Outdoor Design & Living Guide - Summer 2009

LANDSCAPE TEXTURE

Add Texture, Color & Magic To Your Landscapes

PAGE 20

Green Is For Eco-FriendlyIn Your Yard

PAGE 6

The Ultimate Patio GuideWith Reviews From Indoor Girl

PAGE 37

North Dakota’s Solar EnergyPAGE 16

Summer 2009

2 Outdoor Design Living guide5507 53rd Avenue SW Fargo, ND 58104 701-232-4001 www.deckmasters.net

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Supply Design Build“Our experience at and with Deckmasters was a wonderful one! We went the “Do It Yourself” route. Deckmasters helped us layout a plan, select the materials, delivered the materials, and even put up the ledger on the house and the posts in the ground for us. Being a novice builder, we had plenty of questions. Todd took time for us with every question! Thanks again for all your help! ”Sincerely, David RichmanWest Fargo, North Dakota

Escapes

Summer 2009 3

4 Outdoor Design Living guide

6–9 Green Is For Eco-FriendlyIn Your Yard

10 Free To Run, But Not Run AwayInvisible Fences For Your Pets

11 Family Fun Project: SandboxA Step-by-Step Guide

12-15 Easy Summer Entertaining

16-17 Is North Dakota Warmingto Solar Energy?

18–19 Ask the Expert: Lawn CareTips On Getting The Perfect Lawn

C O N T E N T SSummer 2009

PublisherStudio 7 Productions, Inc.

editorBrian Bestge

CoPy editorGregory Wald

ACCount exeCutivesLynn Hanson

Brian Bestge

Content MAnAgerGregory Wald

leAd designerJamie Farmen

design & lAyoutMike Biewer

Dan Nisbet

Whitney Werner

ContributorsTodd Funfar

Molly Bestge

Brian Bestge

Nancy Hanson

Gregory Wald

Sadie Anderson

Aliceyn Magelky

Paula Klein

Sherry Witt

Advertising inforMAtionLynn Hanson

Office: 701-356-7770

Mobile: 701-730-4570

MAil CorresPondenCeStudio 7 Productions, Inc.

503 7th St. N, Suite 104

Fargo, ND 58102

[email protected]

Outdoor Design and Living Guide is published quarterly by Studio 7 Productions Inc. Total printing is

15,000 per issue and is distributed in two states. No part of this publication may be reproduced without

written permission by Studio 7 Productions Inc. Studio 7 Productions assumes no responsibility for unsolicited

manuscripts or photographs. Studio 7 Productions does not necessarily agree or endorse content of articles or advertising presented. For advertising

information, contact Studio 7 Productions Inc.

503 7th St N, Suite 104, Fargo ND 58102.

©2009 Studio 7 Productions, Inc.

In my haste to engage myself in spring planting and getting my yard back in shape, I realized that I have not planned two of my family’s scheduled (or should have been scheduled) mini-vacations. When I was a kid, my dad spent many long weekends working at our local JC Penney store, but when he said, “Let’s load up the car,” my sister and I always knew the Bestge vacation was going to be interesting. Long car rides usually meant an invisible line drawn between my sister and me. This kept the peace for several miles, all while my dad switched the A/C to vent in the family Oldsmobile to “save gas.” My point — 20-some years later — I now know how much work it is to come up with something fun and relaxing for all involved. Although I have a good idea of what I need to do, I’m relying on my father-like instinct to pull me through this pressurized season that is “Summer Vacations 2009.“

In our area we all know how the weather changes, and many times we are forced to keep our weekend plans in a liquid form. Weekend warriors are always looking at how much work can be done in our 48-hour labor-intensive weekend. In this issue, we provide you with some Do-It-Yourself projects, from installing a fence to taking some of those left-over materials to create a sandbox for your kids. “Going green” can be more than just a funny little political statement as we explore how mulching nurtures your yard and how practical solar energy is in our area. And we also tell you about adding texture to your flat Red River Valley yard.

Because you can’t work all the time, Outdoor Design and Living Guide set out to find some of the best patios in the area to enjoy some well-earned downtime. The “Ultimate Patio Guide” will give you sun exposure, drink specials, and ambiance reviews to keep your socializing experience hot.

Do you have an indoor girl? Someone who would rather watch people outside working instead of actually being outdoors doing the work? Or do you have the girl who will attend the baseball/softball game with you, but really doesn’t want to deal with the bugs? Then you, my friend, may have an indoor girl! Don’t worry because our Indoor Girl will give all of us insight into how your indoor girl could learn to deal with the great outdoors.

Finally, don’t forget to check out www.outdoorlg.com to submit pictures of your summer projects. Keep checking the site to see if your submission gets published. Contact us at [email protected] with stories about friends and relatives who have worked very hard to create their own summer oasis.

Happy in the Outdoors,

Brian Bestge Editor, Outdoor Design and Living Guide

20–27 From Boring to BreathtakingTexture, Color Add Magic To Flat Valley Landscapes

27 Tales of An Indoor GirlEven An Indoor Girl Can Plant a Tree

28-29 Taking the BiteOut of Backyard Living

30-35 “Honey, We Need A Fence”A Do It Yourself Project

31 Deck CornerNew Deck Drainage System = New Outdoor Room

36 Recipes For Your Summer

37-41 The Ultimate Patio Guide

42 What’s Happening in the Area

Summer 2009 54 Outdoor Design LIVING GUIDE

ODLGpagesSummer2009 edits.indd 4-5 6/12/09 9:05 AM

Summer 2009 5

6–9 Green Is For Eco-FriendlyIn Your Yard

10 Free To Run, But Not Run AwayInvisible Fences For Your Pets

11 Family Fun Project: SandboxA Step-by-Step Guide

12-15 Easy Summer Entertaining

16-17 Is North Dakota Warmingto Solar Energy?

18–19 Ask the Expert: Lawn CareTips On Getting The Perfect Lawn

C O N T E N T SSummer 2009

PublisherStudio 7 Productions, Inc.

editorBrian Bestge

CoPy editorGregory Wald

ACCount exeCutivesLynn Hanson

Brian Bestge

Content MAnAgerGregory Wald

leAd designerJamie Farmen

design & lAyoutMike Biewer

Dan Nisbet

Whitney Werner

ContributorsTodd Funfar

Molly Bestge

Brian Bestge

Nancy Hanson

Gregory Wald

Sadie Anderson

Aliceyn Magelky

Paula Klein

Sherry Witt

Advertising inforMAtionLynn Hanson

Office: 701-356-7770

Mobile: 701-730-4570

MAil CorresPondenCeStudio 7 Productions, Inc.

503 7th St. N, Suite 104

Fargo, ND 58102

[email protected]

Outdoor Design and Living Guide is published quarterly by Studio 7 Productions Inc. Total printing is

15,000 per issue and is distributed in two states. No part of this publication may be reproduced without

written permission by Studio 7 Productions Inc. Studio 7 Productions assumes no responsibility for unsolicited

manuscripts or photographs. Studio 7 Productions does not necessarily agree or endorse content of articles or advertising presented. For advertising

information, contact Studio 7 Productions Inc.

503 7th St N, Suite 104, Fargo ND 58102.

©2009 Studio 7 Productions, Inc.

In my haste to engage myself in spring planting and getting my yard back in shape, I realized that I have not planned two of my family’s scheduled (or should have been scheduled) mini-vacations. When I was a kid, my dad spent many long weekends working at our local JC Penney store, but when he said, “Let’s load up the car,” my sister and I always knew the Bestge vacation was going to be interesting. Long car rides usually meant an invisible line drawn between my sister and me. This kept the peace for several miles, all while my dad switched the A/C to vent in the family Oldsmobile to “save gas.” My point — 20-some years later — I now know how much work it is to come up with something fun and relaxing for all involved. Although I have a good idea of what I need to do, I’m relying on my father-like instinct to pull me through this pressurized season that is “Summer Vacations 2009.“

In our area we all know how the weather changes, and many times we are forced to keep our weekend plans in a liquid form. Weekend warriors are always looking at how much work can be done in our 48-hour labor-intensive weekend. In this issue, we provide you with some Do-It-Yourself projects, from installing a fence to taking some of those left-over materials to create a sandbox for your kids. “Going green” can be more than just a funny little political statement as we explore how mulching nurtures your yard and how practical solar energy is in our area. And we also tell you about adding texture to your flat Red River Valley yard.

Because you can’t work all the time, Outdoor Design and Living Guide set out to find some of the best patios in the area to enjoy some well-earned downtime. The “Ultimate Patio Guide” will give you sun exposure, drink specials, and ambiance reviews to keep your socializing experience hot.

Do you have an indoor girl? Someone who would rather watch people outside working instead of actually being outdoors doing the work? Or do you have the girl who will attend the baseball/softball game with you, but really doesn’t want to deal with the bugs? Then you, my friend, may have an indoor girl! Don’t worry because our Indoor Girl will give all of us insight into how your indoor girl could learn to deal with the great outdoors.

