2013 Fall Home Magazine

FA L L

M A G A Z I N E

Supplement to the September 26, 2013 Perham Focus

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4 16

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CONTENTS Features

4

A ‘harmonious’ balance of form and function: Perham architect helps turn dreams into reality for area lake home owners

12 16 20 22 24 28 32 34 36 8

Dress up your fall festivities: Simple and fun DIY home décor projects Is it still a buyer’s market? Realtors say the tide may be turning Falling for the birds: Feed and water your flock all winter long

Creativity in cabinetry: Options are many when remodeling or building new kitchen cabinets Autumn leaf clean-up A great spring garden starts in the fall: Bulbs planted now will grow up to greet you at winter’s end Water, mow and mulch: Prepare your lawn and plants for winter Fall comfort food: Warm your bowl – and your soul – with these hearty slow-cooked meals

GENERAL MANAGER Melissa Swenson BUSINESS MANAGER Sherri Lefebvre SALES representatives Deb Spiczka • Marc Hartman INSIDE SALES representative Hildie Niemela MAGAZINE editoR Marie Nitke contributing writers Marie Nitke • Jessica Honer Lina Belar • Elizabeth Huwe Robert Williams EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Cindy Gilster

Easy ways to winterize Preventing septic system problems

also inside: 37-40 BUILDING AND REMODELING DIRECTORY: Realtors, contractors, supply stores and more

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

222 2nd Ave. SE • Perham, MN 56573 p: 218.346.5900 • f: 218.346.5901 www.perhamfocus.com

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3

A ‘harmonious’ balance of form and function

by Marie Nitke

n A rendering of the interior of the Dostal family’s new home on Big McDonald Lake in Dent.

The home features vaulted ceilings, large, lake-facing windows, custom stone finishes and many other personal touches.

Perham architect helps turn dreams into reality for area lake home owners

F

all is an exciting time of year for people in the home design and building business.

With some projects just starting up before the winter freeze, others that started in the spring now about halfway complete, and last year’s projects finishing up, it’s a busy and rewarding season for the designers, builders, owners and everyone else involved in the process.

“It’s really a great time of year,” said Kelli Wegscheid.

Wegscheid is an architect and the 4

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

founder of Harmonious Architecture, LLC of Perham.

With numerous projects on her plate, she’s got plenty to be excited about this fall.

One of those projects, a Big McDonald Lake home near Dent that she designed, is just weeks away from completion, and both she and the owners are on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the final result.

“I love seeing the finished product,” Wegscheid said. “To see the progression of it, to start with an idea and then get to that finished product, is so much fun.

Kelli Wegscheid, founder of Harmonious Architecture, LLC of Perham

And it makes people so happy.”

Among those people are the Big McDonald Lake property owners, Jeff and Diane Dostal.

“We’ve been very happy with the work done,” said Jeff. “We’re looking to have this as our retirement home in the not-too-distant future.”

The home features personal touches that make it the Fargo couple’s own, such as stone finishes, a vaulted ceiling and large lake-facing windows in the living room, tongue-and-groove ash ceilings with alder beams and matching alder trim and doors, hand-scraped

n Left: This new home on the north side of Little Pine Lake near Perham, designed by Harmonious Architecture, was completed last fall. It features a large great room and kitchen area, as well as a sun porch. n Right top : Renderings of the exterior of the Dostal’s home on Big McDonald Lake. The home was designed to attach to an existing garage. Special attention needed to be paid to the lot’s slope and elevation. n Right Bottom: Construction on the Big McDonald Lake home was expected to be wrapped up by the middle of October.

hickory flooring, and tile.

The couple also had two master suites built in – one on the upper level, and one on the lower level.

“In case one day we can’t do stairs anymore, there’ll be an identical master suite downstairs,” Jeff explained.

Designing homes with age and accessibility in mind is becoming more common, according to Wegscheid. Many lake homes, especially, are intended for family use, and that means family members of all generations. More and more homes today are being built and remodeled to accommodate everyone in the family –from newborns to greatgrandparents.

“The lake is where everybody gathers,” Wegscheid said. “That’s why people build their lake homes with such care.”

Other trends and customer preferences that Wegscheid has noticed in-

clude open floor plans, the use of higher quality construction and materials, specialized mud rooms with features like mail-drop centers and media centers, bigger walk-in closets with more builtin organization, and project rooms.

Project rooms, she explained, are basically traditional laundry rooms that have been expanded to include space for things like a pantry and television, and they often feature an island counter for project-making. Multi-purpose rooms like these are a growing trend.

Another trend that continues to grow is energy efficiency. The Dostals, for example, chose to install a geothermal, in-floor heating system, which helps cut down on energy usage and cost.

These kinds of trends and special features are usually fun for homeowners to dream about and are fairly easy to plan, but building a lake home can also

have its challenges.

Wegscheid said she often encounters irregularly shaped lots and elevations, small lots, sandy soils and shoreline regulations – all of which need to be carefully considered when designing and constructing a home or major remodeling project.

She just finished designing a home on Cormorant Lake outside of Detroit Lakes, for example, that was to be seated on a narrow 50-foot lot. Lake lots are often long and skinny, she said, so her challenge is to be creative and design homes that “don’t just look like tall, long boxes.”

The Dostal’s home presented more than one challenge. With sandy soil in some spots, a sloping lot and an existing garage that needed to be attached to the home in order to meet a shoreline requirement, Wegscheid had to pay close attention to the elevation of the FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

5

After

Before Before and after pictures of a recent remodeling project on Detroit Lake. The flat look of the home was transformed mostly “just by changing up the siding,” according to architect Kelli Wegscheid. Not much was added to the home, other than a new great room and a storage area off the garage.

land and design the home to not only be sturdy, functional and efficient, but also look attractive and match the owner’s wishes.

Fortunately, she said, in the Dostal’s case and many others, such challenges are overcome: “Almost always, we can achieve a great outcome.”

That’s good news for the families that count on seeing their lake home dreams come true. Some, like the Dostals, wait for years to see that vision become a reality.

The story of the Dostal’s home officially started in 1999, when they purchased the lot on Big McDonald Lake. The sandy shoreline and quality of the lake was too good to pass up, explained Jeff. After years of camping out at different lakes around the area, he and Diane found the lot that was right for them.

In 2004, they cleared a small hole in the trees that was just big enough to fit their camper into, and they also built a tuck-under garage on the property.

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

It wasn’t until eight years later that they started getting serious about building a house.

Looking for a designer that specialized in lake homes, the Dostals ran into Wegscheid at a home show. They showed her pictures of their property and told her about their style preferences, and she made up some sketches of what their home could look like. They started working with her to finalize their design plans.

After that, they began interviewing builders. Impressed with Rick Bladel Construction in Battle Lake, the Dostals hired him, and construction was scheduled to start in the spring. From there, things came together one step at a time, Jeff said.

The family is hoping to be moved in by mid-October, and plans to use the home primarily in summers, with occasional winter visits – at least for now.

“People often start out saying the homes are seasonal, but then they spend more time there and end up moving there permanently,” Wegscheid said.

Wegscheid’s knowledge of lake homes is both learned and first-hand.

She grew up on Otter Tail Lake, and then studied architecture in college.

“I always wanted to be an architect,” she said. “I was around construction sites when I was younger, and my family was very do-it-yourself with remodeling and building.”

After graduating from North Dakota State University, she worked with a firm in Brainerd, Minn., before moving back to the Perham area with her husband, Michael, an IT manager.

She started Harmonious Architecture

here in 2010.

“I love working with people and families,” she said of her job. “The diversity of every family is different. Every lake is different. Every property is different. There’s never any project that’s the same as any other project.”

In addition to family homes, she’s also worked on some recognizable commercial projects, including the new Goose Gang building and Edward Jones office.

She said she’s noticed things picking up in the construction and remodeling business, especially among baby boomers, who she said, “don’t want to wait any longer. They want to either remodel or build that lake home so they can enjoy it and retire.”

The kitchen inside a recently remodeled home on Detroit Lake. Since families and guests tend to congregate in the kitchen, it’s become popular to build spacious kitchens with lots of seating.

Design work was done by Harmonious Architecture of Perham.

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Simple and fun DIY home decor projects

Elizabeth Huwe

Dress up your fall festivities

S

ummer gives way to autumn, vacation season ends and school starts again; this is the time of year when friends and family meet and reconnect.

Small additions to a home’s dÊcor can create a more festive, seasonal atmosphere for these gatherings.

Create these three crafts for your next get-together and have some festive fall fun.

Acorn Napkin Ring (Inspired by Better Homes and Gardens) Supplies: Twenty-four acorns (per ring), paper towel roll, tin foil, hot glue gun, spray paint (optional).

-If desired, spray paint acorns and allow to dry completely. If using a glitter-paint, spray with a clear sealant and dry again.

-Cut a section from the paper towel roll and wrap it in tin foil. This will form a template for your ring.

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These fall-themed crafts can be combined to create a total autumn table setting.

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

-Once glue gun is hot, begin to glue acorns together around the outside of the roll.

(Before gluing, experiment with your acorn layout to determine which patterns you prefer. Acorns could face the same or opposite direction; can be staggered or matched up.)

-As acorns are glued together, fill in any gaps with additional glue. The extra glue will help your napkin ring keep its shape and not break.

-Once the ring is complete, place it in the freezer for about three minutes.

This will harden the glue and make the template easier to remove.

Repeat this project to create a complete set of rings. Adjust the template as needed to fit your napkins.

Supplies for an acorn napkin ring: acorns, towel roll and foil. Another option would be to drill holes and thread together with thin wire.

Filling all of the spaces between acorns with hot glue will ensure durability and shape.

The final product. Create a set of eight to use for parties or on special occasions.

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013 8.125x10.875_Mag4C_Q4_Hol_Duette_F.indd 1

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If you have a gourd, a candle and a cutting tool, you can make this project.

Use the candle to determine what size the hole needs to be. Start small, and then make the hole larger so you can be sure the candle fits properly.

Gourd Candle Holders (Inspired by Revel Blog) Supplies: Small gourd, tea light candle, sharp knife or saw, marker.

- Trace the shape of the candle onto the gourd’s rind.

-Use a sharp knife or saw to make the first cuts. If making a standing gourd, cut far enough down that the candle will fit in the center. Use a vice or other clamp to hold round gourds in place while cutting.

-Gradually carve and hollow out the gourd until the candle fits in the hole.

-Light the candle and enjoy.

Carve these holders no more than two days before you wish to use them: gourds can dry out or go bad after being cut. A dry gourd with a lit candle inside can become a fire hazard.

Fall in love with these miniature gourd candle holders.

Canning Ring Pumpkin

Finish the jar-ring pumpkin with a fabric leaf and cinnamon stick stem.

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

(Inspired by Yellow Bliss Road) Supplies: Twenty-four quart-jar canning rings, string, green fabric, 7-10 cinnamon sticks, spray paint (optional).

-Spray paint canning rings and allow them to dry completely.

-Thread the rings onto an 18inch section of string or yarn.

-Pull the rings into a tight circle and tie the string into a knot. Cut off any extra string.

Shuffle the rings to create a more precise circle.

-Cut a lobed-leaf shape from the green fabric and insert it into the

String the rings together and tie into a tight circle. Rearrange the rings to improve the shape.

center of the circle. Fill the rest of the center with cinnamon sticks to create a stem.

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by Marie Nitke

Is it still a

buyer’s market?

Realtors say the tide may be turning

P

rospective homebuyers, take note: strike now, while the iron’s still hot.

Mortgage loan interest rates are lower today than they were a few years ago, but they’re starting to creep back up. At the same time, the housing market is picking up again, meaning home prices will start to creep back up, as well.

That makes this the opportune time to buy, before rates and home prices get higher.

Laurie Woessner, an agent at Boll Realty, said the current market is right for homebuyers, but he wasn’t sure how long that would last.

“Things are selling well,” he said. “Prices are not necessarily rising yet, but it’s a good indication that they probably will be soon, because things are starting to move.”

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

Chad Anderson, the broker/owner of New Horizons Realty in Perham, shared that observation.

“It’s definitely picked up in the last couple of years,” he said. “There are still properties that have been out there for three to four years, but if you have a good property at a good price, it seems to move… People are ready to move on with their lives.”

Buyers still have some room to deal in today’s market, Anderson added, but he’s noticing a shift: “I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s a buyer’s market anymore. I would say that it’s evened out a lot more.”

Woessner said the prime spring and summer selling season started off slow this year, due to unusually cold weather in May and June, but since then, things have been busy.

He credits that primarily to low mortgage interest rates.

“I do think the interest rates are going to keep climbing, slow but sure,” he said. “I’m not sure how soon that’ll happen, but every little bit hurts when you’re trying to buy.”

