SUMMERTIME IN THE GARDEN
by Cliff Bennett
'Chets Garden Center'
August 20, 2014
NewsWithViews.com
Was that a rough July or what? The sustained heat was awful and we sure did make up for just a couple of years back we had not one day over 100 degrees. The danger of wildfires with the drought we are in and the really warm temperatures last month all seem prime for problems. We all need to be extra careful and try to use a little common sense when doing projects outside. What a negative way to start this off so enough of that. Sorry.
During hot days we all need to remember that many products such as lawn weed killers, fertilizers and insecticides can burn our plants and lawns. Always be sure the plants sprayed are well watered beforehand and try to apply the products early in the day or late in the afternoon preferably when the suns is off of it. I have seen people do more harm than good by using products in hot weather. It would be disappointing to damage the plant you were trying to help. Fertilizers should always be a slow release type so the plants gets a sustained feeding and is less likely to burn. Fertilizer though can always wait till the weather is proper for use.
The hotter weather usually get gardeners thinking of a water feature to take the edge off a hot day. Just the sound seems to cool things off a bit even though it is just a mind thing. Many of the landscape companies will design and install them but do beware, they can be very expensive and there may be maintenance issues as well so ask good questions. If you add fish to the pond that will take up one more notch regarding care and maintenance. A well designed pond with proper filtration can really help you and the fish. I have installed a pond-less water feature at home and because the water falling goes into rocks, I have no maintenance at all but still have the water feature itself moving water.
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Fountains are also available at most garden centers too. I refer to them as store bought but do know that there are some beautiful store bought fountains available. You have dozens and dozens of styles and finishes. Most garden centers are happy to let you choose from a catalogue if they do not have what you like in stock. Understand that it can a couple of months to get in even though the store ordered it right away. Be patient and remember not to beat up the store because it took a while. I also recommend only purchase quality because just like plants, you get what you pay for and fountains very greatly in quality and sometimes the poly-resin ones do not hold up well. This is the Best of the Rogue Valley issue and I know Curtis will want me to keep it short.
SEE YA, Cliff
� 2014 - Cliff Bennett - All Rights Reserve
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