Spring Home & Garden 2022

Section B – May 11, 2022

B-2 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

All-natural ways to protect food gardens from pests Homeowners frequently enhance their outdoor living spaces with attractive plants and trees.

When that greenery also produces food, the results can be both beauty and bounty.

People who plant vegetable gardens and fruit trees in their yards can be blessed with an abundance of fresh pickings once it’s time to harvest. In fact, many home gardeners may have visions of warm evenings pulling vegetables right out of the garden and tossing them on the grill or in salads. But insects and animals enjoy fresh produce just as people do. The joy of harvesting from a garden can be diminished when unwanted guests have gotten there first.

Homeowners can employ these all-natural strategies to protect their fruits and vegetables from lawn pests and critters.

Use row covers or garden mesh

Specialized covers and meshes protect fruit and vegetables against insects and animals. Many plants can be covered all year long as long as the covers are lifted during flowering if the crops depend on pollination by bees.

Space out plants

One way to reduce insect or animal pest numbers is to ensure ample space between plants. Tightly planted crops create a breeding ground for fungal diseases and also provide hiding spots and warmth for pests. Leaving room between plants can help avoid these issues.

Plant gardens in raised beds

Though they’re not a fool-proof deterrent, raised beds can eliminate some garden infiltration by small critters that come up and under from the ground. A raised garden bed can deter rabbits, gophers, groundhogs, slugs, and some other crawling pests. Raised beds also are ergonomical and more easily accessible.

Prepare homemade insecticide

The environmental information site Treehugger provides information on making a homemade insecticide from vegetable oil and a mild soap.

Use one cup of oil with one tablespoon of soap (such as Dr Bronner’s castile soap). Add this mixture to one quart of water in a spray bottle.

This concoction can eradicate aphids, mites, thrips, and more. Soap-and-water sprays or even neem oil sprays work similarly.

Interplant crops in the garden

Get top dollar for your home.

Complimentary home staging when you list with us!

Call today for a free home evaluation.

Stacey DiNiro

Mary Del Ciancio

Broker

Realtor®

519-796-3891

519-999-2877

stacey@jumprealty.ca

homes@marydelciancio.com

Interplanting is a technique that involves alternating crops, herbs and flowers to confuse the pests so they have a difficult time finding what they want to eat. Alternate rows of vegetables with herbs and flowers that appeal to beneficial insects.

S L pring

andscaping Start with...

TOPSOIL MULCH DRIVEWAY STONE WE DELIVER! Call us today

WWW. JUMPREALTY.CA

TALBOT TRAIL LTD. 519-825-4338 822 Talbot Rd. E., Wheatley

SOUTHPOINT SUN –

B-3

Popular insect repellant plants Homeowners choose plants for their properties based on a number of variables. Some may be into growing their own foods, while others desire their gardens to be an awe-inspiring mélange of bright colors and alluring scents. There’s no wrong reason to plant a fresh garden, but some plants offer extra benefits, such as repelling insects.

Lemongrass

Insects can be a nuisance and a threat to individuals’ overall health, but the good news for avid gardeners is that certain plants can help repel insects and provide the additional benefits like fresh food and aesthetic appeal that so many people love.

Mint

Lemongrass is a tropical grass that’s so fragrant it’s often used in perfumes.

Lemongrass contains citronella, which many people associate with repelling mosquitoes. A potted lemongrass plant can repel these unwanted guests, keeping them away from decks, porches and/or patios all summer long.

Mint is another plant that is instantly recognizable for its aroma. But mint lovers may not realize that it’s also great for keeping ants at bay. Mint can also be used to repel mosquitoes, but gardeners with no experience planting mint should plant it in pots. That’s because the Farmers Almanac notes mint Basil is an especially aggressive spreader that can quickly take over a garden.

The aroma of fresh basil is enough to compel any gardener to make a place Separating mint in pots can prevent it from bullying its way into other for it in their garden. But there’s more to fresh basil than its scent, as the plants’ domains.

Farmers Almanac notes it can be used to repel mosquitoes and moths.

