Style Magazine - May 2022

| home & garden |
weight displacement towards the ends of the branches puts
undo pressure where the limb attaches to the main stem.” This
practice contributes to “sudden limb drop” and customers
are confused because they had their tree pruned, Waindle
says. It may be more expensive to engage a professional tree
care company, but in the long run, it will save you money and
preserve the natural shape of the tree.
Beautify Naturally
Kellie Natoli, a garden guru at Green Acres Nursery & Supply
(idiggreenacres.com) in Folsom, shared how to freshen up your
empty pots and containers with new plants and flowers. She
says each container should have a thriller (center plant), filler
(filler plants), and spiller (cascading plants). And that adding
evergreen plants as the ‘thriller’ is smart. “If the thriller
keeps its leaves all year, then simply replace the ‘filler’ and
‘spiller’ plants each spring and fall,” she recommends.
For cleaning up, you’ll need to prune and deadhead.
“Large hedges or bushes might be due for a haircut. This
simple task could dramatically open up your entertaining
space!” says Natoli. Shrubs like Azaleas, Rhododendrons,
Peonies, and Lavender need to be deadheaded. Get out
your pruners and clip or pull off old flowers.
Next, look at hanging plants, which add a burst of color
to any space. Natoli suggests placing plants in a location
with appropriate sun exposure. Adding that hanging
baskets generally need more watering than a plant in the
ground.
If you’re wondering how to bring your ho-hum plants
back to life, Natoli asks, “When is the last time you
fertilized? Many plants perk up with a little fertilizer and
TLC. We like all products from E.B. Stone with a favorite at
the nursery being Organics Fish Emulsion.” She also let us
in on her best kept watering secret. “Is it time to water? Test
with your finger to a depth of two inches. If the soil is dry,
it’s time to water! If not, give it another day,” she says.
So where and how will you begin your backyard revival?
Whatever you do, make sure it’s a fun, safe, and inviting
space for you and your people to enjoy the weather and
each other’s company.
Top photo africa-studio.com (Olga Yastremska and Leonid Yastremskiy). Bottom photo www.ako.lv.
80 stylemg.com | MAY 2022 | /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemags