NewsTribune_Home, Garden & Life_April 2022

HG &L April 2022

IN THE ILLINOIS VALLEY

CREATING A HUMMINGBIRD HAVEN

Also

• Gas versus batterypowered yard tools • Plants that keep insects away • Using pavers for the backyard of your dreams

publication

Home, Garden & Life 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com Publisher Dan Goetz Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com

Regional Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com

Writers David Cook Shannon Serpette

CONTENTS The Whole Nine Yards 4

Choosing the best type of yard equipment for your circumstances.

Nature’s Insect Repellent 8

What to plant in your backyard to keep insects away naturally.

Attracting Hummingbirds 13

Photographers David Cook Shannon Serpette

Tips for feeding everyone’s favorite tiny fliers.

Designer Liz Klein

Pavers & More 1 9

Creating a backyard oasis with pavers.

Published by: est. 1851

On the cover: Hummingbirds are unique among birds in that they can fly backward, and during their territorial aerial duels against other hummingbirds, they can perform complex acrobatic maneuvers.

PHOTO BY DAVID COOK

2 April 2022 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

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Tom Smith, an employee at the family-owned Smith’s Sales and Service in Peru, said customers have plenty of options for yard tools and battery- and gas-powered equipment when they shop at Smith’s.

The Whole Nine Yards Choosing the best type of yard equipment for your circumstances Story and photos by Shannon Serpette

N

ew homeowners, young adults who haven’t done much yard work, and people who plan to save money by starting to maintain their own yards may wonder what tools and equipment they’ll truly use a lot. No one

wants to blow their budget by buying tools they rarely use and forgetting to purchase the ones they’ll need frequently.

According to Tom Smith, an employee at family-owned Smith’s Sales and Service in Peru, some of the basic equip-

4 April 2022 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

ment most homeowners will need to have in their arsenal include a blower, a trimmer, and a riding or push mower.

When shopping for new equipment, homeowners must decide whether they want their yard care products to

run off gas, electricity, or battery power. While gas-powered equipment used to reign supreme, that isn’t the case any longer.

“I think last year battery-powered (equipment) finally outsold gas in the U.S. It was for pretty much all hand-held equipment,” Smith said.

While many of today’s homeowners likely grew up with gas-run machinery like lawnmowers and weed trimmers, that doesn’t mean the same type of equipment you’re used to is what’s best for your household.

There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to decide between the type you should use.

If you’re considering buying a gas-powered mower, trimmer, blower, or another piece of lawn maintenance equipment, you’ll have to consider the current high gas costs and decide if it’s worth it if you like to maintain your yard perfectly.

Smith said you should also factor in the time and expense of maintaining your gas-powered equipment to make sure it continues running well. When it comes to power and performance, though, it’s hard to beat this type of powered machine. And, Smith said, gas-powered equipment is often a great choice for people with sizeable properties because it will continue to work until the job is done, unlike battery-powered equipment that will stop when the battery dies.

Battery-powered units are increasing in popularity because they are so easy to use and maintain, Smith said. You won’t have to worry about any maintenance issues, and, of course, they can result in significant savings when gas prices are

If you’re in the market for a new mower, it may be time to consider a self-propelled battery-powered lawnmower like the one at Smith’s Sales and Service in Peru, especially with gas prices surging.

Brush cutters can be gas or batterypowered, but battery-operated ones are easy to use and require less maintenance.

These backpack blowers are well-suited for extensive use and can be easier to carry than traditional blowers.

See TOOLS page 6

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2022 5

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SMITH’S SALES & SERVICE 1604 Peoria St • Peru, IL 61354 • 815.223.0132 6 April 2022 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

Smith’s Sales and Service in Peru offers a handy guide for those who want to learn about and shop for the latest power tools and accessories.

Tools

FROM PAGE 5

high. They can also be easier to use, making them a user-friendly choice for those who are intimidated by more complicated machinery.

If you’re worried about annoying your neighbors with early morning yard care, it’s good to note that battery-powered equipment is quieter than gas-powered equipment. If you have a small yard, are sensitive to noise, or want to find the most environmentally friendly way to maintain your yard, battery-powered equipment can be a good fit.

Smith said you’ll need to consider how much time a battery-powered machine can run and whether it will be sufficient for your yard size.

How long any battery-powered equipment will run depends on what battery you’re using, but he said that you can usually expect anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour of operation time. One of the battery-powered lawn mowers carried by Smith’s Sales and Service, for instance, has enough battery power to mow up to 2,500 square feet on a single charge.

“You should have a spare

battery,” he said.

That will allow you to finish the job rather than waiting for your only battery to fully recharge before continuing.

If the idea of powering your equipment by plugging it into an outlet appeals to you, you have the option of using corded machinery. While corded lawncare equipment isn’t an overly popular choice, there are still models out there for those who want to go this route, such as corded chainsaws and corded blowers, according to Smith.

“They still do offer them,” he said, adding that homeowners who choose this kind of powered equipment will want to make sure they have plenty of outdoor outlets at their disposal.

The fact that you’ll need plenty of outdoor outlets or lots of extension cords to get your equipment to any part of your property makes their usefulness limited, which is one of the primary reasons they are not very popular.

“We hardly sell any corded stuff anymore,” Smith said.

For those who have questions about which equipment – gas, electric, or battery-powered – would be best for them, the experts at Smith’s can help.

“We can steer them in the right direction,” Smith said.

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What are your 3 favorite event treatments to get skin glowing? “We always like to combine treatments on the face to get the best results. The more time we have prior to an event the better one can expect to look as well. A customized medium to deep chemical peel can give amazing results but needs to be done 2-3 months prior to the event so the body has time to stimulate the most collagen and elastin and clear sun damage. Another chemical treatment that does not cause peeling but does lift the skin, shrink pores, and stimulate collagen called Biorevitalization is also wildly successful in our office. With one Biorevitalization treatment you can see an immediate difference in your skin and the unique part of this procedure is that we can include the neck and décolleté in addition to the face. Lastly, HydraFacial MD is a part of everyone’s plan who wants to look their best for an event. Our HydraFacial machines deliver components of a facial but are also one of our most sought-after anti-aging procedures.”

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What are the elements of HydraFacial? “HydraFacial in a doctor’s office is not just a facial. It also is an antiaging procedure that stimulates collagen, improves skin laxity, and lightens brown spots. The first step is Hydradermabrasion which is safe for all skin types and conditions. This step provides significant anti-aging benefits. The next step is a superficial chemical peel for exfoliation. In step 3 we utilize the HydraFacial vacuum to clean out all your pores. The HydraFacial also has a pressurized system that we use to push hydrating products into the skin which is utilized in step 4. In step 5, we use red or blue light therapy to calm inflammation or provide an antibacterial effect in break-out prone skin. There is no downtime with HydraFacial, and it is best done just before an event combined with dermaplaning. HydraFacial, like all of these procedures, produces a great result with one treatment but results are amplified with a series of treatments. New to our practice is a three-month Red Carpet Skin Trio membership which includes one each of the afore-mentioned procedures. It is a fantastic way to get your skin ready for an event or just to indulge in three medical-grade skin care procedures!”

Tell us more about chemical peels. “In a doctor’s office, we can customize chemical peels to your skin type and provide more than just superficial exfoliation. We mix acids in order to get the skin glowing with the least amount of downtime and the most change in the skin’s dermis. A chemical peel in our office is most often a medium or deep peel depending on your skin type and the health of your skin. We provide post-procedure products with our peels so that patients typically only have micro-peeling and not skin sheeting. Depending on the type of peel, we ask our patients to plan for 3-5 days of eraser shaving like dryness post peel. Your If you are looking to get your skin event-ready, skin takes 3-6 months to realize the full benefit of a consider joining Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa’s new chemical peel so the more time we have prior to an three-month Red Carpet Skin Trio. All you need to event the better.” do to join is call their office to sign up. Your preferred How do Biorevitalization treatments work? “These method of payment will be charged at the beginning European treatments utilize a powerful chemical peel of 3 consecutive months $200 and you will schedule but work from the inside out to soften lines, tighten skin your Chemical peel, Biorevitalization treatment and improve texture and pores. Patients often choose and your HydraFacial in any order in 3 consecutive for us to apply this treatment to not only their face, months. Each procedure includes dermaplaning and but also their neck and décolleté. Immediately after the a post-care product. If you are new to Dr. Norris’ procedure, patients notice improvement to their skin practice, you will need to have a brief consultation with and so we offer this as an event treatment. However, her prior to starting your series. Call 815-780-8264 to Biorevitalization results get better over time and are get started!

