Home & Yard Handbook

Just as your home’s decor is a statement of your taste and personality, so is your backyard. As the trend for enjoying customized decks and outdoor living space grows, personalized outdoor living areas are the latest in home improvement upgrades.

Building or updating an existing deck isn’t simply a great investment: It provides opportunities to personalize your backyard and customize the look to your taste. And with many families staying home this summer thanks to the economy, why not create your perfect location for entertaining?

“By designing your deck with accents, lights and unique accessories, you can transform your backyard into an outdoor retreat you’ll never want to leave, whether you’re catching up with friends over a grilled dinner in the evening or are curled up with a book in a lounge chair on a sunny afternoon,” says Chris Fox, marketing manager at Universal Forest Products.

With a new emphasis on value, durability and ultra-low maintenance, many homeowners seek deck materials that resist fading and staining. New Latitudes Capricorn Tropical composite decking, sold through dealers nationwide, is a good choice. Low-maintenance, eco-friendly composite decking material is made from a mixture of recycled wood fiber and postindustrial high-density polyethylene, which looks natural and feels great on bare feet.

Add unique touches to really make the deck your personal haven. Change your deck’s look with interesting balusters to match other decorative accents on your house or in your yard. You’ll find traditional bronze balusters, classic rounded rails or even scenic glass balusters, which give your outdoor room a clear view.

Then consider breaking up the wooden look of your deck with faux stone post covers, to help match the look of your deck to a stone house, to a backyard with stone pavers or to a stone wall. Easily installed over a wooden post, faux stone post covers come in several colors.

Finish off your railing system with post caps. Deckorators post caps, by Maine Ornamental, are functionally and artistically decorative. Maybe you’re interested in the more traditional black, stainless or pewter colors, topping a solar LED light to illuminate your deck for evening use. Or try a creative look with stained glass post caps, bringing a colorful flair to each deck post.

With so many new products and options available, you can transform your deck into a new outdoor living area. And because you designed it, it will perfectly fit your lifestyle. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent�

Carmen Santora, Executive Director of the Better Contractors Bureau is warning consumers contemplating having their driveway sealed that there are contractors presently in our area from out of state using unscrupulous tactics when sealing driveways.

Santora says, “The usual rule of thumb when sealer is mixed is, for every 100 gallons of sealer 30-40 gallons of water should be added. The scam artists are doing it the opposite and in some cases we have been told that some are mixing as little as 10 gallons of sealer to 100 gallons of water.” In reality all you’re getting is black, colored water that will wash off with a rain.

In one such case a caller complained (wouldn’t give his name) and said that the contractor he went with practically was chasing the sealer down the drive way, that’s how much water was in the mix. He said he went strictly on price and he should have known better when he paid $39.00 after getting two other estimates for $89.00 and $99.00. He also forgot that when he did his driveway himself a few years back that it took 4 five gallons pails at approximately $15.00 each and along with having to buy a broom/squeegee the cost to do it then was $65.00 for materials only.

Consumers should watch out for special so called deals and especially watch for out of state license plates and don’t fall for the line, “I’ve got some sealer left over and can give you a really good price”. 

Remember, a good driveway sealer contractor will blow off the entire driveway, use a weed eater on the edges, cover the sidewalk between the truck and driveway to prevent accidental spillage from a storage tank and barricade the entrance when finished. 

Contractors should also carry liability insurance in case of damage to your property, such as over splash on your overhead garage door or siding. Remember, the old saying “you get what you pay for” really applies with driveway sealing. For a recommendation of BCB driveway sealers you can call the office at 585-338-3600 or go to the BCB website at www.the-bcb.net.  

Carmen Santora is the Executive Director for the Better Contractors Bureau.  The BCB is a non-profit consumer protection agency established in 1974 to be of assistance to the homeowner.  Its goals are to “protect & inform” the consumer, eliminate unscrupulous contractors, and upgrade the image of the home improvement industry.

New food chain specializing in Urban Farming coming to the Rochester Public Market

by Brenna Hartmann

Home&Yard Media Group is proud to sponsor the largest Urban Farming Edible Wall in the world, right here in our hometown Rochester, NY.  Green Living™ Technologies, sponsor of the Urban Farming Food Chain, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end hunger in our generation, will establish Green Living ‘edible’ walls in Rochester’s downtown Public Market. Cookie Waller, program manager for The Rochester Teen Court, who is funded by the Center for Youth Services is excited that the students will have the opportunity to build and maintain these edible walls. As part of the Urban Farming Food Chain this link will be part of a global food chain, connected to each other by intention and design, and providing a model that is replicated across the country and abroad as a means of growing food in urban neighborhoods. A portion of the food harvest will be donated to local food banks and neighbors in need.

