Morning Journal - Lawn & Garden - Spring 2015

2 • morning journal • spring lawn & garden 2015 • sunday, march 29, 2015

(Family Features) Want to get the best out of yourlawn this year? Implement these simple hacks to keepyour lawn green and growing, your equipment up andrunning, and your yard looking great:

1. Feed your lawn. In order to maintain a healthy lawn,you should fertilize twice a year. Start the process onemonth after the lawn starts growing in the spring, andone month before the lawn goes dormant in the fall.Spring fertilization is imperative, as it replenishes nutrientreserves that have been used up during the first growthspurt of the season. Avoid “burning” the lawn by only fer-tilizing at the recommended rate and ratio for your lawn.Check with the experts at your local lawn care supplystore to choose the correct dose.

2. Perform mower checkups. A properly runningmower is essential to keeping your lawn looking great.Make sure it’s ready for every mow by incorporatingthese maintenance tips into your routine:

* Change your mower oil. This should be done every25 hours of use for a walk-behind mower, which is once ayear for most users. For a lawn tractor, change the oilevery 50 hours.

* Keep your mower clean. Brush away grass clippingsfrom the cooling fans and keep air intake screens clear soair can pass through. Make sure that all safety shields arein place to protect you and your family.

* Sharpen your blade. A dull blade will split grassblades, leaving them susceptible to disease. Sharpen theblade to about one sixty-fourth of an inch for a clean cut.Also, be sure the blade is balanced to ensure an even cut.

3. Mulch instead of bag. Mulching while you mowleaves a thin layer of grass clippings on the lawn. Theseclippings gradually break down to provide additionalnitrogen to the lawn. This provides a natural fertilizerthroughout the mowing season. Look for mowers with

specifically designed mulching mower decks and bladesthat cut clippings into tiny pieces, returning them to theturf. A riding mower, like the John Deere S240 Sportallows you to choose if you want to mulch, side-dischargeor bag clippings without the need for additional tools.

4. Do more with your mower. You can now do morethan ever with your tractor by adding implements to helpcomplete yard tasks more quickly, and enjoy some restand relaxation on the weekend. Use utility carts for haul-ing, spreaders for applying fertilizer, aerators to renew thesoil, or even a snowblower attachment to remove thesnow from your driveway.

From mulching to mowing to feeding, keeping yourlawn green and growing requires a little strategic care,but the reward is as sweet as the smell of fresh cut grass.For more ideas and equipment to get your yard in shape,visit www.JohnDeere.com/Residential.

A lushlawnin 4easysteps

morning journal • spring lawn & garden 2015 • sunday, march 29, 2015 • 3

(BPT) - Snowmageddon. Snowpocalypse. Polar Vortex 2.0. If you’re like most Ameri-cans, you’re limping to the finish line of yet another never-ending winter. But this winterdoesn’t just have people at their breaking points, it has lawns across the country readyfor a relief as well.

“To say that lawns wake up from the winter hungry and ready for maintenance wouldbe putting it lightly,” says John Turner, DIY expert and regular contributor to Craftsman-Club.com. “Achieving a beautiful lawn - even after a particularly brutal winter - is certain-ly attainable. But it all starts by leveraging the right equipment for your truly uniquelawn.”

To help get your yard looking its best this season, the Craftsman brand has new, inno-vative lawn and garden equipment to tackle a variety of needs:

* Ride in style - Riding lawn mowers take the cake for ease and comfort - especially ifyou have tall grass or hilly terrain. The Craftsman Pro Series Riding Lawn Mowers comein 42-, 46- and 54-in. reinforced steel decks for strength and durability and capabilities toreach speeds of up to 5.5 mph.

Have an extra-large lawn? The Craftsman Pro Series Zero Turn Riding Mowers haveyou covered - and with a zero-inch turning radius, trees and bushes won’t slow youdown.

* Stay powered and ditch the gas - The Craftsman 40-Volt category is the brand’snewest and most powerful cordless lawn and garden platform. The collection of lawntools is powered by a 40 Volt MAX lithium-ion battery and includes a hedge trimmer, linetrimmer, 12-inch chainsaw, sweeper and push mower.

* Devil is in the details - Edging tools are ideal for creating a beautiful, finished edgealong driveways, walking paths and sidewalks. Edgers are simple aesthetic tools that cutout grass, roots and weeds along the edge of your pavement, and done correctly, theycan set the standard for the rest of your neighborhood.