Finally, don’t forget to check out www.outdoorlg.com to submit pictures of your summer projects. Keep checking the site to see if your submission gets published. Contact us at [email protected] with stories about friends and relatives who have worked very hard to create their own summer oasis.

Happy in the Outdoors,

Brian Bestge Editor, Outdoor Design and Living Guide

20–27 From Boring to BreathtakingTexture, Color Add Magic To Flat Valley Landscapes

27 Tales of An Indoor GirlEven An Indoor Girl Can Plant a Tree

28-29 Taking the BiteOut of Backyard Living

30-35 “Honey, We Need A Fence”A Do It Yourself Project

31 Deck CornerNew Deck Drainage System = New Outdoor Room

36 Recipes For Your Summer

37-41 The Ultimate Patio Guide

42 What’s Happening in the Area

Summer 2009 54 Outdoor Design LIVING GUIDE

ODLGpagesSummer2009 edits.indd 4-5 6/12/09 9:05 AM


Th e green movement is growing…literally…in your lawn. Where better to show you care about the environment than in the ways you care for your yard?

Encouraged not only by their own concerns but by city waste management programs and organizations like River Keepers, Fargo-Moorhead homeowners are adapting their lawn-keeping practices to methods that not only spare the environment an unnecessary burden, but actually improve their bottom line in another favorite form of green — cash.

Grass leads to the inevitable: If it grows, you mow. But the rhythm of past generations — mow, then bag; mow, then

GreenIs For Eco-FriendlyIn Your Yard

Summer 2009 7

bag – is being replaced by the more serene sound of “grasscycling” (also commonly known as mulching). It's good for the environment and the pocketbook, reducing the need to fertilize. And without the need to bag, it can cut mowing time in half.

"Grasscycling" is defined as recycling grass clippings into your soil. Instead of discarding grass clippings, which can account for as much as 50 percent of residential urban trash, homeowners can take advantage of the nutrient-rich scraps to re-enrich their lawns.

Clippings return essential plant nutrients to the lawn; among them, usable organic nitrogen. Nitrogen is the main ingredient of commercial lawn fertilizer.

“Grasscycling” starts with a mower equal to the task. Most models built in the past five to ten years are capable of mulching (shredding and evenly discharging) grass clippings. Sharp mower

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blades are essential for good grasscycling. So is regular mowing.

Mulching is not recommended when your lawn has grown too tall or when conditions are wet. Then clippings must be gathered. When you do have to bag, use the clippings as mulch to shade and cool soil around bedding plants and in the garden — as long as weed killers have not been used recently.

Or, you can turn to the city for disposal. Moorhead continues to collect yard and garden waste curbside as long as it's packaged in transparent lawn bags. It can also be dropped off at the city compost site at Highway 75 and 15th Avenue North. Fargo and West Fargo maintain collection sites where homeowners can drop off grass clippings and yard waste for transport to the city compost sites.

Once nature has turned the collected clippings into rich brown humus, it's


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available for residents to dig into their gardens, or they can do it themselves. Th e City of Fargo's Waste Management Department and Clay County Environmental Services are selling Earth Machine backyard composters, where grass clippings, garden waste and household food scraps can be collected and turned into soil-enriching material in six to eight weeks. About 1,000 have been sold so far this year. To fi nd out more, call Fargo Waste Management at 701-241-1449.

How homeowners care for their lawns aff ects not only the soil, but the Red River. Rainwater that runs off city lawns into Fargo and Moorhead's storm sewer systems eventually fi nds its way, untreated, into the river, where the chemicals used to keep the grass green can profoundly change its ecology.

According to River Keepers, the Fargo-Moorhead organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Red, pollution from individual lawns and gardens can be subtle, but over time it adds up to a substantial punch.

Storm sewers, marked by the grates along curbs throughout the cities, are a direct conduit from your yard to the Red River. River Keepers' Christine Laney urges homeowners to spot the storm drains in their neighborhoods, then take steps to keep them clear. Th ey also recommend phosphorous-free fertilizers because

Summer 2009 9

phosphates encourage algae growth, which is harmful to fi sh and river foliage. Look for a middle number of zero on your fertilizer bag to be most ecologically friendly.

River Keepers is one of several local organizations working to bring back an environmentally friendly device that homeowners' grandparents probably took for granted: the rain barrel. Simply, it's a barrel that collects rainwater that runs off your home's roof, usually through a downspout.

It's a water-conserving tradition whose time has come again. Th e water is generally softer than what comes from the tap. Your garden will love it, since rainwater is free of chemical additives that plants neither need nor want. Its slight acidity helps them access soil nutrients.

Th e rain barrel helps keep moisture from collecting around your home's foundation and provides a source for watering prized plantings if water restrictions are in force later in the summer. For information on how to build a rain barrel, e-mail [email protected].


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Let’s face it. Our pets can be a liability. We need to keep them safe in our yards and not pestering our neighbors or the people walking down the street, let alone the dog running into the street!

A lot of people are opting out of building fenced-in backyards, and are instead going with an underground fence to keep pets safe.

Th e underground fence is safe and eff ective and is endorsed by the Humane Society. It is installed with a machine that lays a wire in a 1” wide by 4” deep trench that circles the perimeter of the yard. Th e pet (cat or dog) is then fi tted with a collar that is radio controlled. When the pet reaches the perimeter and tries to go beyond, the collar sends out a small electric correction (similar to a small static

electricity shock). Th is correction does not harm the animal. It just warns the pet. After several warnings, the pet learns not to attempt crossing over the perimeter.

Th ere are also devices that can change the perimeters, allowing the homeowner to change the area of containment to meet daily needs—like setting a new area for the animal while you have a barbecue with friends in the backyard.

Th e fencing has a lifetime warranty and, once it is installed, there is virtually no maintenance involved.

For further information about this and other products safe for your pet, contact Tom at Pet Safe Pro—218-287-1883, a locally-owned and operated business, or check out the national website—www.petsafepro.com

Free to Run, But Not Run Away

1 Determine the dimensions of the sandbox. (4'6" x 6'9" is shown). Prepare the area by removing sod/grass to the desired dimensions of sandbox. Place weed barrier under the entire area of the sandbox.

2 This sandbox shown was constructed using “stepping.” This creates a sturdy frame that wears well. Measure the shortest side first, and cut an 1 1/2" each of the 4'6" boards to 4' 4 1⁄2". Then cut 1 1/2" off the two 6'9" long boards to 6' 7 1⁄2". This accounts for the “stepping.”

3 Lay out a long and a short board, making sure it is flush. It is best to lay out and assemble on flat ground or cement. Prior to assembling the box, be sure to keep it square, using a speed square or framing square. Use four 3" triple-coated exterior framing screws or two of the lag screws on each corner. The most important thing is making sure that it is flush and square! Continue assembling the box in the same fashion—flush and square!

4 If you’d like to add corner seats, use the 2" x 12". Measure the distance where you want to end in relation to the corner of the case. For the sandbox shown, 4" from the corner was used.

5 Scribe under the board laying flat on top of the box. Use a Skill saw to cut the board and 4 screws to attach the corner seat, making sure that the board is flush with the top of the sand box. Repeat this process for the opposite corner.

6 Place the sandbox frame over the prepared area and fill with play sand. For the sandbox shown, a half yard of sand was sufficient.

7 For more stability, you can add lag screws to each corner using a paddle bit for counter sinking, then pre-drill in the center before running in the lag screws.

8 To keep rabbits, squirrels and cats (and water) out of your sandbox, you may want to invest in a cover. A vinyl tarp with snaps on the side of the sand box works well. The snaps are easy to install and the tarp is easy to take off and put back on when play is done.

Build your ownsandboxMaterials Needed: • Screw gun • 3" triple-coated framing screws or 5/16 x 4" lag screws (for sturdier construction). • 6' level • Framing Square or Speed Square • Tape Measure • Miter Saw or Skill Saw • Framing Pencil • 5/8" Paddle Bit • 1/4" Drill Bit, if using lag screws • 2" x 10" Framing Lumber—desired length of sandbox dimensions. • 2" x 12" Framing Lumber (for seating area on sandbox). • 2" x 6" Framing Lumber (for seating area on sandbox). • Tarp with snaps for cover (if desired).

Summer 2009 11

We probably are all sick of sand in the bag form, but what about creating something far more fun out of sand…something that will bring your family hours of fun in your backyard?

In about 3–4 hours, you can have a sand oasis for your kiddos! Let the digging and sand throwing begin, after your quick

evening project.

ODLGpagesSummer2009 edits.indd 11 6/12/09 9:04 AM

Summer 2009 11

1 Determine the dimensions of the sandbox. (4'6" x 6'9" is shown). Prepare the area by removing sod/grass to the desired dimensions of sandbox. Place weed barrier under the entire area of the sandbox.

