House & Home 2021

Real Estate: A Record Year

APRIL / 2021

Senior Housing Options Home Office Tips Remodeling Projects Gardening From a Wheelchair Raise Your Garden Beds The Ultimate Virtual Dinner Party Swimming Pool Landscaping

2 House & Home 2021

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Photo: Alexander Valley Road. Photo credit: Laura Tew / SWP

Introduction and Index W

elcome to spring and thank you for picking up a copy or reading the e-edition of our Spring House & Home Showcase. In years past we have published a Spring and Fall House & Home Showcase, but like most things, 2020 was a bit different for us here at Sonoma West Publishers.

In this publication you will read about the surprising market trends in real estate due to COVID-19, how to make bathrooms safer for the family, choices for long-term care and a variety of tips for senior security to home office ideas. We will share with you backyard and pool ideas with beautiful photos from around Sonoma County. We have a great checklist for the ultimate virtual dinner party and a Bloody Mary recipe that is sure to be a hit. As you look through, please also take note of the advertisers in this publication. These are local businesses that support local journalism, many of them are family-owned and operated. Please use your local dollars to support these community businesses. Our hope is that when the 2021 Fall House & Home Showcase is published, Sonoma County will be a much safer place to breathe with masks off.

SAVE THE DATE: Sonoma West Publishers will be hosting a Virtual House & Home event Thursday, April 29, from 5-6 p.m.

Please stay tuned for more exciting details.

What’s Inside Introduction and index . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Pandemic housing sales . . . . . . . . . . 5, 6 Making bathrooms safer . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Long-term care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Senior security tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Home renovation tips . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11 Home office essentials . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Tips of the Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 16 Spring garden prep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Raised garden beds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Virtual dinner party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Food & Drink Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Gardening from a wheelchair . . . . . . 20 Swimming pool landscaping . . . . . . . 21

Six ways to make your bathrooms safer Home office essentials to streamline your work week

Page 7

Page 12

How to throw the ultimate virtual dinner party

Page 18

Cover Photo: This country property is over 6 acres within Healdsburg's city limits. Built in the 1890s, this gem has retained its bucolic charm as the city has grown around it.

Currently operated as the Belle de Jour Inn. Photo Provided by: Healdsburg Sotheby’s International

House & Home April 2021 A special supplement to the April 1, 2021 edition of:

Staff Writers: Rollie Atkinson, Heather Bailey, Camille Escovedo, Katherine Minkiewicz, Zoë Strickland Consultants: Local Design Company Production: Maci Martell, Jim Schaefer

POSTMASTER: This mailing is made under Periodical Class Permit 238-460 USPS. Periodicals Class postage paid at Healdsburg, CA. 95448. Send address changes to: Sonoma West Publishers, PO Box 518, Healdsburg, CA. 95448

4 House & Home 2021

Advertising & Sales: Teresa Mangiapani, Cherie Kelsay, Laura Tew Office & Administration: Jan Todd Circulation: Cherie Kelsay

All contents are copyrighted by ©Sonoma West Publishers, Inc. PO Box 518, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Who knew a year of COVID-19 would set housing sales records?

Low mortgage rates, high demand for rural properties part of unprecedented story

By Rollie Atkinson Sonoma West Staff

A

year ago this month, as Sonoma County was closing down most parts of its economy to “crush the curve” of the coronavirus cases, no one tried to predict what the impacts would be on the regional housing and property market. Like most other businesses, local real estate offices were mandated to be closed to the public and clients. For a period of time, real estate agents were not allowed to tour or show properties. Homeowners were left to wonder, without any prior examples, what a virus pandemic might mean to home values, or when regular market activity might return.

Now looking back over the past 12 months, it’s a good bet no one expected 2020 to be a

record year of sales in both volume and median property values. But that’s what happened and the answers to why are still emerging as the same positive trends continue as the first quarter of 2021 is ending.

The year 2020 was full of mixed market dynamics.

Commercial properties fell out of demand as businesses switched to work-at-home patterns and almost all relocation and expansion plans by local businesses were put on hold. Mortgage and other interest rates dropped and stayed at record lows. For some reason rent prices dropped slightly while housing sales prices climbed steadily.

One factor that has not budged is housing affordability, as Sonoma County and the Bay Area remain some of the most expensive and exclusive markets in the country.

Property listing inventories never increased enough to create a “buyer’s market.” But

Photo Healdsburg Sotheby’s International

This property is located at 16276 Healdsburg Ave. in Healdsburg.There is a lovingly restored main house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. In addition, there are six guest suites in two separate buildings. The grandest of those suites is above the recently constructed garage/barn.

what properties that did get listed continued to fetch multiple bids and strong prices.

In Sonoma County for 2020, there were 4,861 residential properties sold, according to a database managed by Rick Laws, a Compass regional vice

president. That total represented a 10% increase over the previous year. At the end of 2020, in December, the median Sonoma County home price was $720,000. A year earlier in December 2019, that

See Housing Page 6

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House & Home 2021 5

HOUSING: Continued from Page 5 median home price was $635,000.

