2011 Spring Home and Garden

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A s u p p l e m e n t t o t h e S k a m a n i a C o u n t y P i o n e e r A proud part of DeVaul Publishing, Inc. F R E E

2 PioneeerHomeandGarden April,2011

10 Year Limited Warranty with Appliance Purchase

“We Service All Major Brands of Appliances”

386-3367 • 1-800-388-60181120 12th St. On The Heights

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*Mail-in offer only. See store for complete details. Offer good on select Whirlpool® appliances. Void where prohibited by law. Cards are issued by Citibank, N.A. pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. Prepaid Card can be used everywhere Debit MasterCard cards are accepted.®Registered trademark/TM Trademark / of Whirlpool U.S.A. ©2011. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark/™Trademark of Maytag Properties, LLC or its related companies. ©2011. All rights reserved. 1 Estimates established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department Of Energy to calculate the savings in energy and/or water costs over the lifetime of the product. Actual savings my vary based on use and other factors.

Cover photo: Peg McLarney sells statice and other flowers from her booth at the Gorge Grown Farmers’ Market, held all summer on Saturday mornings in Stevenson. The market will return this season, joined by a new one Tuesday evenings in Carson. (Photo - Joanna Grammon)

Spring Clean Your Home’s ExteriorWhen spring cleaning your home,

it’s easy to focus on interior closetsanddrawersandforget thefirst thinganyvisitorwillsee--yourhome’sex-terior. But outdoor surfaces and fix-turesneedyourattention,too.“Outdoor furniture can collect

grime and rust during winter,” saysAlison Gutterman, President of Jel-mar, manufacturer of CLR cleaningproducts. “It’s important you cleanthem annually with an effective yetsafe cleaner that won’t harm yourlawnorgarden.”Makesureyourspringcleaningin-

cludestheseoutdoordirt-magnets:SidingandWindowsEven if you’re not putting a fresh

coatofpaintonyourhousethisyear,it’s important you clean any facadeorsidingthat’spronetogrime.Useapowerwasherandstartat thehighestpointtoavoidwashingdirtdownontocleanareas.Pressure washers also make win-

dow cleaning easier. But be carefulusing them onwooden areas such asdecks andwindow frames.The forceofthesprayoftendamagesthesurfaceofporousmaterialslikewood.OutdoorFurnitureWhetheryouconscientiouslystored

yourpatiofurnitureforthewinter,orleftitoutsideexposedtotheelements,it’s likely your outdoor table andchairsneedaonce-overbeforethey’reready for use.When choosing clean-ing products, make sure they’re bio-degradable so they won’t harm yourplants or lawn. Then rinse the furni-tureandthegrasswithyourhoseaftercleaning.Youshouldalsochooseacleaning

product that’ssafeforfurniture,suchas CLR Outdoor Furniture Cleaner,whichcanbeusedonplastic,wicker,wood,wroughtiron,canvasandotheroutdoor materials.Also look for UVprotectants to keep your furniturefromfadinginbrightsun.GuttersCleangutterspreventfloodingand

roofdamage.Thebestwaytocheckifyour gutters need cleaning is to lookupattheoutsiderimofthetopofthegutter. If there is discoloration, therelikelyisbuildupintheguttermakingitdifficultforwatertoflow.Whencleaningguttersbyhand,you

cancreatea“gutterscoop”bycuttingthebottomhalfoffaplasticgallonjugwith a box knife.Then, after remov-ing any leaves, twigsor debris,flushthe gutters with water to clean themproperly.ScreensandFiltersThe best way to clean window

screens is to lay themflat on a clothor soft surface outdoors to keep theframes from getting scratched.Then,hosethemdownandscrubgentlywithan all-purpose cleaner. Finally, rinsethe screensagainand tapoffanyex-cesswater.Airconditioningfiltersshouldalso

be changed as part of your springcleaning,especiallyifanyoneinyourfamily has allergies.Always refer tothe owner’smanual to determine thelocationofthefilterandthesizeneed-edtoensuretheproperfit.Formorespringcleaningtips,visit

www.jelmar.com.Remember, keeping your home’s

exterior clean makes a big differ-ence.

April,2011 PioneerHomeandGarden 3

Front Row L-R: Ellen Miller, Pam Webster, Shane Sumner, Mike Garrett, David SanchezBack Row L-R: Gary Green, Debbie Marsh, Carey Meeks, Mike Lane, Fred Arsenault, Dean Rodgers

Come in and Check Out our New Showroom!

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Best home improvements for your renovation dollarsHomeownersrenovatefortwobasicreasons:

moneyandfun.Or,moreprecisely,theyundertakehomeimprovementstoimprovetheirhome’sresalevalueortheirenjoymentoftheirhouse.Thebesthomeimprovements,however,areonesthatdeliveronbothobjectives.

