Transcript

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Presenting Sponsor Friday & Saturday, March 15th – 16th

Wilson Recreation Center

2013

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 2

291-3105

Though gardening can be both relaxing and re-warding, it’s not as easy as it may seem, and the more time and effort a person devotes to his or her garden the more likely it is to be success-ful.

Gardening can be a little daunting for begin-ners who have little or no experience planting flowers or vegetables. But gardening need not be so intimidating, es-pecially for those begin-ners who adhere to the following tips aimed at helping novice garden-ers start their gardens off on the right foot.

• Determine what you should plant. Where you live will go a long way toward determin-ing what you should plant. While you can plant anything you can get your hands on, the United States Depart-ment of Agriculture as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have determined specific plant hardiness zones that indicate which plants are most likely to thrive in given locations. Maps of these zones can be found at www.usda.gov and www.agr.gc.ca. By adhering to the maps, gardeners can significantly increase their chances of grow-ing successful gardens. When in doubt about

what to plant, consult a local gardening center or seek advice from a professional landscaper.

• Think location when beginning your garden. Beginners with large yards have the luxury of choosing the right location on their prop-erties to start planting. When choosing a spot, consider how much sunlight a location gets on a daily basis and the spot’s proximity to a water supply. If plant-ing flowers, try to avoid planting in areas with heavy foot traffic so the flowers are less likely to be stomped. If you’re planting flowers to ac-cent walkways, then consider erecting a bar-rier around the flower bed to safeguard the flowers from foot traffic.

• Get started before you plant. Preparing the soil a few weeks before you start planting can help the plants thrive down the road. Add some organic material, such as compost or fer-tilizer, to the soil rough-ly three weeks before planting. This helps the soil retain water and nu-trients, which will help your garden thrive.

• Time your plant-ing. When you plant is sometimes as impor-tant as what you plant. Some climates allow for year-round planting, but

many do not. When buy-ing seeds, the packag-ing might suggest what time of year to plant the seeds. Adhere to these suggestions or your garden might not grow much at all. In addition, keep in mind that many seedlings need sig-nificant light throughout the day in order to grow, so choose a time of year with ample daylight.

• Don’t forget to mulch. Mulch can be as aesthetically appealing as it is effective. Mulch retains soil, helping roots to grow stronger, while deterring bugs and preventing weed growth. And many gardeners find mulch adds visual appeal their garden, and does so in a very inexpensive way.

• Clean your tools. Be-ginners rarely recognize the importance of clean-ing gardening tools be-fore putting them away. At the end of each gar-dening session, clean your tools thoroughly, as soil left on your gar-den tools can play host to potentially harmful microbes that might kill your plants.

Gardening can be a labor-intensive yet grati-fying hobby. By sticking to a few simple rules, beginners can develop a thriving garden to reward all of that hard work.

For Beginners...Gardening is a rewarding hobby that many enthusiasts credit with helping them to peacefully escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 3

The Triangle East Home and Garden Show returns to Wilson for the third time on March 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event will be held at the Wilson Recreation Center and is promised to offer more activities and events this year with an increase in ven-dor participation.

The main speaker, Bryce Lane, host of “In the Garden with Bryce Lane,” is also generat-ing a lot of interest, said Rebecca Tew, member-ship services manager with the Wilson Cham-ber of Commerce.

“In the Garden with Bryce Lane” is a popu-lar UNC TV show that offers introductory gardening information for the home gardener. Lane is also an N.C. State University distin-guished undergraduate professor and under-graduate coordinator for horticulture science.

“I think the interest is because of Bryce Lane,” Tew said. “I think people are familiar with him and we anticipate a great crowd.”

Over 50 vendors plan to participate this year with several setting up booths outside of the Wilson Recreation Cen-ter, at 500 Sunset Road. The Wilson Chamber of Commerce event is free and open to the public.

On Friday at 11 a.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., there will be special presentations from the

Duplin Winery titled, “Muscadines are devine from the grape to the wine.”

Foss Recycling will set up a recycling area outside and will recycle donated electronic items. On Saturday, Cardinal Party Rental will set up a large, in-flatable slide for chil-dren and Lowe’s “Build and Grow” will offer activities for children at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Door prizes will be of-fered by 12 participat-ing vendors.

This year’s vendors will offer a variety of services and products related to home and garden improvements. Some of the vendors will offer ideas for home improvements ranging from baths, spas and pools to windows, sun-rooms and swimming pools. Other vendors will have information about taxes, insurance, cell phones and college and others will focus on outdoor gardening and landscaping.

The Raleigh Road Garden Center and Du-plin Winery plan to par-ticipate as vendors.

Other vendors will have information about building supplies, pest control, mosquito con-trol, water systems, shutters and other res-toration projects.

“Vendors have activi-ties from their booths,” Tew said. “It’s up to them to put on a good show and that’s what

Home & Garden Show back for 2013

people look forward to.” The Home Builders

Association of Wilson is one of this year’s par-ticipating sponsors for the first time.

The Triangle East Home and Garden Show was created in an effort to draw interest, partici-pation and visitors from an eight-county region. The first show in 2010 drew an estimated 3,500 people and included 90 vendors in April 2010. The show was not held in 2011 due to economic conditions and a decline in interest but became successful once again in 2012.

Organizers expect a large and enthusiastic crowd for 2013.From staff reports

Attendees at the 2012 Triangle East Home & Garden Show peruse the booths of the different vendors, meet their local home and garden experts and take away valuable information for their upcoming home projects. Though the show focuses on outdoor gardening, vendors at this year’s show will offer ideas for everything from home renovation and swimming pools to taxes, insurance and cell phones. Photos courtesy of the Wilson Chamber of Commerce

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 4

Triangle East Home & Garden Showin conjuction with

Home Builders Association of Wilson

Friday & Saturday, March 15th & 16th10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Wilson Recreation Center500 Sunset Road

Special Guest Speaker: Bryce Lane Saturday, March 16th, 11 a.m.

