Time to think of prepping garden for winter

The Associated Press
For plant lovers, autumn's arrival heralds the opening of a critical window of time in which they can prepare their gardens for the coming winter and set the stage for the spring bloom.

Ideally, one should begin winterizing their garden by November at the latest, or before prevailing temperatures hit the low 40s, experts say.

Whether its flowering plants adorning a home and backyard, or a vegetable garden, winterizing comes down to making changes to showcase plants that thrive in the winter, safeguard or remove those that don't, and plant new bulbs for spring.

“When spring starts, plants wake up, they've come through the winter, they've had an extra drink, their roots have grown a little bit more in the wintertime and they're absolutely ready to go,” said Nicholas Staddon, director of new plant introductions for Monrovia Nursery Co., a wholesale nursery operator based in Azusa.

“It's really worth winterizing your garden properly.”

The first step, Staddon suggests, is for gardeners to ease back on fertilizing their gardens.

Fertilizers, particularly those with high levels of nitrogen, stimulate growth. But many plants, grass and trees tend to go into a dormant state in cold temperatures. In warm climates, using these fertilizers in winter months is OK.

One exception: fertilizers designed for winter use that target a plant's root system rather than the above-ground parts, Staddon says.

To safeguard plants that could suffer root damage in low temperatures, experts recommend mulching and watering plans thoroughly.

Mulch is decomposed organic matter, which infuses soil with nutrients. Typically, plant lovers will mulch their garden once a year, but it's important to do it before winter sets in so that plants' root systems have something to feed on through the winter months. The mulch also protects plants from cold as the ground freezes.

Watering will be key, particularly in areas where there's been a prolonged dry spell leading into winter. A deep soaking in the fall will ensure plants will have some water in the ground to help them get through the dry, cold season to come.

For gardens in areas of the country with the harshest winters, some plants may need an extra layer of protection from the elements. Wrapping plants in straw, plastic or even specialty boxes made to shelter plants from cold may do the trick.

More fragile plants, or annuals that are not going to last into winter, it's best to clear them out.

That's an annual ritual for Althea Cawley-Murphree, who has been working on the plants and a vegetable garden around her home in Olympia, Wash., the past three years.

The 30-year-old publicist spends a good bit of time in the fall cutting back her shrubs, plants and grass. Among the plants that typically survive the winter in her garden are lavender, rosemary and strawberries. But most of her vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, peas, green beans, squash, don't make it.

“So I just try to pull it all out, try to leave that soil with as few plants and as few leaves as possible,” she said.

Another strategy is to move plants into a planter and bring them inside the house or the garage.

Cawley-Murphree sometimes transplants geraniums into a planter and brings them inside her house, where they grow and flower all winter long.

“Geraniums are such a bright color, they have so many blossoms, it's really nice to have that inside during the winter,” she said.

One bit of garden maintenance that experts say should be put off until winter is pruning trees. During spring, summer and fall, trees are in an active, growth phase, and pruning can stress them. In the winter, however, trees are, for the most part, dormant.

Also, in winter, trees often lose most of their leaves, making the task easier.

Experts say it's best to cut branches that are rubbing against each other or those that are crisscrossing each other. That will help restore the natural shape of the tree.

Autumn is also a good time to design the look of the garden for winter and spring, which involves planting with an eye to having different plants peak through different seasons as others begin to die off.

Staddon calls it “event gardening.”

For a winter garden, select plants that have colorful branches or those hearty enough to retain their fruit and flowers.





What kind of plant will thrive in a given part of the country depends on how severe a winter they get. The U.S. Department of Agriculture hosts a map on its Web site that divides the country into temperature zones. From there, it's easy to determine what some of the zone-appropriate plants are.

Autumn is also time to plant for spring, particularly trees and shrubs, because they need more time for their roots to settle into the ground.

After years braving winters in the Pacific Northwest, Cawley-Murphree has learned to take a different approach.

She buys bulbs when they go on sale in the fall, throws them in her freezer and plants them in the spring.

The Best of Orange County . . . Neighborhoods

WOODBRIDGE

Bounded by Culver Drive, Irvine Center Drive, Jeffrey Road and I-405
Woodbridge Village Association: 949-786-1800
wva.org

Founded in 1975 and completed in the mid-1990s, Woodbridge has about 9,500 homes and 30,000 residents, with amenities and a community organization that makes it widely viewed as a model among master-planned communities.

