creative ideas magazine spring ed (2008)
TRANSCRIPT
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8/7/2019 Creative Ideas Magazine Spring Ed (2008)
1/134 Signs of the Season 18 Rain Gardens 22 Plant a Tree
S P R I N G 2 0 0 8
creative
TM
SPRING!WELCOME BACK
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Outdoor Living S PR I N G 2 0 0 8
$
10
If youre a gardener,you know that working
the dirt is only part of creating a beautiful
outdoor environment. Hardscapingdecks,
patios, pergolas, and walkwaysprovides a
showcase for your landscaping, with its rich
color and texture. Both elements add up to
comfortable, beautiful outdoor spaces that
work almost like rooms inside your house. We
have recently changed our name to Lowes
Creative Ideas for Outdoor Living to reflect
that relationship. Youll still see nuts-and-bolts
gardening information, but well also include
stories on outdoor decorating and entertaining.
I hope you enjoy everything that this refreshed
newsletter offers to enrich your life outdoors.
Let us hear from you! Fill out a quick survey
at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OLSurvey, and
youll have a chance to receive a $100 Lowes
gift card. Hurry, the survey ends April 11, 2008.
LETS GROW SOMETHING
TOGETHER
MELISSA BIRDSONG
VICE PRESIDENT, TREND, DESIGN & BRAND
LOWES COMPANIES, INC.
owes Creative Ideas for Outdoor Living is published by SPC Custom Publishing, Inc., 2100 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209. Copyright 2008 SPC Custom Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in
ny form or by any means without p rior written permission of the publ isher. Lowes, the gable design, and Creative Ideas for Outdoor Living are registered trademarks of LF, LLC. All rights reserved. Address all correspondence to Lowes
reative Ideas for Outdoor Living, Attn.: Sandy Culver, P.O. Box 523-G, Birmingham, AL 35201. Lowes Creative Ideas for Outdoor Living is staff produced and cannot be held responsible for any unsolicited material. Printed in the U.S.A.
*
Find Your ProductsBy relying on regional and local
growers for quality plants and
products, Lowes is able to provide
you with selections that are best
suited to your climate. The plants
mentioned and shown in this issuemay not always be available at your
local Lowes, but your Lowes Trained
Nursery Specialist will be glad to
help you find comparable selections.
And if your perennials, houseplants,
trees, or shrubs dont survive a year,
just bring the plants and your receipt
in to your local Lowes, and theyll be
replaced at no charge.
Simply bring this magazine into your local Lowes and havethe bar code scanned.
Offer is valid April 130, 2008.Discount applies to a single-receipt purchase of $50 or more
of live nursery items. This offer is only valid for shrubs, trees,
annuals, perennials, houseplants, and patio plants. Coupon is
not redeemable for cash, is nontransferable, and cannot be
used in conjunction with any other coupon or discount. Void
if copied, transferred, or sold through any online auctions.
Limit one coupon per household.
FROM OUR GARDEN
OFFWHENYOU PURCHASE$50 OR MOREOF LOWES LIVENURSERY ITEMS.*
OUR GIFT TO YOU:
P.S. Lowes is teamingup with Learn2Grow, aWeb site that educatesconsumers about topicssuch as planting gardens,fertilizing lawns, dealingwith pests, and buildingraised beds. Registeredusers can participate ingardening forums withexperts and other users,search for plant care andmaintenance informationin the plant database, andtake in-depth gardeningcourses for a fee. VisitLowes.com/Learn2Growto discover more aboutthis resource.
he colorful gerbera daisiesn the cover signify spring.
Wherever you might seehe gerbera daisy in storesr in this newsletter, youllnd tips and products fornjoying the season. Visitowes.com/Spring to
earn more.
LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving
3
Planting: In spring add plantsto planting beds and outdoor pots
when danger of frost is past. Choose
plants with at least one bloom to
make sure you get the hue you want.
To avoid crown rot, place each plant
crownwhere the roots join the top
structureslightly above the soil line.
Soil: Plant in compost-enriched soilwith excellent drainage. In containers,
use a special mix such as Miracle-Gro
Enriched Potting Mix (#93762).
Watering: Gerbera daisies requiremoist soil but are susceptible to crown
rot, so avoid overwatering. Keep soil
consistently moist, but not soaking wet.
Consider using drip irrigation to avoid
splashing water on foliage. Otherwise,
try to water plants early in the day.
Fertilizing: Feed plants consistently,every two to three weeks, with a bloom-
booster fertilizer. Yellow foliage may
signal a lack of fertilizer.
Flowers: Open blossoms measure4 to 5 inches across. During the long
blooming seasonfrom midspring to
midfallflowers lure butterflies, birds,
and bees. Gerbera daisies make good
cut flowers, lasting up to 14 days in a
vase. Use a commercial fresh-flower food
to avoid petal-tip burn from fluoride in
metropolitan water supplies.
Special considerations: Gooddrainage is a must for plants to overwinter.
Mulch with a layer of pine straw or hay
as plants die down. Remove dead foliage
to avoid fungal diseases.
