Fall Rolls In; Your Home Maintenance Check list 

As the season begins to change, it’s time to prep your home for falling leaves, cooler weather, and, eventually, winter storms. Tackling a few fall home maintenance tasks now can help ward off issues later in the season, so you can enjoy everything you love about autumn worry-free. Most of the tasks listed below are well within the average homeowner’s ability. But even if you’d rather hire a professional to handle them, it can be well worth the expense. You’ll save money in the long run by preventing costly (and potentially dangerous) damage to your home. Follow this fall maintenance checklist and learn essential tips for cleaning gutters, roofs, fireplaces, and more.

1. Clean your gutters.

Your roof’s drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house’s exterior and foundation walls, so it’s vital to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and water in your basement. They are also more prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, clean your gutters, then cover them with mesh gutter guards to keep debris from returning.

2. Seal up air leaks.

A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weather stripping let cold air into your warm home, and sealing up a drafty house can save up to 20% on your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Weather stripping is easily the most cost-effective way to rein in heating and cooling costs. This humble material also reduces drafts and keeps your home more comfortable year-round. Because weather stripping can deteriorate over time, it is important to inspect it periodically. If you suspect a problem with your weather stripping, try closing a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, your weatherstripping isn’t properly sealing the opening. Alternatively, close the door or window and hold a lighted candle near the frame. (Don’t let the flame get near anything flammable!) If the flame flickers at any spot along the frame, you have an air leak.

In addition to inspecting weathers tripping, check for missing or damaged caulk around windows, doors, and entry points for electrical, cable, phone, and gas. Seal any gaps with a suitable caulk. If drafts around windows persist, consider getting your windows replaced. Glass with multiple panes, spacers, or filler gasses (such as argon or krypton) will likely solve these problems. A professional can swap out your problem windows with more efficient models that will increase your level of comfort while decreasing your heating bills.

3. Inspect your roof.

Few homeowner problems are more vexing than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming. Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.

Start by inspecting your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars if necessary. Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules, a sign that your roof is losing its coating, which can portend larger problems. Finally, make sure your gutters are flowing freely.

Tip: Roof-mounted television antennas, even if they aren’t in use, may have guy wires holding them in place. Look for loose or missing guy wires. If you see some, and your antenna is no longer being used, consider having it removed altogether.

4. Protect faucets from freezing temperatures.

If you live in an area with freezing weather, take steps to ensure that outside faucets (also called sill cocks) and in-ground irrigation systems don’t freeze and burst. First, close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line. (There may be a small cap on the faucet you can loosen to facilitate this draining.) If you don’t have shut-off valves, and your faucets are not “freeze-proof ” types, you might benefit from Styrofoam faucet covers ($8, Walmart), which are sold at many home centers.

To freeze proof an in-ground irrigation system, follow the manufacturer’s procedure for draining it and protecting it from winter damage.

5. Freshen your furnace filter.

Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise be distributed throughout your home. Clogged filters make it harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, thus increasing your utility bills. Simple monthly cleaning is all it takes to keep these filters free of debris. Disposable filters can be vacuumed once before replacement. Foam filters can also be vacuumed, but they don’t need to be replaced unless they are damaged. Use a soft brush on a vacuum cleaner. If the filter is metal or electrostatic, remove and wash it with a firm water spray.

6. Give your furnace a checkup.

Once a year, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a professional. To avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task in early fall before the heating season begins. Here are signs that you should have an inspection performed sooner:

Noisy belts: Unusual screeches or whines could be a signal that belts connected to the blower motor are worn or damaged.

Poor performance: A heating system that doesn’t seem to work as well as it once did could be a sign of various problems. Your heating ducts might be blocked, the burners might be misadjusted, or the blower motor could be on its last legs. The first step, however, is to make sure your furnace filter is clean.

Erratic behavior: This could be caused by a faulty thermostat or a misadjusted furnace.

7. Ready your fireplace.

Even if you use your fireplace only occasionally, you should check it annually for damage and hazards. First, inspect the flue for creosote, a flammable by-product of burning wood. Too much accumulation in a flu or chimney can result in a devastating fire. Get your chimney inspected annually for creosote buildup. If you use a fireplace or wood stove frequently, have the flue inspected after each cord of wood burned.

For most people, the best option is to have your entire chimney system inspected by a chimney sweep. Once you know what to look for, you can perform the inspection by shining a bright flashlight up the flue, looking for any deposits approaching 1/8 inch thick. These deposits should be cleaned by an experienced chimney professional.

Additionally, check your chimney for damage or flue blockages. Ensure the flue cap (the screen or baffle covering the top of the chimney) is in place. Birds often nest at the top of unprotected flues; a chimney cap can prevent this from happening. If you don’t have a cap, look up the flue to ensure that there are no obstructions. Inspect brick chimneys for loose or broken joints. If access is a problem, use binoculars. Inside, exercise the damper, which is the metal plate that opens and closes the flue just above the firebox. Move it to the open and closed positions to ensure that it is working properly.

8. Keep the humidifier humming.

Dry winter air can be tough on your skin and airways, but did you know it can also make fine wood more prone to cracking? You and your home will feel more comfortable if you keep your central humidifier in tip-top shape during the months it is running. First, inspect the plates or pads and if necessary, clean them in a strong laundry detergent solution. Rinse and scrape off mineral deposits with a wire brush or steel wool.

9. Ward off gas problems.

Keeping a gas heater in good shape is both a safety and a cost issue. An improperly maintained heater can spew toxic gases into the air of your home, or it could simply be costing you more to operate. Have a professional check these devices annually. There are also some maintenance items you should address. First, shut off the heater. Then check the air-shutter openings and exhaust vents for dirt and dust. If they are dirty, vacuum the air passages to the burner and clean the burner of lint and dirt. Follow the manufacturer’s advice for any other needed maintenance.

10. Keep wood fires burning brightly.Wood-burning stoves add cozy ambiance and warmth to your home, but regular inspections are needed to ensure that these devices don’t become a safety hazard. Follow these steps to check your wood-burning stove:

Inspect stovepipes: Cracks in stovepipes attached to wood stoves can release toxic fumes into your home. Throughout the heating season, you should check for corrosion, holes, or loose joints. Clean the stovepipe, and then look for signs of deterioration or looseness. Replace stovepipe if necessary.

Look for corrosion and cracks: Check for signs of rust or cracking in the stove’s body or legs.

Check safety features: Make sure that any required wall protection is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and that the unit sits on an approved floor material. If you have young children, be sure to fence off the stove when it is in operation.

11. Repair walkways.

Damaged walkways, drives, and steps are a hazard year-round, but their dangers are compounded when the weather turns icy. Fixing issues in the fall is also critical to preventing little cracks from becoming expensive headaches. Look for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps. Check for disintegration of asphalt or washed-out materials on loose-fill paths. Most small jobs are well within the ability of a do it yourself, but save major repairs for experienced hands.

12. Review safety features.

At least once a year, do a top-to-bottom review of your home’s safety features. This is also a good time to get the family together for a review of your fire evacuation plan. Use these steps to complete a home safety check:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. Test the detectors by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit. If you haven’t already, install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.

Fire extinguishers: Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label). At a minimum, keep one near the kitchen; having one per floor isn’t a bad idea. Annually, check the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged. Make certain that the lock pin is intact and firmly in place, and check that the discharge nozzle is not clogged. Clean the extinguisher and check it for dents, scratches, and corrosion. Replace if the damage seems severe. Note: Fire extinguishers that are more than six years old should be replaced. Mark the date of purchase on the new unit with a permanent marker.

Fire escape plans: Every bedroom, including basement bedrooms, should have two exit paths. Make sure windows aren’t blocked by furniture or other items. Ideally, each upper-floor bedroom should have a rope ladder near the window for emergency exits. Review what to do in case of fire, and arrange a safe meeting place for everyone away from the house.

