The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents Historic Renovation & Artisan Stonework Award-Winning Mason with over 30 years of experience
Specializing In: Custom Masonry • Stone • Brick Work Point Up • Restoration • Patio & Water Gardens
FORMER HEAD MASON OF THE ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL FROM 1989 - 1996. All work done by Tom. No subs. Call for a Free Estimate
FOLEY HOMES
202-544-4484 • 202-257-8957 The KEY to Your General Contracting Needs
www.michaligamasonry.com
Design / Build Firm Large or Small Projects Design & Permitting We Specialize In: Additions • Kitchens & Baths • Cabinetry Central Heating & Cooling • Electrical Work
202-281-6767 • 703-248-0808 Licensed, Bonded & Insured - References Available
Reasonable Prices • Hill Resident • Licensed - Bonded - Insured
WWW.CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
Dear Garden Problem Lady, Every year, the same problem -- my garden is jammed full. I’d love to have room to plant new flowers fairer than those I have -but there isn’t any room left. Judicious pruning can go only so far. Yes – continue to thin things out – divide and give away more than you keep. Yes, plant new things in pots. But to make real space in an overgrown garden,something has to go. It is permissible – even enjoyable – to be a little bit fickle in the garden. Say good-bye to old loves; begin a new affair. Ever since neighbors next door started a lovely vegetable garden, several of us nearby have had rodent activity. What is the best way to co-exist with an urban vegetable garden, and at the same time create a neighborhood effort to keep mice and rats to a minimum, and at least out of houses? Do bear in mind that mice and rats do not prefer to eat vegetables. Rabbits and groundhogs do – but we have few of those. You are unlikely to persuade your neighbors to stop growing vegetables. If you see rats, call the Mayor’s Help Line – 311. And for the things you can control, be ready with defenses. Indoors, have mousetraps on hand. Outside, keep garbage well covered. Put no animal waste in the compost pile. Alas, rats and mice are here to stay, veggie garden nearby or no. When is the best time to put manure on azaleas? Early fall, or not at all – the saying goes. Azaleas prefer acid soil – and benefit most from a
152 H HillRag | April 2012