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

13

Nick Dockter, a sales agent and property manager at Real Estate Results, thinks the rising interest rates may be “turning the tides a little bit” on the housing market, but for now, he said, it’s still a buyer’s market.

His office saw an increased interest in home buying due to lower loan interest rates in recent years, he said, especially the market for higher-end lake homes.

For those thinking about buying a home, Dockter offered the following advice: “Talk with a realtor in the area. The first thing to do is go and see what you’re pre-approved for (in terms of home loans) and what price range area you’re in.

Once that’s established, you can try to find the perfect place for you at that price.”

That advice is shared by Ellen Olson, the compliance officer at Farmers and Merchants State Bank in New York Mills.

When people visit the bank to inquire about a mortgage loan, she said, they often don’t know what price range they can afford. Having that established ahead of time can help make their home searches more effective and satisfying later on.

Olson said mortgage interest rates have been going up all summer, but are still below 5 percent, “and that’s a good rate.”

The market has remained tight in terms of credit worthiness, she said, so people with less than perfect credit who would like to buy a home are advised to try and build that credit back up.

“People should be conscious of their credit scores,” she suggested, “and make sure they’re paying all their bills and there aren’t any judgments out there. Just take care of business, is basically what it is.”

For those who have some trouble qualifying for credit, government loans may offer a solution. FHA loans, for example, are insured by the department of Housing and Urban Development, allowing lenders to offer a better deal and making the credit qualification process a little easier. Home loans are also available to income-qualifying applicants in some rural areas through the United States Department of Agriculture.

Other sources of grants, loans and assistance programs are also out there. Perham, for example, offers an Employer Assisted Housing Program to provide closing costs and other

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

assistance to qualified applicants. Funds are available through the Perham Housing and Redevelopment Authority, from donations by local employers.

The bottom line is, there are a slew of options out there.

Those thinking about purchasing a home should contact their banker to find out what’s affordable for them.

Olson said there have been a steady number of people applying for mortgage loans lately, and she’s hoping for more in the spring, once additional homes are put on the market.

Whether you are buying or building, We can help make it happen!

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218-863-1171 or 800-552-7658 FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

15

by Elizabeth Huwe

Falling for

the

birds

Feed and water your flock all winter long

M

ost of our feathered neighbors come and go with the seasons, but some stick around for the entire year.

During the colder months when food is less available, feeding birds can be an easy source of hours of entertainment, not to mention a warm and fuzzy feeling.

After all, you’re taking care of the little feather-balls.

When first starting out; the selection of bird seed, feeders, houses, and baths might seem intimidating. Not to fear, the experts are here and they brought some great tips.

Bird seed Just like humans, different types of birds tend to like different foods.

“When feeding birds in the winter, you want to have foods which are high in fats and oils,” said Tyler Doll of The Backyard in Perham.

These oils and fats are what will give the birds more efficient energy in the cold weather.

“Safflower and black oil sunflower are great for the winter,” said Doll. “Suet cakes (animal fat with seeds and dried fruit) are another great choice, depending on which

n Top: Dried berries and corn are some favorite woodpecker treats. n Left: Keep feeders clean and full, especially in the winter. Dirty feeders can pass sickness between birds.

16

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

Chickadee

Goldfinch

Cardinal

winter birds

Here’s a handy guide with information from National Geographic to help identify some of the birds that might visit your feeders this winter.

Black-capped chickadee -Both genders are mostly gray and white with a black head.

-The chickadee can be found in most of northern North America.

-They’re known for being curious, fearless birds.

-They prefer nuts and seeds.

Goldfinch -Males are a bright yellow with black; females are mustard yellow with black.

-Goldfinches are social birds, especially when not breeding.

-Can be found in all of the lower 48 states.

-Enjoy thistle and nyjer seed.

Blue jay

Squirrel

Blue jay -Adult blue jays are mostly blue with a head-crest and white belly. Juveniles are a grayish color.

-Blue jays can be rambunctious, but also stealthy.

-They will find and store nuts to eat through the winter.

-Known as being ‘mostly’ vegetarian, they will eat bugs and some young birds.

Northern cardinal -Male cardinals are bright red with a crest; females are a reddish brown.

-Cardinals can be found across most of the eastern United States.

-Male cardinals are very aggressive and will ‘attack’ their reflection in windows.

-Cardinals eat black oil sunflower and safflower seeds, along with insects and fruit.

Squirrels (Ok, ok … we know that squirrels aren’t birds. But, they’re probably going to show up anyway, so they might as well be on the list.)

-Red and gray squirrels are most common in Minnesota.

-According to the MN DNR, squirrels can hide 25 nuts in 30 minutes and have an 80 percent retrieval rate.

-Squirrels weave nest-balls in the highest tree branches or settle into hollows.

-They eat and store all sorts of nuts, seeds and flower bulbs. ✽ FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

17

n Left and bottom right: The Backyard, in Perham, stocks Feathered Friend bird foods from Grandin, N.D. The store has a wide selection of bird feeds in a variety of sizes. n Top right: Some bird seed packages feature a guide for beginners. Which seed will appeal to the birds at your feeders?

birds you have around.”

“We have a special ‘Backyard Blend’ for winter with safflower, sunflower, white millet, and some other mystery seeds,” said Doll. It is intended to appeal to several kinds of birds, including his favorite: the northern cardinal.

If you aren’t fond of the seed hulls left behind by dinner guests, shelled sun-flowers, peanuts, and mixed seeds are available.

“You’ve got to play around with the seed,” said Bruce Scilley of Perham.

Scilley has several feeders set up in his backyard.

“They seem to pick at different food in streaks,” he said. “One week it’s suet, the next it’s peanuts.”

birds still need water in the winter,” said Doll. “If possible, set up a heated bird bath or find an-other water source.

Birds with access to water have a 60 to 70 percent better chance for a long life.”

Sneaky squirrels “You also need to have at least four feet of jump-space around your bird feeder,” cautioned Scilley. “Otherwise, squirrels will be in your seeds.”

Doll and Scilley agreed that shields and feeder cages can also keep squirrels away; but not always.

Squirrels can be distracted if they have their own feeder, away from where the birds are fed.

“I also found out blood meal or hot peppers will keep squirrels out of flower beds,” said Scilley. “They hate the taste.

Birds don’t have taste buds, so they don’t care. The birds just do what they want.”

“My folks used to like feeding and watching the birds,” said Scilley. “Now I’ve started doing it since they’re gone. It’s great entertainment for $2 or $3 a day.

Just enjoy it and have some fun.” ✽

Location, location, location After picking which foods to offer, where you place your feeder is the most important choice for feeding birds.

Doll recommends a visible location out in the open for a feeder complex.

“The more you put out there, the more birds you should get,” he said.

“If you keep feeding them, they should keep coming back.”

A bush or other source of nearby shelter can reassure some skittish birds while they feed.

“People always seem to forget that 18

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

Blue Jays at Bruce Scilley’s feeder are picky eaters. “Sometimes I’ll see them pick up six peanuts before finally flying off with one,” he said. “They prefer the in-shell peanuts. Don’t know why.”

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19

by Robert Williams

Monte Becker, of Silver Leaf Luxury Cabinets, shows one of the expandable racks he has on display at his store. Expandable racks have replaced Lazy Susans, allowing for better organization and more allotted space for kitchen items.

Creativity in cabinetry Options are many when remodeling or building new kitchen cabinets

C

reativity has sprouted in a realm of the house normally considered mainly utilitarian.

The advances in cabinetry options have evolved over the past two decades to make the kitchen a far more handy space in the home.

20

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

In the 20th century, a Lazy Susan and a spice rack were the extent of most kitchen options. Both of those, while still in existence, are relics of the past compared to the options available today.

Storage options are plentiful for the large number of oddly shaped items

needed in the cooking room of the house. Many of those items can now be stored in customized spots and in narrow spaces that appear to be part of the decor.

In what would be wasted space, false cabinet fronts house room for anything from pots and pans to cookie sheets and

racks for canned and dry goods. Racks, in place of a Lazy Susan, can be pulled out of the cabinet and expand even further at full length.

The costs for such upgrades or when building a new home vary widely depending on customer needs, the space of the kitchen and the type of materials used.

“Our main focus is working within someone’s budget,” said Monte Becker, of Silver Leaf Luxury Cabinets in Detroit Lakes. “We like to come up with cost-effective, creative ideas.”

One of those creative ideas is an actual silverware drawer, where in place of a plain drawer and a plastic holder for forks, knives and spoons, the drawer is customized with specific holders to house those items.

Some higher-end models include automated technology where, with

“We like to come up with cost-effective, creative ideas.” the touch of a button, what appears to be part of the construction opens to reveal a wealth of space on the inside.

Floor-to-ceiling storage, open shelving and irregular shaping all open up a wealth of opportunities to expand and upgrade an existing kitchen or start fresh in new construction.

A standard maple upgrade on the low end runs approximately $2,000, and more custom features range in cost to a realm Becker describes as, “Oh, my goodness!”

According to Becker, during the past few years, business has been focused on a lot of remodels, but lately there has been a big turnaround in construction of new homes in the area.

Weather has an effect on business, as well, halting most construction in the winter, which is a good time for an upgrade on the inside.

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21

Autumn

leaf clean-up

Leaf removal becomes a chore for homeowners when the cooler weather comes, but there are ways to make the work go more smoothly.

22

A

utumn foliage is beautiful to admire, but once the trees are past their peak and begin to drop their leaves, autumn can mean lots of yard work for homeowners.

A mature tree can have more than 200,000 leaves, most of which will fall to the ground when the cooler weather arrives. Multiply that amount by the number of trees on the property, and one can see what a task removing leaves can be.

Depending on the size of a person’s property, leaf removal can be an all-day project. However, when done right, one ensures the lawn underneath the leaves continues to thrive and will be in a better position to ride out the winter.

For most, a human-powered rake is the best tool for removing leaves. While blowers might seem quicker, they can simply disperse the leaves instead

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

of congregate them for easier disposal. What’s more, blowers can be noisy and distribute fuel emissions into the air.

It is important to rake deep enough to disturb the thatch or dried up grass and other debris that can form in the lawn. This helps prevent the lawn from suffocation or discoloration.

Leaves can be gathered and packed into biodegradeable bags and recycled, or composted. Perham has a compost site that is open to city residents from 8 a.m. until dusk on Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. until dusk on Saturdays and Sundays.

If there are not many leaves on the property, a lawnmower can be used to break them up into food for the lawn. However, large quantities of leaves should be raked and removed. ✽

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23

by Lina Belar

A bed of pink tulips, in full spring bloom.

A great spring garden Bulbs planted now will grow up to greet you at winter’s end 24

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

starts in the fall N

othing is quite so optimistic as planting a spring-flowering bulb in October.

After all, this is Minnesota – and from a gardener’s point of view, the best we can say about the next six months is that it will be a time of low maintenance in the flower garden.

During that slow time, it’s exciting to think about what might await us next spring if we take the time to plant some bulbs this fall.

Tulips and daffodils are the first to come to mind, but there are many other bulbs worth considering. One of the first of the spring-flowering bulbs to appear is snowdrops (Galanthus).

They often start blooming before the snow is

gone. There are single and double varieties.

A good place to plant them is near evergreen foundation plantings, or any place where they can be left undisturbed for years.

The next to appear in spring is the common crocus. Crocuses come in shades of purple, white, and yellow. They too may often be found blooming through the snow, especially

Planting spring flowering bulbs There are many different kinds of tulips, including this fringed variety.

on the south side of a building. Plant them in clumps in the perennial garden under shrubs or along the edge of the woods.

Scillas are another kind of easy-to-grow small early bulb. There are about 85 species. Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill) is native to Russia and reliably hardy in central Minnesota. There are several varieties in white and blue. The blue ones really stand out after months of snow.

Grape hyacinths, or Muscari, are well known in older gardens and will naturalize themselves freely. They tend to bloom around the same time as Lily of the Valley and have their own sweet fragrance.

Next to appear in the garden are the daffodils, also known as Narcissus or Jonquils. Daffodils are actually a type of narcissus while jonquils are a different species.

There are literally hundreds of varieties now available, but they are all grown the same way.

Daffodils look best when planted in large clumps.

They can be planted in perennial beds, but one of the most spectacular uses of daffodils is to plant them along the edge of a woods or even in the woods under trees that are late to leaf out. If you have the good fortune of having such a site, try planting clumps of daffodils along a woodland path for a real treat next spring.

In fact, unlike tulips, daffodils look their best in more informal situations. Rather than plant them in stiff rows, throw the bulbs on the ground and plant them where they fall. Daffodils require more moisture during the growing season than other bulbs, so be sure to plant them in soils rich in humus.

