H
USE & HOME An Anton Media Group Special • March 18 - 24, 2015
Angela Susan Anton’s
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• Refresh with Paint • The Best Lawn and Garden Ever
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
Letter from the Publisher
D
ear Neighbor,
I have no doubt that, like me, all of our readers are more than ready to say goodbye to Old-Man Winter and welcome in the warmer temperatures and sunnier skies that come with the arrival of spring. To that end, I’m sure anyone who regularly reads any of our 18 weekly newspapers, that include Garden City Life, Port Washington News, Manhasset Press, Great Neck Record, The Roslyn News, Oyster Bay Enterprise-Pilot, Glen Cove Record Pilot, Syosset-Jericho Tribune, Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald, Hicksville News, Mineola American, New Hyde Park Illustrated News, The Westbury Times, Floral Park Dispatch, Levittown Tribune, Massapequa Observer and Farmingdale Observer, is more than ready to get to the task of taking care of upkeep in and around their homes. That is why Angela Susan Anton’s House & Home is our way of giving you advice on what needs to be addressed now that the cold weather is (hopefully) behind us. Colleen Maidhof gets the ball rolling with a spring maintenance piece, where she chats with a number of local experts who give advice ranging from cleaning your carpets and prepping your lawn equipment to dealing with pests. Aaron Cheris takes it a step further writing about exterior and interior inspections that alert you to the telltale signs of water damage and how to repair and dress up your home’s interior with striking paint colors. And when you’re ready to tackle your home’s exterior, Aaron provides some great tips for power washing and updating walkways, driveways and patios. Wondering what to do to jazz up your rooms? Kimberly Dijkstra touches base with a number of interior design experts who offer simple ideas for cool accessories, such as throw pillows, plants
and artwork to transform and brighten up your rooms. And finally, when it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get your hands dirty, Karen Musgrave of Hicks Nurseries in Westbury walks you through various steps to ensure that your lawn and garden are as vibrant as they can be. Karen not only discusses basic steps like clearing beds, trimming and replanting, but also gives an expert’s perspective on fertilizing, mulching and other pointers that include taking organic approaches whenever possible. I hope Angela Susan Anton’s House & Home winds up being as informative and fun to read as it was for us to put it together. Angela Susan Anton Publisher
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
Undo Winter Damage What you need to do now to prep your property for the warmer weather By Colleen Maidhof
The snow has finally melted (yay!), but what remains are a slew of chores that you must take care of immediately to prevent minor damage from turning into major repairs. Here are some indoor and outdoor essentials to add to your to-do list. Freshen Up Your Carpet All the sand and salt that’s used to prevent slipping on ice winds up on our shoes and is tracked all over your floors. Cleaning up this debris during the spring extends the life of a carpet and it also helps rid the home of allergens. “Carpets act like a filter and like all filters, you need to clean dirt out of them, especially after a long winter. If you’re someone who suffers from allergies, a good clean floor can help,” said Johnny Bifulco, owner of To the Rescue Carpet Cleaning in Huntington. “Getting the dirt out of your carpet can eliminate allergies and freshen up its look.” You can try to rid your floors of winter debris yourself, or for deeper cleaning, call a professional carpet cleaner. “To release the soils that vacuuming cannot remove, using a detergent and water is the best method to clean your carpets,” said David Swidler, general manager of Long Island Carpet Cleaning, Inc., in Brooklyn. “Steam extraction cleaning uses hot water and detergent to release the soils and other particulate adhered to the fibers. Through this cleaning method, you will prolong the life of your carpet, have better looking flooring and have a home that is much more attractive.”
Check Your Roof, Trees and Gutters The roof protects your home, so it’s important to make sure it’s in good condition. Barbara Reuter, co-owner of Nassau Roofers, Inc. in Bellmore, advises home owners to check for clues of a troubled roof once the snow melts. She said: “During the winter, ice, water and animals can damage the roof. You need to look for signs.” If you suspect an animal has made your attic its new home this winter, you may be right. “Usually animals are noisy and you can hear them moving around. Squirrels, raccoons, birds, stray cats and other animals seek warmth in cold weather, and an attic is a common place for them to go,” said Reuter. “Home owners can look for entry points, too. If they believe an animal is in their attic, they can call a professional roofer who will work with a trapper.” Trimming trees can prevent future animal entries and can also extend the lifespan of your roof. “It’s good to trim the trees because it cuts back on animal entry points and branches scraping the roof. Trimming trees is being proactive and it also helps prevent algae growth, damage and wood rot,” Reuter added. April showers bring May flowers, but having a properly working gutter can prevent roof leaks and mold. “Ice ››
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
Whether it is cleaning the carpet, setting up the sprinkler system or trimming the trees, there’s plenty to do to make your home and garden spring-ready. dams can really cause damage…when days are warm and nights are freezing during the winter, ice can build up in the gutters, which prevents water from draining properly. They should be cleaned from debris that may have built up during the fall and winter.”
