Spring 2012 Home & Lawn

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, April 17, 2012/Page 8

HOME LAWN&

A Special Supplement To The Freeborn County Shopper

April 17, 2012Guide430 Bridge Ave.,

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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, April 17, 2012/Page 2 Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, April 17, 2012/Page 7

While some people appear to have been born with a green thumb, others aren't so fortunate. Gardening does not come so instinctively to them. If you are among them, do not despair. You can learn how to garden and become really good at it by following some basic tips.

Learn aLL that you canRead up on the subject of gardening,

from the basics to the fine details. Check out some books and subscribe to a few magazines. Join a gardening club or at the very least get together with a group of gardening friends. The more data you collect, the better decisions you will make in the long run and the more likely you are to have some success.

Watch out for the prettyBudding gardeners too often select

plants on their appearance rather than their requirements. They like the way a certain plant looks, plant it and then wonder why it doesn't measure up later. You need plants with requirements that your garden can meet. If your garden gets a great deal of sun, then you need plants that require full sun. If your garden is in the shade much of the day, then you need plants that require shade.

Be patientGardens take time to mature. Don't

try to turn a budding garden into a mature garden with closer plantings and invasive species. While your garden might

look fuller at first, it will not stay that way. Some of the plants competing for space might not survive, while others might get run over by the invasive spe-cies. Correcting the issues won't be easy either, as transplanting doesn't always work and getting rid of a invasive species can be downright difficult.

compost, compost, compost!Set up a compost bin, add to it regu-

larly and apply it every spring for a fer-tile garden. It will save you big time in fertilizer costs, help the environment and give your plants the extra boost they need. Creating a compost bin is not that difficult either. There are tons of how-to's and tips online.

Be reaListicAgain, gardens take time to mature.

Don't push yourself so hard in the begin-ning that you run out of steam and call it quits. Take your time, be prepared to make mistakes and don't be afraid to ask for help. The best gardens often come out of years of trial and error. If you don't get it right the first time, ask a buddy for some advice, and remember, there's always next year.

You don't have to be born with a green thumb to become a great garden-er. You can learn how to master the art over time. All it takes is some patience and practice.

Budding Gardeners

• auto • home • Life • Business • personal umbrella• health

For personal, professional service and competitive rates, call me today.

Troy Thompson LUTCF

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Toll Free 877-974-9597Fax: 507-377-3301

E-Mail: [email protected]

troy thompson offers all Kinds of insurance -

one Kind of service

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71338 180th St., Albert Lea, MN License #20037743

2512 W. Main St., Albert Lea 507-373-7253

1/2 Mile West of Skyline PlazaHours: Mon.-Fri. 8-8, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 12-6

Hill’s Gardens

• Bailey Nurseries Rep on hand for your questions Saturday 9-1• Prom Portraits in our lush greenhouses Saturday 10-2!

Door Prizes • Kid’s Potting Project • RefreshmentsGarden Glove Give-Away! Free Pair of Gloves

With Qualifying $50 Order - While Supplies Last - Limited sizes, styles & colors available

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Spring is here!see us for your next...

HOME Improvement

LOANCompetitive RatesLocal Service

www.securitybankmn.com

437 Bridge Ave • Albert Lea507- 373-1481

201 Main Street • Emmons507-297-5461


3Building a deck or adding on to one you already have is a way of expanding the living space of a home. A deck or patio is much more inexpensive than a complete addition to a home. It might not, technically, be living space, but a nice deck will add space you can utilize during the warm months of the year. You can build a deck out of various materials. Wood is still the most common material used

but there are different types of wood you can use. Composite and PVC are other common choices. Let's look at the options.

Wood decking materials are easy to find and build. They can be Pine, Cedar, Mahogany, or other species. The important thing to look for here is green treated lumber. Lumber that is green treated will not decay as quickly as untreated lumber. Since a deck is outdoors in the weather elements year-round, it is impor-tant to protect your wood decking materials as much as possible. Green treated lumber is the first step. The species of wood you choose isn't a make-or-break decision. They all look good and they all need regular main-tenance to get them to last longer. All wood decks should be cleaned and resealed every two years at a minimum. Every year is better

but every two years is almost as good.

Composite decking materials have been around a while now and their popularity has plateaued. Composite materials are made from various post-consumer products like plastics and woods. They will last longer than wood with less maintenance but they have some cons of their own. Composite decking materials are known to allow mold growth. This will depend on your climate and can easily be washed off but it is something to keep in mind. Composite decks will, also, expand and contract much more, with the temperature changes, than wood. This is rarely a problem for homeowners, however. The color can fade quickly with composite boards and some styles are quite slick when they get wet.