The large Dutch hyacinths are another familiar spring flower that I have found to be less than reliably hardly in west central Minnesota. I know some gardens where they bloom regularly each year and others where they never last more than a season. I would suggest planting them along the south side of a building and

1. Choose a location that is well drained and sunny.

2. Dig a hole or trench a little deeper than the depth required for the bulb. Planting depth depends on the type of soil. In sandy soils, plant them deeper. They may take a little longer to appear in the spring, but they will soon catch up.

Scillas should be planted 3 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Crocuses and snowdrops, 4 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Grape hyacinths, 6 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Daffodils, 7 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Tulips, 6 to 10 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

3. If the soil has already been mixed with fertilizer or manure, put some unfertilized soil in the bottom.

4. Plant the bulb as though you’re screwing in a light bulb. That will help to prevent air pockets under the bulbs.

5. Surround the bulbs with unfertilized soil. Don’t let the bulbs come in direct contact with manure or fertilizer or it could rot them.

6. Mound the dirt above the bulbs. That way when the dirt settles it won’t leave a hole where water can collect.

7. If squirrels are a problem, lay chicken wire over the beds.

8. Mulch the bulbs with leaves after the soil has frozen. Some gardeners have tulip beds that are continually covered by leaves, adding more leaves each year as the lower levels decompose into rich compost.

The purpose of mulching is not to prevent the frost from reaching the bulbs or even going below them. It does help to prevent the alternating freezes and thaws, which heave the ground and injure many plants.

9. In the spring, after the bulbs have bloomed, let the foliage die back naturally. To cover the bare spot, plant over the bulbs with annuals.

All of these spring flowering bulbs are easy to grow.

Once planted, they require very little attention and each year there are new colors and varieties to choose from.

Plant some spring flowering bulbs this fall. That way, as you look over your garden this winter, you can be certain that beneath all that snow cover are beautiful flowers just waiting to grow up and greet you next spring. ✽

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

25

Daffodils planted at the edge of a woods.

A red and white tulip variety.

26

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

mulching them heavily.

The other problem I have had with hyacinths is that they flower poorly, the buds opening just above the ground. It’s been suggested that one way to prevent this is to place a cone of paper (open at the top) over the bulb for a week or two. This will encourage the bud stalk to elongate and produce a better looking bloom.

Tulips are the mainstay of the formal spring garden and are easily grown in any well drained soil. They bloom best in full sun but will tolerate light shade.

Their stiff stems make it possible to display them in patterns of regimental precision. Large public gardens do this very successfully, but so can homeowners.

Plant them in round clumps of at least seven to nine bulbs of one color in the perennial beds or in the shrub border. Or make square blocks of 25 bulbs on either side of a driveway or entrance.

Use your imagination and design your own pattern or logo, spelled out in tulip bulbs. There are now so many tulip varieties that it is possible to have nearly continuous color for six to eight weeks each spring.

Tulips were first introduced into Europe from Turkey in 1554. The famous “tulipmania” of Holland occurred in the 17th century. At that time, fabulous prices were paid for a single bulb of a new variety. Fortunes were invested in the bulbs and vast sums were lost through wild speculation. Holland is still the home of commercial tulip production and new varieties are continually being produced.

Spring flower bulbs begin arriving in garden centers and nurseries by early September. When purchasing bulbs, check to make sure they are firm and free of any soft spots. Except for tulips, plant these bulbs as soon as possible in the fall. Wait to plant tulips until the Lake&Home.1-2pg.Ad:Layout 1

9/12/13

soil has cooled.

Sometimes bulbs arrive too late (or winter arrives too early) for them to become well established before the ground freezes hard. The solution for that is to cover them with a thick layer of mulch.

The bulbs must have time to develop roots before winter sets in for good.

If you have some advance notice, it is also possible to dig a trench before the ground freezes, cover the trench with leaves and when the bulbs arrive, plant them in the trench, cover them with unfrozen soil, water well and recover with a thick blanket of leaves. The mulch will also help prevent the bulbs from emerging too early in the spring when they could be ‘nipped in the bud’ by a late frost. ✽ When planted in the fall, scillas grow up to become a beautiful addition to a spring garden.

12:24 PM

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(218) 346.4505

www.bhhpartners.com FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

27

by Elizabeth Huwe

Water,

mow and

mulch

Prepare your lawns and plants for winter

O

ld Man Winter is on his way to Minnesota, whether we like it or not. And that means now is the time to prepare your lawn, trees and other outdoor plants for the long months of cold and snow.

Nick Theroux, owner of the Perham business Blossoms, Birds and Beyond, has since 2005 been helping people find and care for all sorts of flora.

These tips from Theroux can help your lawn withstand winter weather, and might even make spring lawn care easier once the warm weather returns.

Watering Just because the leaves start falling doesn’t mean you should ease up on the watering.

“You need to continue to water plants until freeze-up and a killing frost,” said Theroux. “Water is key for 28

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

the plant to put away sugars in the fall.”

That sugar, which will be stored in the roots, is the energy the plant will need in spring.

So how do you know how much water your lawn and plants need?

“You want your soil to be damp,” explained Theroux. “It’s hard to give a more exact answer because there are so many factors. Wind and heat make water evaporate faster. Different soils hold onto different amounts of water. So dig down a bit and see if it’s damp.”

Especially during times of relative drought, Theroux urges everyone to water all of their plants, even big trees.

“People think large plants don’t need help, because they have such large root systems, but they do,” said Theroux.

“Once the root system gets dehydrated in a drought, the damage has been done. All plants need sufficient water to

thrive.”

Sufficient water, in the Perham area, is somewhat equal to receiving one inch of rain per week.

“With less than an inch of moisture coming in, gravity can’t take the water deeper into the ground,” he said. “That’s when grass and other plants with shallow roots ‘steal’ the water. Sure, your grass might be green; but the bigger plants might be hurting.”

Mowing Mowing is another task which shouldn’t be ignored in the fall.

“You really want to keep mowing right on up until the first snowfall,” said Theroux. “Grass is going to keep on growing, even after the frost.”

Keeping your lawn short can help prevent molds and funguses which cause dead or diseased patches of grass

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4/10/12 9:59 AM

in the spring.

“You want to cut it shorter than you normally would,” Theroux explained. “Normally, I cut my lawn to about two inches. But in the fall, I set my mower deck about a half-inch shorter.”

As a general rule, he recommends setting deck mowers to cut “as short as possible without scalping your lawn.”

Get Into a Home Of Your Own

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Controlling pests This time of year is the best time to go after pests in your lawn: plant and animal.

Right now, weeds are doing the same thing as all other plants. They’re using their leaves to gather sunlight, create sugars and then stockpile reserves in the roots.

This, Theroux explained, makes broad-leafed weeds particularly vulnerable to herbicides.

Once the herbicide is applied, the weed will absorb it through the leaves and transport it to the roots, effectively killing the plant.

“If you look at most lawns right now, probably the greenest things are the dandelions,” said Theroux. “They have the deepest roots, so they are drought tolerant. Not much is going to bother them.”

Other pests that might be hiding in the ground are grubs.

In the weeks leading up to winter, these grubs start to become more active near the surface and feast on shallow roots.

You’ll know if you have grubs if there are holes in the lawn where skunks and other predators have been digging, said Theroux. Another sign of a grub infestation is if there are areas of loose dead or dying grass.

“You want to go after grubs in the fall because they are all up in the shallow ground,” explained Theroux.

For the rest of the year, the grubs live in layers at varying depths in the ground. So you might be able to kill some of them in the spring, but there will be plenty left behind.

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Mulching

Overall, said Theroux, the best thing you can do for your plants is to help keep their root zones a consistent temperature. The easiest way to do this is by mulching.

“These temperate periods, when it’s warm in the day but cold at night, are hard on plants,” explained Theroux. “The roots keep getting these mixed signals between ‘grow’ and ‘stop.’”

Mulching insulates the ground and stabilizes the temperature around the roots which, in turn, gives the plant consistent “signals” on how to react.

“With that insulation, the fluctuating temperatures won’t be able to get through,” said Theroux. “The ground will not be thawing and refreezing constantly in the spring.”

“Finally, make sure you follow your plant’s care instructions,” Theroux said.

Not all plants are intended to spend a long, cold season with Old Man Winter. ✽ 30

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

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31

by Jessica Honer

Fall comfort food

Warm your bowl – and your soul – with these hearty slow-cooked meals

Slow Cooker Easy Baked Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Chili Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (you could also use ground turkey) 1 onion, diced 2 cans (14 ounces) diced tomatoes 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce 1/4 cup ketchup or chili sauce 1/4 cup water 1 can (15 ounces) dark red kidney beans 1 packet chili seasoning mix 3 stalks celery, chopped 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon sugar Directions: Brown ground beef with chopped onion. While they are browning, combine all other ingredients in crock pot. Stir together and add browned hamburger with onion.

Cook all day on low or on high for 3-4 hours. Top with shredded cheese and crackers or Frito’s corn chips.

32

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

Ingredients: 10 small to medium red potatoes, cut into cubes 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 cup real bacon bits 1 small red onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix 2 teaspoons dried parsley 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cups water 1 cup half-and-half 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or to taste 1/4 cup chopped green onion, or to taste Directions: Put potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker crock. Scatter flour over the potatoes; toss to coat.

Scatter bacon bits, red onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, ranch dressing mix, parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper over the potatoes.

Pour water into the slow cooker.

Cook on low 7 to 9 hours (or on high for 4 to 5 hours) until potatoes are done.

Pour half-and-half into the soup; cook another 15 minutes.

Garnish with cheddar cheese and green onion to serve.

Slow Cooker Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients: 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded white cheddar cheese 1-3/4 cups milk 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 3 eggs, lightly beaten 3/4 cup butter, melted Directions: Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.

Place in a greased 5 qt. slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees, stirring once.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 to 6 tablespoons butter or margarine 3 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon milk Directions: Beat all ingredients together. May need to add more powdered sugar to get to consistency desired. If too thick, add more milk.

Yield: 16 servings (3/4 cup each).

...And for dessert Apple Cake Pumpkin Bars Ingredients: 4 eggs 2 cups sugar 1 can (15ounces) pumpkin 1 cup cooking oil 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Directions: Beat eggs, add sugar, pumpkin and oil. Add dry ingredients and nuts (optional). Mix all together and spread into a 10x15 pan. Bake at 350 degrees, for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool bars.

Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients: 3 eggs 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup cooking oil 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup walnuts (optional) 4 cups unpeeled chopped fine apples Directions: Beat eggs, sugar and oil until thick.

Add flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, vanilla and nuts (optional). Mix well. Add apples and mix until all comes together.

Spread into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting. âœ˝ FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

33

Easy ways to

winterize

Routinely cleaning gutters throughout the fall and early winter can help reduce the risk of roof damage caused by winter weather.

W

hen summer draws to a close and autumn arrives, homeowners must place a precedent on readying their homes for the winter months.

Often referred to as “winterizing,” the process is meant to ensure a home can withstand harsh winter weather while proving a safe haven from the elements.

Homeowners should take several steps to get their homes ready for whatever winter might throw at them: -Fix leaks.

A leaky home will prove an expensive home during the winter months.

A home with many leaks will be much colder to inhabit, and homeowners typically turn up the heat to counter drafts that can make a home feel like a meat locker. But turning up the thermostat isn’t the answer. Instead, fix leaks in the fall before the cold weather arrives.

Leaks should not be very hard to find. On the first breezy autumn after34

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

noon, walk around the house in search of any drafty areas. These drafts will be noticeable and often occur around doors and window frames, electrical outlets and even recessed lighting.

Homeowners have a host of options at their disposal to plug leaks, be it door sweeps that block air from entering under exterior doors to caulk applied around leaky windows. When using caulk outdoors, be sure to use a weather-resistant caulk or, if sealing brick, use masonry sealer.

-Add insulation upstairs.

Homeowners who have an attic in their homes might want to consider adding some insulation up there.

Experts recommend a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in the attic.

That might prove costly, but a poorly insulated attic is akin to opening the front door and letting the heat out.

It might be best for less-than-handy homeowners to hire a professional to insulate the attic. But do-it-yourselfers

might find it good to know that if the ceiling joists, which are often 11 inches or less, are visible, then the attic is in need of additional insulation. Such joists won’t be visible in an adequately insulated attic.

-Put up storm windows.

It’s nice to open the windows in the spring and summer and let the warm air waft in through the screens. But when summer is over, it’s time to put up storm windows.

Storm windows add an extra layer of protection from the elements and are especially valuable in homes with single-pane glass windows. Homeowners who don’t have storm windows should consider upgrading their existing windows. Such a project isn’t cheap, but newer windows will almost certainly lead to lower heating costs, meaning the project will essentially pay for itself over time.

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

35

to replace them all at once. Instead, replace them a few at a time and make the rooms where you spend the most time each winter the first on the list to receive new windows.

-Be diligent with gutters.

