2020 Fall Home & Garden

When Fall “Home Improvement” Projects
Include Buying Or Selling Your Home,
Call Us To Help Everything Fall Into Place!

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Top Sales Team in Sussex County* for Nearly 20 Years
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Fall H&G 2020 · 3

CONTENTS
CAPE GAZETTE FALL HOME & GARDEN 2020

HABITAT ENLIGHTENING

Get your backyard ready for Improve your sleep/wake
winter and establish a healthy cycle with circadian lighting in
habitat for wildlife your home or work space

10 26

DIG IN WINNERS! 51Meet the Mitchell family,
winners of Cape Gazette’s Home
Fall’s mild temps Renovation Photo Contest
ideal time to
plant vegetables

34

4 · Fall H&G 2020

LANDSCAPES
&

NURSERY

LANDSCAPES

Fa is a great time to plant,
and our Nursery is OPEN to the public!

Monday through Saturday 8am - 4pm
Seasonal Sunday hours 10am - 3pm

Mulch, Stone, Planter Pots & More!
Delivery Available

13482 Spicer Road, Ellendale, DE 19941
302-422-9000 • www.BellaTerraDE.com

Fall H&G 2020 · 5

LOVELY LEWES

Lewes in Bloom offers a pandemic pick-
me-up with colorful displays 90

BEAUTY IN MILTON

The Milton Garden Club is working hard
to fill the town with beautiful things to
see 92

52 60 REHOBOTH BLOOMS
74 88
Now in its second year, Rehoboth in
FALL HOME & GARDEN AFFORDABLE D.I.Y. Bloom is a vibrant force that keeps the
COVER DESIGN city looking fresh as a daisy 94
by Spending more time at home? Try your hand
at an economic home improvement project 104 ABOUT US
Christopher D. Foster
Special Sections Editor
6 · Fall H&G 2020 Jen Ellingsworth

CoPublisher/General Manager
Chris Rausch

IT Manager/Photo Editor
Christopher D. Foster

Copy Editor
Bernadette Hearn

Advertising
Andrew Thomas
Cindy Bowlin
Kathy McGinty

Production
Cape Gazette Coordinator,
Edwin Krumm

Digital Coordinator,
Teresa Rodriguez

Editorial Coordinator,
Kristin Sinnott

Special Sections Coordinator,
Tara Arjona

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Please review the proof thoroughly and submit all corrections together.

Any requests after 2 revisions may incur additional design fees.

We are now an

Dealer OPEN:
Mon–Fri.
“Let us Light you Up!” 7am–5pm

32416 Lewes-Georgetown Hwy

1/2 Mile West of Five Points, Rt. 9W

FREE 10% 10% FREE
OFF OFF Mulch
DELIVERY
New Alliance LIST PRICE OF 1 Yard Free
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OUTDOOR or Masonry with purchase of
of $250 LIGHTING Full Pallets only 5 yards

or greater “Let us Light you Up!” Good for retail prices only. MUST BE SAME TYPE
within a Good for retail prices only. Must provide original coupon. OF MULCH.
5 mile radius Must provide original coupon. NO COPIES. Limit 1 coupon
NO COPIES. Limit 1 coupon per order. Coupons cannot be Good for retail prices only.
Good for retail prices only. per order. Coupons cannot be Must provide original coupon.
Must provide original coupon. combined. Expires 10/31/20 combined. Expires 10/31/20 NO COPIES. Limit 1 coupon
NO COPIES. Limit 1 coupon per order. Coupons cannot be
per order. Coupons cannot be
combined. Expires 10/31/20
combined. Expires 10/31/20

Top soil • Mulch • Gravel • Pavers • Decorative Stone • Roll Offs

Fall H&G 2020 · 7

When can I stop mowing my lawn?

Each weekend in spring, summer and need to go outside to check on chilly A host of factors can help homeowners de-
fall, homeowners fire up mowers and mornings or on days when the previous termine when it’s safe to put their mowers
cut the grass in their yards. A few hours night was especially cold. If you must go away for the winter.
spent mowing the lawn can be a great outside, stay off the grass to protect it.
time to get some sun and some exercise Two or three frosts might be enough to have stopped growing. Warm-season
in the great outdoors. make warm-season grasses go dormant grasses tend to stop growing once the
for the winter. Cool-season grasses may soil temperature is consistently at 55F
As fall transitions to winter, home- keep growing and require moving even or below, while cool-season grasses
owners may wonder when to stop after a few frosts, so it’s imperative that tend to stop when temps are 45F or
mowing their lawns. Each lawn is dif- homeowners determine which type of lower.
ferent, and when to stop mowing may grass is in their yards.
depend on a host of factors, including Falling leaves have long been a ba-
local climate and the type of turf. In ad- • Soil temperature: If it’s hard to de- rometer used by homeowners to deter-
dition to climate and turf, homeowners termine if frosts have occurred, home- mine if they need to keep mowing their
can keep an eye on these conditions to owners can try checking the tempera- lawns. That’s not necessarily a reliable
determine when the time is right to put ture of their soil to decide if they need metric, as grass can keep growing even
their mowers away for the winter. to keep mowing. Lawn care experts at if leaves have been falling for weeks.
Pennington recommend homeowners
• Frost: Warm-season grasses typi- continue mowing warm-season grasses
cally go dormant after a couple of signif- so long as they keep growing. Lawns
icant frosts. Homeowners can jot down may not grow as quickly in fall as they
each frost during fall. Frosts are most do in spring or summer, and growth
noticeable in the early morning hours, may not be as visible to the naked eye
so be sure to check lawn conditions during this time of year as it is in other
each morning as the weather begins to times. Homeowners can check soil
grow cold. Frost may be noticeable from temperature to determine if grasses
inside the house, but homeowners may

