Fall 2011

Do it Yourself How to plant a tree

Beyond the Backyard experiencing Door county

PLUS! ten tHings your remoDeling contractor Does not want to Hear

Country Life within City LimitsSengers Enjoy Nature and Convenience in Moorhead

This contest is open to all military nominees in the

Help Soldiers’ Families Shine Brighter This Season.

publisHerOutdoor Design & Publishing, LLC

content managerSarah McCurdy

copy eDitorNancy Koetz

leaD DesignerDan Nisbet

Design & layoutMike Biewer

Jamie Farmen

contributorsJanelle Brandon

Brian FrankKathy Sigler

Malcolm ThompsonRat

pHotograpHerLaura Caroon

Frozen Music Studios Photography

aDvertising informationPatrice Boss

Phone: 701.541.1318

mail corresponDenceOutdoor Design

301 Sheyenne St.West Fargo, ND 58078

info@outdoordesignandliving.com

outdoordesignandliving.com

Outdoor Design and Living Guide is published quarterly by Outdoor Design & Publishing,

LLC. Total printing is 15,000 copies per issue, and the publication is distributed in two states. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Outdoor Design & Publish-

ing, LLC assumes no responsibility for unso-licited manuscripts or photographs. Outdoor

Design & Publishing, LLC does not necessarily agree with or endorse content of articles or

advertising presented.

For advertising information, contact Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC.

A Little Work Now, an Oasis of Relaxation LaterAh, the humidity that slaps you upside the head the same way that –40° winds do in February. If you don’t like the weather in North Dakota, wait a few days. The hotter it gets, the longer our landscape project gets, but we are making progress. We have removed most of the landscape logs and replaced them with block bullets, planted six new trees and have landscaped around three trees with seven to go. Our neighbor asked how many more weekends we had left in this project.

I replied “All of them.”

I thought because we own a landscape design magazine we should make an attempt to have a yard that reflects the magazine. So with the process in motion, the list grows on and on. Why am I telling you this? Because I want to inspire you. If Todd can get off his couch and spend some quality time beautifying the outdoors, you can too! 

Think about the investment you have in your yard, shouldn’t it be more than an area to mow, or pick up doggy do?  Envision it as a backyard oasis, a trip to the lakes without the drive, a place of solitude away from the TV and computer screen. Just you, with a favorite drink and book relaxing in the fading sunlight of a fall evening.  Fire up the grill and await the friends or neighbors that are sure to be drawn to your entertainment haven in the backyard.

You will be surprised at how a little bit of sweat and toil can make a world of difference in your life after work.

In this issue we’ll explore a Moorhead couple’s backyard oasis and we’ll show you a cool before and after, which will inspire you to think of backyard parties in a different way. Hear from a handyman who’s heard it all, learn the proper way to plant a tree and check out the recipes for food and drinks for your next gathering. All of this and more awaits you in Outdoor Design & Living Guide’s Fall issue.

Here’s to a relaxing fall,

Todd and Darcy FuchsPublishers, Outdoor Design & Living Guide

Fall 2011 5

Fall2011 Feature

6 CountryLifewithinCityLimits

SengersEnjoyNatureand ConvenienceInMoorhead

14 RetroRedesign

18 ExperiencingDoorCounty

22 Rat’sRecipes

23 FallDelights

24 InspirationGuide

32 OvertheTopHalloween

34 WheretoGetYourPumpkins

36 DIY:TreePlanting

Followalongstep-by-stepasexpertsshowyouhow.

40 ThingsWeLoveAboutFall

42 TenThingsYourRemodeling

ContractorDoesNotWant

toHear

1814 32

Country Life within City Limits

Sengers Enjoy Nature and Convenience In Moorhead

ByJanelleBrandon PhotographybyLauraCaroon

In1970,BruceSengerwasajunioratNDSUwithaworkstudyjobmanagingaGermanlanguagelaboncampus.PattyLucas,afreshman,tooktheGermanlanguagelabandsheandBrucewouldoftenvisitbeforeorafterthelab.Oneweekend,PattyarrivedatahousepartyBrucethrewinFargoandtherestishistory.

Fall 2011 7

Thoughtheytriedtohaveachild,theywereunableandadoptedtheirdaughterJennawhenshewastwo-and-a-halfmonthsold.Twoyearslater,6-month-oldLucasjoinedtheSengerfamily.

ThefamilyoffourmadetheirhomeinthecountrynearKragnesandhadonlyoneneighborfor27years.BruceandPattybothcommutedtoworkintheFargo-Moorheadarea.

“Pattybecametiredofthe20-mileroundtripcommute…especiallyinbadweather,”sharesBruce.“Wealsowantedtheconvenienceofhavinggrocerystoresandrestaurantsalotcloserandnothavingtoplansofaraheadastowhatwewouldneedinthenextcoupleofdays.”

A Slice of Paradise

TheSengersbuilttheirhomeneartheRedRiverinnorthMoorheadin2005adjacenttothetollbridgeconnectingMoorheadtoFargo.TheSengersbroughtmuchoftheirknowledgeofcountrylivingwiththemtoMoorhead.