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A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2022 7

Nature’s Insect Repellent What to plant in your backyard to keep insects away naturally Story by Shannon Serpette

S

ultry summer days and nights spent sitting contentedly in the backyard enjoying nature all around you is a fantasy many of us hold tight to throughout the harsh Illinois winters. But when the time for our backyard fun in the warm weather finally arrives, it can often be tarnished or downright ruined by pesky insects like mosquitoes and flies.

For those who don’t want to slather themselves in bug spray, wear long sleeves, or go indoors before dusk hits, there are other options for keeping those pests away from your backyard paradise. By cleverly using nature to its full potential, you can decrease the number of bugs and insects in your outdoor space, and if you’re having issues with certain insects invading your vegetable or herb garden, adding in some of these plants may help there too.

Some plants are particularly adept at warding off mosquitoes and other annoying insects, and if you incorporate enough of them in a smart way, you may have some relief from those unwanted backyard party crashers. It all begins with a plan – knowing what plants to put in, when they’ll bloom, and where to place them for maximum effect. You should also know which insect or insects you’re trying to eliminate from your backyard space and choose your plants carefully based on that.

“There are a lot of plants that they say keep mosquitoes away,” Robbin Keenan, a LaSalle County Master Gardener and Master Naturalist who lives in Ottawa, said.

The oils on the plants are responsible for

Basil

Basil is a highly aromatic plant, and it’s one that flies and mosquitoes don’t enjoy, according to University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Robbin Keenan. Basil can be planted in the ground, but it also does well in containers if you want to keep some on your patio or deck. The leaves can be used in recipes, and if you plant several basil plants, you’ll have enough leaves on hand for making pesto in addition to warding off insects.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID COOK

8 April 2022 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

driving the insects away, she said. A surprising number of plants are capable of repelling insects, but Keenan recommended a few that are widely available, relatively inexpensive, and may serve dual purposes besides warding off insects.

To keep away moths, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies, you can plant some lavender in your backyard or in containers to keep on your deck. It’ll give a calming feel to your backyard oasis and may inspire you to take a rejuvenating nap in your chair or hammock.

“Lavender really likes abusive conditions, and it smells good,” Keenan said.

Lemongrass is another plant that’s said to ward off insects, and it comes with a double benefit.

“You can also use that in recipes,” Keenan said.

People who love pesto would do well to plant a relatively large amount of basil in their backyards.

“Basil is said to repel mosquitoes,” she said.

As a bonus, you’ll have plenty on hand when you want to make homemade pesto or throw in other recipes.

Mint repels mosquitoes as well, and you’ll be able to eat that too, using some for desserts, making refreshing lemonade and limeade, and incorporating it into other dishes.

“Keep that in pots because it can be invasive,” Keenan said.

See PLANTS page 10

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a sweet-smelling plant that insects like mosquitoes seem to hate. You can also break off lemon balm leaves and make a homemade herbal tea with it.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID COOK

Chives Chives are said to ward off insects such as aphids, Japanese beetles, carrot flies, and more.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID COOK

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2022 9

Plants FROM PAGE 8

Rosemary and sage are also known to ward off several types of insects while also serving a dual purpose – they can be used as seasonings in your recipes. And, as any good cook knows, most herbs taste better fresh than when they’re dried.

In particular, fans of campfires may want to include sage in their backyard planting plans. If you’re having a backyard campfire one night and want to keep the mosquitoes and other insects away, Keenan recommends throwing some sage leaves in the fire for a scented fire that you’ll enjoy and the insects will want to avoid.

Those who want to keep aphids away can turn to dill.

“I usually plant a lot of dill,” Keenan said.

If you’re a big butterfly fan, this is an excellent one to plant because it attracts black swallowtail butterflies.

“It’s their host plant,” she said.

According to Keenan, other plants you can include in your backyard to keep insects away that also have a dual purpose in cooking include chives, lemon balm, oregano, and parsley.

“I’m going to try planting some parsley. It repels a lot of things,” she said, adding that it’s especially helpful at keeping away asparagus beetles.

