8
Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020 Special To The Spring & 218-683-5263 www.reedrealtymn.com Whether you’re ready to sell, or just thinking about selling, give us a call for a FREE market analysis of your property. Make your next move a little easier. BUY or SELL through Reed Realty - TRF and use our enclosed trailer for FREE! Search ALL listed properties on Zillow, America’s #1 Real Estate search engine, or Realtor.com, Trulia and Reedrealtymn.com, then give us a call to schedule your private showings. Mike Cerny Owner/Sales (218) 686-5206 Wyatt Johnson Sales (218) 686-4357 Loren Lusignan Sales (218) 689-8451 Paulette Omdahl Sales (218) 686-9849 Jerry Homan Sales (218) 686-0224 Mindy Helle Sales (218) 688-0170 Rick Olberg Sales (612) 750-1134 Samantha Lindgren Sales (218) 686-5645 Flat, even landscapes are often coveted in backyards. However, flat backyards are not always so easy to find. Fortunately, varied terrain does not mean that certain landscaping plans are entirely off limits, especially for homeowners willing to build retaining walls. Retaining walls help turn steep slopes in a yard into terraced focal points. They also can reduce soil erosion in hilly areas and can be used for aesthetic purposes, like raised planters, or to create more usable space within the yard. When an inground pool or pond is cut into a backyard hill, a retaining wall helps keep the remaining portion of that hill from collapsing into the cut-away area. When contemplating retaining wall projects, a lesson in physics and engi- neering may be needed. A sturdy and long-lasting retaining wall needs to be built in a way that will take into consideration the force of the soil and the point at which the soil will begin to slide away, advises the experts at The Family Handyman. If these calcula- tions seem beyond the scope of your ability, installation of a retaining wall is a job best left to a professional. If you are ready to forge ahead, these tips can get you started. However, it's important to note the poten- tial benefits of working with others who have already built a retaining wall. · Safety first: Call to have underground utilities plot- ted and marked before beginning any excavation. · Map out your trench and begin to dig. The trench should have a level, com- pacted base as it will be the foundation for which the retaining wall materials, be they blocks, bricks or wood, sit in. A crushed stone base will help anchor the courses and serve to promote drainage. The Family Handyman says to bury the first course of the retaining wall one-tenth the height of the wall to prevent soil behind it from pushing the bottom out. · Check for level. When placing blocks or timbers, make sure they are even with the first and periodi- cally check for level as you go, advises the home improvement retailer Lowes®. · Stagger and set back. The next row of blocks or material should be posi- tioned so that the joints are staggered for blocks, bricks or wood. A masonry blade will be needed to cut the harder materials; a circular saw will cut timber. Also, work against gravity by set- ting the second course slightly back from the first to help push back against the soil that is trying so hard to push forward. Repeat the process as each level is placed. Many retain- ing wall products are made with a lip to create this set back. Go with the grade. For especially steep slopes, a gradual step-up design may be more secure and more appealing than a very tall retaining wall. Each level of a stepped design should be done like the first. · Backfill with stone for drainage. Using a layer of stone behind the retaining wall can help successfully direct water away so it will not increase the weight of the soil behind the wall and push against the retaining wall, advises The Home Depot. Retaining walls serve dif- ferent purposes in a yard. Building such a wall requires planning and care- ful execution to ensure the job is done correctly. Slicing into the first tomato of the season is a much anticipated moment for gardeners. Tomatoes are among the most popular fruit or vegetable plants grown in home gardens. Much of that popularity may be credited to the fact that red, ripe tomatoes have a delicious, juicy flavor that serves as the basis for all sorts of recipes. And since tomatoes can just as easily be grown in a full backyard garden or in a container on a patio or balcony, tomatoes appeal to gardeners regard- less of their living situa- tions. While tomatoes are rela- tively easy to grow, they are prone to certain problems and pests. Knowledge of what to expect when plant- ing tomatoes and how to start off on the right footing can help produce a season's worth of delicious bounty. · Wait until after the last average frost date. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds outdoors in warm areas, but tomato gardeners often find success starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Gradually intro- duce seedlings to the ele- ments for a few hours each day, increasing the duration of time outside. Then they can be transplanted out- doors when temperatures are consistently over 60 F. · Choose a sunny spot. Tomatoes love to soak up sunlight, according to The Home Depot. Place the plants in a sunny spot so they can thrive. · Space out plants. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens say to leave anywhere from 24 to 48 inches between plants to accommodate for growth and ensure the plants will not get stunted. · Plant deeply. Tomatoes tend to root along their stems. If transplants are long and lean, dig a trench and lay the stem sideways in the dirt, and then bend the top of the plant upward. Snip off the lower branches and cover with soil up to the first set of leaves. This will produce extra root growth and stronger, more vital plants. · Give the plants support. Tomato cages or stakes can help keep the leaves and fruit from touching the ground, which can cause rot and, eventually, death to the tomato plant. · Lay down a layer of mulch. Tomatoes grow best when the soil is consistently moist. Mulch can help retain moisture from water- ing and rain. Mulch also will help prevent soil and soilborne diseases from splashing on the leaves and plants when it rains. While you amend the soil, make sure that it drains well and is slightly acidic. · Prune away suckers. Tomatoes produce "suck- ers," which are leaves that shoot out from the main stem. Removing these leaves promotes air circula- tion and keeps the plant's energy focused on growing fruit. Tomatoes are a rich addi- tion to any garden. A few simple tricks can help even novice gardeners grow deli- cious tomatoes. Few things can give a home exterior that sought after wow factor as well as a nicely maintained lawn. A lush green landscape is a great way to show pride in home ownership and improve curb appeal. As many homeowners know, lawns are under con- stant attack. The elements are rarely easy on lawns, and watchful eyes must always be kept open for other problems that can plague a lawn, including crabgrass. Crabgrass can be a formi- dable adversary in the sum- mer months. According to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, crab- grass begins as seeds. These seeds germinate in spring or early summer. While crabgrass dies after the first hard frost in fall, crabgrass seeds remain dormant in winter, and the seeds then grow again in the following spring when ground tem- perature warms up. Without action to prevent crabgrass seeds from germi- nating, homeowners will likely end up with patches of crabgrass throughout their lawns every summer. The home improvement retailer Lowes® notes that a healthy lawn is the best defense against crabgrass. The healthier a lawn is, the harder it is for unwanted grasses like crabgrass to thrive. The following are a handful of strategies that can promote a healthy lawn and make it more difficult for unsightly crabgrass to establish itself in the months ahead. · Keep grass at a consis- tent length, and don't cut too low. Maintaining a con- sistent length of grass by mowing at regular intervals can make it hard for crab- grass to thrive. Crabgrass requires ample sunlight to germinate, so grass that is not cut too short may keep crabgrass from growing in. Of course, grass should not be allowed to grow knee- length, either. By raising blades to the mowing height appropriate for their type of grass, and mowing at regu- lar intervals so the grass remains at that height through the summer, home- owners can promote healthy lawns and make it harder for crabgrass to germinate. · Never cut too much of the blade off of the grass. When mowing, don't cut too much of the blade off the grass with each cut, even if the grass seems especially long. As noted, cutting too low allows sunlight to reach crabgrass seeds. But cutting too much off the blade, even if the grass is still high after a mow, can injure the grass. Injured grass can make lawns more vulnerable to weeds and crabgrass. · Apply a pre-emergence herbicide. Pre-emergence herbicides kill germinating grass seedlings before they emerge from the soil. Follow the manufacturer's instruc- tions regarding when and how much herbicide to apply. If crabgrass has already started to grow, it's likely too late to apply a pre-emergence herbicide. Crabgrass is an unwel- come invader in many lawns. Spring can be a great time to prevent this unwanted guest from returning this summer. A lesson in building a backyard retaining wall Retaining walls help turn steep slopes in a yard into terraced focal points. They also can reduce soil erosion in hilly areas and can be used for aesthetic purposes, like raised planters, or to create more usable space within the yard. How to prevent crabgrass Tips to successfully grow tomatoes 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 out- door 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 enter- taining spaces. Remember, however, that goals may evolve as landscape design- ers and even architects make their own suggestions for the space or present lim- itations. 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 out- door shower. 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 cre- ative 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 and drink that makes outdoor enter- taining much easier. The experts at Angie's List sug- gest outdoor kitchens be built close to the house to make it easier to run elec- tricity and plumbing to the outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens should include a sink, small refrig- erator, 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 adjust- ed for day or night, or even to set the mood, is another consideration. Shade struc- tures, like a trellis or retractable awning, will keep the area comfortable and can also define outdoor "rooms" and establish priva- cy. 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 out- door entertaining area beyond summer. Entertaining outdoors is made that much more entic- ing with a dream outdoor living space full of ameni- ties. (218) 268-4765 In business since 1974 Excellent Prices on Concrete #4 and #5 Rebar (Steel or Fiberglass Rebar) Dependable service & quality products Same day delivery available Basement & septic installation We deliver anywhere! •Wash •Beach Sand •Class 5 Mod •River Rock •Peat •Black Dirt •Road Gravel •Rip Rap Service with Front Discharge Trucks

