Spring Landscape & Design

Spring 2020

LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

A Special Section of the Bangor Daily News • April 17, 2020

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Spring Landscape & Design • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 17, 2020

LANDSCAPING

Tips & Tricks

Helpful hints for maintaining a beautiful lawn and deck

BY JOSH DEAKIN

Warmer temperatures have hit the state of Maine and the spring season is just around the corner. With the changing seasons comes the task of getting the lawn ready for the summer as well as maintaining it throughout the season to ensure you have a healthy, aesthetically pleasing yard to show off to your family, friends, and neighbors.

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind this year to help you in your yearly chores.

Lawn Care Maintaining a properly trimmed lawn is on the mind of every dad in New Balance sneakers every summer across America. However, mowing a lawn too frequently can cause the grass to die off. It’s a good rule of thumb to not let the grass get over four inches in height but cutting it too low can cause it to dry up quicker.

To make your lawn grow, try mulching the lawn in late spring or early summer. Some great natural fertilizers are grass clippings and the dead leaves that fall every year. Mowing the leaves and leaving small amounts around the yard can be an excellent organic mulch.

Another helpful tip is to aerate your lawn which allows the soil to more easily obtain what the grass needs to survive, like water and oxygen. Aerating the lawn is best done around the same time of mulching, in the late spring or early summer.

Overseeding a lawn is a great method of keeping your lawn full of grass in highly traveled areas. Lots of people have horseshoe or cornhole pits in their yards; adding an extra layer of seed to the areas around these high-travel areas will help ensure the lawn doesn’t suffer from summer fun!

Laying sod is a good option for those who do not intend to seed their yard. It’s best to do so in the springtime before the high temperatures of the summer come. Depending on the type of sod you lay down, you’ll need to stay vigilant on watering it to ensure it grows properly (more detail later on on proper irrigation techniques for your yard).

Landscaping Landscaping your yard can be an overwhelming task but with the right tools and knowledge it becomes a little easier. For starters, you’ll want to decide what it is you want to do to your yard.

Whether it’s something simple as a flower bed or something a little more complex, having the right tools are essential. It’s recommended to buy good quality tools that aren’t likely to break quickly.

If you are planting anything, you’ll want to put some consideration into the type of soil you use. A starter fertilizer can really help a new plant grow and flourish. If you’re going to be spreading a lot of mulch, you may want to consider buying in bulk and having it delivered and dumped to where you’re spreading.

Decking With the amount of snow and ice we receive over a five to six month period, our decks take a beating. In addition to repairing any damage a deck may receive over the long winter months, take the time to wash your deck thoroughly. Washing a deck is made easy with a pressure washer.

A pressure washer will remove the dirt, leaves and tree fragments left behind by harsh winters, as well as wood fibers caused by shovels and regular wear and tear. Always keep in mind to keep the water stream moving rather than fixed on one spot. Keeping the water on one area could damage the wood of your deck and give you more problems than you intended. Let the deck dry fully before attempting further repairs.

Sealing a deck is a great way to prevent discoloration and reduce risk of moisture damage to the wood. If you’d like to add a little natural color to your deck, you can first apply a stain to the wood before your sealant. For the physical boards of the deck, it is recommended to use a semi-transparent finish. Solid colors are good for railings surrounding the platform.

Irrigation Water is absolutely invaluable to a healthy looking lawn. This is especially true in the summer months when it’s much warmer outside and your grass has more opportunities for drying up and dying long before the first frost. There are several things to consider when watering your lawn. For example, sprinklers are a great tool but if you set them to run at night, the air is already cooler and there’s more moisture which could set the lawn up for disease. If you wait too long to water your lawn, your grass will develop a brownish tint which is unappealing to look at.

The best times to water your lawn are in the morning or in the late afternoon when the air is relatively cooler and there is less wind. The water is more easily absorbed properly.

An excellent guideline on if you need to water your lawn is the screwdriver method. It’s as easy as sticking a screwdriver into your soil. If you feel too much resistance as deep as 6 inches, you should water your lawn.

A lawn needs around one to one and a half inches of water per week to maintain the proper moisture. This can easily be achieved by rainfall, but on those drier weeks it can be a good idea to use a timed sprinkler to ensure your lawn receives adequate H2O. Keeping a well-maintained lawn is an ongoing project for the entirety of the summer months. It’s incredibly important to stay on top of the yard work to ensure that your lawn is in the pristine shape you wish to see and to help keep your neighborhood beautiful.

Spring Landscape & Design • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 17, 2020

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Look for the

Bangor Flower Show

coming back in 2021

BY KATIE SMITH

The Bangor Flower and Garden Show, which is usually held in mid-April at the Cross Insurance Center, is on hold this year. The popular show has been held for the past three years.