One unexpected market factor driven by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increased demand for properties in semi-rural Sonoma County by people exiting the more urban and populated areas of the Bay Area. Because thousands of workers will not be returning to the San Francisco high rises or Silicon Valley tech campuses, these people are looking for better scenery, no commuting and a changed lifestyle that is more country than city.

Exact numbers of these escaping city dwellers is unknown, but local real estate agents have many anecdotes to share. “That long-term revaluation of where people want to live will continue yet for a time,” last year’s president of the North Bay Association of Realtors, Carol Lexa, was quoted as saying at the end of 2020. “I think the

intensity is easing. It’s no longer an emergency response that we saw pretty much throughout 2020.”

Across some of Sonoma County’s neighborhood markets, Healdsburg continued to have the highest median prices, driven by highend properties above $1.3 million. Sonoma Coast properties held high median prices ($950,000); Sebastopol’s properties had a median price of $800,000, and family-friendly Windsor’s median was at $665,000.

Cloverdale continued to be one of the county’s smaller markets with a smaller inventory, but steady values.

At the end of 2020 the median home price in the county’s most northern community was $607,475.

The year 2020 was not just good for low mortgages and high sales prices for homes.

Local hardware and home improvement stores continue to do gangbusters business.

This is because many people are spending more time on home improvement projects around their house and

SOLD

Families are spending more time on home improvement projects.

property — and they are finding the extra time to do them.

Also, landscaping and nursery supply stores continue to do great business for all the same reasons. If outdoor gardens and property projects begin to slow, it will be because of a drought threat and not the coronavirus.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be very harsh on our local hospitality, restaurant and retail sectors, local trades and craftsmen

SOLD

such as plumbers, electricians and remodel contractors have kept busy work schedules, with reports of many backlogs.

For anyone chancing a look ahead another 12 months at the local housing market and wishing to make a bold prediction, good luck as everyone remains in unprecedented times. Whoever thought future housing prices might be dictated by how soon everyone gets a COVID-19 vaccination?

SOLD

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6 House & Home 2021

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Metro

Six ways to make bathrooms a safer place

H

omes should be safe havens. But each year injuries in and around the home contribute to millions of medical visits and many fatalities each year.

Although anywhere in a home can be the scene of an accident, bathrooms tend to be the most dangerous room in the house. Slippery tile, the presence of water, stockpiled medications, and many sharp and hard edges in a small space pose several different hazards in the bathroom, particularly for young children and people age 65 and up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says falls, which can result in serious injuries like hip fractures and head trauma, are the cause of 80% of all bathroom accidents.

Many bathroom accidents are preventable with some easy modifications.

1. Reduce slippery surfaces. Wet tile is a recipe for slick conditions. Bath rugs with rubber backing can provide traction in the bathroom, as can nonslip mats placed on the floor of the bathtub or shower enclosure. Water-resistant flooring made from recycled rubber is another option. It is softer, less slippery and more forgiving than traditional tile flooring.

2. Install lever-style fixtures. Round knobs in the bathroom can be difficult to

grasp, especially for the elderly or those with arthritis. Lever-style fixtures are easier to maneuver and can help alleviate scalding from not being able to adequately adjust the water temperature.

3. Utilize transfer benches and shower seats. A transfer bench can help reduce injuries that occur when trying to climb over a tub wall. Benches are placed outside of the tub and a person sits and then swings his legs over the ledge.

Transfer benches also can be used in conjunction with shower seats. This is a chair or bench that allows people to sit while they shower.

4. Discard old medications. Clean out the medicine cabinet of old or expired medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This reduces the likelihood of medication confusion, and does not put potentially harmful pills and syrups into the hands of children.

5. Install grab bars. Properly installed grab bars around the shower and toilet area can provide leverage and stability.

AARP says many injuries to seniors occur when they are attempting to sit or get up from the toilet. Grab bars or an elevated toilet seat can help.

6. Install motion-detecting lights.

These lights turn on automatically upon detecting movement, making them

Photo METRO

Many bathroom accidents are preventable with some easy modifications.

beneficial for people who routinely visit the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Adequate illumination also can help reduce fall risk.

— METRO

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House & Home 2021 7

Choices for long-term care B

eing able to care for oneself independently can be a source of pride. However, illness or age can affect people in ways that require them to seek assistance with medical needs or daily activities for an extended period of time.

In such instances, long-term care services can fill a need.

Long-term care assists people in their homes, in the community or in various types of facilities with various daily and medical requirements. According to WebMD, research shows that many people are unaware of long-term care options or may be misinformed about what’s out there.

Home care Various services can be utilized in the comfort of home. According to the Sonoma County Council on Aging, services can include home-delivered meals, pest

mistaken as strictly nursing homes, but facilities extend to places that provide other services. Here’s a look at the care facilities.

