Spring Home & Garden 2014

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pring HOME&GARDEN

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• Prepping Tips for Outdoor Projects PAGE 4 • Six Hot Home Design Trends PAGE 6 • Five Surprisingly Simple Deck Updates PAGE 8

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Friday, March 28, 2014

Creating a pollinator-friendly habitat in your backyard

Shaw Media • Friday, March 28, 2014

| Spring Home & Garden

2

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats and beetles play an important role in producing healthy plants and food for people and wildlife. Without pollinators feeding on nectar and moving pollen from one flower to the next, most plants would not produce fruit or seeds.

You can attract pollinators to your lawn and garden by following these steps to create a pollinator-friendly backyard habitat.

Grow a diverse assortment of trees, shrubs and flowers. Place water sources throughout your lawn and garden to draw a variety of pollinators to your yard, while providing them with food and sheltered nesting areas.

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Add color to your backyard. Each pollinator is drawn to specific plants based on its size, shape, color and scent. Bees are attracted to yellow and blue flowers, as well as fruit and nut trees with strong fragrances. Hummingbirds prefer large red or orange tubular flowers with no odor.

Select flowering plants that bloom at different times to provide nectar sources throughout the growing season. Place plants in clumps to supply large areas of color and coverage that attracts pollinators.

Choose plants native to your area to encourage healthy pollination activity. In the South, flowers from mint, oregano, lavender and other herbs attract bees, while pink azaleas and coral honeysuckle vines entice hummingbirds into your yard. In the Northwest, birds are drawn to flowering grape holly shrub and blue columbine flowers will draw butterflies into your outdoor space.

Pay attention to how you apply lawn and garden products. “When using insecticides, carefully read and follow label directions to protect pollinators,” says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) - a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products.

Pollinators are as essential as sunlight and water in the production of flowering plants, many of which are important food sources.

Support your backyard ecosystem while attracting pollinator populations and surrounding your home with colorful arrays of native plants.

Freezing temps and pests Rodents and mosquitoes may not be homeowners’ main concerns at the moment, but experts from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) want to be sure the temperature’s effect on pests is not overlooked.

However, with such extreme temperatures, there is a good chance that summer pest popula-

To both prevent a pest infestation and curb future pest populations the NPMA has the following tips for homeowners battling the cold: Watch out for ice dams. Heat escaping from a home can cause snow to melt on the roof.

Sometimes the melted water refreezes around the cooler edges of the roof creating an ice dam that prevents water from properly draining.

This moisture can seep into the attic and siding causing mold to grow and can attract pests.

Install or repair weather stripping. Windows and doors offer the easiest access into a home.

Weather stripping and door sweeps will help keep out the cold, as well as pests.

Manage melting ice and snow. Especially in

areas unaccustomed to snowfall, the thawing period can be just as difficult to manage. Pools of water are breeding grounds for pests, specifically mosquitoes. Homeowners should make sure old tires, pool covers, empty pots and other outdoor containers are regularly emptied of rain or melted snow.

Repair damage to siding, windows and roofs.

Cold temperatures and ice can cause damage to vulnerable areas of a home. Regularly checking for and repairing any cracks or holes around the outside of the house will protect it from pests looking to get indoors.

For more information on preventing household pests and pest-proofing tips, please visit PestWorld.org.

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Many pest species have methods for coping with the cold. Some enter an overwintering state called diapause or produce an antifreezetype liquid to protect their bodies. Others avoid the cold by finding their way into heated homes, and believe it or not, some insects can actually stay alive and insulated from the freezing cold air by being buried in snow. Especially in areas that have experience with harsh winters, pests have adapted to the cold. Even if the temperatures are detrimental to the adults, they have most likely already laid eggs that will hatch in spring.

tions could be smaller. This is determined, in part, by the number and length of hard freezes during the winter. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles are more likely to affect pests than a gradual cooling. Also, low temperatures for an extended time are more likely to reach insects buried deep in the ground. The biggest difference could be seen in areas of the South that do not usually experience this type of winter weather.

Spring Home & Garden | Shaw Media

The newest buzz word this winter is “Polar Vortex.” Most of the country has experienced weeks of extremely cold temperatures, and these repeated bouts of ice and snow could have an impact on local pest populations.

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Prepping tips for spring outdoor projects Soon, winter will be winding down and homeowners will start planning - and prepping for - a variety of outdoor projects for spring. From cleaning, repairing or replacing decks, to creating raised beds for veggies and flowers, now is the time to start gearing up for those spring projects.

