13 minute read
TopTipstoMowLikeaPro
TOP TIPS TO MOW LIKE A PRO
Courtesy of StatePoint
If you’re a homeowner who already has a nice lawn but you are looking to take its appearance to the next level, striping is a quick and easy way to do it, according to experts.
“All we’re doing with our equipment is we’re making our grass lay down in two different directions so that it looks nice and intentional,” says Brian Latimer, a landscaping expert and 2020 Exmark partner. “It’s simple to do, but gives the lawn a nice, professional, crisp look,”
Latimer, who also happens to be a professional bass angler on the FLW tour, shared his lawn striping secrets in a recent episode of “Done-in-a-Weekend Projects,” an Exmark Original Series. In the episode, Latimer notes that while having a striping kit can help you achieve the right look, it isn’t necessary, and you can stripe your lawn whether you are working with a 21-inch walkbehind mower or a 60-inch riding mower. Another thing to consider, according to Latimer, is the type of grass you plant. Typically, the wider blade grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue stripe better and are generally easier to mow. Whereas some of the grasses that you mow a lot closer, like centipede grass and Bermuda grass, are tougher to mow and don’t show their stripes quite as well. He suggests that for these grasses, it is best to use a striping kit.
Whatever type of mowing equipment or grass you have, you can achieve more visually defined lawn stripes by making multiple passes.
To learn more, check out “Mow Like a Pro,” in which Latimer walks show host and landscape designer, Doug Scott through the finer points of lawn striping by visiting Exmark.com/Backyard. Exmark’s Backyard Life is part of a unique multimedia destination that has a focus on helping homeowners make the
most of their backyard. While visiting the site, you can also access other Exmark Original Series, including “Prime Cuts,” “Done-In-A-Weekend Extreme Projects” and “Dream Yards.”
With the right strategy, you can mow with greater confidence to achieve a lawn that looks professionally landscaped
For a Showcase Lawn BILLY’S TIPS
Now that warmer weather has arrived in the Poconos, you’re likely spending a lot
more time in your backyard. If you don’t
love your lawn just yet, don’t worry, I’m
here to help. Whether you’re planting a new
lawn or just reseeding, here are some helpful
tips to help your lawn look lush.
While a lawn can be reseeded at any time, it’s best to do so once
ground temperatures are warm. This will allow the grass seed
to germinate more quickly. Germination times vary depending
on the type of seed you choose. For example, perennial
ryegrass germinates within just 5 to 10 days, while fescue takes
approximately 10 to 14 days. Bluegrass, on the other hand, takes
even longer to germinate which is why a mixture of grass seed is
often preferable when using bluegrass.
When reseeding a lawn, first prep the area by raking the existing soil
or applying a layer of fresh topsoil. Fertilizer and lime can also be
beneficial depending on your soil’s pH. Once you’ve spread your grass
seed, lightly rake, roll, or tamp the seed into the soil. Then, cover the
newly seeded area with straw or a paper mulch to help ensure that your
new grass seed stays in place. The amount and frequency of which
you will need to water your grass seed will depend on the weather and
precipitation levels. It is best to water new grass seed in the morning
when possible. Whether using a sprinkler or manually watering your
seed, once the water begins to puddle, move to the next area and repeat.
If you have existing grass to mow, avoid the area that you’ve reseeded
to start. If you used straw during the seeding process, resist the urge to
rake it when you see grass begin to grow. Otherwise, you risk tearing out
your new grass. When the area is finally read to be mowed, it’s best to
mow right over the straw and mulch it into your grass. After four to five
rounds of mowing, you won’t even notice the straw! Once your grass
is fully grown, you may notice that you need to reseed areas where too
much straw was laid down. Simply follow the above steps again for
any existing bare areas. That’s it - your lawn will be looking beautiful
before you know it!