Lorraine Farley, retail manager at Ekana Nursery and Landscaping Inc. in Mendota, also recommends planting herbs as insect deterrents since you’ll get multiple benefits from including them in your backyard.

“You can use the herbs,” she said.

Mint

Mosquitoes seem to be repelled by mint plants. However, if you’re going to plant mint in your backyard, you’ll want to put it in a container. Otherwise, it will spread aggressively and may become a nuisance.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID COOK

If you plant a lot of one type of herb to help with insects, the extras don’t have to go to waste when their season is ending.

“You can trim them and dry them,” Farley said.

Farley said if homeowners are looking for flowers that will look pretty while keeping away insects, she’d recommend planting petunias and marigolds.

While plants can help keep pests away, homeowners should keep in mind that only planting a few plants won’t completely eliminate insects from their backyards.

“To be a complete deterrent, you’d have to have a ton of plants,” Keenan said.

Farley said to get the most effect out of what you’re planting, you should keep it by the area you’d like to remain as insect-free as possible.

“Plan your space,” she said.

If you’re trying to keep pests away from your vegetable garden, you should plant as many deterrents as possible near your crop.

But if you’re trying to cut down on the insects around your outdoor sitting space, you should put the plants in containers and place them near where you’re sitting, Farley said.

Farley recommends doing some research online to develop a list of various plants to include in your backyard. For homeowners who want guidance, the staff at Ekana Nursery is ready to help.

“They can talk with somebody here,” Farley said.

She also recommends getting plants and supplies early before they are picked over for the season. Gardening has been super popular in the last couple of years, and 2022 is expected to be another outstanding gardening season.

“More people are doing it, which is great,” she said.

Sage While people may like the scent of sage, insects don’t seem to be as fond of it. Insects that seem to despise the smell of sage include cabbage moths, beetles, carrot flies, and more.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID COOK

10 April 2022 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

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As fast and tiny as they are, hummingbirds can be hard to get a good look at sometimes.

This one has a drop of feeder nectar at the end of its beak.

Attracting

Hummingbirds Tips for Feeding Everyone’s Favorite Tiny Fliers Story and photos

by David Cook fter the long, dreary days of late winter and early spring, getting back into the garden is a priority for many of us. And while we anxiously scan the ground for bits of green pushing through the dirt, there’s another aspect of gardening which is equally anticipated – the return of hummingbirds and other pollinators.

While the focus of this advice may lean toward attracting and feeding hummingbirds, any experienced gardener will know that what attracts hummingbirds will also likely attract other important pollinators, namely bees and butterflies.

GETTING STARTED Hummingbirds are eager eaters needing a near-constant sup-

ply of nectar, so when they find a steady source of food, they’ll happily make the area part of their daily routine. They’ll often visit several times a day, going from flower to flower, and flower to feeder. Butterflies tend to be more erratic in their feeding patterns, but bees will make several return visits to their favorite flowers throughout the day, much like hummingbirds.

Molly Blogg, manager of Hornbaker Gardens, enjoys the perk of working in a hummingbird-friendly environment. Located just outside of Princeton, Hornbaker Gardens features an impressive collection of several hundred varieties of flowering plants, trees, and shrubs.

The idyllic area has many hummingbird favorites – a bounty of blooms, plenty of shade, beautiful display gardens, ponds, a waterfall, fountains, and birdbaths.

“We see a lot of them out here. It’s exciting seeing them flit in and out,” Blogg said one early spring morning as she helped begin the process of waking the gardens from their long winter’s nap to prepare for the upcoming season’s business.

While planning your garden, it’s best to keep in mind that each type of flower has a limited time to bloom, so it’s helpful to choose varieties that will pop at different times throughout spring, summer, and early autumn.

Hummingbirds, as well as bees and butterflies, tend to favor flowers in reds, blues, and purples, but they’ll also eat from flowers of other colors if they need the nectar. The shape is another consideration, as hummingbirds love long, tubular flowers and clusters of tiny blooms.

See BIRDS page 14

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2022 13

The bright, deep red of these Dolly Madison lilies, as well as other Asiatic lilies, are popular with hungry hummingbirds.

Gladiolas, along with many other types of flowers, are available in a wide range of colors and are both beautiful and popular with hummingbirds.