Leaves falling from trees is an idyllic image associated primarily with autumn. Unfortunately, when leaves fall they often fall into the gutters.

Routinely clean the gutters once the leaves start to fall. Clean gutters will allow snow and rain to effectively drain through the gutters. If the gutters are clogged, snow might have nowhere to go when it begins to melt, and roof

damage might result. Such damage is costly but preventable in most instances.

One of the easier preventive measures to take is to routinely clean the gutters of leaves and other debris that accumulate during the fall.

When cleaning the gutters, make sure they are properly aligned. Poorly aligned gutters can lead to a host of problems. One such problem is flooding. If downspouts are not properly aligned with the rest of the gutters, then water might not be directed away from the home as it’s intended. Instead, water might be directed toward the

home, resulting in flooding or additional water damage.

-Have the furnace cleaned.

Experts recommend annual furnace cleanings.

Before cold weather arrives, turn the furnace on to make sure it’s still working. An unpleasant odor should appear when first turning on the furnace, but it shouldn’t last very long. If the odor sticks around, turn the furnace off and call a professional.

Once winter arrives, routinely replace the filters. This makes the furnace operate more efficiently and can also reduce the risk of fire. ✽

Preventing

septic system problems

W

hen septic systems are working right, homeowners seldom give them any thought.

However, if there is a problem with a septic system, things can get messy and expensive in a hurry.

The key to keeping septic systems running smoothly is prevention.

Septic systems are installed in homes that do not have direct access to municipal sewer lines. Septic systems are typically found in rural homes or in towns that may not have the resources for extensive sewer piping.

While a properly designed septic system can be trouble-free, maintenance is still essential. Because septic systems tend to be out of sight and out of mind, homeowners can forget about them.

But ignoring your septic system can cause problems in the future.

How does a septic system work?

Most septic systems have two main components: where the waste enters from the house and breaks down, and a 36

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

filtering system where the wastewater exits into the ground.

Waste travels from toilets and sinks to the septic tank, where natural bacteria help break down the waste. Then the remaining water flows out through a filter into the surrounding ground.

Identifying problems Septic system problems occur when waste doesn’t properly break down, leading to system backups.

At the least, you may notice odors coming from the drains or toilets in your home. Or you may realize that sinks aren’t draining properly or toilets are not flushing with the right amount of power. At the worst, toilets and the septic tank itself may overflow.

Outdoors you may notice soggy grass around the septic drain. Grass in one part of the leach field area may even be greener than in other areas. Each of these signs could indicate a septic system problem.

What causes problems?

The main culprits in septic system problems are blockages that cause the system to overflow or back-up into the home.

Septic tanks need to be pumped out at regular intervals. A professional inspection is also necessary. Flushing or putting difficult-to-degrade items into the system also can cause problems.

Be sure to heed the following: -Do not flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet or sink drains.

Cotton balls or plastic can clog the system.

-Do not pour cooking oil or grease down the sink drain.

-Limit the amount of food particles that enter the system.

-Set up a regular maintenance schedule to keep the system working.

-Advise guests as to what is and is not allowed to go down the drain.

Those without septic systems may be unaware. ✽

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1

4 16

8

CONTENTS Features

4

A ‘harmonious’ balance of form and function: Perham architect helps turn dreams into reality for area lake home owners

12 16 20 22 24 28 32 34 36 8

Dress up your fall festivities: Simple and fun DIY home décor projects Is it still a buyer’s market? Realtors say the tide may be turning Falling for the birds: Feed and water your flock all winter long

Creativity in cabinetry: Options are many when remodeling or building new kitchen cabinets Autumn leaf clean-up A great spring garden starts in the fall: Bulbs planted now will grow up to greet you at winter’s end Water, mow and mulch: Prepare your lawn and plants for winter Fall comfort food: Warm your bowl – and your soul – with these hearty slow-cooked meals

GENERAL MANAGER Melissa Swenson BUSINESS MANAGER Sherri Lefebvre SALES representatives Deb Spiczka • Marc Hartman INSIDE SALES representative Hildie Niemela MAGAZINE editoR Marie Nitke contributing writers Marie Nitke • Jessica Honer Lina Belar • Elizabeth Huwe Robert Williams EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Cindy Gilster

Easy ways to winterize Preventing septic system problems

also inside: 37-40 BUILDING AND REMODELING DIRECTORY: Realtors, contractors, supply stores and more

2

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

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3

A ‘harmonious’ balance of form and function

by Marie Nitke

n A rendering of the interior of the Dostal family’s new home on Big McDonald Lake in Dent.

The home features vaulted ceilings, large, lake-facing windows, custom stone finishes and many other personal touches.

Perham architect helps turn dreams into reality for area lake home owners

F

all is an exciting time of year for people in the home design and building business.

With some projects just starting up before the winter freeze, others that started in the spring now about halfway complete, and last year’s projects finishing up, it’s a busy and rewarding season for the designers, builders, owners and everyone else involved in the process.

“It’s really a great time of year,” said Kelli Wegscheid.

Wegscheid is an architect and the 4

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

founder of Harmonious Architecture, LLC of Perham.

With numerous projects on her plate, she’s got plenty to be excited about this fall.

One of those projects, a Big McDonald Lake home near Dent that she designed, is just weeks away from completion, and both she and the owners are on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the final result.

“I love seeing the finished product,” Wegscheid said. “To see the progression of it, to start with an idea and then get to that finished product, is so much fun.

Kelli Wegscheid, founder of Harmonious Architecture, LLC of Perham

And it makes people so happy.”

Among those people are the Big McDonald Lake property owners, Jeff and Diane Dostal.

“We’ve been very happy with the work done,” said Jeff. “We’re looking to have this as our retirement home in the not-too-distant future.”

The home features personal touches that make it the Fargo couple’s own, such as stone finishes, a vaulted ceiling and large lake-facing windows in the living room, tongue-and-groove ash ceilings with alder beams and matching alder trim and doors, hand-scraped

n Left: This new home on the north side of Little Pine Lake near Perham, designed by Harmonious Architecture, was completed last fall. It features a large great room and kitchen area, as well as a sun porch. n Right top : Renderings of the exterior of the Dostal’s home on Big McDonald Lake. The home was designed to attach to an existing garage. Special attention needed to be paid to the lot’s slope and elevation. n Right Bottom: Construction on the Big McDonald Lake home was expected to be wrapped up by the middle of October.

hickory flooring, and tile.

The couple also had two master suites built in – one on the upper level, and one on the lower level.

“In case one day we can’t do stairs anymore, there’ll be an identical master suite downstairs,” Jeff explained.

Designing homes with age and accessibility in mind is becoming more common, according to Wegscheid. Many lake homes, especially, are intended for family use, and that means family members of all generations. More and more homes today are being built and remodeled to accommodate everyone in the family –from newborns to greatgrandparents.

“The lake is where everybody gathers,” Wegscheid said. “That’s why people build their lake homes with such care.”

Other trends and customer preferences that Wegscheid has noticed in-

clude open floor plans, the use of higher quality construction and materials, specialized mud rooms with features like mail-drop centers and media centers, bigger walk-in closets with more builtin organization, and project rooms.

Project rooms, she explained, are basically traditional laundry rooms that have been expanded to include space for things like a pantry and television, and they often feature an island counter for project-making. Multi-purpose rooms like these are a growing trend.

Another trend that continues to grow is energy efficiency. The Dostals, for example, chose to install a geothermal, in-floor heating system, which helps cut down on energy usage and cost.

These kinds of trends and special features are usually fun for homeowners to dream about and are fairly easy to plan, but building a lake home can also

have its challenges.

Wegscheid said she often encounters irregularly shaped lots and elevations, small lots, sandy soils and shoreline regulations – all of which need to be carefully considered when designing and constructing a home or major remodeling project.

She just finished designing a home on Cormorant Lake outside of Detroit Lakes, for example, that was to be seated on a narrow 50-foot lot. Lake lots are often long and skinny, she said, so her challenge is to be creative and design homes that “don’t just look like tall, long boxes.”

The Dostal’s home presented more than one challenge. With sandy soil in some spots, a sloping lot and an existing garage that needed to be attached to the home in order to meet a shoreline requirement, Wegscheid had to pay close attention to the elevation of the FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

5

After

Before Before and after pictures of a recent remodeling project on Detroit Lake. The flat look of the home was transformed mostly “just by changing up the siding,” according to architect Kelli Wegscheid. Not much was added to the home, other than a new great room and a storage area off the garage.

land and design the home to not only be sturdy, functional and efficient, but also look attractive and match the owner’s wishes.

Fortunately, she said, in the Dostal’s case and many others, such challenges are overcome: “Almost always, we can achieve a great outcome.”

That’s good news for the families that count on seeing their lake home dreams come true. Some, like the Dostals, wait for years to see that vision become a reality.

The story of the Dostal’s home officially started in 1999, when they purchased the lot on Big McDonald Lake. The sandy shoreline and quality of the lake was too good to pass up, explained Jeff. After years of camping out at different lakes around the area, he and Diane found the lot that was right for them.

In 2004, they cleared a small hole in the trees that was just big enough to fit their camper into, and they also built a tuck-under garage on the property.

6

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

It wasn’t until eight years later that they started getting serious about building a house.

Looking for a designer that specialized in lake homes, the Dostals ran into Wegscheid at a home show. They showed her pictures of their property and told her about their style preferences, and she made up some sketches of what their home could look like. They started working with her to finalize their design plans.

After that, they began interviewing builders. Impressed with Rick Bladel Construction in Battle Lake, the Dostals hired him, and construction was scheduled to start in the spring. From there, things came together one step at a time, Jeff said.

The family is hoping to be moved in by mid-October, and plans to use the home primarily in summers, with occasional winter visits – at least for now.

“People often start out saying the homes are seasonal, but then they spend more time there and end up moving there permanently,” Wegscheid said.

Wegscheid’s knowledge of lake homes is both learned and first-hand.

She grew up on Otter Tail Lake, and then studied architecture in college.

“I always wanted to be an architect,” she said. “I was around construction sites when I was younger, and my family was very do-it-yourself with remodeling and building.”

After graduating from North Dakota State University, she worked with a firm in Brainerd, Minn., before moving back to the Perham area with her husband, Michael, an IT manager.

She started Harmonious Architecture

here in 2010.

“I love working with people and families,” she said of her job. “The diversity of every family is different. Every lake is different. Every property is different. There’s never any project that’s the same as any other project.”

In addition to family homes, she’s also worked on some recognizable commercial projects, including the new Goose Gang building and Edward Jones office.

She said she’s noticed things picking up in the construction and remodeling business, especially among baby boomers, who she said, “don’t want to wait any longer. They want to either remodel or build that lake home so they can enjoy it and retire.”

The kitchen inside a recently remodeled home on Detroit Lake. Since families and guests tend to congregate in the kitchen, it’s become popular to build spacious kitchens with lots of seating.

Design work was done by Harmonious Architecture of Perham.

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7

Simple and fun DIY home decor projects

Elizabeth Huwe

Dress up your fall festivities

S

ummer gives way to autumn, vacation season ends and school starts again; this is the time of year when friends and family meet and reconnect.

Small additions to a home’s dÊcor can create a more festive, seasonal atmosphere for these gatherings.

Create these three crafts for your next get-together and have some festive fall fun.

Acorn Napkin Ring (Inspired by Better Homes and Gardens) Supplies: Twenty-four acorns (per ring), paper towel roll, tin foil, hot glue gun, spray paint (optional).

-If desired, spray paint acorns and allow to dry completely. If using a glitter-paint, spray with a clear sealant and dry again.

-Cut a section from the paper towel roll and wrap it in tin foil. This will form a template for your ring.

8

These fall-themed crafts can be combined to create a total autumn table setting.

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

-Once glue gun is hot, begin to glue acorns together around the outside of the roll.

(Before gluing, experiment with your acorn layout to determine which patterns you prefer. Acorns could face the same or opposite direction; can be staggered or matched up.)

-As acorns are glued together, fill in any gaps with additional glue. The extra glue will help your napkin ring keep its shape and not break.

-Once the ring is complete, place it in the freezer for about three minutes.

This will harden the glue and make the template easier to remove.

Repeat this project to create a complete set of rings. Adjust the template as needed to fit your napkins.

Supplies for an acorn napkin ring: acorns, towel roll and foil. Another option would be to drill holes and thread together with thin wire.

Filling all of the spaces between acorns with hot glue will ensure durability and shape.

The final product. Create a set of eight to use for parties or on special occasions.