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8 · Fall H&G 2020 With coupon.
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Fall H&G 2020 · 9

Establish winter habitats for backyard animals

Preparing a property for winter Cardinals, also known by such common • Consider planting animal food
involves putting away lawn furniture, names as redbird and Virginia nightingale, sources prior to winter. Plants like
raking leaves and removing any annual are easily recognized backyard birds. elderberry, holly, mulberry, sumac, and
plants that have shriveled up and spent crabapple will grow in cold months and
the last of their energy. It can be tempt- to ensure animals have places to bed animals can enjoy them.
ing to want to clean up completely and down and escape the cold in their yards
leave a blank slate in the yard. But by this winter. These tips can help local • Don’t forget water sources. Pro-
doing so, you may be robbing wildlife of wildlife when the temperatures dip. vide access to fresh water and replace
the resources they need to overwinter. as needed if the water freezes. For
• Leave parts of the yard wild. Ani- homeowners with fish ponds in their
The nature and conservation resource mals can make a nest in leaves or piles backyards, use a hot pot to melt a hole
In Habitat says plants and animals de- of brushwood. Just make sure piles left in the top of the pond and allow gases
pend on one another to survive. During out are away from the home so curious that have accumulated underneath to
the winter, animals may struggle to find critters don’t try to get inside. Leave the escape. This allows oxygen to reach fish
adequate shelter and food, especially task of tidying up shrubs and garden and frogs in the pond.
when there is a lack of sufficient plant borders until spring, as shrubs can be
matter available. In turn, these animals dense areas to hide for both insects and • Leave bird, squirrel or bat houses
may actually take up homes in people’s animals. in the yard. This is a fun and crafty proj-
residences, turning into pests in the ect that can ward off winter boredom
process. Bats, field mice and even opos- while also providing a safe place for
sums and raccoons may move indoors local wildlife to shelter in winter.
into attics or basements, leaving behind
waste and damage if they can’t find Animals and insects need some
adequate shelter outdoors. extra help staying comfortable when
cool temperatures arrive. Leaving some
Homeowners concerned about po- clean-up tasks for the spring ensures
tential pest infestations can take steps that there are plenty of backyard habi-
tats available to local wildlife.

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10 · Fall H&G 2020

Make mealtime more eco-friendly toaster ovens in lieu of traditional stoves
when preparing small meals. According
to EnergyStar, toaster ovens consume

An eco-friendly lifestyle is anything up the dishwasher, making sure only to from one-third to one-half the amount
but selfless, as such a way of life can run it when it’s full so even less water is of energy as conventional electric ovens
pay both immediate and long-term wasted. when cooking small meals, making
dividends, helping people in the present them a far more eco-friendly option for
day while also contributing to healthier • Avoid the stove when possible. those who typically cook small meals
futures for generations to come. Empty nesters, couples without children for one or two people.
or single men and women who want to
As environmentalists and eco-friendly save energy come mealtime can use Continued on page 16
ordinary Joes no doubt already know,

there are myriad ways to go green. Even

mealtime at home can be made consid-

erably more eco-friendly with relatively

little effort.

• Stop handwashing dishes. Men

and women who dread having to

handwash their dishes after a nice

meal have an ally in science. A study

from researchers in Europe found that

people who handwashed place set-

tings for 12 people used as much as

27 gallons of water, while washing the

same amount of place settings in a

dishwasher required just four gallons

of water. So instead of standing over a

sink and washing dishes by hand each Mealtime provides a host of opportunities for eco-conscious men and women to embrace

night, men and women can simply load practices that protect the planet.

Fall H&G 2020 · 11

2ND LOCATION NOW OPEN!

32182 Nassau Road, Lewes, DE

12 · Fall H&G 2020

Lewes • Dover

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Emergency hours also available.

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Fall H&G 2020 · 13

Exercise is often a social activity, but in the wake of social distancing guidelines issued in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many peo-
ple have found themselves looking for ways to exercise at home.

How to design a home fitness room you like the most and invest in two or
three key pieces. Dumbells of various
People exercise for many different equipment that will fit. Leave some floor weights, a medicine ball and a yoga mat
reasons. Exercise can improve one’s space empty for movement exercises or can be all you need to create a versatile,
appearance, reduce the risk for illness, mat activities. effective workout. A TRX system and a
alleviate stress or anxiety, and even help door-mounted pull-up bar also are great
pass some time. • Keep the space bright. Darkness space-saving options.
can sap energy levels, so invest in mir-
Exercise is often a social activity, rors and adequate overhead lighting to • Have a TV hookup. A home gym
but in the wake of social distancing make the space inviting. Natural light may benefit from a smart TV that you
guidelines issued in response to the can make the exercise area more can use to stream workout videos
COVID-19 outbreak, many people have enjoyable. or catch up on the latest news while
found themselves looking for ways to running on the treadmill or using the
exercise at home. • Consider the flooring. New flooring stationary bike.
can protect against damage and make
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home gym space will likely not be as app on any
• Find a dedicated space. A home expansive as the space inside a tradi- Smartphone
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space that can be devoted to workouts. activities do not require a lot of space this code.
Possible fitness room locations include or equipment. Classic exercises like 2. Follow the
a spare bedroom, a garage, a base- squats, lunges, push-ups, and sit-ups link it directs
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14 · Fall H&G 2020

