home & garden 2015

563.568.2427

527 5th Ave. NW, Waukon

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563-864-7515 152 S. West St., Postville, IA JAMIE SMITH, MANAGER

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newly adopted project, the goal was to nurture the new grass, kill the weeds and plant more RZHUV DQG VKUXEV %HFDXVHThe Hill is so steep, using a lawn mower was not an option, VRLWEHFDPHQHFHVVDU\WRFKRSthe weeds down using string WULPPHUV

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some out-of-towners helped RXW ZKHQ WKH\ FRXOG 0DVWHU*DUGHQHU %LOO 1DWLRQ IURP+DUSHUV )HUU\ EXLOW D VWRUDJHshed and spent many hours ZHHGLQJ DQG GLJJLQJ KROHVFinally, last year the Lansing &LW\ &RXQFLO ZDV DEOH WR KLUHLuster Heights residents one day a week to help with the PRZLQJ $ *RGVHQG VDLG0F3KHUVRQRIWKHQHZKHOS

ADDITIONAL EFFORTS Twenty or so Kee High School

students chipped in last spring to help kill quack grass and SODQW RZHUVDORQJWKHVWHSVRQWKHQRUWKHQGRI7KH+LOO6XH3DSS /\OH DQG /LQGD 3HWHUVDQG -DFNLH DQG 1HLO (YHUHWWand were particularly diligent in LPSURYLQJDQGPDLQWDLQLQJWKHLUSORWVDFFRUGLQJWR0F3KHUVRQ&LW\ ZRUNHUV KHOSHG WRR E\picking up and carting off dead FOLSSLQJVDQGGHEULV

April 1, 2015 Page 13 The Standard

Home &GardenHillContinued from page 12

HillContinued on page 14

Part of the maintenance during the second year of The Hill project was to weed whack tall grass and rake the clippings to the bottom, where they were stuffed into the black tubs

pictured above and carted away by City workers.

PROTECTING YOU

Let us serve you with detailed record keeping that protects your interest in real estate.

PALMER ABSTRACT INC. 19 1st Ave. NW, Waukon, IA 563-568-3488

Member of American & Iowa Land Title Association

McPherson said there were many people in town who donated fl owers, and there were more bushes planted and areas mulched in 2013 and 2014. Mulch glue is used to hold the mulch in place on the slopes. McPherson also discovered colored mulch paint, which is sprayed on the mulch so that all the gardens look somewhat coordinated.

And we created a big letter I out of the rocks we found here and there, she said. We may expand the I to Iowa if we can fi nd enough rocks - and people to put them in place.

McPherson said her biggest foible was putting riprap along the top of the north side of the parcel. It was one of those ideas that seemed like a good idea at the time, but ended up

costing a lot more time, work and money than anticipated, she admitted. I wanted to cut down on the amount of area we needed to take care of along the northwest corner of the parcel because it is so steep and we were having a hard time controlling the weeds there. Looking at the plot from a distance, I visualized extending the old wall on the west side to curve around and continue on along the north side. We couldnt afford to build a real wall, and the DOT wouldnt let us anyway, but Ron Strong said hed give me riprap for free if Id pay for delivery. I was excited about this idea. Unfortunately, because of the grade at the top of the hill, the trucks could only deliver the rocks to the bottom. So, we ended up having to pay

again to move them to the top.And then when we got them

up there, they had to be moved into position by hand because the rocks kept rolling down the hill, even though we erected a temporary fence which, theoretically, was supposed to stop them, McPherson continued. We didnt quite fi nish the job in 2014, but should have it done this spring.

There is still a lot of work to be done, but the framework is there and most things are growing nicely, according to McPherson. The Hill is waiting for more volunteers to maintain existing plantings and add others. McPherson will be there, too. Bring your bug spray, sturdy shoes and determination, she said. Well get er done.

Attention Woodworkers!KONKEL FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

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Call Tony or Ron for more info at 563-544-4600at 411 W. Main St., New Albin, IA 52160

We also carry hardwood flooring, paneling, custom base, door and window trim.

