Home and Garden - Spring 2013

Home

&

garden

SPRING 2013

Island trends in homebuilding A kaleidoscope of early bloomers Harnessing the sun and wind Edible greenery to grace Langley Vermicomposting

Published as a supplement of the Whidbey News-Times, South Whidbey Record & Whidbey Examiner

Pg 2

WhidbeyH&G

The

Difference

Shop Local.

Buy Local.

We’ve been proudly serving Northwest Washington for over 70 years. Our goal is to offer low prices and superior service before, during, and after the sale. We’re the only appliance, flat panel HDTV, mattress, and BBQ store that can offer you all of this and more...

Huge Selection of Top Brand Names Largest Local Parts & Service Department

G UA

Large Showrooms In Every Store Delivery 7 Days a Week

Com

A+ RATED

e Experience the

judd & black juddblack.com

D E E T RAN

Lowest Prices! $

lack Dif fer en B & d ce Jud EVERETT SUPERSTORE | 3001 Hewitt Ave | 425-258-2591 MARYSVILLE SUPERSTORE | 1315 State Ave | 360-659-0822 LYNNWOOD SUPERSTORE | 16521 Hwy 99 | 425-742-2233 MOUNT VERNON SUPERSTORE I 2520 Cedardale Rd. I 360-336-6515 !LL 3TORES /PEN -ON &RI s 3AT 3UN LIQUIDATION CENTER | 2808 Maple - Everett | 425-258-4557 SERVICE CENTER | -APLE s %VERETT | 425-258-4557 3ERVICE ,IQUIDATION #ENTERS ARE CLOSED ON 3UNDAYS

SPRING2013

Pg 3

Home

&

garden

4

VERMICOMPOSTING: Red wigglers turn food scraps into rich, healthy soil.

6 10 11

EARLY BLOOMERS:

Island nurseries offer a full spectrum of floral color.

REMODELING: The new trend in homebuilding.

GEAR TO GET YOU GROWING

12

HARNESSING THE SUN AND WIND

14

Take a bite out of Langley:

Edible greenery to brighten the town.

contents

H&Gstaff Executive Editor & Publisher Keven Graves

Advertising Manager Lee Ann Mozes

Editor Jessie Stensland

Marketing Sales Gail Rognan, Kimberlly Winjum Production Manager Michelle Wolfensparger

Copy & Photos Betty Freeman, Megan Hansen Michaela Marx Wheatley & Nathan Whalen

Advertising Design Rebecca Collins, Ginny Tomasko & Leslie Vance

Additional copies of this publication, subscriptions and advertising information can be obtained by contacting: WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES | 360-675-6611 SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD | 877-316-7276 WHIDBEY EXAMINER | 360-678-8060 PO Box 1200, 107 S. Main Street, Suite E101 Coupeville, WA 98239

on the cover A water feature utilizing local stone, native plants and some imagination is a wonderful spring project. Many home centers have do it yourself fountain kits which can easily be modified to suit any landscape design. Several Whidbey contractors also build custom water features.

Pg 4

WhidbeyH&G

vermicomposting

Red wigglers turn food scraps into rich, healthy soil

By Betty Freeman | STAFF REPORTER

“Food waste is actually an extremely valuable resource,” said Langley resident Todd Spratt, who has been recycling, composting and growing organic food for over 35 years.

Spratt is sold on the idea of vermicomposting – using worms to break down food waste into rich, dark soil.

“Earthworms play a key role in the development of the soil,” said Spratt. “I refer to them as the honeybees of the soil, pollinating it with beneficial microorganisms.”

“Red worms make the best composters, consuming up to one and a half times their body weight in organic debris in a day,” Spratt said. “Worms have a gut like an incubator. Their castings are alive with beneficial organisms like friendly bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. Castings contain nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, trace elements, minerals, hormones and growth regulators.”

In their seven years on Whidbey Island, the Spratt family members – Todd, Teresa and son JaNoah – have made it

Betty Freeman Photo

Todd Spratt shows off the rich, healthy soil created in his worm bins. their mission to educate the public and public agencies about vermicomposting.

Cary Peterson, who manages the gardens at Good Cheer and the Whidbey Institute, sought Spratt’s help in devising a new system for creating and manag-

ing compost.

“Good Cheer was using commercial tumblers for their compost, and they couldn’t use dairy, meat or citrus scraps.

The bins smelled bad and attracted flies in the millions,” said Spratt.

“Their problem was in not covering the compost with bedding material that hides the worms – they’re shy and don’t like light or heat – and encouraging the breakdown process,” said Spratt. “Also, above ground bins are not friendly to worms, who do their best work at cooler, below-ground temperatures.”

“One big difference between a worm bin and other composting methods is that you can put in all your food scraps, including meat, bones, dairy, citrus, coffee filters and even paper towels,” said Spratt.

“The more diverse the feedstock, the more diverse your soil will be,” he said.

