Home and Garden - 2019 Home and Garden

Home & Garden 2019-20

H O M E

C E N T E R

A division of TAL Holdings LLC

San Juan Island’s lumberyard and hardware store. Since 1947.

Building Relationships. Building Projects. Building Materials.

CHANGES EXCITING AT THE

G A R DEN CENTER! The Browne’s Garden Center remodel is bringing a more enjoyable shopping experience for our customers—allowing us to better serve both homeowners and landscapers!

Featuring

• Brand new stone walkways for safe and easy movement around the Garden Center

• New tables & displays to keep up with spring and summer demand

• An expanded selection of products, services, and workshops

• Newly remodeled indoor retail space, with more room for indoor plants • Fresh ideas & experienced garden experts

Home Center: 360.378.2168 | Garden Center: 360.378.1041 | 860 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250 | www.browneshomecenter.com |

2 • Home & Garden 2019-20

How to

protect your yard from deer

Dear plastic, I'm done

By Regina Zwilling

Deer, which live on all continents except Antarctica, can survive in any climate, anywhere — from mountainous areas, to wet rainforests, to suburban neighborhoods. These herbivores are voracious eaters that will search far and wide for their meals.

But home landscapes tend to be easy pickings for foraging deer.

Many people are excited to see deer in their neighborhoods and yards because they can be such graceful creatures to behold.

However, once deer start to munch on ornamental trees, annuals and flowering shrubs, the novelty of these animals may wear off. Furthermore, deer also can be covered in ticks that spread illnesses like Lyme disease. Here are some tips to keep deer at bay.

• Avoid tasty morsels. Deer like English ivy, lettuces, impatiens, pansies and hostas. Fruit trees also are targets. Choose other plants to grow, and wait until after early spring when deer aren’t as concerned with regaining weight lost during the winter, to get them in the ground.

• Use fishing line to deter deer. Put a few stakes in the ground and then run fishing line at a height of about 3 feet. Deer can sense movement but do not have keen vision. As the deer

approach your garden, they’ll brush against the “invisible” fishing line and then get spooked off.

• Choose plants that produce strong aromas. The experts at Good Housekeeping suggest planting lavender and marigolds, which emit strong aromas. Deer will be reluctant to walk through them because the smell can interfere with their ability to find food and assess their environment via their sense of smell.

• Stock up on soap. The tallow in soap helps keep deer away, according to the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Scented soaps like Irish Spring may be especially good at warding off deer.

• Plant in levels. Raised beds and sunken gardens can discourage deer from coming into the yard because they aren’t avid climbers, offers the home and garden resource This Old House.

• Employ harmless scare tactics. Deer are skittish, and any unfamiliar movement or sound may scare them away. Cans hung from strings, sundials and lights can keep them at bay.

Deer will seek out an easy meal, but homeowners can take steps to safeguard their trees, flowers and shrubs.

Staff photo/Mandi Johnson

3821

SEA-CURE SERVICES Fire Extinguisher Sale & Services Serving San Juan Islands

Extinguishers require annual service.

Call for free inspection.

April 19th

360-622-6354

Jason D Kramer

A1 Septic on Lopez LLC www.a1septiconlopez.com

Julie Curley

378-3135

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Member Certified, Licensed, Insured

Dear Plastic, You’re so … convenient. Durable.

Lightweight. Disposable. You’re everywhere.

And so very permanent. I can’t continue to use you this way. I have to call it off. We’re through. Done. Finished. But it’s not me.

It’s you. You’re stalking me, and everyone else. We simply can’t go on like this.

Do you want to give up plastic, because you know it’s not really “disposable”? Sure, we can throw it away, or recycle it. The sad truth is that both options usually only make it someone else’s problem. But then it’s easy to get discouraged because plastic is just everywhere. Are we too far gone? Too much damage already done? I say no. There are surprisingly simple steps we can take starting right now that can make a tremendous impact.