CORY BACON - OWNER370 N. Bancroft, Postville, IA

563-864-7602 [email protected]

BACON CONCRETE & EXCAVATING L.L.C.

Residential & Commercial Concrete Decorative Stamping

Excavating Agricultural Concrete

Page 14 The Standard April 1, 2015

Home& GardenHillContinued from page 13 Simmonds Showcase

The original plan for the The Hill at the base of the Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing was to erect large wooden letters

(kind of like the Hollywood sign in California), but the Department of Transportation was afraid of distracted

drivers. So, instead, all the rocks found on the hill were gathered up and repurposed into the I pictured above.

Need a boundary line marked?

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Joe HochstetlerOWNER


Home& GardenThese photos are from the home of Sheila

Simmonds, Lansing and were taken in 2014.

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Construction of new home part of an eventful past year for Elliott and Amy Evansonby Kelli Boylen

Elliott and Amy Evanson of rural Waterville thought that building a new home as a young couple was simply a pipe dream. They had purchased an acreage and were going to renovate an older home, but others mentioned the idea to build a house while they were young, live in it and enjoy it for many years.

After getting estimates on renovations we wanted done, we then started comparing those costs to building a new home, says Elliott. They had been married about a year when they made the decision to build.

Elliott grew up helping on his family farm. There was one fi eld just north of Waterville

where he always enjoyed the view for many miles in every direction, and he said if he ever got the chance to build a home, that was where he wanted to build it. When they had the opportunity to do just that, they went for it.

They put the acreage they had bought up for sale and were happy it sold quickly. Once the decision was made to build and fi nancing was fi gured out, they planned and planned and planned, says Amy.

They considered numerous ideas, lay-outs, fl oorplans and blueprints, combining different ideas to get exactly what they wanted. One of the main ideas they really wanted was an open


Home& Garden

EvansonContinued on page 17

The new home constructed by Elliott and Amy Evanson near Waterville this past year was just part of a very eventful year for the young couple. The couple had planned to remodel an older home on a rural acreage, but after comparing remodeling vs. new construction costs

and advantages built this new home pictured above. Photo by Kelli Boylen.

fl oor plan for the living room, kitchen and dining area. Amy had the foresight to plan ahead for the decades to come and made sure their new home was handicapped accessible.

They also were sure to include a walk-out basement, an attached garage, large closets, an offi ce, a master bath and mostly tile and wood fl ooring. They were also sure to include a lot of storage.

The basement has in-fl oor heat and a stained concrete fl oor. The rest of the house has forced air heat fueled by a liquifi ed petroleum (LP) boiler.

Their new home has three bedrooms on the main level and an additional two rooms in the basement. There is a second family area in the downstairs as well.

In addition to the master bath, there is a 3/4 bath on the main fl oor and another on the lower level. Their home is

about 1,800 square feet, plus a full fi nished basement.

We had unlimited decisions to make, Amy says. We got to make all these choices and make it our own, which we feel very fortunate to have been able to do. She admits that at times the decision-making process seemed overwhelming, but they are very glad they did it.

They broke ground nearly a year ago, in April of this past year, and their home was nearly completed by September. Having to be out of their old home prior to their new home being completed meant they had to live in a camper in the driveway for about three weeks with their belongings in the garage. They actually moved into the home before many things were fully completed. We did the dishes

Caleb Leiran, Owner

563-568-1936808 1st Ave. SW, Waukon, IA 52172

Interior & Exterior Painting & Staining

Congratulations to the Evanson Family on your new home!

Thank you Elliott & Amy for the opportunity to be your painter.

Nick Jones EARTHMOVING & LOGGING

1223 Peterson Hollow Dr., Waukon 563-535-7146

Excavating Contractor Logging Services

Dump Truck Services Available Backhoe Septic Systems

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405 11TH AVE. SW, WAUKON, IA

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Home& GardenEvansonContinued from page 16

EvansonContinued on page 19

Amy, Elliott and Claire Evanson are enjoying their new home near Waterville and hope to live there for decades to come. The living room area pictured above is part of the open fl oor

plan that also includes the adjacent kitchen and dining areas. Photo by Kelli Boylen.The new home constructed by Elliott and Amy Evanson near Waterville this past year was

just part of a very eventful year for the young couple. The couple had planned to remodel an older home on a rural acreage, but after comparing remodeling vs. new construction costs

and advantages built this new home pictured above. Photo by Kelli Boylen.

