Garden LIFE &Home 2020
Healthy Trees Shine For Years To Come
Nature offers numerous benefits, including a place to relax and recharge. In fact, research shows that being in a natural setting actually makes you feel better.
Trees reduce hospital visits, the number of days taken off from work, and help people nationwide breathe better. They do this simply by collecting pollutants on their leaves and branches and thus removing them from the air.
Other research shows trees can do even more. They clean the air, improve home values, reduce air conditioning use, and provide a center of peace in a hectic schedule. Like people, trees need proactive checkups to keep them healthy, too. Whether something prompts the appointment or it’s simply time for an annual checkup, an arborist is a tree doctor who can pinpoint preemptive steps to help your trees live a long life. Consulting with a local arborist about tree care can extend the life and beauty of your trees for years to come. 6
Think something is bugging your tree? Here’s what to look out for:
Common Tree Pests and Diseases
The main health concern for many trees — invasive pests. Invasive pests are non-native and likely to do harm to trees and forests. Due to the lack of natural competitors and predators, non-native species often increase in numbers and spread swiftly. The best approaches for dealing with invasive species are early detection and rapid response.
“Detecting invaders quickly, and responding rapidly to eliminate them, is essential to limiting the impact and cost when prevention fails,”
Jason Gaskill, arborist with The Davey Tree Expert Company said. “Plant diverse, native plants and remove invasive plants in your garden.”
Here are two invasive pests to be on the lookout for this year:
Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly is the newest invasive on the scene that travels quickly from tree
to tree. First discovered in 2014 in Pennsylvania, the bug has also been detected in Delaware, New York and Virginia. Early detection is vital for the protection of several agricultural industries and trees. Ongoing
infestations can be successfully managed with the right treatment program.
Emerald Ash Borer
Often called EAB, emerald ash borer is an incredibly destructive invasive insect
Continued on Page 8
that was first detected in Michigan in 2002. It took 10 years for the pest to make it to Philadelphia, but in 2012 it was confirmed. Since then, EAB has continued to spread. The entire state of Pennsylvania is part of the national quarantine zone, limiting the movement of all hardwood, firewood, and green wood products, nursery stock, and any plant materials from any ash species in an effort to stop the spread of this beetle.
Leaf Diseases
In addition to pests, some leaf diseases can cause trees to decline. Disease could be causing dark spots, odd colors or a distorted shape on your trees’ leaves. Check yours for these symptoms. Blotchy brown spots along leaf veins or sagging leaves that fall earlier than normal could be a sign of Anthracnose, a destructive fungus that affects ash, maple, oak, sycamore, and dogwood trees.
Yellow or orange spots on ash trees during summer months are signs of a fungal disease called ash rust. These spots release spores and may have a powder like texture that resembles rust. It’s common in the Mid-Atlantic. When infection is severe, premature defoliation can occur. If trees are infected with ash leaf rust for several consecutive years, trees can become weakened.
A white, powdery material on the upper surface of leaves is a sure sign of powdery mildew. Twisted, deformed foliage is another sign of the disease. To combat this disease, encourage air movement by pruning infected branches.
Apple scab may be to blame when leaves or fruit spot olive green dots or turn pale and drop too soon. This disease targets crabapple, apple, mountain ash, pear and Cotoneaster trees. Initial yellow spots on leaves turn a dark olive green, grow larger and develop a velvety texture. Deformed, dotted fruit and curling, new leaves are other signs. Although mostly harmless, this disease looks unsightly.
Gaskill says that invasives and leaf diseases are here to stay, but luckily, trees can be cared for and maintained.
“Our challenge is to recognize which invasives and diseases need to be managed and how to effectively manage them.”
Consult your local tree expert for an invasives checkup on your property at www. davey.com
The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental solutions for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners across North America. As one of the largest employeeowned companies in the U.S., Davey has been dedicatedtocreatinganddeliveringsustainablesolutions for140years.Becomepart oftheDaveylegacyandapplytoday.
Spring Cleaning the Greenhouse
As the warmer weather begins its arrival, your greenhouse should be prepped and cleaned for the bountiful harvesting season around the corner.
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Whether you have a house constructed with plastic sheeting or a commercially installed building, ensuring its cleanliness provides big benefits for the plants inside.
The first step of any greenhouse cleaning project should be a visual inspection. Check the interior corners and rafters for signs of pest intrusion like hornet or wasp nests. Of course, you should eradicate these with care if you believe the hives are active.
Then, look at the integrity of cover materials that make up the walls. It’s common for more inexpensive plastic to show wear and require replacement after the brutal cold of winter. It’s crucial to repair the damage immediately, as the walls are important to preventing condensation by blocking sunlight and inhibiting moisture to drip onto your plants which invites mildew.
structures before they are filled with seed. If you had recurring issues with insects and pests, ask a local exterminator about a plant-friendly treatment that can limit their intrusion throughout the year. It will be easier for a professional to spread their protective remedy before your greenhouse is full and thriving.
