GardenClub Fall07

7/30/2019 GardenClub Fall07

1/11

Incorporate fall color into yourgarden and outdoor rooms

Incorporate fall color into yourgarden and outdoor rooms

WARM,

COMFYSPACES

WARM,

COMFYSPACES

CUTTINGS

Bulbs in BloomPlan and plant now for abeautiful spring show. PAGE 4

DONE IN A DAY

Leaf CompostersTransform autumn leaves intoorganic fertilizer. PAGE 18

ON THE ROAD

Long IslandDiscover the natural side of thissuburban destination. PAGE 12

F A L L 2 0 0 7

gardenclubCreative Ideas forOutdoorLving

UTTINGS

Bulbs in BloomPlan and plant now for abeautiful spring show. PAGE 4

DONE IN A DAY

Leaf CompostersTransform autumn leaves intoorganic fertilizer. PAGE 18

ON THE ROAD

Long IslandDiscover the natural side of thissuburban destination. PAGE 12


2/11

Planting: In fall (or earlyspring), plant the tree at least

20 feet from your house. Before

you dig, the utility company can

mark underground lines to avoidaccidents. With overhead lines,

make sure a mature tree will have

enough clearance.

Soil: October Glory toleratessandy, wet, or clay soil, but thrives

in moist, slightly acidic conditions.

Watering: Aim for 1 inc h of waterper week during the first year. In northern

climes, irrigate until the ground freezes.

During dry periods, water established

trees every 7 to 14 days.

Fertilizing: Use a complete fertilizerin early spring at a rate of 2 pounds

of fertilizer per 1 inch of trunk diameter.

Follow up with a second application at

the same rate in late summer.

Landscaping: This fast growerprovides cool shade and spectacular

autumn color.

Seasonal interest: Tiny redflowers cover the tree in spring, followed

by red winged seeds, which attract birds

and other wildlife.

Special considerations: A layerof mulch around newly planted trees

retains soil moisture, reduces weeds,

and protects bark from trimmer or mower

damage. Maples are sensitive to deicing

salts; position your tree away from roads

or sidewalks where these solutions create

salt-laden runoff.

LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving 3

PLANT PROFILE k

Alternate Selections

Round out the gardeningseason by planting treeswith vibrant autumn foliage.

FAST GROWTH

IAmerican plum (Prunus americana):

Zones 48; 12 to 20 feet tall and wideI Northern red oak (Quercus rubra):

Zones 38; 50 to 60 feet tall and wide

MEDIUM GROWTH

I

Crusader thornless cockspurhawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli inermis

Crusader):Zones 37; 12 to 15 feet tall

and wideI Green Mountain sugar maple (Acer

saccharum Green Mountain): Zones

38; 40 to 60 feet tall, 35 to 45 feet wide

SLOW GROWTH

IAmerican horn beam (Carpinus

caroliniana):Zones 39; 20 to 30 feet

tall and wideI red Japanese maple (Acer palmatum

Atropurpureum): Zones 58; 20 feet tall

and wide

To find your planting

zone, see If You Live

Here on page 19.

OCTOBER GLORYRED MAPLE

Bring more color to your falllandscape with these trees.

BOTANICAL NAME:

Acer rubrum

OctoberGlory

COLOR:

Leaves dark green in

spring and summer,

brilliant red in fall

HARDINESS:

Zones 49

PLANT TYPE:

Round-headed

deciduous tree

SIZE:

40 to 50 feet high,

25 to 35 feet wide

EXPOSURE:

Strongest growth and

fall color in full sun

In many areas of the country,

fall is all about savoring thelast weeks of comfortableweather before we pull outour winter coats. With that inmind, weve filled this issuewith ideas for celebratingthe season in your open-airsurroundings. Youll see how

to liven up outdoor spaces for entertaining,fill your yard with immediate color, and planahead for a bountiful spring.

For more inspirational projects andresources, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving and your local Lowes. In themeantime, I hope your autumn days are filledwith friends, family, and festivities.

Outdoor Living F A L L 2 0 0 7

FROM OUR GARDEN

LETSGROWSOMETHING

TOGETHER

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

issue may 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.