2 This sandbox shown was constructed using “stepping.” This creates a sturdy frame that wears well. Measure the shortest side first, and cut an 1 1/2" each of the 4'6" boards to 4' 4 1⁄2". Then cut 1 1/2" off the two 6'9" long boards to 6' 7 1⁄2". This accounts for the “stepping.”

3 Lay out a long and a short board, making sure it is flush. It is best to lay out and assemble on flat ground or cement. Prior to assembling the box, be sure to keep it square, using a speed square or framing square. Use four 3" triple-coated exterior framing screws or two of the lag screws on each corner. The most important thing is making sure that it is flush and square! Continue assembling the box in the same fashion—flush and square!

4 If you’d like to add corner seats, use the 2" x 12". Measure the distance where you want to end in relation to the corner of the case. For the sandbox shown, 4" from the corner was used.

5 Scribe under the board laying flat on top of the box. Use a Skill saw to cut the board and 4 screws to attach the corner seat, making sure that the board is flush with the top of the sand box. Repeat this process for the opposite corner.

6 Place the sandbox frame over the prepared area and fill with play sand. For the sandbox shown, a half yard of sand was sufficient.

7 For more stability, you can add lag screws to each corner using a paddle bit for counter sinking, then pre-drill in the center before running in the lag screws.

8 To keep rabbits, squirrels and cats (and water) out of your sandbox, you may want to invest in a cover. A vinyl tarp with snaps on the side of the sand box works well. The snaps are easy to install and the tarp is easy to take off and put back on when play is done.

Build your ownsandboxMaterials Needed: • Screw gun • 3" triple-coated framing screws or 5/16 x 4" lag screws (for sturdier construction). • 6' level • Framing Square or Speed Square • Tape Measure • Miter Saw or Skill Saw • Framing Pencil • 5/8" Paddle Bit • 1/4" Drill Bit, if using lag screws • 2" x 10" Framing Lumber—desired length of sandbox dimensions. • 2" x 12" Framing Lumber (for seating area on sandbox). • 2" x 6" Framing Lumber (for seating area on sandbox). • Tarp with snaps for cover (if desired).

Summer 2009 11

We probably are all sick of sand in the bag form, but what about creating something far more fun out of sand…something that will bring your family hours of fun in your backyard?

In about 3–4 hours, you can have a sand oasis for your kiddos! Let the digging and sand throwing begin, after your quick

evening project.

• 2" x 6" Framing Lumber (for seating area on sandbox).• Tarp with snaps for cover (if desired).

11



It’s summer in the Valley. We are no longer “holed” up in our homes, and we’re fi nally outside! Smells of barbeques, bug spray, and fresh cut grass fi ll the air. And what better time than now to plan outdoor gatherings for friends and family in your outdoor space.

Our decks and grills are calling our names! Figure out a date that works for most, make a few phone calls, send some e-mails and texts, and before you know it, you’re planning a summer get- together for friends or family at your place.

Choose a Th emeAlthough it’s not completely

necessary, it’s always fun to have a theme for your outdoor party. People from our neck of the woods always ask, “What can I bring?” when you invite them to a party. It’s always fun to invite your guests to contribute to the party by bringing their favorite beverages and/or signature dishes. Not only does it cut down on your costs for the party, it is fun to see what arrives. But before your guests decide what they want to bring, they want to know what everyone else is bringing,

Summer EntertainingSummer EntertainingSummer EntertainingSummer EntertainingSummer EntertainingEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingSummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasyEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingSummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer EntertainingEasySummer Entertaining

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right? So choosing that theme can be a fairly important fi rst step. Perhaps you want to throw a Mexican Fiesta, a Summer

Carnival, a Basic Family Barbeque, an Appetizer Extravaganza, Adults Night Out, a Luau, or a rockin’ Tiki party! Setting that theme allows you to be creative with your party wares, but also gives your guests an idea of what to bring to the summer feast.

Plan for the Food and Party SuppliesAs the host/hostess, it’s customary to provide the “staples” of

Summer Entertaining

the barbeque—meat, buns, and condiments. Shop the grocery store advertisements for the best meat deals, or visit your favorite butcher shop.

Depending on your theme, a trip to the party store might be a good idea. Get basic paper products (plates, cups, silverware, etc.), and you may even want a few plastic serving dishes for your party, depending on the menu. While you’re there, you may fi nd some fun party decorations; also, pick up a couple of balloons to put on the mailbox to be sure your guests know where the party is.

Summer 2009 13

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rays.Garbage cans. Put them in various

locations so that you won’t have as much clean-up in the end. Check them often throughout the party, as well.

Have Fun and Be FlexibleTh e one big variable in our neck of the

woods is the weather. Be fl exible and have a Plan B—usually the garage. Tidy up and realize that wind may blow, rain may fall, but the company of friends and family doesn’t have to end!

Set UpPlan to have the food

in one area, preferably someplace where there is easy access to an outlet or two for crock pots or other electrical devices people may bring. And make sure you have lots of ice. Purchase a few aluminum throw-away baking dishes; it works well to put ice in the bottom, and then dishes that need to be cooled can be placed inside and salads will stay cool and fresh.

People congregate where there is food, so plan for that. A party begins and ends with food—it starts by eating food, we drink a few beverages, and then it’s snack time again. Set up a few card tables or create a small seating area with lawn chairs near the food. Maybe even have an empty cooler with ice in it ready for people to store and cool their beverages as they arrive.

Th e Th ings You Don’t Th ink About Until It’s Too Late…

Bugs. Sun. Seating. Bathrooms. Trash.As people arrive, let them know where

the restrooms are. Th is will allow you to enjoy your party and not be showing people

to the bathroom all night.Have some bug spray or lotion available

for your guests, as mosquitoes and fl ies always enjoy a good barbeque. Some homeowners who battle the bugs all summer have even purchased a bug fogger or plan to spray for bugs before events.

Planning for sun protection is also important. Have some sunscreen setting out in a basket for people to use as needed. Umbrellas and tents are also great so that young children and older adults can still enjoy the summer, but get out of the sun’s

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Summer 2009 15


For decades, solar energy has captured our imagination as an inexpensive, environmentally friendly energy source. And as Americans look for alternative ways to power their lifestyles, they’re taking a fresh look at solar energy.

Unfortunately, solar heat is also among the most diffi cult to harness in this neck of the woods. While wind turbines continue to dot more of our rural areas, solar panels have yet to catch on in the Red River Valley, climate and the cost of the system. “Th e

days are shorter in the winter. Th ere is snow load on roofs,” Matthys said. “To get what you would need to power a home, you need so many panels that it gets really expensive per kilowatt-hour.”

Cass County Electric Cooperative is currently charging approximately 7 cents per kilowatt-hour. In areas where solar panels are more popular, consumers are paying 16 or 17 cents per kilowatt-hour. “If our electricity rates would climb up to California or the East Coast’s rates, you would see a lot more attention put on solar panels,” Matthys said.

To encourage more people to use solar panels, alternative energy systems are being heavily subsidized by the government. Th ere are energy tax credits available and local programs to help off set the cost of the systems. According to Mahowald and Matthys, there is an incentive in place for solar water heating systems and photovoltaic systems where, if at least half the energy is generated from the sun, the

even as they become more popular nationwide.

In places like California and New Mexico, where energy costs are signifi cantly greater, solar panels are quite common as a way to minimize an ecological footprint and reduce energy costs.

Jeremy Mahowald and Paul Matthys of Cass County Electric Cooperative’s Energy Management and Conservation department believe that it is only a matter of time before we will see more solar panels locally. “North Dakota has good solar energy potential. It is a huge resource and it is free,” Mahowald said.

Some consumers are skeptical about solar power because of the North Dakota

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resource and it is free."

— Jeremy MahowaldCass County Electric Cooperative’s EnergyManagement and Conservation department

Summer 2009 17

government will cover up to 30 percent of the cost up to $2,000.

Mahowald predicts that besides energy prices, the use of solar panels in North Dakota also will be driven by emissions on coal, carbon legislation along with supply and demand.

Scientists are working to develop ways to make solar panels more effi cient and aff ordable. Recent developments allow solar panels to be placed right in the window. Darryl Booker, associate professor of architecture at North Dakota State University, says that the high cost of the solar panel systems is partly due to the armature that holds the panel in place. “If you can embed it in glass or a roofi ng system or even create more fl exible systems, then the cost will come down,” he said.

Until solar panels gain popularity in

TYPES OF SOLAR PANELS

Solar panels are systems that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. According to NDSU’s Darryl Booker, there are three types of solar energy systems:

• Passive solar energy systemcaptures the energy of the sun and transmits it directly into a space.

