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Come Celebrate The Start Of Summer With US!
We are pleased to send you our summer newsletter hot off the press and chock full of tips on gardening, caring for your lawn, and ideas for some good ole fashion summer fun!
We have been publishing our Green Pages Newsletter for our clients since 2011, and we truly appreciate all the amazing comments we have received from our wonderful Freedom Lawns friends! Tell us what you think and please let us know if there are any subjects you would like us to discuss in a future edition!
We truly hope that you enjoy our little newsletter and above all, a huge THANK YOU for your business-as its sincerely appreciated!
From all of us at Freedom Lawns all the best for a summer filled with good health, good fun, and memorable times!
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 Why not "elevate" the color and interest in your landscape this summer by incorporating some "vertical growing plants" into your landscape. Most landscapes are designed with shrubs or flowering plants that may only reach a height of 3-4 feet. Flowering vines will add that element of height and are generally easy to grow. You can also utilize vines to add color and interest to mailbox posts, fences, arbors, pergolas, and trellises. Flowering vines can also be used to conceal the "less attractive" areas of your grounds such as an old shed, rusty fence post, or to create privacy around your patio or porch!
There are many outstanding options when it comes to choosing flowering vines for your landscape. Many of these vines will grow with little or no care, while others may require occasional fertilization to produce more vibrant flowers and healthier plants. The blossoms of flowering vines are available in an array of colors, sizes, shapes, fragrances and blooming periods.
When purchasing your flowering plants, you should always read the label for specific requirements of that plant. The label will help you to determine if that plant will perform well in the location that you have in mind. The label will advise you of that plants preferred location (full sun, shade, and partial shade), soil, moisture, and fertilization preferences, blooming periods, gardening zone adaptation and cold weather tolerance. The label will also indicate whether that plant is an annual or a perennial. Many of the flowering vines available in our local nurseries are perennial plants and will continue to bring you enjoyment year after year. However, many folks are attracted to plants with brilliantly colored blooms, only to discover that the plant may not make a repeat performance the next year, as it requires a more tropical climate. This can be a disappointing and expensive experience! Planting annual flowering vines however, will add some colorful accents in your landscape or outdoor entertainment areas for the summer and fall season.
Here are a few of my favorite climbing beauties that are sure to add that special touch of height and color to your landscapes.
Clematis
 Clematis is a perennial and is among the most versatile flowering vines available for the southeast. Although most cultivars are deciduous (will lose their foliage during winter), they will make up for it with spectacular color during the growing season. One of the attractions of Clematis is the vast assortment of varieties available to choose from, each producing a different type bloom of various colors and growth habits. Color selections range from white, blue, pink, red, dark purple and even some multicolored. Depending upon soil temperature and growing conditions, most of the Clematis varieties bloom in the spring during late March or April and extend through the first frost.
Be patient with your Clematis, as they tend to get bigger and better with each passing year. As specific varieties will bloom at different times of the year, a light pruning after your variety has bloomed will help produce healthier new growth.
The most severe problems of Clematis are fungal stem rot and Clematis Wilt as there is no chemical or other means of control for these diseases. Generally, wilt diseases will occur on younger plants and varieties that produce larger flowers. Aphids and slugs can be a problem on your clematis as well, but these two pests are easy to control. Insecticidal soap will help with the Aphid problem, and slug bait containing Iron Phosphate will take care of those nasty slugs. Your Clematis will require 4-6 hours of sun for best bloom production and will be thankful for a little protection from the hot afternoon sun. And oh yes, I have one more suggestion. I would refrain from planting your Clematis in or near a wooded setting, or next to a larger tree. I have found that Clematis will not establish well in soils where there is extensive root mass from trees.
Bougainvillea
 The Bougainvillea is an extremely hardy plant with vibrant blooms in spring, early summer and fall. Although utilized as a perennial in many gardens and in Florida and other more southern locations, this tropical plant will not overwinter outdoors in our region.