Special Presentations: Duplin WineryFriday, March 15th, 11 a.m.Saturday, March 16th, 1 p.m.

For the Kids:Lowe’s Build and Grow ClinicsSaturday, March 16th, 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.

Cardinal Party RentalsGiant Inflatable SlideSaturday, March 16th,All Day

Events and Speaker Schedule

Bryce Lane has a passion for gardening. But he also loves to share that passion. “Any time that I’m able to get out and talk to people about gardening, I’m happy,” he says.

On Saturday, he will bring that passion to the Triangle East Home and Garden Show on Saturday at 11 a.m. The title of his presentation is: “Gardening is not complicated, it’s hard! Simple approaches to outdoor living.”

Viewers of his popular, Emmy-winning UNC-TV show, “In the Garden with Bryce Lane,” have found him traveling around the state — and sometimes even abroad — for ten seasons expounding on different gar-dening techniques with great knowledge and enthusiasm. But often, the show features his own garden in Raleigh, which he has cultivated for the past 30 years.

Lane’s presentation on Satur-day will cover a variety of topics, but will tie together how simple he believes gardening can be.

As he does each week on his show, he hopes to “help people see and relate to what they can do in their own home land-scapes” and inspire the courage to try different things.

“We make it much too compli-cated than it really is,” said Lane.

Lane said he will focus on get-ting people to be truthful with themselves about their own yard and how best to garden in it.

“It sounds obvious, but we try to pretend that some of the shady spots in our yard are sunny. And vice versa. We need to be honest about it.”

Lane also says that we need to be honest about our soil. Most would-be gardeners ignore basic soil preparation and the proper

pH levels.Lane joined

the faculty of N.C. State in 1981, where he teaches horticulture science and has served as the under-graduate co-ordinator since 1987. He has received numer-ous accolades dur-ing his tenure, from both N.C. State and national educational organizations.

His career began many years ago when he took a high school job at a local nursery in his home state of Massachusetts.

“At the time, it was purely to make money, for college and what not. But I also wanted to be outdoors,” he said.

Looking back, however, that job was the single experience that truly launched his love of horticul-ture.

From there, he went on to the Univer-sity of Massa-chusetts, where he majored in plant science, and then earned a mas-ters of science

graduate degree in ornamental horticulture from Ohio State University.

His show, “In the Garden with Bryce Lane,” has run for 10 seasons on UNC-TV and has garnered two regional Emmys and a large, loyal following in North Carolina.

Home & Garden Show to feature Bryce Lane

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Duplin Winery to present on Friday and Saturday, discuss health benefits of muscadines

On Friday at 11 a.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., there will be a special presentation given by Eric Moore of Duplin Winery: “Muscadines are Divine from the Grape to the Wine.”

The half-hour presentations will focus on the history of Duplin Winery, but more specifically, the many health benefits of muscadine grapes.

Due to the antioxidant benefits of the grape, Duplin Winery has branched out to sell variety of health products. Since 1996, they have offered NutraGrape, which is manufactured using 100 percent of the grape seed and is touted for its healing properties.

And for the last two years, Duplin has offered products made from the whole grape, as recent studies have proven that even more benefits lie within the fruit.

Moore says that antioxidants have

great anti-inflammatory properties to them, and they have been used to help people suffering from anything from joint problems to cancer.

“The list goes on,” said Moore. “It’s great for people with any autoimmune disease.”

In addition to the health products, the winery, which bottled its first wine in 1976, makes a variety jams and jellies using the famous grape, in addition to barbecue sauce, salsa, relish and other products.

Moore says he will also have a new product at the show — a wine slushie, known as a “sweetzer.”

Duplin Winery, the largest winery in the South, regularly wins national and international acclaim for its wines. Over 100,000 people visit their Rose Hill win-ery and production facility each year. Duplin Winery will make two presentations this weekend: Friday at 11 a.m.

and Saturday at 1 p.m. Photos courtesy of Duplin Winery

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 6

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You don’t have to be an environ-mentalist to compost, either. Compost, which is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled and used for fertilizing soil, is great for your garden and will help reduce landfill waste. In addition, composting in your home garden will help you save money.

Using compost means your garden will be more cost-effective because you will have to spend less on fertil-izers, insecticides, and fungicides for a given harvest of any crop,” says Brett L. Markham, author of “The Mini Farming Guide to Composting,” the latest in his Mini Farming book series.

Across the country people are em-bracing the concept of self-sufficiency and preparedness, “mini farming” anywhere, from rooftop urban gar-dens to suburban backyards to larger land plots. Growing food is easier than ever and composting is a huge part of this movement.

Markham, who also has written the bestselling “Mini Farming: Self-Suf-ficiency on 1/4 Acre” as well as mini farming guides to fermenting and veg-etable gardening, offers these garden-ing tips to get started on composting:

• Composting is a natural form of recycling, so use food waste, grass clippings, coffee grounds and even pa-per as compost. Just be sure to shred the paper first to speed up the process.

• Start your compost pile in a conve-nient spot, and make sure it is semi-shaded and well-drained.

• Add bulking agents such as wood chips to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials, allowing the finished material to fully stabilize and mature through a curing process. Add leaves, straw, or hay along with grass clippings or green manures for plenty of bulk.

Each layer should be no more than two inches so that the grass clippings or leaves don’t get matted down to form a layer impermeable to air.

• Keep the compost moist. Either water it yourself or let rain take care of it. The compost should be moist, but not soaked.

