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Landscaping ideas to add value and
beauty to your surroundings. Tips on the right
plants to make it happen.
A well-designed landscape can improve your
property value. Landscaping can add seven
to 14 percent to a homes value. But you want
the right landscaping avoid climbing ivy,
it attracts pests.
Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs
as much as 25 percent by shading the windows
and walls of your home. Plant trees and shrubs
on the east and west sides of the house.
A few gardening tips:
Annuals die at the end of the growing season
and must be replaced the next year. Perennials
die at the end of the season too, but re-emerge
year after year.
Planting seeds
is more cost-effective than starting with
plants, but not all varieties are hardy enough
to survive.
Early bedding plants can be planted
while its still cool. Plants
such as pansies, snapdragons, dianthus
(pinks), alyssum and dusty miller are tolerant
of the chilly spring.
Hold off planting new perennials, warm-season
annuals and anything that does not tolerated
frost until the danger of frost is past.
Before you go shopping for plants, consider
what kinds of plants you would like to plant.
Are you looking for flowers, vegetables, herbs
or greenery?
Be realistic about your budget. You may
not be able to afford it all this month or
even this season.
Before picking out plants, decide where
you want to plant them. Is the area sunny
or shaded, or both?
If youre not a big avid gardener, keep
in simple with some pretty flowers. Talk to
your lawn and garden company about what will
grow best.
Read plant labels. They tell you everything
from how far apart to plant, water needs,
and whether its an annual or perennial.
Many culinary herbs are easy to grow from
seed or from plants. Many can be grown on
your back deck or a window box.
Prepare and test your soil.
Mulch
will keep the soil moist and cut down
on weeding.
Choosing a nursery/greenhouse:
A well run plant nursery should
be clean and tidy with orderly, well-stocked
displays.
How well are the plants categorized? Plants
should be categorized into plants for sun
and plants for shade and separated annuals,
perennials, etc.
Plants should be well watered and cared
for, pest and disease-free.
Signs should be easy to read and clearly
identify each plant. Prices should be marked.
There should be an adequate number of sales
people to consult with customers and the sales
people should be well-informed about the plants
they are selling.
Garden Trends:
Concerned and heightened awareness for the
environment
Low maintenance landscapes for busy homeowners
Using colorful foliage plants to spruce
up monochromatic plantings
Plants that attract and feed wildlife
Further tips and advice for finding recommended
contractors turn to Angie's
List.
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