• Independent senior living: Independent living facilities may provide assistance only when needed. Amenities are designed to make things easier and more convenient for residents. Fitness centers, pools, dining venues, and transportation may be included. These facilities tend to provide the most independent form of senior living. Some independent living facilities are part of larger continuing care Photo METRO retirement communities that Research shows that many people are unaware of long-term care options or have staged care that goes may be misinformed about what's out there. from independent to skilled nursing.

• Assisted living: These contact the Council on Aging control, minor home homes provide 24-hour www.councilonaging.com or modifications, or visiting supervision, meals, telephone (707) 525-0143). nurses and health aides. healthcare services, and Other benefits may include other forms of assistance in a Community care shopping or physical therapy. home-like setting. Types of Community services can (For more information services include laundry, include adult day care housekeeping, medication centers, meal programs, dispersal, and dressing. senior centers, community • Skilled nursing homes: transportation, and others.

Nursing homes provide care Community services enable for those who cannot care for people to continue to live in themselves at home or in the the community with some community. These facilities support. They also may help offer many services all under family or friends serving as caregivers enjoy a break from one roof, like rehabilitative Care in a Loving Home services, meals, activities, the assistance they have been and around-the-clock care. providing. All the Some skilled incorporated nursing cities of homes offer Sonoma “Long-term care assists temporary County have people in their homes, in care after an community injury or senior the community or in illness and centers various types of facilities are used in supported by lieu of an private with various daily and extended donations, medical requirements.” hospital stay. local government It is never funds and too early to begin planning grants. Most offer slidingfor elder care that may scale fee structures, with include long-term care some free services. (For a full possibilities. Individuals are list of local senior services, urged to work with an elder check the Sonoma County care lawyer to help navigate website: www.sonomaseniorresourceg the complexities of planning uide.org, which is available in for medical care and their potential financial needs. both English and Spanish.)

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8 House & Home 2021

Care facilities Long-term care may be

— METRO

Home security tips for seniors S

eniors are often targeted by criminals. Though many criminals target seniors from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals seek to enter seniors' homes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics offers that, between 2003 and 2013, the ratio of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly and persons between the ages of 50 and 64 than it was for younger persons between the ages of 25 and 49.

Home security is important for people of all ages, but especially so for seniors and aging individuals living alone. By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home.

• Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and often does, give burglars easy entry into the home.

• Think about a smart doorbell.

Technology now enables doorbells to provide a video feed to a person’s smartphone or tablet over WiFi. This allows residents to see who is at the door and speak to this person without having to open the door. Some products like

Ring® will even register motion activity and record short videos from outside of the house.

• Don’t share or leave keys. Avoid leaving keys under a mat or in a flower pot. Others may be watching your actions and gain access to your home while you are away.

• Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see some identification.

• Get a home security system. The best protection against burglars is a home security alarm. Such an alarm often deters burglars from breaking in.

Photo METRO

• Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check.

• Use home automation. Home automation, or a “smart home,” can be utilized to turn on lights, set the

By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home.

thermostat, lock doors, and much more.

• Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home.

— METRO

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Tips for a successful home renovation Thinking of remodeling your home?

From safety and security to product and contractor selection, there are many factors to consider.

F

ollow these eight remodeling tips to help minimize hassles during a renovation:

1. Create a budget. Create a project budget and set a spending limit. Whether you plan to utilize savings, a home equity loan, a line of credit or free up funds through refinancing, now is the time to identify how you will finance the project, and how much you want to spend.

Photo StatePoint

When selecting a contractor, be sure they have references, certification and an understanding of the project.

2. Prepare the house. Before work starts, clear all spaces where professionals will be working, as well as walkways they will use to access these areas. Remove valuables and breakables to avoid damage and cover furniture in areas where paint or dust could harm upholstery. Keep other considerations in mind. For example, if you’re renovating the kitchen, you may need to create a temporary food prep area.

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3. Work with reputable professionals. When selecting a contractor, be sure they have references, certification and an understanding of the project. In California, contractors are required to have a state license. The California Contractors State License Board was established in 1929 as the Contractors License Bureau under the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards. Any past complaints or license violations are listed by this agency at its website for client references.

Bottom line: working with reputable professionals makes all the difference in the quality of the work and the materials used to complete the project.

4. Schedule wisely. Choose a timeframe for your home renovation that best fits your busy schedule. Keep in mind that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes cause delays. Build this into the timeline so you’re not taken by surprise.

5. Address safety. Talk to your contractor about what COVID-19

See Renovation Tips Page 11

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10 House & Home 2021

RENOVATION TIPS: Continued from Page 10 measures they practice to help keep customers and employees safe. Find out whether they’re following CDC guidelines for businesses, including always wearing a mask, social distancing whenever possible and frequent hand washing.

Also, ask if they offer virtual consultations that allow you to start the process contact-free.

7. Communicate openly and effectively. If a renovation is done correctly, you may never need to repeat the process. This makes open and honest communication with your home renovation team essential. Be sure to share your vision and to ask questions as they arise. At the same time, expect the professionals working with you to communicate regularly and address all your concerns.

