DIY Network

Root of the Problem Maureen Gilmer improves the condition of the lawn by opening up and amending the soil. From "Weekend Gardening" episode WKG-405

(Continued from page 1)

Maureen Gilmer uses an aerating machine to open up the soil.

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1. With extremely sharp tines, an aerating machine can easily puncture holes in the soil (figure C). As a general rule of thumb, it's best to aerate lawns once every two years or so. Putting air into the soil is a great way to rejuvenate a tired lawn. Combined with adding manure, organic compost and fertilizer, aeration helps grass grow and thrive (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

2. Using landscape paint, Maureen marks off several sections of lawn for removal; these areas will become new flowerbeds (figure E).

3. Several of the plants are deciduous flowering shrubs, often found in the gardens of Northeastern Colonial homes. These plants not only look good in the landscape but also supply an abundance of cut flowers in the spring (plant them close to a doorway or window to enjoy the fragrance). The plants used in this bed are very fragrant and cold hardy to zones 4 and 5. Many are also available in dwarf varieties.

The plants in this bed include the following:

• Fragrant snowball viburnum (Viburnum x carlcephalum); large, softball-size flower clusters; highly fragrant

• Aphrodite rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite'); originated in the Holy Land; for this garden, an important source of late-blooming color (figure F)

• Lavender Lady lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Lavender Lady'); traditional lilac; adds fragrance (figure G).

Time spent: 5 hours.

Total time spent so far: 9 hours.

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RESOURCES :

Ace Hardware Supplies
To locate the nearest Ace Hardware to your home, click here.
Ace Hardware
2200 Kensington Ct.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2100
Toll-free: 866-290-5334
Website: www.acehardware.com

Plants from Ball Horticultural Company
Various plant material
Ball Horticulture Company
Website: www.simplybeautifulgardens.com

Soil Amendments
Soil amendments
Whitney Farms
Website: www.whitneyfarms.com

Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com

DeWalt power tools
DeWalt
Website: www.dewalt.com/us/core/

Landscaping Services by D&J Landscaping
D & J Landscaping
E-mail: DJLandscaping@sbcglobal.net

Plants from Hines Horticulture
Website: www.hineshort.com

Terrazza Square Planters
Gardner’s Supply Company
Website: www.gardeners.com
Item #33-301 (white)

Vinyl fencing
USAVinyl, LLC
Website: www.usavinyl.com
Item #Pine46 (4’x6’ New England Straight Top); #PCT66 (6’x6’ Mason Vinyl Privacy Fence)