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CONTENTS

September 2020

Page 3

Inside

Here’s How by Heloise.............................4 Household Hints by James Dulleye................................6

Page 9

Happy Gardening by Haley Diem..................7 Premier Properties.................................................16

POINT SIZES • This is 10-point type. • This is 9.5-point type • This is 9-point type.

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• This is 8.5-point • This is 8-point type. • This is 7.5-point type • This is 7 point type. • This is 6.5-point type • This is 6-point type.

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A Reader publication NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

HINTS from HELOISE by HELOISE

Four ways to prep your home for winter

With these steps, you can lower your heating bill without freezing

To decrease your heating bills this year, make a date with your utility company to get a home energy check. But first, do your own inspection, from the roof on down — it will give you a sense of what repairs you may need to tackle. 1. Check out your roof: Grab a pair of binoculars and look for missing shingles, cracked tiles, and loose flashing (the sheet metal around the chimney and other openings that prevents leaks). If you’re not handy, get a professional to make the appropriate repairs. 2. Inspect your chimney: Use a powerful flashlight to look up the chimney for signs of bird or squirrel nests – you may see twigs poking out – which can be a fire hazard. If you can get to it safely, grab the nest with a rake and pull it out. There are special screens you can place over the chimney opening (though your best bet is to have a certified chimney sweep install them). 3. Check your furnace’s pilot light: The flame should be blue, clear, and steady. If it is sluggish or goes out, call your utility company; this is a dangerous sign. (But don’t turn the furnace off, because the technician will need to look at the flame to see how it is functioning.) The pro will clean and relight. If you have a problem with an electric furnace, call a certified professional ASAP. 4. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed.

4 NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. f you can get to it safely, grab the nest with a rake and pull it out. There are special screens you can place over the chimney opening (though your best bet is to have a certified chimney sweep install them). f you can get to it safely, grab the nest with a rake and pull it out. There are special screens you can place over the chimney opening (though your best bet is to have a certified chimney sweep install them). Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. f you can get to it safely, grab the nest with a rake and pull it out. There are special screens you can place

over the chimney opening (though your best bet is to have a certified chimney sweep install them). f you can get to it safely, grab the nest with a rake and pull it out. There are special screens you can place over the chimney opening (though your best bet is to have a certified chimney sweep install them). Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. f you can get to it safely, grab the nest with a rake and pull it out. There are special screens you can place over the chimney opening (though your best bet is to have a certified chimney sweep install them). f you can get to it safely, grab the nest with a rake and pull it out. There are special screens you can place over the chimney opening (though your best bet is to have a certified chimney sweep install them). Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed.

Tips for Planting Fall Vegetables Tending to backyard vegetable gardens can fill many hours of enjoyable downtime in the great outdoors. What’s more, the bounty produced by such gardens provides healthy, fresh foods to gardeners and their loved ones. Although spring and summer are widely seen as the peak of gardening season, the mild temperatures of autumn can be a prime time for planting vegetables as well. (INSERT QUOTE FROM LOCAL NURSERY) Certain late-season treats like carrots, kale, spinach, and turnips can thrive in fall gardens. Many different foods are quick crops that can go from seed to table in about six weeks. When sown in early fall, these vegetables will be ready to put on the table for mid-October feasts. Beets, green onions, broccoli, and cabbages can be planted in late summer for fall harvest. Gardeners who live in hardiness zones eight through 10 (the southern portion of the United States) can plant fall vegetables as late as December. Many of these plants can tolerate light frost, which may even help sweeten the vegetables. A handful of unique factors need to be taken into consideration when planning fall vegetable gardens. • The summertime location of the garden may still be adequate, but be sure to choose a location that gets eight full hours of sunlight per day. (INSERT QUOTE FROM LOCAL NURSERY) • If using an existing garden site, clear out any detritus from summer plants and any weeds that have sprouted. If you are planting a new garden, remove any turf before tilling the soil. • Amend the soil with sand, compost, manure fertilizer, and any other nutrients needed depending on the types of vegetables you intend to grow. • While fall vegetables can be grown successfully from seeds, it may be more time-friendly to work from larger transplants, advises the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. • Some plants may need a little protection as they grow if temperatures begin to dip. Cover with a blanket, cardboard box or plastic tunnel to insulate. Remember to water according to the