PVC decking materials are relatively new to the market but have already left their mark. PVC is virtually maintenance free and can be cleaned with a garden hose. PVC decking materials now come in several different col-ors, including earth tones so you don't have to settle for white vinyl. PVC will be more expensive than other materials to build with but it will last much longer and require much less maintenance. To reduce the cost a little, you can look for PVC covered composite. Some of these simply, have PVC covering one side to protect it from the weather.

Consult a professional to discuss your options and what will work best with your budget and space. What your budget can afford is very important. However, decking is not a wasted effort. It is an investment in the house and property value and becomes a financial asset.

Different Deck Materials

Ag Financing

Different flooring types provide differ-ent statements to any room you install flooring. There is the stone flooring that expresses your passion for uniqueness. With all the different stone tiles avail-able, choosing this type of floor allows for different designs. Add to a kitchen or front entrance way for more of pro-tective flooring.

Ceramic tiles enhance the bathroom or the kitchen. The appealing shine and glimmer draws attention to any room you place ceramic tiling. The main thing with ceramic flooring is not to use in a room with a lot of furniture such as a

living room or den. Designing the floor-ing becomes easy when you choose a pattern to enhance the tiles.

The vinyl flooring offers textured and non-textured vinyl tiles and installa-tion with an adhesive type substance to hold the tile in place. You will need to keep the floor dry and sealed to prevent lifting of the tiles. Vinyl tiling is more susceptible to flaws from years of wear and tear.

Hardwood floors are beautiful in any home, and have become a popular choice in recent years. Many hom-

eowners are opting for laminate wood flooring for it's durability making this another option for home owners who love the look of wood flooring.

With the many different floor cover-ing, you have to choose from for your home carpeting is still a choice many like to go with. Carpeting is nice for bedrooms rooms and stairs, but many of the other floorings listed here have become popular choices for dining rooms, kitchens and great rooms.

Considering all of them before you make your final choice is a good idea.

Different Types of Floor Coverings

Root River Hardwoods, Inc.

www.rootriverhardwoods.com

Come VisitOur Showroom

1300 Energy Drive • Preston, MN 559651.507.765.2284 • [email protected]

____________________________________404 Airport Road • Albert Lea, MN 56007

1.507.377.8781 • [email protected]

LICENSED & INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES BARRY BRAATEN 507-363-1198

30 PLUS YEARS EXPIERENCE Lic# BC626316www.braatenbuilders.com

100% Seamless Aluminum Gutters Pole Buildings, Seamless Steel Roofing

& Siding, Windows, Homes & Additions

610 South Broadway Ave.Albert Lea, MN

1-800-323-1863 or507-377-1863

www.tradesandlabor.com

On the Right Track with Your Financial Needs“Our mission is to provide financial products, services, and education enabling members to achieve personal

and financial goals to benefit their quality of life”

First Time Home Buyer LoansHome Equity Loans

Your Partner in Quality Mortgage Products & Services

Your Source for All Your Flooring Needs!

CARPET | VINYLLAMINATE | HARDWOOD

Call Us Now for a Consultation at One of Our 2 Convenient Locations

2201 E. Main St., Albert Lea

507-552-1637

322 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie

507-583-2276

FLOOR TECH, inC.

Remodeling? Building a New Home?Attention Contractors, Home Remodelers & Home Owners!

Check R&R Floors for the best local selection in floor coverings• Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic • Wood • Laminate• Luxury Vinyl TileExpert Installation

Flooring507-874-3261

Alden, MNR&R

971 Plaza St., Albert Lea 507-377-4284

www.freebornlumber.com

M-F 7:30am-5pm; Thurs until 7pm

DECKING RAILING FENCINGDRYSPACE ACCESSORIES

TIMBERTECH.COM

Beyond all its beauty and worry-free practicality, homeowners choose TimberTech decking, railing and fencing for our proven quality and unrivaled range of choices, colors and design possibilities.

It's not just a deck, It's TimberTech.