Edited by: Jamie Bowman
JUNE/JULY 2020 POCONO LIVING MAGAZINE© 49
Canfield’s Pet & Farm 315 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-1821
TOILET PAPER AND MATH — THE NEW CHALLENGES FOR 2020
By Roseanne Bottone
“B e careful with the toilet paper! Don’t use too much!” Knock, knock: “Excuse me. Just a reminder to conserve!” My family had their very own butt-wiping hall monitor. We were coming down to the last squares. We had no paper towels left either. No store in the entire Poconos area had TP on their shelves. The online stores were “out of stock.” I was in a panic. Then just in the nick of time, the delivery trucks rolled up to my door. My brother and a childhood friend shipped me emergency replenishments from Vermont and Rhode Island. They were the best, most thoughtful, most incredibly awesome gifts I’ve ever received in my whole entire life! Lest you think that poorly written sentence is full of hyperbole, I assure you, it isn’t. Those packages were the salvation of my sanity and prevented my family’s misery.
Since the area schools have closed, and students have transitioned to online studies, I am my granddaughter’s designated math tutor. Even though I took advanced calculus at an Ivy League University, we haven’t managed to get 100% on any of her math tests yet. She’s in 7th grade. Please don’t mention this to anyone; it’s terribly embarrassing for me. On more than one occasion I exclaimed in frustration, “What the f*#k are they asking for here?” She’s quickly gotten used to my colorful language. After online searches, a perusal through our
book Math Doesn’t Suck by Danica McKellar (despite the clever title, yes, sometimes it does!) and watching YouTube videos, we’d figure it out and then I’d say, “this is so STUPID! What’s the purpose of doing it like this?” Did you know that when you multiply or divide both sides of an algebraic inequality by a negative number, you’re supposed to reverse the direction of the symbol? I’m old; I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, and I’m supposed to remember THAT? Who could have predicted one of my goals in 2020 would be to collaborate with a middle schooler to achieve a perfect score on a 10-question algebra test? (LOL, as the kids say.) It’s gonna happen! Any day now. Right after I convince her it’s OK to carry the 1. This despite her protestations, “But that’s not how they taught us in school.” Just trust me kid, I don’t have all day.
We’ve all reacted to quarantine differently. Some of you have escaped for solitary hikes to enjoy our beautiful natural environment. You’ve planted vegetables. Tended flower gardens. Spruced up the landscaping. Not me. I have a perfectly organized Tupperware cabinet. And coat closet. And bookshelf. And bathroom vanities. After 20 years of being a road warrior flying off to somewhere for my job, I am thrilled to be home, inside, taking care of my perpetual to-do list. When one thing is accomplished, a new item appears. It’s like magic. I’m attempting “minimalism” quite unsuccessfully. I swear “stuff” is like those Gremlins you’re not supposed to feed after midnight – it’s menacing, overwhelming and it procreates in the basement when you’re not paying attention. My clothes closet was full of things that didn’t fit me. I can’t believe all those blouses, skirts and pants shrunk just hanging
Open for takeout only ursday-Sunday • 4pm-7pm
(570) 620-1880 • cookscornerrestaurant.com 3150 Rt. 715, Henryville, PA 18332
The
AGENCY Because the world keeps turning
Insurance since 1942
Serving the Poconos for over 70 years
CHOOSE DREHER BECAUSE WE CARE! BUSINESS & PERSONAL INSURANCE
Theodore G. Butz, CPCU
GARY’S MEAT MARKET
Good, Old Fashioned Quality Meats Fresh Cut Daily Famous for Our Homemade Ring Bologna & Kielbasi. Fully Stocked Deli with Everyday Reasonable Prices!!
THE POTTING SHED
Let us create something beautiful for you
EXQUISITE FLORAL • GIFTS • HOME DECOR
(570)424-1174 931 Ann Street • Stroudsburg, PA 18360
hotel M inisin K
StrunkC. TreeService
570 - 350 - 3966 Tree Removal - Tree Trimming- Stump Grinding Cabling- Bucket Truck Service - Landscaping 24/7 Emergency Service - Fully Insured
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Photos courtesy of Pixabay
there. When social distancing is over, be sure to visit our local thrift stores and charity shops for a veritable bonanza. They will be bursting from the seams (like my pants).
