Camelot I

LAWN & GARDEN TIPS

Jan 31, 2001

Winter Gardening Tips
Winter is a good time to get some pruning done. Following is a list of plants that like winter pruning.
?¼ Crepe myrtles and other summer flowering shrubs -- like mid winter pruning best
?¼ Hedge plantings--like severe pruning in late winter
?¼ Ground covers --like late winter pruning -- as needed
?¼ Fruit and nut trees, grapes, shade trees and evergreen shrubs--like mid-winter pruning
?¼ Roses --like late winter pruning , just before growth starts up in spring

HELP-I CAN'T GROW GRASS & I HAVE STUMPS IN MY YARD-HINTS
When I bought my home in Camelot I had a lot of dead grass and even more bare dirt patches (not to mention those horrible weeds we have seen a lot of lately). The carpet grass wasn't taking off like I had hoped and a light rain would turn my lawn into a mud pit. A neighbor recommended buying some Bermuda grass seed. I was desperate, so I went to Home Depot and bought $10.00's worth of Bermuda grass seed (not a grass mix). I tossed the seed around in my bare patches (like I was feeding the birds), stirred up the dirt to cover the seed, placed some grass clippings on top and then kept it watered. The directions on the back of the package did suggest more work, but I was "too busy" or "too tired" to properly bury the seed. Even with my short cuts I couldn't believe how fast & thick the grass grew in. I did have to go over a few spots twice, but my lawn was soon full & beautiful.
Another problem was tree stumps left from dead trees. We cut them as close to the ground as possible and then set some dirt on top of the stump (was about the same level as the ground) and did the "Bermuda grass thing" again. I am now a happy owner of a thick lawn.
Remember when shopping for planes & flowers to look for good root bases (but not roots growing out the pots). It is better to buy a flower that is shorter and sturdier without flowering yet (it is busy working on the root system), than one that is less healthy but may tall and flowering already. It is best to talk to an experienced Garden person if you have any questions about what to purchase & its care. Good luck with your spring lawn preparations!