVs, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, office printer, copiers, exercise equipment, lawn mowers, table, chairs, small desk, nightstand, end tables or small bookshelf.

$50 charge – Mattress, box spring, recliner, futon, dresser, large desk, table and four chairs, and large bookshelf.

$100 charge – three-cushion couch, sofa, two-cushion loveseat or sectional.

• Pro-shred will also be on-site offering shredding services for $10 per copy paper-size box.

In Longmeadow, the Longmeadow Shops will host clothing and textile collection in cooperation with Hartsprings on Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Hartsprings truck will be parked near the athletic fields and the driver will offer help to get bags and boxes out of cars. Accepted items for donation include clothing, linens, hats, shoes, belts, towels, curtains, drapes, other cloth items, toys, sports equipment and small appliances. All items must be placed in bags or boxes.

In East Longmeadow, The East Longmeadow Scholarship Foundation is hosting a FUNDrive collecting bags of gently used clothing and small boxed household goods on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to noon in the front loop driveway of East Longmeadow High School.

in Provincetown.

“Visiting our website, www. thetrustees.org, is the most efficient way to see everything we have to offer,” said Cassell. “People can search properties near them, find upcoming events and programming and learn about becoming a member. The property search function can be done geographically, or you can search for woodlands, coastal properties, farms, etc. … While there’s a heavy concentration on the North Shore, we also have a lot of properties on the South Shore, Metro West, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, central Mass., the Pioneer Valley, and the Berkshires. There’s truly something for everyone in every corner of the state.”

Membership, Cassell explained, provides free or reduced admissions to 100 properties, discounts at the Trustees’ bedand-breakfast and campground properties as well as on hundreds of the events and programs for adults and kids. It also affords members 10% off equipment rentals at myriad properties and 20% discount days throughout the year. In addition, members get a subscription to Special Places, the Trustees quarterly magazine with information on upcoming special events and programming. Family memberships are $70 per year through April 30, with an increase planned in May, Cassell said.

In our backyard

Looking to explore something close to home this spring? The Trustees of Reservations manage the following properties in the greater Springfield area. Check out what they have to offer, and some upcoming special events. For safety the Trustees strongly recommend downloading or printing out the map for any property before setting out on a hike, and letting someone know where you plan to go.

• Land of Providence, Holyoke –This 25-acre tract, donated by the Sisters of Providence, is farmed in partnership with Nuestras Raices (Our Roots) which promotes urban farming. Visitors can picnic along the Connecticut River and learn about community farming. Open April 1- Nov. 30, sunrise to sunset.

• Peaked Mountain, Monson –Explore the trails in this former working forest and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Wachu-

In addition, BayStateTextiles has drop off locations in multiple towns across the state, including Palmer and Wilbraham. Search for locations at https://www.baystatetextiles.com/

What about the other stuff?

There’s undoubtedly more than just textiles in that pile of spring cleaning. So, what do you do with things that can’t go into the weekly blue bin, a textile recycling event or one of the organizations that operates thrift shops? The Mass.gov website has a section on recycling that provides links to where to recycle items such as building materials, electronics (your local Staples will take many electronics, call for a listing), hazardous waste and foam plastics. To access the links, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-where-to-recycle

There is also a local website that has curated an extensive listing of area places and organizations that will take items for reuse or resale, offer repair services for items like bicycles and watches, or recycling. Check the “and more” tab for additional recycling information and resources. You can access this list at https:// whotakeswhat.wordpress.com/in

dex-of-places/

In addition the website, Recy

cleWorks allows you to select a type of material to recycle, and it will locate a facility within a spec

ified distance that will take your items. Visit https://recyclingworksma.com/about-recycling

works/ for more information.

sett to Vermont’s Green Mountains from the summit. Open year-round.

*Peaked Mountain Full Moon Guided Hikes – Thursday, May 4 and Saturday, June 3, 7-10 p.m. Guided hike includes headlamp. $20 members, $25 non-members. Info: 978-338-1136

• Dinosaur footprints, Holyoke –Discovered in 1802, this 8-acre tract offers views of some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in the Northeast. These tracks are the first to have been scientifically described. Open April 1-Nov. 30, dawn to dusk.