Americanswillspendnearly$141billiononremodelinginthefirsthalfofthisyear,accordingtoHarvard’sJointCenterforHousingStudies.Ifyou’llbeamongthemanyhomeownersoptingtoimprove,ratherthanmove,youmaybewonderingwhatrenovationsarelikelytogiveyouthebestbalanceofenhancedresalevalueandimmediateenjoyment.

Herearefivehomeimprovements-frombudget-friendlytobigbudget-thatprovidenoteworthyre-turnoninvestment(ROI)intermsofincreasedvalueandimprovedenjoyment:

1.SkylightsYoucanloweryourelectricbillbyinstallingsky-

lightsthatwillreducedependencyonartificiallightandfillyourhomewithnaturallight.Youcanobtainquality,energy-efficient,“NoLeakSkylights”fromVeluxforaround$800perunitforastandardfixedskylightwithflashingkit.Youcanfindalocalin-stallertoprovideacustomizedcostestimateatwww.veluxusa.com.Intermsofpositiveenergy,thementalandphysicalhealtheffectsofexposuretonatural

lightarewelldocumented.They’realsoaneffectiveprivacypreserverforbathroomswhereyoumightnotwantawallwindow.Skylightandsuntunnels(sky-lightsthatusereflectivetubestobringsunlightintoroomswithoutdirectroofaccess)notonlyenhancetheenergyefficiencyofyourhome,theyjustmaymakeyoufeelbetteraboutlivingthere.

2.DecksWhetheryougoforwoodorcomposite,addingadeck

isagreatwaytoboostresalevalue,expandyourlivingspaceandupyourenjoymentofyourhomeenvironment.Onaverage,homeownerswhoaddawooddeckcanexpecttorecoupmorethan80percentofitscostwhenitcomestimetosell,accordingtoRemodelingMagazine’s2009-2010Costvs.ValueReport.Compositedeckadditionsreturnabout71percentatthetimeofresale.

3.KitchensItmakessensethattheroomwheremostfami-

liesspendthebulkoftheirtimewouldbeapopularremodel-andonethatpaysoffbigintermsofvalueandcomfort.Evenaminorkitchenremodel-costingabout$21,000-willreturnabout78percentofitsvalueonresale,accordingtoRemodelingMagazine.Amajorkitchenjob,costingaround$57,200,willrecoupabout$41,200,or72percent.

4.BathsWhetheryou’retacklingamajorjobthatin-

volvesknockingoutwallsandchangingfixtures,orjustmakingcosmeticimprovementslikeupgrad-ingfaucetsandrepainting,remodelingabathroomgoesstraighttotheheartofourcravingforcomfort.Americansviewtheirbathsasfarmorethanaplacetogetcleanandtakecareofothernecessities.Evenifyou’renotcreatingahomespa,improvingthebath-roomissuretoboostyourhome’sresalevalueandincreaseyoursatisfactionwiththeroom.RemodelingMagazinesaystheaveragebathroomremodelcostsaround$16,100andreturnsupto71percentofthatcostatthetimeofsale.

5.Basement/atticremodelWithmorefamiliesstayingputinthehomesthey

have,ratherthanmovinguptolargerhomes,manyAmericansarelookingforwaystoexpandtheirliv-ingspacewhilestayinginplace.Atticandbasementremodelsaregreatwaystoaddusable,livablespaceatafractionofthecostofbuildinganaddition.ThelingeringeffectsoftheGreatRecessionhavemultiplegenerationslivingtogetherunderoneroofagain,andmanyofthesefamiliescreatebedrooms,bathroomsorevenfamilyroomsinunfinishedatticorbasementspace.Everyoneappreciatestheextraroom,andatticrenovationsandbasementremodelingyieldresalereturnsof83percentand75percent,respectively,accordingtotheCostvs.ValueReport.

Cheep entertainment...A male Black-Headed Grosbeak hangs out at a Carson feeder in spite of a downpour. Note the shape of his beak, made for seed-eating.

Grosbeaks appreciate the free eats. Also glimpsed as occasional visitors are Evening Grosbeaks, with their bright yellow and black feathers.

This inexpensive feeder has since been replaced --- a neighborhood squirrel discovered that by chewing off the bird perches and hanging up-side down from the nearest branch, it could monopolize the feeder. A squirrel-proof feeder snaps shut when it is triggered by the weight.

Time spent birdwatching is rewarded with colorful plumage and lessons in bird behavior.

4 PioneerHomeandGarden April,2011

SKAMANIA COUNTY PIONEERPOB 219

198 SW 2nd Stevenson, Wash. 98649

509-427-8444

Frank and Judy DeVaul ......................................................PublisherJoanna Grammon......................................................................EditorJean Foster..........................................Office Manager/Sports EditorAngela Rogers...................................................Advertising ManagerBridget Callahan...............................................Circulation Manager

CLARK COUNTYCLARK COUNTYCLARK COUNTY

“The Paving People”

PAVING

Spring is Here!Spring is Here!