Chrysanthemums

The Farmers’ Almanac® recommends using chrysanthemums, which repel Fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths are not fans of this aromatic and colorful a range of insects from bedbugs to fleas to ants, as border plants around a member of the mint family. Bees tend to be drawn to lavender, a durable home. That’s because they contain the natural insecticide pyrethrin, which plant that many garden centers recommend in areas prone to drought or can serve as something of an insect-repelling boundary around a home. hot summers without much precipitation.

Lavender

Basil

Lavender

Lemongrass

Mint

Chrysanthemums

Tips for negotiating with contractors Spring is the season for fixing up a home.

Homeowners who aren’t interested in doing the work themselves turn to contractors to ensure the job is done not only to code, but on time and efficiently.

After receiving an initial estimate from a contractor, homeowners may wonder if there is any additional wiggle room in contractors’ costs.

Certain contractors are willing to negotiate while others are firm in their prices. However, learning the basics of negotiation can put homeowners in position to save money on dream renovations.

We Raise Sunken Concrete

519-687-6006 Gerard Soulliere Owner/Operator

Free Estimates - Guaranteed Work

Slabjacking Crack Injection Waterproofing Wall Reinforcing Foundation Repairs

www.soulliereconcrete.com

SELF-STORAGE 1968 Setterington Drive RR #2 Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E5 (just off 3rd Con. E.)

• Boats • RV’s • Tractors • Trailers • Residential • Office • Furniture • Climate Control

519-322-5171

Do your homework

Getting the best price typically requires shopping around and not settling on the first bid. Experts recommend getting at least three estimates on the same job - and be sure to let each contractor know that you are soliciting multiple bids. This alone may entice a specific contractor to give you his or her best offer up front. Avoid simply choosing the lowest bid. Look at quality of work, reputation and reviews. If you like a costly contractor more than another, see if that contractor is willing to match a lower bid to win the job.

Ask to do a portion

Be honest with the contractor about your budget and figure out if there is any way for you to do some of the work to lower costs. The contractor can give you jobs that are within your abilities, which can shave dollars off the final price.

contractors can source materials from a low-cost supplier. In addition, discuss if you can purchase your own supplies.

Pick the right season

As with other industries, home renovation work heats up during certain seasons or times of year.

Talk about supplies General contractors may be more willing to After getting a good bid, you may be able to speak negotiate for a lower price depending on when with your contractor about lowering costs even their busy season may be. Jobs may slow down in more by choosing less costly supplies. Find out if winter, for example.

NEED GARDENING ADVICE?

Join the Leamington Horticultural Society leamingtonhorticulturalsociety@gmail.com

Spring is a great time to have your home evaluated!

WATCH FOR OUR PERENNIAL

PLANT SALE SAT. JUNE 11 Like us on Facebook for updates on sale as well as other events

519.919.1532

www.sellwithpatricia.com

Let me make your move stress free.

English and Portuguese Spoken

B-4 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

The Spring Market is in Bloom!

See your professionals from Realty House for a comprehensive market analysis on your home!

Thinking of buying or selling a home?

We are here to help.

LOUIE SAAD, P.Eng. Broker/Owner 519-919-7223

BECKY SAAD

CONRAD BABKIRK

Sales Representative/Owner Sales Representative 519-919-7223 519-818-4435

ED REGEHR

Sales Representative 519-322-8643

GARRY CRANSTON

Sales Representative 519-818-4393

KEVIN BABKIRK Broker of Record 519-818-4432

LISA FOULON

Sales Representative 519-817-4348

Realty House

Independently Owned and Operated

Sun Parlour Inc. Brokerage REALTOR®

BILL BAIRD

Broker 519-564-6515

TWYLA CARDER

Sales Representative 519-257-0207

DICK MUNROE Broker 519-796-1999

DAN MUNROE

Broker 519-796-1907

55 Erie St. N., Leamington

519-322-2233 40 Queen St. S., Tilbury

519-607-0311

SOUTHPOINT SUN –

B-5

Popular kitchen flooring materials

Stone:

When renovating kitchens, homeowners will have to consider various components within the room, including the floors. Average flooring costs can be hard to calculate because they depend so heavily on homeowners’ choice of materials. The following are some popular flooring materials that homeowners can consider as they plan to renovate their kitchens.