Lowes Creative Ideas for Outdoor Living ispublished by SPC Custom Publishing, Inc.,2100 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209.Copyright 2007 SPC Custom Publishing, Inc.All rights reserved. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced in any form or by any meanswithout prior written permission of the pub-lisher. Lowes, the gable design, and CreativeIdeas for Outdoor Living are registered trade-marks of LF, LLC. All rights reserved. Addressall correspondence to Lowes Creative Ideas forOutdoor Living, Attn.: Sandy Culver, P.O. Box523-G, Birmingham, AL 35201. Lowes CreativeIdeas for Outdoor Living is staff produced andcannot be held responsible for any unsolicitedmaterial. Printed in the U.S.A .

n the Cover: For moreetails on this porchakeover, see Warm

nd Inviting on page 8.

M ELISSA BIR DSON G

VICE PRESIDENT,

TR EN D, DESIGN & BR AN D

LOWE S COM PAN IES, IN C.

(#82532)*

P.S. Spend more timeenjoying your garden thisfall, thanks to a completeweed-control solution fromDuPont. Landscape MAXWeed Defense Fabric(#254519) is easy to installand perfect for hard-to-reach spots. Ready Ring(#254514) is a precut weeddefense circle that installsquickly around shrubs andtrees. Long-Lasting RubberMulch (#82532)* is certifiedfor play areas and also

freshens up planting beds.*Availability varies by market.


3/11

SIDE

PHOTO

KREDIT

SIDE

PHOTO

KREDIT

Outdoor Living F A L L 2 0 0 7 PHO TOGRAPHY BY NAMETO KOME

CUTTINGS


k

Plant nowfor beautifulspring bouquets.

Selecting ColorsWhen choosing bulbs, focus on your

avorite color, or try shades that accent

already established plantings throughout

your garden. A lso, think about the

hues you enjoy in bouquets. You may

consider various shades of the same

color, or complementary colors, such

as purple and yellow. For inspiration,

ee Bulbs Where You Live on page 6.

Toensure showstopping results,

consider blending solid and bicolored

ulips using the tone-on-tone

echnique. For instance, place a solid

deep purple tulip next to a lavender-

and-white bicolored selection, choosing

bulbs that flower at the same time. Or,

kip the guesswork with one of Lowes

Ton Sur Ton blend tulip packages.

Timing Your BloomsSpring bulbs blossom at different

imescrocus and hyacinth in early

pring, most daffodils and fritillary in

midspring, and Dutch iris and allium

ate in the season. Various types of tulips

bloom throughout spring. Simplify

planting by placing selections with

different bloom times in the same

hole. If your tulips arent the kind that

naturalize (multiply over time, such

as species tulips), place bulbs shoulder

o shoulder when planting.

Planting by DesignBulbs look bestwhen planted in drifts,

which create wav es of color in your

garden. An easy way to get this effect

is to place selections in odd-numbered

groupings. Using this technique also

makes calculating how many youll

need easier.

Before you begin digging any holes,

set out bulbs in the design you choose

to ensure you have enough. Follow

spacing requirements as indicated on

bulb packaging (the exception being

non-naturalizing tulips, which you can

plant side by side).

Also, check the package directions to

determine how deep to dig. Generally,

a bulb should be at a depth thats equal

to three times its diameter. Add bulb

fertilizer, mixing it into the base of the

planting hole. After planting, water

the bulbs, add a layer of mulch, and

then water again.

Secrets to Bulb SuccessMake the most of your blooms next spring by

arming yourself with a little knowledge.

FROSTY MORNINGS Bulbs can withstand light

frosts. If temperatures drop below 29 Fahrenheit,

foliage and buds will suffer.Cover flowers or, if the

cold lingers several nights, cut them for bouquets.

STRAIGHT AND TALL Keep daffodils from drooping

by surrounding clumps with hoop supports. Create

your own by snipping tomato cages apart with a pair

of bolt cutters to form separate hoops.

TULIP PROTECTION Deer love to munch on

tulips. Protect buds with an organic animal repellent or

a homemade garlicred pepper spray (combine garlic

cloves, pepper, and hot sauce in a food processor,

and then mix with water).

FEEDING THEM Fertilize tulips when leaves

emerge and again after blooming. Feed all other

bulbs after flowering. Scratch bulb fertilizer into the

soil around the bulbs, and then water.

BOUQUET BLENDS Dont mix cut daffodils and

tulips in the same vase. (Cut daffodils exude a sap

that kills tulips.)

DIVISION WISDOM When naturalized bulbs, such

as daffodils or hyacinths, fail to flower, examine the

planting clump. If bulbs arecrowded, mark the clump

with a stake, and then dig and divide them in fall.