• Cover the compost pile to help re-tain moisture and heat. This will also help prevent the compost from being over-watered by the rain.

• Turn the compost pile with a shovel or a fork to aerate the pile. It is important to water the pile as you turn it as well. Turning the pile adds oxy-gen to the compost which is necessary to get the most out of your pile.

• Once you add the compost to your garden, you’ll be ready to start plant-ing in two to five weeks!

You can learn more about compost-ing, mini farming, and self-sufficiency at www.MarkhamFarm.com/mainsite.

Composting is the first easy step to helping the environment while grow-ing your own food. So make the most out of your garden, and start digging!

Tips to start compostingIt doesn’t matter if you’re a gardening novice trying to supplement your dinner table with some home-grown veggies or an entrepreneur that earns a living off the land, composting is a simple way to go green and help save the environment.

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providing homeowners with less-than-stellar growing conditions for their lawns, plants and other foli-age. Frustration can mount when a yard is muddy, is especially shady or has soil that doesn’t seem to grow a thing. In such instances, homeown-ers may have to go the extra mile to get the yard they desire.

Irrigation issuesImproper drainage or low-lying

areas in a yard may contribute to a muddy mess. Soil that is inhospitable for grass also may end up causing muddy patches because the grass simply does not grow. In some cases, remedying a muddy yard is easy and inexpensive. Some homeowners find that tilling the soil and amending it with a fiber mulch helps to absorb

extra water and make the conditions better for lawn seeds to sprout. This also helps to aerate compacted soil that can hinder grass growth. Adding soil fill also may help to level low-lying areas that can be puddling.

Some homeowners find that they need to do a little more work and spend some more money to fix ir-rigation issues. Installing a draining system or having the property sloped to draw water away can sometimes be done by a homeowner but is often best left to a professional. You may need to dig trenches, and the proper-ty may need to be regraded to make a difference.

Sandy soilGrass and other plants may not

grow well with sandy or clay soil. Again, amending the soil is one way

to remedy the problem. Although it will take some work at the out-set, amending the soil can improve conditions and reduce how much maintenance the lawn needs. Dig-ging down several inches and add-ing nutrient-rich filler soil will help create conditions that are better for growing. Those who are interested in planting vegetables could opt for raised garden beds above the chal-lenging soil.

ShadeSometimes a yard is problematic

because of the amount of sunshine it receives. Too much sunshine can scald certain grasses, while inad-equate sunshine may result in bare patches where grass won’t grow. If cost is no object, removing or plant-ing trees to establish better grow-

ing conditions could be an option. However, today there are many grass blends that are tailored toward spe-cific sunlight scenarios. Homeowners may find that low-light blends will grow better in shady areas.

For those who are finding no luck with grass blends, it may just be necessary to think creatively. Plant shade-loving plants, such as ferns or ground cover, where the grass won’t take. Design the landscape so it looks intentional. Flagstone and slate placed in certain areas also may mask temperamental growing areas.

There are different options for managing various situations in the yard that can make growing lawn or other plants challenging. If projects are difficult, it could be smart to call in a professional

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Here are a few key tips for readying your yard for entertaining possi-bilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs.

• Check the area for any needed repairs. Prior to your first en-tertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may present safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they do not cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you are unsure of any structural deficits, con-

sult with a contractor.• Hire a reputable con-

tractor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vet-ted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members are good, and you can also double-check qualifica-tions by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged or use a service such as Angie’s List to read reviews of his or her work.

• Think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio. The use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an entertaining space can help minimize weather-related damage to out-door furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm and humid. Hav-ing a bit of concealment also means you can cre-ate a private space that isn’t easily viewed by neighbors or passersby.

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When people think of outdoor storage, they generally envision garden sheds to house their lawn and garden equipment and tools. However, if space doesn’t allow for a large shed, there is no need to fret because there are other storage possibilities. Consider a garden ottoman or bench, for example. This structure can be built from wood and then painted or covered in padded fabric. Store small items inside the ottoman, which can also serve as a table or additional seating. In addition to an ottoman, a garden tool that can keep shovels and rakes organized. Homeowners with a deck can construct lidded deck boxes to store patio cushions or any other outdoor equipment. Utilizing the space under the deck is another idea. Cover the perimeter of the bottom of the deck with lattice and install one piece on a hinge to serve as a door. Store equipment underneath and out of sight. It also will be protected from the elements.

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Front Entrance VendorRaleigh Road Garden Center

Outside Vendors

Cardinal Party RentalFoss RecyclingGreenlight Community BroadbandJC Harris Cadillac, Inc.Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories

Inside Vendors1. Greenlight Community Broadband2. Greenlight Community Broadband3. Carol Creech Promotions4. Hutch Sunrooms Plus5. Hutch Sunrooms Plus6. Hutch Sunrooms Plus7. Clear Choice Water Solutions8. Mosquito Authority of Eastern NC9. Hope’s Lockets10. Metal Works & Improvements, Inc.11. Metal Works & Improvements, Inc.12. WHIG-TV13. Miracle Method of the Triangle14. Miracle Method of the Triangle15. Rest Area16. Ihrie Supply Co.17. hrie Supply Co.18. Etheridge Roofing19. Arco Restoration, Inc.20. Duplin Winery21. Chick-Fil-A of Wilson22. Chick-Fil-A of Wilson23. Wilson Extension Master Gardeners24. Wilson County Green Association25. Comfort Master, Inc.26. Edward Jones Investments27. Parkwood Village and The Landing28. US Cellular29. State Farm Insurance Jana Lake Agency30. Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park31. East Carolina Kitchen & Bath LLC32. Envirocon, Inc.33. Luxury Baths & Kitchens/EcoViewWindows34. Luxury Baths & Kitchens/EcoViewWindows35. Wilson Energy - Utilities/Electric

