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5 tips for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can be done on a small or large scale
Is Your Home Prepared for Warmer Weather?
Troublesome Landscapes? Try These Ideas
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Gardening Tip ... V
egetable gardens make great additions to any home garden, but home gardeners should know that not all vegetables should be planted year-round. Vegetables vary as to their optimal growing conditions, which often hinge on climate. For example, tomatoes are popular among home gardeners. For the best tomatoes, the soil should be warm and the sun above should be hot. If planted in the winter, tomatoes aren’t likely to ripen and they could very well attract harmful garden pests. Some vegetables, however, actually prefer colder climates. Cauliflower, for instance, is not comforted by hot summer sun and will likely wilt before reaching maturity if planted in the summertime. Instead, cauliflower often thrives with colder soil and steady rainfall. When planting vegetables in a home garden, homeowners should always consider seasonal changes. Such changes enable gardeners to have fresh vegetables at their disposal almost yearround.
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Tips to Green Your Home and Garden this Season
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oing green at home doesn’t have to turn your life upside down. There are simple measures you can take in your kitchen and garden to run a planetfriendly home.
Reduce Waste Ensure your kitchen is properly outfitted with labeled paper and plastic recycling bins. Keep these receptacles handy to encourage your family and guests to make use of them. Take your waste reduction a step further by setting up a bin for food scraps, which you can add to your yard trimmings. Composting creates a natural fertilizer that’s makes a planet-friendly alternative to the chemical variety. By recycling and composting, you can join the ranks of Americans reducing the waste they send to the landfill. In fact, recycling and composting prevented 86.9 million tons of materials from being disposed in 2011 in the United States, up from 15 million tons in 1980, according to government estimates. Protect Wildlife
You may think of your yard as “yours,” but you are actually sharing the space with furry creatures, insects and birds. Habitat destruction and loss, as well other manmade and natural threats, put beautiful species like humming birds at risk. Make your garden a safe haven with bird feeders and by planting native, sustentative shrubs, trees and flowers. Unfortunately, bird to building collisions, particularly with windows, are estimated to kill between 100 million and 1 billion birds in the United States alone, according to a new report from the Cooper Ornithological Society. Ensure the safety of your airborne visitors by applying static-cling decals to your windows, which helps birds detect glass, thereby avoiding injury or death. Decals from WindowAlert, for example, rely on special ultraviolet-reflecting coating that looks like etched glass to humans, but is quite visible to birds, and add a decorative appearance to your home. The coating can fade over time, so remember to replace decals every six to nine months. More information can be found at www.WindowAlert.com. Eat Local Source your food locally to reduce your carbon footprint. If possible, buy local, in-
season fruits and vegetables that didn’t have to travel the world to reach your plate. And while flowers are beautiful to look at -and the right ones can provide nectar for pollinating insects and birds -- consider turning at least part of your garden into a space for herbs and vegetables to grow. When dinner
comes from your own back yard, it means fresher produce that’s good for your family, and good for the planet. Don’t just enjoy nature this season, take care of it. With a few small tweaks, it isn’t hard to run your home more sustainably. (StatePoint)
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Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can be done on a small or large scale
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elieve you need an acre of property to start gardening? Think again. Individuals can grow their own patch of greenery in just about any space they have on hand.
When it comes time to getting your hands dirty, it doesn’t matter if there are rolling hills or a single container filled with soil on which to plant. Although many gardening professionals present plans for larger-scale gardens, it’s possible to create smaller-scale options that require a great deal less maintenance and upkeep. To get started, homeowners or apartment dwellers need to first look at the space they have. Perhaps this is a few flower pots or a
GLADEWATER MIRROR • MARCH 2014 small square of exposed dirt in an otherwise concrete jungle. Others may have an expansive backyard in which to toil in the soil. Either way, knowing what you have to work with can help home gardeners map out a more successful plan of action. Next, it’s important to consider the climate and the soil conditions. Soil can be amended to a point, but plants that require a lot of water may not do well in an area plagued by drought. Color is another thing to consider. Gardeners with smaller spaces may want to think about keeping gardens mainly monochromatic, which will look more cohesive. Coolcolored flowers and plants will help make a garden look larger. Warm-colored flowers will add impact and could create a cozier feel. Hanging baskets and raised containers can add height and free up more floor space for gardens. They’re particularly helpful when space is at a premium. Keep in mind that baskets and containers tend to dry out easily, so using peat moss, vermiculite and other products that tend to hold onto water will help keep the soil moist. These containers also may need to be watered more frequently. Containers also can be used to plant small trees or shrubs. Use them for vegetable plants as well. The advantage to containers is they can be moved elsewhere if a plant is
not thriving in a particular area. People who have an extremely space with which to work may be limited to a few flower pots in the window, but they can easily grow herbs or annual flowers. Those who have a large space may want to consider breaking the landscape down into smaller quadrants; otherwise, the garden can seem unruly. Use hardscape materials, such
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as mulch, rocks, boulders, and slate to break up the greenery (and also cut down on items that need pruning and watering). Individuals who don’t know where to start can page through gardening magazines for ideas. Alternatively, they can consult with an area landscaper to find out which plants will do well. (StatePoint)
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Perennials are a Gardener’s Friend
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ardening is often seen as an art form to men and women with a green thumb. Once the landscape is designed, homeowners may not want to change much from year to year. That is where perennial plants can be an advantage.
