Seafood restaurants like Red Lobster and Joe’s Crab Shack, located in Memphis, Tennessee’s Wolfchase area, are far from the coast, which could explain why their seafood dinners sound like they wouldn’t be fresh.
Instead of frozen and not fresh fish, try some of Memphis’ 30 sushi bars that serve fresh seafood daily. In fact, sushi is so fresh it can be served raw, without having to worry about getting sick.
“It is a better alternative that doesn’t stink like other seafood places,” says Greg Carol, 23, a senior business major at the University of Mississippi. “After eating sushi, I feel refreshed and relaxed because it is a healthy meal that is good for the body.”
At Sakura Japanese Bar, consumers say they get their fill of fresh sushi with great service. Although, the place is smaller than most sushi bars, it certainly draws crowds that form lines out the door during lunch and dinner.
For a delightful sushi dinner, an individual could walk out of Sakura pleased after spending $15-$20, and a couple could after $30-$40.
“The prices are cheap for this restaurant compared to the size of the rolls served here,” says Lee Trayal, 25, a MLGW worker of Memphis, Tenn. “I suggest the DJ Roll, Mother of All Rolls, California Roll or the Crunchy Roll. Entrees and appetizers are also delightfully fresh here as well.”
A-tan is another bar recommended for a fulfilling sushi lunch or dinner. This sushi bar lets its’ consumers also enjoy large rolls that tower over their prices. It is a bit more expense than Sakura at $20-$30 an individual, and $40-$60 a couple.
A-tan is more elegant than Sakura with granite tables and floors, while wooden chairs sit around the bar to warm the cool gray color of the granite. Service is quick and friendly, but people do not flock here as they do at Sakura.
For the most part through experience, I would say that Sakura and A-tan offer the same qualities of food portion, taste and experience; just different prices. There are other places that have great service but their dishes are served in smaller portions.
Sekisui chain restaurants are good bars to dine at for fresh sushi. There are several in Memphis and each offer something different.
For instance, the prices vary from each. Most Sekisui restaurants do not serve fried rice except for the Sekisui in Bartlett. All the other ones have a techno theme to them but the Bartlett Sekisui. Also, all the other ones are more expense.
The only thing against Sekisui is that the sizes of the rolls don’t match the giants from a-tan and Sakura.
These bars are just a few of many that offer great sushi at great prices. At these restaurants consumers can receive more for less cost. For fresh sushi and a great experience any of these restaurants will satisfy the appetite.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Come closer by lending a helping hand
- Women’s age at Martha’s Manor ranges from 18- to 60- years-old, there have been younger and older women there before
- The women do daily activities like board games, coloring, and playing outside
- During the holidays, volunteers help the women decorate and celebrate
Suzy Parks, 26, enjoys rocking back and forth in her chair while starring at the mature magnolia tree that has grown strong outside her window at Martha’s Manor, an independent supportive living program for handicapped women based in Memphis.
Martha’s Manor, located off White station and Quince next to Bill Hardwick’s All Star Lanes, allows several handicapped women to live normally with each other, and each helps one another overcome life struggles that in return bring them closer together.
“Since she was born prematurely she has been living with physical and mental handicaps that give her more daily obstacles to overcome than most the girls living here,” says Mike Hodges, 44, caretaker at Martha’s Manor during the day. “We planted the tree three years ago because she said she would enjoy one, but we didn’t know how much it meant to her until we got it in the ground.”
Every morning there are tough obstacles Parks faces that seem like normal tasks to others. Parks says that the qualities of the tree – strong, young and beautiful – are ones that she lives by to make it day after day.
Parks is assisted with any tasks that involve reaching above her neck because her shoulders are crippled to the point where she can’t reach any higher. Which means she needs assistance brushing her hair and teeth; along with being feed.
“I don’t see myself different from anybody else just because I need extra care,” says Parks. “I can walk and talk like everyone does. If I was scared to live because of my handicaps then I don’t think I would be as healthy as I am today.”
Parks lives with seven other women in the house that are very important to her because when Hodges isn’t around Parks’ roomies pitch in to help her. They always want to pick the outfits she wears that day, style her hair fashionably, and help feed her during meal times, Hodges says.
The women who stay with Parks have similar physical and mental handicaps, but none are to the degree of Parks’. Even with disabilities, helping each other that need it the most is very important, Diana Williams, 34, a handicapped resident at Martha’s Manor for five years said with a smile.
“Without everyone’s help I wouldn’t be able to live here independently with the other women as I do,” Parks said. “Martha’s Manor has given me a family and safe haven built around hope and love.”
- The women do daily activities like board games, coloring, and playing outside
- During the holidays, volunteers help the women decorate and celebrate
Suzy Parks, 26, enjoys rocking back and forth in her chair while starring at the mature magnolia tree that has grown strong outside her window at Martha’s Manor, an independent supportive living program for handicapped women based in Memphis.
Martha’s Manor, located off White station and Quince next to Bill Hardwick’s All Star Lanes, allows several handicapped women to live normally with each other, and each helps one another overcome life struggles that in return bring them closer together.
“Since she was born prematurely she has been living with physical and mental handicaps that give her more daily obstacles to overcome than most the girls living here,” says Mike Hodges, 44, caretaker at Martha’s Manor during the day. “We planted the tree three years ago because she said she would enjoy one, but we didn’t know how much it meant to her until we got it in the ground.”
Every morning there are tough obstacles Parks faces that seem like normal tasks to others. Parks says that the qualities of the tree – strong, young and beautiful – are ones that she lives by to make it day after day.
Parks is assisted with any tasks that involve reaching above her neck because her shoulders are crippled to the point where she can’t reach any higher. Which means she needs assistance brushing her hair and teeth; along with being feed.
“I don’t see myself different from anybody else just because I need extra care,” says Parks. “I can walk and talk like everyone does. If I was scared to live because of my handicaps then I don’t think I would be as healthy as I am today.”
Parks lives with seven other women in the house that are very important to her because when Hodges isn’t around Parks’ roomies pitch in to help her. They always want to pick the outfits she wears that day, style her hair fashionably, and help feed her during meal times, Hodges says.
The women who stay with Parks have similar physical and mental handicaps, but none are to the degree of Parks’. Even with disabilities, helping each other that need it the most is very important, Diana Williams, 34, a handicapped resident at Martha’s Manor for five years said with a smile.
“Without everyone’s help I wouldn’t be able to live here independently with the other women as I do,” Parks said. “Martha’s Manor has given me a family and safe haven built around hope and love.”
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Serving thousands for a better future
- Open to the public only on Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Prices at the door: $20 dollars for 15 year-olds and older, $10 for children ages 10 – 14, and free admission for children under the age of nine
- Extra donations are encouraged to benefit Youth Villages
Local restaurants, along with hundreds of volunteers, packed the FedExForum Sunday to serve crowds at the 15th Annual Soup Sunday event benefiting Memphis’ Youth Villages.
More than 2,000 people supported Youth Villages by purchasing a $20 fundraising ticket to sample a variety of soups, bisques, chowders and dessert from 40 restaurants. For some visitors it wasn’t about the food but the cause.
“I have come to this event five years in a row, and each year I find myself thinking how wonderful it is to be part of such a great cause,” said Marlene Richards, 25, a senior law major at The University of Memphis. “Helping the struggling youths is greatly needed in Memphis, and this event draws many to be aware of that.”
Youth Villages is a local nonprofit organization that aides more than 12,000 struggling children and their families each year. These aides include mentoring, adopting, residential treatment and a safe-haven for runaway or homeless teens.
Peter Abell, 30, the development manager of Youth Villages, has always appreciated the public participation and support. He expects this year to raise $70,000 with the money donated and collected at the entrance.
“This is our biggest event and the donations from this will help carry out programs that aren’t government funded,” said Abell. “It will finance spiritual and mentoring programs, as well as a transitional living program for troubled teens.”
Abell recognizes the restaurants and volunteers for being the ones who have made the event possible and successful over the years. Besides the cause, he mentions that a big reason for people returning to support the event is because of the restaurants hot soups, chilling desserts, and caring support from the volunteers.
Thanks to restaurants the people were able to settle their hunger with as much soup and dessert sampling they could handle. For those serving food, it was something else that made them want to come back. It was the smiles for Peter Bonilla, 19, a student at The University of Memphis and part-time server at The Melting Pot.