BOTANICAL NAME:
Gerberajamesonii
COLOR:
Bright green,
toothed leaves grow
in a clump; flowers in
shades of white,
red, pink, orange,
and yellow
HARDINESS:
Zones 910
PLANT TYPE:
Reliable perennial in
Zones 910; tender
perennial in
Zone 8; annual in
other zones
SIZE:
618 inches high,
915 inches wide
EXPOSURE:
Full sun in northern
zones; partial shade
in southern regions;
morning sun ideal
in all zones
To find your planting
zone, see If You Live
Here on page 23.
PHO T O GRA PHY BY A D A M BA RNES
This distinctive floweradds eye-catching colorto planting beds andfloral arrangements.
GERBERADAISY
LOWES GARDEN CLUB SELECT
Add a daisy-style bloomer to yourplanting beds and pots this season.
Alternate Selections
common cosmos(Cosmos bipinnatus):
annual; pink, red, or white; 2436 inches
tall, 1824 inches wide
Indian Summer black-eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia hirta Indian Summer):
annual; golden yellow petals, black
center; 68-inch flowers; 3648 inches
tall, 1214 inches wide
melampodium(Melampodiumpaludosum): annual; yellow; 1824
inches tall, 1214 inches wide
Summersong marguerite
(Argyranthemum frutescens Summersong
Series): annual; yellow, rose, white; 1824
inches tall, 1518 inches wide
Gulliver bacopa (Sutera grandifolia
Scopia Gulliver Series): annual;
white, lavender; 25 inches tall, 1017
inches wide
Visit LowesCreative Ideas.com/OutdoorLiving to see photos ofalternate selections.
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SIDEPHOTOKREDIT
GARDENING
WELCOME BACK
Three gardeners tell ushow they know spring hasarrived where they live.
SPRING!Outdoor Living S P R I N G 2 0 0 8 PHOTOG RA PH Y BY CHA S CA MPBELL
howy 'Annabelle'mooth hydrangearies beautifullynd is great forndoor flowerrrangements.
A
The hummingbirds begin to linger.
Connie s Rose Recommendations Feed regularly. Fertilize roses every four to six weeks
during the growing season, beginning in early spring.
Bayer Advanced 2-in-1 Systemic Rose & Flower
Care granules (#67672) feed the flowers while
protecting them from insects.
Toss the peels outside. Connie gives her
rosebushes an extra treat by digging in banana
peels around the base of the plant. The roses get
a boost from the potassium.
Provide more vitamins and minerals. Roses
also benefit from magnesium. In early spring when leaves
are forming on the bushes, Connie sprinkles a couple of
teaspoons of Epsom salts at the base of each rosebush,
scratches the salt in a little, and waters well.
Let them sunbathe. Plant roses in a sunny locationthe
more sun the better, but at leas t six hours each day of direct
sun in the morning or afternoon.
Give them some space. Benefiting from air circulation,
roses do best with a little room to breathe.
After years of watching the
hummingbirds just passing
through, Connie has finally
convinced some of them to
stay awhile. When they do,
she knows that spring has
come to her garden.
Winters here are very
cold. We really have only
four months maximum for
gardening season, Connie
says. It begins with a frenzy
around May 15.
Her medium-size suburban
yardbright and sunny in the
front, shady in the backis
filled with flowerbeds andrustic antiques. She especially
enjoys growing roses, which
she feels are worth the extra
care they sometimes need.
Her casual, cottage-style
garden is also filled with
more than enough hand
trowelsher tool of choice.
I have many of them
scattered throughout the
garden in hopes that I can
always find one when I need
it, she explains.
Connie Erickson
MinnesotaZONES 45
After danger of frost haspassed, Connie sowszinnia and Mexicansunflower seeds directlyinto her beds. Zinniasmake great cut flowers,and butterflies love them.
LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving
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GARDENING
WCreating an Accessible Garden Down the garden path. Consider all levels of mobility
when designing garden paths and entryways. Make sure
paths, gates, and entries are wide enough (around 3 feet)
to accommodate a wheelchair. To allow a wheelchair to
turn around comfortably, the path must be around 5 feet
wide. Minimize uphill or downhill slopes in paths, and use
materials that are firm and slip-free.
Easy grows it. Choose low-maintenance plants, and
consider placing them in raised beds, which minimizebending and stooping. Place plants at the right height for
any person by gardening verticallymount hanging baskets
on fences, walls, or trellises.
Hands-free watering. Have an
irrigation system installed, and set its
watering patterns with an electronic
water timer (#172428). This device
can be programmed for specified
days of the week, times of day, and
lengths of time.
The rain turns warmer.
While warmer spring rain
s a good clue, Peggy also
nows her gardening season
has begun when the crocus
bloom. In her region of the
Pacific Northwest, this usually
happens in late January.
Peggy and her husband
own about five acres and
actively maintain two. Their
ural propertys location
near Puget Sound and on the
western foothills of Mount
Rainieroffers moderate
weather, making it easy to
grow a variety of plants.
After successful careersn computer software, the
Franklins realized their true
passion and became owners
of a large landscape company,
Lifestyle Landscapes, Inc.
They have installed various
gardens on their land, and
all a re wheelchair-accessible.