36. Lowes of Wilson37. City of Wilson/Wilson Energy - Gas Div.38. H&R Block39. B&J Plumbing, Heating & Air Condi-tioning40. Premiere Pools and Designs41. Performance Heating & Cooling42. Rest Area43. Wilson Community College44. Chapman’s Chiropractic Center45. Garris Evans Lumber Company46. INSCO47. The Shutterworks48. ReBath of North Carolina49. Rid-A-Pest, Inc.50. Kenco Home Improvements51. Medi Massagers52. Corbett Woodworks53. BathFitter54. BathFitter55. BathFitter

Door Prizes Provided byAllen’s NurseryArts Council of WilsonBoykin CenterCreations by CulbrethDPACGolden CorralGracies Raleigh Road NurserySugar Plum ShoppeTeppanyaki GrillWilliams of WilsonWilson HardwareWilson Visitors CenterWitherspoon Roses

Electronic Recycling byDOOR PRIZES PROVIDED BY

1. Greenlight Community Broadband2. Greenlight Community Broadband3. Carol Creech Promotions4. Hutch Sunrooms Plus5. Hutch Sunrooms Plus6. Hutch Sunrooms Plus7. Clear Choice Water Solutions8. Mosquito Authority of Eastern NC9. Hope’s Lockets10. Metal Works & Improvements, Inc.11. Metal Works & Improvements, Inc.12. WHIG-TV13. Miracle Method of the Triangle14. Miracle Method of the Triangle15.16. Ihrie Supply Co.17. hrie Supply Co.18. Etheridge Roofing19. Arco Restoration, Inc.20. Duplin Winery21. Chick-Fil-A of Wilson22. Chick-Fil-A of Wilson23. Wilson Extension Master Gardeners24. Wilson County Green Association25. Comfort Master, Inc.26. Edward Jones Investments27. Parkwood Village and The Landing28. US Cellular29. State Farm Insurance Jana Lake Agency30. Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park31. East Carolina Kitchen & Bath LLC32. Envirocon, Inc.33. Luxury Baths & Kitchens/EcoView Windows34. Luxury Baths & Kitchens/EcoView Windows35. Wilson Energy - Utilities/Electric36. Lowes of Wilson37. City of Wilson/Wilson Energy - Gas Div.38. H&R Block39. B&J Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning40. Premiere Pools and Designs41. Performance Heating & Cooling42.43. Wilson Community College44. Chapman’s Chiropractic Center45. Garris Evans Lumber Company46. INSCO47. The Shutterworks48. ReBath of North Carolina49. Rid-A-Pest, Inc.50. Kenco Home Improvements51. Medi Massagers52. Corbett Woodworks53. BathFitter54. BathFitter55. BathFitter

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

“Gardening is not Complicated,It’s Hard! Simple Approaches toOutdoor Living” with Bryce Lane,Host of UNC TV Show, “In theGarden with Bryce Lane”.

Speaker Courtesy of Wilson Visitors Center

Saturday12:00 Noon

2:00 PM4:00 PM

“Muscadine’s are Devinefrom the Grape to the Wine!”

Friday, 11:00 AM

Saturday, 1:00 PM

Allen’s NurseryArts Council of WilsonBoykin CenterCreations by CulbrethDPACGolden CorralGracies

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING BY

GIANT SLIDE ALL DAYON SATURDAY BY

OUTSIDE VENDORSCardinal Party RentalFoss RecyclingGreenlight Community BroadbandJC Harris Cadillac, Inc.Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories

Raleigh Road NurserySugar Plum ShoppeTeppanyaki GrillWilliams of WilsonWilson HardwareWilson Visitors CenterWitherspoon Roses

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics will offer activities for kids at three different times during the Triangle East Home and Garden Show: Saturday12 Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.

For the kidsAll day on Saturday, a giant inflatable slide with be on hand, courtesy of Cardinal Party Rental.

DOOR PRIZES PROVIDED BY

1. Greenlight Community Broadband2. Greenlight Community Broadband3. Carol Creech Promotions4. Hutch Sunrooms Plus5. Hutch Sunrooms Plus6. Hutch Sunrooms Plus7. Clear Choice Water Solutions8. Mosquito Authority of Eastern NC9. Hope’s Lockets10. Metal Works & Improvements, Inc.11. Metal Works & Improvements, Inc.12. WHIG-TV13. Miracle Method of the Triangle14. Miracle Method of the Triangle15.16. Ihrie Supply Co.17. hrie Supply Co.18. Etheridge Roofing19. Arco Restoration, Inc.20. Duplin Winery21. Chick-Fil-A of Wilson22. Chick-Fil-A of Wilson23. Wilson Extension Master Gardeners24. Wilson County Green Association25. Comfort Master, Inc.26. Edward Jones Investments27. Parkwood Village and The Landing28. US Cellular29. State Farm Insurance Jana Lake Agency30. Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park31. East Carolina Kitchen & Bath LLC32. Envirocon, Inc.33. Luxury Baths & Kitchens/EcoView Windows34. Luxury Baths & Kitchens/EcoView Windows35. Wilson Energy - Utilities/Electric36. Lowes of Wilson37. City of Wilson/Wilson Energy - Gas Div.38. H&R Block39. B&J Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning40. Premiere Pools and Designs41. Performance Heating & Cooling42.43. Wilson Community College44. Chapman’s Chiropractic Center45. Garris Evans Lumber Company46. INSCO47. The Shutterworks48. ReBath of North Carolina49. Rid-A-Pest, Inc.50. Kenco Home Improvements51. Medi Massagers52. Corbett Woodworks53. BathFitter54. BathFitter55. BathFitter

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

“Gardening is not Complicated,It’s Hard! Simple Approaches toOutdoor Living” with Bryce Lane,Host of UNC TV Show, “In theGarden with Bryce Lane”.