Kelly

563-535-7649

Chad Kelly, Owner State Licensed & Fully Insured

Waukon, Iowa

Poured Foundations & All Types of Flatwork

Residential Agricultural Commercial

Chad Kelly, Owner State Licensed & Fully Insured

FREE ESTIMATES!ESTIMATES!KellyKellyKellyKellyKellyKellyKellyKellyKellyKellyKellyKelly

ESTIMATES!Concrete Construction

ELLIOTT & AMY EVANSON AND WALLY MAHRfor the opportunity to meet your appliance

needs for your new homes.

Waukon 563-568-3130Decorah 563-382-5592

www.jimsapplianceia.com

WEST SIDE WAUKON LUMBER, INC.1105 West Main St., Waukon, IA 563-568-6396

Home Owned & Operated by Stilwell Family

New Homes Pole Sheds Windows Doors

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Thank you for purchasing your building materials from us!

See Us for All

Your Building

& Remodeling

Needs

CongratulationsElliott & Amy Evanson

on Your New Home


Home& GardenEvanson's

Home

Clockwise from left: The laundry room, located on the main fl oor in Elliott and Amy Evansons new home

near Waterville, has plenty of cabinets for storage; The kitchen in the newly-constructed home features steel grey appliances and custom cherry cabinets, and the open fl oor plan resulted in a spacious but cozy feel to the kitchen and dining area pictured above, along with the adjacent living room area; This bedroom is a

collection of the most prominent colors throughout the new home; The lower level of the home has a second

family room and in-fl oor heating. The fl oor in the homes lower level is stained concrete. Photos by Kelli Boylen.

in the bathtub for a little while, but it was all well worth it in the end, Amy recalls.

In July, their families came to see how the construction was going and they were greeted by a sign that read, Baby Evanson is under construction.

That is how we told them, the young couple recalls of their unique announcement that they were expecting their fi rst child. Claire was born January 21 of this year and has her own beautiful new room to sleep in.

Elliott and Amy are very

happy with their new home and really enjoy the open fl oor plan. The only things they would change if they were able to do it over again would be to make the entryway a little bigger.

Their cabinets were custom built and Amy says she really enjoys them, along with the adequate storage. They still have projects to take on this spring, such as completing the front steps, creating a deck out back and landscaping, along with other small projects.

Elliotts uncle, Duane

Wood, was their family tie to construction. He, along with Dean Drew, took on the project and both were very helpful throughout the whole process. They were thankful for their workmanship, along with the quality and longevity their work is known for.

Elliott works at Ziegler CAT in Postville and helps out on his family farm when needed. Amy works at Northern Iowa Therapy, where she is mostly at the Central Community Hospital in Elkader.

Customer Service Quality Reasonable PricesCall Aaron (563) 380-7893 or

Keith (563) 568-7814

Well Pump Repair and Replacement

Out-Of-Water Calls Pressure Tank/Water

Line Installation

Well get you flowing!

LLC

24-Hour Service

Thank you Elliott and Amy Evanson for

trusting us for all of your well needs!

Lansing Area Lawn CareWhat you get with

Lansing Area Lawn Care:An insured professional lawn care

service for your residential or business needs, large and small jobs, free estimates, guaranteed

rates and prompt service.

We appreciate your business - Mark & Barb Fore563-568-7581Services Provided Mowing Edging

Trimming


Home& GardenEvansonContinued from page 17

Reliable Electrical

WorkFully equipped to take

care of all your electrical needs.

Licensed & Insured

Dave Cota Electric1050 Great River Rd., Harpers Ferry, IA

563-586-2834

Thank you to Elliott and

Amy Evanson for choosing us as your electrician.