8. Get a return on your investment.

Prioritize projects that will potentially raise the resale value of your home. According to most industry observers, the top 10 greatest returns on investment for home renovations include bathroom and kitchen remodels, landscaping, replacing entry doors and replacing windows. It also helps to select products that come with transferrable warranties. This will give your property a tangible leg-up on the market when it’s time to sell.

“Bottom line: working with reputable professionals makes all the difference in the quality of the work and the materials used to complete the project.”

Photos METRO

Prioritize projects that will potentially raise the resale value of your home to get a return on your home investment.

6. Add or update your security system. With professionals frequently coming in and out of your home, a home renovation may be a good time to add or update your security system with reprogrammable smart locks. Local hardware stores have many self-installed options. There are also professional home and property security services such as Advanced Security Systems that can provide professional consulting, security systems installation and monitoring.

— StatePoint

House & Home 2021 11

Home office essentials to streamline your work week

H

but are working on a laptop at home, you may find you are more productive by adding an external monitor to your home office setup.

ere are a few small tweaks and essentials to consider:

• Scene change: Is your home “office” actually the kitchen table or a couch? Keep a healthy boundary between your personal and professional life with a visual cue that indicates when the workday has started and when it’s ended. That cue could be the strategic use of a room divider to hide personal items and keep you focused. Or, it could be as simple as plopping a desk lamp onto the kitchen table during work hours to give the surface a professional, task-oriented feel.

• Organize your technology: As with your physical space, you should try to keep separations between your private use and work use of computers, social media, email accounts and mobile device uses. Maybe you can dedicate a laptop or computer for work assignments and

Photo StatePoint

If you’ve been working remotely for months, you’re likely long overdue for a home office upgrade. Having the right tools can make working from home easier and less stressful.

communications. Possibly, you have brought home “borrowed” computers or equipment from your office.

Try not to add personal tasks or communications to these machines. Also, for all tasks

and personal communications, do your best to limit and schedule your “screen time.”

• Get the full picture: If you were accustomed to a fullsized desktop monitor at work,

• Caffeine fix: Now that your cup of coffee or tea is being enjoyed at home most mornings, consider upgrading your coffee maker to fit your tastes and your demanding schedule. If you miss the latte or cappuccino you used to grab on your morning commute, it may be time to replace your standard drip machine with a full-fledged cappuccino and café latte maker. Or, consider going high-tech. New coffee maker models employing smart technology let you brew from bed using just your phone for a guaranteed caffeine fix by your early morning call.

With it looking more likely that remote working situations are here to stay, it’s time to make your home office work for you.

— StatePoint

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Tips of the Trade

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Dawn Leandro Realtor Real estate is location, location ...

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House & Home 2021 13

How to prepare a garden for spring planting

T

he final weeks of winter, and even the first few weeks of spring, are still chilly in many parts of the world. Despite those last vestiges of winter chills, late winter is a great time to begin preparing gardens for the coming planting season.

Gardens may have to withstand months of harsh weather each winter, and such conditions can take a toll.

Gardeners can consider the following tips as they try to restore their gardens and get them ready for spring planting.

• Disinfect your tools. It’s common to clean tools in late fall or whenever they’re typically placed in storage for the winter. But cleaning and disinfecting are not necessarily the same thing. If tools were not disinfected at the end of the previous gardening season, disinfect them before doing any work on the garden. Doing so can ensure any lingering bacteria or fungi on tool surfaces are killed prior to the beginning of gardening season.

Photo METRO

Gardeners can consider the following tips as they try to restore their gardens and get them ready for spring planting.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, plant pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, can be transferred to and infect plants through bits of soil and plant debris left on shovels and pruner blades.

Thoroughly disinfecting such tools prior to using them in the spring is a great way to reduce the risk of disease in your garden.

• Clear debris from garden beds. Leaves, twigs, sticks and

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14 House & Home 2021

other debris may have gathered in the garden over the winter. Such debris can inhibit the growth of plants and vegetables, so make sure all of it is removed prior to planting.

Weeds might even begin to sprout up in late winter and early spring, so remove them before they go to seed.

• Test the soil. Testing the soil prior to planting can help gardeners determine what their gardens will need to

thrive in the coming months.

Garden centers and home improvement stores sell home testing kits that are effective and easy to use. Once the results are in, speak with a professional at your local garden center about the best time to amend the soil.

• Loosen compacted soil.

Soil can become compacted over winter. If compacted soil is not loosened prior to planting, plants will have a hard time getting the water and nutrients they need to thrive. Loosening the soil also provides another opportunity to inspect the garden for any underlying issues, such as fungi or weed growth, that you may have missed when clearing debris or testing the soil.

Late winter is a good time to assess a garden and address any issues that developed over the winter so plants and vegetables can thrive come the spring planting season.

— METRO

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Exploring different backyard structures

D

esigning an ideal backyard space requires forethought and an eye for style. Knowing which features to include in a yard often boils down to what homeowners want to achieve in the space. Will it be a relaxing oasis or a central entertaining focal point?

People often look to various structures to add height and visual interest to outdoor spaces.