Disinfect Your Space
Give your plants a fresh start by eliminating debris or depleted soil from last season. Use an eco-friendly garden cleaner to thoroughly clean out pots and planters before filling them with new stock. Keep a large container on hand and allow seriously contaminated holders to soak before cleaning as scrubbing too hard may lead to damage. Don’t forget to completely rinse and dry these important companions in your greenhouse before attempting to replant.
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Address Issues from Last Season
Consider the pain points you experienced during a previous harvest and correct it for a more successful year. For instance, if you noticed a certain portion of your greenhouse that didn’t receive the sunlight it needed, consider rearranging the footprint of your planting
Get Organized
The upcoming planting season will require numerous tools if you want it to be successful. Analyze the condition of your existing equipment while planning for this year’s harvest. If you notice cracks in shovels or dull pruning shears, you should consider replacing them with updated options.
Martin Appliance, Martin Water and Martin Furniture & Mattress: Quality, Integrityand Character
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Step into the Martin Furniture & Mattress showroom nearby Quarryville or in Ephrata - and you will see the same commitment to customer service and convenience that has served as the mission of the well-known appliance provider since founder Dennis Martin opened his first location in 1973. You will find:
• A knowledgeable and friendly sales staff who answer all of your questions, backed by a team of appliance technicians who have factory training and certification.
• A bright and airy 10,000 squarefoot appliance and mattress showroom, with an ever-changing inventory of home appliances from some of the top manufacturers in the world: GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, Jenn-Air, Kitchen-Aid, Viking, Miele, Wolf, Sub-Zero and many more.
• A newly-expanded 7,500 square-foot furniture showroom, featuring furnishings from Temple, England, Klaussner, Ashley, Best Home Furnishings, as well as bedding from Serta and Simmons.
• A full-color, do-it-yourself touch screen kiosk to guide you through an inventory of thousands of options from leading home furnishing companies that Martin Furniture and Mattress partners with.
• A new design center where one can design a room plan, placing the furniture in the room for a perfect fit, or you can schedule an appointment with our in-house design team, who work side-byside with you, in the comfort of your home.
• Martin’s in-home design team -- Janice, Linda, Marlene, or Sherri – who will help you design the room you want or need for your home. After an initial in-store consultation, we can visit your home and offer suggestions on fabrics, colors, furniture and floor plans, and then provide you with a full design concept to make your design dreams come true.
Martin Water Conditioning also offers complete service and installation of residential, commercial and light industrial water treatment systems, and its water treatment service department will service most any water treat-
ment system. With these services and more, it is no wonder that the Martin Companies -- including Martin Appliance, Martin Water Conditioning and Martin Furniture -- has earned the prestigious Certified Service Center rating.
“Dennis has said from the beginning, ‘Treat others as you would want to be treated,’” said store manager Shawn Reimold. “Martin’s has, and always will be, about relationships -- relationships with customers, employees and the community.
“There are a number of ways a company can grow, and our growth comes from our people,” Reimold added. “We look to hire people who do what they’re naturally gifted at, which is simply just to be nice. The people who work here don’t necessarily come to us with a skill set in the job they will eventually do. They come to us with integrity and character. We like to think that if you come to us with integrity and character, we can train the skill.”
In-home design at Martin Furniture is very affordable, too. Each in-home consultation is $89, and if you make a purchase based on
the design, the cost is taken off of your final price. The savings and service at Martin’s doesn’t end there. With its affordable price structure on home appliances and furnishings, your purchase at Martin’s does not end at the sale, it is the service after the sale that our customers have come to appreciate.
“Our technicians are factory trained professionals, who are there for our customers,” Reimold said. “We provide complete professional installation, on everything we sell.”
Martin Furniture & Mattress has built its reputation not just on the home appliances and furnishings it carries, but in in its water treatment and conditioning service, as well. More than 100 highly-trained and certified master technicians provide in-home testing and affordable solutions that ensure high quality water in your home.
Martin Furniture & Mattress welcomes you to visit one of our 2 furniture locations in New Providence & Ephrata and our mattress only location in Myerstown.
Get A Green Clean
When it comes to getting our homes clean, Americans are increasingly going green.
According to the 2017 ShopperScape survey by Kantar Retail, 4.7 million consumers had purchased green products for only one year or less and 56 percent of U.S. primary household shoppers purchased natural and organic products in at least one category.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, when traditional chemical cleaning products are released into the environment during normal use, they can affect water quality and endanger aquatic species, affect indoor air quality and cause skin and eye irritation.