• Solar electric systemalso known as a photovoltaic sys-tem, it converts sunlight into energy and transfers it to a storage system where it is held or sent back onto the electrical grid.

• Solar water systemthe most complex system, it allows water to fall over a panel, absorbing the energy of the sun. Heat energy is transferred from the panel to the water. As the water reaches the bottom of the panel, it is transferred to a storage tank. The super-heated water is mixed with cold water to provide the domestic water you use everyday.

North Dakota, there are other ways to harness solar energy. When building a new home, homeowners can use solar landscaping. “We recommend people face their home to the southwest. We suggest planting deciduous trees on the south and east side of the home and plant evergreens

on the north side of the house to block the wind,” Matthys said.

Th ere is an abundance of information available. Books about solar

energy have moved out of the scientifi c racks into the general home building or home design sections of the bookstore or library.

If a consumer is serious about investing in solar panels, Booker recommends attending a workshop. “Th ere is an organization called Solar Energy International in Carbondale, Colorado,

which holds workshops all over the country. Th e National Renewable

Energy Laboratory, a government research

institute, is located in Golden, Colorado, which is a good source for energy reports. Th e Rocky Mountain Institute in Snowmass, Colorado, is a good resource for all things sustainable. Workshops also are a good way to build a network of people who are interested in the same thing.”

In the meantime, consumers should remain cognizant of the technologies regarding alternative energy. “Th e sun is a great resource. Th ere is energy forever. Th e sunlight that hits the earth exceeds our total needs by 20,000 times,” Matthys said. “As we fi nd more economical ways to convert sunlight to energy, we’re going to see more of it in our state.”

How would you recommend repairing the damage caused by voles?This damage usually repairs itself – eventually. To expedite repair, rake the damaged area with a leaf rake and overseed.

What is the best way to repair the damage caused by winter kill?Winter kill can be repaired pretty much the same way as vole damage. Rake the dead grass tissue out, then scratch the soil to create a surface to hold the seed. After you seed the affected area, sprinkle wood fiber mulch over it, then water. Keep the area moist with daily or twice daily watering and the grass should begin filling in within a week.

When should you fertilize a lawn during the season and what is the best type of fertilizer to use?Fertilize only during active growth periods, when you are mowing in the spring and again in the fall. As a broad generalization, you should fertilize sometime between Memorial Day and the 4th of July, and again around Labor Day weekend. Use a high nitrogen fertilizer, one that is designated for lawn use, with an analysis something like 28-3-12. These numbers are generally found on the front of the fertilizer bag.

What is the best way to contain weeds?By maintaining a dense lawn through regular, high mowing (2.5 - 3.0 inches), timely irrigation cycles, and regular fertilizer applications.

Do you recommend bagging or mulching lawn clippings?Mulching the clippings gives the lawn an extra fertilizer application roughly equal to 0.75 to 1.00 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year. Bag the clippings if the mowing gets out of sequence and the grass is too long.

What is the best lawn watering strategy?Ideally, you should water just before the grass wilts! Of course, you don’t know when that will happen, so this is easier said than done. But the right way to water a lawn is certainly not the way most people do it. Basically, a typical lawn in our part of the country needs about 1.0 to 1.25 inches of water per week to look good and keep it

Lawn Care


Summer 2009 19Summer 2009 19

from going dormant. An inch of water is about 625 gallons for every 1000 square feet of lawn. Much depends on the maintenance level of the lawn — how high it is mowed, how much fertilizer is applied, the weather conditions, whether or not the grass is in the shade or full sun, and, of course, the soil type. Until one gets savvy about making a judgment on this, the best thing to do is to pull a plug of sod and look at the roots and soil. If they are lacking moisture, give it a good soaking; if they are moist, then hold off for another day or two.

Under what circumstances is aeration appropriate and when should it be performed?When the soil is compacted or when the turf fails to respond to typical routine maintenance like mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Aeration tends to have a drying eff ect on the soil, so spring or fall is a good time to core aerate, again when the grass is actively growing and not under a heat stress.

How do you help a lawn thrive through the blazing mid-summer sun and heat?Th e best thing you can do is mow the lawn as you are going into the cooler evening hours, then giving the lawn a good watering the morning after, starting at about 4 a.m. Th is is easily done with an automatic sprinkler system, and more work if you only have a hose-end sprinkler. Make sure the mower blade is sharp and that the mower is set to 2.5 to 3.0 inches in height.

Have doggie dead spots?

New products like GrassSaver can be given to your canine to prevent lawn spots. You can also purchase quick patch grass seed. Th is includes the fertilizer, seed, and mulch to replace damaged spots as well.

Answers provided by:Ron Smith, Ph.D.Horticulturist and Turfgrass SpecialistNorth Dakota State UniversityDepartment of Plant Sciences

Extension Service

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The yard — the word itself evokes the rectangular green canvas that surrounds your new Red River Valley house like an unwrinkled tablecloth.

It's the least intriguing aspect of your new Fargo-Moorhead home — and the one thing no one can miss.

Outside this area of the world, natural ups and downs suggest a strategy for adding drama to the acreage that embraces your home. Here, though, with a geography dedicated to the absolute principle of "flat," the naked yards of Fargo-Moorhead await compassionate intervention.

They beg for a living landscape that's sculpted and designed, that captures the eye and intrigues the senses with all the texture that nature overlooked.

Enter the texture.Yesterday's rigid foundation plantings

of arborvitae give way to soft, undulating clusters of shrubs and perennials. Concrete sidewalks yield to flagstone paths and pavers. Flower beds of straight lines and tilled earth give way to clumps of colored mulch to stymie weeds and conserve moisture. Unbroken planes of grass best suited to mowing break down into subtle sections adapted for family use, from child's play to entertaining.

The textured landscape of 2009 is a congenial blend of colors and sizes, soft and hard, native and imported, natural and

artistic.For the first immigrant farmer in the

Red River Valley, the blessedly flat land was a gift. No trees, no hills, no boulders to interfere with the relationship between a man, his plow and the fertile black soil.

Those sod busters would scratch their heads today if they could meet designers like Roger Klocke, Jr., a pioneer among Fargo-Moorhead's growing corps of landscape designers who bring character to Valley yards by — among other tactics — importing boulders.

Klocke, owner of Natural Environments Landscaping and Garden Elegance, uses a palette of natural materials to build height, dimension and texture from the basic foundation of a flat Fargo-Moorhead yard, adding accents with plant materials, lighting and water — fountains, waterfalls and ponds.

"Flat and boring -- that's where most of the yards we design start out," he observes. "It's a blank slate. Our goal is to create an environment you'll enjoy for years

to come…areas that both please you now and add real value to your property for the future."

Klocke, who considers landscaping an art and his role an artist, likes to start by sketching gently rolling pathways that create a soft, welcoming entrance to the yard. "They're inviting. They draw the eye inward," he says. He recommends natural flagstones (layered sandstone) or fired clay pavers for their soft edges and the ease with which they fit into the landscape.

Undulating lines have largely replaced the unbending, right-angled outlines of paths and gardens past in today's more informal yards. High-end landscaping may incorporate raised beds to separate plantings from lawn and prevent the spread of more invasive species, as well as weeds.

From Boringto Breathtaking ...

Texture, Color Add MagicTo Flat Valley Landscapes

Summer 2009 21


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Summer 2009 23

Brick edging is a tidy flush alternative that adds a tailored, elegant touch. Other permanent options are available in concrete.

Introducing the timeless weight and presence of boulders to the rock-free Red River landscape has become something of a signature for Natural Environments landscapes. Well-chosen and artfully arranged, rocks anchor landscape designs, adding height and breadth and deep dimension.

Unlike the rock-strewn fields of central North Dakota, where stones are propelled to the surface by spring thaws, the boulders of the Valley are exotic imports. Most are selected at trade shows for professional designers and trucked to garden centers, then individually selected for clients' yards by size, shape, color and surface texture. Moving them to where they'll be planted in the landscape is no small undertaking, involving trucks, loaders and Bobcats.

A grouping of boulders can be a striking focal point in an otherwise sedate yardscape. "Rocks are like little pieces of art scattered across the garden or landscape," Klocke says. "They change as the light shifts and take on new textures and colors in the rain. Plants and rocks enhance each other, like a good piece of art needs the right frame and matting."

He chooses and arranges boulders in odd-numbered groupings, often spinning each four or five times to find its best face. "The objective is to group them so the eye thinks they belong there — that they occurred naturally in that spot," he explains. The boulders need to be resting down at a natural looking depth.

Trees, shrubs and perennial plants and grasses offer an ever-growing palette of choices for adding texture as well as height and depth to the once-level yard. Greenscape options continue to expand, thanks to inventive plant breeding programs at northern universities and

nurseries that have eased some of the restrictions enforced by the Red River Valley's climate.