“IgrewuponafarmandPattyspentsummersathergrandmaandaunt’sfarmsowehavecountrylivinginour blood,”continuesBruce.

SomeofthefirstspacestheSengersdesignedwerebetweenthesidewalkandthefrontofthehouseandtheshrubsintherocksaroundthehouse.

“Ourfavoritespaceisinthenortheastcornerofourhouseandgarage,”addsPatty.“Withthepatiorighttherenexttothefountainandtheflowers,ithasbecomethemostrelaxingplacetojust‘be’inouryard.”

Patty worksintheflowerbedsandgardensandBrucemanagesthelawnandassistswiththegardening.

“Sittingonthepatioandenjoyingourbackyardissucha soothingandrelaxingwaytoletgoofallofthetensionsoftheworkday,”saysBruce.“Weplantorpullweeds,buildanewflowerbedorsimplysitandenjoyourlittlesliceofparadise.ItrytoimaginewhatGod’sparadisewaslikeandtrytorecreateithereforPattyandthekids,ourfriends,ourneighbors,andpassersby.”

ThefruitsoftheSenger’slaboraremanybutperhapsthemostscrumptiousisthehomegrownfoodfromthegarden.Thatis,thefoodthatmakesittothedinnertable.BruceandPattyhostmanyfurryandfeatheredoutdoorfriendsthatareinterestedinwhatisgrowingintheiryard.

Wildlife

ThespaceinthemiddleofthefrontyardwasdesignedaroundaSchubertChokecherrytree.ThesideyardfacingthehouseoriginallyhadmoreofaslopetoitsoBruceandPattywouldbeabletoenjoyallofthelowflowersplantedthere.Itendedupsettlingovertheyearsandsomeoftheflowerswerereplacedwithtallervarietieswhentheydidnotcomebackorthedeeratethem. 

“Ithasbeenchallengingattimestofindflowersthatthedeerwillleavealoneandthatwestilladmireandenjoy,”Bruceadmitted.“Wehaveseenmoredeerandturkeysinourbackyardinthesixyearswehavebeenintownthanwesawinthecountryfor27!”

Shortlyaftertheymovedintheirnewhomein2005,Bruce’sdaughterJennacalledhimatworkinapanickedvoice. Shesaid,“Dad,Ialmosthitadeer!” andBruceasked,“Where?”

Inanevenmoredisturbedvoiceshesaid,“Inthedriveway!”  

BruceandPattygetakickoutofwatchingthewoodchucks,deerandturkeysvieforscrapsunderthethreebirdfeeders.Theyevenspottedredsquirrelsthisyear,whichisafirst.

“Wehavehadtobetolerantofthewildlifeandtrytofindtreesandperennialsthattheywillnotdestroy,”observesBruce.“TheanimalshavenotdampenedourdeterminationtocontinuetodesignnewspacesandimproveexistingonesandIamlookingforwardtoretirementsothatIcancontinuetodevelopmylittlepieceofparadise!”

Intent and Inspiration

NotalldesignsplayedoutthewaytheSengersthoughttheywould.Theflowerbedbythemailboxwasdesignedashalfofahearttohelpdistractfromtheutilityboxes,firehydrantandmailbox. 

“Theinitialintentwastoputtheotherhalfoftheheartontheother

Fall 2011 11

sideofthemailbox,”admitsBruce.“ButIneededsomespacetopileallthesnow!”

MuchofBruceandPatty’sinspirationisdrawnfromBruce’schildhoodchurchinOrrin,North

Dakota,whereheandPattyweremarried.

“TheCatholicchurchinOrrinhasbeautifulgroundswithpathways,grottoes,evergreensandbothregularandfruittreesandavegetablegarden,”saysBruce.“IalsostillhavedreamsabouttheJapanesegardensinComoParkinSaintPaulwhenwefirstsawtheminthe1980s.Thatwasaverypeaceful,soothingplacetobe.SomedayIhopetoaddalittlebitofthattomyyard.” 

TheSenger’soutdoorspacesreflecttherootsoftheirheritageandtheyuseitsproducetorecreatethedishesoftheirancestors.Theyuseavarietyofcolorsinflowersandintreestobringouttherainbowinalllivingthingsandaddspicetolife.Someofthetreevarietiesgrowingintheiryardincludetiger-eyedsumac,variegated

willow,purple-leafedmaple,bayberryandelderberry.

“Myadvicetootherslookingtomaketheiroutdoorspacesuniqueistostartwithasmallprojectandthenaddtoitastimeandinspirationallow,”advisesBruce.“It’sfuntoexperimentandlearnwhatyou’recapableofdesigning.Myneighboroncetoldmethatasimplesquareorrectangularspacedoesnotshowmuchcharacter.Givethedesignaslightarcorswirl.Youwon’tknowwhatyoucancreateuntilyoutry.” ✽

WriterJanelleBrandonlivesinMoorheadwithherfamily.LearnmoreaboutJanelleatwww.janellebrandon.com.