The B
ougainvillea
however, is frost sensitive, but can be brought indoors during the winter months as an attractive houseplant with no blooms, but great foliage. During summer months,
Bougainvillea
can be used to cascade from a hanging basket or on a trellis or porch post along our beach areas, as it has a high salt tolerance.
The branches of the
Bougainvillea
are thorny; producing heart shaped green or variegated leaves and comes in a large variety of flower options including bright pinks of different hues, purples, white, rose and cream. Your
Bougainvillea
will require at least 5 full hours of sun daily, with a southern exposure being best. Plant it in loose, well drained soils to avoid root rot.
Bougainvillea
plants require monthly fertilization with a 6-8-10 or a comparable fertilizer analysis.
Jasmine
 There is nothing like the sweet, pleasing fragrance of white or confederate Jasmine blooming during May and June! Jasmine is a perennial flowering vine in our area with several varieties to choose from. Carolina or Winter Jasmine is a welcome sight, as it is the first to bloom in early spring and will produce spectacular yellow flowers. The drawback of this variety is its lack of strong fragrance, and a relatively short bloom period in the spring.
Confederate or Star Jasmine is the most fragrant of all the Jasmine varieties and are a perfect option for growing on larger arbors, pergola's, fences, archways leading to your gardens, and trellis's. To enjoy the magnificent fragrance, be sure to plant your Jasmine near your house. Most Jasmine varieties are pest free and will grow 24 inches or so each year. If pruning is necessary to keep the size of your plant under control, prune after the blooming period is completed. During extremely cold winter weather, some of the leaves may lose their luster, turn burgundy or brown and may defoliate a little. However, Jasmine will generally come back strong throughout the summer, once our growing season begins. Jasmine will perform well with little or no fertilization.
Honeysuckle
 Honeysuckle also known as Trumpet Honeysuckle or False Jasmine is a perennial climber, and an excellent choice for their beautiful orange with yellow centered flowers it will produce in May and June. As an added feature, Honeysuckle will attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Like most of the flowering vines, this low maintenance plant prefers full sun for peak performance. The Honeysuckle will grow in a partial shade environment, however the more shade your plant receives, the less flower blooms you will enjoy. Honeysuckle will cling, climb, and twine itself to practically any surface- wood, stone, brick or plastic.
Aside from a few minor insect pests, Honeysuckle grown in an ideal location, can grow to a height of 30-50 feet. As a happy honeysuckle plant can get aggressive and become an invasive plant, occasional pruning may be required. Prune after the blooming period to prevent this plant from getting too aggressive and venturing into unwanted areas of your yard. Honeysuckle will tolerate a wide variety of soils and requires very little if any fertilization and is a perfect choice for the gardener with little time to care for their plants.
Passion Flower
 One of the most exotic and eye catching flowering vines you will find, the Passion Flower is a sub-tropical native to the United States, growing wild in many fields throughout areas of the South. These climbers will reach a maximum height of 15-30 feet but will go dormant and die back during the late fall. Growing and flowering best with at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight, the beautiful purple Passion flower will live for only a day or two. The Passion Flower will bloom from the middle to the late summer period. Fertilize in late spring with a high phosphorus (higher middle number) fertilizer to enhance blooms. With a hard frost in late fall, the Passion Flower will die back to the ground. To insure a repeat performance the next year, cover the base and roots of the plant with mulch. In areas of the south that experience weather that is more conducive for a longer growing season, the Passion Flower will produce an edible fruit.