Additional lawn and garden products - and yard maintenance tips, are available onCraftsmanClub.com. Here, Craftsman Club members can get advice from DIY experts,share projects in real time and learn about the latest tool innovations from the brand.

Top equipment forachieving a manicuredlawn this season


(Family Features) Creating a perfect outdoor oasis - the first step toward a summerfilled with carefree entertaining - requires careful planning for the entire space. Whilethe arrival of spring is the perfect time to start thinking about landscape elements, don’toverlook the finer details, such as the furniture and accessories, that truly bring an out-door space to life.

Whether you’re looking to create a family-friendly space for entertaining, a serenepoolside retreat or a secret garden that showcases your green thumb, begin by definingyour vision. Having a clear idea of how your finished space will look and feel will helpyou make the best decisions as you begin designing the retreat of your dreams.

Furniture that fitsAlthough tastes and trends may change from one season to the next, selecting the

right furniture pieces from the start will let you bring fresh new looks to your outdoorspace in other ways.

Sectional seating is an attractive option because it allows you to redefine your space inminutes. Hosting a party? Strategically placed sectional seating can open up your spaceand encourage an evening of mingling. Prefer a more intimate arrangement for poolsideconversations or a date-night in? The sectional can be rearranged into a closer configura-tion.

Look for a versatile collection in neutral colors, such as Pier 1 Imports’ Echo Beachcollection. This sectional can be arranged in more than 20 different ways, allowing youto arrange and rearrange to your heart’s content.

To round out your furniture, consider the highly functional but often underrated gar-den stool. Place one in a quiet corner for meditative moments, pair them to create a one-of-a-kind coffee table, or pull one up when you need an extra seat. As an added bonus,when cooler weather returns, you can pull your garden stool indoors for a sweetreminder of summer.

Investing in the right pieces will save you time and money in the long run. Whenyou’re ready for a new look, you can easily change the feel of your patio with accessoriesor a new brightly colored accent piece, such as a tiled bistro table or outdoor Papasanchair.

Accent your styleOnce your furniture is in place, you’ve got a blank slate to play with and most impor-

tantly, to accessorize! Accessorizing is where the decorating happens and your personalstyle shines through.

Add pillows, cushions, umbrellas, outdoor rugs and even outdoor curtains to yourspace, and what started as a dull patio will begin to transform into an extension of yourhome. To mix patterns like a pro, choose pillows and rugs in the same color family, varythe scale of your patterns and introduce textures to ensure that they don’t compete witheach other.

Be sure to layer in treasures that are uniquely you - lanterns, wall decor, statues andwindchimes - to establish a space bursting with personality.

Remember, small changes can make a big impact. Refresh last year’s patterns withthe new trends, or simply add a few new accessories into your existing decor for a budg-et-friendly way to satisfy your urge to update.

Find more tips to transform your boring backyard into a refreshing retreat atwww.pier1.com.

Summer EntertainingOnce your beautiful outdoor space is complete, you’ll undoubtedly be eager to show-

case your hard work. Make entertaining a breeze with these tips from the experts atPier 1 Imports:

Highlight your party’s main attraction - the food.* If you’re hosting the whole family for a cookout, make memories during a sit-down

meal around your outdoor dining table. Freshen up the meal with dinnerware that’s aseye-catching as it is durable. Easy-care melamine and fresh-hued acrylic stemwarepieces let your guests enjoy without fear of shattering glasses or the festive mood.

* A less conventional approach that is perfect for drinks and small bites - servingcarts. They bring action to the party, whether that’s on the patio, in the garden or pool-side.

Create a one-of-a-kind tablescape.* Combine your favorite accessories, such as handcrafted trays, detailed lanterns and

a colorful bouquet, to create a cheerful centerpiece that instantly feels like summer.

* Give your party buffet a personal touch with an eclectic mix of your favorite servingdishes. Think multi-use beverage tubs, cheery cake stands and bold chip and dip trays.

Think about the light, both day and night.* For a daytime pool party, protect guests from sunburn and the heat by investing in

colorful umbrellas to provide a little shade - and the perfect place to sip a cold drink.

* When the sun sets, opt for a more romantic glow that lights up the night. Strategi-cally placed lanterns in a variety of styles, shapes and colors will be the light of your par-ty.