GARDENING TIPS

Setting the StageDefine your planting borderswith

an eye-pleasing backdrop such as

evergreen shrubs, a pretty fence, or

a water garden. Incorporate focal

points to capture attention, such

as a birdbath or a statue. Dress

up your flowerbed for fall and

spring with cool-season annuals:

pansies, sweet alyssum, or

stock. Replace annuals in late

May with impatiens (for shade)

or trailing petunias (for sun).

Consider adding a perennial

ground cover to create year-round

interest and reduce mulch replenishing.

Good choices for sun include sedum or

golden creeping Jenny. For shade, trysweet woodruff or ajuga.

This cutting gardenwas designed tobloom in stagesthroughout spring.See page 6 for adetailed plan.

Foolproof and fabulous, spring-

lowering bulbs put gardening within

everyones reach. Whether you re-create

our cutting garden or fashion your own,

hese tried-and-true tips will help you

achieve the perfect look. And youll have

ases full of flowers next spring.

BULBSIN BLOOM

PHO T O GRA PHY BY BRIA N FRA NC IS

Good To KnowSnip the stems at a

slant to expose more

surface area and ensure

that cut flowers get

enough water

in a vase.


4/11

PASTEL HYACINTH MIX

AND WOODSTOCK

COMMON HYACINTH

2GIANT

ALLIUM5SINGLE BLUE

POPPY-FLOWERED

ANEMONE*

1

PARROT

TULIP4

CUTTINGS


Southeast & West CoastI Ice Follies daffodilyellow cup, white bract; early spring

I giant crocus selectionsmixed colors; early spring

I Red Emperor tulipfiery red with black center; midspring

I Blue Jacket hyacinthdeep blue; midspring

I Ollioules tuliprose with white edge; mid- to late spring

I Purple Sensation alliumtrue purple; mid- to late spring

I Queen of Night tulipdark purple/black; late spring

I Elegant Beauty Dutch irispurple; late spring

Northeast & Mid-AtlanticI Ice Follies daffodilyellow cup, white bract; early spring

I Dutch Master daffodilall yellow; early to midspring

I Red Emperor tulipfiery red; midspring; naturalizes well

I Purple Prince tuliplilac; midspring; naturalizes well

I Blue Jacket hyacinthdeep blue; midspring

I Ollioules tuliprose with white edge; mid- to late spring

Igiant alliumlavender-purple; late spring to early summer

MidwestI Ice Follies daffodilyellow cup, white bract; early spring

I giant crocus selectionsmixed colors; early spring

I Queen of Night tulipdark purple/black; late spring

I Ton Sur Ton** blend tulipsblue, red, pink, apricot,

black/white, and white/green shades; early, mid-, and late spring

I Elegant Beauty Dutch irispurple; late spring

Bulbs Where You LiveThe flower color and blooming seasonare indicated after the plant name.

This bed was planned and plantedo offer a mix of blossom shades

and sizes. They are numberedn order of bloom time,rom early to late

spring. Findbulbs foryour regionat Lowes.

Anemone actually is classified as a tuber, rather than a true bulb. Bothubers and true bulbs, as well as corms and rhizomes, are subsets of thelant group commonly referred to as bulbs, and they can be planted and

eated similarly.

Designing aCutting Garden

3

4

11

2

5

ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE STANKIEWICZ

To find the bulbsfeatured in thissection, visit yourlocal LowesGarden Center.

3DUTCH MASTER

DAFFODIL AND

MIXED DAFFODILS

3

4

**Ton Sur Ton tulip blends consist of an average of 10 selections in complementary

shades. Blends feature early-, mid-, and late-blooming selections to provide a long-lasting color show.

2

PHO T O GRA PHY BY BRIA N FRA NC IS LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving 7

SHOP SMART k

EASYGROWING

Lawn and GardenWagon (#249436)Use this adorable

cart to tote tools, soil,and plants around

the yard. Fold-downsides minimize

heavy lifting.

Watering

L

ReelSmart AutomaticRewind Hose (#13351)Without batteries orelectricity, this systemquickly untangles andwinds up your hose.

Gilmour FiremansNozzle (#228761)This gadgets lever iseasy for almost anyoneto operate, and thecomfort-grip handlemakes wateringless of a chore.

L

OXO Good GripsGel-e Trowel(#109355) The flexiblehandle absorbspressure, while theserrated edges openbags, cut twine, andslice roots.

