Outdoor Living & Landscaping Tips

Color alters our perspective


Point being, blue and purple flowers draw our eyes into the distance and expand spaces. White and yellow are the opposite, though, and tend to shrink spaces.

February 2007: Don't start too early

We know you're excited to get outdoors; so are we! But don't start too early.  That means staying off the lawn if it's still frozen and/or wet. Do not rake the yard until it feels firm and fairly dry, especially if you have clay soil.

 


 

January 2007: Search for Seasonal Weeds

Some weeds – like chickweed and henbit – are seasonal and pop up in the winter because of cooler temperatures. Stave off sprouting and future weeding by sprinkling weed preventer now. They (and others) may be killed eventually by hot summer sun, but you want to prevent the annual weeds from germinating.

December 2006: Avoid Salt

Icy walkways are a regular threat in the winter. To remove or protect against ice on paver patios, walkways and driveways, avoid using salt. Use plant-friendly deicers instead. These can include calcium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate.


November 2006: Clean Up

Clean and prepare garden and lawn tools for winter storage. Place some sand and a little oil in a large bucket (3 gallon), then slide your garden tools in and out of the sand. This will do an excellent job of cleaning them, as well as applying a light coat of oil to prevent rusting. This is also a great time to service the snow blower and prepare it for winter use.




October 2006: To Snip or Not to Snip

Snip off any new flowers that form on your tomato plants so that any existing tomatoes will receive the energy they need to develop. But stop deadheading roses after the final wave of blooms late this September. Rose hips will form, signaling the plant to prepare for winter.

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