(ARA) – Hot and dry weather provides reason enough to think about simple ways to save water while still enjoying beautiful yards and gardens. You may even find that your efforts to be water smart may improve the health and appearance of your plants.

During the summer, an estimated 30 to 70 percent of household water use takes place outdoors, depending on your local climate. Up to half of the water used to irrigate yards and gardens is unnecessarily lost due to evaporation, wind drift, watering non-plant areas due to poorly aligned sprinklers and simply overwatering.

With some easy steps, you can reduce your water bill, foster attractive spaces for you and others to enjoy and help protect water supplies for future generations. Do something good for your bank account, your yard and your planet by following these smart tips.

Plant smart

* Landscape to suit your lot and your climate. Choose grass or plants with low water requirements that will thrive in your local climate. Consider sun and shade areas, slopes and plant sizes for optimum growth. Group plants with similar water needs close together and separate lawn areas from planting beds.

* Keep soil healthy. Aeration helps improve water penetration and adding compost or fertilizer maintains plant health so they use water more efficiently. Mulch well around plants, bushes and trees. Two to 4 inches of mulch reduces evaporation, moderates soil temperatures and helps control weeds that compete for water.

* Maintain your yard regularly. Weed, prune and mow as needed. A well-maintained yard uses water more effectively.
Water wisely

* Set sprinklers to only water plants, not your driveway, sidewalk, patio or other hardscapes.

* Water at the best time. Watering during the heat of the day causes high evaporation loss. Watering early in the morning when winds are calm and temperatures are cooler minimizes evaporation by as much as 30 percent.

* Adapt watering to the season. Adjust how much you water based on seasonal weather and changing conditions. Weather-based timers are available and can make such adjustments automatically.
Maintain and upgrade automatic irrigation systems

* Inspect the system regularly. Check for leaks that can waste water and cause other problems. Also look for broken or clogged sprinklers that no longer operate efficiently.

* Check the pressure. Proper water pressure encourages more uniform water distribution and better sprinkler operation. Fixed spray-type sprinklers work well around 25 to 30 psi while sprinklers with moving streams of water work well at 40 to 45 psi. Water pressure regulation devices are easily added to valves to control a whole irrigation zone or can be part of individual sprinklers.

* Install a rain shutoff device. Rain sensors prevent irrigation systems from running when irrigation is unnecessary. These devices can reduce irrigation water usage by up to 35 percent and help extend irrigation system life. Sprinkler systems should never run in the rain and rain sensors can put an end to those wasteful situations.

* Utilize “smart” technology. Climate or soil moisture sensors and controllers evaluate weather or soil moisture conditions and automatically adjust the irrigation schedule so your landscape always receives the appropriate amount of water. The water savings can be significant and the convenience of these self-adjusting controllers is another great benefit.

* Consider drip or micro-irrigation for shrubs and ground covers. Rather than spray large areas with above-ground sprinklers, drip irrigation utilizes emission devices to deliver desired volumes of water to particular locations at or near plant root zones. Water drips slowly from emitters either onto the soil surface or below ground. Less water is lost due to wind and evaporation as a result, and weeds can also be reduced.

* Look for rebates. Many water utilities offer rebates for certain water-efficient products. Before upgrading your system, check with your local water provider for opportunities for free and discounted products.
Consider an irrigation professional

* Have your irrigation system audited. Hire a qualified professional to conduct a system review and uniformity test to ensure areas are being watered evenly and appropriately, and make necessary adjustments. Certified irrigation professionals have the training and skills to offer insight into unique watering challenges and can be located at www.irrigation.org/Certification/Find_a_Certified_Professional.aspx.

* Upgrade or invest in a new irrigation system. A water-efficient system requires a good design, quality components, proper installation and maintenance. Licensed and certified professionals can offer expert advice and services.

Although July is officially designated Smart Irrigation Month by the Irrigation Association and a number of states, it makes sense to promote smart irrigation every month of the year. Each individual effort makes a difference that results in more beautiful, productive and water-efficient landscapes for everyone to enjoy while conserving one of our most precious natural resources.

For more information and helpful tips, visit www.smartirrigationmonth.org.

Giving your lawn mower a tune-up is a lot easier and more important than many people realize.

(NAPS)—Lawn care is a lot easier when you have a mower that starts quickly and gets the job done week after week. The key to making that happen can be as simple as doing a few easy and inexpensive mower maintenance tasks once a year.

“It’s like preventive medicine for your equipment,” says Synoilva Shaw, a Briggs & Stratton marketing coordinator and lawn mower expert. “For a few dollars and few minutes once a year, you can make your lawn mower last longer and run better.” For the typical push mower, an annual lawn mower tune-up includes changing the oil, spark plug and oil filter and adding a fuel preservative. It takes about 30 minutes and provides great benefits, including:

•  A lawn mower that starts easily and runs smoothly at full power;
•  Extended mower life, potentially avoiding major repairs;
•  Reduced engine emissions because the engine will run cleaner;
•  A small savings in the amount of gasoline used.