519 Prospect, Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-7705Mon. thru Fri. 8:30-5:30, Sat. 9:00-Noon

M & SOutdOOr EquipmEnt

Spring Home Improvement20111/4b/w

No need to Rake!Let the mower do the work

• Siding •Windows • Doors • Decks

• Roofing • Insulation

• Construction

RICH HONSTAD SIDING & WINDOW507-863-2100 398 5th Ave., Freeborn 507-383-1113

What We Can Do For You! NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE™

EXAMPLE: LG184 $40.99*‡

Home Maintenance Kit

Nothing Like a Fine-Tuned Machine

Power up our most affordable blower. $219.00 (UT26523)**†

BH25LE Blower

www.JohnDeere.com

VISIT YOUR GOLD STAR CERTIFIED JOHN DEERE DEALER TODAY!

C23BCA6-00234632

ERLANDSON'S, INC. 214 EAST STATE STREET KIESTER, MN 56051 (507) 294-3244

ERLANDSON'S, INC. 77783 209TH ST ALBERT LEA, MN 56007 (507) 373-6418

��

Most Kits Include

• 1 oil filter & 2 quarts oil

• 1 air filter & 1 fuel filter

• Air precleaner

• Spark plugs

ExamplE: lG184$53.25*


NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE™

EXAMPLE: LG184 $40.99*‡




BH25LE Blower

www.JohnDeere.com


C23BCA6-00234632



��

Most Kits Include



• Air precleaner

• Spark plugs

Mower BladesJohn Deere “shatter resistant”mower blades are the best around, thanks to high-qual-ity materials and extra care in production. Giving you a better cutting job and longer blade life.

*

You cut your grass a few days ago, but already, it's looking a little long. Darn! You trudge to the garden shed, pull out your mower, set the blades low and start chop-ping. Chopping? Yikes! If you want your lawn to look good, you need to mow it well.

Proper mowing is essential to a healthy lawn, and timing is everything. When do you mow your lawn? Do you get up early in the morning and plow your way through the wet grass, never worrying about slipping, spreading disease or clogging up the mower blades? Do you wait until mid-afternoon when the heat will place you and the grass under a lot of stress? Do you mow in the

evening when the sun has almost set and the grass is dry? Hopefully, you choose the latter when conditions are perfect for mowing.

How do you mow? Do you start in the same corner and mow in the same direc-tion each time? While you might appreciate the routine, your grass won't, as it will soon grow in the pattern you have created. For straighter grass strands, mow in a different direction each time. This will also allow for a more even cut.

How sharp are your mower blades? Mower blades are like knives. The duller they are, the more ragged cut they will

make. Sharpen your mower blades often throughout the season for a clean cut.

At what height are your mower blades set? Sharp mower blades won't mean a thing if you don't have them set at the proper height. You will find dozens of charts with height recommendations for various grass types. Most experts, however, advise never cutting more than a third of the glass blades at a time. This will allow for deeper root systems, better growth and fewer weeds.

What happens if you miss a week or two? Don't try to make up for it by moving down your blade and cutting it shorter. The

longer, heavier clippings will clog up the mower fast and leave many clumps on the lawn. Instead, cut the grass at the highest height possible and then cut it again at the normal height a few days later.

Stick to the one-third rule and you'll never have to worry about clippings. You can just leave them on the lawn. They will decompose quickly and fertilize the grass (they will not lead to the buildup of thatch as you may have heard). If you want to dispose of the clippings, you may do so but be careful how you go about this. Most city dumps will not take them. Consider using them to fertilize your garden or flowerbeds instead.

The Right Way To MowAs the growing season comes to an end,

lower your mower blades for a shorter cut. This will retard the growth and reduce the chances of snow mold later. When spring arrives, take a day to clean up and make way for new grass. Remove any leaves and other brush that may have fallen onto your lawn during the winter that could smother the grass.

Proper mowing is key to a lush lawn. Know what is involved, follow through and never take safety for granted. Wear the appropriate apparel and safety gear when mowing-long pants, good shoes and eye and ear protection. Clear the lawn of debris beforehand, take pets inside and insist chil-

dren stay well away. Finally make sure your mower is in good condition and the blades are sharp. Then get ready to give it a go!

Cell: 507-383-1061Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Lic. #BC637482

No job is too big or too small...

We Do It All!

Your Full ServiceBuilder/Remodeler

•Pole Buildings•New Construction•Remodeling•Fire & Water

Restoration•Additions, etc.

Chris LarsonCLCLLC

Construction

UP TO

40%ENERGY

SAVINGS!

Custom Window Designs

147 S. Broadway Wells, MN Formerly Window Depot

[email protected]

Come Home to Comfort...