Find Green Products
Both cleaning products manufacturers and the U.S. government have responded to demand for people looking for more natural ways to clean their homes. The United States Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred
program certifies a wide range of products that are safer for the environment than traditional ones. Visit www.biopreferred.gov for the list of household cleaning products, including oven cleaners, sponges, dish soaps, laundry detergents, personal care and toiletries, products for babies and children — and much, more, including building materials, construction supplies, pet products, sporting goods and office supplies. While it was once the case that one might need to find a specialty or health foods store or even an individual sales consultant to track down green cleaning supplies, they are now widely available at many local supermarkets. So there’s a good chance that you can find a BioPreferred product or a comparable alternative available for purchase locally.
Do It Yourself
able and easy to do DIY. We all appreciate a pre-made cleaner, but if you are willing to put in some minimal prep work, you can set yourself up for cleaning your home naturally in no time at all. Here are some formulations for basic cleaners, from Delaware Healthy Homes, that are up to the task of getting your home sparkling clean.
The great thing about going green with your cleaning is that it’s incredibly afford-
All-purpose cleaner: Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart warm water.
Disinfectant: Mix 1/2 cup borax into 1 gallon of hot water.
To clear clogs: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down drain, add 1/2 cup white vinegar, and cover the drain. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. (Do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener—the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.)
Floor cleaner/polish: Use a few drops of vinegar in cleaning water to remove
soap traces. For vinyl or linoleum, add a capful of baby oil to the water to preserve and polish. For wood floors, apply a thin coat of oil and vinegar (in a one-to-one solution) and rub in well. For painted wooden floors, mix 1 teaspoon of washing soda into 1 gallon of hot water. For brick and stone tiles, use 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon of water and rinse with clear water.
Bathroom tub and tile cleaner: Rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse or wipe with vinegar and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder.
Window and glass cleaner: Use a vinegarand-water solution, cornstarch-vinegarand-water solution, or lemon juice and water. Wipe with newspaper unless you are sensitive to the inks in newsprint. To avoid streaks, don’t wash windows when the sun is shining.
Spring Into Safety
Within the home, you and your family rely on many components to maintain your safety. This spring make time to inspect these important systems to ensure they are working efficiently.
It can be easy to overlook household items that aren’t always used, so be sure to analyze this sometimes-lifesaving equipment.
Smoke Detectors
According to the United States Fire Administration, you should replace your smoke alarms every ten years. It’s easy to find the date it was manufactured by looking on the back of the detector. Ensure they are installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. You should also test the alarms at least once a month by engaging an easily identifiable button and change the batteries at least annually. If you are due for an upgrade, consider investing in smart detectors that alert synced alarms throughout the home at the first sign of smoke.
Fire Extinguisher
Another important safety device to keep in optimal condition is a fire extinguisher. The National Fire Protection Association suggests making
them clearly visible and easily accessible in the home. You should also periodically investigate the pressure gauge near its lever. Upon further inspection, analyze it for obvious signs of damage or wear. Most quality extinguishers are rated for five to 15 years of use but can vary by manufacturer, so regular inspections are important.
Locks
If the locks on your doors are degrading in integrity,
you may be at risk of losing your valuables and risking the safety of your family. Go throughout your home and test each lock on every exterior door. If they are difficult to operate or the door can be budged open while they are engaged, a replacement is necessary.
Hire the help of a local locksmith to rekey your home with high-quality locks and deadbolts. To add a modern touch of innovation to the simple lock, ask about op-
tions that are operated by key fob or smartphone applications.
Home Security System
One of the most effective measures you can take toward your property’s defense is investing in a home security system. Many companies offer 24/7 emergency contact and will alert you and the authorities when their alarms deem a threat is imminent. It offers great peace of mind whether you’re home or way.
Join the LED Revolution
Ninety percent of the energy used by an incandescent light bulb is wasted heat and only 10 percent is used to deliver light, according to EnergyStar. The result, says EnergyStar, is “essentially lighting homes with small heaters.”
There are now three more efficient bulbs that are widely available, according to EnergyStar: incandescent halogen, which is about 30
percent more efficient than incandescent; compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), which are about 75 more efficient; and light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs), which are about 90 percent more efficient. For specialty products, traditional incandescent bulbs can still be found.
LEDs: Leading the Way While
too pricey to be practical for many homeowners, they are now much more affordable and widely available. The result has been widespread adoption of these much more efficient alternatives to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Bulbs equivalent to 40- and 60-watt incandescent bulbs commonly used in homes cost about $2 or less. The first LEDs to hit store
shelves back in 2007 were not ideal replacements for incandescent bulbs, with dim, cool blue light that disappointed consumers, according to EnergyStar. But today’s bulbs come in brighter, warmer colors that are indistinguishable from incandescents when used in homes.
In a trend Goldman Sachs calls “one of the fastest
technology shifts in human history,” the global research firm expects LED bulb sales to jump from 1 percent of the market in 2010 to 95 percent by 2025. That number was estimated to hit 69 percent in 2020.