• Little Tom Mountain, Holyoke

– A mere 10-minute drive from Springfield, Little Tom is one of the most ecologically significant spaces in the Connecticut River Valley, and home to rare species of reptiles and amphibians.

• Mount Warner, North Hadley – This 500-acres swath, crisscrossed by old farming cart paths and logging roads, sits between Amherst College and the Connecticut River. Free, open daily sunrise to sunset, year-round.

*Birding at Mount Warner –Sunday, June 4, 9-11 a.m., with naturalist. $20 members, $25 non-members. Info: 978-3381136

*Yoga In Nature at Mount Warner – Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.- noon. A short walk followed by a yoga practice. Bring yoga mat or blanket. $20 members, $25 non-members; Info: 798-338-1136.

• Quinebaug Woods, Holland –The one-mile loop trail follows the Quinebaug River before turning west over the “Hogback.” Free. Open year ‘round sunrise to sunset.

• Rock Horse Reservation, West Brookfield – The glacier-arranged boulders and man-made pond create a unique landscape on this 296-acre tract. Explore the three miles of trails and roads. Free. Open year ‘round sunrise to sunset.

• Tantiusques, Sturbridge – Tantiusques is a Nipmuc word meaning “to a black deposit between two hills” – and the loop trail leads to a spur that takes hikers to the site of the first graphite/lead mine in New England. Free. Open year ‘round sunrise to sunset.

• Petticoat Hill, Williamsburg –Petticoat Hill is one of three hills that rise 1,000 feet above south Williamsburg. The one and onehalf mile trail is strenuous. Free. Open year ‘round sunrise to sun

set.

Quaboag

Honing your style

Combining vintage and antique pieces moves people away from cookie-cutter design philosophy, such as buying a whole bedroom set, and encourages homeowners to really focus on pieces that they enjoy, that serve the purposes they need and that truly reflect their own styles.

“I am grateful to say that gone are the days of the matchymatchy furniture sets, buying everything new all at once and creating rooms that look like furniture showrooms,” said Ensign. “At Re-Inspired, I encourage my customers to take their time with the decorating process, to search for and curate pieces that reflect who they are. It is the eclectic mix of the old, the new and collected furniture and decor that can help create a home that is interesting, functional and tells your story.”

Over the last few years, the Newtique movement has really taken off and store owners like Fazio and Ensign are seeing more of their customers seeking out more curated rooms and personalized touches.

“I love adding a bit of history to every room of my home, whether it is a beautiful, solid oak bed frame or a quilt that someone spent hours creating,” explained Fazio. “There are so many ways to add warmth and a unique oneof-a-kind piece of history.”

Adding ‘little touches’

While those unique additions can be bigger items like pieces of furniture, they can also be smaller items like picture frames, vintage lamps and glassware. The goal is to bring together a wide range of

items that the homeowner likes to create an overall aesthetic that reflects their personalities.

For homeowners who may have a harder time putting the whole package together, Fazio encourages them to come and look at a shop like hers for ideas on how to combine different items.

“The reason The Living Room is such a unique shop is that it is set up like a home,” explained Fazio.” Each room showcases items and how they can be displayed in your own home, including a kitchen, bathroom, and of course, living room, and I believe that helps the customer see how it will work when they get it home.”

Think ‘work in process’

The process can require a lot of moving pieces and trying things out, but ultimately the final project will be a space that better reflects an individual’s style. Simple changes to vintage pieces can also help them to blend in more seamlessly with newer pieces.

“Creating vignettes with

antiques, vintage and new with complimentary shapes, colors and textures is the best way to blend it all,” said Ensign “Re-inspiring with paint, changing out hardware, and re-purposing are all ways to update pieces and make them relevant for today.”

Working with the Newtique trend will take time and patience as homeowners seek out the perfect pieces and test out how they look in their rooms. For those just starting out, this can seem daunting but both Ensign and Fazio encouraged decorators to stick with it.

“My best advice for first-time vintage shoppers is to buy what speaks to you and buy it when you see it,” said Ensign. “Whether it be something that invokes feelings of nostalgia, a sense of fun, or functionality, it is likely to be snatched up by someone else that comes along as these items are likely one of a kind in these shops.”

