Home & Garden 2018

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May 6, 2018

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2 Home & Garden 2018

Westside News Inc.

May 6, 2018

The benefits of water features in garden landscapes Many homeowners aspire to make their homes appear as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Exterior renovations may be high on homeowners’ to-do lists, and land-

scaping is oftentimes a key component of those projects.

When planning gardens, homeowners may benefit by considering more than just

Water features, such as ponds or waterfalls, can add a special touch to the landscape.

flowers and shrubs while giving thought to other elements that can breathe vitality into their landscape designs. Water features can do just that, as such features provide more than just visual appeal.

•Aesthetic appeal: Water elements stand out against the greenery and foliage and can be used to create focal points around the garden or yard. A single fountain can draw the eye, while a trickling stream or waterfall can deliver water to various spots in the landscape.

•Soothing sound: Rain drops on a rooftop or waves lapping on a shoreline elicit feelings of harmony and relaxation. Water features can bring that gentle sound close to home, further enhancing the ambiance.

•Brings texture: Water has its own unique and fluid texture that can provide stark contrast to blades of grass or the hard lines of architectural elements, such as pergolas or retaining walls. A pond or fountain can soften lines.

•Enhance the natural ecosystem: Water features can attract wildlife to a property. Birds may visit to take a quick sip, and dragonflies are sure to dart and hover over the shimmering ripples. Inviting

natural wildlife to the yard can add hours of entertainment by enjoying the animals and insects.

•Remedy problem areas: Rather than fighting with the landscape, homeowners can adapt it. An area of the yard prone to soggy conditions or flooding can be transformed into a pond or waterfall to work with natural surroundings.

•Foster a passion: Many people turn to water features so they can explore the hobby of nurturing an outdoor aquarium.

Koi ponds are relatively easy to install and maintain, and the vibrant fish add visual appeal.

•Add a personal touch: Water features are as unique as the homeowners who create them. To set landscaping apart from neighbors’ homes, homeowners can add fountains, ponds or flowing water elements to their properties. Decorative water features also can be melded with pools and spas to help these manmade recreational areas seem like they were carved right out of the natural landscape.

Water features can take landscapes to the next level with sounds, texture, movement, and beauty.

(Metro)

Use renovations to create healthier homes Home renovation projects are done for several different reasons, whether to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space. More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improvement projects geared toward making their homes healthier.

Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people. For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco-friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobility-impaired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential hazards.

Others may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies.

The World Health Organization says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable diseases and injuries — especially respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels.

People interested in making their homes healthier can embrace these renovations and lifestyle changes.

• Be aware of furniture materials. Toxic PBDEs, which are chemicals used as flame retardants on furniture fabrics produced prior to 2006, can send toxins into the air.

Some manufacturers may still use these flame retardants in new forms, but with similar risks. Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant materials like wool and cotton.

• Lighten up. Lighting is often underappreciated but can have a dramatic impact on whether a home feels inviting, warm and/or uplifting. Experiment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into brighter places. Lighting may improve mood and productivity.

• Let the sun shine in. Modify window treatments to let more sunlight into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly UV light, is a potent bactericide. The Sunlight Institute advises that there’s no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within eight feet of low-intensity UV light can be killed in 10 minutes.

• Inspect and service wood-burning appliances. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology has found regular inhalation of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and anyone who burns wood

indoors should be aware of these potential health risks. Ensuring proper ventilation of smoke and routinely cleaning the chimney can help cut down on particulate matter.

• Turn to nontoxic cleaning products, pesticides and insecticides. Always opt for nontoxic, natural products when cleaning in and around the house.

• Declutter the home. A cluttered, hectic

space can affect emotions and mental state, never mind attracting dust and making a home harder to clean. Spending time in spaces that do not elicit stressful feelings is healthier and can help residents to rest and recharge.

Making a home healthier can be on the list of this year’s renovation plans.