The master bathroom in the new home of Elliott

and Amy Evanson of Waterville

has double sinks and is brightly lit. Photo by Kelli Boylen.

Spring is just around the corner. Its a great time to get the yard youve

always wanted! Give Sodko Turf a call and see why homeowners and landscapers in the tri-state area have been

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Wholesale & Retail Bluegrass Mineral Sod

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Residential Commercial

Roads Subdivisions Playgrounds Driveways Silo Pit Floors Parking Lots Repair Base Construction EEO/AA Employer

Now is the time to update your kitchen!See how effi cient & user friendly your

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John Pitts Cabinetry

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563-568-3680101 1st Ave. NW, Waukon, IA

Adam Kurth, Owner

High Efficiency Furnaces & Air Conditioners

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Home& GardenTips for homeowners on their fi rst renovation projects

Home renovations are typi-cally exciting, as homeowners get to see the visions of their dream homes come to light right before their very eyes. Turning an outdated bathroom into a modern oasis or an empty basement into the ultimate man cave strengthens the sense of attachment 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 homeowners working on their fi rst renovation projects, but there are many ways for novices to navigate the sometimes murky waters of home improvement proj-ects and come out relatively unscathed on the other end,

where a newly renovated home awaits.

Plan well and know what to expect. When working with contractors, get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what you desire in a home ren-ovation. Photo references can help guide contractors and ar-chitects. 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. Pay-ing for all work upfront leaves homeowners at a disadvan-tage, as it does not provide in-centive for workers to be time-ly and effi cient. Check in with workers to get daily progress reports.

Have reasonable expecta-

tions. A renovation project may exceed its budget and take lon-ger than initially expected. Un-derstanding 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 issues that arise.

Accept the mess. Construc-tion work is messy. Theres no way to maintain a pristine house when contractors are entering and exiting all day. Dust is bound to be generated, and tools can fi ll up rooms. A home in disarray can be stress-ful, but continue to visualize the end result and the mess wont bother you so much.

Establish a contingency plan. Bathrooms and kitchen renovations are typically the most disruptive home improve-ment projects. Going without a kitchen can make it diffi cult to enjoy meals at home, while a bathroom remodel 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 dont have access to your stove.

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

A home that is undergoing a remodel can be a less than comfortable environment. But homeowners who have never before lived through a renova-tion project can take several steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

FREE DENTAL EXAM& Cavity Detecting X-rays

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Family DentistryAssociates of Monona

101 Franklin St., Monona, IA 563-539-4651www.familydentistrymonona.com

Shower

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Offi ce 563-535-7606Dan Cell: 563-380-9195, Dean Cell: 563-794-0681

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Mauss ElectricNew Albin

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Home& GardenAre you ready to show the grass whos boss?

Turf n Timber401 Main, Lansing IA 563-538-3093

Hrs: Mon.-Fri 7-5, Sat. 8-1CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

We have mowers, trimmers & blowers to

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We Service Small Engines!

Kemp's Raised Garden

Janice Kemp of Harpers Ferry had this raised garden built for her by her sons (Steve, Tom, and Mark) for Mothers Day several years ago.

It is easy to build and maintain.

Measurements:45.5 Wide, 11 9 Long, 12 Deep

20 to bottom - 32 total6x4x4 support

Materials:8 - 2x6 green treated boards...fl oor

6 - 1 ft. sq. landscape blocks

www.bodensteinerimp.com

140 Hwy. 9 SW, Waukon, IA563-568-3463

JOHN DEERE

Whether it be for sport, trail,

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BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO.

Woodland Image helps homeowners build their dreamby Lissa Blake

Contractor Wally Mahr loves helping people build their dreams.

And at Woodland Image, Mahrs custom building company located in rural Dorchester, the sky is the limit.

Several years ago, Mahr, a 1993 graduate of Waukon High School, was frequently asked by his clients to build log cabins. He said while he was happy to oblige, he found that log homes ended up being a high-maintenance venture for the homeowner, and would undoubtedly require occasional replacement of logs.

