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Perk up your patio

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Photo of Garden Designer Diarmuid Gavin (PA Photo/Handout)

Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin offers tips on how to prep your patio ready for spring

If the rain ever lets up long enough for us to venture out on to our patios, we’ll need some quick fixes to brighten them up in time for the warmer, and hopefully drier, months of spring.

But, aside from jetwashing them, what should the average gardener actually be doing to these patios…?

Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, who last year added a wraparound balcony and cast iron columns decorated with swathes of wisteria to his own patio in Co Wicklow, Ireland, has some ideas.

Bulbs planted in patio pots back in September may have rotted if they haven’t been given good drainage and were standing on pot feet, he says, but even if there’s no sign of them, all is not lost.

“Even now, if you just lift the pot to allow them to drain, the bulbs and plantings may be all right.”

In addition to the practical, Gavin, an ambassador for the Karcher watering range, has some easy patio design tips too.

“You can brighten up the patio with instant colour, but be innovative about what you plant and how you do it.”

He suggests going to your local restaurant or take-away to see if they have any large metal containers which once held olives or other food. Drill a few holes in the bottom, put a layer of gravel at the bottom and fill the rest with well-drained compost and either put in a selection of wonderful herbs like basil or marjoram or even some salads like Lollo Rosso or Swiss chard, or even nasturtiums and marigolds, and you will have results fast.

“Another thing I love is to get big oil drums from reclamation yards for next to nothing, clean them up and paint them in Caribbean colours. If you have a collection of them you can cut some of them down to size and they make the most fantastic containers.

“Large containers like these will take a good quantity of manure and topsoil. If they’re big enough, you can plant birch trees or clumps of bamboos to create borders and long-term planting once you`ve top-dressed and had them irrigated.

“Be innovative about your choice of container and then make sure you have a good solid medium for them to grow in.”

If you want to invest in new garden furniture there’s a wealth of choice too, adds Gavin.

“Fifteen years ago if you wanted garden furniture you got a picnic bench or a plastic chair that cost £2.99. There’s been a radical change in furniture, with durable woven plastics, colourful seating and the new thing we’re going to see are cabanas.”

If you want to hide unsightly eyesores like water butts, you can just put a big pot in front of them, he says.

“People often make the mistake of corralling eyesores behind bits of trellis or fencing. If you do that, you make the garden look smaller and draw more attention to what you’re trying to hide. Maybe have a light framework of planting such as the Russian vine (mile-a-minute plant) which, if kept under control, will be fantastic.

“If you’re trying to hide something in the shade, go for a light framework of honeysuckle, which emits a fantastic scent, or some rambling roses. Simplicity is key in this to avert the eye away from the offensive article.”

Spring planting could incorporate double daisies (Bellis perennis), Bachelor buttons (cornflower) or cheiranthus (wallflower).

“Use traditional bedding in a more radical way. And if you didn’t plant bulbs, buy some which are about to come into flower, whether dwarf daffodils, hyacinths or tulips and surround them with bedding or with ivies in pots.”

“Don’t try to be too tasteful. When I grew up in a very suburban street I grew up with blue and white and blue and white. Mass-plant different shades of blue together, while clashing colours of bedding can be incredibly exuberant.”

Permanent plantings on patios of milder gardens could include some pittosporum and hebes.

“If you’re in a sheltered courtyard garden, I love a hint of the exotic with Dicksonia antarctica,” he adds.

“If you have a border, a good one takes planning. Build up a collection of plants with structure in the back, climbing plants and something exciting like the wall shrub Fremontodendron ‘California Glory’, a Japanese maple or an interesting birch and build at the front of that with medium-sized shrubs and colour.”

Put a simple pot of herbs as your centrepiece which are tactile, or plants with aromatic leaves like a lemon-scented geranium, he advises. As you progress to summer, go for dwarf sunflowers – by then, we’ll hopefully have forgotten about the rain.

:: Diarmuid Gavin is Karcher’s Watering ambassador. Find out more at www.karcher.co.uk

PvZ: Garden Warfare Class Tips and Strategy Guide

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Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare is no different from the other shooters out in the market, but to really get the hang of things in the game, you have to get familiar with the different classes available in it.

Both Plants and the Zombies have very similar classes but there are some very important differences. First of all we would like to introduce the classes of Plants.

For more help on Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare, read our Tips and Tricks, Team Vanquish and Co-op Garden Ops Strategy Guide.

Garden Warfare Class Tips

Plants

Peashooter
At the start of the game, this is your go-to class. They act as a scout and their shots do a splash damage which comes in handy when you are dealing with the hordes or taking down the tombstones.

Peashooters run fast and can jump really high; they can cover the long distance in a speed. They are equipped with chili pepper grenade which is an explosive attack that does enormous damage.

The ultimate skills of the peashooter transform it into a Gatling gun which does a lot of damage to oncoming enemies.

Its variant is Fire Pea which can withstand huge damage from the opponents. Another variant is Ice Pea which can freeze the zombies with just a few shots. Third one is Toxic Pea, it does a lot of damage to the opponent and anyone who comes nearby.