(Metro)

Ergonomic gardening techniques can make gardening less taxing Gardening is a popular activity that seems to be gaining even more supporters.

Statistica reports that the number of people who gardened within the last 12 months in the United States rose from around 105 million in 2008 to 118 million in 2017.

Gardening can be relaxing yet physically demanding work. Gardeners who find themselves battling aches and pains after spending time in the garden may need to make a greater effort to reduce injuries and improve comfort when tilling, weeding or installing new landscape features.

Ergonomic gardening techniques and tools can help gardeners reduce their risk of injury and make gardening more comfortable.

Warm up Just as novice athletes wouldn’t dive right into a strenuous workout at the gym, nor should novice gardeners immediately pick up a shovel and jump into digging a hole for their new tree. Gardening requires bending, stooping, lifting, twisting, and other movements that work the entire body.

Spending 10 or more minutes stretching, walking and doing a few back and arm rotations can limber the body up for the physical activity to come.

Use proper form Think about the mechanics of lifting weights during a workout, as home and garden tasks may mimic movements made when exercising. The occupational therapists at Bend Spinal Care say that strain on the lower back can be reduced by position-

ing objects close to the body and its center of gravity when lifting them. Furthermore, people can contract their abdominal (core) muscles when lifting and bending to support the back. When lifting heavy objects, power should be derived from the legs and buttocks rather than the back.

Keep items close Keeping work closer to the body will reduce the need for stooping, leaning or reaching, which should cut down on pulled muscles.

Long-handled tools can help minimize reaching. Use step ladders to reach high areas or get down on padded cushions to work closer to the ground. This alleviates strain to the neck from having to look up or down for extended periods of time. Raised garden beds can bring plants to a person’s level. The therapists at ProCare Physical Therapy say that working below shoulder level whenever possible can prevent shoulder strains; otherwise, perform tasks for no more than five minutes at a time.

Invest in new tools Cushioned grips and grip handles can prevent wrist fatigue, as can hand tools that keep wrists straight to improve strength and reduce repetitive motion injuries. Longhandled tools and push mowers should be as tall as the person using them. Seek out tools that keep the body in natural positions to maximize efficiency.

Even though gardening is viewed as a relaxing pastime, the work involved can be taxing on the body. Ergonomic tools and proper form can keep injuries at bay.

(Metro)

May 6, 2018

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Bright yellow blooms of Jerusalem artichoke and the plant’s edible tubers. Provided photo.

A letter from a dear friend ...

by Kristina Gabalski A recent letter to “Get Out and Grow” inspired this column on Jerusalem artichokes - Helianthus tuberosus, also known as sunchokes. Jerusalem artichokes are a North American native perennial vegetable that adapts to most soil types, even heavy clay.

Evelyn Dow, Editor Emerita of the Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald, wrote in her letter about a harvesting excursion to her yard on one of our recent very cold and snowy spring mornings.

“This season is so whacky, not even the rhubarb has unfurled its leaves yet. My daffodils were encased in a quarter inch of ice only three days before, but I knew there was something that could come from the earth for our table - Jerusalem artichokes,” Evelyn writes. “It’s misnamed in every way since it did not originate in Jerusalem and it is not an artichoke, but the plant is more or less related to daisies. The edible part resembles a white potato in texture, but is sweeter and nuttier in taste, and crunchy, similar to what a freshly pulled radish would be.”

Evelyn writes that she harvested about 20 tubers that cold morning, a couple of which were as long as four inches. “After a thorough scrubbing, the chokes become a tasty and crisp raw snack and are great in salads,” Evelyn notes. “They can also be baked as well as added to cooked dishes and used like water chestnuts might be.

Maybe I got the idea to grow this unusual vegetable from reading about experiences the late Tasha Tudor, or Martha Stewart (or more likely her gardener) or P. Allen Smith had growing them, or from A Chef’s Life program on PBS, when they were featured on one episode. In truth, I got the idea from a magazine I read in the way, way long ago.”

