| Monthly
Quote |
“A
perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze
is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.”
-James Dent, U.S. humorist, 1928 – 1992
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| Tip
of the Month |
Is
your house lovely to look at until the eye finds that ugly
air conditioning unit, satellite dish or other eyesore? Here
are some easy ways to obscure unattractive views on your property:
• Evergreen trees. Fast-growing types
of evergreens include Pinus strobus, known as Eastern white
pine (12 inches per year and hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8),
and Emerald Green Arborvitae (4 feet per year, zones 2 to
7). Choose the appropriate tree for your area and plan according
to the height and width the tree will be at maturity.
• Pergola. This method is especially
effective for disguising air conditioning units. You can build
or have built an arbor or lattice cover (supplies can be found
at your local big-box home improvement or hardware store)
to loosely enclose the unit. To cover the pergola in the first
year, plant morning glory, which is a fast-growing annual.
You can also simultaneously plant a climbing rose bush, such
as Climbing Iceberg or Lavender Lassie (both zones 5 to 10)
or New Dawn (zones 4 to 9), and the box will be covered by
the second year.
• Perennial grasses. Probably the easiest
choice, perennial grasses are moderately priced and fast-growing.
At maturity, their height will screen any unpleasant views.
Arundo donax, also know as the giant reed, can reach 20 feet
tall within three or four years (zones 7 to 10) and Miscanthus
“Giganteus,” giant Chinese silver grass, can grow
up to 12 feet tall (zones 5 to 9).
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Seasonal
Suggestion
 With
Fourth of July around the corner and a multitude of
other summer gatherings and barbeques, why not try a
delicious summer dip? Start out with a basic sour cream
dip and choose your add-ins for several delicious variations
offered by BetterHomesandGardens.com.
Basic Sour Cream Dip: Beat together
one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese and one
8-ounce carton of dairy sour cream with an electric
mixer until fluffy.
Now, choose your add-ins and serve with
your choice of chips, crackers, fruit or vegetables
for an instant summer party hit!
Easy Guacamole: Add chopped avocado,
chopped red onion and garlic salt.
Cobb Salad: Add cooked and crumbled
bacon, crumbled bleu cheese and finely chopped celery.
Thai: Add chopped peanuts, Thai chili
sauce and lime juice.
Comfort Cobbler: Add chopped peaches,
toasted pecans and brown sugar.
Source: BetterHomesandGardens.com
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