2014 Home Garden

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/2014-home-garden 1/12

2014

A special supplement of

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden


2 - Spring Home & Garden – April 2014

Things to consider before downsizing your homeOnce their kids have left the nest, many men

and women over 50 begin to consider down-sizing their homes. Downsizing to a smallerhome can be beneficial for a variety of reasons,including less home to clean and maintain,more affordable utility bills and lower propertytaxes. But the decision to downsize is rarelyblack and white, and men and women oftenstruggle with that decision.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the deci-sion of whether or not to downsize to a smaller

home concerns the sentimental attachmentmany homeowners, especially those with chil-dren, have to their homes. The home mightbe too big for your current needs, but it alsowas the same place where your son took hisfirst steps and where your daughter lost herfirst tooth. Saying goodbye to a place thatwas home to so many memories isn’t easy.But there’s more than just sentimental valueto consider when deciding whether or not todownsize your home after the kids have grownup and moved out.

Personal financesYour financial situation merits significant

consideration when deciding if the time is rightto downsize your home. If your retirement nestegg is not as substantial as you would like itto be, then it would seem as though downsiz-ing to a smaller, more affordable home is a

great opportunity for you to start catching upon your retirement savings. But that’s only trueif your new home won’t incur any additionalexpenses that are already taken care of in yourcurrent home. For example, your current homemay be fully furnished, while a new, smallerhome may require you to buy all new furniturebecause your existing items simply won’t fit.The cost of such furnishings can be consider-able. If you plan to move into a condominium,you can expect to pay monthly homeown-ers association fees, and such fees are oftensubstantial. So while the condo itself mightbe smaller, the additional expenses associ-ated with the property may end up making thesmaller home more expensive and prevent youfrom saving more money for retirement.

Real estate market

There are seller’s markets and there are

buyer’s markets, and ideally you would like tosell your home in a seller’s market. But keepin mind that this might be the same marketin which you hope to buy a new home. Thenature of the real estate market depends on ahost of factors, including geography. If thecity or town where you currently live is in themidst of a seller’s market and you are planningon moving to a location where buyers have theupper hand, then now might be a great timeto move. But if you currently live in a buyer’s

market and hope to move to a seller’s market,then you may end up paying a steep price,even when downsizing to a smaller home.Things may even themselves out if you wantto downsize to a smaller home within yourcurrent community, but do your homeworknonetheless, researching the time of year whenyou’re most likely to get the most for yourhome and find the best deal on your next place.The advantage men and women consideringdownsizing have is that they are rarely in arush to move out of their current home and intotheir next one. This gives them ample time tomake the real estate market work for them.

SpaceHow much space do you really need? Once

the kids have moved out, couples may feel likeall of that extra space is going to waste. Butthat can be a knee-jerk reaction, and upon a

more thorough examination of the space andyour needs you may just find that you canput all of that extra square footage to gooduse after all. If you have always wanted yourown art studio, then now might be the perfecttime to make that a reality. Always wanted aroom devoted to home theater? Get to work onconverting your basement from an all-purposegame room to your own private movie theater.If, after considering the space in your home,you find that the extra square footage really is

just upkeep you aren’t especially interested indoing, then you would no doubt like a cozierhome that’s less of a responsibility to maintain.

Downsizing a home is something many menand women over 50 consider after their chil-dren have moved out. Such a decision is rarelyeasy, so homeowners should take as muchtime as they need before making a final deci-

sion to move or stay put.

1828 Sandhill Road • Oregon, WI 53575608-835-7569

OPENING SOON WATCH FOR ADS

www.kopkesgreenhouse.comWisconsin’s Premier Grower of

Quality Annual & Perennial BeddingPlants and Hanging Baskets

CONTAINER GARDENING

Learn ToDo It Right

Call

608-835-7569

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden


April, 2014 – Spring Home & Garden - 3

How to repair and replace window screensWindow screens can let fresh air into a home

while preventing insects and outdoor crittersfrom making their way inside. But screens arefar less effective at keeping critters out of ahome when they’re damaged.

Addressing such damage is typically an easydo-it-yourself project, one that begins with

gathering the right materials, including:* new screening, synthetic or aluminum* a rubber spline* a screen rolling tool* a razor knife or sharp scissor* measuring tape* masking tape* a screwdriver or an awlOnce those materials have been gathered,

the process of replacing or repairing damagedscreens is rather simple.

1. Measure the area of the window to deter-mine how much replacement screening youwill need. Remember to leave extra room inyour measurements so you have slack to makethe new screen fit taut. The measurement willalso help you determine how much spline youwill need.

2. Remove the screen from the windowframe. Some windows do not have removablescreen frames, and you will have to work onthe screen in its upright position.

3. Use the screwdriver or awl to pry the edgeof the existing spline that holds the screeningmaterial in the frame. Pull out the old splineand remove the damaged screening.

4. Measure the new screening from a replace-ment roll. Lay the screening down on theframe, ensuring there is overhang on all sides.If necessary, use masking tape to temporarily

secure the screening to the frame while free-ing up your hands. This also works if you mustreplace screening vertically and cannot removethe window frame and make repairs on a flatsurface.

5. Take a new piece of rubber spline andpush it into the edge of the screen frame, secur-

ing a corner of the new screening to the frame.Continue to press the spline around the perim-eter of the screen frame firmly into the groovewith the screen rolling tool, which looks like asmall pizza cutter. This effectively secures thescreen into the frame.

6. Continue around the edge of the frame,pulling the new screening taut as you go. Thishelps to keep it free of wrinkles.

7. Once you have inserted the spline all theway around, cut it off from the spline spool andpush in the edge.

8. Use a razor knife or sharp scissor to cut offthe excess screening, being careful not to dis-lodge it from behind the spline when cutting.

9. Replace the screen in the window.In the case of small tears in a screen, a com-

plete replacement may not be necessary. Homeimprovement stores sell screen patch kits.Some work by cutting out a piece of patch thatis attached to an adhesive backing and stickingit over the hole. Other patches are small, wovenwires that can be threaded through the hole inthe screen. A really small hole can be mendedwith a drop of clear-drying glue.

The same method of screen replacementcan be used to replace screens on screened-inporches, aluminum doors or sliding patio doors.Just be sure to purchase replacement screeningthat will fit the dimensions.

Patios, decks and outdoor entertainingareas often need some TLC. Homeown-ers looking forward to enjoying the warmair again often start their annual chore ofreadying such areas for the entertainingseason in the spring, and cleaning outdoorfurniture and entertaining areas is a bigpart of that process. Very often individu-als turn to pressure washing machines toclean such areas; while pressure and pow-er washers are effective, they also can be

dangerous if homeowners don’t prioritizesafety when operating these machines.Pressure washing machines come in

many varieties, and not all are createdequal. Smaller, electric-powered systemsmay be effective for cars and boats butineffective at cleaning grime on a house ordriveway. Pressure washers also may havehot or cold water supplies. Hot water canhelp cleaning detergents emulsify dirt fast-er and more effectively than cold water.The cleaning capacity of these machines ismeasured in cleaning units -- or the waterpressure multiplied by the flow rate. Thehigher the cleaning units, the greater thecleaning power of the device. But morepowerful tools also carry a greater safetyrisk, highlighting the importance usersmust place on safety when operating suchmachines. The following are a few safety

tips homeowners can employ to ensuretheir next power washing project goes offwithout a hitch.

