Special Features - Home and Garden Guide

GUIDEGUIDEMay 2015May 2015

A supplement to

Regional

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2015 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE MAY 2015

There are a number of steps a homeowner can take to ensure a positive experience and a suc-cessful outcome when

renovating.1. Know your goal. Ask

the question, “What is this renovation designed to accomplish? More func-

tionality? Storage? Living space?” If a homeown-er doesn’t know where they’re going with the renovation, chances are they’ll never get there.

2. Do your research. In most things, knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect, in advance, can keep expectations in check. Investigate options,

budgets and timelines, and arrange financing in advance.

3. Hire professionals. Be sure that they are happy to work with you to meet your budget and achieve your vision. Communicate clearly and often to ensure understanding on both sides.

continued on page 3

How to make your renovationa successful, positive experience

Skaley Landscaping &Bobcat Services Ltd.

SOD:– Top Soil with compost mixture

All your landscape suppliesavailable for pick up or delivery.

Landscape designing available.

Horticulturalist on staff.

EQUIPMENT:– Bobcat – Bobcat Mini Hoe– Tree Spade – Attachments– Grader – Brush-cut Mower & Mulcher– Trencher – Stump Grinder– Augers with carbide-tipped teeth - 4”,

6”, 9”, 12”, 15”. 18”, 24”, 36”, 49"AND MUCH MORE!

From conception to completion, we create breathtaking landscapes to complement your home.

WATER FEATURES:– Aquascaping Pond Products

– Nursery Pro Pond Products

– Pond Installation

– Pondless Waterfalls

– Readi-Scapes retaining wall systems

Lenard has been operating a bobcat for over 30 years. He has operated his landscaping business for 19 years. As a sponsored member of the Landscape and Nursery Trades Association (LANTA) his experience is recognized as professional quality workmanship.

Phone 403-742-5749 Cell 403-323-0239

LANTALANDSCAPE ALBERTANURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION

SUNBRITESUNBRITEGREENHOUSEGREENHOUSE

Phone Betty at 780-372-2158Phone Betty at 780-372-2158Located off Hwy. 53; 13 km east ofJct. 21 at Bashaw or 6 km west of

Jct. 56, Range Road 202

OPEN DAILY: Mon. to Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.;Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MAY 2015 2015 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE PAGE 3

continued from page 2

4. Opt for a general con-tractor and trades that are experienced, licensed and insured. Don’t hesitate to check credentials and ref-erences. Get recommenda-tions from family, friends and colleagues who have had work done and were satisfi ed with the results.

5. Start with quality building materials. When it comes to home renova-tion and construction, the adage, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” seems apt. While homeowners tend to get caught up in the aesthetics of a project, such as fi nishings and paint col-ors, the key to a successful renovation often lies in what you won’t see. Investing in quality behind your walls will ensure durability, com-fort and safety for years to come.

6. Focus on the basics. This includes quality elec-trical, plumbing, HVAC, framing and drywall. Don’t underestimate the importance of insulation - especially in a basement renovation. Not all insula-tion is created equal. Opt for insulation that is fi re-resistant, sound absorbent and resistant to mold, mil-dew, bacterial growth, and rot. In my renovations, I like to use products like Roxul’s Comfortbatt and Comfortboard IS to help achieve a more energy effi -cient home, buy you valu-able time in the event of a fi re and prevent moisture issues that can pose health risks and lead to costly repairs.

7. Develop a good plan. This includes preparing for the unexpected. Setting aside a 20 percent contin-gency fund will help bring

you to the fi nish line when unanticipated issues creep up.

Lastly, the key to a suc-cessful renovation includes patience. Living in a con-struction zone - or alter-nately moving out while the

work is done - can be stress-ful and trying. Keep your eyes on the prize. There’s nothing more rewarding than the end result, which can bring years of enjoy-ment and ultimately add to your home’s bottom line.

How to make your renovation …

From Idea...From Idea...

To Completion!To Completion!

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Visit us today and get your project underway!Visit us today and get your project underway!