The walls used to grow edible crops vertically are one of a variety of green products produced by Rochester based Green Living™ Technologies. Thanks to the efforts and expertise of Green Living Technologies, the student members of the Rochester Teen Court program will utilize the opportunity to learn about green roof and green wall technologies. Green Living Technologies CEO George Irwin, a certified teacher has developed an educational component, which includes a 10-week unit plan to be implemented in the non-growing season. During the gardening season the Rochester Teen Court participants will be working hands-on, tending to the vertical farm. In the off growing season, the students will be attending classes to learn about green technologies.

According to George Irwin, the program will offer the students a skill set and enough knowledge to be prepared for an interview with many companies now involved in vegetative green technologies.

The Urban Farming Edible Wall pilot program, which has been implemented in the heart of skid row in Los Angeles, California, has provided empowerment, community involvement and education for those residents. The food grown on these walls can include tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers, herbs and more.

The Rochester Teen Court Urban Farming Food Chain wall installation at the Public Market will begin with a launch event on Saturday June 27th, 2009.  During the growing season the wall will offer immediate access to fresh healthy produce in a time of great need, while simultaneously creating opportunities for team building, skills training and community involvement.

Engineered by Green Living Technologies these innovative food-producing vertical gardens will beautify the downtown core and help to lower heat index in the fight against global warming while providing Rochester’s Teen Court Program an educational opportunity to learn about green roofs, green walls and vegetative technologies.

For more information on the Urban Farming Food Chain Project, visit urbanfarming.org/foodchain. �

There are two kinds of people in the world.  There are those who open their blinds on sunny winter days to “let the heat in” and those who know better.  Dave Burns, co-owner of Ray Sands Glass, is one who knows better.  

“The winter sun isn’t strong enough to increase room temperature”, Burns told me.  “But it is strong enough to be a menace to the interior of your home.”  Being one of the other kind of people, I asked how.  “The sun does it’s worst interior damage in the winter”, said Burns, “because it’s lower on the horizon.  Although the rays aren’t as strong as they are in the summer, they’re perfectly positioned to blast right into the room.”   Burns went on to explain that the summer sun is further from the earth but stronger, and also poses a considerable hazard to hardwood floors, rugs, leather couches, fabrics, and art.  

Then Burns told me that Ray Sands Glass carries a variety of highly efficient line of solar energy films that block out up to 99% of damaging ultraviolet rays to help protect interior furnishings and keep them looking new for years.  I admit, when I hear window tinting I think of a dark film that peels off and has stubborn air bubbles scattered throughout.   Luckily Burns is too polite to laugh at me.  Instead he introduces me to Panorama window tinting film – a virtually clear film that offers comfort, savings, and a great look.  

Panorama® window tinting film from Bekaert offers three solutions in one product.  One, it is a reflective, transparent window film that rejects the sun’s heat rays and keeps your home cool. Two, it blocks UV rays and keeps your interior new for a longer time. And three, Panorama®  window film keeps glass shards together in the event of breakage. Glass actually becomes safer. 

I asked Burns what Ray Sands Glass customers like most about their window film.  He said his customers like saving money on their heating and cooling costs while feeling more comfortable in their homes.  “In the summer, window tinting films reflect the hot sun, reducing AC costs, and in the winter, it reduces inside heat escape by 20%.” 

Panorama® is one of the few window tinting products that doesn’t absorb heat into the glass.  Panorama® is reflective; most other window tinting films are absorptive, and absorption leads to seal failure and other problems down the line.  The film has a long life span, a lifetime + 5 years transferable warranty (no other film meets that), and meets various international standards and regulations.  Thanks to the stimulus plan there’s never been a better time to experience residential window tinting.  Ask the folks at Ray Sands Glass how you can qualify for a federal tax rebate of up to $1500.  

I think the real beauty of Panorama® is… well, its beauty.  Because the film is transparent sunlight enters freely (that’s sunlight, not sun-heat or damaging sun rays) and the view is virtually undistorted.   Whether you are looking for energy savings, comfort enhancement, added privacy or fade control, the experts at Ray Sands Glass can help you select the right window tinting product from the wide variety of window film tints, finishes and performance levels available. 