Speaker Courtesy of Wilson Visitors Center

Saturday12:00 Noon

2:00 PM4:00 PM

“Muscadine’s are Devinefrom the Grape to the Wine!”

Friday, 11:00 AM

Saturday, 1:00 PM

Allen’s NurseryArts Council of WilsonBoykin CenterCreations by CulbrethDPACGolden CorralGracies

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING BY

GIANT SLIDE ALL DAYON SATURDAY BY

OUTSIDE VENDORSCardinal Party RentalFoss RecyclingGreenlight Community BroadbandJC Harris Cadillac, Inc.Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories

Raleigh Road NurserySugar Plum ShoppeTeppanyaki GrillWilliams of WilsonWilson HardwareWilson Visitors CenterWitherspoon Roses

DOOR PRIZES PROVIDED BY

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SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

“Gardening is not Complicated,It’s Hard! Simple Approaches toOutdoor Living” with Bryce Lane,Host of UNC TV Show, “In theGarden with Bryce Lane”.

Speaker Courtesy of Wilson Visitors Center

Saturday12:00 Noon

2:00 PM4:00 PM

“Muscadine’s are Devinefrom the Grape to the Wine!”

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Allen’s NurseryArts Council of WilsonBoykin CenterCreations by CulbrethDPACGolden CorralGracies

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Raleigh Road NurserySugar Plum ShoppeTeppanyaki GrillWilliams of WilsonWilson HardwareWilson Visitors CenterWitherspoon Roses

In conjunction

Triangle East Home & Garden Show March 14, 2012 10-11

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Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 12

At the heart of any handy job in or around the house is a high-quality set of tools.

“Even great tools won’t work as well or last forever if they aren’t treated with care,” warns Chris Barker, Technical Manager at Royal Purple, a manufac-turer of premium synthetic lubricants.

So what can DIY-ers do to extend the life of their valuable tools?

Store Properly

Good organization is not just about sav-ing time when you’re looking for the prop-er tool, or even just about saving space in your garage or shed. Good organization can go a long way to-ward keeping tools in proper working order for longer.

So never leave tools scattered about where they are sus-ceptible to getting dinged or could be the cause of an acci-dent. Install shelving units and invest in a quality toolbox that meets your size and portability needs.

Proper storage away from the ele-ments can also pro-tect metal tools from rust and wooden han-dles from rot. Be sure

to clean and dry all tools before storing them and maintain a cool and dry climate in your workshop or garage.

Use Correctly

Most tools are designed to perform specific functions. Using the wrong tool for a job can pose a safety hazard to you and those around you. By using your equipment incor-rectly, you can make the tool less effective for its intended use. Be aware, even with good maintenance habits, tools will need to be replaced over time.

High-quality tools can be expensive. But with the proper care, you can keep them in good work-ing order all season long and well into the future.

Maintain Regularly

Use a versatile prod-uct to lubricate power tools, rollers and lawn equipment, loosen stuck parts, preserve equipment in storage, and facilitate hand drilling, tapping and metal cutting.

A long-lasting lubri-

cant means less main-tenance for you. For example, Royal Purple Maxfilm, a high-film strength, multipurpose synthetic lubricant, uses their proprietary

additive called Syner-lec to adhere to metal parts and provide continuous protection. It is rated highly by the Handyman Club of America for perfor-

mance, quality durabil-ity and effectiveness.

Maintaining your tools and lawn equip-ment with regular lubrication will protect them against wear,

rust and corrosion and can actually improve the condition of metal surfaces. More infor-mation can be found at www.ProtectParts.com.

Extend the life of your toolsBirds are chirping, flowers are blooming and do-it-yourselfers are kicking their home improve-ment projects into high gear.

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 13

Dee Darden Warrick Agency

3042-B Forest Hills Rd.Wilson, NC

252-243-4197Brett C. Parker

Associate AgentOperations Manager

Alan SoutherlandAssociate Agent

STOP IN TO SEE USAT OUR NEWEST LOCATION

3042-B Forest Hills Road • Wilson

Source: AM Best 2006 Combined Lines PC © 2008 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Home office: Columbus, Ohio 43215-2220. Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Not available in all states.

4345 Raleigh Road Pkwy., Wilson

Mon.-Fri. 10:00 - 5:00 • Sat. 10:00 - 4:00 252-243-0028

Half-way between

I-95 & Airport Blvd.

However, once the sod has been laid down, few homeowners may know how to keep it looking its best.

Sod is real grass that is grown on special farms. It is generally grown locally to avoid long transport times that could dry out the product. Sod is typi-cally sold in squares or rolls of grass that come with the roots and soil already attached. There may be some sort of thin backing material on the sod to keep the grass

blades together.Many homeown-

ers turn to sod when growing lawn from seed becomes problematic or too time-consuming. Seeds can be blown around in the wind or be eaten by birds and other animals before they have a chance to germinate.

Sodding a lawn is a major investment, costing as much as $1 per two-foot square. Depending on the size of your lawn, this can be a costly job even before

adding the cost of addi-tional supplies, such as soil, fertilizer and tilling equipment. Many hom-eowners who install sod want to ensure their in-vestment lasts. Here are the main ways to care for and protect sod until it is fully established.

• Once the sod has been laid down, the lawn should be thor-oughly soaked with water. Most experts recommend soaking it to a depth of 6 inches.

• It is important to establish a watering

schedule to keep the sod moist. Water the sod to a depth of one inch every other day for the first three weeks to enable the roots to securely establish themselves in the soil.