• Choose (or request if not readily available) paper straws when dining out. Or buy a stainless steel straw and bring it with you.

Or don’t use a straw at all.

• Purchase a bamboo utensil set for less than $20 and carry it with you for use when eating out. These are available at the co-op and Island Market.

• Ditch plastic water bottles. In the United States alone, 1,500 plastic water bottles are discarded every second of every day. That’s 38 billion water bottles a year.

(And did you know most bottled water is just municipal tap water, bottled and sold at a steep profit?) Carry your own water bottle, and fill it with filtered water from home. I like the Berkey filter.

• Bring your own reusable bags to purchase produce and bulk items. These are also available at the co-op and Island Market. If you have sewing skills, you can easily make your own from old T-shirts or other fabrics.

Or use glass jars for bulk items.

• Be mindful of the personal care and household cleaning products you use. There are increasingly more options that use glass or other green packaging. Check out my article at zwillinghealth.com/householdchemicals/ for more ways to de-plastic your home.

• Practice conscious online shopping. It’s so convenient to have items sent directly your doorstep with just a few mouse clicks, but it comes at a price. Excessive packaging is one obvious example. Choose to batch your purchases to reduce extra shipping packaging, or shop local and support a neighbor when you can.

I hope these simple steps inspire you to start making a positive difference today!

Regina Zwilling is a license massage practitioner, certified yoga teacher and nutrition coach. Visit www.zwillinghealth.com for more information about her services.

Home & Garden 2019-20 • 3

Gardening on San Juan Island

By Marguerite Bennett San Juan Island Garden Club president

I always laugh and say I began gardening in the womb!

Both of my parents were keen on keeping a garden, working with and learning about plants, the landscape and the natural environment. I grew up enjoying digging, planting, picking flowers and arranging them.

Luckily I was encouraged by mentors and other happy plants people.

Washington has always been my home, and the Puget Sound climate suits my soul — mossy back, webbed feet and all! Mostly, I love plants and enjoy puttering around.

This means I am a grower and not much of a gardener.

My garden is not much to look at yet. Someday maybe it will be. I'm in no hurry. There is so much to learn about the plant world and belonging to various plant-oriented groups, including the San Juan Island Garden Club, is part of that pursuit. As of now, I am the president of our group and love promoting the club and sharing the club's goal of "Promoting Beauty in the Islands."

What are some "best" plants for our islands?

I suppose, anything the deer and rabbits don't eat. It seems the first question that always comes up is, "what will the deer leave alone?" They will try anything at least once. There are a few things they will leave alone: daffodils, foxglove, most ferns, most primroses and most conifers.

Unfortunately for the gardener, the deer and rabbits, voles, slugs and various caterpillars, beetles and weevils change their appetites frequently. Just stick with our native plants that have adapted to our climate and soils, then just try and try again to see what works for you in your garden.

I am not a great fan of fencing critters out. Nor of using chemicals or traps. It disrupts a whole system that evolved before you decided to put in a tasty garden. Better to enclose parts or pieces or particular plants.

Examine your motives — moving here to enjoy what is here or bringing the suburbs with you? Compromise is good.

Enjoy the best parts and manipulate other parts. Most of all, a garden is to love and nurture. No contest, no stress. Plant some seeds and behold the miracle that sprouts out of some little brown specks and some nice brown earth!

Staff photos/Mandi Johnson

FRIDAY HARBOR FREIGHT DIRECT SERVICE TO: MT. VERNON, BELLINGHAM, SEATTLE & TACOMA AREAS Monday thru Friday

NEXT DAY DELIVERY NOW OFFERED ON PARCEL EXPRESS ITEMS COMPETITIVE RATES ON ANY SHIPMENT INCLUDING SPECIAL HANDLING OVERSIZE OR HAZARDOUS ITEMS 360.378.2012 • 1.800.562.3245 PO Box 728 • Friday Harbor, WA 98250

WAS $179.95 MSRP

4 • Home & Garden 2019-20

*Offers valid on purchases between 4/16/18 and 5/27/18 at participating dealers while supplies last.