Ray Sands Glass is an independently owned and operated glass retailer, family-owned and family-run in state-of-the-art facilities in Rochester, Batavia, Canandaigua, East Rochester, Holley, Leroy, and Ontario.  Dave and Frank Burns and the rest of their team have grown their business and their reputations with expert craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.  

In addition to window tinting, Ray Sands Glass is well-known for its “Get the Fog Out” thermopane window repair.  “Get the Fog Out” refers to a patented restorative window repair technology used to repair insulated glass windows that have developed foggy areas due to moisture between the window panes.  Burns is understandably proud of this technology, both because it is “green” – windows are repaired rather than replaced – and also because it saves his customers money.  “On a typical residential window “Get the Fog Out” saves a customer more than half the cost of replacing the window”, said Burns.  “We had a customer recently who was going to replace his foggy window.  We saved him $1000 by restoring it instead.”  The procedure is minimally invasive, and the work can usually be done from outside.  

“A lot of people are trying to sell their homes right now”, said Burns.  “It makes sense to take care of the windows before putting a house on the market.  It shows potential buyers that you’ve taken care of the house, and it’s one less thing to have to worry about.”  With many new home builders touting their “green” buildings, why not make your home “greener” to  potential buyers?  

The Ray Sands Glass professionals are skilled in all types of residential glass needs.  They’re happy to consult with you about your specific goals and needs.  No matter what product or service you’re looking for, I guarantee you’ll find the folks at Ray Sands Glass ready, willing, and able to give you objective information, the wisdom born of experience, and friendly, personal service.�

Watering, fertilizing and proper mowing are all important aspects of lawn care. But to maintain that healthy, lush lawn you also need to be smart about seeding.

Fixing some bare spots on the lawn or filling out thinning grass requires the right type of seed, a little know-how and the patience to, literally, watch grass grow. 

“Even the most well-cared-for lawn can develop a bald patch here or there over the winter,” says John Marshall, manager of The Scotts Training Institute for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. “And if your turf has multiple bare spots or is just thin all over, proper seeding can be the solution for your lackluster lawn.” 

Paying attention to four factors when seeding can help turn your lawn from flop to fabulous:

Timing is Everything

Many people wait until warm weather to turn a critical eye on their lawn, even though the very best time to seed is in the fall. But seeding can successfully spruce up your spring lawn — if you start early enough. 

Even if you suspect your region may experience one or two more frosts before spring, go ahead and seed. “Cold will not hurt grass seed,” Marshall says. “Better to seed too early than too late.”

If you’re unsure of proper timing for your area, check with a local lawn expert or university extension program for advice.

Prepare the Ground

Failing to prepare the ground to receive seed is one of the top mistakes homeowners make, Marshall says. If you are seeding bare spots or dead areas, take a rake and scratch the spot until you see more dirt than dead grass. In order to take root, grass seeds must be in direct contact with soil.  

If you’re overseeding an entire thin lawn, rent a core aerator or slit seeder and go over the lawn first in order to achieve the best possible seed/soil contact.

Choosing the Right Seed

Watering deeply and infrequently is the usual recommendation for an established lawn, but a newly seeded lawn requires more watering than usual because grass seed dies when it dries out.

In order to get the most out of your grass seed, opt for a seed, such as Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed with Water Smart, that helps create a good looking lawn with less water. The seed is wrapped in a super absorbent coating that actually holds water to keep the seed moist even if a day of watering is missed. The coated seed will require water once a day and possibly even every other day depending on the climate where you live. Hotter regions may need more frequent watering.

Non-coated seed, by contrast, requires watering multiple times each day in order to keep the seed wet. “When grass seed dries, it dies,” Marshall says.

Caring for Your Grass Seedlings

Once your grass seedlings appear, some simple steps can help you care for your growing lawn, including:

• Fertilize the lawn — Remember to fertilize the same day you seed. After that, for most areas of the country, it’s OK to fertilize your lawn every two months during warm weather.
• Keeping off the grass– Contrary to popular belief, simply walking on grass seedlings isn’t likely to do much harm, but it’s a good idea to avoid walking on them if possible.  If you’ve seeded in a high-traffic area it’s a good idea to rope off the spot until the seed is well established — usually after the first mowing.
• Mowing is good for your grass seedlings - Once grass seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches in height, it’s time to mow them. Marshall recommends setting your mower on one of the two highest settings. Trimming the top off new grass actually encourages it to grow laterally, spreading out to fill thin areas.

