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A SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEWTOWN BEE • SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
2 - Home & Garden
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
Raised Garden Beds Have Multiple Options & Benefits By Emily Braun As the fall season settles in over Newtown, gardeners are enjoying the fruits — and vegetables — of their labors. Members of the Victory Garden Committee and one local garden club recently shared some of their thoughts on raised beds for gardening. A raised garden bed is a plot of soil that sits above ground level, typically supported by planks of wood or other material. Jeannette Del Vento, a co-chair of The Garden Club of Newtown’s Victory Garden Committee, said when looking to build a raised garden bed at home, it is important to use sturdy wood to reinforce the soil. “You have to make sure that the wood is going to last,” she said. “It's got to be what's not going to rot.” She suggested oak and other hardwoods. There are different ways to design a raised bed. Mark Forstrom, a member of the Victory Garden Committee — which oversees the full garden and all those who cultivate any of its rows — explained extra materials are not entirely necessary. He acknowledged not every gardener has that financial freedom when building a bed at home. “You can just do raised beds. You don't have to do any material,” he said. “You can just raise the soil level, and you don't have to have any lumber or anything, and it works.” Forstrom said this approach will need “a little more maintenance, more weeding, and more edging if you want it to stay pretty because the grass will creep in.” Raised beds cannot eliminate the imminent threats to one's garden: weeds and pests. Victory Garden Co-Chair Barbara Richardson pointed out another benefit of weeding a raised bed: “The dirt is nice and loose, so it's easier to pick out the weeds.” Del Vento recommends planting marigolds within the beds. The f lower gives off a scent that keeps bugs away. “At the end of the season you do not take out the marigolds. The root is another pesticide and any of the bugs that winter over, it's supposed to kill them,” she explained. For avoiding
Barbara Richardson and Mark Forstrom are the current co-chairs of the Victory Garden at Fairfield Hills, which was established in 2011 and is overseen by Newtown Parks & Recreation. Residents grow and deliver fresh vegetables for Newtown’s food pantries, with some opting to utilize raised beds. Louise Zierzow (left) and Jeannette Del Vento co-chair The Garden Club of Newtown’s Victory Garden Committee. Members of the local garden club have planted tomatoes, beans, peas, squash, and other vegetables and herbs in the community garden since its inception in 2011. The club added raised beds to its rows in 2024.
pests, Del Vento added, “I planted squash, and the raccoons don't like the texture of the leaves, so they stay away.” For home gardeners looking to build a raised bed in their yard before the spring planting season, Del Vento advised, “Have the wood, the sizes you want all set, and then in the spring I'd put it out so it wouldn't be over winter. “If you put it out now, you would have to fill it with soil right away, and you don't really want to do that,” she said, adding, “Make sure the soil you get is pH adjusted.” When it comes to planting in raised beds, Del Vento recommends waiting until the end of May, to avoid any potential lingering frost. Emily Braun is a journalism major at Fordham University who interned with The Newtown Bee this summer. She can still be contacted through editor@ thebee.com. The Garden Club of Newtown has been using raised beds within its Victory Garden rows for three seasons. —Bee Photos, Braun
Home & Garden - 3
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
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4 - Home & Garden
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
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Fireplace Trends Help Create Attractive, Comfortable Rooms Fireplaces are useful features in a home. Fireplaces are sources of ambient heat and also add style to indoor spaces. Fireplaces can complement just about any interior style. Fireplaces can be traditional and burn wood or connect to a home’s natural gas supply for ondemand ambiance. What’s more, fireplaces may come in vented or ventless varieties, depending on homeowners’ preferences and what is allowed by community building codes. That means a chimney or f lue may not be needed - expanding the list of rooms where a fireplace can be installed. Certain trends have emerged among fireplace fans in recent years. Here’s a look at what’s getting consumers fired up about these home decor elements. • Minimalist style: Many fireplaces are designed in neutral colors with minimal trim that directs focus on the fire and not the appliance. When the fireplace is not in use, it blends in with surroundings and will not compete for attention with other design elements. • Convertible fireplaces: Homeowners can choose between open or sealed fireplaces. A convertible fireplace enables homeowners to have the best features of these options. A convertible fireplace can be converted to wood from gas, or the opposite, in as little as 30 minutes. • Nature-inspired materials: Natural stone continues to be a material of choice in fireplace surrounds. Light colors work well for a fireplace, and also fit with today’s lighter color interior design preferences. Natural stone also works perfectly with both contemporary and rustic decor. • Vintage fireplaces: Vintage continues to be a buzzword in 2022, and the choice to go vintage also applies to fireplace styles. A room decorated in vintage elements can be complemented with a vintage fireplace or one designed to look vintage. • Integrate into wall decor: Fireplaces that are built right into a wall save space. One can have a television and a fireplace on the same wall. These types of fireplaces work well in modern home designs. Other fireplaces may be built into bookshelves or other wall features. Fireplaces can improve the appeal of a home. Various trends are popular this year, making fireplaces highly coveted features.