Not available in all markets. See dealer for details. ©2018 STIHL

$129.95

Serving you for over 32 years $129.95

$199.95

$139.95

$179.95

890 Guard St. Friday Harbor

360-378-2220 www.harborrentalandsaw.com

an u J S a n IC

T P E S VICEd Si nEc oRr p o r a t e

360-378-7255

sanjuanseptic@gmail.com

Pumping • Repair Inspections

You should inspect your septic system every 1-3 years!

EMERGENCY! Call 360-622-6338

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED • License #SANJUAJS923MF

The helpful place.

Ace is the place for all your lawn and garden needs this spring!

340 Argyle Ave, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 9am-6pm Phone: (360) 378-4622 www. acefh.com

Home & Garden 2019-20 • 5

Hassle-Free Pick Up and Delivery COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Appliances Furniture Mattresses Construction Materials And Much More

ORCAS ISLAND FREIGHT LINES 34B W. BEACH RD EASTSOUND, WA 98245

360-376-2303

orcasfreight@rockisland.com

www.orcasfreight.com

We offer pickup and delivery services to and from Bellingham, Burlington, Mt. Vernon, and the greater Seattle area.

• Ashley Furniture • Berg Vault • Griffith Furniture • Home Depot • • Judd & Black • Lowe’s • Lyon’s Furniture • Mattress Depot • • Northstar Stone & Landscape • Rolfson’s • Samuel’s Furniture • • Skagit River Steel • Superior Systems • Tracys • Wilson’s Furniture •

Spring is here… stop in to see what’s fresh at • Floral Arrangements • Tropical Plants • Unique Jewelry • Candles

• Northwest Artists • Glassware • Gift Baskets • Home Decor

(360) 376-4580

18 Haven Road Eastsound (Orcas Island) Washington 98245 10 am to 5:30 pm Daily www.nestflowers.com

From framing to finish, our talented crew achieves artistry in the details. www.krugercarpentry.com

6 • Home & Garden 2019-20

OPALCO awarded $5.8M to fund energy projects

by Orcas Power and Light Cooperative

OPALCO is now offering on-bill financing for members who want to Switch it Up! and install superefficient ductless heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and electric vehicle chargers. These upgrades can cut energy spending in half for heating and transportation, compared to fossil fuels (propane, gasoline), saving thousands of dollars over the life of the project while reducing carbon emissions in our sensitive environment.

With no money down, members can make major improvements to their home or business that will create more comfort year-round and increase property value. In most cases, a member’s overall energy spending will be less each month – even while making finance payments on their power bill. Switch it Up! projects include: • Ductless heat pumps: Finance up to $15,000 for up to 10 years.

• Heat pump water heater: Finance up to $3,500 for up to five years.

• Electric vehicle charger – Finance up to $2,500 for up to three years.

Savings will vary by project, but members who Switch it Up! from fossil fuels will see the greatest results. A ductless heat pump can cut heating bill spending in half and save thousands over the life of the project. Heat pump water heaters use 60 percent less energy and save an average of $300 per year – or nearly $4,000 over a typical life span (13 years).

While electric vehicle chargers are the smallest measure in this program, switching from a gas-powered vehicle to electric brings some of the greatest savings. Driving a gaspowered car makes up 53 percent of an average San Juan County resident’s energy use. A typical island driver will save at least $1,000 each year in fuel and oil changes – not to mention avoided maintenance and repair costs. With a Level 2 electric vehicle charger, it takes four to six hours to completely charge an electric car, which costs about $5.60 (depending on your car’s range). With typical ranges of 120-230 miles per charge – how often would you have to charge? Calculate your estimated savings at http://energysavings.opalco.com/energy-savings/electric-vehicles-evs/ savings/. Electric vehicles produce approximately 200 times less greenhouse gases per mile versus a fossil-fuel-powered car, making a big difference for clean air and water.