For more tips on successful seeding and general lawn care help, visit www.scotts.com or call Scott’s consumer help line at (888) 270-3714. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Growing up in Churchville we did most of our living on the West Side of Rochester, and everything east of the city was like a foreign country to me.  I remember the first time we ventured to Victor to shop for school clothes.  “There’s another mall?  I had no idea!”  I rode the whole way with great anticipation, and when we crested that last hill and saw the mall spread out before us, it was magical.  Even the name was beautiful.  Eastview. 

Granted, I was only in the fifth grade, and prone to girlish drama, but in all the years since, I’ve never lost the feeling that Eastview Mall is a special place.  Turns out I’m not the only one who feels that way.  I recently had the pleasure of talking with Marie Cornelius, Marketing Director at Eastview Mall, and she clued me into some very exciting things that are going on at Eastview Mall.  

The first is the totally rockin’, bring the whole family, spend the day and have fun, entertaining and educational Green event, formally known as “Be Green & Glamorous”.  “Be Green & Glamorous” is a day-long (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), mall-wide event scheduled for Saturday April 25, 2009.  Bring your kids, bring your old computers, bring your used clothing, and make sure you bring your appetite.

What is “Be Green & Glamorous” all about?  “It’s about finding the life left in something you no longer need, and sharing it with someone who does”, said Cornelius.  “It’s about discovering local resources to help you find ways to be greener, every day, long-term, in your home and community.  And it’s going to be great fun!”

Take a look at this partial list of events and vendors for the day, and I’m sure you’ll find several reasons to be at Eastview on April 25th:

•  Computers & Electronics Recycling in the parking lot near the Food Court.  Employees from Regional Computer Recycling & Recovery will be available to recycle your old computers, radios, cell phones and other electronics. (They will not be accepting televisions.)
•  Used Clothing Drive to benefit ABVI-Goodwill
•  Vespa Scooters display by Vespa Rochester at Country Rode Motowerks
•  Victor Student Poster, Essay and Recycling Sculpture Contest presented by the Victor Green Team
•  “Roll Out the Green Carpet” Fashion Show featuring eco-friendly fashions from various Eastview retailers.  You’ll see fashions made from organic cotton, recycled cashmere, even from recycled plastic bottles.
• Donate a non-perishable food item and receive a mini tree (while supplies last).*  Food items will benefit the Victor-Farmington Food Cupboard. 
• Additional sponsorship for the event is provided by The Home Depot, NYSERDA, Home Comfort, and Rehouse Architectural Salvage.

In addition to the special events of the day Eastview Mall offers shopping at more than 180 specialty stores, dining at six sit-down restaurants, movies at the Regal Cinema and even massage or facial pampering at Euphoria Salon/Spa.  Eastview is also home to 5 major department stores: Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears and The Bon-Ton. 

I learned from Cornelius that the “Be Green & Glamorous” event is actually part of a larger initiative by the same name launched at Eastview in 2008.  “The mall wasn’t built green”, she explained.  “We are strongly committed to making it greener, and we have undertaken several initiatives to be greener mall-wide, including store recycling, use of environmentally-friendly cleaning products, and switching to low-wattage light bulbs.”  Shoppers can find reusable shopping bags – large, stylish ones – at two dispensers in the mall and at the customer service center.  

Cornelius says that the mall retailers have been very supportive of the recycling effort – the mall is able to save an estimated 600 trees per year through in-store recycling – and a new initiative is to expand recycling to the community areas of the mall.  “Recycling requires a lot of thought and planning operationally, but when you see the results, it’s exciting, and you want to do more.”  

Even the proposed capitol improvements planned for the mall lean green, with a specific two phase plan to leverage innovation and investment to increase public revenue without expanded development.  Visit www.eastviewsignatureexperience.com for details.

Whether you’re an East-sider or a West-sider, Eastview mall is a great destination that keeps getting better.  My family and I will be at “Be Green & Glamorous”, and I hope to see you there with yours.

THE GREEN TEAM
The Victor Green Team (also known as the Victor Sustainability Advisory Committee) is an approved Town of Victor committee that works to “reduce our impact on the environment by transforming Victor into a ‘Green Community.”  The team has created “a Town Comprehensive Sustainability Plan for reducing our energy consumption, protecting our natural resources and wildlife, and ensuring the health and safety of our residents.”

The Green Team works in partnership with local citizens and businesses to provide supplemental education and resources needed to make their green efforts successful.  

Marie Cornelius, Marketing Director at Eastview, says that the Green Team has been instrumental in a valuable resource for helping make Eastview a greener facility.  “They are an important part of our team, in terms of offering both creative and strategic direction.  We have been able to take some of the Green Team Town initiatives and adapt them for our facility.”

