Summer Home & Garden 2017

Summer

Home & Garden A publication of The Turlock Journal & Ceres Courier

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

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Summer Energy Savings. . . . . . . . . Page 4

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Flowers in Bloom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 Ceres Garden Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Protect Your Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8

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Consider a Swimming Pool . . . . . . Page 9 Summer HVAC Inspection. . . . . . . Page 10 Reducing Lawn Stress. . . . . . . . . . Page 11 Publisher

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Summer Energy Savings

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ummer can have a big impact on your home’s cooling costs. Protecting your home from the heat outdoors and maintaining a cool interior temperature is crucial.

There are many ways you can help make your home more energy-efficient.

CEILING FANS

The Department of Energy estimates that an efficient ceiling fan used with air conditioning allows you to increase your thermostat by an average of four degrees without losing comfortability.

Ceiling fans boost cooling efficiency by creating a wind chill. Remember, you can turn them off when you leave the room as they are meant to cool people, not rooms.

Most ceiling fans feature a switch to change their direction.

Be sure your fan is running counter-clockwise to blow air straight down. A ceiling fan that bears the Energy Star logo can be used at high settings without much of an impact on your electricity bill.

MANAGE YOUR APPLIANCES The comfortability of your home’s interior can be negatively affected by heat-producing

appliances on hot days. Here’s how to lower their impact.

• Cook outside. Summer is a great time for grilling. Try to keep the oven off on blazing hot days. Instead, head outside for a backyard BBQ. If you do not have access to a grill, you can still limit oven use by using a

stovetop or microwave.

• Limit drying appliances. If the weather complies, you can save big bucks (and heat) by avoiding drying appliances.

Consider air-drying dishes and hanging wet clothes on an outdoor clothesline. If you must use these appliances, make sure you

only operate them with full loads.

• Install low-energy light bulbs. Inefficient light bulbs only need about 15 percent of the electricity they receive to operate. The rest is tuned into heat.

Install Energy Star light bulbs and turn off lights when they are unneeded.

KEEP THE HOT AIR OUT Making sure your home is sealed from outside elements will greatly boost your home’s efficiency.

Check the perimeter of your home’s interior for drafts and higher levels of heat. Areas that allow heat inside should be sealed. You can sometimes correct small cracks with caulk.

Windows and doors are common areas to look for incoming air. Check with a local contractor to see if the problem can be resolved or if new doors and windows are required.

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Flowers in Bloom

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ttractive landscaping makes for a beautiful backdrop for relaxing and hosting outdoor events. Create a great backyard atmosphere with full-sun blooms.

The United States Department of Agriculture has created a beneficial hardiness zone map. You can reference the map before deciding on flowers. Depending on where you live, you might have more specific options you can take advantage of.

The flowers featured here will thrive in full sunlight anywhere in the United States.

PROFUSION ZINNIAS

These annual blooms create an attractive border for paths or landscaping stones and look beautiful in a vase. If you are looking for an attractive flower that will last into fall, Profusion Zinnias are the solution.

You can find these in a variety of colors including cherry, gold, white and orange-red.

BROWN-EYED SUSAN

Your backyard will pop when you showcase these amazing yellow or orange flowers that attract both butterflies and birds. Their drooping leaves are highlighted with a polkadot center. Warm-weather climates can enjoy these annuals well into winter months. You can also find these flowers in a perennial breed.

SUNFLOWERS

A staple in backyards across America, sunflowers provide amazing views and tasty snacks. There are many different variations of these flowers, so be sure to read the growth chart before planting. Sunflower heights can range from 2 to 15 feet tall. Near the end of the season, don’t forget to harvest the delicious seeds

produced by these large flowers.

MARIGOLDS

These cheerful yellow or orange flowers will add highlights to your backyard. They are known for their powerful fragrance, which is effective in keeping pests out of gardens.

Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow and require little maintenance. Some can grow up to 2 feet tall.

GLOBE AMARANTH

This is a clover-like flower that can last year round and stands out in bouquets or gardens. Different varieties can be found in colors of red, white or purple, giving you plenty of options when planting your garden.

Two standout breeds are Strawberry Fields and All-Around Purple.