“I have attended Soup Sunday years before but it is way better on the serving side because I get to see the happiness on the faces of the people being catered too,” said Bonilla. “I don’t know if they’re happy because we’re serving chocolate-covered bananas, but from kid to adult there have been nothing but smiles. I’ll be back next year.”
In addition to the continual service of food, visitors enjoyed entertainment provided by the Memphis Doctors Dance Band. Also, one section allowed parents to let their kids roam wild in a children’s area with a number of featured games, moon bounces, a magician and even Oreo-stacking contests.
“The point of the event is for everyone to have fun,” Abell said with a huge smile. “It is important, though, that we don’t forget the seriousness behind the event and that is to lend as many helping hands to kids in need because they are the future in this city.”
- Prices at the door: $20 dollars for 15 year-olds and older, $10 for children ages 10 – 14, and free admission for children under the age of nine
- Extra donations are encouraged to benefit Youth Villages
Local restaurants, along with hundreds of volunteers, packed the FedExForum Sunday to serve crowds at the 15th Annual Soup Sunday event benefiting Memphis’ Youth Villages.
More than 2,000 people supported Youth Villages by purchasing a $20 fundraising ticket to sample a variety of soups, bisques, chowders and dessert from 40 restaurants. For some visitors it wasn’t about the food but the cause.
“I have come to this event five years in a row, and each year I find myself thinking how wonderful it is to be part of such a great cause,” said Marlene Richards, 25, a senior law major at The University of Memphis. “Helping the struggling youths is greatly needed in Memphis, and this event draws many to be aware of that.”
Youth Villages is a local nonprofit organization that aides more than 12,000 struggling children and their families each year. These aides include mentoring, adopting, residential treatment and a safe-haven for runaway or homeless teens.
Peter Abell, 30, the development manager of Youth Villages, has always appreciated the public participation and support. He expects this year to raise $70,000 with the money donated and collected at the entrance.
“This is our biggest event and the donations from this will help carry out programs that aren’t government funded,” said Abell. “It will finance spiritual and mentoring programs, as well as a transitional living program for troubled teens.”
Abell recognizes the restaurants and volunteers for being the ones who have made the event possible and successful over the years. Besides the cause, he mentions that a big reason for people returning to support the event is because of the restaurants hot soups, chilling desserts, and caring support from the volunteers.
Thanks to restaurants the people were able to settle their hunger with as much soup and dessert sampling they could handle. For those serving food, it was something else that made them want to come back. It was the smiles for Peter Bonilla, 19, a student at The University of Memphis and part-time server at The Melting Pot.
“I have attended Soup Sunday years before but it is way better on the serving side because I get to see the happiness on the faces of the people being catered too,” said Bonilla. “I don’t know if they’re happy because we’re serving chocolate-covered bananas, but from kid to adult there have been nothing but smiles. I’ll be back next year.”
In addition to the continual service of food, visitors enjoyed entertainment provided by the Memphis Doctors Dance Band. Also, one section allowed parents to let their kids roam wild in a children’s area with a number of featured games, moon bounces, a magician and even Oreo-stacking contests.
“The point of the event is for everyone to have fun,” Abell said with a huge smile. “It is important, though, that we don’t forget the seriousness behind the event and that is to lend as many helping hands to kids in need because they are the future in this city.”
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Hicks’ art: Life portrayed with twists
- Gallery hours: M-F 8:30-5 p.m.; Sat 9:00-4 p.m.; Sun 12:00-4 p.m.
- Reception: Friday, Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m.
- For more information call 901-272-5100 or visit http://www.mca.edu/
“A Class of Hicks” art exhibit featuring different artists inspired and taught by Bill Hicks, a former Memphis Central High School art professor during the 1990s, was presented in the main upper and lower lobby of Rust Hall at the Memphis College of Arts.
Through Feb. 16-27, the public was allowed to view various paintings, jewelry and warped metal objects that brought success to Hicks and his students. Many of Hicks’ students achieved professional status later in life and are still able to draw people’s attention to their inspired works.