As of March, alcohol consumption in the US has increased by 55% from the previous year. (That’s not a typo. Fifty five percent! Yikes). As she opens a wine bottle at 10 am, mommy says, “OK, kids, let’s learn about fractions. This glass is ¼ full, this glass is ½ full, this one is ¾ full, and this one is a whole glass. Later this evening, I’ll demonstrate thirds.” What will happen 20 years from now when today’s youth will be running our country – the same kids who were homeschooled by stressed out, heavy drinkers in their pajamas?
We used to worry about the “freshman 15.” Now plenty of folks are worried about the “COVID 50.” Remember when we used to say we didn’t have time to exercise? Hmmm. (Except for those of you who are working from home with young children) it’s not really a lack of time, is it? Guilty as charged here. I need outside motivation because I don’t have the “self” type. I’ve enlisted my granddaughter as my exercise buddy. She owes me. We’re starting a walking program, then we’ll jog, and by late fall, we’ll be ready to run a 5K. (You can’t rush into these things.) I bribed her with money for school clothes if she beats me. (She will.) I even promised to tell her where I stash the toilet paper! She said, “I hope you’re a better running coach than you are with math and finding hiding places.”
Rosie is an awardwinning fiction novelist; magazine and newspaper columnist; newsletter, white paper and “people” features writer. She is sought out nationally by students and business owners from small businesses through Fortune 100 companies to teach regulatory compliance workshops. She’s an accomplished educator and specialist in the areas of environmental and transportation safety regulations. She holds an MBA in International Business and Finance from C.W. Post University and a BS in Education from Cornell University. She’s proud of her 2 ½ years of service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay and is bilingual in Spanish. Rosie has traveled to 45 of the United States and loves the food, art, music and culture of Italy, Spain and France. In addition to enjoying travel, she’s and avid reader and slow swimmer. Her life is filled with love as a mom and grandmother of humans and a dog.
Gary A. Raish, Supervisor
Cupcake Shop & Nostalgic Candy Exciting “How-to”
Culinary Classes
www.Kitchen-Chemistry.com
Shawnee General Store Since 1859
In the heart of Shawnee on the Delaware!
(570) 421-0956 542 River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA
SHAWNEE ON THE DELAWARE, PA
• Pippin June 12, 2020 - July 5, 2020
• Frozen Jr. June 26, 2020 - July 11, 2020
• Breaking Legs Presented by TonyLou Productions
July 10, 2020 - July 12, 2020
• hello dolly! July 17, 2020 - August 9, 2020
• Musicals & More Cabaret July 17, 2020
• Alice in Wonderland JR. July 24, 2020 - August 8, 2020
(570) 421-5093 www.theshawneeplayhouse.com
You May Also Enjoy Pocono Family Magazine
Available at Local Businesses & by Subscription Pocono Magazines, LLC 1929 North Fifth Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-424-1000 • pmags@ptd.net
Next Issue of Pocono Living Magazine
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 The Pocono Mountains' Magazine Complimentary Pocono Living MAGAZINE
Barrett Paradise Friendly Library
Cresco, PA 570-595-7171 www.barrettlibrary.org
Clymer Library
Pocono Pines, PA 570-646-0826 www.clymerlibrary.org
Pocono Mountain Public Library
Tobyhanna, PA 570-894-8860 www.poconomountpl.org
Western Pocono Community Library
Brodheadsville, PA 570-992-7934 www.wpcl.lib.pa.us
Eastern Monroe Public Library Branches Hughes Library
(main branch) Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-0800 www.monroepl.org
Pocono Township Branch
Tannersville, PA 570-629-5858
Smithfield Branch
Marshalls Creek, PA 570-223-1881
Bookmobile
570-421-0880 x49
AT-HOME PARTNERS
Access quality care from the leader in digital health – without ever leaving home. Whether you’re due for a routine primary care visit, need to speak with a specialist or an unexpected health care need arises, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has virtual care options for you and your family.
The best part? You’ll always be seen by an LVHN provider who is working
with your medical records at their fingertips. We’ve been a leader in health care innovation for more than 100 years and today is no different.
Don’t put your health on hold. Learn more about your virtual care options at LVHN.org/virtual. Same day appointments guaranteed.