Greenlife FoldingSeat/Kneeler

(#184923) Whetherits used as a bench ora kneeling pad with

support handles, thiscushiony contraptionmay keep you fromstruggling to standafter a long day in

the garden.

Planting

The physical demands of gardening might keep some of us from flexingour green thumbs as often as wed like. Luckily, many of todays tools offerdesign features that make creating a lush landscape easier for everyone.

Garden Claw (#83305)Ergonomic designhelps you break up soilwith less effort. Fourpossible heights allowyou to fit the gadgetto your frame.

Long-Handle BulbPlanter (#142361)Now you can plant

bulbs while standingup, so theres less

strain on your body.

L

L

L

L

L

L

Mister LandscaperWatering Kit (#191775)*Use this easy-to-installmisting system to waterup to eight potted plantsor hanging baskets.

*Availability varies by market.


5/11

OUTDOOR ROOM


The owner of this home decided

that her front porch needed a pick-

me-up for the seasons gatherings.

Our porch is large, but it had

little personality, so it wasnt very

inviting, she says. Most of all, she

wanted to add color and comfort.

A simple base pale tte of white,

green, and grayfound in the

newly painted floorcomplements

the homes exterior. Furniture and

accessories in warm, rich tones

of red, brown, bronze, and copper

evoke the shades of autumn

and provide enough seating

for family and friends. Now our

neighbors and their children

come over to play games or just to

relax and enjoy the fall weather,

she says. We love our porch.

. To create the sense of multiple roomswithin a single space, portions of the porchs

oor were painted to resemble rugs. Fornstructions and a list of materials for thisproject, see page 11. 2. A casual seatingrea with a coffee table is perfect for the

whole family. Plenty of potted plants addolor and texture, while allowing for easynd accessible gardening into the fall.

2

1

Casual Comfort

AND INVITINGWARM

Early fall is the perfect time for tackling anopen-air makeover. Start now to enjoyan outdoor room throughout the season.


Fall offers a last hurrah for outdoor living.

PHO T O GRA PHY BY A RDEN WA RD

BEFORE


6/11

Step-by-Step

1Sand the floor andremove dust. Clean thefloor using TSP substitute

cleaner. Note: A clean floor is

crucial. Sweep between every

step and between coats of

paint, after they have dried.

2Prime the entire floor,and allow to dry for 2hours. Apply two coats of the

white base paint, and allow

to dry for at least 24 hours.

3Measure and mark theouter edges of yourdesign. (Our larger rugs

are 65 x 89 inches, but this

project can be adjusted to

suit different spaces.) Place

painters tape on the outside

of this marked line. Measure

in 5 inches from the outer

edge, and mark this distance

all the way around the rug.

4 Starting at an innercorner, measure 8 inches

OUTDOOR ROOM

Lowes ListSkill level: BeginnerRough cost estimate: $110*Rough time estimate: 2 days

MATERIALS

TSP substitute heavy-dutycleaner (#245891)

painters tape (1-inch-wide,#45337; 112-inch-wide, #39896;2-inch-wide, #53140)

along one side and mark this

point on the inner border.

Repeat on the adjoining side.

Mark a straight line between

these two points to create a

corner triangle. Measure and

mark a parallel line 6 inches

from the line you just drew.

Continue to mark lines every

6 inches, working to the

opposite corner of the rug.

5Using painters tape ofvarious widths, tapealong the marked lines,

randomly placing tape either

on the left or right side of

each marked line. Double-up

tape along a few of the lines.

This will create a pattern of

various-size stripes.

6Using the small roller andextension handle, applyone color to chosen stripes.

Allow to dry, and then apply

additional coats to those

same stripes as needed. Use

an angled brush to paint any

narrow stripes youve selected.

Painted Porch Floor

Outdoor Living F A L L 2 0 0 7 LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving 11

. Bird feeders hang throughouthe space. Bird watching can

be fascinating and rewardingor adults as well as children,specially when theyve helped

prepare the feeders.2. A comfy glider and matchinghairs give this porch the warmeel of an indoor living room. A

potted fern is elevated on a planttand to fill out the space withush green foliage.3. Decorative items, such as abronze metal star and a pairof lanterns, add personalityo this outdoor room. With

distinctive Arts and Crafts styleporch lights, the space can be

njoyed in the evening as thedays grow shorter.