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Fall H&G 2020 · 15

Mealtime

Continued from page 11

• Shop with reusable shopping bags. Cooks By relying on reusable cloth shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags,
know that great meals begin at the grocery shoppers can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of cooking their own meals.
store, so there’s no reason why eco-friendly
cooking cannot begin there as well. Estimates
suggest that as many as 100 billion plastic
bags are used in the United States alone each
year. EnvironmentMassachusetts reports
that such bags are used for an average of 12
minutes, even though their life expectancy is
as high as 1,000 years. By relying on reusable
cloth shopping bags instead of single-use plas-
tic bags, shoppers can dramatically reduce the
carbon footprint of cooking their own meals.

• Recycle materials. Glass jars, plastic but-
ter tubs, milk cartons, and other items neces-
sary to prepare meals at home are all recy-
clable. Many local governments have weekly if
not biweekly pickups of recyclable materials,
making it easier than ever to ensure these
items are given new life after being used. Men
and women who reside in areas without such
pickups can go it alone, collecting recyclable
materials and periodically transporting them to
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Fall H&G 2020 · 17

Back to school: How to set up your kids for success

Back to school is always filled with ex- Power Your Lunchbox has tasty and nutri- matter where your kids are for back to
citement, anticipation - and maybe even tious ideas and recipes to keep your kids on school, these resources will help you
a little dread - as summer comes to an their toes. keep them healthy, properly fueled and
end. This year, fall might look a little engaged.
different. But whether your kids are get- Fresh food donations
ting ready to go back to school in person Distance learning resources
or not, it's important to make sure they This year, the Power Your Lunchbox
have nutritious meals to power their program is working with several pro- Power Your Lunchbox not only
brains and bodies throughout the day. duce brands to help increase access to spotlights kid-friendly and registered-di-
To help you set up a healthy routine, fresh produce for children and families. etitian-approved lunch ideas, they also
Produce for Kids is launching the annual These brands are making a $14,000 feature valuable tips and content to help
Power Your Lunchbox program. donation to the United Fresh Start families navigate a fresh school year
Foundation to increase access to fresh and new or unfamiliar ways of learning.
Lunchbox inspiration produce in schools.
Health resources
It's easy to get stuck in a rut with The program has already raised over
weekday meals. From breakfast to $150,000 to benefit charities that sup- Keeping immune systems in top
dinner and all the snacks in between, port families around the country. No shape and maintaining mental health
Power Your Lunchbox has tasty and will be top of mind this school year as
nutritious ideas and recipes to keep families navigate various ways of learn-
your kids on their toes. Plus, you can get ing. The Power Your Lunchbox program
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20 · Fall H&G 2020

Fall H&G 2020 · 21

Home office capabilities became a big priority in 2020. Designing such spaces can be fun and easy.

Home office on energy costs and boost mood. In not be necessary, but look for areas
must-haves fact, natural light is a valued commodity of the home that don’t get much foot
for people used to working in office set- traffic. Kitchens are very popular rooms
Remote work has been around for tings. A 2018 survey of more than 1,600 in many homes, so try to locate your
many years, though it certainly picked workers conducted by the human re- home office away from the kitchen. A
up steam in 2020. In an effort to pre- sources advisory firm Future Workplace spare bedroom upstairs may make for
vent the spread of the novel coronavirus found that access to natural light and the most ideal home office setting if
COVID-19, in March 2020 government views of the outdoors were the most the home does not have a traditional
officials implemented stay-at-home sought-after attributes of a workplace den. Spare bedrooms come with doors,
measures that mandated many working environment. In addition, 47 percent which can instantly create a sense of
professionals to begin working from of workers surveyed admitted they felt quiet when closed. A converted garage
home. That transition occurred seem- tired or very tired from the absence of also can make for a useful home of-
ingly overnight, forcing people to find natural light or a window at their office. fice, but make sure the room already
somewhere in their homes to work. When designing their home offices, has cooling and heating and, ideally,
homeowners should keep this in mind windows.
As the dust settled and many profes- and choose areas of their homes that
sionals grew accustomed to working get ample natural light during a typical Electrical outlets
from home, most recognized the need workday. Additional lighting also will be
to have an office in their homes. Various necessary. Recessed lighting can give an Recently built homes tend to be
factors can make home offices more office a sleek look, and lights that can equipped with enough outlets to ac-
conducive to getting work done, and the dim will allow workers to adjust their commodate our increasingly connected
following are some home office must- lighting based on how much they need lifestyles. But older homes may need
haves that can help people be more at any given point in the workday. some electrical updates before they can
productive while working from home. capably accommodate home offices.
Quiet When updating your electrical, replace
Lighting existing outlets and fixtures with en-
Professionals forced to work at home ergy-efficient LED fixtures, which save
Lighting is important in a home of- when social distancing measures were money and benefit the environment.
fice. It’s easy to overlook natural light, implemented may not have had much Before updating the electrical, decide on
especially for workers who previously quiet, especially for those with young how you want the office to be laid out
worked in offices that did not have children whose schools were closed. so you can have outlets installed where
windows. But natural light can help save But when designing a home office, your computer, devices and other items,
homeowners have the chance to make like a printer and television, will be. This
their offices more conducive to con- makes it easy to hide cords and give the
centration. Soundproofing walls may office a clean, professional look.

