Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

Fri., Aug. 22, 1997

By Susan English susane@spokesman.com

We always like to hear from local gardeners who have success in unusual ways. So when Rob Benedetti called, we promised to pass along his good news.

It seems that Rob planted a fig tree eight years ago when he moved to his South Hill home. Year after year it failed to produce any figs. This was particularly discouraging to Rob since he’s the fourth generation of a family of Italian fig growers.

Well, this year the tree surprised him with a single fig. He called on harvest morning - on his way out to pick the fig and sit down and eat it fresh off the tree.

Make a list

Only a few short weeks and we’ll be all abuzz about getting ready for winter. Those who find themselves with time on their hands can get some ideas from a new free booklet, “Easy Weekend Projects” from Minwax.

The projects range from easy wood finishing ideas to tips for repairing damaged furniture. For a copy, write Weekend Projects Offer, PO Box 848, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-9946.

Oh, what could go wrong here?

If you really want to zap those pesky weeds, there’s a hot new product on the market: a weed flamethrower. Weed flamers are an effective alternative to herbicides and eliminate the need to bend and pull weeds, Today’s Homeowner magazine says. Of course, they can also cause things other than weeds to burn, so if you get one, be careful out there.

Ants and more ants

If once-fearsome dinosaurs are beginning to leave you blase, check out the latest video menace: carpenter ants.

Pest control people think they’re pretty scary, and they want you to be prepared, because summer is peak infestation time.

Orkin Pest Control is offering a free video called “What You Should Know About Carpenter Ants,” with warning signs and tips on prevention.

For instance, don’t leave tree stumps, wood scraps or lumber near the house; don’t allow tree limbs to touch the house; don’t store garbage cans in moist places. For a copy, call (800) 563-4687.

However, we offer this information with a warning: We watched the video in our office and were left wondering if carpenter ants would consume our homes before we were able to get home that evening.

In case you tried to call

In an Associated Press story (IN Life, Aug. 8) on reproductions of Frank Lloyd Wright furniture, the telephone number for one of the manufacturers, Bexley Heath Ltd. of Grand Rapids, Mich, was incorrect. The correct telephone number is (616) 742-1601.

, DataTimes

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