4801 - 51A Ave., Stettler Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5p.m. 403-742-4177

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People have many rea-sons for growing gardens, and some of the most popu-lar gardens are plots desig-nated for cultivating herbs and vegetables. Fresh pro-duce at the ready is a great benefi t of having a home garden, which also allows homeowners to exercise full control over which products to use to grow robust, healthy vegetables.

Novice gardeners may not know where to begin when it comes to plant-ing their fi rst vegetable gardens, and such garden-ers can benefi t by start-ing small. You may want to begin by growing plants in containers so they are more manageable and can be moved as you discover which areas of your prop-erty provide the best grow-ing conditions.

Begin with one or two types of vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumbers and certain squashes are popu-lar starter plants, as they are relatively hardy. Select only a few plants so you are not overwhelmed with the level of care required to maintain your garden.

Some gardeners prefer to start plants from seeds, but this will require more time and a greater commit-ment with regard to mainte-nance and planting. When just starting out, experi-ment with small plants that are established and already have a good root system.

Consult with your local gardening center for more suggestions, such as which soil amendments to use. Plants may require a certain soil pH that can be adjusted for optimal plant growth.

Gardening pointersfor novices

Protection.Durability.Peace of mind.

Protection.Durability.Peace of mind.

Restoring and protecting Restoring and protecting your deck.your deck.

Clean and seal concrete Clean and seal concrete surfaces.surfaces.

Sealwize also offers on-site Sealwize also offers on-site cold and hot water high cold and hot water high pressure wash services pressure wash services

Residential/Commercial- Residential/Commercial- Sidewalks, driveways, Sidewalks, driveways,

windows, gutters, siding, windows, gutters, siding, eavestroughs, decks, shops, farm equipment, barn stalls

and more.and more.

George 403-430-0062Pete 403-740-6330

[email protected]

www.sealwize.com

Protection. Durability. Peace of mind.Protection. Durability. Peace of mind.

hops,hops,stallsstalls

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Sunday - Noon to 5 p.m.

22055 Hwy.121 km west of Nevis

403-742-0909Website:www.tailcreek.com


6607-50 Ave., StettlerStore Phone 403-742-8319Automotive 403-742-8404For Days Like Today

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The right tools for the job can be the difference between an interminable landscap-ing project and one that goes smoothly and effi ciently. As-piring landscapers probably have a few shovels and rakes hanging in their garages and sheds for basic landscaping work. But while such tools are effective for certain proj-ects, when it comes to churn-ing soil for garden beds or digging holes for outdoor

structures, additional tools come in handy. It may be well worth a trip to a nearby home center to purchase or rent one of these tools ideal for break-ing ground.Rototiller

A rototiller, sometimes called just a “tiller,” is a pow-ered garden tool designed to loosen soil prior to planting. A rototiller also can help aer-ate soil during the growing season. Because they reduce

the need for man-ual spade digging or hoeing, tillers can be useful land-scaping tools, par-ticularly for home-owners who want to work effi ciently.

Rototillers will break through tough soil and any plant roots. They come in a variety of sizes, and it’s best to match the tool to the size of the job.

Many home-owners can get by with smaller, less powerful models, especially if the tiller is only necessary at the beginning of planting season. Professional landscapers or those with large swatches of property may benefi t from larger models.

AugerAugers, both mechanical

and manual, are essentially large drill bits that help move materials from one location to another.

continued on page 7

PAGE 6 2015 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE MAY 2015

Rubber DuckRubber DuckYard CareYard Care

Box 167, Stettler AB T0C 2L0Box 167, Stettler AB T0C 2L0

Lana GrossLana Gross403-740-3595403-740-3595

P: 403-742-8999 C: 403-740-9417P: 403-742424242-8899999999999 C:C:C:C 4403-740-9417Darryl Rachar, Owner

4220-44 Ave., Box 538, Stettler, AB. T0C 2L0 www.stettlerrentals.com

For all your home garden needs:For all your home garden needs:RototillersRototillersSod CuttersSod CuttersPressure WashersPressure WashersAeratorsAerators

Weed EatersWeed EatersHedge TrimmersHedge TrimmersChain SawsChain SawsThatcherThatcher

Fertilizer SpreadersFertilizer Spreaders

Break ground with the right tools


Break ground …

12 km (7 miles) west of Castor, or 3 miles east of Halkirk on Highway 12.