A Department of Energy report titled “Energy Savings Forecast of Solid-State Lighting in General Illumination Applications,” was more conservative, forecasting that by 2030, LED lighting will achieve a market share of 84 percent of the general illumination market. Even that scenario would save over $26 billion at today’s energy prices, the equivalent to the total energy consumption of
nearly 24 million U.S. homes, according to the DOE.
Look for Rebates
In order to spur consumers to adopt LED bulbs, utilities across the country began offering rebates or subsidizing the cost of bulbs at local retailers. Check with your local utilities about the programs they offer to help offset the costs.
EnergyStar also urges consumers to think about the long-term savings they can achieve with LEDs. While a 60-watt EnergyStar-certified bulb might cost $2 upfront, it can save $6.15 in energy costs in one year of use, meaning it pays for itself in less than four months of use.
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Sprinkler Maintenance
Many Americans who appreciate a luscious, full lawn throughout the spring and summer turn to sprinkler or irrigation systems. To perform at peak performance, they will require attention before being open for the year.
If you don’t have one but are considering adding it to your yard, professional installation is the most practical option. An expert will prepare trenches while ensuring utility lines aren’t compromised and correctly install needed components like piping, controllers and valves.
When the ice and frost are gone, here are some ways to prepare your sprinkler or irrigation system for its busy season.
Welcome Spring
Before you can begin using your sprinkler system this spring, it’s important to ensure the winter weather is gone and temperatures will remain steady. According to the group Direct Energy, attempting to allow water to run while the ground is still frozen could result in busted pipes during the startup process, or hours later. You can test the condition of the ground below by digging at least a foot into the soil in an area away from the underground tubing. If you strike frozen dirt, plan to delay the de-winterizing project.
Analyze the Control Panel
The brains behind your irrigation system are typically installed outdoors. Make sure you follow the directions explained by the installer and confirm settings are accurate for time, date and zones. You should also check the integrity of backup batteries if your sprinklers rely on them. If you are concerned about their performance or age, visit a battery specialist in your area and have them tested to determine how much life they have left.
Clean Sprinkler Heads
Depending on the number of sprinkler heads you have, this may prove to be the most time-consuming portion of the entire process. Analyze each component for signs of damage and replace the parts before attempting to engage the system. Use an old toothbrush to effectively clean each nozzle to ensure they distribute water evenly to their designated zones. Make sure valves are closed after cleaning, except the nozzle
farthest from the main water source, it should remain open to allow air to escape during startup.
Opening the Main Valve
With the pre-maintenance performed, slowly open the main valve until you can hear water begin to flow. Allow this to steadily fill into the main line before slightly opening the valve every few minutes. Doing this too quickly can lead to expensive errors like busted pipes or valves.
3 Simple Tips for Decorating Your Home From Delaware’s Premier Fabric Shop!
Decorating your home can be a daunting task. Here at The Interior Alternative, we help both the designers and the DIYers find the perfect fabrics. Here are a few tips that make the decisions flow a little easier.
Tip 1: Inspiration
Being inspired by a color, a vase, a photo, a memory, a rug or anything else is a great place to start with your design. This foundation gives your creative ideas shape and color. n hoto,
Tip 2: Function
How will the fabric function in your space? Some things to consider are weight, durability and weave. Some options may be indoor/outdoor fabric, performance or a specialty fabric.
e fabric,
Tip
3: Decoration
Adding layers to your home design gives interest and depth to your space. Customize your space with pillows, decorative trims and window treatments.
With thousands of fabrics to choose from and with our custom services, we can make your design ideas come to life. Stop in and let us help you find your perfect fabric today.
Flowers In Bloom
Attractive landscaping makes for a beautiful backdrop for relaxing and hosting outdoor events. Create a great backyard atmosphere with full-sun blooms.
The United States Department of Agriculture has created a beneficial hardiness zone map. You can reference the map before deciding on flowers. Depending on where you live, you might have more specific options you can take advantage of. The flowers featured here will thrive in full sunlight anywhere in the United States.
Profusion Zinnias
These annual blooms create an attractive border for paths or landscaping stones and look beautiful in a vase. If you are looking for an at-
tractive flower that will last into fall, Profusion Zinnias are the solution. You can find these in a variety of colors including cherry, gold, white and orange-red.
Brown-eyed Susan
Your backyard will pop when you showcase these amazing yellow or orange flowers that attract both butterflies and birds. Their drooping leaves are highlighted with a polka-dot center. Warm-weather climates can enjoy these annuals well into winter months. You can also find these flowers in a perennial breed.
Sunflowers
A staple in backyards across America, sunflowers provide amazing views and tasty snacks. There are many different variations of these flowers, so be sure to read the growth chart before planting. Sunflower heights can range from 2 to 15 feet tall. Near the end of the season, don’t forget to harvest the delicious seeds produced by these large flowers.
