Home and Garden

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Drip tip: Oct. 22, 2011

FALL YARD FERTILIZING: Fertilize your lawn with twice the usual amount of nitrogen just before you winterize your sprinkler system. This will increase root depth and reduce disease problems next spring and summer. The Drought Response ...

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September Yard of the Month

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September Yard of the Month

Homeowner: Marc Cadez. Address: 2603 Partridge Court. Walk around the yard: The landscape of the September Yard of the Month, the final winning yard of the 2011 season, is meticulously maintained by Gary Wuster and his daughter Julie ...

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Drip: Oct. 15, 2011

OUTDOOR FAUCET LEAK CHECK: Now is the time to check your outdoor faucets for leaks. Fix them now before freezing temperatures force more extensive repairs. The Drought Response Information Project (DRIP) is a collaboration by the ...

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Winterize your garden to be ready for next year

Like the people who plant them, every garden is different, a living organism with personality and heart. And, at this time of year, drooping eyelids. Winter is coming. It’s time for gardens to sleep. And it’s time for home ...

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Homegrown: Oct. 8, 2011

I just received a Mandevilla from a friend, and I am wondering if I plant it outside will it be able to live through the winter here? I know nothing about this plant. What can you tell me? — Paulette I’m afraid Mandevilla are ...

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Sustainability: Oct. 8, 2011

The next generation of efficient vehicles will save money at the pump, improve national security and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. New fuel economy standards crafted by President Barack Obama and auto makers raise the bar for new cars ...

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Caught in a bind? How to kill this obnoxious weed

A distinction should be made between noxious and obnoxious weeds. Noxious weeds are the non-native species, the invasive, aggressive weeds that bully native plants, threaten ecosystems and demand immediate and decisive eradication. Obnoxious ...

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Homegrown: Lilac bushes

For the past 2 years our lilac bushes have failed to bloom. Last year not even a bud. This year a few of the bushes got buds and only two little flowers opened up. I would like some blossoms next year. What can I do?? — Thanks, ...

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Homegrown: Shasta daisies

Two years ago, I put out 97 Shasta daisies along my drive. The first year I lost about 30, replaced them and last winter lost all of the replacements, including some of the established plants. The bed is bordered on the south by a three-rail ...

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