Carole Fields

Tips to Improve Your Lawn

September and October are optimum times to work on improving your lawn.  This is the time to repair summer damage and time to build and strengthen the grass root system.

One can spend enormous amounts of money and time on fertilizer and seed; however, if the pH of the soil is out of balance, your efforts are in vain.  Information about soil  testing can be obtained from your county Agricultural Extension office. It is in your best interest to include this step in your lawn maintenance plan.

For additional ideas and tips on lawn improvement, please read this article. 

Watering Lawn and Plants

Gardeners recommend the best time to water your lawn or plants is early in the morning. This way the lawn and plants have the entire day to dry, and this helps to prevent the growth of fungus and molds.  This is just one more thing to do before going to work, but it should pay dividends in a healthier lawn and plants.

Bloom 'n' Garden Expo in Franklin, TN

It is time for the Williamson County Master Gardeners Bloom 'n' Garden Expo. There are over 120 vendors,16 hours of workshops,  and lectures on canning, kitchen and herb gardening, soil preparation, etc. There are displays of Beautiful show gardens and a large selection of plants. Proceeds from the Expo go to support Master Gardeners projects to beautify Williamson County; i.e. Habitat for Humanity homes, The Carter House, Carnton Plantation, Harpeth Terrace.

Dates and Times: April 3   9 am-7 pm

                           April 4   9 am -7 pm

                           April 5  11 am-4 pm

Location:  Williamson County Ag Expo Park

                4215 Long Lane

                Franklin, TN 37064

Cost: $8 for adults; $10 for a 3 day pass

         children under 12 are FREE  

For more information, please visit www.bloomngarden.com

It should be a fun and informative time. Hope to see you there!   

Gardening with Perennials

"To create a little flower is the labor of ages."  William Blake

Many gardeners plant their flowers after Mother's Day in Middle Tennessee.  Some brave souls are enticed by warm weather and displays of flowering plants at the nurseries, but those who are aware of the fickle spring weather ( dogwood, blackberry winter. etc),  wait if they can until all danger of frost is past.

Perennials can be a useful addition to any garden.  They are generally forgiving and come back year after year with proper care.  Following are a list of some of the easiest self-sowing perennials.

Baptisia (false Indigo)                   Chrysanthemum

Coreopois                                    Viola

Echinacea                                   Linum (flax)

Malva (hollyhock)

If you like these flowers, they could be a nice addition to your garden plan.  Happy Gardening!

Westhaven's 3rd Annual Courtyard Garden Tour

Westhaven's 3rd annual Garden Tour is scheduled for today from 10 am to 2pm, Saturday from 10 am to 3 opm, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.  Tickets are $10 and proceeds  benefit WAVES , a Williamson County non-profit that  provides services for developmentally  disabled adults and children.

There are eight featured gardens ranging from a "railway" garden, a Zenlike garden, English flower garden, etc.  This is the place to pick up some great ideas as well as enjoy the beauty.

The 2008 St. Jude Dream Home at 469 Wire Grass Lane is open, also. The home is open each weekend until June 15th.  Hours are 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and noon to 5 pm on Sundays. Tickets for a chance to win the home are $100 each. The drawing will be held on July 22.  All proceeds benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  What a great chance to possibly win a $700,000 home in this exceptional planned community.  See you there!

Bloom'n Garden Expo

Calling all gardeners:  experienced, novice , and wannabes!  It is time for the Bloom 'n Garden Expo presented by the Williamson County Master Gardeners Association. There is something for everyone with 100 plus vendors, 31 speakers, and 10 workshops.  It is a great place to get some innovative ideas and exceptional plant material.

Proceeds from the Expo support the Master Gardeners projects to beautify Williamson County; e.g.  Carnton Plantation, The Carter House,Habitat for Humanity, and Harpeth Trace.

I am delighted to participate in the Master Gardner program and look forward to working at the Expo.  Come by and say "hello!"

When:  April 11-13; Friday-Saturday, 10:00AM - 8:00 PM; Sunday, Noon-5:00 PM

Where:  Williamson County Expo Park, 4215 long Lane, Franklin, TN

Cost:  $10.00 for a 3 day pass; $8.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 12 or under

Tickets:  Available at the door;  visit www.bloomngarden.com for additional information and to download a $1.00 discount coupon.

Nashville Lawn and Garden Show

Spring is coming  and the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show is the place to get ideas.  After last year's drought and early spring freeze, we are interested in native plants that can best survive such trauma.

Recently, I had the opportunity to hear Carol Reese speak about woody ornamentals.  She is scheduled for this show. Carol is very knowledgeable, loves the earth, is witty and entertaining.  Be sure and check out her program if you have the time. 

Nashville Lawn and Garden Show

Tennessee State Fairgrounds, 625 Smith Avenue, Nashville, TN

Thursday-Saturday: 10AM-8PM

Sunday: 10 AM- 5PM

Tickets: $9, $8 seniors; $1 for ages 12 and under

For additional information, please read the article by Viv Hoang in The Tennessee.

Green Roofs

I came across this article the other day talking about "green roofs."  If you would like to read more about this concept, click here.