14 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

Retro RedesignLeanneSucrow,Designer

Eventhoughthisisasmallspace,Iwantedtoshowthehomeownershowfaralittlespacecouldgowhenitcomestoentertaining.Weusedalotofthingsthattheyhadinside(thankstoGrandma’shouseandcollectingvintageitems)aswellassomerepurposeditemsIbroughtover.Thecombinationledtoacolorfulandinvitingentertainingspacethatisunique(andwithinbudget).Ilikethatit’sunique,charming,intimateandofcourse,it’suserfriendly.

BEFORE: This cozy backyard in an established south Fargo neighborhood functions as a relaxing space for the homeowners.

AFTER: We created a cozy dining area in the backyard on the existing cement patio. Two antique ironing boards create a great beverage station or place for a buffet line. We strung some twine along the old clothesline poles in the backyard and hung up colorful vintage sheets.

Fall 2011 15

16 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

ABOVE:Thisantiquedoorwillfitperfectlyontwosawhorses.Inourcase,weusedvintageTVtraysandtheyworkedjustgreat.Mismatchedchairsaddtothecharacterofthespaceandabenchwithpillowsbreaksupthepredictability.Noticethebluestandontheright,thisplantstandhadapreviouslifeasanicebucket.

BELOW: Aseparateseatingareaallowsgueststogatheringindifferentareasforconversation,whilestillfeelinglikepartofthegroup.

Things you can bring

outside: benches, side

chairs, pillows, end

tables – anything that

you have inside!

This type of design

alllows everyone to

be outside and feel

like everyone is still

gathered in one spot.

With outdoor parties,

you can’t go wrong by

bringing the indoors,

outside. Using indoor

items outside makes

them inviting and homey.

BELOW:Thisantiqueboxwasagaragesalefindandmakesabeautifulcandleholder.Thevintagemasonjarsareperfectlemonadeglasses.

Fall 2011 17

BELOW: Findvintagesheetsforjustafewdollarsatestateandgaragesales.Thistechniqueaddsabeautifulbackdroptothedinner,butalsoprovidesabitofprivacy.

Leanne Sucrow,anativeof theChicagoarea, establishedherrootsas agreeninteriordesigner,Shakleedistributor, andco-ownerof EcoChicBoutique inFargo,ND.She’sthemotheroftwo:ahuman3-year-oldanda canine American Bulldog.Leanneisalsoanutritionguru,coffeelover,andgets alittleweakinthekneeswhensheseesababy.

Leanne’s Vintage DecoRating tips

A vintage ironing

board is a staple piece

everyone should own. It

can be used as a sofa

table, serving station, or

display table.

In general, look at

something and think of

how you can reuse it.

I love the idea of using

a vintage door for the

dining table. For me, it’s

always about thinking

outside the box.

ABOVE:Partyfavorsaren’tnecessary,buttheyareanicetouch.(RevisitourDIYprojectfromSpringissueatOutdoorDesignandLiving.com–VintageStampedSilverware!)

LEFT:Toreallybringtheindoorsoutside,addapieceofyourfavoriteartwork.Wealsoaddedavintagebutcherblockthatwefoundatanestatesaleandawateringcanfromthehomeowners’farm.

18 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

WriterMiriamBeardoncesaid,“Certainly,travelismorethantheseeingofsights;itisachangethatgoeson,deepandpermanent,intheideasofliving.”

Althoughitisn’tnecessarytoleavehometoexperiencenewideas,traveldoesofferthetraveleranirreplaceableopportunitytodiscoverwhotheyareapartfromtheirusualroutinesandenvironments.Withthe“auto-pilot”switchinthe“off”position,individualsoftenfindthemselvesmuchmoreopentothetypesofnewexperiencesthatcaninspirethem.

Thisfall,astheseasonsbegintochange,inspirationmaybeascloseasnortheasternWisconsin.

ExperiencingDoorCountyByKathySigler PhotographybyDoorCounty.com/DoorCountyVisitorBureau

Cana Island Lighthouse

ConsideredtobetheCapeCodoftheMidwest,DoorCountyconsistsofseveralwaterfrontvillagesonasmallpeninsulaapproximatelyonehournortheastofGreenBay.This“70milecounty”isborderedonthewestbyGreenBayandontheeastbyLakeMichigan.

Whilethebestwaytotravelthroughtheareaisbycar,onceintheDoor,manyvisitorschoosetoviewthescenicbluffsalongtheshorelinebytakinganarratedtrolleytour,whileothersopttoseethefallfoliagefromthewaterwhileonwaterfrontcruisesorwhiletheyarekayakingorsailing.

SomeevenclaimthatthebestvantagepointistheEagleTowerinPeninsulaStatePark,wherevisitorscan

Fall 2011 19

climbthe76footobservationtoweronEagleBlufftoenjoyapanoramicviewofthepark.Whilethere,outdoorenthusiastswillalsowanttotakeadvantageofthemanyopportunitiesforhiking,biking,fishing,boatingandcamping.InadditiontoPeninsulaStatePark,DoorCountyisalsohometofourotherstateparks:WhitefishDunesStatePark,RockIslandStatePark,NewportStateParkandPotawatomiStatePark.