Birds

FROM PAGE 13

SOME FAVORITE FLOWERS Bee balm is an easy to grow, long-blooming perennial known to attract all pollinators. The red and purple

variations are the best bet in regards to catching the attention of your local hummingbirds. They do well in both sunny and partially sunny locations and thrive in moist areas like other plants in the mint family. Lemon balm is a similar variation of balm that’s also enjoyed by pollinators.

Buddleia, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is seen here with an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Pollinators love the late season, long-lasting and showy blooms, and these striking bushes are available in several colors, including white, yellow, and purple.

14 April 2022 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

Hollyhocks are a traditional favorite and are available in every color from white to black.

They add a vertical boost of color to gardens, do well in narrow areas or along fences, and are popular with pollinators.

Hollyhocks are a great addition to any garden as their tower of flowers makes it easy for hummingbirds to safely hover in place as they feed. Their height also adds a vertical splash of color to areas filled with low-growing plants. Available in various colors, hollyhocks are a clas-

Molly Blogg, manager of Hornbaker Gardens, is seen hanging one of the many decorative feeders offered at the popular gardening destination, located just outside Princeton.

sic addition that will be popular with pollinators and people alike. They’ll both reseed themselves and occasionally come back from the root.

“They really like Lobelia (cardinal flower); it’s tubular and bright red.

Hummingbirds are attracted to plants with sweet nectar and are good at sourcing them out,” Blogg said, adding that digitalis (FoxGlove) and phlox were also popular with the tiny birds.

“You want to plant large masses of color, five to seven or more. They’ll notice that more than if you just plant one here, one there,” she advised.

Buddleia (butterfly bush) is a late bloomer with long-lasting spikes of beautifully scented flowers in a wide range of colors, including purple, yellow, pink, and white.

“Another one they like that people often don’t think about is the hosta flower. We’ve got more than 400 varieties, so they like some more than others, but to keep them visiting your garden, it’s good to have a variety of plants blooming throughout the season with different colors and textures,” Blogg said.

Other flowers that hummingbirds will happily visit include salvia, sage, lavender, See BIRDS page 17

A birdbath is a simple but important part of attracting more of nature’s creatures to your garden.

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2022 15

This bumblebee, like all pollinators, enjoys this mint and anything else in the mint family, including bee balm, lemon balm, catnip, and others.

16 April 2022 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

Birds

FROM PAGE 15

lilies, azaleas, gladiolas, lupines, four o’clocks, irises, petunias, and more.

FEEDERS A feeder can be a great way to initially attract hummingbirds, as well as help supplement their food supply during gaps between flowers blooming or if there is a lot

of competition for the nectar.

It’s not uncommon to see multiple hummingbirds hovering near feeders. They can also be a way to bring nature a bit closer if garden space is limited or unavailable and there are a variety of styles available in decorative designs and colors.

“The most important thing is to keep the sugar solution fresh, swapping it out at least once a week,” Blogg said.

Hummingbird food is avail-

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able commercially, but Blogg said it’s easy to make at home with a 4 to 1 ratio of water to sugar and that it can be stored in your refrigerator.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Water is essential to every animal, hummingbirds included. Incorporating a water feature, even a simple birdbath, can be one of the most beneficial additions to your garden if you hope to attract more natural visitors.

Hummingbirds will bathe and drink like other birds, but they prefer moving water such as that produced by a fountain, mister, or gentle spray.

Hummingbirds are initially shy around people. But with patience, they’ll become more comfortable approaching your feeders and flowers once they know you’re not a threat, and you may soon find yourself with a number of tiny, hovering, and fast-flying new friends.

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This poster is displayed at Pavers and More to give customers a better idea of the types of projects they can create in their backyards.

The center photo is a picture of Pavers and More owner Rich Vollmer’s backyard after he updated it to create a relaxing oasis.

Creating a Backyard Oasis with Pavers Story and photos by Shannon Serpette

nless you’re familiar with the different types, colors, and textures of paving stones and how to install them, it’s easy to feel clueless when planning your backyard walkway, patio, outdoor kitchen, or oasis. Rich Vollmer, owner of Pavers and More in Ottawa, knows how hard it can be for interested homeowners when they first begin considering a backyard project.