vegetables planted and to keep an eye on readiness for vegetables. Turnips, beets, rutabagas, and carrots can be dug out when the roots are plump and crisp. Vegetable gardens need not cease when the last days of summer vanish. Fall produce is delicious and can be easily planted and harvested even after the first frost. t any detritus from summer plants and any weeds that have sprouted. If you are planting a new garden, remove any turf before tilling the soil. • Amend the soil with sand, compost, manure fertilizer, and any other nutrients needed depending on the types of vegetables you intend to grow. • While fall vegetables can be grown successfully from seeds, it may be more time-friendly to work from larger transplants, advises the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. • Some plants may need a little protection as they grow if temperatures begin to dip. Cover with a blanket, cardboard box or plastic tunnel to insulate. Remember to water according to the vegetables planted and to keep an eye on readiness for vegetables. Turnips, beets, rutabagas, and carrots can be dug out when the roots are plump and crisp. Vegetable gardens need not cease when the last days of summer vanish. Fall produce is delicious and can be easily planted and harvested even after the first frost. t any detritus from summer plants and

any weeds that have sprouted. If you are planting a new garden, remove any turf before tilling the soil. • Amend the soil with sand, compost, manure fertilizer, and any other nutrients needed depending on the types of vegetables you intend to grow.

NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

Prepare Your Garden for Winter Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall. (INSERT QUOTE FROM LOCAL GARDEN CENTER) Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter. • Remove weeds and debris. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. So it’s imperative that weeds and debris are removed before the ground hardens in winter. (INSERT QUOTE FROM LOCAL GARDEN CENTER) Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden

6 NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

as a result. • Prepare the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends. • Remove dead or diseased plants. Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the

garden through the winter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for the garden to thrive in the spring. (INSERT QUOTE FROM LOCAL GARDEN CENTER) • Protect fruit trees. If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter. A gardener’s work is never done, and the work to create beautiful spring gardens

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ADS MOVE-IN READY STING LI BELOW IS 8 POINTER TYPE: D If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around REAvoles the base to prevent mice from killing the ZE and I S L If left to their own devices trees over theUwinter. A CT mice and voles may eat the bark of over the A winter,

Premier Property ads in The Reader Real Estate professionals will be given an opportunity to use the center section of The Reader, parent company of Northland Living, on a weekly basis to promote Premier Properties, New Listings and Open Houses. This allows for the promotion of properties mere days after listing. The Premier Properties section may also be pulled out and saved. Available in full color, with three sizes for our real estate partners at a special price well below The Reader’s established rate card.

THIS IS 9-POINT TYPE: install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mouse trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees. MLS #139500 –

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fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s MLS #139500 – $169,000

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BELOW IS 7 POINT TYPE:

If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect MLS #139500 – $169,000

MOVE-IN READY

BELOW IS 6 POINT TYPE:

This 10-point type: base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees. MLS #139500 – $169,000 NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

How to plant fall flower bulbs Fall-planted flower bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, scilla and snowdrops, which bloom in spring, are loved by both beginner and master gardeners alike! They are easy to grow, so gardeners can put all the effort into the fun part of gardening – designing! The cooler weather allows spring blooming bulbs to winter over – an essential process that’s needed for Fall Bulbs in order for them to bloom in spring! Plus, the cool weather in fall helps to make a more enjoyable experience when working outside in the garden.