Call Paul @ 360-772-5575for a FREE Estimate Today

CLAR

KCP9

67PE

Historic barns like this one on Mid Reeves’ farm in Mill A were construct-ed before the advent of building codes and inspections, but have man-aged to stay standing as sturdy examples of ‘do-it-right-the-first-time.’

Homeowners are encouraged to hire licensed, bonded contractorsAs spring and summer re-

modeling projects begin, theWashington State Departmentof Labor & Industries (L&I) islaunching a statewide radio ad-vertisingcampaignurginghom-eowners to protect themselvesfrom being taken advantage ofbyunregisteredcontractors.“Whenitcomestohiringcon-

tractors,thelowestbidcancomeat the highest price,” says CarlHammersburg, Fraud Preven-tion and Compliance ProgramManager. “Fortunately, L&I of-fersanumberofwaysforhom-eownerstoprotectthemselves.”The radio ads direct visitors toHiringaContractor.Lni.wa.gov,where homeowners can see iftheir contractor is registered,bondedandinsured.They also can check whether

acontractorhasanycitationsorunpaid judgments.Unregisteredcontractors underbid their com-

petition because they misclas-sify their workers to dodge un-employment taxes andworkers’compensation insurance premi-ums.Theyalsodonotcarryabond

or insurance,which can sting ahomeowner should somethinggo wrong with the job. Abouthalfofhomeownersinterviewedto prepare for the ad campaignsaid they didn’t know if a con-tractortheyusedinthepastwasregistered.The 2008 Legislature funded

thestatewide-campaigntomakemore consumers aware of theneedtohireonlyregisteredcon-tractors. “This campaign is thefirst step in tackling the under-ground economy,” said SenatorJeanneKohl-Welles,whochairsthe Labor, Commerce andCon-sumer Protection Committee,and helped pass the 2008 leg-islation. “We want to empower

consumerstomakesmartchoic-es, and reducedemand for con-tractorsworkingunderground.”At HiringaContractor.Lni

wa.gov, consumers can alsofind easy-to-follow checklistsofwhattodobefore,duringandafter their home improvementproject including: - What pro-tections should be included inyour contract before work be-

gins- How to protect yourselfagainst liens- How to identifya scam- Other tips and toolsto protect you self and manageyour construction project. Con-sumers without internet accesscan check the status of theircontractor’sregistrationbycall-ing1-800-647-0982.Reportun-registered contractors online orbycalling1-888-811-5974.


Written by: Dan Reude

Beat the heat this summer with some quick tips to stay cool, safe, and keep the air you breathe clean! If you have a new home that has no air conditioning, now would be a great time to put in your order to have that new air conditioner or heat pump in-stalled by a professional.

Many people assume that since they have such a tightly constructed home they will never need air conditioning. This is simply not true, unless of course you like to be very hot in your home. Every year we find that many people get into the middle of summer and after the 3rd, 4th and 5th day of hot weather things really start heating up. Their home is built so tight that it cannot lose the heat the way many would expect. At night they might open a window and let the air blow in. This is a non-filtered air inlet. It is allowing dust, dirt & pollen into your home and is un-controlled.

In some cases, it is simply not safe to leave your windows open. You could be potentially allowing criminals easy access to your home and family. Here are some simple tips to stay cool and safe in your home:

1) Have a quality air conditioner or heat pump installed by reputable company,

2) Set the cooling at the thermostat 3 degrees above the heating temperature you like. Leave the heating/cooling mode on “Auto”, allowing the air conditioner to come on early & pre-venting the home and everything inside to heat up,

3) Turn the fan to the “ON” position at the thermostat during spring & summer only. Your thermostat is generally located by the return air duct, sensing the air coming from the house on it’s way back to the furnace. By leaving the fan on in a two story home, the air on the upper level that is heating up will be moved to the lower level, mixing with the cooler air. This allows the floors to stay closer to the same temperature and to allow the thermostat to know that it needs to turn on to remove any heat,

4) Keep the windows closed and locked at night. This will help to keep you safe.

It is important to bring outside air into your home, yet it is best to bring in this fresh outside air pulled in by a mechani-cal furnace. It is cleaned through a good air filtration system and then dispersed to every room in the home; fresh air filtered and controlled.

Beat the Heat


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Good thru May 31, 2011

Nearlyeverylawnorgardenhasone-abare,uglyspotwherenothingseemstogrowwell.Maybethespotgetstoomuchsun,or toomuchshade.Perhapsthesoilistoosandy,rockyorfullofclayformostplantstosurviveinit.Maybeit’sonahillorslopewhereexposuretowindandwa-terrunoffmakeituninhabitableforaver-ageplantlife.