Fazio agreed. “Give yourself time and keep an open mind. Vintage shopping is a treasure hunt, and you shouldn’t limit yourself to something specific because you never know what you might find.”

Another example of how “Newtique” can pull a space together.

Photo Credit: Sharon Ensign, Re-Inspired, Southwick

Success tips for the beginning gardener

By Tina Lesniak Correspondent

As the weather warms and the grass greens up, many people begin to plan out their flower and vegetable gardens. For experienced gardeners, it’s a time to try

Plant family favorites

and rely on fa

miliar and successful routines. But for someone just starting out, the prospect of planning and maintaining a garden can be daunting.

Make it manageable

For a novice gardener, a smaller plot will be easier to handle, said Connie Adams, owner of Yellow Stonehouse Farm, an organic farm on the border of Westfield and Southampton. The farm cultivates 17 acres and grows a wide range of vegetables and flowers.

“The smaller the better,” said Adams. “You’ll still get a lot of stuff. You’ll love getting it. And it will be delicious.”

With a smaller garden, something like 10 feet by 6 feet, gardeners can expect to need to work in the garden twice a week for roughly three hours total – a fact which can be overwhelming for a novice gardener. However, the time can be limited by good

Gardeners should choose plants that their families will enjoy. Adams suggests the kid-favorite cherry tomatoes, as well as fruits like watermelon. Full-sized tomatoes are also an easy vegetable to start with and can be used in a variety of things like salsa and sauce. Adams also recommends ground cherries, which are native to the area and taste sweet.

Adding flowers to the garden plot, such as geraniums, will also help to attract pollinators and bring a higher yield of food. Early spring bulbs also attract pollinators and are helpful in maintaining the bee population.

Prep for the plants

The most successful gardens begin with good preparation, and that should start in the fall. However, if that didn’t happen, gardeners can still find success this spring and summer.

“You need to break up the soil, test it and add the right amendments, and then cover the area with black landscape cloth until it’s safe to plant,” explained Adams, who recommended that gardeners wait until the ground is no longer wet to cover it. “The best thing you can do is prevent the weeds from germinating in the first place.”

Soil testing will let gardeners know what the soil is rich in and what its deficiencies are. Different plants need different kinds of soil, so it’s important to read the card the plants come with and adjust the soil for them.

“You can add potassium to make the soil balanced or plant cover crops that are targeted to what you need,” said Adams.

Adams recommends that gardeners send soil samples to the soil and plant nutrient testing laboratory at the University of Massachusetts.

Seeds

–or seedlings?

Gardeners can choose to start

seeds inside in the late winter, but Adams recommends planting seedlings instead of seeds because the seedlings “give the plants a head start.”

The cards that come with purchased plants or the backs of seed packets will guide the gardeners in terms of spacing for the plants, but gardeners can also tailor their plots based on their own wishes. Planting things closer together discourages weed growth, but it can cause the plants to compete for nutrients. This will mean they may need to be fertilized more often.

Once a location has been prepped, most plants still shouldn’t be planted until the last frost is definitively over, which is frequently around Memorial Day.

Beginning gardeners can also choose to start out with just a few plants in containers, but they should take special care to make sure they stay watered and out of the bright afternoon summer sun.

“They dry out so quickly,” explained Adams. “You really have to pay attention to them.”

Making the most of your gardening efforts

With the exception of weeding, most garden plots or raisedbed gardens don’t require much other maintenance.

“You don’t really need to prune annual vegetables,” said Adams. “You should remove anything with pests or diseased plants. That is essential.” Adams also recommends a slow-release fertilizer three to four times per season. “The best way to maximize your harvest is to keep your garden weeded and use a decent slow-release fertilizer,” she said.

Even though gardeners can grow a wide variety of their own fruits and vegetable, Adams suggests also buying a community-sustained agriculture share to “introduce them to new and different veggies like kohlrabi.”

•

• Keep It

Malware, Viruses,

Spam

Vintage Frame & Reproduction Prints Shop

Custom Matting and Framing Frames, Prints, Pictures, Posters, Crafting Supplies

Wed-Fri: 10am-4pm Sat: 10am-2pm 413-284-2209 Facebook: framesandthingsma

Patio projects to enhance your outdoor living space

weather paves the way to more opportunities to

fresh air. For homeowners who have the luxury of outdoor spaces, including private patios, now is the time to start thinking about projects to enhance these gathering spots.