Purple Hyacinth Bean
 The Purple Hyacinth vine is a vigorous annual vine that will display an awesome pinkish-purple blossom and reddish seed pod. This interesting plant will flower continually from late spring through the first frost in late fall. This is a very showy, beautiful vine that will accent any trellis, arbor, or fence. Although the Hyacinth Bean plant is an annual in our region, the reddish-purple bean is a viable seed for the next year. Harvest the seeds from the pods right before the first frost and you will get to enjoy this fabulous flowering vine for your landscape next year! Your Hyacinth Bean vine will require little care. Keep the soil moist and incorporate some good organic compost or composted manure around the base of your plant after it has sprouted in late spring. The purple Hyacinth is a great plant to grow with your children or grandchildren, as they can learn how quickly this amazing plant can germinate, grow, and flower from seed!
Wisteria
 One of the sure signs that spring has arrived, is the beautiful purple/blue flower of the wild Chinese wisteria that graces our woodlands here in the Southeast during April and early May. The fragrance of wisteria is unmistakable, as is its ability to get out of control if not properly pruned and trained! Look for the American Wisteria variety rather than the Asian variety. The American cultivar is less invasive and if fertilized monthly, will bloom sporadically during the summer months, if grown in sunny areas. Wisteria will grow best in rich, moist soil, so be sure to amend your native soil with good, high organic soil and compost. One of the most common pests of Wisteria is the Kudzu bug, a close relative to the Stinkbug. This is a relatively new pesky little critter to our area and favors Legumes such as Kudzu and Soybeans. However, it could also nibble away on your Wisteria vine as it too, as Wisteria is a member of the legume family. Kudzu bugs can be found clinging on to other ornamental plants but are typically harmless to all non-legume plant species.
These are just a few of the wonderful flowering vines that will add a different, more interesting dimension to a trellis, fence, mailbox, arbor, or shed. This summer try going "vertical" in your landscape!
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Mushrooms are a fungus and will generally grow on organic matter such as tree stumps, wood mulched, tree roots decaying beneath the soil surface etc. Some of the crazy looking mushrooms may look intimidating, but are actually harmless! Mushrooms will come and go with weather conditions. Typically, mushrooms tend to grow when there is more moisture present in the soil.
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Stinkhorn Mushroom
This wild looking fungus which resembles a very personal part of the male anatomy seems to be most prevalent growing on wood mulches and decaying roots. The Stinkhorn is not poisonous, however as its name suggests, it aroma is not very appetizing!
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Claythrus Rubber
Sometimes resembling an orange whiffle ball, this mushroom is also in the stinkhorn family of mushrooms. It too is not poisonous and sprouts up after heavy rains. Most common in the southeast and far west.
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Artillery Fungus
This fungus grows on wood mulches when the mulches are moist and decaying. The fungus will shoot off spores of small black fruiting bodies that can stain the side of your house and can also be seen on white cars that are parked next to landscape beds with wood mulch.
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Fairy Ring Mushrooms
Fairy ring is a soil fungus that is seen on home lawns. The disease causes darker green or brown rings to form. When there is plenty of rainfall or moisture, mushrooms or toadstools will form around the ring. The disease is generally seen in areas where trees were removed and the roots or stumps were left in the soil to decompose. The mushrooms which form are not poisonous and will stop growing when soil conditions dry out.
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 The "global warming" phenomena or, what some experts now refer to as "climate change", is certainly a debatable matter. There are many scientists who can make an argument either in support or against this theory. Whatever your personal belief is, the change in our recent weather patterns have prompted the folks at the USDA to shuffle our 11 gardening zones upward. Folks that were in zone 7B are now in Zone 8, gardeners in zone 9 are now in zone 10, and so on. This new guideline has allowed more folks in the mid to southern Atlantic region to experiment with additional selections of tropical plants that otherwise might not be recommended.
Keep in mind that many of the brightest atmospheric scientist still hypothesis that weather events and climate fluctuations are cyclical in nature. This means that even though certain plants may now be recommended in our gardening zones, the long-term effects of potentially cooler than normal winters are still a reality!
Here are some tropical plants that I recommend if you would like to add a "tropical Island "aura to your landscape gardens.
