• About

FromHouses2Homes

~ Tips for making a house into your home

FromHouses2Homes

Category Archives: Yard Tips

It’s not too late to prune your crepe myrtles!

12 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by sueray530 in Uncategorized, Yard Tips

≈ Leave a comment

Crepe Myrtle photoIf you live in the Nashville area – or almost anywhere in the south, crepe myrtle bushes are one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs. During the late spring and into the summer, depending on the variety, these bushes fill with large clusters of red, pink or white blooms. To keep them at the desired height and in the desired shape, pruning needs to be done each year during the bushes’ dormant stage. If a year or two of pruning is skipped, or if you purchase a property that has existing overgrown crepe myrtles on it, you may have to do a more severe pruning to bring the flowering shrub back to its original glory.

“Crepe murder” is a term used to describe the pruning technique that leaves the crepe myrtle bushes looking like bare sticks with pom-poms protruding from the stick tops. The correct way to prune crepe myrtle bushes is to simply prune away last season’s growth during the winter when the bush is dormant. Prune away the long, dormant limbs that grew during the summer and all of the seedpods. Also cut away sucker growth that sprouts from the bottom of the bushes’ trunk.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to know what you’re trying to accomplish – you can always go back and cut more. The objective is to maintain well-spaced, main trunks with handsome bark and to thin out the center to permit easy penetration of sunlight and air.

Late winter is the best time to prune a crepe myrtle, because it’s leafless and you can easily see all of the branches – but it’s not too late to do it now. This weekend, go out and enjoy the warmer temperatures we’ve been having and prune back your crepe myrtles and enjoy them in your landscaping for years to come.

Advertisement

Outdoor Lighting – Safety, Security and Style

09 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by sueray530 in Yard Tips

≈ 2 Comments

With cold weather forcing us inside for the next few months, it’s a great time to research and consider improving the appearance of your yard and gardens with outdoor lighting.  As I was out walking my dogs tonight, (and with the time change – yes, it was dark!) I admired the homes with a planned lighting scape. This can truly make a dramatic change to your yard – without a huge dent in your budget. An added benefit is that it can also provide safety and security to your home.

Outdoor lighting products can be used to help accentuate gardens, fountains and landscaping so you can enjoy the beauty of your outdoor living space. Plus, a lit pathway can help show the way through the yard and keep you from trampling your garden or from tripping and falling.

Different types of landscape lighting serve different purposes – whether used for functional or aesthetic use.  The two main categories include low voltage lighting and solar lighting.

Low voltage lighting. This type of lighting is available in a variety of brightness levels and emits enough light to be used for nighttime activities. A power pack supplies the electricity and can be controlled by an automatic timer. Low voltage lighting is shockless and safe to use around children and pets. It’s also cost effective and easy to install.

Solar lighting. This type of lighting requires no wiring and is the most energy-efficient because it converts the sun’s energy into electrical power. It costs nothing to operate and is easy to install. It should not, however, be used to illuminate large areas brightly or for activities such as grilling and socializing. It works well to highlight pathways and features in the yard.

Begin by looking for ideas in magazines, online, and at your library.  Then visit your favorite home improvement store.  They can direct you as to how to begin a do-it-yourself project, or provide names and resources to help.  You will be amazed at the difference outdoor lighting can make – and provide years of enjoyment for your yard and garden.  (Also, if you’re thinking of putting your house on the market in the near future, this can add huge curb appeal!)

Source of photograph unknown. If you know please contact me so I may add it.

Recent Posts

  • The truth about sheets and thread count
  • Is your home aggravating your allergies?
  • It’s not too late to prune your crepe myrtles!
  • Green chile chowder
  • Take your evening walks safely! Visibility protects you and your pets.

Archives

  • March 2015
  • January 2014
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • January 2012

Categories

  • Entertaining and Hosting
  • Home Care
  • Real Estate News
  • Recipes
  • Safety
  • Thrifty Tips
  • Uncategorized
  • Yard Tips

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • FromHouses2Homes
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • FromHouses2Homes
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...