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Page 1: Home Garden Spring - s25453.pcdn.co€¦ · Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020 Spring& Special To The 218-683-5263 Whether you’re ready to sell,

Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020

Special To TheSpring&

218-683-5263www.reedrealtymn.comWhether you’re ready to sell, or just thinking about selling,give us a call for a FREE market analysis of your property.

Make your next move a little easier. BUY or SELLthrough Reed Realty - TRF and use ourenclosed trailer for FREE!

Search ALL listed properties on Zillow, America’s #1 Real Estate search engine, or Realtor.com, Trulia and Reedrealtymn.com,

then give us a call to schedule your private showings.Mike Cerny Owner/Sales (218) 686-5206Wyatt Johnson Sales (218) 686-4357Loren Lusignan Sales (218) 689-8451Paulette Omdahl Sales (218) 686-9849Jerry Ho,man Sales (218) 686-0224Mindy Helle Sales (218) 688-0170Rick Olberg Sales (612) 750-1134Samantha Lindgren Sales (218) 686-5645

Flat, even landscapes areoften coveted in backyards.However, flat backyards arenot always so easy to find.Fortunately, varied terraindoes not mean that certainlandscaping plans areentirely off limits, especiallyfor homeowners willing tobuild retaining walls. Retaining walls help turnsteep slopes in a yard intoterraced focal points. Theyalso can reduce soil erosionin hilly areas and can beused for aesthetic purposes,like raised planters, or tocreate more usable spacewithin the yard. When aninground pool or pond is cutinto a backyard hill, aretaining wall helps keepthe remaining portion ofthat hill from collapsinginto the cut-away area. When contemplatingretaining wall projects, alesson in physics and engi-neering may be needed. Asturdy and long-lastingretaining wall needs to bebuilt in a way that will takeinto consideration the forceof the soil and the point atwhich the soil will begin toslide away, advises theexperts at The FamilyHandyman. If these calcula-tions seem beyond the scopeof your ability, installationof a retaining wall is a job

best left to a professional. Ifyou are ready to forgeahead, these tips can getyou started. However, it'simportant to note the poten-tial benefits of working withothers who have alreadybuilt a retaining wall. · Safety first: Call to haveunderground utilities plot-ted and marked beforebeginning any excavation. · Map out your trenchand begin to dig. The trenchshould have a level, com-pacted base as it will be thefoundation for which theretaining wall materials, bethey blocks, bricks or wood,sit in. A crushed stone basewill help anchor the coursesand serve to promotedrainage. The FamilyHandyman says to bury thefirst course of the retainingwall one-tenth the height ofthe wall to prevent soilbehind it from pushing thebottom out. · Check for level. Whenplacing blocks or timbers,make sure they are evenwith the first and periodi-cally check for level as yougo, advises the homeimprovement retailerLowes®. · Stagger and set back.The next row of blocks ormaterial should be posi-tioned so that the joints are

staggered for blocks, bricksor wood. A masonry bladewill be needed to cut theharder materials; a circularsaw will cut timber. Also,work against gravity by set-ting the second courseslightly back from the firstto help push back againstthe soil that is trying sohard to push forward.Repeat the process as eachlevel is placed. Many retain-ing wall products are madewith a lip to create this setback. Go with the grade. Forespecially steep slopes, agradual step-up design maybe more secure and moreappealing than a very tallretaining wall. Each level ofa stepped design should bedone like the first. · Backfill with stone fordrainage. Using a layer ofstone behind the retainingwall can help successfullydirect water away so it willnot increase the weight ofthe soil behind the wall andpush against the retainingwall, advises The HomeDepot. Retaining walls serve dif-ferent purposes in a yard.Building such a wallrequires planning and care-ful execution to ensure thejob is done correctly.

Slicing into the firsttomato of the season is amuch anticipated momentfor gardeners. Tomatoes areamong the most popularfruit or vegetable plantsgrown in home gardens.Much of that popularitymay be credited to the factthat red, ripe tomatoes havea delicious, juicy flavor thatserves as the basis for allsorts of recipes. And sincetomatoes can just as easilybe grown in a full backyardgarden or in a container ona patio or balcony, tomatoesappeal to gardeners regard-less of their living situa-tions. While tomatoes are rela-tively easy to grow, they areprone to certain problemsand pests. Knowledge ofwhat to expect when plant-ing tomatoes and how tostart off on the right footingcan help produce a season'sworth of delicious bounty. · Wait until after the lastaverage frost date.Tomatoes can be grownfrom seeds outdoors inwarm areas, but tomatogardeners often find successstarting seeds indoors six to

eight weeks before the lastfrost date. Gradually intro-duce seedlings to the ele-ments for a few hours eachday, increasing the durationof time outside. Then theycan be transplanted out-doors when temperaturesare consistently over 60 F. · Choose a sunny spot.Tomatoes love to soak upsunlight, according to TheHome Depot. Place theplants in a sunny spot sothey can thrive. · Space out plants. Theexperts at Better Homesand Gardens say to leaveanywhere from 24 to 48inches between plants toaccommodate for growthand ensure the plants willnot get stunted. · Plant deeply. Tomatoestend to root along theirstems. If transplants arelong and lean, dig a trenchand lay the stem sidewaysin the dirt, and then bendthe top of the plant upward.Snip off the lower branchesand cover with soil up to thefirst set of leaves. This willproduce extra root growthand stronger, more vitalplants.

