2015 Spring Home & Garden

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

&

Presented by the Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record

SPRING

home garden

Featuring Take wing with a heron style .....................C3 “Food forest� a multi-layered process ....C10 Sowing and reaping energy savings ................C14 Creating new, bright and open..............C15 Pick a contractor, without regrets...............C21

The

Appel Home

The

Bratt Home

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C2

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

LUMINETTE ® PRIVACY SHEERS

May 5 – June 30, 2015

100 REBATE *

$

ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PURCHASES:

1 Luminette® Privacy Sheer

(plus $100 rebate each additional unit) 1 Skyline® Gliding Window Panels

Shine the light. Design the light.

Hunter Douglas window fashions allow you to do so much with light. Illuminate, soften or darken your spaces. Create a shimmering glow, dramatic rays, a soothing retreat. Design with light and see the difference it makes. Ask for details.

Art of Window Dressing product design book TM

with this ad

(plus $100 rebate each additional unit) 2 Pirouette® Window Shadings

(plus $50 rebate each additional unit) 2 Silhouette® Window Shadings

(plus $50 rebate each additional unit) 4 Duette® Honeycomb Shades

(plus $25 rebate each additional unit)

Walls & Windows

4131 Hannegan Rd Ste 104 Bellingham WA M-F: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sun: Closed 360-676-5223 www.wallsandwindowsinc.com

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 5/5/15 – 6/30/15 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above.

If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette Window Shadings.

Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. © 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are 49540 the property of Hunter Douglas. SPG15MB4

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C3

Winging with the blue heron on Sucia Drive

From a small footprint, the Sandy Point house rises with creative design to take advantage of views and overcome a variety of regulatory challenges.

(Courtesy photo/Mark Bratt)

Mark Bratt-designed home gets creative in critical area while capitalizing on spectacular views

By Tim Newcomb tim@lyndentribune.com

SANDY POINT — You’ll have to forgive architect Mark Bratt if he invokes

mentions of the blue heron when discussing his Sucia Drive home. You see, when designing and building the home on a peninsula that affords both saltwater and mountain views, the neighboring marshlands — and home to blue herons aplenty — offered up more than a few moments of inspiration.

But inspiration alone doesn’t tell the story of this showpiece home. No, instead, overcoming challenges on a piece of land that others had skipped over drove the design of this 2,356–squarefoot home that was completed last fall.

Located on the Lummi Reserva-

tion, this picturesque spit of land doesn’t come without encumbrances. That is Bratt’s diplomatic way of describing the challenges of building on land that must clear the regulatory hurdles of being located in a critical area and flood zone, on the Lummi Reservation, preserving FEMA tsunami setbacks, eagle habitat and plenty more.

Sitting in a prairie-like spot with tribal- and agency-owned land all around, Bratt said this was one lot left in the area, one that was passed over time and time again because of the difficulty in navigating the plentiful regulations.

“This particular property, with solid water and mountain views — it is pretty rare to get that,” Bratt said. “The thing about this site, though, is it has every conceivable encumbrance with the county and state you can have on a property. This house has so many things about it that it is hard to explain them all.”

But start from the ground up. With the myriad of setback rules, Bratt, an architect by profession, had only 2,500 square feet worth of a footprint to work See Bratt on C4

C4

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Bratt: Used timber frame eliminating trusses or attic Continued from C3 with. He also had to raise the house at least six feet off the ground for tsunami concerns. Bratt used circular concrete piers to lift the main floor 8.5 feet high, enclosing the basement with breakaway walls. In case a tsunami comes, the partition walls blow out and the piers continue to support the house.

The entire lower level, which encompasses an additional 1,632 square feet, then becomes one massive garage, with three door bays and the space to hold at least five vehicles on polished concrete floors. The piers use a system to hold up the main floor above them.

A foyer to the main level highlights the remainder of the basement level.

The main floor, though, is where the views start to shine. This level includes a living room, dining room, kitchen and master suite, all designed to take advantage of the views, including with vaulted ceilings in a variety of areas. When you are in the living room, for example, you see a 180-degree view of the Georgia Strait, the San Juan and Canadian Gulf islands and the Cascade mountains. In the master bedroom, the views don’t stop.

“We aligned everything so that when you are laying in bed, you can see

the ocean (to the west) and Mount Baker (to the east) through a picture window in the bathroom,” Bratt said.

Full views in multiple directions.

Upstairs, two bedrooms, a bathroom and large family room tie to the outside. The bedrooms have sliding door access to oversized decks. Of course, all with a view.

Bratt used a slightly unorthodox construction method in that he opted for a timber frame support with no trusses or attic. The single-thickness roof system has all the insulation, sound barrier and moisture barrier elements in one envelope. Partly due to height limits and to avoid the aesthetic look of a lot of roof, Bratt used the modern low-slope look — what he calls the method of the future. That helps with energy costs, allows him to use higher quality insulation, makes for a quieter roof and reduces the overhang angles on the decking so he still has shade and can keep water off the side of the house without dropping overhangs too low.

Having a low-slope eliminated the use of shingles, so Bratt opted for a white metal roof, which also fit the aesthetic of using blues, grays and whites on the exterior and throughout the house to tie to

The second level deck provides a view over other houses to the water, islands and ship traffic of the Georgia Strait. (Courtesy photo/Mark Bratt)

We’ve got it all!