* Clear away furniture and any obstaclesfrom the area where you will be cleaning.You want the area to be free of trippinghazards or items that can be damaged by

the spray.* Keep children and pets away from the

area while the cleaning is taking place.Pressure washers are powerful, and highlypressurized water spray can cause injuries.

Slips and falls on wet surfaces may occur,and high-pressure injection can happenwhen water and chemicals penetrate theskin and cause tissue damage.

* Eye and ear protection should be wornat all times when working with a pressurewasher.

* Many pressure washers work better

when used in conjunction with some typeof cleaning solution. A combination ofbleach and water will help loosen dirt andwill require less pressure from the washer.

* As you grow accustomed to the power

of the washer, it is best to adjust the nozzleto a wide angle fan and the lowest pressuresetting to see how effectively it cleans agiven surface. Increase pressure accord-ingly as the project progresses. Makingthe water stream too narrow could causedamage. It takes time to learn the subtle-ties of the machine, so users should allow

themselves ample time to grow comfort-able with the machine.

* Keep the pressure wand 10 to 12inches away from the surface that needscleaning. Make small passes and check thecleaned area, adjusting the pressure andstream accordingly.

* Begin in the farthest corner of a deck,driveway or patio and the highest spot ofa home. Use slow, even sweeps with thepressure wand, being careful to maintain

an equal distance from the tip to the worksurface. This helps to ensure even clean-ing and reduces the chances of streaks andoverlapping of the pressure spray.

* When working on a home, avoidspraying the water at a steep angle undersiding or directly into corners. Do notspray under the edges of window or doors.Use caution around dryer and attic ventsas well. You may end up soaking theinside of the home or cause water damageunwittingly.

* Always use caution when operatinga pressure washer while on a ladder. Thepower of the device can easily compro-mise your balance.

If ever you feel uncomfortable using thepressure washer, stop and consider hiringa professional. It is much better to makethat investment rather than damage your

home or risk injury.CAPTION: Pressure washers have vari-

ous levels of power. Some may be effec-tive for washing cars, while stronger set-tings are often most effective at cleaninghome siding.

FENCING

STRUCK & IRWIN FENCE

255-1673

A TRUSTED NAME FOR OVER 75 YEARS

• CHAIN LINK • CEDAR • VINYL

• ORNAMENTAL IRON & ALUMINUM

• all styles • many colors

• any size job, anywhere

• fence repairs

• Quality Materials• Professional Installation• Competitive Prices

www.struckandirwinfence.com

F r e e

E s t i m a t e

s

We OfferPayment

Options!

Free Estimates and Fully Insured Wet Basement and Foundation Repair.

“Our Family Helping Your Family” 3

4 1 2 0 3

1-877-4-WET-FIX

Prioritize safety when power washing patios and decks

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



608-845-9389Verona, WI

CooperPlumbing.com

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1983

GO GREEN WITH

BRANDON COOPER, OWNER

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • REMODELING

TANKLESS WATER HEATERS • WATER SOFTENERS • SERVICE & REPAIR

GREEN WATER HEATERS

GREEN FAUCETS & TOILETS

GREEN SHOWER HEADS

• Free Estimates

• Spring Clean-Up• Lawn Maintenance• Light Landscaping

170 Dale Drive, Oregon, WI

Tel: (608) 835-2126Cell: (608) 695-4910

• Full-service design and installation• Patios, walkways and retaining walls

• Renovation of existing landscapes

• Drainage correction and grading• Year-round maintenance and snow removal

• Low-voltage landscape lighting

Want an outdoor living area that can be enjoyed by all members of the family? Ganshert can create

that perfect outdoor space with a play area for kids, as well as for entertaining family and guests.

®

5284 E. Lacy Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53711 • (608) 274-2443 • ganshert.com

1609 Hwy 51 & 138 Stoughton, WI 53589

Marjie HanssenRealtor, CRS, GRI, ABR

(608) 205-3003

[email protected]

Listing & Selling the Extraordinary

List Your Home With Me and Let Me Do Your Spring Cleaning!

Don’t let the “get-up” fool you - with 20+ years of

experience as a top real estate agent in the Stoughton area,I’m too busy selling homes to do it myself. Call for details.

Improve your home and diet with a vegetable gardenPlanting a garden can add aes-

thetic appeal and functionalityto a property. Vegetable gardenscan transform landscapes whileputting healthy and homegrownfood on the table.

By growing their own fruitsand vegetables, homeownershave total control over whatfoods can be harvested, andthey can ensure sustainable, safepractices are used to care for theplants.

Vegetable gardens can becompact or expansive, depend-ing on how much space is avail-able to cul t iva te . However,first-time gardeners may wantto begin small so they can honetheir skills and experiment tosee which plants are most like-ly to thrive in their gardens.Expansion is always a possibil-ity down the road.

Choose a locationSpend some t ime examin-

ing your landscape. Vegetablesgenerally need ample warmthand sunlight to thrive, so find anarea of the yard that gets several

hours of direct sunlight per day.A sunny spot is good, but you

also want a location with ade-quate drainage so your gardendoes not succumb to floodingor fungus during and after heavydownpours.

Don’t place the garden tooclose to rain gutters or near apool, where splash-out mayoccur.

Select a location that is iso-lated from pets so the plants arenot trampled and cats and dogsdo not relieve themselves near-by.

Decide what to plantWhen deciding what to plant,

consider what you eat and howmuch produce the householdconsumes, then choose veg-etables that fit with your diet.Some vegetables, like peppers,tomatoes, eggplant, and squash,produce throughout the season.

Others, such as carrots andcorn, produce one crop and thenexpire. Plan accordingly whenyou purchase plants or seeds, asyou want enough food but not somuch that it will go to waste.

Choose three to four differ-ent vegetables and plant them inthe garden. Select varieties thatrequire similar soil conditions,so that you can adjust the pHand mix of the soil accordingly.

This will serve as good prac-tice, particularly the first yearof your garden. After you havemastered the basics, you canbranch out into other produce.

Know when to plant

Many of the foods grown invegetable gardens, includingtomatoes and peppers, are sum-mer vegetables, which meansthey reach peak ripeness afterthe height of the summer sea-son. Pumpkins, brussel sproutsand peas are planted to be har-vested later on. These plantsmay be put in the ground a littlelater than others.

It is less expensive to startseedl ings indoors and thentransplant them to a gardenwhen the time comes. Seeds canbe started three to four weeksbefore they would be put out-doors.

Many vegetables are plantedoutside in April or May, butdefinitely after frost conditionshave waned. Read seed packetsto know exactly when to plant orconsult with the nursery whereyou purchased established seed-lings.

You also can visit The GardenHelper at www.thegardenhelper.com/vegtips to find out when toplant, seed depth and how longit takes plants to reach maturity.

V e g e t a b l e g a r d e n s c a nbecome central components ofoutdoor home landscapes. Notonly do gardens add aestheticappeal, but also they producefresh fruits and vegetables toenjoy throughout the season.