General cleanup: Rid your home of accumulations of old newspapers and leftover hazardous household chemicals. (Check with your state or local Environmental Protection Agency about the proper way to discard dangerous chemicals.) Store flammable materials and poisons in approved, clearly labeled containers. Keep a clear space around heaters, furnaces, and other heat-producing appliances.

13. Prep your lawn for winter.

To ensure your lawn’s health and beauty come spring, there are several important yard work projects to complete in the fall. Raking leaves and aerating will prevent your lawn and garden beds from suffocating. Fertilizing and winterizing grass, trees, and shrubs will allow your greenery to enter its winter slumber comfortably and properly nourished. Professional lawn care services will make quick work of these projects, freeing up your time for family, friends, and football.

14. Touch up exterior paint.

Fall offers plenty of days that are warm enough to work with exterior paint, and a touch-up can help prolong the life of your siding and trim. A fresh coat of paint or sealer on any surface that potentially will be covered with snow, such as porch stairs or wood floors, also is a wise idea. Sooner is better to contact a local painter or attempt the project yourself, as many paints aren’t recommended for application on days when the temperature will dip colder than 45 to 50 degrees.

15. Clean your carpets.

Fall is an ideal time to clean your carpets. The humid days of summer have passed, but the below-freezing days of winter have yet to arrive. It’s the best time to open windows for ventilation, which should speed the drying process. If you’re not comfortable operating a carpet cleaning machine, let a professional wrangle the bulky cleaning equipment. With a house full of wet carpet, you’ll be best suited to get outdoors and enjoy the lingering warm days.

No Chemicals: The Road Less Traveled! 

Looking for ways to eliminate garden insect pests, without resorting to pesticides? Get our tips for controlling harmful garden bugs, no chemicals required.

There’s no greater joy for a gardener than a plot full of perfect-looking flowers or vegetables. The problem is that many garden bugs use our flower and vegetable beds as a salad bar. But instead of looking to pesticides for help, you can still have a beautiful garden just by following these simple, natural and cost-effective tips for dealing with garden insect pests. I know they work because my family and I use them both at home and at our wholesale plant business.

Start with “Clean” Soil

Good soil can actually deter garden insect pests. But it takes time to prepare. Here’s a method that works great for me:

First till in organic matter like compost when the growing season begins. This will keep your soil clean by adding natural elements and compounds that help keep pests away.

After tilling, cover your garden with black plastic or cardboard for 6 months. The heat that builds up underneath it will kill most garden pests and their eggs, weeds, parasites and a host of other harmful microorganisms.

After removing the plastic, lightly cultivate the soil. Now you’re ready for planting.

Buy Disease and Pest-Resistant Seeds

It’s easier to prevent diseases and pests than it is to get rid of them after they arrive in your garden. When you look at seeds in a catalog, look for letters like V, F, N or T after the name of a seed; they indicate the problems to which the seed is most resistant. V and F stand for verticillium and fusarium, respectively-two diseases that affect tomatoes; N is for nematodes; and T is for tobacco mosaic virus, which causes leaves to wilt and yellow and damages the plant’s roots. Check out the best places to buy plants and seeds online.

Selectively and Aggressively Thin Out Plants

This is essential because small, weak seedlings are more likely to become diseased. And they, in turn, may pass the problem on to healthy plants. So be sure to prune away dead shoots and branches that restrict airflow. Plants need good air circulation to breath and stay healthy.

Water Plants in the Early Morning

Why? Well, plants primarily need water to help with photosynthesis, which occurs during the day. Also, if you water later in the day, the leaves will be damp during the cooler nighttime—an ideal condition for promoting fungus and other diseases. When you do water, soak the roots rather than getting the foliage wet. Soaker or drip hoses are a good investment. Follow these tips to conserve water in the garden.

Control Weeds

Weeds compete with your plants for valuable resources such as water, nutrients and light. And they often harbor garden insect pests and parasites, too. Be sure to pull weeds and their roots completely out of the ground. Here’s how to win the war on weeds.

Keep your Garden Clean

Removing faded blooms, fallen leaves and weeds is important because decaying plant matter is a prime breeding ground for fungus, garden bugs and diseases. Carry a small pail or bucket with you every time you enter your garden and use it to collect garden litter.

Use Insect Traps

Yellow “sticky” cards are available at most garden centers. When placed on the ground and in between the shoots or branches of plants, they’ll catch many garden bugs that are traveling through your garden. Contact your local garden center or county extension agent for help in identifying the good garden bugs versus the bad ones.

Add Beneficial Insects

Insects like ladybugs can be invaluable in the fight against garden insect pests. They eat aphids, mites and the eggs and larvae of many destructive insects. Other beneficial garden bugs include praying mantises, lacewings and parasitic wasps. Most beneficial insects can be purchased from large horticultural supply companies. Your county extension agent can help determine the quantity you’ll need for your garden. One important thing—don’t use any chemicals for 10 days before releasing these insects.

Practice Crop Rotation

If you grow the same crop in the same place each year, the specific garden bugs that attack that crop will remain in the area, waiting for the next spring planting. Rotating crops also helps keep vital soil nutrients from being depleted. For instance, plant legumes (which put nitrogen into the soil) where you last planted tomatoes, corn or squash (which deplete nitrogen in the soil).

Pinch Off Dead or Infested Leaves

When you first see signs of diseased leaves, pluck them off. This will stop them from contaminating the entire plant.

Old McDonald had a Farm or was it a Farmette?

A farmette is basically a smaller-scale farm — and is sometimes used interchangeably with “hobby farm.” It could be as small as an acre or it could be closer to 10 acres (though some definitions put the acreage significantly higher). So this can be very confusing.

So the definition of a Farmette is: 

A farmette is a small residential farm run by an owner who earns income from a source other than the farm. It is sometimes known as a yokelet or a farmlet. Farmette owners are typically city workers who want to own rural land without operating a full farm. A farmette often includes a large vegetable garden, the occasional barn, tractor, and even farm or domestic animals, such as goats and cats. Farmetters usually rely on their tractor to plow or snow blow their driveways during the winter. Farmettes are usually around 50 acres. They can have a small hog pen, a few chickens in a chicken coop or a kennel house for dogs.

Given the rise in food prices, and increased interest in healthy nutrition, many folks are up-scaling their gardens to hobby farms. Hobby farms are more than a garden, but not quite a conventional farm. However, they take the operational essence of a fully-fledged farm, miniaturized to fit your property. Hobby farms can drastically supplement your food and income, and provide the wonderful joy and satisfaction of running your own agricultural operation.

Most hobby farms sit on just a few acres compared to a farm. To provide some contrast, the average farm size in the US is 234 acres. Of all the farmed land in the US, half of it is on farms larger than 1,100 acres.

Based on the amount of land you have, there are different types of hobby farms. There are urban hobby farms, slightly larger suburban hobby farms, and the farmette. The latter is often considered the full-sized hobby farm.

Growing and supplementing your food, or creating an agri-business and generating income, are two of the main opportunities of hobby farms. Furthermore, your pantry will be overflowing with canned goods, honey, homemade wine, produce, home-cured meats, and farm-fresh free-range eggs. Your food bounty will vary depending on the focus of the farm.

What is the Focus You Have in Mind?

Any hobby farmer will encounter limitations and constraints, primarily based on space and budget. This creates the need for a farm focus. Will your farm produce eggs and vegetables, or do you wish to support a cow for milking? This is one of the fundamental differences between a large garden and a hobby farm. A hobby farm should be designed to create a mutually beneficial environment for the crops and livestock of the farm. For example, chickens can be raised to provide fertilizer for your crops, along with their eggs; while planting in polycultures and rotating crops can maintain healthy soils and increase yields. Thinking like a farmer will help you manage the focus of your farm.

