Archive

Archive for August, 2010

Aug
30

Roses have the reputation of being difficult, fussy plants that require a great deal of attention and time.

Although it takes some effort on your part to maintain the beauty and health of a rose garden, the reward of numerous blossoms in wonderful vibrant colors is sufficient reward for most gardeners. A little water, fertilizer, and spray, on a weekly basis, can be a pleasant excuse to spend time in your fragrant rose garden.

Your rose bed should be planted where it receives full or partial sunshine at least six hours a day. There are varieties of roses that thrive in more shade but they will not be as fragrant as the others.

Good drainage is also critical for roses. They like a lot of water, but do not like wet feet, so a raised bed of at least ten to fifteen inches high is a solution. It also makes gardening chores easier. Roses do best in loamy soil with high humus content. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost, peat moss or cow manure and be sure to test the soil to determine the acidity.

Check with a nursery in your area for tips on when to transplant roses, but generally, any time from spring to fall, or when the plant is dormant and the ground is workable. Water every 3 or 4 days, soaking the soil to 8 inches; and fertilize depending on your type of soil, but usually about once every 4-6 weeks.

Lots of varieties of roses are available. The choices include climbing roses, tree roses, miniature roses, hybrid perpetual roses, grandiflora roses, and antique roses to name a few. Look at your space and the view from the house to determine how you want to define the space for planting. The rose can serve many functions including becoming a fragrant hedge and then providing bouquets of fresh cut flowers to decorate the inside of your home.

Give roses a try. The rewards are many and the satisfaction of seeing a perfect rose that you have grown makes it well worth the effort.

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Aug
27

“THE MARKET WEARY HOUSE”

Have you ever noticed a house that seems to have been on the market for a long time?

What thoughts do you have concerning that house after you continue to see the for sale sign in the yard month after month or in a few cases year after year. Overpriced? Poor condition? Do you wonder if there is something wrong with the house like a leaky basement? We have all had these thoughts from time to time. It is always exciting to hear of a home that has just been put up for sale, but many buyers are not interested in seeing a home that has been on the market for a while.

Pricing, condition, location, and timing affect the salability of every home. Of course, you cant do anything about the location. If your home has been for sale for a long time, however, you can make decisions regarding pricing, condition, or timing. Read more…

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Aug
23

Are you looking for a clean updated and well maintained North Dearborn Heights home? If so, your Dearborn area real estate search has just ended!

Click the ”Details Tab” above for the price and additional information

about this beautiful North Dearborn Heights home.

 

For more information about this home Contact Steve Hatfield today.

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Aug
23

With all of the recent news about Salmonella in fresh eggs and the fact that some of these eggs have found their way into Michigan I thought the following article would be of interest.

 

To avoid the possibility of foodborne illness, fresh eggs must be handled carefully. Even eggs with clean, uncracked shells may occasionally contain bacteria called Salmonella that can cause an intestinal infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to prevent this problem in eggs by requiring that egg producers obtain chicks that are certified Salmonella free, that the hens are kept in houses that are free from rodents and other Salmonella carrying sources, that the houses are continually tested for Salmonella, and that the eggs are stored at temperatures that retard Salmonella growth.

Consumers play a large role in this prevention strategy. In fact, the most effective way to prevent egg-related illness is by knowing how to buy, store, handle and cook eggs—or foods that contain them—safely. That is why FDA requires all cartons of shell eggs that have not been treated to destroy Salmonella must carry the following safe handling statement:

Safe Handling Instructions: To prevent illness from bacteria: keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.

Following these instructions is important for everyone but especially for those most vulnerable to foodborne disease—children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems due to steroid use, conditions such as AIDS, cancer or diabetes, or such treatments as chemotherapy for cancer or immune suppression because of organ transplants.

Eggs that have been treated to destroy Salmonella—by in-shell pasteurization, for example—are not required to carry safe handling instructions. Read more…

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Aug
19

Grilled to Perfection…

Grilling is more popular than ever, especially as families opt to save money by dining at home rather than eating out. The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) estimates that three out of four households own an outdoor grill or smoker. From lightweight, portable Smoky Joe grills to deluxe multi-tasking grills, today’s equipment can do much more than ever before.

The Multi-Tasker –  Multi-tasking grills have two to 12 burners, so different types of food can be prepared at different temperatures at the same time. Some grills are also equipped with built-in infrared rotisseries, wok stations and side burners that enable cooks to prepare entire meals in one place. Others have storage drawers, built-in thermometers, removable ash catchers and lights for nighttime cooking.

Infrared heat – Infrared technology provides intense heat so meats and steaks can be grilled in half the time as on a traditional grill.

Accessories –  Baskets that cook mini-hamburgers, potato grilling racks and non-stick grill toppers that steam or roast poultry and vegetables are gaining favor. Also popular are smoker boxes and grill plates that enhance flavor.

Outdoor cooking areas –  Outdoor kitchens have all the same amenities as in-home kitchens, including sinks, blenders, cooking and prep areas, dishwashers and refrigerators, and cocktail bars. Most outdoor kitchen designs are flexible and modular, so homeowners can customize it for their entertaining needs. 

With the latest innovations in outdoor cooking, the best place to dine out may be in your own Dearborn or Dearborn Heights back yard.

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Aug
16

 

Click on the “PLAY NOW” button below to start the Video Tour

Click the ”Details Tab” above for the price and additional

information about this Redford Twp home.

For more information about this home Contact Steve Hatfield today.

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