Start Up Your Sprinkler System A properly functioning sprinkler system is important for maintaining your lawn and garden. Most homeowners need a professional to start up their sprinkler system to ensure that it’s running correctly. “People try to fix and maintain their sprinkler system all of the time, and if they don’t know what they are doing, they can break it or make a problem worse,” said Jimmy Kyser, owner of Jimmy’s Lawn Sprinklers in Merrick.
Sprinkler heads can break from heavy snow, pipes can burst over the winter if all the water wasn’t removed and timers can stop working. Kyser recommends having an irrigation specialist check the system during the spring. “The sprinkler system should be properly serviced and cleaned, so it functions properly,” he said. “An expert can check all the electronics and make sure the sprinklers are operating correctly and not watering the house or street.”
Terminate the Termites Once it starts getting warmer outside, termites can invade your property. To stop termites, take these preventative steps. Lynn Frank, an entomologist with Suburban Exterminating in Plainview, said: “Homeowners should reduce the amount of wood and wood-based products, such as paper around the house, and should clean up wood debris and leaf litter, move firewood away from the house or raise it above the ground and use redwood and cedar mulch or stone in flower beds.” Catching the termites before they become a problem is key, and Frank said identifying what they look like is important. “Every homeowner needs to know how to identify a termite. A termite swarm is a sign that the colony is expanding. After a few days of rain, a warm
afternoon is the ideal time to spot thousands of swarmers. Termite swarmers are winged ants. A regular ant has bent antennae and a narrow waist. A termite has straight antennae and no waist. Workers feed the entire colony with some kind of chewed wood.”
Secure Your Deck Your deck is your spring and summertime living room, so making sure it’s safe is an important part of maintaining your yard. Power washing, painting and preserving your deck can prevent slips and splinters. Michael Demartino, owner of Michael’s Handy Man Services in Mineola, explained: “During the winter, not only do you have moss growing due to the dampness, you have dirt and salt scraping the wood. Power washing can get rid of the slipperiness and painting and waterproofing can help prevent splinters and deterioration.” Demartino recommends investigating the surface of a deck before walking on it to prevent injury. “Make sure there are no cracks, broken pieces of wood, termites or nails sticking up,” he said. “If you are unsure how to maintain your deck, call a professional. A quick fix may not actually fix the problem.”
Prep Your Lawn Mower Before you use your mower this season, it’s important to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Chris Sideris, co-owner of Competition Mower Repairs, Inc. in Mineola, believes that it’s crucial to maintain and inspect it before it’s used. “There are many things that need to be checked on a mower to make sure it is going to run properly after not functioning for months,” he said. Sharpening the blades helps the mower cut grass and it also makes the process quicker. “Dull blades tend to shred the grass as opposed to cutting it. It also wastes fuel and requires more physical labor,” said Sideris. “If you’re using a mulching mower it’s extremely important to have the blades sharpened. It’s not going to mulch with a dull blade.” Regular maintenance also prolongs the life of a mower. “A good mower can last six to 10 years if it is serviced. The oil needs to be changed often and the fuel line needs to be checked for cracks or buildup,” said Sideris. “People often forget to change the oil because the mower doesn’t light up and tell them like a car does, but it is just as important.” Cross these items off your to-do list now, so you have time to enjoy the beautiful weather. ASA
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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Exterior Essentials 8B
ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
Key steps to inspecting and refreshing the outside of your home By Aaron Cheris
While your home protected you from the elements all winter, you need to see how well it fared. Everything may seem good from a distance, but there are several issues you need to look out for. Whether it’s checking that your gutters are in order, power washing your exterior or making sure your patio is in good shape, there are certain potential problems you need to check. Gutter, Leader and Shingle Damage “Winter is the toughest time on the exteriors of a structure,” said Bob Anderson, president of Anderson Contracting in Garden City of the ice and snow that come with winter. He added that now is the time to check to see whether anything like a gutter or leader blew off your home. “Gutters coming off the house is a big problem,” he said. “So is roof shingle damage. Carefully look at the roof. There’s a lot of ice damage that happens this time of year. You may have had ice buildup and you may have some shingles loose.” If that is the case, Anderson recommended you call a professional to repair any potential damage. Even if your gutters aren’t loose or missing, they may not be working properly. “Do a visual inspection and try and clean out the gutters,” said Anderson.