A patio can be considered a transitional area that links the outdoors to the inside of a home. According to the home and lifestyle resource The Spruce, a patio is often an oasis for lounging and entertaining. And depending on homeowners’ budgets and prefer

ences, a patio can be just as comfortable and stylish as interior spaces.

Stylish ideas for patio refreshes

The following are five patio projects that can transform these valuable spaces.

• Pretty pergola: A pergola is an open-air (traditionally wood) structure that adds a measure of shade and privacy without completely blocking views of Mother Nature. Installing a pergola over the patio helps define the seating

area. Hanging plants can add to the ambiance and string lights can make this a great spot to gather when the sun sets.

• Patio fire pit: Build a fire pit right into the design with the same materials used to create the patio. For example, if the patio is brick or flagstone, build up to create an eye-catching fire pit. Fire pits not only look good, they also expand the time frame that the patio can be enjoyed, offering cozy spots to sit even when the weather chills.

• Frame it in: Make the patio a true extension of the inside by putting up walls around three sides of the patio if it connects to the home. Leave the last open to the yard, or consider installing screens to mimic the look of popular lanais. The walls will offer more weather protection, meaning you can invest in high-quality patio furniture to make this a fully functioning outdoor living room. Hang a television that is rated for outdoor use for movie-watching under the sun or stars.

• Ooh la la: Vin-

tage bistro tables and chairs can turn a drab patio into one that calls to mind a Parisian courtyard. Whimsical lighting and accents that you would normally think to see indoors, like a gilded mirror, can add extra appeal. Soften wrought iron and other metals on the furniture by including plenty of flowers and greenery. Don’t forget the candles and a place to stash a bottle of chilling wine.

• Farmhouse chic: Transform a patio into an entertaining space that caters to guests A large farmhouse style table flanked by benches and some upholstered chairs sets the scene for a dinner amid the fresh air. Watering cans filled with wildflowers and mismatched flatware establish a casual feel for gatherings in the space. For those who plan to cook and serve outside with frequency, invest in outdoor appliances so you’ll never have to miss a beat with guests.

The options for transforming patios into stylish gathering spots is only limited by the imagination.

Photo

BEGONE BUGS!

These plants keep pests away

Homeowners choose plants for their properties based on a number of variables. Some may be into growing their own foods, while others desire their gardens to be an awe-inspiring melange of bright colors and alluring scents. There’s no wrong reason to plant a fresh garden, but some plants offer extra benefits, such as repelling insects.

Insects can be a nuisance and a threat to individuals’ overall health. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, insect-borne diseases are viral and bacterial illnesses that develop from insect bites. Mosquitoes, sand flies and fleas are some examples of insects that can pass on disease. Fever, chills, headache and muscle soreness are just a few of the more common symptoms linked to insect-borne diseases.

Pest-deterring plants

The good news for avid gardeners is that certain plants can help repel insects and provide the additional benefits like fresh food and aesthetic appeal that so many people love.

The aroma of fresh basil is enough to compel any gardener to make a place for it in their garden. But there’s more to fresh basil than its scent, as the Farmers Almanac notes it can be used to

Fleas, flies, mosquitoes and moths are not fans of this aromatic and colorful member of the mint family. Bees tend to be drawn to lavender, a durable plant that many garden centers recommend in areas prone to drought or hot summers without much precipitation.

Mint is another plant that is instantly recognizable for its aroma. But mint lovers may not realize that it’s also great for keeping ants at bay. Mint also can be used to repel mosquitoes, but gardeners with no experience planting mint should plant it in pots. That’s because the Farmers Almanac notes mint is an especially aggressive spreader that can quickly take over a garden. Separating mint in pots can prevent it from bullying its way into other plants’ domains.

Lemongrass is a tropical grass that’s so fragrant it’s often used in perfumes. Lemongrass contains citronella, which many people associate with repelling mosquitoes. A potted lemongrass plant can repel these unwanted guests, keeping them away from decks, porches and/or patios all summer long.