“Even homeowners who have never done a mower tune-up can do it right the first time,” adds Shaw. In fact, Todd Teske, the CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation, demonstrates how easily it is done by tuning up his own lawn mower on a how-to video on the Briggs & Stratton YouTube channel.

The company offers all-in-one tune-up kits that include everything needed to do a tune-up: the right amount of oil, an air filter, a fuel filter for riding mowers, a spark plug and fuel preservative. The kits are available at Briggs & Stratton dealers, home improvement stores or online at www.briggsandstratton.com.

The firm also helps homeowners dispose of their used mower engine oil easily and at no cost at participating Briggs & Stratton dealers. The used oil can be dropped off in any closed container. To find a dealer, visit recyclemoweroil.com.

As the largest maker of gas engines for outdoor power equipment, the company encourages homeowners to maintain the estimated 65 million lawn mowers in the United States as both a cost-saving measure and an environmentally responsible action.

July belongs to blueberries in Michigan. Blueberries are so easy to eat and enjoy, and they taste great. They have been enjoyed for centuries in our nation, and are a true native American species.

Early settlers cherished the fruit as a staple ingredient in foods and medicines. They incorporated the berries into their diets, eating them fresh off the bush and adding them to soups, stews, and many other foods.
When buying blueberries, look for firm, plump berries that have a powdery, grayish-blue color. To prevent fresh berries from turning soft, wash them just before eating. When storing, wrap tightly and refrigerate. Do not wash them before freezing. If washed, they turn into a solid form and become mushy upon thawing. Instead, blueberries should be frozen so they pour individually from an airtight bag or container.

In addition to their visual appeal, intense blue color, and sweet delectable flavor, blueberries are a healthy and convenient food. They require no pitting or peeling – just rinse, eat, and enjoy! Blueberries have much more to offer than good looks and great taste. Luscious, sweet blueberries have a nutrition profile fitting for the new millennium. They’re low fat, sodium free, and a good source of both fiber and vitamin C. In fact, a one-cup serving of fresh blueberries will give you five grams of fiber—more than most fruits and vegetables—and 15 percent of your daily vitamin C at a cost of only 80 calories.

On this page is a recipe for those watching their sugars and carbs. You can have your blueberry cheesecake and eat it too!

From the U.S. highbush blueberry council

Ingredients

2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs*
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2⁄3 cup granulated non-nutritive sweetener
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Sour Cream Topping, recipe follows
Blueberry Sauce (recipe follows)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F
Spray bottom and side of a 9-inch pie plate with vegetable cooking spray
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and tilt to cover evenly
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, eggs, milk, granulated sweetener and vanilla until smooth
Carefully pour into crumb-coated pie plate
Smooth top
Bake until set in the center, 18 to 20 minutes
Cool 10 minutes
When pie is set, spread the Sour Cream Topping over the top
Bake 7 minutes longer
Cool to room temperature on a wire rack
Chill until cold
Serve with Blueberry Sauce

Sour Cream Topping

In a small bowl, stir 1 cup sour cream, ¼ cup granulated non-nutritive sweetener and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Blueberry Sauce

In a medium-size saucepan, over medium heat, stir 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries with 2 tablespoons granulated non-nutritive sweetener and 1 tablespoon each lemon juice and water until berries are soft, about 5 minutes
Chill

Quick notes

Per portion (including 1-½ tablespoons blueberry sauce): 413 calories; 13 g carbohydrate; 36 g total fat (22 g saturated fat); 1 g fiber
* Note: Breadcrumbs are optional If made without breadcrumbs, subtract 1 gram carbohydrate per portion

Number of servings (yield): 8

We are just heading into July, but it’s not too early to enjoy some fat, juicy, delicious blueberries for national blueberry month! Did you know that over 18,000 acres of blueberries are grown in Michigan, the largest blueberry-producing state in the U.S.? Michigan grows more than 20 varieties. They are a favorite at farmer’s markets, and in regular grocery stores, too. They came in early this year, and Post Farms had 1,000 pounds ready to pick as of Monday.

Blueberries are considered a super food. They are the fruit that is highest in antioxidants, and are an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber. They are also a good source of Vitamin A and iron.

Eat fresh blueberries within a week after purchasing. Store berries in the refrigerator in a covered container. Do not wash until ready to eat. For long-term storage, place completely dry berries on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a plastic freezer bag or container.

To take advantage of the plentiful blueberries, raspberries and strawberries that are out right now, try the recipe on this page for a luscious Fourth of July dessert!