Homeowners will likely come across structures like arbors, gazebos, pergolas, and even trellises as they wade through the variety of features they can incorporate into backyard plans.

Each of these structures can add appeal, but they also can offer shelter from the sun and privacy when enjoying the yard. There are significant differences between each structure, so here’s an indepth look at what sets them apart.

• Arbor: An arbor is one of the more simple garden structures. It is usually a frame that is arched or square-cornered. Most homeowners use it as an entryway to a garden or even the front of the home. Those with green thumbs may cover the arbor with climbing and trailing plants. The Spruce says arbors date back to early Egyptian and Roman gardens and were used throughout Europe by the late 16th century.

• Pergola: The words arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but to suggest the two structures are the same would not be accurate. Pergola comes from the Italian word “pergula,” which means

“projection.” Pergolas were once projected from exterior walls and supported on one side by pillars or columns. Today, arbors are usually freestanding units with two or four posts. Pergolas may be connected on one side to a home or another structure. Some are freestanding units supported by four posts. Pergolas tend to be larger and offer more privacy and shade than arbors.

• Gazebo: Gazebos are more defined garden buildings, states the contractor referral site Network. Gazebos are freestanding units that can be built in various shapes. Some are octagonal, others are square. Like a pergola, a gazebo is supported by columns and may have low railings or built-in benches.

Gazebos also may have a more

solid roof than arbors or pergolas, providing sun and other weather protection. The roof may have added architectural appeal, like a cupola.

• Trellis: A trellis is a simple, geometrically-shaped structure that provides a surface for

climbing plants. A trellis also may support fruit-bearing trees. Trellis work may be used in conjunction with an arbor or pergola, or be installed on fencing.

Incorporating structures into backyard designs can provide functionality and appeal.

House & Home 2021 15

Tips of the Trade

Photo by Jerry Dodrill

Sonoma West Publishers

Color has been shown to be instrumental for physical and emotional well-being. Choose artwork and furnishings with the colors that bring a positive emotional response for years of enjoyment.

Even though many meals are enjoyed around the table, there’s something to be said for the convenience of a kitchen island and some well-placed bar stools for quick breakfasts or snacks. Designating a beverage station for coffee and tea, can serve as a make shift break room when working from home.

gen@genzart.com

sonomawest.com

Gen Zorich Painter

Nicole Ours Vivid Landscapes

Abby Bard Fiber Artist Varied fabrics and textures add visual appeal to your home decor.

Select colors from a favorite piece of art for pillows and throws, adding comfort and reflecting your personality. abbybardhandwoven.com/

abby bard handwoven

Commissions welcome!

Vivid oils: land, sea and sky scapes Visit my studio by appointment & during Sonoma County Art Trails in September Nicole Ours Art Studio • www.nicoleoursartstudio.com

16 House & Home 2021

Luxurious textiles to wear and for the home.

Come and visit my Sebastopol weaving studio by appointment.

707-280-2607 www.abbybardhandwoven.com

How and why to build a raised garden bed this season For an amazing crop this season, take a cue from the professionals and build a raised garden bed for best results.

F

airly easy to construct and even easier to maintain, raised garden beds are a great way to raise plants and vegetables in the comfort and convenience of your backyard.

Here are some of the top insights and tips: • Why use raised garden beds? A raised garden bed can help facilitate the ideal growing environment, as most people don’t have that perfect soil naturally in their yard. Their accessibility makes them easier to work in and maintain. Plus, they’re a nice architectural design element in any landscape.

• What’s the ideal size? The main rule of the thumb applies to width. The bed should be wider than 4 feet, as you never want to compact the soil when working.

Length however, is based on personal preference and needs. As far as height is concerned, you want the roots to be able to grow out and down as much as possible — 6-inches at minimum. While 12-inches is common, anything higher is a bonus.

• What materials work best? Treated lumber is the most readily available and economical material and will likely last the longest, however, organic gardeners might prefer untreated hardwood or redwood, as they last almost as long and don’t contain chemicals. Other materials you have around the home and yard, such as rocks, old tubs, etc., can work, too.

• Where’s the best location? Build your raised garden bed on level ground, in full sun exposure near a water supply.

DIY Instructions: To build a 10-foot x 4-foot x 18-inch raised bed, you’ll need: Nine 6-inch x 6inch x 12-foot cedar timbers, tape measure, T-square and marking pencil, a saw and extension cord, one box of 10inch heavy-duty exterior wood screws, ten 24-inch x 1/2-inch rebar stakes, 20 10-inch galvanized timber spikes, sledgehammer; impact drill and long drill bit, level, hammer; shovel, hardware cloth, wire cutters and fence staples, work gloves, safety glasses and ear plugs, and a wheelbarrow (to transport soil.)

1. Begin by cutting six, 6 x 6 timbers, each measuring 10-feet 6-inches in length.

Also cut six, 6 x 6 timbers, each measuring 4-feet 6-inches in length. Drill rebar holes in each timber.

2. Once the first layer of bed has been

Photo METRO

Raised garden beds create visual interest and an ideal growing environment.

placed, leveled and squared in your desired location, fasten the corners using 10-inch wood screws. Secure the entire layer to the ground with 10 pieces of rebar.