Marigolds
Globe Amaranth
This is a clover-like flower that can last year round and stands out in bouquets or gardens. Different varieties can be found in colors of red, white or purple, giving you plenty of options when planting your garden. Two standout breeds are Strawberry Fields and All-Around Purple.
These cheerful yellow or orange flowers will add highlights to your backyard. They are known for their powerful fragrance, which is effective in keeping pests out of gardens. Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow and require little maintenance. Some can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Exterior Design Trends
When updating your home’s exterior, a classic aesthetic is always a winner. If you’re looking for something a little more on-trend however, there are ways to achieve a modern look, from the paint to the siding to the accessories.
Here’s a roundup of what’s in when it comes to outside your home.
Dark paint colors
Just as with indoor paint colors, exterior paint is going darker. Popular shades include deep-sea blues, deep burgundy, dark gray or even black on black. Black also is having a moment as an accent color on home exteriors, and not just for the shutters and front door but for larger sections of siding and trim. Bonus: A 2018 study by Zillow found that homes with black or charcoal front doors sold for about $6,271 more than expected.
While a dark exterior is modern and dramatic, there are some drawbacks. Dark paint can show the inevitable dirt and stains a home will develop more easily, and the increased sun absorption could increase your cooling bills in the summer. Keep these drawbacks in mind when choosing these paint colors.
Siding shakeup
While vinyl remains a popular siding choice, homeowners are increasingly choosing to mix up various types of siding on their homes. This includes stone, brick, steel, aluminum, wood, vinyl and fiber cement. It’s not uncommon to see homes covered mostly with vinyl siding, with accents of shake or stone, often near the entrance. This allows these more expensive materials to have a big impact.
Bringing the indoors out
When it comes to decorating your small patch of outdoors, what could be more comfortable than the same furniture that’s comfortable indoors? Sofas, loveseats and recliners are just the thing to set a comfortable scene on your patio. The trick, according to the San Antonio Express-News, is solution-dyed acrylic fabric. “This means the threads used to make the cushions are dyed throughout so
they won’t fade in the sun,” explains the Express-News, noting that popular brands include Sunbrella and Outdura, among others. Another popular trend is to extend your interior color palette and decorating style to your home’s exterior, making the space seem to flow seamlessly from indoors to out. For more indoor-outdoor blur, use fabrics such as curtains in outdoor spaces like patios and beneath pergolas.
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AllergyProof Your Home
Spring is often to blame as pollen is released by trees in its early stages, then grass as the season advances. While there is no straightforward cure for seasonal allergies, there are many ways you can prepare your home to limit its effect. Here are some ways to spring clean your living space and enjoy the comfortable temperatures without irritation.
Clean up the Clutter
When you begin your spring-cleaning chores, you can lessen the dust intrusion by eliminating clutter around the home. Make sure to eradicate areas with things like old rags, stacks
As we welcome spring’s warmer weather, many Americans prepare for the uncomfortable and life-limiting months associated with seasonal allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million citizens suffer each year. of magazines and clothes you don’t wear. Once your home is free and clear, give your carpet a quality cleaning. You can usually rent a commercial shampooer from a local hardware store or hire a professional cleaning service to make your floor covering pristine. Many types of carpet can hold allergens and distribute them into the air once they’re disrupted. After a deep cleaning, commit to vacuuming at least once a week to maintain its clean qualities.
Bedroom Cleaning
Since we spend so much time in our bedrooms, it’s
important to ensure the area is clean and free of allergens. In addition to regular dusting, keep a few extra sets of bed sheets and pillowcases on hand.
They are notorious for holding dust mites or pollen that we bring home on our clothes or hair.
Try to wash them in hot water at least once a week and rotate different coverings so you’re not left without when life gets in the way of laundry.
Clean the Air
Spring invites pollen and other allergens into the air
and your home. However, there are measures you can take to keep your living space clean and fresh. Check with an expert to inspect your house’s ventilation system and ductwork. If there are compromised components, intrusion like moisture and dust are commonly introduced. You should also invest in high-quality air filters in your heating and cooling appliances. When your HVAC expert arrives for their regular maintenance, ask them about more high-efficiency options to increase your home’s defense.
Exterior Maintenance
Here are some reminders of your home’s major components that might need a little attention at this time of year to be sure they are up to the job of keeping you safe and comfortable all year long.
Air Conditioning Service
No one wants to be stuck with a broken air conditioner when it matters the most.
Consider having a local heating and air company check
out your system and provide service, if needed.
Chimney Service
After a long winter of faithful service, your chimney might need some TLC. Annual inspection is recommended to prevent fire caused by creosote buildup. Depending on how often you use your fireplace, you might not need a sweep each year, but an inspection is crucial. Having it
done during the off-season will mean the pros will be less busy.
