I want to do something interesting
veggievicki
11 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (27)
Mark
11 years agoveggievicki
11 years agoRelated Discussions
I Need/Want To Do Something NOW to Increase Grass/Decrease Weeds
Comments (7)If your going to use a herbiced I would spot spray only. (read the label carefully) Proper management practices that encourage a dense, thriving turf are the best method of weed control. Healthy turf shades the soil so sunlight can't reach weed seeds ready to germinate. A thick turf also minimizes the physical space available for weeds to become established. There are several management practices that will promote a healthy, dense grass. If turf is over-or under-watered, over-or under-fertilized, or mowed too low or too infrequently, the turf is weakened and cannot compete with weeds. Damaged areas resulting from using unsharpened mowers increase time needed for turf recovery, allowing for weed invasion. It is very important to understand that weeds don't create a void, they fill a void. Mulch Mow High 4+" with a sharp, balanced blade Water deeply and infrequently with 3/4-1" water. (no more than once a week in summer) What variety of grass do you have? When was the last time you fertilized?...See MoreI need shrub suggestions for privacy but I want interesting!
Comments (12)'Can anyone suggest any ways to revitalize/prune/fertilize the shrub (privet) that is already there?' The link below is a good general pruning guide from Purdue Univ. Cooperative Extension. They mention privet as a shrub to prune after flowering, but I'd ignore that since you are doing more severe rejuvenation pruning, and losing the flowers for a year is the least of your worries. another one from Iowa State Extension: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1958.pdf And here's a link to both a video and a written description on how to rejuvenate an old privet hedge from 'This Old House.' He mentions adding a shrub fertilizer, but if your town has a waste recycling program that allows you to get compost for minimal cost, I'd go get a bunch of that and top dress right under the hedge (and where you want to plant other stuff) now so that it can start improving your soil. I googled privet rejuvenation pruning, and these were only a few of the links if you want more . . . Google is a wonderful resource if you know the terms you need ;>) If you decide to go for the rejuvenation pruning, you will most likely have a shorter time to get coverage back since the shrubs already have an established root system, while if you totally replant, it will probably be at least three years. If you decide to remove the privet and replant, be sure to either dig in compost or do a lasagna layering to improve the soil, which will really help determine the success of your planting. Those current shrubs have been there quite a while, and if the soil was neglected as the hedge was, it's probably seriously lacking in organic matter which is really the key to productive soils. To get rid of the oaks and other tree saplings in the hedge, cut each to ground level during the growing season, and paint the freshly cut stump with a brush killer, being careful not to get any on the plants you want. Round-up has a short half-life if you want something with low toxicity (compared to other brush killers) but may allow some resprouting and so will need to be repeated. Alternatively, cut all the roots below ground level by removing dirt with a trowel and taking a pruner to each root. A final thought . . . it's easiest to look at your conditions and plant accordingly. So, if you want the hedge on the south side of your yard for privacy, you'll have shade over there, so start researching shade perennials by doing a search for threads with that topic over in the perennials forum (go down to the bottom of the forum) or google the topic. For your veggies, can you plant on the side of the yard farthest from the hedge to get the most sun or can you plant your tomatoes in the front yard in decorative obelisks instead of tomato cages if that will give them more sun? Have fun, and let us know what you've decided and add some new photos as work progresses. Here is a link that might be useful: Purdue Cooperative Extension Pruning guide...See MoreWANTED: Looking for something Interesting
Comments (3)Signet, Thanks for the advice! To be more specific, I guess I can share my wishlist: 1) Tulips, specifically Dark purple tulips (they take my breath away) 2) Any columbine flowers 3) Hosta, any (the magical plant, my mother gave me half of her plant, I split it in three, and they exploded) 4) snapdragon 5) iris (any) To be more specifc, I live in Ottawa (zone 5) and am looking for flowers. I pictured something with single blooms that would stick out amongst the mass of green I have in the backyard. I will admit that I want something that will have a "wow" factor. My mother has a natural green thumb, and I want her to come by and say "Wow, I never would've thought". An annual or perennial. Thank you for your reply! Myasoul...See Moresomething interesting I noticed
Comments (20)One of the things I learned when I planted my first palm seeds over a year ago was that they root deep. There's no reason to guess why a plant that is often found growing in arid regions would do this. Water. Nutrients probably figure in as well, since ground percolation of minerals would tend to cary nutrients deeper down. As for the temperature of 50 degrees. That's positively canterwalling wonderful. This is how many plants survive severe freezes and periods of cold. By the warmth that remains constant for their root bases. I'd say that the realization you've just come to affirms a healthy growing environment for your palms....See Moremyfamilysfarm
11 years agobrookw_gw
11 years agogama_garden_tx
11 years agoMark
11 years ago2fennelshirts
11 years agoveggievicki
11 years agolittle_minnie
11 years agoveggievicki
11 years agolittle_minnie
11 years agomyfamilysfarm
11 years agolittle_minnie
11 years agomyfamilysfarm
11 years ago2ajsmama
11 years agolittle_minnie
11 years agoveggievicki
11 years agomyfamilysfarm
11 years agokatydid85
11 years agoryseryse_2004
11 years agoveggievicki
11 years agolittle_minnie
11 years agoveggievicki
11 years agolittle_minnie
11 years agoveggievicki
11 years agolittle_minnie
11 years ago
Related Stories
MODERN ARCHITECTUREHouzz Tour: Arizona's Dialogue House Has Something New to Say
Get in on the conversation about this minimalist masterpiece in the Phoenix desert, remodeled by its original award-winning architect
Full StoryORGANIZINGSomething Wicker This Way Comes
Store your stuff neatly and easily in any room with stylish, versatile baskets
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNNew This Week: 3 Modern Kitchens With Something Special
Looking to make your kitchen feel unique? Look to these spaces for inspiration for tile, style and more
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESRoom Doctor: 10 Things to Try When Your Room Needs a Little Something
Get a fresh perspective with these tips for improving your room’s design and decor
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESRoom of the Day: Something for Everyone in a Seattle Family Room
Family members downsize to a home that will shorten their commutes and give them more time together — much of it spent in this room
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: An Art-Filled Austin Home Has Something to Add
Can a 90-square-foot bump-out really make that much difference in livability? The family in this expanded Texas home says absolutely
Full StoryARCHITECTUREThat's Interesting! 6 Designs That Defy Labels
Get inspired by the lines and textures of these homes, categorized only by the fact that they have no category
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESSparking Interest with Nonworking Fireplaces
It might not keep your toes toasty, but a nonworking fireplace can still set your living room, den or study aglow
Full StoryLIGHTINGMix Your Lamp Styles for Major Interest
Unpair those light fixtures for unrivaled personality and appeal. Here’s how to do it right
Full StoryARCHITECTUREModern Roof Features for Light, Rhythm and Interest
Discover the benefits of skylights and other high-up elements beyond the obvious
Full StorySponsored
jrslick (North Central Kansas, Zone 5B)