“And, you’re cutting down on what you’d normally put in the trash that will end up in a landfill.”

The BugaBay worm bins designed by

photo courtesy of Todd Spratt

A handful of red worms.

Spratt are 2-by-4 feet long with a partition down the middle. They are made of locally grown cedar with a hinged lid on top. Spratt advises installing a worm bin in an area with good drainage.

Starting a vermicomposting system involves a few easy steps.

First, install the worm bin several continued ON page 5

BUY SOMETHING

DEPENDABLE BG 55 HANDHELD BLOWER

• Great for quickly cleaning driveways, sidewalks and hard-to-reach places • Primer bulb and throttle lock ensure $ fast starts 14995 SKU 117048

FS 45 TRIMMER

Betty Freeman Photo

• Easy to use, well-balanced trimmer for homeowner use $15995 SKU

The BugaBay cedar vermicompost bin has two chambers and should be installed several inches below grade.

116988

Hemperly & Babbage Designs, Ltd.

reg 479

I N T H E C O U N T RY

$

$ 429 SALE16VKA

Interior Design−

HRR2

Instant Make-overs in Two to Four Hours!

HONDA HRR Series Mower SKU 113561 • • • •

Twin Blade Advantage Cruise Control Smart Drive Roto Stop

Using what you have… no need to buy a thing!

Sophisticated design for life in the country.

STIHL Shop Hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

331-6799 | 1609 E. Main • Freeland

Our Interior Design service is available throughout the greater Seattle area.

315

FIRST STREET, LANGLEY • 360.221.8202 • OPEN 7 DAYS 10 AM TO 5:30 PM

spring2013

Pg 5 ond side. The worms will migrate to the new side through the partition in the center of the box. When that side is three-quarters full, it’s time to harvest the castings from the first side.

Harvesting castings is simple. Loosen the top two inches of castings with a small rake, close the lid and wait two days. After a couple of days, rake the castings to the sides of the box, giving the worms below a chance to migrate either laterally to the second box or down deeper into the first one, an exodus that takes about 10 minutes.

Finally, use a hand trowel to dig your castings and put them in a portable container to use directly on your garden soil. Extra castings can be

FLOORING

BUILDING

stored in bags for later use.

“The beauty of making your own soil using your family’s food scraps is that you not only drastically reduce your carbon footprint, but the quality of your garden produce increases dramatically,” said Spratt, holding up a handful of the rich, dark vermicompost.

“It’s all we ever use to amend our garden,” said Spratt, pointing to the healthy lettuce and other greens growing strong in his garden even in midFebruary.

“I’ll never have to buy soil again, ” he said.

For more information about the BugaBay vermicomposting system, visit bugabay.com.

We offer:

• kitchen & bath design • cabinets • windows • doors as well as interior design services, high quality custom cabinets, doors, Hunter Douglas window coverings, closet systems and specialty hardware.

Even in mid-February, the Spratt family’s garden is producing beautiful veggies grown in vermicompost.

f o s r e t s a

JENSEN’S FLOORS the largest selection of floor coverings, countertops & tile and stone

Betty Freeman Photo

M

N O I T A V O REN

- SINCE 1991 -

360-331-0848 MON–FRI: 8AM–4:30PM | SAT: BY APPOINTMENT

1659 Main St., Freeland • 360-221-1124 Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

LANDSCAPING

Cultus Bay

Nursery

Featured in the New York Times

Reopening Saturday, March 2nd Open weekends in March from 10am - 5pm April daily 10am - 5pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 7568 Cultus Bay Rd., Clinton

(360) 579-2329

www.cultusbaynursery.com

HEATING

Island Ductless Heatpumps David Gray

Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor

HOME IMPROVEMENT

FREE POPPY TILE* with a $10 purchase

*

360-321-2080

360-321-6080

David@IslandHeatPumps.com

www.islandheatpumps.com Licensed & Bonded • #ISLANDS892ND

Carol Rose Dean

Dean Tile and Design

5227 Crawford Rd., Langley

360.321.4252

TILE

PHOTOS: STOCKBYTE / COMSTOCK IMAGES / THINKSTOCK

inches below grade, on a foundation of bricks to keep tunneling rodents out.

“Installing the box several inches below grade insulates it and keeps the inside temperatures more consistent,” Spratt said.

Second, add a two-inch layer of bedding material like manure or peat moss. Then add red worms.

“A pound of red worms will create one pound of castings per day,” he said.

Next add food scraps and disburse them into an even layer, and cover them with another layer of bedding material.

Cover the food waste with bedding material every time you use the bin.

When the first side of the worm box is full, repeat the process on the sec-

360-321-3080 Conveniently located in Bayview on South Whidbey

located behind Whidbey Island Bank, Freeland

www.deantile.com facebook.com/DeanTile

Pg 6

WhidbeyH&G

Island nurseries offer kaleidoscope of

Early bloomers

By Betty Freeman | staff reporter

I

f you’ve been poring over seed catalogs and trying to warm your hands over pictures of bright blooms, don’t despair. Spring is truly on the way, and now is a great time to visit your local nursery to see what’s new.

