GARDENING TIPS

Clogged Water Emitters
Spring: Having problems with plugged or clogged water emitters because of hard water? Don't throw them out, instead, soak them in vinegar which will dissolve the calcium deposits and provide you with many years of use.

Ants
Spring: Don't head for the sprayer in the spring when you see your peony buds covered with ants. This is a very amicable relationship for both plant and insect. Ants are attracted to the nectar which forms around the edges of the bud. The ants in exchange provide protection for the peonies from any bud-nibbling pests.

Reuse Sod
Spring: Whenever you remove any sod for new beds, don't throw it away, instead, use it to repair any thin, worn or unhealthy looking areas on your lawn. Just remove the turf, aerate and improve the soil and then press the new sod into place and follow up with water until established. The "plus" to doing this is that the sod removed matches the rest of your lawn creating a perfect match.

Plant Grasses
Spring: Grasses are a wonderful addition to the garden in the way of texture, maintenance and visual display. Plant the grasses in spring in full sun and mulch after planting and add water at least once a week to establish the new plants. Fertilizer is rarely ever needed. Cut back old stalks and foliage in early spring/late winter to make room for the new growth emerging. In return, they will provide low maintenance and a plant display well into late fall/early winter.

Winter Garden
October: The winter garden has often become an overlooked season of magical beauty. Once autumn has come, don't be in a rushed to put the garden to bed too early. It's still important to clear away all dead and dying leaves, as well as, messy and self-seeding plants. Plants that are left standing will eventually gather frost and snow, which lends a sculptural beauty to the garden. Some great choices to leave behind are the yarrows, hydrangeas, echinops, poppies and especially the ornamental grasses. Another extra bonus is the seed heads of coneflowers, and others, which birds come to feed on.

Island Beds
Anytime: Creating island beds can be especially challenging since they are viewed from all sides at all times of the year. When planning for this type of bed, keep in mind the winter months for visual interest. This can be accomplished by remembering to use some larger rocks for sculptural interest, stepping stones for pattern, evergreens for year round color and some garden ornaments, (i.e. birdbaths, feeders, etc.), for architectural impact.