Wayne County Press Established 1960 • Jesup Sentinel Established 1865 • Combined February 1977 © 2020 Press-Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. Siemeks’ backyard swing set is gathering place for friends, family By Justin Hall Willa and Vern Siemek are a married couple who prioritize having an eye for making their home inviting to family and friends alike. Their latest effort in adding comfort to their home is an elaborate swing set in their backyard. The structure includes three long swings, two pairs of basket-style swings and an entrance, all around a fire pit. As Willa recalls, she and her husband were looking for ideas for their backyard for quite some time. While browsing on the Internet, she found the idea for an octagonal swing set and thoroughly enjoyed the thought of having one in their spacious backyard. “I said this is almost perfect for us,” Willa said. “It’s something I thought we could really enjoy.” The project began back in November 2023, and they had to construct it by ordering stones and pavers which were made out of slate. The swing set can accommodate 810 people, and the Siemeks have no problem with bringing in additional chairs if they have more guests. The next step was to find an individual and/or company that had ample experience in putting swing sets together. The Siemeks looked around at various businesses until they settled on Ryan Madray of Design Landscape. They selected him as a result of his knowledge of construction and landscaping. Madray gave the Siemeks an estimate and asked them to start contemplating what kinds of swings they wanted. He also had someone custom-build the long swings, and the Siemeks ordered four basket-like swings for their children. Another addition for the set consisted of flowers. Vern knew Willa loved flowers, and as a result, he planted 15-20 azalea bushes. Another feature was black rubber mulch, which was advantageous because it could be swept instead of using a blower. ❑ See SIEMEKS, Page 4C C SECTION Thursday, March 20, 2025 JUSTIN HALL / Special Willa and Vern Siemek enjoy peaceful swinging in their backyard. JUSTIN HALL / Special A many-sided swing set offers comfort, recreation and visual appeal to Verna and Willa Siemekʼs backyard.
Birds are beautiful creatures that can make a lawn and garden feel even more serene. Providing snacks to supplement what birds naturally find in the wild guarantees up close and personal interactions with the scores of species that call neighborhoods home. Bird feeders are particularly important in colder climates and during wintertime when food may be scarce. Keeping birds well fed helps them survive over winter and continue to repopulate in the spring. Bird feeding isn’t all for the birds, either. Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, argues that feeding birds also is a benefit to humans because it stimulates compassion for the animals. The type of bird feeder a person places in the yard determines which species may be drawn to the property. The following are various types of feeders to consider. Suet feeders Suet cakes are highenergy food sources that attract birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches. They are particularly beneficial in colder months or regions where birds need extra fat for energy. These cage-like feeders snap around the rectangular suet cake and hang from a pole or tree. Ground feeder Ground feeders are simple screen-bottomed trays that sit several inches off of the ground or on a deck to help keep seeds and grain from coming in contact with droppings. Ground feeders are a favorite of juncos, sparrows, goldfinches, and cardinals, among others. Sugar water feeder These feeders come in different shapes, from tubes to round dishes, and are magnets to hummingbirds. They typically have red coloring to be more attractive to those high-speed flyers. Nyjer bird feeder Small birds like goldfinches love to dine on nyjer seeds, which are tiny, black thistle seeds. These feeders are tube-shaped mesh socks designed to hold this specific seed. The small feeding ports prevent seed waste and cater to the small beaks of finches. Hopper bird feeder These are the feeders many people think of when they envision bird feeders. Hopper bird feeders hold a large amount of seed and often have a roof or a design that mimics a house or barn. The covered design helps to keep seeds dry and might be the best hanging feeder for people who live in areas with a lot of rain. Hoppers will attract blue jays, grackles, cardinals, and blackbirds. Tube feeders Tube feeders will attract an array of birds. They are cylindrical in shape with various ports to enable birds to perch and feed. Window and smart bird feeders These types of bird feeders attach to windows to allow homeowners to view the birds up close. Smart varieties have cameras on the feeders that will send a feed via an app to a smart phone or computer. Some even may identify the bird species on the feeder at any given point in time. Bird feeders provide enjoyment for bird watchers and nutritious food various species. 