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Ceres green thumbs motivated by love for beauty in nature

By Jeff Benziger

Members of the Ceres Garden Club would nod their heads in approval of Luther Burbank’s observation that: “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”

It’s evident, in watching the club’s work in the community, that love for flora and fauna is a reflection of souls being nourished.

Handiwork of members is evident everywhere in Ceres.

“All members truly have the desire to make a significant difference within our town of Ceres,” said Ceres Garden Club President Berni Hendrix. “We have

helped landscape many public areas, such as before they re-did the entrance to the River Bluff Park over there and the entrance to the cemetery. We’ve helped with the Whitmore Mansion landscaping as well as the museum.

We like to help the (city) Public Works Department with their rose garden, which we now believe needs to be torn out and redone.

It’s really, really bad. But we haven’t got to that point yet.”

Hendrix said her club may seek city permission to renovate the Doyle Cummings Memorial Rose Garden, prepare a new bed of compost, install a new watering

system and replant with new roses.

Members also annually help landscape the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock.

The 501(c)(3) corporation takes care of the potted greenery in the Ceres Community Center, the place where it meets monthly.

In 2012 the club – through the leadership of the late Shirley Davis – planted the “Pathway of Presidents,” or “Let Freedom Ring” project in Smyrna Park. The project consisted of the planting 44 aristocrat pear trees for each president – now 45 with Trump – with a plaque outlining each presidency and respective years of

their terms of office.

Complementing the lineup of trees is a club-financed bell tower monument as a way of showing appreciation for those who have served the country through its armed forces.

In 2010, members also raised funds to purchase and install the Blue Star Memorial Marker in the northern flower bed of the Ceres Community Center parking lot.

The marker honors military service personnel, many who gave their lives in battle.

Last year the club also assisted with the planting of 80 red maples in Ceres residential yards offered

Spring Home & Garden

through a California Initiative to Reduce Carbon and Limit Emissions (CIRCLE) program through a grant from CalFire.

“We try to keep busy, doing as much as we can to help with the city.

We’re going to be putting in some new roses in the Whitmore Park for the Arbor Day celebration on Wednesday, May 24. The city is going to plant some trees and we’re going to be there with them. They’ve asked us to give information on Arbor Day and the importance of trees, which of course we will be glad to do.”

The club has partnered with the city of Ceres Public Works Department as a co-sponsor of the Water Wise Workshops which offered community education on dealing with the drought.

Active in conservation and preservation, the club has paid for the reforestation of nearly 40 acres of diseased, damaged or burned forest in the Stanislaus National Forest through the Penny for Pines Restoration Program.

The Ceres Garden Club is one of the few state Blue Ribbon Garden Clubs, a status attained by achieving the state club’s highest standards.

“Our emphasis is to be all about education, with conservation, beautification and preservation,” said Hendrix.

The club meets monthly September through June, taking time off during the hot summer months.

Monthly meetings always consist of a learning lecture.

“Our lectures are always very diverse. It can be from pollinators to weed control to native plants to trees, amphibians – all kinds of stuff.”

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The public is welcome to drop in on meetings, which start at 9:30 a.m. at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street, on the third Thursday of every month. A craft session is planned, usually centered on projects made available for sale to the public at the club’s booth at the Ceres Street Faire. Membership is open to everyone. A couple of times per year, the club hosts outings and tours to gardens of interest.

Members are active with “Pot Parties,” a time to visit home gardens to divide and pot plants to be offered at the Ceres Street Faire and summer Concerts in the Park. “(At the Street Faire) we’re visible with plants that we propagate out of our own yards, or grow and do container gardenings or individual landscaping plants. We make the little plant pals and cute things to go with them, fairy houses, whatever, paint rocks and all kinds of stuff.”

They will be embarking on a new project to recognize Ceres residents who maintain beautiful front yard landscaping as an example of being a responsible neighbor. A sign will be planted in the chosen “yard of the month.” Residents may nominate a yard for the honor by emailing ceresgardenclub@yahoo.com.

The club encourages young people to study toward majors in environmental sciences in college through a scholarship.

“We try to encourage the upward mobility for education of our Ceres youth. We do believe that the way to break the cycle of poverty is through education so we give a grant out annually.”

This year’s grant is for $3,000 to be parceled out to a graduating senior and a past recipient.