A hobby farm is also a place where wild edibles find a home. These include but are not limited to wild cherry choke trees, wild grape vines, mulberry trees, and elderberry bushes. Other food items that can be grown on a hobby farm include fig trees, loofahs, and beautyberry bushes. Wine or flavored oils can be made with dandelion greens, Jerusalem artichokes, and other food items growing on the farm. The hobby farmer on a larger scale might even provide their own dairy from goats or a milking cow. And they could grow their own wheat and never need enter a grocery store.

The Urban Hobby Farm

These very small hobby farms are a small homestead usually under one-third of an acre where backyard space is limited. Along with operating a successful garden, this hobby farmer will create compost, and even consider some livestock options like honeybees and chickens. This type of farm works well with a busy schedule, and is more relaxed.

It is very important to research, know, and follow your city ordinances, and maintain positive relationships with your neighbors. Even a tiny space can provide an abundance of food, especially if one incorporates some vertical gardening techniques and container gardening, and maximizes the use of indoor space such as windowsills.

The Suburban Hobby Farm

With an increase in space comes an increase in production. From one-third of an acre to five acres or so, there is some gray area between what is considered a suburban hobby farm and a full-fledged hobby farm.

However, many suburban homestead’s have guidelines under their home owners associations that they must follow; if you are currently searching for a property for a suburban hobby farm, you may want to pay attention to any covenants or associations with guidelines that might not permit farm animals on your land or in your neighborhood.

In suburbia, beehives should also be placed in areas away from fences and not too closely to neighbors to allay any concerns. On a suburban hobby farm, you’ll most likely be producing what you could in an urban setting, but may have room for goats, pigs, or even a horse. Keep in mind the more food you grow and the more livestock you add, the more labor and commitment will be required from the hobby farmer.

The Farmette – Typical Full-Sized Hobby Farm

Ranging from 5 to 50 acres, full-sized hobby farms are a real farm experience. Beyond the capability of residential hobby farms, one can add in livestock such as goats, pigs, and even cows, depending on the farm’s grassland or feeding capacity. Some farmettes are large enough to add orchards, cutting fields for flowers, and even a fish farm or a stocked fishing pond. The full-sized large hobby farm has potential for the hobby farmer to add cattle and horses, and to produce its own fertilizer to help the sustainability of the farm.

The joy and outputs of hobby farming make it a worthwhile pursuit, and the hobby farmer truly gets to literally enjoy and revel in the fruits of their labor. The hobby farm is a great place to let your farming dreams come true whether you are growing vegetables in pots or in rows, raising rabbits for meat, experiencing the joy of raising chickens or even keeping your own honeybees.

Mini-Farms Growing Like Weeds

Whether you call it a “farmlet,” a “farmette” or a “lifestyle” farm, the trend toward returning to life on the land is increasing.

Such residential farms account for nearly half of all farms in the United States with owners who earn their income from off-farm work, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.

Farmettes are increasing at the rate of 2 percent a year.

Most people aren’t in it for the money. In Iowa, where there are a rapidly increasing number of these properties, farmettes generate average sales of less than $1,000 annually. Most buyers are fulfilling a dream to own a piece of land.

THE FARM

A working farm has a lot going on. It can be a place that harvests produce, raises animals, grows landscaping plants or trees. But when it comes to what qualifies as a farm, there are very specific criteria.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Internal Revenue Service, both have their own definitions of what qualifies as a farm. Some state entities, such as universities, may also have their own. Here’s an overview of definitions.

Official definition of farms

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “A farm is defined as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the year.”

This definition takes into account that farms that may not have sold $1,000 or more of products in a specific year, but normally do every other year. According to the USDA, these tend to be smaller farms that experience low sales in a particular year. These farms tend to be very small and normally have profitable seasons. In some years, however, they experience low sales due to bad weather, disease or changes in marketing strategies.

IRS definition of what qualifies as a farm

According to the United States Internal Revenue Service, a business qualifies as a farm if it is actively cultivating, operating or managing land for profit. A farm includes livestock, dairy, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruit.

Individuals or businesses that meet the definition of farming may be able to deduct certain farm-related expenses or losses as part of their annual tax filing.

The IRS does, however, make a solid distinction between a production farm and a so-called hobby farm in which an individual grows and sells small amounts of produce or other crops or livestock in addition to their regular employment off the farm. While the income generated from these hobby farm sales must be declared when filing taxes, if it does not represent your primary source of income, you do not qualify as a farm according to the IRS.

When it comes to figuring out your farm tax status, the IRS has several publications and resources available online at www.irs.gov/publications/p225.

Farms vs homesteads

Remember the many reality (are so they say) TV shows about Homesteads?

A homestead typically refers to a permanent free-standing house, a condo or a manufactured home that the owner occupies as their principal residence. Although this is a broad definition, the exact definition of a homestead depends on the state.

State homestead laws allow homeowners to register part of their property as a homestead, which can offer property owners certain legal protections. Some state homestead laws can also mandate a maximum amount of property that can be claimed as well as the type of property.

What Is a Homestead Exemption?

The homestead exemption is an exemption or credit that a homeowner can claim on their primary residence to help minimize property taxes. From a policy perspective, a homestead exemption is a simple way to provide property tax relief that’s targeted toward lower-income homeowners and seniors. It can provide a very meaningful benefit for them at a potentially modest cost.

According to the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, homestead exemptions and credits are the most common type of property tax relief.

Homestead exemptions are set at the state and sometimes local levels, and can vary widely around the country. Some states even restrict eligibility to seniors. Businesses, renters and owners of second homes are almost never eligible for homestead tax relief.

Homestead exemptions are set at the state and sometimes local levels, and can vary widely around the country. Some states even restrict eligibility to seniors. Businesses, renters and owners of second homes are almost never eligible for homestead tax relief.

33 states have homestead exemptions or similar homestead credits that are available to either all homeowners or at least to all seniors.

Homestead exemptions can also provide other legal protections, such as protecting property owners from creditors looking to collect a debt and providing protections to the homeowner’s surviving spouse or children. However, it doesn’t protect homeowners from secured creditors. For instance, if a homeowner defaults on their mortgage, the bank can choose to foreclose on the property.

How Does the Homestead Exemption Work?

How the homestead exemption works varies by state from how it’s applied, who’s eligible and how much protection it gives against creditors. Homeowners may also need to apply for the homestead tax exemption, which shields a portion of a home’s value from property taxes. As far as taxes go, homestead exemptions are based on your home’s assessed value and can work in two ways: a flat-dollar amount or a percentage.

Flat-dollar homestead exemption: The flat-dollar exemption reduces the taxable value of the property by a fixed amount. For example, if your home is valued at $200,000, a homestead exemption of $15,000 means you only pay taxes on $185,000.

Percentage homestead exemption: Percentage exemptions reduce the taxable value of the property by a certain percentage. If your state has a homestead exemption of 15% and your home is $200,000, then you only pay taxes on $170,000.

In many places, it’s a fairly modest exemption. It may reduce your assessed value by $20,000 and in turn, reduce your tax bill.  In other places, it can be much more significant. There are places where there’s a 50% exemption, so the homestead exemption would half your property tax bill compared to what it would be if it were not your primary residence.

The financial protection available with a homestead exemption also depends on where you live. In Florida and Texas, homeowners have unlimited financial protection, but there are acreage limits. Most states typically have a dollar limit on what can be protected.

Protection only applies to equity in the home, not the total value. If equity exceeds dollar limits, then the homeowner may be forced to sell. If equity is under the limit, then creditors cannot force the sale of the home.