2C Thursday, March 20, 2025 The Press-Sentinel HOME & GARDEN With our newest paint mixer, we can create the perfect color of the highest quality paints on-site. PLANYOUR SPRING REFRESH WITH US! BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT AND SUPPLIES AVAILABLE IN-STORE Murphy’s also has the most highly trained staff to make sure the job gets done! Jennifer@murphybuilderssupply.com 156 NE Broad Street, Jesup 912.427.9568 S Attract winged friends with these bird feeders 2055 Sunset Boulevard • Jesup, GA 31545 912-385-2777 We offer the lowest price possible on all varieties! Sale begins 3/20 through 3/31! Griffins Warehouse 15-0-15 4% Iron Centipede Now $16 10-10-10 Super Rainbow Now $17 5-10-15 Pecan Now $15.65 10-10-10 Now $14.75 16-4-8 Now $13.50 5-10-15 Now $14.50 Pelletized Lime Bags Now $9 2.5 Gallon Generic Glyphosate (Roundup) Now $50 RAKE IN THE SAVINGS Did you know? Landscape lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years. Such lighting can extend living spaces, and many homeowners report that a well-lit landscape helps them feel more safe at home. Though the final cost to light up a home's exterior will depend on the size of a property, landscape lighting is among the more budget-friendly home renovations homeowners can consider. According to the renovation experts at Angi.com, the average cost of a landscape lighting project is $4,000. Considering how much landscape lighting transforms the look of a property at night, that's a lot of bang for homeowners' bucks. Solar lights are popular, but homeowners may want to consider electrical wiring that ensures lights maintain their awe-inspiring glow throughout the night. Electrical work requires additional labor, and thus, a higher price tag. However, Angi notes that modern LED bulbs consume just 25 percent of the energy used by incandescent alternatives, which can make them a more reliable option than selfinstalled solar lights. Bird feeders provide enjoyment for birds and watchers.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 The Press-Sentinel 3C HOME & GARDEN Darrell Wasdin: a man with a passion for excellence By John Eden STAFF WRITER Darrell Wasdin is working this week on the renovation of a classic Craftsman-style house built by his grandfather in the early 1940s in Screven. The house is the eighth one on Wasdin Street that he’s renovated. Most were built by his grandfather, although he said he didn’t inherit them; he had to buy them. And there are a number of other houses around town he’s either renovated or built new. He’s totally redoing and expanding this house inside, as well as adding a bedroom and a bath in the current project. When Wasdin talks about the renovation, it’s clear he’s not doing it in hopes of making a lot of money. He says he’ll probably have more in it than he can sell it for. What emerges from conversations about his work is simple: He does it because he loves it. And he loves his town. A Screven icon in his “Wasdin-red” trucks, Wasdin is often seen driving up Wasdin Street (named for his grandfather, Walter Wasdin) or cleaning up a pile of brush or a downed tree for a neighbor with his front-loader and dump truck. He just wants the town—his town—to look nice, he’ll tell you if you ask him why he’s doing it. Wasdin has lived in Screven his whole life, and he grew up on his grandfather’s farm, where he and his wife, Pam, live today. A large acreage with horses and several outbuildings surround the winding drive at the end of Wasdin Street that leads to the Wasdins’ beautiful twostory house. He didn’t inherit the acreage, either. He bought it back from another Screven icon, Lindsay Thomas, years after his grandfather sold the land. He said that, as a wild, young 17-year-old, he wasn’t interested; he just wanted to get away from the farm. Now, in his early 70s, it’s his favorite place to be, and the outbuildings are filled with restored and customized vintage trucks and motorcycles, as well as a vast collection of antique items that have accumulated around him over the years. There’s an old shed (more than 100 years old, he said, with cypress logs for the corner posts) that he moved from the other end of Wasdin Street to his pasture. It now sits there housing a 1952 Chevrolet pickup like the one whose fenders 533 North First Street • Jesup, GA 31545 For vendor information contact the Market Manager Amanda Ryan 561-578-9069 www.facebook.com/thewcfm • info@waynefarmersmarket.com Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Locally grown in season fruit and vegetables • Fresh Local Produce • Lettuce • Fresh Eggs • Baked Goods • Crafts • Homemade Body Products • Much More Cash and Cards Accepted Opening April 11th! Voted Wayne County’s Favorite Place to Buy Produce! JOHN EDEN / Staff Darrell Wasdin, left, and his son, Jason, work on the porch of their most recent Wasdin Street renovation. The house at 204 Wasdsin St. was built by Darrellʼs grandfather in the early 1940s and is the eighth house on the street the Wasdinsʼ have renovated. JOHN EDEN / Staff Another classic Craftsman-style house renovated by the Wasdins, this house at 102 Wasdin St. is cared for lovingly by the current resident. DONATIONS SHOULD BE MAILED TO: THE CITY OF JESUP 162 E. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA Dive In! Help Local Children Learn to Swim! We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn essential swimming skills for their safety and enjoyment. Help The Press-Sentinel and the City of Jesup to build a fund for swimming lessons today! Your donation helps sponsor swimming lessons with a certified lifeguard through the City of Jesup. WHY DONATE? Safety: Learning to swim saves lives and builds confidence in the water Health: Swimming promotes physical fitness and lifelong wellness habits. Fun: Every child should have the chance to enjoy our local pools and beaches safely. | ❑ See WASDIN, Page 6A
4C Thursday, March 20, 2025 The Press-Sentinel HOME & GARDEN JUSTIN HALL / Special This swing-set fire pit not only provides comfort and ambiance but also keeps gnats away. Certain homes have an undeniable wow factor. That instant appeal tends to be noticeable the moment visitors pull up to the curb, and it might be a byproduct of homeowners’ willingness to embrace the latest exterior design trends. Trends come and go, but recognition of the current fashions can help homeowners create that highly sought-after wow factor. The following are some recent trends in home exteriors that have helped homeowners set their properties apart. Wood Natural wood has undeniable appeal, and it hasn’t only found newfound devotion among home interior decorators. Natural wood garage doors create a sense of warmth and can set a home apart from others with steel doors, which tend to be the most popular garage door material. In addition to the garage door, natural wood entry doors and wood decks are popular ways to impart this classical, warm look to a home’s exterior. Painted brick Like natural wood, brick is a traditional material that’s both sturdy and classical. But homeowners can add character to brick with a coat of paint, which has become a popular trend in recent years. Light tones tend to be most popular when painting bricks. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that this could prove a long-term commitment if homeowners so desire, as a properly painted brick exterior could last as long as 20 years. Hardscaping Hardscaping isn’t a new trend, but it has been trending in recent years. Hardscaping is an umbrella term that includes everything from outdoor living rooms to incorporating natural stone into a landscape. Outdoor living rooms are one hardscaping trend that has become increasingly popular of late. These spaces serve as an extension of indoor living spaces. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that recently homeowners have looked to create covered outdoor rooms that can be enjoyed more frequently than patios or decks that are not protected from the elements. Outdoor lighting It makes sense that individuals looking to spend more time enjoying their properties outdoors would want more lighting outside. Ambient outdoor lighting can be utilized throughout a property. Such lighting can light up walkways and driveways and be used to light up landscaping features like trees and gardens. Home design trends tend to be fickle. But recognition of the current trends in exterior home design can set homes apart and turn properties into awe-inspiring places to enjoy the great outdoors. Popular trends in home exteriors Outdoor living spaces are one popular hardscaping trend that figures to remain sought-after for years to come. Courson’s Carpet & Floors Voted Wayne’s Favorite Place to Buy Carpet! 2550 Savannah Hwy. • Jesup • 912-427-4037 Carpet, Vinyl, Hardwood,Waterproof Floors FREE LOCAL ESTIMATES Financing Available w/approved credit Pictured: Lily and Walker Hodges One other perk about the swing set, according to Willa, is that it is lighted so that the lights can be turned on at nighttime and everyone who is outside can see the lights. Speakers are also included to play music. The fire pit in the center is instrumental because the smoke can help keep the gnats away. “It depends on what kind of wood is used,” Willa said. “But it’s a good thing to help keep them away.” The Siemeks also enjoy the fact that they allow the children of their neighborhood to come by and swing, even when the Siemeks themselves are not at home. “The neighbors’ kids will come over to swing, and the parents will make videos to send,” Willa said. Vern likes to point out one particular technological advantage that the swing set has brought to them. “We have a router that’s big enough to reach the fire pit,” Vern said. “We can go out there and play on our phones and iPads.” The entire swing set took only a month to complete, making it ready just in time for the Christmas season of 2023. The Siemeks hosted a Christmas party right after its completion and have hosted several different parties since. With all of the hard work and creativity behind the project, the Siemeks like to use it for a simple purpose. “It just brings us a lot of peace,” Willa said. “We enjoy the comfort that comes with that.” SIEMEKS Continued from page 1A