We have serious fun!

Lots & Lots of Selection!

Annuals · Perennials · Vegetables · Trees · Shrubs Unusual Conifers · and Everything in Between!

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C5

Clockwise, from left: The main floor kitchen rotates around to the prospect of more views, with easy opening to exterior decks on both the middle and upper levels. (Courtesy photo/Mark Bratt)

the colors prevalent at the seaside location.

For the multi-story living with the garage below, Bratt created a dumbwaiter system to help transport groceries and other supplies. Basically an elevator that doesn’t carry people, Bratt said he could save expenses and make a simpler cavity by going smaller. The 3-foot-square box makes stops in central locations on

all three floors as the U-shaped staircase wraps the dumbwaiter cavity all the way up. The basement stop sits in the lobby.

The system stops near the stairs in the dining room, a short walk to the kitchen and pantry. The final stop upstairs sits near the stairway.

“You can bring your heavy stuff — such as suitcases — load it upstairs and See Bratt on C6

PERSONAL IN-HOME CONSULTATION Come visit our showroom to see the latest fashions for your home.

Hunter Douglas, Comfortex & other major brands of window coverings are available.

873 hinotes Court #A2 | Lynden, WA 98264 | (360) 656-6579 | (360) 961-4918

RussellsWindowCoverings@gmail.com Serving Whatcom County since 1985 | Monday - Friday 9-4:30 | Saturdays by appointment

C6

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Bratt: Used colors found in natural world Continued from C5

In the master bath, the view is to near marshland and farther parts of Sandy Point development. (Courtesy photo/Mark Bratt)

• Tile

• Countertops • Lighting 360-354-7900 1899 Kok Rd. • Lynden Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm • Sat. by app’t

• Flooring • Design

shove it down to the basement,” Bratt said.

Bratt opted for colors found in the natural environment. Finding petrified wood from New Mexico, Bratt designed a stone fireplace around this beach look. He then carried the black and buff driftwood colors throughout the house and even outside where stones and logs make up an off-the-beach landscape sans grass.

Inside, Bratt has some different touches too. The master bedroom’s closet walls were kept lower than the ceiling so the windows could bring natural light into the closet area. This also gave him the opportunity to create ledges for collectibles.

He installed a full sound system throughout the house, decks and garage, added electric controls for blinds and shades in the living room, put in radiant floor heating in the master bathroom and split ductless heat pumps everywhere else.

The master bathroom shower is enclosed in glass to allow views to the mountains and marshland from the shower.

“That is something we did in all the rooms,” he said, “try to create a view from every room.” The upper bathroom has the shower oriented so that in the shower there are vistas out to the saltwater and Orcas Island. “That takes intentional placement,” he said.

Instead of a dedicated laundry room, Bratt put laundry in the master suite and a stacked unit in the upper level with sorting, folding and storage accompanying both spaces. While a different approach, Bratt said he wanted to have the house integral to daily living.

Throughout the home, expect an open feel that capitalizes on light and views.

Due to the saltwater location, Bratt used stainless steel connectors at the beams and flashing and high-grade acrylic paint to keep maintenance to a

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

SPRING HOME & GARDEN minimum.

The marshland, home to ducks, cranes and especially herons, drove a theme throughout the home, from a stone with an etching of a heron outside the front to the blue colors accenting the home.

Actually, one could argue the exterior design of the home has a heronesque look to it, even if just a hint. Due to the boxy footprint Bratt had to work in, he went angular with the lower roof element and desk designs.

“I could turn the slopes and angles to create some intrigue to what would normally be a fairly boxy design,” he said. With a heron’s beak and neck coming in distinct angles, Bratt wanted to take that concept and make his house look different than something that you could find in a city.

“I am proud of the house for that fact. When I drive up and look at it in its setting, it is unlike any other houses around it,” he said. “We just had a lot of fun designing it.”

Mark and wife Carol built the home as their dream house. “If we had a choice to live anywhere in the Northwest, this is where we would like to live,” he said. But at the same time, while the Bratts may spend some time in the home, it is for sale. “Whether we end up with a home out there is hard to say,” he said.

He can only hope, though, that the nearby blue herons stay for as long as the house, a continual reminder of the area’s natural beauty. And inspiration.

C7

Stairway wraps around the dumbwaiter that allows moving items between all levels of the house. (Courtesy photo/ Mark Bratt)

SAVE THE DATE! Our ANNUAL ur Purchase o rovide ’ll p BASKET plants & weing Soil!

FREE Pott PLANTING EVENT will be April 25 & May 2, 9am-4pm

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1959.

Jack & Michelle Johnson

When it comes to servicing and repairing your garage doors and openers, no one does it better than Overhead Door. No matter what brand or model... from simple tune-ups and repairs to full replacement and upgrades...trust the experts at Overhead Door to get the job done right – right away.

202 Ohio St., Bellingham, WA | (360) 734-5960 | ohdbellingham.com

Bring in your EMPTY pots and baskets and we’ll help you plant them!