According to the University of Missouri Extension, the tuberous growth of Jerusalem artichokes contributes to their notorious spreading habit and Evelyn agrees.

The knobby tubers grow a few inches underground and are very prolific.

“Last spring, I buried the cuttings from cleaning some tubers and this year I dug huge artichokes from that spot. We were well aware of the vigor of the plant after reading a warning in an “Organic Gardening” magazine article in the mid-1970s, and we began dreaming of having them in our garden.”

Evelyn remembers the article’s warning.

“A gardener wanted to get rid of a plot of Jerusalem artichokes on property he had

recently purchased. He put his rototiller to work and thought he had achieved his goal of eradicating the tubers by cutting them up to decay, but found later that year the plot had become a dense forest of artichoke herbaceous stems and leaves. So, if you decide to try them in your garden, be aware of what you are planting today, as well as the future implications.”

Jerusalem artichokes are planted as sections of cut up tubers - don’t let them dry out before planting.

“Ours grow about six feet tall, bear small yellow daisy-like flowers in late fall, and die back after frost,” Evelyn observes. “We usually harvest tubers around Thanksgiving and just before Christmas - before the soil freezes, and again in the springtime.

The cold intensifies the sweetness of the chokes so the spring pickings are even more prized. After scrubbing, they are a soft beige color with a creamy white center.

Other varieties are purple or reddish. They are high in potassium and iron and rich in niacin, thiamine, phosphorus and copper.

They are available in major grocery markets almost year round - though growing them yourself is easy, and, based on yield during times of no other garden production, very satisfying.”

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Preparing garden beds for spring and beyond Gardening enthusiasts may have been thinking about their landscape plans throughout the winter, eager to once again get their hands dirty with soil. Whether a home gardener is making preparations for edible crops or beautiful flowers, he or she must take time to make the soil amenable to planting. To establish hearty, durable plants, gardeners can focus on three main areas: addressing soil composition, cultivating and adding nutrients.

Soil composition Many gardeners prefer growing a variety of plants in their gardens. Such an approach requires taking inventory of the type of soil in one’s garden and making the necessary modifications so that the types of vegetables, herbs, shrubs, or flowers that will be planted can grow in strongly. In fact, according to the plant company Proven Winners, the most important step to developing good roots is preparing the soil.

Take a sample of the soil and examine it to see what is present. If the soil is too full of clay, too sandy, too dense, or too loose, that can lead to problems where plants cannot grow in strong. Work with a garden center to add the right soil amendments to make a rich soil. This may include organic compost or manure, which will also add nutrients to the soil.

Cultivation Cultivating the soil can involve different steps. Removal of weeds, errant rocks, roots, and other items will help prepare the soil. Mother Earth News suggests working on garden soil when the soil is damp but never wet; otherwise, garden soil can become messy and clumpy. Use a digging fork or shovel to lightly turn the soil when it’s mostly dry. Gentle tillings also can open up the soil to incorporate the nutritional amendments and relieve compaction that likely occurred from freezing temps and snow pressure. Tilling also helps with drainage and oxygen delivery to roots. The DIY Network suggests turning over soil at a depth of 12 inches to work the soil — about the length of a shovel spade.

However, the resource Earth Easy says that existing garden beds have a complex soil ecosystem and simply top-dressing with compost or manure can be enough preparation for planting. Gardeners can experiment with the methods that work best for their gardens.

Nutrition Testing the pH and the levels of certain nutrients in the soil, namely nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, will give gardeners an idea of other soil additions that may be needed. Soils with a pH below 6.2 often can benefit from the addition of lime several weeks before planting. Soil tests will determine just how much fertilizer to add to the soil. Complete fertilizers will have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Individual fertilizers can amend the soil with only these nutritional elements that are needed.