“An expert can make sure that all your leaders and gutters are not clogged,” said Mel Gassman, co-owner of Lemned Corp. in Glen Cove. He added that having clean gutters and leaders is a vital step toward getting your home ready for the upcoming warm weather. You want to make sure that spring rain is running through clear gutters and not backing up into your home.
Power Washing If your home exterior is looking a bit dirty, there’s a simple way to clean it. Power washing your home doesn’t necessarily require calling in the experts. “There’s nothing wrong with power washing if it’s done properly,” Anderson said. However, the results depend on the nozzle you use. It’s not ideal for the water pressure to be either too powerful or too weak. “Certain sidings, like older vinyl types, could crack and become dislodged from the house, and are not meant to be pressure washed,” said Gassman. “A better choice would be to use a biodegradable siding cleaner and a hose to safely clean your siding. The same applies to wood, such as cedar shake both on siding or a deck, because sometimes a pressure washer will add too much moisture, which can cause a mold problem. So do a test section first to assess the strength of your siding.” Patios and Pathways At first glance, you may not notice certain problems that resulted from the cold. “During the winter, you
have a freeze-thaw cycle where rain and snow gets into the brick and continually freezes and thaws. Sometimes it can disrupt a patio or footing,” said Gassman. He emphasized that any possible problems need to be repaired as soon as possible so they don’t get worse. Once everything is repaired, you may want to enhance your outdoor living space. Lance Elliot of Design and Build Landscaping in Massapequa said that spring is the time to start a new project. “People are always trying to create more living spaces, especially in their backyard.” Great places to start are with outdoor grills, patios and new walkways. For a patio, Elliot said that natural stones, especially blue ones, are the latest trends. “We try to complement the style of the house,” he said. But he encouraged people to think outside the box and come up with their own ideas. So if you’ve been dreaming of starting an outdoor project, now is the time to turn that dream into a reality. ASA
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
Spruce Up for Spring A few well-placed accessories will give your home a fresh look By Kimberly Dijkstra
Spring represents growth and renewal—and it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate your home after a long, drab winter. It doesn’t take much to make your space feel brand-new. A new throw pillow here or a new light fixture there will help you shake off the frost and let you enter the season with style.
T
he runway offers great inspiration for trendy hues even in home décor. Pantone, the global color authority, has released the Fashion Color Report for spring 2015, naming Marsala the shade of the year. The rich, red-brown hue brings warmth into a home interior. In small doses, it can help ground a room when combined with cooler and softer choices. The Pantone Spring 2015 color palette illustrates how well the soft, cool tones mix with nature-like neutrals and understated brights. Scuba Blue, Lucite Green and Custard stand out among this soothing spring spectrum. These shades can be added to any room in a variety of ways to infuse some spring into the atmosphere. New floral arrangements welcome in the season like nothing else. Select an unusual container such as this Old Havana pitcher from Anthropologie and fill it with blooming flowers from your garden or a local flower shop. Your home will instantly feel transformed and revived. For blooms that will last you through the season, consider realistic silk flowers. These pink hydrangeas from Sophia Home Accents & Design in Roslyn add a soft springy elegance to a room in the Strawberry Ice color range Pantone recommends. A decorative screen can add a large splash of color to a dull room. This Eve Panel Screen with nail detailing by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is a great addition. Gray doesn’t have to be a dreary color; it can actually inject a light, airy quality into a room. Pantone Glacier Gray is timeless and unobtrusive. It settles into the background, allowing the room’s accent colors to stand out. One of the simplest things you can do to brighten a room is to add a few new throw pillows. Designer Carol Konigsberg of Langsam Rubin Interiors in Oyster Bay said: “The addition of new decorative pillows can make
ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
Enjoy shopping around the neighborhood and choosing pieces that communicate springtime to you. a refreshing impact on how each room looks. Have fun with…the variety of fabrics that are available, from pleather to faux fur, vinylized looks, geometric patterns, embroidered and novelty, all make exciting accent pieces.” Use silk pillows to inject luxury and depth and fun patterns, such as polka dots, to bring a playful feel to a space. Throw pillows from Mells Karon Fabric in Roslyn will accomplish just that. “This spring we’re moving forward with a renewed sense of comfort,” said Bob Williams of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in Manhasset. This Triangle Floor Pillow, introduced as part of their spring collection, will add comfort to any living room. Embrace the season by swapping out an area rug for something lighter and floral—or jump in feet first by making vivid Tangerine the spotlight of your room. This Dover Mandarin Rag Rug from Crate & Barrel shoos away the winter blues with a vengeance. Changing a lampshade is an easy way to subtly alter the feel of a room. Select a thin linen fabric that allows more light flow throughout the room. Another way to magnify the light is to hang a large mirror directly across from the most substantial light source, preferably a window. The mirror will reflect the natural light, as well as the beautiful outdoor views, which