Home and Garden - Spring Home and Garden

Spring

Home and Garden

2012 Buds & Blooms garden tour returns Advice from the Evergreen Arborist Know the rules before tackling a deck

2012_HomeGardenCover

New Binetti book puts focus on vegetables

Published by the

Page 2 • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Spring Home & Garden

After taking a year off, Buds and Blooms is back After a one-year hiatus, the Buds and Blooms Spring Garden Tour returns to Federal Way for Mother’s Day weekend. It is bigger and better than ever with new partnerships, an improved website, expanded garden access, shuttle buses and an extensive list of programming.

Programming includes internationally recognized guest speakers, demonstrations, kids activities, live music and storytelling. Attendees from around the Northwest are expected. Live music performances are scheduled at all garden venues (check the website for exact times and locations) and food will be available at several stops.

The garden tour covers more than 60 acres and encompasses five gardens: PowellsWood Garden, Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, Weyerhaeuser Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection and the two Federal Way Symphony “Sweet” and “Savory” private gardens. Two of these gardens are internationally recognized and visiting all of the gardens over the two-day weekend is easy with an all-access

passport ticket and shuttle buses for the Sacajawea Middle School private garden transportation loop. The Federal Way Farmers Market begins its season that weekend, and it will serve as one of three “day-of ” ticketing purchase centers. The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden and the Sacajawea Middle School private garden transportation hub also serve as “day of ” ticketing purchase centers.

Featured speakers include gardening book author and columnist Marianne Binetti; nature photographer Michael Brunk; horticulturist, WSU professor and sustainable landscaping expert Linda Chalker-Scott; world-renowned rhododendron expert Steve Hootman; photographer Jennifer Leone; folklore author and storyteller Margaret Read MacDonald; Master Rosarian and rose columnist Gary A. Ritchie; bonsai and suiseki expert Sean Smith; and ornithologist/entomologist Jim Ullrich.

Lecture topics titles include: “Adventures of the Plant Hunter,” “Symphony in Bloom,” “Splish Splash Water in the Garden,” “Terrific Terrariums,” “Shortcuts to a Show Garden,” “The Beauty of Stones” and “Bonsai with Coniferous Trees.”

A complete list of the Buds and Blooms tour weekend activity times and locations is available at www.budsandbloomstour.org . Advance tickets to the tour are available at Brownpapertickets. They are $15 for adults and $10 for students with a valid ID. To avoid long lines, advance ticket purchasing is advised. Day-of-event tickets are $20 and are available at one of the three day-of ticketing purchase centers. Children age 12 and under are free.

Buds and Blooms was first produced in 2008 by the city of Federal Way as a Mother’s Day weekend event, with activities at five garden-friendly venues. The event ran for three years with various partners, until taking 2011 off.

Insects and disease arrive with spring’s blossoms

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Cherry and flowering plum blossoms are signaling the arrival of spring. As the blossoms fade and new foliage begins to appear, various pests are lying in wait to begin their annual feasts. The following are signs of some of the more common and highly visible insects and diseases that soon will be visible.

Insect Damage Colorado blue spruce: old dead brown tops. Pest: white pine weevil larvae have been feeding on the top leader in the past.

Other branches may have turned up to form new tops. New growth that is under attack will soon begin to wilt. Treatment: if reachable, cut out the drooping top below where

the larvae are feedany fast moving insects ing and destroy them. are likely beneficial Sprays are not practical. predators.

Various spruce speFlowering plums cies: severe loss of inteand cherries: curled or rior needles and secwrinkled leaves. Pest: Dennis Tompkins tions where branches most likely aphids visihave died. Pest: most ble as tiny, light-colored Columnist likely the spruce aphid – insects when the infecta tiny green insect that ed leaves are uncurled. does its damage in late winter. Treatment: Treatment: they can be sprayed for but gentap the foliage to dislodge insects onto an erally are not worth worrying about. index card. If very tiny green spots begin to Alpine or subalpine fir trees: ugly, slowly move, you’ve got them! Hose small deformed branches often curled like a bird’s spruce trees with high-pressure water or claw. Pest: balsam woolly adelgid – a devasspray larger trees with insecticides. Note: tating insect pest of Fraser, alpine and sub-

The Evergreen Arborist

alpine fir trees. Visible when new growth begins as tiny white cottony tufts on the undersides of branches or on the trunk.