* For mood lighting at the touch of a button, Pier 1 Imports’ outdoor LED candles

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resemble their melted wax counterparts but offer a bit of addedmagic. They’re compatible with a remote control (sold separate-ly) that allows you to set a timer with automatic shut-off.

Gifts of SummerIf summer finds you doing more party-going than party-throw-

ing, show your gratitude by bringing along a little something thatrecognizes all the work that goes into hosting a perfect party.

* Think about items that can be used at the party, such as winecharms or a citronella candle with a lantern for a practical, yet fungift.

* Everyone loves a good party game. Pier 1 Imports’ Horse-shoe Game or Ladder Ball & Bean Bag Game are great hostessgift options.

* If you’re attending a potluck, bring your famous dessert on aserving dish that you know the host will love and leave it behindso it can be enjoyed for parties to come.


(Family Features) Whether you’re planning to list your home for sale soon or you’resimply working to maintain features that attracted you to the charming abode in the firstplace, careful attention to curb appeal is a must.

In the real estate world, the saying to avoid judging a book by its cover does not apply.The exterior of your home sends an important message about its character, and even itsvalue, making people eager to see what is inside. This first impression sets expectationsfor the entire property for potential buyers, appraisers and even your guests.

Keep your house looking young and inviting with these five home care tips:

1. Look at the landscaping. Curb appeal is about the whole picture your home pres-ents, which includes your lawn, shrubs and features such as flower beds and rock gar-dens. Keep grass neatly trimmed and prune vegetation for a well-kept look. Also give

your home a thorough look from the street. Are trees or shrubs obscuring an appealingarchitectural detail? Does vegetation dwarf your home, making it seem small? Would apop of color from some flowering plants add to the overall look?

2. Beware of dingy dirt. Because you see your home every day, you may not realizethe exterior has become dull with a layer of dust and dirt. An adjustable pressure washerwith Briggs & Stratton POWERflow+ technology will let you wash siding, garage doorsand shutters without stripping paint as well as delicate items such as glass top patiotables.

Then switch to the high flow mode, which delivers up to five gallons per minute forextended reach to clean second story windows, eaves and gutters or to blast away hard-to-reach cobwebs and insect nests.

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3. Update with paint. If a thorough washing leaves a ho-humlook behind, it may be time to revisit your home’s exterior colorscheme. Even modest adjustments, from pale beige to a deepertan, for example, can completely alter the look. Or, focus onadding color to the trim, door and shutters if new, all-over coloris out of the question.

4. Wash where you walk. The favorable impression createdby impeccable landscaping and a fresh, clean facade can beswept away in an instant if sidewalks, driveways and patios areunsightly.

Skip the messy buckets and brush, and instead reach for ahigh pressure, high flow pressure washer such as those featur-ing Briggs & Stratton’s POWERflow+ technology, which includeadjustable pressure and flow as well as power-soaping detergenttanks to let you clean tough stains then quickly wash them awaywith a single machine.

5. Dote on the details. Decks, fences, mailboxes, birdbaths,gazebos and other decorative features all factor into yourhome’s exterior image.

Thoroughly clean these items, repair any loose or brokenpieces such as fence slats, and apply a fresh coat of paint orstain, if needed.

For more information and tips on convenient cleaning solu-tions for your home, visit www.powerflowplus.com.


(NAPS)—Spring is on its way, and soon, home and business owners will be cleaningand preparing lawn and garden equipment.

“Many are so eager to pull out lawn and garden equipment once spring arrives thatthey sometimes forget basic steps to ensure the powerhouse of the equipment—theengine—is in good working order,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI.

“One challenge is that most fuel contains some level of ethanol, which contains corro-sive alcohol. If you left that fuel in the tank over the winter months, you don’t want to useit in the spring. It may damage your equipment. You need to drain it and put in new fuelthat is E10 or lower,” advises Kiser.

Whether it’s a mower, trimmer, blower, chain saw or pruner, the Outdoor PowerEquipment Institute (OPEI) offers tips to help users avoid fuel-related problems andready their equipment to operate safely.

Check the fuel tank. If fuel has been sitting all winter long in the fuel tank, do not useit in the spring. Drain it responsibly and put in fresh fuel. Remember to dispose of thisfuel properly.

Use only E10 or lower fuel in your outdoor power equipment. Do not use gas withmore than 10 percent ethanol (E10) in outdoor power equipment. Some gas stationsmay offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or other fuel blends, but this higher ethanol fuelis dangerous—and is in fact illegal—to use in any small engine equipment, such as lawnmowers, chain saws, generators, and all other lawn and garden equipment.