When To Plant Fall Bulbs

Areas With Cold Winters (Zones 1-7) Fall Bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is cool,

when evening temperatures average between 40° - 50° F. Ground temperatures reaching 40° - 50° F during fall is most common in cold climates (zones 1-7), generally 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. However, as long as you can dig and your ground is workable, you can still plant! You can, if necessary, store bulbs for a month or longer if you keep them in a cool, dry place. Hyacinth: Chill for 11-14 weeks Crocus, Grape Hyacinth, Scillia, and Tulips: Chill for 12-15 weeks Daffodils and Specie Iris: Chill for 15 weeks

How To Plant Fall Bulbs - Step By Step Instructions First, read the label: Try to keep the label together with the

bulbs until planting. Without the label, you can’t tell the red tulip bulbs from the white tulip bulbs just by looking at the bulbs. Choose where to plant: You can plant bulbs just about anywhere in your garden, as long as the soil drains well. The Dutch say, “bulbs don’t like wet feet.” So, avoid areas where water collects, such as the bottom of hills. Bulbs like sun, and in many areas, the spring garden can be very sunny since the leaves on the trees are not out yet. So keep in mind when planting in the fall that you can plant in many places for spring blooms. Prepare the planting bed: Dig soil so it’s loose and workable. If it’s not an established garden bed, chances are the soil could use the addition of some organic matter such as compost or peat moss, available at

8 NORTHLAND LIVING â€¢ SEPTEMBER 2020

Creating a Wine Cellar

By Robert Whitley The COVID-19 Lockdown Blues have inspired many a hobbyist in recent months. I’ve noticed scores of friends have taken up baking to cope. The run on all-purpose flour in my neighborhood market was real. Not everyone’s a baker, however. It’s time-consuming, and the measurements have to be precise. If baking’s not your thing, perhaps you should consider starting a wine cellar. For one thing, wine is plentiful these days. There’s even a reported glut of Champagne. And starting a cellar isn’t as difficult as you might imagine. A beginner’s cellar needn’t be fancy. A closet will do. My first cellar was in a bedroom closet, where I stacked wine boxes on their sides. What’s important is a dark space that is free of wild temperature swings. The cooler the better, but refrigeration is not absolutely necessary if the temp is stable. Age-worthy wines will mature more quickly in a warm space, but they won’t spoil. Over time, I added wooden wine racks. You can find inexpensive racks online. As I took a deeper dive into wine collection, I added refrigerated wine cabinets that I stored in the garage. That’s where I tend to keep the wines I would rather not open until they are close to peak maturity, sometimes 10 to 15 years for the bigger reds. Refrigerated wine cabinets can be purchased online, too. But, you say, you often purchase a wine you intend to age, but you end up drinking it before it’s ready. This is a common problem, and it halts many promising wine cellars in their tracks. There’s an easy fix. The trick for me was to have a stockpile of inexpensive wines that are easy to drink now to serve on an everyday basis. This lessened the temptation to dip into my closet “cellar” and pull out the good stuff for pizza or leftovers. Before I knew it, my stocks of the good stuff outgrew

the closet, forcing me to acquire the wooden racks. Not long after that, I was ordering a refrigerated wine cabinet for the garage. And just like that, I had a bona fide wine collection and a first-class process for cellaring my wines. You’re welcome! Best Value Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value, and the scores are simply a measure of this reviewer’s enthusiasm for the recommended wine. Vina Eguia 2018 Tempranillo, Rioja DOC, Spain ($14.99) — This easy-drink-

ing red from Spain’s Rioja region is perfect for summer barbecues and savory tapas. It is 100 percent tempranillo, shows ripe red fruits on the palate, and shows a touch of oak vanillin and wood spice on the nose. Serve it slightly chilled if you like. It’s easy on the wallet, too. Rating: 87. Tasting Notes Domaine de la Vigne Romaine 2018 Moulin-a-Vent AOC, France ($28.99) — If you’ve ever wondered whether cru Beaujolais is worth the additional cost, the answer is yes. This stunning vintage from Domaine de la Vigne Romaine is opulent by Beaujolais standards and delivers a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers

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Tips to prepare for your next big home project The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with social distancing keeping us indoors, now is the time to dream big and get ready. Whether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started: 1. Factor in your lifestyle. Think about your priorities and lifestyle – do you work from home without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home? Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project. 2. Educate yourself. Take advantage of this extra time you have to learn about materials, processes and new innovations. You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is this material

mold-resistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time? 3. Consider sustainability. Products and materials that reduce your carbon foot-