At Mailliard’s Landing Nursery in Oak Harbor, bare root fruit trees are in stock now and ready to plant.

“We buy our fruit trees from Skagit Valley growers, so they’re acclimated to this region,” manager Barbara Counts said. “Now is a great time to plant, so spring rains can help trees and shrubs settle in.”

“Our best sellers are rhodies and Japanese maples,” said Counts as she pointed to a quarter acre of healthy rhododendrons in front of the nursery office.

Counts doesn’t stock annuals at the nursery, but she has a good supply of roses, perennials, natives and rain garden plants.

“People can bring in pictures of their garden spaces and we can help them get the right plants for the right place,” she said.

At Sally’s Garden in Coupeville, owner Sally Clifton said, “We’re just getting started with early spring color and people are starting to come in and check out our

In the big greenhouse at Bayview Farm & Garden, primroses in rainbow colors welcome visitors.

Whidbey’s Largest Cabinet & Countertop Showroom

“We Deliver Results, Not Just Promises”

Betty Freeman photos

Land Title and Escrow has 5 locations to serve you in Island & Skagit Counties!

All Title Companies are not the same.

Helping Veterans and active duty military find opportunites!

OAK HARBOR

FREELAND

ESCROW DEPT. 360-679-5055 TITLE DEPT. 360-675-2246 TOLL FREE 800-829-5263

ESCROW DEPT. 360-331-4838 Fax: 360-331-4837

1080 NE 7th Avenue, Oak Harbor

CHRISTA CANELL, BRANCH MANAGER/LPO Christa@Ltco.com

5595 Harbor Ave, Ste. C, Freeland

www.Ltco.com ART FLEMING

phone:

360-331-0102 cell: 206-601-5777 SPYDEEL 958QS

• Retaining Walls • Steep slope restoration • Excavation

Cabinets & Countertops 665 SE Pioneer Way • Suite 5 • Oak Harbor 360-675-4999

www.NorthWestcabinetsLLC.com • nwcabinets_kitchens@hotmail.com

• Drainage • Clearing & mulching brush • Field Mowing • Driveways

spring2013

Pg 7

Sally’s Garden in Coupeville has primroses in surprising colors such as these orange-yellow combinations. heathers, primroses, daffodils and hyacinths. We’ve also got a good selection of bare root roses.”

“Customers are coming in now to buy fruit trees for small home orchards. The self-pollinating varieties are really popular, especially for gardens with limited space,” said Clifton.

Later in the spring, Sally’s Garden sells veggie starts, herbs, annuals and hanging baskets.

On April 13, Larry the Orchid Expert will give a free talk at 2 p.m. about orchids and he’ll diagnose orchid ailments for growers, Clifton said.

The staff at Sally’s Garden is always available to give garden advice.

“With beginning gardeners, we tell them about plants that are easy to grow, so they’ll start with success,” Clifton said.

On South Whidbey, Bayview Farm & Garden’s

Bunnies stand guard in Bayview Farm & Garden’s greenhouse. huge greenhouse is ablaze with early spring color.

Primroses in rainbow hues dominate the display now, but the real stars are the new hellebores in unusual colors like deep purple and apricot.

“Hellebores are stylish this season,” said Vanessa O’Donnell, staff member at Bayview Farm & Garden.

“Valerie Easton did a blog entry about hellebores and we’ve got the ones she mentioned in stock.”

Easton, a Seattle garden writer, wrote about “onyx odyssey,” a new deep purple hellebore that’s a far cry from the usual pale blooms that shyly hang their heads in late February. Hellebore, or Lenten rose, is a reliable, low-maintenance early bloomer that heralds more riotous blooms to come.

If you’re looking for shrubs or trees, talk to Eric See blooms, Page 9

Mon - Sat 9:00 to 6:00

Sunday 10:00 to 5:00

Organic Products

Non-toxic Solutions

SAVE FEbRuARy 1 – ApRil 2, 2013 SAVE FEbRuARy 1 – ApRil 2, 2013

$ $25 25

rebate * per rebate per unit unit rebate * per per unit unit rebate Architella

® Duette®® ® Duette Architella Honeycomb Shades Honeycomb Shades

$ $50 50

Duette®® Architella®® Honeycomb Shades Duette Architella Honeycomb Shades

* per unit rebate * per unit rebate Silhouette Window Shadings or

3rd Annual

te

d

!

Bl

oo

m

Wh

ere You’re

n Pl a

Spring Fling!

Happy Birthday to Us!

®

® Silhouette Window Shadings or ® Modern Roman Shades Vignette Vignette® Modern Roman Shades

EnErgy EnErgy savings savings madE madE bEautiful. bEautiful.

duette®® architella®® Honeycomb shades feature a patented design that provides duette architella Honeycomb shades feature a patented design that provides layers of insulation at the window. available in an array of colors. ask for details. layers of insulation at the window. available in an array of colors. ask for details.

