Sounds to Relax By…

outdoor living , fountains

Fountains are not just for looks anymore. Most customers actually ask me about the sound of the fountain more than the style. But don’t get me wrong, you want an esthetically pleasing fountain, one which works with your garden, outdoor living space and theme of your home.

A fountain can add a finishing touch to any garden or outdoor living space. There are so many styles and finishes to choose from such as the subtle, calming finishes to the “Hey! Look at me!” colors. Manufacturers have also become more creative in the designs of their fountains. For example, at nightfall brilliant LED lights add a whole new dynamic to large and small fountains alike. Even the new and innovative ways to channel the water through the fountain creates a sensation for both the eyes and ears to enjoy.

Owning a fountain is even easier than it used to be. General maintenance and winterizing are simplified, and now new extra gadgets are available like a remote control to turn your fountain off and on. No more looking for the outlet at 10:00 PM in case you don’t want your fountain running all night!

Now that your plants are blooming and things are lush, think about adding a fountain to your landscape or patio area for a “sounds to relax by” sanctuary!

--Kris

 

Seven Tips to Jumpstart Your Lawn for 2010

gardening tips , techniques , gardening , outdoor living

October is here and it is not too late to work on your lawn! Fall is an excellent time to renovate the lawn and get a jump-start on a beautiful spring yard.

1. Aeration is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. Aerating in the fall will loosen soil, aid in root development, and control thatch. If you’re interested in aeration, contact the Lawn Maintenance unit at Hoerr Nursery (309) 691-4561.

2. Plant new seed to introduce a better quality grass to your lawn. Fall is a great time to lay down new seed, but be sure you get it planted by October 15th!

3. To start the new grass off right, apply a starter fertilizer like Fertilome's New Lawn Starter. To ensure establishment, you must make sure the seed comes in contact with the soil. Apply “topdressing” (a thin layer of soil) over your new seed to make sure it gets the necessary contact. Great quality grass seed for shady or sunny areas can be found at Hoerr Nursery.

4. Bring a soil sample into Hoerr Nursery for a pH test. If the test indicates a need for lime or sulfur to change the soil's pH, fall is a great time to apply. It will be worked into the soil by rain and the freezing and thawing of winter.

5. Get a jump on weed control by applying a liquid spray like Weed Be Gone or a "weed and feed" granular fertilizer like Fertilome's Weed Out.

6. You can continue mowing your lawn until the grass stops growing. Whenever your daily average minimum temperature (normal low) drops below the freezing point, the grass won't be growing appreciably and you can go ahead and do the final mow. You definitely want to get it done before the winter snows start falling!

7. Apply a Winterizing fertilizer to the yard any time between Halloween and Thanksgiving. It will provide a greener, thicker lawn in fall, quicker green up next spring, and increased root development to handle winter stress.

Love your lawn this fall and it will love you back in 2010!

Ella