The leafy community spans 1,700 acres. The Cape Cod-style architecture gives the village a seaside ambience. An active homeowners association enforces aesthetic quality and organizes services and events including parades, fun runs, fireworks shows, cooking classes and gardening clubs. Residents refer to this atmosphere as the "Woodbridge way of life."

Amenities include 40 parks and pools, two "landmark" man-made lakes with fish, two freshwater swimming lagoons, two beach clubs (with boat docks and pedal boat, kayak and canoe rentals), two lifeguard-attended swim clubs, 24 tennis courts and a community garden plot.

Homes "inside the Loop," or located in the four-lane circular road called Yale Loop, are considered Woodbridge real estate's best. Properties on the fringe of the village, or outside the Loop, tend to sell for less. Home prices range from $300,000 for condos to $1.4 million for waterfront homes.

Among the favorites of locals and visitors: Waters Restaurant, with waterfront dining; a pedestrian bridge that allows a safe walk from the Woodbridge Village Center to North Lake; and Woodbridge Village Center tenants Ruby's Diner and the Woodbridge Movies 5 theater, where admission is $1.50.

Among the local secrets is Echo Run Park, known as Big Wheel Park because children can play on its miniature roads and bridges. During the holidays, a Community Snow Day with man-made snow allows for snowball fights and sledding.

- Erika Chavez

OTHER BEST OF O.C. NEIGHBORHOODS

Aliso Viejo, Kensington, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Eagle Hills,
Buena Park, Lakeside, Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, Cypress, Sorrento,
Dana Point, Monarch Beach, Fountain Valley, Green Valley,
Fullerton Downtown, Garden Grove, Garden Park, Huntington Beach,
Huntington Harbour, Irvine, Woodbridge, La Habra, Green Hills
Laguna Beach, Emerald Bay, Laguna Hills, Moulton Ranch,
Laguna Niguel, Marina Hills, Laguna Woods, Laguna Woods
Village, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor,
Mission Viejo, Pacific Hills, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar,
Orange Old Town. Rancho Santa Margarita Las Flores,
San Clemente, Talega, San Juan Capistrano, Los Rios, Santa Ana,
Floral Park, Seal Beach Downtown, Stanton, Sunshine Village,
Tustin Old Town, Villa Park, Prado Woods, Westminster,
Little Saigon, Yorba Linda, Eastlake Village

FHA Taking Steps to Ensure Taxpayer Money during Housing Crisis

Washington, September 18, 2009
The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan:
“The Federal Housing Administration is playing a crucial role in providing mortgage financing to the housing market, as mortgage and banking systems have faced collapse. While FHA’s capital reserve ratio has declined, that is not surprising for an agency dealing in housing finance in today’s market, and there is no sign that a taxpayer bail-out will be required. FHA stands in contrast to entities in the private sector, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and many large banks that have needed tens of billions of dollars in federal funds.
“Under the leadership of Commissioner Dave Stevens, FHA has announced timely steps to protect taxpayers: implementing credit policy changes to enhance risk management; hiring a chief risk officer for the first time in the agency’s history; shifting responsibility for mortgage brokers away from taxpayers to the lenders who use mortgage brokers; and modifying appraisal requirements including emphasizing appraiser independence and geographic competence.
“Declining home prices have forced many homeowners into underwater positions, regardless of lender or loan product. FHA is still solvent, has significant reserves and remains an essential tool for consumers.”
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.


Source: Realtor.org

Current Mortgage Rates 9/9/09

Lender	APR	Dis/Orig Points	Rate	Fees	Date	Estimated Payments
AimLoan.com	5.06%	0.0/0.0	5.000%	$1,995	09/09	$1,610
National Mortgage Alliance	5.03%	0.0/0.0	5.000%	$1,000	09/09	$1,610
Absolute Mortgage Company	4.93%	0.0/0.0	4.875%	$1,888	09/09	$1,588

provided by zillow.com

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21st Annual Taste of Newport Already Cooking for this Summer's Most Delicious Event

Sugar Ray, Train and American Idol Winner David Cook featured at Southern California Signature Event

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 18-20, 2009 will feature the return of the Taste of Newport. Featuring delectable offerings from over 35 restaurants, world class live entertainment, delicious cocktails, rich tasting brews, live cooking demonstrations and more, this year's event is promising to be as big as ever. A variety of sponsorships, restaurant and exhibit space and luxury suites are available.