One of those works of art was Roger Cleaves’ 2008 “Spoiled Ass Brawts,” an ink on paper portrait. The bizarre human-like creatures wore Viking helmets with faces shaped like crescent-moons. They had limbs growing from unusual places on their body. The females flaunt large breast which arouses one male in the portrait.
“They all look like spawns of incest, being all deformed,” said Douglas Lloyd, 23, a senior art major at The University of Memphis. “They seem to be following one another. Maybe it portrays us as imperfect machines of society, all physically different but emotionally similar.”
A group of chattering people crowded Derek Forjour’s 1992 “Self Portrait,” an acrylic painting located at the opposite wall and almost same position. This was not an average self portrait, the artist added delightful colors that created more liveliness to him in the picture.
“At first glance, the facial features are shadowy and vague on the African-American male,” said Trey Hensley, 21, a junior art major at the Memphis College of Art. “Past the black and brown are more colorful shades expressed on his face like green, blue, yellow, red and pink. The colors add life to the painting.”
“Self Portrait” and “Spoiled Ass Brawts” are examples of the type of painting that were on hand at this exhibit. They all conveyed reality with twists of fantasy.
The big twist was Thomas Williams’ 2008 “Durian” that took the viewer and listener on a ride through a cyber tunnel synchronized with techno music. New to the collection, it was a point of interest for people to form a waiting line. People took turns listening to the headphones and facing the screen that mesmerized the person through a visual techno spiral twist.
“The digital art is new age and is more interesting than any painting,” said Megan Young, 24, a freshman English major at The University of Memphis. “It draws me in with the movement and the music, unlike having to stare at the paintings and wonder what they mean.”
Many spectators seemed to enjoy the art but for Brian Walker, 26, a senior biology major at The University of Memphis, it was bland. He only found one painting worth his positive praise.
The exceptional painting for Walker was “Bed Study” 2003, a canvas oil painting by Benin Ford. The life-like painting was 4-feet tall and 3-feet wide. Gazing at the painting, it seemed 3-D. The man sleeping in the bed protruded from the portrait. The man sleeps on the left side of the twin-size bed, and his false-teeth lay at his right hip as if placed an arm-lengths away.
“I enjoy art very much and attend plenty of exhibits. I don’t care for any of these paintings and their weirdness but “Bed Study” is normal. This painting reminds me of my grandparents and brings me happiness,” said Walker. “It makes me laugh too because my grandfather would take his false teeth out to show me before he went to sleep. Other than that I don’t think I’ll recommend this exhibit to a friend.”
- Reception: Friday, Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m.
- For more information call 901-272-5100 or visit http://www.mca.edu/
“A Class of Hicks” art exhibit featuring different artists inspired and taught by Bill Hicks, a former Memphis Central High School art professor during the 1990s, was presented in the main upper and lower lobby of Rust Hall at the Memphis College of Arts.
Through Feb. 16-27, the public was allowed to view various paintings, jewelry and warped metal objects that brought success to Hicks and his students. Many of Hicks’ students achieved professional status later in life and are still able to draw people’s attention to their inspired works.
One of those works of art was Roger Cleaves’ 2008 “Spoiled Ass Brawts,” an ink on paper portrait. The bizarre human-like creatures wore Viking helmets with faces shaped like crescent-moons. They had limbs growing from unusual places on their body. The females flaunt large breast which arouses one male in the portrait.
“They all look like spawns of incest, being all deformed,” said Douglas Lloyd, 23, a senior art major at The University of Memphis. “They seem to be following one another. Maybe it portrays us as imperfect machines of society, all physically different but emotionally similar.”
A group of chattering people crowded Derek Forjour’s 1992 “Self Portrait,” an acrylic painting located at the opposite wall and almost same position. This was not an average self portrait, the artist added delightful colors that created more liveliness to him in the picture.
“At first glance, the facial features are shadowy and vague on the African-American male,” said Trey Hensley, 21, a junior art major at the Memphis College of Art. “Past the black and brown are more colorful shades expressed on his face like green, blue, yellow, red and pink. The colors add life to the painting.”
“Self Portrait” and “Spoiled Ass Brawts” are examples of the type of painting that were on hand at this exhibit. They all conveyed reality with twists of fantasy.