I am happy to say that a
person in a wheelchair can
enjoy every part of my garden
omplex, even our fire pit and
water feature, Peggy says.
PHO T O GRA PHY BY JA MES R. A ND ERSO N
Peggy Franklin
WashingtonZONE 8
Outdoor Living S P R I N G 2 0 0 8
A wisteria-laden arborshades a gravel path
lined with perennials.
BAly'sTips for Tropicals Inside or out. Citrus selections love the outdoors in warm
weather. When the weather starts to cool, bring the m inside.
Wipe dirt and dust from leaves using a soft, damp cloth.
A drink of water. Most tropicals are fairly drought
tolerant, but they prefer moisture, and indoor air during the
winter can be too dry. Set pots atop saucers of pebbles and
fill with waterthis will add humidity.
Let the sun shine in. Citrus plants love sunlight. When
you have them inside, place them no farther than 6 feet
away from a sunny window.
Feed me. Give citrus and tropical plants soil and fertilizer
that are made just for them. Try Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm &
Citrus Soil (#248406) and Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Tree
Fertilizer Spikes (#69689*).
Go for bulbs. Plant tropical summer-
blooming bulbs after danger of frost
has passed. Canna, lily-of-the-nile,
elephant's ear, and f ancy-leafed
caladium do well in most regions.
*Available only in Florida and California.
Because Aly describes the
style of her suburban yard as
tropical meets petting zoo,
its no wonder that for her,
springs arrival has nothing to
do with plants, which flourish
in her area almost year-round.
Her four children care for an
astonishing variety of pets
in the midst of the familys
gardening projects.
We garden all year long,
so I get to play all the time,
she says. Spring planting in
her part of Florida cranks up
around March. Winters there
have only the occasional coldsnap, so most foliage is green
in all seasons, and tropical
plants overwinter easily.
Alys handiest tool in the
garden is her scissors: she
uses them for clipping and
trimming small branches
that she turns into decorative
arrangements. And what is
the best gardening advice
she ever received?
My mom said, Just try it.
You can always move it.
Bunnies suddenly multiply!
LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving
7PHO T O GRA PHY BY A LLEN RO KA C H
Aly Evans
FloridaZONES 910
Aly and her husbandtransformed this
formerly sunken, unusedcorner of their yard. Theycreated a patio, planting
a dwarf selection ofmondo grass between
the pavers.
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Outdoor Living S P R I N G 2 0 0 8
SIDEPHOTOKREDIT
PHO T O GRA PHY BY JA MES R. A ND ERSO N A ND BRIA N FRA NC IS
EXTREMEGARDENS
Plan a drought-tolerant,fire-resistant landscape.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Rock mulch warms soil in
spring, conserves soilmoisture in summer, andprovides an ideal habitatfor creeping plants suchas Aureum gold moss.
NNatural events grabbed headlines last
year as communities from coast to coast
grappled with drought and wildfire.
Drought destroyed crops and gardens
throughout the southern regions, and
fire consumed millions of acres nation-
wide. For water conservation purposes,
as well as regulated water supplies and
the threat of wildfire, many of our urban
and suburban landscapeslawns and
gardens, for examplecan benefit from
being updated to thrive under extreme
growing conditions.
To begin planning your own yard
and gardens herb-an renewal, you
should consider potential risks. Do
you live in an area prone to wildfires?
Is your region presently in the grip of
a prolonged drought? Or is it common
for your locale to experience drought
on a seasonal basis? Be realistic in
your evaluation. For instance, even if you
live outside the West, realize that anyarea where drought reigns also will be
susceptible to wildfire.
After you appraise your regions
risks, it is time to determine the best
ways to outfit your yard for beauty and
survival. Start by embracing growing
practices that are environmentally savvy.
These techniques consider all aspects
of landscaping, from soil preparation to
plant selection, and they yield beautiful
scenery that not only survives on limited
rainfall but also forms an effective fire-
break around your home.
Good To KnowCheck into native plants to
discover drought-tolerant
beauties that thrive with little
care or rainfall. Many natives
unfurl nectar-rich blooms
that attract butterflies, bees,
and hummingbirds.
Mix drought-proofannuals and perennialsfor season-long driftsof color. This plantingfeatures IndigoSpires sage.
Grouping plantsthat have similarwatering needswill increase theoverall efficiency
of irrigation.
LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving
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Outdoor Living S PR I N G 2 0 0 8
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Know Your Soiland How ToAmend ItFor new gardens, determine your soil
ype with a soil test. If youve never tested
our existing landscapes soil, considerdoing so. Your goal is to cultivate the
deal soil for the plants youll grow.
Many drought-tolerant plants do best
n lean soils, where organic matter is low.
Others demand a richer footing and will
hrive only in soil rich in organic matter,
which helps hold moisture near roots.
Generally, drought-tolerant plants can
derive necessary fertilizer from an annual
application of compost on top of soil (in
a 2- to 4-inch layer). Over time, compost
breaks down, feeding plants and building
ich, loose soil that retains moisture.
Focus on ProperPlant SelectionBegin by studying your yard. Plant all
elections according to light levels, soil
omposition, and moisture levels.
