My latest Gardens4U project transformed a chinch bug-infested backyard into a beautiful area.
When we started out, a patio bordered by a strip of daylilies was the only colour in the yard. The lawn had been nice earlier in the season until the cinch bugs moved in during the drought we experienced in July.
The poor condition of the lawn made it much easier to dig out a new garden bed though, after outlining the new design with a garden hose…
I do recommend using composted manure to improve the soil in garden beds and lawns, but this last batch was terrible. Composted manure goes through a heating process so it should not contain weed seeds. Or mulch, stones and even a candy bar wrapper as this batch did.
Unfortunately, this client was not familiar with the product, so spread all fifteen of the bags she purchased on her lawn. Now we will have to wait until the grass seed she spread sprouts (hopefully) before we can rake the mulch off, otherwise, we would just rake up the seed. I did file a complaint with the manufacturers as well as with Canadian Tire where it was purchased. I am not holding my breath for a response, but it’s the principle of the matter, right?
Once the garden bed was shaped and dug out, the perennials and shrubs were introduced to their new homes. I chose flowering shrubs that will grow tall for the back and shorter perennials for the middle and front of the bed. A few recycled plants from my ICU were also added to fill in the blank spots…
The final touch is lots of mulch, in this case dark brown cedar mulch, my personal favourite…
A lush green lawn will enhance the garden greatly. This lawn is struggling to come back, but it will rebound faster now that we are done trampling it, especially as the cool fall-like weather is here.
Next season, when these plants have settled in, this garden will look awesome!