Top-dressing empty beds with a layer of mulch or compost can prevent weed growth and preserve moisture until it is time to plant. If existing shrubs or plants are in garden beds, use more care so as not to disturb roots or dig too deeply.

Preparing garden beds takes some effort initially, but can be well worth the work when plants flourish throughout the growing season.

(Metro)

Pools and lawns can get along Homeowners interested in installing pools in their backyards need not worry about the potential impact of such decisions on surrounding landscapes.

According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, there are 10.4 million residential and 309,000 public swimming pools in the United States.

Many homeowners wonder if the chlorine and other chemicals in pool water have any affect on the lawn, particularly if pool water robs lawns of vital nutrients they need to thrive. But the resource All About Lawns says most people needn’t worry about errant drops or even higher levels of overflow.

It all comes down to the selectivity of grass.

Blades of grass are particular about which nutrients from the water they absorb and in what quantities. Lawns are largely unaffected by chlorine. Furthermore, soil can

withstand chlorine when kept at applicable sanitary levels (which generally range between two to three parts per million), at high acid levels. That’s much more than is usually contained in pool water.

Pool water is also maintained in the neutral range at a pH of 6.5 to 7.8, which is safe for plants. Should the pool water test at a higher acidity or alkalinity, it can adversely affect landscapes, particularly delicate plants.

Pool owners should be diligent about smart application and storage of pool chemicals. Powdered or liquid chlorine and other water chemistry products that spill onto grass or plants may cause damage.

In safe amounts, chlorine should not adversely affect lawns and other plants that surround pools.

(Metro)

May 6, 2018

Westside News Inc.

Home & Garden 2018

5

How to control common spring pests Just when winter thaws out and people are anxious to enjoy the blooming flowers and luscious lawns of spring, pesky pests can appear and impact comfort levels and safety.

Many pests resume their levels of activity as spring draws closer and temperatures warm up. The presence of these insects and rodents may cause problems in and around a home, which makes it essential to recognize them and avoid issues. The following are some of the more common spring pests and how to remedy infestations.

Pavement ants Pavement ants are some of the most common pests residents encounter inside and outside of their homes. These ants are light brown to black with appendages that are lighter than the rest of their bodies. Small in stature, pavement ants have parallel lines on their heads and thorax, according to pest extermination company Orkin.

Although pavement ants nest outdoors, they can enter homes through small crevices in search of food scraps. Their large colonies may not disappear until treatment is introduced. Keep foods in tightly sealed containers, clear counters and floors of crumbs, and address water sources, such as leaks. Pesticides may be needed in extreme conditions.

Fleas Fleas are tiny, jumping, biting pests that must find a host upon which to live. As ectoparasites, they feed on blood while living on the body of living hosts. Pets can bring fleas inside the yard and home in warm weather.

According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, flea larvae develop more quickly at higher temperatures. At normal room temperatures, the entire life cycle of a flea is about 18 days.

Several flea control products are available to control fleas on cats and dogs. There also may be powders and sprays to alleviate flea infestations in the home. Vacuuming is also very effective in killing larvae in the carpet and at picking up adults.

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Wasps An errant wasp, hornet or yellow jacket may have survived winter and ridden out the colder temperatures within a home.

Once the weather warms, queens will begin to look for places to lay eggs and establish colonies. Treating areas where wasps are seen entering and leaving the home is key.

Seal holes as soon as possible.

Although wasps help control other insect populations, their painful stings and potentially aggressive nature can make them challenging to have around a home.

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Spiders Many spiders are not harmful enough to humans and pets to be much of a problem.

In fact, spiders can be helpful to have around to control the populations of other insects. Still, many homeowners would prefer these web-slinging friends remain outdoors. Therefore, sealing cracks in a home’s foundation and repairing small openings around windows and doors can help keep spiders out. Also, alleviating moisture issues in basements, garages or attics may keep out other bugs that would be prey to spiders.

Homeowners can take the steps necessary to cut down on pests in and around their homes.

