Happy 4th of July!
This is it. The Big One. The time-to-get-serious-about-summer celebration. For those of us who love the 4th of July, it’s a time for hot dogs and watermelon, sunshine and lawn chairs, picnics and camping, fire pits and fireworks. It’s a day to put away the lawn mower, kick back and enjoy that back yard paradise with family and friends. The 4th of July is a good reason for creating that paradise in the first place, and we thank you for allowing James Valley to help you any way we could. Something about the 4th of July makes us feel especially proud to be a locally owned business with employees that feel like family. Thank you for all your business and referrals.
The 4th of July is also a great time to take advantage of clearance deals on our remaining annuals, hanging baskets and annual planters. There is still a lot of growing season left and you will be getting bargains of 50% off if you want to add a little extra pop of color to your summer. July is also time to spend those Summer Fun Bucks, and we know many of you have been waiting to purchase items in the Garden Center. You’ll find pots, planters, fairy garden accessories, gardening décor, tools, fire tables and more. Plus, if you want to spend those Fun Bucks on perennials, trees and shrubs, we have a great selection in the back. If you aren’t sure what you want, try using our online Plant Finder tool at www.jamesvalleylandscape.com or ask any of our experts in the Garden Center.
Finally, a few words about your summer lawn. This is the time of year when we see a lot of dry, stressed out lawns all over town and we get a ton of calls about what to do to maintain a lush green oasis of grass. Here are our best tips:
*Water Wisely
Water deeply, at least one inch of water per week or more when it’s really hot. Water early in the day.
*Mow and Mulch
We see a lot of lawns that have been mowed way too short. Raise your mower blade and keep your grass at 3”- 4” during the summer, or as high as your blade will go. Mulch your grass clippings to keep moisture levels steady. Mow regularly and don’t cut more than 1/3 of the grass blades at a time. Finally, keep your mower blade sharp!
*Don’t Over Fertilize
If your lawn is looking straggly, resist the urge to fertilize. Applying extra fertilizer in the heat of summer can burn your lawn and create a flush of tender growth that will struggle in the hot summer weather.
*Control Insects and Diseases
Dormant or drought-stressed summer lawns can be more susceptible to insect infestations and fungal diseases. We have all the advice and products necessary to take care of these problems—the sooner the better.
*Clean up After Fido
*No one wants to walk through a landmine of dog poop. Not only are you asking for insects and diseases, but it’s bad for your grass. Dog poop is not fertilizer and will harm your lawn.
Follow this advice and your lawn should remain healthy all summer. Thanks again for all your business! We’re closed on the 3rd and 4th of July to spend time with our families. We hope you have a great holiday.