Clean the Grill
If you like to fire up the backyard grill on a regular basis, it’s probably in need of some attention. Empty charcoal grills of all debris. Use a spray grill cleaner, which will help dissolve any grease on the outside that can’t be handled with soap and water.
For gas grills, Insurance Hub recommends turning the heat on high for about a half hour, then using a brush to clean the grates. Clean drip trays.
Smoke Detectors
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing smoke detectors at least once a month and changing the batteries at least once or twice a year.
Windows and Screens
Use hot, soapy water and a brush to remove debris from window screens. Give them a rinse and put them in the sun to dry before moving on to windows. FreshHome.com recommends a solution of one part hot water and one part vinegar applied with a sponge or squeegee, then drying with a rag.
Porch and Deck
Sweep and mop the porch. Hammer any loose deck nails and check for rotting or areas that need resealing. Fortune Builders recommends spraying the deck with water and checking for areas that stay dark, meaning they’ve retained water. It’s also a good time to pressure wash the deck to remove staining.
Garage Door Maintenance
Winter weather can quickly degrade important components on your garage door, causing them to rust or seize. Since it’s such an important part of your home that provides convenience and security, it must operate efficiently.
While general maintenance is straightforward, you can hire an expert overhead door technician if the job is too intimidating. During an inspection, they will highlight signs of deterioration and show you what to look for in the future. If you decide to tackle the chore on your own, consider these tips from the International Door Association.
Lubricate
Overhead doors require many moving parts to perform smoothly and efficiently. A way to maintain their integrity is by lubricating each component. This should include the rollers, hinges, bearings, springs and chains. The IDA suggests using a drop of engine oil on each roller, which will then distribute the lube to a door’s bearings.
By lightly greasing the hinges and springs, you lessen the risks of the door becoming jammed and unusable. While engine oil is usually a suitable lubricant, check with the overhead unit’s
manufacturer to find out if there is a different fluid they recommend. Some may insist on a silicone lubricant or one made specifically for garage door components.
Test for Balance
You will likely notice obvious signs when an overhead door is unbalanced. Problems, like jamming, strange noises and delayed or disrupted operation are common. Even if you don’t notice any warning signs, use these
easy steps to test for balance as a part of regular maintenance.
• Close the garage door like normal.
• Find and engage the release handle to access manual operation.
• Lift the door three to four feet above the ground. If it doesn’t remain open, there is an imbalance that must be addressed.
While testing can be completed by any homeowner, the process of rebalancing
should be handled by a professional. It requires adjusting and coordinating the system of springs and can be dangerous if done improperly.
Clean the Tracks
Ensuring your overhead door has a clean track to roll on is imperative to its optimal performance. You can keep them in peak condition by wiping the system with a rag or vacuuming out loose debris.
Prepare Soil For A Spring Garden
While growing fruits and vegetables is a rewarding experience, a blooming display in your backyard can give you a sense of pride each time you step outside. Achieving a beautiful garden requires proper preparation and sometimes a few seasons before it’s fully established.
If you’re unsure about which bulbs or seeds will thrive in your area, refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to discover new and exciting options. You can also learn lessons by visiting your local nursery and speaking with their experts. It’s likely their flowers and plants are region-specific to your area but check with them about special orders if you have another plant in mind.
Prepare Soil for a New Garden
Once you have chosen the size and location of your ornamental garden, you should prepare the soil to promote your plants with nutritious benefits. Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to get you started.
• Conduct a soil test to determine existing texture, nutrients and pH levels. Check your local area for an expert who can decipher the results and create a solution to the problem.
• If you’re tilling a new area of land, ensure the soil is dry as disrupting wet soil can destroy its structure.
• Include organic matter to improve soil drainage and texture.
• For best results, ensure the soil is rich before introducing plants or bulbs.
Wake Up an Existing Garden
Early spring planning will provide your gardens with bountiful blossoms and a stunning display of color. Start by spring cleaning the entire area of dead leaves and other debris left behind by fall and winter. If you pick up clumps of soil and it easily crumbles, it’s a good sign that freezing and ice threats are gone, and you are safe to add compost to your dirt without affecting dormant bulbs. Gently loosen the top layer of soil to remove rocks and inspect for intrusions from things like roots or pests. During this stage, you should consider working in nutrient-dense materials like manure, or pre-mixed options from your local nursery to the existing dirt.
You will also need to eradicate weeds as they will commonly become a nuisance once the weather warms. It’s good practice to make sure your garden’s edges are in good condition and effective at keeping grass from emerging into the your ornamental bed.
The Newest Smart Technology
In 2014, research firm Gartner predicted that a typical family home would contain more than 500 smart devices by 2022. It would seem we are well on our way.