Help us Celebrate our 20th Anniversary on March 30

20% OFF all

Plant & Garden products* Pet and feed items are excluded from sale.

*

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 2/1/13–4/2/13 from participating dealers in *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases participating dealers the U.S. only. Limitations and restrictions apply.

All rebates will be made issued2/1/13–4/2/13 in the form of afrom prepaid reward card.

Askin the U.S. only.dealer Limitations and restrictions issued form of with a prepaid reward card.Douglas Ask offer participating for details and rebate apply. form. All Thisrebates rebatewill offerbemay not inbethe combined any other Hunter participating for Hunter details Douglas. and rebate rebateAll offer may not be combined withtheany other Hunter Douglas offer or promotion.dealer © 2013 Allform. rightsThis reserved. trademarks used herein are property of Hunter Douglas. or promotion. © 2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

A Full Service Farm & Garden Center

SR525 at Bayview Road • 360-321-6789

Pg 8

WhidbeyH&G COLDWELL BANKER KOETJE REAL ESTATE

GERI MORGAN

YOUR PERSONAL 360-929-5910 ADVISORS TO BUYING AND Marlane Harrington SELLING YOUR 425-327-2207 HOME ON WHIDBEY ISLAND Carmen mCFadyen

Windermere real estate/Whidbey island

Cheri english

ABR, SRES, BRokER, REAltoR®

415 SE PIONEER WAY • OAK HARBOR

32785 SR 20, Ste. 4 • Oak HaRbOR

www.GeriMorgan.com

agent4life.net

Broker

Professional Standards

360-320-9764

Cheri@ask4cheri.com

Windermere real estate/south Whidbey

Real Estate Broker

Personal Service

gmorgan@whidbey.net 360-675-5915 EXT 227 800-869-7129 TOLL FREE

Kathleen Philippsborn

360-675-5953 ext. 259 360-679-2619 fax

2869 Howard Rd. Langley WA Island Home Search

Windermere real estate/south Whidbey

John D. Joynt Managing Broker,

360-672-1512 Cell 360-331-6268 Fax www.viewwhidbeyhomes.com

Windermere

Al ChoChon

Broker

MBa, CrS, gri, SreS, rSPS, aBr, Bror, Cne, e-Pro, SFr, eCoBroker

360-346-0017

425-327-0918

marlaneharrington@windermere.com

john@johnjoynt.com

achochon@windermere.com

5531 Freeland ave. • Freeland

223 Second St. • LangLey

5 South Main St. • Coupeville

www.marlaneharringtonrealtor.com

www.johnjoynt.com

www.whidbeyalcrealtor.com

360-331-6006 360-331-7252 fax

Windermere real estate/Whidbey island

Managing Broker, aBr, CrS, ePro

360-221-8898 360-221-8878 fax

Windermere real estate/Whidbey island

Jennifer Wynn

Broker

360-678-5858 360-678-6743 fax

SERVING WHIDBEY ISLAND Afford the home you want with a mortgage from PNC

A Division of PNC Bank, NA

360-969-1754

carmen@whidbey.net 5 South Main St. • Coupeville 360-678-5858 360-678-6743 fax

206-713-9678

jenniferwynn@windermere.com 5 South Main St. • Coupeville 360-678-5858 ext 227 360-678-6743 fax

jenniferwynn.withwre.com

Sheila White NMLS# 252040

Pamela Grant NMLS# 129265

Toll free: 855-722-5183 or local: 360-331-8011

National Lender — Local Experts a combined 55 years of experience visit us at: 5531 Freeland Ave., Freeland

PNC is a registered service mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, INC (“PNC”). PNC Mortgage is a division of PNC Bank, National Association, a Subsidiary of PNC. All loans are provided by PNC Bank, National Association and are subject to credit approval and property appraisal.

Windermere

Judith Zapanta-Borras

(Serving real eState Since 1978)

360-914-7759

judith@whidbey.net 32785 SR 20, Ste. 4 • Oak HaRbOR 360-675-5953 360-679-2619 fax

www.windermerewhidbey.com

Call me for your dream home!

360.331.0139 gail@cbwhidbey.com | www.gailpierce.com

spring2013

Pg 9

Blooms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Studebaker at Bayview Farm & Garden. After 30 years of nursery work, Studebaker is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about new shrubs and trees that he says “are constantly being improved by horticulturalists.”

“The plant world is exploding with new developments,” said Studebaker. “For example, we’ve had about 30 new varieties of hydrangea in a year’s time. They’ve now developed one called ‘pistachio’ that blooms on both old and new wood.”