Cleaning up

Shaw Media • Friday, March 28, 2014

| Spring Home & Garden

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Start with spring cleaning existing structures. Take a weekend to clean decks, gazebos and pergolas of dirt, debris, mold and mildew. For structures made of naturally durable Western Red Cedar, a broom, garden sprayer and hose, plus a little bleach are all you need.

Sweep winter debris such as twigs and leaves from decks, taking care to clean between planks on horizontal surfaces. This facilitates airflow and drainage, and can help prevent a buildup of moisture when spring showers arrive. Next, use a garden sprayer to apply a-mild oxygen bleach solution to kill mold and mildew. Be sure to leave the bleach solution on the wood surface for approximately 30 minutes, and then rinse with water. Never use a pressure washer as it can damage the wood. -

Put Your

LAWN

on an

Organic lawn care is a great way to a safe and healthy lawn.

A healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds, insects and diseases. For a healthy lawn, you need healthy soil, alive with earthworms and loaded with beneficial microbes. Healthy soils let grass roots grow deep, making them more resistant to drought and stress. To ensure a safe and healthy soil, choose an organic lawn program like the one from Espoma.

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required - they can also function as a decorative enhancement to your outdoor environment.

Carefully inspect outdoor structures for wear and tear. While Western Red Cedar contains natural preservatives that make the wood durable, all outdoor structures require annual care, including those made of pressure-treated lumber or composites.

The material you choose will influence the longevity, beauty and enjoyment of your structure, so carefully consider your options before deciding.

Check planks, beams and boards for cracking, warping or rough spots and repair accordingly. Replace damaged wood, and be sure to examine hardware to ensure it’s working properly and free of rust.

New projects

A great deck is the showpiece of an inspired backyard, and spring is a prime time to add one. To ensure your deck affords you the most value and enjoyment, consider using an online deck planner to help you envision your deck before you begin building.

As gardening grows in popularity, you might consider adding raised planting beds to your landscaping. Raised beds not only make caring for and harvesting your garden easier - no bending

The green qualities and durability of Western Red Cedar make it a great choice for virtually any outdoor structure - including those popular wooden playsets that begin appearing like wildflowers in backyards across the country every spring.

Whatever project you’re dreaming of this spring - from building a new deck, pergola, or planting beds to refurbishing an existing outdoor structure or palyset - careful planning, cleaning, maintenance and the right materials can ensure your project adds value and beauty to your home environment.

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Since 1925, Wasco Nursery has been providing the highest quality plant material as well as creative landscape design and experienced installation services to the Fox Valley area.

Our landscape designers will work with you to provide a personalized landscape plan that is perfect for your yard.

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• Friday, March 28, 2014

If you’ve always dreamed about lounging on a lovely deck on a summer afternoon, or savoring a spring morning beneath the shade of a decorative pergola, now’s the time to start planning the project.

“Many homeowners choose Western Red Cedar for its beauty and natural durability,” says Paul Mackie, western area manager, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, or “Mr. Cedar” as he is known in the industry. “It has a deep, rich luster that other woods and man-made materials just can’t match. Plus, it’s a greener choice because it’s renewable and recyclable - unlike composites - and doesn’t require chemical treatment as non-durable wood species do. It’s naturally rot and insect resistant, and you can stain it or leave it natural, depending on your preference.”

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Spring Home & Garden | Shaw Media

Maintenance and repair

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Six hot

home design trends for spring 2014

Shaw Media • Friday, March 28, 2014

| Spring Home & Garden

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Does the change of seasons have you itching to refresh a tired, lackluster room? Or maybe you’re looking for some small ways to make a big impact on your home’s style? Whatever the case, here are some of this season’s most buzzed-about trends and how you can incorporate them into your next project.

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This season’s strong trend toward wood textures pairs the warmth, richness and texture of real wood with limitless design flexibility. Think wood-textured textiles, tree-printed wallpapers and embossed soaps that look like wood. Installing engineered wood ceilings and wainscoting can bring the unique look of reclaimed wood into any environment - an easy do-it-yourself project with striking results. -

Ode to the elements

Mother Nature is inspiring design in a big way this year and homeowners are finding unique ways to incorporate rocks, minerals and other natural elements into their home’s design. Try replacing a common-place item like an alarm clock with one encased within a multi-colored agate. Bring this look to the kitchen with a stainless steel backsplash, or swap out run-of-the-mill hardware with mineral-inspired drawer pulls and knobs.-

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Homeowners, inspired by the calm, care-free attitude of coastal living are all about bringing the beach inside this season. Beachinspired design elements are popping up throughout the home.