Treatment: difficult to control, but can be sprayed for as the new growth expands and the tiny crawlers begin to hatch. Some pest control companies will inject insecticides.

Badly deformed trees should be removed.

Disease Problems Flowering cherries: infected blossoms will die and hang on the branches; small cankers may produce gumming and kill small branches. Pest: most likely brown rot, a common fungus on cherries. Treatment:

See ARBORIST, Page 9

Spring Home & Garden • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Page 3

A good cleaning is a rite of spring For homeowners, spring cleaning is one of the annual rites of spring. The return of warmer weather presents the perfect opportunity for homeowners to open the windows, let some fresh air in and tidy up after a few months spent cooped up inside while the weather outside was frightful.

But now that spring has arrived, the time to clean up around the house has come. Homeowners about to start on their annual spring cleaning should consider the following before beginning.

Get the right tools

The right tools won’t necessarily be a hammer and nails, but cleaning products that can make spring cleaning more efficient. Rubber gloves, cleaning products (preferably natural products that are good for the environment) and enough garbage bags to discard a winter’s worth of clutter should all be on hand before you begin cleaning.

If they’re not, you’ll likely need to make a trip to the store while cleaning, which can be time-consuming and prolong the process.

Take some inventory

Many people have no problem buying new clothes, but they do find it hard to get rid of older items. Part of spring cleaning is tossing old items you no longer use, and that includes clothing. Clothing can take up a significant amount of space, so take some inventory on your wardrobe and decide which items you want to keep and which ones you can afford to discard or even donate.

Address the windows

If the last several months have been especially cold or snowy, then you might not have looked out the windows in quite some time.

Unfortunately, those windows might have accumulated quite the amount of dirt and grime while you were huddled inside. When washing the windows, do so on a cloudy day, as the sun can actually cause streaking. In addition, be mindful of what you’re using to wipe down the windows post-cleaning. Microfiber rags typically give windows a great shine without any streaking.

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need to be addressed, as they have likely accumulated some dust over the last few months. Dust the valance and the frame, and wipe the blinds down with a damp cloth. You can also use your vacuum’s upholstery and brush attachments to further clean blinds and drapes.

Tidy up the bed

You likely wash your bed linens regardless of the season. When spring cleaning, toss these linens into the washing machine and don’t forget to wash the mattress pads and bed skirting as well. While those items are in the wash, flip all the mattresses in your household.

Don’t forget the kitchen

The kitchen is not immune to clutter, and it’s especially easy for items to overstay their welcome in the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinets. Look for old takeout containers in the refrigerator that have managed to stick around, and throw these out as well as any items that have passed their expiration dates.

While items in the kitchen cabinets might not have an expiration date, it helps to remove them from the pantry and then dust and wipe down the shelves. When doing so, discard any items that no longer seem appetizing.

Beat the rugs

Area rugs have no doubt collected dirt and dust over the last sev-

A bookshelf can be one of the biggest dust collectors in a home. A good cleaning requires removing all the books and dusting them before returning them to the shelf. eral months. Though vacuuming these area rugs might be enough during the year, take advantage of the pleasant weather and take the rugs outside to beat them and rid them of dust and any other particles the vacuum might have missed over the last few months.

Empty and clean the bookshelves

Bookshelves are one the biggest collectors of dust in many homes. Open the windows in the home and then remove books

from the shelves. Once the books have been removed, dust the shelves and wipe them down with a damp cloth. And don’t forget to dust the books and reorganize titles before returning them to their newly cleaned shelves.

Spring cleaning is something all homeowners must do to keep their homes healthy and clean.

Spring cleaning is annual event at many households, and a few simple strategies can make it go much more smoothly.

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Page 4 • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Spring Home & Garden

Don’t duck the law when tackling deck Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Survey indicate that homeowners annually spend billions of dollars improving outdoor living areas.

One of the most popular ways to do just that is to add a deck to a home. Decks are beneficial in many ways.