“Hydrangeas are perhaps the worst plants for pruning mistakes, because most bloom on old wood, so if you cut off too much, you’ve lost your blooms for the next year,” said Studebaker. “But now with this new variety, your pruning mistakes won’t cost you the next year’s blooms.”

Studebaker also admires the new ash leaf spirea shrub that stays compact and has attractive apricot-colored foliage, and the “golden ruby” barberry with its coppery leaves.

“There are so many shrubs now that are grown just for their beautiful foliage,” he said.

Another newcomer at Bayview is the “bountiful blue blueberry,” a compact, mostly evergreen blueberry that has pink blossoms in spring and reddish foliage in the fall, and grows only about three to four feet tall and wide.

Aside from the showy foliage, the berries are said to be large and super sweet.

Bayview Farm & Garden will celebrate 20 years in the nursery business with a “Spring Fling” on Saturday, March 30, with classes and events all day.

No matter where you live on Whidbey Island, garden inspiration and good advice is right around the corner at your local nursery.

Heather is in bloom now and ready to plant.

Re/Max acoRn PRoPeRties

Exceeding kathi phillips Your Expectations

Coldwell Banker koetje real estate

Larry Kiefer

Outstanding Agents.

Outstanding Results.®

SHARON BOYLE REALTOR®, ABR, IMS, SRES, CNE

360-224-5266

360-929-0206

sharonboyle@windermere.com

kathi@onwhidbey.com

5531 Freeland Ave., Freeland • SharonBoyle.withwre.com

32800 SR 20, Ste 2 • Oak HaRbOR 360-679-4585 ext 216 360-679-3223 fax

WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE/SOUTH WHIDBEY

Windermere real estate/Whidbey island

Julie KinnairdBroker, realtor

®

360-632-6619

Windermere real estate/Whidbey island

Craig MCKenzie

Managing Broker, CrS, gri, aSP, iMS, aSr, aLHS, SreS, Cne

360-929-1712

360-929-1704

lkiefer@coldwellbanker.com 415 SE PionEEr Way • oak Harbor 360-675-5811 ext. 322 800-869-7129 toll free

www.waterfrontonwhidbey.com Windermere real estate/Whidbey island

Mary Bryson

REALTOR®

360-929-2720

juliekinnaird@windermere.com

cmckenzie@windermere.com

mbryson@windermere.com

32785 SR 20, Ste. 4. • Oak HaRbOR

32785 SR 20, Ste. 4 • Oak HaRbOR

5 South Main St. • Coupeville

juliekinnaird.withWRE.com

www.HomesOnWhidbeyIsland.com

www.MaryBryson.com

360-675-5953 360-679-2619 fax

Coldwell Banker koetje real estate

Holly Reynolds

360-914-7585

360-675-5953 ext 212 360-679-2619 fax

Windermere real estate/Whidbey island

ElainE McDowEll

BROKER, SRES

360-929-1500

holly@whidbeyrealestate.com

emcdowell@windermere.com

415 SE PionEEr Way • oak Harbor

32785 SR 20, Ste. 4. • Oak HaRbOR,

360-675-5915 ext. 226 800-869-7129 toll free

www.HollysIslandHomes.com

360-675-5953 360-679-2619 fax

elainemcdowell.withWRE.com

360-678-5858 360-678-6743 fax

Windermere real estate/Whidbey island

Sarah Kline

Broker, realtor®

360-941-9610

sarahkline@windermere.com 32785 SR 20, Ste. 4 • Oak HaRbOR 360-675-5953 360-679-2619 fax

YOUR PERSONAL ADVISORS TO BUYING AND SELLING YOUR HOME ON WHIDBEY ISLAND

Pg 10

Remodeling

WhidbeyH&G

The new trend in home building

By NATHAN WHALEN | Staff reporter

O

ver the past several years, recession-minded builders and homeowners have been on the same page. Rather than build a new houses, they are improving the value of current homes.

Whidbey homebuilders in recent years have been busy renovating homes with projects ranging from making minor repairs to stripping a home down to the studs and building it back up.

Scott Yonkman, owner of Yonkman Construction in Oak Harbor, said that the trend toward renovation is economically driven.

“We’re a company that wants to serve the community,” Yonkman said.

He said his company recently completed several major renovations to Whidbey homes. He is also willing to complete anything from replacing exterior doors and windows to switching the insulation. continued ON page 11

before

during Photos courtesy of Yonkman Construction

Oak Harbor’s Yonkman Construction provided before, during and after photos of a home renovation that took place in San de Fuca near Penn Cove.

after ❁ ❁ ❁ Spring is Here! ❁ ❁ ❁ Let us deliver the best local landscape materials to improve the look and value of your property!