Whicheverone(ormore)ofthesechal-lengesisthesourceofyourproblemspot,chances are the cure is pretty universal:coveritup...quickly,inexpensivelyandpermanentlywithfloweringorlush,greengroundcover.

Hardy, easy togrowandaestheticallyappealinggroundcoverfillsvacantspac-es, solves landscaping trouble spots andminimizes garden maintenance. Groundcover can transformadull, sparse spaceintoarichtapestryoftextures,shapesandcontinual color.These plants can spruceup challenging spots under trees, accenttransitionalareasalongpathsandfounda-tions,andintensifyinterestinopenspac-es.Plus,theydeliverastunningseasonal

showofflowersandcolors.Ground cover is a cost-effective, fast

way to deal with difficult trouble spots.Itperformsthejobofmulchatafractionof thecost,blockingweedgrowth, insu-latingsoil,protectingmorefragileplantsand adding visual appeal. Some groundcoversevenbolsternutrientsforcompan-ion plants with more demanding nutri-tionalneeds.

Spring is the best time to plant groundcovers, giving roots a chance to becomeestablished before conditions turn harsh.But before you decide onwhich varietiesoftheselandscapingmiracle-makersyou’llplant, here are some ground cover guide-lines:

*Don’tjustplantthefirstgroundcov-erthatcatchesyoureye.First,takestockofyourproblemareasoyoucanselectaground cover that is appropriate for thespot.Somegroundcoversneedsun,whileothers thriveonly in shade.Somepreferdrylocations.Othersrequiremoistsoil.

*Assessthesoilatthesite.Isitsandyand dry?A lovely loam?Orwet, soggy

clay? There’s a ground cover for everysoilcondition,butyou’llalsoneedtotesttheaciditylevelofthesoil.YoumayneedtoamendyoursoiltoraiseorloweritspHcontent,oraddorganicmatter tomodifyitstexture.

*Hardyastheyare,groundcoversstillrequire proper fertilizing, watering andweedcontroltomaintaintheirattractive-ness - just like any other plant. Newlyplanted areaswill need special attentionuntilthey’rewellestablished.

* Seed is the least expensive way tostart ground cover.And planting groundcover seeds is some of the easiest sow-ingyou’lleverdoinyouryardorgarden.Ground cover seeds are typically muchsmallerandlighterthanotherplantseeds;oftenyou’llgetasmanyas175,000seedsinjust1ounce.Onewaytomakesowingeven easier is to use a pre-mix of seedsand lime, like those offered byOutside-pride.com. The mix comes in a shakerbottleandyousimplysprinkle the seedsontheplantingsite.ThelimeinthemiximprovesthepHofacidicsoils,addsvalu-

ablemicronutrientsandhelpsbreakdownorganicmatter.Thelimeisalsowhite,soit’s easy to tellwhereyou’ve spread theseed.

Youcanfindagroundcoverforvirtu-allyeverysoil situation -and tosuitev-erylandscapingpreference.Outsidepride.com offersmore than 50 different typesofgroundcoverseed,fromtheluminouslavenderandredofMagicCarpetcreep-ing thyme and the baby blue of Forget-Me-Not to the gorgeous greens of IrishMossandKenilworthIvy.

Best-sellers like creeping thyme of-fer homeowners a vibrant, versatilewayto solveproblemsandaccent their land-scaping.Creepingthymeisafavoriteforitstoleranceofdrysoil,lowmaintenanceneedsandabilitytoself-seedseasonafterseason.

Togetgroundcoversstartedoffontheright foot, plant them in spring so theyhaveachance to rootwell.Before long,your barren, weedy trouble spots willbegone,coveredbywondrouswavesofflowersandfoliag

Ground cover: The creeping cure for ugly bare spots and landscaping challenges


Visit one of our 6 branches today, or call(360) 553-0400

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*APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Only available for new Home Equity Lines of Credit. Rate is variable and the rate you qualify for is determined by application and credit information. Primary residence only. Property insurance is required and fl ood insurance may be required. You must meet our credit and underwriting requirements. Membership requirements apply. Rates subject to change.

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Another fine use for giant zucchiniThereareusesforgiantzucchiniother

than depositing them on the neighbor’sdoorstep, ringing the doorbell and run-ning. Late last summer, the AssociatedPress and several other news agenciesreported the saga of aMissoula County,Montana woman who found another useforovergrownsquash.

Shehadjustletherthreedogsoutdoorsaroundmidnight when a 200-pound blackbear tried to muscle its way through herdoor, after batting her 12-year-old colliearound.Ithadapparentlybeeneatingapplesfrom a tree in her front yardwhen it wasstartledbythedogs.