Vinyl:

Vinyl flooring is popular thanks in large part to its cost, with vinyl flooring installation often much less costly than other types of flooring. But its budget-friendliness is not the only benefit of vinyl flooring, it’s also easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for families that routinely confront spills and stains.

Porcelain/ceramic tile:

Porcelain or ceramic tile often costs less to install compared to the cost of installing stone or wood flooring. It’s important to note that porcelain or ceramic tiles can be slippery when they get wet, so you may want to look for tile that has been certified as slip resistant.

Natural stone tile is another popular kitchen flooring material. With a wide variety of styles and price points, it’s a good option for homeowners working with budgets both big and small.

Stone tiles also provide a Whether selling or buying, unique look because no it’s a great time to move. two tiles look the same, which might appeal to ALICE NOHRA Sales Representative homeowners who want 519-890-4009 their kitchen floors to create a one-of-a-kind impression.

Spring is Here!

Giving you more time to spend in the spaces you love

Hardwood:

It’s hard to beat hardwood when it comes to aesthetic appeal. Hardwood can be especially suitable in homes with open-concept floor plans that already have hardwood floors in surrounding rooms. While hardwood flooring installation can be costly, making it a less realistic option for budgetconscious homeowners, engineered wood planks may be something to consider in the kitchen as these are designed to be less susceptible to humidity and temperature. That’s an important component to consider in the kitchen, where temperatures can fluctuate while meals are being prepared.

Reliable comfort all year long...

PLUMBING • HEATING • HVAC SERVICES

1 Iroquois Road Leamington

519-326-6054 www.dhcmechanical.com

Serving Leamington, Kingsville, Wheatley & Surrounding Area Since 1997

PA I N T I N G & D E C O R AT I N G

Q UA L I T Y

•

PRIDE

Painting Perfected •

S E RV I C E

onthewall@cogeco.ca

Heather Epp

519.326.2546

Brook Epp

B-6 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

2078 Talbot Road

519-326-8840

Located between Ruthven & Leamington • Open Mon. - Fri. 9-7, Sat. & Sun. 9-5

capognaflowers.com

SOUTHPOINT SUN –

B-7

Low-cost ways to revamp living areas

Living rooms are some of the most frequently used spaces in a home, and they can use an update from time to time to stay on trend or to make the area more functional for a changing family dynamic.

Homeowners should figure out how many dollars they can designate to a living room makeover before purchasing supplies or hiring out the work. Figure out the scope of the remodel, visit stores or suppliers to price out materials, get estimates from contractors, and then plan for some unforseen circumstances along the way to determine if this type of renovation is affordable. If not, scale things back until the project more closely aligns with your budget.

Here are some budget-friendly ideas for breathing new life into living room designs.

Change the paint colour

A can or two of paint can do wonders for updating a space without a large financial commitment. Pair that new paint colour with new window coverings and complementary throw pillows to pull the theme together with minimal expense.

Update the flooring

Tired, outdated carpeting or other flooring can use an overhaul. While solid hardwood flooring may be preferable, there are many types of laminate flooring that mimic the looks of popular wood colours and styles for a fraction of the cost. Plus, many are sold at home improvement retailers and even at warehouse clubs or online for reasonable prices. Laminate flooring also may be a potential DIY job for a skilled homeowner, saving even more money.

Introduce a fireplace

Fireplaces were once hot commodities, but that popularity waned in the 1970s and 1980s. Homeowners with chimneys may discover a fireplace was boarded over and the bare bones still exist that can be renovated to bring back character. There also are ventless freestanding units that are quite affordable that can mimic the look of a built-in fireplace.

Reupholster instead of replace furniture

There’s no need to throw away quality furniture if the fabric is the only thing impeding design. New upholstery or even a slipcover can update designs.

Conquer clutter

Rather than adding something to the living room, remove clutter to give the room a more airy feel. This can instantly change the look of the room. Use cord covers to tame plugs for electronics and remove unnecessary furniture from the room.

Improve lighting

Another easy and often inexpensive fix is to change lighting fixtures, including using brighter, more energy efficient LED bulbs, and to assess lighting needs to eliminate dark corners of rooms that can make the space seem drab.