· Give the plants support.Tomato cages or stakes canhelp keep the leaves andfruit from touching theground, which can cause rotand, eventually, death tothe tomato plant. · Lay down a layer ofmulch. Tomatoes grow bestwhen the soil is consistentlymoist. Mulch can helpretain moisture from water-ing and rain. Mulch alsowill help prevent soil andsoilborne diseases fromsplashing on the leaves andplants when it rains. Whileyou amend the soil, makesure that it drains well andis slightly acidic. · Prune away suckers.Tomatoes produce "suck-ers," which are leaves thatshoot out from the mainstem. Removing theseleaves promotes air circula-tion and keeps the plant'senergy focused on growingfruit. Tomatoes are a rich addi-tion to any garden. A fewsimple tricks can help evennovice gardeners grow deli-cious tomatoes.

Few things can give ahome exterior that soughtafter wow factor as well as anicely maintained lawn. Alush green landscape is agreat way to show pride inhome ownership andimprove curb appeal. As many homeownersknow, lawns are under con-stant attack. The elementsare rarely easy on lawns,and watchful eyes mustalways be kept open forother problems that canplague a lawn, includingcrabgrass. Crabgrass can be a formi-dable adversary in the sum-mer months. According tothe Penn State College ofAgricultural Sciences, crab-grass begins as seeds. Theseseeds germinate in springor early summer. Whilecrabgrass dies after the firsthard frost in fall, crabgrassseeds remain dormant inwinter, and the seeds thengrow again in the followingspring when ground tem-perature warms up.Without action to preventcrabgrass seeds from germi-nating, homeowners willlikely end up with patchesof crabgrass throughouttheir lawns every summer. The home improvementretailer Lowes® notes thata healthy lawn is the best

defense against crabgrass.The healthier a lawn is, theharder it is for unwantedgrasses like crabgrass tothrive. The following are ahandful of strategies that

can promote a healthy lawnand make it more difficult for unsightly crabgrass toestablish itself in themonths ahead. · Keep grass at a consis-tent length, and don't cuttoo low. Maintaining a con-sistent length of grass bymowing at regular intervalscan make it hard for crab-grass to thrive. Crabgrassrequires ample sunlight togerminate, so grass that isnot cut too short may keepcrabgrass from growing in.Of course, grass should notbe allowed to grow knee-length, either. By raisingblades to the mowing heightappropriate for their type ofgrass, and mowing at regu-

lar intervals so the grassremains at that heightthrough the summer, home-owners can promote healthylawns and make it harderfor crabgrass to germinate. · Never cut too much ofthe blade off of the grass.When mowing, don't cut toomuch of the blade off thegrass with each cut, even ifthe grass seems especiallylong. As noted, cutting toolow allows sunlight to reachcrabgrass seeds. But cuttingtoo much off the blade, evenif the grass is still high aftera mow, can injure the grass.Injured grass can makelawns more vulnerable toweeds and crabgrass. · Apply a pre-emergenceherbicide. Pre-emergenceherbicides kill germinatinggrass seedlings before theyemerge from the soil. Followthe manufacturer's instruc-tions regarding when andhow much herbicide toapply. If crabgrass hasalready started to grow, it'slikely too late to apply apre-emergence herbicide. Crabgrass is an unwel-come invader in manylawns. Spring can be a greattime to prevent thisunwanted guest fromreturning this summer.

A lesson in building abackyard retaining wall

Retaining walls help turn steep slopes in a yard into terraced focal points. They also canreduce soil erosion in hilly areas and can be used for aesthetic purposes, like raisedplanters, or to create more usable space within the yard.

How to prevent crabgrass

Tips to successfully grow tomatoes

Design a dream outdoorentertaining space Upon the arrival of warmweather, many individualsprefer to spend their freetime outside, relishing thefresh air and sunshine andevenings spent under thestars. But cracked patios andmakeshift chairs and tablesmay not establish thedesired ambiance. An out-door entertaining area thatoffers the same amenities

found inside a home canmake outdoor retreats bothcomfortable and functional.Creative planning can helphomeowners design dreamareas perfect for hostingfriends or family.

Establish goals As with any project, thefirst step when coordinatingoutdoor living areas is todetermine what you hope toachieve with the space. Willit be a location for lounging?Will people be cookingmeals outside? Is the poolthe central focus of theyard? Answering thesequestions and more canhelp homeowners decidehow to design their enter-taining spaces. Remember,however, that goals mayevolve as landscape design-ers and even architectsmake their own suggestionsfor the space or present lim-itations.

Evaluate the space Look at the lot and decidewhat will go where, such aswhere to place the partyspace, where to create aquiet hideaway and whereto locate a poolhouse or out-door shower. A large, flat yard can bedivided into a series ofpatios that serve differentpurposes. Yards that arebuilt on a hill or a slope canstill be utilized with cre-ative design elements, suchas multi-tiered decking. Byworking with qualifieddesigners, homeowners canbring their ideas to life.

Easy food and drinkaccess

Traipsing in and out ofthe house for refreshmentscan become tiresome whenentertaining outside. In

such situations, people alsocan track dirt inside of thehome or leave a trail of poolwater in their wake.Outdoor kitchens allow easyaccess to food and drinkthat makes outdoor enter-taining much easier. Theexperts at Angie's List sug-gest outdoor kitchens bebuilt close to the house tomake it easier to run elec-tricity and plumbing to theoutdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens shouldinclude a sink, small refrig-erator, built-in grill, and bararea.

Creature comforts Homeowners shouldthink about the things thatmake the inside of theirhomes so comfortable andthen replicate that outside.Sofas and loveseats coveredin fabric suited for outdoorsand plenty of pillows canmake for great lounging.Lighting that can be adjust-ed for day or night, or evento set the mood, is anotherconsideration. Shade struc-tures, like a trellis orretractable awning, willkeep the area comfortableand can also define outdoor"rooms" and establish priva-cy.

Fire it up Many homeowners enjoyhaving fire elements intheir yards. Lanterns andcandles may create aromantic feel, but a fire pitor outdoor fireplace mayhelp extend use of the out-door entertaining areabeyond summer. Entertaining outdoors ismade that much more entic-ing with a dream outdoorliving space full of ameni-ties.

(218) 268-4765In business since 1974

Excellent Prices on Concrete #4 and #5 Rebar (Steel or Fiberglass Rebar)

Dependable service & quality productsSame day delivery available

Basement & septic installationWe deliver anywhere!

