Dig Into Lawn And Garden Projects Without Digging Yourself Into A Hole (NAPSA)—According to a Pe recent survey, more than half of all homeowners will tackle the great outdoors in the next six months, including top projects like creating a flower or vegetable garden and planting trees and shrubs. There are smart, eco- friendly ways by which homeown- ers can save some green in their quest for a backyard green thumb. Ace Hardware’s national home expert suggests setting your budget before beginning work andfollowing these simple tips for a more beautiful yard: Eco-Friendly Steps to Lawn Perfection The secret to great grass is a schedule of eco-friendly watering and fertilizing that starts in the early spring and continues through early fall. Keep the environment top of mind with these quick rules: Conduct one deep watering each week (approx. one inch) to conserve water. When the weatheris very hot, apply an inch of water every three days. Let grass clippings decompose on the lawn to provide nutrients equivalent to one or two fertilizer applications, and finally, set your mower at two inches to reduce water evaporation during hot weather. Flower Power Planting flowers and trees is a natural way to give back to the Earth by rejuvenating the soil and adding oxygen to the air. Try concentrating on the spaces along front-entrance sidewalks, mailboxes and backyard patios. Place faux-stone planters on either side of your front door with colorful arrangements that can be seen from the street. By using colors and combinations of plants, you gmmeene n T em g L When the impulse to garden takes root, there are lots of ecofriendly ways to let your creativity bloom. can brighten your yard with tones and textures that also reflect your tastes. Simply Add Water Self-contained water fountains, ponds and waterfalls help add curb appeal on a minimal budget. Beyond their cosmetic benefits, water features are perfect eco-friendly additions to your landscape because they make natural habitats for animals such as birds and fish. Look for solarpowered versions that recycle rainwater, and items constructed from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo. “Warmer weather does bring the start of the lawn and garden season, but it’s really a six-month season with a lengthylist of to-dos that require an investment of time and money,” explained Lou Manfredini, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man.” “The best advice is to prioritize the most important projects that add instant impact, without impacting your pocketbook or the environment.” To learn more, visit www.ace hardware.com.