Lowes ListSkill level: IntermediateRough cost estimate . . $4,320*

Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,700Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . $410Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . $210

Rough time estimate:1 weekend

OUTDOOR FURNITURE**

Plantation Patterns, Strattonfurniture (glider with cushion,3 deep-seating chairs withcushions, end table, and coffeetable, #259782)

ACCESSORIES

indoor/outdoor rug (Balta,Savannah, #250646)

18-inch planter (#95224)


assorted herbs, gardenias,

boxwoods, dahlias, ferns,and pansies

*Does not include labor costs, the cost

of plants, or applicable taxes, which varyby market.**Only available at Lowes.com.

Lowes Installation

Available Lowes can

provide guaranteed

professional installation of exterior

lighting.

bird feeders (burnished copper,#182513; Cambridge cage,#70104; glass tube, #69582)

indoor/outdoor clock (#225343)

bronze porch lights (#108844)

pair of lanterns (#243786)

metal star (#246086)

medium plant stand (#157777)

large plant stand (#157867)

CONTAINERS AND PLANTS

16-inch hanging basketswith coconut liners (#194383)


15-inch planters (#95012)

Good To KnowRub the edges of the

painters tape with a

paintbrush handle to seal

the edges and prevent

paint from bleeding

underneath the tape.

21

3

7Repeat the processwith the second color.Remember, when you remove

the painters tape, there will

be additional white stripes.

Remove any remaining pencil

marks with a damp cloth.

8Allow the design to dryfor several hours, and thencarefully remove the painters

tape from the striped area.

Tape inside the rug border you

marked in Step 3. Fill the 5-inch

border with at least two coats

of green paint. Allow it to dry,

and then carefully remove thepainters tape.

This simple stripe design spices up an outdoor seating area.

white exterior latex primer(American Tradition by Valspar,#165219)

interior/exterior latex porch andfloor enamel (American Traditionby Valspar: Satin White, Light Gray,Soulful Green)

TOOLS

sandpaper

large roller and extensionhandle

1 package of (4-inch) rollers(#45476)

Mini Twist N Reach handle forsmall rollers (#256298)

1 (212-inch) angled paintbrush(#48727)

paint trays

drop cloth

long metal ruler

pencil

*Does not include labor costs or

applicable taxes, which vary by market,or the cost of tools.

Fall FavesIn summer or fora change of pace,an outdoor rugcan be removedto reveal thispainted design.


7/11

M

Outdoor Living F A L L 2 0 0 7 PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED SAMBOLIN/THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

ON THE ROAD


k

Pine Neck Nature Sanctuary,East Quogue

Enjoy this former 64-acre waterfront

estate. A number of birds and animals,

including red-tailed hawk, osprey,

and mink, call this nature preserve

home. Hiking trails allow visitors a

varied landsc ape, which include s

shoreline, woodlands, and wetlands.

Mashomack Preserve,Shelter Island

Hike through one of the richest habitats

in the Northeast at this preserve, which

covers one-third of the island. Home to

one of the largest populations of nesting

osprey, this former hunting club has

more than 2,000 acres of various natural

habitats, including coastline, marshes,

and oak woodlands. This beautiful

preserve also is the original site for

TNCs shellfish restoration program.

Calverton Ponds: Denis & Catherine

Krusos Ecological Research Area,Calverton

Observe this breathtaking, fragile wetland

ecosystemhome to several rare species

of insects, fish, and amphibians.

Uplands Farm Nature Sanctuary,Cold Spring Harbor

Catch a glimpse of Long Island as it

once was with its thriving, scenic

farmland. Here, you can hike trails

to view meadows and woods that are

home to a variety of birds and roughly

40 butterfly species.

Much of the history on Long Island,

New York, speaks to Americas booming

urban growth, but the area also has

ich natural resources. The Nature

Conservancy (TNC) is committed to

preserving the islands environmental

reasures. Together with its partners,

he organization has launched Long

slands Last Stand, a 10-year effort to

ave and protect its last great places.

As a contributing par tner, Lowes is

sponsoring a massive shellfish restoration

program in Great South Bay. Beyond

their cultural and nutritional value,

shellfish actually help filter and cleanse

the water, and their loss upsets the

balance in the bays delicate ecosystem.

TNC has stocked the area with clams and

spawning sanctuaries to help the once-

abundant shellfish stage a comeback.

Other projects aim to protect 25,000

acres of undeveloped land, as well as

10,000 acres of agricultural property.