•Wash •Beach Sand •Class 5 Mod •River Rock•Peat •Black Dirt •Road Gravel •Rip Rap

Service with Front Discharge Trucks

Page 2: Home Garden Spring - s25453.pcdn.co€¦ · Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020 Spring& Special To The 218-683-5263 Whether you’re ready to sell,

A Housing and UrbanDevelopment report called“A Community Guide toFactory-Built Housing”states that there is atremendous need for newhomes in America’s citiesand towns. To meet thisdemand, the home buildingindustry has developed andadopted many technologicalinnovations to provide newhomes more quickly andmore efficiently while still

keeping homes affordableand of a high quality. Newtechniques, materials, tools,and organizational methodsare particularly common inthe ‘factory-built’ housingworld.” This guidebook identifiesmany benefits of factory-built housing, includingsome of the following:

Cost Savings • Modular and manufac-tured homes are constructedin a more efficient and cost-effective way because they’rebuilt in a centralized, con-trolled environment and notsubject to the many varyingconditions of site construc-tion. These can add signifi-cant cost overruns andextend even the most care-fully devised productionschedule. • When the house isordered, the price is set andis reliable. There won’t beunexpected price increasesdue to material price fluctu-ations or having to substi-tute another product whenone specified is unavailable. • Housing production fac-tories are most often in ruralareas where prevailing ratesare lower than rates in areaswhere the house will besited. Labor costs are alsolower because of the repeti-tive tasks and use of sophis-ticated and automated tools. • Industry data showsthat the labor cost compo-nent of a modular or manu-factured home is typically 8to 12 percent of the totalhouse construction cost,while the labor cost of a site-built home is upwards of 40to 60 percent of the totalcost. • Factories purchase inbulk and generally receivedeep discounts on buildingmaterials, which can bepassed on to the buyer. • The costs of construc-tion waste are also greatlyeliminated. • Factory-built housingalso reduces waste both inthe time and costs to replacedefective materials such aswarped studs, damagedboards. • Production cycles areshorter - a site-built homecan take more than threemonths from start to finish.

Quality Control • Homes built in a con-trolled environment are notaffected by weather condi-tions. • Quality control is inher-ent in having homes pro-duced in a factory settingwith professionals who buildhomes on a daily basis. • Home-building ma-chinery used in the factoryoften results in greater pre-cision. • Construction crews arenot scattered around differ-ent sites and are not “pulledoff” one job to work on anoth-er, which can lead to errorsand delays. For more informationabout the benefits of manu-factured or modular homes,visit www.huduser.org.

COVID-19 has broughtchanges to everything, andhome design is no excep-tion. Experts are expectingto see lasting impacts oneverything from the materi-als we use to the rooms weprioritize. Check out theseand other noteworthytrends: Houses over apartments:Many people who live incondos or apartments do soto be closer to the action -work, entertainment andshops - and never plannedon spending much time athome. But the pandemichas changed that, and morepeople are going to want ahome that offers plenty ofroom and outdoor space incase they need to self-iso-late again. Self-sufficiency: A hardlesson we've learned is thatthings and services we

thought we could count onaren't necessarily a surething, so items thatincrease self-reliance willbecome very popular.Expect to see more homeswith sources of energy likesolar panels, sources of heatlike fireplaces and stoves,and even urban and indoorgardens that allow you togrow your own produce. Outdoor living: Betweenplaygrounds closing andparks becoming overcrowd-ed, many of us are turningto our balconies, patios andbackyards for fresh air andnature. This means we'regoing to be investing morein our outdoor spaces, withfunctional kitchens, sooth-ing water features, cozyfirepits, and high-qualityoutdoor furniture to createa much-needed escape. Healthier spaces: Thanksto spending more timeindoors and reprioritizingour health, we'll turn todesign to help ensure ourhomes are safe and healthy

for our families. We'll see arise in products like waterfiltration systems as well asmaterials that improveindoor air quality. For newhomes and additions, alter-natives to wood-framinglike insulated concreteforms from Nudura, whichoffer improved ventilationfor healthier indoor airquality and an environmentthat's less susceptible tomold, will be key. Home office space:Business experts are sug-gesting many companieswill see that working fromhome is not only possiblebut offers tangible benefits,like saving money on officespace rent. With workingfrom home on the rise, cre-ating a home office spacethat inspires productivitywill be a major project manyof us tackle. Luxury homeoffice furniture that feelschic and blends into yourdécor as well as ergonomicchairs and desks will see amajor boost.

Page 2 - Northern Watch HOME & GARDEN Saturday, May 9, 2020

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There are benefitsto factory-built housing

Page 3: Home Garden Spring - s25453.pcdn.co€¦ · Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020 Spring& Special To The 218-683-5263 Whether you’re ready to sell,

A thriving backyard gar-den requires homeowners totake steps to ensure the gar-den has the best environ-ment in which to grow andthrive. The right tools andcomponents, including trow-els, rakes, soil, amendments,and fertilizer, can help gar-deners create beautifulspaces. It's also importantthat pollinators are made tofeel welcome in the garden. The United StatesDepartment of Agriculturereports that one-third of allagricultural output dependson pollinators. The USDAnotes that insects and otheranimal pollinators are vitalto the production of healthycrops for food, fibers, edibleoils, medicines, and otherproducts. Pollinators alsoare essential for maintain-ing habitats and ecosystemsthat many wild animals relyon for food and shelter. The U.S. Forest Servicesays that, without pollina-tors, the human race and allof the earth's terrestrialecosystems would not sur-vive. Pollination done thenatural way often yieldslarge, flavorful fruits. Pollinators are make-or-break components of large-scale agriculture, andthey're just as important inprivate home gardens. ThePollinator Partnership, anorganization that works toprotect pollinators and theirhabitats across NorthAmerica, says pollinatorsinclude bees, butterflies,beetles, birds, and bats.These animals travel fromplant to plant carryingpollen on their bodies. Thefollowing are some ways tomaintain healthy pollinatorhabitats. · Consider the soil andtypes of plants that willthrive in it before choosingwhat to plant. Fix drainageissues and plant with sun-light in mind. · Vary the colors andshapes of plants to attract agreater array of pollinators.Plant flowers close to veg-etable gardens to attract pol-linators. · Group plants togetherwhen planting to more effec-tively attract pollinators. · Select plants that flower

at different times of the yearso that nectar and pollensources are available year-round. · Whenever possible,choose native plants. · Avoid the use of pesti-cides. · Provide a water sourcefor pollinators, such as ashallow dish with stones

half-submerged for perch-ing. Pollinators are importantfor gardens, whether thosegardens are commercialoperations or small back-yard plots. Allow pollinatorsto share spaces and be mind-ful of behaviors that canthreaten their survival.

Saturday, May 9, 2020 HOME & GARDEN Page 3 - Northern Watch

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When planning to paint aroom, most people spendcountless hours selecting acolor. Once that decision ismade, they spend far lesstime selecting paint brushesand rollers. Many DIYersdon’t consider that choosingthe right applicators is justas important as selecting theright paint color. Here are afew tips to help you identifythe right tools for the joband make your next paint-ing project your best yet.You get what you pay for When selecting paintbrushes and roller covers,don't skimp on quality. Abetter-made brush is lesslikely to leave bristles andbrush marks on your walls,ensuring you achieve asmoother, more professional-looking finish. A well-madebrush may also cost a fewdollars more, but can lastover hundreds of paintingjobs if taken care of correct-ly. Along the same lines, acheap roller cover will leavelint on your walls embeddedin the wet paint. If you leavethe lint and let the paint set,you'll definitely notice whenthe walls of your newlypainted room look a bitfuzzy. You’ll save yourself hoursof time and lots of frustra-tion by selecting higher-grade applicators.