(Metro)

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6 Home & Garden 2018

Westside News Inc.

May 6, 2018

Design a dream outdoor entertaining space Upon the arrival of warm weather, many individuals prefer to spend their free time outside, relishing the fresh air and sunshine and evenings spent under the stars.

But cracked patios and makeshift chairs and tables may not establish the desired ambiance. An outdoor entertaining area that offers the same amenities found inside a home can make outdoor retreats both comfortable and functional. Creative planning can help homeowners design dream areas perfect for hosting friends or family.

Establish goals As with any project, the first step when coordinating outdoor living areas is to determine what you hope to achieve with the space. Will it be a location for lounging? Will people be cooking meals outside?

Is the pool the central focus of the yard?

Answering these questions and more can help homeowners decide how to design their entertaining spaces. Remember, however, that goals may evolve as landscape designers and even architects make their own suggestions for the space or present limitations.

Evaluate the space Look at the lot and decide what will go where, such as where to place the party space, where to create a quiet hideaway and where to locate a poolhouse or outdoor shower.

and drink that makes outdoor entertaining much easier. The experts at Angie’s List suggest outdoor kitchens be built close to the house to make it easier to run electricity and plumbing to the outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens should include a sink, small refrigerator, built-in grill, and bar area.

Creature comforts Homeowners should think about the things that make the inside of their homes so comfortable and then replicate that outside. Sofas and loveseats covered in fabric suited for outdoors and plenty of pillows can make for great lounging. Lighting that can be adjusted for day or night, or even to set the mood, is another consideration.

Shade structures, like a trellis or retractable awning, will keep the area comfortable and can also define outdoor “rooms” and establish privacy.

A large, flat yard can be divided into a series of patios that serve different purposes.

Yards that are built on a hill or a slope can still be utilized with creative design elements, such as multi-tiered decking.

By working with qualified designers, homeowners can bring their ideas to life.

Easy food and drink access Traipsing in and out of the house for refreshments can become tiresome when entertaining outside. In such situations, people also can track dirt inside of the home or leave a trail of pool water in their wake.

Outdoor kitchens allow easy access to food

Fire it up Many homeowners enjoy having fire elements in their yards. Lanterns and candles may create a romantic feel, but a fire pit or outdoor fireplace may help extend use of the outdoor entertaining area beyond summer.

Entertaining outdoors is made that much more enticing with a dream outdoor living space full of amenities.

(Metro)

Awnings can make outdoor spaces more comfortable Many homeowners are eager to step outdoors upon the return of warm weather.

Outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity as more and more homeowners embrace opportunities to entertain and lounge around in their yards.

Outdoor entertaining areas can be great, but such spaces may go unused when summer sun makes it uncomfortable to spend time outdoors. But a retractable awning can change all that. Homeowners often find awnings can be worthwhile investments that can be beneficial both inside and outside of the home.

Increase usable yard space Awnings can create privacy and establish boundaries for outdoor living areas. Place an awning over a deck, tables and chairs, or an entire patio area. Some people like to install awnings over a portion of their pools to provide shade for those who want to escape the sun’s rays. Motorized awnings can be retracted with the push of a button, which can help homeowners with physical limitations.

Protect against sun damage Awnings provide excellent protection against sun damage, as they can shield outdoor furniture from direct sunlight, helping to reduce the chances for discoloration or fading.

Reduce air conditioning costs In addition to shading outdoor living areas, smaller awnings can be placed over southern- and western-facing windows, shielding interiors against the sun’s rays.

In turn, this may reduce reliance on air conditioners.

Expand gardening possibilities Some plants require very specific light conditions to grow. Awnings can protect shade-loving plants from harsh sunlight and filter the sun for plants that require indirect light. They can be placed over a patio container garden or permanent garden structure.