The big twist was Thomas Williams’ 2008 “Durian” that took the viewer and listener on a ride through a cyber tunnel synchronized with techno music. New to the collection, it was a point of interest for people to form a waiting line. People took turns listening to the headphones and facing the screen that mesmerized the person through a visual techno spiral twist.
“The digital art is new age and is more interesting than any painting,” said Megan Young, 24, a freshman English major at The University of Memphis. “It draws me in with the movement and the music, unlike having to stare at the paintings and wonder what they mean.”
Many spectators seemed to enjoy the art but for Brian Walker, 26, a senior biology major at The University of Memphis, it was bland. He only found one painting worth his positive praise.
The exceptional painting for Walker was “Bed Study” 2003, a canvas oil painting by Benin Ford. The life-like painting was 4-feet tall and 3-feet wide. Gazing at the painting, it seemed 3-D. The man sleeping in the bed protruded from the portrait. The man sleeps on the left side of the twin-size bed, and his false-teeth lay at his right hip as if placed an arm-lengths away.
“I enjoy art very much and attend plenty of exhibits. I don’t care for any of these paintings and their weirdness but “Bed Study” is normal. This painting reminds me of my grandparents and brings me happiness,” said Walker. “It makes me laugh too because my grandfather would take his false teeth out to show me before he went to sleep. Other than that I don’t think I’ll recommend this exhibit to a friend.”
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Local burger joint best in memphis
Beer aroma and rocking music pour into the streets as eager consumers enter with hungry appetites through wooden double-doors. For more than 35 years, Huey’s has been serving people loud music, cold drinks, and signature meals. Here, dine-in visitors are encouraged to create the distinctive writing on the walls with markers and the toothpick-pierced-ceiling with toothpicks shot through straws.
Huey’s started in 1970 in Memphis’ midtown by a man named Thomas Boggs. Since then, seven locations have stretched throughout Memphis and its suburbs. As midtown being the most popular one, people from near and far flock to the locally owned restaurant to enjoy burgers, ice-cold beers, and blues.
“Huey’s is the best place to get a burger. They have a great selection of drinks to wash it down with,” said Tommy Carpenter, 23, a business major at Southwest Tennessee Community College. “It’s a place to get away to and have a good time with family and friends.”
Other than being known for their award winning burgers and fries, Huey’s is legendary for signing up bands to play on weekends which allow guests to enjoy food and drinks in front of live entertainment.
Whether celebrating holidays, sporting events, or a regular day out of the week, Huey’s brings the same fun and care-free atmosphere it always has with a bit of history. Other than the writing on the walls, it’s decorated with memorabilia of Memphis schools and icons. Some think of it as stepping into a brief story of Memphis’ history.
“My high school colors and letters are right there,” said Patrick Spicer, 23, a business major at Southwest Tennessee Community College, as he points to a wall bearing Bartlett High School letters in red and blue. “I always enjoy coming here because I feel a part of the Huey’s family. I’m not the only one either with their high school letters on the wall. Others must feel the same.”
With almost every Memphian knowing what Huey’s is and about, some disagree as it being the hot spot for family and friends to have a good experience.
For those unfortunate few, it doesn’t seem to be the food that bothers them. It is the music Huey’s is known for blaring. It becomes loud at times where conversations are muffled at neighboring tables, to extremely loud where nothing but guitar solos can be heard.
“The music is too loud in here. I can barely hear what the waiter is asking me and what my wife wants from me,” said Rob Williams, 23, a sports management major at The University of Memphis. “I try to stay away, but my wife enjoys the burgers.”
Huey’s started in 1970 in Memphis’ midtown by a man named Thomas Boggs. Since then, seven locations have stretched throughout Memphis and its suburbs. As midtown being the most popular one, people from near and far flock to the locally owned restaurant to enjoy burgers, ice-cold beers, and blues.
“Huey’s is the best place to get a burger. They have a great selection of drinks to wash it down with,” said Tommy Carpenter, 23, a business major at Southwest Tennessee Community College. “It’s a place to get away to and have a good time with family and friends.”
Other than being known for their award winning burgers and fries, Huey’s is legendary for signing up bands to play on weekends which allow guests to enjoy food and drinks in front of live entertainment.
