THREE STEPS TO A BEAUTIFUL YARD
1 MAN ICU R E TH E L AWN Start by giving the grass a stiff rake to remove clippings from last year along with any leaves that collected before the snow fell. (Rotting foliage can suffocate growth on the lawn, and leaf mould is terrible for allergy sufferers.) Avoid the urge to roll your lawn in the spring; packing down waterlogged soil compacts roots, making it tough for new grass shoots to grow. If your lawn is looking patchy, add new grass seed. Go with a blend that includes rye and fescue grasses; having a diverse mix will reduce insect damage.
2 G IVE TR E E S SOME T LC Delivering extra nutrients to tree roots as new leaves form will help foliage look fuller and healthier. Place fertilizer (liquid, pellets or stakes) under the very outside edge of the branch canopy; this is called the drip line, where the feeder roots occur in greater concentration. And don’t prune flowering trees and shrubs yet or you might end up removing buds.
3 MAKE OVE R YOU R GARDEN Go through your garden and gather any growing weeds, along with dead or mushy leaves and spent stalks from perennials (this will improve their overall health and help discourage bugs and slugs from paying a visit). Before you add a fresh layer of mulch, check to see if the ground is thawed enough: Shovel a hole that’s 12 inches deep; if you don’t hit frozen soil, you’re ready to plant. Also, it’s best to wait to trim tulip and daffodil leaves until they turn yellow; removing them too soon means next year’s bulbs won’t be as strong.
WHEN I MOVED INTO MY NEW HOUSE with my boys two years ago, I promised myself I would always have fresh flowers in my home— the colours and texture they add bring me joy. To maximize their impact, I place blooms where I can get the most enjoyment out of them— on the dining room table or by my bed — and I always display them in a white vessel. I have a huge collection of white pitchers, jars and drinking glasses that can hold arrangements of all sizes and double as decor when not filled with flowers. ( Grouped together on a shelf or a sideboard, they have graphic impact.) If you’re looking to grow your own assortment, don’t worry about breaking the bank— secondhand stores and antiques markets offer no shortage of choices. If popping out for blooms doesn’t fit into your schedule, arrange to have them delivered on the same day each month.