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10 NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

print don’t just help the planet —they’re often better for your wallet, too. When doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls and more to build a greener home that will

last longer and save you money in the long run. 4. Disaster-proof your design. The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen. From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible. Whether you’re planning an extension to your home, pools and spas for your backyard or a custom-built home, insulated concrete forms from Nudura are a smart investment. An eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials like wood, ICFs are disaster resilient, designed to withstand wind, fire, tornados, and more. 5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save. Find more information at nudura.com. 5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process be-

cause you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save. Find more information at nudura.com. 5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save. Find more information at nudura.com. 5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation.

Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save. Find more information at nudura.com. 5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save. Find more information at nudura.com. 5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save. Find more information at nudura.com.

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NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

Architect Clarence Johnston produced a 39-room giant in the Jacobean Revival style that mimicked English country estates from four centuries earlier for the lakeside home Chester and Clara Congdon.

Glensheen: Grand dame of the Gilded Age Glensheen, a mansion and grounds completed in 1908 on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, was built by Chester and Clara Congdon. It is famous for its beauty inside and out, and as the site of one of Minnesota’s most notorious murders. Chester Congdon and Clara Bannister, children of Methodist ministers, met at Syracuse University in New York in 1871. They married and moved to St. Paul 10 years later. After a slow start, Chester prospered in the law and took to real estate speculation, mostly in the Pacific Northwest. Overall, he lost money on his investments. The family moved to Duluth in 1892 when Chester saw opportunity in the booming city and the newly industrializing Mesabi Iron Range. As a lawyer for the Oliver Iron Mining Company, he grappled with Andrew Carnegie and J. D. Rockefeller – a competition that drew national attention to Minnesota – and made millions of dollars. In 1901, he formed the Chemung Iron

12 NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

Chester and Clara Congdon. Company and made millions more. In 1903, the Congdons chose land three miles from downtown Duluth, facing Lake Superior, for a new residence. To design the house and grounds they selected Clarence H. Johnston (1859–1936), Charles Wellford Leavitt (1871–1928), and William A. French (1863–1942.) Johnston, designer of many Summit Avenue mansions, produced a 39-nine-room giant in the Jacobean Revival style that mimicked English country houses from four centuries earlier. The outside appearance is elegant: an asymmetrical mass of brick, with granite trim and prominent gables. Johnston and the Congdons paid close attention to

infrastructure; the estate had its own reservoir, a coal delivery system, and central humidification. Leavitt, from New York City, designed the grounds. He included formal gardens, lakeside terraces, a bowling green, walking paths and footbridges, more than thirty species of trees, and thousands of shrubs. The name “Glensheen” reflects the site. Glen, a Scots word for a narrow valley, refers to the ravines of Tischer Creek and Bent Brook, which frame the estate; “sheen” either comes from Sheen, the Congdons’ ancestral village in England, or from the reflection of light off the lake. Glensheen’s design star is French, a St. Paul interior decorator and designer. With the Congdons, he chose fine materials: silver for light fixtures, gold leaf for ceilings, oak and walnut woodwork and Algerian marble. He used both art nouveau and Arts and Crafts styles, which were lighter and more elegant than the busy interiors of late-19th-century

St. Paul interior decorator/designer William French was hired to decorate Glensheen, and relying on nouveau and Arts and Crafts styles, he filled the home with fine materials, including silver for light fixtures, gold leaf for ceilings, oak and walnut woodwork and Algerian marble.both mansions. The interior features hand-carved railings and art-glass windows. The dining room and library overlook the terrace and garden below and Lake Superior beyond. The breakfast room, designed by John Bradstreet of Minneapolis, is considered a highlight for its green tiled walls and floors, as well as for its lake views. Despite Glensheen’s luxury and size, architectural historian Larry Millett finds it “warm and livable,” with “a surprising sense of intimacy.”