Log cabins are really fun to build, but keeping them up is a lot of work for people, said

Wally.Wally decided he wanted to

fi nd a way to give people the same rustic, log-cabin look, with less required maintenance.

You still get the same high-end look and feeling, said Wally, who often employs a mix of traditional construction with peg and beam carpentry.

Scott Berg, owner of Eagle Ridge Country and Riverview Estates near Lansing, said he likes the rustic feel Woodland Image can bring to the homes he and his wife, Nancy, develop.

Eagle Ridge is a 170-acre development offering 22 lots with scenic vistas, just south of Lansing.

We knew what we wanted, said Scott Berg of the spec home Mahr and his crew are

currently building. We really like the lodge look.

Woodland Image utilizes reclaimed western red cedar mixed with pine to add rustic-looking trim, which often lends the feel of an old barn sash.

We make every house a little different, said Wally.

PRACTICALITYIn addition to sturdy, rustic

components like timber frame staircases, Mahr employs ideas like stamped concrete for decks and porches. One stamped concrete design actually gives the look of wooden planks, creating a more solid fl oor with

Owners: Brian Bohr & Ken Klepper

285 E. Greene St. Postville, IA (563) 864-3332

For All Your Heating & Plumbing Needs!

B & K Heating & Plumbing Inc.


Home& Garden

WoodlandContinued on page 24

CHRIS STRUB1287 HWY. 9 LANSING, IA

563-568-5050 563-380-9906

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

FREE ESTIMATES!

Driveways Parking Lots Schools Churches Seal Coating Patching Crack Filling Repair

THANK YOU WALLY MAHR FOR CHOOSING US!

Hwy. 9 & 76 South Waukon, IA Ph. 563-568-3459

Your Complete Building Center

Full Line of

BUILDING MATERIALS

Call for a Free Estimate!

Thank you for choosing Pro-Build as your material provider.

Eagle Ridge Home

Residential Commercial

419 Big Foot Road Monona, IA 52159

563-380-3276 563-539-2201NICHOLAS PALMER


Home& Garden

WE PRINT BLUEPRINTSIN-HOUSE GRAPHIC DESIGNER

INVITATIONS BUSINESS CARDS COPIESPRINTS BANNERS LAMINATION & MORE

email: [email protected]

WE PRINT BLUEPRINTS

17 First St. NW, Waukon, IA 563-568-6378

Eagle Ridge Home Nancy and Scott Berg hired Wally Mahrs Woodland Image crew to build this spec home at Eagle Ridge Estates near

Lansing, with the home pairing traditional construction with timber frame components. Mahr likes to trim out windows (far left below)

with reclaimed or distressed wood, which give his homes a cabin feel. Pictured

below is Nancy Berg employing the fresco style of painting. Mahr crafted the mantle on the homes fi replace using reclaimed timber.

Photos by Lissa Blake

GE MAYTAG TOSHIBA AMANA ELECTROLUX SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS FRIGIDAIRE WHIRLPOOL

AMANA TOSHIBA MAYTAG GE JENN-AIR VIKING LG BOSCH WHIRLPOOL FRIGIDAIRE ELECTRONICS

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APPLIANCE & TVROCKWEILER

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a more rustic appearance.We wanted a deck on the

second fl oor, but didnt want water dripping through to the porch downstairs when we were sitting down there, said Scott.

BARN LIVINGIn addition to contracting,

Mahr owns the Kains Switch Estates, just north of Lansing. He has lots for sale and has built some spec homes that have already been sold.

He built a barn-style home at Kains Switch for some people from Des Moines. The home is full of practical, usable space, with lots of surprises, such as

secret passages to hidden nooks where the kids can play.

A house should be durable and fun for kids and adults, said Wally, adding his company also builds a number of traditional homes and ag buildings throughout the year.

In his spare time, he also enjoys building custom furniture and cabinets from reclaimed materials, and looks forward to meeting with clients about their own ideas on how to customize their spaces.

DREAMS A LOTWhen asked where he gets

his creative ideas, Wally said he dreams a lot at night.