Grillmasters love decks because they make the perfect place to set up a grill and a table and cook for family and friends.

Those who simply love being outdoors find decks the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun or idle away the evening hours.

But homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins.

• Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it.

Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors, make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project begins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again.

• Decks don’t have to go on the back of the house. If the back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it’s probably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that’s perfectly alright. So long as the property and permits allow,

decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and putting a deck on the side might be more comfortable.

• Decks don’t have to be made of wood. It’s easy to assume all decks are made of plain wood. However, decks can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or synthetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material for decking because it’s not very expensive. But manmade materials that are a mixture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular because they require no maintenance. But homeowners should know that manmade materials can get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes.

• Expect to do some digging. If you’re going to build your own deck, expect to do some serious digging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck’s weight. Just how deep you’ll dig depends on your climate’s specific frost line, but it’s safe to assume you’ll get a workout in when digging.

• The deck can have multiple levels. Though many people associate decks with one level, it’s possible to have a multilevel deck if you simply don’t have enough room to build a deck that will be big enough to meet all of your needs.

A multi-level deck can break up those long flights of stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere to go to escape the sun on a hot day.

• You will want to protect the deck. Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to protect that investment. If you’re building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year. You can protect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen for the deck, stopping the sun from breaking down the material. Once you’ve finished painting, apply sealant, whether it’s oil- or water-based.

• Don’t forget fasteners. Fasteners will hide the screws for aesthetic appeal. But not all woods and fasteners are the right fit, as certain woods are only compatible with certain fasteners. Find out which fasteners make the right fit ahead

Decks can be built from wood or synthetic materials in any number of designs – but make sure to obtain the correct permits. of time. Because fasteners conceal the screws, they also make it possible to go barefoot on the deck.

A deck makes a great addition to many homes, but homeowners should learn as much as possible about decks and what goes into building them before making any decking decisions.

With deck done, it’s time to choose outdoor furniture Outdoor entertaining areas have always been popular among homeowners. The ability to entertain friends and family or simply relax by yourself is something homeowners cherish, particularly during the warm weather seasons.

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Spring Home & Garden • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Page 5

Keep the home safe for kids According to the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home injuries, half of the children who die before their first birthday die from choking or suffocation. Many times such tragedies can be averted.

Parents of very young children can and should take it upon themselves to safeguard their youngsters from various choking and suffocation hazards around the house. The Home Safety Council offers the following tips to parents hoping to do just that.

• Keep smaller items out of reach. In general, anything that can fit through a tube of toilet paper is big enough to cause a child to choke.

This includes hard candies, coins, peanuts, and even latex balloons. Always store these items in closed areas or in places that are beyond a child’s reach.

• Make the crib a kids-only zone. Pillows, toys and comforters in a crib can cause a child to suffocate. Make the crib off-limits to these types of items, and always put children to bed on their backs.

• Clip window cords.

Window cords, such as those that hang from blinds, can be

very dangerous if they make their way into the hands of young children. Clip the loops in these window cords and make sure they are always high up the window where curious kids cannot reach them.

• Read all toy labels. Kids have so many toys that parents can easily overlook toys that might be safety hazards.

Parents of especially young children might feel a little run down from raising their youngster and unknowingly let a few toys slip past their radar. However, it’s imperative parents read all toy labels before handing the toys over to a child. Pay specific attention to the recommended ages for each toy, as those recommendations are often made with child safety in mind.

• Keep kids at an arm’s length at all times when around water. Another potential threat to kids’ safety around the house is water.

Children can drown in as little as an inch of water, and it might only take a few minutes to do so. As a result, parents must be mindful and attentive whenever kids are around water. Bathtubs, toilets and, of course, pools present serious safety hazards

to young kids. Whenever kids are around water, always stay within arm’s length.

• Erect a fence around a pool or spa. Many communities have laws in place that require pools to be fenced in. But those laws often only mandate the yard where the pool is located be fenced in.

While that might be sufficient, it can also help to erect a fence around the pool itself and keep a lock on the gate to prevent curious youngsters from making their way to the pool unsupervised.

• Turn buckets and wading pools upside down when not in use. Many par-

ents purchase wading pools so their kids have a fun place to relax on hot days.

