The frog days of summer - Harbour Spiel Online

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and vents.
� Give your emergency generator
a try — you know, just in case the
power happens to go out this fall.
GARDEN
� Get planting.
It’s a great time to plant while the
soil is still warm and moist and the air
is starting to cool.
Be sure to thoroughly water your
new plant pals.
� Leave the leaves where they
fall and mulch them into the grass to
give your lawn some added nutrients.
Or start a compost pile.
� Cover plants with mulch —
compost, partially decomposed leaves,
woodchips and bark can all be used to
give plants an extra blanket of protection
for winter.
� Most perennials need to be
New
divided at least every three years to
stay healthy and productive.
Fall is the best time to transplant,
divide or plant them.
� Before the real rains dump
on us, fi ll in any erosion in your yard,
fertilize and reseed.
� Look for dead or detached
branches, cavities or rotten wood
along trunks or branches, mushrooms
at the base, cracks or splits in trunks
and trees that have been topped or
heavily pruned.
If you see any signs of hazards,
call a professional tree service.
Also trim any tree limbs that are
dangerously close to power lines or
your roof.
� Prune your trees and shrubs
after the leaves turn to encourage
healthy spring growth.
� Clean and store tools, toys
and outdoor furniture.
Dip garden shears, weeders,
pruners, spades and other hand tools
in sand mixed with motor oil to clean
and lubricate them before storing.
(Keep propane tanks outside, though,
covered with a plastic bag or tarp.)
� Uproot dead potted annuals,
throw out the soil and store the pots in
a shed, garage or basement.
� Deadhead perennials (leaving
some seeds on fl owers for the birds).
You can plant fall pansies and
kale in September and crocus, daffodils
and tulips in late October.
� Make sure any and all surface
water drains away from your house.
Please send any suggestions for
future columns to alanstewart@prudentialsussex.com
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$249,900 (604)
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September 2012 Page 23
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