Denny's Soapbox

It’s time to say goodbye to 2011 and welcome in 2012. This is the time many of us make our New Year’s resolutions. Some of our more popular self-promised resolutions are to watch our weight, exercise more, be more patient with family members, and promise to repair other short comings we may possess.

How about this year we make some new resolutions that pertain to our landscape? A few well kept resolves can put you a lot closer to the results you’ve been striving for. The following are my suggestions of things you can resolve. Pick one or pick many. The more you pick and follow, the better your landscape will be not to mention your self pride.

1. I resolve to use a weed seed preventer on all my planting beds this March and again this summer.

2. I resolve to winter seed the bare and thin areas of my lawn this February or early March.

3. I resolve to apply a light feeding of lawn food that contains Barricade™. Barricade™ is an herbicide which controls crabgrass and other weeds all season long (up to 8 months).

4. I resolve to avoid lawn service companies who insist on putting down four or more applications of lawn food during the growing season.

5. I resolve to get as much information on the characteristics and care of new trees and shrubs before planting them so I select the right plant location.

6. I resolve to avoid doing business with any person or company that goes door to door soliciting. When I am not sure about a company, I resolve to call the Better Business Bureau to check on them.

7. I resolve to get my lawn mower blade sharpened this winter.

8. I resolve to not plant my summer flowers until the 3rd week of May. (This won’t be easy)

9. I resolve to buy all my plants for value, not just for price.

10. I resolve to only spray my landscape for harmful bugs, not the nuisance ones.

11. I resolve to always read the label before using any garden product.

12. I resolve to garden to my allotted amount of time and to not become a slave to it.

These twelve resolutions represent the twelve months of 2012. If you just practice one a month, just think of the rewards you will have, a beautiful landscape you will get to enjoy all year.

If you are in need some professional assistance, contact your landscape designer this winter. He or she will have lots of time now to work on your 2012 project so you’ll be ready to complete the project early this spring and avoid waiting in a long line.

I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very safe and Happy New Year.

Listen to Denny 8-10am Saturdays on Realtalk 1160AM

To Contact Denny McKeown, owner of Bloomin Garden Centre in Blue Ash, www.bloomingarden.com