When the kids aren’t living it up, empty these pools and turn them upside down. Do the same with any buckets you have around the house.

Whenever possible, store empty buckets outside the reach of children.

• Prevent burns. Adults know to be cautious around hot water, but kids often learn the hard way. To prevent burns, keep hot water at or below 120 F. More information on making your home a safer place is available at www. homesafetycouncil.org.

Cords that hang from blinds present a safety risk to young children if not secured out of reach.

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Comfort and versatility head the list of factors to consider when choosing outdoor furniture.

for example, might be durable, but such furniture can also get very hot if out in the sun.

• Versatility: Many homeowners enjoy changing their home’s interior decor from time to time, and it can be just as enjoyable to do the same to a home’s exterior decor. That said, look for furniture that can be accented with a variety of accessories, so you can change

the look of your outdoor entertaining area easily.

• Protection: Protecting exterior furniture from the elements should be a priority. When shopping for outdoor furniture, figure out if protective covering is available or if it will need to be custom made.

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Page 6 • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Spring Home & Garden

Be courteous with your fence People fortunate enough to own their own plots of land often choose to fence in their pieces of paradise. Fences serve many purposes: to designate property boundaries, keep pets or children contained in a safe environment, corral livestock, offer privacy or add aesthetic appeal.

Although installing a fence may seem like the right idea for you, going about it the wrong way may lead to problems among neighbors, particularly if you live where the houses are relatively close to one another. Some homeowners find fences become the final point of contention among disagreeable neighbors or create tension with a neighbor with whom you previously had a good relationship. Being courteous with fence plans is the way to avoid any animosity along the way.

There are certain things you must do and should do if you plan to erect a fence. Most peo-

ple find neighbors appreciate being informed of any decisions you are thinking of making to the property that can affect their views or their adjoining property. Before drawing up fence plans with a contractor, talk to the neighbors on either side of your home and gauge their receptiveness to a fence. At this point, you may want to consider offering to make the fencing project a joint deal to save money should the neighbors decide to install a fence as well. Contractors will often discount if they have several customers doing an installation at the same time. Property owners can save by splitting the costs of the shared walls of the fence where their property lines meet.

Explain your case for the fence.

Most neighbors are receptive to the idea if they know the reasoning – especially if the desire for a fence is not to keep them at bay.

It’s hard to protest a fence that is a safety precaution for children.

If your neighbor already has a fence, you must ask whether you can connect your fence panels into the support post on your shared side.

Once you notify your neighbors as a courtesy, there are certain steps to take that will prevent any legal disputes down the road. Even the most easy-going neighbor could grow aggravated if the fence is put up carelessly or ends up partially on his property.

The best way to prevent this is to apply for a new, professional property survey and have property lines indicated with paint or wood markers.

Each town or city has different regulations with regard to fencing, so it is important to learn the ropes or hire a contractor who is familiar with the rules. It might be illegal to install fences directly on the property line. The law might require the fence be installed a few inches inward. There also may be rules about how high fences can be in the front of the home, sides and back. Corner lot properties may have added regulations depending on whether the fence could prove a visual obstruction to drivers.

If you live in a planned community, or one with a homeowners’ association, it is your job to

Fences are a great addition when added for the right reasons. Take care, though, and avoid alienating neighbors with the new barrier. find out the guidelines for any home improvements. The HOA may dictate the style, size and maintenance of the fence or may not allow a fence at all.

Once all the details are checked, you may have to apply for a fence permit. This way the construction of the fence and finished product will meet safety standards, and the area in which you live can provide consistent quality control. If the fence is installed by code, there is little chance it will have to be torn down or changed in the near future. Also, doing it by the book

means that a neighbor can be unhappy about a fence but not have legal recourse to ask you to remove it.

As an added form of courtesy, it is proper fence etiquette to put the “good” side of the fence facing the neighbors’ yards. That means the side of the fence that doesn’t show the support panels and posts. Remember, it is your fence so you are also responsible for all maintenance of the fence – on all sides. Just because your neighbor also will be benefitting from your fence, doesn’t mean he will have to care for it.