Weathered and white-washed wood ceilings are a subtle but stunning on-trend addition - especially when finished with inte-

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Contrast in texture

Step aside Pantone, texture is spring’s hottest new color. Homeowners are putting down their paintbrushes and adding interest with texture through high-gloss finishes, metallics, sequins and mirrors. A textured tile wall brings visual and tactile interest, especially when paired with contrasting high-gloss lacquer or lowgloss matte accessories.

Visual punch

Reawaken the senses this spring by incorporating a striking visual element to the home. Multi-dimensional surface treatments in pearl, metallic and gold/silver combinations add panache as a coating used for hardwood, or can be applied to wallpaper, furniture or decorative accessories. And don’t forget to look up - coffered ceilings bring a striking je ne sais quoi to any room. -

The versatility of manipulated metal makes it a great addition to any style home - from hand-crafted artisan to contemporary high gloss. Copper, pewter and nickel are getting in on the action and can be styled in a variety of ways, including hammered metal sink basins, tin-look ceiling tiles, antiqued copper light fixtures and brushed stainless steel cabinet hardware.

If you’d benefit from a little windfall to help finance your fabu-

lous spring home improvement projects (and who wouldn’t?), consider checking with your favorite vendors, many of which are running seasonal promotions. Armstrong Residential Ceilings, for example, is running a Style Is Looking Up Giveaway in February and March and will offer the chance to win free product and gift cards to spend on home improvements at www.armstrong.com/ residential-ceilings.

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• Friday, March 28, 2014

Manipulated metals

LEFT: Coffered ceilings are an easy way to add a visual element to the home. ABOVE: Wood textures bring warmth, richness and texture to a room of any style.

Spring Home & Garden | Shaw Media

rior accents like decorative shells, drift wood furniture and marinethemed prints.

Shaw Media • Friday, March 28, 2014

| Spring Home & Garden

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Five surprisingly simple deck updates It’s easy to dream of perfectly pristine outdoor spaces when looking at the decks in magazines and online, but too often what we want and what we have don’t align. If your deck suffers from weathered wood, loose railings or dated balusters, you’re not alone. The good news is there are surprisingly simple ways to give your deck a facelift and transform it into the outdoor oasis you want in as little as one weekend.

2. Replace balusters

Consider these five ways you can update your deck and grow your real estate value:

Balusters are connected to the railing vertically and provide an important safety feature. But they also add to the visual appeal of the deck and are a main feature in your line of sight. If your wood balusters are worn, you can instantly upgrade your outdoor space with new options. Metal balusters, for example, come in a variety of designs to match any home’s style - from contemporary to traditional. Have a stunning view from your deck? Enjoy uninterrupted sight lines with glass balusters that simultaneously maintain a deck’s safety and visual appeal.

1. Add or update post caps

3. Bring back deck boards

One of the easiest ways to add a dash of design and even some color and light to your deck is to update your post caps. If you currently have post caps, most can be removed by gently tapping them with a mallet. Then it’s an easy DIY project to add new post caps simply by using exterior construction adhesive. These decorative caps come in a variety of styles, including basic wood that can be stained to perfectly coordinate with your existing color scheme.

If you want to add a bit more pizzazz to your outdoor space, give your deck the Deckorators touch with classic copper post caps or solar powered caps that illuminate once the sun sets.

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After seasons of changing weather and lots of foot traffic, your wood deck boards may be showing wear. Protect the integrity of the wood and refresh the look of your outdoor space by cleaning deck boards and giving them a new coat of paint or stain. Start by scrubbing or power spraying off dirt and grime, and then let wood dry thoroughly. Next, use stain or paint made specifically for decks to help protect the wood from the elements. Just as indoor paint transforms a room inside your home, new stain or paint on your deck boards will make your outdoor area look new and refreshed, making you feel like you have a whole new outdoor area.

4. Refresh railings When it comes to deck railings, there are endless options to match any style or price point. You can go with an off-the-shelf product or customize one to fit your personal design aesthetic. For example, Deckorators co-extruded composite CXT railing is ultralow maintenance and gives you the options to mix-and-match railings, posts, balusters and caps for a look that’s entirely your own.