38157 Rge. Rd. 153. Watch for sign off highway, and turn north for 2 1/2 miles.

* Supplier of Beautifi cation Hanging Baskets & Planters for

the towns of Stettler, Castor and Coronation

ASHORT DRIVE

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Bedding Plants; Annuals & Vegetables

Proven Winners

Potted Geraniums & Begonias

Ornamental Grasses

12” & 14” Hanging Baskets

OPEN DAILY - 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M.

Howe’s GreenhousePhone 403-884-2651

Email: [email protected]

continued from page 6Augers are typically used

to cut holes in landscapes, and they are good for post-hole drilling, which is part of the process of installing deck footings, fencing posts or oth-er structures. Augers come in a variety of sizes, and home-owners can choose how much power they prefer. Augers can be heavy and cumbersome, and many do-it-yourselfers will fi nd that one-person au-gers are more than adequate for their projects.

Augers dig deep holes, so it is always smart to have the property surveyed prior to use. This way pipes, gas lines, buried electrical lines, and any other obstructions are clearly identifi ed prior to drilling.Cultivator

Cultivators are similar to tillers in that they loosen soil. Cultivators are effective during the growth period of plants, when they can be used

to aerate the soil and remove weeds. Cultivators come in hand-held versions and push models, and some are even motorized. Cultivators get close to plants to remove weeds without disturbing the plant. They also are used to stir in compost or fertilizer.

While many people think cultivators and tillers are the same, that is not the case. The former is less powerful and will mix the soil or stir up the top layer, while the latter can break up moderately hard ground and loosen fi rm soil.

When using any tools around the garden, wear the proper protection. This in-cludes devices to protect hear-ing when power tools are in use as well as gloves and safe-ty goggles. Tillers, augers and cultivators have the potential to toss soil and rocks into the air, so make sure others keep their distance while work is in progress.

Don’t Wait For Those

Hot Summer Days...

Action Can Help You Keep Your

Cool This Summer!

4706 - 44 Ave., Stettler 403-742-5237


One of these projects spark your interest? Join us a little or a lot!

Contact: Stettler Parks & Leisure 403-742-4411 [email protected]

Heartland Beautification Committee Volunteer Community Members:

Rob Spencer (Chair) Graham Scott John Leard

Grace Fix (Vice-Chair) Sue-Anne Hennessey Peter Simons

Councillors: Will Brown, Karen Sernecky

Town Staff: Lee Penner, Jacqui Newton

Heartland Beautification Committee "Keeping Stettler Clean and Green"

Are you passionate about any of these topics?Volunteer a little or a lot with us!

Communities in Bloom

As 2011 National Champions, we now participate in the Communities in Bloom

International Challenge competition

Categories judged are: Tidiness, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation,

Urban Forestry, Landscape, Floral Displays

Judges will tour Stettler on July 22, 2015

Stettler Community Gardens subcommittee

Maintain and improve our two Community Garden sites

Initiating 3rd Community Garden site

Community Orchard proposal

Stettler Blooms

Plant it Forward: Get, Grow, Give (Seeds for Kids at Trade Show; Spring Plant

Exchange; Fall Seed & Fruit/Vegetable Exchange)

Yard and Garden contests; Tree Walk/Talk

Environmental Action subcommittee – “No one can do everything. Everyone can do something.”

Trash 2 Treasure Days

Annual Recycling Awards

Weekly Green Tips;

BYO Bag promotion

Backyard Composting promotion

Walk ‘n’ Roll promotion to encourage walking/biking to regular daily destinations

“Trying to Be Idle-Free” - idling reduction awareness

Downtown Park subcommittee

Design of park for land donated by Don and Sylvia Peters on Main Street and 50

Avenue

Tidiness

Earth Week Clean-up

Heritage Conservation

Banners & Signage

Parks & Trees

HEARTLAND

BEAUTIFICATION

COMMITTEE“Keeping Stettler Clean & Green”


Note: Community Involvement was assessedin each category in 2010 - 2014.