For instance, for a corner where
water collects during the rainy season,
hoose plants that can thrive in both
damp and dry soils, such as daylily
Hemerocallis selections) or bee
balm (Monarda didyma). In
hady spots, rely mostly on
ern, lenten rose (Helleborus
rientalis), Japanese forest
grass (Hakonechloa macra),
brunnera, or monkey grass
Liriope selections). Drought-
olerant, sun-loving plants
nclude penstemon, blazing star
Liatris selections), blanket flower
Gaillardia selections), and Russian
age (Perovskia atriplicifolia). For more
plant choices, see the plant list at right.
No plant is truly fireproof, but you
an select those that offer fire resistance
with proper maintenance. Typically,
re-resistant plants have moist, supple
eaves; a thick, nonpapery bark; and
watery, not resinous, sap. Healthy turf
also acts as an effective firebreak.
Create a beautiful bed by pairingdifferent perennial leaf textures.
Correct plantspacing, pruning,and maintenanceare the keys to a
healthy landscapethat can survive.
To provide interest,juxtapose broad-leafed CarolinaMoonlight falseindigo (foreground)with feathery Lime-rock Ruby tickseed(background). Purpleconeflower (inset) isa good selection fordrought tolerance aswell as color.
LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving
11
The first year after planting, drought-
tolerant plants need an inch of water per
week, but once established, they rarelyrequire moisture beyond rainfall. An
exception would be, for example, a dry
winter followed by a dry spring. In these
conditions, water plants deeply every
few weeks through spring to prepare
them for summer. A 2-inch-thick layer of
mulch conserves soil moisture and helps
rain soak into soil better. Rock mulch is
an ideal choice in high-risk wildfire areas;
firebrands can ignite bark mulch.
Pests dont pose a significant threat
in drought-tolerant gardens. Most plants
that are drought-tolerant feature thick,
Ornamental grasses andsucculents thrive on rainfallalone. But check your local
regulations before plantingin the public right-of-way
between the sidewalk andthe curb or street.
hairy, or leathery leaves, which often
arent palatable to pests or deer.
In fire-prone areas, remove dead-wood, leaves, and anything else that
could fuel flames. Fire-wise principles
of landscaping call for arranging fire-
resistant plants in zones around your
home. On the perimeter of a property,
position low-growing, d rought-tolerant
plants in an area thats irrigated. Near
the house, grow fire-resistant plants
with irrigation. Install hardscapes, such
as paving, right next to the house. And
avoid growing any highly flammable
plants, such as juniper, ceanothus,
sagebrush, or manzanita.
Perennials
Aureum gold moss (Sedum acre
Aureum): Zones 38
Big Ears lambs ears (Stachys
byzantina Big Ears): Zones 49
Carolina Moonlight false indigo
(Baptisia Carolina Moonlight):
Zones 49
common evening primrose
(Oenothera biennis): Zones 58
Dragons Blood two-row stonecrop
(Sedum spurium Dragons Blood):
Zones 49
Indigo Spires sage (Salvia Indigo
Spires): Zones 711
Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa):
Zones 49
King Edward woolly yarrow
(Achillea tomentosa King Edward):
Zones 310
Lidakense stonecrop (Sedum
cauticola Lidakense): Zones 510
Limerock Ruby tickseed (Coreopsis
Limerock Ruby): Zones 59
nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum
chaixii): Zones 58
purple coneflower (Echinacea
purpurea): Zones 210
Grasses
Gulf muhly (Muhlenbergia
capillaries): Zones 69
Hameln fountain grass (Pennisetum
alopecuroides Hameln): Zones 59 Morning Light maiden grass
(Miscanthus sinensis Morning Light):
Zones 59
Bulbs, Tubers, Vines
climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea
anomala petiolaris): Zones 47
society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea):
Zones 710
tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa):
Zones 810
Choose Drought-Tolerant PlantsCreate a garden filled with plants
that dont guzzle water. Look for
these water-wise plants at your
Lowes Garden Center.
Tailor Maintenance to the Extreme
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SIDEPHOTOKREDIT
OUTDOOR ROOM
andscapinground theazebo helps
t blend intohe setting.
Good To KnowNatural cedar will weather
to a beautiful silvery
gray, but applying a stain
or sealant can extend the
life of your gazebo.
SIDEPHOTOKREDIT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAMETOKOME
13PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARDEN WARD; STYL ING BY TRACY SISSON
These homeowners love the view from
inside their house, yet they wanted to
spend more time relaxing outdoors in
their lakeside setting. What they needed
was a spot near the water that would be
as comfortable as an indoor space. A
fully outfitted gazebo did the trick, and
it provided a beautiful incentive for their
landscape design efforts.
Considering the lake as a backdrop,
the couple decided to place the hexagon-shaped cedar gazebo near the water.
Surrounded with a variety of colorful,
fragrant plants, the gazebo becomes
a focal point in the yard. Furniture
thats heavy-duty as well as attractive,
combined with outdoor accessories,
makes the space feel a great deal like
an indoor room.
