The Groovy Garden Gazette

~from the English Gardener Team

Garden Guidance

September is an excellent month to reseed and repair lawns

Whether seeding a new lawn or repairing a spot on an existing lawn, it’s relatively easy to do. Simply follow these five steps:

Step 1 – Buy the best grass seed.

To locate a top-quality grass seed, look for a product that’s been independently evaluated by the National Turf Evaluation Program (NTEP). The NTEP rating ensures you are purchasing grass seeds that have been specifically bred for superior green grass color, disease and insect resistance, and drought tolerance.

Step 2 – Prepare the soil.

For planting a new lawn section: Loosen the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. Remove debris (sticks, stones, etc.) from the area. Break up soil clumps and avoid soil that is too fine. Level the areas where excess water might collect.

For over-seeding an existing lawn: Mow grass as short as possible. Loosen the top ¼ inch of soil in bare spots. Remove debris and dead grass. Level the areas where excess water collects.

Step 3 – Plant the grass seed.

Spread the seed evenly by hand in small areas, or use a hand-held spreader for larger areas. Apply approximately 16 seeds per square inch. Too many seeds too close together causes seedlings to fight for room and nutrients.

Step 4 – Cover seeds.

Lightly drag the grass seed bed so no more than ¼ inch of soil covers the grass seed. Don’t forget to protect your seed once it’s down. Use some sort of top dressing; peat moss or straw work well.

Step 5 – Remember to water often!

Keep grass seed bed moist to enhance germination. Water lightly and frequently (at least once daily).

Hardscape Happenings

Fall Care:

Keep Your Hardscape Free of Debris

Ensure that your hardscapes are free of debris by sweeping leaves and dirt from their surfaces. It’s particularly important in the fall  to sweep more frequently, as leaves and other debris from your yard begin to decompose. While leaves changing color are beautiful to see on the trees and shrubs in your yard, fallen leaves on your hardscape can lead to mold or even stains. For hard-to-remove debris and stains on hardscape surfaces, rinse with your hose to ensure that no unwanted matter remains stuck on the stone.

Remove Weeds From Your Hardscape

Another essential step for keeping your hardscape intact is removing bothersome weeds from spaces and cracks between the tiles. With this, it’s important to remove not only the weed itself but also its roots. Doing this prevents regrowth of weeds that may otherwise return to disrupt your hardscape in the spring. For especially hard to reach or deep-rooted weeds, you may need to use a smaller tool to ensure that roots are removed from joints.

Featured Friends and Family: Glenn Robertson

Since April of 1997, The English Gardener has been fortunate to have someone like Glenn Robertson on our staff. While his primary role is to serve as our Production Supervisor, Glenn plays an even bigger part in the workings of the company, from estimates to invoices and everything in between. As a Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional, Glenn’s skill, knowledge, and influence have touched every EG project that’s come to bloom throughout the years. An all-around great guy, we’re extremely thankful to have Glenn on our team!

Groovy Garden Profile

A Perennial Favorite!

The design work for this classic English garden began in 2004, with three major phases of construction: the first year saw the introduction of perennial flower beds and privacy plantings; two years later flagstone walkways and boxwoods were added; and in 2011 we installed a magnificent cedar arbor. The garden comprises a sequence of colorful blooms, including creeping phlox, viburnum, clematis, and New Dawn rose, as well as tropical red bananas, alocasia, and asters.

Check out the gorgeous photos!

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