2014 Lawn & Garden

SPRING GARDEN TIME PAGE 3 steps to ensure safety with tools PAGE 6 batty basics for summer living PAGE 8 K C

CHRONICLE

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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shades of white to violet.

• Pansy: These flowers are some of the earliest spring bloomers, arriving alongside spring bulbs like tulips.

• Petunias: Petunias put on a show of color through the entire season, making them a popular bedding flower.

Perennials

These plants will come back year after year and offer spring shows.

• Cherry blossom: The flowers that sprout on cherry trees are some of the first signs of spring. Their pink or white buds are often a spectacle, so much so that towns and cities hold cherry blossom festivals.

• Columbine: These beautiful blooms attract butterflies and can be a nice part of a garden bed.

• Jacob’s ladder: Variegated foliage that is dappled with violet-colored flowers can add a sweet smell and visual interest to the garden.

• Primrose: These flowers come in a variety of shades, making them versatile in any garden. They also tend to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

• Sweet violet: These fragrant flowers are edible as well as attractive.

These plants can self-plant, so unless a gardener wants them to spread, they should be kept contained.

Annuals

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• Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Looking for first signs of color? Look no further than these wonderful annuals.

• Alyssum: Starting in April, this cascawding bounty of tiny flowers offers a sweet aroma that attracts butterflies.

• Dianthus: These vivid flowers also attract butterflies and are often a cottage garden staple.

• Gypsophila: Also known as baby’s breath, these delicate flowers can serve as filler in any landscape. Pink and white varieties are available.

• Impatiens: One of the best-known plants for the garden, these annuals come in scores of colors and can generally tolerate full sun to full shade.

• Larkspur: Belonging to the buttercup family, these flowers bloom in

Lawn & Garden | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

garden time

Few things are anticipated more in spring than the arrival of new leaves on the trees and budding flowers in the garden. A landscape awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit and make anyone want to head outdoors.

There are many different plants that begin to show their colors in the spring. A number of perennials, annuals and trees begin to flower or show new sprouts come the springtime. Here are some plants that can be planted for springtime enjoyment.

Cultivate your own bounty of vegetables

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Quick tips for a beautiful organic garden

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Wednesday, April 30, 2014

It only makes sense to turn a little patch of your property into a personal supply of organic food.

Quality and cost-control are the top reasons to do it — and avid gardeners will tell you that there is a special kind of joy in planting, growing, picking and serving the freshest produce possible.

Today, approximately 30 percent of residential homes in North America cultivate a vegetable patch and most will tell you that the growing season can be full of surprises. Sometimes, the winter will leave much more moisture in the ground than the year before, but other times, drought will hamper your harvest and so will heat, insects, weeds and plant disease.

Here are a few more quick tips to refresh your start-up skills in the vegetable patch: •Clean up: Clear your patch by removing grass, rocks, or other debris.

• Till the soil: Add at least 6 centimetres of new vegetable garden soil to provide nutrients, improve drainage, and to promote strong root growth.

• Plant at the right time: Early season vegetables include broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas, and spinach. By early June, you can plant the warm-weather vegetables like corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

• Prevent weeds: Put a layer of mulch around the plants • Control pests and disease: keep an organic-approved spray handy for insect and disease control. Information at: www.todaysclearchoice.com.

• Water: Keep seedlings moist by watering regularly.

• Harvest: Your bounty should grow quickly from seedlings to a full harvest in less than 60 days.

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• Wednesday, April 30, 2014

PEN ek O e W NO s a W ay 7D

• Choose a drought-resistant grass. For those who live in areas that frequently experience drought, a grass that’s drought-resistant could be the best option. Grasses that are drought-resistant include Bermuda grass, tall fescue and Zoysia grass. Homeowners who want to replace their existing grass with a more drought-resistant species should consult a local lawn care professional for advice as to which grass is most likely to thrive in that particular climate or region.

Lawn & Garden | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Summer weather can be harsh on a lawn. Even the most lawn-conscious homeowner can be helpless against a summer heat wave.

One of the most effective ways to help a lawn combat summer heat is to water the lawn as effectively as possible. This is especially true for homeowners who live in areas that frequently fall victim to drought. Such areas often have drought restrictions that limit how much a homeowner can water his or her property. These restrictions highlight the importance of watering effectively.

• Water deeply and infrequently. Light but frequent watering will not promote strong roots. In fact, homeowners who water too frequently can expect the growth of weeds. When watering, water deeply and infrequently. Deep water promotes strong, healthy roots and can significantly reduce the chances of a weed infestation.

• Don’t waste water on the pavement. Be sure sprinklers are placed in spots where no water will be overshooting the lawn and landing on the pavement. Adjust the sprinkler heads so all the available water ends up on the grass where it belongs.