Whether celebrating holidays, sporting events, or a regular day out of the week, Huey’s brings the same fun and care-free atmosphere it always has with a bit of history. Other than the writing on the walls, it’s decorated with memorabilia of Memphis schools and icons. Some think of it as stepping into a brief story of Memphis’ history.
“My high school colors and letters are right there,” said Patrick Spicer, 23, a business major at Southwest Tennessee Community College, as he points to a wall bearing Bartlett High School letters in red and blue. “I always enjoy coming here because I feel a part of the Huey’s family. I’m not the only one either with their high school letters on the wall. Others must feel the same.”
With almost every Memphian knowing what Huey’s is and about, some disagree as it being the hot spot for family and friends to have a good experience.
For those unfortunate few, it doesn’t seem to be the food that bothers them. It is the music Huey’s is known for blaring. It becomes loud at times where conversations are muffled at neighboring tables, to extremely loud where nothing but guitar solos can be heard.
“The music is too loud in here. I can barely hear what the waiter is asking me and what my wife wants from me,” said Rob Williams, 23, a sports management major at The University of Memphis. “I try to stay away, but my wife enjoys the burgers.”
Turning green for the spring
Kenneth Mabry is a radio personality for “In The Garden” at 6 a.m. every Saturday morning for WREC AM 600. With more than 25 years of experience at Dan West Garden Center, he is an overall expert in lawn and gardening. He answers people’s questions about problems they encounter in the yard and provides tips of how to get a head start on preventing problems. Spring is the next season approaching and many will be preparing to garden.
Q. When is it an important time to take care of plants, gardens and lawns?
A. “Well, every season is different bringing changing temperatures and less sun exposure to everything in people’s yard, which calls for different measures each season. This past winter we talked how it was important to save shrubbery from freezing weather by covering them with tarps or large cloths, but with warmer weather moving in it is time for people to prepare for early spring lawn care.”
Q. Since the spring is coming up, would it be important to start early on yard care or is there plenty of time to begin?
A. “Sooner is better than later, and right now is a great time to get a jump start on lawn and plant care. There are a lot of back-breaking tasks to generate a beautiful, colorful yard and starting early will make any size yard an easier task rather than all at once in the heat of summertime.”
Q. What measures does it take to produce a beautiful yard this spring?
A. “It takes raking, mulching, mowing, edging, planting, watering, clipping, sod laying, fertilizing, seeding and feeding all spring, through the summer, and for a bit in the fall. There is always something to do in the yard that is why it is important to take some tasks week-by-week, and starting this week would be a good time to knock out a few of those tasks.”
Q. Where would one start in the yard and how is this going to benefit for this spring?
A. “If you haven’t raked leaves then it would be a good time to clear the leaves from the lawn and flower beds, allowing the sun to hit them directly for proper exposure. The bare yard should be brown for the most part because it went dormant for the winter but allowing sunlight in will help promote growing.”
Q. What should people do to bring green back into their yards, and not weeds?
A. “Green will not be coming back for another month or so, but now it is important to apply a pre-emergent like dimension, which is a future weed prevention that stops weeds from sprouting. The next product to apply, if there are already weeds in the yard, is a weed killer, called weed-free zone that destroys 90 percent types of weeds.”
Q. How differently is the pre-emergent applied compared to the weed killer?
A. “Depending on the size of the yard for both products, the pre-emergent comes in a 25- and 50- pound bag and since it is in granulated form a broadcast spreader would be efficient enough for any size lawn. For the weed killer, it comes in an 8- and 16-ounce bottle and it is water soluble making a potent weed-killing recipe with 3 tablespoons per gallon.”
Q. What is another task people could be doing to make for a better yard this spring?
A. “Well most garden centers have a couple more weeks before annual spring plants arrive, so with a leaf-free yard it wouldn’t be a bad time to start mulching around trees, putting soil into flower beds or gardens. If there aren’t any trees or beds in the yard, then this is a perfect opportunity to plot the landscape with future flower beds, gardens and trees.”
Q. Do you do these tasks each year for beginning your yard for the spring?
A. “I do everything possible, including what I said here, to make my yard a pleasant sight. Take it from me; it is hard to keep any yard in tip-top shape, no matter how many years you’ve been doing it.”