How to create a rainwater harvesting system for your gardenRainwater collection is a

way to conserve water thatcan be adopted by both privatehomeowners and businesses.Harvesting water during peaktimes of precipitation ensureswater will be on hand during

drought or when water restric-tions are implemented. Mak-ing use of rainwater reducesreliance on underground wellsor municipal water systems.Harvesting rainwater also canhelp prevent flooding and soilerosion.

The average homeownercan collect thousands of gal-lons of rainwater each year.To learn just how much watercan be harvested, visit save-the-rain.com. Afterward,homeowners may be inclined

to establish their own rainwa-ter harvesting systems. Here ishow to get started.

* Determine your roofingmaterial. Potable water canbe harvested from homes withsheet metal or slate roofing.Clay or adobe tiles also maybe acceptable. Asphalt, woodshingles and tar roofs may

leach toxic chemicals into thewater, making it unsafe fordrinking. This rainwater mayonly be collected to use forirrigation methods or washingcars and outdoor items.

* Check gutter materials.Some gutters are made withlead soldering components. Acommercial lead swab test can

help you determine if thereis lead present in your gut-ters. At a later time you canchoose to replace the guttersif you desire a potable supplyof water.

* Invest in a collection tank

or barrel. A number of manu-facturers offer prefabricatedrain collection systems com-plete with collection barrels.Otherwise, you can use yourown barrel or tank to housethe collected water. Ensure itis large enough to handle thevolume of water collected.

* Purchase and install leafguards. If your home is sur-rounded by many trees, youprobably accumulate leaf andtree debris in your home gut-ters and downspouts. Leaf

guards will help keep the gut-ters clear and increase waterflow through the water collec-tion system.

* Create a water collectionarea. A portion of the guttersystem should be removed so

that it connects to the collec-tion barrel or tank. As the rainfalls, it will run down the roofand into the gutters before itstreams into the downspouts.The downspout connected tothe tank will deposit the waterdirectly inside. Filters canbe installed to help block theflow of debris.

* Outfit the tank for over-flow and water usage. A spig-ot and hose connection makesit easy to use the collectedwater for outdoor purposes.

Many rainwater collectionsystems are designed with anoverflow safeguard that willprevent the water from back-ing up through the system. Itwill divert the rainwater backout of the downspout when

the barrel or tank is full.A rainwater collection sys-

tem harnesses a natural sourceof water to be used for gardensand other outdoor purposes.This water doesn’t containchlorine or other additives,making it relatively cleanand safe to use. Homeownersshould check to see if a permitis necessary to install a rain-water collection system andthen begin gathering water forvarious uses.

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



How to rid your yard of pesky pestsSpring is the season when lawn

and garden equipment is dustedoff, windows are washed andhomes are aired out. Spring also isa great time to get started on lawnand garden projects.

Early spring might not be warmenough to start planting, but it isa great time to inspect a yard forany property damage or problems,including pests. Small animals likegroundhogs can compromise lawnand garden projects. For example,vegetable gardens are prime tar-gets for such pests, while trees andshrubbery offer cozy abodes andcamouflage from other predators.Homeowners can grow frustratedby the damage such critters can doto their properties. But identifyingthe offenders early on can mini-mize that damage.

GroundhogsGroundhogs are one of 14 spe-

cies of marmots and are the larg-est members of the squirrel fam-ily. They frequent the areas wherewoodlands meet open spaces, likestreams, roads or fields. Ground-

hogs feed on grass, plants, fruitand tree bark. They also will feaston home gardens during the sum-mer and fall seasons. Groundhogsare most active during the warmmonths, when they forage andfeast to build up large reserves forwinter hibernation.

Humane methods of keepinggroundhogs at bay include makingthe area inhospitable. Groundhogscan climb trees and fencing, butthey’re less likely to get into plantsif there is a fence around them.Dogs can be preventive as well, assome dogs will chase groundhogsoff of the property. The scent ofurine can also scare groundhogsoff. Using traps to capture and

then relocate groundhogs is anoth-er option.

MolesMoles are cylindrical mammals

that are most comfortable living asubterranean lifestyle. The fur ofmoles feels similar to velvet, andthey have small ears and eyes.Moles also have strong forelimbswith forepaws that have an extrathumb and multiple joints. Thesehelp them to burrow undergroundeffectively and hollow out sub-terranean chambers. The diet ofmoles is primarily earthworms andsmall invertebrates found in thesoil. The runs they create beneaththe surface of the soil are used to

trap prey and store it in “larders”for later.

Moles are not harmful to lawnsand gardens, but they can com-promise the aesthetic appeal oflawns and gardens. That is whyhomeowners often want to preventmoles from making homes on theirproperty. While there are traps andpoisons available, one of the easi-est ways to prevent mole infesta-tion is to remove their sources offood. Homeowners also can cutback on watering property andget rid of grubs and other insects.Also, consider installing a mole

barrier of aluminum sheeting orhardware cloth by burying these

materials between two and threefeet deep along the perimeter of alawn or garden.

Cats are natural enemies ofmoles, so sprinkling cat litteraround mole runs may dissuademoles from visiting the area.

VolesOften mistaken for mice, voles

are small rodents with shorter,hairier tails and more stout bod-ies than mice. Voles are com-monly referred to as meadow orfield mice, and they feed on smallplants and will eat nuts, fruits and

even dead animals. Voles will fre-quently eat succulent root systems

and burrow under lawns and gar-dens.

The runways of voles will beshallow, so they aren’t preva-lent in frequently cultivated soils.They are also less likely to burrowbeneath frequently mowed lawns.

Voles do not like open areas.Remove protection like weeds, tallgrass, dense vegetation, and heavymulch to make a yard a less popu-lar habitat. Keep grass adjacentto flower beds or gardens mowedshort.

If groundhogs, moles and volesbecome particularly troublesome

or infest a yard in great numbers,an exterminator may be needed.

1839 Hwy MM

Fitchburg, WI 53575

www.fitchburgfarms.com

[email protected]

Take the Cty Rd. MM exit off Hwy 14

We carry garden plants, flowering annuals,

perennials, trees & shrubs.

All of your gardening needs.

G RA N D

O P E N I N G

W E E K E N D

F r i d a y, A p r i l 1 8

t h -

S u n d a y, A p r i l 2

0 t h

W e hope to

see y ou ther e!

Bring this coupon inwith you to recieve

20% Off Your purchase at ourGrand Opening event!

20% off coupon good for

Friday, April 18th-Sunday, April 20thWILLIAMS

CUSTOM

KITCHENS

Kitchen Bathroom Living Room

Office Libraries Closets And more!

References Available! We Measure and Install!

QUALITY HAND CRAFTEDKITCHENS & CABINETRY

10015 Wanless Rd., Soldiers Grove, WI 608-215-5110Let us be your choice for premium, handcrafted quality.

3 4 0 6 5 7

Hand Crafted Cabinetry for

Free Quotes& In Home

Consultation

Customer SatisfactionIs Our #1 Goal!

Groundhogs feed on plants, frustrating homeowners who want to keep the critters off of their properties.

