wsrentoocnaoum-wmmammon-u I F U TV j l I l t 1. Fl ‘ z ,7 ii i 1 y F . 1/ ‘ .4 r ‘ 1 I i 5 ‘ l l . - l , i . =‘ ,1‘iai .‘iil>i"tmv' ' ‘ ‘iit, [ , g'li‘ Jt‘ir‘i/flj i .J _ : .ati ,_ .[ ;.,ii;Â¥;l‘i ’ A V hâ€"j F.) ._ _] t “ 2 l ‘ t l ‘ L I C 1 Spring Garden Time Conquer Sidewalk Cracks : Few things are anticipated more in spring \ ' . 1 ' ‘- ' a, Most homeowners can identify with the dilemma ofa cracked sidewalk. In 3 than the arrival of new leaves on the trees and ' ’ addition to being a safety hazard, a cracked sidewalk can also be an eyesore. ‘ budding flowers in the garden. A landscape .- - - Whether strolling to thebackyard garden or walking to your home's entryway, awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit ‘ ‘ ‘ d. g ,_ a cracked sidewalk can catch your eyes for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately. and make anyone want to head outdoors. ' ., - , . t ‘ repairing a cracked sidewalk isn't very difï¬cult. There are many different plants that begin to . ‘ 'Q ‘~ 9, - Enlarge the crack. The ï¬rst thing to do when repairing cracks that are bigger i show their colors in the spring. A number of _ ' ‘ . ’g} than a hairline crack is to enlarge the crack. Use a chisel and hammer to i perennials, annuals and trees begin to flower or , " ‘ -\-. ‘- / '- enlarge the crack along its entire length. ‘ i show new sprouts come the springtime. Here , '. a > ’ " . *3 t. ., '54 - Undercut the crack. When repairing a crack, you want to undercut the crack. ‘ are some plants that can be planted for spring- as" 1‘ “F 5 ~ Undercutting means you will be making the crack wider at the bottom than at time enjoyment. - ’- s C - . 1 the top When it's time to lay new concrete, undercutting will help create a Annuals ‘ » A“?! It E. ;, » _ UL stronger bond between the new concrete and the old. , looking for ï¬rst signs of color? book no further if ‘1 1' â€" b / 1 y - Remove loose material. Once the crack has been undercut. remove any loose ‘ than these wonderful annuals. .1: _ ,1. ‘ d ., A material. then brush the cleaned area with a wire brush to be sure no residual - Alyssum: Starting in April, this cascading ()me memo dreamer mterialsarestillthere. ’ bounty of tiny flowers offers a sweet aroma that spring has arr-in: ! sign - Apply a concrete adhesive. A concrete adhesive isn't a necessity, but it will _ attracts butterflies. help the new concrete hold when the time comes to lay it down. Once the , - Dianthus: These vivid flowers also attract but- offef spring shows. adhesive has been brushed into the undercut area, allow it to dry until it has a l terflies and are often a cottage garden staple. . Cherry blossom: The flowers that sprout on slightly sticky feel. . - Gypsophila: Also known as baby's breath, cherry trees are some of the ï¬rst signs of spring Homeowners who prefer not to use a concrete adhesive should moisten the ‘ these delicate flowers can serve as ï¬ller in any Their pink or white buds are often a spectacle. area that needs repairing with water. lust moisten the area, as you don‘t want , landscape. Pink and white varieties are avail- so much so that towns and cities hold cherry any standing water on the area that needs to be repaired with new concrete. able. blossom festivals. ' Apply the concrete as directed. When using a pre-mixed concrete patch, all } - lmpatiens: One of the best-known plants for - Columbine: These beautiful blooms attract you will likely need to add is water. For larger cracks, some homeowners prefer the garden, these annuals come in scores of col- butterflies and can be a nice part of a garden to mix their own patch. When mixing your own patch, you will likely need to l _ors and can generally tolerate full sun to full bed. add sand and/or gravel. Follow the cement manufacturer's instructions ifmixâ€" l shade. - Jacob's ladder. Variegated foliage that is dap- ing your own patch. I - iarkspur: Belonging to the buttercup family, pied with violet-colored flowers can add a sweet - Tightly tamp the patch into the undercut area. All areas should be completely I these flowers bloom in shades of white to violet. smell and visual interest to the garden. ï¬lled. . - Pansy: These flowers are some of the earliest . Primrose: These flowers come in a variety of 0 Smooth the repaired area down. As the mixture starts to set. use a trowel or T spring bloomers, arriving alongside spring bulbs shades, making them versatile in any garden. wooden float to smooth down the repaired area. . i like tulips They also tend to attract butterflies and humâ€" 0 Allow the repaired area to dry. Give the repaired area a couple of hours to dry. - Petunias: Petunias put on a show of color mingbirds After roughly two hours, cover the repaired area with boards or plastic sheet- i through the entire season, making them a popu- - Sweet violet: These fragrant flowers are edible ing. . lar bedding flower. as well as attractive. These plants can selfâ€"plant. 0 Keep the area covered. The repflred area should be kept covered for roughly { Perennials sounlessagardenerwantsmemtospreadthey ï¬vedays.Duringthisperiod,wetd1erepairedareaonceaday1hisaflowsthe I These plants will come back year after year and should be kept contained. concrete to cure. _ l * - 1 g How Can We Make - , l l ' a ., t - - , . â€m as ~ ‘ . , Your Dream Kitchen A Reality? . /-/ ' . a.“ v . i ' " ' a \ ‘ I _’ x l l i ‘ i ' t l . ~ i : I: l : ‘ V n. ‘1 V E» M†" ‘ I 1 “ « V ,‘ , ‘ ‘ ‘ ' i g j . . it?": 1 , 5; . , " 3 J ' , € -3 1 i L ‘ , 1 r 2‘ . ‘ l r Windows and Doors ' 1 g! i 1 . ._- . l . . a; , I Built around you? 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