Fourth variant is Commando Pea which are brilliant assault troopers and can take down multiple zombies with their rapid fire. Finally, there is Agent Pea; their shots are very focused and do more damage when aimed correctly.

Chomper
Chompers are extremely strong but vulnerable and they don’t have any ranged weapon. The strongest asset of this class is their giant mouth as they can eat the whole enemy, when they attack from behind.

Shielded enemies take a lot of damage when attacked from the front by the Chomper. However, there is one problem, whenever Chompers eat an enemy he takes a few moments to digest it and sometimes these moments are enough time for opponent to kill them.

Its first variant is Hot Rod Chomper, who upon swallowing the zombie, he gains a speed burst. The second variant is Toxic Chomper who can do a lot of damage because of its poison.

Third variant is Fire Chomper, who has a flam-spray that hits rapidly without any breaks and can take down multiple enemies. Fourth variant is Power Chomper, they are most suitable for the close range battles.

Fifth variant is Count Chompula, who can upon taking down an enemy, gains health.

Sunflower
This class is a healer of the game. Their starting skill will heal all players who have set up defenses nearby. Another skill allows them to deploy healing flowers that automatically throw out sunshine to the players nearby. Third skill allows them to shoot out a ray of high damaging sunlight.

Sunflower’s main weapon is a machine gun with high bullet count.

Its variant is Mystic Flower, which has a little ammo, but all the energy can be charged to fire an extremely powerful shot. Second variant is Power Flower, it gives you some extra speed and damage factor to the Sun Pulse.

Third variant is Fire Flower, it combines the health-draining functions of a fire weapon with the speed and versatility of the Sun Pulse. Fourth variant is Shadow flower which has a faster rate of fire than the standard Sun Pulse.

Fifth variant is Metal Petal, it can take huge damage from enemy fire.

Cactus
Cactus is the sniper of the plants. Cactus can do a lot of high damaging shots with the scope. Cactus have the ability to plant mines which will blow anyone with a single blow.

The major skill of Cactus has to be the Garlic Drone.

It is remote controlled flying garlic which can do a lot of damage with the machine gun and can call down Corn Strikes. However, the Cactus have very low health and can die very quickly.

Its variants are Camo Cactus, who are actual 100% Snipers. Second variant is Fire Cactus, who can fire damage from far away. Third one is Ice Cactus and it can freeze the zombie enemies from a long range.

Fourth one is Power Cactus, who fires electric burst which goes really fast from a long range. Fifth one is Future Cactus, who can be used for the medium range fights.

Zombies

Let’s take a look at the opponents of Plants, the Zombies.

Foot Soldier
Foot Soldiers most useful skill is their poison cloud which blinds certain areas and it damages the opponents upon contact. Then they have a ZPG (Zombie Propelled Grenade) which is a heavy hitting skill.

Foot soldiers will be a good choice at the start of the game.

Its variant is Camo Ranger, who does extra damage for the Critical Hits it gets from the primary weapon. Second variant is Super Commando, who can be valuable with its crossbow for the long and middle range combat.

The third variant I General Supremo, who has unlimited ammo for the Golden Gatling.

Fourth one is Tank Commander, who uses mega cannons which do a lot of damage to the opponents. Fifth variant is Arctic Trooper, who make the plants freeze with their shot and can take them out with the ZPG.

Engineers
As the name suggests, the engineers are the fixers of the groups. They can build up turrets and can ride a devastating jackhammer in to the battle.

The engineers also have stun grenades which can be put to a good use; they stop the movement of the target for a short time. Their weapon of choice is Shotgun: it is slow but extremely effective.

Its first variant is Welder, who does a lot of damage on impact and sets the plant on fire for extra damage. The second variant is Electrician, who are most useful for close combat.

The third one is Mechanic, who fires nuts and bolts at a very fast speed and can take down multiple enemies. Fourth one is Painter, who have slow weapons but are very effective in close combat.

Fifth variant is Plumber, who has the same weapon as Engineer but water is also added to do some extra damage in the large blast radius.

Scientist
The scientist has the best escape skills. It can easily warp past enemies which really confuse the players and gives the scientist enough time to finish the job from behind.

He has sticky grenades and if you combine both the warp and the grenades, it can prove to be a shattering combination. He can deploy healing stations which will heal any of the zombies that walk past it.

Its variant is Marine Biologist, who has a Dolphin Blaster that gains a bit more range compared to the standard Scientist Goo Blaster. Second variant is Dr. Toxic, who is valuable asset in close combat.

Third one is Physicist, who can cause electrical damage to anyone that stands in its way. Fourth one is Astronaut, who is more valuable in a long range battle. Fifth one is Chemist, who has a very short range weapon but is useful in close range combat.

All-Star
All-Star is wielding a large weapon and has a lot of health. His ability to drop the tackle dummy is quite scary as it deals a lot of damage to the opponent.

The downside to that is his inability to move fast, making All-Star the slowest class among all. He has the ability to do the tackle by lunging forward and it packs a huge punch.

Its variant is Cricket Star, who deals fire damage to the plants. Second one is Goalie Star, who deals ice damage to the plants and freeze them.

