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  • Landscape Makeover: A Gift for Grandma and Grandpa
    		•
    Repairing cracked concrete and planting new shrubs rejuvenates this front landscape.
    From "Desperate Landscapes"
    episode DDSL-212


    (Continued from page 1)

    PHOTO

    Figure C
    PHOTO

    Figure D
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    Figure E
    Project No. 2: Patch concrete steps and wall

    The steps at the Wenstrup's home and an adjacent wall are cracked. Jason's plan calls for patching them.

    Note: Weather is important when using a patch: Ideally, the temperature should be above 40 degrees for at least 24 hours. Jason's work takes place at the cusp of those temperatures, so he adds an accelerator to help the patch set more quickly.

    Tips for patching concrete:

  • Clean the crack with a stiff brush (figure C).
  • Use a concrete vinyl-patch product. It is made of vinyl resin, sand and cement. Mix according to manufacturer's instructions. (Jason mixed this patch a little thicker than usual because it would be applied to a vertical surface.)
  • Use a wet trowel to apply the patch (figure D).
  • Smooth patch with trowel.
  • The patch is then followed up with slurry which is a thin mixture of Quikrete and water. The slurry is brushed on to blend the new patch with the old concrete (figure E).

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    PHOTO

    Figure F
    PHOTO

    Figure G
    PHOTO

    Figure H
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    Figure I
    Project No. 3: Build a planter

    Jason's plan calls for a simple square planter for Jane and Lee's patio. He built a 27" x 27" planter frame to accommodate a 26"-diameter plastic pot, using marine-grade plywood for the planter. Marine-grade plywood doesn't have voids in its inner core, which can lead to warping. It's more expensive than regular plywood, but it will hold its shape longer.

    Tips for building a planter:

  • Cut 45-degree angles on each corner (figure F).
  • Use wood glue or construction adhesive to join each corner together (figure G).
  • Use a finishing nail gun to secure them (figure H).
  • For extra support, glue 1" x 2" cedar blocks in each corner.

    Project No. 4: Install new screen door

    Jane and Lee's old screen door has been around a long time. Installing a new one is a relatively simple project.

    Tips for installing a screen door:

  • Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a new screen door.
  • Mount the tap rail first. You may need to use a hacksaw to cut the frame to a proper fit..
  • Install the side rails with the hinges; again, you may have to trim it.
  • Hang the door on the hinges (figure I). Do this before installing the third piece of framing so that you can close the door and determine if it needs to be shimmed.
  • Install the third piece of framing.
  • Install the hardware.

    Jane and Lee's plants

    Here are the plants, plus a summary of their characteristics and care, that were chosen for this landscape:

    PHOTO

    Japanese zelkova
    Japanese zelkova tree
    Zelkova serrata

    The vase-shaped deciduous zelkova makes a great shade tree.

  • Mature size: 50 to 80 feet tall and a canopy of 50 to 75 feet
  • Medium growth rate
  • Grows well in full sun
  • Disease and pest resistant. Drought tolerant once established
  • USDA Zones 5-8
  • Cost: $345
  • Planting tip: Holes for trees should be as deep as the root ball and about three times as wide. Digging a wide hole ensures the soil is broken up enough so the roots can establish themselves.
  • Planting tip: It is somewhat sensitive to being planted in the fall months. Be sure to amend the soil and water it well. Also apply mulch around the base to protect it.

    PHOTO

    Beautyberry
    Beautyberry
    Callicarpa americana

    This plant is prized for its fall berries (drupes) that come in pink, amethyst or white.

  • Mature size: 6-8 feet tall
  • Tiny flowers appear in spring.
  • USDA Zones 6-10
  • Cost: $170 for 4
  • Maintenance tip: Cut back shrub to about 6 inches in late winter to encourage more berries.

    PHOTO

    Sargent juniper
    Sargent juniper

    This low-growing, low-maintenance needled evergreen is excellent for covering ground.

  • Mature size: 18 inches high and up to 10 feet wide
  • Drought tolerant
  • Prefers full sun
  • USDA Zones 6-8
  • Cost: $207 for 6


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  • RELATED PROJECTS:
  		• Landscape Makeover for a Tudor Home
  		• Concrete Step Repair
  		• Concrete Floor Repair
  		• Fantastic Facelift for a Front Yard
  		• Central Planter Box
  		• Foolproof Container Gardening
  		• Container Gardening

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  		• Landscape Makeover: A Gift for Grandma and Grandpa
    		•