Spring Home & Garden by Austin Daily Herald

An early start DON’T FALL BEHIND THE TIMES THIS SPRING Photos and Story By Matt Peterson • matt.peterson@austindailyherald.com

t may seem like it’s never going to fungus, she urges gardeners to bring them into come;,but spring is almost here, and that the nursery where staff can identify them. Spemeans it’s time to get those flower gar- cific chemicals can be applied to each different dens prepped. type of fungus, which remedies the problem Although the ground is still more effectively. frozen and snow-covered, it can’t But perhaps the most important hurt to be armed with some advice step — and often overlooked — is “You can on how to make this year’s garden fertilizing. better than the neighbor’s. One plant anytime “A timed release fertilizer is the common mistake people make: the ground is best and easiest way to do it,” They get started too late. Mason said. thawed.” “A misconception we see in this Timed release fertilizers are industry — people view May sprinkled on the soil where they -Emily Mason slowly release nutrients for plants. through August as the window of Berg’s Nursery retail Doing this simple step can ensure time you can plant,” said Emily operations manager strong plant growth right away, Mason, retail operations manager at Berg’s nursery in Austin. which could eliminate more prob“That’s not the case. You can plant anytime the lems later in the spring and summer. ground is thawed.” A root stimulator is a great fertilizer to use, Many people will cover their newly planted too, according to Mason. This water-chemical bulbs and seeds with leaves, straw or other fo- mixture can be applied with regular watering. liage for extra insulation, but it’s important to So with the ease of fertilizing, there’s no reason clear that stuff once the snow melts to prevent not to do it. fungus from forming later on. Fungus was a big problem last year because > PLANTS continues on 3 of all the humidity, Mason said. If plants do get

This Hawaiian Volcano Plant grows solely on a piece of lava rock with a small amount of water. Although it can be put outside during the day, it should mostly remain indoors.

Veg out Tips for starting your own veggie garden (ARA) — Vegetable and herb gardening is in and studies indicate it will continue to grow in popularity. If you’re not growing your own yet it’s time to start. Why? The reasons are as varied as the people who garden. Some do it to save money. Others want to ensure their food is chemical-free, and as safe as possible. Still others grow their own vegetables because fresher is just better. Many do it because gardening is good for you and some because it’s still fun to play in the dirt. Whatever your reason for opting to join the 7 million Americans who grabbed their gardening gear and grew their own vegetables and herbs last year, your road to success is basically the same as everyone else’s — planting at the right time, making sure your soil’s in shape, weeding and watering responsibly, and feeding and nurturing your plants. This season, you won’t have to buy your fresh herbs and vegetables from a farmer’s market; you can grow them on your own, and you don’t need a farm-sized backyard — or pocketbook — to do it.

Get planting Avid gardener Stan Cope, president of Bonnie Plants, the largest producer of vegetable and herb plants in North America, growing locally in 75 locations nationwide, offers some time-saving tips to make the growing easy: • Survey your soil — Your first step is to decide where you’ll put your vegetable and herb garden. Good soil is key. The best soil is loam, a soft, dark, crumbly dirt. Loamy soil holds water, allows for drainage and is easy to dig. If you encounter clay or sandy soil, add peat moss and bone meal so that these soils can also be productive gardening bases. • Size up your space — When plotting out the size of your garden, you’ll want to be sure it’s big enough to yield a good harvest to make your efforts worthwhile. But if you’re limited on yard space — or have none at all — you can grow vegetables and herbs in containers on a deck, terrace, balcony or even on the windowsill. • Let the sunshine in — Your plants need plenty of sun — at least six hours a day. A sunny and open location is your best bet for producing a plentiful harvest. • Pick your plants for your plot — Grow vegetables that are expensive to buy in the grocery store or at the

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farmer’s market, such as tomatoes and peppers. • Time-saving transplants — When you’re ready to begin planting, opt for transplants — seedlings that have already been started — rather than starting from seed. Transplants will buy you lots of time because plants are six weeks or older when you put them in the ground, and you’ll begin harvesting much sooner. • Feed your food — Your vegetable plants will need food and water to survive and grow. When feeding plants, try to avoid ARA Photo chemical fertilizers that could potentially seep into groundwater. A vegetable Bonnie Plant Food is a unique, orgargen can ganically based, soybean oilseed save money extract formula that has demonand provide strated superior results in the chemicalhealth and vigor of plants. free food. • Hydrate to climate — Give your garden a good watering once or twice a week, although some crops may need more water, especially if your climate is very hot. A thorough soaking, allowing the water to penetrate 4 to 6 inches into the soil, is better for plants than frequent shallow watering. Gardening is rewarding. It will bring great pleasure as you bring your produce from plot to plate so you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labor. For more information on varieties and gardening advice, visit www.bonnieplants.com.