22 · Fall H&G 2020

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Fall H&G 2020 · 23

What to consider when buying a shed

Backyard sheds can be useful assets. size, and numerous other factors. It’s Sheds can be an asset and improve storage
Sheds can create storage space in the much easier to amend plans beforehand capability in the backyard.
garage, basement or other areas of than to face the hassle and expense
the house that have become gathering after learning you did things incorrectly.
spots for gear typically used outdoors.
Sheds are ideal for housing mowers, • Choose placement wisely. Spend
tools and even pool-care equipment. several days assessing the yard and
But they can be put to other uses as thinking about the uses for the shed. If
well, such as being key spots to engage you plan to store pool floats and chemi-
in hobbies or even as a child’s club- cals inside the shed, it should be located
house. close enough to the pool to be conve-
nient. Look at the lay of the land. If there
Various factors should be considered is a soggy patch of ground that can turn
before building or buying a shed. A swampy under the shed’s foundation,
storage shed can be a significant invest- that is a poor location choice. If you
ment. need access to electricity, placing it far
away from the house could necessitate
Once placed, sheds may remain in running expensive wiring.
their dedicated spots for years to come.
That means careful thought should go • Consider the design. Just because
into the planning process. a shed is for storage doesn’t mean aes-
thetics should be overlooked. Choose
• Check your local building codes a shed style that complements your
first. Before you accumulate building home. You may also want to match cer-
materials or order a shed, be sure to tain architectural features, like arched
know the ins and outs of shed codes. doorways or dormers. Design also may
The codes may impact the shed’s place-
ment, construction, the materials used, Continued on page 27

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24 · Fall H&G 2020

Stay
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Fall H&G 2020 · 25

LIGHT IT UP

Circadian lighting and how it affects quality of life

By Haley Myles
Special to the Cape Gazette

The place where we eat, sleep and Changing the light in our personal spaces, including work spaces, may have a positive im-
binge our favorite Netflix shows while pact on mental state, sleep quality and productivity.
wearing our favorite sweatpants is now
also the place where we participate in According to a 2018 study published lights on electronics and limiting our
Zoom meetings. Suddenly, having to in the Sage Journal, the circadian time with them a few hours before bed.
work from home has shown the power system keeps individuals synced with Investing in blue-light filter glasses or
of how the space we live and work in the 24-hour day by regulating a wide activating the blue-light filter on smart-
impacts our quality of life.  range of physiological and behavioral phones can also be helpful. 
systems, from the release of hormones
Changing the light in our personal to digestion to controlling core body Work in areas with natural light
spaces may have a positive impact on temperature. 
mental state, sleep quality and produc- Moving a work desk next to a window
tivity. Circadian lighting, a concept that Let the light in or taking a laptop outside to finish up
follows the human brain’s circadian emails will help keep you alert. It will
rhythm (our internal, 24-hour clock), One of the best ways to stimulate the also reduce strain on the eyes, as fluo-
has been a trend in home, office and body is to let natural daylight in after rescent lights can sometimes be harsh
workplace design during the last several awakening. This can be as simple as to work under. 
years. opening up blinds after you turn off your
alarm or going for a quick five-minute Change out light bulbs
How it works stroll outside.
Swapping out old lightbulbs for
The hypothalamus region of the Dim your lights at night alternatives such as the Sleep Num-
brain controls each individual’s circa- ber GoodNight LED bulbs that reduce
dian rhythm by receiving signals from Since our eyes report to our brain blue light and assist in maintaining the
the eyes that report whether it’s day indicators of whether if it’s daytime or body’s circadian rhythm can be a great
or night. It also controls the amount of nighttime based on how much light is quick fix. These bulbs can be used in
melatonin released, and this hormone present, dimming lights a few hours bedside lamps to create a relaxed ambi-
correlates sleep with darkness and before bed will induce the release of ence while you’re winding down for a
awake with light.  melatonin. This also includes dimming restful sleep.

Lighting affects both visual and non-
visual systems, and research suggests
electric light can have an impact on
circadian rhythm. Long-term exposure
to certain wavelengths of blue light at
a certain intensity can have a negative
impact on melatonin production. In
short, looking at your phone or com-
puter screen at night may be keeping
you awake! 

Not only can lighting affect sleep
quality, it can also affect how alert we
are during daylight hours. The more
light there is, the more awake we are. 

More information
• gsa.gov/governmentwide-initiatives/federal-highperformance-buildings/resource-library/health/circadian-light-for-your-
health

• journals.sagepub.com/eprint/9A2cTUfZPGWJxcUQNrNq/full

• thelightingpractice.com/what-is-circadian-lighting

26 · Fall H&G 2020

Ways laundry Air dry clothes to save energy. Plus, Buying a shed
day can be clothes and linens will have that fresh-
eco-friendly air scent. Continued from page 24