Co-op members qualify based on their credit history with OPALCO (do you pay your bill on time?). You can Switch it Up! no matter what your current heating sources are: propane, electric baseboard, forced air, wood or oil, etc. Not sure how well it will work for you or have a unique project?

Contributed photo

Greg Ripley of Bion Island Plumbing and Loren Dickey of Streamside Renewables install a ductless heat pump on Orcas Island.

Contact us at energysavings@opalco.com.

It’s easy to apply: • Get a bid from a contractor. OPALCO has a list of contractors familiar with Switch it Up! online at www.opalco. com/rebates/.

• Apply online at www.opalco.com/switchitup.

• OPALCO reviews applications quickly and can have an approval letter to you in 10-15 days.

• With your approval letter in hand, sign and return the agreement – and then install your measure!

• Contractor bills OPALCO directly.

• OPALCO pays the contractor and sends the member a conservation agreement that lays out the expected savings, finance charges and term.

Learn more, calculate your estimated Switch it Up! savings and apply online at www.opalco.com/switchitup.

Funding for this project comes from the USDA’s Rural Energy Savings Program. The interest (2 percent) charged on financing agreements ensures that costs are born by the participants of this program, not the general membership.

On-bill financing projects are available as long as RESP funds last.

How to safely handle a prolonged power outage Accidents and storms can disrupt the electricity that powers everything in homes and businesses. A short-term loss of power can be a nuisance, but extended power outages can cause damage and may even be dangerous.

Widespread power outages are often anticipated during or after severe storms, which can disable entire power grids. Because damaged power lines and infrastructure must be carefully assessed after severe storms, it may take anywhere from hours to several days before power is fully restored.

The Food and Drug Administration says that food spoilage is one of the hazards of longterm power outages. If a storm is imminent, you can be proactive by freezing the contents of the refrigerator when possible so that items can stay at safe temperatures longer, advises the FDA. Food can remain safe for up to two hours at refrigerator temperature before it starts to spoil. Grouping food together in the freezer can also help it stay colder longer. Having extra ice on hand or freezing containers of water also can provide a chilling effect, as well as serve as a water supply if faucet water is unavailable — which can be a concern for those with well-pumped water.

Your barbecue can turn out to be your best friend during power outages. Many stoves, even gas ones, will not light because of electric ignitions. A gas camping stove or barbecue

can serve as the primary place to cook food until power is restored. Always have a secondary propane tank on hand.

Keep plenty of bottled water on hand, especially if your water supply is well-fed and requires an electric pump to activate flow.

Stock up on blankets and warm clothing. Power outages during the winter can be especially challenging because of the lack of heat in a home. Family members can huddle together in small rooms to conserve heat. People with wood-burning stoves can use them to keep warm. Fireplaces tend to be more show than ambient heat providers, but they can still serve as a heat source in a pinch.

If you have a generator, run it safely. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says generators should be operated as far away from the house as possible to avoid deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Also, use appropriately gauged, outdoor-rated extension cords to power up generators.

It is also important to stay put and avoid the road after a storm that causes a power outage.

Wires may be down, traffic lights may not work and dangerous debris may be littering the roads. Hunkering down is the best approach until power is restored.

Home & Garden 2019-20 • 7

Community Solar project Q&A with OPALCO

By Heather Spaulding

Through OPALCO’s Community Solar projects, San Juan islanders are installing solar panels. Benefits are both environmental, financial, and the added power source means that in the case of an emergency, according to Jon Orr, OPALCO member services assistant manager, will make the county’s own power grid stronger. The Journal sat down with Orr to discuss solar power.

Journal: How effective is solar energy in the Pacific Northwest?