Third one is Baseball Star, who fires the faster and accurate All-Star Weapon. Fourth one is Hockey Star, who has great rate of fire with the weapon.

Fifth one is Rugby Star, who has the most powerful weapon among its class.

Ridgefield Library Hosts Seminar On Four Season Garden Design

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RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — The Ridgefield Library will host a seminar with gardening expert Donna Katsuranis on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. 

Katsuranis is an interfaith minister and an advanced master gardener who lives and gardens in Brookfield. She lectures and guides walks year-round on garden and nature-related subjects.

Registration for the program is recommended as space is limited. Click here to reserve a seat. 

The Ridgefield Library is located at 21 Governor St.

Take Refuge

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With the recent series of storms that are finally reaching our coast, it seems like the ideal opportunity to read all of those delicious gardening magazines and books that have been piling up since last summer, and to take the time to plan both your ornamental and your vegetable gardens for the coming year. Here’s how to make the most of your time stuck indoors.

Evaluate for bare spots. By early March, the chinks in your winter-interest armor have become obvious, as the garden is about as bare as it’s going to get. This makes it the perfect time of year to consider the “bones” of your garden so you can add trees, shrubs and focal points as needed to enhance the look of the flowering perennials most of us are drawn to in summer. While it can be tough to have clear-eyed insights about the space we see out the window every day, there’s an old artists’ trick that can help. Stand back as far as you can from a particular bed to get the overall view, then squint your eyes and allow your vision to blur. This technique quickly makes it obvious which areas of the garden lack structural or textural interest. After this exercise, you may decide you want to look out for a special evergreen something at the nursery this year. If that’s the case, take digital pictures of the proposed planting spot and pop a bamboo stake in the ground as a visual reminder of where to plant.

Consider hardscaping such as pathways, patios, seat walls and more. The stark beauty of winter makes it easier to see what type of permanent landscaping would enhance your design and give your plants a better stage from which to shine. Because stone and concrete require such an investment, many gardeners procrastinate on them, preferring instead to focus on the easy beauty of plants. However, most people find that a well-placed patio or pathway does more for their enjoyment of the garden than does yet another shrub. If you’d like to play around with shapes and patterns, pick up the iScape app for iOS or Android, which allows you to take a photo, create outlines for bed shapes, patios and paths, and fill them in with stone, brick, plants and more so you can get a 3-D view of what your new layout might look like. The results look a little clunky, but having a visual helps.

See your garden in black and white. If you are geeky enough, you probably have a stack of photos sitting in your cell phone of the highlights and lowlights from the previous year. Select a few representative shots of the garden and use a free app like Instagram (iOS and Android) to make them into black and white images. Since our eyes are used to perceiving color as the dominant player in the landscape, looking at some favorite pics without the crutch of color is beneficial in showing areas that could use greater textural contrasts such as larger leaves or the strappy blades of grasses, differently shaped plants like a tightly rounded dwarf shrub or an explosively exuberant vase-shaped plant, or even just some changes to your maintenance routine such as allowing the plants to grow closer together or keeping them more tightly trimmed.

Plot out your vegetable garden. One of the reasons so many of us have underutilized veggie beds is that we don’t think ahead. For example, last year in a fit of exuberance I planted half the garden in Swiss chard right away, and the other half in various squashes. Once everything began growing, I looked sadly at my stack of carrot and beet seeds and realized that while I would be eating squash and chard every day for months, there wouldn’t be much to go with it. Don’t follow my sad example. Use a piece of graph paper or one of the many vegetable gardening apps out there to plan out what will go where to ensure there’s enough room for everything you like to eat and want to grow. Before you fill up your plot with virtual plants, remember that long-lived edibles like blueberry, rhubarb and artichoke can go in the ornamental garden, greens look beautiful alongside annuals in flowerpots, and espaliered fruit trees make an excellent living fence to visually divide areas of the garden.

Drool over the seed catalogs. You’re wondering why I didn’t put this step first, but years of experience have taught me that you shouldn’t go seed shopping until you’ve thought about which plants you’ll actually eat, and what you have room for. Once you’ve developed a rough design, it’s easy to substitute one Brassica for another, and that’s what seed catalogs are great for. Heirloom and interestingly colored varieties make both gardening and cooking a pleasure. For ideas, check out the book Edible Heirlooms: Heritage Vegetables For the Maritime Garden by Bill Thorness, a Seattle gardener who lives in a similar climate to our own.

Schedule it out. Though most people don’t think about veggie gardening until the weather warms up, some of the first steps for a great harvest happen now, when it’s cold and pouring down rain. That’s why it’s a good idea to plot your gardening year on a calendar. Google calendars is nice because you can easily set up recurring reminders for future years, so you only have to set things up once. There are two books I’m finding useful in scheduling: The Week by Week Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook by Ron and Jennifer Kujawski, and The Humboldt Kitchen Gardener by Eddie Tanner. The Week by Week Handbook is a spiral-bound book that shows each gardening task in relationship to your climate’s average date of last frost (May 2 in coastal Humboldt County), so once you fill in the dates, you have a highly detailed custom gardening journal. The Humboldt Kitchen Gardener has month-by-month planting charts for both coastal and inland Humboldt, which I also find useful for reference.