354-2291

Hardware 1736 Front St., Fairway Center, Lynden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C8

Bratt home

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Mark K. Bratt, A.I.A. A R C H I T E C T U R E

mark@markbrattarchitect.com 1604 Main St., Lynden

360.354.3926

360-303-2687 Handy Homes would like to thank Mark and Carol Bratt for trusting us to build their unique and beautiful home!

Thank You

Mark & Carol

for choosing

SERVING YOU SINCE 1940

LYNDEN SHEET METAL INC. Air Conditioning • Heating • GAS FIREPLACES 837 Evergreen Street • Lynden, WA • 354-3991 www.lyndensheetmetal.com

MATT WEEKS’ EXCAVATING, INC. Thanks for your business!

SITE DEVELOPMENT Licensed and Bonded Water/Sewer Septic/Trenching

Painting

Owner Operated License#: MATTWE980PZ

JOEL KAMPHOUSE

KAMPHOUSE@HOTMAIL.COM

Office 360-366-3141 Matt Weeks 360-410-6939

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRATTS

(360) 739-2264

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INTERIOR • EXTERIOR

THANK YOU Mark & Carol for choosing

We enjoyed working with you on your new home.

360.733.5900 • www.dewaardandbode.com Mt. Baker Roofing, Inc. 3950 Home Rd. • Bellingham, WA 98226

Ph: 360-733-0191 • Fx: 360-733-0192 www.mtbakerroofing.com

#MTBAKR1055ML

APPLIANCES • MATTRESSES FURNITURE • BARBEQUES • HDTVS MAIN STORE: 3944 Meridian St. OUTLET STORE: 4175 Hannegan Rd. • B’ham

Congratulations on your new home!

360.733.5900 • www.dewaardandbode.com

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C9

INSTALLATIONS OF: BARK SHAVINGS COMPOST LITE-TOPSOIL

FERTILE MULCH PLAYCHIPS CUSTOM PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

"From a private courtyard to a big industrial site, we have the equipment, the tools, and the know-how to get the job done — on time, and on budget." office: 360.380.4000 fax: 360.312.9643 www.windwoodlandscape.com info@windwoodlandscape.com

Office: (360) 354-2359 Email: office@beautiscapes.com www.beautiscapes.com

Big or Small loads or you haul

FARM & GARDEN PORTAL WAY 384-3688 • LYNDEN 354-5611

Green House

Fully Loaded!

Vegetables Hanging Baskets Flowers Roses

BEST PRICE ON QUALITY GARDEN MULCH

of Tons iners conta ging n a h d an s for basket !

Mom

6100 Portal Way, Ferndale portalwayfarmandgarden.com

Cascade Blueberry Farm 2667 Willeys Lake Rd., Custer 360-366-5188

kamaddux@hotmail.com Kevin & Bianca Maddux Agritourism, Farmers Market, Farm Stand, Phone Orders, Wholesale Family owned and operated since 1985.

Farm stand open 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, May 1st to October 1st.

Vegetable starts, hanging baskets, vegetables and blueberries available in season. (Blueberries avail. Aug. 1st)

Kent’s Garden & Nursery From the ground up and everything in between!

Got spring fever?

We’ve got the cure!

5428 Northwest Road Bellingham, WA 98226 Phone: 360-384-4433 Fax: 360-380-6228

• B���� ����� • B������� ������� • E������ ���� 5 ������ �� ������ ���� D������� A�������� M��-F�� 7-4 | S�� 8-1 ���.P����P�����.���

360-366-5239

7200 D���� L��� R�, F������� 98248

Kendall’s Tree Service, LLC Tree Trimming & Removal Chipping & Hauling Stump Grinding Bucket Trucks Tree Replacement Available All Debris Recycled

18 Years Experience Greg Kendall

360-366-5340

Locally Grown Color from Our Family to Yours!

• Annuals • Hanging Baskets • Perennials • Houseplants • Trees & Shrubs • Soil Amendments • Pottery • Home & Garden Décor • Gifts 8210 Portal Way Blaine, WA (360) 366-3906 www.vanwingerden.com Open Mon-Sat 9-5, Closed Sunday

TUXEDO GARDEN 3246 South Pass Road, Everson WA Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5:30pm

Gary Pike - Owner Large selection of shrubs and trees. Practically all plants are locally grown.

Full line of bamboo products also!

Great Plants at Great Prices!

Phone: 360-966-7829

For Locally Grown Landscape Plants!

Since 1951

360-656-6882

U-Pick • We Pick

5715 4th Ave, Ferndale SAVE THE DAY - MAY 2ND

Bring in or buy your empty pot & we will provide FREE potting soil & help you plant the container with your plant purchase BRING THIS AD FOR A SPECIAL OFFER

6211 Northwest Road Ferndale, WA

OPEN JUN-DEC

Open Daily

(360) 380-2699

www.boxxberryfarm.com Berries, Vegetables, Flowers & Homemade Jams and Syrups

We carry plants and flowers for landscaping!

Medium and Fine Bark, Sawdust Shavings and Hog Fuel 360-384-5487 • 360-734-8818

1546 Slater Rd., Ferndale, WA, 98248

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C10

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

A forest of plenty ‘Food forests’ allow gardeners to maximize the benefits of plants over time

By Mark Reimers news@ferndalerecord.com

Ground plants grow right around fruit trees in Travis Linds’ home “food forest.” (Mark Reimers/Ferndale Record) tivating his own property with berries, vegetables and fruit trees. As he explains it, food forests have the potential to reduce the more traditional maintenance of plants — by planting them in “guilds.”