Mandevilla
A native plant of Central and South America, the Mandevilla is a cold sensitive plant that will generally only perform as a perennial in gardening zones 9 or above. This vine makes an excellent container plant or accent plant to grow on an arbor, trellis, or mailbox post. It is possible to enjoy your Mandevilla for several years in cooler climates, by moving your plant indoors at a temperature that will stay above 50 degrees. If you do decide to keep your Mandevilla for an encore performance next year, be sure to check it for insect pests. I suggest spraying with an insecticidal soap a few times before you bring them in for winter. Once your Mandevilla has rooted, fertilize it with a high phosphorous, low nitrogen fertilizer. A 10-20-10 or something comparable is suggested. The higher phosphorus will prompt your Mandevilla into producing abundant, awesome light pink flowers throughout the growing season. Your Mandevilla will enjoy a sunny location with a little afternoon shade for best results.
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Canna Lilies
If you are trying to add some real tropical punch to your landscape, try some Canna Lilies for vibrant color and large tropical looking foliage. Canna Lilies will perform year after year in gardening zones 7 and above. There are many fantastic newer varieties available that will boast flowers with various shades of oranges, reds, and yellows throughout the summer months. The foliage of some newer varieties can also be as striking as the flowers themselves! A few varieties to check out include the Tropicana with its purple, yellow and red foliage growing to 7 feet tall, "Orange Punch", a dwarf variety that will turn heads with their vibrant bright orange flowers," Golden", an easy to grow Canna with bright buttery yellow blooms, and "rainbow" known for its green and purple variegated colorful foliage, this variety will attract the hummers while also producing a smaller but none the less attractive reddish, orange flower. An Oldie but goody is the "Bengal Tiger" variety. This Canna has won numerous accolades for its stunning beauty and dramatic color featuring yellow striped variegated foliage with a red or maroon edge, and stunning orange flowers that are also a hummingbird favorite. To get the maximum benefit from your Canna Lilly, first be sure to select a location that will offer your plant at least 6 hours of sun. Canna lilies enjoy moist (not saturated) soils, so be sure to give them a healthy drink every few days if sufficient rainfall has not occurred. In our region (Zones 8 and higher), your Canna Lillies should make a repeat performance and increase in size year after year! Canna Lilies will add a piece of tropical beauty to any landscape.
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Plumbago
One of my favorite summer blooming plants is the Plumbago. This native of South Africa has many fine qualities and is a wonderful addition to any garden. There are not many summer blooming plants available that will display an attractive blue flower all summer long, until frost. There is also a white variety of Plumbago and when planted with the blue variety, it creates a very soothing, cool feeling during the hot summer weather. Other great features of this plant include its resistant to insect and disease pests, will grow in many different environmental conditions (although it does like a fair amount of sun), and is deer resistant. In our region, the Plumbago will make a return each year. To ensure that your plants will come back strong and healthy, cut them back to the ground soon after the first frost as Plumbago will produce flowers on new growth the next year. Cover with a light coating of mulch or pine straw.
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Hibiscus
Tropical Hibiscus is among the most popular summer flowering plants used during the summer months. With an array of varieties and colors to choose from, the Hibiscus is a perfect choice for container gardening or, to plant in the ground. Hibiscus enjoys light, frequent fertilization, with a 16-4-8 analysis or something similar. Occasionally a high phosphorus fertilizer (10-40-10) is suggested if your Hibiscus becomes a little lazy in producing blooms. Keep your Hibiscus moist for peak performance. Tropical Hibiscus is generally considered an annual plant. However, some folks will bring them in their garage or other warmer environment during the winter season, keep them watered, and get to enjoy them for another year! If you decide to plant your Hibiscus in the ground, you may still have some success in getting your plant to return again the next year depending upon the severity of the winter, and the location of your plant. Establish your Hibiscus in a sunny area, and cover the root area with mulch. This will also keep the soil temperature warmer. Hibiscus is subject to insect problems, so watch out for Aphids, Whitefly's or Thrips during the summer months. Some of the newer Tropical Hibiscus varieties available include "Hidden Valley" displaying a brilliant pink center with orange borders, "Fancy Hibiscus which has a bright pink center and yellow ruffled borders, "Acapulco Gold "offering a flower with a sunburst of color including, oranges, yellows, and white, "Loda", has ruffled lavender-blue flowers, and "Donna Lynn "a showy large flower of yellow, Lavender and Red.