TNC also works to preserve open

spaces and water habitats, including

bays and harbors. Visitors can enjoy

hiking and bird watching at many of

TNCs nature preserves. The following

are locations on Long Island where

people can take in its natural appeal.

Go Native

As a gardener, you can protect natural habitats by planting trees,

shrubs, and flowers that are native to your area. This helps prevent

the introduction of invasive species into the environment. These

plantsgenerally brought into the country from other locations

can spread rapidly and crowd out native species. Second only to

development, invasive species represent one of the greatest threats

to native plants and the balance of delicate ecosystems. On Long

Island, New York, non-native species have invaded parks, forests, and

shellfish habitats. And studies show that roughly half of all invasive

species on Long Island had spread from gardens and lawns.

Invasives can create a monoculture where there may have been

hundreds of natural species, says Kathy Schwager, invasive species

specialist for The Nature Conservancy. They can change an

ecosystems structure, and then wildlife doesnt have the food and

cover it needs. Gardeners can help preserve natural habitats by going

native, Schwager says. When visiting your local Lowes to purchase

plants and trees, ask for native selections. You also can help byuprooting invasive plants or applying an herbicide to affected areas.

Good To KnowFor more information about

The Nature Conservancy, its

membership and volunteer

opportunities, plus protected

habitats in your own state,

visit Nature.org .

Plant native species to help preserve local habitats.

NATURELOVERSLONGISLAND

Long Island Beauty

ponsored in part by Lowes,shellfish restoration

project is taking place inGreat South Bay.

Oak woodlandsare one of thediverse habitatson Mashomack

Preserve.

A great blueheron forages in avaluable wetlandon Long Island.

Even on the countrys mostpopulated island, pockets ofwilderness beg to be preserved.


8/11

A

DIGGING IN

To-Do List

2 PrepareFor new planting beds, prepthe soil now. Remove existing sod and

till the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

Layer manure over the tilled soil, and

then add chopped leaves and twigs.

(Freezing air kills exposed weed seeds

and breaks down the layers.) In

springbefore plantinglightly mix

the layers with a cordless cultivator

(shown at right: Black & Decker,

#175332) or a Garden Claw (#83305).

1 DesignDisguise a fence or add someprivacy to your yard with a shrub

border. Choose selections based

on light requirements and your goals.

Space shrubs according to plant-tag

directions; add mulch to conserve the

soils moisture. Consider skirting shrubs

with perennial ground covers, such as

dianthus, ajuga, or lily-of-the-v alley.

3Build

Add beauty and reduce b ack

strain when gardening with a raised

planting bed. Use retaining-wall blocks

(shown here: Flagstone, #73455) to

construct outer walls with an aged look.

Fill the bed with a blend of compost

and rich topsoil, and then tuck in tulip

bulbs for a spring color show. For visual

appeal in the meantime, interplant the

bed with cool-season annuals: pansies,

ornamental cabbage, or dusty miller.

PHO T O GRA PHY BY BRIA N FRA NC IS A ND PA DEN RE IC H/SPC 15

k

How does yourgarden look?Take a hint fromthis fall project,and youll be theenvy of the blockby spring.

Autumns cooler days are ideal for tackling heavier tasks

such as planting and building, or simpler jobs that take only

a few minutes. Instead of winding down with the weather,

these homeowners set the foundation for a fabulous spring

landscape. They built raised beds and planted bulbs, trees,and shrubs. Not sure how to get started on your space? Let

this checklist inspire you. Try one idea, or complete them all.

Come springtime, youll be glad you did.

AFTER(SPRING)

Planted in fall,Japanese cleyeragets dressed up

with dianthusin spring.

4PlantFall weather is perfect for

planting trees. Consider selections that

bloom in spring, such as dogwood or

flowering crabapple. Planting depths

depend on where the first roots emerge

from the trunk. In nature, these roots

are just below the soils surface. With

containerized trees, remove excess soil

above the roots. After planting, water

and add mulch. Extend the mulch

beneath the branch spread, while not

letting it touch the trunk.

BEFORE (FALL)

FAST

FORWARD

11

22

33


9/11

DIGGING IN

9ClipReduce spring tasks by snipping

perennial stalks after a hard freeze. Cut

the stems height by two-thirds. Leave

ornamental grasses with seedheads in

place for winter interest. Dont allow

invasive perennials, such as goldenrod,

joe-pye weed, sweet autumn clematis,

or mullein, to set seed. Clip these stalks

before their seeds mature.