• Water the sod every other day unless the weather has been very warm. After four weeks you can generally go up to five days without watering as long as you transition slowly. The sod will change colors if it is not getting enough water. Never let the

lawn turn yellow, oth-erwise you may have to cut out dead spots and re-sod.

• Wait two to four weeks before mowing the sod. Keep the lawn height to around two inches to ensure that it won’t scald in the sun.

• After two months of established sod growth, aerate the sod to keep the soil from being too compact and to enable oxygen and nutrients to get into the soil.

• Keep children and pets off of the sod while

it is establishing itself.• Fertilize the lawn

every 50 to 60 days, beginning in March and ending in October.

• Inspect the sod for pests, which may include insects or problems like fungi or weeds. Treat accord-ingly with products de-signed to remove pests.

Using sod to establish a lush lawn is a fast, albeit more expensive option to sowing seeds. After a few weeks the lawn will be thick and secure.

Caring for a freshly sodded lawnSod, sometimes called turf, can quickly turn a barren landscape into a rich, thick carpet of green. Homeowners hoping to revive their lawns commonly turn to sod as the quickest means to do just that.

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 14

Summer can take its toll on just about everyone. Even the most ardent fan of summer eventually grows weary of a heat wave, which can make something as simple as walking down the street seem exhaust-ing.

While human be-ings have their ways of surviving summer heat, such survival can be more difficult for your lawn and garden. Certain grasses and plants thrive in hot weather. But when the dog days of summer ar-rive, even those grasses and plants built to withstand the summer sun can suffer. That’s why watering takes on such importance in the summertime, when grasses and plants need water to avoid drying out and possibly even dying. The following are a few basic water-ing techniques to help homeowners keep their lawns going strong through the next sum-mer swoon.

• Water when it’s coolest. Watering when the temperatures are their lowest might seem counterintuitive. After all, homeowners might think their grass and gardens need water most when the tempera-ture is at its highest. But watering when the temperature is cooler decreases evaporation, meaning your lawn will get the water it needs and won’t lose any to steamy conditions that cause evaporation. This is especially important

when the amount of water you can use is limited by a drought restriction. You’ll want to make sure the water you can use is actu-ally going to the lawn and not evaporating as you’re watering.

Watering in the early morning or in the eve-ning, when the sun is not as strong and the temperatures are gener-ally at their coolest, also reduces the likelihood that your grass will burn. That’s because water attracts the sun, and a lawn that’s wet in the middle of a hot day might attract too much sun and cause the lawn to burn.

• Recognize that not all plants are the same. How much water a plant needs and how frequently it needs to be watered largely depends on how deep its roots are. A plant with shal-low roots won’t need to be watered for long periods of time, but it will need to be watered frequently, whereas a deep-rooted plant like a tree or a shrub will need to be watered for long periods of time but not as frequently. Research the plants around your property to determine the depths of their root systems and water ac-cordingly.

• Lean on mulch to retain moisture. Mulch is often considered an aesthetically appealing addition to a landscape, but it serves a practical purpose as well. Mulch retains moisture during the hot summer months,

reducing the need to water – a valuable benefit during a drought restriction. Mulch also makes it difficult for weeds to grow, which can keep homeowners from spending hot sum-mer afternoons pulling

weeds out of their gar-dens and flower beds.

* Strategically locate sprinklers. Sprinklers should be located so no water is ending up on the driveway or sidewalks around your property. Watering the

concrete or asphalt is wasteful, and that’s water that could be go-ing toward your plants. When watering by hand, be sure all of the water is finding its way to plants and not on any walkways.

Successfully water-ing a lawn and garden during the dog days of summer can greatly reduce the risk of end-ing summer with a lawn full of bald spots and a garden filled with wilted plants.

Watering 101Help your lawn thrive through the dog days of summer

Effective watering can help a lawn and garden survive the dog days of summer.

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 15

Many people cultivate gardens both inside and outside of their homes with a focus on adding aesthetic appeal to their property. But a garden that boasts plants that are edible and pleasing to the eye is a possibility as well.

Planting an herb garden is a creative way to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of a wide variety of plants. Using fresh-har-vested herbs in culinary endeavors imparts a taste that dried spices cannot match. What’s more, fresh herbs are often easy to cultivate.

Herbs are versatile, capable of lending great flavor to foods while also playing different roles in personal health

and beauty. Herbs can be grown to perfume homes and bodies. There are herbs that are also purported to help with ailments, from upset stomachs to anxiety.

When planting an herb garden, you may want to pay particular attention to the types of flavors and smells you like in your home and cook-ing. This will help you to narrow down the types of herbs you will plant. Many would-be herb gardeners tend to start small to see what luck they have when cultivat-ing herbs. Fortunately, herbs can grow well in containers indoors, provided the soil is ame-nable and there is plenty of sunlight.

Herbs will grow best in well-prepared soil. Make sure that it is rich in or-ganic matter and drains well. Also, for plants like parsley, be sure to have deep pots or dig deeply in the garden to establish long taproots.

Until the weather

warms up, you may want to begin herb cultiva-tion indoors and then transfer plants outside during the summer. Basil, for instance, is a tropical plant that does well in warm conditions. Therefore, it will need to be kept away from drafts

and get several hours of direct sunshine a day. Place most herb planters in a south-facing win-dow of a home to ensure they get ample sunlight and to allow the soil to dry adequately between waterings.

With many herbs, leaf

production will diminish on any stems that flower. It is essential to pinch off flowers that form to encourage the herb plant to continue producing leaves, which are the parts of the plant most associated with season-ing and aroma.