CAll 507-553-3465

“For All Your Construction Needs”

• Roofing • Concrete

• Decks • Siding• Additions • Garages

• Landscaping• Skid Loader Work

Call Mark at 507-383-0339

Licensed &Insured #20573223

SPECIALIZING IN SEPTIC SYSTEMSDESIGN~INSTALLATION~SEEDING• Conservation Construction • Land Drainage• Wildlife Ponds • Road Boring • Backhoeing

• Consulting

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM

SPECIALIZINGIN SEPTIC SYSTEMS

• Conservation Construction • Land Drainage• Wildlife Ponds

• Road Boring • Backhoeing• Consulting


~DESIGN~~INSTALLATION~

~SEEDING~

Tired of trying to get your tile clean?

Steam It CleanJesse & Kelly Krick507-402-2348 or 507-440-2389

Let us do the HARD work!

20% OffAny

Carpet CleaningSteam It Clean - Expires 5/15/12.

Spring Cleaning Special

now Offering Hard Surface

Cleaning CAll fOr A free QuOte!


519 Prospect, Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-7705Mon. thru Fri. 8:30-5:30, Sat. 9:00-Noon

M & SOutdOOr EquipmEnt

Spring Home Improvement20111/4b/w

No need to Rake!Let the mower do the work

• Siding •Windows • Doors • Decks

• Roofing • Insulation

• Construction

RICH HONSTAD SIDING & WINDOW507-863-2100 398 5th Ave., Freeborn 507-383-1113

What We Can Do For You! NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE™

EXAMPLE: LG184 $40.99*‡




BH25LE Blower

www.JohnDeere.com


C23BCA6-00234632



��

Most Kits Include



• Air precleaner

• Spark plugs

ExamplE: lG184$53.25*


NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE™

EXAMPLE: LG184 $40.99*‡




BH25LE Blower

www.JohnDeere.com


C23BCA6-00234632



��

Most Kits Include



• Air precleaner

• Spark plugs

Mower BladesJohn Deere “shatter resistant”mower blades are the best around, thanks to high-qual-ity materials and extra care in production. Giving you a better cutting job and longer blade life.

*

You cut your grass a few days ago, but already, it's looking a little long. Darn! You trudge to the garden shed, pull out your mower, set the blades low and start chop-ping. Chopping? Yikes! If you want your lawn to look good, you need to mow it well.

Proper mowing is essential to a healthy lawn, and timing is everything. When do you mow your lawn? Do you get up early in the morning and plow your way through the wet grass, never worrying about slipping, spreading disease or clogging up the mower blades? Do you wait until mid-afternoon when the heat will place you and the grass under a lot of stress? Do you mow in the

evening when the sun has almost set and the grass is dry? Hopefully, you choose the latter when conditions are perfect for mowing.

How do you mow? Do you start in the same corner and mow in the same direc-tion each time? While you might appreciate the routine, your grass won't, as it will soon grow in the pattern you have created. For straighter grass strands, mow in a different direction each time. This will also allow for a more even cut.

How sharp are your mower blades? Mower blades are like knives. The duller they are, the more ragged cut they will

make. Sharpen your mower blades often throughout the season for a clean cut.

At what height are your mower blades set? Sharp mower blades won't mean a thing if you don't have them set at the proper height. You will find dozens of charts with height recommendations for various grass types. Most experts, however, advise never cutting more than a third of the glass blades at a time. This will allow for deeper root systems, better growth and fewer weeds.

What happens if you miss a week or two? Don't try to make up for it by moving down your blade and cutting it shorter. The

longer, heavier clippings will clog up the mower fast and leave many clumps on the lawn. Instead, cut the grass at the highest height possible and then cut it again at the normal height a few days later.

Stick to the one-third rule and you'll never have to worry about clippings. You can just leave them on the lawn. They will decompose quickly and fertilize the grass (they will not lead to the buildup of thatch as you may have heard). If you want to dispose of the clippings, you may do so but be careful how you go about this. Most city dumps will not take them. Consider using them to fertilize your garden or flowerbeds instead.

The Right Way To MowAs the growing season comes to an end,

lower your mower blades for a shorter cut. This will retard the growth and reduce the chances of snow mold later. When spring arrives, take a day to clean up and make way for new grass. Remove any leaves and other brush that may have fallen onto your lawn during the winter that could smother the grass.

Proper mowing is key to a lush lawn. Know what is involved, follow through and never take safety for granted. Wear the appropriate apparel and safety gear when mowing-long pants, good shoes and eye and ear protection. Clear the lawn of debris beforehand, take pets inside and insist chil-

dren stay well away. Finally make sure your mower is in good condition and the blades are sharp. Then get ready to give it a go!