Landscape designer Ryan Hoss of Fargo's Baker Nursery has been designing, planting and maintaining Red River Valley yards since he was 16 years old. He credits a new point of view for the growing interest in crafting yards that are works of art.

"For years, landscaping meant planting some evergreens around the foundation in front of the house — usually arborvitae to soften the corners," he notes.

"Now people are spending a lot more time in their yards, and they're looking at them in a whole different way. They spend more on them, too," he says. "They've always had patios or decks, but now they're almost looking at their yards as outdoor rooms. They're adding entire living areas with pergolas, comfortable furniture, fire pits and heaters, and entire outdoor kitchens. They want nice, nice yards… not just a tree in each corner and a few shrubs out three feet from the house."

Nor is enjoying the yard strictly an outdoor pursuit. "When you're sitting in your easy chair inside, looking out over your back yard, you can't even see those plantings down along the foundation," he points out. "The view from your windows is part of your living environment — year-round, too. When you look out over your yard, you want to see

something."That's where the entire living palette

comes into play: Shrubs of varying heights play a jazzy summer tune of textured foliage in contrasting sizes and shapes in summer; in winter they change their tune, with bare forms outlined in distinctive bark.

Grasses — wispy or upright, swords or rounded, low clumps, willowy thickets, purple spears or twisted tails with golden overtones — add linear motion in the unceasing breeze. They're one of the biggest hits of recent years, with their ironic return to the same sod where prairie grasses once reigned. Unlike the hardy natives that gave way to settlers' plows, few of today's decorative grasses can survive our climate as perennials; instead, most must be planted and handled like annuals.

Homeowners' tastes in landscape design continue to lean toward the informal in greenscapes, as well as the curving paths and lines of their gardens. Often that


translates into asymmetrical designs rather than more formal, even, symmetrically balanced greenery in perfectly straight lines.

Th e choice is strictly personal preference, Hoss stresses. Another aspect,

though, has evolved to the point that it's nearly universal: Th e carefully weeded bare-soil ornamental garden is nearly a thing of the past.

"Of all the gardens we've designed in the last few years, I can think of only

one homeowner who wanted that

look. Everyone else wants mulch," Hoss reports. Mulching the soil reduces

weeding and maintenance to nearly zilch ... a big step to the easy-care garden that

every homeowner dreams of.Klocke agrees. His mulch of

choice is premium cypress mulch, whose tangled texture minimizes blowing. Water-permeable ground

cloth beneath the mulch, whatever the kind that's chosen, also zeros out the upkeep to the point where the biggest

annual task is to rake and clean up the rocks or natural mulch to eliminate blown leaves and

other detritus.Tried-and-true perennials can add largely trouble-free traditional texture to the

landscape: Day lilies, Siberian iris, sedum, salvia and coreopsis are among Hoss's

favorites. "Th ey look nice with minimal care. You just can't kill

them," he advises.He likes to add

newcomers to the yards and gardens he designs. "Trying some things that are a little on

the edge makes it more interesting, and you never

� e Fargo Garden SocietyTh e Fargo Garden Society was formed when a professor of

horticulture at the then North Dakota Agricultural College and two businessmen agreed that Fargo needed a garden society. Th e club was organized on November 9, 1923. In those early years, local businessmen made up the largest part of the club's membership. A yearly peony show and parade, complete with a queen and attendants, was very popular. Gladiolus and iris shows were also held at Merchants National Bank, deLendrecies and Herbst Department Stores. For several years, hundreds of lilac bouquets were delivered by Th e Boy Scouts to the sick and shut-ins in a Lilac Sharing Program sponsored by the Forum and the Fargo Garden Society. In the early 1940's, Victory Gardens were planned and planted.

Today the Fargo Garden Society is an active and community involved organization. Monthly meetings, that include gardening programs on various topics, are held at 7:00 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month (except Nov. and Dec.) at Elim Activity Center located at 3534 S. University Dr. in Fargo. Ongoing club projects include the planting and care of fl owers and plants at both Ronald McDonald Houses in Fargo, the butterfl y garden at the Red River Zoo, and hosting the annual fl ower show at the Red River Valley Fair in July. Anyone with a love of gardening is welcome to attend the meetings. Check out the society’s local website at www.fargogardensociety.org and the national website at www.gardenclub.org.

Upcoming Events:June – meeting: Garden Art Show & Tell

July – enter the RRVF Flower Show!

August – member only picnic & plant exchange

September – meeting: Shade Gardens

October – annual banquet

Summer 2009 25

know what you'll fi nd," he suggests. With hardier and improved new varieties regularly entering the market, the nursery holds plenty of surprises.

Sticking with plants rated for USDA growing zone 4 generally leads to a safe kind of adventure, he says — especially in more established areas of town, where homes are closer together and established trees off er some protection from wind. New yards in still-open developments require more caution: "I'd think a little harder in more exposed situations," he admits. "It pays to be more cautious out there." He points to problems with rabbits and voles, too, that off er greater challenges near open fi elds.

When the green portion of the landscape has put down roots, the masterpiece is ready for its fi nal touches.

Long summer evenings give sunlight plenty of time to shape the landscape with highlight and shadow. But as days grow shorter, garden lighting becomes a prized addition to the outdoor landscape.

"When it's used with a light hand, lighting adds subtle interest and beauty to the landscape," Klocke says. "Th e contrast between light and dark draws the eye to points of interest and adds a warm, soft texture. You can leave the drapes open in the house and enjoy your yard around the clock. It doesn't look forbidding and creepy.

"Illumination gives your landscape a totally diff erent look in the

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26 Outdoor Design Living guide26 Outdoor Design Living guide

You know who you are. Dreading Memorial Day weekend because the landscaping pressure is just too much. Powdering your upper lip during the softball game trying to maintain your “natural” look. The only family member worried about the bug to human ratio during the boat ride on the lake. You are “Indoor Girl.” And I am “Indoor Girl.” And this column is for all the Indoor Girls struggling to be “one with nature” and look good doing it.

Memorial Day weekend is the offi cial launch of summer. For many Indoor Girls, it’s also the weekend we are encouraged to participate in horticultural endeavors. Examples include planting petunias in pots or selecting pretty bushes to be planted. As an Indoor Girl, this weekend is often pure torture.

In 1996, my husband and I purchased our fi rst home; a cute little Cape Cod in need of some landscaping. I understood that this would be one of those “do-it-yourself” projects, but I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. I was 26 years old and had never planted a fl ower, bush or tree. I think I used a spade (that’s a shovel if you are Indoor Girl) once with my dad in 1985 (I think he was trying to build a fence).

Other than that, no experience with weed whackers, lawn mowers, edgers, or roto-tillers and, from what the ladies in my neighborhood kept telling me, we had a lot of work to do in our yard.

Selecting the bushes was a fi asco in itself. I had no idea where to buy bushes. Advice from people who enjoy planting things said a greenhouse was my best bet. They have better quality and they can offer more advice, my people told me.

Others thought I should go to a “big box” store because they were cheaper. After two minutes of contemplation, I stopped by a “big box” store and settled on three what I like to call “mini-Christmas” trees. I later found out they are called Arbor Vitae or something like that. I was pretty impressed with my purchase and ready to use the spade (say it with me, Indoor Girls … “shovel”) and begin my landscaping project. Then, the neighbor ladies showed up again to offer their advice.

They did not appreciate my mini-Christmas trees and told me so. But I planted them anyway and actually watered them all summer. Fall, winter and then spring came again and my little mini-Christmas trees were still alive. To this day, planting my mini-Christmas trees remains one of my biggest horticultural achievements.

In fact, when I was preparing to write this column, I took a little trip down memory lane and drove by the house we left three years after planting the trees. To my surprise and delight, my three little mini-Christmas trees are not only still standing, they are fl ourishing. They are perfectly placed and framing the little Cape Cod home like a picture-perfect postcard.

All I can say is… not bad for an Indoor Girl.

Vol. 1

Tales of anevening, when you have the time to enjoy it." Lighting also increases both safety and your sense of security, extending the usability of your outdoor space.

Lighting fi xtures can be decorative in themselves -- copper, bronze and blown glass units. Th eir light can play on walls or walkways, trees and gardens, water features and outdoor living areas. Lighting can silhouette or shadow architectural features and plantings.

Brushing the landscape with light can turn an ordinary yard into a picture of beauty. But Klocke cautions against too much of a good thing: "It's possible to go too far and end up looking like you're in Hollywood." Th e objective is to create a radiant glow around the home and yard ... not step into the realm of a 24-hour tourist attraction.

While lights delight the eyes, water features -- waterfalls, fountains and ponds -- add not only visual interest but the soothing sound of moving water. Simplest to install and care for are the fountains, where the water's constant movement keeps it fresh and generally reduces maintenance to spring set-up and fall cleaning and storage.