Cuddle up with a good book. Lastly, in case you can’t tell, I think a rainy spring day is pretty much the best time ever to read gardening books. My favorite new one for general gardening is Refresh Your Garden Design with Color, Texture and Form by Rebecca Sweet. Sweet is a garden designer in the Bay Area, so almost all of the plant combinations shown are ones that we can take direct inspiration from here in Humboldt. Another favorite is Plant by Numbers: 50 Houseplant Combinations to Decorate Your Space by Steve Asbell, which not only has some dishy design ideas, but also has the most exhaustive listing of houseplants for different situations of any of my houseplant books. Lastly, American Home Landscapes: A Design Guide to Creating Period Garden Styles by Denise Wiles Adams and Laura L.S. Burchfield isn’t a book that everyone will want, but if you own an architecturally significant home and want to create a garden that reflects its history, this book is a depthy and fascinating read to geek out on.

Genevieve Schmidt is a landscape designer and owns a fine landscape maintenance company in Arcata. She blogs over at www.NorthCoastGardening.com.

Bulletin Board Calendar: Week of Feb. 24-March 2

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Area codes are 518 unless noted. See more Bulletin Board Calendar listings at www.saratogian.com/Life. Submit items to bulletinboard@saratogian.com or mail to: Bulletin Board Calendar, The Saratogian, 20 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Call 583-8729, ext. 220.

New Listings

Saratoga Film Forum Oscar Party benefit: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 2, Merry Monk, Henry St., Saratoga Springs. Guests are encouraged to come dressed for the red carpet or as a current or past movie character. Tango Fusion will perform a Hustle demonstration and teach a short lesson and there will be movie trivia. Tickets are $50 a person and include a free drink and appetizers. Upgrade to VIP for an additional $25 for a premium drink and swag bag. Purchase tickets at www.saratogfilmforum.org or at the Film Forum on movie nights.

Dominick Smaldone ITAM Ladies Auxiliary Post No. 35 meeting: 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs. All current members encouraged to attend. 885-3177.

Wilton Heritage Society: 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, Wilton Senior Center, 18 Traver Road, Wilton. The Society will look back at the Wilton House Tour homes. Refreshments will be served. 587-6363.

Malta Seniors meeting: 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 3, Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Lane, Malta. Refreshments before meeting. Enjoy day trips and luncheons. All Malta seniors welcome. 584-8160.

Author reading, discussion and signing: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga springs. Julie Moir Messervy, author and landscape designer will be discussing her “Landscaping Ideas that Work.” 682-4200. www.northshire.com.

Today

Saratoga Central Catholic open house: 6:30 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 27, 247 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Opportunity for prospective students and parents to take a tour of the school and meet faculty and staff. 587-7070, ext. 108.

Cocktail party with author: 7 p.m. today, Feb. 27, Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs History Museum, Saratoga Springs. Partnering with Northshire Bookstores to host cocktail party with local historian, Timothy Starr. $7 advance reservations; $10 door. Reservations can be made at 584-6920 or www.saratogahistory.org.

Saratoga Reads event snow date: 6:30 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 27, Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Room, Saratoga Springs. All activities related to this year’s book of choice “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khaleed Hosseini. Students in grades 3-6 invited to join Saratoga Springs High School and Skidmore College students in a discussion of “Extra Credit” by Andrew Clements. Students should select one night. Register at kids@saratogareads.org.

Historic lecture: “Why French Canadians left Quebec,” 7:30 p.m. today, Feb. 27, Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville. Talk on French Canadian settlements in this area. Lecture part of the Old Saratoga Historical Association meeting. Open to public. 698-3211.

Saratoga Horsemans’ Social: 6:30 to 10 p.m. today, Feb. 27, Longfellows Restaurant, Saratoga Springs. Night for the horse community to come together. $30, includes light fare, dessert, cash bar available. All horse-related businesses encouraged to bring information and advertisements for upcoming events. Raffle prizes. Wendy, 885-8995 or wlm8@cornell.edu to register.

High school musical: “Bye Bye Birdie,” 7 p.m. today through Saturday, Feb. 27-March 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, St. Peter’s Parish Center, 64 Hamilton St., Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Central Catholic High School’s musical. $10 adults, $5 students/seniors. 884-5504.

Friday, Feb. 28

Home and Lifestyle show: Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 2, Saratoga Springs City Center, Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The show will feature approximately 120 exhibitors, with a wide range of home improvement, outdoor living and landscaping, family recreation and lifestyle products and services, as well as prizes. Funds raised from the show support the Rotary Club’s donations to community charities and youth scholarships. $6 adults, $1 children, under 5 free. For daily hours and more information: www.rotaryhomeshow.com.

Kids Night Out: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, Maple Ave. Middle School, Saratoga Springs. For all Saratoga Springs elementary students. Two hours of open gym including dodge ball, soccer, basketball, hockey, and more. Food will be sold. Supervised by high school coaches, athletes, and parents; to support the Saratoga High School Boys’ Track Team. $7 per child.