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



Practice garage and workshop smartsCompleting home improvement projects

on your own can be both rewarding andfinancially responsible. A growing num-ber of homeowners are dabbling in do-it-yourself projects, recognizing both the per-sonal and financial rewards of such under-takings. As more and more homeownersperform their own renovations and otherimprovement projects, many are outfittingtheir homes with state-of-the-art work-

shops and transforming garages into a do-it-yourselfer’s paradise.Safety is vital in any workshop. During a

typical home renovation, homeowners willuse all sorts of dangerous tools and chemi-cals, and even the simplest mishap canresult in a serious injury. Following safetyrules can reduce the risk of injury.

Know your toolsBefore novice do-it-yourselfers begin

working with power tools, they shouldfamiliarize themselves with their owners’manuals and the operating instructions.Some home-improvement retailers offerclasses in various home renovation proj-ects and may be able to teach tool usage.Do-it-yourselfers should consult profes-sionals with regard to proper tool use andsafety. Do not use tools for purposes otherthan what the tool was intended to do. Ifmachine guards are provided, they shouldbe used and never removed.

Wear safety gearEye, ear and breathing protection are

key in any workshop environment. Dustand chemical gases may be present when

working with certain products, and debriscan be kicked up and enter the eyes, caus-ing irritation or even blindness. Loudpower tools can damage sensitive ears,especially when used in a contained room.Always wear goggles, sound-muffling ear-phones and dust masks when working.

Assess physical well-beingDo-it-yourselfers should never work

with machinery if they are feeling sick orfatigued or while taking medication that

can affect concentration or alertness. All ittakes is a moment of distraction to causean injury.

Never surprise anyone who is workingwith power tools and keep unnecessarypeople out of the workshop, where theymight chat and distract others from thetasks at hand.

Factor in ergonomicsFailure to work in comfortable condi-

tions can result in repetition injuries or

muscle strain. Make the workshop as com-fortable as possible. Ensure the work tableis at the right height. Use a rubber mat onthe floor to reduce standing fatigue. Havea stool or chair available for taking breaks.

Keep a clean shopPower cords strewn around the work-

shop present a tripping hazard. They alsomake it possible to drag sharp or heavy

tools off of tables and workbenches if thecords are pulled or tripped over. A neatworkshop is a safer workshop. Pay atten-tion to where tools are kept and keep cordsmanageable.

Dress appropriatelyLoose clothing and hair can become tan-

gled or lodged in equipment. Do not wear jewelry. Dress comfortab ly but appropri-ately for the workshop, being sure to wearsturdy shoes.

Lock it upChildren and pets are curious and may

wander into a workshop to explore. Theycan become seriously ill or injured by thebevy of chemicals and tools used for com-mon projects. Some items are flammable

and sharp and should always be out ofreach. Locking cabinets and drawers cankeep tools inaccessible. Also warn young-sters against entering the workshop unat-tended.

As more people engage in do-it-yourselfprojects, homeowners should reacquaintthemselves with safety procedures.

LIDDICOATLawn Care Services, LLC

For a FREE ESTIMATE contact:

Randy (608) 438-5702 or Blake (608) 438-5795

Commercial & Residential, Dependable, Reasonable Rates, Fully Insured

OB RIEN T RUCKING Shredded Topsoil (Shredded Garden Mix),

Shredded Bark, Decorative Stone.Limerock Delivery.

Pick-up or Delivered.

5995 Cty. D, Oregon, WI(608) 835-7255 • www.obrientrucking.com

OB RIEN

T RUCKING

119 W. Verona Avenue

845-7920

Family Owned for 43 Years

Your Hometown

Hardware Store

*Instant Savings amount available as mail-in savings for non-ACE Rewards members. Offer available through 4/30/14

Scotts® Turf Builder®

Weed & FeedCovers 5,000 sq. ft. 7234248

Limit 2 at this price.15,000 sq. ft. 7361868…$52.99,$46.99 after $6 Instant Savings.*Limit 2 at this price.

Sale $1999

-$2

1799

withcard*

YouPay

Scotts® Lawn Pro® 4-Step Annual ProgramCovers 5,000 sq. ft. Crabgrass Preventer Plus

Fertilizer, Weed Control Plus Fertilizer, Lawn

Fertilizer and Winterizer. 7287154

Limit 2 at this price.15,000 sq. ft., 7287162…$ 199 99 ,$ 149.99 After $ 50 Instant Savings.*Limit 2 at this price.

Sale $7999

-$20

5999

withcard*

YouPay

Scotts® Turf Builder® with

Halts® Crabgrass PreventerCovers 5,000 sq. ft. 7232325

Limit 2 at this price.15,000 sq. ft. 7232390…$62.99,$56.99 after $6 Instant Savings.*Limit 2 at this price.

Sale $2499

-$2

2299

withcard*

YouPay

Make a plan for garage organization during your spring cleaningSpring cleaning plans

are on the minds of manyonce the weather warmsup. Many homeowners feela sense of renewal in thespring, when the desire toclean house and get orga-nized becomes a priority.

Garages are often targetsfor homeowners hoping totarget clutter. Once a spacereserved for cars, garagesare no longer strictly forvehicles, used instead tostore items that simply donot fit inside the home ora backyard shed. Organiz-ing the garage is typicallya weekend or several-dayproject. Here’s how to turna garage from a cluttered

mess into a space suitedfor storing items of allshapes and sizes.

* Enlist a helper. Orga-nizing a garage is a sig-nificant undertaking thatis best tackled with two ormore people. Enlist a help-er to make the project lessintimidating.

* Decide what is impor-tant to keep. Start the orga-nization process by clear-ing out the garage and tak-ing inventory of what youhave. Items that have notbeen used for several yearscan likely be tossed. Makea pile of what will be keptand then put the rest at thecurb or donate useful items

to charity.* Give thought to where

you want to store particu-lar items. Tools and itemsthat are used more oftenshould be stored withinreach or where easily vis-ible, while items that arenot used as frequently canbe stored higher up. Thinkabout how you operate inthe garage. Recycling binscan be stored closer to thedoor into the home, whilebicycles and skates can benearer to the garage doorfor easy access.

* Group l ike i t emst o g e t h e r . C a t e g o r i z eitems that will be kept.Garden tools , camping

gear, sporting equipment,and automotive suppliesshould be categorized andstored in their own areas ofthe garage, determining ifcertain items can be storedinside the home to free upgarage space. Groupingitems together will makethem easier to locate in thegarage.

* Move boxed i temsinto clear storage contain-ers. It’s much easier to seewhat you have when it isstored in clear contain-ers. Some containers areinterlocking or stackable,making it much more con-venient to store items ver-tically and free up more

floor space.* Invest in vertical stor-

age systems. Moving itemsfrom the floor and put-ting them on shelving orbehind cabinets can makethe garage more organized.Hooks and bins also can beused. Employ a peg boardfull of hooks for oft-usedtools or other items youneed at the ready.

* Leave space for hobbyand work areas. Garagesare where many improve-ment projects begin orwhere hobbies, such aswoodworking or crafting,take place. Leave space forthese tasks and hobbies.

