On improving my deck’s look
Jim Fall
Back in the day, I enjoyed doing a little yard work.
I always took pride in having a freshly mown lawn, trimmed to perfection around the edges.
When our home was in Arkansas, in the land of bermuda grass, it was more of a challenge than the good ol’ bluegrass that is the staple throughout northwest Missouri.
I am far from a turf expert, but I know that while bluegrass will grow tall, but not spread too much, bermuda grass will take a sidewalk, or a driveway for that matter, if left to its own, uncontrolled.
Lawn care was a far simpler process with bermuda. Believe it or not, it responded fantastically to applications of straight 33.3 percent ammonium nitrate, followed by lots of water.
Weed and feed, all in one.
At that time, my neighbor had seemingly unlimited access to ammonium nitrate, for his commercial farming operation, which we would apply to our lawns.
Two to three days in, everything was brown. Grass, weeds, dandelions. Everything.
Then you poured on the water, and gassed up the power mower.
Following a good(?) treatment, I have been known to mow the yard three times a week.
Failing to follow the ammonium nitrate with water could be fatal, however. As demonstrated by the ability to “engrave” messages in a neighbor’s yard. It would recover, but it sometimes took a month or more.
But I stray from the main point of this story.
Where I live now, someone else maintains the lawn — and does an excellent job of it, I might add — so I am limited to flowers on the deck.
I load up with three bright red geraniums, and three impatiens for the shadier areas, from the Joneses at the Plant House and call it good.
That is, until I began to receive e-mails from Melinda Myers, “gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist (with) more than 30 years of horticulture experience (who) has written over 20 gardening books.”
What follows is from one of her submissions, entitled “No Gardening Space — No Problem.”
“Brighten up your patio, deck or front entrance with containers,” she advises, explaining:
“They’re an excellent way to add color, fragrance and beauty where plantable space is limited or non- existent.
“Set a few containers on the steps, in the corner of your deck or (any)where they can be enjoyed. Try stacking and planting several containers to create … greater vertical interest. …. Strategically place containers for the greatest viewing pleasure.
“Save even more space by using railing planters. You can dress up the porch or deck by filling these planters with colorful flowers and edibles. …
“Don’t limit yourself to flowers. Mix in a few edibles and bring some homegrown flavor to your outdoor entertaining. You and your guests will enjoy plucking a few mint leaves to flavor beverages, basil to top a slice of pizza or a sprig of dill to top grilled fish.
“Herbs not only add flavor to your meals, but texture and fragrance to container gardens.. …
“Add a few edible flowers, like nasturtiums and pansies. Dress up a plate of greens with edible flowers for a gourmet touch. Or freeze a few pansy flowers in ice cubes and add them to a glass of lemonade or sparkling water.
“Include flowers like globe amaranth, Lisianthus, and daisies that are great for cutting. …
“And don’t forget to plant some flowers for the butterflies to enjoy.
“Zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds are just a few that are sure to brighten any space, while attracting butterflies to your landscape. Salvia, penstemon and flowering tobacco will (attract) hummingbirds.
“So make this the year you select a container or two that best fits your space and gardening style. Fill with a well-drained potting mix and combination of beautiful ornamental and edible plants to enjoy all season long.
“The additions are sure to enhance your landscape and keep your guests coming back for more.”
And there you have Uncle Jim’s unsolicited (and admittedly stolen) gardening tips for this time.
For more — original — information, check Myers’ web site, www.melindamyers.com.
It will convince you she knows her bermuda from her bluegrass.