Protecting the planet is a goal for ing clothes only when there’s a full relate to practicality. For instance, storing a
many people. Such a goal may seem load is more efficient than washing riding mower inside may necessitate dual
like it should require a Herculean ef- half- or almost-full loads. Wash- doors that open widely.
fort, but oftentimes the smallest and ing machines consume potentially
simplest efforts to protect the planet substantial amounts of energy, so • Invest in quality materials. Spending a
can have profound, long-lasting washing only full loads will cut back little more and using quality materials can en-
impacts. the amount of energy wasted when sure it lasts long enough to be cost-effective.
machines are used to clean smaller The right materials will be resistant to split-
Laundry is a chore few people may loads. If you must wash small loads, ting, cracking, decay, and insect damage.
look forward to, but one everyone be sure to use the appropriate water-
must do. Though doing laundry is level setting. • Prepare the site well. A proper founda-
typically a mundane task, it also can tion for the shed is almost as important as the
be wasteful. Men and women may Continued on page 28 shed itself. You cannot just drop the shed on
be unknowingly wasting energy and the lawn and leave it, as the shed can sink, or
water when doing their laundry. structural issues may arise if it is placed on a
Fortunately, correcting such mis- weak base.
takes and making laundry day more
eco-friendly is a simple and effective • Blend into the environment. Surround
way to do one’s part in protecting the the shed with shrubs or plants so that it
planet. blends into the yard and complements the
space.
• Only wash full loads. Wash-
• Deck out the interior. Use every storage
tool at your disposal to maximize floor, wall
and even rafter space for storage. Plan where
items will be kept and customize the storage
options around those locations.

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Laundry

Continued from page 27 Washing clothes in front-loading washing machines or high-efficiency top-loading ma-
chines is more eco-friendly, as such machines use less water than traditional washers.
• Clean lint traps with each load. Lint
traps catch lint from clothing so newly lightweight fabrics, jeans and towels can rate items when drying so lightweight
cleaned clothes look as good as pos- make it harder for these items to dry. clothing can dry as quickly as possible.
sible. To ensure clothes dryers are run- This compels men and women to run If necessary, air-dry stubborn towels
ning at peak capacity and not wasting their dryers for longer periods of time, and jeans after drying them for a little
energy, clean lint traps after each load. thereby consuming more energy. Sepa- while in the dryer.

• Air dry clothes when possible.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes
that clothing manufacturers often
recommend certain fabrics be air-dried
instead of dried in clothes dryers.

• Use the right detergent. Wash-
ing clothes in front-loading washing
machines or high-efficiency top-loading
machines is more eco-friendly, as such
machines use less water than traditional
washers.

The American Cleaning Institute
notes that detergents designed specifi-
cally for high-efficiency machines can
ensure clothes are well-cleaned.

• Separate certain items when dry-

ing clothes. Blue jeans and bath towels
can take a long time to dry. When in-
cluded among cotton T-shirts and other

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28 · Fall H&G 2020

Compost is part of the circle of life in gardens

Even as summer fades, there is still Compost will not only add nutrients to garden soil, but also it can help insulate plants and
plenty of work to do in the garden. may prevent some weed growth.
Fall-harvest crops like radishes, brussels
sprouts, green onions and kale need
tender loving care, and a timely applica-
tion of compost may provide just the
right boost for a healthy crop.

Home gardens can be supplemented
with delicious finds from the super-
market or farmer’s market, including
melons, corn and more.

The bounty of the garden can be
made more abundant and fruitful with
the addition of the right soil amend-
ments. Compost is a key element of
rich, nutritious soil. Scraps from items
that have been grown in the garden can
then be reused in the production of the
compost that feeds that same garden.
It’s a continuous circle of garden life.

Getting started with compost is rela-
tively easy. Homeowners should choose
an outdoor space near the garden
but far away from the home so that it

Continued on page 30

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Fall H&G 2020 · 29

Composting

Continued from page 29 Better Homes and Gardens suggests keeping a bucket or bin in
the kitchen to accumulate kitchen scraps.
won’t be disturbed by kids or animals. Some people opt for
an open compost pile, while others choose closed bins to will take a few months to form completely, says the Planet
contain the possible smell and to camouflage the compost. A Natural Research Center. The finished product will resemble a
sunny spot will help the compost to develop faster, according dark, crumbly soil that smells like fresh earth.
to Good Housekeeping.
Compost will not only add nutrients to garden soil, but
The next step is to start gathering the scraps and materi- also it can help insulate plants and may prevent some weed
als that will go into the compost. Better Homes and Gardens growth. It is a good idea to start a compost pile as a free
suggests keeping a bucket or bin in the kitchen to accumulate source of nutrition for plants and a method to reduce food
kitchen scraps. Here are some kitchen-related items that can waste in an environmentally sound way.
go into the compost material:

• Eggshells
• Fruit peels
• Vegetable peels and scraps
• Coffee grounds
• Shredded newspaper
In addition to these materials, grass and plant clippings, dry
leaves, bark chips, straw, and sawdust from untreated wood
can go into the pile. Avoid diseased plants, anything with
animal fats, dairy products, and pet feces.
A low-maintenance pile has an equal amount of brown
and green plant matter in the compost plus moisture to keep
the bacteria growing and eating at the right rate. Aerating
the compost occasionally, or turning the bin when possible,
will allow the compost to blend and work together. Compost