Bankruptcy protection is a little different. According to federal bankruptcy laws, a homeowner cannot be forced to sell if the owner’s equity does not exceed $25,150 and if the case was filed after April 1, 2019. However, most homeowners use state limits, which tend to be more helpful.

The Pros and Cons of the Homestead Exemption

Pros:

Reduces property taxes that you pay on your home.

Provides protection against creditors and stops the forced sale of your home.

Provides protection for the owner’s surviving spouse or children.

Cons:

Potential for a significant loss of revenue which could impact public services.

Large tax exemptions could shift a majority of the tax burden over to businesses and other types of property that aren’t eligible for the homestead exemption.

Who Is Eligible for the Homestead Exemption?

States may restrict homestead exemptions based on income, age, property value, disability or veteran status.

Homestead exemptions fall into a couple of categories. First, homestead exemptions are available to all owner-occupied primary residences. As long as it’s your primary home, you’re eligible. The second category is programs for seniors. You’re eligible if it’s your primary residence and if you’re 65 years or older.

In the third category, there are some programs that provide exemptions specifically for veterans and disabled homeowners and potentially some other target groups.

How to Apply for a Homestead Exemption

Homeowners must typically apply for a homestead exemption and the process may be different state by state. The most important difference when it comes to application processes for homestead exemptions is whether an annual application is required.

In some places, you apply once when you purchase a home to prove that it’s your primary residence and then you automatically receive it every year. However, there are other places where you need to reapply every year.

Those tend to be more for the programs for seniors, veterans or disabled individuals. Those are usually larger homestead exemptions compared to the broad-based exemptions available to all owner-occupied primary residences.

All in the Family: Pets 

So you have a new pet.  No matter, cat, dog, goat, pig, lama, whatever, we as humans give our pets names.  I am southern, so in the south we all have at least 3 names and 70% of the time go by 2 names example my sister in laws are Linda Sue and Nina Lou. So that being said my cats have always had 2 names and a surname. Yes, I am the crazy cat woman.  Now my female cat which recently passed (side not in the south nothing dies, everything passes) was names Butter Bean Houdini VonCannon.  See how this is going? 

A stranger is only a stranger until you know their name.

Names, that is personal names, are more than just an easy term of reference. Names endow a sense of individuality in the self, as well as commonality among the whole. That may be why when we learn a person’s name, even if really nothing else about them, we’ve a tendency to feel more connected, and more willing to invite them to feel the same — hence the exchange of names almost always leads our introductions.

In short, names are like passkeys which unlock our empathy, in a single moment capable of transforming a stranger into someone deserving of our decency. But, interestingly, the empathizing effect of knowing someone’s name still applies when its bearer isn’t human.

It was quite likely after our earliest interspecies bonding, with the domestication of dogs some 50,000 years ago, that we first began to bestow some form of personal names upon animals, too — and in so doing, elevated their distinction from a generalized animal, to an individualized companion. It’s not surprising then that, in that recognition, dogs soon gained access to affection and endearment we once reserved only for our own kind.

While these earliest of personal names for animals are unknown, by the 8th century BC in ancient Greece animals with names began to be recorded in literature. The most famous example perhaps is Odysseus’ faithful hound Argos, whose name means “swift foot”, in Homer’s Odyssey. Other classical texts reveal names of horses, bulls, cows, and even elephants owned by hellenistic kings.

In Ancient Rome, personal names for animals abound, given to trusty dogs, horses, and others, and were often chosen from mythology – suggesting that by then animals held a lofty place in the lives of their owners. These non-humans were no longer just animals. Indeed, they were our friends.

Frank Abbott, in his book Society & Politics in Ancient Rome, writes of ancient epitaphs found written in honor of pets. One dog, named Patricus, received this tribute from his grieving owner, revealing a rare early sentiment of love for an animal:

“My eyes were wet with tears, our little dog, when I bore thee (to the grave)… So, Patricus, never again shall thou give me a thousand kisses. Never canst thou be contentedly in my lap. In sadness have I buried thee, and thou deservist. In a resting place of marble, I have put thee for all time by the side of my shade. In thy qualities, sagacious thou wert like a human being. Ah, me! What a loved companion have we lost!”

This tradition of naming and loving animals, opening our hearts and homes to them, carries on well into today.

Throughout the Western World, it has become commonplace to give our animal companions distinctly humans names; In the U.S., the most popular pet names are Max, for males, and Molly, for females. These names have both been among the 100 most popular for human babies in recent years. In fact, 9 out of 10 Americans actually consider their pets a part of their family — a remarkable statistic for interspecies relations.

On With the Names

They’re the monikers of just a few well-known pooches who’ve made headlines in the past few weeks. But how exactly did these dogs get their names — and what psychological influences are at work when we decide what to call our pets? (Think: Which domestic diva would name her Best in Breed Chow Chow after a famous dictator?)

The Experts on their research found— to reveal not only the most popular puppy and kitten names of 2011, but some of the key cultural influences underlying our very personal choices.

The Twilight Effect

Pet names are definitely affected by pop-culture trends.  Bella has topped the list of the most popular female dog and cat names for several years running, thanks to a heroine of the same name in the Twilight series.

When it comes to kittens, Simba became one of the top male cat names with the release of The Lion King, and all the hubbub surrounding Princess Kate’s comely younger sister whose royal wedding allowed the name Pippa to cat-apult into place as one of the hottest female names that year. 

Pet names also reflect larger cultural trends. The 1960s counterculture led to popular names like Flower and Peace, but Steven May, editor of The Daily Growl, says we’re most interested in naming our four-legged friends after influential people today, from actors and musicians to sports figures and politicians. “Owners who name their pets after a public figure tend to want that constant reminder and connection,” he says.

In Los Angeles, where May lives, Kobe (as in Bryant, the L.A. Laker) is one hot dog name. On the East Coast, Perling says that New York Yankee Derek Jeter’s hitting streak coincided with an uptick in canines who share his last name.

And names influenced by pop culture can literally hit the charts overnight. “I expect we’ll be seeing a lot more Adeles and Whitneys,” May predicts.

People Who Need People Names

Another growing pet-naming trend is giving animals names normally reserved for your step-dad or sibling. In other words, we’re forgoing names like Fido and Bruiser and opting instead for common human monikers — due to a desire to make our pets even more a part of the family.

“Our top 10 most popular pet names have pretty much held steady over the past few years,” Perling says. “Max is the top name for male dogs and cats.” Also on the “it” list are common first names like Charlie and Jack. For the ladies, Daisy, Molly and Lucy all number in the top 10, with Sophie and Chloe climbing the charts for female cats.

“Human names are definitely trending,” she says, “especially the classic and retro ones.” We certainly found this to be true when compiling our list of the top 10 trendiest cat and dog names.

You can chalk this trend up to a cultural sea change: “In the last five to 20 years, we’ve seen a rise in the emotional bonding and connection with our pets, and that leads to giving them more human names,” Perling says. “With people deciding to have families later in life, they can use a puppy or kitten as a tryout. I think the names reflect that.”

Cute Pet Names Times Two

As for what’s next, in the same way that delaying families has led to an increase in twins, many pet parents are bringing home two furry bundles of joy at a time.

“We’re seeing a lot of fun pair names,” Perling says. “Laverne and Shirley, Goofus and Gallant — we have a whole big list.” That includes two names that can’t help but go great together: P.B. and Jelly.

All the President’s Pets

The Best Pet Name Book Ever, written by Wayne Bryant Eldrige, says that Rufus, for example, was the name of a poodle owned by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Maybe these politicians created trends in their heyday:

Blacky was President Calvin Coolidge’s black cat.

Lady was one of George Washington’s dogs.

Rover was Lydon Johnson’s first dog.

Ronald Regan’s Cocker Spaniel was named Rex.