Soundproof room creates a theater effect Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever before for homeowners to create a mini movie theater in the comfort of their own homes. The affordability of home-theater systems and big-screen televisions, once deemed a luxury only available to the super-wealthy, has made it possible for everyone to

enjoy theater-style entertainment at home.

But one thing that can put a damper on those hometheater plans is external noise. Movie theaters are soundproof so customers can’t hear noise from the nearby freeway or their fellow moviegoers “oohing” and “aahing” in the theater next door. Private homes,

however, are not so soundproof, so homeowners must take it upon themselves to soundproof their homes to create the ultimate hometheater experience. The following are some of the ways homeowners can do just that.

• Add some layers of drywall. An extra layer or two of drywall will block sound

coming from neighboring rooms. Simply add a layer or two of drywall to the existing wall.

• Install double-paned windows. If it’s noise from outside the home that’s ruining your home theater experience, then consider installing double-paned windows with acrylic frames. Such a job can be

costly, so if it’s going to be a budget-buster, then sound-deadening drapes are a cheaper alternative that can also be effective.

• Decorate the home with sound-absorbent items. Another way to soundproof a home is to decorate the house with sound-absorbent items.

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reducing the transfer of sound from room to room. Upstairs rooms should be carpeted to further reduce the transfer of sound.

• Install soundproofing tile on ceilings.

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Spring Home & Garden • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Page 7

Chickens add egg-citement Fresh, healthy eggs.

Natural fertilizer and pest control. A chance to teach your kids the value of growing their own food. These are just some of the reasons backyard chickens have moved from a novelty to a mainstream trend.

Whether you’re a home chef, a gardener or a parent who believes in providing enriching experiences for your children, this spring might be the perfect time to consider jumping on the backyard chicken bandwagon. It’s lucky that chicken coop and feed resources have made it easier than ever to get started.

If you’re thinking of adding a coop to your backyard living space this year, here are some tips to consider.

Choose your chickens Chickens come in many different shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments.

When making your choice, research the breed’s history and characteristics, making sure to find out how much space they’ll require. The type of egg that is produced, including color of the shell, also depends on the breed.

Araucana hens, for example, produce pastel eggs that resemble Easter eggs, while White Leghorns are known for their high production.

Once you’ve chosen the breed, consider whether you’d prefer to hatch your own chicks or purchase day-old chicks from a repu-

table hatchery or local feed store. Keep in mind that most hens do not begin laying until they are 18 weeks old.

And since roosters are not necessary for egg production, you don’t have to worry about roosters crowing at dawn. You can just order hens.

Establish a (legal) living area As chicken ownership continues to grow, more cities and suburbs are permitting coops in urban and suburban residences.

But before you buy chicks, check with your city’s zoning regulations to be sure your coop complies with local ordinances.

Now, it’s time to build (or buy) a home for your new feathered family members.

Chicken coops can be as simple or complex as owners want them to be. Some families turn old sheds or dog kennels into chicken coops, while others choose to build elaborate homes fit for the most discriminating bird. You can also buy a kit to get started.

However you acquire a chicken coop, there are a number of features it should have: • Easy to clean • Protection from the weather and predators, inside and out • Good ventilation • Adequate drainage • Indoor nests for egg laying

• Room to roam - chickens should be able to spread their wings and move around in the coop

• Continuous access to clean water Feed: the ingredients for success

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While a formulated feed

will make up the majority of a chicken’s diet, chickens can also be your clean-up crew by eating table scraps-provided that scraps make up no more than 10 percent of their diet. Leftover vegetables, meat and non-citrus fruits are all good to feed.

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Page 8 • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Spring Home & Garden

Latest version of garden Bible is available If you’re a new gardener, a nursery visit or garden advice can leave you dazed and confused.

Experienced gardeners looking for fresh ideas and accurate information may find themselves unfazed and bemused. All gardeners want up-to-date information that does not come from sketchy Internet sources or East coast garden experts not familiar with our unique climate zones.