From the U.S. highbush blueberry council

Ingredients

1 package (10-¾ ounces) frozen pound cake

Raspberry-Orange Sauce (recipe follows)

1 container (8-ounces) whipped cream cheese

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice

1-½ cups fresh blueberries, divided

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions

Slice frozen pound cake lengthwise in three layers

Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet with top layer cut side up

Pierce layers with fork tines

Spread each with 2 tablespoons of the Raspberry-Orange Sauce

Let stand 10 to 15 minutes so that the cake absorbs the sauce

Meanwhile, in a bowl stir together cream cheese, sugar and orange juice until well blended

To assemble cake: Place bottom layer on a serving plate

Spread evenly with a third of the cream cheese mixture

Arrange a third of the blueberries evenly over cream cheese

Drizzle about 1 tablespoon Raspberry-Orange Sauce over blueberries

Repeat with center slice of cake

Place top layer cut side down

Spread with remaining cream cheese mixture

Decorate cake to resemble an American flag using remaining blueberries and the strawberries

Serve with remaining Raspberry-Orange Sauce

Number of servings (yield): 8

Raspberry-Orange Sauce

Instructions

Stir together until smooth ¾ cup seedless raspberry jam and 6 tablespoons orange juice

Quick notes

Yield: about 1 cup

from the Kent County Health Department

Eating more fruits and vegetables just got easier for clients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC). One swipe of a WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmer markets this summer.

The Michigan Department of Community Health WIC Division selected the Kent County Health Department as a pilot site for a new project, allowing WIC participants to use their Cash Value Benefits (CVB) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from participating farmer markets.  Previously, WIC participants needed a coupon at Farmers’ Markets to make purchases there, and could only use their electronic cash benefits to buy fresh produce in local grocery stores.
“Employees of the KCHD WIC office were instrumental in our selection as the sole pilot agency for this program, thanks to past successes in piloting and initiating new programs and changes, such as MI-WIC and EBT,” said Cathy Raevsky, Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department.  “It’s an honor to be the first in the nation with this great program.”
The pilot project runs June 1 through October 31, 2012.  During 2011, the KCHD WIC Program issued over $1,955,701 in Cash Value Benefits to WIC participants.  “This is money that goes back into our communities to our farmers, their employees and their families,” Raevsky added.
In addition to the Cash Value Benefit Farmer Market Pilot Project, the KCHD WIC Program will also be piloting an enhancement to the already successful WIC Project FRESH program.  Through this pilot, WIC participants will now receive their Project FRESH benefits electronically via their WIC EBT card. In the past, participants of Project FRESH were given coupon booklets, containing 10 individual coupons worth $2 each, which can only be spent to purchase fresh, locally grown, fruits and vegetables.

In addition to receiving their WIC Project FRESH benefits electronically, those participating in Project FRESH this year will also receive $30, an increase from $20 last year. During the 2011 Project FRESH season, the KCHD WIC program provided $12,720 worth of coupon vouchers to eligible WIC participants.

Unseasonably warm weather in March and killer frosts in April have decimated cherries, apples and juice grapes statewide. But blueberries seem to have escaped with minimal damage, and all signs are pointing toward near-normal production for the year or better—just ask Merrill Post.
“If we can get the size, it looks like we will have the biggest or second biggest crop we’ve ever had,” said Post, owner of Post Farms, 9849 Myers Lake, in Courtland Township.

He said that last year he put in 500 more blueberry bushes, and brought in bumblebees. “Every blasted blossom must have pollinated,” he remarked. “They are really thick.”
Post said he frost-protected the blueberry bushes with water. “When the water freezes, it protects them,” he explained.
Michigan is the no. 1 blueberry-growing state in the nation, producing more than 100 million pounds of blueberries each year, which is 30 percent of the national crop.
Post, who has put in an average of 500 bushes each year for the last few years, said he will continue adding bushes for another three or four years. “I can’t seem to grow enough for people,” he noted.

Raspberries are another popular item at Post Farms that are just starting. “They were hurt a little, the canes got touched a bit (by frost),” he said. Last year was his biggest raspberry crop to date, but he said he hasn’t really made money on them yet because he hasn’t had the volume he needs. Post said he plans to beef up his raspberry production over the next few years.

Post said he will have more corn than he’s ever had this year, including the standard corn, super sweet corn, and a new early corn, which he expects to harvest mid to late July. “I’m continually upgrading to increase my volume,” he explained.

Check out the Post Farms Facebook page for more information on what produce is ready to pick, and for pricing on both u-pick and pre-pick produce. You can call for availability at 874-7569.

(ARA) Window boxes overflowing with blooms, decorative pots lining the driveway with striking colors, and even a flowering vine climbing up the mailbox. The growing season has arrived, and it is time to decorate the landscape.

The latest gardening trend is growing your own produce, so incorporate edible plants as a beautiful compliment to the typical annuals and perennials. This year, spice up the landscaping decor with some tasty options.