Guilds A guild of people, Linds noted, is an association of people working toward a common goal. Plants can offer the same

kind of cooperation.

Guilds in nature can be built using layers. Thinking about it this way means that gardening space is suddenly more than just ground space.

The seven prototype layers that can be incorporated into a guild are (see diagram): • Canopy layer — the original mature fruit trees.

• Low-tree layer — smaller nut and fruit trees on dwarfing root stocks.

• Shrub layer — fruit bushes such as currants and berries.

• Herbaceous layer — perennial vegetables and herbs.

• Rhizosphere or underground layer — plants grown for their roots and tubers.

YARD DEBRIS All compostable yard debris: grass, weeds, leaves, branches & seasonal items.

RECYCLING & COMPOSTING SERVICES / MULCH & TOPSOIL SUPPLIER

FREE

Up to ONE yard compost on April 22, Earth Day Limit one load per customer.

See Forest on C12 FOOD All foods NO Plastics, pet including meat scraps, waste or trash of any kind... dairy, seafood, fish, shells & bones. thanks!

PAPER All food-soiled or compostable items including pizza boxes, to-go cartons, napkins, paper towels, plates, cups, bowls & utensils.

NEW DRIVEWAY!

Questions?...please call! 360.354.4936 774 Meadowlark Rd., Lynden • M-F 7:30-4:30, Sat. 8-1

Meadowlark Rd.

N

Pole Rd.

Hannegan

FERNDALE ­— Gardening demands a lot of a gardener: patience, knowledge, diligent maintenance. But the rewards of harvest are always a great motivation.

Still, what if the reward wasn’t even that immediate? What if it took several years or even a decade to reap the full benefits of planting and tending?

“Food forests” are a novel concept that is spreading quickly to gardeners who want more than a simple plot in which to plant, maintain and harvest crops in yearly cycles. A food forest, if carefully planned and thoughtfully constructed, maximizes the complementary benefits each plant can provide another.

The Pacific Northwest has become an important training ground for advocates of food forestry. The City of Seattle has even sponsored and promoted the creation of the Beacon Food Forest. Although maintained by volunteers in ways similar to community gardens, Beacon is designed as a community food resource, without any individual plots.

Closer to home, food forests have earned a passionate advocate in Travis Linds, a mechanical engineer with a strong interest in gardening and permaculture.

Linds, who lives just south of Seattle, has spent much of his spare time cul-

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C11

Over 25 Major Brands Plus Live Kitchen Displays!

Come Experience The

Difference

C12

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Forest: Change of mindset required for food forests to work Continued from C10 • Ground cover layer — edible plants that spread horizontally.

• Vertical layer — vines and climbers.

Linds said plant guilds deliver the best of two worlds: They work well with both limited space and low maintenance.

Even better, they are scaleable.

“A guild can be as small as a small grouping of plants around a small tree or bush (like an herb garden) or as large as a forest (food forest).

Linds recommends that those interested in experimenting with their own guilds start small.

“Permaculture teaches us to observe and work with nature, and not just act.

So starting small is preferred. See what works and what doesn’t,” he said.

A few examples to start with are fruit tree guilds: Planting bulbs such as daffodils around the base of trees will attract pollinators early (because they bloom earlier), which will help ensure pollination and setting of fruit when the tree blooms.

Daffodils also suppress grass and are generally not palatable to insects or pests.

Other items that work well around trees: • Chives — closer to the tree, they act as a strong deterrent to pests and insects.

• Comfrey — It works well as living mulch and is called a “dynamic nutrient accumulator” that will actually bring the nutrients up from the soil. Several times a year, chop the leaves down to the ground to provide these nutrients to the tree and also suppress weeds. They also have flowers that attract pollinators and parasitic wasps (that are harmless to humans but feed on small insects such as aphids that are harmful to our trees).

Linds said a classic plant pairing that illustrates the concept is roses and garlic. Garlic not only strongly deters pests (aphids, ants and slugs), but also protects the roses from fungal diseases.

The Forest Garden concept consists of seven guilds, shown here. (Graham Burnett/Wikipedia Commons)

Patience A change of mindset is required in some people for food forests to work. To be successful, a gardener has to think long — sometimes generations long.

“I planted some Japanese walnut trees last weekend and it will probably take 20 years for them to bear fruit,” Linds said. Still, he is excited about the potential they hold. “I hope (my children) can harvest nuts one day and think back and say, ‘I remember when dad planted these trees’.”

Creating something of lasting value has benefits beyond just repeat crops.

“There should be self-satisfaction in creating something of lasting value,” Linds said. “There should be non-monetary payback of seeing the guild grow and develop — of sitting near it and feeling peace while you watch the bees pollinate your blossoms and birds chirping in the tree branches.”

Local interest Linds said he is hoping he can broach the possibility of a public food forest to Ferndale officials at some point. He believes it could complement some of the city’s current parks project goals, such as a trail from Pioneer Park to the library area

near Schell Marsh.

While he knows that any public food forest project is ambitious, Linds is confident that there are locals up to the challenge.