We wanted a way to extend the
warmth inside our home to the outside,
says the homeowner. The gazebo will
allow many more years of wonderful
memories for our entire family.
OUTDOORCOMFORT
What could bebetter than alakefront propertywith plenty of yardto spare? A cozy,covered outdoorroom right nextto the water.
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Pick theBest LocationA bit of forethought can make all
the difference when selecting
and siting a gazebo. Use this
checklist as a guide.
Choose a model that complements
your home in scale and materials.
While most structures the size of
a gazebo dont require a permit,
check local building codes to
make sure.
Find a spot that will have a nice
view from the gazebo, and consider
the view of the scene from inside
your home.
Start with a level area to reduce
the need for grading. Build on a
foundation appropriate for the
structure and for your yards
conditions. The manufacturer can
offer several options.Consider your route to and from
the gazebo. A paver path not only
will make for an easier walk, but also
can help incorporate the gazebo
into the landscape.
Check with the manufacturer for
more information about siting and
setting up your gazebo.
Outdoor Living S PR I N G 2 0 0 8
OUTDOOR ROOM
1
2
3 4
Check out Lowes complete
selection of outdoor storage
buildings, utility sheds, and
gazebos. Lowes can provide
professional installation of
storage buildings. To learn
more about these and other
ways to welcome the season,
visit Lowes.com/Spring.
HOW-TO VIDEO
Learn how to installlandscape lighting atLowes.com/Videos.
Choose native plants that complement
the gardening style already established
in your yard.
Achieve a ready-made privacy screen
or canopy with mature plantings, or
plant evergreen selections that mature
to a large size.
Bridge gaps between mature plantings
and the gazebo with moderately sized
shrubs or perennials.
Flank the entrance with a pair of
evergreen plants, but make sure their
mature size wont interfere with
easy access.
Lend a pleasant scent to your
outdoor room with fragrant plants,
such as gardenias.
Bring color and texture to the
space with plants that bloom in
different seasons.
Add a generous layer of mulch
around plants. Select a color or a
texture that blends well with both
the gazebo and plantings.
LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving
15
Natural AdditionMake a gazebo part of your design plan by surrounding it with the
right plants. Consider these tips when landscaping around the structure.
Lowes List
Skill level: Intermediate Rough cost estima te ..$5,525*
Cedar gazebo
and path ................... $4,925**Outdoor furniture ...........$140Accessories .....................$460
Rough time estimate: 3 days(with at least 2 people)
CEDAR GAZEBO AND PATH
10-foot hexagon gazebo kit(CedarShed, Special Order)
pavers (tan/charcoal, #59765)
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
30-inch bistro table (Key Largo,#115980)
4 barrel-back chairs (Key Largo,#119225)
ACCESSORIES
pillows (#112686)
ceiling fan with remote (HarborBreeze, #70085)
solar landscape lighting(Brightscapes, #135213)
bird feeder (#235778)
hanging baskets (#110623)
orchid planter (#33208)
PLANTS
wax myrtle
gardenia
Encore azalea
mondo grass
boxwood
dianthus
pansy
*Does not include labor costs, the costof plants, paver setting materials, or
applicable taxes, which vary by market.
**Roof options and accessories vary andcost extra.
Hanging basketsare a great wayto add seasonal
color to anyoutdoor room.Complete the Look
1.A gazebo-style feeder adds
whimsy and welcomes birds.
2. An orchid planter completes
the outdoor table setting.
3. An outdoor ceiling fan with
remote creates a cool breeze.
4. Eco-friendly fixtures use
solar energy for spotlighting
the gazebo.
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Bayer Avance All-in-One Wee Killer for Lawns
(#165368) kll weed d e e d
wll m u lw.
Bayer Avance Southern Wee Killer for Lawns
(#146850) wll elme weed d e
e well, u ee ell deed
wk ue lw.
Rounup Reay To Use Extene
Control Wee & Grass Killer Plus
Wee Prevent (#26779) kll ex
weed d ew weed f u
ee m. Ue eleve
du dvew d dewlk k,
l fee le, d muled e.
WEEdControlWant a weed-free lawn and garden?Take steps to control these unwantedguests before, during, and after planting.
shop smart
Outoor Living s p r i n g 2 0 0 8 photo gr a phy by bria n Fr an cis
1
2
Before You Plant
tke ee meue efe l dee weed.
3
s weed efe e u Preen Mulch Plus (#255154) ud
flwe, ee, d u. t mulke ve u de fed lk
wle me weed me effevel eul mule.
te Perm-A-Mulch MulchMat ee (#80694) e lk f mul u
wll w w. i lk weed ud ee wle llw , we, d
ue u.
skle Miracle-Gro Garen Wee Preventer (#14396) Preen Garen
Wee Preventer (#252811) ud veele, flwe, ee, d u
kee weed fm u. b du l f u ee m.
While You Plant
ce mule d kle- fmul elme el f weed u l ed.
After You Plant
Use these products if weeds spring up on your lawn or in other spots,such as the cracks in your driveway.
t duPont Garen Proucts Lanscape Max
Maximum Wee defense Fabric (#254519) d-
-m e u dweed w
f ek u fm ee.