Perennial Hibiscus or Hardy Hibiscus
will surely come back year after year. Sometimes referred to as a dinner plate Hibiscus due to its abundance of huge 9 inch flowers will put on quite a show throughout the summer. A few draw backs to the dinner plate Hibiscus is the limited number of colors to choose from, reds, pinks, or whites, and the fact they are very susceptible to insect damage.
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Bougainvillea
For a real Caribbean feel, nothing does the trick better than a Bougainvillea vine climbing up a trellis or arbor on a patio! The bright purplish, pink, or red flowers are ideal for a warmer, coastal climate. A perennial in zones 9 and higher, the Bougainvillea is an excellent container plant in our region. It enjoys plenty of sunlight, rich, slightly acidic soil pH, (5.5-6.0), and moist but not waterlogged soils. Water often and light for best results. Fertilize with a light fertilizer for flowering plants monthly to keep your Bougainvillea blooming strong all summer long.
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Cold Hardy Palms for Southeastern North Carolina
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There is no other plant that will create that tropical feel in your landscape more than a Palm tree. Most Palms will require full sun, good moisture and fertilization in spring and fall. Palm fertilizer should be low in nitrogen, and high in magnesium, manganese, and potassium. There are a few insect and disease pests to be aware of on Palms including Scale, Borers, Mealy Bugs and Weevils. (insects), and diseases such as Leaf Spots, Ganoderma Root Rot, Fusarium Wilt, False Smut, and Bud Rot.
Here are just a few of the more popular Palms for our coastal Carolina regions
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Needle Palm
A short, bunch type Palm with sharp needle like fronds. The needle palm is without a doubt the coldest tolerant palm available, surviving in temperatures near zero degrees. This may not be one of the most attractive Palms available, but it is low maintenance and very hardy.
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Dwarf Palmetto Palm
As its name implies, this Palm which is native to the Southeast and grows to a height of 5' to 6' at maturity. A slow growing palm, the dwarf palmetto has few pest problems except an occasional bout with scale. The dwarf palmetto is an excellent accent plant in smaller gardens for that tropical look.
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Windmill Palm
The Windmill Palm is one of the most widely used Palms in our gardens. This Palm will reach a height of 25 ft. and if put near a window, will perform well indoors as well as outside. Other than some occasional scale, this Palm will have few pests' problems. The blue-green fronds of the Windmill withstand high winds exceptionally well.
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Texas Sable Palm
Is afast growing cold tolerant Palmetto that will grow very tall. It can reach 50 ft. in height with a canopy extending 8'-25' across. Attractive Emeralds Green fronds make this a great choice for a larger, tropical landscape setting.
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Sable Palmetto
Native to the southeastern United States, the Sable Palm iscommonly used along our Carolina beach areas. Although it is rather slow growing, it will reach an impressive height of 40' at maturity. The Sable Palm is susceptible to several diseases, and can sometime experience winter damage during very cold, windy conditions.
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Creating that "margaritaville" look in to your landscape requires some thoughtful planning, plenty of sun, and oh yes, a nice cold margarita to reward yourself for job well done!
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We all dread pulling those weeds out of our landscape beds during the spring and summer months! Over the years, there has been some controversy as to whether laying landscape fabric down in your landscape beds is a good idea or a bad idea. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using landscape fabric- you be the judge!
Pros:
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 Will reduce weed population for several years by as much as 70 %.
- Save on herbicide usage which is better for the environment and your plants!