Don’t leave fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (withouta fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or runningproblems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.

Inspect your equipment. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. If youfind anything concerning, replace the parts or take your equipment to a qualified servicerepresentative.

Drain out the old oil and put in fresh oil. Remove the oil drain plug in your lawn mow-er and catch the old oil in a container. Replace the plug and refill the engine with oil rec-ommended by the product manufacturer. Properly dispose of the oil you drained.

Install clean air filters. Your engine and equipment will run much better with clean fil-ters. Paper filters need to be replaced. Some foam filters can be cleaned and replaced.

Sharpen your cutting blade. Have your lawn mower’s cutting blade sharpened so youcan get a clean cut on your lawn. Your lawn will be healthier and your lawn mower willoperate more efficiently, too.

Clean your equipment. If you did not clean your equipment before storing it, theremay be dirt, oil or grass stuck to it. Give your equipment a good spring-cleaning. A clean-er machine will run more efficiently and last longer.

Review your manual. Now is a good time to read the operator’s manual and refamil-iarize yourself with the controls and what they do. Make sure you know how to stop themachine quickly if needed.

About OPEIThe Outdoor Power Equipment Institute is an international trade association repre-

senting more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers andsuppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Devel-

opment Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and activeinternationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the Interna-tional Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performancestandards.

OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual international tradeshow, and the creative force behind the environmental education program, Turf-Mutt.com. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling,emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces. For moreinformation, visit www.OPEI.org.

Preparing your lawn equipment for spring

Use only E10 or lower fuel in any lawn and garden equipment.


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Simple tips to get growing at home(NAPS)—There may be few things more satisfying than grow-

ing colorful flowers or eating vegetables picked fresh from the gar-den. That might seem ambitious if you haven’t gardened before,but getting started this year need not be difficult. Just follow thesesimple gardening tips to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, gentle exer-cise and healthy produce:

1) Pick your spot with care. Plants need sun and water to sur-vive. Vegetables and most flowers need full sun—at least six hoursof sunlight every day during the growing season. Plant close to anoutdoor water source to make hot weather watering easier.

2) Start with the soil. Because plants live by their roots, themost important part of any garden is below ground. Most soilaround houses isn’t ideal for plants but can be improved by addingnutrient-rich organic matter, usually in the form of compost, shred-ded leaves or composted manure. Bagged soil mixes markedspecifically for growing vegetables are ideal for containers.

3) Keep your first garden manageable. For beginners, try a plot4 feet by 8 feet, or half a dozen good-sized (24–36”) containers.That’s enough to provide a satisfying harvest of herbs, greens or afew tomato plants while you get a feel for the amount of time andeffort it takes to water and weed.

Pots are the easiest to control soil, water and light. Creating acontainer garden of vegetables, herbs and patio flowers is a goodplace for novices to start.

4) Get a head start. Some vegetables and flowers may need tobe started from seed 6–8 weeks before it’s safe to plant them out-side. You’ll need to do this for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants andpetunias.

But other favorites like zucchini, cucumbers, beans and sun-flowers are easily sown in the ground with seed. You can learnmore about starting and sowing seeds at www.burpee.com. Plant-ing time will vary in each growing zone, but is generally best in thelate spring.

5) Watch your garden grow. It’s fun for the whole family toobserve seeds taking root and growing into plants. Be sure towater and weed regularly as you wait for the bounty of your firstharvest.

Burpee’s free Garden Time Planner app makes planting in spe-cific garden regions easy. To download the app, buy non-GMOseeds and plants, or to access helpful “how-to” articles and videos,visit www.burpee.com or call (800) 888-1447.


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(BPT) - When spring arrives will your deck be ready for “primetime?” Or will it stillbe wearing the shabby remnants of last season’s look? Clunky, view-blocking railings, arectangular layout and dark stain are so last decade. Before warm weather gets here,consider upgrading your outdoor living space with the trends that every well-dresseddeck will be wearing this year.

Cable railing = better views

Whether you’re lucky enough to live on the water or you spend a lot of time keepingyour backyard green and blooming, wouldn’t it be great to be able to enjoy the viewfrom your deck? Traditional wooden railings can block your view, and glass can be hardto clean.