“Yes, it is ambitious,” Linds said. “But Seattle has done it, many other communities are doing it, and yes, I certainly think Whatcom County is up to the task as well.”

For more information about Beacon Food Forest, visit www.beaconfoodforest. org or search for it on Facebook. Linds also recommends learning more about permaculture by visiting Bullock’s Permaculture Homestead online at www.permacultureportal.com.

ALVORD - RICHAR D S O N

WHY DO SO MANY HOME OWNERS

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1965

BATH OR KITCHEN REMODELS?

C ON ST R U C T I O N CO. ,

INC

• Horse Barns • Shop Buildings • Garages • Storage

And More!

We handle all plans & permits.

Lic#ALVORRC342CM

texmobuildings.com 2700 Meridian St., Bellingham • 734-3480 • 1-800-600-3480

CHOOSE VALLEY FOR THEIR Here’s why!

• Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff • Prompt Service • Quality Products • Fair Prices

Call Valley for help planning your next project!

CONTACT US AT:

(360) 988-9631 • FAX (360) 988-7046 910 W. Front St. • Sumas, WA 98295 www.valleype.com

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

360-312-8052

Serving Whatcom and Skagit County Licensed • Bonded • Insured

for Your Landscape Investment Since 2001

Design · Build · Maintain Your Local Landscape Solution Provider P.O. Box 3188, Ferndale, WA 98248 State Cont. #FOURSSL942D9 www.corionlandscape.com

C13

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C14

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Invest in energy savings and reap the dividends Invest in energy savings and reap the dividends

By Amanda Sargent Cascade Natural Gas conservation analyst

The old adage “The more you save, the more you earn” applies directly to investing in energy-efficiency.

More consumers are opting for the long-term payoffs that go hand in hand with wise energy investment in new, energy-saving, higher-efficiency technology, and more home buyers are conscious of energy-efficient appliances.

When looking for upgrades to your space and water heating for a home, as a consumer you’ll see multiple options at varying efficiency levels. This is your opportunity to weigh the pros and cons of investing more in a higher-efficiency product and seeing the payback throughout the life of the products as reflected in a reduction to your energy bills. Or paying a lower upfront cost, and paying bigger energy bills in the future.

Whether you have a home or business, installing high-efficient appliances, and specifically natural gas upgrades, while also weatherizing will increase your comfort and lower your monthly utility bills.

With just a few key steps, you can button up your home to save on heating costs during cold months. In fact, you can pair your upgrade with low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators to realize even more savings, potentially at no cost to you since some utilities provide free Energy Savings Kits as part of their incentive programs. One of these is Cascade Natural Gas. While you’re at it, you’ll want to take advantage of the rest of the conservation program offerings from the utilities by earning rebates for qualifying energy-saving projects.

Choosing high-efficiency options can also improve the air quality of your home while saving you money each month. For

The home is a winner when its energy package saves both money and energy. (Courtesy photo/Cascade Natural Gas) example, if you install a combination natural gas on-demand tankless hot water heater with radiant floor heating, you will eliminate the associated dust from a forced air system. On top of that, radiant heat feels good because it’s the same type of warmth you feel from standing in the sun or near en)

d (Lyn

t ron E. F

Trapline Rd.

Pa Dr.rk 304 W. Main St., Everson

Come check out our LARGE showroom of quality Toro and Husqvarna power products and Kioti tractors.

We offer service and parts on anything from mowers to tractors and farm implements!

304 W. Main St., Everson • 966-3561 M-F, 8am-5pm. Sat., 8am-12pm | All Makes of Lawn & Garden Parts & Service

the options that will save you money and energy, and your pocketbook will thank you in the long run.

Check out ways to save by visiting www. cngc.com/conservation. Or call 866-6264479 to learn more about Cascade Natural Gas rebate offerings for customers.

5703 3rd. Ave, Ferndale WA 360-383-0013 info@bakersepticpumping.com www.bakerseptic.com Licensed O&M Inspections

St.

Hannegan Rd.

Tractor & Turf

a fire. It actually heats the objects in the room, as well as the people in it, and keeps the heat down where you can feel it, and where you want it.

So next time you’re ready to replace your hot water heater or furnace, or improve your walls’ insulation — spring for

Emergency Service 24/7 Celebrating 30 years!

Family Owned for 3 Generations

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C15

New, open and bright — a place of their own John and Ruth Appel build a home to go along with Appel Farms’ new store

By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com

WHATCOM ­ — John and Ruth Appel weren’t especially planning to build a new home right now. After all, they had plenty of details to attend to relating to the opening of the Appel Farms’ new retail store in spring 2014. That was a big enough project in and of itself.

Then the couple realized in talking with their financial advisor that this might just be the perfect time for building a new house.

Construction costs and interest rates are still relatively low in the economy’s slow recovery.

If they were going to enjoy their dream home, this was the time to do it.

“I knew what I wanted,” Ruth said. She had mentally filed ideas from various sources.

They also were very happy with how The Cheese Shop process had been handled by Faber Construction/WestCoast Homes of Lynden and were willing to go with that company again.

Planning turned into action. Ruth shared her ideas with the Faber crew, working especially with Raymond Faber as project manager. Homeward Designs of Lynden helped with some of the designing. Then construction was done in just four months.