Shekickedthebear,whichrespondedbypawingherlegandrippingherjeans.Asshetriedtoretreat intoherhouse, thebearad-vanced,stickingitsheadandshoulderpartofthewaythroughthedoor.

Holding her door closed with her lefthand, she spied an overgrown zucchini onthecounterandgraspeditinherleft.Withallhermight,sheletitfly---andithitthebearonthehead.That’swhenthebruinde-cideddiscretionwasthebetterpartofvalorandchosetodepart.

The dogwas stunned but not seriously

injured; the woman needed a tetanus shotbutwasotherwiseokay,althoughshehadascreendoor.toreplace

This comment was left on the SeattleTimeswebsitebysomeoneknownonlyasUpperLeftCoast:“ThankGodthatinAme-ricawestillhaveourrighttoBearZucchini.WhenZucchiniisoutlawedonlyBearswillhaveZucchini.Iwillnotgiveupmymam-moth Zucchinis without a struggle. TheywillhavetoprymycolddeadfingersfromaroundmyZucchini!GodBlessAmerica!Thankyouandgoodnight.”

Yetanotheruseforgiantzucchini:Withalargetablespoon,scrapeoutthepithycen-terofthe‘onethatgotaway.’Stuffthezucc-hiniwithamixtureofhamburgerorgroundturkeyand/orcookedrice,mixedwithhalfalightlysauteedchoppedgreenpepperandhalfachoppedsmallonionandsomegarlic.Topwithasmallcanoftomatosauce(youcanmixthesaucewithdriedoregano,basil,thymeand/orparsley,orusepartofajarofpasta sauce).Sprinkleona layerofgratedcheese,andbakeina325-degreeoveninalarge shallow baking pan until the side ofthezucchiniteststenderwhenpokedwithafork.That’satastygiantzucchini!

Containers can be used to grow summer squash like these baby yellow squash, delicious halved and briefly steamed, sauteed in a little oilive oil with fresh basil, or cut up in a salad. Just be sure to check out the grow-ing habits of the plant, and try to use one suitable for container growing.


961 Wind River Rd, Carson, WA (509)427-8320Store Hours: Mon - Fri 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Sat: 8 am to 5 pm

Order All of Your Outdoor Living Needs

at J&L Farm and Home

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Delivering to SW Washington & Portland Metro area

Call Jerry Sauer360-210-7726

Locally owned and operated

Expanded locationin Camas off

SR14 & Union Street

www.excavatorrentalservices.com

Extend Your Home’s Living Spaces OutdoorsAstheweatherwarms,Americansspendmoretimeintheirbackyardsandgar-

dens,takingadvantageoftheiroutdoorlivinganddiningspace.Recentdecoratingtrendsarehelpinghomeownerscreateinvitingoutdoorspac-

es.It’snolongeraboutsimplepicnictablesonpatiosordecks.Therenowaremanynewwaystocreatewelcomingambience.

More homeowners are using innovative prod-uctsforthebackyardandgardenmadewithrecy-cledmaterials--asmallwaytomakeabigdiffer-ence.Forexample,recycledplasticsarebeingusedinfunctionalyetstylishdecking,verticalgardens,flower pots, bird houses, furniture andmore, di-vertingthisvaluablematerialfromlandfills.

“Consumershavemanyoptionstodaytocreatebeautiful backyards and other home spaces withrecycledproducts,”saysSteveRussell,vicepresi-dentofplasticsfortheAmericanChemistryCoun-cil.“Forinstance,recycledplasticscanbeusedtocreateallsortsoffunctionalandfashionableprod-ucts,frommodernlawnchairstochicaccessoriestolonglastingfences.”

Herearesomegreattweaksforyouroutdoorspacesthisseason:*DivineDecking:Tocreatedecks,gazebosandotheroutdoorstructures,many

buildersarenowusingcomposite lumber,someofwhich ismadewith recycledplasticshoppingbags.Thesecompositesaretypicallystain-andwater-resistantanddon’tattractthosepeskybackyardbugsthatenjoywood.

*LightItUp:Whenentertainingoutdoorsatnight,therightlightingaddsambi-encewhile illuminatingpathways for safety.Youcanup-light trees fordramaticeffect.Energy-efficientsolarlightingisagreatchoice,asyouavoiddealingwithcordsinorunderyouryardandsaveelectricityintheprocess.

*Feel-GoodFurniture:Homeownersnowadayscanloungeonbrightlycoloredchairsandbenchesanddineonstylishtablesmadewithrecycledplas-ticsandother innovativematerials.Greenmindedconsumers can choose furnituremade from post-consumercontainers,suchasplasticmilkjugs,de-tergentcontainersandmargarinetubs.Andbestofall, you’ll save time andmoneybynot having tostainorweatherproofthissecondgenerationfurni-ture.