Some of the Green Cost Saving Measures recommended by the Green Team include:

1.  Conduct NYSERDA energy audit.
2.  Set thermostats at 78 degrees in the summer, 68 degrees in the winter.
3.  Replace indoor incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs.
4.  Review exterior and street lighting to reduce energy used, ensure appropriate lighting intensity.
5.  Shut off computers at night, use sleep mode in between.
6.  Use energy efficient exit signs.
7.  Use energy efficient windows.
8.  Consider geothermal heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
9.  Purchase Energy Star equipment and appliances.
10.  Replace fleet with energy efficient vehicles.
11.  Institute no-idling policy for municipal vehicles.
12.  Institute paper reduction policy.
13.  Reduce waste handling costs with improved recycling.
14.  Eliminate plastic drink bottles and cups, replace with tap water and paper cups.
15.  Use energy efficient lawn mowers, mow less often.
16.  Conduct audit of water use.
17.  Convert to natural lawn care products and methods in place of chemical lawn treatment contracts.

The Victor Green Team sponsored a contest within the Victor school district to run in conjunction with the “Be Green & Glamorous” event.  Students were invited to create a green-themed poster, essay or recycled sculpture.  Winners will be announced at the event on April 25th.  

Learn more about the Victor Green Team here.�

Theme for GardenScape ’09: ‘Gardens of Eden…an Oasis for the Soul’

The Garden of Eden is revered as an oasis of remarkable beauty – a wonder that defies one’s imagination.   

Next March 12-15, the Rochester area’s most creative landscapers will take up the challenge as they interpret the theme for GardenScape 2009:  “Gardens of Eden…an Oasis for the Soul.

Visitors to the Dome Center in Henrietta, just outside downtown Rochester, will be treated to some 20 artistically landscaped gardens that combine color, beauty and an almost mystical aura in this 18th annual flower and garden show produced by the GardenScape Professionals Association.

In addition to the garden displays, more than 100 vendors will be on hand, and daily seminars will feature local and national horticultural experts.  The show offers a new and improved interactive Children’s Garden, sponsored by Home Comfort Heating, special early bird tours, an evening masquerade ball with live music by Nik and the Nice Guys, and daily entertainment by local musicians and actors.  

Again this year, a special preview party entitled “A Taste of Spring” will be held on Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation.  Tickets are $50 (available in advance only) and may be purchased online at www.epilepsy-uny.org.

New this year, GardenScape will offer one couple the exclusive opportunity to tie the knot in a romantic, private reception.  The Wedding at GardenScape, sponsored by Bath Fitter, presents a truly one of a kind setting available only once per year and perfect for new beginnings.

Early Bird Tours Offer Excellent Way to See GardenScape 2009

Looking for a great way to see GardenScape 2009 – the annual Rochester Flower and Garden Show —  at a leisurely pace with master gardeners available to guide you?

Try one of the popular Early Bird Breakfast Tours, offered before regular show hours on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, and enjoy breakfast, too.

“Gardens of Eden…an Oasis for the Soul” is the theme of GardenScape 2009, to be held at the Monroe County Fair and Expo Center, March 12-15.   Regular show hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Early Bird ticket holders will be admitted at 7:00 a.m. on Friday or Saturday, where they will be treated to a hot breakfast catered by the event sponsor, D & R Depot Restaurant of LeRoy.  Guests may then stroll through the landscaped gardens on their own or join one of the small tour groups headed by a master gardener.

The Early Bird Tours end at 9:00 a.m., but ticket holders are welcome to stay for the entire day.  Tickets for the Early Bird are $25 and may be purchased at any Wegmans “That’s the Ticket” locations, online at www.rochesterflowershow.com, or at participating Rochester-area florists.  Reservations are strongly recommended.

“The Early Bird tours are a great way to enjoy excellent food, have ample access to the gardens, and to chat with master gardeners,” said event chairperson Katie Houseknecht.  “People who attended last year’s Early Bird tours raved about the D&R Depot offerings, and we’re glad to have them back again as sponsors.

In addition to the garden displays, more than 80 vendors will display their wares in the adjacent Minett Hall.  As in the past, daily seminars will be held featuring local and national horticultural experts. 

GardenScape is a not-for-profit organization whose proceeds from the show help support public and educational projects such as the Epilepsy Foundation, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Ronald McDonald House. For more information on the show, including ticket pricing, go to www.rochesterflowershow.com or call 585-265-9018.