The Appels moved into their 2,220-square-foot, three-bedroom, threebath Craftsman-style home on Aldrich Road last November, just in time to welcome home for the holidays daughter Marlies, 21, who is with Youth With a Mission in Germany.

John and Ruth knew they were in a lifestage of downsizing, as grown-up kids head out on their own. For now, son Gerrit, 23, is still living at home.

See Appel on C16

John and Ruth Appel are enjoying both the inside design and outdoor views of their new Aldrich Road home. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

FERNDALE Ready Mix & Gravel Inc. Ready Mix • Colored Concrete Grout • Exposed Aggregate CDF • Pervious Concrete Crushed Gravel Washed Rock • Sand

360-354-1400 M-F: 7:30-4:30 Sat: 7:30-11:30

www.ferndalereadymix.net • 144 River Road, Lynden, WA 98264

Your Custom Cabinet Shop

360-354-3070 www.riversidecabinetco.com rivercab@frontier.com

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C16

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Appel: Wanted large continuous area, streamlined interaction

White is the primary theme throughout the house, with color accents. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

Continued from C15

Master bath features an old-style water basin. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune) Kelly Welch

A Tradition of Family Business

Robert Welch

(360) 592-1115 • Retaining Walls

(ask about RediRock)

FREE

ESTIM

ATES

• Demolition Projects • Paver Patios • Drainage • Waterscapes www.mtbakerlandscaping.com ID#MTBAKBL929Q1

Believe it or not, this is also the first house they own themselves, as their preceding one for the last 18 years was actually company-owned.

“It’s our first — and last, hopefully,” Ruth said.

In contrast to the multi-roomed older house they were leaving, Ruth wanted one with a large continuous kitchen-dining-living area, where all the interaction could be

open and unobstructed. That portion of the house, of course, would also take advantage of the view across fields to the east, the sunrise and Mount Baker — not surrounded by trees, as at their former place.

This is how Faber Construction proudly describes the home: “takes in beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and majestic Mt. Baker in the distance. ... houses a cozy entertaining space on the upper level, and a large open floor plan on the lower level.”

FOGGY WINDOW REPAIR

GUARANTEED REPAIR PROCESS SAVE 50%

Foggy Window Repair • Glass Replacement Shower Enclosures • Doors • Table Tops • Custom Pet Doors • Screens • Mirrors • Water Stain Removal • Glass Scratch Removal & MORE!

E FRHE OME

IN ES ESTIMAT

360-927-9395

The Gla s s Gu r u o f B e llin g h a m.c o m

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C17

Raymond Faber says Ruth was also a good customer in knowing what she wanted and making decisions quickly, enabling the speedy completion.

The rural property had already been in the Appel family for some years, with its acreage producing forage for dairy cows.

How does the large open floor plan feel now that they’ve experienced it?

“Great. We’ve been very pleased,” Ruth said.

Since she is the master baker at the Appel Farms’ store on Northwest Road — which is around a few turns 1.7 miles away — it only made sense that Ruth deserved a classy kitchen of her own at home. She likes arrangements that make tasks easier and cut clutter, she said.

To that end, Faber was able to outfit the kitchen with an ingredient storage bin drawer, a pull-out mixer stand, and also undercabinet lighting and an out-of view electrical outlet strip.

White is definitely the prevailing color of the home — “I like white, clean and bright and happy,” Ruth said — setting up accents of black or deep dark color in furnishings, some cabinets and select places.

Again, this was a chance to create fresh what their former house lacked.

When she talked originally with Faber, one of Ruth’s top requests was for a “prophet’s room,” a biblical reference to quarters made for the prophet Elisha (II Kings 4:10).

See Appel on C18

Kitchen, dining and lounging all blend together in the Appels’ main open interactive area. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

VAN’S

PLUMBING AND ELECTRIC, INC.

Asphalt Paving RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Building or Remodeling?

Visit our beautiful new showroom across from Farmers Equipment!

• Grading • Driveways • Potholes • Patching • Parking Lots

FREE ESTIMATES

Office: 360-366-3303 Loren VanderYacht: 360-410-7389 Dallas VanZanten: 360-410-7986

307 19 Street • Lynden, WA 98264 th

(360) 354-2171 • (360) 354-VANS • Fax (360) 354-5497

Quality with Integrity

2380 Grandview Road • Ferndale

Locally owned and operated since 1982

www.wrsweb.com

C18

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Appel: House is easy to clean, take care of

The kitchen counter is stocked for action. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

OVER 4,000 SQUARE FEET OF UNIQUE HOME & GARDEN DÉCOR, In the heart of Downtown Lynden. Come discover true retail therapy!

The southeast patio will be a favorite spot at day’s end. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

Continued from C17 The Appels want to be able to host missionaries and others for lengths of time in an upper-level space with its own bedroom, bath, sitting area and small kitchen. They were doing this already in their previous house. The new design makes it an ideal set-up.

Nearest off the main floor “big open space” is a rec room/office that John can consider his own — along with a cat that likes to hang out there — while Ruth gets her quilting table area, hinting at one of her hobbies, near the laundry.

The guest room, master bedroom and bathroom are also in the westward wing of the house.

The best things about this new house, Ruth says, are “the openness and that we’re all together” and, of course,

the outdoor views.