The reference guide that we’re all looking for is now available: The New Sunset Western Garden Book, edited by Kathy Brenzel 767 pages More than 2,000 full color photos Price: $34.95 The Sunset Western Garden book is often called the Bible of

The Compleat Home Gardener Marianne Binetti Columnist

gardening in the West, often quoted and toted by everyone from first time homeowners to avid plant collectors. Master Gardeners refer to this book for proper plant identification, growers reference the pages for salvation from weather disasters and garden radio show hosts keep a copy in front of the microphone for the security of a quick reference guide.

I am going out on a strong and

secure tree limb here and just say that this is the most popular gardening book ever written for our climate. Since the first edition sprouted in the 1930s, the Sunset Western Garden Book has sold more than 6 million copies.

So what makes this new edition better than the previous one?

According to Sunset editor Kathy Brenzel, this new tome has more color photos for each plant group, the practical guide at the back of the book is more visual and more intuitive and for the first time ever the Sunset Western Garden Book has a digital component. This means you can find videos and more information online on certain topics whenever you see the little camera icon at the bottom of the page. This link-

Another Binetti book, too Also available for gardeners’ reading pleasure is the latest effort

by Enumclaw’s Marianne Binetti. It’s her 11th garden book to go along with her many personal appearances, radio and TV duties and garden tours. See page 9. ing of Internet and printed word in a reference book is the teaching tool of the future.

Time to Zone Out The real feature that makes the Sunset guide books so practical is the way it breaks down the West Coast into more than 22 different zones and growing seasons. By checking the excellent zone maps near the front of the book you can identify whether you garden in Zone 4, the cool maritime areas closer to the coast, or Zone 5, the

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Spring Home & Garden • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Page 9

Newest Binetti Time right for a home office? book tells all about veggies

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ARBORIST FROM 2 can be ignored or fungicides can be applied beginning when blossoms begin to open, at full bloom and during petal fall. Very difficult to control.

Flowering plums and cherries: leaves with several small holes, sometimes premature heavy loss of leaves. Pest: Coryneum blight or “shothole” fungus. Treatments: rake and destroy leaves. Fungicides can be applied at leaf fall in late summer and in the spring when flower petals have fallen and the leaves begin to emerge.

Dogwoods: new leaves wrinkle up and have brown splotches; can have premature heavy loss of leaves.

Pest: most likely dogwood anthractnose – a common fungus that infects many native and non-native dogwoods. Treatment: rake and destroy fallen leaves.

Fungicides can be applied at bud break and continued at 10- to 14-day intervals until weather dries out. Resistant varieties are available at nurseries.

Japanese and lace-leaf maples: suddenly wilted

its buds each winter or why the fellow across the street harvests his tomatoes a month before you do. (Your late tomatoes could be stuck in a cold air pocket while your camellias suffer bud blast due to wind exposure.)

Understanding the different microclimates in your own garden could be the answer to successfully harvesting grapes (plant them on a hillside) or overwintering canna bulbs (they favor the dry winter soil under the eaves of the house.)

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ing to emails and conducting business, it may be time to consider adding a dedicated office space in your home.

Whether you telecommute for work or just need a work space to organize personal documents and files, a wellthought home office can help you stay productive, efficient and organized.

Before beginning the design process for an office space, think through how the space will be used and ask yourself these questions: • What activities will take place in

foliage that hangs on the branches; may start with asingle branch dying and spreading to others. Pest: possibly verticillium wilt – a soil borne fungus that affects roots and spreads upward throughout a tree.

Infected trees may be killed outright or may tolerate the fungus for several years.

Treatment: prune out and destroy infected branches.

No sprays are recommended. This is a highly-contagious disease of maples and several other hosts. Dig out as many of the roots as possible if removing.

Rules for Pesticide Treatments Most of the pests noted

the space?

• Who will be using this area?

• What are the storage needs?

• What time of day will you be doing most of your work?

• Where in your home will you set up the office?

• What type of connectivity/technology will be necessary for this space?

Once you have a handle on your needs, you are ready to start the plan-

above do not kill their hosts. They can be ignored if one chooses not to use pesticides. If a chemical treatment is desired, there are three rules that must be followed: 1) Have the pest properly identified.

2) Determine the appropriate pesticide by asking nurseries and reading labels.

3) Apply the recommended pesticide at the proper time and at the recommended rate.