More view-seeking homeowners are replacing wooden balusters with Ultra-tec stain-less steel cable railings. Do-it-yourself kits from manufacturers like The Cable Connec-tion make it easy to replace old balusters with stainless steel cable, creating a sleek,upscale and view-friendly look. The cable can be used with wood, metal or sleeved postswith a solid core, and you can retrofit any railing with the cable. Whether your deck ismade of wood or composite, cable railing works wherever you would install a traditionalrailing, including the deck perimeter and stairs. Visit www.thecableconnection.com tolearnmore.

A deck of a different color

Clear sealant for a natural look or subdued rustic hues have long been the colors ofchoice for decks. This year, expect to see a plethora of fresh colors popping up on decks.While changing the color of a wooden deck from a darker hue to something brightermay be problematic, composite decking manufacturers have branched out into a varietyof brighter colors, including whites and light grays. You’ll even see pops of color likegreens and blues in designs and inserts set into decking planks.

You can also add color to your deck through plantings. Think outside the planter box- and traditional floral plantings - to mix things up with decorative grasses and leafyfoliage that will splash color around your deck throughout the summer.

Mixed media ups interest

Wooden planks, wooden railings, stairs and even furniture - long gone are the dayswhen decks were single-material constructions. Today’s decks are a study in mixedmedia, incorporating traditional materials like wood, brick and tile with modern ele-ments such as composite planks, cable railings and even ceramic tile.

The amalgam of materials can yield a multitude of patterns, styles and looks. Pair atraditional wood deck with cable railing and stairs that descend to a patio of pavers set in

a herringbone pattern. Use heat-resistant ceramic tile to create a decorative and func-tional cooking area on a composite deck. Varying the materials used in your deck addsvisual depth, interest and excitement to your outdoor living space.

On the lighter side

Outdoor lighting isn’t just for the purposes of safety, or to extend the deck’s usabilitywell into the night. Lighting can be a design statement and a powerful decorative ele-ment for your deck.

Decorative post caps can add a designer look to railings while also providing amplelight for outdoor activities. Inset lights create mood and ensure safe footing on stairs. Fora soft, glowing effect, tuck rope lighting beneath upper and lower railings. Don’t forgetthe beauty of natural light, too; fire pits and chimineas offer up warmth, ambience andgentle light.

With some designer touches, it’s easy to turn your deck from dull to delightful - andensure your outdoor spaces stay in step with today’s best-dressed decks.

4 designer touches for your deck


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(Family Features) For many homeowners, there is nothing better than invitingfriends over to cool off from the sun’s warm rays in the comfort of their own backyardpool.

But as every pool owner knows, keeping their pool clean and maintained for every-one to enjoy can take a bit of work. Here are some ways to keep your investment in itsbest shape all season long.

Keep up with shrubsIf your backyard pool sits near trees and bushes, be sure to keep them trimmed

throughout the season. This will help avoid additional debris from flying into your pool,which can create extra cleaning work for you. If possible, consider replacing these plantswith those that create less of a mess.

Clean the surface oftenGet rid of unattractive stains at the waterline with a quality surface cleaner. For best

results, use the cleaner with a pool brush and rub from the top of the waterline to a fewinches below the mark.

Check levels regularlyBe sure to monitor your pool’s chlorine and pH levels at least twice a week. The best

time to do this is in the evening and several hours after the last swimmer has left thepool. If a rain or wind storm has occurred, wait about eight hours before testing.

Reduce maintenance dutiesBesides providing increased comfort to swimmers, more homeowners are choosing

saltwater chlorinated pools for ease of use and reduced maintenance. If you’re looking tospend less time keeping your pool maintained, consider installing a saltwater chlorina-tion system, which eliminates the need for buying, storing and handling chemical chlo-rine. Saltwater chlorinated pool owners also enjoy the benefits of less irritated skin andeyes, as well as a significant cost savings verses their chemical chlorine counterparts. Tolearn more about saltwater chlorinated pools, visit www.swimincomfort.com.

Run filtration system dailyWater in constant movement is less likely to collect debris, such as dust, body oils

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Keep equipment tidyPool skimmers are used to pick up yard debris, insects and other undesirable items

that can fall into the water. While skimming the pool is typically needed before everyswim, you should also clean the skimmers on a weekly basis, or as needed.

Pool Maintenance 101:Simple tips to keep your pool clean

A clean, maintained pool will help you get most from those carefree days ofsummer.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images


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Morning Journal - Lawn & Garden - Spring 2015