The summer (and year) of 2014 was a very busy and exciting time to be a member of the Heartland Beautification Committee. In 2007 our town qualified, by virtue of receiving five blooms and the designation of best community of our size in Alberta, to compete on a national level in the Communities in Bloom competition. In 2008 to 2011, we competed at the national level, in the communities from 3000-8000 category (varies with the year). In 2011, we were chosen as the National Winner of the 3001-7500 population category (CiB Champion). In 2012 to 2014, we chose to compete in the International Challenge – Small Communities, going against towns from across Canada and the world (United Kingdom, United States, etc.).

Competing nationally is lots of work, and competing internationally is tougher (but is still worth it). We have seen that the judging is more rigid. Our two judges in 2014 were Lucie Gagné from Quebec and Piet Boersma, from the Netherlands. They were in town for one very full touring day and part of the day before. We were able to show them many of the different projects and initiatives that are being undertaken in the community. They visited many sites and had some quiet time to write notes and rest. They said that Stettler “has a warm, small town experience …”, and noted many things around town, including the many activities for different people, the Walk n’ Roll Initiative and associated signage to show the distance to walk and bike around town. They commented on the various different initiatives and committees. They provided many useful comments and made several valuable recommendations, which we are acting upon.

Stettler did not win in the International Challenge, however we did receive five blooms and special mention for Project: Walk n’ Roll and were a fi nalist in three Outstanding Achievement Award categories (which is against all applicants, regardless of community size). Stettler won the Natura Tidiness Outstanding Achievement Award, which was very exciting.

One of the most valuable benefits of competing and hosting the Bloom judges is that they provide excellent suggestions and challenges for us to focus on each year. Many of the comments and suggestions have been incorporated into our annual goals and initiatives. This year we demonstrated a high level of community involvement and a diverse range of projects and initiatives. The members of the Heartland Beautification Committee agree that it was only because of the support of the entire community that we were able to achieve five bloom status every year.

Thanks Stettler for pitching in and showing how much you care for your community.

JUDGING SCORES/2014 TOTAL 820/1000 (82%) 5 BLOOMS CRITERIA TOTAL POSSIBLE % 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Tidiness 135.5 150 90.3 84.3 85.7 84.7 87.5 87.2

Environmental Action 127.0 150 84.7 83.0 84.8 86.0 83.7 82

Heritage Conservation 119.5 150 79.7 81.7 80.3 78.0 82.5 82.4

Urban Forestry 133.0 175 76.0 80.6 81.9 83.4 80.6 78.4

Landscape

incl. Turf & Groundcovers) 157.5 200 78.8 79.8 83.9 82.5 84.3 81.2/ 84.8

Floral Displays 147.5 175 84.3 83.4 85.0 86.3 81.1 84

COMMUNITIESIN BLOOM


5018 - 50 St.5018 - 50 St.Stettler, ABStettler, AB

403-742-8311403-742-8311

Locally grown bedding plants & vegetablesLocally grown bedding plants & vegetablesFairy gardens & accessoriesFairy gardens & accessoriesRain barrelsRain barrelsPlay sandPlay sandGardening toolsGardening toolsSeeds & bulbsSeeds & bulbsPlantersPlantersTrees & shrubsTrees & shrubsHanging basketsHanging basketsYard DecorYard Decor

Open 7 days a weekOpen 7 days a weekMon-Sat 8:30am-6pmMon-Sat 8:30am-6pm

Sun 11am-4pmSun 11am-4pm

Planting a vegetable gar-den can be a worthwhile endeavor for anyone who has an available patch of land. Gardens need not take up much space, and even apartment dwellers with-out yards can plant small gardens in containers they place on terraces or window boxes.

Although establishing a garden is easy enough, beginners may make a few mistakes along the way. Those who already have paved the garden way be-fore can offer novice gar-deners some worthwhile tips.

One of the fi rst decisions novice gardeners must make is which crops to grow. This will help determine how much land you will need

and which supplies or soil amendments will be neces-sary. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a com-mon error for beginners is planting too much and more than anyone could ever con-sume, so it’s best to start small and be proud of that small garden.