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AUSTIN DAILY HERALD • SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Plants: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes From Page 1 Growing flowers and shrubs is far from rocket science. However, plants do require some attention and simple maintenance. Remember the growing season may be longer than you once thought, and don’t

hold back on trying new creations in the garden. It could be the difference in making a garden that is the talk of the neighborhood. “Don’t be scared of your plants.,” Mason said. “Most people are scared they’re going to do something wrong — don’t be.”

Perennials Perennials are plants that live for more than one year. They die in the fall and return the following spring. Some common perennials include, Irises, Brunnera, Coral Bells and Hellebore. However, perennials can re- Some perennials and quire some attention, according to Mason. Out of all the their best settings: • Brunnera — shade spring bloomers, perennials perhaps require the most • Coral Bells — sun or care. shade Trimming them on the correct schedule can make a difference. But do your homework. Cutting most peren• Hellebore — shade nials completely to the ground in late fall or early spring • Day Lilies — sun will ensure they grow healthy. It eliminates any dead por• Iris — better in the tions that may grow fungus, as well. However, there are sun some varieties of grasses that shouldn’t be cut back, so • Hostas — shade check with the professionals. • Coreopsis — sun Some perennials, such as Irises, become drab after a while. “The downfall to Irises is they bloom in the spring and look fantastic, but they’re very insignificant in (late) spring and summer,” Mason said. But before placing any perennials, consider where you will put them. Sun and shade can make a huge difference for perennials, so do the homework first.

House Plants Don’t forget, many house plants can go outside during the spring and summer. And many of them are easy to care for. However, make sure to talk to the experts before planting them in the ground, as some should come back inside intermittently. Mason said a good way to move indoor plants to the outdoors is to transition them. Gradually leave the plants outside a little longer each day. This is important because plants can become sunbur ned, w h i c h c a u s e s shock. However, this can be remedied. S o m e new, flashy This Kalanchoe plant is similar non-native to a cactus but doesn’t have plants can spines. It is very efficient at retemporarily taining water, can be placed go outdoors oustside during the day, but and make should remain mostly indoors. decks or patios more appealing, too. Although you shouldn’t plant them in the garden, plants like the Hawaiian Volcano Plant or the Kalanchoe look much different to anything else gardeners may have, and they add some serious variety. Growing flowers and shrubs is far from rocket science. However, plants do require some attention and simple maintenance. Remember the growing season may be longer than you once thought, and don’t hold back on trying new creations in the garden. It could be the difference in making a garden that is the talk of the neighborhood.

Shrubs Shrubs can make good boundaries for gardens or add to landscape features. They really add texture to the scene. Trimming shrubs is important. Most shrubs should be trimmed regularly, but there are some catches. Many shrubs shouldn’t be trimmed in the fall, according to Ernie Hammero, landSome shrubs and scape designer at Berg’s Nursery. Rhododendron, Azaltheir best settings: eas, Magnolias, Lilacs are in that group, among others. • Azaleas — sun or They set flower buds in the fall,” Hammero said. “If you shade come by and trim them, you’re cutting off all the flower • Rhododendron — buds.” sun or shade This can be a huge mistake, as the plants will not • Spireas — sun flower throughout the next year. • Hydrangeas — sun Even though planting new shrubs is a rare hobby and or shade most are propagated, making sure they are in the right • Shrub Roses — sun soil is important. Soil should not be overlooked for any planting, for that matter. A rich, loamy soil is always best. Try to avoid clay. Don’t forget that fertilizer is important with young shrubs, too, along with watering, but not too much.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD • SPRING HOME & GARDEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011

Top 5 annuals and perennials for 2011 By Sarah Stultz

Lush plants with vibrant colors are expected to be a big hit this spring. Before you spruce up your landscaping or plant some new flowers, consider these hot, new flowers and plants recom-

mended by Holly Larson, owner of the Garden Diva Design Studio in Hayward. Larson said popular varieties will be limited at many area nurseries, so she encouraged people to search for them right away to have the best selection.

Annual flowers (Flowers that need to be planted every spring) • Picasso petunia: This petunia hybrid has fuscia blooms with a lime-green accent around the edges. A vigorous plant great for mixing in combination with other vigorous plants. • Superbells, the punch series (coralberry punch, blackberry punch, strawberry punch): Similar in appearance to petunias, superbells are a compact and bushy plant with vibrant colors. Can grow up to hundreds of flowers from early spring all the way through first light frosts. Are tolerant to heat and resistant to disease.