Abraham Lincoln’s sons had a pup named Fido.

So Long, Spot

So what happened to Rover, Rufus and Lady? People are choosing human names to give their pets relevant places in their household. By making the name personal, or even a person’s name, they’re establishing their pet’s place as a genuine member of the family, too.

Some folks pick names for their pets like, Kallie and Emma, by flipping through a baby name book. Example is Betty, short for Queen Elizabeth, was picked when the cat returned home wearing a thick, queen-like collar to protect her boo-boo.

Naming is “Ruff”

If you’re still struggling to come up with something imaginative, go to bowwow.com to search thousands of names. They’ve put together various lists with suggestions from readers and regularly feature names of the month. (You can find the meaning of your pet’s name, too.)

Here are some quick naming tips:

Use breed heritage as an inspiration. Consider a French name for your Poodle, something German for a Shepherd, Schnauzer or Dashshund or Scottish for your Terrier.

Wait a few days after getting your pet to learn something about his behavior or appearance that might lead to a name.

Pick a name that will grow with your pet. The name Kitten, for example, might not be appropriate for a full grown cat.

Around the World and Other Places

Despite our history of naming animals and welcoming them into our inner circles, many other unnamed animals have been driven to extinction because they were beyond the boundaries of our empathy. Interestingly, conservationists haven’t failed noticed that we are more prone to cherish what we name and have begun using that fact to help preserve species with whom we would otherwise be strangers.

Environmentalists in Rwanda have adopted a novel approach to conserving one of our closest primate cousins, a dwindling population of Mountain Gorillas. As part of a tradition which started in 2003, every newborn gorilla discovered born in the wild is celebrated in a widely-attended naming party, known as Kwita Izina. And the nominal gesture has had measurable effect; Since the tradition began, Rwanda’s population of Mountain Gorillas has rebounded, increasing by 23 percent.

In some traditional Asian cultures, common pets like cats and dogs are not usually given human names as it is perceived as insulting to those people of the same name. Coincidently, consuming these animals often doesn’t carry the same taboo in the East as does in the West, and it’s likely that a family-like esteem for them, or the lack thereof, is equally perplexing to both.

In New Zealand, a species of flightless bird called Kakapo was nearly driven to the verge of extinction last century from introduced predators. By the 1970s, only 14 of these birds were known to exist. Not long after, a conservation plan was launched, which included finding and relocating all remaining kakapos to an island cleared of threats — giving each rare bird a name in the process. Today, the kakapo continue to recover, now numbering 124 individuals, all whom have a name.

Zoos, aquariums, and marine parks have also realized the powerful effect giving animals personal names can have on visitors, and now it’s common for zoos to hold events or contests to name newborn animals or to refer to them by name before their species. All this adds up to create an emotional experience, one that draws in the crowds more than a science-minded one. Animals individualized with names can become star attractions. “Shamu” sells tickets better than simply “orca” ever would. And it’s no wonder — we care more about animals we name.

But this effect designed to make visitors feel more connected to animals at their facilities presents a challenge for zoos, aquariums, and marine parks as well. Last week, the Copenhagen Zoo sparked outrage a healthy giraffe was needlessly euthanized — not just any giraffe though, a giraffe named Marius. By naming animals, giving them individualized identities, facilities keeping them captive create an untenable equation: once we care, we might not want them there.

Giving animals names, even those that are not our pets, ultimately means nothing for the animals themselves, but it does change the way we regard them. And at a time when countless creatures are imperiled by the callous or cruel side of human nature, it’s more important than ever to stop being strangers — even if the names we give them never leave our lips.

One last tip, I have always adopted stray, feral, shelter, etc. pets as they really need a name and someone to love and care for them.  

To Be or Not To Be: Why Stand We Here Idle 

This famous speech of Patrick Henry, who was from Hanover County Virginia, at the Second Virginia Convention spoke these stirring words at the 1775 Virginia Convention, take a look back at the speech that included the famous line, “Give me liberty or give me death!”

My Fourth Grade teacher Ms Minks, had my class learn this speech and was given a test on it. I think she may have had a crush on Mr Henry.

Revolution was in the air in early 1775. Only a few months earlier, delegates from the American colonies had held the first Continental Congress and sent Britain’s King George III a petition for redress of grievances, among them the repeal of the so-called “Intolerable Acts.” A mass boycott of British goods was underway, and Boston Harbor still languished under a British blockade as punishment for 1773’s Boston Tea Party. In a speech to Parliament in late-1774, King George had denounced the “daring spirit of resistance and disobedience to the law” which seemed to be spreading like wildfire across the American continent.

Amid these mounting tensions, the Second Virginia Convention convened to discuss the Old Dominion’s strategy in negotiating with the Crown. The roughly 120 delegates who filed into Richmond’s St. John’s Church were a veritable “who’s who” of Virginia’s colonial leaders. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were both in attendance, as were five of the six other Virginians who would later sign the Declaration of Independence. Prominent among the bewigged statesmen was Patrick Henry, a well-respected lawyer from Hanover County. Blessed with an unfailing wit and mellifluous speaking voice, Henry had long held a reputation as one of Virginia’s most vociferous opponents of British taxation schemes. During the Stamp Act controversy in 1765, he had even flirted with treason in a speech in which he hinted that King George risked suffering the same fate as Julius Caesar if he maintained his oppressive policies. As a recent delegate to the Continental Congress, he had sounded the call for colonial solidarity by proclaiming, “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian; I am an American.”

Henry was convinced that war was around the corner, and he arrived at the Virginia Convention determined to persuade his fellow delegates to adopt a defensive stance against Great Britain. On March 23, he put forward a resolution proposing that Virginia’s counties raise militiamen “to secure our inestimable rights and liberties, from those further violations with which they are threatened.” The suggestion of forming a militia was not shocking in itself. Other colonies had passed similar resolutions, and Henry had already taken it upon himself to raise a volunteer outfit in Hanover County. Nevertheless, many in the audience balked at approving any measure that might be viewed as combative. Word that King George had rejected the Continental Congress’s petition for redress of grievances was yet to reach the colonies, and some still held out hope for a peaceful reconciliation with Britain.

After several delegates had spoken on the issue, Patrick Henry rose from his seat in the third pew and took the floor. A Baptist minister who was watching the proceedings would later describe him as having “an unearthly fire burning in his eye.” Just what happened next has long been a subject of debate. Henry spoke without notes, and no transcripts of his exact words have survived to today. The only known version of his remarks was reconstructed in the early 1800s by William Wirt, a biographer who corresponded with several men that attended the Convention. According to this version, Henry began by stating his intention to “speak forth my sentiments freely” before launching into an eloquent warning against appeasing the Crown.

“I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided,” he said, “and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House?”

Henry then turned his attention to the British troops mobilizing across the colonies. “Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation?” he asked. “Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? …Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other.”

As he continued speaking, Henry’s dulcet tones began to darken with anger. “Excitement began to play more and more upon his features,” the minister later said. “The tendons of his neck stood out white and rigid like whipcords.”

“Our petitions have been slighted,” Henry said, “our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne…we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!”

Henry stood silent for a moment, letting his defiant words hang in the air. When he finally began speaking again, it was in a thunderous bellow that seemed to shake “the walls of the building and all within them.” His fellow delegates leaned forward in their seats as he reached his crescendo.

“The war is actually begun!” Henry cried. “The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?” As he spoke, Henry held his wrists together as though they were manacled and raised them toward the heavens. “Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty”—Henry burst from his imaginary chains and grasped an ivory letter opener—“or give me death!” As he uttered these final words, he plunged the letter opener toward his chest, mimicking a knife blow to the heart.