Because the house remained in the Congdon family until 1978, little has changed over time. Millett calls it the most intact house of its kind in Minnesota. Chester Congdon died in 1916, without completing his vision for a highway linking Duluth to Canada; it opened in 1923 as North Shore Scenic Drive. Clara lived in Glensheen until her death in 1950. Their daughter Elisabeth, the last of their seven children to die, lived there for the rest of her life. She never married but adopted two daughters, Marjorie and Jenni-

fer, in 1932. On the night of June 26, 1977, Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse, Velma Pietila, were murdered by an intruder. Suspicion fell on Marjorie and her husband, Roger Caldwell. Marjorie had lived a troubled life and, before the murder, demanded money from Elisabeth. Caldwell was convicted of the murder in 1978; Marjorie was acquitted in 1979. The Minnesota Supreme Court reversed Caldwell’s conviction in 1983. In return for a sentence of time served, Caldwell admitted to the murders but refused to implicate his then ex-wife, Marjorie. He took his own life in 1988. Though Marjorie inherited part of the Congdon fortune, her life remained troubled. Her third husband died a suspicious death, and she served time in an Arizona prison for arson. Prior to the murder in 1969, the Congdon family willed Glensheen to the University of Minnesota–Duluth. The dining room and library overlook the terrace and garden below and Lake Superior beyond. The breakfast room, designed by John Bradstreet of Minneapolis, is considered a highlight for its green tiled walls and floors, as well as for its lake views. It opened as a museum in 1979 and has become one of Minnesota’s top historic tourist attractions.

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NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

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Custom home-buying tips for first timers Even considering being able to design your own custom home is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just exploring your options, here are tips to keep in mind. Know what you’re signing up for. Building a custom home is a significant undertaking and a major life decision. It’s a big commitment in terms of time, money and energy. While this shouldn’t scare you away from your dream home, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the kids or busy caring for an ailing parent, it may be best to start this later. Hire the right professionals. You may be a DIY pro, but this isn’t a project you want to take on yourself, even partly. Key professionals you’ll need to work with include an architect, plumber, electrician and more. Consider also working with a designer who can help with the interiors to make sure the space is as functional as it is beautiful. Do your research to find quality pros –

18 NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

this isn’t the time to skimp on labor. Think about furniture layout early. While it may seem a bit premature to start decorating your living room before the foundation is laid, knowing how you’ll want to use and lay out each room can help you during the building and design process. For example, you can save time and money down the line when you know from the get-go you’ll want a window seat and two large couches to face the fireplace. Know where to save and spend. Costs can quickly add up, so it’s important for you to decide early on what matters most to you, and what’s worth investing in. You can always upgrade your flooring or cabinetry, but you can never change the foundation. Build your home to last longer and perform better with innovative building materials like insulated custom forms (ICFs) from Nudura. This alternative to wood framing can withstand fire and high winds and provides superior insulation, leading to significant savings on your energy bills

year after year. Prepare for the unexpected. Building a new home is a process, and you can minimize stress by embracing that it will be unpredictable and can change throughout the journey. Plan for things like weather delays and higher costs. The unexpected can also lead to positive changes in your plans. For example, you might come across a new flooring material that’s more eco-friendly, or a smart home automation system might hit the market and you’ll want to integrate it into the design. Be flexible. Find more information about building your new home with insulated concrete forms at nudura.com. For example, you can save time and money down the line when you know from the get-go you’ll want a window seat and two large couches to face the fireplace. Know where to save and spend. Costs can quickly add For example, you can save time and money down the line when you know from the get-go you’ll want a

An eco-friendly home offers many benefits. Besides reducing your carbon footprint and being better for the environment, you can save lots of money on your energy bills in the long run. Plus, many of the latest trends are simply beautiful. Here are some to consider for your next home or remodel. Bamboo materials: Bamboo is a renewable resource that can be harvested gently, without disturbing the surrounding environment. It’s also a great alternative to hardwood, since it can regenerate faster than trees. The timeless material is very popular for flooring and can also be used for bathroom and kitchen cabinets. When buying this material for your home, look for a high-quality, sustainable producer since cheaper versions can be less sturdy. Passive house: Go beyond efficient ap-