Break out the brushes Brushes are available invarious sizes and for a vari-ety of paints and stains. Themost common size for home

painting projects is a 2-1/2-inch brush. If you are work-ing on painting smallerdetails, like baseboards, lookat using a smaller size. Next, consider the bris-tles. Stiffer, synthetic bris-tles work best with latex-based coatings, while softer,natural bristles are best forstains or oil-based products.There are also two styles ofbristles - angled and flat. Ifworking where the wallmeets the ceiling, paintinginto corners or close to thetrim, choose an angledbrush. A flat brush is madeto paint larger, level areassuch as walls and doors.

Roll out the rollers In addition to investing ina good brush, you'll alsoneed a quality roller coverfor walls and other largeareas. When selecting aroller cover, pay specialattention to nap, fabric typeand size. The thickness of the fab-ric - the nap - varies for eachproject type. The more tex-ture you desire on the sur-face you are painting, thehigher the nap should be. Ahalf-inch nap height is mostcommon for use in themajority of homes, withnylon and polyester fabricsbeing the best for coveringdrywall. For an ultra-smooth finish, often desiredin kitchens, bathrooms andliving rooms, choose a 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch nap in awoven or microfiber fabric. In addition to fabric and

nap options, covers are alsoavailable in a variety ofsizes: nine-inch width coverswork well for full room proj-ects and mini-rollers aregreat for painting smallareas. Finally, roller coversmay have different coresizes, so keep that in mindwhen purchasing rollerframes. If you still have questionsabout what’s the best appli-cator for your painting proj-ect, applicator manufactur-ers often have tool selectorsavailable.

Other tools foryour toolbox

It’s a good idea to havethe following on hand beforeyou crack open that first canof paint: spackle and ascraper for filling in nailholes and uneven areas;quality painter’s tape; stirsticks; a roller tray andliner; drop cloths for protect-ing your flooring, carpet andfurniture - canvas worksbetter than plastic; and ascrewdriver, which can beused for removing paint canlids, outlet covers and switchplates. To make sure your paint-ing project goes as planned,be sure to take a little timeselecting the best paintbrushes and roller covers forthe job. This will save youtime and money in the longrun. Start with the righttools and you'll be paintinglike a pro in no time. Courtesy of Brandpoint

Put the pro in home improvement

Pollinators are an important part of gardens

Hwy. 32 South, 304 Riverside Ave. South P.O. Box 385. Thief River Falls, MN 56701

(218) 681-HOME (4663) • (800) 447-0382Check Out Our Web Page www.genereuxrealty.com

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Page 4: Home Garden Spring - s25453.pcdn.co€¦ · Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020 Spring& Special To The 218-683-5263 Whether you’re ready to sell,

Gardening is an engag-ing hobby that can provide ahost of benefits, some ofwhich may surprise eventhe most devoted gardeners.For example, the HarvardMedical School notes thatjust 30 minutes of garden-ing activities burns 135calories, making gardeninga fun and simple way toincorporate more exerciseinto your daily routine. Inaddition, scientists havelong proven that gardeningreleases the hormones sero-tonin and dopamine in thebrain, each of which areassociated with improvedmood. Perennial gardens can beespecially attractive to sea-soned gardeners andnovices. Perennials areplants that come back yearafter year, and committingto a perennial garden canensure people stick withgardening for the long haul,reaping all of the rewardsthat come with making sucha commitment. Before planting a peren-nial garden, those new togardening may want to con-sider these three tips.

1. Make a plan. A perennial gardencomes back year after year,which means any mistakesyou make when plantingare likely to haunt you yearafter year as well. Factorslike space and location mustbe considered before plant-ing. Many gardeners utilizegarden planning applica-

tions like GrowVeg to makethe process of planning agarden simpler and moreorganized. Such applica-tions can be especially use-ful for novices.

2. Consider aesthetics. Gardens can be awe-inspiring, especially whengardeners consider aesthet-ics prior to planting. The

DIY Network advises gar-deners to consider scalebefore choosing whichperennials to plant. Tallplants and wide beds tendto look best outside largehomes, while short plants insmall beds tend to look bet-ter outside small homes.

3. Work with a professional. Local garden centers canbe excellent resources whenplanning perennial gar-dens. Representatives atsuch businesses can offertips on native plants, whichwill be more likely to thriveyear after year than non-natives. Such representa-tives also can help youchoose the right plantsbased on the amount of sun-light the plants will likelyget after being planted.Each of these factors can beeasily overlooked by peoplewithout much gardeningexperience. Perennial gardens canprovide years of joy andinspiration, especially whengardeners give ample atten-tion to certain details priorto planting.

Page 4 - Northern Watch HOME & GARDEN Saturday, May 9, 2020

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Beth NelsonConsumer Loan Officer

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Becky PetersonReal Estate Loan Officer

[email protected]

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Local garden centers can be excellent resources for gar-deners planting perennial gardens for the first time.

3 perennial gardening pointers

Garden Corner1016 2nd Ave. N, Warren, MN

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Call 218-280-4924 for questions or directions

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in May9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Page 5: Home Garden Spring - s25453.pcdn.co€¦ · Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020 Spring& Special To The 218-683-5263 Whether you’re ready to sell,

Spring is a season ofrebirth and renewal. Astrees and flowers bloomanew, many people getrenewed vigor to tackleprojects in and around thehouse. Spring cleaning projectscan take on many forms,from garage overhauls towashing the interiors andexteriors of windows.According to the 2019American CleaningInstitute National CleaningSurvey conducted byWakefield Research, 77 per-cent of households surveyedcommit to spring clean proj-ects every year. Dust is a formidable foeduring spring cleaning proj-ects. Dust is unsightly anddust mites can trigger aller-gic reactions. But manyhomeowners lament that,once they dust, dust returnsin a flash. Dust may seem

like a never-ending nui-sance, but there are someways to mitigate dust formore than just a few hours.

Invest in a better vacuum cleaner

Vacuuming carpets canrelease and resuspend dustand allergens that weretrapped in carpeting andthrow rugs, advises theQueensland University ofTechnology. Traditional vac-uums may toss that dustinto the air rather thanremove it. However, vacu-ums with HEPA (high effi-ciency particulate air) fil-ters can catch particles at .3microns in size or larger atan efficiency rating of 99.97percent. Another solution isto switch to hard-surfaceflooring, which is less likelyto trap dust.

Change the AC unit filter

According to Kadi

Dulude, owner of the NewYork-based Wizard ofHomes cleaning service,HVAC filters are supposedto trap particles that flowthrough the air and theheating and cooling system.Inadequate or dirty filterscannot do that job as thor-oughly as new filters. Checkthe filters in both windowand whole-house AC orheating units and replaceaccording to the recom-mended schedule. Considerfilters with a higher MERVrating, which can catchsmaller particles, suggestsRagsdale Heating, Air &Plumbing company.Use less cloth and linen The cleaning serviceMaid to Shine Cleaners sug-gests that textiles trap moredust, particularly syntheticfabrics. Replacing itemsaround the house withleather or wooden furniture

may alleviate some of thedust problem.

Take off shoes Dirt and debris from out-side can contribute to dustin the house. Remove shoeswhen entering the house toreduce the accumulation ofdust.