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A qualifying purchase is definedHunter as a purchase the product models set forth Consult above inathe set regarding forth above.your Offer excludestax Nantucket ® purchase of the qualifying Duette Architella Honeycomb Shades. © 2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. and ability to claimaacollection tax creditofrelated to the Window Shadings, Silhouette Window Shadings. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebate offers may not be combined; for each qualifying purchase, the higher applicable rebate amount will apply. Rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card. 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 apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ** For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, see the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and FAQs at hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax credit related to the purchase of the qualifying Duette Architella Honeycomb Shades. © 2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

963958

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013 8.125x10.875_Mag4C_Q4_Hol_Duette_F.indd 1

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If you have a gourd, a candle and a cutting tool, you can make this project.

Use the candle to determine what size the hole needs to be. Start small, and then make the hole larger so you can be sure the candle fits properly.

Gourd Candle Holders (Inspired by Revel Blog) Supplies: Small gourd, tea light candle, sharp knife or saw, marker.

- Trace the shape of the candle onto the gourd’s rind.

-Use a sharp knife or saw to make the first cuts. If making a standing gourd, cut far enough down that the candle will fit in the center. Use a vice or other clamp to hold round gourds in place while cutting.

-Gradually carve and hollow out the gourd until the candle fits in the hole.

-Light the candle and enjoy.

Carve these holders no more than two days before you wish to use them: gourds can dry out or go bad after being cut. A dry gourd with a lit candle inside can become a fire hazard.

Fall in love with these miniature gourd candle holders.

Canning Ring Pumpkin

Finish the jar-ring pumpkin with a fabric leaf and cinnamon stick stem.

10

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

(Inspired by Yellow Bliss Road) Supplies: Twenty-four quart-jar canning rings, string, green fabric, 7-10 cinnamon sticks, spray paint (optional).

-Spray paint canning rings and allow them to dry completely.

-Thread the rings onto an 18inch section of string or yarn.

-Pull the rings into a tight circle and tie the string into a knot. Cut off any extra string.

Shuffle the rings to create a more precise circle.

-Cut a lobed-leaf shape from the green fabric and insert it into the

String the rings together and tie into a tight circle. Rearrange the rings to improve the shape.

center of the circle. Fill the rest of the center with cinnamon sticks to create a stem.

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11

by Marie Nitke

Is it still a

buyer’s market?

Realtors say the tide may be turning

P

rospective homebuyers, take note: strike now, while the iron’s still hot.

Mortgage loan interest rates are lower today than they were a few years ago, but they’re starting to creep back up. At the same time, the housing market is picking up again, meaning home prices will start to creep back up, as well.

That makes this the opportune time to buy, before rates and home prices get higher.

Laurie Woessner, an agent at Boll Realty, said the current market is right for homebuyers, but he wasn’t sure how long that would last.

“Things are selling well,” he said. “Prices are not necessarily rising yet, but it’s a good indication that they probably will be soon, because things are starting to move.”

12

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

Chad Anderson, the broker/owner of New Horizons Realty in Perham, shared that observation.

“It’s definitely picked up in the last couple of years,” he said. “There are still properties that have been out there for three to four years, but if you have a good property at a good price, it seems to move… People are ready to move on with their lives.”

Buyers still have some room to deal in today’s market, Anderson added, but he’s noticing a shift: “I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s a buyer’s market anymore. I would say that it’s evened out a lot more.”

Woessner said the prime spring and summer selling season started off slow this year, due to unusually cold weather in May and June, but since then, things have been busy.

He credits that primarily to low mortgage interest rates.

“I do think the interest rates are going to keep climbing, slow but sure,” he said. “I’m not sure how soon that’ll happen, but every little bit hurts when you’re trying to buy.”

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

13

Nick Dockter, a sales agent and property manager at Real Estate Results, thinks the rising interest rates may be “turning the tides a little bit” on the housing market, but for now, he said, it’s still a buyer’s market.

His office saw an increased interest in home buying due to lower loan interest rates in recent years, he said, especially the market for higher-end lake homes.

For those thinking about buying a home, Dockter offered the following advice: “Talk with a realtor in the area. The first thing to do is go and see what you’re pre-approved for (in terms of home loans) and what price range area you’re in.

Once that’s established, you can try to find the perfect place for you at that price.”

That advice is shared by Ellen Olson, the compliance officer at Farmers and Merchants State Bank in New York Mills.

When people visit the bank to inquire about a mortgage loan, she said, they often don’t know what price range they can afford. Having that established ahead of time can help make their home searches more effective and satisfying later on.

Olson said mortgage interest rates have been going up all summer, but are still below 5 percent, “and that’s a good rate.”

The market has remained tight in terms of credit worthiness, she said, so people with less than perfect credit who would like to buy a home are advised to try and build that credit back up.

“People should be conscious of their credit scores,” she suggested, “and make sure they’re paying all their bills and there aren’t any judgments out there. Just take care of business, is basically what it is.”

For those who have some trouble qualifying for credit, government loans may offer a solution. FHA loans, for example, are insured by the department of Housing and Urban Development, allowing lenders to offer a better deal and making the credit qualification process a little easier. Home loans are also available to income-qualifying applicants in some rural areas through the United States Department of Agriculture.

Other sources of grants, loans and assistance programs are also out there. Perham, for example, offers an Employer Assisted Housing Program to provide closing costs and other

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

assistance to qualified applicants. Funds are available through the Perham Housing and Redevelopment Authority, from donations by local employers.

The bottom line is, there are a slew of options out there.

Those thinking about purchasing a home should contact their banker to find out what’s affordable for them.

Olson said there have been a steady number of people applying for mortgage loans lately, and she’s hoping for more in the spring, once additional homes are put on the market.

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218-863-1171 or 800-552-7658 FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

15

by Elizabeth Huwe

Falling for

the

birds

Feed and water your flock all winter long

M

ost of our feathered neighbors come and go with the seasons, but some stick around for the entire year.

During the colder months when food is less available, feeding birds can be an easy source of hours of entertainment, not to mention a warm and fuzzy feeling.

After all, you’re taking care of the little feather-balls.

When first starting out; the selection of bird seed, feeders, houses, and baths might seem intimidating. Not to fear, the experts are here and they brought some great tips.

Bird seed Just like humans, different types of birds tend to like different foods.

“When feeding birds in the winter, you want to have foods which are high in fats and oils,” said Tyler Doll of The Backyard in Perham.

These oils and fats are what will give the birds more efficient energy in the cold weather.

“Safflower and black oil sunflower are great for the winter,” said Doll. “Suet cakes (animal fat with seeds and dried fruit) are another great choice, depending on which

n Top: Dried berries and corn are some favorite woodpecker treats. n Left: Keep feeders clean and full, especially in the winter. Dirty feeders can pass sickness between birds.

16

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

Chickadee

Goldfinch

Cardinal

winter birds

Here’s a handy guide with information from National Geographic to help identify some of the birds that might visit your feeders this winter.

Black-capped chickadee -Both genders are mostly gray and white with a black head.

-The chickadee can be found in most of northern North America.

-They’re known for being curious, fearless birds.

-They prefer nuts and seeds.

Goldfinch -Males are a bright yellow with black; females are mustard yellow with black.

-Goldfinches are social birds, especially when not breeding.

-Can be found in all of the lower 48 states.

-Enjoy thistle and nyjer seed.

Blue jay

Squirrel

Blue jay -Adult blue jays are mostly blue with a head-crest and white belly. Juveniles are a grayish color.

-Blue jays can be rambunctious, but also stealthy.

-They will find and store nuts to eat through the winter.

-Known as being ‘mostly’ vegetarian, they will eat bugs and some young birds.

Northern cardinal -Male cardinals are bright red with a crest; females are a reddish brown.

-Cardinals can be found across most of the eastern United States.

-Male cardinals are very aggressive and will ‘attack’ their reflection in windows.

-Cardinals eat black oil sunflower and safflower seeds, along with insects and fruit.

Squirrels (Ok, ok … we know that squirrels aren’t birds. But, they’re probably going to show up anyway, so they might as well be on the list.)

-Red and gray squirrels are most common in Minnesota.

-According to the MN DNR, squirrels can hide 25 nuts in 30 minutes and have an 80 percent retrieval rate.

-Squirrels weave nest-balls in the highest tree branches or settle into hollows.

-They eat and store all sorts of nuts, seeds and flower bulbs. ✽ FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

17

n Left and bottom right: The Backyard, in Perham, stocks Feathered Friend bird foods from Grandin, N.D. The store has a wide selection of bird feeds in a variety of sizes. n Top right: Some bird seed packages feature a guide for beginners. Which seed will appeal to the birds at your feeders?

birds you have around.”

“We have a special ‘Backyard Blend’ for winter with safflower, sunflower, white millet, and some other mystery seeds,” said Doll. It is intended to appeal to several kinds of birds, including his favorite: the northern cardinal.

If you aren’t fond of the seed hulls left behind by dinner guests, shelled sun-flowers, peanuts, and mixed seeds are available.

“You’ve got to play around with the seed,” said Bruce Scilley of Perham.

Scilley has several feeders set up in his backyard.

“They seem to pick at different food in streaks,” he said. “One week it’s suet, the next it’s peanuts.”

birds still need water in the winter,” said Doll. “If possible, set up a heated bird bath or find an-other water source.

Birds with access to water have a 60 to 70 percent better chance for a long life.”

Sneaky squirrels “You also need to have at least four feet of jump-space around your bird feeder,” cautioned Scilley. “Otherwise, squirrels will be in your seeds.”

Doll and Scilley agreed that shields and feeder cages can also keep squirrels away; but not always.

Squirrels can be distracted if they have their own feeder, away from where the birds are fed.

“I also found out blood meal or hot peppers will keep squirrels out of flower beds,” said Scilley. “They hate the taste.

Birds don’t have taste buds, so they don’t care. The birds just do what they want.”

“My folks used to like feeding and watching the birds,” said Scilley. “Now I’ve started doing it since they’re gone. It’s great entertainment for $2 or $3 a day.

Just enjoy it and have some fun.” ✽

Location, location, location After picking which foods to offer, where you place your feeder is the most important choice for feeding birds.

Doll recommends a visible location out in the open for a feeder complex.

“The more you put out there, the more birds you should get,” he said.

“If you keep feeding them, they should keep coming back.”

A bush or other source of nearby shelter can reassure some skittish birds while they feed.

“People always seem to forget that 18

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

Blue Jays at Bruce Scilley’s feeder are picky eaters. “Sometimes I’ll see them pick up six peanuts before finally flying off with one,” he said. “They prefer the in-shell peanuts. Don’t know why.”

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19

by Robert Williams

Monte Becker, of Silver Leaf Luxury Cabinets, shows one of the expandable racks he has on display at his store. Expandable racks have replaced Lazy Susans, allowing for better organization and more allotted space for kitchen items.

Creativity in cabinetry Options are many when remodeling or building new kitchen cabinets

C

reativity has sprouted in a realm of the house normally considered mainly utilitarian.

The advances in cabinetry options have evolved over the past two decades to make the kitchen a far more handy space in the home.

20

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

In the 20th century, a Lazy Susan and a spice rack were the extent of most kitchen options. Both of those, while still in existence, are relics of the past compared to the options available today.

Storage options are plentiful for the large number of oddly shaped items

needed in the cooking room of the house. Many of those items can now be stored in customized spots and in narrow spaces that appear to be part of the decor.

In what would be wasted space, false cabinet fronts house room for anything from pots and pans to cookie sheets and

racks for canned and dry goods. Racks, in place of a Lazy Susan, can be pulled out of the cabinet and expand even further at full length.

The costs for such upgrades or when building a new home vary widely depending on customer needs, the space of the kitchen and the type of materials used.

“Our main focus is working within someone’s budget,” said Monte Becker, of Silver Leaf Luxury Cabinets in Detroit Lakes. “We like to come up with cost-effective, creative ideas.”

One of those creative ideas is an actual silverware drawer, where in place of a plain drawer and a plastic holder for forks, knives and spoons, the drawer is customized with specific holders to house those items.

Some higher-end models include automated technology where, with

“We like to come up with cost-effective, creative ideas.” the touch of a button, what appears to be part of the construction opens to reveal a wealth of space on the inside.

Floor-to-ceiling storage, open shelving and irregular shaping all open up a wealth of opportunities to expand and upgrade an existing kitchen or start fresh in new construction.

A standard maple upgrade on the low end runs approximately $2,000, and more custom features range in cost to a realm Becker describes as, “Oh, my goodness!”

According to Becker, during the past few years, business has been focused on a lot of remodels, but lately there has been a big turnaround in construction of new homes in the area.

Weather has an effect on business, as well, halting most construction in the winter, which is a good time for an upgrade on the inside.

Whether building a new home or upgrading a kitchen in need of a face lift, one thing’s for sure – the options in cabinetry abound. ✽

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21

Autumn

leaf clean-up

Leaf removal becomes a chore for homeowners when the cooler weather comes, but there are ways to make the work go more smoothly.

22

A

utumn foliage is beautiful to admire, but once the trees are past their peak and begin to drop their leaves, autumn can mean lots of yard work for homeowners.