3. Place the second layer of timbers, staggering the corners and fastening them with wood screws. Secure this layer to the first with ten 10-inch galvanized spikes.

4. Install galvanized cloth to prevent burrowing pests from eating earthworms and destroying plants.

5. Place the third layer of timbers (following above directions.)

6. Fill with soil and plants.

— StatePoint

House & Home 2021 17

How to throw the ultimate virtual dinner party

Photo METRO

Try planning your virtual event around a scheduled activity, like the televised viewing of a movie, sports event, concert or theater performance. You can also put a creative spin on your activities, such as hosting a live jam session or planned music performance to entertain guests.

A

s all of us are increasingly staying home, we're seeing the return of a longstanding tradition — the intimate dinner party with beloved family and friends.

Food, drink, friends, good conversation — a dinner party is, in the end, a simple and enduring combination of ingredients, made unique by what hosts and guests infuse the evening with.

Thinking of throwing your own virtual dinner party?

Preparations don’t need to be lengthy or difficult if you follow a few simple tips.

Consider the following suggestions for a warm, wonderful gathering that will leave your guests feeling loved and appreciated.

18 House & Home 2021

Pull together the right guest list With whom would you most enjoy spending time at your virtual event? Are there people you've been wanting to get to know better? Friends you wish to thank? Family members you haven't seen in a long time?

Decide who you'll invite, then issue your invitations with ample time to reserve the date!

Plan your menu - and decor Try sticking to your favorite recipes, perhaps incorporating dishes you think of as your "specialties" and leave out any dishes that could become overly complex or stressful.

List the ingredients you'll need and pick them up a day or two ahead, so you'll have plenty of time for the prep work. On the same trip, pick up flowers, candles, wood for your

fireplace, holiday décor or anything else that will help you create a seasonal, welcoming ambiance.

Assemble your tablescape Even though it's a virtual party, you'll want to get out your best plates, glasses and silverware and make sure everything is clean and polished from set up to clean up. Go all the way and retrieve your holiday or heirloom china and silver from the cupboard or pantry and give them a sparkling pre-wash.

Have a Zoom activity in mind Sometimes things on Zoom can start to get awkward with people talking over one another, so get a game ready for your virtual event. Trivia is always a crowd favorite and is

perfect over Zoom. Try planning your event around a scheduled activity like the televised viewing of a movie, sports event, concert or theater performance. Another activity could be to have a virtual winetasting, with everyone “sharing” their favorite wine, or arranging ahead of time for everyone to sample a bottle of a handpicked wine by you.

Once preparations are in place, all that's left to do is to sit back and enjoy the company and great food to make lasting memories. Seize the day and plan a dinner party with some of your favorite people. Find more information about the tools and machines that can help you in your quest at LG.com.

— BPT

Food & Drink Recipes Edible Centerpiece Vegetable Crudités with Greek Goddess Dip

C

reate an edible centerpiece of vegetables for your next dinner party, served with our zesty, Greekinspired herb dip. This easy recipe makes the perfect food and wine pairing appetizer to complement the bright acidity and fresh fruit flavors of Jordan Chardonnay.

Ingredients • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3” batons or a bunch of baby carrots • 1 English cucumber, peeled and cut into 3” batons • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into batons or triangles • 2 celery spears, peeled and cut into 3” batons • 1 bunch of radishes, washed and trimmed (larger radishes may be sliced or halved) • 1 basket cherry tomatoes • A selection of your favorite herb sprigs and lettuce leaves (such as basil, radicchio and endive)

For the dip • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt • 1 cup sour cream • ¼ cup parsley leaves, chopped • 1 Tbsp mint, chiffonade (shredded) • 2 Tbsp dill, chopped • 1 Tbsp tarragon, chopped • 1 tsp dried leaf oregano, crumbled • ½ tsp ground cumin • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 lemons, zested • ¼ cup capers, drained and chopped • salt and pepper to taste • Jordan Extra Virgin Olive Oil to garnish

Jordan Olive Oil Ice Cream

W

ith its delicate flavors of citrus and flowers, the Jordan Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the perfect accompaniment to this olive oil ice cream recipe.

Ingredients • 1¾ cups whole milk • ¼ cup cream • ½ cup sugar • Pinch of salt • 4 egg yolks • ¼ cup Jordan Extra Virgin Olive Oil Instructions yields 1 quart

Instructions yields 2 cups Rinse and cut the vegetables into small bitesize shapes. Arrange in bento boxes or a divided dish that can be used as a centerpiece. To prepare the crudités in advance, place the cut vegetables in zip-lock bags or an airtight container, cover with moist paper towels and store in the refrigerator for up to two days.

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sour cream, herbs, cumin, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prior to serving, stir dip, transfer to a decorative bowl and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Also try with our authentic hummus or grilled eggplant baba ganoush.

— Jordan Winery

In a medium saucepan, heat milk, cream, sugar and salt over medium heat until reaching a slow boil.