Sometimes its just a Godsend. I think God is the one who gives me my ideas. I defi nitely couldnt do it without him, said Wally.

In addition, he said he wouldnt be successful without his great crew of Brent Regan, Mitch Hess, Eli and Sam Slabough, and Ed and Noah Swartzentruber.

I have an awesome crew. Everybody gets along and everyone knows what to do, he said.

For more information, contact Mahr at 563-380-8333 or visit Woodland Image on Facebook.

Stacie Cooper, John Sweeney, Bonnie Sweeney, Broker Associates/Agents Steve Evanson, Agent

563-568-4170JACK SWEENEY, BROKER

Licensed in IA & MN

www.sweeneyrealestate.com

Your Full-Time Real Estate Professionals Committed to Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together

Congratulations Wally Mahr/Woodland Image on a

successful home construction project and sale at Kains Switch Estates! Thank you for your business.

Rons Small Engine(Located at Kars Detailing)

REPAIR BUY SELL204 2ND AVE. NW, WAUKON, IA

USED LAWN MOWERS FOR SALE!

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Home& GardenWoodlandContinued from page 22

www.waukonstandard.comVisit our website!

331 N. Platt St., Lansing, IA (563) 538-4224 or 800-331-8200www.lansinghousingproducts.com Locally Owned & Operated

See us for all your

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We can assure you that we provide

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Dave & Brian are happy to set up an appointment to visit

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Home& GardenBarn-style Home

The kitchen (above) in the Thompson barn-style home Wally Mahr created in the

Kains Switch Estates near Lansing features an old

look to new wood. The fun night lights (immediate left)

are both decorative and functional in enhancing the

homes custom sleeping area (far left) created by Mahrs Woodland Image. The home is full of fun for

all ages, such as this cubby area Mahr is opening in the photo at right, which can be

used as a play place for kids.

Photos by Lissa Blake

Lansing, IA 563.538.4813 Cell: 563.580.9339

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Home& Garden

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MOHN SURVEYING, INC.SURVEYING-ENGINEERING

Roger R. Mohn1890 Great River Rd., Lansing, IA 52151

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27 Spring Ave., Waukon (563) 568-3711www.waukongreenhouse.com We Accept All Major Credit Cards

Established 1928

We Can Decorate Your Home

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Wind Chimes


Home& GardenGarden-inspired decor brightens spaces and mood

Many homeowners take up gardening to transform their homes with beautiful fl owers and foliage, while others do so to yield fresh fruits and vege-tables. But gardening can be more than just a weekend hob-by. In fact, it may be especial-ly benefi cial for homeowners to surround themselves with more plants and natural decor, 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 gardening, elevating your mood and cop-ing with depression or illness may be even further motivation to start developing your green thumb.

Home-design trends seem to be following suit, offering in-dividuals more opportunities to surround themselves with po-tentially therapeutic plants. Ex-plore these emerging and es-tablished garden dcor trends to try in and around your home.

Living wall planters: A living wall planter can add greenery to any dcor without taking up fl oor or table space. Ideal for outdoor structures, these planters also can be used in-doors if you safeguard against leaks and dripping. A living wall planter is a framed device that houses plants in a manner that enables them to be vertical-ly mounted to a wall surface. While there are commercially available models, you can cre-ate your own design and paint or stain it to match the existing dcor. Use a soil-free potting substrate to avoid the mess that regular soil may create.

Combining fi sh with garden-ing: Enjoy the best of two relax-ing worlds by installing a water feature in your yard. Garden retailers offer ready-made kits that can make fast work of es-tablishing a pond or other water feature in the backyard. Other-wise, there are plenty of water garden companies and install-

ers who can suggest a design and put in your desired water features. Add fi sh suitable for outdoor life to your pond. These include koi and certain goldfi sh varieties. Game fi sh are dis-couraged because they can de-stroy pond plants. If an outdoor pond is more maintenance than you desire, consider an indoor aquarium with a combination of fi sh and live aquarium plants.