Afterworkingupanappetitedoingrecreationalactivities,guestsinDoorCountyareinforatreatwhenitcomestodiningexperiences.Theareaiswell-knownforitsMontmorencycherries,andfruitorchardsandwineriesare

Cana Island Lighthouse

Mon–Thurs 10–7 • Fri & Sat 10–6 • Sun Noon –6

349 E. Main Ave., West Fargo, ND

Fall MumsPumpkinsHomemade Salsa & Jam

Indian CornGourdsStraw Bales

20 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

scatteredacrossthecountrysidealongwithrestaurants,icecreamshops,bakeries,andfarmer’smarkets.

Thosewhoenjoyinvitingfriendsandfamilyoverformealsintheirbackyardathomemaybeatleastintrigued,ifnotinspired,bytheshowypresentationoftheDoorCountyculinarytraditionofthe“fishboil.”ThisScandinaviantechniquehasbeenusedforoveracenturytofeedlargegroupsofpeople,includinglumberjacksandchurchcongregations.

Duringthe“fishboil,”whitefishandredpotatoesareboiledinsaltinacast-ironkettleoveranoutdoorfire.Neartheendoftheprocess,thechefaddskerosenetotheflamescausingaboilover.Thisremovesthefatsandoilsfromthewaterandsignalsthatthefoodisreadyandthatitistimefordinerstomoveinsidefortheirmeal.

Afterdinner,therewillbetimetoexperiencesome

exceptionalartandperformingarts.ArtloverswillnotrunoutofgalleriesandmuseumstoexploreduringtheirtriptotheDoor.Inseveralofthelocalgalleries,theywillevengettotalkwithsomeoftheartistsandobservetheircreativeprocesses.Also,visitorswhoarefeelingcreativewillwanttomakesuretovisittheHandsonArtStudiowheretheycancreatetheirownfusedglasspieces,metalsculpturesandmosaicsfortheirownbackyards,orjustgetsomenewcreativeideasinafunanddynamicplace.

Formorenighttimeentertainment,thistimewithadistinctivelyWisconsinflair,fromSeptember1stthroughthe24th,theAmericanFolkloreTheatrewillbeputtingonthehumorousicefishingmusical“GuysonIce,”withmusicalnumberssuchas“OdetoaSnowmobileSuit,”and“TheOnethatGotAway.”FromSeptember30thtoOctober15th,thetheatrewillberunning“TheSpitfireGrill.”This

Fall 2011 21

thought-provokingproductionisaboutawomanstartingherlifeoverinasmallWisconsintownaftersheisreleasedfromprisonandhowshesparksatransformationinthecommunityitself.

MiriamBeardwasright.Travelisaboutmuchmorethatseeingthesights.FormoreinformationaboutopeningtheDoortoinspiration,logontowww.doorcounty.comorcall800-52-RELAX(73529). ✽

WriterKathySiglerlivesinMoorhead.LearnmoreaboutKathyatwww.KathySigler.com.

Rat is a personality on the Y94

Morning Playhouse, 93.7FM. You

can listen to him weekday mornings

from 5:45 a.m.-9 a.m. In his few

moments of spare time, Rat enjoys

making home improvements, along

with cooking and adapting recipes.

• 2RussetPotatoes• 2RedPotatoes(freshly

harvestedpotatoesareperfectthistimeofyear)

• BabyCarrots• 1/4thSmallwhiteonion

• 1cloveGarlic• 1Tbs.RanchDressing• Salt• Crackedpepper• Butter

Fall Delights

potatoesisyoucanadapttherecipetofityourtastes.

Greasetheinsideofyourtinfoilwrapusingbuttertopreventsticking,thenplacethepotatomixtureinthemiddleofthetinfoil.

Sealthetinfoilandplacedirectlyonthegrill(orcoalsifyou’recamping)for20-30minutes.Cookingtimemayvary.Infactifyouhaveahotgrilltheupperrackmayworkbetter.

Tip:Ifyouplantomaketheseforalargegroup,combinethemixtureaswrittenabove,butbreakitupintomorefoilpacketstoensureefficientgrillingtime.Removefromtinfoilandaddabitmorebutter,andadashofsaltandpepper.

Directions

Slicethepotatoesintocubes,makingsuretheyarethesame

sizeforevencooking.Dicetheonion,garlic,andafewbabycarrots.Mixall

oftheingredientstogetherinabowl.Remember,thegreatthingaboutthese

Boy Scout Potatoes

Those who know me well know that I cannot eat a meal without potatoes. That means there are a variety of potato recipes that cycle through the menu at my house on a regular basis: mashed, baked, julienne, au gratin, tots, fries, hash browns and more.

But my love of potatoes started as a young boy making Boy Scout Potatoes (thanks Pack 204). This recipe is easy to make and the simple ingredients combine to make great flavors. It will be a hit for your dinner party at home or tailgating before the big game.

