Heart of hospitality Welcome guests with these tips Story by KATERNIA COLE-COFFEY Photos by ALISON JAMES
H
osting outdoor gatherings is a cornerstone of spring and summer fun. With a little planning and preparation, it’s easy to welcome guests to an outdoor space that begs to be
enjoyed. If you begin planning well in advance of hosting your event, use the Alabama Gardeners Calendar to learn the necessary gardening activities for lawns and shrubs, annuals and perennials and other plants, based on the month. Included in this calendar is a timeline for activities such as soil testing, planting, pruning, fertilizing, pruning and mulching.
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During May, wait until warm-season lawns are fully green before applying any fertilizer. Mow often. For roses, spray or dust for insects and diseases, and watch for insects on daylilies. Late plantings of bedding plants will still have time to produce. Before inviting friends and family to join you for a social occasion at your home, treat the perimeter of the area with an insecticide, as well as treating against fire ants. Mow and clear the area, and remove any water collectors so as not to attract mosquitoes. Planting herbs in pots – such as peppermint, lavender, basil, garlic or rosemary – can also help repel bugs, or use citronella candles.
Franklin Living