Cell: 507-383-1061Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Lic. #BC637482

No job is too big or too small...

We Do It All!

Your Full ServiceBuilder/Remodeler

•Pole Buildings•New Construction•Remodeling•Fire & Water

Restoration•Additions, etc.

Chris LarsonCLCLLC

Construction

UP TO

40%ENERGY

SAVINGS!

Custom Window Designs

147 S. Broadway Wells, MN Formerly Window Depot

[email protected]

Come Home to Comfort...

CAll 507-553-3465

“For All Your Construction Needs”

• Roofing • Concrete

• Decks • Siding• Additions • Garages

• Landscaping• Skid Loader Work

Call Mark at 507-383-0339

Licensed &Insured #20573223

SPECIALIZING IN SEPTIC SYSTEMSDESIGN~INSTALLATION~SEEDING• Conservation Construction • Land Drainage• Wildlife Ponds • Road Boring • Backhoeing

• Consulting


SPECIALIZINGIN SEPTIC SYSTEMS

• Conservation Construction • Land Drainage• Wildlife Ponds

• Road Boring • Backhoeing• Consulting


~DESIGN~~INSTALLATION~

~SEEDING~

Tired of trying to get your tile clean?

Steam It CleanJesse & Kelly Krick507-402-2348 or 507-440-2389

Let us do the HARD work!

20% OffAny

Carpet CleaningSteam It Clean - Expires 5/15/12.

Spring Cleaning Special

now Offering Hard Surface

Cleaning CAll fOr A free QuOte!


3Building a deck or adding on to one you already have is a way of expanding the living space of a home. A deck or patio is much more inexpensive than a complete addition to a home. It might not, technically, be living space, but a nice deck will add space you can utilize during the warm months of the year. You can build a deck out of various materials. Wood is still the most common material used

but there are different types of wood you can use. Composite and PVC are other common choices. Let's look at the options.

Wood decking materials are easy to find and build. They can be Pine, Cedar, Mahogany, or other species. The important thing to look for here is green treated lumber. Lumber that is green treated will not decay as quickly as untreated lumber. Since a deck is outdoors in the weather elements year-round, it is impor-tant to protect your wood decking materials as much as possible. Green treated lumber is the first step. The species of wood you choose isn't a make-or-break decision. They all look good and they all need regular main-tenance to get them to last longer. All wood decks should be cleaned and resealed every two years at a minimum. Every year is better

but every two years is almost as good.

Composite decking materials have been around a while now and their popularity has plateaued. Composite materials are made from various post-consumer products like plastics and woods. They will last longer than wood with less maintenance but they have some cons of their own. Composite decking materials are known to allow mold growth. This will depend on your climate and can easily be washed off but it is something to keep in mind. Composite decks will, also, expand and contract much more, with the temperature changes, than wood. This is rarely a problem for homeowners, however. The color can fade quickly with composite boards and some styles are quite slick when they get wet.

PVC decking materials are relatively new to the market but have already left their mark. PVC is virtually maintenance free and can be cleaned with a garden hose. PVC decking materials now come in several different col-ors, including earth tones so you don't have to settle for white vinyl. PVC will be more expensive than other materials to build with but it will last much longer and require much less maintenance. To reduce the cost a little, you can look for PVC covered composite. Some of these simply, have PVC covering one side to protect it from the weather.

Consult a professional to discuss your options and what will work best with your budget and space. What your budget can afford is very important. However, decking is not a wasted effort. It is an investment in the house and property value and becomes a financial asset.

Different Deck Materials

Ag Financing

Different flooring types provide differ-ent statements to any room you install flooring. There is the stone flooring that expresses your passion for uniqueness. With all the different stone tiles avail-able, choosing this type of floor allows for different designs. Add to a kitchen or front entrance way for more of pro-tective flooring.

Ceramic tiles enhance the bathroom or the kitchen. The appealing shine and glimmer draws attention to any room you place ceramic tiling. The main thing with ceramic flooring is not to use in a room with a lot of furniture such as a

living room or den. Designing the floor-ing becomes easy when you choose a pattern to enhance the tiles.

The vinyl flooring offers textured and non-textured vinyl tiles and installa-tion with an adhesive type substance to hold the tile in place. You will need to keep the floor dry and sealed to prevent lifting of the tiles. Vinyl tiling is more susceptible to flaws from years of wear and tear.