Irish Cream Coffee

4 oz. Hot Coffee¾ oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey¾ oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream2 Sugar CubesWhipped Cream (Homemade)Maraschino Cherry

Pre-heatyourglassbyfillingitwithhotwater.Oncetheglasshasbeenpre-heated,dumpthewaterout.AddtheJameson

IrishWhiskeyandBailey’sintothepre-heatedglass.Next,filltheglasswiththehotcoffeeandaddthesugarcubeswhilestirringwell.Thenslowly

pourthewhipcreamoverthebackofaspoon;youdonotwantthewhipcreamtobreakthesurfaceofthecoffee.Finally,topitoff

withthemaraschinocherry.

Recipes submitted by Brian Frank of Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops. Happy Harry’s has locations in Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D. For more ideas, visit www.Happy-Harrys.com.

Fall Delights

Spiced Apple

5 oz. Apple Cider (Hot)2 oz. Thatcher’s Apple Spiced Ginger Liqueur

Combineinacocktailglassormug.Sprinkleadashofcinnamonontopandgarnishwithacinnamonstick.

Cran-Apple Martini

1 ½ oz. Stolichnaya Cranberry Vodka1 oz. Stolichnaya Gala Apple Vodka1 oz. Cranberry Juice

Combineallingredientsintoacocktailshaker.Shakeandstrainintoachilledmartiniglass.Garnishwithfreshcranberries.

Fall 2011 23

Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide?

Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com

Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide?

Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com

Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide?

Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com

Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide?

Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com

OvertheTopHalloweeeeeeeen!Halloween was big when Terry Stargardt was a little boy. Since he and his wife, Ann, moved into their West Fargo home in 1997, it’s only gotten bigger with each passing year.

In2010theytallied800trick-or-treaters.Someneighborsshutofftheirlights,donatedtheircandytotheStargardt’sandsatontheirfrontlawn,alldressedup.Youngerchildrenareoftentoldtocomeearly,becausewhennightfalls,thosewhodaremustmakeitthroughthe“TunnelofTerror”toearntheirsweets.

ThisyeartheStargardtswanttheirtrick-or-treaterstodonateanonperishablefood

itemiftheystopbytoseetheHalloweenscene.Thefoodwillbedonatedtoa

foodbankinFargo-Moorhead.

Ann, first row, far right. Terry, second row, far left.

ToseetheHalloweenspectacle,completewitharealcoffinonthefrontlawn,travelsouthdownSheyenneStreetinWestFargotohousenumber3819.You’llknowitwhenyouseeit–don’tforgetyourfooditem! ✽

WefirstfeaturedtheStargardtfamilyinourFall2009issuefortheirfantasticholidaylightsdisplay.Visitwww.OutdoorDesignandLiving.comandclickon“DigitalIssues”toviewthatarticle.

Fall 2011 33

Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch

14447Hwy.10,Glyndon,MN.218.498.2684OpenSept.24-Oct.30,2011.Fri.3-6p.m.,Sat.&Sun.10a.m.-6p.m.GateFee$4.00perperson.Childrenagesoneandunderarefree.Ticketsarerequiredforsomeoftheattractions.VisittheWebsiteformoreinformation:www.BuffaloRiverPumpkinPatch.com

The Children’s Museums Pumpkin Patch

Children’sMuseumatYunkerFarm120128thAvenueNorth,Fargo,ND.701.232.6102

PickpilesofperfectlypricedpumpkinsfromSept.27-Halloween(whilesupplieslast).PartyinthePumpkinPatch,Oct.8-9.Saturday10a.m.-5p.m.andSunday1a.m.-5p.m.Celebrateharvestartatthisfamilyfallfestival,decorateyourpumpkin,andcheckoutthefreshnewfunandfamiliarfavoritesinsidethemuseum.Admissionis$5andincludesmuseumadmission.Museummembersarefree.Childrenoneandunderarefree.

Dakota Carriage Company Pumpkin Patch

741440thAvenueNorth,Fargo,ND.701.347.4069or701.282.9392

Pumpkinpatch-pickinthefieldorchoosefrompumpkinsalreadygatheredfromthefield,cornmaze,child-sizedhaybalemaze,horse-drawnhayrides,hauntedhouse,snacksandrefreshmentstand,ponyrides,pettingzoo,farmanimals,birthdayparties,schooltours,andmore.Email:dakotacarriagecompany@anyconnect.com.OpenSept.24-Oct.30,2011.Saturdays1-5p.m.andSundays11a.m.-5p.m.Gateadmissionwithapumpkinis$9forages2-100(under2arefree).Farmvisitwithoutapumpkinis$6forages2-100(under2arefree).

Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch

244820thAve.NE,Emerado,ND701.610.9564Pumpkinpatch,cornmaze,hayridesOpenSept.17-Oct.29,2011.Weekdays3-6p.m.,weekends11a.m.-6p.m.(Schoolgroupscanmakespecialsappointments,callthenumberabove.)