also enhance feng shui. Konigsberg recommends taking a transitional approach to decorating. “Put some away and take some out.” This advice particularly applies to artwork. “Hanging artwork will make a huge difference in your home,” she said. Infuse shades of green into a room with the Silver Morning watercolor print by artist Marilee Krause found at Crate & Barrel in Manhasset. If blue is more your color, consider the soft and rich shades in the tranquil blocks of the graphic wall art available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Artwork should showcase your personal taste and make you feel good about your space. Keep style in mind when you begin spring cleaning to ensure the process is enjoyable, not boring. These Glacier Grey decorative canisters from Artifacts Gallery in Manhasset will help you unclutter your kitchen and stay organized. Sprucing up for spring does not have to be a difficult project. Enjoy shopping around the neighborhood and choosing pieces that communicate springtime to you. Before you know it, your home will reflect the beauty of the season. ASA
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
Perk Up with Paint A pop of color is all you need to give your room a new presence By Aaron Cheris
One of the quickest and often cheapest ways to give your home a fresh, clean look is to invest in paint. You can turn a drab room into an elegant one simply by adding a vibrant splash of some of the season’s color trends, not only to the walls, but to ceilings and trim as well. ››
ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
W
inter can do a number on interior walls. Dirty handprints, dings created by our careless movements of furniture and other items, and the usual wear and tear that resulted in cracks and peels, all can lead to the need to repaint. On the other hand, you may just be in the mood for a whole new look and paint can be an inexpensive way to get one. Before you head to the paint store, Harriette Martins, product manager for Benjamin Moore & Co., recommended evaluating the existing paint surface. “Look for areas that are peeling or cracking. If it’s peeling, you’ll have to take steps to repair it before you can paint. If you notice any major damage, like water, it is recommended that you hire a residential contractor to fix a potential problem.” With many issues involving paint, a simple solution is to add a fresh layer on top of your already existing one. “Color wise, even if it’s just the same color, a fresh coat would make a difference,” said Hannah Yeo, color and design expert for Benjamin Moore. “But if you want to give your home a new look, choose a color that’s already in your room and play it up.” In other words, if there’s an accent in your furniture or accessories that you like, try to find a paint color that matches. Or perhaps you’re interested in the paint
Photos courtesy of Benjamin Moore
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colors that are trending this season. According to Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore’s creative director, the color of the year is Guilford Green (pictured at left). “We chose it because it can be the hero or the highlight in any room, enhancing the architectural identity of a space,” she said. “It is the perfect thread to connect nature, spaces and interiors with color schemes that signify fresh energy and growth.” Yeo agreed. “We wanted to find a color that connects the exterior to indoors. It’s almost a continuation from the outside,” she said. “It continues that color into your space so you get that whole freshness.” If Guilford Green doesn’t complement your decor, colors on the 2015 palette range from pinks to blues to grays—and fall into four families, including green, blue, blush and berry. “All of these color families could work well in spring because they are fresh,” said Yeo. O’Neill recommended taking a chance on new colors “Homeowners are ready to experiment with color and are more confident with making unique design choices for the home,” O’Neill added. Selecting a handful of color samples and testing them on your walls before you make a commitment to one is a good first step. Even so, the worst that can happen is you can always repaint. ASA
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
Your Best Lawn and Garden
EVER
How to prepare now for a beautiful yard all summer long By Karen Musgrave The key to a gorgeous garden is preparation. Now is the time to start the growing season off right. Each area, from the lawn to the vegetable garden, requires thought and advanced planning. Here’s a guide to get you going, with specific tips about what each element needs to help you achieve the lush garden of your dreams.
Lawn Care Everyone wants the best lawn on the block. But, how do you make a thick, green, weed-free lawn a reality? Follow these steps: Cleaning Up In early spring, rake the lawn to remove leaves, twigs and other debris that accumulated during the winter. Eliminating Crabgrass If you had crabgrass last year, now is the time to prevent it from returning. This summer weed germinates from March to May, so when spring temperatures are between 50 and 55 degrees for three or more consecutive days—or when the forsythia bloom—that’s the time to apply crabgrass preventer. If you also plan to spread grass seed, you must select a crabgrass preventer that’s safe to use while seeding. This may seem complicated, but crabgrass preventer bags are clearly labeled and staffers at quality garden centers can help you choose the right one. Other less dense weeds, such as dandelions, are best controlled with a broad-leaf weed killer. ››
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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By taking the time to prepare your yard and garden in March— and continuing to water, prune and fertilize throughout the season—you will be rewarded with a lush garden. Seeding Fill in any bare spots in the lawn now. But the best time for a major lawn renovation is midAugust through fall.