HOME & GARDEN Thursday, March 20, 2025 The Press-Sentinel 5C The return of warm weather is synonymous with many things. For men and women who love to grill, spring marks a return to grilling their favorite foods and dining outdoors. Burgers and hot dogs may never go out of style, but plenty of additional foods can make for delicious grilled meals. Grilled chicken, for example, makes for a healthy meal the whole family can enjoy. Grilled chicken sandwiches, such as the following recipe for “Grilled Chicken Ciabatta with Romesco and Baby Greens” from Karen Adler and Judith Fertig’s “The Gardener & The Grill: The Bounty of the Garden Meets the Sizzle of the Grill” (Running Press), can make for a nice change of pace from more traditional grilling fare. Grilled Chicken Ciabatta with Romesco and Baby Greens Serves 4 2 loaves ciabatta or 4 ciabattini (ciabatta rolls), sliced in half lengthwise Olive oil, for brushing Fine kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to a 1⁄2-inch thickness 1⁄2 recipe Romesco Sauce (see below) Small wedge (about 4 ounces) of Manchego or Parmesan cheese, for shaving 2 cups baby greens Prepare a hot fire in your grill. Brush the cut sides of the ciabatta with olive oil. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, turning once, for 5 minutes total. Grill the ciabatta, cut sides down, until it has good grill marks, 1 to 2 minutes. Slather all the grilled sides of the ciabatta with the Romesco. Place the chicken breasts on the bottom half of the bread, shave some Manchego cheese over the chicken, then top with baby greens and the top half of the bread. If you’re using a loaf of ciabatta, you’ll have 2 chicken breasts on each loaf, so cut each loaf in half horizontally. If you’re using ciabattini, you’ll use 1 breast for each roll. Serve immediately. Romesco Sauce Makes 2 cups 1⁄2 cup toasted slivered almonds 2 jarred roasted red bell peppers, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 slice white bread (crust removed), toasted and crumbled 1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1⁄3 cup red wine vinegar 2⁄3 cup extra-virgin olive oil In a food processor, grind the almonds. Add roasted peppers, garlic, bread, parsley, and hot pepper flakes. Blend until it becomes a paste. Add the vinegar and pulse to blend. With the motor running, gradually pour the olive oil through the feed tube in a steady stream until the mixture thickens like mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Spring ushers in grilling season Backyard barbecues may be synonymous with burgers and hot dogs, but grillmasters needn't feel beholden to such traditional fare when firing up their grills. Vegetables are more versatile than many people may know. Steaming or sautéing vegetables might be among the most popular ways to cook veggies, but grillmasters know that it’s not just main dishes that taste great when cooked over an open flame. As the following recipe for “Charred Green Beans with Lemon Verbena Pesto” from Karen Adler and Judith Fertig’s “The Gardener & The Grill” (Running Press) can attest, grilled vegetables make for simple yet satisfying side dishes. Charred Green Beans with Lemon Verbena Pesto Serves 2 to 4 Green Beans 1 1⁄2 pounds slender green beans 2 teaspoons olive oil Lemon Verbena Pesto 1 cup fresh lemon verbena leaves (substitute fresh lemon balm leaves) 2 garlic cloves 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1⁄4 cup pine nuts or English walnuts 1⁄2 cup olive oil Fine kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Prepare a hot fire in your grill. Toss the beans with olive oil and place in a perforated grill basket or wok set on a baking sheet. For the Lemon Verbena Pesto, combine the lemon verbena, garlic, cheese, and nuts in a food processor and pulse to puree. Slowly add the olive oil with the processor running until the mixture thickens and emulsifies, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. The pesto will keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days, or it may be frozen for up to 3 months. Place the grill wok or basket directly over the fire and stir-grill, tossing the beans with wooden paddles or grill spatulas until crisp-tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the grilled beans to a large bowl and toss with about 1⁄4 cup of the Lemon Verbena Pesto or to taste. Fire up the grill for fresh veggies Grilled chicken makes for a delicious sandwich. Charred green beans are great off the grill. A colorful garden in full bloom is an aesthetically appealing sight each spring and summer. The pleasant aromas emanating from such spaces only add