Th e jewel of the backyard landscape may be the lovely pond, with its blooming water lilies and drifting school of calico koi. Ponds require more commitment from the homeowner, though. Th ey can be an engrossing hobby on par with maintaining an elaborate indoor aquarium, from

careful attention to water quality and chemistry to fi sh health, equipment maintenance and plant

culture.Perhaps a garden sculpture of leaping

fi sh might be a less challenging way to add the fi nishing touch to your

Red River Valley sanctuary. Garden art can add the fi nal touch to the masterpiece of color, form and texture you've created around your home. From distinctive handcrafted birdbaths to plump ceramic pots, from the grace notes of well-tuned wind chimes to a stone bench set into a fragrant shady bower, a carefully selected accent piece can add your

signature to the deftly textured sanctuary you've created from the

fl attest, most boring Red River Valley yard.

Summer 2009 27

evening, when you have the time to enjoy it." Lighting also increases both safety and your sense of security, extending the usability of your outdoor space.

Lighting fi xtures can be decorative in themselves -- copper, bronze and blown glass units. Th eir light can play on walls or walkways, trees and gardens, water features and outdoor living areas. Lighting can silhouette or shadow architectural features and plantings.

Brushing the landscape with light can turn an ordinary yard into a picture of beauty. But Klocke cautions against too much of a good thing: "It's possible to go too far and end up looking like you're in Hollywood." Th e objective is to create a radiant glow around the home and yard ... not step into the realm of a 24-hour tourist attraction.

While lights delight the eyes, water features -- waterfalls, fountains and ponds -- add not only visual interest but the soothing sound of moving water. Simplest to install and care for are the fountains, where the water's constant movement keeps it fresh and generally reduces maintenance to spring set-up and fall cleaning and storage.

Th e jewel of the backyard landscape may be the lovely pond, with its blooming water lilies and drifting school of calico koi. Ponds require more commitment from the homeowner, though. Th ey can be an engrossing hobby on par with maintaining an elaborate indoor aquarium, from

careful attention to water quality and chemistry to fi sh health, equipment maintenance and plant

culture.Perhaps a garden sculpture of leaping

fi sh might be a less challenging way to add the fi nishing touch to your

Red River Valley sanctuary. Garden art can add the fi nal touch to the masterpiece of color, form and texture you've created around your home. From distinctive handcrafted birdbaths to plump ceramic pots, from the grace notes of well-tuned wind chimes to a stone bench set into a fragrant shady bower, a carefully selected accent piece can add your

signature to the deftly textured sanctuary you've created from the

fl attest, most boring Red River Valley yard.


You've landscaped your yard to park-like perfection. You've manicured your lawn, furnished the patio with comfortable chairs, created the playground of your children's dreams, and hung a hammock beneath the spreading maple.

Is it time to relax? Perhaps…until you hear the dreaded whine of mosquitoes.

The first big invasion is predicted for sometime in the second half of June. From

then on, depending on temperatures and precipitation, it's us-against-them until the fall freeze.

Mosquitoes are serious business, even in our area. Where once they ranked as a major annoyance, the advance of mosquito-borne illnesses into our region has made them a genuine health hazard to be treated with respect.

West Nile virus has been monitored in

Minnesota and North Dakota for almost ten years. Though fairly rare, the danger is very real. Babies and children are at greatest risk, along with the elderly and people of all ages whose immune systems are compromised. Even pets can contract West Nile virus.

That has added urgency to the efforts of the cities and Cass County Vector Control to contain the mosquito population in the Fargo-Moorhead area. At season's peak, both ground and aerial spraying may be employed when conditions are right and the numbers of mosquitoes captured in traps suggest that action is necessary.

But long before airplanes buzz overhead at dusk, Vector Control employees are prowling likely mosquito breeding grounds — swampy areas along rivers, damp ditches, dump yards and other areas where standing water invites them to lay their eggs. They are applying larvicides — chemicals that execute newly hatched mosquitoes before they take flight (and set out to raise their own generations of little buzzers).

Never forget that you are the first line of defense against mosquitoes invading your yard. Local governments in the metro area offer a variety of easy, cost-free tips to reduce the number of mosquitoes at their source by insuring that fewer eggs are laid and fewer larvae hatch. The secret is to eliminate places where water collects around your house and garden.

Taking The BiteOut Of Backyard Living

Summer 2009 29

• Put away containers that collect water like tires, buckets, fl ower pots and children's toys.

• Clean out clogged rain gutters.

• Change the water in bird baths and wading pools often.

• If the water in fountains or water gardens doesn't fl ow freely, treat it with a nontoxic larvicide product regularly. Look for products containing Bacillus thuringiensis (BTI) or methoprene (an insect-growth regulator, or IGR) at hardware and home improvement stores.

• Fill in low spots and other drainage problem areas. Make sure that your sump pump discharge drains properly.

• Fill in hollow stumps that collect water.• Keep grass and shrubs trimmed well, as

they harbor adult mosquitoes.If it's too late to nip the mosquito

population in the bud, and if joint Vector Control eff orts have missed a horde or two in your vicinity, the metro-wide experts suggest two approaches:

• Fogging at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are at their busiest. Th is can only eliminate the skeeters present

when the fog fl oats, of course. Look for products with active ingredients permethrin and resmethrin. Th e EPA has found them safe for household use.

• Applying barrier sprays to shaded areas where mosquitoes rest. You can do this at any time of day. Th e products have lasting eff ects for up to several weeks. Recommended active ingredients include pyrethrins, deltamethrin, cyfl uthrin, malathion and bifenthrin.

Keep in mind that these products are toxic to bees and fi sh. Don't use them around fl ower gardens. If you have a fi sh pond, cover it. Children and pets need to be kept away until the fog or spray are entirely dry, usually half an hour. If the products touch fruits and vegetables, be sure to scrub thoroughly before eating.

What about some of the other alternatives you've heard about? MetroFightTh eBite.com off ers these words of wisdom:• Birds and bats do consume mosquitoes, but not enough for you to notice a diff erence in the mosquito population.• Citronella plants have been shown to be ineff ective, and citronella candles are only slightly better. Th e light from the fl ame can actually attract

more mosquitoes than it repels. • Electric bug zappers are not eff ective

in reducing mosquito populations, and can kill great numbers of non-target insects such as moths.

• Mosquito-trapping devices are useful, especially when used with other prevention methods.

For an innovative approach that really works, try Skeet-R-Gone, businessman Tom Kenville’s new ecologically friendly answer to the question of how to fi ght the bite. Th e Skeet-R-Gone system harnesses homeowners' in-ground irrigation systems to distribute a safe "green" insecticide called Bug Slug throughout the yard.

More information is available online at www.SkeetRGone.com.

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“Honey, we need a fence.”

Winter fades and the lush green grass and budding trees of spring return to beautify our world. We spend more and more time enjoying our neighborhoods, especially our own backyards. With the increased amount of time we spend outside, we begin to notice our landscape may be missing something.

“Honey, we need a fence.”With proper planning and education, nearly anyone can

construct a fence. Most fences are designed so the average home owner can tackle the project with little diffi culty. However, if you decide it’s more than you want to handle, our area has several fence contractors and hardware stores you can choose to assist with your project. If you’re ready for a little challenge, this article will give you the basics to building your fi rst fence.

Often home owners choose to build fences for privacy, to keep children safe, or to keep pets in or out of the yard, but people have lots of reason to construct fences. Fences can provide safety, add visual interest to a garden or give a whimsical charm to your particular house style. Whatever your reason for building a fence, you will need to engage in pre-construction planning and preparation before you begin.

Prior to any construction, check local ordinances to see if a permit is necessary to build. Additionally, you may need to receive

Do It Yourself

By: Todd Funfar

NEW DECK DRAINAGE SYSTEM = NEW OUTDOOR ROOM

Our decks. We love them. But have you ever looked under them? When it rains, the water’s got to go somewhere…and anything under your deck gets wet, too. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to use the space under your deck and maybe not just for storage or wasted space? What about creating another usable room under your deck?

That’s what the new deck enhancement vinyl drainage systems could do for you and your deck. These new drainage systems enable you to take a second-level deck and make it into a patio cover. You actually create a dry environment, and the drainage system works so well, you can even add lighting, ceiling fans, televisions, and entertainment systems. The drainage system makes it possible for you to create an additional room outside the house.

These drainage systems are typically used for second-story decks and walkouts especially. It allows you to use the space under your deck for an actual living space. The drainage system installs easily between the joists of a deck to give you a clean, dry area to use for entertaining and relaxing.

Added benefi ts include an increase in home value by adding more living space to the home, and the drainage system eliminates moisture and erosion around the house by channeling water away from the foundation of the house.

So if you’d like to have another room outside of your home and use the space under your deck productively, these

new deck drainage systems may be just what you need!