Q. When is it an important time to take care of plants, gardens and lawns?
A. “Well, every season is different bringing changing temperatures and less sun exposure to everything in people’s yard, which calls for different measures each season. This past winter we talked how it was important to save shrubbery from freezing weather by covering them with tarps or large cloths, but with warmer weather moving in it is time for people to prepare for early spring lawn care.”
Q. Since the spring is coming up, would it be important to start early on yard care or is there plenty of time to begin?
A. “Sooner is better than later, and right now is a great time to get a jump start on lawn and plant care. There are a lot of back-breaking tasks to generate a beautiful, colorful yard and starting early will make any size yard an easier task rather than all at once in the heat of summertime.”
Q. What measures does it take to produce a beautiful yard this spring?
A. “It takes raking, mulching, mowing, edging, planting, watering, clipping, sod laying, fertilizing, seeding and feeding all spring, through the summer, and for a bit in the fall. There is always something to do in the yard that is why it is important to take some tasks week-by-week, and starting this week would be a good time to knock out a few of those tasks.”
Q. Where would one start in the yard and how is this going to benefit for this spring?
A. “If you haven’t raked leaves then it would be a good time to clear the leaves from the lawn and flower beds, allowing the sun to hit them directly for proper exposure. The bare yard should be brown for the most part because it went dormant for the winter but allowing sunlight in will help promote growing.”
Q. What should people do to bring green back into their yards, and not weeds?
A. “Green will not be coming back for another month or so, but now it is important to apply a pre-emergent like dimension, which is a future weed prevention that stops weeds from sprouting. The next product to apply, if there are already weeds in the yard, is a weed killer, called weed-free zone that destroys 90 percent types of weeds.”
Q. How differently is the pre-emergent applied compared to the weed killer?
A. “Depending on the size of the yard for both products, the pre-emergent comes in a 25- and 50- pound bag and since it is in granulated form a broadcast spreader would be efficient enough for any size lawn. For the weed killer, it comes in an 8- and 16-ounce bottle and it is water soluble making a potent weed-killing recipe with 3 tablespoons per gallon.”
Q. What is another task people could be doing to make for a better yard this spring?
A. “Well most garden centers have a couple more weeks before annual spring plants arrive, so with a leaf-free yard it wouldn’t be a bad time to start mulching around trees, putting soil into flower beds or gardens. If there aren’t any trees or beds in the yard, then this is a perfect opportunity to plot the landscape with future flower beds, gardens and trees.”
Q. Do you do these tasks each year for beginning your yard for the spring?
A. “I do everything possible, including what I said here, to make my yard a pleasant sight. Take it from me; it is hard to keep any yard in tip-top shape, no matter how many years you’ve been doing it.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Building compost piles saves on people’s dollar
By Chris Brinson
People are looking to make differences in their communities with greener ideas, but with the threat of higher prices for greener products like organic composts, many have taken matters in to their own hands.
Custom compost piles, for some people, have become the answer to an easy and non-expensive way in their efforts towards making a greener community. Instead of purchasing 40 pound bags at $10 each, there have become many different ways to compost but doing-it-yourself is the best way to save.
“Building my own compost pile is the best thing I’ve done for my wallet and yard,” said John Austin Williams, 24, of Bartlett, and biology major at The University of Memphis. “It’s nice not having to rely on garden centers so much anymore.”
Williams built three simple boxes out of wood, nails, staples and chicken wire. The materials he used can be found at any local hardware store or lumber yard for building a low budget compost pile.
When beginning, Williams took 10 2-by-4 lumber pieces and constructed three 3-foot by 4-foot by 4-foot boxes. Next, he stapled the chicken wire around the front, back and sides of each box. He finished with attaching all three boxes together, for each step of the composting process.
Williams’ first box is for the starting pile of grass clippings and dirt layered with raw materials in the middle. Raw materials in this case are going to be food scraps like meats, fruit peels, shells, veggies but nothing metal, plastic or containing bones.
After baking in the sun for three weeks, Williams will shift the pile from one box to the next until the final product lands in the third one as organic compost. Each time he moves the pile to an empty box he sprays it down with water. Along with heat, water is another factor in breaking the raw material downs.