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3317 AIRPORT BLVD., WILSON252-206-SWIM (7946)

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The Wilson Garden Tour returns for 2013Warmer weather is right around the

corner, and its arrival welcomes the renewed bloom of many area gardens. Take advantage of the season and enjoy some the best gardens Wilson has to offer with the return of the 2013 Wilson Garden Tour on May 3 and 4. The 2013 Wilson Garden Tour will feature eight local gardens throughout Wilson and is open, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person, and free for children under 12 years old. Like previous tours, all pro-ceeds benefit the Children’s Secret Gar-den at the Wilson Botanical Gardens.

The 2013 Tour will feature the gar-dens of: 1) Mr. and Mrs. Tim Webb, 8620 Tyson Farm Rd., Stantonsburg; 2) Dr. and Mrs. James Cummings, 2900 Falling Maple Drive; 3) Dr. and Mrs. Jim Taylor, 3003 Wolf Trap Dr.; 4) Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hill, 3601 Myrtle Woods Ct.; 5) Ms. Carol Wikfors and Ms. Sheila

Forbes, 509 Lafayette Dr.; 6) Mr. and Mrs. Ben Skinner, 521 Mount Vernon Dr.; 7) Mr. and Mrs. Dickie Barnes, 2006 Hermitage Dr.; 8) Mr. and Mrs. Bill An-drews, 2305 Canal Dr.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the Tour as well. For more information, call 252-237-0113. Tickets will be available at all gardens during the tour. They may be purchased prior to the tour at Wilson Ag. Center, Raleigh Road Garden Center, The Flower Pot and The Nook.

The garden of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Skinner (called the “Green Heritage Garden”), shown above, is one of eight gardens featured on the 2013 Wilson Garden Tour.

May 3 and 4,201310:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. $25 per person, children under 12 years old are freeMore information: 252-237-0113Website: www.wilson-co.com/arboretum facebook/wilsonbotanicalgardensFacebook: Wilson botanical GardensAdditional event: an evening reception with a silent auction will be held on Friday, May 3, 5–7 p.m. at the Wilson Woman’s Club, 402 Broad St.

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 17

Those who do not want their gardens to turn into all-you-can-eat buf-fets for deer, rabbits and other wild animals can take a more proactive approach to gardening.

Deer are opportunists who will no doubt see your garden as a salad bar ripe with all of their favorite foods. As hous-ing developments con-tinue to encroach on the natural habitats of deer and other animals, these animals are becoming more visible. Deer may not be able to forage for food effectively in their smaller, natural sur-roundings, or they may become accustomed to the “easy pickings” they find in neighborhood yards. Either way, you may encounter a deer in or around your area.

Keeping deer at bay involves some work and maintenance on the part of a homeowner. There are safe and humane methods to repelling deer, or at least block-ing access to the plants worth protecting. Here are the main ways to deer-proof a garden.

Fence ItFences are one way to

deter deer from enter-ing a yard and dining on your garden. Keep in mind that deer can jump fences that are quite tall, but they have to be especially motivated to jump an eight-foot-tall fence. Still, they tend to be weary about scaling a

fence when they cannot see what is on the other side. Therefore, if you are fencing out deer, choose a fence that cam-ouflages the garden well and completely encloses the area to be protected. If you do not want the fence to be solid, con-sider putting stakes or thorny plants within the garden so that the deer will hesitate to jump into the garden.

Scare ThemDeer are naturally

skittish around people, but over time they can become quite compla-cent around human beings. Once a deer decides that something will not present a threat, the deer can adapt to its presence.

Motion-activated devices may not work, nor the presence of pets. Predator urine is typi-cally an effective way at keeping deer at bay. Bottled coyote urine can be quite effective, although human urine may work as well. Reapplying the prod-uct weekly around the plants is a good idea.

Repel the DeerThere are many

organic or chemically-based products on the market that deer may find offensive to the taste or smell.

Hot pepper, sulfur and eggs or even the use of soapy water have been

successful in certain instances. The use of blood meal or even human hair around the garden may repel the deer and keep them on a different foraging path. However, remember that any deer that is very hungry may ignore un-pleasant tastes or smells for a quick bite.

Change PlantsIf other food sources

are available, there are some species of plants and trees that deer will avoid. Filling your garden with these plants can help you maintain a beautiful, albeit untasty, environment for deer.

When planting annu-als, select among:

* Alyssum* Begonias* Calendula* Celosia* Dianthus* Foxglove* Geraniums* Parsley* Poppy* SnapdragonsIn terms of perennials,

plant these items once, and deer could stay away:

* Ageratum* Anemone* Astibe* Bearded iris* Catmint* Honeysuckle* Lantana* Monkshood* Rock rose* Rosemary* Soapwort* WisteriaPlant these herbs

alongside flowers for even more protection:

* Chives* Eucalyptus* Garlic

* Mint* Thyme* WintergreenGardeners who use a

combination of methods

to keep deer out of their yards and gardens may have a higher success rate at deterring these animals.

Making It Better Than Before

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Deer-proofing a gardenCreating a beautiful and bountiful garden is a popular pastime for people all across the coun-try. It is important to keep in mind that aesthetically appealing plants may be appetizing to area wildlife, including deer.

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 18

Experts say that even with modest amounts of time and space, you can grow an organic garden plot that feeds your fam-ily all year long.

“The simplest methods of gardening work best,” says Barbara Dam-rosch, organic gardening expert and co–author of the new book, “The Four Season Farm Gardener’s Cookbook,” which serves as both a garden guide and a healthful cookbook. “There is very little you can’t accom-plish in the garden if you trust the systems that are already in place.”

Damrosch and co-author Eliot Coleman contend that organic vegetable gardening is not only healthful for you and your family, but is also good for the planet and can make a serious dent in your food expenses.