to their appeal. Many variables contribute to a thriving garden, and perhaps none is more important than bees. North America is home to thousands of species of beers, but many of those species are experiencing dwindling populations. According to Scott McArt, an assistant professor of pollinator health in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, 53 bee species have experienced population declines or range contractions over the last several decades. Individuals accustomed to seeing bees as unwanted guests may wonder why that's a problem. Though declining bee populations pose a number of problems, perhaps none is more relatable than the link between bees and food production. A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences noted that declines in both managed and wild bee populations raise significant concerns about long-term food security. Authors of the study noted that crop production would be higher if crop flowers received more pollination. That's a significant benefit as the global population continues to increase, but it's also a notable benefit in the present-day from both a food security and economic perspective. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that commercial production of more than 90 crops rely on roughly 3,600 bee species. Declining bee populations could put that production in serious jeopardy and create a domino effect that impacts food security and individuals' livelihoods. But all is not lost in the fight to restore bee populations. In fact, McArt indicated in a 2019 report that bee populations are thriving in agricultural and natural areas. But bee populations also must thrive in suburban and urban areas. Planting a pollinator-friendly garden is one step McArt suggested gardening hobbyists can take to help restore bee populations. When planting to combat declining bee populations, homeowners should always look for native plants, as they are well-adapted to local climates and unlikely to upset local ecosystems. Local garden centers can be great resources for anyone looking to plant native species. According to HGTV, the following are just a handful of the many bee-friendly garden flowers and plants homeowners can consider for their gardens: · Bee balm · Honeysuckle · Sunflower · Cosmos · Strawberries · Dahlia · Butterfly bush · Crocus · Pot marigold · Geraniums Bee populations are in decline. If efforts to restore those populations are not embraced, the consequences for future generations could be dire. Homeowners can do their part by planting bee-friendly flowers and plants on their properties. The important role played by bees Photo by Krzysztof Niewolny on Unsplash.com Bees play an important role in lawns and gardens.
HOME & GARDEN 6C Thursday, March 20, 2025 The Press-Sentinel Homeowners have many options at their disposal if they want to improve their homes. A focus on the exterior can be a promising and rewarding way to direct renovation dollars. Curb appeal has a significant impact on how a home is viewed. Manicured landscapes, updated windows and doors and well-lit landscapes can improve the value of a home and ensure it sells quickly and above market rate. When homeowners assess items they may want to change, shutters can be an area of consideration. Shutters can help windows look a little less plain. In most modern residential properties, shutters are purely decorative. However, their roots lie in home protection. Originally, shutters were used in lieu of windows so they were the only way to safeguard a home’s interior from the elements. Some shutters still offer that protection, but those typically are installed on homes in hurricane-prone areas. Window shutters lend a finished and distinctive look to a home. When shopping for shutters, individuals can choose among various styles. • Louvered: A louvered shutter features several wood slats that overlap each other on the same frame. A typical louvered shutter features two sets of slats separated by a center rail. Some functional louvered shutters are operational, meaning the slats can be tilted to allow air to flow through. But this is something typically reserved for indoor shutters. Decorative ones have fixed slats. • Panel: Panel shutters come in different styles. Raised panel shutters present a boxed design where rectangular features will stand out from the rest of the frame. Flat panel shutters (sometimes referred to as shaker) have the boxed design, but those rectangles are not raised. Recessed panels are the opposite of raised panels. As their name suggests, recessed panels are set back from the rest of the frame. • Board and batten: Board and batten shutters are formed from grouped single boards joined together with shorter crosspieces of wood called battens. Battens are positioned horizontally or at an angle. These shutters have a more informal, rural feel. • Bahama/Bermuda: These tropical-inspired shutters are of the louvered variety, but they’re installed from the top of the window rather than on the sides. • Scandinavian: Scandinavian series shutters are very decorative board and batten shutters. They feature a series of cutouts and designs .