Bark, Compost, Fencing, Mulch, Rock, Topsoil, Wood Products. Delivery, Contractor Accounts 12469 Reservation Rd Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 293-7188 • www.sunlandtopsoil.com

A Treasury of Delights for Your Home and Garden

Sally’s Garden Plants, Shrubs, Trees, Roses Pottery, Birdbaths, Tropicals Gifts, Decor, Candles, Furniture Bagged Soil, Compost & Bark OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.sallysgarden.com

107 S. Main Street • Coupeville • 360-678-9114

spring2013 B.J. Martin, who, along with his wife, Karen, hired Yonkman to renovate his house located in the San de Fuca area of Whidbey Island. The house, which is around 30 years old, was once a duplex that was transformed into a single family home years ago.

He hired Yonkman to improve the layout.

“It was a very odd and unworkable interior,” Martin said.

He noted the “door to nowhere” on the front that opened to an open space between the house and the garage.

Martin said he decided to go with a renovation because it was more economical than building a new house. The current structure had a foundation, electricity and plumbing. He also complimented Yonkman’s staff and the designer tapped to develop the renovation, who were receptive to his needs.

Yonkman said people look to the economic benefit that comes with improving their homes. He noted a recent study compiled

by Remodel magazine that notes the fiscal impacts of various improvements to a house. For example, 79 percent of the cost of a bathroom remodel and 81 percent of kitchen remodel is recouped through an increase in a home’s value, according to the report.

“It’s an investment that can bring some comfort and pleasure,” Yonkman said.

Yonkman said he is one of many homebuilders who focused their efforts on home renovations rather than new construction.

Regionally, though, homebuilders are starting to see an uptick on home construction, said Wayne Crider, executive officer for the Skagit Island Counties Builders Association.

“All around us, it looks like housing is coming back,” Crider said.

He added that builders are looking at the situation cautiously.

Even though there’s been a slow pickup in home building, any kind of increase is encouraging because housing starts last month were down 8 percent nationally, Crider said.

He said builders are cautious about hiring additional employees for projects.

Crider said he was concerned about sequestration at the federal level, which could trickle down and affect construction in the area, which could hurt a rebound in construction of new homes.

Pg 11

great gear to get you

growing

Winter hibernation is behind us, and spring has about sprung.

So, now’s the time to start prepping those planting beds and getting your green thumbs ready for another growing season. The folks at The Greenhouse Florist and Nursery have a few tips on what essential tools will keep you growing strong this season.

1

“It helps scratch up the soil to loosen it so you can remove weeds. They’re also great to make shallow troughs.”

Hand cultivator Hand trowel “You’ll need it for digging all your small planting holes.”

Tool belt, sheath or bucket caddy

2

“You need something to keep all your tools handy. The bucket caddy is perfect because a bucket is another essential tool for pulling weeds and transferring plants.”

4 Pruners “Be sure to get bypass type which work like scissors and cut cleanly, versus anvil type which tend to crush stems.”

Protective gear

5

6

Plant ties & stakes

“Gloves keep your hands from getting dirty and protect them from things like thorns. Fabric gloves with a rubber coating on the palms allow your hands to breath and be protected. Protect your knees with pads or a kneeler — and sunscreen and a hat are a must.”

“They’ll keep your plants growing strong and tall.”

7

Reference guide “Books like the Sunset Western Garden Book talk about plants that grow best in our area, how to grow them, and information about diseases and pests. It’s also good to have a friend at the local nursery.”

WHERE smart+ YOUR stunning HOUsE BECOMEs YOUR HOME!

Super premium paint + primer ranked

Come in and see why!

Large Selection of Unique Furnishings and Gifts

N O RT H W E S T

fine furnishings

919 Riverside Drive Mount Vernon  (360) 424-8455 Mon-Sat 9:30 - 5:30 pm  Sun 11 - 4 pm www.nwff.com

3

#1 by a leading consumer magazine.

clark+ kensington™ Paint+Primer in one

Designed to save you time and money, Clark+Kensington gives you a beautiful finish, faster. available exclusively at

360.679.3533 150 SE PionEEr Way oak Harbor

Pg 12

harnessing

WhidbeyH&G

Sun and wind

for the home

By Megan Hansen | Editor

H

ome ownership can be expensive, but paying for some utilities doesn’t have to be.

An increasing trend on Whidbey Island is offsetting the cost of electricity through solar energy.

Whidbey Sun and Wind, a Coupeville business, is trying to get the word out about how residents can save money converting to solar energy.

And now is the time to do it.

Washington state has fantastic tax benefits, said Kelly Keilwitz, owner of Whidbey Sun and Wind.

Right now, Washington residents who install solar energy units at their home have several initiatives to do so.

Installations are exempt from state sales tax until June 30. Also new installers get a 30 percent federal tax credit.

The company also receives tax credits that are then passed down to the customer.

“If we get enough people on board, we get savings we can pass on,” Keilwitz said.

Material costs have dropped nearly 75 percent in the last decade, he said. “They’re much more affordable than they were five years ago.”

Customers generally see an 8-15 percent return on investments.

It usually takes 8-12 years to get money back, after that it’s free energy.

Installations are customizable depending on the customer’s goals.