Designing a landscape and keeping the garden looking beautiful can take a keen eye. It also may require a lot of time and commitment. If home gardeners have to replant items year after year, gardening can become time-consuming and expensive. Turning to perennial plants and flowers to serve as the anchor for a home garden can make the process easier. Perennials are plants that live indefinitely. In terms of flowering plants, perennials will bloom every year. In essence, they have the staying power of shrubbery but are more delicate in nature and often appealing to the eye. There are perennials for every season, soil
type and sun exposure. Perennials come in a wide variety of blooming flowers or attractive foliage. Chances are if a homeowner wants to add perennials to the garden, there is a variety available that will fit his or her needs. Here are some perennials that can be added to the garden: l lavender l ornamental grasses l asters l chrysanthemums l irises l poppies l milkweed l goldentufts l anemones l columbines l daylilies l peonies l hostas Once perennials are in place, there is relatively minimal maintenance that is required. The tune-ups that may be needed are some deadheading to promote new and stronger growth and some cleaning up after winter before the new blooming season takes place. Once the early spring season arrives and the ground is not too muddy or rain-soaked, clear out any leaves and debris that have gathered around where perennials are located. Gardeners can also till the mulch or soil in
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these areas to aerate the planting beds. Using shears, cut down any dead grasses, stems and stalks from spent perennials that overwintered. Remove any dead wood and broken branches. Be careful not to trim spring-blooming shrubs because some flowers bloom on year-old stems and this can cause the plant not to flower. Perennials that aren’t flowering as well as they used to or have dead centers may need to be divided to promote stronger growth.
This should be done in early spring before the plant blooms or late fall before the winter arrives. Dividing plants and replanting not only grows the garden, but also it is a healthy revitalization for the plant. Gardeners who prefer to take a laid-back approach to gardening may appreciate the ease with which a beautiful and easy-tomaintain landscape can be created with perennials. (StatePoint)
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armer temperatures. But does it have to mean higher energy bills too? The answer is no. There are numerous ways to keep your home cool and bills low this summer.
Is Your Home Prepared for Warmer Weather?
After a few months off, it is vital to check that your air conditioning system is still working in an efficient and optimal manner. If you have a central air conditioning system, for peace of mind, you might want to have your system checked by an HVACR professional. In order to save, be sure to shop around for special deals, which are not difficult to find for seasonal preventive maintenance. Understand however, that the proficiency of HVACR technicians differs greatly. When searching for the right HVACR technicians for your home, one way to make certain that the job will be done properly and effectively is by hiring a professional certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation’s largest independent, non-profit certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE-certified technicians are qualified to properly install and service equipment, which means maximum home comfort and energy savings. Once a NATE certified HVACR technician has inspected your system for effi-
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ciency, there are a number of things you can do to keep energy bills low: Clean your air filters. Check them • every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer. Don’t obstruct airflow around air • conditioner units -- keep them clear of plants and debris. Raise the thermostat about five de• grees, because each degree you raise the thermostat will save you a percentage off your cooling energy bill. Compare energy bills from last year. • If your costs have significantly increased, simply contact a qualified HVACR technician -- they can help determine the source of the prolem. Remember, just because you have an energy-approved, eco-friendly, high-efficiency product, it does not mean automatic money and energy savings. For substantive results, proper installation, service and maintenance are important too. So do yourself a favor -- request the service of a NATE-certified technician. In order to locate a contractor that employs certified technicians, look for the NATE logo or go to www.HVACRAdvice.com. By taking preventive measures, you can rest assured that this season you will be cool while saving money and energy.