• Combination: Some shutters offer the best of both worlds, with louvered on top and a solid panel on the bottom, or vice versa. This gives homeowners infinite options. Shutters are available in various materials. The most common include wood, vinyl and composite. Cedar, mahogany and pine are commonly used woods for exterior shutters. Vinyl is more economical and lightweight, but they can be challenging to clean and do not offer the longevity of other materials. Composite shutters are durable and cost less than wood in most cases. Color is another consideration when replacing shutters. Shutters can stand out or blend in with the siding and other architectural accents. Shutters also can flank a front door to fully complete an exterior look. Give your home a new look with these shutter styles JOHN EDEN / Staff This block on J.L. Tyre Street in downtown Screven was a dilapidated structure, below, locally known as “Sargeʼs” when Darrell Wasdin bought it for $10,000. He totally renovated it to create a new cabinet shop and dance studio, above, with a 1,100-square-foot living space upstairs. he used to ride on as his grandfather drove around the dirt roads of the county. There’s also the tail section of a wrecked airplane fastened high up above the back door of one of his outbuildings. “This is what a crazy man does with his time and money!” he said, pointing out the bright yellow tail section. He’s best known as the owner of two cabinet shops in Screven: Screven Cabinets, which he owned until about 1990, and Wasdin Custom Cabinets and Millwork, which he and his son, Jason, operated until about a year ago. The second shop was opened in a dilapidated block—the former Sarge’s— along J.L. Tyre Street in downtown Screven that Wasdin said he bought for $10,000 and completely renovated. He also built new homes—about 16 per year, he said—for some 15 years, and he’s enjoying just doing what he wants now. “It’s the first time in about 60 years I haven’t had employees!” he said recently. The secret to his success isn’t hard to discover, either. Wasdin said that in the heyday of his years in the cabinet business, he worked every day, sleeping some four hours a night, and his workers put in 60hour weeks. They installed some six kitchens per day in large homes in the Hinesville area, as well as many around Wayne County. Famous for his beautiful and strong cabinets—“You could store ball bearings in those cabinets!” he told customers—he was a sought-after builder whose passion for the work persists long after the financial incentives are gone. That passion is evident in everything Darrell Wasdin touches. WASDIN Continued from page 3A JOHN EDEN / Staff The house at 203 Wasdin St. is another of the houses that was originally built by Darrellʼs grandfather, Walter, which Darrell and Jason Wasdin have renovated. Did you know? Vinyl siding is not something that many homeowners may consider painting, but it can be done. However, some contractors may not recommend it as the best option to overhaul a home. Painting siding means it will only be as durable as the paint used. It's also essential to determine if painting vinyl will void any warranties. Wood or engineered wood or fiber cement siding tend to be better options than vinyl should you want to switch colors down the line. But vinyl siding can be painted if it is done right, and it can be an affordable way to change the look of a home without investing in new siding. According to Benjamin Moore Paints, vinyl siding that will be painted will need to be cleaned thoroughly, including the removal of any mildew, chalk or dirt, to enhance paint adhesion. Pitted or porous vinyl siding always must be primed, but others may not require priming. Choose an exterior paint designed for painting on vinyl. Benjamin Moore has a palette called Colors for Vinyl that can be used in select exterior paint lines. Two coats of paint are recommended. According to BobVila.com, paint for vinyl has acrylic and urethane resins that accommodate the expansion and contraction of vinyl and help the paint stick. Also, for the best results, the home improvement experts on the site advise painting when temperatures are mild and there is low relative humidity and an overcast sky. New shutters can change the look of a home.
All Your Outdoor Essentials, Under One Roof • Grills and smokers • Outdoor Living • Lawn and Garden • Tools • Paint and Supplies • Building Materials • Hardware • Electrical • Plumbing • Tractors • Mowers • Guns • Ammo “Serving Southeast Georgia for over 100 Years” 386 W. CHERRY ST. JESUP, GA • 912-427-3767 Facebook.com/harrishardware Store Hours: Mon - Fri, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sun, Closed Thursday, March 20, 2025 The Press-Sentinel 7C HOME & GARDEN Celebrate gifts from the garden Color in this picture to create your own masterpiece.