Creative furniture designs: Maybe youre a person who ap-preciates the unique and whim-sical? Tables, benches and chairs can be built with planting channels that enable you to have greenery and garden d-cor in one piece. Envision a pic-nic table with a cutout 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 lighting: People who like to spend time in their gardens and yards may not want to be limited by sun-rise and sunset. By incorporat-ing different lighting sources, you can create a retreat that is welcoming at any hour. Al-though fl ood lights and over-head lights can illuminate a space, consider ambient and decorative lighting to create the desired ambiance.

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 smores 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 interior of the fi re pit. Outdoor fi replaces

require more work, and you want to hire a mason to ensure proper installation.

Enjoyable yard additions: While plants and seating may take center stage, some peo-ple still want to have fun in their yards. Theres an increased demand for yard designs and dcor 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 expe-rience a few healthy laughs in the process.

Gardening and spending time outdoors are great hob-bies and may even boost your mood. Homeowners can ex-plore the popular trends in gar-den dcor and natural elements that they can enjoy inside and outside of their homes.

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CHATFIELD, RUSHFORD, HARMONY

Expanded greenhouse at Waukon High School has students learning about so much more than just plants

by Kelli Boylenfreelance writer

Jessica OConnor says that only about 10 percent of the students entering her horticulture class at Waukon

High School have experience growing food or fl owers.

However, by the time they are done with her class, they not only know how to grow their own food, but they also have a greater respect for the work

it takes to grow the food they eat every day, says OConnor. They also take away a sense of ownership and responsibility as well.

Three years ago OConnor and the Allamakee Community

School District were able to renovate the existing 20x40 greenhouse at Waukon High School that was badly in need of repairs to a beautiful 20x80 greenhouse, mostly through grant funding.

In the old greenhouse the plants were no longer getting the light they needed as the wall panels had yellowed with age. The wiring was in need of repairs to be safe, and some other general updates were needed.

The new greenhouse is not only larger, it also is just one of three school greenhouses in the state of Iowa that has fl ood tables for watering the plants. OConnor explained that the tables water the plants from the bottom up and are on a timer system. This saves water, saves time and keeps the plants moist on weekends and holidays when students and staff are not around. The new structure also has an alert system that notifi es OConnor when the temperature becomes so high or low that the plants would be damaged.

OConnor says she really had to work at fi rst to get more students interested in the greenhouse and horticulture. At fi rst there was some resistance because some students didnt think they wanted to play around with fl owers, she said. Now they know there is so much more.

This year there are 22 students in horticulture class. I think they are hearing from their peers what it is all about, OConnor says.

Waukon High School horticulture students now handle every role possible in the growing process, from picking out the seeds they will plant, cultivation and care of the plants, to harvesting. There is a lot of hands-on learning going on, says OConnor.

Some of the activities the students in the class take part in include starting plants, transplanting, rooting cuttings from plants such as geraniums, doing everything necessary for their spring plant sales,

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Horticulture program teaches appreciation and responsibility, contributes to school lunch program

GreenhouseContinued on page 29


Home& Garden

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and growing poinsettias for Christmas sales (a challenging and unique plant to grow and time right for the holidays).

They take away a sense of ownership and responsibility, OConnor says. Of course, they learn all the general aspects of growing their own food. I dont expect they will all have their own gardens someday, but they certainly will have an understanding of where their food comes from.

Ashley Turk, Food Corps Service member who works with the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, says, The students gain great problem solving and critical thinking skills. Things often go well, but there are also issues. For example, if things dont germinate, the students are the ones to fi gure out what is going on. We dont look at this as a production garden, but rather as a teaching tool.

Turk notes that another benefi t of the greenhouse is the produce from the garden fi nds its way to the school cafeteria for student lunches. Even on a cold February or March day the students may be found harvesting tomatoes to take them to the school kitchen. They start out planting and, if all goes well in the end, they

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GreenhouseContinued from page 28

GreenhouseContinued on page 30

4 Miles North of Rossville on Maud Rd. or 1.5 Miles Off of

Elon Dr. Watch for Signs!Joe & Orpha Hochstetler

1197 Maud Rd., Waukon, IA 563-535-3069

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Home& Garden

Left to right - Waukon High School students Drew Gaunitz, Christian Wenthold and Brooks Mathis add water to the tank where the tilapia are being raised as part

of the aquaponics system in the new greenhouse.