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5 tips for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn H
omeowners aspire toward a beautiful lawn. It is often the centerpiece of a completed landscape, and can serve as a beautiful focal point in a home’s overall curb appeal. Typically lawn maintenance is timeconsuming and can take a lot of effort on the part of a homeowner. However, by employing a few tips it can be much easier to establish and help a beautiful lawn to endure. 1. Start with the right type of grass. Not all grasses are alike nor compatible with specific climates. Some are drought-tolerant and others are more akin to wet weather situations. There is a particular type of grass that is very low maintenance no matter the climate -- zoysia grass. “Zoysia grass is a great choice for anyone who loves the look of a lush, healthy lawn but doesn’t want to be a slave to their lawn,” said John Ridgway of Zoysia Farm Nurseries (www.zoysiafarms.com/tca) in Taneytown, Md. “Zoysia grass is a warm season grass that thrives in summer heat and needs far less water during the grow-
ing season. It also needs less mowing than most other types of grasses, so it’s much less labor intensive.” Unlike other grasses, zoysia is sold as individual plant “plugs,” which can be integrated right into an existing lawn. They will eventually spread and take over. Early fall is a great time to start a lawn provided it is done 30 days or so before the first hard frost in the area. This establishes the grass before winter and it will get a head start on the next spring/summer growing season. 2. Install an irrigation system. A lawn needs a steady dose of water and ample sunlight to thrive. Some homeowners water too little or water inadvertently pools on the surface of the lawn without reaching the roots. Irrigation systems, particularly drip irrigation systems put water at the roots of landscape plants where they need it most. This helps conserve water by preventing it from evaporating in the sun or watering unnecessary parts of the landscape, such as driveways and sidewalks. There are even kits that install on home downspouts that use rainwater for extra irrigation. 3. Fertilize less frequently. Fertilizer provides the extra nutrients to keep grass green
and to encourage the grass to send out rhizomes (underground creeping rootstalks) and stolons (above-ground sprouts), both of which make the grass thicker and more healthy. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and don’t use too much. A good rule of thumb is to limit fertilizer use to a month before the growing season starts in your area. 4. Mow conservatively. Lawns needn’t be scalped, otherwise known as cutting the lawn too short. When the weather has been hot or dry, it may not even need to be cut every week. Thin, closely cut lawns can lead to dying out grass, shallow root systems and eventually a poor-looking lawn. Zoysia grass needs less mowing, so if this is your choice, you may be able to skip some of the most labor-intensive part of lawn maintenance. 5. Enjoy the lawn. Some homeowners want a grass showpiece and fail to ever step foot on the lawn. But with the right type of grass that is thoroughly established and hardy, the lawn will remain durable to kids playing, pets frolicking and simply spending time out in the yard. (StatePoint)
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YOUR “On-Line” & “Hands-On” REALTOR
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Butterflies Are a Spring Spectacle
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ew harbingers of spring are more spectacular to look at than the variety of butterflies that take to the skies after they emerge from chrysalis. Although it is widely known that butterflies and moths go through a metamorphosis to turn into their finished forms, many are unaware just how many steps it takes for a butterfly to be ready to fly. 1. A butterfly begins its life as an egg, which a female butterfly lays on a particular plant that the species of butterfly prefers to eat. This is called a host plant. Butterflies are very particular about the type of plant that they eat. Certain species will only eat one type of plant or closely related varieties. 2. When a butterfly hatches from the egg, it is called a larva, or a first instar caterpillar. The insect is very small and does nothing but eat from the host plant. 3. Caterpillars are voracious eaters, and they grow very quickly. The trouble is that their skin cannot grow. A new, larger skin must be formed. To do this the caterpillar must molt its old skin so that the new, larg-
er skin can emerge. As it eats, a caterpillar will go through a few stages depending on the species. It may become a second, third, fourth, and fifth instar caterpillar. 4. A caterpillar that has molted several times may look very different from its initial larval form. It will be much larger and may have different colors and features. 5. During the final molt, the discarded skin will become part of the chrysalis that will house the caterpillar as it pupates. The caterpillar spins a silk girdle that attaches it to a particular location, either on a tree branch or a plant stem. 6. Contrary to popular belief, butterflies are not formed in cocoons. Their pupa is called a chrysalis. Only some varieties of moths transform inside of a cocoon. In the chrysalis, the caterpillar is undergoing a rapid transformation. The chewing mouthparts are turning into the sucking mouthparts of a butterfly. Wings and antennae are also forming. The pupa stage is not merely a hibernation for the caterpillar. It is a time of very active growth. 7. About 10 to 14 days later the butterfly will emerge from the chrysalis. Upon doing so the wings will be wet and small. The butterfly then pumps fluids through the wings to expand them. It also needs to get used to flying. A recently hatched butterfly is very vulnerable until its wings are ready and dry.
8. An adult butterfly eats nectar and reproduces to begin the life cycle anew. Relatively speaking, a butterfly has a short life span. Some species live only a few days. Others may live up to a year. This can make viewing a spectacularly hued butterfly in a spring garden even more poignant for the observer. More than 700 species of butterflies are found in North America. In order to attract them to the backyard, homeowners can plant
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wildlife that nurtures all stages of the metamorphosis. Adult butterflies looking for nectar will seek out plants in the sunlight; rarely do they feed in the shade. Plants should have red, yellow, orange, pink, or purple blossoms. Flat-topped or clustered flowers are preferred, as are short flower tubes that enable the butterfly’s proboscis to fit in easily. (StatePoint)
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Troublesome Landscapes? Try These Ideas
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here are many homeowners who aspire to have an award-winning landscape. The trouble is, not every yard is a perfect canvas for plantings. In most cases, there are one or more spots in a landscape that can prove troublesome and require different strategies.
One such strategy is using succulents and rocks to contend with the weak areas of the yard. A rock garden accented with succulent plants can help make the most of dry patches or areas of steep inclines where planting lawn or other foliage is difficult. Other areas of the yard may be marred by tree roots or sandy soil. Providing remedies for these areas can be as simple as arranging low-maintenance plants and decorative rocks. Succulents are plants that thrive with minimal care and water. They store water in their leaves (cacti are a subset of succulents). Be-
cause they are drought-tolerant, succulents work well in sandy soil or areas that tend to be dry. They also produce shallow roots, which helps them thrive even in poor soil. Many succulents are perennial plants, meaning they will come back year after year. They also work well in containers, which can be moved and rearranged to create different looks all around the yard. To accent succulents in the garden, homeowners can enhance them with rocks and other decorative items. Rocks will help improve water flow and prevent run-off of soil. Oftentimes, gardeners can take a clipping of a succulent plant and replant it somewhere else. This makes succulents an affordable addition to the yard because they can typically spread and prosper easily. Here are some popular succulents that can adapt to many landscapes. l Hens and chicks: These spreading plants are low-growing green leaves that form rosettes. Each rosette can grow around 5 inches wide. l Autumn Joy: This succulent emerges in very early spring and develops into a dense, cabbage-shaped plant. Late in summer the succulent will sprout stalks of pink-shaded flowers, which will darken to a russet hue as the autumn approaches. A perennial, this plant requires almost no upkeep.
l Yellow Ice Plant: A late-blooming, flowering succulent that features yellow blooms against dark foliage. The foliage turns red in the winter. l Agave: A large succulent with blade-like foliage. It enjoys full sun but thrives in partial shade as well. l Jade: The tree-like variety Crassula ova-
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ta can grow up to 6 feet tall. It prefers full sun and drying out between watering. l Aloe: This healing plant is a succulent that can be a welcome addition to the landscape. Troublesome areas in the landscape can be remedied with beautiful, low-maintenance succulent plants.
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Cultivate your own bounty of vegetables W
hen left too long, pathway weeds soon taIt only makes sense to turn a little patch of your property into a personal supply of organic food.
Quality and cost-control are the top reasons to do it -- and avid gardeners will tell you that there is a special kind of joy in planting, growing, picking and serving the freshest produce possible. Today, approximately 30 percent of residential homes in North America cultivate a vegetable patch and most will tell you that the growing season can be full of surprises. “Insects and disease can be a serious problem when growing vegetables,� says Reinie Drygala, Products Manager for PureSpray Green, a leading name in innovative garden products. “If uncontrolled, they will destroy your prized collection of vegetables and flowers. “Our researchers experimented tirelessly to produce a horticultural spray oil for year-round control of insects and disease,� Drygala continued. “The resulting PureSpray Green is an all-in-one formula for use in organic gardening and al-
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lows gardeners to feel good about spraying it on flowers, fruits, vegetables, shrubs and trees.� Here are a few more quick tips to refresh your start-up skills in the vegetable patch: * Clean up: Clear your patch by removing grass, rocks, or other debris. * Till the soil: Add at least 6 centimetres of new vegetable garden soil to provide nutrients, improve drainage, and to promote strong root growth. * Plant at the right time: Early season vegetables include broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas, and spinach. By early June, you can plant the warm-weather vegetables like corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. * Prevent weeds: Put a layer of mulch around the plants * Control pests and disease: keep an organic-approved spray handy for insect and disease control. Information at: www.todaysclearchoice.com. * Water: Keep seedlings moist by watering regularly. * Harvest: Your bounty should grow quickly from seedlings to a full harvest in less than 60 days.
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Powering Up
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arm weekends are prime time for yard work and outdoor projects. To avoid turning tasks into turmoil, be sure to take a few extra moments to ensure the power tools you use are safe. CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, offers tips to help ensure the safety of you and your family while doing yard work this weekend. General Tips for Yard Maintenance l Ensure products such as electric lawnmowers, barbecues, power tools, ladders, decorative lights, extension cords and safety apparel carry the mark of a recognized or accredited certification organization, such as CSA Group. l Protect yourself by wearing protective eyewear and footwear recognized by a certification organization, such as CSA Group. Hearing protection should be worn when operating loud machinery, vehicles or tools. Lawnmowers l Before mowing, take the time to remove objects in your yard that may obstruct your mower or be flung by its rotating blades.
l Never clear an obstruction in a running mower. If the mower is electric, turn off the power and unplug the machine. If it’s gas, turn off the power and make sure the engine isn’t running and that all safety features have been activated. Portable Power Tools l Never use a power tool that has a cracked casing, loose parts or frayed cords. Ensure all safety guards are in place and in proper working order. l Make sure the tool is turned off before it’s plugged in or unplugged. Always unplug the tool before changing parts like drill bits or cutting blades. l Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge -- or wire size -to handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against electric shock. Extension Cords l Check extension cords for wear and damage before each use. Discard any cords that are frayed or have damaged insulation. l Never connect more than one extension cord together. Instead, use a single cord that is long enough to reach from the outlet to an appliance or tool.
l When working outside, only use cords clearly labeled for outdoor use. l Never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet. If a cord becomes hot when plugged in, discontinue use imme-
diately and replace with a heavier gauge cord. More safety tips available at www.csasafetytips.com.
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GLADEWATER MIRROR • MARCH 2014
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How to eliminate weeds on interlock pathways I nter-locking brick and cobblestone are attractive choices for driveways, patios, and connecting paths. Weed growth is a common problem around these pavers and, if left unchecked, can ruin the look if you don’t literally nip them in the bud. When left too long, pathway weeds soon take over and the eventual removal becomes far more difficult and far more costly. Since this growth begins in the spaces between the interlock bricks, it is largely inaccessible. If some of the roots are left behind when pulling out the weeds, these weeds will simply grow back. Alternative solutions Herbicides are under scrutiny in most municipalities and as a result homeowners have developed many home-made remedies to deal with these weeds. Some examples include pouring bleach, vinegar, or boiling water on the weeds that are growing in between the paving stones. These remedies are unproven and in some cases are highly dangerous if
splashed on your skin or in your eyes. “Fortunately, horticulture scientists have produced a selective herbicide that is both effective at killing weeds, but keeps the environment in mind,” says Reinie Drygala, Lawncare Products Manager for Clear Choice, a leading name in innovative garden products. “Our researchers from leading universities have tested, proven and produced a breakthrough in weed control technology.” When shopping for herbicides, compare the label on a Clear Choice bottle to competitive products using the same active ingredients. The Clear Choice formulation contains up to 85 percent less active ingredients. Utilizing microtechnology, the Clear Choice formula contains extremely small particle droplets so that the formulation can easily penetrate into the weed. The result is that the active ingredients are used more efficiently. “This breakthrough in technology reduces the amount of active ingredient required to kill the majority of broadleaf weeds,” Drygala explained. “It is effective on at least 60 varieties, including dandelions, clover and plantain while being friendly to your lawn.”