Edible plants—whether herbs, vegetables, fruits or flowers—add a creative variety of interest to your landscape, and also produce a delicious bounty for your dinner table come harvest time.

Here are some ideas to help incorporate edible plants into your landscaping:

Decorate an arbor in the garden, along a walkway or near the house with grape vines. These vines can help shade an area and also can produce grapes good for eating, juicing, making into jams or jellies, or even wine. Different grapes thrive in different areas of the country, so research your region first before attempting to start some vines.

Switch to edible flowers like nasturtium, violets, chamomile, dandelion, hollyhock, honeysuckle, and pansies in your window boxes and decorative pots.  Do not eat flowers grown for ornamental purposes, instead, start edible flowers as seeds and grow them yourself. These flowers work great in salads, teas, summery drinks like sweetened tea, mocktails, and lemonade, and also can be crystallized to decorate cakes. To crystallize flowers, separate the flowers from the stem, and wash and dry the bloom. Heat up equal parts of water and sugar until the sugar dissolves, and the liquid becomes an amber color. Let the syrup cool. Take flower blooms and quickly dip the pedals into the liquid mixture, turn back over and let dry blossom face up. Stronger petals with form and shape work well.

Mix an herb or two into container gardens. Lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano and lemon grass are just a few that grow extremely well in containers, and mix attractively with other blooming flowers. Not only are the herbs edible, but also emit delicious scents when picked or touched, making a great choice for window boxes or path plantings.

Pot a tomato plant right in the front yard. Or, the backyard. Tomatoes grow well in full sunlight, and are decorative when the vines drape along a trellis or arbor. Tomatoes also work well as a natural screen along a porch or patio. Also good for use on an arbor or trellis are cucumbers, smaller melons and squash, beans and peas. Inter-plant vines with containers or landscaping, and your small vegetable garden will get a pop of interest to make it stand out – and provide a great harvest for your family.

Create a hedge with berries. Try blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and even gooseberries to make a unique hedge along the edge of your property. Just remember, your family will not be the only samplers of the fruits. Consider covering the hedge with netting to help keep birds from stealing all the berries. Combining beautiful landscaping with delicious foods to serve at dinner is sure to create many compliments – both from visitors enjoying the front and backyard views, and from dinner guests enjoying the produce harvest. Follow these tips and this year your garden will look good enough to eat.

(ARA) – The weather is warm and the sun is shining, making it the perfect time to start your home improvement projects. Whether it’s a little tidying up, or a full-on home repair, some tips will help you complete your projects without a lot of headaches.

Winning the battle against rust

As the sun begins to shine brighter, imperfections around the house begin to appear. Metal products that haven’t been properly winterized or have simply been out in the elements too long can begin to show signs of wear and tear, and worst of all, rust. Combating rust can be a real challenge, and too often, people would rather toss out the rusty bench, garden tools or even the lawn mower and simply buy something new.
Protecting your items from rust is easy with a little help from the new Rust Protector spray paint from Krylon. It dries in just eight minutes, so you don’t have to worry about grass, leaves or other particles getting stuck in the fresh coat of paint. Plus, it provides the ultimate protection against rust, keeping your outdoor items looking like new, regardless of the elements they face.

Continue cleaning up outside

Give the outside of your house a little TLC. Start with the roof and gutters, since they’ve collected a lot of buildup and have experienced their share of wear and tear throughout the colder months. No one wants to spend hours dealing with inside water damage or worse—mold. Stop the drama before it starts by inspecting the roof and gutters and looking for damage such as holes, loose shingles or leaks.

And while you’re outside, give your siding a glance, too. While you were warm and toasty inside this past winter, the exterior of your house was getting a beating. Cold weather, snow, ice and even wind can cause problems to the siding, so be sure to address any issues quickly.

Check for a cool breeze

It’s probably been a few months since the air conditioner was turned on, making now the perfect time to check that it’s still running smoothly. Your air conditioner is important because it not only keeps your home cool during the hot summer; it also dehumidifies your house and keeps mold from developing inside the walls.

First, check the AC filters and replace them if they appear dirty, since a dirty filter can cause strain and damage to your air conditioner by making it work harder than necessary. Turn your air conditioner on for a test run; once it has been running for a while, check the refrigerant levels by feeling the pipe connected to your AC unit. It should feel cool to the touch; if it doesn’t, you may be low on refrigerant and will want to refill before the long, hot days of summer.

Make the inside sparkle

Outside projects shouldn’t get all your attention. As you move inside, start off with small cleaning projects so you don’t get overwhelmed. Scrubbing your bathroom, vacuuming your carpets and dusting every inch of the house can take some time, which most of us don’t have. Simple tasks such as cleaning one room a day, clearing off cluttered countertops as you walk into the kitchen, creating an organization system and donating unused products to charity can get your house clean in no time.