| Landscape Rescue for a Neglected Front Yard |
| Beautiful plantings and some spot-on masonry work give this home a lovely new look. |
From "Desperate Landscapes"
episode DDSL-211 |
|
|
Scott and Kerry Risner are big hits with the neighbors. They're active in the community, Kerry's a great cook, and Scott's an award-winning mandolin player, but when it comes to the landscape, they're both just fiddling around. Neighbors say the Risners don't have a plan, and they need professional help. That's landscape pro Jason Cameron's cue. With paint, containers, shrubs and a little inspiration, Jason hopes to have everyone singing the praises of the Risners' home on Scott Boulevard.
The basic steps in this landscape transformation, as well as a list of the new plants, are summarized below. But first, here are views of the yard before and immediately after this Desperate Landscapes makeover.
Project No. 1: Patch masonry wallsJason's team did some patchwork on the masonry walls beforehand so the patches would have time to dry before we paint. Tips for patching and painting a masonry wall: Scrape off any existing paint in the area you're patching (figure A). Be sure especially to remove any chipping paint. If you leave the paint on, the patch won't adhere properly.
Start with clean walls, but never use a pressure washer which can damage the masonry.
Use a quick-setting concrete for the larger cracks (figure B).
Use a masonry brush to apply the patch. Don't go too heavy.
For smaller cracks, consider painting – as we did – the entire wall with a latex paint designed to fill masonry cracks 1/8 inch or smaller (figure C). (Make sure the can is shaken at the paint store.)
Use a quality acrylic latex paint formulated for stucco.
For rough surfaces, use a roller with a 3/4- to 1" nap (figure D).
Paint should dry to the touch in a couple of hours. If you need a second coat, wait about four hours.
| ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: | | Landscape Rescue for a Neglected Front Yard |
| 
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2007/09/10/ddsl211_Scott-Kerry-Risner_e.jpg",350,450))
)
)
)
)
)
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2007/09/10/ddsl211_scraping-paint_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2007/09/10/ddsl211_quick-set-concrete_e.jpg",350,450))
)
)