For several moments after Henry sat back down, the assembled delegates seemed at a loss for words. “No other member…was yet adventurous enough to interfere with that voice which had so recently subdued and captivated,” delegate Edmund Randolph later said. A hushed silence descended on the room. “Every eye yet gazed entranced on Henry,” said the Baptist minister. “Men were beside themselves.” Colonel Edward Carrington, one of the many people watching the proceedings through the church windows, was so moved that he stood and proclaimed to his fellow spectators, “Let me be buried at this spot!” When he died decades later, his widow honored his request.

While some of the Convention’s delegates clung to their loyalist stance—one even called Henry’s words “infamously insolent”—the “Liberty or Death” speech tipped the scales in favor of defensive action. After Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson both lent their support, the resolution passed by only a few votes. Henry was appointed the head of a new committee charged with readying the Virginia militia for combat.

Henry’s call to arms came at a pivotal moment. Less than a month later, skirmishes between British troops and colonial minutemen at Lexington and Concord resulted in “the shot heard round the world” and the first casualties of the Revolutionary War. In Virginia, scores of colonials—many of whom had embroidered the words “Liberty or Death” onto their shirts—flocked to join local militias. “The sword is now drawn,” wrote the Virginia Gazette, “and God knows when it will be sheathed.”

Patrick Henry would go on to serve as both a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and as Virginia’s governor. He played a crucial role in securing men and arms for George Washington’s Continental Army, but many would credit his silver tongue as having been his most indispensable contribution to American independence. “It is not now easy to say what we should have done without Patrick Henry,” Thomas Jefferson later wrote. “He was before us all in maintaining the spirit of the Revolution.”

The Church where the meeting was held is St John’s Church in Richmond Virginia, which is the oldest church in Richmond. It was built in 1741. The church is still there today and open for tours. 

Let Me Take You Down To The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

My first time I ever road on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel I was in my early 50s.  I made the trip by myself.  To say the least it was like an outer body experience. I was going over with a buyer to view property.  I kept my cool so my buyer never knew I was white knuckle to whole time over and back.  

What might be a scary trip for some is thrilling for others when it comes to crossing nearly 20 miles of this bridge and tunnel system.

If you’ve never had to cross the Chesapeake Bay from the Delmarva Peninsula to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, then you probably wouldn’t know about the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel. In this quiet, unsuspecting southern location, there’s a bridge that spans from one piece of land to the other, covering a distance of nearly 20 miles. When one thinks of a bridge system, they typically think of a series of bridges that connects various pieces of land within a bay – rather than a bridge that spans across an entire bay, with no land in between, for miles and miles on end.

The Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel is a modern feat of engineering but it’s also considered to be one of the scariest roads – or bridges, technically – in the country. For those who have a fear of heights, open spaces, or open water, it’s not destined to be the more thrilling of experiences. However, depending on your take about having the chance to drive across what was once considered one of seven global engineering wonders, it can also be a truly humbling experience.

Crossing The Bay In An Extreme Way

When travelers come up to this extensive water crossing, it’s more akin to looking at a giant concrete serpent that’s snaking through the water, all the way to a sight unseen. It boasts a different kind of awe than bridges carved out by nature, but even so, it’s easy to imagine the bridge itself coming alive to take on some form of a sea monster that resembles Loch Ness, with each rise and fall of the bridge being a hump on the monster’s back. In reality, it’s a mix of concrete, cement, asphalt, and steel that make up this immoveable giant, and it truly is a masterpiece.

The bridge itself is not very wide and allows only enough room for two passing lanes of cars, with two, two-lane bridges running parallel to each other, side by side, for almost 20 miles. It’s the kind of bridge that you don’t want to get caught on during windy weather or a rainstorm and especially not in traffic (which does happen). As opposed to a suspension bridge, the Bay-Bridge Tunnel doesn’t have the height of other bridges, making drivers feel as though they’re driving just over the surface of the water with not much distance between their cars and the lapping waves below… and this is all before reaching the first tunnel.

On a clear, sunny day, the drive across the bridge is absolutely stunning. However, there are also two tunnels that make up parts of this bridge, each just over a mile long in length. These tunnels were built to allow cargo ships to cross, as shipment in and out of this bay is too frequent to permit only a bridge. Therefore, it’s not an uncommon sight to watch a cargo ship pass by over the tunnel drivers are about to descend into and, when you come up on the other side it’s not unusual to see the cargo ship on the other side of the tunnel in your rearview mirror.

The best way to describe it is tripping and slightly unnerving, but altogether amazing nonetheless. The tunnels themselves are simple, tiled walls, with slightly curved sides that make drivers feel as though they’re speeding through a subway station. It’s always important to stay alert both in tunnels and on the bridge.

No Pulling Off

The second thing that many drivers realize is that there’s nowhere to pull off to the side of the bridge. Along the way, there are some wider shoulders that allow for two, maybe three cars, to pull to the side in the event of an emergency, but that’s it. Therefore, once a person has committed, they’re pretty much in it for the full 20-minute drive across open water. Fear not, though – an artificial island created in the center of the Bridge-Tunnel not only allows drivers to take a break but is also home to a small restaurant and gift shop. However, travelers won’t have the chance to explore this unique stop-off point until 2024 as another tunnel section at the Thimble Shoal Channel is currently being constructed.

For over 57 years since its completion in 1964, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has garnered global attention as a mind-boggling engineering wonder and an incredible East Coast travel convenience. In fact, it commanded so much marvel and awe that it was selected during a worldwide competition as one of “The Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World” after its grand opening on April 15, 1964.

The competition also included over a hundred other major global projects, which just goes to show how unbeatable the bridge was as a sample of extreme technological, mechanical, and architectural amazement that impressed the entire planet at the time. Further to this esteemed award, it was branded a “The Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement” by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1965 – just a year after it took the world by storm.

In its heyday, it was also the largest consecutive bay-bridge crossing in the world, and while it’s now one of, its incredible construction is no less impressive or humbling. With an extensive working of tressels, roadways, and four artificial islands that were sunk 40 feet below the surface to create the gradual descending of each tunnel, the CBBT might be scary for some, but it’s a true marvel for most of the world’s population.

Furthermore, it’s not just for its modern architectural and technological wonder for which it’s been celebrated with such esteemed awards; the bridge-tunnel also offers the utmost convenience and is an exceptional travel hack for those on the East Coast. Crossing over and under open waters where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a direct and easy link between South-eastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula (comprising Delaware and the Eastern Shore counties in Maryland and Virginia). Overall, the connection chops off a whopping 95 miles from the route between Virginia Beach and areas north of Wilmington, which all in all makes a massive difference to everyone’s gas consumption as well as their driving time.

Also, to meet future traffic demands and offer a safer crossing, a parallel crossing project commenced in the summer of 1995, opening four lanes on the bridge for traffic upon its completion on April 19, 1999. This extra construction project was just as challenging as building the bridge-tunnel itself, and once again earned the world’s attention for being a tremendous example of a modern engineering achievement.

What’s more, over 150 million commercial and passenger vehicles have crossed the insta-worthy bridge-tunnel so far in the current day, proving it to be an indispensable path that has changed the commutes of many in the region.

Facts

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel is a 17.6-mile bridge–tunnel that crosses the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay between Delmarva and Hampton Roads in the U.S. state of Virginia. It opened in 1964, replacing ferries that had operated since the 1930s. Wikipedia

Total length: 92,848′

Construction started: October 26, 1960

Opened: April 15, 1964

Clearance below: 40′

Bridge type: Bridge–tunnel

Architecture firm: Sverdrup & Parcel

Location: Virginia Beach, Cape Charles

Cars $14 (Each direction & off-peak. $18 Peak. Round trip discount available.) E-ZPass

IRIS: The Plant That Keeps on Giving

I love the Iris plants, this flowering plant was also one of my mother’s favorite flowers. Some states even have an Iris Festival yearly. The one near me is in Richmond Va and it is a wonderful way to spend the day. So let’s talk Iris talk now.