You can find detailed instructionsfor building the outdoor furnitureset featured in this gardenat LowesCreativeIdeas.com/Woodworkers (Project #WFall072).

To design and build the perfectdeck for your open-air space, visitLowes.com/DeckDesigner.

webFOR MORE

7 CleanEarly autumn is a great timeto add a water garden to your landscape.

Check pond-skimmer baskets frequently

as leaves start to fall. For ponds that

are surrounded by trees, suspend a net

across the surface for easy leaf removal.

If you dont plan to run your water pump

in the winter, wait until late fall to remove

and service it. To keep the pond active

in the winter, add a heater.

5 WinterizeContinue cutting your grassas long as its growing. Apply a

preemergent herbicide to control

pring weeds. For the last mowing in

northerly climates, set the blade height

inch below normal and use the bag

attachment to collect weed seeds.

Apply a winterizer to cool-season turf

o improve root growth and hardiness.

Overseed warm-season lawns with

yegrass for a green winter lawn.

8SowPlant seeds for biennial

bloomers, such as foxglove, larkspur,

hollyhock, bachelors button, English

daisy, and dames rocket, into garden

beds. Sprinkle seeds that have formed

on summer annualscleome, cosmos,

or four oclockinto flowerbeds.

10ImagineStand indoors and survey

potential winter scenes in your yard.

Incorporate ornamental details that

will improve the view for winter, and

splash decorative accents throughout

spring plantings. A birdbath, an arbor,

or solar lighting can add interest for

every season.

6 CreateSeating can transform yourgarden into an outdoor living room. A

raised deck offers sturdy, dry footing

for furniture. Treat existing or new

wooden decks with waterproofing

sealants before temperatures drop.

And for a patio thats easier to build

yourself, position pavers or pour gravel

on a large, level bed of sand.

The homeownersbuilt this small

wooden deck inthe fall. The areais perfect forgarden gatheringsduring any season.

1010


10/11

PHOT OGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

DONE IN A DAY

LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving 19Outdoor Living F A L L 2 0 0 7

it around the cube, starting

at a corner and aligning the

lower edges. Crimp the wire

on the wooden fencing with

pliers at each corner to fit

the cube.

3 Fasten the wooden fencing

to the cube using cable ties.

Cut off any excess pickets.

4 Secure the finished bin

to the ground with stakes.

ROUND BIN1 Cut a 6-foot-long piece

of economy wire (wear gloves

for protection). Overlap the

ends by two rows, and then

use pliers to bend the cut

wires back on themselves

to form a round cylinder.

2 Cut a length of wooden

fencing to measure slightly

longer than 6 feet. Wrap

the wooden fencing around

the cylinder, aligning the

lower edges.

3 Use cable ties to secure

the wooden fencing to the

cylinder. Trim off any

excess pickets.

4 Secure the finished bin

to the ground with stakes.

Lowes ListSkill level: BeginnerRough cost estimate (for onebin): $55*Rough time estimate: 1 day

MATERIALS

1 (2- x 50-foot) roll of green vinyllawn fencing (#92252)

1 (3- x 50-foot) roll of economywire (#102025)

black cable ties (#76326)

1 (2- x 15-foot) roll of woodengarden fencing (#86110)

biodegradable stakes(DuPont, #59978)

gardening gloves (#184045)

TOOLS

wirecutter

pliers

*Does not include applicable taxes, which

vary by market, or the cost of tools.

PRETTY LEAFCOMPOSTERS

Refer to the tipsbelow that applyto your zone.

NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

ANNUALS Replace spent annuals

with cool-season pansies, ornamental

kale, or sweet alyssum. Plant garden

mums. Mulch beds to prevent weeds.

LAWN Apply a winterizer lawn

fertilizer. Spot treat broadleaf weeds,

and apply a preemergent weedkiller.

Aerate cool-season turf.

BORDERS Add perennials and

shrubs. Dwarf shrub selections are

for small spaces.

BULBS Plant spring-flowering bulbs.

Squirrels love tulip bulbs; spray the

bulbs with an organic animal repellent

prior to planting, or top new plants with

chicken wire for protection.

LEAVES Mow fallen leaves, and

then let them decompose in place. You

also can add them to the compost pile.

PLANTINGS Finish planting before

leaves fall, except for spring bulbs. You

can plant these up until the soil freezes.

