Lawn And Garden Tips

Tools sharpened..."check"; Crepe myrtles pruned..."check"; Wait, is that a weed? Not any more..."check".

February can easily be one of the most challenging gardening months.  Thank goodness it is a short one.  Many avid gardeners are chomping at the bits to get started with their spring clean up chores.  Gardeners in our area rarely know what kind of weather to expect from day to day; or day to night for that matter. 

Regardless what weather conditions January brings, spring is right around the corner, and there is much that can and should be done now.  With the new year comes another chance to get your lawn and garden started out right in preparation for spring. 

Poinsettias like lots of bright, indirect sunlight and prefer humid conditions (you may want to mist your plant if you home is very dry due to heating or climate).  As for proper watering, be sure to let the soil dry out between times.

My last year's November article started off with the borrowing of a friend's Facebook quote..."Noah, you there?  Float by and pick us up!"  Obviously, not the case this year!

Most gardeners count on rainfall and cooler temperatures returning in the fall to replenish soil moisture, for reviving stressed lawns, and filling landscape plants with water for winter.  

Pansies are one of the most popular and widely used Fall and Winter annuals for adding bright splashes of color.  Today's pansies come in virtually every color imaginable.  Originally known as the "Heart's Ease" flower by Lady Monck in 1812, they quickly gained a place of prominence in the English landscape.

"Bring on the Fall!"  Peak planting time is coming up now, as well as added opportunities to include some focus on fall and winter plantings.  The relief from the heat is not only welcome by us gardeners, but by the plants as well.  The next few weeks will offer an ideal time to get your landscaping back in great shape before winter arrives. 

Well the hot, hot, hot weather of summer is here and not going away anytime soon.  Along with the hot humid weather comes the potential of lots of problems with your lawn.  Dry spots, weeds, bugs and fungus...you name it.  Having a great lawn is not rocket science, but it does require some simple steps and commitment to see it through the next few weeks.

For many homeowners, the gratification felt in having an instant lawn is not to be competed with.  When one seeds a lawn it can take quite a while to grow, whereas laying sod is an excellent way to get an instant green and lush lawn.

Perennials reach maturity in as little as two seasons.  A well-chosen selection rapidly forms a fine display of textures and colors, with both foliage and flowers providing visual interest for months with little effort on the gardener's part.

Not only do lawns provide a soft green mat to walk on, play on, lie on, or just admire, they also provide an excellent breeding ground for unsightly weeds, insects, and grass-destroying diseases that when left untreated can become
an ongoing battle.