A mature tree can have more than 200,000 leaves, most of which will fall to the ground when the cooler weather arrives. Multiply that amount by the number of trees on the property, and one can see what a task removing leaves can be.

Depending on the size of a person’s property, leaf removal can be an all-day project. However, when done right, one ensures the lawn underneath the leaves continues to thrive and will be in a better position to ride out the winter.

For most, a human-powered rake is the best tool for removing leaves. While blowers might seem quicker, they can simply disperse the leaves instead

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

of congregate them for easier disposal. What’s more, blowers can be noisy and distribute fuel emissions into the air.

It is important to rake deep enough to disturb the thatch or dried up grass and other debris that can form in the lawn. This helps prevent the lawn from suffocation or discoloration.

Leaves can be gathered and packed into biodegradeable bags and recycled, or composted. Perham has a compost site that is open to city residents from 8 a.m. until dusk on Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. until dusk on Saturdays and Sundays.

If there are not many leaves on the property, a lawnmower can be used to break them up into food for the lawn. However, large quantities of leaves should be raked and removed. ✽

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23

by Lina Belar

A bed of pink tulips, in full spring bloom.

A great spring garden Bulbs planted now will grow up to greet you at winter’s end 24

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

starts in the fall N

othing is quite so optimistic as planting a spring-flowering bulb in October.

After all, this is Minnesota – and from a gardener’s point of view, the best we can say about the next six months is that it will be a time of low maintenance in the flower garden.

During that slow time, it’s exciting to think about what might await us next spring if we take the time to plant some bulbs this fall.

Tulips and daffodils are the first to come to mind, but there are many other bulbs worth considering. One of the first of the spring-flowering bulbs to appear is snowdrops (Galanthus).

They often start blooming before the snow is

gone. There are single and double varieties.

A good place to plant them is near evergreen foundation plantings, or any place where they can be left undisturbed for years.

The next to appear in spring is the common crocus. Crocuses come in shades of purple, white, and yellow. They too may often be found blooming through the snow, especially

Planting spring flowering bulbs There are many different kinds of tulips, including this fringed variety.

on the south side of a building. Plant them in clumps in the perennial garden under shrubs or along the edge of the woods.

Scillas are another kind of easy-to-grow small early bulb. There are about 85 species. Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill) is native to Russia and reliably hardy in central Minnesota. There are several varieties in white and blue. The blue ones really stand out after months of snow.

Grape hyacinths, or Muscari, are well known in older gardens and will naturalize themselves freely. They tend to bloom around the same time as Lily of the Valley and have their own sweet fragrance.

Next to appear in the garden are the daffodils, also known as Narcissus or Jonquils. Daffodils are actually a type of narcissus while jonquils are a different species.

There are literally hundreds of varieties now available, but they are all grown the same way.

Daffodils look best when planted in large clumps.

They can be planted in perennial beds, but one of the most spectacular uses of daffodils is to plant them along the edge of a woods or even in the woods under trees that are late to leaf out. If you have the good fortune of having such a site, try planting clumps of daffodils along a woodland path for a real treat next spring.

In fact, unlike tulips, daffodils look their best in more informal situations. Rather than plant them in stiff rows, throw the bulbs on the ground and plant them where they fall. Daffodils require more moisture during the growing season than other bulbs, so be sure to plant them in soils rich in humus.

The large Dutch hyacinths are another familiar spring flower that I have found to be less than reliably hardly in west central Minnesota. I know some gardens where they bloom regularly each year and others where they never last more than a season. I would suggest planting them along the south side of a building and

1. Choose a location that is well drained and sunny.

2. Dig a hole or trench a little deeper than the depth required for the bulb. Planting depth depends on the type of soil. In sandy soils, plant them deeper. They may take a little longer to appear in the spring, but they will soon catch up.

Scillas should be planted 3 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Crocuses and snowdrops, 4 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Grape hyacinths, 6 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Daffodils, 7 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Tulips, 6 to 10 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

3. If the soil has already been mixed with fertilizer or manure, put some unfertilized soil in the bottom.

4. Plant the bulb as though you’re screwing in a light bulb. That will help to prevent air pockets under the bulbs.

5. Surround the bulbs with unfertilized soil. Don’t let the bulbs come in direct contact with manure or fertilizer or it could rot them.

6. Mound the dirt above the bulbs. That way when the dirt settles it won’t leave a hole where water can collect.

7. If squirrels are a problem, lay chicken wire over the beds.

8. Mulch the bulbs with leaves after the soil has frozen. Some gardeners have tulip beds that are continually covered by leaves, adding more leaves each year as the lower levels decompose into rich compost.

The purpose of mulching is not to prevent the frost from reaching the bulbs or even going below them. It does help to prevent the alternating freezes and thaws, which heave the ground and injure many plants.

9. In the spring, after the bulbs have bloomed, let the foliage die back naturally. To cover the bare spot, plant over the bulbs with annuals.

All of these spring flowering bulbs are easy to grow.

Once planted, they require very little attention and each year there are new colors and varieties to choose from.

Plant some spring flowering bulbs this fall. That way, as you look over your garden this winter, you can be certain that beneath all that snow cover are beautiful flowers just waiting to grow up and greet you next spring. ✽

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

25

Daffodils planted at the edge of a woods.

A red and white tulip variety.

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

mulching them heavily.

The other problem I have had with hyacinths is that they flower poorly, the buds opening just above the ground. It’s been suggested that one way to prevent this is to place a cone of paper (open at the top) over the bulb for a week or two. This will encourage the bud stalk to elongate and produce a better looking bloom.

Tulips are the mainstay of the formal spring garden and are easily grown in any well drained soil. They bloom best in full sun but will tolerate light shade.

Their stiff stems make it possible to display them in patterns of regimental precision. Large public gardens do this very successfully, but so can homeowners.

Plant them in round clumps of at least seven to nine bulbs of one color in the perennial beds or in the shrub border. Or make square blocks of 25 bulbs on either side of a driveway or entrance.

Use your imagination and design your own pattern or logo, spelled out in tulip bulbs. There are now so many tulip varieties that it is possible to have nearly continuous color for six to eight weeks each spring.

Tulips were first introduced into Europe from Turkey in 1554. The famous “tulipmania” of Holland occurred in the 17th century. At that time, fabulous prices were paid for a single bulb of a new variety. Fortunes were invested in the bulbs and vast sums were lost through wild speculation. Holland is still the home of commercial tulip production and new varieties are continually being produced.

Spring flower bulbs begin arriving in garden centers and nurseries by early September. When purchasing bulbs, check to make sure they are firm and free of any soft spots. Except for tulips, plant these bulbs as soon as possible in the fall. Wait to plant tulips until the Lake&Home.1-2pg.Ad:Layout 1

9/12/13

soil has cooled.

Sometimes bulbs arrive too late (or winter arrives too early) for them to become well established before the ground freezes hard. The solution for that is to cover them with a thick layer of mulch.

The bulbs must have time to develop roots before winter sets in for good.

If you have some advance notice, it is also possible to dig a trench before the ground freezes, cover the trench with leaves and when the bulbs arrive, plant them in the trench, cover them with unfrozen soil, water well and recover with a thick blanket of leaves. The mulch will also help prevent the bulbs from emerging too early in the spring when they could be ‘nipped in the bud’ by a late frost. ✽ When planted in the fall, scillas grow up to become a beautiful addition to a spring garden.

12:24 PM

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www.bhhpartners.com FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

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by Elizabeth Huwe

Water,

mow and

mulch

Prepare your lawns and plants for winter

O

ld Man Winter is on his way to Minnesota, whether we like it or not. And that means now is the time to prepare your lawn, trees and other outdoor plants for the long months of cold and snow.

Nick Theroux, owner of the Perham business Blossoms, Birds and Beyond, has since 2005 been helping people find and care for all sorts of flora.

These tips from Theroux can help your lawn withstand winter weather, and might even make spring lawn care easier once the warm weather returns.

Watering Just because the leaves start falling doesn’t mean you should ease up on the watering.

“You need to continue to water plants until freeze-up and a killing frost,” said Theroux. “Water is key for 28

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

the plant to put away sugars in the fall.”

That sugar, which will be stored in the roots, is the energy the plant will need in spring.

So how do you know how much water your lawn and plants need?

“You want your soil to be damp,” explained Theroux. “It’s hard to give a more exact answer because there are so many factors. Wind and heat make water evaporate faster. Different soils hold onto different amounts of water. So dig down a bit and see if it’s damp.”

Especially during times of relative drought, Theroux urges everyone to water all of their plants, even big trees.

“People think large plants don’t need help, because they have such large root systems, but they do,” said Theroux.

“Once the root system gets dehydrated in a drought, the damage has been done. All plants need sufficient water to

thrive.”

Sufficient water, in the Perham area, is somewhat equal to receiving one inch of rain per week.

“With less than an inch of moisture coming in, gravity can’t take the water deeper into the ground,” he said. “That’s when grass and other plants with shallow roots ‘steal’ the water. Sure, your grass might be green; but the bigger plants might be hurting.”

Mowing Mowing is another task which shouldn’t be ignored in the fall.

“You really want to keep mowing right on up until the first snowfall,” said Theroux. “Grass is going to keep on growing, even after the frost.”

Keeping your lawn short can help prevent molds and funguses which cause dead or diseased patches of grass

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

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4/10/12 9:59 AM

in the spring.

“You want to cut it shorter than you normally would,” Theroux explained. “Normally, I cut my lawn to about two inches. But in the fall, I set my mower deck about a half-inch shorter.”

As a general rule, he recommends setting deck mowers to cut “as short as possible without scalping your lawn.”

Get Into a Home Of Your Own

E

Controlling pests This time of year is the best time to go after pests in your lawn: plant and animal.

Right now, weeds are doing the same thing as all other plants. They’re using their leaves to gather sunlight, create sugars and then stockpile reserves in the roots.

This, Theroux explained, makes broad-leafed weeds particularly vulnerable to herbicides.

Once the herbicide is applied, the weed will absorb it through the leaves and transport it to the roots, effectively killing the plant.

“If you look at most lawns right now, probably the greenest things are the dandelions,” said Theroux. “They have the deepest roots, so they are drought tolerant. Not much is going to bother them.”

Other pests that might be hiding in the ground are grubs.

In the weeks leading up to winter, these grubs start to become more active near the surface and feast on shallow roots.

You’ll know if you have grubs if there are holes in the lawn where skunks and other predators have been digging, said Theroux. Another sign of a grub infestation is if there are areas of loose dead or dying grass.

“You want to go after grubs in the fall because they are all up in the shallow ground,” explained Theroux.

For the rest of the year, the grubs live in layers at varying depths in the ground. So you might be able to kill some of them in the spring, but there will be plenty left behind.

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Mulching

Overall, said Theroux, the best thing you can do for your plants is to help keep their root zones a consistent temperature. The easiest way to do this is by mulching.

“These temperate periods, when it’s warm in the day but cold at night, are hard on plants,” explained Theroux. “The roots keep getting these mixed signals between ‘grow’ and ‘stop.’”

Mulching insulates the ground and stabilizes the temperature around the roots which, in turn, gives the plant consistent “signals” on how to react.

“With that insulation, the fluctuating temperatures won’t be able to get through,” said Theroux. “The ground will not be thawing and refreezing constantly in the spring.”

“Finally, make sure you follow your plant’s care instructions,” Theroux said.

Not all plants are intended to spend a long, cold season with Old Man Winter. ✽ 30

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

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31

by Jessica Honer

Fall comfort food

Warm your bowl – and your soul – with these hearty slow-cooked meals

Slow Cooker Easy Baked Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Chili Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (you could also use ground turkey) 1 onion, diced 2 cans (14 ounces) diced tomatoes 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce 1/4 cup ketchup or chili sauce 1/4 cup water 1 can (15 ounces) dark red kidney beans 1 packet chili seasoning mix 3 stalks celery, chopped 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon sugar Directions: Brown ground beef with chopped onion. While they are browning, combine all other ingredients in crock pot. Stir together and add browned hamburger with onion.

Cook all day on low or on high for 3-4 hours. Top with shredded cheese and crackers or Frito’s corn chips.

32

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

Ingredients: 10 small to medium red potatoes, cut into cubes 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 cup real bacon bits 1 small red onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix 2 teaspoons dried parsley 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cups water 1 cup half-and-half 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or to taste 1/4 cup chopped green onion, or to taste Directions: Put potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker crock. Scatter flour over the potatoes; toss to coat.

Scatter bacon bits, red onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, ranch dressing mix, parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper over the potatoes.

Pour water into the slow cooker.

Cook on low 7 to 9 hours (or on high for 4 to 5 hours) until potatoes are done.

Pour half-and-half into the soup; cook another 15 minutes.