If these rules are not followed, the treatment will be wasted. Help in identifying problems can be obtained by taking samples

See OFFICE, Page 10 to Master Gardener clinics. Inviting a professional to visit your landscape will eliminate guesswork and will be likely to result in a proper diagnosis.

Dennis Tompkins is a certified arborist, certified hazard tree assessor, Master Gardener and urban forester from the Bonney LakeSumner area. He provides small tree pruning, pest diagnosis, hazardous tree evaluations, tree appraisals and other services for homeowners and businesses.

Contact him at 253-8637469 or email dlt@blarg. net. Website: evergreenarborist.com.

Jim Wetton’s Plumbing In Our Business, A Flush Beats A Full House.

For fast, friendly service, call Jim Wetton’s Plumbing, serving the Plateau area for over 25 years. Owner Jim Wetton has more that 29 years experience. They do everything from residential to commercial plumbing, service, repairs, remodeling, new construction, water heaters, backflow prevention, testing and repair, drain cleaning and gas pipe installation.

Pictured left to right: owners Jim and Kathy Wetton, office manager Kaylynn Bishop and plumbing technician Tim Swanson.

608582

Enumclaw garden guru Marianne Binetti has just released her latest guide for the green-thumb group, “Vegetable Gardening for Washington and Oregon.”

Co-authored by Laura Peters, the book is presented by Lone Pine Publishing.

The prolific Binetti has 10 books in print, beginning with the timeless “Easy Answers for Great Gardens. Following that came “Annuals for Washington and Oregon,” “Best Garden Plants for Washington and Oregon,” “Tree and Shrub Gardening for Washington and Oregon,” “Perennials for Washington and Oregon,” “Gardening Month by Month in Washington and Oregon,” “Herb Gardening in Washington and Oregon,” “Container Gardening for Washington and Oregon” and “Edible Gardening for Washington and Oregon.” A book now out of print is “Shortcuts for Accenting Your Garden.”

The latest effort tackles vegetables from A to Z, offering advice on everything from preparing garden beds and choosing where to grow certain veggies to mulching, light requirements and organic options.

It is available in bookstores’ gardening sections or local outlets like Work, Sports and More and Country Farm and Feed, both in Enumclaw.

More information about all of Binetti’s books can be found at her website, www.binettigarden.com.

Taking gardening into the realm of social media, she can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

Binetti, an Enumclaw native who carries the handle “The Compleat Home Gardener,” writes a syndicated gardening column that runs in more than a dozen newspapers each week. She offers presentations throughout the region, has been heard on radio and seen on television, and leads garden tours around the world with her husband Joe. She has a degree in horticulture from Washington State University.

There’s no doubt that we’re a connected society – and connected like never before through email, social networks, video conference technology, instant messaging, smart phones… the list goes on. While this influx in connectivity has made it easier to do business, it has also blurred the lines between work and home life, resulting with many of us working in our homes at least a few hours each week. If your kitchen countertop has become your go-to place for paying bills, respond-

3390 Hansen St. • Enumclaw • 360/825-7720

Page 10 • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Spring Home & Garden

Eclectic look breathes new life into a room The newest interior design trends are invoking a playful vibe into rooms by mixing and matching different styles for an eclectic, fun look. According to “ELLE Decor,” home decorating is shifting toward a more theatrical and eclectic decorat-

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ing style highlighting richer colors, layers of textures and patterns and a fusion of time periods, styles and atmosphere.

Homeowners who want to express their own unique style can blend a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, says Erinn Valencich, L.A.-based designer and blogger for HGTV’s Design Happens.

Whether it’s neutral colors with a bold chair or a formal fireplace with art deco accessories, homeowners can create a space that is both comfortable and dynamic.

“Attractive eclecticism can help make your home space a truly accurate reflection of your individuality,” says Valencich. “Combining

the elements together,” says Valencich. “Grey toned floors are the latest design trend and they open up the possibilities for a wide range of decorating styles and color palettes.”

Another advantage to a neutral color floor is that as your room decor changes through the years, your floor will transition nicely.

“The great thing about spaces decorated in an eclectic style is they can easily be changed depending on mood, inspiration and budget,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to have flooring that is versatile enough to adapt to your changing style.