Food drive: Through Feb. 28. Leadership Saratoga Alumni Association food drive to benefit Franklin Community Center. The “Yes, You CAN Make a Difference” food drive will be accepting non-perishable food items, including cereal, macaroni and cheese, tea/coffee, canned tuna/chicken, soups, personal care items and more. Four drop-off locations at the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce; Olde Bryan Inn; Longfellows Restaurant; Franklin Community Center. You can also make a donation by dropping off or sending a check to Franklin Community Center, 10 Franklin St., Saratoga Springs. For full info: www.franklincommunitycenter.org/how-you-can-help/donate.

Saturday, March 1

Weekend tour to Philadelphia Flower Show: Saratoga Arts and Soroptimist International of Saratoga County are sponsoring a weekend bus trip to Philadelphia on March 1-2. Tour includes visit to exhibit on Pompeii at the Franklin Institute, followed by the Philadelphia Flower Show. Trip is $375 per person (double occupancy) and includes overnight accommodations, breakfast and entrance fees. Registration deadline is Feb. 12. For complete details, edventures.com.

Parents Without Partners meeting: 6:45 p.m. Saturday, March 1, Shenendehowa Adult Community Center, Clifton Commons, Clifton Park. Singles orientation and open house. Learn more at www.meetup.com/PWP796 or 348-2062.

Defensive driving class: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. Save 10 percent on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to four points off your driving record. Portion of class fee benefits the church. $39, $34 if you bring a friend. Registration required, 286-3788.

Sunday, March 2

35th annual “Saratoga Day” reunion in Fla.: Sunday, March 2, Tampa Bay Downs Thoroughbred Racetrack, 11225 Racetrack Road, Tampa, Fla. Join former Saratogians for a day of fun and festivities. Contact Carol Lopreato in Clearwater, Fla. for the cost, time, sign-up sheets and additional information at clopreato@yahoo.com.

Book discussion: 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2, Woodlawn Commons, 156 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs. The book this month is “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism,” by John Shelby Spong. All are welcome. 423-3569 or www.newthoughtnewyork.org.

Monday, March 3

Religious program: “When Christians Get It Wrong,” 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays, March 3 through April 7, Ballston Spa United Methodist Church, 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. Program appropriate for middle school students up to senior citizens. Each session includes opening prayer, scripture reading, video presentation, discussion and reflection. Light refreshments provided. 885-1729 or 877-8045.

Galway Preservation Society meeting: 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, Galway Town Hall, Route 147, Galway. John Naple to speak about “The History of the Chuctanunda.” Refreshments followed by business meeting and program. www.galwaypreservationsociety.org.

Trout Unlimited meeting: “Salmon Magic,” 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, ACC Wilton Campus, Room 213, Route 9, Wilton. Meeting to include a night about the exploration of wild salmon rivers on the north coast of Russia’s Kola Peninsula; conservation success story and fly fishing adventure tale. All are welcome. Mark, 893-2228.

Friends of Kayaderosseras annual meeting: 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, Gideon Putnam Room, State Admin. Building, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs. Guest speaker Dough Heller will speak about creek mitigation projects and Maria Trabka of Saratoga PLAN will discuss new natural resource maps. Meeting will also include a discussion period, officers will be nominated and awards presented. Refreshments and snacks will be served. http://kayadeross.org/

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: 7 p.m. Mondays, United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Meetings based on the 12 Steps every Monday night. No dues, fees or weigh-ins. Helena, 584-8190. www.foodaddicts.org.

Overeaters Anonymous meeting: 6 p.m. Mondays, Rockwell Falls Presbyterian Church, 7 Bridge St., Lake Luzerne. Jane, 409-8927 or OA Hotline, 292-0666.

Community Heart Health program for women: 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 50 West High St., Ballston Spa. An eight-week nutrition and exercise program for women. Classes include discussions about heart healthy eating and weight control, plus 30-minutes of light aerobic activity. For more information or to register, contact nutrition educator/leader Diane Whitten at 885-8995 or email dwhitten@cornell.edu. www.ccesaratoga.org.

Tuesday, March 4

American Legion – Ladies Auxiliary Adk. Post 70 meeting: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs. 587-0236.

Thursday, March 6

New Thought New York meeting: “E-Squared Class,” 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, March, 6,13,20,27 and April 3, Pine Hollow Arboretum, 16 Maple Ave., Slingerlands. Based on Pam Grout’s New York Times Bestseller book, “E-Squared Nine Do-It-Yourself Energy Experiments That Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality.” Offered on donation basis, but due to limited space, pre-registration required, 466-6846. www.newthoughtnewyork.org.

Saturday, March 8

Boy Scout spaghetti and meatball dinner: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, Shenendehowa United Methodist Church, Route 146, Clifton Park. Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Take-out available. $8 adults, $7 seniors/children, under 3 free. Max family cost is $25. Proceeds to help the Troop in the procurement of camping equipment and provide financial assistance for summer camp and trips to needy Scouts. 348-1238.

