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c o n s u lta n ts
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BudgetDesignGuide.com
a style for every p o in t o f
v/ew®
T h i s
M o n t h
i n
t h e
G a r d e n
Outdoor tasks grow exponentially as soon
as frost is out of the forecast. Include
these tim ely tips on your to-do list.
PRUNE SHRUBS
Late spring is the best time to prune
early blooming shrubs such as lilac,
forsythia, and rhododendron. These
shrubs flower on old wood (growth
from the previous year). As soon as
blooms fade, remove dead, diseased,
or damaged branches. Also remove
crossing branches, water sprouts
(upright growing shoots that form on
trunks or side branches), and suckers
(shoots that develop from ground
level). Go to
B H G .com lpru n in g
for a
guide on what to prune and when.
DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG
Tilling a new garden? Installing posts
for a new deck or fence? Planting a
new tree or shrub? Before you dig, call
811
to reach your area's one-call util-
ity notification center. Within a few
days (length of time varies by state),
utilities will mark the approximate
locations of buried pipes, cables, and
wires with paint or flags—for free. Go
to
ca ll8 n .co m
for more information.
ELIMINATE INVASIVES
They may have been planted with
good intentions, but many exotic
(nonnative) species grow like, well,
weeds. Some of the worst offenders:
tree-of-heaven, multiflora rose, garlic
mustard, Japanese honeysuckle,
English ivy, purple loosestrife, and
Asian bittersweet. These garden
bullies spread rampantly because
they’re extremely adaptable and have
few natural enemies, such as insects
and diseases, to keep them in check.
Go to
B H G .com /invasives
to identify
the pest plants in your region and to
find noninvasive alternatives.
VISIT A PUBLIC GARDEN
Celebrate National Public Gardens
Day, Friday, May
6
, by visiting a
botanical garden, arboretum, or other
public garden. You’ll sec what grows
best in your region, learn gardening
methods from the pros, and be
inspired by spring displays. Go to
B H G .com /freegarden
to find a public
garden near you and get a coupon
for free admission. (Valid at all
participating gardens on May
6
,
2 0 1 1
.)
GROW YOUR OWN BOUQUETS
Farmer’s markets aren’t the only
source for locally grown bouquets.
Sow seeds of your favorite cut flowers
directly in a sunny garden after all
threat of frost is past. Or purchase
transplants from a local garden center.
Easy bouquet blooms that grow in
most regions include cosmos, celosia,
sunflower, zinnia, ageratum, purple
coneflowcr
(Echinacea),
globe
amaranth (
1
G om phrena
), and
Rudheckia.
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW
B H G
T e s t
G a r d e n
The BHG Test Garden is buzzing with
activity— there’s always something to plant,
prune, primp, or photograph. Come see us on
our public visitor days, every Friday from noon
to 2 p.m., May 6 through October 7. Groups of
10 or more may request a guided tour during
these hours by calling 515/284-3994.
© 2 0 1 1 Budget Blinds Inc. All Rights Reserved,
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B E T T E R H O M E S A N D G A R D E N S |
MAY 2011
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