*Grow-Up:Shortonspaceinyouryard?Verti-calgardensareaconservationist’sdream,allowingplantloverstocreatehanginggardensineventhesmallestcorners,indoorsandout.Verticalgardensoftenaremadewithrecycledplastics,andcancre-ateaflowerorvegetablesourceonjustaboutany

typeofwall.Theyhelpturneventhesmalleststudioapartmentorbackyarddeckintoagreenoasis.Formoretipsonhowyoucanhelp“closetherecyclingloop”byusingre-

cycledproductstocreateagreenersanctuaryforyourhomeandgarden,visitwww.plasticsmakeitpossible.com.


Public Utility District No. 1 Of Skamania County Phone (509) 427-5126 or Toll Free (800) 922-5329

Before using a shovel, backhoe or excavator for any reason you need to call 1-800-424-5555 -OR- 8-1-1

Or visit www.callbeforeyoudig.orgCall for line locates at least two working days before you dig.

It's a free service and required by law. One call to the toll free number and all utility companies will be notified

Call Before You Dig

Strawberry pots are great for growing herbs. This one has sage, marjo-ram and Greek oregano, as well as a few tiny strawberry plants in the pockets. Keep watering and snipping herbs, and they’ll give back flavor.

Garden prep 101: Getting ready for planting season

Outsidebirdsaresingingandbitsofgreenarepoppingupallaround.Asseasonschangefromwintertospring,thegardener’smindquicklyleapstogrowingflowersandproduce.Beforegettingoutthereandplanting,followthesebasicgardenpreparationstogetthemostoutofthisgrowingseason.

Journal:ScottsMiracle-Gro gardening expertAshtonRitchie strongly recommends that every

gardenerkeepa“gardenjournal.”“MywifeandIkeepagardenjournalsoweknowwhatweplanted,whenweplantedandharvested,whatproblemswehadtotreat,whatweusedandhowwellitworked,”hesays.“Westarteachgrowingseasonbyreviewinglastyear’sjournal.”

Infact,manysuccessfulgardeners,likeAshton,takenotesorkeepjournals.Itcanbeaseasyastapingseedpacketsintoasmallnotebookorsketchingoutwherethetulipbulbsareplanted.Keepingtrackofgardeningexperiencescansimplifythegardeningprocess,andwillbeaninvaluablereferenceinthefuture.

Garden design:Whetherplantinganewgardenorbringinglifetoanoldone--asmartdesigniskey.

Light,waterandspacerequirementsvaryfromplanttoplant-andregiontoregion.There-fore,awelldesigned lay-out foragardencanmake thedifferencebetweenabountifulharvestandwitheringleaves.

Fromfancylandscapingsoftwareprogramstosimplecharcoalsketches,creatingagar-denlayout isagreatwaytoplantheoptimaldesign.Afewmeasurementsof thespace

andobservationsoftheamountofsunlightormoisturewillprovehelpfulintheplanningprocess.Considerwhatthegardenwilllooklikefromallanglestomaximizeenjoyment.Inaddition,seedpackets,gardenbooks,pottinglabelsandnurseryexpertsarealwaysgreatresourcesonaplant’sgrowingrequirements.

Plant selection:Varietiesofplantsavailableintoday’smarketarevirtuallyendless.Thatiswhyseed

catalogsareapricelesstoolforanygardener.Leafingthroughtheseresourcescanmakeplantselectioneasyandfun.Withagardendesignandjournalfromlastyearinhand,itwillbeacinchtonarrowdownthechoicesforthisyear’sgarden.Asuccessfulgardenerdoesn’thavetogrowalltheirplantsfromseed.Mostnurseriesofferawiderangeofsmallherbs,vegetables,fruitsandflowerstotransplantdirectlyintothegarden.However,startingplantsfromseeddoesprovidemorevariety,isusuallylessexpensiveandcangrowplantsthataremorediseaseresistant.Selectingplantsnativetoyourregionattractswildlifeandmakesyourgardenalivingvisualexperience.

Soil amendment:Nativesoilsandtop-soilsarenotallcreatedequal.Mostwillneedalittleboosttobe-

comefertilegardensoil.A3-inchlayerofhigh-qualitygardensoil,suchasMiracle-GroOr-ganicChoiceGardenSoil,canbetilledintonativesoiltoimproveexistingsoil,addorganicmatterandhelpplantsbuildstrongroots.

Amendingsoilwillallowgardenerstogrowbeautifulflowersandbountifulvegetablesnaturally.Compostisanothergreatsourceoforganicmatterforthegarden.Createacom-postbinandaddleaves,lawnclippings,kitchenscraps,pottingsoilfromlastyear’scontain-ersandanyothergardenwaste.Turnoraeratethepileonceamonth,andbynextsummerallthatformeryardwastewillbeniceorganicmaterialforyourgarden,andkeeptherefuseoutoflandfills.