Hardwood floors are beautiful in any home, and have become a popular choice in recent years. Many hom-

eowners are opting for laminate wood flooring for it's durability making this another option for home owners who love the look of wood flooring.

With the many different floor cover-ing, you have to choose from for your home carpeting is still a choice many like to go with. Carpeting is nice for bedrooms rooms and stairs, but many of the other floorings listed here have become popular choices for dining rooms, kitchens and great rooms.

Considering all of them before you make your final choice is a good idea.

Different Types of Floor Coverings

Root River Hardwoods, Inc.

www.rootriverhardwoods.com

Come VisitOur Showroom

1300 Energy Drive • Preston, MN 559651.507.765.2284 • [email protected]

____________________________________404 Airport Road • Albert Lea, MN 56007

1.507.377.8781 • [email protected]

LICENSED & INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES BARRY BRAATEN 507-363-1198

30 PLUS YEARS EXPIERENCE Lic# BC626316www.braatenbuilders.com

100% Seamless Aluminum Gutters Pole Buildings, Seamless Steel Roofing

& Siding, Windows, Homes & Additions

610 South Broadway Ave.Albert Lea, MN

1-800-323-1863 or507-377-1863

www.tradesandlabor.com

On the Right Track with Your Financial Needs“Our mission is to provide financial products, services, and education enabling members to achieve personal

and financial goals to benefit their quality of life”

First Time Home Buyer LoansHome Equity Loans

Your Partner in Quality Mortgage Products & Services

Your Source for All Your Flooring Needs!

CARPET | VINYLLAMINATE | HARDWOOD

Call Us Now for a Consultation at One of Our 2 Convenient Locations

2201 E. Main St., Albert Lea

507-552-1637

322 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie

507-583-2276

FLOOR TECH, inC.

Remodeling? Building a New Home?Attention Contractors, Home Remodelers & Home Owners!

Check R&R Floors for the best local selection in floor coverings• Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic • Wood • Laminate• Luxury Vinyl TileExpert Installation

Flooring507-874-3261

Alden, MNR&R

971 Plaza St., Albert Lea 507-377-4284

www.freebornlumber.com

M-F 7:30am-5pm; Thurs until 7pm

DECKING RAILING FENCINGDRYSPACE ACCESSORIES

TIMBERTECH.COM

Beyond all its beauty and worry-free practicality, homeowners choose TimberTech decking, railing and fencing for our proven quality and unrivaled range of choices, colors and design possibilities.

It's not just a deck, It's TimberTech.


While some people appear to have been born with a green thumb, others aren't so fortunate. Gardening does not come so instinctively to them. If you are among them, do not despair. You can learn how to garden and become really good at it by following some basic tips.

Learn aLL that you canRead up on the subject of gardening,

from the basics to the fine details. Check out some books and subscribe to a few magazines. Join a gardening club or at the very least get together with a group of gardening friends. The more data you collect, the better decisions you will make in the long run and the more likely you are to have some success.

Watch out for the prettyBudding gardeners too often select

plants on their appearance rather than their requirements. They like the way a certain plant looks, plant it and then wonder why it doesn't measure up later. You need plants with requirements that your garden can meet. If your garden gets a great deal of sun, then you need plants that require full sun. If your garden is in the shade much of the day, then you need plants that require shade.

Be patientGardens take time to mature. Don't

try to turn a budding garden into a mature garden with closer plantings and invasive species. While your garden might

look fuller at first, it will not stay that way. Some of the plants competing for space might not survive, while others might get run over by the invasive spe-cies. Correcting the issues won't be easy either, as transplanting doesn't always work and getting rid of a invasive species can be downright difficult.

compost, compost, compost!Set up a compost bin, add to it regu-

larly and apply it every spring for a fer-tile garden. It will save you big time in fertilizer costs, help the environment and give your plants the extra boost they need. Creating a compost bin is not that difficult either. There are tons of how-to's and tips online.

Be reaListicAgain, gardens take time to mature.

Don't push yourself so hard in the begin-ning that you run out of steam and call it quits. Take your time, be prepared to make mistakes and don't be afraid to ask for help. The best gardens often come out of years of trial and error. If you don't get it right the first time, ask a buddy for some advice, and remember, there's always next year.

You don't have to be born with a green thumb to become a great garden-er. You can learn how to master the art over time. All it takes is some patience and practice.

Budding Gardeners

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