Formoreinformationvisitwww.NelsonsPatch.farming.officelive.com

34 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

Let's get together for an Insurance and Financial Review to talk about:RetiRement Planning | College Funding 401(k) RolloveRs | annuities vaRiable univeRsal liFe | mutual Funds

More than an insurance agent

securities products are offered through CountRY Capital management Company.

1705 n. towanda avenue, P .o. box 2222, bloomington, il. 61702-2222, tel (866) 551-0060. member FinRa and siPC. 1210-548Ho

Steve Aune4820 30th ave s ste 100Fargo, nd

701-356-0505www.steveaune.com

Rheault Farm

290225thStreetSouth,Fargo,ND701.241.8160FallFestivalisSeptember17-18&24-25,2011

Enjoyfreeadmissiontotheparkandfunfallactivities,including:artsandcrafts,facepainting,strawbalemaze,pickingandpurchasingtheperfectpumpkinandmuchmore!Formoreinformationvisitwww.FargoParks.com/se_fallfest.html

1

How to Plant aByToddFuchs,OutdoorDesign&LivingGuidePublisher

Plantingatreeseemseasyenough.Youdigahole,dropatreeintoit,andthenfillremainingspacewithdirt–wellit’ssomethinglikethat.

Spendsometimeatthenurserytofindoutwhattypeoftreesuitsyouryardthebest,visitwiththeexpertstofindoutwhichspeciesorvarietyofthespecieswillfittheideayouaretryingtoachieve,whetherit’sforshade,ascreen,energyconservation,ornamental,orawildlifehabitat.

WesatdownwithEricatBakerNurseryinFargo.HepulledouryarduponGoogle,sketchedupalayoutofouryard,andstartedtossingoutsomelandscapeideasonplantinglocations.Heofferedussomeideaswehadn’tthoughtaboutandhehelpedusvisualizehowthatscrawny6'talltreewillsomedaybe30'talland20-25'wide.

BEFOREyoudigcallNorthDakotaOneCallat

800-795-0555or811.MinnesotaresidentscallGopherstateOneCallat800-252-1166.Oncethelinesarelocatedandthelocationsforthenewtreesaredetermined,wecanstart. 1

2

36 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

Startbysettingyourtree(whileinitstub)onthespotyouwishtoplantit.Usingyourshovelasa

guide,measureoutabout6''fromthetubandmakedigmarksinthesodtoformaniceroundhole.

Usingabucketorwheelbarrowtocarryawaythesodand

excesssoil.Begintodigyourholeusingthepreviouslymarkedcircleasaguide.

2 3

4

Afterremovingthetreeballfromthebucket,loosenup

theroots.Theyhave“learned”togrowincirclesfromthepail,called“potbound”andtheyneedtobelooseneduptostarttheirnewlivesinyouryard’ssoil.Thisisveryimportanttopreventtherootsfrom“girdling”andpossiblykillingthetree.

5

Againusingyourshovelasaquickmeasuringstick,measureyourtreebucketforheight.Usethis

measurementtocheckthedepthofyourhole.Itisveryimportantthatthetreeisnotburiedtoodeep.

Usingyourfeetpackthebaseoftheholetogivethetreeballasolidlevelspottosit.

Thereisapointonthetree“trunk”thatturnsto“root”Thatpointshouldalwaysbeabovethesoillinetopreventthetrunkfromrottingafterbeingburiedindampsoil.

3

4 5

Fall 2011 37

Onemethodisusingtheshovel,cuttingsomemarksandtwisttofreethem,otherwisejustuseyourhandsandpluckatthemawhile.Thenyou

arereadytocarefullysetthetreeballintoyourhole.

Fillintheholewithsomegoodblackdirt(inourheavyclaysoilalightermixtureispreferred)thiswillhelpwithdrainagetopreventroot

rot.Carefullypourinalayeratatimeandlightlypackaroundtheball,payingparticularattentiontothetrunksothat,whenfinished,yourtreeisasverticalaspossible.Continuetoaddsoiluntilholeisfilled.

Detailthesoilsothatthetrunkbulbisnotcovered,andthewaterwilltaperawayfromthetrunk.

6

7

8

Giveyournewtreeitsfirstrefreshingdrinkofwatertohelpsoakandsettlethesoilaroundthetreeball.

9

6

7

8 9

10 1138 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

Wenowhavetogivethenewtreeabitofhelp.Drive2t-postsapprox24''-30''fromthetree.Usetreestrapsandwiretoattachthetreetotheposts.

Tightenthewireusingyourwirecutters.(Noneedtoovertighten,youwilljustbendthet-postsinandnotofferanyadditionalsupport).

10

Addwoodmulchorchipstopreventweedencroachment.PorouslandscapefabricmaybeusedbutDONOTuseplasticsheetingasthis

willpreventairandwatermovement.

11

Buildupyourmulchabitinthecenterbutthereisnoneedtobuild“volcanoes.”Makeasmalldisharoundthetrunktoagainkeepwateroff

thetrunk.

12

12

ALWAYS CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

811 or 800-795-0555IT’S FAST, IT’S EASY, IT’S THE LAW

www.ndonecall.com

One call gets your utility linesmarked and helps protect you

from injury and expense.