• Water early. Evaporation loss is lowest in the early morning, typically between the hours of 5 to 10 a.m. This is a better time to water than at night, when watering could lead to fungal disease.

• Water newly seeded or sodded lawns more frequently. Newly seeded or sodded lawns require more watering than established lawns. This is to build strong, healthy roots. However, it’s often not a good idea to sod or seed in the height of summer, so homeowners planning to do so should consult a professional before going forward with any project.

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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Steps to ensure safety with tools

Warm weekends are prime time for yard work and outdoor projects. To avoid turning tasks into turmoil, be sure to take a few extra moments to ensure the power tools you use are safe. CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, offers tips to help ensure the safety of you and your family while doing yard work this weekend.

General Tips for Yard Maintenance

• Ensure products such as electric lawnmowers, barbecues, power tools, ladders, decorative lights, extension cords and safety apparel carry the mark of a recognized or accredited certification organization, such as CSA Group.

• Protect yourself by wearing protective eyewear and footwear recognized by a certification organization, such as CSA Group.

Hearing protection should be worn when operating loud machinery, vehicles or tools.

Lawnmowers

• Before mowing, take the time to remove objects in your yard that may obstruct your mower or be flung by its rotating blades.

• Never clear an obstruction in a running mower. If the mower is electric, turn off the power and unplug the machine. If it’s gas, turn off the power and make sure the engine isn’t running and that all safety features have been activated.

Portable Power Tools

• Never use a power tool that has a cracked casing, loose parts or frayed cords. Ensure all safety guards are in place and in proper working order.

• Make sure twhe tool is turned off before it’s plugged in or unplugged. Always unplug the tool before changing parts like drill bits or cutting blades.

• Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge -- or wire size -- to handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against electric shock.

Extension Cords

• Check extension cords for wear and damage before each use. Discard any cords that are frayed or have damaged insulation.

• Never connect more than one extension cord together. Instead, use a single cord that is long enough to reach from the outlet to an appliance or tool.

• When working outside, only use cords clearly labeled for outdoor use.

• Never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet. If a cord becomes hot when plugged in, discontinue use immediately and replace with a heavier gauge cord.

More safety tips available at www.csasafetytips.com.

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B

atty basics for summer living

Glance into the evening sky this summer, and you might just see what appears to be birds flying in an odd pattern. Those fluttering shadows actually are bats that are on the hunt for food during the warm night.

Bat Conservational International states that there are more than 1,200 known species of bats around the world. Bats actually make up around 25 percent of the mammal population. Depending on the species, some bats eat nectar, fruit, insects, or blood. Contrary to myth, bats do not seek out humans or animals. Even vampire bats feed mainly on cows and only drink a few ounces.

Bats have very good eyesight in addition to echolocation (sonar) capabilities, which help them avoid flying into obstacles -- including women’s hair!

Bats can actually be beneficial to have around. Some bats can eat hundreds of mosquitoes and other insects in one night of hunting. A single little brown bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single hour and is one of the world’s longest-living species of bats, living for 40 years.

These small mammals are also essential to agriculture. Many important plants, like bananas, peaches, mangoes, cashews, almonds, dates, and figs, rely on bats for pollination and seed dispersal.

Despite the advantages of having bats around, many people fear them and try to drive them away from homes. Although bats, like other mammals, can carry diseases, including rabies, bats very rarely bite unless handled or provoked. Therefore, encouraging bats to take up roost around the house with the erection of a bat house can be beneficial. Homeowners will have a natural defense against common pests, such as mosquitoes and stink bugs.

Scientists have found evidence that bats existed 50 million years ago. Their fossils indicate that the anatomy of the bat has changed very little from modern-day bats. Although they have lasted many centuries, some bats are endangered and even common bat colonies are on the decline.

Bats are nothing to fear. They are social animals who nurse their young with milk and interact in large colonies -- just like people.

Considering they do their feeding at night, there is a small chance for human interaction. Should a bat be encountered in a home or garage, avoid handling the animal and consult a professional to remove it to a safe location.

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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Geneva ACE Hardware is more than the only downtown hardware store

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center for those bigger lawn and garden jobs. Whether you need a lawn aerator, chain saw, lawn roller, power rake, tiller or other lawn care equipment, ACE Rental has it at the ready.

Geneva ACE Hardware, Garden and Rental Centers are located at 617 W. State Street. For more information , call 630-2086000, go to www.genevaace.com or visit on Facebook at Geneva Ace Hardware.

• Wednesday, April 30, 2014

And what a garden center it is.