Feeding, watering and weeds:Oncethegardenisplanted,feeding,wateringandweedingareessentialtothegrowth

andsurvivalofflowersandvegetables.Fortunately,youcanpreventweedsandfeedplantsforuptothreemonthswithMiracle-GroShake‘nFeedAllPurposePlantFoodPlusWeedPreventerwhenplacedontosoilbeforelayingmulch.Evenwithproperfeeding,agardenshouldstillbemonitoreddailyforwaterneeds,dependingontheamountofrain,sunlightandtemperaturesitreceives.

Mulch:Mulchisanoftenoverlookedcousinofgardensoil.Manybelievemulchtobeastrictly

decorativeitem,butmostgardenersknowitstruevalue.High-qualitymulcheslikeScottsNatureScapesAdvancedlookgreatwhilealsohelpingconservewaterandnaturallypre-ventingweedsbyblockinggrowthandrestrictingaccesstosunlight.Mulchshouldbeusedaroundthebaseofplantsandinbeds,butcanalsobeusedtocreatepathwaysthroughagarden,makingharvestingandwateringeasier.Don’tforgetthatcontainersalsobenefitfromanice2-inchlayerofmulch.

Withjustalittleplanning,andafeweasypreparationsbeforethegrowingseason,gardenerscanreaptherewardscomeharvesttime,andenjoythebeautyofthegardenallseasonlong.


TuckedawayinacornerofSkamaniaCountyisalittlebitofItaly,aTuscanwood-firedoven.Sturdilybuiltofbrick,firebrickandconcretebyNick andPaulaZeller,it is fired upat least oncea month, anopportunityto gather afew friendsfor a day ofsharing itswarmth.Y e a s t y

breads arehauled fromits mouth,i n c l u d i n gwholewheatpita puffingup in seconds atthe oven’s hottestbaking tempera-ture, crusty loavesof potato rosemarybread, multi-grainflaxseedbread,rus-tic rolls and sour-doughpumpernick-elbagels,aswellaspizzas.The process of

warming the ovento nearly 900 de-grees --- pizzarange---andgraduallycoolingitdowntakeslit-erally24hours,asthefireiscontinuallystoked.Temperatures of both the roof and floor of theovenaremonitored,andasensorcanbeinsertedinto the loaves to see if they have reached thecriticalstageofaround190degrees.Once theoven ishot, it stayshot.Thecoals

arerakedoutandtheflooroftheoveniscleaned.Somebreadsbakedirectlyonthefirebrick,which

isquitesterileonceitreachesthosetemperatures.Breadswith seeds that could burn on the ovenflooror thatmayneed somesupport arebaked

on sheet pans, of-ten coated with alittle coarse flourof cornmeal to liftthem slightly fromthepan.ThepatioTuscan

oven was inspiredby the Zellers’ bi-cycle trips throughEurope, whereroadside trattoriasoften serve rusticpizzas, breads andmeatsbakedinout-doorovens.The Zellers

make regular tripstoBob’sRedMill inMil-waukie,Ore., tobuybak-ing supplies in bulk in-cludingwholewheattobegroundintoflour.Wood-fired ovens also

do a great job of cookingmeats, and are a ‘secretweapon’ in the barbecuewars.The Zellers built their

outdoor oven themselvesusingfirebricksandotherseparately purchased ma-terials, but kits are also

available.Gotowww.fornobravo.com,orwww.losangelesovenworks.com.Books are also available, including “Build

Your Own Earth Oven,” by Kiko Denzer; and“BuildingaWood-FiredOvenForBread&Piz-za,”byTomJaine.The“PizzaOvenConstruc-tionManual,” an eBook byFrankNoetzold, isavailableonlineinaCDversionwithphotos.Gotowww.frankspizzaoven.com

Tuscan wood-burning ovens are the ultimate outdoor kitchen appliance CHUCKLEHEAD CHUTNEY

8Bartlettpears,chopped(youcanuseredpears;leavetheskinon)

2limes,juice,choppedsections,gratedzest4greenapples,chopped2peaches,chopped

1orange,juice,segmentpieceswithoutskin

1canpineapple(chunksorcrushed)1canDelMontetropicalfruitsinjuice

2cupsyellowraisins1-1/2cupsbrownsugar

3/4cupapplecidervinegar2tsp.lemonjuiceconcentrate

twohealthyknobsfreshginger,grated2T.wholecloves

2tsp.groundcinnamonfreshlygratednutmeg

1/4tsp.mace3largeclovesgarlic,chopped

1/2tsp.cayenne(less,ifyou’rechicken)1/2cupgratedcoconut(addlastfivemin-

utesofsimmering)(4-5verysmallwholedried

chiles,ifdesired)