International Womens Day: noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, Saratoga Springs Public Library’s community room, Saratoga Springs. World-wide recognition of the equal and differing gifts women bring to the workplace, to home and to governance. Mayor Joanne Yepsen and NY Assembly candidate Carrie Woerner to speak. There will be cultural activities and more. Open to the public. More information can be found on the Facebook page, Saratoga Springs International Women’s Day. 584-1036.

Church supper: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, Trinity United Methodist Church, Ballard Road, Wilton. Menu includes salad, rolls, beverages and assorted desserts. Cost is donation. There will also be a benefit for a church member undergoing open heart surgery. Take-outs available. Church is wheelchair accessible. 584-9107.

Sunday, March 9

Boy Scout ziti dinner: noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 9, Christ Episcopal Church, Ballston Spa. Meal includes bread, salad, beverages and dessert. $8 adults, $5 children. Full trays available, $25 ziti; $35 whole meal. Take-outs available. Proceeds will benefit the church. 884-0249.

Monday, March 10

Religious program: “When Christians Get It Wrong,” 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays, March 3 through April 7, Ballston Spa United Methodist Church, 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. Program appropriate for middle school students up to senior citizens. Each session includes opening prayer, scripture reading, video presentation, discussion and reflection. Light refreshments provided. 885-1729 or 877-8045.

Tuesday, March 11

Southwest Neighborhood Association meeting: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, Saratoga Eagle Community Room, Grande Industrial Park, Saratoga Springs. Residents from Geyser Crest, Evergreen Pointe, Rowland Hollow East, Casino Drive, and Tiffany Drive, are encouraged to attend. Guest speaker will be Supervisor Dan Lewza, who will be sharing plans for Milton’s upcoming Geyser Road improvement project. 587-8134.

Thursday, March 13

March Brown Bag Lunch lecture: “John Morrissey: A Musical Journey,” noon Thursday, March 13, Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs. Librarian Dan Hubbs and Irish fiddler Frank Orsini to discuss the life of John Morrissey. Free and open to the public. Tea and coffee provided. 587-3241.

Saturday, March 15

St. Patty’s dinner: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15, American Legion Post No. 278, 6 Clancy St., Schuylerville. Corned beef or ham and cabbage dinner. $8 adult, $5 children. Families welcome. Limited tickets sold at door. 695-3011.

Friday, March 28

Bus trip to Washington, D.C.: Friday, March 28 through Monday, March 31. Trip sponsored by the Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga. Tour of the Capitol, White House, war memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian and more. Cost is $419 per person/double occupancy. For details and more information, 584-1621. www.saratogaseniorcenter.org.

Ongoing

Free home Bible study: Compliments of Free Spirit Fellowship. An exciting and informative study. 885-3149.

Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop bag sale: The shop’s hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 116 Broad St., Schuylerville. The shop offers clothing for men, women and children, housewares, a Christmas shop and miscellaneous gifts. Veterans receive a discount on all items. 695-4640.

Prevention Council seeking speakers: Speakers needed for monthly Victim Impact Panel. The purpose of the Saratoga County Victim Impact Panels is to put convicted offenders face-to-face with those who’ve experienced this tragedy firsthand. Speakers can represent a variety of perspectives. To learn more contact Robin, 581-1230 ext. 3610 or email robinlyle@preventioncouncil.org.

Story time date change: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. Both times are appropriate for children 5 and under. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free; registration not required. The first Wednesday program will be offered started Feb. 12. http://ballston.sals.edu. 885-5022.

Wilton Seniors: Center open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bus transportation is available to and from the center by calling 884-4100 before noon the day before. The Center offers ceramics, crafts, card games and bingo. Business meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month, pizza is on the second, and a covered dish is the last Tuesday of the month. Dues, $10/year. 587-6363.

Spring Theater Arts program: Spring 2014 program for teens and adults beginning this March and April. Collaboration between the Dance Museum and Creative Place International to offer these wide-ranging programs. For more information visit dancemuseum.org/school or call 584-2225, ext. 3008.

Weekend tour to Philadelphia Flower Show: Saratoga Arts and Soroptimist International of Saratoga County are sponsoring a weekend bus trip to Philadelphia on March 1-2. Tour includes visit to exhibit on Pompeii at the Franklin Institute, followed by the Philadelphia Flower Show. Trip is $375 per person (double occupancy) and includes overnight accommodations, breakfast and entrance fees. Registration deadline is Feb. 12. For complete details, edventures.com.

Senior Center of Saratoga trips: The Senior Center is sponsoring the following excursions in 2014: Italian Vistas, Alaska Land Sea, Paris to Normandy River Cruise, Canadian Rockies by Train, Cowboy Country, Danube River Cruise and The Flavors of Thailand. Visit the Center for full itineraries or visit seniorcenter.org.

Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop sale: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 116 Broad St., Schuylerville. Special sale on size 2X men’s clothing and $3 bag sale; 50 percent off Christmas items. 695-4640. 


2014 Town of Saratoga calendars available: Calendars may be purchased for $5 at Old Saratoga Books, Byron’s Market, Expressohuis, Saratoga Apple and at the Town Clerk’s office or at the Victory Village Emporium, Olde Saratoga Home and Garden, Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa and from Marion DeHeer and Pet Peck, members of Old Saratoga Historical Assoc. Call Pat, 584-4129, to arrange to have calendars mailed.