Add value for buyers For those who may be selling their homes soon, awnings may help them receive top dollar. Today’s buyers want houses that have attractive and functional exteriors, and an awning can provide that competitive advantage over similar homes in the neighborhood.

When renovating outdoor areas, homeowners should not overlook awnings that can make outdoor living spaces more livable.

(Metro)

Home & Garden 2018 A SpeciAl Section of WeStSide neWS inc. - MAy 6, 2018

Publisher Keith A. Ryan

Ad production manager, Assistant manager Karen Fien, Joanne Michielsen

Circulation & distribution Don Griffin, Noreen Newton.

Editor Emerita Evelyn Dow

Writers & contributors Mark Ball, John Dunn, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Kristina Gabalski, Doug Hickerson, Warren Kozireski, Rick Nicholson, Terra Osterling, Joe Reinschmidt, Leisa Strabel.

Published by Westside News Inc. as a second section of Suburban News and Hamlin Clarkson Herald newspapers which circulate by private carrier and the U.S. Postal Service to free distribution recipients and paid subscribers in Bergen, Brockport-Sweden, Chili, Churchville-Riga, Clarendon, Clarkson, Hamlin, Hilton-Parma, HolleyMurray, North Greece, and Spencerport-Ogden. Business offices are located at 1776 Hilton-Parma Corners Road, Spencerport, NY 14559. (585) 352-3411. Entered for mailing at Spencerport, NY 14559. Subscription rates are $40 per year; $25 for six months or less.

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A publication of Westside News Inc. P. O. Box 106 Spencerport, NY 14559 585-352-3411 www.westsidenewsny.com

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Home & Garden 2018

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rial, state the experts at Old World Garden Farms. This is the ideal amount to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth without choking plants. Also, mulch that is too thick may make it impossible for water to penetrate, or it may prevent the soil from airing out, causing continuously wet conditions that lead to root and stem rot.

The University of Connecticut Home & Garden Education Center says mulch should not be placed directly against plant crowns or tree bases, as this can promote the development of disease. It may also serve as a habitat for bark- and stem-eating rodents. The center also suggests watering newly installed bark or wood mulches to prevent fungi from colonizing in dry mulch and causing problems like a water-repellent surface on the mulch.

Home landscapers considering mulch types may find that compost, manure and grass clippings (from nonpesticide-treated lawns) can be inexpensive and versatile in garden beds. The home advice site The Spruce notes that newspaper may also be effective. Many newspapers have switched over to organic dyes, especially for their black and white sections. Newspapers are an inexpensive way to suppress weeds and act like organic mulch in beds. They can be covered with other organic mulch, like shredded bark, for more visual appeal.

Mulch can be a versatile asset when doing gardening projects around home landscapes. And the benefits are more than just aesthetic.

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Mulch is available in various forms. Like other land and garden products, mulch can go a long way toward helping plants thrive.

Mulch comprises just about any material that is spread over the surface of soil.

Its purpose is primarily to help soil retain moisture. In addition, mulch can staunch weed growth, keep soil cool, improve the aesthetics of garden beds, and even improve soil nutrient composition. When the right mulch is chosen, it can reduce the amount of time homeowners spend watering and weeding their gardens and insulate plants from dramatic changes in weather.

Gardeners may not realize that mulch also can prevent garden soil from becoming overly compacted, according to HGTV. This can mean beneficial earthworms can move easily through the soil, creating channels for water and depositing their nutrient-rich waste products.

Gardeners can choose organic or inorganic mulch. Organic mulches are derived from natural materials that will decompose over time, lending organic matter as well as various nutrients to the soil. Organic mulches also may contain beneficial microorganisms that can fight against plant diseases. Inorganic mulches may be made of stones, landscape fabrics and plastic.

Both types will need to be amended or replaced as they degrade. Those who want the most environmentally-friendly mulching materials can choose all-natural mulches instead of synthetic alternatives.

To work effectively, mulch should be applied in a two- to three-inch layer of mate-

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