Garnish with cheddar cheese and green onion to serve.

Slow Cooker Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients: 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded white cheddar cheese 1-3/4 cups milk 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 3 eggs, lightly beaten 3/4 cup butter, melted Directions: Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.

Place in a greased 5 qt. slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees, stirring once.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 to 6 tablespoons butter or margarine 3 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon milk Directions: Beat all ingredients together. May need to add more powdered sugar to get to consistency desired. If too thick, add more milk.

Yield: 16 servings (3/4 cup each).

...And for dessert Apple Cake Pumpkin Bars Ingredients: 4 eggs 2 cups sugar 1 can (15ounces) pumpkin 1 cup cooking oil 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Directions: Beat eggs, add sugar, pumpkin and oil. Add dry ingredients and nuts (optional). Mix all together and spread into a 10x15 pan. Bake at 350 degrees, for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool bars.

Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients: 3 eggs 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup cooking oil 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup walnuts (optional) 4 cups unpeeled chopped fine apples Directions: Beat eggs, sugar and oil until thick.

Add flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, vanilla and nuts (optional). Mix well. Add apples and mix until all comes together.

Spread into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting. âœ˝ FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

33

Easy ways to

winterize

Routinely cleaning gutters throughout the fall and early winter can help reduce the risk of roof damage caused by winter weather.

W

hen summer draws to a close and autumn arrives, homeowners must place a precedent on readying their homes for the winter months.

Often referred to as “winterizing,” the process is meant to ensure a home can withstand harsh winter weather while proving a safe haven from the elements.

Homeowners should take several steps to get their homes ready for whatever winter might throw at them: -Fix leaks.

A leaky home will prove an expensive home during the winter months.

A home with many leaks will be much colder to inhabit, and homeowners typically turn up the heat to counter drafts that can make a home feel like a meat locker. But turning up the thermostat isn’t the answer. Instead, fix leaks in the fall before the cold weather arrives.

Leaks should not be very hard to find. On the first breezy autumn after34

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

noon, walk around the house in search of any drafty areas. These drafts will be noticeable and often occur around doors and window frames, electrical outlets and even recessed lighting.

Homeowners have a host of options at their disposal to plug leaks, be it door sweeps that block air from entering under exterior doors to caulk applied around leaky windows. When using caulk outdoors, be sure to use a weather-resistant caulk or, if sealing brick, use masonry sealer.

-Add insulation upstairs.

Homeowners who have an attic in their homes might want to consider adding some insulation up there.

Experts recommend a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in the attic.

That might prove costly, but a poorly insulated attic is akin to opening the front door and letting the heat out.

It might be best for less-than-handy homeowners to hire a professional to insulate the attic. But do-it-yourselfers

might find it good to know that if the ceiling joists, which are often 11 inches or less, are visible, then the attic is in need of additional insulation. Such joists won’t be visible in an adequately insulated attic.

-Put up storm windows.

It’s nice to open the windows in the spring and summer and let the warm air waft in through the screens. But when summer is over, it’s time to put up storm windows.

Storm windows add an extra layer of protection from the elements and are especially valuable in homes with single-pane glass windows. Homeowners who don’t have storm windows should consider upgrading their existing windows. Such a project isn’t cheap, but newer windows will almost certainly lead to lower heating costs, meaning the project will essentially pay for itself over time.

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35

to replace them all at once. Instead, replace them a few at a time and make the rooms where you spend the most time each winter the first on the list to receive new windows.

-Be diligent with gutters.

Leaves falling from trees is an idyllic image associated primarily with autumn. Unfortunately, when leaves fall they often fall into the gutters.

Routinely clean the gutters once the leaves start to fall. Clean gutters will allow snow and rain to effectively drain through the gutters. If the gutters are clogged, snow might have nowhere to go when it begins to melt, and roof

damage might result. Such damage is costly but preventable in most instances.

One of the easier preventive measures to take is to routinely clean the gutters of leaves and other debris that accumulate during the fall.

When cleaning the gutters, make sure they are properly aligned. Poorly aligned gutters can lead to a host of problems. One such problem is flooding. If downspouts are not properly aligned with the rest of the gutters, then water might not be directed away from the home as it’s intended. Instead, water might be directed toward the

home, resulting in flooding or additional water damage.

-Have the furnace cleaned.

Experts recommend annual furnace cleanings.

Before cold weather arrives, turn the furnace on to make sure it’s still working. An unpleasant odor should appear when first turning on the furnace, but it shouldn’t last very long. If the odor sticks around, turn the furnace off and call a professional.

Once winter arrives, routinely replace the filters. This makes the furnace operate more efficiently and can also reduce the risk of fire. ✽

Preventing

septic system problems

W

hen septic systems are working right, homeowners seldom give them any thought.

However, if there is a problem with a septic system, things can get messy and expensive in a hurry.

The key to keeping septic systems running smoothly is prevention.

Septic systems are installed in homes that do not have direct access to municipal sewer lines. Septic systems are typically found in rural homes or in towns that may not have the resources for extensive sewer piping.

While a properly designed septic system can be trouble-free, maintenance is still essential. Because septic systems tend to be out of sight and out of mind, homeowners can forget about them.

But ignoring your septic system can cause problems in the future.

How does a septic system work?

Most septic systems have two main components: where the waste enters from the house and breaks down, and a 36

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

filtering system where the wastewater exits into the ground.

Waste travels from toilets and sinks to the septic tank, where natural bacteria help break down the waste. Then the remaining water flows out through a filter into the surrounding ground.

Identifying problems Septic system problems occur when waste doesn’t properly break down, leading to system backups.

At the least, you may notice odors coming from the drains or toilets in your home. Or you may realize that sinks aren’t draining properly or toilets are not flushing with the right amount of power. At the worst, toilets and the septic tank itself may overflow.

Outdoors you may notice soggy grass around the septic drain. Grass in one part of the leach field area may even be greener than in other areas. Each of these signs could indicate a septic system problem.

What causes problems?

The main culprits in septic system problems are blockages that cause the system to overflow or back-up into the home.

Septic tanks need to be pumped out at regular intervals. A professional inspection is also necessary. Flushing or putting difficult-to-degrade items into the system also can cause problems.

Be sure to heed the following: -Do not flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet or sink drains.

Cotton balls or plastic can clog the system.

-Do not pour cooking oil or grease down the sink drain.

-Limit the amount of food particles that enter the system.

-Set up a regular maintenance schedule to keep the system working.

-Advise guests as to what is and is not allowed to go down the drain.

Those without septic systems may be unaware. ✽

contact: Tony Stoll email: office@bhhmn.com PHONE: (218) 346-4505 FAX: (218) 346-4507 650 3rd Ave. SE Perham, MN 56573 www.bhhpartners.com BHH Partners has provided excellent architectural services for several hundred custom residences. These range from small additions and remodels to high end luxury homes.

BUILDERS/REMODELERs

Barry Marthaler Renovations LLC.

Contact: Barry Marthaler Phone: 218-334-2341 12779 Co. Hwy 39, Frazee, MN 56544 Siding & trim, soffit & fascia, roofing, windows & doors, decks, remodeling. Free estimates!

Gary Wagenman Construction, Inc.

Contact: Gary Wagenman Phone: 218-346-6756, 218-758-2757 40416 County Hwy 34, Perham, MN 56573 Residential & Commercial. 36 years experience with Concrete, Poured Walls, Basements, Foundations, Sidewalks, Garage Slabs and Aprons.

Hemmelgarn Builders, Inc.

Contact: Jim Hemmelgarn Email: hbi@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-2377 Cell: 218-371-1228 Fax: 218-346-3242 202 Fox Run, Perham, MN 56573 Hemmelgarn Builders, with three generations serving the surrounding area since 1967, offer services in all areas of home construction, from concrete work to interior woodwork.

Joe Foltz Construction, Inc.

Contact: Joe Foltz Email: joefoltzconstruction@yahoo.com Phone: 218-371-9229 Fax: 218-346-2648 39362 Sandy Lane, Perham, MN 56573 New construction, custom cabinets, Minnkota Windows, remodeling, interior finish work.

Racer Construction, Inc.

contact: Cindy Yliniemi Email: dozer_man20@yahoo.com Phone: 218-573-3452 26299 Eagle Bay Road • Osage, MN 56570

BUILDERS/REMODELERs

RL Miller Construction, LLC

Contact: Rick Miller Email: rlmiller@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-6401 43453 County Hwy. 53, Perham, MN 56573 You dream it, we’ll build it! New Construction, Custom Homes, Remodeling, Decks. Residential and Light Commercial.

RW Stucco

Contact: Ron Wacker Email: rw-stucco@hotmail.com Phone & Fax: 218-385-3860 Cell: 701-367-0229 38246 500th Ave., P.O. Box 321, New York Mills, Mn 56567 www.rwstucco.com Stucco, Plaster, E.I.F.S. Residential & Commercial

Walt Seifert Construction

Contact: Walt Seifert Email: walt_seifert_constr@yahoo.com Phone: 218-346-7062 43932 Mosquito Heights Rd, Perham, MN 56573 General Contracting Work, New & Remodeling Construction, Residential & Commercial. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates.

Wedde Construction:

Contact: Mike Wedde Email: mmc3@arvig.net Phone: 218-385-2880 44024 Co. Hwy 67, New York Mills, Mn 56567 Industrial, Commercial, Residential.

Building, Remodeling, Welding.

BUILDING MATERIALS/LUMBER

Lumber Depot

Contact: Chris and Peggy Rutten Email: lumberdepotnym@gmail.com Phone: 218-385-2375 Fax: 218-385-4558 105 E. Centennial 84 Dr. New York Mills, MN 56567 One call does it all! Stop in and let us help you find solutions for all your building and project needs.

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Ottertail Home Center

Contact: Duane or Linda Monson Email: othc@arvig.net Phone: 218-367-2265 Fax: 218-367-6025 108 West Main St., Ottertail, MN 56571 All your building materials under one roof! Lumber, Hardware, Plumbing, Heating, Paint, Glass, Electrical. Marvin Windows & Doors. Free estimates and delivery.

Richard Lausten Construction, Inc.

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FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

37

BUILDING & REMODELING DIRECTORY

CABINETS

Silver Leaf Cabinets, LLC

Phone: 218-844-7458 Fax: 218-844-3472 Email: silverleaf@arvig.net www.silverleafcabinets.com 1004 Randolph Road, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Luxury Cabinets Within Reach. Counter Tops, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Offices, Bars, Entertainment Centers, Finishing of Trim and Doors

Cleaning Services

Bob’s Carpet Cleaning

contact: Jeff Dickerson Email: jsd1997@hotmail.com Phone: 218-346-6309

Proudly serving Perham and the Lakes area! Carpet, Upholstery, Ceramic Tile, Vinyl, 24/7 Emergency Water Extraction & Restoration, Carpet Repair, Stretch & Installation.

CONCRETE/MASONRY

Tom Lex Construction LLC

Contact: Tom Lex Email: tomlexconstruction@yahoo.com Phone: 218-346-1326, cell 218-849-1326 48158 400th St., Perham, MN 56573 www.tomlexconstruction.com For all your CONCRETE needs! Driveways, sidewalks, patios, foam ICF-basements, tear out and replacement of concrete, dirt work, pole sheds, garages and storage buildings.

ELECTRICIANS

Januszewski Electric

Contact: Jan Januszewski Email: januszewskielectric@gmail.com Phone: 218-346-6006 37211 S. Little McDonald Dr., Perham , MN 56573 Residential, commercial, and farm electrical wiring - no job too big or small.

JC Electric, Inc.

Contact: Robert Kalina Email: kalina_robert@hotmail.com Phone: 218-346-5560 Fax: 218-346-5561 615 Pinewood Lane, Perham, MN 56573 We have been serving the Perham area for over 37 years in electric service and installations. Please call JC Electric for all your wiring needs.

Leaf River Electric, LLC

Contact: Dean Goeller Email: LRE@arvig.net Phone: 218-385-4130 Fax: 218-385-4230 110 Leaf River Rd, P.O.Box 25, Bluffton, MN 56518 Commercial, Trenching, Boomtruck, Residential, Mechanical, Steffes Furnaces, TRANE 28 years of experience. Bonded & Insured. Lic.# EA006080

Zitzow Electric, Inc.

Contact: Jeff Zitzow Email: jzitzow@arvig.net Phone: 218-342-2871 Cell: 218-841-8643 49605 Co. Hwy 17, Vergas, MN 56587 Voltage Specialists! Residential, Farm, Cottage & Commercial Wiring. Electric Heat Installation. Free Estimates.

38

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

FINANCING/BANKING

Bremer Bank

Contact: Deb Anstadt Email: dmanstadt@bremer.com Phone: 218-346-1302 Fax: 218-346-2901 801 Market Street, Perham, MN 56573 www.bremermortgage.com/stevegerszewski Mortgage financing to fit your needs: Fixed rate, FHA, VA, Vacation Home, Refinance, Construction, Rural Development, Minnesota First Time Home Buyer.