Ue duPont Garen Proucts Lanscape Anchor
Pins (#160807 #86416) kee e f le.
duPont Garen Proucts Lanscape Reay Ring
Pre-Cut Wee defense Circle (#254514) l
weed wle ll llw , we, d eel
ue e e f u l. t du
me ed ue, d wll f ud ew
d ld ee d u.
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Outdoor Living S PR I N G 2 0 0 8
WWhen urban landscapes replace any
natural terrain, rain must find a new patho streams and wetlands, often traveling
along roads, parking lots, and rooftops
ather than soaking into the soil. Along
he way, this runoff collects pollutants,
uch as grease and oil, before entering
waterways, compromising water quality,
and threatening wildlife. Managing
tormwater is a major concern for cities
arge and small, and manyincluding
Kansas City, Missouriare turning to
ain gardens for help.
Based on a rather simple concept,
ain gardens are slight depressions in
A Kansas City, Missouri, initiativeprovides inspiration for cleaner,greener community landscapes.
DISCOVER
RAIN GARDENS
the soil, usually a few yards in diameter,
filled with native plants that will absorbrain more effectively than most common
landscaping techniques. While cutting
down on runoff, a rain garden serves as
a natural filter for rainwater, which seeps
through the gardens soil and back i nto
the water table. By soaking up standing
water, rain gardens also eliminate many
breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
When Kansas City introduced its
10,000 Rain Gardens initiative in 2005,
the city was troubled with flooding due
to the runoff from heavy storms. Waste
products and contaminants in storm-
sewer overflow threatened waterfowl
and fish in area streams and rivers andmade lakes unsuitable for recreation.
The city currently has approximately
1,000 public and private rain gardens,
but the ambitious goal of 10,000 comes
closer to reality each year, encouraged
by the efforts of community programs
that continue to introduce the concept
to homeowners and businesses.
Kansas Citys public rain gardens are
open to visitors, and a July home tour offers
a glimpse of residential gardens. Visit
www.rainkc.comfor more information
on the Kansas City program.
ON THE ROAD
PHO T O GRA PHY BY BRU C E N. MEYER
A rain garden atVisitation Church(here, and oppositepage, bottom left)prevents thousandsof gallons of runoffinto Brush Creekeach year.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAMETOKOME
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bee balm (Monarda didyma JacobCline): Zones 49
cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis):Zones 29
blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchiumangustifolium): Zones 39
crinkled hair grass (Deschampsiaflexuosa): Zones 38
false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides):Zones 39
Moonbeam threadleaf coreopsis(Coreopsis verticillata Moonbeam):Zones 39
New England aster (Aster novae-angliae): Zones: 39
purple coneflower (Echinaceapurpurea): Zones 210
goldenrod (Solidago rugosa):Zones 39
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia):Zones 59
smooth aster (Aster laevis): Zones 38 smooth penstemon (Penstemon
digitalis): Zones 39 corkscrew rush (Juncus effusus
Spiralis): Zones 410 spike blazing star (Liatris spicata):
Zones 310 swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata):
Zones 38 switch grass (Panicum virgatum): Zones
29white turtlehead (Chelone glabra):
Zones 38wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis):
Zones 38wild geranium (Geranium maculatum):
Zones 38
Let It Rain!These native plants wont
cower when the forecast calls
for wet weather.
Good To KnowBuild your own rain garden at
home. Kansas Citys 10,000 Rain
Gardens Web site offers custom
garden designs as well as
step-by-step instructions for
planning, prepping, and planting
your rain garden. Go to
www.rainkc.com/gardens.
This rain garden atthe University ofMissouri-KansasCity serves as a
dry creekbed thatmanages runoff.
At the bottom ofa slope, a smallresidential rain
garden is filledwith water-lovingnative plants.
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Outdoor Living S P R I N G 2 0 0 8
SIDEPHOTOKREDIT
DIGGING IN
COOLESCAPEThe Basics of ShadeMost of the shady areas in nature occur
beneath tree canopies. In a woodland
etting, soil is moist, rich, and ful l of humus:
all conditions that cause shade-loving
plants to thrive. Duplicate this soil in
our own shade garden to help plants
grow robustly. Add compost to existing
oil to increase humus. Continue to build
up soil by adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of
ompost around plants annually, in the
pring or fall.
Unlike sun-saturated areas, shade
gardens require less frequent irrigation;
however, soil needs to stay moist, so youll
want to incorporate a convenient water
ource. To deliver water with accuracy,
add either soaker hoses or a method ofdrip irrigation. Also, realize that pockets
of your shade garden may get a little
more sun than others. Fill sunnier spots
with plants that will be able to tolerate
both shade and sun.
Make It WelcomingPlan your shade garden with elements
hat will make it inviting, comfortable,
and easy to enjoy. As in any new outdoor
pace, install outdoor lighting. Add some
ght-colored edging (shown: charcoal,
#13868), and include statuary if you wish.
Because a shady zone encourages
slowing down, include seating using
fabrics in shades that will complement
plants and brighten the space. Consider
adding the sound of trickling water, but
you may want to avoid a sizeable pond.
