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Desperate Landscape: Strike Up the Band Some new plants, a wooden trellis and some fresh paint turn a drab dwelling into a showplace. From "Desperate Landscapes" episode DDSL-105

(Continued from page 1)

	Figure A
	Figure B

Building a Trellis

The garage wall features prominently in the landscape. To soften the view, Jason built a trellis for the wall (figure A) and planted a climbing vine against it. Create your own trellis with your own measurements by following Jason's simple steps.

• Use quality redwood or cedar.

• For lattice strips, use a table saw to rip a 1x6 into 1/2 inch strips.

• For trellis frame, use a table saw to rip a 2x4 into two 2x2's.

• Take the 2x2 and cut a 1-inch by 1-inch notch out on one corer. This will leave an "L" shaped board.

• Cut the frame boards to desired sizes and fasten the strips that were cut at desired spacing in the notch with 1/2 inch staples (figure B).
  

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• Use hammer drill and tapcons to secure the trellis to the mortar (figures C and D).

• We hung our trellis on the garage exterior, slightly above ground level to prevent wood rot.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• With the trellis built and attached, a climbing hydrangea was planted at its base (figures E and F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

After removing the door from the hinges, hang thick plastic over the entry to keep out bugs and keep the air conditioning in.

• To paint door, clean it first. Allow to dry.

• Direct to metal primer is recommended, but since this door has already been painted, we're skipping this step.
  
  
• You can use a roller or a sprayer.

• Use exterior acrylic latex paint.

• Paint the recessed panels first and then the rest of the door (figure G).
  

  Figure H

The shutters on the Wisecup's home were in need of a paint job (figure H). Jason decided a paint job was in order and offered up some tips to make the job go faster.

• Clean and scrape shutters before painting (figures I and J). If the existing coat is in pretty good shape, there's no need for primer unless you're using a light color over a darker one.

• When painting, wear disposable gloves to make clean up a snap.

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

• Use plastic trays (figure K) to cut down on clean up time. Make sure they're not too flimsy.

• Use quality semi-gloss paint (figure L). It may cost a little more, but it's worth it.

  Figure K

  Figure L

  
  
  
  

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  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Desperate Landscape: Strike Up the Band