It is set to return in 2021 with all the beautiful landscape displays they’ve had in the past.

You can also count on all the latest products, such as plants, seeds, bulbs, shrubs, tools, sheds, greenhouses, decks, hardscape products and much more as the show will pick up where it left off.

The show is scheduled to be held at the Cross Insurance Center in April 2021, although no date has been set yet. April is the best time for the show, says promoter Dean Appleman, because if it’s too early “the landscapers have to force too many flowers and plants. If it’s too late, it leaks into their busy season.”

Appleman and the vendors say they love doing the Bangor Flower and Garden Show, and say this year’s hiatus will only build anticipation for next year.

There are 85 different companies which make up the Flower Show and they’re sure to be back in 2021. Appleman says the theme has already been set: “Uptah Camp.” All the vendors are really excited about it, he says.

Appleman says the Flower and Garden Show won’t lose any momentum and will be better than ever next year, so keep your eyes and ears open for dates and times as they will be announced as soon as they are determined.

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Spring Landscape & Design • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 17, 2020

Get ready: A checklist for

Early Spring Landscaping COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

During the cold months of winter, many people stare longingly out of the window dreaming of spring and time spent outdoors. For those with green thumbs, images of tending to the garden and other aspects of their landscapes no doubt dominate such daydreams.

Draw inspiration from those budding crocuses and daffodils pushing through the last remnants of snow and employ these tips to prepare for the upcoming gardening season.

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One of the first steps is to apply a pre-emergent weed killer to get a head start knocking out weeds that can plague the lawn during the growing season. Killing weeds at the roots early on can mean far fewer hassles in spring and summer, and may prevent new generations of weeds from cropping up each year.

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While it may be tempting to take a prematurely warm day as a sign that spring is in full force and purchase a bunch of annuals, it’s better to know the last of the possible frost dates (check “The Farmer’s Almanac”); otherwise, you may waste time and money planting flowers or vegetables only to have them zapped by another frosty day.

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Amend the soil so that it is the right consistency — just crumbling when lifting it.

Soil that is too muddy after spring thaw can harden, making it difficult for plants to flourish later on. Speak with representatives at a local lawn and garden center about which types of amendments you can add to the soil in your particular area to enrich it.

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Lawn and garden experts suggest filling in bare patches of lawn now by mixing a few shovelfuls of soil with grass seed. Then apply this patch to the bare areas, water, and continue to care for the area until the spot fills in.

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Spend a day in the garage or shed tending to the lawn mower and other gardening equipment. Clean all tools and ensure that everything works, repairing parts as needed.

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Give outdoor entertaining spaces a good scrubbing, clearing away dirt and grime that may have accumulated over the winter. Use a leaf blower to blow away any leftover leaves.

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Check if the front porch, railings or decking need painting and/or staining.

Tackle these projects when the weather is cooler so everything will be ready for those peak spring days.

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Think about any annuals you might want to plant in the landscape this year that will complement any existing shrubbery or perennials.

Come up with a theme so that the entire yard is cohesive.

Before homeowners know it, winter is gone and it is time to once again enjoy long days spent outdoors. Get a jump start on spring lawn prep as soon as you can.

Spring Landscape & Design • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 17, 2020

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Defining hardscape and how to use it Choose a theme.

COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

Curb appeal is beneficial in various ways. Curb appeal can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers and give existing homeowners a place they want to come home to. In its study of the worth of outdoor remodeling projects, the National Association of Realtors found standard lawn care and overall landscape upgrades were most appealing to buyers, as well as the most likely to add value to a home.

Although plants, grass and other items can improve curb appeal, homeowners should not overlook hardscaping.

Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-living features of a landscape.

These features can include everything from decks to walkways to ornamental boulders.

Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps develop that home’s hardscape.

Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs.

The right style allows hardscaping and softscaping materials to work together. For example, homeowners may want to give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and ornate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal.

The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished project will be cohesive.

The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished project will be cohesive.

DIY landscape designers can heed certain tips to make the most of hardscape features on their properties.

Choose materials.

As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of additions they would like on their properties. Common hardscape features include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls. Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard.

Think about the purpose.

Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes. Pebbles or gravel can mitigate trouble areas that don’t grow grass or plant life well. Retaining walls hold back soil in yards with sharply inclined hills. Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs, as well as planting beds. Fencing, another form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy.

Consult a professional.

While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, large-scale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addition, professional installation can ensure hardscaping features last for years to come.

Hardscaping should blend with the nature around it and take its cues from the surrounding environment. This can help softscaping and hardscaping work as one.