Seeking tax assistance volunteers: TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by AARP and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for tax season. TaxAide volunteers typically participate one day per week with flexible schedules. Volunteers answer questions and prepare file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors. For full information, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call Wally Decker at 373-1076.

Seeking volunteers to deliver meals for homebound seniors: The Saratoga County Office for the Aging is in need of volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound seniors throughout Saratoga County. Current areas in immediate need are Saratoga, Moreau/South Glens Falls, Stillwater, and Charlton. Meals are prepared, packed, and ready for transport Monday-Friday at around 10:30 a.m. Delivery takes about one to one and a half hours. 363-4020 or 884-4100.

Local women meet-up group: Seeking group of Saratoga Springs area women 55+ that are willing and venture out and participate in a variety of activities. Some meetings may include discussing a best seller to golfing, walking in the park, riding bikes or motorcycles, making art, visiting museums, skiing, etc. If interested, contact sab179@aol.com.

Office for the Aging Elderly Nutrition program: Farmers market coupons are now being distributed to those who qualify. Coupons can be picked up at the Office for the Aging at 152 West High St., Ballston Spa from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Qualifications include one booklet per household; age 60 and over; income eligibility: $1772.00/month for one person; $2392.00/two person. 363-4020.

Advocacy assistance to adults: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Adult Senior Center of Saratoga Springs. The center provides advocacy assistance to adults in the community. Receive help with doctors, insurance, housing or other issues. Advocates also offer instruction for computers, cell phones or e-readers. 584-1624.

Join the Adult Senior Center of Saratoga Springs: Anyone over age 50 can join the Center for $15 a calendar year. Membership benefits include activities, classes, trips and dinners for free or a minimal cost. Members can visit the Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy the social and health benefits of an active and independent lifestyle. www.saratogaseniorcenter.org or 584-1621.

Community service opportunities: The Shenendehowa Adult Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park, is always looking for volunteers to assist with everything from basic cleaning to event organization to clerical work. 383-1343.

Seeking 55 and over volunteers: Saratoga County Office for the Aging needs volunteers to assist with the senior nutrition program at the Saratoga Adult and Senior Center, 5 William St., Saratoga Springs. Duties include serving meals and assisting with kitchen duties. Volunteers needed 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. 884-4110.

Taylor’s Heroes seeking applicants: Nonprofit Taylor’s Heroes seeks applicants ages 12 to 18 who are looking to get in shape. If selected, applicants join a free, three-month program that includes a fitness class, the ability to try new sports of their choice and the chance to learn nutrition information from experts in the community. www.taylorsheroes.org or 894-1658.

Health insurance: New York State offers free and low-cost health insurance for children, teens and adults through: Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid. Free screening and enrollment services are available by calling toll free 1-888-242-1418. 580-2021.

Open Mic: 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Gaffney’s, 16 Caroline St. #1, Saratoga Springs. Hosted by Rick Bolton. 587-7359.

Community Bingo: Doors open 4 p.m., games at 7 p.m. every Monday, Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga Springs. Food and weekly specials. 584-2585.

Seniors offered transport: Moreau Community Center offers transportation for Moreau seniors to doctor’s appointments, shopping, banking and social events. 792-6007 or www.moreaucommunitycenter.org.

Want to Get Published?: Galway Community Library seeking poems, photos, drawings and more for the book “The Galway Community in Images, Words and Sounds.” Details and submission guidelines, galwaypubliclibrary.org.

Ballston Spa Rotary meetings: Breakfast meetings 7:15 a.m. Wednesdays at D-Line Pub; lunch meetings 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays at The Factory restaurant. Meetings last one hour, feature a speaker and include a meal. ballstonsparotary@nycap.rr.com.

Bingo: 7 p.m. every Wednesday, Saratoga Knights of Columbus Hall, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs. $1,500 in prizes. 584-8547.

Make-A-Wish Seeking Volunteer Wish Granters: Volunteers needed for Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties to attend a training session and help grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Cindy Conley, 782-4673.

Richard Clare Brace, Diamondhead, Hot Springs, AR/formerly Janesville, WI …

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January 9, 1931 – February 25, 2014

Richard Clare Brace, 83, of Diamondhead, Hot Springs, AR, went to his heavenly home, Feb. 25, 2014. He was born at home Jan. 9, 1931, in Janesville, WI, to Stewart and Ada Brace. After High School in 1949, he married his first wife and they raised their son and daughter. He was employed by General Motors Assembly Division for thirty years. Using his carpentry skills in home construction and remodeling as well as buying buildings to be restored, which were then rented and resold, gave him much pleasure and enjoyment. He and his wife, Uta, moved to Diamondhead, Hot Springs, in 1999. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years, especially traveling, golf, and working outside with landscaping, always putting his creative ideas to good use.

