Around the Yard: Garden and Lawn Advice from Julie Day

Brought to you by: ThermaCELL

How to Deal with Ladybug Infestation

Ask Julie, Diseases & Pests, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day

How to Deal with Ladybug Infestation

Susan asks, “I’m having a serious problem with ladybugs. Do you have any ideas for ridding my home of these beautiful but pesky insects?

For many homeowners, the battle against ladybugs is a yearly chore without a satisfying solution. Prevention, along with regular removal, is the best strategy. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

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July Lawn & Garden To-Do List

Featured, Gardening Basics, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day

July Lawn and Garden To-Do List

Rainfall is scarce in July, and soaring temperatures can cause your garden and lawn to slow down and conserve energy. Vegetable gardens kick into high gear and need some extra attention to stay happy. Other plants in your garden can benefit from special treatment as well. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

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Essentials for Comfort in the Great Outdoors

Advertorial, Diseases & Pests, Safety and Security by Advertiser

Essentials for Comfort in the Great Outdoors

Comfort is key for outdoor activities so go prepared. Remember to drink fluids, wear sunscreen, and bring an area mosquito repellent. ThermaCELL mosquito repellents are 98% effective in fighting mosquitoes, black flies and no see-ums, and they create a 15′ x 15′ comfort zone from biting insects. Read in full.

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African Violets: To Fuss, or Not to Fuss?

Flowers, Julie's Blog, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day

African Violets: To Fuss, or Not to Fuss?

I’m a little embarrassed to tell this story, but here it is. This is an African violet, one of a trio of violets that I’ve grown rather unsuccessfully for years. African Violets are known to be a little fussy, but I thought I was doing everything right, yet they sat there stubbornly, season after season, refusing to bloom. Read in full.

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Fixing Foundation Drainage Problems with a French Drain

Ask Julie, Attics and Basements, Lawn and Garden, Repairs and Installation by Julie Day

Brenda asks, “When it rains, the water runs toward the house and foundation, causing flooding. The cost of professional grading is prohibitive. Any ideas?”

A French drain around the perimeter of your house would be a great, inexpensive way to divert water runoff without having to regrade the entire yard. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

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Perennial Flower Garden Basics

Flowers, Gardening Basics, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day

Perennial Flower Garden Basics

If you’re looking to add color and life to your garden, perennials are a great long term investment that won’t break your budget. A well planned perennial garden offers a constantly changing variety of flowers for years to come, making it well worth the initial time and work involved. Read more to find out how to plan, plant, and care for perennials in your garden. Read in full.

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’Possum Folly

Julie's Blog, Lawn and Garden by Julie Day

'Possum Folly

Every day this week, I’ve been watching a small opossum who’s been happily waddling around my back yard and munching on the mulberries. He’s a cute little fella, probably too young to realize he’s nocturnal, but I was so puzzled by his recent – and regular – visits that I decided to tiptoe out with my video camera to investigate. Here’s what I found. Read in full.

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How to Grow Hydrangeas

Flowers, Lawn and Garden, Trees & Shrubs by Julie Day

How to Grow Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that transform from bare winter stalks into lush, green branches dripping with blooms in summer. Hydrangeas make a great addition to landscape borders, and the blossoms are gorgeous as cut or dried flowers. Here are some tips for growing this eye-catching plant in your yard. Read in full.

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White Efflorescence Stains on Retaining Walls

Ask Julie, Concrete and Masonry, Lawn and Garden, Repairs and Installation by Julie Day

Steve asks, “I built a retaining wall out of stackable blocks last year, and they are turning white and chalky-looking. Can you help?

Those powdery white stains on your blocks are likely caused by efflorescence. As concrete cures, the moisture slowly migrates to the surface of the block bringing dissolved salts and minerals with it. Read in full.

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How to Build a Compost Bin

DIY Projects, Featured, Green Home, Lawn and Garden, Organic Gardening, Soil & Fertilizer by Danny Lipford

How to Build a Compost Bin

Composting lawn and garden waste is a great way to obtain organic material for your garden while reducing the environmentally negative aspects of trucking yard waste to the landfill. This DIY compost bin is easy to build and made from pressure treated wood so it will last for many years to come. Read in full.

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