Overhanging tree branches will drop
debris in the water, and youll have to
fish it out. Instead, include a fountain that
adds to the ambience.
Strike It RichChoose a planting palette thats rich
texturally. Variegated foliage provides
contrast in the shade, so plant variegated
Japanese pachysandra, Patriot hosta,
and variegated Solomons seal to offer
visual interest all season long.Combine foliage textures to create a
planting tapestry. Pair the broad, bold
foliage of Japanese fatsia or fancy-leafed
caladium with fine-leaved perennials,
such as Brilliance autumn fern. In early
spring and fall, this fern will add a rich,
bronze tone to the garden; in the summer,
its a rich green.
If trees cause your shade, watch sun
patterns throughout the day in different
seasons. To weave more interest into
your garden, fill puddles of sunlight with
perennials that grow in partial sun.
Shade offers refuge from the heatand an opportunity to play with planttextures, shapes, and even colors. Dign, and plant your own shade garden.
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PHO T O GRA PHY BY BRIA N FRA NC IS
1
SIDEPHOTOKREDIT
Pretty Pastel (blue, pink)
astilbe (Astilbe selections)
Blue Panda blue corydalis
(Corydalis flexuosa Blue Panda)
blue phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Chinese meadow rue (Thalictrum
delavayi)
columbine (Aquilegia selections)
common bleeding heart (Dicentraspectabilis)
cranesbill geranium (Geranium
sanguineum)
Bold Blend (yellow, orange, red)
astilbe (Astilbe selections)
coral bells (Heuchera selections)
daylily (Hemerocallisselections)
masterwort (Astrantia majorRubra)
water avens (Geum rivale)
yellow corydalis (Corydalis lutea)
yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia
punctata)
Crave Color?With the right selections, you can
find success with shaded color.
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LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving
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Green and White1. August Beauty common gardenia
(Gardenia jasminoides August Beauty)
2. Japanese fatsia (Fatsia japonica)
3. Brilliance autumn fern (Dryopteris
erythrosora Brilliance)
4. fancy-leafed caladium (Caladium
selections)
5. dusty miller (Senecio cineraria)
6. Aztec grass (Ophiopogon intermedius
Argenteomarginatus)
7. Patriot hosta (Hosta Patriot)
8. cast-iron plant (Aspidistra selections)
A bed planted witha green-and-whitepalette is simpleand soothing.
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Outdoor Living S PR I N G 2 0 0 8
DONE IN A DAY
PHOT OGR APHY BY BR IAN FR ANCIS
Step-by-Step
1Select a tree that fitsyour yard as well as yourneeds. Consider its mature
size, the shade it might cast
on existing flowerbeds, and
any nearby power lines or
paved areas its branches and
roots may disturb. Beforedigging, be sure to contact
your local utility company to
mark gas lines, water pipes,
or underground cables.
2 Dig a hole as deep asthe trees root ball andtwice as wide. A round-point
shovel and a mattock are the
best tools for this task. Try
excavating soil onto a tarp to
protect your lawn throughout
the planting process.
3Mix organic filler intoheavy clay or sandy soil,replacing up to one-half the
volume of the excavated soil.
Slice roots by scoring the
sides of the root ball with a
shovel, which will encourage
new roots to grow.
4Place your tree in thehole, replace some ofthe soil, and straighten the
tree. Fill the rest of the holewith more soil. Add a ring of
mounded soil 12 to 18 inches
out from the trunk, creating a
moat so that water can soak
into the roots.
5Mulch with organicmatter, such as shreddedbark or pine straw, beginning
3 to 5 inches away from the
trunk to allow air to circulate
freely. Water the tree at least
once a week during the first
growing season.
Good To KnowKeep your trees healthy
and growing with Bayer
Advanced 12 Month Tree
& Shrub Protect & Feed
(#216528).
PLANT A
TREEts good for you and for the earth.
Trees offer morethan just
beautythey also work hard
or the environment. They
onserve energy, shielding
our homes from cold winds
and hot sun to help keep our
utility bills low. They provide
helter for birds and food for
wildlife. They even scrub the
air of carbon dioxide and
pump in vital oxygen.
Plant a tree this spring to
elebrate two eco-friendly
Visit ArborDay.org for more
information about the Arbor
Day Foundation, or to donate.
observances: Earth Day, on
April 22, and Arbor Day,
on April 25. The simple act
of planting a tree is the focus
of Arbor Day, and it supports
the emphasis of Earth Day,
which promotes all efforts
toward a clean environment.
You also can choose to
celebrate a momentous event
or honor an individual by
digging in the soil. Through
the Arbor Day Foundation,
you can donate funds to
plant a tree in a persons
honor or memory, or to mark
an anniversary, a birthday,
or a wedding. Youll receive
a certificate documenting the
tree and what it celebrates
when you donate online.
GARDEN CALENDAR TIPS
LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving
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Refer to the tipsbelow that applyto your zone.
MAY
MARCH
APRIL
LAWN Apply crabgrass killer before
forsythia flowers fade. Treat with a
pre-emergent broadleaf weedkiller now
if you didnt last fall. Dont overseed if
youre using any pre-emergent herbici de.