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What can, can’t can be put into compost. But it is just that can be harmful if they leach into
be composted as essential to know which ingredients the garden.
cannot be used in compost.
Avid gardeners know that compost The small-gardening resource Bal-
can add vital nutrients to soil used in OK for compost cony Garden Web indicates coated or
gardens, container plants and lawns. glossy printed papers, such as those
The fact that compost is so versatile Most organic materials, or items from catalogs, magazines, wrapping pa-
and nutrient-dense may not even be that were once living, can be used in per, marketing materials, and business
its most admirable quality. Made from compost. Plant-based items used in cards, should not be added to compost
items used in and around the house, cooking, such as potato peelings, carrot piles because of the chemicals and inks
compost costs just about nothing to skins, banana peels, cocoa hulls, coffee used in these pages.
produce. grounds and filters, corn cobs, apple
cores, eggshells, fruit peels, kelp, and THE FACT THAT COMPOST IS SO
Raw materials that make up compost nut shells, can be added to compost.
come from organic waste. These can be VERSATILE AND NUTRIENT-DENSE
disposables from the garden and kitch- Other items from around the house,
en, as well as other areas around the like unused kitty litter, hair, shredded MAY NOT EVEN BE ITS MOST
house. According to the United States newspapers and cardboard, leaves,
Environmental Protection Agency, yard flowers, paper, pine needles, ashes, and ADMIRABLE QUALITY.
trimmings and food scraps add up to sawdust, can be successfully added to
20 to 30 percent of the municipal solid compost. Stick to items that are not Animal products like bones, butter,
waste in the United States. Turning treated heavily with chemicals. milk, fish skins, and meat, may decom-
waste into compost not only helps the pose and start to smell foul. Maggots,
landscape, but also the planet. Should not be used in compost parasites, pathogens, and other micro-
organisms can form in the compost.
Compost is relatively easy to make, Inorganic and non-biodegradable ma- These materials may attract flies and
and there are scores of materials that terials cannot go into compost. These scavenger animals. Plus, they decom-
are items like plastic, glass, aluminum pose slowly. While weeds are not harm-
foil, and metal. Pressure-treated lumber, ful in compost piles, there is the risk
although a natural material, is treated that seeds can germinate and infiltrate
with preservatives and often pesticides garden beds when compost is used.

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Fall H&G 2020 · 33

Fall’s mild temps prime time for planting vegetables

Tending to backyard vegetable gar-
dens can fill many hours of enjoyable
downtime in the great outdoors. What’s
more, the bounty produced by such
gardens provides healthy, fresh foods to
gardeners and their loved ones.

Although spring and summer are
widely seen as the peak of garden-
ing season, the mild temperatures of
autumn can be a prime time for planting
vegetables as well.

Certain late-season treats like carrots,
kale, spinach, and turnips can thrive in
fall gardens. Many different foods are
quick crops that can go from seed to
table in about six weeks. When sown in
early fall, these vegetables will be ready
to put on the table for mid-October
feasts. Beets, green onions, broccoli,
and cabbages can be planted in late
summer for fall harvest. Gardeners who
live in hardiness zones eight through
10 (the southern portion of the United
States) can plant fall vegetables as late
as December. Many of these plants can
tolerate light frost, which may even help
sweeten the vegetables.

CERTAIN LATE-SEASON TREATS

LIKE CARROTS, KALE, SPINACH,

AND TURNIPS CAN THRIVE IN FALL

GARDENS.

A handful of unique factors need to Vegetable gardens need not cease when the last days of summer vanish. Fall produce is
be taken into consideration when plan- delicious and can be easily planted and harvested even after the first frost.
ning fall vegetable gardens.
Extension. Remember to water according to the
• The summertime location of the • Some plants may need protection as vegetables planted and to keep an eye
garden may still be adequate, but be on readiness for vegetables. Turnips,
sure to choose a location that gets eight they grow if temperatures begin to dip. beets, rutabagas and carrots can be dug
full hours of sunlight per day. Cover with a blanket, cardboard box or out when the roots are plump and crisp.
plastic tunnel to insulate.
• If using an existing garden site, clear
out any detritus from summer plants
and any weeds that have sprouted. If
you are planting a new garden, remove
any turf before tilling the soil.

• Amend the soil with sand, compost,
manure fertilizer, and any other nutri-
ents needed depending on the types of
vegetables you intend to grow.

• While fall vegetables can be grown
successfully from seeds, it may be more
time-friendly to work from larger trans-
plants, advises the Texas A&M Agrilife

34 · Fall H&G 2020

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Fall H&G 2020 · 35

What to do to prepare your
garden for the colder months

Gardens provide an idyllic escape it depending on what you hope to grow A gardener’s work is never done, and the
from the hustle and bustle of everyday in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when work to create beautiful spring gardens be-
life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts winter ends. gins in the fall.
typically cannot wait for the spring
thaw so they can spend the next several • Remove dead or diseased plants.
months tending to their plants under Dead or diseased plants should not be
the warm sun. left in the garden through the winter.
These plants can attract insects and are
But a gardener’s work is never truly vulnerable to disease, which can make
done, and the work to make gardens it hard for the garden to thrive in the
stun in the spring actually begins during spring.
the preceding fall.
• Protect fruit trees. If you have fruit
Preparing gardens for winter is an trees, install mouse guards around the
important step that can help homeown- base to prevent mice and voles from
ers ensure their gardens return to full killing the trees over the winter. If left to
strength in the spring. The tasks neces- their own devices over the winter, mice
sary to prepare gardens for winter may and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees,
depend on what homeowners are plant- killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s
ing, but the following are some general Almanac notes that mouse guards
maintenance suggestions that can keep made of fine-mesh hardware cloth can
gardens safe this winter. effectively protect fruit trees from hun-
gry mice and voles over the winter.
• Remove weeds and debris. Weeds
and debris are unsightly and detrimen- WWW.DAVETHEUPHOLSTERER.COM
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• Prepare the soil. The Farmer’s
Almanac advises homeowners to gently
till the soil in their gardens so they can
expose any insects before they settle
in for the winter. Once garden soil is
exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves,
aged manure, and, if necessary, lime,
gently tilling it into the soil. According to
the North Carolina Cooperative Exten-
sion, the only accurate way to deter-
mine if lawn or garden soil needs lime
is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic
and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes
it hard for certain plants to grow, but
acidic soil is ideal when growing blue-
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36 · Fall H&G 2020