* Give the space a fresh

coat of paint. Some garag-es are dingy and dark.Bright paint on the wallsand floor can open up thespace and, when combinedwith more lighting, canmake it lighter and bright-er.

Garage organization isa common spring cleaningproject. But it shouldn’tbe reserved for this seasonalone. Periodic checks ofthe garage and straighten-ing up can keep a garagec l e a n a n d o r g a n i z e dthroughout the entire yearand make yearly springcleaning much more man-ageable.

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



Tis the season for makingchanges in and around thehome. The arrival of warmerweather renews homeown-ers’ vigor for various homeimprovement projects, andmany have grand plans forinterior and exterior renova-tions as they prep their livingspaces for comfort, beauty

and entertaining opportuni-ties. While there are manyworthy projects to pursue,adding outdoor lighting toa home can help increase itsvalue and make the homesafer and more attractive inthe evening hours.

According to the Ameri-can Lighting Association,with a few updates to out-side lighting, families canmake even better use of theirhomes at night. Adding out-door lighting is easier and

less expensive than manyhomeowners may know,allowing them to transforman existing patio, deck orpool area into an enjoyablenighttime retreat. Pool par-ties, dinners on the patio orbarbecues with neighborsbecome even more memo-rable when outdoor lighting

is added or improved. Buthomeowners who want toinstall or upgrade their out-door lighting should considerthe following tips, courtesyof ALA.

* Improve navigation.Lighting is typically lay-ered into a room or outdoorspace in three ways: over-head, task and ambient. Evenoutdoors, where there are notypical boundaries and bor-ders, those three layers arenecessary. Outdoor overhead

lighting should improve vis-ibility on steps, paths andwalking surfaces, especiallywhere there’s a bend or anintersection. Task lightingcan be used around cookingor gardening areas. Ambi-ent light will cast a comfort-ing glow around any outdoorspace.

* Enhance security. Toimprove visibility and securi-ty, combine a motion detectorwith a sconce to illuminatedark corners or entryways.Be sure to aim lights awayfrom the door to improvevisibility. Lanterns on eitherside of the door can give ahome a warm, welcomingappearance and improve thesafety of entryways.

* Create outdoor rooms.Outdoor lighting at the bor-ders of a space is a great

way to create barriers, bothvertically and horizontally.Lights in a tree create some-thing akin to a chandelierhung in the middle of the sky,and even accent lights in thegeneral area of the edge ofa patio, deck or porch willshine across the space andprovide enough of a comfort

level for people to under-stand where things are.

* Reduce glare. Outdoorlighting that casts a glarecan be blinding, as can lightthat’s too bright. Lightingalong paths should be castdownward, with fixturesthat are hooded. A varietyof lighting options will cre-ate layers, allowing you toadd or subtract as necessary.Exterior-safe dimmers alsocan provide flexible controlover the level of light, as canmovable fixtures added to apatio or porch.

* Add decorative ele-ments. Just as arbors, pergo-las, patios and other outdoorelements help to enhance thestyle of an outdoor space, so,too, can lighting contribute toa well-designed landscape.Lighting should play up dec-orative features of a yard andadd the ambience that home-owners desire. Step lightsmake passage safe while alsohighlighting molding or trimdetails. An outdoor chande-lier can make for a wonderfulaccent during dinnertime onthe deck or under a pergola.Patio lights provide atmo-sphere as well as illuminationfor cooking outside.

* Enhance views frominside. Outdoor lighting can

make the view from inside

pleasant and enjoyable. Usea variety of lights, includ-ing spotlights on trees, lightsdotted along pathways andaccent lights on unique land-scape features, to create anidyllic landscape visible from

inside the home.Outdoor lighting enhances

functionality of yards andlandscapes while makingsuch areas safer for home-owners and their guests oncethe sun has gone down.

C e l e bra ti ng O u r 8 0

t h Y e a r

TRUST A WORM

TO KNOW GOOD DIRT!

SHREDDED TOP SOIL

SHREDDED BARK

CRUSHED ROCK

COMPOST

CRUSHED GRANITE

WASHED STONE

GARDEN MIX

SAND

WE DELIVER

833-4835www.kelenytopsoil.com

Family Owned and Operated Since 1934.

7486 Valley View Rd, Verona

873-9602Mon.-Fri. 8-6 • Sat. 8-5 • Sun. 9-51471 U.S. Highway 51-Stoughtonwww.stoughtongardencenter.com

BirdingCenterBaths,

Feeders

& Seed

LargestFairy Garden

Selection in theMadison Area

Keep yourcollection growing!

Huge selectionof Weber Grills!Including accessories & tools

Four Step Max-

Lawn CarePrograms

starting at$39.99

Retail Store • Outdoor Living/Landscaping • Nursery/Greenhouse

We Have the Cure For Cabin Fever!

Open

Year

Round

F r e e E x pe r t

G ar d e ni ng Ad v i ce

Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



Home improvement tips learned the hard way‘Tis the season for home

improvement projects, andweekend warriors will soonbe visiting home supplyretailers to buy everythingfrom paint to plywood.There are many advantagesto making home improve-ments on your own, includ-ing the opportunity to testyour mettle at projects big

and small.Many a novice DIYer haslearned the ups and downsof home improvementthrough trial and error. Butthe following are a hand-ful of lessons first-timerscan heed before beginningtheir maiden voyages intothe world of DIY homeimprovements.

* Measure twice, cutonce. Perhaps this is thebest-known mantra of homeimprovement, yet many stillignore it. Whether you’reanxious to get started or sim-ply because you still cannotconvert metric to standardformula, you must takethe time to measure twicebefore cutting. Learning thatyou’re a hair too short laterwill be prove frustrating andtime-consuming and oftennecessitates a last-minute

run to the store for morematerials. Always measuremultiple times before mak-ing cuts.

* Enlist a helper. Havinga partner helping with thework is the most efficientway to tackle a project.This person can assist youwith heavy lifting or mov-ing things or by holding

the ladder or simply pass-ing tools your way. He orshe also can manage workwhile you make another runto the home center for moresupplies. Having a helperaround also provides com-panionship during tediousprojects.

* Lighten the load. Yourun the risk of injury, bothto yourself and your belong-ings, if you attempt to moveheavy items on your own.When moving heavy items,take steps to lighten yourload. For example, empty orremove drawers from desksand dressers before movingthem. Rely on sliding padswhen moving furniture soitems can be slid into placeinstead of lifted. Always aska buddy to help move espe-cially heavy items.

* Prime before painting.

Painting can be a time-con-suming task. In an effort tosave time, some people willlook for painting shortcuts,and these may include skip-ping the priming portion ofpainting. Priming helps tocover existing paint colorand prevent bleed-throughof stains or darker huesto the next coat of paint.

Failure to use a primercould mean having to paintcoat after coat, which canbecome costly and take up asignificant amount of time.Always rely on a primingproduct, or look for a paintthat blends a primer withinto achieve better coverage.And while you are ensuringa proper paint job, remem-ber to use painter’s tape oran edging product to helpkeep paint off of moldingsand trim.