They are offering these great tips to anyone looking to grow and cook their own food:

• When choosing which plants to grow, consider how much space you have. Salad crops, for example, give you the most variety in a garden of limited size. Consider prioritizing crops whose flavor is most notably lacking in supermarket varieties, such as tomatoes, straw-berries, cucumbers and melons.

• It helps to get to know different plants on a family basis. Fam-

ily groupings are very important in planning how to rotate the crops in your garden from year to year, and much of the techniques that work for one vegetable, apply equally well to its cousins.

• Don’t let weeds get ahead of you. Once they’ve gained the upper

hand, getting rid of them can seem almost impos-sible. The ideal time to control weeds is when they are tiny, right after they first appear. Take the extra time to plant in straight lines, which can help with weed control.

• Veteran gardeners tend to be supportive resources to newcomers.

Let friends with green thumbs share their en-thusiasm and expertise with you. Or get involved in an organic community garden, where there is no shortage of expe-rienced gardeners to consult.

• Pass up the modern habit of eating any crop, any time of year by let-

ting your garden feed you. Fruits and vegeta-bles that come from half-way around the world were often harvested far too early and can have a disappointing, bland taste. By planning meals from your garden, you’ll become a more creative, improvisational cook.

More gardening tips

can be found at www.fourseasonfarm.com.

Eating is one of the most important things we do, so don’t just settle for what the supermar-ket has to offer. Garden-ing can revolutionize the way you eat, and help you take greater control of your family’s nutri-tion.

Grow what you eatCooking from the garden is not like cooking from the store. There’s nothing more tasty, nutri-tious and satisfying than fresh, homemade meals made from the fruits, vegetables and herbs you grew yourself.

Pruning trees and shrubs is necessary to ensure they maintain their health and vigor. Trees and shrubs should be inspected annually to determine if they need to be pruned. Mature trees typically do not need to be pruned as frequently as young trees, which need pruning to estab-lish branch structure. Trees and shrubs that go years without pruning can become overgrown and weak. In addition to promoting tree and shrub health, pruning pays a host of other dividends.

• Pruning removes dead or diseased branches. Pruning helps a tree or shrub maintain its shape and vigor by removing broken, dead or diseased branches that can be unsightly and make it more difficult for the tree or shrub to stay healthy. When broken, dead or diseased branch-es are removed, trees or shrubs look healthier and add aesthetic appeal to a property.

• Pruning trees and shrubs promotes growth of other plants. Trees and shrubs that go years without being pruned be-come overgrown, making it difficult for plants un-derneath or adjacent to them to grow in healthy. For example, grass be-neath an overgrown tree might not get adequate sunlight, which it needs to establish strong roots so it can grow in lush and healthy. Pruning allows plants beneath the tree and shrub and even those next to the tree and shrub to grow in nicely.

• Pruning can some-times bring plants back

to life. Shrubs that have gone years without being pruned can sometimes still be salvaged. In some instances, pruning such shrubs can restore natu-ral and healthy growth.

• Pruning reduces risk of accidents. Overgrown trees can interfere with power lines, increas-ing the risk of accidents and power outages. In addition, overgrown trees tend to have larger, weaker limbs, which can prove hazardous and cause property damage during storms. Pruning overgrown trees reduces the risk of such accidents.

• Pruning can save money. Over time, overgrown trees might require professional assistance in order to

be removed or pruned from a property. Hom-eowners who prune their trees as needed can save themselves the cost of a potentially pricey tree service.

• Pruning adds curb appeal. A property lit-tered with overgrown trees and shrubs hurts a home’s curb appeal, giving prospective buy-ers the impression that homeowners might have been careless with regard to maintaining the whole house and not just the lawn. But trees and shrubs that are pruned and well-maintained can add to a home’s curb appeal, something that goes a long way toward impressing prospective buyers.

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 19

Mike Roberson, Pres.

252-567-8922 • 252-446-4800

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Pruning benefits

Triangle East Home & Garden Show Wednesday, March 13, 2013 20

Remodeling your home? Don’t just keep up with the Joneses. Go a step further by giving your home truly unique upgrades.

Experts say that one great way to be distinc-tive and add value to your home is by going natural.

So if you’re thinking of redoing your coun-tertops, floors, walls or other key home ele-ments like no one else

on your block, think marble, granite and salvaged lumber.

“There is no way to duplicate nature in a lab-oratory or manufactur-ing environment,” says Garen Distelhorst, Com-munications Director at the Marble Institute of America. “Natural stone is quarried from rock beds formed over millions of years. You’re never going to find two pieces exactly alike.”

Here are some benefits of natural materials for you to consider

• Return on Invest-ment: In many cases, marble and granite are less expensive than other premium materials and add value to a home when it’s time to sell. According to the most current data available, natural stone recovered between 80 to 86 percent of its remodeling cost at the time of resale.

• Durability: The an-cient civilizations were onto something when they built their cities. Natural stone stands up to weathering and time better than any other building material, natu-ral or manmade. Stone floors, countertops and wall cladding will last for at least 100 years in many cases. Likewise, salvaged lumber is old growth wood, which means it’s stronger and

has tighter wood grains than new lumber and can give your home proj-ect historical value.

• Sustainability: Natu-ral stone is an environ-mentally friendly choice because it’s nearly 100 percent recyclable and is not bonded by petro-leum based resins or created in a factory. And because of its durabil-ity, it won’t need to be replaced for a long time.

• Versatility: The

number of different colors, patterns and textures of natural stone is limitless. This may make finding the perfect cuts to fit your design needs a bit of a chore, but what you end up with will be unique to your home. And differ-ent finishes and edge treatments can lend the same kind of stone a different quality and look, making it ideal for various applications.

Upgrades make your home stand out