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The information provided is not intended and should not be construed as legal, accounting, or tax advice. All financing is subject to credit review and approval and other terms and conditions and is at Mahindra Finance USA LLC’s sole discretion. Offer available for a limited time only and subject to change without notice. For a limited time, save big on the all-new 1100 and 2100 Series. With a reliable diesel engine, our best-ever lift capacity, and intuitive tech like Crank Assist, dual-pedal HST, and a handy companion app, they’re tougher and smarter than anything else out there. The benefits of planting native species Spring and summer present ideal growing conditions for many plants, making these seasons an ideal time to tend to lawns and gardens. Though it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of exotic plants, avid gardeners and ecoconscious planters recognize the significance of native plants. Novices may not realize that native plants are much better for a landscape and the local ecosystem it calls home. Recognition of the many benefits of native plants can make for healthier lawns and gardens and a healthier planet as well. • Native plants are built for local climates. One of the issues gardeners who plant exotic plants run into is keeping those plants thriving when weather turns harsh. For example, exotic plants may require extra watering in areas that experience drought or even long periods without precipitation in spring and notably summer. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that at least 40 states anticipate water shortages by 2024. Planting native plants can help to combat those shortages by reducing the need to water plants if conditions become dry in late spring and summer. • Native plants save money. It’s also important to note that native plants save homeowners money. Because they’re capable of thriving in local conditions, native plants tend to require less watering, which can hep homeowners reduce their utility costs. But native plants also require less upkeep, which means homeowners can save on potentially costly, not to mention eco-unfriendly, pesticides and other amendments in order to maintain the look of exotic plants. And though it’s not always the case, exotic plants tend to cost more at nurseries than natives. • Native plants save gardeners time. In addition to saving money, native plants don’t require as much attention. Though spring and summer is a great time to be in the yard, it’s also a great time to be out and about. Because native plants thrive in local conditions, gardeners won’t need to spend much of their free time tending to them. Exotics tend to require a lot of extra attention and effort, especially when conditions become harsh. Spending more time outdoors in harsh weather does not appeal to most gardeners. • Native plants blend in with an existing landscape. Native plants look natural within an existing landscape, adding some instant aesthetic appeal without breaking the bank. When planting exotics, homeowners may feel a need to redesign their entire gardens to create a certain look (think Japanese garden). That can quickly consume a budget and take up a lot of free time in both the short- and long-term. Planting season marks a great time to revitalize a landscape. Choosing native plants when doing so pays numerous dividends for homeowners and the planet they call home. How to prepare soil for spring planting Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and perhaps nowhere is that rebirth more noticeable than in the yard. Each spring, grass begins to grow again as inviting landscapes beckon people outdoors. Extra sunlight and rising temperatures make spring a great time to plant flowers, grasses and trees. To ensure successful planting, homeowners must take steps to prepare the soil. Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish themselves before potentially harsh summer conditions arrive. Preparing soil might seem like an extensive job, but a simple approach may be all that’s necessary to create conditions that promote plant growth this spring. • Clean up the previous months’ mess. Whether homeowners live in regions marked by year-round warmth or places where winter typically features heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to clean up an area prior to spring planting. Fallen leaves, rocks, grass clippings, and other debris can contribute to compacted soil that makes it hard for plants to establish strong, healthy root systems. Clear away any debris prior to planting before taking the next step in your soil preparation routine. • Loosen the soil. Once debris has been cleared away, loosen the soil. Depending on the size of the area where you’ll be planting, you may need to invest in tools like a shovel, spade, spading fork, and/or a lawn edger. If you’re planting in a small area, such as a deck planter box that still has soil from last year’s planting inside it, you can either clean the box and replace the soil entirely or dig around with a handheld trowel, cultivator and/or weeder. It’s important to loosen all of the soil around where you will ultimately plant prior to planting to ensure water can reach the roots and help them establish themselves once planting is completed. • Test and, if necessary, amend the soil. A simple pH test can help determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This is an important step as soil that is too acidic or alkaline can decrease the availability of nutrients the plants will need to thrive. In addition to conducting a pH test, which can be purchased at little cost at a local home improvement store, homeowners can contact their local Cooperative Extension Service to test their soil quality. These tests will reveal soil pH, but also can shed light on the texture of the soil and other components. Once the test is conducted, the local Coop Extension Service may recommend amendments to improve the nutritional quality of the soil so new plants can thrive. Soil conditions go a long way toward determining if new plants will thrive. Preparing the soil prior to spring planting can ensure a successful season. a lawn edger. Choosing native plants provides dividends. Soil conditions go a long way in determining success of plants.
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