* Use the right tools. Theright tools make work saferand easier. Think abouthow much faster you cancut through a tree trunkwith a chainsaw rather thana handsaw. Improvising orusing the wrong tools forthe job can cost you timeand increase your risk ofinjury.

* Turn electricity off atthe panel box. Be especiallycautious when working withelectricity, turning off thecurrent. This means shut-ting down the power on thebreaker box. A live wire canprovide a minor shock orlead to serious injury. Takethe extra time to ensure thepower is off before working

with any exposed wiring.* Expect the unexpected.Although many renovationprojects go off without ahitch, you never know whatyou might uncover whenyou embark on repairs orremodels. Homeownershave come across all sortsof hidden problems whendoing seemingly minorrepairs. Removal of drywallmay uncover insect dam-age in beams or indicationsof water infiltration. Somepeople take down old panel-ing, only to discover it wascovering heavily damagedwalls beneath. One repairproject can run into anotherwhen home improvementsare being made. Alwaysleave breathing room inyour budget and scheduleextra time for unforeseentasks as well.

210 S. Main St.

Verona, WI • (608) 845-6478Monday - Saturday 6:30am - 9:00pm, Sunday 6:30am - 7:00pm

Green Garden Supplies from our Greenhouse!

• Many varieties of Bedding Plants and Shrubs

• Roses • Bagged Potting Soils

• Vegetable & Flower Seeds

Mi

ller & SonsYour Home & Garden

Headquarters!

Kitchen, Bath

and

Home Accessories www.samplersquare.com

2616 Parmenter St., Middleton, WI

(608) 831-6061

Southern Wisconsin Home ImprovementsResidential Roofing

Exterior Remodeling of All TypesSiding/Rain Gutters/Windows/Doors/Decks/Trim

Satisfaction Guaranteed Since 1976

Robert E. SchaeferN8824 Hay Hollow Rd.

Blanchardville, WI 53516

cell (608) 516-3341 • [email protected] U N 3 4

0 9 0 1

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



Sealing a driveway canextend its life

Ins ta l l ing an asphal tor a concrete drivewayc a n b e a n e x p e n s i v eundertaking. To preservethe fresh, new look of

the driveway, have thedriveway sealed and thenroutinely seal it to keepit looking pristine.

A g o o d s e a l a n t c a nkeep a driveway lookingnew longer and also canre juvenate the appear-ance of an older drive-w a y . S e a l a n t c a n b ecompared to car wax.

I t p rov ides an ou te rcoat ing tha t wil l repels t a i n s , s t o p U V r a y sfrom fading the drive-way and help to protectagainst cracks and drive-way degradation.

O v e r t i m e , a s p h a l td r i v e w a y s w i l l b e g i nto fade in color and thes t o n e a n d r o c k s u s e din the asphalt mix willappear more prominent.

By seal ing the drive-way, a homeowner canm a i n t a i n i t s o r i g i n a ldark color.

Another reason to seala driveway is to reducet h e c h a n c e o f f r e e z e -thaw damage.

This type of damageresults when water pen-e t ra t e s the s u r face o fthe driveway and thenexpands a s i t f reezes .The expansion can causecracks and f issures , as

w e l l a s c o m p r o m i s ethe soil underneath thedriveway, making it sinkor become unstable.

Sealed driveways helpto keep water beadingon the s u r face o f thedr iveway , ra the r thanbeing absorbed into thedriveway material. Whenwater no longer beadson the driveway, this isoften an indica tor tha tthe driveway needs to beresealed.

There are some guide-l i n e s t o f o l l o w w h e nsealing driveways.

When s t a r t ing , s ea l -

ant should not be applied

immedia te ly a f t e r thedriveway is poured. Con-crete needs to cure fora pe r iod o f up to onem o n t h b e f o r e s e a l a n t

should be applied. Freshasphalt contains oils thate v e n t u a l l y e v a p o r a t e .The oils are what makesfresh asphalt pliable andsoft.

Once these oils evap-ora te , the asphal t ge tsha rde r and more dura -ble. Sealers can prevente v a p o r a t i o n a n d m a ymake the asphalt perma-nently soft.

After the ini t ia l baseappl ica t ion of sea lant ,the driveway should onlybe sealed every two tothree years , dependingon its condition.

Sealants are just coat-i n g s , a n d a d d i n g t o omany layers can causethe sea lant coat ings tocrack and peel away.

Sealing a driveway isa l abor - in tens ive p ro -cess tha t’s bes t le f t top r o f e s s i o n a l s . T h e s eprofess ionals have theknowledge of technique

and the right tools to getan even, thin coating ofsealant.

Remember, a drivewayshould not be walked ordriven on for a minimumof 24 hours after sealantis applied. Weather con-di t ions a lso can influ-ence the amount of time

it takes for the drivewayto cure.

Having the drivewaysealed prolongs its dura-bility and appearance. Italso can make the drive-way less prone to stain-ing and cracking, mak-ing this project a soundinvestment.

Homeowners are often interest-ed in projects to improve the aes-thetic appeal of their homes, par-ticularly those that may increasethe curb appeal of their proper-ties. But some projects, includingimproving attic ventilation, canbenefit a home even when theyaren’t especially eye-catching.

Attic venting preserves thelife of a roof while improving

the energy efficiency of a home.Although it may seem counter-productive to let air into the atticwhen you are sealing drafts else-where in the home, there is rhymeand reason to venting an atticthroughout the year.

What is attic ventilation?Attic ventilation is a system of

air intake and exhaust that createsa flow of air through the attic.In the summertime, air flowingthrough the attic will cool temper-atures within the attic, preventingdamage to the underside of roof-ing shingles and preventing ambi-ent heat from traveling inside ofa home. In the winter, air flowhelps to keep the attic cool and

dry. This prevents moisture thatcan lead to mold and rot issuesfrom building up inside of theattic. Attic ventilation also pre-vents warm indoor temperatures

and rising heat from warming uproofs during the winter, creat-ing the freeze-thaw pattern thatresults in ice dams.

Improving attic air flowMany attics already contain

passive ventilation in the formof vents or ventilation strips builtinto the edge of the roof. Othervents may appear in gables or

eaves. Some homeowners pre-fer the addition of an attic fanto work in concert with exist-ing venting. The spring seasonis an ideal time to have an atticfan installed because the weatheris temperate, making it easier towork up in the attic.

According to Natural LightEnergy Systems, attic tempera-tures can exceed 160 F on hotsummer days. Proper attic venti-lation can reduce those

temperatures by up to 40 F, pro-longing the life of the roof. Atticventilation also reduces the loadon heating and cooling systems.No matter how much insulation isin an attic, some transfer of atticair will occur between the home

and the attic, and that transfermakes heating and air condition-ing systems run longer and harderto compensate.

Homeowners who notice their

HVAC systems running endlesslyto keep the home comfortable canbenefit from improved attic ven-tilation, as can those homeown-ers whose attics feature moisturedamage in the way of rusty nailsor moldy wood framing. An atticfan is often an effective remedy tothese issues.