Richard had a very strong Christian faith. He belonged to First Lutheran Church, Hot Springs, and had been a Lutheran Christian all his life. God gifted him with leadership and teaching skills which he used in churches that he was a member of. He served as elder, usher, member of the church council, lay preacher, Bible Study leader, and member of a steering commission made up of pastors and lay persons in order to form the TAALC Synod. Singing in the church choir gave him much joy, and he loved to entertain with is sense of humor. Many loved him and will miss him.

Survivors include his wife, Uta Brace of Hot Springs; one son, Craig (Yvonne) of Janesville, WI; one daughter, Denise (Chuck) Mueller of Wisconsin; a step-daughter, Becky (Mark) Swinehart, of Milton, WI; and a step-son, Cliff (Janet) O’Beirne of Janesville; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; many nephews and nieces; and one brother, Ralph (Jan) Brace of New Albany, MS. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Stewart W. and Ada Freeman Brace; and one brother, Robert S. Brace.

Our thanks go out to Dr. Stephen Divers, the Genesis Cancer Center, Dr. Michael Frais, Dr. Andrew Grose, Mercy Hospital 4th Floor Staff, Advanced Care Hospital Staff,

Quapaw Care and Rehab and Gentiva Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 23, 2014, at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, Hot Springs. The family asks the memorials be made to First Lutheran Church, Hot Springs, or the American Cancer Society.

Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.

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Gardening & Landscaping at Sandyvale Greenhouse

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Get into the spring of things with a hands-on-learning experience with the “Green Grower” Ron McIntosh.
 
Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Conservancy is offering a series of five seminars on gardening and landscaping. The seminars will take place at Sandyvale Greenhouse in Johnstown. The seminars will be hosted by Ron McIntosh every Saturday from March 15to April 12. The classes will run from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Each seminar is $15 per person.
 
Class size is limited to 30 people. To register, fill out this form and return with your payment. Make check payable to “Sandyvale” and return with the form to” Sandyvale, PO Box 41, Johnstown, PA 15907. Email for more information.
 
Seminar #1:  Success with Houseplants – March 15th
Seminar #2:  Vegetable Know-How – March 22nd
Seminar #3:  Creative Home Landscaping – March 29th
Seminar #4:  Herb Gardening 101 – April 5th
Seminar #5:  Backyard Fruit Production – April 12th

Making gardens great for less

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Potting Bench, £29.99, Aldi

GETTING the garden ship shape ahead of the summer needn’t cause financial strain or back pain.

Aldi is stocking a huge range of gardening tools, equipment and accessories this spring, making beautiful gardens a breeze.

Eco warriors can pick up everything from compost and flower pots to belle cloche at just a snip of the usual cost, ensuring environmentally friendly gardening doesn’t cost the earth.

These ranges will go into store on February 27 and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

The 220L Composter, priced £17.99, is fully assembled so there’s no need to add DIY to your ever-growing ‘to do’ list. It’s made from 100% recycled materials so you can keep the garden spick, span and debris free.

If you’re keen to grow your own pick up a Propagator Set 3s, priced £3.99, and watch your seedlings sprout. Suitable for use in the home or greenhouse, each pack comprises three trays with clear, shatterproof lids and twenty four cell inserts.

Gearing up to grow your own fruit and vegetables can be costly before you’re able to enjoy the fruits of your labour, but not with Aldi Specialbuys’ grow your own range.

Stocking potting benches, gardening gloves, trays, sieves and canes, aspiring horticulturists can pick up an array of excellent quality gardening gear and start sowing seeds.

Get started with the Three Tier Greenhouse, priced £14.99. With steel push-fitting joints, it’s both sturdy and easy to assemble and comes with a removable transparent PVC cover.

Tips for gardening as winter weather continues

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – Many people may be wondering about their plants after getting out and doing some gardening while the sun was out this past weekend.

CBS42 has some tips on how you can keep your greenery alive during this cold snap. And the good news is for people who planted trees, shrubs or bushes – they’re most likely going to be ok. It’s those of us who got a little over zealous with the flowering plants that need to worry tonight.

Pam Clark is the owner of Garden Shop of Homewood. On Wednesday afternoon, she and her staff were busy. They’re taking no chances with the cold weather. They’re putting up the Posey’s, dragging in the daisies and laying batting over the little budding plants.

“They may get a little cosmetic damage but once it warms up they’re going to perk right up and be all happy again,” says Clark.

Yet it’s hard to imagine any frilly flower could be happy when we’ve had several weeks of snow and ice. However Pam says living in the Southeast we shouldn’t be surprised by the cold.

“The six degree temps are not typical,” says Pam, “But just historically since I’ve been in the business, there have been ups and downs. Like last March, when it was cold for the entire month, unseasonably cold.”

So what can we do when stuck between mother nature and old man winter?

“I just encourage people to buy and plant, plants that do well in our area. That way you don’t have to worry about going out and covering anything up.”

And if you just can’t resist the pretty flowers, Pam says just know it’s a gamble but the 13- year shop owner feels its so worth it.

Although the temperatures are going to warm up a bit after tonight’s cold snap. Our area could get freezes as late in the year as mid April. So Pam says you should wait until after then to plant very sensitive plants like herbs, fruits and vegetables.

2014 WIAT-TV CBS42