LAWN Continue to mow grass as

long as its growing. Dont allow leaves

to accumulate on lawns.

PLANTINGS Mulch beds after the

ground freezes. Surround fall-planted

mums with a 4-inch layer of mulch.

MAINTENANCE Winterize your

mower. Disconnect the spark-plug

wire, drain the oil and gas, clean or

replace the air filter, add clean oil, and

sharpen the blade.

BIRDS Hang different types of

bird feeders for a variety of species.

ROSES Fertilize roses six weeks

before the last frost date. Prune rambler

roses after flowering. Allow rose hips

to remain on canes to provide winter

forage for birds.

GRASS Let clippings lie on the

lawn after mowing to add nutrients to

soil. Continue to irrigate turf, delivering

1 inch of water per week.

GRASS Aerate lawns, and then

overseed to renovate and thicken turf.

Dont apply preemergent herbicides if

you plan to overseed.

ANNUALS Replace spent annuals

with cool-season pansies or ornamental

kale for winter color. Plant garden mums.

Mulch beds to keep weeds in check.

TROPICALS Wash tropical plants

with a soap-and-water solution prior to

moving plants indoors.

BULBS Plant spring-flowering

bulbs. Spray the bulbs with an organic

animal repellent prior to planting,

or top new plants with chicken wire.

MULCHING Use oak leaves,

pine straw, or pecan leaves around

acid-loving plants, such as azalea,

rhododendron, or mountain laurel.

TREES Plant balled-and-burlapped

and bare-root trees. Water newly planted

trees with 1 inch of water per week.

TREES Prune trees before hurricane

seasons peak months. Hire a certified

arborist to trim branches hanging over

power lines.

WATER Test your irrigation system

next month, prior to the start of the dry

season. Replace broken pipes or heads.

TURF Let grass clippings lie on the

lawn after mowing to add nutrients to

soil. Continue to irrigate turf, delivering

1 inch of water per week.

FLOWERS Plant colorful cool-

season annuals: pansies, ornamental

kale, petunias, or sweet alyssum. Apply

a bloom-booster fertilizer.

FERTILIZER Feed trees, shrubs,

perennials, and turf. Use an all-purpose

fertilizer thats higher in nitrogen and

potassium, but lower in phosphorus.

EDIBLES Plant vegetable crops

broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and beans.

Feed citrus trees with a citrus fertilizer.

WATER Prevent fungal diseases

by confining watering to early morning

hours. Plants need 1 inch of water per

week to thrive.

BEDS Continue to plant the area

with vegetables and flowering annuals,

such as snapdragon and periwinkle.

Snip spent caladium leaves.

BULBS Plant bulbs for indoor

forcing, such as amaryllis, spring tulips,

grape hyacinth, or paperwhites.

Zones 35 Zones 68 Zones 911

3 2

1

To learn more about your planting

zone, visit Lowes.com/ZoneMap.

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IF YOULIVEHERE

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 Low es, but your Lowes Trained Nursery Specialist will help you find comparable selections. And if your perennials , 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.

GARDEN CALENDAR TIPS k

Step-by-Step

SQUARE BINCut four pieces of vinyl

encing to measure 2 feet

quare. Join the four pieces

with cable ties to form an

open-ended cube (wear

gloves for protection).

2 Cut a length of wooden

encing to measure slightly

onger than 8 feet, and wrap

Reward yourself for raking withthis bin for organic fertilizer.

Good To KnowLeaf composting works

best when the pile remains

moist and aerated. Turn the

leaves once a month in

warmer weather (less

often in cooler

conditions).


11/11

IslandInspired

(#256720) Thispiece works withwicker furniture

for a relaxed lookand holds almost

212 pounds ofbirdseed.

k JUST IN

We hope you enjoy this complimentary issue. If you stop receiving this FREE publication, you may

re-enroll today at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/Subscribe , or call 1-877-LOWES-02 (569-3702).

Prsrt. Std.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No.12

Clarksville, TN

s43003051633291s

Enhance your space with thesestylish new bird feeders, designedto complement outdoor furnitureand accessories from Lowes.

CoolCopper

(#256721) A metalroof and crackled

glass can add anelegant touch.This feeder holdsabout 4 pounds

of seed.

FinchFeeder(#256862) Theacorn shape suitsany natural outdoorsetting with itscopper roof andperch. It holdsalmost 3 poundsof birdseed.

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FORTHEBIRDS

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