Our doorbells, thermostats and vacuums have gotten smarter in the past decade. What’s next on the list of home devices that will become smarter via the Internet of Things?
Appliances
Get ready to start preheating you oven in the car on the way home from the grocery store. Samsung is rooting for an entire line of IoT-ready appliances by 2020, and Sony, LG and others followed suit, according to Flux Magazine. Other possibilities include getting a text message when your laundry is done in the dryer or an alert that your refrigerator filter is due for a change.
Comfort
Imagine coming home from work and having your home pamper you. It might not be far from reality. Flux Magazine envisions programmable furniture that adjusts to your support preferences with the touch of a smartphone but-
ton. And according to the Daily Mail, patrons of a German bar are already being served by Carl the bartender — complete with small talk. It stands to reason that a robot could be serving us up drinks and listening to our problems at home in the foreseeable future.
Lightening the load
Pushing a mower around
your lawn in the summer heat is no one’s favorite chore. Enter Husqvarna’s Automower. It’s as if your robotic vacuum cleaner married your lawnmower, and Husqvarna promises “a carpet-like lawn by maintaining your grass rather than mowing it. Automower cuts just a little grass at a time, naturally fertilizing the soil with minuscule clippings. As a result, your turf
always looks neat, green and healthy.” The mower can reportedly tackle multiple terrain, even in less-than-ideal weather, is safe around kids and pets and has a built-in anti-theft alarm. It’s controlled by a smartphone app and can be integrated with smart home systems. It comes in multiple sizes with capabilities of maintaining lawns from .4 to 1.24 acres.
Prepare Wildlife Attractions
An exciting aspect of spring is the return of wildlife to your backyard. Flocks of birds and hungry squirrels will likely find a new place to call home throughout the neighborhood.
Welcome their friendly chatter by rewarding them with a favorite meal or birdbath to ensure they continue to make an appearance.
If your goal is to create a homestead that invites animals to feel safe and find a bite to eat, keep in mind that wildlife is to be respected. Make sure to remind children that wild animals are not obedient like their favorite pets and may become dangerous if they feel threatened. Watching and learning about these animals from a distance is a wholesome way to spend spring with your family. Building a safe and attractive haven for animals to flock may not happen overnight, but by following these tips, your backyard will become an entertaining place for beautiful wildlife.
Water Sources
One of the most popular water sources we can offer animals is an attractive birdbath. Follow these tips from Cornell
University to discover how to place it for the most impact.
Birds prefer baths that are low to the ground and located near shady areas.
Use stones or branches to line edges of the water so birds have a place to stand while drinking.
Water should be no deeper than one inch at the edges and two inches in the middle.
For a more enticing atmosphere, include dripping water to attract more wildlife.
Don’t forget to regularly clean the birdbath as its occupants will likely leave behind seeds, droppings and feathers.
Feeders
When considering which types of feeders to install, think of the wildlife you are trying to attract. If a colorful variety of birds is your intention, try to use several boxes that offer them different ways to eat. Some animals prefer to dine while perching, so a
hanging feeder with posts will be more attractive. Other less-picky eaters will be fine with eating from a platform or suet style option.
Try to incorporate different types of seeds throughout your yard to learn what your local species are most interested in. Don’t be surprised to find animals like squirrels or deer visiting your yard to finish up the food that was knocked to the ground by hungry birds.
Grow your Own Herbs
If fresh basil for pesto or cilantro for guacamole sounds like heaven, it might be time to plant your own herb garden.
It’s no secret that cooking your own meals can save you money. According to Forbes magazine, it’s five times more expensive to order takeout and three times more expensive to use a meal kit service. So if you’re already tying on an apron to save money, why not save a little more by growing your own herbs — not to mention kick up the flavor of your dishes?
That doesn’t mean you have to dedicate a patch of ground to herb gardening and spend your days tilling, weeding and pruning. You can tend a small raised bed or grow your herbs in pots with other plants, and they’re relatively easy to grow.
The Gardening Basics
As with any plant, you’ll want to consider an herb’s need for sunlight, soil and water. For this reason, The Spruce recommends planting herbs in pots or in flowerbeds with plants that need similar conditions.
Here are some tips from The Spruce for basic herb gardening:
• Aside from flowering
herbs, most require basic soil without a lot of fertilizer or amendments;
• Most herbs prefer full sun — at least six hours a day;
• Water your herbs well, but be sure they have good drainage to prevent the roots rotting or becoming diseased; and
Pest Control
The scent herbs produce helps keep them relatively safe from pests. Some herbs,
in fact, can attract beneficial insects. For example, fennel, anise and dill attract lady bugs, dragonflies, lacewings and spiders. These predators kill garden pests such as mosquitoes, aphids, mites and mealybugs, according to the blog Redeem Your Ground.