“The only problem I have is with the squirrels getting in to the open compost pile. I believe the stench drives them to dig through it and find food scraps or whatever they can eat,” said Williams. “I try all kinds of squirrel traps and predator urines, but I think they’re getting smarter.”
According to most garden centers, animals are the biggest pests in most people’s compost piles. Non-lethal traps are encouraged to capture the curious ones. Fox and wolf urine is also recommended to fend off rodents. It is not as effective as traps but they are popular products people use to protect their open piles from scavengers.
When these tactics aren’t enough to defend an open compost pile, covering the top becomes necessary. It is either that, or an improved method of composting would be ideal. The other method would be using a mass produced barrel composter sold at local garden centers.
Barrel composters sit off the ground and come equipped with a sliding door. These two factors give it more of an advantage of keeping cleaner compost away from roaming animals. Although space is limited with the barrel composter, it requires spinning it around on an axel instead of moving a pile from one box to the next.
“I recommend a barrel composter for quick and easy use. It disables animals from getting into the compost and it secures the fresh odor compost produces,” said Ferd Heckle, 61, owner of Dan West Garden Center. “Some barrel composters are expensive but they do pay for themselves after a full year of composting.”
- Composting can be done in any size yard, not recommended for apartment owners
- There are many different ways to build compost piles, examples can be found in garden magazines and online
- Composting is encouraged for a greener earth and yard
People are looking to make differences in their communities with greener ideas, but with the threat of higher prices for greener products like organic composts, many have taken matters in to their own hands.
Custom compost piles, for some people, have become the answer to an easy and non-expensive way in their efforts towards making a greener community. Instead of purchasing 40 pound bags at $10 each, there have become many different ways to compost but doing-it-yourself is the best way to save.
“Building my own compost pile is the best thing I’ve done for my wallet and yard,” said John Austin Williams, 24, of Bartlett, and biology major at The University of Memphis. “It’s nice not having to rely on garden centers so much anymore.”
Williams built three simple boxes out of wood, nails, staples and chicken wire. The materials he used can be found at any local hardware store or lumber yard for building a low budget compost pile.
When beginning, Williams took 10 2-by-4 lumber pieces and constructed three 3-foot by 4-foot by 4-foot boxes. Next, he stapled the chicken wire around the front, back and sides of each box. He finished with attaching all three boxes together, for each step of the composting process.
Williams’ first box is for the starting pile of grass clippings and dirt layered with raw materials in the middle. Raw materials in this case are going to be food scraps like meats, fruit peels, shells, veggies but nothing metal, plastic or containing bones.
After baking in the sun for three weeks, Williams will shift the pile from one box to the next until the final product lands in the third one as organic compost. Each time he moves the pile to an empty box he sprays it down with water. Along with heat, water is another factor in breaking the raw material downs.
“The only problem I have is with the squirrels getting in to the open compost pile. I believe the stench drives them to dig through it and find food scraps or whatever they can eat,” said Williams. “I try all kinds of squirrel traps and predator urines, but I think they’re getting smarter.”
According to most garden centers, animals are the biggest pests in most people’s compost piles. Non-lethal traps are encouraged to capture the curious ones. Fox and wolf urine is also recommended to fend off rodents. It is not as effective as traps but they are popular products people use to protect their open piles from scavengers.
When these tactics aren’t enough to defend an open compost pile, covering the top becomes necessary. It is either that, or an improved method of composting would be ideal. The other method would be using a mass produced barrel composter sold at local garden centers.
Barrel composters sit off the ground and come equipped with a sliding door. These two factors give it more of an advantage of keeping cleaner compost away from roaming animals. Although space is limited with the barrel composter, it requires spinning it around on an axel instead of moving a pile from one box to the next.
“I recommend a barrel composter for quick and easy use. It disables animals from getting into the compost and it secures the fresh odor compost produces,” said Ferd Heckle, 61, owner of Dan West Garden Center. “Some barrel composters are expensive but they do pay for themselves after a full year of composting.”
- Composting can be done in any size yard, not recommended for apartment owners
- There are many different ways to build compost piles, examples can be found in garden magazines and online
- Composting is encouraged for a greener earth and yard
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