Budget-friendly ways to upgrade a landscape Landscaping projects run the gamut from simple changes that can be accomplished on a weekend afternoon to more significant and costly undertakings that require the work of a professional. Budget-conscious homeowners may be looking for simpler projects, and the following are some less costly ways to upgrade a landscape.

Add a pop of colour with planters

Awe-inspiring colours can make a landscape stand out from surrounding properties. Flowers, bushes and plants may be the first thing homeowners consider when trying to add colour to their lawns, but planters can provide a more immediate way to give exterior grounds some colour. Homeowners can even switch planters so the colours align with the season. For example, some pastel planters can evoke the spirit of spring, while orange planters can be filled with mums to give a landscape an autumnal feel.

Plant perennials around the property

Well-maintained perennials grow back each year, making them ideal for homeowners who don’t have the time or desire to map out new gardening arrangements each spring. Planting perennials also is a great way to add color around the property without breaking the bank.

Upgrade walkways

Though it’s more expensive than adding planters and planting perennials, upgrading old and cracked walkways is a great way to give a property a whole new look. Homeowners working on a budget can target spots where walkways have already cracked and fix those areas first before continuing the project piecemeal until all the old walkways have been replaced.

Plant to create privacy

Homeowners spent more time at home than ever before during the pandemic, and some might have grown tired of seeing what their neighbors are up to. Fencing can be expensive but a less costly and natural solution is to plant trees around the perimeter.

Spring is here!

Contact me to sell your home.

DEBBIE WARREN Sales Representative 14 Main St. West, Cell: 519-817-4121 KINGSVILLE Office: 519-733-8411

B-8 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

SAVE

10 PER GALLON $ 50 PER PAIL

$

ALL COLOURS AVAILABLE

SICO.CA Wall to Wall Confidence is a trademark of PPG Group of Companies.

Sico is a registered trademark of the PPG Group of Companies. © 2015 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

10

Our$Exterior SAVE Wood Stains

PER GALLON New Trendy colours for a stunning outdoor décor!

Our Exterior Wood Stains

www.sico.ca

liquid inspiration®

SUPERIOR QUALITY

OLYMPIC DECK CLEANER OUR TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL, EXTERIOR STAIN PROJECT

21

$

.99

• Deep cleans decks, fences and siding • Removes 4x more dirt than water alone • Penetrates deep into the wood and lifts dirt to the surface to be rinsed away • Simply apply, let sit for five to ten minutes, then rinse off • Ready to use • No scrubbing required

Grey Wood is DEAD WOOD Wood finishes will not last if applied to grey wood.

CLEAN!!! NO POWER WASHING!!!

Always SAND 60 Grit for decks 100-120 for vertical surfaces If you do not SAND evenly your stain will not penetrate properly leaving you with a BLOTCHY FINISH! Is your wood DRY? 18% or less moisture Not sure? Rent our moisture meter $45 deposit Reimbursed to you when returned

SAVE

SAVE

ON SICO MUSE*

ON SICO EVOLUTION*

The three main enemies of exterior coatings

IN-STOCK

WALLPAPER UP TO

Sunlight I Moisture I Temperature • • • • •

Outside Temperature should be 60-85F or 10-25C Rain in forecast: 48 Hours before and after staining Do Not Paint Directly in the sun ... follow the sun!

Warm to touch TOO HOT To Paint!

Please don’t paint on a WINDY day ... the product starts to dry too quick before it has a chance to penetrate and grab onto the surface.

50% OFF ALL WALL ART

80% OFF

40% 40%

See paint counter for details

MAY 11-18

sico.ca *The $15 discount applies to Sico Muse 991,992,993 series, and the $10 discount applies to Sico Evolution 861-5XX,863,866,867 (excluding Evolution Ceiling) series 3.78 L size only.

The $25 discount applies to Sico Evolution 861-5XX,863,866,867 (excluding Evolution Ceiling) series 18.9 L size only.

Offer valid from March 24th to April 7th, 2021, while quantities last. Sico, Muse and Sico Evolution are registered trademarks of the PPG Group of Companies. © 2021 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 623372

LAKESHORE PAINT & SUPPLY Distributors of Paints & Products

120 Erie St. N., Leamington

519-326-3662