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The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
Home & Garden - 5
6 - Home & Garden
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
Working The Garden—
Fall And Winter Prep Every Gardener Should Know
By Sam Cross While summer comes to a close and cooler temperatures set in, gardeners are still hard at work preparing their beds for the snow. Despite the cooler temperatures, Eugene Reelick from Hollandia Nursery said there are still some “beautiful days to enjoy” in the fall season. While enjoying the cooler temps, gardeners can assess their garden “successes,” and the “not so successful ” projects. Reelick said, however, that the “not so successful ” aspects are not failures. “Too much rain impeded the plant growth. Too much fungus because of the rain affected the plant. The plant didn’t fail, the homeowner didn’t fail. The conditions were not optimal for the growth of the plants,” Reelick said. He encouraged gardeners to go out and “visually inspect” their gardens in the fall and begin trimming back the “negatives,” or the things that do not look good. While trimming, it is also important to assess what needs to be pruned due to excessive growth. This summer has had an exceptional amount of rain, which caused some plants to stretch in search of the sun on cloudy days. “When people look at [their gardens], they’re going to say, ‘Okay, I need to prune that back, that’s taller than I need it.’ Then prune it back,” Reelick said. “You’re not going to hurt it. What Hollandia Nursery has a variety of fall mums to add a pop of color to garyou are going to do, though, is possibly dens as the weather begins to cool.
An allium garden in the spring. Allium bulbs should be planted in the fall, like other spring bulbs.
lose the f lower bud for the f lowering year. Sometimes you have to let go of one f lower period for the good of the shrub, good of the plant, good of the garden.” Reelick suggested also going through plants and seeing what needs to be divided, like hostas and daylilies. This division allows for plants to be used in other areas of the garden or yard, and they can be given to friends and family to spread the wealth of healthy plants and beautiful gardens. “It’s not a bad time right now, either, to put down a little fungicide,” Reelick said. He also encouraged removing leaves from gardens to prevent fungus from growing on the plants as well. Fall is also a great time to feed and fertilize plants and trees. Reelick explained that feeding plants too late in the season can force new growth that will not “harden off ” before the frost comes and it can kill the plant. He compared it to getting a sunburn on already sunburned skin. Local garden centers, like Hollandia, can answer specific questions about which plants should be fed now and which can wait until the warmer weather comes back around. Clearing the debris, trimming shrubs and trees, and removing the “negatives” ensures gardeners can enjoy their masterpieces through fall and into winter. Though it seems like it is a time for cleaning, Reelick did say that people should also be looking to add
An example of “rutting,” a process in which deer rub their antlers against trees during mating season. This process can have undesirable effects on trees, especially new ones. A deer guard is recommended to protect against this. —photos courtesy Hollandia Nursery
Home & Garden - 7
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026 fall color to their gardens with plants like mums, anemones, crocosmias, and others. Planting is also not off the table, either. Fall is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs, like daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, tulips, snow drops, and more. Ensuring gardens are in the best shape when the snow melts also means protecting against wildlife, like deer and squirrels. Deer do something called “rutting,” which is when they rub their antlers against trees during mating season. Obviously, this process can have undesirable effects, especially on newly planted trees. Reelick suggested covering trees and some shrubs with deer guards to ensure the plants make it to the next season. Winter Season Once winter comes, gardeners are still hard at work protecting and trimming their plants for the cold weather. “When does this start? When do we do this? We wanna do this after the second [or third] killing frost,” Reelick said. The frost triggers the plant to take back nutrients to the root zone to prepare itself for winter. Around November 1, Reelick suggested cutting back paniculata hydrangeas, and cutting them “very hard.” Roses should also be “put to bed” by cutting them and surrounding them with mulch to protect the “rose graft” from freezing and thawing. Perennials should also be cut close to the ground and surrounded by mulch. Reelick explained this more: “Don’t forget also, for two reasons we’re doing this: one is to put a blanket over [plants] … a little winter protection, also, it’s aesthetically attractive. It makes your perennial gardens look good. Here in New England, there’s multiple winters where we don’t have snow cover.” Before gardeners go crazy mulching over everything, it is imperative to dig up annual tubers, like dahlias and canna lilies. This is also a good time to prune deciduous trees from cross branching and crown thinning. Another tip Reelick offered is to use a good anti-desiccant, or wilt-proof, on plants. Anti-desiccants act as a sort of “sunblock” for broad leaf evergreens that protects leaves from burning and dehydration. He said they are “essential to use in New England” because of the cold and dry winters.
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This is an example of a perennial garden in the spring. Taking care of gardens during the fall and winter can produce lively, vibrant flowers when the weather starts to warm again. As the temps dip down, Reelick also suggested taking the time to clean/sharpen tools and properly store them for winter. Tomato cages should be hung somewhere where winter rains can cleanse them. Some tasks may seem daunting, but Reelick said, “If you’re a gardener, you take a lot of pride and passion in what you do in your gardens. It’s not the cheapest hobby out there, and, to invest a little bit of time for fall and winter cleanup, the next spring, you will
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appreciate the labor and the time that you put in.” Reelick said it is nice to be out in the garden, and it is “good to get your fingers dirty.” He reminds readers that Hollandia is always there for any question or concerns about gardening and is ready to assist with all planting needs. Learn more about Hollandia Nursery by visiting ctgrown.com. Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.
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8 - Home & Garden
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
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Home & Garden - 9
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
Why An Insulated Attic Is A Good Attic
As homeowners address energy efficiency around their homes, they may want to put attics at the top of their list. Because heat naturally rises during the winter and also infiltrates the roof during the summer, a roof with insufficient insulation can be energy inefficient. Many experts attest that upgrading attic insulation is a practical and cost-effective home improvement. A desire to reduce energy bills is a primary motivator when installing attic insulation. Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR¨ program says homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs, or roughly 11 percent on their total energy bills, by air sealing and insulating attics and crawl spaces. Standalone attic insulation projects frequently achieve high rates of return. Beyond financial matters, attic insulation also creates a more comfortable and stable indoor climate. Attic insulation will buffer the interior from extreme temperature swings. This can help preserve the integrity of the home. In cold climates, attic insulation will limit the occurrence of ice dams, which form at the eaves when heat inside living spaces escapes to the roof. Ice dams can cause water to back up under shingles and even tear away gutters. The U.S. Department of Energy indicates residential and commercial buildings combined account for 40 percent of the nation’s total energy consumption. By utilizing attic insulation and creating a proper thermal barrier, homes can draw less power from regional grids and burn less fuel locally. Attic insulation may not be as glamorous as a room remodel, but it is an important component of a safe, comfortable and energy-efficient home.
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10 - Home & Garden
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
Emergency Contacts & Kits Should Be Created Before Severe Weather Events Arrive Severe winter weather affects millions of people across the United States. Extreme cold, freezing rain, and snow are just some of the risks Newtown and the region regularly face once winter arrives. Newtown officials regularly issue reminders ahead of and in the wake of weather events. Winter warnings regularly include notifications through CodeRED, a system used to notify the entire town, or one or more specific neighborhoods, that might be impacted by local incidents like flooding or pinpoint storm damage. Register online at newtown-ct.gov/public-safety/pages/ selected-resources. Residents can also get notified about less critical municipal information through Newtown’s News and Announcements platform, which also requires residents and others to sign up. In addition to our website (newtownbee.com), readers residents can follow The Newtown Bee on its social network pages, using Facebook and Instagram (both @TheNewtownBee). Newtown residents can sign up for specific local alerts by visiting newtown-ct. gov/subscribe. Readers and residents can also text Newtown to 99411 or contact Newtown Emergency Communications Director Maureen Will at 203-270-4296 for assistance. Those who want to be informed about larger-scale emergencies that potentially affect the entire state are encouraged to also sign up for CT Alert messages at portal.ct.gov/ctalert. Vehicle Emergency Kits Motor vehicle operators have been urged for decades to keep emergency supplies in their vehicle. Among the supplies that can help if someone becomes stranded are: *Jumper cables *A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and tripod jack *Took kit and/or multipurpose utility tool *Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make the vehicle more visible *Reflective vest *Flares *Scraper *Windshield washer fluid *A shovel *Sand or non-clumping kitty litter (for tire traction when stuck) *A first aid kit *Nonperishable high-energy foods (unsalted nuts, dried hard fruits, candy) *Drinking water *Power bank *Map *Car charger for cell phone *Fire extinguisher *Compass *Duct tape *Blankets *Rain poncho *Warm clothing including coverings for head, hands, and feet *Blankets A change of clothing is also encouraged. At the very least, keep a pair of pants, a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt, dry undergarments, and coverings for hands and head in a go-bag. Additionally, it is also a good idea to
