Q: I would like to add ground-covering plants to an area of my yard. The area gets quite a lot of sun. What are some good choices? A: There are actually several good ground-cover options for full-sun areas. Some of the most popular include:
- Wooly yarrow
- Barberries
- Blue fescue
- Creeping St. John's Wort
- Mondo grass / monkey grass
- Creeping thyme
- Star jasmine
- Juniper
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use on my lawn?
A: In most cases, your best choice will be a granular, slow-releasing fertilizer. For those seeking quick, dramatic results, a high-nitrogen fertilizer might be the best choice. (Keep in mind that high-nitrogen fertilizers generally have a high concentration and therefore should be used in far smaller amounts than slow-release types.)
Q: How do you divide monkey grass?
A: This is actually a simple process. Begin by digging up by the root ball, then use a garden knife to carefully cut the plant in half or into quarters depending on how big it is. In general, monkey grass is very resilient and divides well.
Money-Saving Tip: Houseplant owners should remember that winter or dry weather is hard on indoor plants. To keep them moist, place them near a humidifier, or try this budget-friendly tip: Create a humidity tray by placing a shallow tray filled with stones and water underneath the plants' containers. The plants will absorb the water slowly and stay well-hydrated. Also, remember to mist the leaves of the plants with a spray bottle from time to time.