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Protect yourself
by sanitizing
your vehicle

The COVID-19 pandemic changed Deep-cleaning a vehicle has become a necessity since COVID-19 emerged. Fre-
the way people live. One readily felt quently cleaning and sanitizing can help make vehicles safer to operate.
effect was spending more time at home.
Vehicles sat idle in driveways, and some Delaware Resorts
automotive insurance providers even
reduced rates because people were FALL HOME & HEALTH EXPO
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People want to protect themselves
and now are more aware of the impor- WORKS
tance of frequently cleaning and sanitiz-
ing their cars. Keeping a vehicle safe to Your Fence, Deck and Handrail source
drive without affecting its upholstery or
electronic components is paramount.

The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention makes a distinction between
cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning
refers to the removal of germs, dirt and
impurities from surfaces. It does not kill
germs, but can lower their numbers.
Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to
kill germs on surfaces. The following are
some ways to deeply clean and sanitize
a car.

• Wash hands. First and foremost,
it is crucial to wash your hands before
and after using the car. This can reduce
the likelihood of becoming ill because of
transferred viruses or bacteria.

• Use rubbing alcohol. Solutions that
contain 70 percent alcohol are effec-
tive against many viruses and bacteria,
including coronaviruses, says the CDC.
Jeff Stout, executive director of Global
Innovation at Yanfeng Automotive
Interiors, says for the most part, nearly

Continued on page 40

38 · Fall H&G 2020

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Continued from page 38
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42 · Fall H&G 2020

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Fall H&G 2020 · 43

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Fall Home Expo exhibitors at Hudson Fields will have room to share a variety of products and feature services as well as socially distance.

Fall Home Expo to return to Hudson Fields Oct. 10-11

The Delaware Resorts Fall Home way of doing it.” prizes.
Expo will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 Exhibitors will have plenty of outdoor Revelation Beer Garden will be open
p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, and 11 a.m. to 3
p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, at Hudson Fields space to share a variety of products and during the entire expo and will provide
on Route 1 just north of Lewes. feature services. live music. Chaps Pit Beef will return as
well.
A wide array of exhibitors will pres- Past exhibitors which are also key
ent their home-related products and sponsors include Clean Energy USA, “DUE TO THE PROHIBITION ON
services over the two days. Admission Patio Systems, Advance Inc., Backyard
and parking are free. Works, Schell Brothers and media LARGE INDOOR GATHERINGS,
sponsors the Cape Gazette, Effectv,
“Due to the prohibition on large in- Delaware Beach Life, Sussex County OUR 23-YEAR-OLD SPRING HOME
door gatherings, our 23-year-old Spring Women’s Journal, WGMD/92.7 and
Home Expo was postponed, and as a re- ABC/47 WMDT. EXPO WAS POSTPONED, AND AS
sult it was successfully held outdoors in
June and greatly expanded,” said Kathy Exhibitors also include home im- A RESULT IT WAS SUCCESSFULLY
Benson, founder and coordinator of the provement companies, Realtors,
Spring Home Expo. “We are especially developers, builders, mortgage, finance HELD OUTDOORS IN JUNE AND
excited to help our many loyal exhibi- and insurance firms, and a large array of
tors hit their business stride now. If you home product and service companies. GREATLY EXPANDED.”
are a business who would like to reach Expo visitors can enjoy the convenience
and serve the lucrative eastern Sussex of viewing a full spectrum of products - KATHY BENSON, FOUNDER AND
County retirement residents, the Fall and services in one place. Several of the COORDINATOR OF THE SPRING HOME EXPO
Home Expo is the most cost-effective exhibitors plan to offer expo specials,
and many will be giving away gifts and For more information, contact Kathy
Benson at [email protected] or 302-
236-0857.

44 · Fall H&G 2020

FOOD SHOULDN’T BE THE ONLY
TASTEFUL THING IN YOUR KITCHEN.

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Fall H&G 2020 · 45

Clean out the medicine cabinet

Spring cleaning takes on an entirely no longer be recommended for certain Checking medications and removing ex-
new meaning when getting rid of ex- ages. Having such medications in the pired products from the house can prevent
pired or unsafe medicines. Even though house could prove harmful. accidents related to medications and en-
people may be quick to toss out expired sure that all medicines in the house are as
foods or even clean closets of ill-fitting Taking inventory and cleaning out effective as possible.
clothing, few individuals exercise such medicine cabinets frees up space and
diligence with their medicine cabinets. creates a safe home environment. of bandages and first aid equipment on
hand at all times.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administra- • Toss away any expired products,
tion says the medicine expiration date whether they are prescription or over- • Relocate medical supplies to an
is critical when determining if a product the-counter medicines. The best way area that isn’t high in humidity, as steam
is safe to use and will work as intended. to do so is to bring the medication to from showers can speed up the expira-
Medications past their expiration date a pharmacy for disposal rather than tion of medication. Storing medicines in
may not be as strong as intended, and throwing it in the garbage or flushing the refrigerator won’t help, as that is a
even their chemical composition may medicines down the toilet. high-humidity area, too.
change, making them risky to keep
around. Furthermore, keeping too many • Discard any unmarked containers
medications in a home — particularly or pill foils that are not in their original
pain prescriptions — can lead to misuse packaging.
and abuse, as the U.S. Drug Enforce-
ment Administration says that rates of • Test any medical devices, such as
prescription drug abuse in the United a nebulizer, blood pressure monitor and
States have risen considerably in recent glucose testing equipment to ensure
years. they are in working order.