They are customized to meet energy needs, Keilwitz said.

Installations can be the recognizable continued ON page 13

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Living and serving locally for 30 years • New Construction • Remodeling • Additions

360-678-6040 Lic#CC01SPATZWL953PR

Photo Courtesy of Whidbey Sun and Wind

John Dueringer, of Camano Island had a solar picnic shelter installed in 2012. The solar energy value is $3,500 per year in offset energy and production incentives until June 2020.

Mailliard’s Landing Nursery U-HAUL OR DELIVERY

Whidbey Island’s Most Complete Landscape Supply Store

QUALITY SOIL MIXES • BARK • ROCK FLAGSTONE • PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, & TREES GARDEN DECORATION & FURNITURE LAWN SEEDS • FERTILIZERS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

WE ACCEPT YARD WASTE 27 YEARS

3068 N. OAK HARBOR RD. • OAK HARBOR www.mailliardslanding.com • 360-679-8544

General ContraCtor

Living and Serving Locally for 30 years.

New Construction Remodeling • Additions

360-678-6040 Lic#CC01SPATZWL953PR

spring2013

Pg 13

panels on the roof of a house or even a series of panels in the yard.

Keilwitz said his personal solar installation is in his yard in the sunniest spot on his property.

Energy produced by a home’s installation is converted to savings in the form of credits.

“You’re basically offsetting the cost you need to buy,” Keilwitz said. Most energy doesn’t make it past the house.

Solar energy is also more valuable.

“The solar energy we produce on our roof is worth more,” he said.

Keilwitz said solar energy is priced 2.5 to 6.5 times higher than traditional energy sources.

Whidbey Sun and Wind is one of three companies within the state working in renewable energy.

The first two solar hookups in Puget Sound Energy’s system were started in 1999 on Whidbey Island.

Currently 109 businesses and homes on Whidbey Island are connected on the solar grid with PSE. Whidbey Sun and Wind is currently running a promotional campaign aimed at spreading the word about the state and nation’s current incentives.

Whidbey Solar NOW held a series of community meetings throughout the island featuring detailed presentations on how to join the program.

For more information go to www. whidbeysunwind.com.

Photos Courtesy of Whidbey Sun and Wind

ABOVE: A family in Stanwood installed a roof-top system to their home.

AT RIGHT: Vern and Marthan Olsen, of Coupeville, installed a 3.6 kilowatt system to their home in 2008.

Angelie’s Window Coverings “For all your window paines!”

Custom WindoW treAtments • Draperies • Cornaces

• Window Film • Solar Shades

• Blinds • Shutters

Shop Broadview Appliance for the name brands you trust.

In-Home Consultations office: 360-678-7592 • cell: 360-672-7592 www.countrywindows.net

LAuNDRY Front Load Washers Top Load Washers Dryers

COOkiNg Ranges Cooktops Microwaves Wall Ovens

We Delivery Your New Appliances

RefRigeRation Side-by-Side Top Freezers Buttom Freezers Built-In

DishwasheRs Built-In Portable

We Service What We Sell!

& Haul Away the Old!

Prompt, friendly service!

31600 State Rte. 20 • Oak Harbor, WA 98277

360-675-5020 • 1-800-679-3878 www.broadviewappliance.com

Pg 14

WhidbeyH&G

Take a bite out of Langley:

edible greenery to brighten town

By Michaela Marx Wheatley | STAFF REPORTER

I

n its centennial year, Langley is laying seed to transforming itself into a garden town – an edible garden town.

The Langley Street Garden Initiative is in the process of designing a citywide landscape that showcases Langley as a gardening attraction and invites tourists and locals alike to take a bite out of the landscape, quite literally.

The Langley volunteers were inspired

by Pam Warhurst, an English activist who has turned her town into a giant vegetable patch and is now spreading the word throughout the world to inspire others to do the same.

The volunteers will begin planting berries, beans, tomatoes, edible flowers and other blooming and fragrant foods.

“It’s edible and pretty,” said Janet Ploof, one of the gardening volunteers.

“Rhubarb looks like a big jungle.

Artichoke, spiky and wild. Strawberries in red and bright yellow. Cherry-red tomatoes and sunny orange pear tomatoes. Handfuls of blueberries with pretty, red evergreen stems. Snap peas for kids to pick and fresh produce for our

neighbors to share or to go to the food bank,” she added.

An edible landscape could also be another attraction for visitors. Wurhurst refers to the concept as vegetable tourism.

This spring a group of volunteers will start working on a garden around Langley City Hall. It will be called the Langley Centennial Garden to mark the city’s 100th year. As the summer progresses the designers hope that the idea will spread into other green spaces and flower baskets around town.

Following the lead of the English model, Langley hopes it will be a winwin for all.

Warhust describes her organization’s work as centered around three spheres: community building, education and local business.

The group engages schools in the growing process, and artists from around town help create signs to inform residents and visitors about the program.

