Greenscape Gardens Green Blog

LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION 200 YEARS AGO TODAY 12/20/1804

Temperatures have risen to 37 F. The men start building a fence around Fort Mandan with wood they have gathered before the cold snap hit.

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LANDSCAPE ADDS VALUE TO YOUR HOME

Landscaping adds an average of 15% to the value of homes, according to a nationwide poll of homeowners that was conducted in 2002 by the Gallup Organization.

A separate nationwide survey sampled members of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers and 99% agreed that landscaping enhances the sales appeal of residential property.

First Impressions

“An attractive lawn should be the first consideration in reinforcing this curbside appeal”, said Oliva Golden, Executive Director for the Professional Lawn Care Association of Mid America (PLCAMA).
“A well maintained lawn provides a showcase for house and all the surrounding landscaping,” she said. “Lawns which are properly fertilized develop a healthy plant system which produces a thick turf. In turn, a dense turf absorbs heat and noise, minimizes dust, and helps control soil erosion. Additionally, a uniform green lawn conveys a pleasant image and has recreational value”.

“Controlling insects and diseases is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn”, said Golden. “Effective weed control reduces the spread of seeds and pollen from noxious lawn weeds. A vigorously growing lawn also helps alleviate airborne pollution. It exchanges oxygen for carbon dioxide through the natural process of photosynthesis”.

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TEST GARDEN SOILS NOW

Gardeners interested in improving their lawn or garden should consider investing in a soil test. Soil tests serve as a valuable guide for fertilization practices in vegetable gardens, home lawns and flower beds. Soil tests indicate the amount of available nutrients in the soil and recommendations are given on how best to correct any deficiencies indicated. In addition, the acidity or alkalinity of the soil is also determined.

When a soil is found to have a low pH, the addition of limestone is recommended. This not only raises the pH to the proper level, but also adds magnesium to the soil. In addition, it helps improve the soil structure, aids in breaking down the thatch and offsets the acid reaction of fertilizers.

If, on the other hand, the soil is too alkaline, acidifying agents should be added to the soil. If the problem is slight, the use of acid peat and acid forming fertilizers may be all that is needed. If the alkalinity is more severe, sulfur or iron sulfate may be needed.

Seldom do our soils require the addition of phosphate or potash, but occasionally this is needed to bring the soil to the proper nutrient level.

A soil test also measures the percentage of organic matter. Soils low in organic matter often have a problem with moisture. Generally, these soils will not hold sufficient moisture and dry out quickly or else the water is held so tightly it is not available to plant roots. Shallow root systems develop under dry weather conditions and damage often occurs. Soil tests can be done for lawns or gardens, and are valuable in growing plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and roses. Soil tests can be obtained through the University of Missouri Extension office or locally at OK Hatchery in Kirkwood.

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To: All Employees
From: Management
Subject: Office conduct during the Christmas season

Effective immediately, employees should keep in mind the following guidelines in compliance with F.R.O.L.I.C. (the Federal Revelry Office and Leisure Industry Council).

Running aluminum foil through the paper shredder to make tinsel is discouraged.
Playing Jingle Bells on the push-button phone is forbidden.
Work requests are not to be filed under "Bah humbug."
Company cars are not to be used to go over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house.
All fruitcake is to be eaten BEFORE July 25.
Egg nog will NOT be dispensed in vending machines.
In spite of all this, the staff is encouraged to have a Happy Holiday.

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GREENSCAPE GARDENS JOKES OF THE DAY!

A woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards.

"What denomination?" asked the clerk.

"Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the woman."Well, give me 50 Catholic and 50 Baptist ones."

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A father was bending over to tie his three-year-old's shoes. His son was staring at his father's head. He gently touched
the slightly thinning spot of hair and said in a concerned voice,
"Daddy, you have a hole in your head. Does it hurt?"

After a short pause, a murmured reply answered, "Not physically."