- Will minimize pulling or hiring others to do the work for a few years. Keeping a nice supply of mulch (3-4 inches) will enhance weed prevention.
Cons:
 There are definitely benefits and detriments of using fabric in your beds. A few other points to consider include the fact that it is much easier to install the fabric when you initially plant your landscape bed. Use a landscape fabric , not black plastic as the fabric will allow moisture to permeate to the roots. If using fabric, do not put the fabric up to the base of the plant. Keep it 6-8 inches away from your plant to allow for water and nutrient uptake.
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A terrific snack! Our Freedom Lawn's Grilled Tomato-Basil Pizzettes will be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Basic pizza dough
- 2 to 3 cups yellow and red heirloom cherry tomatoes, halves, quartered, or sliced
- 12 ounces fresh mozzerella, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: fresh basil leaves
How to make it:
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Preheat grill to high heat (400° to 500°). Combine garlic and oil in a small bowl; let stand 15 to 30 minutes.
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Divide dough into 8 portions. Press each portion to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly oiled baking sheets. Brush both sides of crusts lightly with half of garlic oil.
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Place dough pieces on hot grill rack, in batches if necessary; grill 2 minutes or until bottoms of crusts are marked and tops begin to puff. Remove crusts from grill, and place on baking sheets, grilled side up.
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Brush remaining garlic oil on crusts. Top with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Place pizzas on grill rack with a large spatula, close lid, and grill 1 to 2 minutes or until crusts are golden brown and cheese melts. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.
Serve and enjoy this delicious treat!
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Diana came to Freedom Lawns after spending many years in the pest control industry recently. She also spent time working on golf course greens and fairways.
Diana holds licenses in turf, ornamental, and structural pest control! She has been in the turf/pest industry since 2002 and holds an Associate Degree of Arts.
Diana is happily married to her husband Glennie Murvin of 28 years. They have a daughter and son together.
When not working at Freedom Lawns, Diana enjoys traveling with her daughter, watching movies, and spending time with her family and dog.
We asked Diana what she enjoyed most working at Freedom Lawns; "I love being outside. The joy of being under the open sky and helping clients achieve the best possible looking lawn really brightens my day."
We are pleased to have Diana on our staff and look forward to working with her!
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Frederick, Maryland
Freedom Lawns Frederick is honored to announce it's support for the 2018 Down Syndrome Awareness Day 2018 at the Harry Grove Stadium. The event was put together by the Ava's 5k for Down Syndrome organization.
The Down Syndrome Awareness Day at Harry Grove Stadium was the first of its kind. The event promoted awareness, inclusion and compassion for people with  disabilities. Three other adolescents with Down Syndrome were also honored with awards at the ceremony, 1,000 Down Syndrome awareness hats were passed out to baseball fans and a person with Down syndrome threw the first pitch at the game.
Chris Cuozzo, owner and operator of Freedom Lawns Frederick, had this to say about sponsoring the event; "It's about bringing the community together and to have experiences together, special needs or not. This event allowed people with
differing
abilities to come together to enjoy each other's company and raise
awareness
of Down Syndrome. We are proud to be a part of this event."
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 Mowing your lawn on a regular basis at the proper height with a sharp blade will insure that your lawn gets the maximum benefit from your Freedom Lawns services!
Here are some guidelines for mowing that will help you to help us make your lawn happier, healthier, and more weed free!
Recommended Mowing Heights
| Cool Season Turfgrasses |
Warm Season Turfgrasses |
| Tall Fescue - 3" - 3.5" inches |
Centipede - 1.5" - 2.0" inches |
| Fine Fescue - 3" - 3.5" inches |
St. Augustine 2.5" - 3.5" inches |
| Bluegrass - 3" - 3.5" inches |
Bermuda 1" - 1.5" inches |
| Ryegrass - 3" - 3.5" inches |
Zoysia - 1" - 1.5" inches |
Mowing Frequency
Mowing at least once each week during the growing season is recommended. Mowing every 4-5 days for Bermuda grass is ideal.