With many different types and colors available, there is an iris for nearly every garden. Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, irises bring color to the garden in spring and summer. The vast majority are hybrids with the most popular being bearded irises. Other popular varieties include Siberian and Japanese irises, Louisiana irises which are native to North America, and Dutch hybrids.

Height/Spread:

Irises come in many different sizes, some as short as six inches and others can grow up to four feet.

Dwarf varieties 6 to 12 inches tall and wide.

Dutch varieties 1-1/2 to 2 feet tall and 6 to 12 inches wide.

Tall bearded varieties range from 2 to 4 feet tall and 1-1/2 to 2 feet wide.

Exposure:

Irises need full sun at least half the day. Some varieties will tolerate part shade such as Siberian irises and Pacific Coast natives (Iris innominata, Iris tenax, Iris macrosiphon and Iris douglasiana). Many irises will grow in total shade, but they most likely won’t flower.

Bloom Time:

The majority of irises will bloom in spring or summer. Dwarf varieties tend to bloom earlier in spring, with intermediate sizes blooming later spring, and taller bearded varieties blooming late spring and summer. Reblooming varieties will produce flowers once in summer and again in fall.

Color:

There is an extremely wide variety of colors, ranging from white to almost black; although most common in shades of lavender, purple, white and yellow.

Toxicity:

Iris are known to be toxic to pets, with the bulb being the most toxic part.

TYPES OF IRISES

There are 2 main groups of irises: rhizomatous and bulbous. The bulbous irises bloom in late spring, while the rhizomatous irises bloom during summer.

Rhizomatous irises:

Grown from rhizomes (a type of bulb) and can be further divided into 3 categories:

Bearded: Bearded irises are the most widely grown and get their name from the prominent ‘beard’ of white or colored hairs in the center of each fall (outer surrounding petals). Many varieties will produce multiple flowers per stem and are available in a wide range of colors.

Beardless: Beardless irises include the Siberian, Japanese, Pacific Coast and Louisiana types, and all have smooth falls. Siberian irises are known to be highly adaptable and a good choice for low maintenance mixed borders. Japanese and Louisiana varieties are better suited for moist to wet soils, while the Pacific Coast varieties are best in milder climates with winter rain and drier summers.

Crested: Crested irises do well in full sun or partial shade areas in moist, humus-rich soil.

Bulbous irises:

This group includes the Dutch hybrids and the smaller reticulated or dwarf irises. They all shed their leaves after the blooming season and go into a dormant phase over summer. Dutch hybrids tend to bloom earlier than the tall bearded rhizomatous varieties and are the well-known variety featured in florist’s spring bouquets. Reticulated irises are well-suited for growing in groups, but should be divided every two to three years to prevent overcrowding. They are also good for rock gardens and forcing in pots.

PLANTING IRISES

When to plant:

The best time to plant iris rhizomes or bulbs is late summer to early autumn to allow them plenty of time to establish roots before the growing season ends. In hotter climates, they can be planted in September or October.

Where to plant:

 Choose a sunny location for your irises where they won’t be subject to standing water. Raised beds are ideal for growing irises, as they provide the good drainage needed.

How to plant:

Prepare the planting beds up to two weeks ahead by loosening soil to a depth of 10-12 inches to establish good drainage. At this time, organic matter can also be mixed in. Iris rhizomes should be planted so that they are slightly visible on the soil surface, or thinly covered in warmer climates. They can be top dressed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (avoid high-nitrogen as it can cause rot). Make 2 rows in the soil with a small ridge in between. Place the rhizome on the ridge and spread the roots to either side. Steve Schreiner, of Schreiner’s Iris Gardens in Oregon, says, “There are two reasons irises don’t bloom: planted too deep or not enough sun.” Iris bulbs, such as Dutch irises, should be planted at a depth of 5 inches, pointed end up and roots down, spacing them at 6 bulbs per square foot.

Soil:

Most irises prefer average to fertile, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soil. However, Japanese irises prefer lime-free soil.

IRIS CARE

Maintenance:

Cut back the flowering stalks after flowering, but leave the foliage intact so it can continue to gather and store nutrients and energy to be stored for the following season. Trim leaves off at ground level after they turn yellow in fall; this will reduce the possibility of overwintering diseases or pests.

Dividing Iris Rhizomes:

Rhizomatous types need to be divided every 3-5 years, typically soon after bloom time. A reduction in blooming or rhizomes being pushed up out of the soil can be signs that it’s time to dig them up and divide. If this is a dividing year, don’t cut the foliage back – so you know where they are. Dig the rhizomes up carefully and divide them by pulling apart with your hands. Some, however, may need to be cut with a knife. Healthy rhizomes will be approximately ¾ to 1-inch in diameter, with a good root structure and one to two leaf fans. Older or unhealthy (soft, rotting, or hollow) rhizomes should be discarded. Wash the roots with water and inspect for disease or pests, especially iris borer worms. Trim the leaves to 4 to 6 inches and re-plant as above, with the rhizome on a ridge and roots fanned out. Water newly planted irises well.

Amendments & Fertilizer:

Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer a month before bloom time. Mulch should not be used on top of rhizomes or near the foliage as it can cause rot. For reblooming varieties, apply a light application of fertilizer following the first bloom and water regularly during summer dry periods for an improved second bloom in fall.

Watering:

Irises generally have low water requirements once established, but can use a little extra if unusually dry just before bloom time. Louisiana, Siberian and Japanese irises need more water than the bearded types.

Propagation:

Although irises can be started from seed, it may be a couple of years before they bloom. Most often, they are propagated by division of the bulbs or rhizomes in late summer or early fall.

Diseases and Pests:

Irises can be severely damaged by iris borers and thrips if not controlled. Whiteflies, slugs, snails, aphids and nematodes may also be a nuisance. Deer will seldom harm irises, but may occasionally bite off the blossoms of the crested types, although will usually spit them out and leave them behind. Irises may also be affected by bacterial leaf blight, rhizome rot, leaf spot, rust, and viruses.

Other:

All parts of irises may cause severe discomfort if ingested. Gloves should be worn when handling iris plants, rhizomes, or bulbs, as the sap can cause skin irritation.

So get some bulbs, ask a friend when they divide there’s for some and plant! You will be amazed! 

You Waited a Decade to See this Bloom: But Oh That Smell! 

Not all Flowers smell wonderful when they bloom. They may be beautiful but the smell you may not like. Even if the flower is very rare.

In previous years, corpse flower blooms have drawn large crowds and three-hour wait times. What makes this stinky flora so special?

The corpse flower smells like… well, a dead body. Given its rotting odor, the plant, whose technical name is Amorphophallus titanum has also been dubbed the corpse bride, corpse plant, and the world’s smelliest flower.

The plant’s smell has also been likened to “Limburger cheese, garlic, rotting fish, and smelly feet.”

The titan arum is a flowering plant, native to Indonesia’s island of Sumatra. The plant’s full bloom only once every seven to ten years. This rare event only lasts 24 to 36 hours. Generally, the flower will open mid-afternoon and stay open all through the night and into the next morning.

The corpse flower is classified as endangered, with fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild. Flower enthusiasts travel from all over the world to witness this infrequent occurrence. Visitors will return day after day to conservatories, greenhouses, and botanical gardens with a predicted corpse flower bloom so as not to miss the short window.

Why does it smell?

The corpse flower’s scent is a chemical combination of dimethyl trisulfide, isovaleric acid, dimethyl disulfide, benzyl alcohol, indole, and trimethylamine. The odor is meant to mimic decomposition in order to attract its native pollinators– carrion beetles and flesh flies– who are drawn to the smell of decaying meat.