Do not wait until an emergency occurs to collect items needed to get through a severe weather event. Home emergency supply kits can be set up in a sturdy container and include canned food and a can opener, bottled water, a printed local map, garbage bags, and plastic sheeting, among other items. —Bee Photos, Visca keep family and emergency phone numbers, including auto insurance provider and a towing company, in one’s phone. FEMA also suggests keeping a vehicle’s fuel tank consistently as full as possible to keep the fuel line from freezing. Also ensure windshield wipers are in good condition and windshield fluid, tire pressure, and anti-freeze are all at proper levels. If someone becomes trapped in their vehicle during a blizzard, they should remain in the vehicle unless they can see a building close by where they know they can take shelter. Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, to prevent carbon monox-
ide poisoning. Home Emergency Supply List The following items are recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to include in a basic emergency supply kit for the home: *Water and non-perishable food for several days that can be prepared without electricity *Extra cell phone battery and charger *Battery-powered or hand crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries *First aid kit *A whistle (to signal for help) *Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Emergency supplies should also be assembled for any vehicle that could be on the road when bad weather arrives. Kits can include everything from a printed local map, power bank, and jumper cables to food and water, a blanket, and much more.
*Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place) *Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation) *Non-sparking wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) *Can opener (if kit contains canned food) *Local maps FEMA also recommends considering the following additional items: *Prescription medication and eyeglasses *Infant formula and diapers *Pet food, water, and other pet supplies *Important family documents including copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records, in a portable waterproof container *Cash and change *Emergency reference material such as a first aid book and information from ready.gov *Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding in cold weather climates *Complete change of clothing including long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing in cold weather climates *Fire extinguisher *Matches in a waterproof container *Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, hand sanitizer *Mess kits; paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils; paper towels *Paper and pencil *Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children First Aid Kit Notes The American Red Cross says while first aid kits can vary greatly depending on purpose, intended number of users, and location, the basics are similar across the board. Common items for first aid kits include: a first aid booklet; adhesive bandages in multiple quantities and sizes for minor bleeding; alcohol wipes or other hand sanitizers; roller bandages and gauze pads for more severe bleeding; fluids for cleaning (antiseptic, saline, distilled water); gels, creams, and sprays (sting and bite treatment, rash and burn creams); instant cold packs; aspirin tablets, chewable (for heart attack); personal protective equipment (masks, non-latex gloves); and scissors and tweezers. The American Red Cross also cautions creams, gels, and oral medication not only lose their effectiveness over time but can also pose a serious health risk. The US FDA says certain expired medications are at risk of potential bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance. Things like bandages, tape, scissors, and gloves have a longer shelf life, but will not last forever. The sticky area of bandages can lose its adhesive qualities over time, which means they will not do their job of protecting cuts and other wounds. Bandages, tape, scissors, and gloves will degrade over time. First aid supplies and packaging can lose integrity if not used by their expiration dates, allowing bacteria to enter the sterile dressings and tools. The National Safety Council suggests checking everything in emergency supply kits every six months.