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Remodelingwill get to eat what they grow, she says.

Turk also uses the greenhouse to teach students in science classes, and it is used by the after school program as well.

Junior Christian Wenthold says he was never really into plants until he took horticulture class, and now he enjoys the constant smell of spring inside the greenhouse. It takes a lot to keep the plants alive; for example, its easy for the plants to get infected with fungus and such if you are not careful, he shared. A clean greenhouse is a good greenhouse.

Sophomore Lizzie Blake says she has learned a lot about what soils work best for what plants, such as pH

and nutrients, as well as the water and temperature needs of the plants. She had done some gardening with her grandparents and feels like she has gained skills needed to have her own garden someday. I like working with my hands in the soil, and I like getting dirty. Living in Iowa, those are skills you need, Blake said.

Sophomore Jaydon Snitker

says her experiences in horticulture class were the fi rst time she has really been involved with gardening. Its a lot of work, she commented. I really like being able to do things hands-on. Its one thing to learn about things in a classroom, but then we get to come out here and do it.

OConnor says the students really enjoy the fact it is 75 degrees in the greenhouse, even when it is cold and snowy outside, and they seem to enjoy working with plants in general. I even have students who ask to come out here during their study halls, she says.

The students really take ownership, both in the greenhouse and with the raised bed outside. They do the work and, therefore, have respect for what they are doing and take good care of things, OConnor said.

Turk added, The students really seem to appreciate the fact that their teacher is willing to try new things and they get to have input in what they do and what plants they grow. She, literally, handed them a seed catalog and pretty much let everyone pick out one thing to grow for the spring plant sales.

A recently added feature in the greenhouse is an aquaponics system which includes a 400-gallon tank where they are raising blue tilapia. The water from the fi sh tank is circulated to a growing table where the nutrients in the water are picked up by lettuce grown in small containers with no soil.

The class started its fi rst fi sh in the tank in October and hope they will be mature this summer. We started the fi sh as fi ngerlings. Ideally, the fi sh would be ready in seven to eight months. However, I expect a bit longer due to it being our fi rst time and learning as we go. We hope to harvest the fi sh when they around 1.25 to 1.33 pounds. Our plan is to harvest the fi sh and use them in some way with the after school program, said OConnor.

Jesse Whittle HARPERS FERRY, IA

563-419-8218

Serving Northeast Iowa

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GreenhouseContinued from page 29


Home& GardenWaukon High School Greenhouse

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Home& GardenWaukon High School Greenhouse

Clockwise from left above: Student Riley Wyninger checks the leaves of the geraniums the students are growing in the greenhouse located at the high school; WHS Horticulture Instructor Jessica OConnor (back, left) discusses the health of the lettuce plants growing in the greenhouse with students Anna Weighner, Lizzie Blake and Daytona Miller; Students Victoria Waters and Anna Weighner help label and record geranium plants; Students Kayla

Palmer and Bailey Farley (left to right at right) check for tomatoes that are ready to be harvested and taken to the school kitchen to be incorporated into school lunch.

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Home& GardenPictured are

Lauren and Cole Kelly, children of JC and Natalie Kelly of rural Waukon, with their bountiful

zucchini harvest.

Kelly

Kids

Tegan

and the

Turnip

This turnip was grown and harvested from a deer food plot in Clermont November of 2014. Tegan, age

4, is the daughter of Samuel Ash and Dacia Brink.

Ali's Tomatoe

s

Ali Melcher of rural Waukon, age 4, is pictured with tomatoes grown in her garden. She is the daughter of Jeff and Sara Melcher. Ali enjoys spending time in the garden

with her parents but gets a much bigger kick helping Grandma Karen and Grandpa Roger Melcher run tomatoes

through the juice mill to make tomato juice for canning.

home & garden 2015

Documents

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