Attic fan 101

The installation of an attic fanis best left to a professional, as itrequires running wiring to the fanand it may necessitate cutting intothe roof for venting. Many fanswork with a thermostat and willturn on when the air temperaturein the attic reaches a certain tem-perature. The fan will circulatethe air, helping to keep the atticcooler and dryer. Also, the fancan help expel fumes from cook-ing or appliances from the home.

Canada Go Green notes thatattic fans can reduce energy billsconsiderably by making HVACsystems work more efficient-ly. Keeping attics cool and drymay also reduce how frequentlyHVAC systems need to be turned

on or at which temperatures ther-mostats in the home are set.

Improving attic ventilationmay not add much to a home’scurb appeal, but such a project

can save homeowners money and provide year-round benefits.

KK Lawn & Sport NEW LOCATION AT

220 Janesville St., Oregon

We Sell

&

Service All Makes

For All Your Lawn Equipment Needs

608-835-0100Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Also by appt.

220 Janesville St., Oregon • kklawnsport.com

SIMPSONLAWNCARE &

LANDSCAPING

• Mowing

• Pruning

• Aerating

• Weeding

• Dethatching

• Paver Patios

• Walkways

• Retaining Walls

• Rototilling

• Tree/Bush Planting

• Landscaping

• Mulching

• Bark

• Edging

608-845-7056415 E. Verona Ave., Verona

www.simpsonlandscaping.com

DON’T WAIT, CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

Improving attic ventilation benefits the roof and more

Driveway sealants preserve the look of the driveway and can makethe surface durable and impervious to stains.

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



Equip your home with a sump pump and backup batteryIn 2012, hundreds of miles of coastline

along the northeastern United States werebattered and decimated due to HurricaneSandy. More than a year later, many home-owners were still dealing with the conse-quences of the devastating storm.

Hurricane Sandy illustrated just howdestructive water can be. Each year, stormsacross North America have the potentialto flood homes or cause water to enter thebasement or first floor. According to theNational Flood Insurance Program, a mere

six inches of water in a 2,000 square foothome can cause around $40,000 in dam-age. Homeowners looking to avoid suchdamages can rely on sump pumps andbackup emergency systems to keep sublev-els dry and safe.

Sump pumps are frequently used inhomes at risk of flooding or in homeswhere the water table is above the foun-dation of the home. Sump pumps removewater that has accumulated in a water col-lecting sump basin built into the founda-tion of the home. Water may enter throughperimeter drains (French drains) built intothe basement or directly through the sumpbasin itself. The pump will send the wateraway from the house through a series ofpipes that could drain into a dry well, intoa municipal storm drain or at the curb.

Many sump pumps are hard-wired into

a home’s electrical system and will auto-matically turn on when the water level inthe sump basin has risen enough to triggerthe pump. A flotation device built into thepump will rise enough to turn on the pump,which will then dispel the water until thedevice returns to its regular level.

When operating correctly, sump pumpsare effective at removing water and keep-ing basements and crawl spaces dry. How-ever, in the event of a power outage, whichis common when strong winds accompany

flooding rains, a sump pump is rendereduseless unless there is a backup batteryattached to the sump pump.

Having a battery hooked up to a sumppump, or a backup sump pump that isbattery-powered, can give homeownerspeace of mind in any storm. A backupplan ensures the pump will still be able toremove water for a certain period of timeuntil electricity is restored to the home.Another option is to make sure the sumppump is connected to a power generatorshould the main power supply go out. Aslong as the generator is running, the sumppump will expel the water.

Water damage to a home can cost thou-sands of dollars in repairs, particularlywhen it is not covered by standard homeinsurance policies. Sump pumps can help

keep homes dry and safe.

Our cabinets are handcrafted from start to nish inour family owned & operated workshop. We’ll build& design to your specications for home and ofce.

KITCHEN CABINETS?

NEED A SET OF…

Free Estimates& In-HomeConsultations

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

18 Yearsof Cabinetry Experience

ContractorsWelcome

K I C K A P O O

CUSTOM K I T C H E N S Eddie & Mary Gingerich E10555 Sugar Grove Rd.

1 mile east of Readstown, Hwy. 14 to Sugar Grove Road

then 1 1/2 miles to Edgar Lane, Readstown, WI 54652

Voicemail ( 608)629-5966 3 4 0 6 5 2

Efficient equipment operation ensures lower heating & cooling costs all year long.Call today to schedule maintenance service.

*For limited time on qualifying equipment.

Stay Cool this Summer! • Sales & Service • Furnaces • Boilers • In-Floor Radiant Systems • Air Conditioners • Air Exchangers

• Humidifiers • Air Cleaners

• Geothermal Energy

• Maintenance Contracts

• Free Replacement Estimates

Manufacturer’sRebates and

“Focus on Energy”Rebates

Available*

161 Horizon Dr., Suite 105, Verona

845-8494

Financing Available to Qualified Buyers

PLUMBING & GLASS SERVICE, INC.Need A New Outdoor Faucet or Plumbing for Spring?

• New Residential Installation • Commercial Plumbing Installation• Contract & Repair • Plumbing Fixtures• Garbage Disposals • Water Heaters• Water Softeners • Well Pump Installation & Repair• Power Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Window & Screen Repairs• Mirrors & Glass Cut To Size

Quality Service Since 1968 Ken and Joyce Buczak

845-7755221 S. Main Street, Verona • www.plumbingandglass.com

MP#6973

• Landscape Construction• Hardscape Installation• Landscape Material Delivery• Water Features• Complete Lawn Maintenance• Land Clearing• Snow Plowing and Removal• Aerifying• Slit Seeding

PO Box 514, Stoughton, WI 53589 • [email protected]

rickslawnandgarden.com • 873-3510

Enhance YourOutdoor Living Space

With a New Hardscape!

Rick’s Lawn & Garden provides a wide range of

hardscape and landscape services.

How to reduce home improvement project waste to help the environmentThe home improvement indus-

t ry has grown cons iderablyover the last several decades, ashomeowners increasingly tooksteps to turn their homes intopersonal oases.

But such projects often pro-duce substantial amounts ofwaste, negatively impacting theenvironment as a result.

According to the United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agen-cy, an estimated 170 million tons

of building construction, reno-vation and demolition-derivedwastes were generated in 2003,a year when the housing marketwas thriving and homeownerswere not shying away from cost-ly home improvement projects.

With the housing market onceagain on the rebound, the homeimprovement industry figuresto benefit once again. There aresteps eco-conscious homeown-ers can take to reduce wastewhile improving their homes.

* Save salvageable materials.

Some materials simply mustbe discarded when makingimprovements to a home. Butmany more materials can be sal-vaged.

When making renovations toa home, separate materials likelumber, hardware, fixtures, andeven appliances that can be sal-vaged from those materials thatmust be discarded. Many com-munities are home to organiza-tions that collect salvageable

materials, and these materialscan be reused by fellow home-owners or other organizationsdown the road.

* Speak to contractors aboutrecycling. Contractors work-ing on a home typically knowwhich materials can be recycledin a given area. When discussingprospective projects with con-tractors, homeowners can men-tion their willingness to recyclematerials. Wood is a versatilematerial that can be turned intoreclaimed or composite wood

products, including decks or oth-er items used around the home.Old wood being removed from ahome may even work as mulch,which homeowners can spreadaround their yards to add aes-thetic appeal and protect plantson hot summer days.