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Tips to Spring Clean Your Deck and Patio
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t’s the time of year when sprucing up your deck and patio becomes a top weekend priority. Whether you use the space for entertaining or for solitude, you’ll want it clean, comfortable and safe this spring.
Take time to dust off your outdoor furniture and wipe down cushions that have been in storage all winter. Inspect flower pots, bird feeders and other outdoor d’cor to ensure they withstood the cooler months. Replace anything that is damaged. Before setting furniture and d’cor back, give the surface below a good clean. Whether you’re dealing with cement, brick or wood, the quickest and most thorough way to deep clean and restore surfaces to a like-new condition is with a pressure washer. Knowing how to use one properly is important for a quality job and for your safety. Usage Tips • Different surfaces require different cleaning techniques. Ensure you’re fol-
lowing the instructions for the surface you’re cleaning.
• Always read and follow the operator’s manual and all operating instructions. • High-pressure spray can cut through skin, so never spray people or animals. Wear closed-toed shoes and goggles while pressure washing. • Assume a solid stance and firmly grasp the spray gun with both hands to avoid injury if the gun kicks back before squeezing the spray gun trigger. • Never spray near power lines, service feeds, electrical meters, wiring and windows. • Check the engine oil level each time you use a pressure washer. When changing or adding oil, don’t overfill the engine crankcase. Doing so can cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling and oil saturation of the air filter. Buying Tips Buying a pressure washer for the first time or replacing an old one?¬† Here are some guidelines: • Pressure washers are categorized in groups based upon frequency of use
and the types of products and surfaces they are best suited for cleaning. Selecting the right pressure washer for your needs depends on what you’re going to clean, how often you plan to do so, and how much time you want to spend. Ask yourself these questions before making a purchase.
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Look for a versatile pressure washer that can be used for a variety of tasks. For example, the new Briggs & Stratton POWERflow+ pressure washer has both a high pressure and a high flow mode for different spring cleaning chores. Deep clean your patio and driveway in high pressure mode or clean more delicate surfaces and rinse away debris in high flow mode. Consider going green with a model having reduced environmental impact. If you have an older pressure washer, a newer model could offer lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. Learn more about pressure washers before making an investment. For a buying guide and instructional videos, visit www.BriggsAndStratton.com.
With a deep clean, you can restore and refresh your home’s outdoor spaces and make them a friendly place to relax and have fun. (StatePoint)
903-844-4649 903-374-5554 903-845-3812
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2179 N. Main (Hwy 271 North) 903-331-7691
Janet Woods
Paula Smith
Cindy Wood • Owner
1404 W. Up���� • Gla��wa��� �X 75647 • T�e�. - F�� . 9-5:30 • Sa�. 9-12 • W��� �n� W�lc���
GLADEWATER MIRROR • MARCH 2014
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Harvesting a Healthier Garden S
pring is here at last! Most of us can’t wait to shake off the winter blues, to get out into the sunshine, walk the dog, play catch with the kids or just take a stroll in the park. For homeowners, it’s the first chance to work on the yard, restore a lush lawn and, for an increasing number of gardening aficionados, create a home vegetable garden. Inner city urbanites, even those with a postage stamp size yard, have been swept up by the ‘grow your own’ movement.
