April 21, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 27 Spring Home Improvement Spring is all about cleaning. While many people limit their spring cleaning to clearing the house of a winter’s worth of clutter, the spirit of spring cleaning can also be applied to the lawn and garden. For novice gardeners, choosing a starting point can be frustrating. But a good starting point for any lawn care enthusiast, be it a newcomer or veteran, is to examine what is in the tool shed. Tools can make a job easier or nearly impossible, so make sure you have the following tools in your shed this season, and be sure they are in good shape. Find a shovel that fits your stature, particularly one with a handle that reaches your shoulders, the width of the bar fitting comfortably in your hands. Using a shovel that’s too large or too small will make the job much more difficult and time-consuming. Save time and energy by transporting heavy materials and equipment with a good wheelbarrow instead of by hand. Planting is made much easier when done with a sharpedged spade. Though not rustproof, a forged steel spade will hold up better against hard objects like rocks under the soil. Ergonomic and mechanically assisted pruners enable Tool guidelines for novice gardeners Decorating & gardeners to cut through thick branches with minimal strain on your hands, making them especially beneficial to senior green thumbers. Hoes enable you to cultivate, weed, and mix the garden and flower beds as you push and pull the soil. Cultivators make aerating the soil much easier, particularly in early spring when the soil is harder after a long winter. Shears help maintain and shape shrubs by making it easier to slice through thick branches. A metal rake helps overturn soil and work mulch or compost into the top layers of the ground. Trimmers help shear tall-growth areas and any areas that might have grown unruly during the winter months. Trimmers are typically motorized, so exercise caution and wear safety gear when using one. Hoses come in many shapes and sizes, and the right fit depends on the property. Just be sure when buying a hose that there is enough length to extend from the external faucet to the area you will be watering. Edgers can give the property a clean, manicured look by trimming away any stray blades around the perimeter that the mower left behind. PLEASE TAKE MY HUSBAND ! Need someone to help tackle the honey-do list ? Mature local resident can work on anything from cars to faucets. No job too small. If you are looking for a responsible individual to help you around the house … ����������������������������� ������������������������ ����������� ����������������� Remodeling Renovations & Repairs ����������� ���������������� ����������� ������������� ���������������������� ���� ���������� PLEASE CALL MIKE AT 201-327-3255 ������������ YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER �������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� �������������������������������� www.hawthornehandyman.com ready • set • GROW! 973-949-4431 Caring for outstanding gardens for over 22 years ONE SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS ����������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������� ������������������� ��������������������� SPRING IS HERE! ... START THE SEASON’S “TO-DO LIST” AND SAVE SOME GREEN! 2 Free fertilizer applications. Discount applies towards New Full Service Contracts only. New customers only. SAVE 20% Off Spring Cleanup TRUST YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES TO OUR FULL SERVICE MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION, AND DESIGN COMPANY WITH ORGANIC LAWN AND TREE CARE, IRRIGATION AND LIGHTING. COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL INSURED BONDED MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LEISURE TIME CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION 201-447-LAWN (5296) www.landscapeworks.net Member N.J.L.C.A & N.J. Turf Grass Assoc. Home Improvement Contractor #13V01991900 ������������������������� ������������� ����������������� �������������� ������������� ����������� ����������������� ����������������� � ���������� ��������������