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Liming A proper soil pH is very important to a healthy lawn. Grass absorbs fertilizers and other minor elements best when the pH is within optimal range, leading to a healthier lawn with fewer weeds and less fungus. Lawns prefer a pH range of 6.2 to 6.8 (6.5 is optimum). If the soil pH is below the desired range, lime is used to raise it. To determine the pH of your soil, you can either test it yourself with a store-bought pH test kit or bring it to a local garden center for testing. Some even offer this service for free. You can bring a half cup of dry soil to Hick’s Lawn & Garden Information Desk and they will test it for free and provide the results while you wait. If your lawn does need lime, now is a good time to apply it.
Trees, Shrubs and Flower Beds In March, you can begin working on garden beds planted with trees, shrubs and perennials. A good time to start going green is St. Patrick’s Day (this week!), but any time the weather is nice get out there. Here’s where you should begin. Cleaning Up Rake leaves and other debris that has collected in the beds over the winter. Pruning Before the plants grow leaves and you can easily see what needs to be removed, prune dead and broken branches. Fertilizing This is an excellent time to fertilize trees and shrubs with a quality plant food.
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During early spring, figure out the location and size of your vegetable garden. Don’t wait until after you’ve purchased the plants to decide where the garden will go. That’s when many people discover they’ve purchased way too many plants. Measuring first will save time and money—and will provide sufficient room for the plants to produce more fruits and vegetables. Use the measurements when you shop, so you purchase the appropriate number for the space you have. Use your phone to take some pictures of the piece of paper with the measurements on it, as well as the area where you’re planning
ANGELA SUSAN ANTON’S HOUSE & HOME • MARCH 18 - 24, 2015
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your vegetable garden—that way the information is with you no matter when you decide to shop.
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When to Plant Vegetables MidMarch is a terrific time for planting cool weather crops, such as lettuce, onions, carrots, kale, radishes and spinach. These veggies perform best in daytime temperatures of around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and will tolerate some light frost. They are harvested in late June through July, before the heat of summer. By taking the time to prepare your yard and garden in March—and continuing to water, prune and fertilize throughout the season—you will be rewarded with a garden that is lush, green, flowering and beautiful. Karen Musgrave is a Certified Nursery Landscape Professional (CNLP) and a marketing and education specialist at Hicks Nurseries, Inc., 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. For more information, visit www.hicksnurseries.com or call 516-334-0066. ASA
# SPRING
How To Seed a Thinning Lawn 1. Rake and remove dead grass and weeds. 2. Apply a good organic fertilizer and lime (if needed). 3. In the thinned-out area only, sow a seed mixture that best suits the area’s conditions; a garden center can help you select the right mixture. 4. Top dress seeded area with a light covering of premium topsoil to help keep the seed moist—and to hide it from the birds. 5. Gently water. Check for water daily to keep soil surface constantly moist for the next few weeks. Never let a newly seeded area dry out. 6. Fertilize the entire lawn with an organic fertilizer 6 to 8 weeks after the seeds germinates.
How Much Mulch or Stone Do I Need? To determine how much you’ll need, measure the area you’d like to cover. For the recommended two-inch thickness, follow this formula:
For Stone One .5-cubic-foot bag covers approximately 3-square feet, 2 inches deep.
413 Main Street • Port Washington • 883-8509 131970
For Mulch One 2-cubic-foot bag covers approximately 12-square feet, 2 inches deep.
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Ocean
Watch
AT HARBOR POINTE
WATERFRONT TOWNHOUSE COMMUNITY Slips Included • Boats up to 60’ • Deep Water • Easy Ocean Access Oceanwatch at Harbor Pointe, nestled between Merrick and Freeport, is designed in the best of taste for maximum comfort, style and convenience. Situated on the second floor, the main living area provides unobstructed water views with expansive great rooms and thoughtfully designed kitchens.
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110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY, 11746. 631.425.5720 | ©2015 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM THE SPONSOR. CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, AND NUMBER OF BEDROOMS ARE DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY. PHOTOS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN MANIPULATED. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
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700 South Main Street • Freeport • New York 11520 516.608.8888