Even asphalt and concrete canbe recycled into new products,and homeowners should discusstheir wishes to recycle as manymaterials as possible.

* Choose recycled contentbuilding materials. Another wayto reduce home improvementproject waste is to make use ofother homeowners’ discardedmaterials . Recycled contentbuilding materials are productsthat include materials recycledfrom previous projects.

These once-sparse materi-als are now commonplace, andlabels often include the percent-ages of postconsumer and recov-ered materials used in each prod-uct. Materials such as drywall,

insulation, kitchen countertops,glass tiles, carpeting and carpetpadding may include recycledcontent, and the growing popu-larity of such products has madethem relatively simple for home-owners to find. When workingwith contractors, homeownersshould emphasize their desire touse materials made from recy-cled content. Such materials areboth pleasing to the eye and theenvironment.

* Embrace adaptability whendesigning a new home. Rarelydo homeowners design theirhomes with renovations in mind.When building a dream home,homeowners do not consider thelikelihood that they will one daymove out or even outgrow thehome.

Estimates vary considerablywith regard to how long theaverage homeowner stays in hishome, with some suggesting aslittle as seven years. While datacollected from the United States

Census Bureau within the lastdecade suggests that roughlyhalf of all homeowners had livedin their homes for at least 10years.

Homeowners building newhomes should expect to one daymove, and ensuring their newhomes are easily adaptable isboth financially sound and eco-friendly.

When a home is built withadaptability in mind, prospective

buyers won’t have to make cost-ly overhauls. In addition, homesbuilt to facilitate future renova-tions won’t produce the sameamount of waste as homes thatare less easily adapted.

Many homeowners embracehome improvement projects asopportunities to turn their homesinto private sanctuaries. Butthose who do so with the envi-ronment in mind can significant-ly reduce waste and still end upliving in luxury.

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



9 ways to improve

curb appealHomeowners who want

their homes to make strongfirst impressions must priori-tize curb appeal. Homes withstrong curb appeal sell welland can impart a welcomingfeel to all visitors. Improving

curb appeal need not be expen-sive, and the following are ahandful of ways to improvethe appearance of your home.

1. Install a bold-lookingdoor in a vibrant color or onewith a custom design. Thishelps the home stand out fromother properties in the neigh-borhood.

2. Edge the driveway to cre-ate a distinct border betweenthe driveway and the lawn orother landscaping features.This helps homes appear neatand well kept.

3. Use outdoor lighting tomake a home more inviting.Outdoor lighting also makes

properties safer at night.

4. Clean a home’s exteriorto remove mildew or discolor-ations from the siding, drive-way, patio, and other outdoorelements.

5. Improve landscapeswith fresh plants and seasonal

color. Homeowners withoutthe time to plant can considercontainer gardens, which don’ttake much time to assemblebut still add appeal to a home’sexterior.

6. Prune planting beds andadd new mulch to restore col-or.

7. Add shutters and accenttrim to a home’s exterior toimprove on the beauty of thehouse.

8. Install new fencing orgive a fresh coat of paint orstain to an existing fence.

9. Replace concrete pathswith tile or stone walkways tomake entryways more impres-

sive and inviting.

Educational Building Seminars

All seminars held at6:30 p.m. at:

Shaw Building & Design, Inc.3185 Deer Point Dr.

Stoughton, WI(608) 877-1131

RSVP: [email protected]

Visit our website

www.shawbuilders.com

2014April 8: Building Energy Efficient Homes

May 6: Learning the Building Process

Common sources of indoor air pollution that can be harmful to humansWhen considering the threat of air

pollution, many people immediatelynote the damage done by excessiveemissions from vehicles and facto-ries. However, the air inside a homeis susceptible to pollution as well.The following are some of the morecommon sources of indoor air pollu-tion that can prove just as harmful tohuman beings as those sources ema-nating from outside our homes.

* Carpet: Some materials in carpetemit volatile organic compounds, or

VOCs, which are emitted as gases

and can have both short- and long-term adverse health effects. The con-centration of many VOCs is as muchas 10 times higher indoors than out-doors. When purchasing new carpet,homeowners can choose low-VOCadhesives that do not contain formal-dehyde. It’s also ideal to install newcarpet in spring or early summer,when windows can be opened to airout the carpet for several hours with-out compromising comfort for thosepeople inside the home.

* Glue: Glue is widely considered

a handy cure-all for minor problemsaround the house, but glue may alsobe compromising your health. Cer-tain glues and adhesives like rubbercement emit VOCs, which can irri-tate the eyes and even the nervoussystem, and some may even emittoxic formaldehyde. When purchas-ing glues and other adhesives, optfor water-based products and avoidusing glues and adhesives in small-er, poorly ventilated areas of yourhome.

* Air fresheners: The U.S.

Environmental Protection Agencynotes that many household air fresh-eners almost continuously releasepollutants. While some air freshen-ers are safe, the best way to freshenair in a home is to open the windowsand let fresh air inside. When possi-ble, open the windows to let fresh airin rather than relying on potentiallyharmful store-bought air fresheners.

* Older appliances: Old or mal-functioning stoves, furnaces andspace heaters pose both safety and

health risks around a home. Old or

malfunctioning stoves increase therisk of fire around a home. But suchproducts also intermittently releasepollutants, putting residents’ healthin jeopardy. Homeowners shouldlook into replacing especially oldappliances, as today’s newer prod-ucts are both more efficient andliable to emit fewer pollutants thanolder products. Malfunctioning prod-ucts should be fixed immediately orreplaced if repairs are unlikely to sig-nificantly extend the life expectancy

of the product.

8/12/2019 2014 Home Garden



6726 Seybold Road, Madison

4-wheel suspension mower

8 mph high speed

Hydro-transmission

Conquest/PrestigePower Steering

F i n a n c i n g As L o w As 0 % AP R

F inanc ing

A s Lo w A s

0 % A P R

Full Suspension

Zero Turns

Speed & Comfort

ZTRMowers

Zoom 42" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,399

Zoom 50" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,899

Zoom XL54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,899Zoom MAX 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,899

0 % A P R for

4 8 mon t h s

Maximize Power & Performancewith our most advanced chainsaws!

Echo Timberwolf $389

Echo chainsaws, the professionalchoice of power and reliability!

Brand New Location!

★

G amm on

R d

W Beltline Hwy

Odana Rd

Seybold Rd

BX Sub-CompactHydrostatic Tractor3-point PT. PTO Loader

O n S a l e

Trimmers . . . . starting at $169.95Timecutter SS 42” . . . . . $2,299

50” . . . . . $2,999

Commercial

Battery Powered

String Trimmer

608-819-6785 • OrangeEquipment.com


608-819-6785


608-819-6785


608-819-6785


608-819-6785


608-819-6785


608-819-6785


608-819-6785


608-819-6785

• 5,200 sq. ft. Showroom

• Customer Training &Service Center

• Equipment Sales & Rental

X-TORQ Engine & Auto Tune

2014 Home Garden

Documents

Transcript of 2014 Home Garden