The choice to downsize meant getting rid of a lot of stuff, but the reward now is that “it’s so much easier to take care of the house and keep it clean,” and it was all created by their own choices.

As for The Cheese Shop at 6605 Northwest Rd. between Lynden and Ferndale, it is doing very well, thank you, the Appels say. Also involved in the operation are the families of John’s brothers Gerald and Rich, carrying on a tradition begun by their Dutch-immigrant parents Jack and Audrey Appel.

John is the artisan cheese-maker, getting up by 3:30 a.m. sometimes to start the day’s work.

“We want to give God the glory for what he’s blessed us with,” he said, including all aspects of the new home, farm and store.

719 Grover St., Lynden • 360.318.8854 www.grandiflorahomeandgarden.com

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

The Great AMERICAN KITCHEN Event

C19

ENERGY STAR® 25.4 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator GSE25HMHES

30” Free-Standing Electric Range JB650EFES

1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven JVM6175EFES

Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher with Hidden Controls GDT580SMFES

Save Up To

$

926

April 1 - April 28

90*

$3526 00 $2999 00 -$29990 -$10000 Free Delivery

MAIN STORE: 3944 Meridian St. • Bellingham

$2599 10

DEALER TAG

(Across from Bellis Fair Mall in the Meridian Shopping Center)

Everyday Package Price

Promotional Price*

Additional 10% Savings*

Rebate Savings*

Final Price After Savings *with purchase of all 4 pieces

OUTLET STORE: 4175 Hannegan Rd. • Bellingham (Near the corner of Hannegan & Bakerview roads)

APPLIANCES | MATTRESSES | FURNITURE BBQS | TELEVISIONS

DISCOUNT APPLIANCES PARTS & SERVICE

360.733.5900 • www.dewaardandbode.com APPLIANCES • MATTRESSES • FURNITURE • BARBEQUES • HDTVS

We Service What We Sell • 0% Interest Financing Available!* • Free Local Delivery Available!*

*See store for details.

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C20

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Appel home

Thank You

John & Ruth

for choosing

SERVING YOU SINCE 1940

LYNDEN SHEET METAL INC. Air Conditioning • Heating • GAS FIREPLACES 837 Evergreen Street • Lynden, WA • 354-3991

Cabinets & Woodwork

Monday – Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Residential and Commercial

Congratulations and thank you for choosing Walkers Carpet One Floor & Home for your beautiful, new floors!

360. 354.1043 www.ks-woodworks.com

Thank you for including us in the construction of your new home.

www.lyndensheetmetal.com

Proudly serving Whatcom County Residents for over 50 years!

2425 E. Bakerview Road Bellingham, Wa 98226 360-733-6390 • www.walkerscarpetonebellingham.com

THANK YOU John & Ruth for choosing

360.733.5900 • www.dewaardandbode.com

Painting

JOEL KAMPHOUSE

KAMPHOUSE@HOTMAIL.COM

(360) 739-2264

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INTERIOR • EXTERIOR

360-354-2155 Lynden, WA

APPLIANCES • MATTRESSES FURNITURE • BARBEQUES • HDTVS

www.lyndaleglass.com

WINDOWS • DOORS • SKYLIGHTS • MIRRORS • SCREENS • & MORE

MAIN STORE: 3944 Meridian St. OUTLET STORE: 4175 Hannegan Rd. • B’ham

Enjoy your beautiful new home John & Ruth and thanks for choosing us.

Congratulations John & Ruth Appel on your beautiful new home!

BELLINGHAM

LYNDEN

FERNDALE

MOUNT VERNON

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C21

Cascade Natural Ralph’s Floors 50 Gas offers some OFF LOVE YOUR FLOOR homeowner tips

HOME DECORATING CENTER

% *

Select Carpet Styles

How to pick the right contractor for any job Picking the right contractor sets a foundation for success at the beginning of any project. In some ways, it can be the most important decision you make.

Getting at least three different bids before making your choice is a no-brainer, but how does one go about choosing the right people for the job?

First, it’s always important to check with Washington’s State Labor and Industries (L&I). This is where to go to ensure the contractor is currently licensed and bonded, as well as to make sure of no citations or pending issues.

Another smart place to check is the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).

As the watchdog group puts it, “People today are overwhelmed with choices — and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information.” Having a one-stop-shop such as this can help with national or local hiring because BBB sets standards for ethical business behavior, monitors compliance and helps consumers identify trustworthy

businesses by reviewing advertisements to ensure accuracy.

Finally, don’t forget to look to your utility companies as a source for finding reliable and trustworthy contractors.

Many utilities vet contractors who participate in their Conservation Incentive Programs. These are sometimes referred to as Trade Ally networks. The contractors who have passed the L&I and BBB checks, as well as met specifically set standards for insurance compliance, are then invited to participate in trainings and stay informed about all of the rebates your project might qualify for through the utilities.

The advice and guidance given by a qualified utility contractor can often help drive a cost-effective, safe and successful outcome for a project.

For a full list of Cascade Natural Gas Corporation’s Trade Ally contractors in Washington, visit www.cngc.com/conservation. You’ll find an interactive map to help point you toward contractors serving Whatcom County and who have continuously passed the rigorous background vetting.

To summarize: Get three bids.