Harvesting
Herbs should be harvested just before their flowers begin to unfurl, and an ideal time is
in the morning, when their essential oils are most concentrated, according to Redeem YourGround. The blog recommends, for most herbs, cutting up to one-third of a stem at a spot just above where two leaves are growing. This also serves to prune the plant and encourage growth. If you find that you aren’t cutting your herbs often to use them, be sure to prune them occasionally to encourage growth, TheSpruce.
Landenberg Pet Resort
This is a family run resort that offers many services such as, dog walks grooming playtimeDoggy Daycare ,,, and.
April isAutism Awareness Month
Your Grooming and Boarding Facility
For Pampered Pet Care
Thank you for considering Landenberg Pet Resort for your dog's lodging while you're away.As pet owners ourselves, we understand the concern you may feel about leaving such a beloved member of the family in our hands. Let us assure you, we will care for your dog as if they were our own. Caring for pets is a great responsibility and privilege - one that we take very seriously at Landenberg Pet Resort. Our commitment is rewarded each time we send a happy dog home to a satisfied owner.
April isAutism Awareness Month
Boarding Rates: $29 per day | $39 for two dogs | $49 for three dogs (all dogs must be owned by same family) Grooming rates are very reasonable as well
Some of the largest runs in PA, DE, or MD withA/C & radiant heat
Wooded country setting / No loud traffic noises
Nature walks through the rolling hills
Day Care for those looking for one-on-one exercise
Family owned and run for 28 years
Your pet will be staying at a veterinary recommended, and well known pet care facility that has been family owned and run for two decades.
Trend Alert: Dark Paint
Barely-there gray had its moment, but the newest thing in interior paint color is dramatic, dark tones that are anything but neutral.
Moody Hues
“’Moody’ might not be what you want to hear when it comes to weather forecasts and the stock market, but when it comes to picking a paint color, the moodier the better!” proclaimed Better Homes & Gardens when it surveyed paint manufacturers’ 2019 color forecasts.
“Rich, dark, and complex colors like chestnut brown, deep burgundy, and charcoal
blue are considered moody because of their velvety appearance and complex undertones, which provide layers of rich depth that we don’t always see with traditional colors.”
Indeed these darker shades are all over design magazines and social media. This trend, however, is not a beginner-level endeavor. There is some nuance to getting it right.
Winning Combinations
A popular way to use darker paint tones is to combine them in ways that create an entirely new vibe in a room. Deep emerald green paired with deep mahogany furniture can create a forest feeling. Real Simple magazine featured a living room that blended multiple shades of black paired with plush furniture and rugs, as well as a jewel-toned room with
sapphire walls and goldtrimmed accents. Bold paint makes for bold rooms, so be ready to make a statement.
The Challenges
Dark paint colors are not without their challenges. A dark room can feel smaller, and dark paint can be unforgiving, showing every stroke of the paintbrush or roller. Country Living offers the following tips to pull off this
trend with ease.
• Start with small rooms to try out darker colors.
• If you’re concerned about a room seeming too small because of dark paint, use lighter furnishings and accents to balance it out.
• Paint the trim the same color as the walls, giving the appearance of added height. Add a mirror for the appearance of more depth.
If you’re on the fence about committing to a dark color, HGTV recommends a largescale trial. “Paint big sheets of cardboard and prop them up in the room in question. This gives you a better idea of what it’s going to look like.”
Plants for Window Boxes
Window boxes make for the perfect design elements to the exterior of your home. With the right flowers, they can serve as a downright stunning focal point of your backyard.
Whether you choose a collection of colorful annuals spilling over your box or a row of cute miniature flowers, window boxes are sure to catch some attention this spring. Before filling your boxes, it is important to know the growing habits and requirements of the plants you plan to use. Factors such as sunlight,
shade, watering and bloom time all must be taken into consideration.
The key to any awe-inspiring window box is to have fun. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine as you build your collection of flowers.
Sunlight
If your window box is exposed to full sunlight, you have a bevy of flower options at your disposal. From vinca to marigolds, you can find flowers with gorgeous combinations of green foliage and colorful petals.
Geraniums are low-main-
tenance bloomers that can generally reach about 12 inches tall — the perfect option if you’re looking to add a little height to your flower box. A slightly shorter option that is just as colorful is the petunia. These beauties grow to a height of 4 to 12 inches, and like the geranium, come in a trailing variety that can help you put together a flower box overflowing with vibrant colors.
Shade
If your window box will be located in partial or full shade, be sure to choose shade-lov-
ing plants such as impatiens, begonias or caladium for maximum impact. All of these varieties are available in a full range of colors and tones, making your job of matching the flowers to the hue of your home an easy one.
Find flowers that give off pops of bright pinks and purples if you’re looking to make a dramatic statement near your home’s entry or any other prominent spot. Be sure to maintain your flowers throughout the year to keep your widow boxes in striking form.