Emphasizing education, the club sponsors two school gardens – with the one at Walter White Elementary School directed by teacher Jill-Marie Purdy receiving national acclaim.

They assist with the Ceres Unified School District’s After-School program by sponsoring the Smoky Bear / Woodsy Owl Poster Contest to facilitate teaching of fire safety and environmental responsibility through recycling.

Each year the club donated to the Sober Grad Night event and contributes to the Ceres Fire Department’s Toys at Christmas program.

The first Ceres Garden Club was established in 1925 but faded in and out of consciousness until 21 years ago when it chartered with the National Council of State Garden

Clubs. Ceres is a member of the Pacific Region of the California Garden Clubs, Inc. At the 85th annual Convention of the California Garden Clubs, Inc., held in Irvine last May, the Ceres club was awarded the coveted Sweepstakes Award. The club was given 10 Excellence Awards for Achievement in various programs and projects. Ceres Garden Club President Berni Hendrix and Secretary Laura Bravinder scooped up the awards. Additionally, the Ceres Garden Club was awarded the Sweepstakes Award Class III (30-44 members) for achieving the highest number of awards during the 201516 session.

For more on the Ceres Garden Club, visit www.ceresgardenclub.org or call Hendrix at 402-2351.

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

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Protect Your Garden

well-designed garden should lay out the types of plants that will be grown, a specific area where they will grow, a water schedule and a protection plan against wildlife. Animals are constantly looking for their next meal.

Don’t let the garden you worked so hard on become their next buffet.

The first step in planning your garden’s defense is knowing which animals to defend against. Before planting, make a list of animals that frequent your area. Learning their habits can make it easier to develop a solution.

most humane defense you have.

Rather than poisoning or trapping pests, you can simply create a barrier they won’t enter.

BUILD A FENCE

Constructing a fence around the perimeter of your garden is an affordable way to ensure HUMANE APPROACH large animals like deer cannot Eliminating garden pests can enter. The great thing about be tricky. Using poison baits can garden fences is they can easily harm your pets, curious chilbe disassembled when the seadren or innocent animals that son is over. It doesn’t have to encounter an infected animal. A take up space in your yard all safe way to coexist with wildlife year. in your area is by using scent When building, remember repellents. There are several dif- the list you made of the animals ferent styles of repellent from that frequent your yard. which to choose.

For large animals like deer, • Liquid: These sprays are height is key. The United State safe for flowers, shrubs and Department of Agriculture recseedlings. Spraying directly to ommends a deer-defense barrithese surfaces will prevent anier should be at least 8 to 10 feet mals from examining them. tall. Also, be sure to use fence • Granular: Spread these material that will hold up to small grains in front of garden their large bodies ramming into entryways or flowerbeds to keep it. You can use chain link or invasive animals out of protect- woven wire material. ed areas.

For burrowing animals, such • Covered stations: A station as gophers or moles, an exterior is a covered, rainproof-repellent fence won’t do you much good. agent that can be staked in a They can dig tunnels undergarden or hung from a tree. Use ground to infiltrate your garmultiples to set a repellent den. If they are a problem in perimeter around your garden. your area, consider wire cages Choosing to defend against to enclose your favorite plants animals with repellents is the in the garden.

Spring Home & Garden

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Consider a Swimming Pool

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a ckyard swimming pools are a great source of relaxation and exercise. They are sometimes expensive but can greatly boost your home’s value while creating entertainment for your family and friends. There are several factors to consider before making this wet investment.

DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH ROOM?

Swimming pools and their surrounding accessories, such as attractive landscaping, decks and pumps, can take up a lot of room in your yard. Make sure you are installing your new pool in an area that leaves you with enough space to do the things you love outdoors.

Before installing a pool, your professional installers will need to completely level the ground.

Choosing an area of land that is already considerably level may save you money in labor costs.

Try to plan for an open area away from trees when choosing a

plot for your pool. While a tree can provide shade, it also will necessitate extra maintenance. You likely will be scooping leaves and droppings from the birds above each time you want to take a swim.

CONSIDERING COSTS

When deciding to install a swimming pool in your backyard, consider more than the initial installation cost. Pools require extensive upkeep, including a variety of chemicals to keep the water clean and suitable for swimming.