Plants such as peppers, squash and tomatoes pro-duce throughout the season, so you may not need many plants to provide for your needs. Less prolifi c plants may require a greater in-vestment to produce a simi-lar yield.

Locate your garden in an area that gets adequate sun. Many vegetables need between six and eight hours of sunlight per day. Without enough light, they will not bear as much and could be susceptible to insect infes-tation. Vegetables and fruit also need plenty of water because they’re not very drought-tolerant, so keep gardens close to a water source.

Another good tip is to locate the garden near the house or barbecue grill. This way you can easily harvest fresh produce and use it when cooking.

Soil preparation is also key. Till the soil and remove debris like rocks, sticks and hard clumps of dirt. Work with organic material, such as manure or compost. Ap-ply mulch after planting to help maintain moisture lev-els in the soil.

Plant the tallest crops at the rear of your garden bed. Work forward with shorter crops. Try to leave a foot or more between planting rows.

It’s easy to get a garden started and enjoy fresh food for many months to come.

PJ’s PlantationPJ’s PJ’s PlantationPlantationThank You Thank You for helping for helping us Grow for us Grow for

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Happy Anniversary!Its our 15th Season of Growing!

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Open 8 - 5:30 Monday - FridayOpen 8 - 5:30 Monday - Friday9 - 4 Saturday9 - 4 Saturday On Truck Route North StettlerOn Truck Route North Stettler CALL US TODAY 403-742-3385CALL US TODAY 403-742-3385

Many homeowners take up gardening to transform their homes with beautiful fl owers and foliage, while others do so to yield fresh fruits and vegetables. But gardening can be more than just a weekend hobby. In fact, it may be especially benefi cial for homeowners to surround themselves with more plants and natural de-cor, whether in the yard or in the home.

Studies have indicated

that gardening can be good for the mind and body. In addition to improving mood and reducing stress, plant life and gardening also may help people have a more hopeful outlook on life. If reaping the benefi t of a beau-tiful landscape is not reason enough to get into garden-ing, elevating your mood and coping with depression or illness may be even fur-ther motivation to start de-veloping your green thumb.

Home-design trends seem to be following suit, offering individuals more opportuni-ties to surround themselves with potentially therapeutic plants. Explore these emerg-ing and established garden décor trends to try in and around your home.

• Living wall planters: A living wall planter can add greenery to any décor without taking up fl oor or table space. Ideal for out-door structures, these plant-ers also can be used indoors

if you safeguard against leaks and dripping. A liv-ing wall planter is a framed device that houses plants in a manner that enables them to be vertically mounted to a wall surface. While there are commercially available models, you can create your own design and paint or stain it to match the existing dé-cor. Use a soil-free potting substrate to avoid the mess that regular soil may create.

continued on page 13

Niconna’s GreenhouseNOW OPEN

Nick & Donna Kozak (780) 879-224011067 - 602 Sec. Rd.

From Alliance: 13¼ miles east of AllianceFrom Coronation: 1¾ miles west of junction Sec. Rd. #872 & Sec. Rd. #602

Large variety of bedding plants, herbs & vegetablesAlso urns & hanging baskets

Garden-inspired decor brightens spaces and mood


OPENOPEN

East of Lacombe on Hwy 12 to RR # 244 and Follow the SIGNSEast of Lacombe on Hwy 12 to RR # 244 and Follow the SIGNS

. Annuals . Perennials

. Shrubs . Trees . Hanging Baskets

. Herbs . Standing Pots

. Tomatoes & Peppers403-348-6579403-348-6579. Gift Shop . Unique One of a Kind Gifts. Petting Zoo - Fun for the whole family . New Products Arriving Daily!

Custom Custom Pot FillingPot Filling

Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed SundaysMonday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays

continued from page 12• Combining fi sh with gar-

dening: Enjoy the best of two relaxing worlds by installing a water feature in your yard. Garden retailers offer ready-made kits that can make fast work of establishing a pond or other water feature in the backyard. Otherwise, there are plenty of water garden companies and installers who can suggest a design and put in your desired water features. Add fi sh suitable for outdoor life to your pond. These in-clude koi and certain gold-fi sh varieties. Game fi sh are discouraged because they can destroy pond plants. If an outdoor pond is more main-tenance than you desire, con-sider an indoor aquarium with a combination of fi sh and live aquarium plants.