In a medium bowl, temper the eggs by slowly whisking half of the hot liquid into the yolks. Slowly whisk the hot liquid and egg mixture back into the saucepan. With the heat on low, continue whisking until the base slightly thickens.

Using a chinoise or fine strainer, strain the base into a medium bowl set directly over an ice bath. Stir in olive oil.

Allow the base to cool completely (or refrigerate overnight for a creamier texture). Spin in an ice cream machine, following the manufacturer's directions.

Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 3-4 hours, or until firm.

To serve, scoop ice cream into bowls and add a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of Jordan Olive Oil.

— Jordan Winery

Kris Allen’s Bloody Mary

W

hether you’re hosting a socialdistanced barbecue or making a Sunday brunch for two, these spicy and savory Bloody Marys will have you and your guests coming back for more.

Ingredients • 2/3 part V8 • 1/3 part Clamato • 2 oz. Vodka (bacon flavored if you can find it!)

• Old Bay seasoning to taste • Beef bullion to taste • Horseradish to taste • Worcester Sauce to taste • Lemon juice to taste • Tabasco to taste

Instructions Mix all ingredients in a drink mixer. Garnish, on a skewer, with shrimp, celery, green olives filled with garlic, bacon, black olives, jalapeño pepper and a lemon wedge.

— Kris Allen Food recipes and photos sponsored by Jordan Vineyard & Winery.

707-431-5286 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg www.jordanwinery.com

House & Home 2021 19

How to garden from a wheelchair

Photo iStock

There are a variety of ways people in wheelchairs can maneuver obstacles to enjoy gardening.

G

ardening is a wonderful activity that people from all walks of life enjoy. A garden full of fresh fruits and vegetables and/or beautiful blooms can instill a sense of pride in gardeners and turn their backyards into colorful, peaceful respites.

Anyone with the will to do so can plant

their own garden, and that includes people who are confined to wheelchairs.

Gardening from a wheelchair may present some unique challenges, but such obstacles are no reason for wheelchairbound gardening enthusiasts to steer clear of this rewarding activity.

In recognition of the challenges of gardening from a wheelchair, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis, offers the following tips to wheelchair-bound gardening enthusiasts.

• Match the garden to your abilities.

The Reeve Foundation notes that trying to push beyond your limits can affect how much you enjoy gardening. Address issues that may impair how you can function in the garden, such as accessibility. For example, if the garden is far away from the physical structure of your home, you may feel exhausted by the time you get to the garden, which can affect your productivity and progress. Prior to starting a garden, consider the potential that such issues may arise and then try to build a garden that makes it easy to overcome them.

• Consider raised beds. The Reeve

Foundation highly recommends raised beds for anyone gardening from a wheelchair. When designing such beds, make sure they’re narrow so they can be conveniently accessed from your wheelchair.

• Consider hanging baskets. Hanging baskets also can be a great option for anyone gardening from a wheelchair.

Hanging baskets can provide aesthetic appeal inside and outside of a home, and such baskets can be accessed with a pulley system that makes it easy for gardeners to prune and water plants.

• Use specialized tools. The online medical resource Verywell Health notes that various manufacturers have recognized there’s a market for adaptive gardening tools. Such tools make it easier for people in wheelchairs to indulge their passion for planting. Adaptive tools like trowels, cultivators and hoes can make it easier for gardeners to perform all the standard gardening tasks. Ergonomic adaptive gardening tools can help gardeners avoid the joint pain that can arise from using more traditional, nonergonomic tools.

Anyone can enjoy gardening, and that includes people in wheelchairs.

— METRO

Total Tree Care Safe and experienced tree maintenance and removal services supervised by a licensed arborist.

Our services include Trimming • Pruning • Disease diagnosis • Tree preservation Root fertilization • Tree removal • Cabling support Professional planting • Stump removal • Hazard assessment Lot clearing • Chipping • Diagnosis & treatment consultations Free Estimates | Residential & Commercial | Fully Insured 24-Hour Emergency Service | Senior & Single Parent Discounts Year-Round Service | Bucket Truck Available

Timo Alli 707-433-1327 | Cell: 707-495-3768 www.fatherstouchinc.com timoalli@comcast.net

20 House & Home 2021

Lic. #: CSL 1074170

Swimming pool landscaping ideas

B

ackyard pools provide a way to cool off and enjoy a taste of luxury without having to travel. Backyard pools provided even more convenience and a welcome respite in 2020, as many public pools were closed in response to social distancing restrictions put in place during the pandemic.

After installing pools, many homeowners realize that touching up the landscaping around the pool can provide the finishing touch to their backyard retreats. Not all landscaping is the same, and homeowners should choose plants that look beautiful, are tolerant to pool splash-out and won’t outgrow the area. The home and garden resource ‘The Spruce’ notes that a plant that is attractive at two feet tall can grow rapidly and drop leaves or other debris into the pool.

When selecting options for pool landscaping, there are some considerations to keep in mind: • Choose plants that will provide privacy.

