Fwd: [thesimple_life] Simple $10. Garden!

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thesimple_lifeReply-to: thesimple_life-owner To: thesimple_life Sent: 1/20/2009 7:07:23 P.M. Pacific Standard TimeSubj: [thesimple_life] Simple $10. Garden!

 

 

 

 

1-18 Simple Life The Simple Lifeby Sheryl SimonsSimple in the GardenWon't be long and spring will be inviting us back to the garden. Each year, I walk on squishy ground, welcoming back my plants that peek from under melting snow mounds. Under the snow, hollyhocks leaves stay green. Daffodils and narcissus are poking up. Some of these plants have been my friends for years, or were given to me by friends. What are your plans for this year? Maybe you have a flat boring front yard. But maybe you'd like to add a small spot of interest. Pick a spot off-center of the yard. Start digging as soon as you can dig without hitting frozen earth, or squishy mud. Dig a shape that is not an exact circle, and just take off the grass with as little dirt as possible. You can make it as big or small as you desire. Work up the dirt with a pitch fork (you can use a roto-tiller). Wait 2 weeks and spray any weeds that begin to come up. Follow directions and plant seeds of your favorite flowers, or you could combine a few veggies and flowers, as soon as possible after the last frost date. Pick something tall, that will stand out with color, not something tiny you won't be able to see from a distance. Lilies, phlox, delphinium, or spiderflower (Cleome) are all easy examples. You can also plant flower plants from a flat. Really, for less than $10. you can have a nice little garden. For a couple weeks, do not mulch, but stay persistent on keeping out any weeds that pop up. After that, most weeds should be gone. Now you can use layers of newspapers, and spread a layer of mulch on top of that. This will keep weeds down and reduce watering. Now you can add some height by setting an old chair and flowerpot or tall bird house, or some large rocks or boulders. Keep the grass trimmed on the edges to keep the weeds out.* * *There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling. ~Mirabel OslerKeeping it Simple,Sherylthesimple_life A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!