Picket Fence Weblog

The weather is finally starting to turn! We had a week with temperatures flirting 70. Granted, this weekend it is supposed to be in the 40s, but I am choosing to ignore that fact. I did see that my tulips are starting to come up.

With the weather finally cooperating, you know that weekly lawn mowing is not far behind. That being said - now is the time to get your lawn mower out of storage and serviced. I think this year it is time to consider a Reel Mower. I will give you a few reasons why:

1) With gas prices soon to hit $4/gal. (do not even get me started on that!), it will cost you more to fill your lawn mower tank this season.

2) A Reel Mower is better for the environment and better for your lawn.

3) It’s great exercise!

So there you have it - my top 3 reasons to reel!

Until next time… Ann

There has been so much talk on the news channels (take your pick of Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, etc.) of how the war in Iraq has lasted 5 full years, the economy may or may not plunge, and the ongoing presidential debate between Hillary and Obama.   It’s pretty much been the same recycled stories for the past few weeks.  I’m starting to tire of it, possibly much out of boredom.

Then, Spring suddenly arrived. I know here in Western New York the first day of Spring brought more snow.  Soon, the leaves will bud and not long after April showers we start seeing beautiful blooms.

Summer really does make you seem care free, even if the worries are still there, a long quiet walk on a nice starry night might do the trick.

There is a bit of prep work to do as spring starts to usher in better weather.  I know the lawn is always an issue, trim, and any general yard clean up.  Somehow after the snow melts we find lots of strange debris resting all over the yard.  Get it cleaned up early and there won’t be any bare spots.  If it’s already too late, you can try Velocity Lawn Patch Plus. 

It’s one of the best products to date.

So here’s to the kick off of Spring!

As Always, Art.

Keeping a garden is hard work.  But it is a lot of fun.  It reminds me of when I was a kid and my mother’s garden out back would always fill the air with such wonderful aromas.  She kept flowers, herbs, spices, and vegetables all arranged beautifully in the back of our suburban home.  I don’t have a yard where I live, but I do keep a small garden at camp. I plant very little there because I’m not really around but on the weekends.  I still read and research about gardening though, even in the winter. I guess its my cure for being trapped in for most of the winter and it gets me ready for spring fever.  I came across a fun test on a blog by Kathy Purdy.  You can click here and go right to the test or you can click here and view Kathy’s blog. 

It’s a quick test about gardens mentioned in literature.  It’s only a few questions and it’s fun.

Also, its not too early to start thinking about composting, plowing, and planting.  Don’t forget about Picket Fence for gardening, lawn care, and home landscaping needs.   Have a great day!

As always, Art.

Getting the garage cleaned up before the snow and nasty weather is always a chore. Either it is too cold and windy to work outside, or it is so nice- who wants to stay in the garage? Picket Fence has an array of items that will make it more fun to get everything off the floor in record time. My favorite is the Bin Warehouse. It has so many compartments that I can literally throw things in bins, label, and stuff them on these racks. Fast, off the floor- and best of all- my garage now has room for essentials- like my car!

My daughter is very environmentally responsible. In addition, she hates bugs, mosquitoes, etc. I found this incredible product, Bugs R Done, that is exclusive to Picket Fence. Spray it indoors, spray it outdoors, it is 100% organic and only disturbs bugs. Go organic!

Raking leaves in the fall to some may seem like a chore and if you are not careful could cause serious harm to your shoulder, back or even your wrists.  Use a rake that feels comfortable and consider your height and strength.  Also switch your arm and leg motions often.   What I do to really avoid back injury is I use the Bos-Sheet. If you live in areas where it isn’t necessary to bag your leaves this is a real time saving and back saver.  Check it out…your “back” will thank you!

Happy Autum,
Mr. Picket Fence

This is the time of season when I have to admit that my garden has reached its peak and what’s done is done. On the other hand, it is just about that time for Fall pruning. I just love to prune bushes, trees, whatever I can find that needs a “haircut”. Some of those bushes can be rather nasty up close, so I wear Thorngard gloves, #309410. These gloves are thick and elbow length, eliminating scratches and thorns. I recommend them for all you deadheaders and prunners out there!

I was driving to work this morning and saw that some leaves are already starting to fall. This made me sad, knowing that Summer is almost over. I don’t have a lot of trees in my yard so thankfully, my Fall cleanup will be minimal. However, enough leaves and debris do make their way over to my property (from my neighbor’s lawn, thank you very much) that some clean up is required. I find that Grandpas Bag Holder works really well for the leaves and debris I do have. If you have bigger Fall cleanup, I suggest the Leaf Eater

Here’s to crisp days and colorful trees to come!

Until next time, Ann

“The fall of a leaf is a whisper to the living.” -Russian Proverb

This is the time of year when we begin thinking about putting our gardens and lawns to bed for the winter. It is especially important here in our harsh northern climate.

Here are a few tips to help ensure a healthy yard come spring time.

1). Clean up those leaves! Before the snow starts to pile up be sure to rake up any leaves. Raking or using a mulching mower helps prevent dead patches come spring. Leaving some leaves behind especially in the garden is a good thing as it works as an insulator and also provides some useful nitrients as they decompose.

2). Aerate your lawn. Summer foot traffic can cause soil to become compacted. Aerating your lawn with small holes helps reduce compaction and lets water, air and fertilizer get down to the soil, which strengthens the grass roots for the upcoming spring. For smaller yards, a manual aerating tool like our Aerator Sandals removes plugs from the turf while you walk around. If you have got a larger yard, consider renting a power aerator.

With winter on it’s way, and a little work in the fall, you can guarantee a happier, healthier yard that’s ready to thrive next season.

Happy Fall,
Mr. Picket fence