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Spring Landscape & Design • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 17, 2020

How to read a nursery plant tag COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

Shopping for new plants for a home can be an exciting undertaking. Nurseries and garden centers are often home to dozens of types of plant species that come in various colors, leaf variations and sizes. Such variety can make choosing plants more fun while also making the process of buying plants a bit complicated, especially for novices.

Thankfully, plant tags can help consumers make informed decisions.

Understanding how to read plant tags is key to making good choices. Such labels contain a lot of information, but once a person knows how to decode that data, he or she is well on the way to choosing the right plants.

Common name The common name of the plant tends to be the most noticeable word or words on the tag.

This is the name the plant is referred to outside of scientific circles. Most plants have one or more common names in addition to their botanical name.

Scientific (botanical) name Scientific names are also known as the Latin names of the plant. Such names will be written in italics on the tag and are usually one or two words. The scientific name includes the genus (group) and the species of the plant.

Cultivar A plant tag may further describe the type of plant by including the cultivar. A cultivar is the variation on the species. It may describe a size or color variation. The cultivar is listed in single quotations by the scientific name.

Sun requirements The tag should list how much sun exposure the plant requires to thrive. It may be anywhere from full sun to full shade.

Height and spread The label frequently includes the maximum growing height and width the plant should reach when mature. This gives gardeners an understanding of just how much room the plant will take up in the garden and how to space plants in a landscape.

Water needs How much water the plant requires may be featured on the tag as well. This helps gardeners know if they need soil to be damp or relatively dry.

Hardiness or zone Tags that list zones will describe the coldest zone in which the plant can exist.

Otherwise, it will give a range. Many annuals will not list a hardiness zone because they are not expected to last beyond one season.

Perennial or annual The tag should designate the plant as an annual or perennial. Annuals are not expected to last through the winter and will need to be replanted the following year.

Perennials can over-winter and will regenerate year after year.

Tags also may list information such as special care needs, drought tolerance, uses for the plant, and when the plant blooms. Some plant labels will inform gardeners if the plants were produced organically or without GMO practices. Trademark information also may be included.

Plant tags provide important information for selecting and growing plants.

When noted, tags help gardeners make the right selections and keep plants as healthy as possible.

Spring Landscape & Design • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 17, 2020

How to clean and prepare outdoor furniture for the season COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

As temperatures rise, people increasingly venture outdoors to soak up the sun, enjoy the mild breezes and entertain under the open sky. Clean and comfortable furniture can make outdoor entertaining that much more enjoyable.

After months in storage or nestled under protective tarps, outdoor furniture likely needs a good cleaning before it’s put to the test once again. Mildew may have formed, insects may be hiding out within cushions or other crevices and dirt may have accumulated -- even if the furniture was cleaned before being stored away. Experts recommend cleaning outdoor furniture between three and four times per year to keep it in optimal condition.

Before cleaning, determine the material your furniture is made of, as some cleaning products may not be safe for all materials. When in doubt, read the care tags on cushions and other products or refer back to the original packaging for cleaning instructions.

Always test a cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first.

The following are some additional general furniture cleaning guidelines.

Wood Wood comes in many varieties, from hard and softwoods to wicker furniture. Mild oilbased soaps and products geared especially to cleaning wood can be handy. On wicker and painted woods, it may be best to dilute the solutions before use. Hardwood furniture and built-in decking structures may benefit from annual sanding and then reapplication of a protective finish to maintain the look of the wood for long periods of time.

Plastic resin Commercial cleansers may be too harsh to use on plastic resin furniture. Before risking discoloration or scratching, try some ingredients that may be lying around the house. For example, use a wet sponge dipped in baking soda as a mild abrasive to clean resin. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse off the powdery residue afterward.

Automatic dishwasher detergent mixed with a gallon of warm water also may do the trick. The detergent contains a mild bleaching agent that will not cause damage like straight bleach.

Glass Dish detergent and general home cleaning solutions work well on glass surfaces.

Remember to clean all sides, including bottom-facing areas. After cleaning, use vinegar or a glass cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to produce a streak-free shine.

Outdoor cushions Outdoor fabrics are derived from different materials. However, this general-purpose recipe, courtesy of the DIY Network, may help clean many outdoor fabrics. Mix 1 teaspoon dishwashing detergent, 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon borax together. Saturate a sponge and use it to wash the cushions. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then spray it off with a high-force hose. Stand the cushions on their edges to dry outdoors.

Remember, vinegar can help inhibit mildew growth. Therefore, keep a bottle of diluted vinegar around to spray on plastic mesh and furniture that gets wet from the rain or a pool.

Store outdoor furniture away from inclement weather whenever possible to prolong its life.

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Spring Landscape & Design • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • April 17, 2020