JO: Solar works very well here in the islands. During the summer, a solar array will typically produce much more than you use, and OPALCO’s Net Metering program allows you to roll summer production into winter months when usage is higher. Many OPALCO members pay only base charges on their bills year-round.

Journal: What has the community response been to OPALCO’s solar projects?

JO: There are more than 300 OPALCO members interconnected to the grid, and every year we get more. We have found that members really like renewable projects because of environmental and economic benefits, and our Board of Directors sees local distributed renewable generation as essential to our long-range plans. In 2018 our Decatur Community Solar project gave 272 access to solar who may have otherwise not been able to reap the benefits.

Journal: How much money can the average household save by going solar - and what are some other benefits?

JO: Each home is different, and it depends on how much energy is used. Members can find out how much energy they use by logging into our online SmartHub portal, or giving us a call. Once they know how much they use, they can get a quote from a solar installer to find out how big an array they’ll need to offset their usage, and every kWh the array produces is a kWh you save on the OPALCO bill. At the end of the year, if the array produces more than you consume, OPALCO pays members above the average wholesale rate for the difference.

Journal: How has solar technology improved over the last few years?

JO: The technology itself hasn’t improved a significant amount over the last few decades, but what has improved is the cost and efficiency of the panels. Installers are getting better access to more distributors making it less expensive for homeowners to invest. The aesthetics are also improving, and we’re finding that members like the look of solar panels, too.

Journal: How many businesses have solar panels?

JO: There are 27 businesses currently interconnected with individual arrays, and five that participate in the Community Solar program.

Journal: It seems like Bonneville Power Association has been increasing its solar efforts… Do you see them switching 100% to solar and not hydro?

JO: It’s just not feasible to go 100% solar in our region. Our fuel mix from BPA currently includes solar, but about 90% of the power that we purchase is from hydro. OPALCO is working with the Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative (PNGC) to plan a future power supply that is largely generated from renewable sources, but a mixture of sources will always be necessary to meet the demand of our community. OPALCO’s Community Solar and Energy Storage projects are part of our vision to build a network of local distributed power for greater resilience and emergency back-up power in the islands.

Journal: Are there other renewable energy you would like to explore?

JO: Renewable resources are becoming more accessible than ever. Sources besides solar on our radar are wind, tidal, and wave power, as well as energy storage systems, or batteries, that we can use to curb demand costs, and purchase power during ideal timeframes.

Journal: Anything else you would like to add?

JO: Vote in the upcoming OPALCO election and come to our Annual Meeting on April 13th aboard the inter-island ferry!

It’s an opportunity to learn more about OPALCO’s programs, ask staff questions about the cooperative, and share views and insights about our renewable programs and energy resources.

Contributed photo

OPALCO's solar project.

Thank you, Orcas Island for your continued support!

I bow my head with gratitude…

~ Next to Island Market ~ 376-6801

North Star Drywall & Painting John & Katie Curlett (360) 622-6025

Commercial  Residential  Specializing in remodels, repairs  interior & exterior painting

164 Doe Meadow Ln., Eastsound Lic#northsd900pj

8 • Home & Garden 2019-20

SWITCH

IT UP! This Electric Life.

Save $$$ when you switch to electricity for heating and transportation!

OPALCO will provide on-bill financing for qualified projects to help you save thousands on your total energy spending!

On-bill Financing available for: Ductless Heat Pump Super efficient ductless systems are two-way heat pumps that transfer heat between outdoor and indoor air to create a comfortable temperature in your home.

Finance up to $15,000 Cuts heating bill spending in half!

Heat pump water heaters Use 60% less energy, moving heat rather than generating it for substantial savings on your monthly energy bill.

Finance up to $3,500 Save ~$300/year!

Electric Vehicle Charger Install a Level 2 - 240 volt charger in your home or business.

Finance up to $2,500 Save $1,000+ per year when you go EV!

Learn more, calculate your savings and apply: www.opalco.com/switchitup