ANNUALS Plant cool-season annuals
for early color: pansies, ornamental kale,
or sweet alyssum. Dont overwater; soil
dries slowly in cool weather.
SEEDS Start seeds indoors; provide
lighting 1416 hours per day.
FERTILIZER Feed young trees (less
than three years old), perennials, and
shrubs with an all-purpose blend thats
higher in nitrogen and potassium, lower
in phosphorus.
BULBS Remove mulch from around
bulbs and perennials on a cloudy day.
Scratch a complete fertilizer into soil
around the plants as leaves emerge.
PONDS Clean ponds before frog-egg
masses are visible.
GRASS Let grass clippings lie on
the lawn to add valuable nutrients
to soil.
INSECTS Treat any Eastern tentcaterpillars as soon as you spot webs.
Cut nests from trees and bury them,
or spray with Bacillus thuringiensis, an
organic caterpillar-killing product.
PERENNIALS Dig and divide fall-flowering perennials, providing 1 inch
of water per week as plants establish.
WEEDS Either overseed bare spotson lawns or treat with a pre-emergent
broadleaf weedkillerbut dont do
both. Spot-spray existing weeds with
the Bayer Advanced weed killer thats
best for your region (#165368, #146850).
BLOOMERS Prune flowering azalea,quince, and forsythia after blooms have
appeared. Avoid pruning crepe myrtles
until foliage has fully emerged; remove
any deadwood.
LAWN Let grass clippings lie on thelawn, especially after the first mowing,
to add valuable nutrients to soil.
VEGGIES Dig vegetable gardens.Plant all cropsbroccoli, onions, peas,
carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, beans,
and summer squash.
ANNUALS Plant flowering annuals.Attract hummingbirds and butterflies
with sage, pentas, lantana, spider
flower, or zinnia.
ENERGYIncrease the efficiency ofyour air conditioners compressor by
up to 10% with shade from shrubs or
trees. Evaporative coolers, however,
need sunshine for efficient operation.
BULBS Set outside for the summerany amaryllis bulbs that were forced
for holiday blooming. Scratch a slow-
release, all-purpose fertilizer into the
soil, and place the plants in a lightly
shaded spot.
GRASS Fertilize lawns in early spring,particularly St. Augustine and Bahia
grass. Seed Bermuda grass lawns; plant
sod for St. Augustine, centipede, and
Zoysia grass. Keep newly planted areas
or lawns moist.
ROSES Prune roses, making cutsjust above any outward-facing buds.
Remove deadwood, crossing branches,
and spindly shoots. Prune climbers
after flowering.
PRUNING Remove dead foliage onornamental grasses before new growth
emerges. Cut plants to a height of
12 inches.
WATER Irrigate your landscapeduring this hot, windy month. Install
soaker hoses in planting beds, and
apply mulch to conserve soil moisture.
Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks;
keep it pulled back a few inches to
allow airflow.
LAWNS Fertilize Bermuda, Zoysia,and centipede grass with a product
that delivers quickly available nitrogen.
Use a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per
1,000 square feet.
WATER Replace missing heads andrepair leaks on your irrigation system.
CITRUSES Feed citrus trees with aspecialized citrus fertilizer. Broadcast
the fertilizer beneath the trees foliage
canopy, and water it in.
Zones 35 Zones 68 Zones 911
3 2
1
To learn more about your planting
zone, visit Lowes.com/ZoneMap .
IF YOULIVE
HERE
By relying on regional and local growers, Lowes is able to provide you with selections that are best suited to your climate. The plants mentioned may not
always be available at your local Lowes, but your Low es Trained Nursery Specialist will help you find comparable selections. And if your pere nnials, houseplants,
trees, or shrubs dont survive a year, bring the plants and your receipt in to your local Lowes, and theyll be replaced at no charge.
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PRSRT. STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
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PERMIT NO. 1455
PEWAUKEE, WI
53072
Lowes Garden Club Select annuals
and perennials are developed tomake gardening easier for you.
justin
BestBloomers
Long before you see them in the Lowes
Garden Center, these plants must pass
rigorous breeding, testing, and growing
standards. Heres why theyre guaranteed
to grow and thrive in your yard.
Each Lowes Garden Club Selectplant is specially chosen and tested
and then retested to ensure top-notch
performance in the specific region forwhich it was developed.
Every plant is selected for its superiorbloom size, form, or color, as well as its
hardiness and readiness for planting.
Each containers packaging andplant tag provides you with extensive
information and tips about planting,
growing, and maintenance.
To view the wide selection ofLowes Garden Club Select annuals
and perennials, stop by your local
Lowes Garden Center today, orvisit Lowes.com/Learn2Grow.
S43003051633444S
T ubcib, g nt lwCativIda.c/subcib, ca 1-877-loWes-02
(569-3702).If your address has an error that needs correction or you would like yourname removed from our mailing list, please send your request with your address label to:Lowes Mail Preference, P.O. Box 35256, Greensboro, NC 27425-5256.
P.O. BOX 35256Greensboro,North Carolina27425-5256