Creative Ideas Magazine Spring Ed (2008)

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


2/13

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.


3/13

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.


5


4/13

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!


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.


5/13


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.


9


6/13


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.


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


7/13

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.


8/13

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 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.


9/13

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.


10/13


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

19

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.


11/13


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.

8

7

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.

6

2

4

3

5


21

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.

7


12/13


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


23

3

5

6

7

8

9

11

10

10

10

11

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.

4


13/13

PRSRT. STD.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

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

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Creative Ideas Magazine Spring Ed (2008)

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