Victory Gardens, first introduced by Eleanor Roosevelt during the Great War, were the original community raised gardens. People were encouraged to grow their own veggies in support of the war effort. Today, raised garden beds have replaced them as the eco-friendly solution for eating healthier without adding to the carbon footprint caused by trucking produce from the grower to the store. Thanks to the Frame It All(TM) raised bed gardening system, it’s nearly effortless to assemble a raised garden bed and easy to maintain with minimal weeding and
back-breaking bending to water and maintain it -- a boon for seniors! Gone are the tattered, rotting wood frames or hulking ugly railroad ties that can overpower the aesthetics of even the most beautiful yard. Manufactured with 40 percent wood fiber and 60 percent recycled post-consumer plastic, the Frame It All(TM) rigid, ‘green’ composite timbers are attractive with a wood grain finish that is UV protected. The raised garden bed timbers will never rot, splinter, warp nor become infested and are recyclable. The patented heavy duty, corner joints and brackets make it simple to increase the size and height dimensions at any time. It’s like ‘Lego’ for gardeners!! “I have a small back yard which is used by my entire family and dog,” says Nicole from Spring, Texas. “So I like having an area set apart from the rest of the yard in which I can garden. This system is so easy to put together, and it looks great! I’m not a very good construction person, but I found the assembly instructions were easy to follow, and all I needed was a screwdriver and a mallet.” Home vegetable growers control the quality of the soil, nutrients and other additives so veggies and fruits grown in a raised gar-
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den bed taste better, are healthier and cost much less than those from bought at the local market. Of course, the icing on the cake is the self-satisfaction and joy of serving up delicious tomatoes and veggies picked fresh from the garden. * Think vertically. Adding the Veggie Wall trellis from Frame It All(TM) to a raised bed vegetable garden greatly increases the amount of vertical growing space and provides the needed support for cultivating squash, beans, tomatoes and other vines. As well as giving a viable option for those without a lot of space, a vertical growing system also pays numerous dividends to the garden itself. Plants on the vine enjoy greater air circulation and so are healthier and not as susceptible to disease. “I just put mine together with my 13 year old son, and it was a breeze,” says Paula from Valley Forge, PA. “We had lots of rain last night, so
Gift Shop
it was very easy to get the corners into the soil. We filled it with compost, chopped leaves, manure, and top soil. I think this is a great raised bed frame. We plan to plant onions and garlic in this one, and will be putting more of these in the veggie garden within the next few weeks.” * Add compost and mulch to the garden. If weeds are a gardener’s worst enemy, compost and mulch might just be a gardener’s best friend. Compost adds any number of microorganisms to the soil, strengthening a plant’s roots and enabling it to pick up more nutrients in the process.
100 S. MAIN STREET 903-845-9999
Stephan Baby & Mary Meyers Products
Wilderness Dreams • Lazy One • Carsten Apparel • Mix & Match Bathing suits (Camo) • New Selections Daily
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MARCH 2014 • GLADEWATER MIRROR
GLADEWATER MIRROR • MARCH 2014
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Make the Most of Watering
S
ummer weather can be harsh on a lawn. Even the most lawnconscious homeowner can be helpless against a summer heat wave.
One of the most effective ways to help a lawn combat summer heat is to water the lawn as effectively as possible. This is especially true for homeowners who live in areas that frequently fall victim to drought. Such areas often have drought restrictions that limit how much a homeowner can water his or her property. These restrictions highlight the importance of watering effectively. l Water deeply and infrequently. Light but frequent watering will not promote strong roots. In fact, homeowners who water too frequently can expect the growth of weeds. When watering, water deeply and infrequently. Deep water promotes strong, healthy roots and can significantly reduce the chances of a weed infestation. l Don’t waste water on the pavement. Be sure sprinklers are placed in spots where no water will be overshooting the lawn and landing on the pavement. Adjust
the sprinkler heads so all the available water ends up on the grass where it belongs. l Water early. Evaporation loss is lowest in the early morning, typically between the hours of 5 to 10 a.m. This is a better time to water than at night, when watering could lead to fungal disease. l Water newly seeded or sodded lawns more frequently. Newly seeded or sodded lawns require more watering than established lawns. This is to build strong, healthy roots. However, it’s often not a good idea to sod or seed in the height of summer, so homeowners planning to do so should consult a professional before going forward with any project. l Choose a drought-resistant grass. For those who live in areas that frequently experience drought, a grass that’s drought-resistant could be the best option. Grasses that are drought-resistant include Bermuda grass, tall fescue and Zoysia grass. Homeowners who want to replace their existing grass with a more drought-resistant species should consult a local lawn care professional for advice as to which grass is most likely to thrive in that particular climate or region.
Come join us at this year’s Bricks and Bloom, Saturday, March 22 in Downtown Gladewater
HAND-PAINTED POTS FOR SALE
Gladewater Mirror
Antique Capital of East Texas
Home of the Round-Up Rodeo
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MARCH 2014 • GLADEWATER MIRROR
The Gladewater Mirror’s
Bricks
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Bloom March 22
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Downtown Gladewater
Flowers Gardening Items Expert Advice Spring Decorations
Booth Space - $50 Call 903-845-2235 for more information