“Honey, we need a fence.”

permission from other homeowners or a neighborhood association prior to building. And, most importantly, always contact your utility companies to mark any underground pipes, cables or wiring.

Once you’ve received the nod of approval from the city and your neighbors, you need to double check your tool shed to ensure you’ve got what you need to get the job done. Good tools to have for easy, eff ective and effi cient fence construction include:

• Saw• Drill• Tape measure• Post level• Post hole digger and/or gas-powered auger• Marking pencils and markers• Ready-mix concrete• Gravel• Work gloves• Safety glasses• Shovel• Wheelbarrow

If you don’t have some of these things, you may be able to rent them at your favorite hardware or rental store.

Fencing material type is another pre-construction consideration. Several types of material can be used depending on your fence design. Th e most common material types are wood, composite and vinyl. Composite and vinyl resist weather, rotting, molding, cracking and fading much better than wood. However, the initial investment in composite or vinyl is much higher than wood. Today, wood is the most popular, least expensive and most fl exible fencing material.

Whether you choose wood, composite or vinyl material, your fence can be built using pre-built panels or individual boards called pickets. By using individual pickets, you have greater fl exibility in creating unique and varied fence patterns.

Also, it’s important to determine which material type is suitable for your geographic area based on climate and availability. If you decide wood is for you, ensure the lumber used for the posts is certifi ed for ground contact. For the project outlined below, we will use pressure treated lumber.

Permission has been granted, tool belt has been checked and the materials have been picked. It’s time to build. Th ese instructions outline the basic steps to build a 6 foot fence in a board on board pattern. It off ers extra privacy since the boards overlap and they have no gaps in between. And, it’s great for providing a safe haven for children and pets.

Summer 2009 31


Step 1 – Layout PerimeterStart by drawing a plot plan on graph paper showing property lines to scale. Determine exact fence location, carefully noting significant features such as

bordering properties, gardens, gates or entry points, sidewalks and roadways.Mark distances from fence to house, as well as other outbuildings and property

lines.By taking this extra step, you will accurately locate fence corners, post and gate

locations, as well as verify fence size.Once you’ve sketched your fence layout, use stakes and mason line or string

to plot your fence perimeter based on your graph paper drawing. Use the stakes to mark where each post will be positioned. Fence posts should be between 6 and 8 feet apart. Stretch the line tightly between stakes, allowing the mason line to intersect at the corners.

A great trick to make sure corners are square is using the “3, 4, 5 method.” Here’s how it works: Mark 3 feet on one line that intersects. Then mark 4 feet on the other line that intersects. Measure the distance between the two marks. If the distance is 5 feet, you’ve got a square. If it’s not square, adjust stakes accordingly.

Step 2 – Set PostsPosts are the backbone to solid fence

construction. They need to provide strong support for the lifetime of your fence. Typically, posts consist of 4" x 4" pieces of lumber. Each post is set about one third of its length into the ground with concrete, gravel, dirt or a combination of stabilizers.

Start post installation by digging the corner posts first with your post hole digger. To speed the process, you may want to start with a gas-powered auger and fine-tune your hole depth with the post hole digger. As a general rule, you should dig your hole half as deep as the fence is high - in this case 3 feet for our 6-foot fence. And, the hole should be 4 inches wider than your post.

Next, insert your post to the appropriate depth – remember one third the length of the post should set inside the hole. You should always set corner

and gate posts with concrete for greater stability. You may use concrete to secure the other posts, as well, or you may tamp the soil that came from the hole around the post.

Unless you want a truly unusual fence design with little functionality, it’s important to keep those posts straight and aligned with one another. A post level is great for accomplishing this task. This device attaches directly to the post and needs little work to ensure accurate alignment. For posts set in concrete, you should consider building a temporary brace to hold the post until concrete sets, which could be up to 24 hours depending on weather conditions and concrete type.

Once each post has been set, string mason line from one post to another along the top of each post. This will ensure individual pickets and gates maintain a uniform height.

Summer 2009 33

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Step 3 – Att ach Railing Th e railing is the lumber attached horizontally

to the posts. Th e pickets or individual fence boards are applied directly to the rails using nails, screws or other hardware. It is common to use 2" x 4" lumber for railing. With the narrow side up, attach the posts with decking screws.

Rails should be no more than 24 inches apart. Th erefore, in the case of our 6-foot fence, we should see three railings between each post. You may use one continuous piece of lumber that expands the entire length of a fence section. However, you must make sure to attach the railing board to each post it rests upon.

When you come to a situation where the railings meet on a post, ensure both railings meet in the middle of the post.

Once all railings are installed, cut openings in railings for gates and remove excess wood extending past the posts at the corners.


Step 4 – Nail vertical pickets or fence boardsBecause we are using several pickets to assemble

this fence, you may want to consider using a nail gun to save you time and reduce banging with a hammer. If you do choose to hand nail, it is recommended you use galvanized ring shank or spiral nails.

Each board in the first row should be spaced less than the width of one board apart. Use a spacer to properly place the pickets. A spacer can be something as simple as the end of a 2"x 4" lumber piece. The key is to remember to space the pickets less than the width of one picket.

Install the first row of boards down the length of one section by nailing each board to each railing it touches. If you choose, you may decide to construct your fence section with one row. However, “board on board” construction, used in this project, requires tacking on a second row. The second row of boards is centered over the gaps between the first row of pickets. Continue installing the second row down the line until the section is completely covered. Repeat this process for each fence section or side.

the right toolsfor the job.Rent it fRom Joe!

478-6696Rental - Sales & Service Available • 2811 Fiechtner Dr. S., Fargo • www.joerents.net

• Scaffolding • Concrete Tools • Sod Cutters • Trenchers • Tables & Chairs • Pumps • Drills • Heavy Equipment

• Power Rakes • Chain Saws • Aerators • Wheelbarrows • Basic Tools • Turf Rakes • Edgers • Nail & Screw Guns

Summer 2009 35

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Almost At the Finish Line – Gate AdditionYou’ve fi nally made it to the point where you can

relax and admire your hard work, but you may still have a few extra steps. If you decided to include gate entrances to your fence, you add them after you’ve attached each picket. Th e easiest method for gate installation is to use a pre-built gate that matches the pattern of the fence pickets. Of course, you may construct your own gate, but that process is not covered here. Purchase hinges and a latch that suits your style and function. Attach the appropriate parts of the hinge and the latch to the posts and gate accordingly. Keep in mind, the direction of the hinge must match the location of the latch.

Finally, you can add a stain fi nish or paint to your fence for longer durability and style. And, of course, don’t forget to include any additional embellishments to refl ect your personality and environment.

With your fence complete, you and your family can bask in the wonders of your backyard paradise with greater privacy and security.


RecipesEveryone loves a picnic, whether you throw

together a quick sandwich and chips, or plan a themed event. With a little planning, they can be a great time.

Be prepared for your outing with the normal blankets, tablecloths, coolers, serving utensils, trash bags, bug spray, moist towlettes, and, of course, the sunscreen. Also consider the other activities you can do besides sitting down to a great meal. Bring along pails and other sand toys, beach balls, binoculars, frisbees, bubbles, bug jars, and books. Remember toddlers, children and adults: try to make it fun for all who are attending.

Eating outdoors enhances the taste of food. However, with the warm weather and sunshine, there are certain precautions to take when planning the menu. Warm temperatures cause an increase in bacteria growth, so keep in mind these helpful hints:

• Keep cold foods below 45 degrees and hot foods over 140 degrees.

• Wrap foods separately, especially raw foods that will be cooked later.

• Do not partially cook meats that will be barbequed later.

• Th aw frozen meats in a refrigerator, not at room temperature.

• Do not transport food in the trunk of your vehicle (there is no air circulation and the trunk is much warmer than inside your vehicle).

• Keep your coolers in the shade — pack extra ice and ice packs to help maintain cooler temperatures.

• Th row away any food that has been outdoors for more than two hours.

• Keep salads and any menu item made with mayonnaise chilled until serving.

• Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat and prepared foods.

With correct planning, your food will remain safe, healthy and enjoyable. From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, to wine and a gourmet feast, picnics are a great source of summer fun.

Fruit PizzaCrust1/2 c. Powdered Sugar

3/4 c. Butter1 1/2 c. Flour

Mix together and press on a pizza

pan. Bake at 3500 for 10-13 minutes

until lightly browned. Chill.

Layer #2 1 tsp. Vanilla1/2 c. Sugar8 oz. softened Cream Cheese

Mix together and spread onto crust. Wash

and slice up a variety of fruits of your choice

(grapes, strawberries, raspberries, bananas,

apples, pineapple, blueberries, kiwi) and place

on cream cheese mixture.