Some old medications, such as • Replenish commonly used items,
children’s cough and cold products, may such as fever reducers or headache
medicines. Make sure there is a supply

- Home
- Auto
- Business

Call Today!
302-732-6655
www.minsuranceservices.com

46 · Fall H&G 2020

Fall H&G 2020 · 47

Gorgeous trends in the philosophy to guide decisions for your home - from add-
green home design ing solar panels on your roof to boosting your insulation.

An eco-friendly home offers many benefits. Besides reduc- Reclaimed pieces: One of the quickest and easiest ways to
ing your carbon footprint and being better for the environ- have a positive environmental impact is buying as little new
ment, you can save lots of money on your energy bills in the as possible.
long run.
The next time you need a piece of furniture, create some-
Plus, many of the latest trends are simply beautiful. Here thing rustic by recycling or upcycling an old or vintage item
are some to consider for your next home or remodel: with a new coat of paint or a fresh wood stain. If you’re plan-
ning a demolition, try deconstruction instead - “un-build” the
Bamboo materials: Bamboo is a renewable resource that structure and find elements you can salvage or reclaim, like
can be harvested gently, without disturbing the surrounding exposed brick and wood beams.
environment. It’s also a great alternative to hardwood, since it
can regenerate faster than trees. The timeless material is very Water conservation: With more parts of the world expe-
popular for flooring and can also be used for bathroom and riencing drought, saving water is one of the top concerns for
kitchen cabinets. When buying this material for your home, environmentalists. Wasting water is also expensive and leads
look for a high-quality, sustainable producer, since cheaper to higher utility bills. Upgrading your home with water-con-
versions can be less sturdy. servation features can go a long way, and most are designed
to look sleek and minimalist. Opt for low-flow showerheads,
Passive house: Go beyond efficient appliances with an toilets and sink fixtures.
entire house that uses little to no energy. Derived from the
German Passivhaus, passive house is a movement that refers Insulated concrete forms: Many homeowners now prefer
to a design process that creates buildings that have a small to build with insulated concrete forms because the mate-
ecological footprint and require little heating or cooling. Use rial offers better energy efficiency and performance than
traditional wood. Homes built with Nudura ICFs also provide
better fire protection and can help you save as much as 60
percent on heating and cooling costs. Your home is less likely
to contain cold areas as the insulation is continuous around
the entire house.

Green home designs reduce the carbon footprint and are better for the environment.
48 · Fall H&G 2020

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Fall H&G 2020 · 49

D.I.Y. WINNERS

Mitchell family wins home renovation photo contest

By Ron MacArthur
[email protected]

The Mitchell family has won the first RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
Cape Gazette Home Renovation Photo
Contest. The Mitchell family’s new kitchen and dining room are in an area expanded 14 feet out
from the original house.
Wanting to keep the house in the
family, Wayne and Leslie Mitchell took ily got involved. The kids loved being The Mitchells’ front door welcomes all to
on a major do-it-yourself project for a part of the demo. “When can kids their new home along Arabian Acres Road
their new home on Arabian Acres Road take a hammer to a wall and not get in near Lewes.
near Lewes. trouble?” Leslie said.

“We purchased Wayne’s grandpar- Even doing a major construction
ents’ home, built in 1984, from his fam- project amid the COVID-19 pandemic
ily in December 2019. His grandparents could not slow down progress, since
passed away and the family was putting most of the work was done by Wayne.
it on the market. Wayne and I knew that “All of the subcontractors were personal
this was where we were meant to be, so friends, and I scheduled them to work
we purchased it,” Leslie said. when they could be by themselves in
the house,” Wayne said.
It was Wayne, who has a construc-
tion background, who worked nights Wayne worked with his father in the
and weekends, and coordinated all work Hoenen & Mitchell construction com-
by subcontractors. pany until his dad retired. Wayne now
works for Atlantic Millwork while Leslie
Starting demolition in December is a second-grade teacher at Milton
2019, he gutted the existing house Elementary School.
down to the studs, and the 2-bedroom,
1-1/2-bathroom home was expanded The family moved into their new
and converted to a 4-bedroom, 3-1/2- home July 24. “With some landscaping
bath home. He took out a wall to open this fall, we’ll be finished,” Leslie said.
up a great room in the middle of the
house, which includes the family room The Mitchells join a host of other
and an enlarged kitchen/dining area. He family members who also call Arabian
also replaced the back porch and had a Acres Road their home.
new foundation poured.

DURING DEMOLITION, THE ENTIRE

FAMILY GOT INVOLVED. THE KIDS

LOVED BEING A PART OF THE

DEMO. “WHEN CAN KIDS TAKE A

HAMMER TO A WALL AND NOT GET

IN TROUBLE?” LESLIE SAID.

A larger house was needed for
the family of five, including children
Madison, 19, Tyler, 14, and Ava, 8. The
family moved from their existing home
on Hudson Road near Milton, which
was another building project done by
Wayne.

During demolition, the entire fam-

50 · Fall H&G 2020