Nowwehavetosupportourtreesforthatfirstyearortwo.Theyneedtobewateredatleastonceaweek–moreoftenduringtheheightofSummer–deepsoakingsarepreferredoverlightwaterings.Asimplefingertestintothesoilshouldhelpguideyourwateringschedule.Overwateringcanresultinoxygendeprivation.

UsehalfstrengthMiracleGrowforthefirstfertilizerapplication.Contactyourlocalcountyhorticulturistfortheproperfertilizerapplicationinyoursoilconditions.

Fall 2011 39

40 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

ThingsWeLoveAboutFall…GiaRassierCommunicationsSpecialist,Moorhead,MN

Photo credit: Lissadee Photography

• Energyofnewacademicyear–Workingatacollegemeans800first-yearfacesoncampuseveryfall.Ilovetheexcitementthatjustcomeswithallthenewbeginnings–nottomentionthefamousConcordiabeanietoss.

• Newschoolsupplies–WhowouldturndownabrandnewboxofCrayolacrayonsandBIC0.mm#2pencilsfor33cents?

• FarmersMarketatConcordia–Fresh,local,sustainableproducehomegrownoncampusandinthegreatFMcommunity.Delish.

• Crisp,butnotcoldweather–Perfectforlongsleeves,sweatshirtsandTOMSshoes.

• Findingthatperfectcrunchyleaftojumpon

• Thelighting–It’smyfavoritetimeforoutdoorportraitphotographybecauseofthedistinctiveearlymorningandeveninggoldenhour.

• Myfavoritepairofjeansandhoodedsweatshirts

• LongwalksoutsidewithmyCanon60D

SeeyournameinprintandshareastoryinourWinterissue!VisitourFacebookpageatwww.facebook.com/OutdoorDesignandtellusaboutyourfavoriteholidaymemoryorwintermemoryin50wordsorless.

ChrisHaydenLegalAssistant,Fargo,ND

Photo Credit: Shanda Hayden

MikeWilliamsFargoCityCommissioner

• WatchingthesunrisesimultaneouslywiththegeeseoffSpragueLakebyRutland

• Eatingslightlyripened,tart,Harrelsonapples

• RoosterPheasantflushingatmyfeet

• Ridingbikewithmywiferightuptothefirstheavysnow

• HalloweenParties• Crock-potSundays• Cheeringonthehometeamata

footballgame• Snugglingupwithmyhusbandto

watchmovies

KathiSalvevoldTeacherandphotographer,Moorhead,MN

• Thestartofanewschoolyear…achancetosetnewgoalsandmeetnewstudents.

• Decoratingmyhouseandoutdoorspacesforfallwithmums,pumpkins,cornstalks,andHalloweendecorations.

• Bundlingupinfallclothes…scarves/mittens,comfysweatersandjeans,boots.

• Watchingbaseballplayoffsandthestartofthefootballseason.Mydaughterisgoingtoplaysoccerthisfall,soIamexcitedtowatchhertoo. 

• ThenewseasonofsomeofmyfavoriteTVshows…thatis,ifIhavetimetowatchthem.:)

• Ofcourse,thebeautifulcolorsofthefallleaves.

• Spendinganafternoonatthepumpkinpatchwithmyfamily…chasingeachotherthroughthecornmaze,goingonahayride,pickingpumpkins,etc.

• Enjoyingwarmappleciderorhotchocolateonacoolevening…whichleadstoanotherofmyfavorites…thecrispautumnair.

• Bonfireswithfriendsandfamilyandalsocozyinguptothefireplaceinside.

• Fallfoods,whichinclude:applecrisp,caramelapples,heartysoups,breads,carrotcakeandpie.

• Wearingjeansandhoodedsweatshirts

• Goingtomystep-daughter’sVolleyballgames

• Thechangingcolors• Baking

• Crispmornings• Firstfrostknocksmosquitoesfora

loop• Changingcolorsofleavesandgrass• RushashugeflockofMallardsmill

overmyblind• Walleyesputonthefeedbag• Harvestmoon

42 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

TenThingsYourRemodelingContractorDoesNotWanttoHearByMalcolmThompson

InthesixteenyearsI’veworkedasaremodelerI’vegivenhundredsofestimates.Everyprojectisdifferent,butI’venotedsomerecurringthemeswhenitcomestonewclients.

TheywonderifIcandotheworkbetterthanthenextguy,ifIcanbetrusted,andifIcanworkwithintheir

budget.Itisalsomyjobtobringtotheirattentionparticularchallengestheirprojectentails.WhatfollowsaretypicalcommentsIgetfromclientswhenIcometogiveanestimateandmyresponses(oratleastwhatIwouldliketotellthem).

Fall 2011 43

I’mgettingabunchofestimates.