Perennials (Plants that come back every spring) • Coneflowers: These typically come in tons of varieties, but Larson said the echinacea aloha varieties and powwow wild berry varieties are expected to be popular. Both have bibrant colors and can be used in multiple ways. • Heuchera (apple crisp and pear crisp varieties): Heuchera foilage is good for edging, rock gardens and accents in containers. • Heucherella (berry fizz variety): Heucherella foilage good in sun or shade, containers or borders.

—Blackberry Punch Photo Courtesy of Proven winners www.provenwinners.com

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•The Perennial Plant Association named the amsonia hubrichtii the 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year. •Amsonia hubrichtii grows 36 inches tall and 36 inches wide in a mounded form. •The perennial is a North American native and is hardy and versatile. •Amsonia offers a variety of features throughout the seasons. —Source: www.perennialplant.org AUSTIN DAILY HERALD • SPRING HOME & GARDEN

A blueprint for better remodeling, landscaping projects (ARA) — For many homeowners, the return of warm weather signals that time of year to launch the long-awaited home remodeling or backyard patio project. With the typical major kitchen remodel topping $58,000 and the cost of a new roof topping $21,000, according to the National Association of Realtors 2009 Cost vs. Value Report, taking on even a minor remodel calls for careful attention to detail. It’s even more important if you’re not a do-it-yourselfer and want to hire a contractor to perform some or all of the work, says FindLaw.com, the world’s leading online legal resource. Doing your homework upfront and being crystal clear in your dealings with a home remodeling or landscaping contractor will reduce miscommunication, frustration and expensive errors. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are some time-tested tips from FindLaw.com for a better remodeling or landscaping project: 1. Ask yourself: Does it make sense? Before you move too quickly, it’s critical to determine if it makes sense to remodel. The first place to look is your neighborhood. Are other neighbors improving their homes and enhancing the exteriors of their homes, as well as their yards? Is your city or town properly maintaining streets and public areas? Are you committed to staying in your home at least five years? Remodeling and landscaping can be expensive and, in many cases, you will not fully recoup your investment. While it’s important to do it for yourself, be careful not to over invest either. 2. Do your homework. Before you call a contractor, do your homework to get a good idea of what you want from your remodeling or landscaping project. Visit showrooms, talk to friends and neighbors who have recently remodeled, read home and landscaping magazines, and visit open houses and showcase homes to see what’s hot in home remodeling and landscaping projects. Start a notebook to collect your ideas, product information and product samples. 3. Build a budget. As you do your homework, start piecing together a budget of what various products and materials may cost. Keep in mind, especially when remodeling an older home, there may be unexpected surprises (such as plumbing or electrical) that could drive up the costs of your remodeling project. To be on the safe side, alAUSTIN DAILY HERALD • SPRING HOME & GARDEN

ways add 20 percent to the generally recommended costs of a remodeling project. 4. Listen to word-of-mouth. If you hire a contractor, make sure that any contractor that you consider is licensed, bonded and insured. Word-of-mouth is the most reliable method to finding a contractor. Ask your friends, neighbors or family members for the names of contractors or landscapers with whom they’ve worked. 5. Get multiple bids. Always get at least three proposals when selecting a contractor to handle your remodeling or landscaping proje c t . Always meet the contractor in person a n d n e v e r agree to hire a contractor after your first meeting. Obtain all estimates in writing and carefully compare the details that each contractor has spelled out in his or her proposal. 6. Check your permits. Be wary of the contractor who says you don’t need to pull a permit from city hall for your remodeling or landscaping project. A permit typically represents the minimum construction standard set by a local community. In other words, a permit actually protects you as the homeowner from shoddy construction or landscaping practices. If you live in a historic neighborhood, there may be

more restrictive guidelines that you must follow that have been set by a neighborhood council. 7. Get references. Before you say “yes” to a contractor’s proposal, get at least three to five references from a contractor. Call the contractor’s references and ask about the experience of working with him or her — did the contractor complete the project on time and on budget? Was the contractor responsive to making changes throughout the project and the completion of the punch list (all of the final details to wrap up a project)? Contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints ARA Photo have been Any remodeling project needs filed about planning before the contracit starts. tor. And, c o n t a c t building suppliers and subcontractors (electric i a n s , plumbers, etc.) to see if your contractor pays his or her bills on time. 8. Get it in writing. Never, ever agree to hire a contractor, even if it’s your brother-in-law, on a handshake. Always insist on a contract, says FindLaw.com. Be precise about exactly what services will be performed and by when. Specify exactly what products and materials will be used. Spell out when payments will be made to the contractor and clarify what recourse you have if the work is not completed to your satisfaction. If need be, contact an attorney specializing in contracts to review the