Not looking to do a full railing replacement? Sand down wood railings and apply a new coat of stain for an instant update.

5. Install lighting A great deck will serve as an extension of your home both day and night, but if you don’t have proper lighting, you’ll be heading indoors once the sun goes down. Add visual appeal and an element of safety to your deck with easy DIY lighting options. Lighting on your stairs adds a splash of drama and makes it easy to get around. Balusters are an often-overlooked item that can provide a great lighting location too. Solar Baluster Lights install around 3/4inch round balusters with nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver.

Finally, Solar Accent Lights can be placed on posts to illuminate pathways and deck edges.

Expanding a home’s livable space to the outdoors is a top home improvement trend. With these simple tips, your deck will find new life and you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of time outdoors with Mother Nature. For more information, visit www.deckorators.com.

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• Friday, March 28, 2014

Know the soil, fertilizer, and processes that have been used to grow the vegetables, fruit and herbs that are on your family’s table.Take full control of your nutrition by starting your own home organic garden today. Geneva Ace Hardware and Garden Center has everything you need to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the source of your food. From seeds to satisfaction, Burpee makes organic gardening easy.We carry a large assortment of organic seeds from an old and trusted source, Burpee Seed Company.

Starting plants indoors this spring? We have Fox Farm Organic potting soils and fertilizer.We love the Ocean Forest and Happy Frog soils which are filled with organic nutrients for good root growth. Use our Fox Farm liquid fertilizers for big blooms and luscious fruits all season long. Earth Boxes make container vegetable garden growing especially easy to do. Come into your neighborhood hardware store and the only downtown Geneva garden center for everything you need.

Spring Home & Garden | Shaw Media

Organic Gardening — Seeds and Supplies

Spring lawn seeding basics

Shaw Media • Friday, March 28, 2014

| Spring Home & Garden

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Spring has sprung, and there are many activities to enjoy now that the warmer weather has arrived. Many homeowners make the most of warmer weather by tackling projects around their properties.

thatch and any fallen leaves leftover from autumn and winter. Raking also enables you to inspect the lawn for bare patches or matting of grass that may be indicative of a fungus or other problem.

While autumn is a better time to overseed a lawn for new growth, satisfactory results still can be had if seeding is done early enough in the spring. Grass needs ample time to establish roots and grow strong before the summer heat takes its toll.

Many types of grass need six to 12 weeks of ideal temperatures and growing conditions to germinate and produce a sturdy grass that will grow and endure.

• Dust off the mower and trim the lawn short, especially if it was left long at the end of last season. This will help seed penetrate the blades of grass and get to the soil beneath.

Seeding can be done to rejuvenate an existing lawn and fill in bare spots. It also can be done to start a lawn from scratch.

The following are some tips to help make seeding projects more successful.

• Begin by raking the lawn to remove

• High-traffic lawns may need aeration to counteract compacted soil. Moss on the ground is often an indication of compaction. Aeration will help with this problem, as it pokes holes into the soil to enable oxygenation that keeps new grass robust and promotes faster growth. Lawn aerators can be rented from many garden centers.

• Spread a mixture of topsoil and compost over the top of the lawn. This will add nutrients through organic matter to the

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• Test a sample of the soil to check the pH. Grass prefers a neutral pH, but some soil tends to lean toward the acidic side, especially if you see the presence of moss. Knowing the pH will help determine just how much lime per square foot you will need to adjust it accordingly. Liming is a corrective measure and does not need to be used on a healthy, thriving lawn.

• Invest in a spreader to add seed to the lawn. The spreader will have various settings that enable you to calibrate the rate of seed dispersion depending on your walking speed. Fill the spreader with seed and begin to walk around the lawn. Drop spreaders require you to apply seed in rows with no overlap. Broadcast spreaders will cast seed widely and may need some overlap to guarantee complete coverage.

• Aim for lawn watering two to three times per day. The seed should be barely dry between watering. After seeds have germinated and established, you can reduce the frequency of watering but increase the depth of the watering to keep roots strong.

• Avoid foot traffic on a newly seeded lawn until the grass is well established.

• Friday, March 28, 2014

• Spread another thin layer of compost mix over the seed and water thoroughly. The compost will help keep moisture in while the seeds germinate.

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Spring Home & Garden | Shaw Media

and create a good base for the new seed to take root. It will also help strengthen any existing grass and promote long-term health.

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Shaw Media • Friday, March 28, 2014

| Spring Home & Garden

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