Thebestdealmaynotbetheguywiththecheapestbid.Athree-yearslumpinhomeconstructionhasseenmanylayoffsinthenewbuildingtrade,particularlyamongtheinexperiencedandlowerskilled.Manyhaveturnedtoremodelingandhandymanworkatcut-rates.Theymightbeadequateframersfornewconstruction,butunfamiliarwiththeidiosyncrasiesofyourhundred-yearoldhome.Don’tbesurprisedthattheyarenowheretobefoundayearfromnowwhentherooftheyrepairedstartsleakingagain.Yourbestbetistohireanestablishedcontractorwithreferencesyoutrust.

Iwanttoknowexactlyhowmuchthisisgoingtocost.

Ah,theolddilemma:fixedbidortimeplusmaterials.Remodelingisnotlikenewconstructionwherethehomebuilderknowstheexactcostpersquarefoot.Withremodelingthereisnotellingwhatislurkingbehindthosewalls.Itisalmostalwaysworsethanexpected.Rareisthecontractorwhorefusestocutcornerswhenhiddenproblemsofafixed-bidprojectstartseatingintotheprofit.Befrankandhonestaboutyourbudget.Agoodremodelerwhoworksbythehourcanguestimatewhatyouwillgetforthatmoneywithin15-20%.Youmaypayalittlemore,butthecontractorislesslikelytosweepdustunderthecarpet.

We’renotreallysurewhenwe’regoingtostart.

Ifacontractoriswillingtogiveanestimate,itmeansthey’reeagertowork.Theproposedbidorlaborratemaybetimesensitive.FromNovember15toApril1istheslowseasonwhencontractorsaremorelikelytolowertheirrates.Comespring,yourremodelermightbetoobusy.Oh,andplease,don’twaituntilthefirstsnowtocallaboutgettingthatdraftydoorreplaced.Toeverythingthereisaseason.

Iwanttodothedemolitionmyself.

Demolitionishard,dirty,anddangerous.Itisnotabouttakingasledgehammerandgoingtotownastheydoonrealitytelevision.Incorrectdemolitioncanaddthousandstoremodelingcosts.DIYdemolitionholdsupcontractorswhohavetowaitforclientstogetaroundtodoingit.

Wealreadyboughtthematerials.

Eagertogetstarted,clientsoftenbuythewrongstuff.Contractorsusuallyhaveapreferenceoncertainbrands.Theymaybeabletogetbettermaterialsatlowercosts.Iinsistonselectingwoodforaprojectmyself.Fewclientsknowhowtopickastraight2x4.Badmaterialsaddhourstoajob.Thatdiscontinuedtilemighthavebeenastealsixmonthsago,butwhatdoyoudowhenyoucannotfindanotherfivepiecestofinishthejob?

Wewanteverythingdonebeforenextweek’sparty.

Itissurprisinghowmuchremodelingisdoneforspecialoccasions.Sometimesthiscausesclientstosetunrealisticdeadlines.Ihadaclientwho,wantingtocelebrateChristmasintheirnewgameroom,insisteduponinstallingcarpetingbeforethewallswereframed.Tryingtoworkwithoutdestroyingthecarpetwasanightmare.

Fall 2011 45

Idon’tcareiftheworkisn’tperfect.

Thisiscodeforanynumberofthings,allofwhichsoundbadtocontractors.Someclientsreallymean,“I’mexpectingperfect,butI’mnotgoingtopayforit.”Othersjustwant“goodenough.”Thenagain,whatisgoodenough?Ionlybuildoneway–tothebestofmyability.

We’reselling–can’tyoujustpatchit?

Thisalmostalwaysinvolvesadisasterofabathroom.Thedrywallbehindtheshowertilehasmeltedorthesub-floorhasrotted.Totheclienttheissueis“justabitofmold.”Band-Aids,however,neverworkinremodeling.Ifthestructureisnotthere,noamountofpatchingisgoingtohold.Chancesareahomeinspectorwillspotyourshort-cutsandyouwillhavetodoitovertomakeasale.

Ithinkwe’lldothepaintingourselves.

Paintingisharderthanitlooks.Peoplewillspendthousandsforanewbathandthenscrewitupwithabadpaintjobjusttosaveafewhundreddollars.Eightypercentofpaintingispreparation,whichclientsalmostneverdo.Yes,youhavetoprime.No,thereisnosuchthingasaone-coatcoverage.Primerandpaintallinone?Doyoubuyhairshampooandconditionerinthesamebottle?

Gee,thanksforcomingoversoquicklytogiveusabid.We’llletyouknow.

WhenIhearthisIknowI’mnotgettingthejob.I’vetakentwohourstoexplainjusthowI’mgoingtodotheproject.Theylikeme,buteithertheynowthinktheycandoitthemselvesorthecostiswayabovetheirbudget.ThenextdayIfighttheurgetoslashmyprice.Itellmyselfthatqualityisn’tcheap,it’sabargainandpraythatthenextprospectunderstandsthat. ✽

J.MalcolmThompsonistheowner/operatorofThompsonCustomRemodeling.Sincethe1970shehasremodeledolderandnewerhousesinNewJersey,VermontandtheFargo-Moorheadarea.Findhimonlineatwww.ThompsonRemodeling.net.

46 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe

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