Home & Garden - 11
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
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12 - Home & Garden
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
Outdoor Living Spaces: Multiple Options Available For Untapped Areas By Emily Braun As the dog days of summer come to a close and cooler temperatures creep in, homeowners may begin to think about shutting down their outdoor living areas. A June 2026 report by Houzz, the online platform covering home improvement professionals, design ideas, and products for building and remodeling, says homeowners are increasingly motivated to upgrade their spaces to be more accommodating. Marine Sargsyan, Houzz’s economic research director, said homeowners are investing in outdoor renovations with long-term lifestyle goals in mind. In a release issued concurrent with the June report, she cited spaces that blur the lines between indoors and out, including outdoor dining and cooking features, plus reading retreats and lounge areas. According to the 2026 US Houzz Outdoor Trends Study, many homeowners are looking to extend indoor living areas outside. Houzz surveyed 1,191 US homeowners about recent or planned outdoor and exterior renovation projects. Outdoor spaces are designed as true extensions of the home, with dedicated zones for lounging, dining, relaxing, gardening, and cooking. Lounge or seating areas are the most common outdoor living spaces, included by more than four in five renovating homeowners (83%), followed by dining areas (55%), quiet retreats or reading areas (53%), gardening areas (49%), and outdoor cooking areas (48%). Across these spaces, homeowners are incorporating indoor-style features such as sofas or lounge chairs, lighting, coffee or side tables, and fireplaces or fire pits, making outdoor spaces feel more intentional and comfortable for regular use, Houzz reported. Homeowners are treating outdoor
Black Swan Hearth & Home employees Bonnie Litke and Bob Tredennick stand within a model outdoor cooking space with custom cabinetry. Litke is trying to get more people to realize they can enjoy outdoor kitchens and other spaces well into cold months. —photo courtesy Black Swan Hearth & Home kitchen areas as permanent cooking, dining, and entertaining hubs rather than occasional-use amenities. The Houzz report also noted that among homeowners upgrading an outdoor structure, one in eight (12%) added or upgraded an outdoor kitchen. Bonnie Litke, who works in customer service and marketing for Black Swan Hearth & Home in Newtown, explained a few ways these outdoor living spaces can be utilized throughout the seasons.
“People get this mentality that's like as soon as it gets cold you have to shut everything down outside and come inside,” said Litke, who is trying to get more people to realize they do not in fact need to move indoors. At least, not yet. “Even though it’s Connecticut, and it gets really cold, you can actually stay outside longer,” she said. It is possible to create a space that is sustainable outside of the summer
Homeowners are treating outdoor kitchen areas as permanent cooking, dining, and entertaining hubs rather than occasional-use amenities, according to the 2026 US Houzz Outdoor Trends Study. Spaces that blur the lines between indoors and out, including outdoor dining and cooking features, are trending. —photo courtesy Black Swan Hearth & Home
months, she added. "Even in the winter, I've had people that buy these fire tables, and they say that they go out there in the winter with their coat on and they roast marshmallows in December. It’s fun,” Litke noted. The Houzz report noted cooking and entertainment features remain central to outdoor spaces. Most outdoor kitchens include a grill (85%), followed by beverage refrigerators (62%) and sinks (59%). Nearly half include a faucet (49%), while 36% feature a cooktop and 29% include a pizza oven. Entertainment is also common, with 38% including a TV. Smokers (24%), vents (19%), and warming drawers (9%) round out the mix. Outdoor living areas come in many shapes and sizes. Litke noted some of the options offered at the South Main Street business: “Everything from wood fire pits to gas fire tables to outdoor fireplaces. We sell freestanding grills, built in grills, to full blown outdoor kitchen cabinets.” For homeowners looking for guidance when curating their own outdoor space, Litke said the first thing to consider is what the space will be used for. “Do you want to use it for just a few people to enjoy it, or are you looking for something for larger gatherings?” she said. “It ranges from something small — they just want to create like a small fire feature so they can stay outside longer — to somebody that wants to truly create an outdoor space that they want to live out there.” Many homeowners are not looking for a total renovation in their backyard, and there are simple options for those consumers. “We could recommend something like a fire table, and you just add a few chairs around it and it's like, voila, it’s easy,” Litke said, adding “Other people might come in and say ‘I want a fullblown fireplace and an outdoor kitchen. I host a lot, I want to have parties all summer long, and I want people to feel comfortable.’”
Home & Garden - 13
The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
A gas grill can be the centerpiece of an outdoor living space. This Napoleon Legacy Prestige gas grill is among the many options available at Black Swan Hearth & Home, where staff can work with property owners to create a space that remains warm and inviting well into the coldest months. —Bee Photo, Braun Post-COVID, the primary trend when it comes to outdoor living spaces is simply the desire to spend more time outside. “I am starting to see a little bit of a trend that people are wanting to stay outside longer,” Litke said. “They are pushing to create the outdoor space, so that they can stay outside longer ... We live in a really beautiful area that we get to appreciate. We don't live in the middle of a city; people have yards and space and it's really nice to appre-
ciate it.” Unused space in many yards can be tapped as entertainment areas. “If you just put a little fire table there and some chairs, all of a sudden, you’ve extended your outdoor area and you're using a lot more of it,” Litke said. Emily Braun is a journalism major at Fordham University who interned with The Newtown Bee this summer. She can still be contacted through editor@thebee.com.
Big Green Egg grills and accessories are among the available options at Black Swan Hearth & Home. —Bee Photo, Braun
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The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
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The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026
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The Newtown Bee - September 11, 2026