Design principles An eclectic room doesn’t have to be a hodgepodge or random assortment of items. “Have a planned

and deliberate design,” says Valencich. “Eclectic rooms benefit from the same principles of design seen with other styles.”

• Balance. “Edit your collection to create harmony and focal points,” she says.

“Practice moderation with your pieces.”

• Harmony and unity.

“Group objects that work well together,” she adds.

“For example, use different chairs around your dining table, but paint them the same color to unify the look.”

• Scale and proportion.

“A mix of small, medium and large pieces helps balance out a room and keeps it from looking cluttered,” she says.

Valencich says to keep the

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shapes, styles and colors makes a very original statement.”

Set a good foundation Eclectic style can include a variety of periods and styles and is connected through the use of color, texture, shape and finish. With such a bevy of decor options, an eclectic room can easily turn chaotic.

That’s why Valencich recommends starting with a good foundation, the floors.

“I like to design a room from the ground up,” she says.

“A new floor is a great place to start for a fresh look and feel; floors not only ground the room, but they provide the design foundation.”

“A good strategy when designing an eclectic room is to start with a neutral colored floor to help tie all

off

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ning and design process. Here are a few important things to consider when you’re setting up a home office: Flexible and functional A home office should be comfortable, but not so casual that it lacks structure and function at the expense of productivity.

Whether you opt for a desk or a table, be sure to evaluate how much work surface is needed before you make the purchase.

Consider how much space your computer and phone equipment, wires and cords, files and paperwork and office supplies will occupy. All of these things can quickly swallow space you might need to work comfortably. After you’ve selected the furniture, it’s wise to invest in a high-quality ergonomic chair that can help promote your overall well-being.

Orderly and organized It’s easy to let a home office become over-

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design principles in mind while mixing unexpected pieces to create a gorgeous effect.

• Create a tidy grid of art to balance out weathered pieces and graphic patterns.

• Use nature to help create your eclectic look. Airy flower arrangements atop a dark, antique table give a balance of dark and light colors.

• Play with textures in your room. From an old frame with the paint peeling to nubby rugs to silky pillows, textures keep the room interesting and inviting.

• Let your personality shine through with what you love. Do you have a collection of seashells or other trinkets? Use those pieces in an everyday nook.

run with paperwork, mail, bills, etc. Giving thought to smart storage solutions from the get-go will help minimize stress in the long run. The good news is you don’t have to settle for commercial-looking metal file cabinets to store everything. Cabinets have long been used to create stylish, orderly kitchens and baths, and can do the same for a home office.

Light and lively Good lighting in a home office is essential. While overhead light is helpful, your desk and work spaces should also feature a few task lights for reading, writing and computer work. Adding a decorative table lamp can help maintain a homier feel. The amount and type of lighting really depends on when you’ll be doing the bulk of your work and can vary drastically throughout the day. Installing light dimmer switches and adding window treatments can keep light at optimum levels. Painting a splash of color on the walls, adding colorful textiles or artwork reflective of your personality will make the space feel lively and inspiring.

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We’ve learned that making a difference in our local communities involves forming real, personal connections with the people who live and work here. That’s why we’re honored to continue our long history of volunteering with organizations like the American Heart Association, Junior Achievement and Boys & Girls Clubs and are well on our way to exceeding our employee volunteer goal for the year. We also invest financially in the communities we’ve been serving for more than 100 years, showing we know our actions speak much louder than words.

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Spring Home & Garden • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Page 11

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Page 12 • April 18, 2012 • The Courier-Herald • Spring Home & Garden

Spring has arrived at…

Baby Chicks and Ducks are here!

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With Ginger Steele from New Leaf Greenhouse Ginger is famous for her beautiful and unusual selection. Learn to select and plant perennials for years of color & fragrance.

We have • Cold Crop Veggies, Potatoes, Onion, Asparaus, Leeks & Garlic Trees, Herbs, • Herbs, Lavender, Heirloom & Organic Vegetable starts Berries • Trees & Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries)

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HOURS Mon-Sat 9am - 6pm Sunday, 10am - 5pm