Keep pets brushed and groomed

Pets bring many positivethings to a home, but nomatter how short theircoats, pet dander can bepart of the dust problem.Washing and grooming petsregularly may put a dent inthe dust situation. In addition to these sug-gestions, getting a whole-house filtration system,increasing wet dusting andchecking for leaky ductsthat can be sucking dustfrom attics, basements orgarages are some otherways to reduce dust in ahome.

Saturday, May 9, 2020 HOME & GARDEN Page 5 - Northern Watch

For Appointments Call:(218) 681-4087www.trfrealty.com601 Main Ave. N.Thief River Falls

Angie Westling – Broker (218) 689-6392Gail Oyster – Sales (218) 681-5495Jennifer Nelson – Sales (218) 689-2550Nicole Peterson – Sales (218) 689-3508Sarah Jacobson – Sales (218) 686-6417Shelly Guzek – Sales (218) 686-5827Trisha Champ – Sales (218) 686-5227

$118,500

$89,00015377 Connie, Thief River Falls3 bedrooms, 1 bath, spacious living, dining, kitchen.Huge yard - half acre, 2-stall garage. New wallfurnace and water heater in January. All just a minutesouth of TRF. This manufactured home is listed wellbelow appraised value and ready for a new owner.

Hometown Realty can help you buy or sell LAND, COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES, FARMS, andRESIDENTIAL homes in all price ranges and in most Northwest Minnesota areas. Give us a call orstop in at either of our locations – 601 Main Ave N in Thief River Falls or 122 Johnson in Warren.Below are just a few of our current listings, make sure to go to www.trfrealty.com and see our

amazing virtual tours of these homes.

207 Marshall Ave, HoltIt's time to change your address! This home has a Newfoldenaddress but is in the town of Holt. You too can enjoy small townliving in this comfortable home. Featuring a main floor masterbedroom with 1/4 bath and also laundry on the main floor. Thishome is sure to please. But it doesn't stop there. The owner hasreplaced all the flooring throughout the home. Laminate in thekitchen, dining, living room and master and carpet in the twoupstairs bedrooms and also on the staircase. Beautifully done andMOVE-IN ready! Triple pane windows with warranty, newershingles, two storage sheds and a full deck in back of the house.In the laundry room there are also custom cabinets.

$164,900

$118,900129 Oak Ave N, Thief River Falls

City or Country? Located on a dead end street, the large yard with acreek running along the back property line gives you the country vibeyet you are minutes from all the advantages of city life. Cozy homeoffers larger living room, formal dining and dine-in kitchen, large mainfloor bedroom with connecting door to full bath. Cute-as-can-be backporch/sun room offers up visions of morning coffee while gazing overyour own country oasis in the city! Attached single car garage plusworkshop/storage for those projects you're planning.

1203 Arnold Ave N, Thief River FallsWell cared for one owner home is move-in ready. All on one floorconvenience offers a nice sized living room, spacious dine-inkitchen with ample cabinetry plus a pantry, three bedrooms andmain floor bath with laundry. Dry basement with sump pump(battery back-up) has rec room, workshop, storage galore and a1/2 bath with plumbing to add a shower. Private backyard hasshaded patio and 10x14 garden shed to convert into your very ownshe-shed! New shingles in 2018 and windows were replaced in2007.

$242,000

$189,900690 N Montana, WarrenGorgeous newly constructed home located in Warren. This homefeatures an open floor plan with an en suite, two additional bedroomsand a full bath. The kitchen has beautiful cabinetry with soft closedrawers and a center island along with stainless steel appliances.There is a patio door off the dining room where you can add a deckor patio for a place to have that morning coffee. Perfect one levelhome and ready to move right in.

211 Good Samaritan, WarrenImmaculate and modern twin home located in Warren is nowavailable. This open concept home includes tiled floors, beautifulcustom cabinets and a gorgeous back splash. There is also crownmolding throughout the home, a master suite with a closetorganizer. 4 seasons porch and a bonus room above the garage.Mechanical conveniences include: In-floor heat, heat pump, naturalgas, and an irrigation system for the lawn. This home has all thebells and whistles!

$424,3001907 Nightingale, Thief River FallsGorgeous Tudor style home is now available! This stunning homehas many amenities for that active lifestyle. On the main floor youwill enjoy this beautiful kitchen which has granite counter tops,custom cabinetry and a 4x8 island. While relaxing in front of thefire you can also enjoy the many views of the river andlandscaped yard. Also on the main floor you have the master suitewith a spacious walk-in closet and heated tile floors in the masterbath. The loft adds character and charm to this home and is veryfunctional. The lower level has a family room with a beautifullycrafted wine rack. So much to see and enjoy in this beautifulhome.

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Landstad GreenhouseOpen for Business

Saturday, May 9th

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5 outdoor projects that add value Exterior renovations canenhance the appearance of aproperty and make it moreenjoyable for homeowners.Certain renovations havethe potential to add value toa home, while others maydo the opposite. Learningwhich one have the largestreturn on investment canhelp homeowners select fea-tures that will have themost positive impact. Curb appeal goes a longway toward attractingpotential buyers. Accordingto the National Associationof Realtors, first impres-sions of a property have astrong influence on buyers.Landscaping and externalfeatures can do much toinfluence such impressions.

· Lawn care program:Investing in a lawn careprogram that consists of fer-tilizer and weed controlapplication and can betransferred over to a subse-quent homeowner is anattractive feature. NARsays such a care programcan recover $1,000 in valueof the $330 average cost, ora 303 percent ROI. · L o w - m a i n t e n a n c elifestyle: When choosingmaterials for projects, thosethat offer low-maintenancebenefits can be preferential.These include low-mainte-nance patio materials, com-posite decking, vinyl fenc-ing, and inorganic mulchedbeds. · Fire pit: A fire pit can be

used for much of the year.In the spring and summer,the fire pit is a great placeto congregate to roastmarshmallows or sip wineand gaze into the fire. In thefall, the fire pit can makefor a cozy retreat. A fire pitthat has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and theNational Association ofLandscape Professionalssays that most can recoupabout $4,000 of their $6,000average price tag. · Softscaping: Hard -scaping refers to structureslike outdoor kitchens ordecks. Softscaping involvesthe living elements of thelandscape. Hiring a land-scape designer to installtrees, shrubs, natural edg-

ing, and rock elements cando wonders toward improv-ing the look and value of ahome. · Pool or water feature: Incertain markets, particular-ly hot climates, a pool oranother water feature is amust-have. However, inother areas where outdoortime is limited, a pool orwater feature can actuallylower the value of a home.Speaking with a real estateprofessional can give home-owners an idea of how apool will fare in a givenneighborhood. Outdoor improvementscan improve the mar-ketability of a home, as wellas enhance its appearanceand function.

Why is my house so dustyand what can I do?

