BULLETIN BOARD

Worry-free Foliage Drought tips and tricks

It has been a very hot summer. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures are rising, and there is an increased chance of drought for nearly every part of the state, particularly Georgia. Drought can cause wilting leaves, a sparse tree canopy and scorched foliage that can leave plants susceptible to pests. Help your landscape beat the drought with these tips from Atlanta arborist Kyle Mack of Arborguard Tree Specialists.

1. Water appropriately. Irrigate in the morning once or twice a week by running a sprinkler or install a drip hose beneath the tree. Avoid watering the trunk (this can cause root rot disease). Instead, focus on the area directly beneath the foliage known as the “drip zone.” To know when you’ve watered enough, place a large soup can near your sprinkler and water until 2 inches of water have collected in the can.

2. Fertilize. This enhances root development and promotes the production of essential components that supply energy necessary for growth.

3. Add mulch. Spread 2 to 4 inches around trees to reduce moisture loss. Beware of “volcano mulching,” in which mulch is mounded directly against the tree’s trunk. Mulch should be pulled back 6 inches from the trunk of the tree.

4. Prune trees and shrubs.

Pruning improves your tree’s structure and limb stability. Removing dead, weakened and dying branches helps deter bark beetles and other wood-boring insects, and enables tree roots to sustain the rest of the tree more efficiently.

5. Plant drought-resistant

trees. Trees such as live oak, chestnut oak, sawtooth oak and bur oak thrive in the Atlanta area. Large canopies provide much-needed shade in the summer, lowering your yard’s temperature (and even your home cooling bill!), plus you won’t have to sweat about their health during the hot summer days. n

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Bring flowers indoors with a candle from In the Garden by Atlanta-based Kevin Francis Design. The collection is inspired by classic Southern gardens and iconic native plants, from boxwood and hydrangea to gardenia. The latter evokes a fragrant flowery perfume with undertones of musk and ylang-ylang. The 9-ounce soy wax candle is available for $38 at kevinfrancisdesign.com.

Arborist Kyle Mack shares his drought data.

arborguard.com

DESIGN & REALTY NEWS

The Dillon, a new condo project in Buckhead, recently reported $62 million in sales reservations. Much of the surge came after launching its temporary sales center in April. Florida-based real estate firm Kolter Urban broke ground this summer on the 18-story project, located steps from the Peachtree Battle Promenade. Completion is slated for 2024. The project features two floors of amenities, including a resort-style pool, yoga space, a resident-only speakeasy, movie theater lounge and game simulator room. Residences start from the $800,000s, and penthouses are from $2 million. thedillonbuckhead.com. n Discover ADAC is back to showcase the ongoing renaissance in interior design. The three days of programming, Sept. 20-22, includes keynote presentations, grand opening events for ADAC showroom additions, salon-style talks with industry icons, book signings, parties and more. Sit in on a conversation between VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley and Maison Pierre Frey Artistic Director Patrick Frey, get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a showhouse with Flower Magazine's Founder and Editor-in-Chief Margot Shaw or learn about the psychology of color and its emotional impact during this free event. Register at adacatlanta.com/ discover-adac.

n Miami Circle's Bill Lowe Gallery has partnered with the estate of Todd Murphy to showcase a never-before-seen exhibition of the late artist's work. The series, titled Wink, challenges the relationship of black identity and labor in the South through the history of African American jockeys and horse racing. The gallery will publish a full-color catalog chronicling the six years Murphy dedicated to the series up to 2019. The exhibit will be on display Oct. 6-Nov. 4. lowegallery.com