Prices also will vary depending on depth and diameter. Ask

yourself how many people will typically be swimming at once before deciding on a size. You can save money by choosing a pool that isn’t too large for your needs.

Check with local officials to determine any requirements before installing a pool. Some cities may require the pool to be enclosed within a fence, which can be another expensive project.

SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS

The American Red Cross reports that more than 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. If you plan to allow small children in your pool, safety

is extremely important. Follow these Red Cross safety tips to boost safety in the pool: • Never leave children unattended when they are in or around the pool. Younger children should never be out of arm’s reach.

• Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket.

• Consider a pool alarm to alert you when someone enters the pool.

• Make sure the entire household is educated through water safety and CPR courses.

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Summer HVAC Inspection

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one wants to deal with an HVAC system blowing hot air during blazing hot temperatures. Take precautions by scheduling an HVAC inspection of all your important air conditioning components.

Scheduling a service before the heat arrives gives you a better chance of staying cool all summer long without mid-season emergencies. Service calls during busy months may come with higher rates and longer wait times, as HVAC companies will be extremely busy.

Get to know some of the important components that work together to keep your home cool during summer. An early inspection will ensure that these components are working efficiently.

CHANGING OF FILTERS

Just like your car, an air conditioning unit depends on air filters to keep debris and dust out of the system. A clogged filter can disrupt airflow and not only cause your home’s temperature to rise but also can cause the AC unit to overheat. This extra heat can have serious consequences for expensive mechanical and electrical parts.

EXAMINING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Your HVAC tech will check all electrical connections for signs of corrosion. This can happen when you skip regular maintenance and may cause shortages that ultimate-

ly damage wires and the circuit breaker.

INSPECTION OF THE FAN MOTOR

The fan is the part of your air conditioning unit that pushes the air through the system. Your tech will look for any damage to the blade and ensure that it spins to its full potential. A fan that moves too slowly may be in need of a new motor or capacitor.

Finding these issues before summer months is much better than dealing with them when temperatures are extremely high.

HEALTH OF THE COMPRESSOR

Consider the compressor the heart of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through coils, creating the cool air you feel. A compressor might be compromised by condensation buildup in the coils or damaged electrical components.

You can catch early signs of compressor problems during a regular maintenance check-up.

Finding and correcting these issues before a compressor completely fails can save you big bucks.

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REDUCING LAWN STRESS W hen you think of stress, the last thing you might think of is your lawn. Summer temperatures can cause a great amount of stress to your lawn.

Reducing this stress will promote a healthy lawn and help it grow to its full potential.

Some major stressful situations your lawn might experience come from extreme heat, lack of rain and heavy foot traffic. These factors will make it harder for your grass to grow.

Other factors that might become a more serious risk to an already stressed-out lawn include weeds and bugs. Take time to practice the following strategies to ease the stress on your lawn and give yourself a beautiful yard where you can relax after a long day.

MOWING TIPS

The way you mow your grass has a big impact on the overall health of your lawn. Be sure to keep your blades sharp, as dull blades shred grass, making it harder to retain moisture. Also, shredded grass will turn brown, leaving your lawn looking dull if clippings are not cleaned after mowing.

Your blade should be kept at a high setting. Keeping your grass taller allows it to grow longer roots making it easier to reach the rich moisture deeper in the soil.

WHEN TO WATER

During the summer, watering your lawn before 10 a.m. is benefi-

cial. It gives your lawn time to absorb most of the water it needs before evaporation sets in, and it can dry out before nighttime comes.

Nighttime watering promotes bacterial and fungus diseases, as they depend on wet areas for reproduction and spreading purposes.

Soaking your lawn at night will give these pathogens ample time to overtake your lawn.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that Americans waste up to 50 percent of water used for irrigation due to an improper watering schedule.

They encourage testing your lawn by stepping on a patch of grass. If it springs back, it is still holding proper moisture levels.

SEEDING AFTER A STRESSFUL SUMMER

If you noticed your lawn showing signs of stress, you can give it an advantage for next summer by seeding it in the fall.

Ask your nursery for a great breed that thrives in heat and drought in your area. Your seeds should be ready to flourish by the time summer comes back around.

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