document before signing. 9. Do a gut check. You need to feel good about having someone come into your home every day for weeks or possibly several months. Working with a contractor should be fun, but more importantly, you need a contractor who listens and responds to you. Check your gut reaction. If in any way you feel uncomfortable with a contractor, don’t sign the contract. And if you have to, move quickly to cancel it. Many states allow a consumer to cancel a contract within three business days after signing it. 10. Be completely satisfied. Never pay for the entire remodeling project or landscaping project up front, before construction begins. In most cases, you’ll put down 25 percent of the total project amount to get the work started. After that, you’ll pay portions at certain milestones up until the completion of the project. Don’t make the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work. It’s one of your last defenses to ensuring that work is completed to your satisfaction.

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Shape your yard for summer fun • Just before the spring growing season is the ideal time (ARA) — As we dream of summer, many of us think about the place where we spend those endless summer to prune trees and shrubs, because the trees can quickly heal and regenerate once they start growing. By pruning days and balmy summer evenings — the backyard. But if your backyard is going to live up to the perfection you en- at this time, you’ll also make sure your plants are looking vision in your daydreams, you may need to spend a spring nice and shapely once they start sprouting leaves. Spring weekend or two shaping up your outdoor spaces for this year’s activities. Whether it’s heading out for a game of catch with your kids or inviting the neighbors over for a barbecue, the backyard provides a welcome extended living space in the warmer months. Since you’ll be spending so much time there, it’s worth the effort to get your yard looking and feeling good, as it will make your time there that much more relaxing. If you’re not sure where to get started, here’s a checklist of projects to consider before the backyard enjoyment season heats up: • Take a ground-up approach. Perhaps nothing makes a backyard feel homier than a lush lawn. While ongoing maintenance will help keep your yard looking great throughout the summer, spring prepaARA Photo ration is just as important. Check your yard for bare Spring work can prepare your spots and overseed them, as necessary. Give your yard yard for a summer of fun. a good raking or use a dethatcher to get rid of any dead grass or leaves that can hamper growth. If you don’t have an overseeder or dethatcher, don’t worry. Your local rental stores will have tools and equipment you is also a great time to rent a stump grinder and remove need. Visit RentalHQ.com if you need help finding a rental tree stumps once the ground thaws. As a bonus, you can store in your area. use the woodchips as bedding for plants.

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• Give your deck or patio a good sweep and power wash away any debris it collected over the winter. If it’s in need of repairs or staining, take care of it in the spring so it’s ready to go for summer. • If your fence is in need of repair or replacing, spring is a great time to do the job. If your fence is still in good shape, think about adding flower boxes or other vegetation to make your yard more inviting. • If you’ve been thinking about installing an irrigation system, why wait until the dry summer days when your lawn will need water the most? Installing irrigation in the spring will allow your lawn and garden to thrive all summer long. You can make quick work of this project by renting a walk-behind trencher or vibratory plow. • Since your kids will be heading outside soon, make sure swing sets, tree houses and other play equipment are in good working condition. Winter can take a toll on these items, so testing them in the spring is important for protecting your child’s safety. Check for things like rotting wood or rusting metal. Since many of these jobs require equipment that you might not ordinarily keep in your garage, renting is the smart way to get these projects done. To make finding the rental store nearest you even easier, the American Rental Association (ARA) offers RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest and most comprehensive rental store locator.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD • SPRING HOME & GARDEN

It’s not as hard as you think to build a pond (ARA) — Vibrantly colored flowers, lush grass and stone pathways are wonderful accents for any backyard. But to truly elevate a backyard to the status of “garden,” few features make a bigger splash than a pond. Ponds can create a focal point, serve as a restful oasis and add the soothing sound of water to an outdoor space. Many homeowners may shy away from building one, thinking it will be too difficult to do themselves and too costly to hire a professional to build. Yet creating a backyard pond doesn’t have to be difficult — if you prepare properly and use pond supplies that are intended to make the job manageable for most do-it-yourselfers. “The key effort behind building a pond begins before you ever put a shovel to the ground,” says Doug Ward of TotalPond, makers of highquality pond supplies and water pumps. “Choosing the right spot for your pond, and planning carefully for how it will look, will help you achieve results that you can be proud of.” Ward offers homeowners some advice for planning, preparing and creating their own backyard pond:

Go big For your first effort, you might think you should keep it simple, but playing it safe may not ultimately lead to optimum results. “The number one complaint we hear from homeowners is that, while they love the pond they have, they wish they had built something bigger,” Ward says. The size, shape and features of your pond need be limited only by your imagination, available space and budget. Your water feature can be a small pool of water with a simple fountain pump or a multi-level extravaganza

of pools and waterfalls. Your design can be classic, contemporary, organic or a style that’s completely new — what you end up with will depend on your tastes. In fact, you don’t even have to dig a hole if you don’t want to. It’s possible to create an above-ground pond using pavestones and a liner. Some companies provide kits and supplies that make pond-building well within the ARA Photo abilities of most do-itAdding a pond and wayourselfers. terfall is a sure way to spice up your yard.

Designing and building pointers Now that you know where you’ll place your pond it’s time to think about what it will look like, and to get down to the business of building it. Keep in mind that how you’ll use the pond, where it’s located and your lifestyle will all affect the design. If you plan to have fish in your pond, you need to adjust the depth accordingly; goldfish are usually OK in shallow water but koi will need a deeper pond. If the ground in your area of the country freezes in winter, you’ll want to make your pond at least 18 inches deep to protect it. If you live in a densely populated area or have small children, you will need to build a fence into your design for safety’s sake. Before you begin digging, check your community’s bylaws and find out if any city ordinances govern pond-building. Also, be sure to contact your local utilities by calling 811 to ensure you don’t risk hitting any utility lines while digging. With planning, the right products and a little elbow grease, you can create a water feature in your landscape — and turn your backyard into a garden that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

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Stay practical Let your imagination run wild within reason. Keep these factors in mind: • Draw a map of your property so that you have a visual of its overall look — and how a pond will fit in with the rest of your landscape. • Your pond is a living eco-system. If you’ll be adding water plants, most need at least four hours of sun per day, so you’ll need to choose a spot that gets plenty of sun. • Avoid placing your pond near trees or plants with invasive root systems. Roots can grow under the pond liner and cause damage. And if it’s under trees, falling leaves could block the filter and pump, and decomposing leaves are actually toxic to fish.

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Make the grass greener on your side of the fence (ARA) — Does the grass look greener on the other side of the fence? When you peek at your neighbor’s lawn, maybe it really does look better — more lush and healthier — than your own. If what you see leaves you green with lawn envy, you’re not alone. Homeowners spend about $40 billion a year on improving and maintaining their lawns, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s national home and garden survey. Undoubtedly, at least some of those invested dollars — and the hours of toil associated with them — still leave many homeowners dissatisfied with the results. The secret to green, great-looking grass isn’t how much you spend in terms of time or money, but how wisely you spend. Before wasting your time and money trying to improve your lawn, consider whether soil problems are standing between you and the lawn you long for. Here are some tips from the soil scientists at Outsidepride.com to help you create the lawn you crave:

Aeration gets to the root Aeration is one task where you can spend a lot of time and money and reap only frustration if you go the traditional route of either renting a mechanical aerator or hiring a professional to do it for you. Many homeowners are finding liquid lawn aeration is a faster, easier, cost-effective —

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011

and successful — alternative to mechanical aeration. LazyMan Soil Doctor, for example, combines liquid lawn aeration, dethatching, fertilizing and soil conditioning in an all-in-one, easy-to-use, spray-on liquid. Simply spray the polymer mixture on your lawn and it goes to work aerating, dethatching, conditioning, and fertilizing soil. The product covers 100 percent of your lawn,

is chemical-free, adds nutrients and amino acids, increases much-needed airflow and boosts the earthworm population underground. If you start out with decent topsoil, you can expect the first application to reach a depth of about 6 inches. Reapply one to two weeks after the initial application, and continue to apply, as needed, at two week intervals. Tests show that in most cases surface water will drain away with a single application. The aerating elements that open up compacted soil (technically, polymers that react with water molecules) continue their work until they break down.

Digging to the root of problems

ARA Photo

Make your lawn the envy of your community with a few simple steps.

To determine the health of your lawn’s roots, dig several small samples from various spots around the yard. Does the shovel slide into the soil easily? You should be able to insert half the shovel into the soil without too much difficulty. Fertilizing is your next critical lawn-care task; it replenishes the reserves used during dormant winter months and fuels the rapid growth phase of grass. A balanced fertilizer, like the 10-3-6 liquid fertilizer in LazyMan Soil Doctor, is biologically enhanced through the introduction of beneficial microbial species, and it comprehensively revitalizes soil health, plant nutrition, germination and plant growth.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD • SPRING HOME & GARDEN