Central Minnesota Credit Union

Phone: 888-330-8482 • www.mycmcu.org Perham Office: Contact: Shiloh Cariveau Email: Shilohc@mycmcu.org; 108 Judd St., Perham, MN NY Mills Office: Contact: Chase Larson Email: chasel@mycmcu.org 101 Main Ave. N, NY Mills, MN Wadena Office: Contact: Kelly Wong Email: kellyw@mycmcu.org 80 Jefferson Street, Wadena CMCU offers mortgages, home equity loans, business/personal checking and savings accounts and more! Manage your funds with free internet and mobile banking.

Dawson Home Mortgage

Contact: Neil Wrangham-NMLS 384894 Email: neil@dawsonhomemortgage.com Phone: 218-346-6371 Fax: 218-346-6373 661 3rd Ave. SE. Perham, MN 56573 We are specialists. Home Financing is ALL we do. We take time to make sure you understand all aspects of your home loan. Your Goals. Our Focus.

Farmers & Merchants State Bank

PHONE: (218) 385-2300 FAX: (218) 385-9303 11 N. Walker Ave. New York Mils, MN 56567 www.fmbanknym.com Whether it’s a purchase, construction, or a remodel, we’ll be there from start to finish to help you with your dream home!

United Community Bank

Contact: Lori Mattfeld Email: lorim@ucbankmn.com Phone: 218-346-9735 301 West Main Street, Perham, MN 56573 www.ucbankmn.com We have a variety of loan programs from FHA, VA, conventional, and MHFA, to second mortgages, rural development and alternative financing.

FIREPLACES/STOVES

Modern Heating and Plumbing

Contact: Rick or Kathy Michaelson Email: modernk@arvig.net Phone: 218-847-7459 Fax: 218-847-3199 1040 Randolph Road, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 www.modernheatingandplumbing.com For your family’s comfort! Dedicated to our clients, we offer a conscientious staff specializing in home comfort and healthy living environments. Gas fireplaces and stoves, gas patio firepits, installation.

Contact: Trent Buck Phone: 218-846-3449 Cell: 218-849-5159 23850 E. Common Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Carpet, Tile, Vinyl, Laminates. Sales & Installation.

Winkels Carpet

Contact: Rich Winkels Phone: 218-346-2924 Fax: 218-346-2964 145 2nd Ave., SE Perham, MN 56573 Shawmark Carpet, Mohawk Carpet, wall coverings and borders, ceramic tiles, hardwoods, Armstrong Linoleum, professional installation. FREE ESTIMATES!

FURNITURE

Smith Furniture & Carpet

Phone: 218-631-2301 Toll Free: 888-557-6484 Downtown Wadena 2 floors of name-brand furniture and flooring: La-Z-Boy, Flexsteel, Best, Marshfield, PetersRevington, Cochrane, Chromcraft, Master Sleep, Flooring by Shaw, Congoleum and Kamdean. Large selection of wall and table accessories.

GARBAGE/DEMOLITION

Steve’s Sanitation

Contact: Steve Melgard Email: stevessanitation@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-4834 Fax: 218-346-4799 140 6th Ave. NE., Perham, Mn 56573 For all your garbage & demolition needs!

Commercial & Residential garbage and roll off service.

GLASS

Visions Glass

Contact: Clyde and Donna Stephens Email: Visions@lakesplus.com Phone: 218-346-2075, Toll free 800-550-2447 507 East Main St., Perham, MN. 56573 www.visionsglassrepair.com Over 20 years experience with auto and home glass, mirrors, Plexiglas, flat glass, screens and more. Repair damaged windshields. Buy local from people you know!

GUTTERS

Seamless Gutter Systems

Contact: Tom Watson Email: tom@ltrans.lakesnet.net Phone: 218-334-4425 Cell: 218-841-0232 11273 363rd Ave., Frazee, MN 56544 We provide quality gutter systems & downspouts. Featuring Rollex products. 5” & 6” gutters.

Clog-free covers. Fast, reliable, friendly service 7 days a week!

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING

Modern Heating and Plumbing

Contact: Rick or Kathy Michaelson Email: modernk@arvig.net Phone: 218-847-7459 Fax: 218-847-3199 1040 Randolph Road, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 www.modernheatingandplumbing.com For your family’s comfort! Dedicated to our clients, we offer a conscientious staff specializing in home comfort and healthy living environments. Remodeling, new construction, repair, installation, retail sales, Kohler registered showroom.

HEATING/ PLUMBING RETAIL

Januszewki Plumbing

Contact: Randy Januszewki Email: draaski@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-5389 P.O. Box 322, Perham, MN 56573 Over 20 years experience! New Construction, Remodeling, Cabins, Service, Drain Cleaning, Water Heaters, Softeners.

Bonded and insured. Lic # 060559-PM

Phil’s Plumbing

Contact: Phil Esser Email: pjesser@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-5977 Cell: 218-849-8224 46414 390th St., Perham 56573 Specializing in New Home Plumbing, Repairs, Remodeling, Water Softeners & a Complete line of Fixtures. Licensed and Bonded Master Plumber.

HEATING/PLUMBING WHOLESALE

Lake Region Electric Cooperative

Contact: Dan Husted Email: dhusted@lrec.coop Phone: 800-552-7658 Fax: 800-321-1053 P.O. Box 643 Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 www.lrec.coop LREC installs geothermal closed loop heating and cooling systems in residential homes, agriculture shops and commercial buildings. Call for details.

BUILDING & REMODELING DIRECTORY

FLOORING

Buck’s Flooring LLC

LANDSCAPING/LAWN SERVICE

Aqua Lawn

Contact: Dan Brauch Email: aqualawn@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-3890 East Industrial Park, Perham, MN 56573 www.aqualawnmn.com Lawn Sprinklers, Start Ups, Sales & Service, Professional Design & Installation, Complete Line of inventory, Installation of SkeetR-Gone/Fertigation Systems, Commercial & Residential.

HARDWARE STORES

Mark’s Fleet Supply

Contact: Mark Tomsche Email: fleetsupply@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-6275 945 Market Street Perham, MN 56573 www.truevalue.com/marksfleetsupply Mark’s Fleet Supply True Value is your community hardware advisor. We have the products and information you need. The right products, with local expert advice.

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

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BUILDING & REMODELING DIRECTORY

Cutting Edge Lawn Service

Contact: Ed Delaney Email: eddelaney@cuttingedgeperham.com Phone: 218-346-5004, 218-346-4511 Fax: 218-346-7019 745 2nd St. NE, Perham, MN 56573 www.cuttingedgeperham.com Lawn Fertilizing & Weed Control.

Licensed Chemical & Fertilizer Applicator.

Hough, Inc.

Contact: Mike Hough Email: m.hough@houghinc.com www.houghinc.com Phone: 218-847-7391 fax: 218-847-2380 PO Box 2, Detroit Lakes, MN 56502 Full service excavating contractor and landscape supplier.

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

City of New York Mills/Country View Addition

Contact: Linda Salo, Real Estate Results Email: Lindasalo@arvig.net Phone: 218-457-0230 28 Centennial 84 Drive West, New York Mills, MN 56567 www.newyorkmills.govoffice2.com Large lots in a beautiful country setting with winding streets, city utilities, and a convenient location. $1,000/lot. TIF assistance to qualifying buyers.

Dynamic Homes LLC

Contact: Paul Okeson Email: Paulo@dynamichomes.com Phone: 218-846-3130 Fax: 218-847-2617 525 Roosevelt Ave. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 www.dynamichomes.com Dynamic Homes is your premiere lakes area system-builder of custom homes. Located in Detroit Lakes, MN, our craftsmen have been making dreams come true since 1970.

Homark Homes

REALTORS

Real Estate Results

Contact: Nancy Docter Email: Nancy@realestateresultsmn.com Phone: 218-346-4663 www.realestateresultsmn.com 135 East Main Street • Perham, MN A trusted name in real estate ~ an independent, full service company that draws on years of experience to assist you in finding your next home.

Septic systems

Sewer Service

Contact: Lane Kline Email: sewerservice@arvig.net Phone: 218-385-3880 or 218-346-7436 37151 County Hwy. 67 South New York Mills, MN 56567 Septic and holding tank pumping, jetting, line thawing.

Available 24/7‌Call our emergency line: 218-639-4909

WATER CONDITIONING

Ben Holzer Unlimited

Contact: Ben, Char or Adam Holzer Email: benchar@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-6445 42604 State Hwy 108, Perham, MN 56573 www.BenHolzerUnlimited.com Independent Water Systems, Water softeners, Reverse Osmosis, Arsenic Removal, Bottled Water, Water Coolers and more! Quality & Service at an affordable price!

WINDOWS/DOORS

At The Window

Contact: Carol Myhre Email: attwind@hotmail.com Phone: 218-758-2486 www.hdspd.com/atthewindow A complete line of blinds, verticals, soft shades and shutters.

Priced to fit your budget!

Contact: Paul Halek Email: paul@homark.com Phone: 218-385-2330 Toll Free: 888-676-1555 www.homarkhomesnymills.com Hwy 10 West, New York Mills, MN 56567 Homark Homes has over 50 models to choose from or custom design your home. Name brand appliances and materials.

Homes qualify for mortgage financing. From Park Models to 2 story homes - come see all that we have to offer.

Contact: Joe Honrud Email: honrud@eot.com Phone: 218-347-3888 Perham, 218-758-3888 Dent, Toll free 877-201-4896 Fax: 218-758-2292 333 3rd Ave. SE, Perham, MN 56573 Specializing in Maintenance Free Windows, Bay, Bow, & Garden Windows, Patio & Exterior Doors.

SECURITY SYSTEMS

Lakes Area Overhead Door Company

Arvig

Email: answers@arvig.com Phone: 888-992-7844 150 Second Street SW, Perham, MN 56573 www.arvig.com Arvig provides custom security solutions for your home.

Everything from water, fire and temperature control, to video surveillance and keypad entry. Residential and business plans available.

Custom Windows

Contact: Alan Johnson Email: alanj@lakesareaoverheaddoor.com Phone: 320-763-3667 4925 State Hwy 27 E., Alexandria, Mn 56308 www.mnoverheaddoor.com Residential, Commerical, Parts & Service.

24 hour emergency service. Providing the right products backed by exceptional service for over 70 years.

Woodworking

Tectonic Woodworking

Contact: Bruce Johnson Email: tectonic@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-2331 640 3rd Street NE., Perham, Mn 56573 Custom Cabinetry, Commercial & Residential, 29 years of experience!

40

FALL HOME MAGAZINE 2013

BUY A LOT, BUILD A HOUSE AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE HUGE MONEYSAVING INCENTIVES!

1,000 per lot

$

plus assessments

Grow along with us!

If you are looking for a place to call home, Country View

Addition

offers you a breath of fresh air

Home of Your Dreams

STATE HIGHWAY 56

7

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1

SOLD 3

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2

3

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6 SOLD

in New York Mills, contact

2

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3

7

4

BLOCK SEVEN

SO5LD

4

BLOCK THREE

6

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SOLD

1 SOLD 1

BLOCK TWO CARLUND PARKWAY

NEW PLAYGROUND

Linda Salo, agent 218-457-0230 Lindasalo@arvig.net

R001963967

picturesque winding streets with city services, playground, easy access to all that New York Mills has to offer, combined with the quiet beauty of the country, right outside your window.

SO8LD

BLOCK ONE

Nestled back on the edge of our community, Country View offers the best of both worlds.....

CK FIVE

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9

Buyers can purchase any lot for only $1000 (not including assessments). A TIF (tax increment financing) deduction is available to income qualifying buyers which offers $7,500 off the assessments. In addition, an incentive package is also offered for free or reduced prices on products or services.

Call for more information.

An example of these incentives includes a $500 credit toward your natural gas bill.

For more information on how you can have the

we’re there with you,

Let us heLp Farmers & Merchants State Bank you…

New York Mills Since 1916

• Finance the PURCHASE of your new home!

• Finance the CONSTRUCTION of your new home!

• Finance the REMODEL of your existing home!

• We’ll be there from START TO FINISH to answer all your questions and make sure you have the loan that works best for you!

every step of the way!

Coming This Fall: Mobile Banking! www.fmbanknym.com ADDRESS:

11 North Walker PO Box 278 New York Mills, MN 56567

PHONE NUMBERS:

218-385-2300 Telephone 218-385-9303 Fax 800-469-0055 Telebank

BUSINESS HOURS LOBBY: 8:30am - 4:30pm M-F

WALKUP & DRIVEUP:

8am - 5pm M-F 8:30 - 11:30 am SAT