Link to Taste of Newport Site

The Best Places for Animal Lovers to Live 
Nearly 40 percent of American families own at least one dog, a pet that demands some green space. Cat, rabbit, bird and other kinds of pet owners aren’t so concerned about space and weather, but they are affected by local and state regulations that limit where pets are permitted and what kinds of vaccines they need.

U.S. News & World Reporttook all these issues into account when it created its list of best places for pet lovers to live. It also considered the number of dog parks, proximity of large academic veterinary centers and legal tolerance for pets in public spaces like beaches, outdoor restaurants, and public parks. 

Here are their top-10 pet-friendly choices:

1. Ellicott City, Md.
2. Rocky Point, N.Y.
3. Auburn, Ala.
4. Butte, Mont.
5. Yankton, S.D.
6. Lewiston, Idaho
7. Glasgow, Ky.
8. Aiken, S.C.
9. Flower Mound, Texas
10. Wolf Trap, Va.

Source: US News & World Report, Kimberly Palmer (08/17/2009)

Strong Gain in Existing-Home Sales
For the first time in five years, existing-home sales have increased for four months in a row, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – rose 7.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.24 million units in July from a level of 4.89 million in June. Sales are 5.0 percent above the 4.99 million-unit pace in July 2008. The last time sales rose for four consecutive months was in June 2004, and the last time sales were higher than a year earlier was November 2005.

Largest Gain in a Decade

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said he is encouraged. “The housing market has decisively turned for the better. A combination of first-time buyers taking advantage of the housing stimulus tax credit and greatly improved affordability conditions are contributing to higher sales,” he said. 

The monthly sales gain was the largest on record for the total existing-home sales series dating back to 1999.

“Because price-to-income ratios have fallen below historical trends, there are more all-cash offers. In some recovering markets like San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Orlando, the demand for foreclosed and lower-priced homes has spiked, and a lack of inventory is becoming a common complaint,” Yun said.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 5.22 percent in July from 5.42 percent in June. The rate was 6.43 percent in July 2008.

"First-Time Buyer Tax Credit is Working"

An NAR practitioner survey showed first-time buyers purchased 30 percent of homes in July, and that distressed homes accounted for 31 percent of transactions. NAR President Charles McMillansaid the first-time buyer tax credit is working. “In addition to first-time buyers, we’re also seeing increased activity by repeat buyers. While many entry-level buyers are focused on the discounted prices of distressed homes, they’re also freeing some existing owners to sell and make a move,” he said. 

“Realtors are the best resource for consumers in these changing market conditions because the transaction process has become more complex. Since it’s now taking longer to complete a home sale, first-time buyers who want to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit should try to make contract offers by the end of September,” McMillan said. “Otherwise, they may miss the November 30 closing deadline.”

Inventory Up, Prices Down

Total housing inventory at the end of July rose 7.3 percent to 4.09 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.4-month supply at the current sales pace, which was unchanged from June because of the strong sales gain. Raw inventory totals are 10.6 percent lower than a year ago when the number of unsold homes was at a record. 

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $178,400 in July, which is 15.1 percent lower than July 2008. Distressed properties continue to weigh down the median price because they typically sell for 15 to 20 percent less than traditional homes.

Single-Family Homes and Condos

Single-family home sales increased 6.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in July from a pace of 4.33 million in June, and are 5.0 percent higher than the 4.39 million-unit level in July 2008. The median existing single-family home price was $178,300 in July, which is 14.6 percent below a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales jumped 12.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 630,000 units in July from 560,000 in June, and are 5.9 percent above the 595,000-unit level a year ago. The median existing condo price was $178,800 in July, down 18.9 percent from July 2008.

By Region:

• The Northeast surged 13.4 percent to an annual pace of 930,000 in July, and are 3.3 percent higher than July 2008. The median price in the Northeast was $236,700, down 15.0 percent from a year ago.
• Existing-home sales in the Midwest jumped 10.9 percent in July to a level of 1.22 million and are 8.0 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $157,200, which is 5.9 percent less than July 2008.
• In the South, existing-home sales rose 7.1 percent to an annual pace of 1.95 million in July and are 5.4 percent higher than July 2008. The median price in the South was $164,500, down 7.1 percent from a year ago.
• Existing-home sales in the West slipped 1.7 percent to an annual rate of 1.13 million in July, but are 1.8 percent above a year ago. The median price in the West was $202,300, which is 28.0 percent below July 2008.

Source: NAR