The potency of the stench gradually increases from late evening until the middle of the night– when pollinators are most active. The smell tapers off in the morning.

The titan arum’s inflorescence can reach more than 10 feet in height. And just the leaf structure alone can reach up to 20 feet tall and 16 feet across. The plants underground stem, or corm, can weigh up to 110 pounds.

But blooming does not mark the end of the corpse flower’s lifecycle. If pollinated, the titan arum will produce fruit for about the next nine months. Once the fruit has ripened, the plant will die and emerge again as a leaf after a yearlong period of dormancy, then begin its lifecycle again.

Where can I see a corpse flower bloom?

Titan arum are native to Indonesia, but there are botanists around the world who cultivate the plants. Corpse flowers are in cultivation in Europe, North & South America, Australia, and Asia. Check out your local botanical gardens to see if a corpse flower near you is blooming in 2022!

A Few Hearsay about Founding Mothers, Not kidding!

We all can picture the Founding Fathers, gathered in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, debating what to do about tyrannical Britain, and finally signing their names onto the Declaration of Independence. But what about the Founding Mothers? Often the women of revolutionary America are entirely forgotten. But women were alive during the Revolutionary War and did things worthy of remembrance just like male counterparts. During this time women were often relegated to the home and expected to behave and not make waves. But did they? Let’s examine some myths about women during the Revolutionary War and try to find the truth.

1. Women did not own businesses or have employment outside of the home.

This one is unequivocally false. Thousands of women in colonial America had paying jobs outside of the home. Some even ran their own businesses. Just two such women were Betsy Ross and Mary Katherine Goddard.

Mary Katherine Goddard’s name at the bottom of the Declaration of Independence.

CREDIT: Library of Congress

Mary Katherine Goddard (alternately spelled Katharine) is someone you’ve probably never heard of. She owned a publishing house in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her printing business, she ran the Baltimore post office, a bookstore, and published a newspaper, the Maryland Journal. Goddard was the first printer to publish the Declaration of Independence in its entirety. Previously only the text of the declaration and John Hancock’s name had been printed. With Goddard’s printing, all the signers names were included and she included her name at the bottom as well, making her a defacto signer of the Declaration. By including her name, she was putting herself at risk for treason charges as well. Goddard bravely used her company in aid to the Revolution at a time when women in business and politics was rare.

CREDIT: Library of Congress

Betsy Ross, along with her husband John Ross, were upholsterers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She actively worked and made money as an upholsterer and may have sewn and sold flags during the last few years of the Revolutionary War. One of the Ross’ best-known customers was General George Washington. According to period sources, on September 23, 1774, Washington made a payment for three bedcoverings to “Mr. Ross the upholsterer” in Philadelphia. It is more than likely that Mrs. Ross assisted in the creation of these bedcoverings for Washington.

Side Myth: While Betsy Ross was an upholsterer and may have made flags, there is little to no evidence to support the claim that she made the first American flag at the behest of General Washington. The first mention of Ross making the flag comes from her grandson, William Canby, in 1870. He introduced his evidence to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in the hopes that his grandmother would be remembered for her accomplishments. His evidence was made up of affidavits from family members, none of whom were alive when the supposed flag making took place. Canby claimed that he heard his grandmother time and again tell the story of how Washington came to her to ask her to make the flag. Unfortunately, there is no definitive historical evidence that can be found tying Washington and Ross to the creation of the American flag. We may never know exactly how, when, and by whom, the first American flag was created but we do know that she had a job that brought in money.

2. Women were not involved in the war efforts and did not participate in the Revolutionary War.

False! In fact, women were a constant presence in military camps throughout the Revolutionary War. There were thousands of camp followers including women and children. They were there for different reasons. Some were following their husbands or another male family member, while others were looking for steady employment and got jobs as laundresses or cooks. Martha Washington, for instance, stayed at every winter encampment with her husband during the war. While in camp, she formed sewing circles to make socks and clothing for the soldiers and organized aid and supplies for the hundreds of ailing men. Not all women stayed in camp though. There were some who actually got involved in the fighting and served in the thick of battles. Deborah Sampson, Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, and Margaret Cochran Corbin were just some of the women known to have fought on the front lines.

Deborah Sampson was a teacher and a weaver, but in 1782, after years of war, she decided to join the fight. She dressed as a man and joined the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment as Robert Shurtleff. She was an adept soldier, participating in hand-to-hand combat and even leading a group to capture 15 men holed up in a Tory home. At one point, Sampson was shot in the left thigh and to escape detection she dug the bullet out herself. She was finally discovered about a year and half into her service when she became ill and lost consciousness. Sampson was honorably discharged on October 23, 1783 and received a pension from the Massachusetts government for her military service.

Molly Pitcher c. 1911. Legend

CREDIT E. Percy Moran/Library of Congress

Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley and Margaret Cochran Corbin have very similar stories: both women were camp followers; both women were tasked with bringing water to the front lines during battle; and when their husbands collapsed, both women stepped up to man the cannons and continued fighting until the battle concluded. McCauley (Hays at the time) was at the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778. Her husband collapsed from supposed heat exhaustion while manning his cannon, she stepped up, and took her husband’s place. Multiple soldiers at that battle corroborate McCauley’s story.

Corbin was at the Battle of Fort Washington on November 16, 1776 when her husband was killed. Her story is a bit different because she was wounded in the process, sustaining three gunshot wounds. Corbin survived the battle and successfully gained a pension along with a clothing allowance. After her death in 1800, she was buried along the shore of the Hudson River but was later reinterred at the United States Military Academy at West Point, the only female Revolutionary War veteran buried there. Both McCauley and Corbin are believed to be the inspiration for the legend of Molly Pitcher.

3. Women were demure, stayed at home, and did not get involved in political discourse or activities.

CREDIT Robert Sayer and John Bennett/Library of Congress

This could not be more wrong. While many or most women did shy away from political discourse and public acts, there are many examples that prove this was not universally the case. The best example comes from the Edenton Tea Party. We all know of the December 16, 1773 Boston Tea Party that was accomplished by an all-male band of Massachusetts colonists. The Edenton Tea Party occurred about a year later in Edenton, North Carolina. A group of 51 women, led by Penelope Barker, gathered for a meeting of the Edenton Ladies Patriotic Guild on October 25, 1774. They drank a concoction of local tea referred, to as “balsamic Hyperion,” and drafted a notice of protest against the British Tea Act of 1773. They wrote up a resolution stating their displeasure with the taxes and vowed to not buy British tea or cloth. News of the resolution made its way throughout the colonies and over to England where political cartoons satirizing the women were published. There is even some evidence that women took this a step further and burned their tea in Wilmington, North Carolina sometime in 1775.

On the other side of the fight was Molly Brandt, who was deeply involved in the Revolutionary War as a Loyalist. Brandt was a Mohawk Indian who spent a considerable amount of time gathering Native support for the British. She believed that native peoples would be best treated under British rule and she successfully brought five of the six Iroquois tribes to the British side. Because of her Loyalist leanings, her property in New York was taken by Patriots and she, along with thousands of other Mohawks, fled across the border to the Canadian frontier in November 1777. After the war Brandt and her brother Thayendanegea (also known as Joseph) successfully petitioned the British government for a pension. Today, Brandt is known as one of Canada’s Founding Mothers.

There are many myths surrounding Founding Mothers. By examining just a few myths, it is easy to see that women were involved in almost every aspect of the Revolutionary War. The women mentioned above, and countless others, all helped to shape this country into what it is today. They played a significant role in the political discourse of the era at a time when women were expected to stay home and take care of the family. While their stories may have been fictionalized over time, these women should be remembered for their lasting impact on America since the founding of this country.