• Creative furniture de-signs: Maybe you’re a person who appreciates the unique and whimsical? Tables, bench-

es and chairs can be built with planting channels that enable you to have greenery and gar-den décor in one piece. Envi-sion a picnic table with a cut-out down the center for a thin row of plants or decorative grasses. This is a project the entire family can get behind, as the more creative ideas the better.

• Improved outdoor light-ing: People who like to spend time in their gardens and yards may not want to be lim-ited by sunrise and sunset. By incorporating different light-ing sources, you can create a retreat that is welcoming at any hour. Although fl ood lights and overhead lights can illuminate a space, consider ambient and decorative light-ing to create the desired ambi-ance.

• Functional fi re pits and places: A blazing fi re creates a cozy spot to gather on chilly evenings, but fi re pits and

fi replaces also can be used as impromptu cooking spots for s’mores or frankfurters on a stick. You can purchase a stand-alone fi re pit from any number of retailers or build your own with patio pavers and fi re bricks to line the inte-rior of the fi re pit.

• Enjoyable yard additions: While plants and seating may take center stage, some people still want to have fun in their yards. There’s an increased demand for yard designs and

décor that can put the fun in backyard living. Bocce courts, ring- or horseshoe-toss set-ups, as well as bean bag-toss boards, can be incorporated into landscape designs, giv-ing you yet another reason to spend a few hours in the great outdoors, where you can ex-perience a few healthy laughs in the process.

Gardening and spending time outdoors are great hob-bies and may even boost your mood.

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of


Home renovations are typically exciting, as home-owners get to see the visions of their dream homes come to light right before their very eyes. Turning an outdat-ed bathroom into a modern oasis or an empty basement into the ultimate man cave strengthens the sense of at-tachment homeowners have with their homes.

But few home renovation projects go from start to fi n-ish without experiencing a few bumps in the road along the way. Such bumps can be diffi cult to handle for home-owners working on their fi rst renovation projects, but there are many ways for novices to navigate the sometimes murky waters of home im-provement projects and come out relatively unscathed on the other end, where a newly renovated home awaits.

• Plan well and know what to expect. When work-ing with contractors, get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what you desire in a home renovation. Photo references can help guide contractors and archi-tects. Ask for the full picture of what can be expected with the work, from demolition to the punch list. Knowing what lies ahead can keep you grounded throughout the project.

• Discuss work each day and set payment schedules. Make payments contingent on work completed. This can help keep contractors on schedule. Paying for all work upfront leaves home-owners at a disadvantage, as it does not provide incentive for workers to be timely and effi cient.

continued on page 15

Tips for homeowners ontheir fi rst renovation projects

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continued from page 14Check in with workers to

get daily progress reports.• Have reasonable expec-

tations. A renovation project may exceed its budget and take longer than initially expected. Understanding that these potential setbacks might be part of the process will make it easier to handle them when the foreman speaks to you about any is-sues that arise.

• Accept the mess. Con-struction work is messy. There’s no way to maintain a pristine house when contrac-tors are entering and exiting all day. Dust is bound to be generated, and tools can fi ll up rooms. A home in dis-array can be stressful, but continue to visualize the end result and the mess won’t bother you so much.

• Establish a contingency plan. Bathrooms and kitchen renovations are typically the

most disruptive home im-provement projects. Going without a kitchen can make it diffi cult to enjoy meals at home, while a bathroom re-model may require you to navigate water shutoffs. If your project is scheduled to take several months, estab-lish a contingency plan to deal with the consequences of your renovation project. Speak with family members about using some of their home amenities, and prepare and freeze meals in advance so you can reheat them later on when you don’t have ac-cess to your stove.

• Plan your escape. Some-times the constant work and mess of construction is too much to bear. Afford your-self time away by visiting relatives or staying at a ho-tel. Even a single night away can provide the relief you need.

A home that is undergo-

ing a remodel can be a less than comfortable environ-ment. But homeowners who have never before lived

through a renovation proj-ect can take several steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Tips for homeowners on their fi rst renovation projects

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