Page 6: Home Garden Spring - s25453.pcdn.co€¦ · Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020 Spring& Special To The 218-683-5263 Whether you’re ready to sell,

Water can be a homeown-er's worst nightmare. Fewthings have the potential todamage a home as much aswater. From leaks to flood-ing to moisture problemslike mold, water can wreakhavoc on a home. Basements or crawlspaces are areas of a homewhere water can do themost damage. Basementsand crawl spaces tend to bethe lowest-lying spots in ahome, and therefore prime

spots for water to enter.Water problems in theseareas can contribute to thedemise of the structuralintegrity of the foundation. According to Olshan, afoundation solutions compa-ny, water can enter homesin numerous ways. Manybuilding materials, includ-ing concrete, that seem solidat first glance actually arequite porous. As groundwater collects around thesematerials, the weight of the

accumulated water, calledhydrostatic pressure, canweaken the materials, caus-ing cracks where water canseep through. Water alsocan enter subterraneanspaces through basementwindows and gaps betweenfootings and concrete slabs,or push up through founda-tion floors when homes arein areas with high watertables. Remedying water issuesin a home generally breaksdown into two methodolo-gies: exterior waterproofingand interior waterproofing.Depending on the cause andseverity of the water issue,one or the other, or evenboth, may be recommended.Exterior waterproofing Exterior waterproofingaims to keep water awayfrom and out of the home.The home improvementinformation resourceDoItYourself.com says thatexterior waterproofing gen-erally includes the applica-tion of a waterproofingagent to the concrete foun-dation. In addition, exteriorwaterproofing also couldinclude excavation so adrainage system can beinstalled around the entirefooting of the home.Regrading a property andproperly relocating guttersand downspouts can helpwith many water issues.Interior waterproofing When water in a base-

ment or crawl space needsto be remediated indoors, asystem to collect, drain andremove water may be neces-sary. This can include sumppumps, drains, gravity dis-charge systems, and more.Moisture barriers, whichcan include special paints orproducts applied to thefoundation walls and floor,also can help keep waterfrom entering the space.

Moisture solutions Keeping water out is onlyone part of the equation.Homeowners also need tomanage moisture, likeexcessive humidity. A mar-riage of HVAC and water-proofing techniques may benecessary to improve airflow and remove humidityin the air. While many homeownershave attempted to addresswater issues on their own,many times it is a job bestleft to the professionals.Because water penetrationcan have multifaceted caus-es, a professional can bestassess the situation and cre-ate solutions that fit withhomeowners' budgets andneeds. The review andadvice site Angie's List sug-gests finding at least threewaterproofing companiesthat offer both interior andexterior waterproofing serv-ices that can provide thebest ideas for fixing theissue.

Kitchens are populargathering spots in manyhomes. That popularity isreflected in various ways,including how many home-owners choose to remodeltheir kitchens. A 2019 report from thehome renovation and designresource Houzz found thatkitchens were the most pop-ular room to renovate in2018. Homeowners consid-ering kitchen remodelsshould know that the Houzzreport also indicated thatspending on kitchen remod-els increased by 27 percentin 2018.

Homeowners concernedby the cost of remodeling akitchen should know thatthere are ways to givekitchens a whole new feelwithout breaking the bank.

Appliances Consumer Reports notesthat luxury home buyersexpect high-end features,including professionalranges and built-in refriger-ators that match the sur-rounding cabinetry.However, many main-stream brands offer "fauxpro" features that can equalmore expensive alterna-tives. Consumer Reportseven notes that many budg-et-friendly faux pro appli-ances outperformed theirhigh-end counterparts interms of reliability.

Countertops Countertops tend to cap-ture the eye's attentionwhen walking into akitchen. Outdated and/ordamaged countertops grabthat attention for all thewrong reasons, whileupdated countertops madefrom today's most popularmaterials provide that wowfactor homeowners seek. Ifgranite is a must-have,Consumer Reports notesthat homeowners can savesubstantial amounts ofmoney by choosing granitefrom remnants at the stoneyard. If marble is your idealcountertop, save money bychoosing a domestic productas opposed to one importedfrom overseas.

Cabinets Custom-built cabinetsmay be a dream, but theytend to be a very expensiveone. Such cabinets aredesigned to adhere to thedimensions of the kitchen,and Consumer Reportsnotes that they can costtens of thousands of dollars.If that estimate would bustyour budget, examine thecurrent layout of the exist-ing cabinets. If the layout isfine but the cabinets needwork, you can give them awhole new look by refinish-ing them. If the cabinetsmust go, stock units orsemi-custom cabinets canprovide a new look withoutbusting the budget.

Page 6 - Northern Watch HOME & GARDEN Saturday, May 9, 2020

www.nordinrealtytrf.comDiedre Nordin

Broker/OwnerMya Eidelbes

Sales AgentOffice 218-681-7789

34481 290th St. NW – Warren $124,900! Wonderful country property located between Warren and Argyle. 3bedrooms, 1 bath, large kitchen and dining, double garage, beautiful yard, 2 acresfor play and gardening! MLS# 19-2251

2001 Northrop Ave. – TRF $249,500! Move-in-ready and on a corner lot near Challenger! Open-concept kitchen,dining and living rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room with bar, and a doubleheated garage – see it today! MLS# 20-688

923 Knight Ave. N – TRF $142,500! With curb appeal plus, this home draws you in. It has 3 bedrooms, 2baths, formal and informal dining, large sunroom, finished basement and 2 garages.MLS# 19-2044

2013 Nelson Dr. – TRF $399,000! Beautifully renovated, this home has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, main flooreverything, 2 gathering spaces, a sunroom and a gorgeous site with a deckoverlooking the river. MLS# 19-2498

18459 144th Ave. NW – TRF $136,000! Check out this “shome” – a shop and home in one. Built in 2017, this 6-acre property offers a heated and finished shop with living quarters attached. It’s amust-see! MLS# 19-2441

837 Kendall Ave. S – TRF$139,700! This solid rambler boasts 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, main floor laundry, nobasement steps to navigate, 2 double garages, and lots of fenced backyard space.Call today! MLS# 19-2119

1001 First St. W – TRF $69,500! Like-new manufactured home on a rented lot. This home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a spaciousliving, dining and kitchen area, a deck, and a covered front porch for reading and relaxing. MLS# 20-657

15291 180th St. NW – TRF $274,500! Come to the country! This home on 15 acres and completely renovated,has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, main floor laundry, farmhouse kitchen, and a new triplegarage. Come and see! MLS# 19-2402

102 Kenwood Ct. – TRF. $424,500! Executive home offers 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, office, beautifully remodeledkitchen with quartz counters, large breakfast bar, sunroom, bonus room, deck,patio, and fenced yard. MLS# 19-1714

Kate AndersonSales Agent

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Tips for waterproofing a basement or crawl space

Affordable features to considerwhen revamping your kitchen

When planning springlandscapes, homeownersshould always group plantswith similar water needstogether. According to theU.S. Department of Energy,grouping plants with simi-lar water needs togetherhelps to conserve water,which can be an especiallyuseful strategy if or whendrought restrictions go intoeffect in summer.Homeowners also canembrace additional strate-gies to landscape withwater conservation in mind.

For example, aerating soilhelps to improve water flowto plants' roots and reduceswater runoff, helping toensure that plants get all ofthe water they need whilereducing the likelihood thathomeowners will have touse excessive amounts ofwater to keep plantshealthy. In addition, usinglow-water-using types ofgrass can help homeownerswho live in areas prone todrought conserve waterwhile still maintaininglush, green lawns.

Did you know?

