Lakemont Living Official Newsletter for the Residents of Lakemont
Volume 3, Issue 4
Lakemont Living SPRING IS HERE! GET READY TO GARDEN…
Spring is here and it’s time to get out of the house and into the yard! Spring is the best time to start a new lawn from seed. For established lawns, you should start mowing in the spring, but don’t initially cut the grass very short for the first few times. It’s also a great time to add new plants to your garden. Be sure, however, that all threat of frost has past. Plant such things as trees, shrubs, hardy annuals, and summer blooming bulbs. Spring is a good time to prepare your tools for the oncoming gardening season and to make any necessary repairs or new purchases. You will be happy you have done so when summer sets in. Of course, whether you start these chores in early, mid, or late spring depends on the climate where you live. I hope these tips will give you a good idea as to where to focus your attention in your garden this spring. Enjoy! GET YOUR LAWN READY! Our annual “Yard of the Month” is coming soon! Get out those mowers and weed eaters and let’s get those yards looking beautiful! We will be selecting the May yard of the month in mid to late April. Signs will go in yards the first week of May. We will select one yard per section. Will it be yours? SEEKING BLOCK CAPTAINS Would you like to become a part of the Neighborhood Watch program as a Block Captain? We welcome residents interested in serving. If you or someone you know is interested, please send your contact information to our Neighborhood Watch Committee at LakemontWatch@yahoo.com for more information. If you are a current Block Captain and have not been receiving monthly updates from our Neighborhood Watch Program please contact us. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ALERT! Please remember to lock your car doors and do not leave valuables in your car. Also, remind your children to never talk to strangers and report any suspicious activity or vehicles. We can all make a difference in the safety of our community by keeping watch. Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
April 2012
GROW YOUR OWN HERB GARDEN
and get the kids involved!
Would you like the convenience of having fresh herbs at your fingertips while prepping, marinating or cooking delicious meals? Follow these easy steps to create your very own windowsill herb garden. TOOLS AND MATERIALS • containers • fertilizer • potting soil or soilless seed- • herb seeds and/or plants starting mix CHOOSE YOUR HERBS Good choices include basil, cilantro, dill, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme. You can start herbs from seed or purchase small plants. Annual herbs are especially easy to start from seed; most perennial herbs take longer to germinate and grow so it’s easier to start with plants. SELECTING CONTAINERS Use individual pots for each plant so you can give each herb the specific care it needs. Be sure containers have drainage holes and waterproof saucers. POTTING MIXTURE If starting seeds, use a seed-starting mix or potting soil, or a 50:50 combination of the two. Avoid using garden soil, which tends to be heavy and may contain disease organisms. Don’t skimp on the potting soil or use the least expensive brand. Herbs do best in moist, yet well-drained, soil mixes. Never use soil from the outdoor garden as this is too heavy and doesn’t drain well. If the soil is too dry when removed from the package,
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