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pliances with an entire house that uses little-to-no energy. Derived from the German Passivhaus, passive house is a movement that refers to a design process that creates buildings that have a small ecological footprint and require little heating or cooling. Use the philosophy to guide decisions for your home – from adding solar panels on your roof to boosting your insulation. Reclaimed pieces: One of the quickest and easiest ways to have a positive environmental impact is buying as little new as possible. The next time you need a piece of furniture, create something rustic by recycling or upcycling an old or vintage item with a new coat of paint or a fresh wood stain. If you’re planning a demolition, try deconstruction instead – “un-build” the structure and find elements you can sal-

POINT SIZES • This is 10-point type. • This is 9.5-point type • This is 9-point type. • This is 8.5-point • This is 8-point type. • This is 7.5-point type • This is 7 point type.

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vage or reclaim, like exposed brick and wood beams. Water conservation: With more parts of the world experiencing drought, saving water is one of the top concerns for environmentalists. Wasting water is also expensive and leads to higher utility bills. Upgrading your home with water conservation features can go a long way, and most are designed to look sleek and minimalist. Opt for low-flow showerheads, toilets and sink fixtures. Insulated concrete forms: Many homeowners now prefer to build with insulated concrete forms (ICFs) because the material offers better energy efficiency and performance than traditional wood. Homes built with Nudura ICFs also provide better fire protection and can help you save as much as 60 percent on heating and cooling costs. Your home is less likely to contain cold areas as the insulation is continuous around the entire house. Find more information about the benefits of building with eco-friendly ICFS at nudura.com. An eco-friendly home offers many benefits. Besides reducing your carbon footprint and being better for the environment, you can save lots of money on your energy bills in the long run. Plus, many of the latest trends are simply beautiful. Here are some to consider for your next home or remodel. Bamboo materials: Bamboo is a renewable resource that can be harvested gently, without disturbing the surrounding en-

What to do to prepare your garden for winter (480 words, US, UK, CAN)

Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall. Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter. • Remove weeds and debris. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. So it’s imperative that weeds and debris are removed before the ground hardens in winter. Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result. • Prepare the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends. • Remove dead or diseased plants. Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the winter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for the garden to thrive in the spring. • Protect fruit trees. If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice

and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter. A gardener’s work is never done, and the work to create beautiful spring gardens begins in the fall. FH208143

SOCIAL MEDIA TEXT: A gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall. NATIVE ADVERTISING VERSION: The text for the native advertising version of this feature is included in the text file when you download the package. ------(NATIVE ADVERTISING VERSION) What to do to prepare your garden for winter (480 words, US, UK, CAN) Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall. (INSERT QUOTE FROM LOCAL GARDEN CENTER)

that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result. • Prepare the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends. • Remove dead or diseased plants. Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the winter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for the garden to thrive in the spring. ly tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH.

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Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter. • Remove weeds and debris. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. So it’s imperative that weeds and debris are removed before the ground hardens in winter. (INSERT QUOTE FROM LOCAL GARDEN CENTER) Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

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NORTHLAND LIVING â€¢ SEPTEMBER 2020

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NORTHLAND LIVING â€¢ SEPTEMBER 2020