Putallingredientsexceptcoconutanddriedchilesinalargenon-reactivekettle.Bringtoboil,lowerheat,andsimmer20minutes.Addcoconut;simmeratleastfivemore

minutes.Checkconsistencyofsyrup—itshouldclingtothespoon.Ifnot,cookit

somemore.Addchilis,ifdesired.Pourintosterilizedpintjars.Coverwith

sterilizedlidsandtighten.Processinsimmeringhotwaterbath15minutes.Removejarsfromcanner;coverwithlargetowelandletcool24hoursbe-

foremovingjarsforstorage.Makes9-10pints.

Goodwithcurrydishes,chickenorpork.Refrigerateafteropening.

Joanna“Chucklehead”Grammon


Open 7 Days a Week! Mon-Fri 7-6 Sat 8-5 Sun 8-324 NE Second St., Stevenson, WA • 509-427-5551

Free Packet of Seedswith any purchase over $25

• IrishEyes-LargeSelectionofOrganicandHeirloomSeeds

• Steer,Chicken,MushroomCompost,andPeatMoss

• CoolWeatherVegetablesandFlowers• WallaWallaOnionSetsandSeedPotatoes• CattlePanels• LawnSeed• Triple16,Lime,ScottsLawnFertilizers• ColoredTomatoCages

Garden • Lumber • Plumbing • Paint • ElectricalColumbia Hardware

Lesley's BooksDowntown Stevenson,

Across from Riverview Bank(509)427-4463

Hours: Open Wednesday - Sunday 10 to 4

CHECK OUT THE GARDEN BOOK DISPLAY AT

LESLEY’S BOOKS!

Garden season preparation: Ready tools for the growing seasonAstheseasonschangeandoutdoorlivingbecomesarealityonceagain,

visionsofbountifulgardensandgreengrassfill theheadsofmosthom-eowners.Itislikely,however,thatafewitemsinthetoolshedneedsomeattention.Eventhemostexperiencedgardenerhastoolsforworkinginandaround

the garden and lawn.Although the lawnmower, spreader, shovel or rakemaygettakenforgranted,all toolsworkmoreefficientlyandlastlongerwithpropercare.Essentialtools:Aquickinventoryofgardenandlawntoolswillmakethingseasierthis

growingseason.Most tool shedscontaina shovel,hoe, trowelandhose.Lawncarecanbeeveneasierwith just a fewadditional items suchasamower,arakeandahigh-qualityspreaderliketheScottsTurfBuilderEdge-GuardDLXSpreader.Youcanfindmanyvariationson thesebasic toolsandnumerousother

optionsonthemarketsuchastrimmers,edgers,aeratorsandtillers,butthekeyistohaveafewessentialson-handandreadyforuse.Caretips:Mostgardenandlawntoolshavemetalpartscontainingironand,there-

fore,attractrust.Oxygenpresentintheairandwatercombineswithirontocreatereddish-lookingpatchesonmetal,knownasrust.Leftunchecked,rustcaneventuallydestroyatool-butitiseasilyprevented.Simplykeep

toolscleananddry.Aftereachuse,toolslikeshovelsandhoesneedaquickcleaningwitha

stiffwirebrushandragtoremovemoistureanddebris.Oilingorwaxingthebladesongardenandlawntoolsisagreatwaytopreventfuturerustwhilekeeping tools in tip-topshape. Ifa tool isalreadyrusted, simplyapplyasmallamountofmineraloilandscrubwithsteelwool,orconsideracom-mercialrustremoverifnecessary.Lawnmowersneedcareeachseason.Aproperlycaredforandmaintained

mowerwilllastforseveralyears.Toensurethebestpossibleperformance,treat yourmow-er to a tune-up,oil change andblade sharpen-ingeachspring.S p r e a d e r s

alsoneedannualmaintenance toensurepeakper-formance. Aftereach use, emptytheleftovercon-tents back into

the bag. Finally,placethespread-eronthegrassandhoseitdown.Anymetalpartsmayalsobenefitfromasprayofoiltopreventrust.Propertoolstorageisveryimportant.Remembertokeeptoolscleanand

dry.Never leave toolsoutside,exposed to theelements. Ifpossible,hangshovels,spades,hoes,rakesandhandtoolsfromhooksonthewall,makingtoolseasiertofindwhenneeded.Someattentionatthestartoftheseasonreallypaysoffintheend,and

extendsthelifeofyourfavoritegardenandlawntools.Sothisyear,takeafewminutestocarefortheseitemsandreapthebenefitsformanyyearstocome.


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2011 Spring Home and Garden