Photo METRO

When selecting options for pool landscaping, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

• Know which kind of climate a plant needs prior to purchasing it. Tropical plants may be fitting poolside, but will they endure when the season is over?

• Design according to the theme of the home, as plants should complement the existing style. Modern foliage may not blend well with a home styled after a traditional English cottage.

• Decide whether you can accept spreading or trailing plants that can cascade over retaining walls and other infrastructure.

• Look at trees that won’t drop too many leaves, flowers or fruit into the water.

• Think about having layers of plants to soften the landscape, which can make a small pool seem bigger and more luxurious, indicates the landscaping

company ‘Earth Development, Inc.’ • Don’t overlook the possibility of a lawn abutting pavers or concrete surrounding a pool, as it can soften the edges and keep spaces open and inviting.

• Incorporate herbs or fragrant plants, which can transform a pool day into a spa experience. Consider lowmaintenance lavender as an option.

Pool landscaping must marry a variety of different features and plant requirements. As a result, a professional consultation may be the route to take. Landscape architects will have the know-how to select plant varieties that will be tolerant, beautiful and fulfill homeowners’ wishes.

Backyard pools can make a backyard retreat that much more enjoyable. Landscaping offers the softness and beauty that adds a finishing touch to poolside retreats.

— METRO

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House & Home 2021 21

16 Living Well 2020

Sponsored

Improvements Made Affordable

Photo iStock

IMPROVEMENTS — Sonoma County Energy Independence Program helps property owners make needed improvements related to energy, water, wildfire safety, and seismic strengthening.

Save energy and money while creating resilience

L

iving in Sonoma County has many benefits and one of the lesser known is the resources that are available from the County’s Energy and Sustainability Division.

The Division has been offering communityfacing services since the 2009 launch of the County’s financing program, the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program, which allows property owners to make needed improvements related to energy, water, wildfire safety, and seismic strengthening.

Since the launch of the financing program, the Division has added several other services such as better building and solar consultations at no charge, homeowner workshops on a variety of subjects, Green Business Certification, and serve as a clearinghouse for all types of information and resources like rebates and incentives to get projects done.

Now is a great time to contact the Division to learn more, schedule a consultation, or start your financing application. With a recent drop in the interest rate to 5.99% and terms of 10 or 20 years, it’s a great time to make improvements.

Q. What types of improvements can you finance?

A. Recently added improvements such as class A roofing, windows, ember resistant or

22 House & Home 2021

insulating exterior siding, gutters, eaves, vents, earthquake brace and bolt to name a few.

Things like HVAC, solar systems, and battery back-ups have been eligible since the program started. The added measures bring the eligible list to over 100 improvements.

Q. Is this for residential and commercial properties?

A. The financing is available for any property in Sonoma County. However, nonprofit, tax-exempt property may have additional considerations.

“Now is a great time to contact the Division to learn more, schedule a consultation, or start your financing application.”

Q. How does the program work?

A. The financing is based on the current market property value. You can borrow up to 10%. Since the financing is property-based, there is no income or credit qualifying. You need to be current on any mortgages and property taxes.

Q. What makes this different than traditional financing?

A. Because it’s based on the property, your financial situation or portfolio are not considered. This type of “off-the-books”

financing is appealing to both residential and commercial property owners because it doesn’t compromise their ability to borrow personally.

Q. How can I learn more or start an application?

A. Visit the website at sonomacountyenergy.org/financing or call (707) 565-6470.

About the Energy and Sustainability Division: The Division was established in 2006 as part of the Sonoma County General Services Department to advance efficient and sustainable government, residential, and business practices in Sonoma County.

About the County of Sonoma: The County is comprised of 25 departments and agencies that provide a full range of services to the community. It encompasses over 1600 square miles and is home to almost 500,000 residents.

Sonoma County government has a history of providing excellent and responsive public service while operating under sound fiscal principles.

707-565-6470 sonomacountyenergy.org/financing

Clov erdale, June 2 020 verdale, 2020 Clov erdale Citrus F air a verdale Fair Phot ob y Z oe Strickland oto by Zoe

Windsor, April 2015 Photo by Greg Clementi

Sebastopol, April 2019 Apple Blossom Parade Photo by Rollie Atkinson

Healdsburg, June 2020 BLM Rally Photo by Katherine Mankiewicz

L ocall Ne ew ws.

There’s Nothin ng g Else Lik ke e It. S onoma C ounty L ocal Ne ew ws Initiativ ve e H E A L D S B U R G • C LOV E R DA L E • W E ST C O U N T Y/ S E B A STO P O L • W I N D S O R

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House & Home 2021 23

financin ng Improvements made affordable

Make a move towards a more energy efficient and res silient building with our Property Improvement Financing.

Benefits:

10 or 20 ye ear terms Fixed “sim mple” interest rate Property-b based financing No income e or credit qualifica ations Finance up p to 10% of your cu current urrent market vallue

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Batte ery storage and solar Fire resistant r Roofing, Siding and Decking D Seism mic strengthening Energ gy efficient HV VAC And more... m

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