Fix a damaged tile floor HEREâ€™S HOW by JAMES DULLEY

Dear James: Several ceramic tiles by my front door are damaged but still down tight. How can I remove the old ones and replace them without damaging the adjacent tiles? â€“ Timothy G. Dear Timothy: The most common damage to ceramic tiles is a scratched surface near an entrance door. Ceramic tile is an extremely hard and durable material, which you will find out when you work to remove a tile. Make sure you can buy matching replacement tile before you start removing the old ones. Once you replace the damaged tiles, place a doormat outside the door and a small rug indoors, near the door, for people to wipe off their shoes. Also, mop the foyer, at least the area near the door, every several days. During winter, if your area uses salt to melt snow and ice, mop the ceramic tile daily. The primary concern when removing a ceramic tile is to not damage the adjacent tiles. Ceramic tile is very strong when evenly supported from beneath, but it is brittle on its own. Heavy impacts or uneven support can easily cause a tile to crack. Once a tile is cracked, it is difficult to repair the crack permanently. The crack will keep reappearing. The first step is to separate the damaged tile from the adjacent tiles. By isolating this tile, there is less of a chance others will get damaged while you are working to remove it. Using a sharp utility knife (wear work gloves), score the grout around the edge of the tile. You will be surprised how easily the knife blade separates the tile. Vacuum up any grit this step created. Next, lay several right-angle metal brackets around the tile, and tape them in place with wide duct tape. You might even put an extra strip around the outside of the metal. Duct tape is thick and will absorb impact if you drop a tool. This is extra insurance to reduce the possibility of

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damaging an adjacent tile. Rent an angle grinder at a tool rental shop. It should have a 4-inch diamond blade, which will easily cut through most ceramic tile. Saw diagonal lines across the tile to create four triangular pieces. It is easiest to start the cut in the center of the tile and work your way to the corners. In order to cut all the way through the corners, use a small hand grinder, such as

a Dremel tool. Have someone hold a vacuum cleaner hose near the saw to catch as much of the grit as possible. Once you have cut completely through the tile, use a hammer and chisel to remove the four pieces of tile. Start chiseling from the outside edge to reduce the chance of damaging other tiles. The slot from the saw cut will allow room for the first piece to release and move. The next three pieces

are easy to remove. With the tile removed, chisel out all of the old thinset, and vacuum out any grit and dust. Remove the old grout around the adjacent tile edges. Spread some thinset on the floor, and seat the new tile in it. Use a long straightedge to make sure it is level with the other tiles. When the thinset is dry, apply new grout around the new tile, and you are done. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light,

they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. I f you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and Or dangle a thread in

front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. I f you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Search for cracks and gaps in doors and windows: Here’s how – At night, pull doors shut and have someone stand on the other side with a flashlight. If you see the light, they’re not sealed. Or dangle a thread in front of suspect areas and see if it sways. Use weather stripping to seal up the drafts. Send your questions to Here’s How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244, or visit dulley.com.

THIS COULD BE YOUR AD For details, contact: ads@readerduluth.com

NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 925 E. 4th St. – $799,000

The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity℠ Program of the Duluth Area Association of REALTORS® MLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Edina Realty, Inc. are marked with the Broker Reciprocity℠ logo or the Broker Reciprocity℠ thumbnail and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Edina Realty, Inc. is not a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), nor does it offer MLS access. This website is a service of Edina Realty, Inc., a broker Participant of

925 E. 4th St. – $799,000

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 232 N. Central Ave. – $650,000 Great Commercial Building with unlimited possibilities. * Built in 1991, apprx. 18,000 sq.ft. * Great Business Opportunities, with 1 guaranteed Renter for extra income. * Presently setup as a Laundry Mat 53 Clothes Dryers, 65 washing machines. Seller would consider a short term lease of the Laundry Mat. * 2nd & 3rd floors are a residence, Seller would like to rent for 1 year or so after closing, guaranteed income ! * Swimming Pool 16’ X 40’ X 6’ deep * Racquetball Court

417 N. 3rd Ave. E. – $150,000 Truly stunning Church for sale in Central Hillside, nearly adjacent to Essentia Medical Campus. One of Duluth landmark properties is for sale. This property consists of brick Church with two towering steeples, stained glass with few comparisons in the city, wood pews in worship area, organ, balcony, and lower level cafeteria with commercial kitchen. Also included is a single family home, in need of major repairs or removal as well as extra parking parcels. Properties like this are truly a rare find. mark properties is for sale. This property consists of brick Church with two towering steeples, stained glass with few comparisons in the city, wood pews in worship area, organ, balcony, and lower level cafeteria with commercial kitchen. Also included is a single family home, in need of major NORTHLAND LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2020

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NORTHLAND LIVING â€¢ SEPTEMBER 2020