A natural addition to the store’s lawn and garden offerings, the Garden Center is headed up by manager Martha Scatterday, a landscape architect with more than 30 years’ experience. So in addition to carrying all kinds of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals, the Center also comes fully stocked with the knowledge to answer any of your many questions about garden pests and diseases, soil amendment, plant care and more.

According to Scatterday, this year the Center will feature First Editions as well as hard to find and unusual shrubs, grafted tomatoes and lots of vegetable and herb plants. Of course, customers will also be able to purchase fertilizers and herbicides including new line of Jonathan Green organic lawn and garden products.

Rounding out ACE’s impressive list of garden must-haves is everything from hoses, wheelbarrows and garden tools to pottery containers, arbors, trellises and fountains. They also carry birdbaths, benches and other lawn décor.

Additionally, Geneva ACE Hardware houses an on-site rental

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Lawn & Garden | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

It’s also Geneva’s only downtown Garden Center

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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47 things you didn’t

CREATE your own oasis with the BEAUTY of NATURAL STONE

think to compost

Garden compost can be a garden’s best friend.

Compost promotes soil health and enables plants grow to their best ability.

Many home gardeners prefer to make their own compost. It is easily achieved with items that normally would be discarded, including many items that ardent gardeners may be unaware of.

Common Compost Materials

Items like eggshells, banana peels, apple cores, paper, leaves, and coffee grounds are often included in a home compost pile. These items break down by natural bacteria and produce a rich fertilizer for plants.

Lesser-Known Compost Materials

There are many things that can be turned into compost. Here’s a list of common items that can be turned into compost and avoid the landfill.

1. pet hair

24. yogurt

2. paper napkins

25. shrimp shells

3. lint

26. toenail clippings

4. pine needles

27. pie crust

5. matches

28. toothpicks (wood)

6. chicken manure

29. tossed salad

7. old herbs

30. old beer

8. sawdust

31. feathers

9. weeds

32. fish bones

10. hair clippings

33. envelopes

11. tea bags

34. cardboard

12. paper towels

35. pencil shavings

13. bird cage cleanings

36. grocery receipts

14. stale bread

37. dead insects

15. leather

38. wool socks

16. old pasta

39. pickles

17. pea vines

40. dust bunnies

18. grapefruit rinds

41. toast

19. newspaper

42. chocolate cookies

20. tissues

43. oatmeal

21. cotton swabs with

44. tofu

paper sticks

45. spoiled wine

22. dried out bouquets

46. straw

23. potato chips

47. nut shells

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Perennials are a gardener’s friend Here are some perennials that can be added to the garden: • lavender • ornamental grasses • asters • chrysanthemums • irises • poppies • milkweed • goldentufts •anemones •columbines • daylilies • peonies • hostas

• Wednesday, April 30, 2014

mote new and stronger growth and some cleaning up after winter before the new blooming season takes place.

Once the early spring season arrives and the ground is not too muddy or rain-soaked, clear out any leaves and debris that have gathered around where perennials are located. Gardeners can also till the mulch or soil in these areas to aerate the planting beds.

Using shears, cut down any dead grasses, stems and stalks from spent perennials that overwintered.

Remove any dead wood and broken branches. Be careful not to trim spring-blooming shrubs because some flowers bloom on year-old stems and this can cause the plant not to flower.

Perennials that aren’t flowering as well as they used to or have dead centers may need to be divided to promote stronger growth. This should be done in early spring before the plant blooms or late fall before the winter arrives. Dividing plants and replanting not only grows the garden, but also it is a healthy revitalization for the plant.

Gardeners who prefer to take a laid-back approach to gardening may appreciate the ease with which a beautiful and easy-to-maintain landscape can be created with perennials.

Lawn & Garden | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Gardening is often seen as an art form to men and women with a green thumb. Once the landscape is designed, homeowners may not want to change much from year to year. That is where perennial plants can be an advantage.

Designing a landscape and keeping the garden looking beautiful can take a keen eye. It also may require a lot of time and commitment. If home gardeners have to replant items year after year, gardening can become time-consuming and expensive. Turning to perennial plants and flowers to serve as the anchor for a home garden can make the process easier.

Perennials are plants that live indefinitely. In terms of flowering plants, perennials will bloom every year.

In essence, they have the staying power of shrubbery but are more delicate in nature and often appealing to the eye.

There are perennials for every season, soil type and sun exposure. Perennials come in a wide variety of blooming flowers or attractive foliage. Chances are if a homeowner wants to add perennials to the garden, there is a variety available that will fit his or her needs.

Once perennials are in place, there is relatively minimal maintenance that is required. The tune-ups that may be needed are some deadheading to pro-

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Wednesday, April 30, 2014

| Lawn & Garden

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