Topping1 c. Orange Juice3 Tbsp. Cornstarch1/4 c. Lemon Juice (can use less if

you so choose)

Boil for one minute and cool

to room temperature

before pouring over the

fruit layer. Refrigerate

until served.


to room temperature

before pouring over the

fruit layer. Refrigerate


Layer #2

Frog Eye Salad1 box Acini de Pepe Macaroni2 tsp. Salt1 Tbsp. Oil

Cook macaroni with salt and oil.Drain and rinse well.

1 c. Sugar2 Tbsp. Flour1/2 tsp. Salt2 Beaten Eggs2 – 20 oz. cans Crushed Pineapple2 – 11 oz cans drained Mandarin Oranges2 – 9 oz containers Cool Whip1 c. miniature marshmallows1 Tbsp. lemon juiceMix sugar, � our, salt, beaten eggs, and juice from canned pineapple. Cook over medium heat until thick. Cool and add lemon juice. Pour mixture over cooled macaroni and chill overnight. Add pineapple, oranges, marshmallows and Cool Whip.

Frog Eye Salad

Grilled Corn On The Cob1 to 2 Cobs per person

ButterSalt & PepperTaco Seasoning (optional)

Soak cobs of corn in water for 15 minutes

(husks remain on). Place on grill, and rotate

occasionally. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Check

for doneness. Remove husks and spread with

butter, salt, pepper, and/or taco seasoning for

a kick. Be careful, as corn is very hot!

for your summer!

Summer 2009 37

The long-anticipated season of the year is here. With the warm temperatures upon us, now is the time to head outdoors to kick up your feet and relax while enjoying the summer on the patios of the area’s restaurants. This ultimate patio guide showcases the cozy patios of some of the restaurant

patios in Fargo-Moorhead area. It provides readers with the food and drink specials available on the restaurant patios, as well as some other great information. Summer is

here, so head to the patios and relax! There is nothing better than good food and drink, great company and an enjoyable atmosphere. Eat, drink, and be merry!

Summer 2009 37



Outdoor Kitchens & FireplacesNew at Valley laNdscapiNg!

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Visit Our ShowroomFargo, ND

701-232-40015507 53rd Ave SW, Fargo

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the ultimate patio guide to fargo-moorhead

Granite CityPatio Hours 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Umbrellas No

Patio Faces South

Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, Monday-Saturday

Specials $1 wines, cocktails, and micro brews; $2 off apps and pizza after 9 p.m.

Bennigan’sPatio Hours 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and

11 p.m. to close on Sunday

Umbrellas Yes

Patio Faces Northwest

Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close Monday—Saturday, and Sunday 12 p.m. to close

Specials Half price apps and2 for 1 wells

ParadisoPatio Hours 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Umbrellas Available

Patio Faces East

Happy Hour 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Specials $1 off taps and margaritas

Green MillPatio Hours 11 a.m. to close

Umbrellas Available

Patio Faces North

Happy Hour 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close

Specials $4.99 appetizers, $3 wells (Happy Hour prices all the time with mug club membership)

Paradiso

Summer 2009 39

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DoolittlesPatio Hours 11 a.m. to close

Umbrellas Yes

Patio Faces South and West

Happy Hour 3 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close

Specials $1 off domestic and house wines; $2 off appetizers – Daily drink specials

Justy’s – OsgoodPatio Hours 11 a.m. to close

Umbrellas No

Patio Faces South and West

Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m., Monday–Friday

Specials Half prices apps, wells, and tap beers

Doolittles


5507 53rd Ave SW, Fargo701-232-4001

www.deckmasters.net

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Usher’s HousePatio Hours 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Umbrellas Yes

Patio Faces Northwest

Happy Hour 3 to 6 p.m.

Specials $1 off all drink and half price appetizers

OxbowPatio Hours 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday,

Friday, and Saturday

Umbrellas Shade Only

Patio Faces South

Happy Hour Fri. from 5 to 6 p.m.

Specials $2.50 Corona Lites and margaritas

the ultimate patio guide to fargo-moorheadthe ultimate patio guide to fargo-moorhead

Ushers

Summer 2009 41

In Ground Pools • Above Ground Pools • Spas Chemicals • Saunas • Grills • Accessories

Great savings on 2008 Holdover SpasPool Season is right around the corner. Come see us for all your inground and above ground pool needs.

Monday – Friday 8–6Saturday 9–2

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218-483-3541www.olsonpoolsandspas.com

“More SPLASH

For Your Cash!”

HoDo (rooftop)Patio Hours 5 to 11 p.m., Sunday–

Friday

Umbrellas Yes

Patio Faces All Directions

Happy Hour None

Specials None

Mexican VillagePatio Hours 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Umbrellas No

Patio Faces East

Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close everyday

Specials Half price appetizers; buy one get 1 free jumbo margaritas; $2.50 tall taps; $2.50 well drinks

Monte’sPatio Hours 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Monday–

Saturday

Umbrellas Yes

Patio Faces West

Happy Hour 10 p.m. to close

Specials $6 martinis

Old ChicagoPatio Hours 11 a.m. to close

Umbrellas Yes

Patio Faces East

Happy Hour 4 to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close

Specials Half price appetizers and pints for the price of a mug

Mexican Village

July 2nd, August 6th, September 3rdNational Muffl er’s “Cruisin’ Broadway” 5:00 – 9:00 pmDowntown Fargowww.fmdowntown.com

July 8Book It to the Zoo10 am – 8:00 pmRed River Zoo


July 15 – 18, 22 – 26,29 – August 2The Wiz8:30 pmTrollwood Performing Artswww.trollwood.org

July 16 – 18Fargo DowntownStreet Fairwww.fmdowntown.com

July 16Big Screen Movie Matinee2 pmVeteran's Memorial Arenawww.wfparks.org

July 22Water Carnival2 – 4 pmVeteran's Memorial Poolwww.wfparks.org

July 23Watermelon Festival2 – 4 pmGooseberry Parkwww.ci.moorhead.mn.us/parks

July 26German Folk Festival 11 am – 5 pmRheault Farmwww.fargoparks.com

July 2911th Annual Community Playground CarnivalNoon to 8:00 p.m.Rheault Farmwww.fargoparks.com

July 29Fur Ball6 – 10 pmRed River Zoo

August 11Hawaiian Beach Blast5:30 – 8:00 pmRendezvous Parkwww.wfparks.org

August 15 – 16Bonanzaville Pioneer DaysSaturday 15: 10 am – 5 pmSunday 16: Noon – 5 pmwww.bonanzaville.org

September 12Walk & Roll-a-thon for Disability Awareness & Picnic10:30 amGooseberry Park Large Shelter

September 26, 2009Family History Workshop “Cyber Family Trails”8:00 am – 4:30 pmMSUM http://survey.mnstate.edu/heritageed/index.php

FREE!FREE!enter for a chance to win a FREE patio heaterWe would love to see some of your backyard oasis creations. Follow these two simple steps for your chance to win and possibly have your photo published in your outdoor magazine.

Studio 7 Productions, 503 7th St N, Suite 104 Fargo, ND 58102

1. Take a picture of your backyard creation2. Submit your photo to our website at

outdoorlg.com or mail it to the following:

Photo submission provides eligiablity into the contest. Winner will be chosen by Outdoor Design and Living Guide staff. Upon submitting your photo Photo submission provides eligiablity into the contest. Winner will be chosen by Outdoor Design and Living Guide staff. Upon submitting your photo you release all rights to the photo and are giving permission for Outdoor Design and Living Guide to publish the photo in upcoming issues.you release all rights to the photo and are giving permission for Outdoor Design and Living Guide to publish the photo in upcoming issues.

What’s HappeningWhat’s Happeningin the area

Summer 2009 43

Y our complete Landscape, Design & Install Resource

Experience Our Beautiful Indoor/Outdoor Showroom!5508 53rd Ave. S., Fargo, ND | 701.237.6994 | www.naturalenvironmentslandscaping.com | www.gardenelegancegallery.com

We have the largest area retail selection of:

FlagstoneNatural Stone WallsCharacter Boulders

Ponds, Pond Supplies, & Koi FishArchitectural Pottery

Gazebos, Statuary, FountainsLandscape LightingTables & Benches

Birdbaths & Feeders …and much more!

Surround Yourself With

�orks of �rt

We are grateful to have been a part of this wonderful community for over 120 yearsand thankful for the quality of life we enjoy here in the Red River Valley. We appreciate the lakes country, our parks andbackyards and value the time we have with our families and neighbors to enjoy them.

In turn, Knight actively seeks to lessen and monitor our eco-footprint. We are pleased to offer our house brand paper, a stock made from recycled paper products collected throughout our area. Working towards a cleaner environment, Knight maintains a section of roadway through the Adopt-a-Highway program.

Working together, we can make it happen.

Your Knight TeamPlease contact Rich Slagle, President and CEO, with questions or comments

701.235.1121 / knightprinting.com 3401 Fiechtner Drive South Fargo, ND 58103

Documents

Outdoor Design & Living Guide - Summer 2009