Page 7: Home Garden Spring - s25453.pcdn.co€¦ · Home Garden Volume 30, Number 19 Second Section Saturday, May 9, 2020 Spring& Special To The 218-683-5263 Whether you’re ready to sell,

Warm weather meansmore opportunities to spendtime outdoors while athome. Whether yourfavorite form of outdoorrecreation includes sittingon the patio reading or dig-ging in the garden, there's agood chance that you will besharing the space with localwildlife. Optimizing oppor-tunities to view and interactwith backyard wildlife canmake the great outdoorseven more enjoyable. The Cornell Lab ofOrnithology indicates thatthere are around 2,059 birdspecies on the continent ofNorth America. Red-wingedblackbirds, yellow-rumpedwarblers, American robins,and chipping sparrows are

among the most commonlyseen birds in NorthAmerica. Making a backyard hos-pitable to birds can increasethe chances for sightingsand hearing their sweetsongs. Installing a bird bathcan be a step in the rightdirection. Bird baths can makeyards more attractive tobirds. Birds require a sup-ply of fresh, clean water fordrinking and bathing. Bysetting up a bath, home-owners can attract not onlyseed-loving birds, but thosethat don't eat seeds andwouldn't normally congre-gate around feeders, indi-cates All About Birds.Experts surmise that birds

may bathe to maintain theirfeathers. Not all bird baths areconstructed in the samefashion. Many bird bathssold in stores are bettersuited for decoration thanfor serving as functionalbaths. There are four gener-al types of bird bath: stand-ing pedestal, hanging bath,deck-mounted, and ground-level. In general, the lower abird bath is to the ground,the more likely birds are touse it. Most natural sourcesof water birds use are on ornear the ground. Therefore,ground-level bird baths maybe the best investments. It is important to keepthe water in a bird bathshallow (around two inches

of water or less). Thisenables birds to splasharound safely and wade in. Birds do not want to slidearound, so a material that iscoated and slippery, likeglazed ceramic or glass,may not be too popular.Rough stone or a bird bathmodified with pea gravel orrocks can give birds steadyfooting. Place the bird bath in theshade if possible to ensurethe water is cool and fresh.Locate it by a tree so thebirds can hop up to a branchand preen afterwards. AllAbout Birds also says that abird bath is more attractiveif it has a dripping or mov-ing water feature, as this isoften irresistible to birds. Another way to ensurethe bath will be used is tokeep it clean and main-tained. Change the waterevery day or two. Rinse offthe bath to remove drop-pings, bugs and otherdebris. Once birds learn there isa comfortable bath nearby,they may be more apt tovisit a yard and may evenbecome frequent guests.

Saturday, May 9, 2020 HOME & GARDEN Page 7 - Northern Watch

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Caring for a lawn to keepit lush and green canrequire equal measures ofpatience and hard work.Various invaders can attackgrass or contribute to itsdemise. One problem manyhomeowners face is barespots. Bare spots can occur forvarious reasons. Heavy foottraffic, grubs or other pests,fungi, pet urine, or toomuch or too little water cancontribute to bare spots.The how-to resource TheSpruce says that correctingthe source of bare spots canprevent new issues, particu-larly if grubs or other pestsare damaging the grass.Then homeowners canaddress existing bare areas. It is unlikely that barespots will just fill back in ontheir own. Reseeding spotsor using sod to fill in bareareas can help lawns looklush. · Begin by raking and

removing any dead grassand other debris from thelawn. Check to make surethat grubs or insects are notattacking the lawn. If theyare, use targeted treatmentoptions for those pests. · Break up and aerateany soil that is compactedin the bare spot. · Amend the soil in thebare area with loamy soil orcompost to improve on thenutritional makeup andtexture so that it isamenable to grass-growing.If you notice that the entirelawn is looking a littlesparse, top-dressing therest of the lawn at this pointalso can help improve itsvitality. · Sprinkle seeds in thebare spot (disperse seedsover the rest of the lawn ifyou want to over-seed andimprove the thickness of thelawn). If you prefer sod, cuta portion of the sod to fit thebare area and place on the

amended soil. The Scotts company saysto lightly water newly seed-ed or sodded areas daily forat least two weeks to keepthe top inch of soil consis-tently moist but not soggy.Gradually water more asthe seedlings develop andthe grass begins to fill in.Deep water at least once ortwice a week after the newgrass reaches mowingheight. · The grass should growslightly longer than the restof the lawn, and wait untilthe color of the patched areabegins to blend in with therest of the lawn before mow-ing. This could take a fewweeks, and the area shouldbe avoided until then. Eventually, and withtreatment, bare spots canbe remedied and becomeindistinguishable fromother areas of the lawn.

Gardening is beneficialin various ways. The AARPstates that some of thehealth perks associatedwith gardening includeimproved mood, increasedvitamin D levels (whichbenefits bones and immunesystem) and reduced risk ofdementia. In addition, ifgardening efforts includegrowing herbs, fruits andvegetables, it can be a cost-effective way to eat healthy. For gardeners withoutsufficient space or for thosewith mobility issues, con-tainer gardening can be anideal way to grow every-thing from flowers to veg-etables. Better Homes &Gardens says most plantsare not fussy about the con-tainers in which they growso long as some of theirbasic needs are met. Thismeans watering correctlyfor the type of plant, andensuring sufficientdrainage. The following are some

other ways container gar-dening efforts can provesuccessful. · Watch water. PlanetNatural Research Centersays plants with thin leavestypically need ample water,and plants with thick leavesneed less. Use this as aguideline to gauge waterneeds. · Size correctly. Plantsshould be sized to the con-tainer. Consider dwarf vari-eties of certain plants ifyour containers are small. · Choose the right soil.Fill containers with a com-mercial potting soil ratherthan soil from the garden.Garden soil can dry into asolid mass, while commer-cial mixtures have amend-ments like peat moss, ver-miculite, compost, andother ingredients to helpwith soil texture and mois-ture retention. · Mix it up. When plant-ing containers of flowersand other greenery, Good

Housekeeping says toinclude "a thriller, a spillerand a filler" as a good rule ofthumb. The thriller is thefocal point, the spiller atrailing plant, and a fillerhas smaller leaves or flow-ers to add bulk and color. · Poke holes. Drainageholes are essential so thatsoil will not become water-logged. Holes don't need tobe large, but there shouldbe enough of them so thatexcess water can drain outreadily. · Select the right contain-er material. Containermaterials may be affectedby gardeners' budgets, per-sonal taste and other fac-tors. For those who live inhot climates, selecting alight-colored container canhelp prevent further soilheat absorption. Container gardening is ahealthy and enjoyable activ-ity that can pay dividendsin various ways.

Repair bare spots in the lawn

Container gardening tips

A guide to buying and setting up a bird bath

Did you know? When planning springlandscapes, homeownersshould always group plantswith similar water needstogether. According to theU.S. Department of Energy,grouping plants with simi-lar water needs togetherhelps to conserve water,which can be an especiallyuseful strategy if or whendrought restrictions go intoeffect in summer.Homeowners also canembrace additional strate-gies to landscape withwater conservation in mind.For example, aerating soilhelps to improve water flowto plants' roots and reduceswater runoff, helping toensure that plants get all ofthe water they need whilereducing the likelihood thathomeowners will have touse excessive amounts ofwater to keep plantshealthy. In addition, usinglow-water-using types ofgrass can help homeownerswho live in areas prone todrought conserve waterwhile still maintaininglush, green lawns.

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