The Farmers’ Almanac¨ recommends using chrysanthemums, which repel a range of insects from bedbugs to fleas to ants, as border plants around a home. That’s because they contain the natural insecticide pyrethrin, which can serve as something of an insect-repelling boundary around a home.

Insects are unwanted guests around a home each spring, summer and fall. Certain plants can help repel insects and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to insecticides.

Budget-friendly tips to help brighten your home’s exterior

As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects like a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope is what drives the cost of a renovation project.

Though there might not be an “average cost” of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale. Navigating such an expense at a time when inflation remains high might be difficult for some homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their home exteriors. However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties.

Budget-friendly exterior refreshes

Listed here are a few easy-todo updates that will spruce up your home’s exterior:

• Power washing: Power washing won’t break the bank but it can revive the look of a home. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Hardware chains like Home Depot and Lowes typically rent power washers, but homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves can hire a professional for a few hundred dollars, if not less. Power washing after winter can be a good idea, as the elements can take a toll on a home’s exterior. A good power washing before spring and summer entertaining season can thus give a home a fresh, clean look without breaking the bank.

• Furnished front porch: A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.

• Window box installation: Installing window box planters is another cost-effective way to brighten up a home’s exterior.

Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows on the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens urge homeowners to take weight into consideration before buying window planters. Keep in mind that soil and developed plants can be heavy, so look for a sturdy box as well as one that has drainage holes.

• Replace hardware: Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware.

Door knobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after awhile. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can have a profound impact on how the exterior of a home appears to residents and visitors.

Exterior renovations need not break the bank. Various simple and inexpensive tweaks can quickly revitalize the exterior of a home.

Savor spring with fresh seafood recipes

Fresh, flavorful ingredients take springtime meals to another level, and it’s hard to top seafood as a seasonal favorite. Skip the wait at restaurants and instead create your own savory seafood dishes by taking advantage of easy-to-make recipes. While takeout may be an easy option, the satisfaction of enjoying a delicious, homecooked meal like Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice can make you feel like you’re enjoying a restaurant-quality dinner. Next time you’re craving Asian cuisine, swap out traditional rice noodles for this version with Jasmine rice as an aromatic, quick-cooking solution for your own spin on a classic. Take the guesswork out of cooking rice with an option like Success Boil-In-Bag Rice, which offers a heat safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved solution for fluffy, flavorful rice that cooks up perfectly. The high-quality grains are quick, easy, messfree and ready in 10 minutes, so you can enjoy hassle-free dishes such as Successful Crab and Rice Cakes. These crispy crab cakes come together easily and are served with a zesty, homemade aioli that tastes just like you’re on the coast. If you’re new to making crab cakes, it’s simpler than it may seem – just cook rice beforehand so it can cool then mix in beaten eggs, seafood and seasonings. Refrigerating and resting the mixture helps it hold together before frying to a mouthwatering golden brown for a delicious appetizer, snack or side dish. Visit SuccessRice.com to find more springtime meal ideas.

Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine rice

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 bag Success Jasmine Rice

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

Method:

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 cup bean sprouts

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped 4 lime wedges

1. Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside.

2. In small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.

3. In large wok or skillet over high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil. Quickly scramble egg. Remove from pan and reserve.

4. Add remaining oil to wok over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; stir-fry five minutes, or until shrimp are cooked. Add reserved sauce and rice; stir-fry two minutes. Add green onions and reserved egg; toss to combine.

5. Divide Pad Thai between four bowls. Top each with bean sprouts, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.

Successful crab and rice cakes

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients: crab cakes

1 bag Success Brown Rice

2 eggs

1 pound lump crabmeat

2 tablespoons seafood seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

Method:

Ingredients: Aioli

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 lemon, zest and juice only lemon wedges (optional)

1. To make crab cakes: Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool.

2. In medium bowl, beat eggs lightly. Stir in rice, crabmeat and seafood seasoning; mix well. Refrigerate five minutes. Shape mixture into eight patties.

3. In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Working in batches, carefully place patties in skillet. Cook five minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.

4. To make aioli: Stir together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice.

5. Serve aioli with crab cakes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. Article courtesy Family Features

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