Furthermore, the Todmorden project has had success beyond its initial goals.

Michaela Marx Wheatley Photo

Cathy Rooks and Janet Ploof at Langley City Hall.

Local farmers have seen a marked increase in sales, as the movement has sparked a lasting interest in local food and attracted visitors from around the world.

You cut the lawn, pruned the plants and trimmed the trees.

What should you do with the waste?

Koetje Insurance • Home • Auto • Business • Life

Call or stop by for a

Compost it. Recycle it. Chip it.

But please don’t burn it.

PERMANENT BURN BAN AREAS IN ISLAND COUNTY

Washington state permanently banned burning residential yard debris and land-clearing waste in Coupeville, Freeland, Langley and Oak Harbor.

PROTECT YOUR HEALTH

Burning natural vegetation produces air pollutants that are harmful, especially for children, the elderly and those with asthma, respiratory illness or heart disease.

For cleaner, healthier alternatives to burning, call the Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617, visit nwcleanair.org, or call your local solid waste department.

Home, Auto or Business Insurance rate and coverage comparison. www.koetjeinsurance.com

360.675.5916

775 NE Midway Blvd Oak Harbor

a division of Whitfields United Insurance Agencies, Inc.

This concept appealed to a group of gardening experts in Langley, who have been involved in previous initiatives to green the town.

“We think that makes sense in Langley where we are surrounded by farms, gardens and vineyards and where we have a summer-long farmers market on Second Street,” Ploof said.

But it’s not just about growing food, it’s also about growing community.

“Planting organic strawberries that anyone can pick reminds us that the city belongs to its citizens,” Ploof said.

The project is funded by community organizations including a grant by the Whidbey Island Garden Tour, funds from the Langley Main Street Association of which Ploof is the president, and other donations.

Cathy Rooks, a local garden designer/horticulturist and one of the creative forces behind the project, said the group would start clearing beds and pulling out old plantings momentarily.

They will begin installing raised beds and putting in plants that will provide year-round interest.

Rooks said among the highlights are a Pollinator Pathway Promenade, a bean teepee and other visually stunning, yet practical groupings.

The design will include metal sculpture by local artists and a winter evergreen framework. A new sitting area to rest and take it all in is also planned, Rooks said.

“Then in summer it will come alive with vines, peas, scarlet runner beans, strawberries and raised beds of carrots and greens,” Ploof said.

You may follow the progress on www. valeaston.com, where Valerie Easton, a gardening columnist and author, will chronicle the project.

spring2013

Pg 15

People you know.

A name you can trust.® Purchase. Refinance.

Remodel. Reconnect.

Visit a familiar face at Alaska USA Mortgage Company.

VA  FHA  Conventional  Guaranteed Rural Housing (RD)

Lynette “Lyn” Bankowski

De “Rhonda” Porter

(360) 969-5550

(360) 679-5652

NMLS Unique Identifier #304060

www.lynbankowski.com

Dawn Tennant

NMLS Unique Identifier #94118

NMLS Unique Identifier #305224

www.rhondaporter.net

www.dawntennant.com

(360) 679-5632

Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CLX-157293

650 NE Midway Blvd, Ste. 101 • Oak Harbor, Washington

Part of the Alaska USA family of financial services.

WESTERN WASHINGTON’S PREMIER DESIGN CENTER

— Kitchen & Bath Center —

From Cash & Carry to Complete Remodel…

KITCHEN & BATH SPECIALIST! K!!

IN STOC

18x18 First Quality Travertine

$2.49 SQ. FT.

IN STOCK!!

CORK FLOORING FROM

$3.89 SQ. FT.

K!!

IN STOC

LOOK AT THESE INCREDIBLE DEALS! IN STOCK! !

8.3MM SINGLE PLANK ESPRESSO LAMINATE FLOORING SQ. FT.

IN

STOCK!!

GLASS & STONE VESSEL SINKS

$49 SQ. FT.

Oak & Maple Kitchen Cabinets; 10x10 Kitchens from

$1,995

$1.09

$129 EACH Granite & Quartz Counter Tops Installed from

K!!

IN STOC

IN STOCK!!

BLANCO SILGRANIT SINKS K!!

IN STOC

IN STOCK! !

ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING FROM

$2.89 SQ. FT.

$389 EACH

Solid ¾” Hardwood Flooring from

$3.99 SQ. FT.

Custom & Semi-Custom Cabinets from the finest companies Including: PROFESSIONAL CABINET SOLUTIONS

Featuring the area’s best prices & best selection of high quality interior products.

Expert & Knowledgeable Staff including Licensed Interior Designer!!

360-428-4004 Over 11,000 SQ HUGE INVENTORY 1661 S. BURLINGTON BLVD, BURLINGTON Showroom!

OF QUAILTY (in the Old Saturn Building) BEST SELECTION! www.stoneforestkb.com FINISHES Fully Licensed & Bonded