Check with L&I and the Better Business Bureau. Ask your utility. Good luck!

Through May 11, 2015

Freedom Ridge

Addison Park

SALE PRICE

SALE PRICE

$1.57

$1.99

The Toughest, Easiest to Clean Carpet on the Planet™

“FLOORING WHATCOM COUNTY FOR OVER 47 YEARS” Choose energy-saving options when replacing a hot water heater or furnace in order to save money as well. (Courtesy photo/123RF.com)

354-4804

1843 Front Street • Lynden

C22

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

To pot or plot?

Right-sizing your plant picks is a first step toward gardening success Have you ever walked into a room that was so full of over-sized furniture it made an already small space feel miniscule and unusable? Or tricked your tummy into being satisfied with less food by using a small plate to make a modest portion look huge?

Scale makes a definite difference in many aspects of life, including gardening.

Whether you’re gardening in containers or have a big plot in your backyard, right-sizing your plant picks to coincide with your available garden space can yield a more productive and pleasurable gardening experience.

More than one-third of all American households now grow some type of food themselves, making food gardening the third largest yard activity after landscaping and lawn care, the National Gardening Survey shows.

Whether you aim to trim grocery bills by growing your own produce, add your own fresh herbs to your summer cooking, or just plain love to garden, choosing the right plants for your gardening space — pot or plot — is your first best bet toward success.

Get your garden growing Veggie and herb gardens need plenty of sunshine and water, no matter what you’re planting, or growing them in. Six to eight hours of bright light every day is best, so choose a sun-drenched spot in your yard for raised beds or larger gardens, and place pots and containers on sunny porches, decks or patios.

Use a good potting mix for containers and raised beds. It should be lightweight and provide fast drainage. For garden plots, till soil, test for quality and work any necessary amendments into the soil before planting.

All food plants need to be fed. Consistent and frequent watering, good drainage and a quality plant food such as Bonnie Plant Food are needed for good plant health and harvest.

Louis Auto & Residential Glass Over 86 Years

of continuous ownership and operation by the Adelstein family.

20% OFF New Vinyl Windows

*

-

Insulated Windows Glass Replacement Mirrors Shower Doors Vinyl Windows Wood Windows Windshields Rock Chips Please support the glass company that proudly gives back to our local community in so many ways!

from

• Best Price • Free Estimates • Best Service

LYNDEN 354-3232 • BELLINGHAM 734-3840 *Offer valid when windows purchased from Louis Auto Glass. Savings apply to cost of windows only. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Expires 4.30.15.

Cultivating in containers and raised beds Gardening doesn’t require a huge plot of land for hefty harvests and good success.

Planting in containers can solve space problems and raised beds allow you to enjoy a garden if you’re short on space or have poor soil quality in your yard.

Place containers in a sunny spot, whether it’s an apartment balcony or backyard patio. Make sure the pots are large enough for the plants you’ll put in them and have good drainage holes. Consider container color; dark containers will absorb more heat, so try using lighter colored containers.

Plants suited for containers include: • All herbs.

• All greens. Add flowers to the same pot for an ornamental touch.

• Tomatoes like Patio, Bush Early Girl and Better Bush. For larger varieties, use a large pot, at least 5 gallons for each plant and support plants with a cage.

• Smaller eggplants such as Patio Baby Mini Eggplants.

• Peppers, like Lunchbox Sweet Snacking Peppers, that are smaller in size and high in yield.

• Cucumbers if you add a trellis to the pot and train them to climb.

Raised beds can host bigger veggies like Beefmaster Tomatoes, or varieties that require more room to spread on the ground, like zucchini. They’re also great for greens like collards, lettuce, mustard and Swiss chard, and a variety of peppers, beans and eggplants.

Planting plots In-ground gardens allow you much more room for larger plants. Even if your plot isn’t huge, it can accommodate plants that require more room, like watermelon and corn. In addition to staples for your table like greens, tomatoes and peppers, a garden plot allows you to incorporate a greater variety of veggies, like beans, peas and squash.

No matter where you live or how much or little space you might have, you can enjoy growing your own food. Be sure to right-size according to your space and need. Once you get growing, you’ll love the homegrown flavor of your harvest and the enjoyment gardening brings.

For more gardening how-to tips, trouble-shooting and to learn about plants that fit your garden environment, visit www.bonnieplants.com.

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C23

Newkirk Rd

Bring in this ad for ProBuild offers a complete solution for all of your building needs. With high quality lumber, custom trusses, and a robust selection of building products, we can provide you with the best materials for the foundation of your home. If you need it, we have it.

Please call or come in today.

10% OFF

on purchases of up to $500.

Offer expires June 30, 2015

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | Ferndale Record

C24

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

e Priz for g n i w Dra gift 0 0 a $2 Enter in card tore! s

One Day Only

SALE!

$5 OFF

$10 OFF

18” Hanging Baskets 14” Hanging Baskets

20% OFF Pottery

THROUGHOUT THE STORE PLANTER BAR Open all day!

Bring your pots to fill with FREE VW soil! (with purchase of plants) TOURS of our growing facility 1pm and 4pm KIDS CRAFT TABLE Open all day

8210 Portal Way, Blaine Just north of the outlet center on Portal Way Exit 270

www.vwhomeandgarden.com