“It can be very overwhelming,” Vollmer said.

“We try to educate the consumer. You can get much more valuable information from the mom-and-pop stores than trying to go to a big box store and find someone who can help you.”

At Pavers and More, they only sell Unilock paving stones, so Vollmer emphasized that all the advice he gives for outdoor projects, including prep work and materials you’ll need, only applies to this particular brand of paver.

To get an idea of how much a project will cost, what materials will be needed, or what is possible design-wise, it all begins with research, according to Vollmer.

“I would definitely recommend research.

Sometimes going online is good, but sometimes it isn’t. They could be getting information for See PAVERS page 20

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2022 19

Rich Vollmer, owner of Pavers and More in Ottawa, shows off the paver display created years ago by his son who was a teenager at the time.

Pavers FROM PAGE 19

different climates,” Vollmer said.

Talking to a knowledgeable business like Pavers and More can help homeowners develop a plan, a cost estimate, and a blueprint for how to do the necessary prep work. Vollmer gets to know the customer, the budget they’re working with, asks them questions, and gives them information so they can make an informed decision.

Vollmer said he is happy to explain the different phases of a project to customers who have never tackled a backyard paver project before.

“I don’t sugarcoat anything. A lot of it (how successful your project is) is all in the base prep and the base materials. Doing the preparation, getting it dug out, and the base materials in, that’s the hard part,” he said.

Vollmer can tell customers which prep work products will result in the best drainage and reduce shifting.

Shifting can dramatically change the appearance of a finished project in the backyard, and it can reduce how satisfied a person is with the look of

With so many colors and textures to choose from, people who are creating backyard walkways or patios should look around to figure out which style of pavers they like best. the project, he said.

Finding top-of-the-line pavers is also crucial, especially if you plan on staying in your home for decades and want to enjoy the fruits of your project long-term.

“You want a good quality paver,” he said. “See what the guarantee is on the paver.”

When it comes to design, Vollmer said people are amazed when they see all the possibilities for what they can

20 April 2022 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

do with pavers. By figuring out what’s available in terms of different colors, styles, textures, and design elements, customers quickly see that there are no limits to what can be done, he said.

“I have displays so they can get ideas,” he said.

He also recommends taking a look at Unilock’s website. Under the Dream tab on the website, there are plenty of See PAVERS page 22

s

s

Pavers and More has an impressive inventory to choose from when looking for materials for a backyard walkway, patio, or oasis.

If you have the imagination, it’s easy to add interesting and whimsical touches to your backyard walkway design, like this example at Pavers and More in Ottawa.

s Pavers and More in Ottawa has a display set up to show how durable the pavers they sell are over time compared to some of the brands that customers might find at big box stores.

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2022 21

Seeing the displays at businesses such as Pavers and More can help you figure out what project you’d like to tackle in your backyard. Pavers can be used for constructing fire pits, patios, walkways, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and so much more.

His fire pit area has become his private paradise that he enjoys year-round, thanks to the four-season sunroom he has at his house.

“When it’s snowing, my wife and I will sit out there,” he said. “We just love it. It’s our sanctuary.”

While it’s beautiful from an aesthetic standpoint, he also experiences feelings of pride when he looks out at his backyard and thinks about how much work he put in to make his FROM PAGE 20 dream a reality.

“We’ve had a few parties back there. When you’re standing in that area, it’s totally aweimpressive pictures and projects that can give some,” he said. homeowners ideas about what they’d like to While he knows customers can get nervous see in their own yard.

“I’m like a kid in a candy store when I go to about tackling a project, especially if they’re Unilock’s website,” he said. “You can see what new to working with pavers, he says it’s well worth the money and time you spend. you can do.”

“They’ll love the comments that they get and To help show customers who are visiting his that satisfaction that they’ll get after the job is shop some of the possibilities, he keeps paver samples and photos of finished projects handy. complete,” he said.

For those who run into issues or questions “These photos are great selling tools,” he said. while working on their backyard creation, VolOne of the pictures showcases Vollmer’s lmer encourages them to reach out to him. backyard project he did at his home.

“I’m only a phone call away. We’re here for “I always wanted a gas fire pit,” he said, addmoral support,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of cusing that he did his project little by little as his tomers become really good friends.” time and budget allowed.

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