Other Important Guidelines
1. Mowing with a sharp blade will reduce diseases, summer stress, and give your lawn a much more pleasing appearance.
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2. Change direction at least once a month to minimize stress on the grass and alleviate soil compaction.
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3. Under normal circumstances, grass clippings will not contribute to thatch buildup. You can mulch them and recycle your grass clippings back into the soil to add more nutrient value.
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4. If the lawn gets ahead of you and is tall or you have certain type of fungus disease such as leaf spot or dollar spot, you may want to bag your clippings to minimize the chance of spreading the fungus disease.
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PROPER MOWING CONTRIBUTES SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE HEALTH AND BEAUTY OF A LAWN!
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Got Bugs?
We can help you with those unwanted guest in your home with our Freedom Lawns Perimeter Pest Control Services!
Our safer products applied around your landscape beds and foundation, will give them the message that they are in the "NO BUG ZONE".
Call our office today to see how inexpensive Freedom Lawns
Perimeter
Pes
t Control can be!
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In past Summer editions we have highlighter the top 10 games to play with your child outside. But why should children
have all the fun? Adults need fun too! Food and cocktails are a start, but to host a awesome summer party, your going to need a little more going on to really make it a party!
You may have played some of these when you were a kid and your mom invited everyone over to the backyard for your birthday bash, but now you are grown up, and these lawn games are a whole new level of fun! Let the good times roll!
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Bocce Ball
Man kind has been throwing balls at other objects since the dawn of time. Bocce is deceiving in that it looks so much easier than it actually is. You can make one good throw and feel like a hero for a moment, only to be knocked aside seconds later!
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Sack Race
Sack races, aka "gunny races," became popular at carnivals in the 1800s, and their popularity has long outlasted the days when potatoes were sold by the sackful. All you need is a burlap sack or large, sturdy pillowcase for each participant (it should reach their waist), and plenty of space for them to hop to the finish line. Be sure to have someone recording the race for extra laughs!
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Badminton
Badminton is an all-time classic backyard game that is delightful when played casually, but can also get surprisingly competitive, depending on the people playing. Regardless of your skill level, with a little bit of practice, you'll be able to fake your way through a game.
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Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is an anxiety-inducing game, and that anxiety increases exponentially as your tower grows higher and higher. The giant version of it will have you acting more carefully than you have ever while holding a beer.
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Cornhole
A game of many names - Cornhole, Baggo, Dummy Boards, et al. - the bean bag toss has long been a part of the American tradition of tailgating, but you don't have to be in a parking lot waiting for the big game to enjoy it. Take it out in your backyard, grab some friends, take your shoes off, and corn some holes.
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Horseshoes
Gather the cowboys and cowgirls!
Horseshoes
is a favorite among many outdoor game players and is perfect for a backyard party because depending on how many guests, this game can be played individually or in teams.
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Croquet
What's more fun than politely smacking a large hard ball while imagining you're the handsome scion of the most powerful industrialist in all of New England? The game (or similar variants) dates back as early as the 1600s, and it shows: you must wear a white polo and give golf claps, even after watching your friend wail a ball straight into a tree.
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Lawn Darts
OK, actually, what's more fun than whiling away a balmy evening hurling ancient weapons of war? Although the pointy, dangerous kind of lawn darts have actually been outlawed for decades, you can buy weighted plastic darts that do a pretty good imitation.
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Spikeball
After gaining national attention with an appearance on "Shark Tank," Spikeball became something of a beach town phenomenon. The game is akin to volleyball, but it's played with a trampoline rather than a net.
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Ladder Golf
Ladder Golf is another top-tier tailgating game, thanks in no small part to the fact that it is exceedingly fun to throw golf balls tied to rope. It's simple, casual, and can, in some cases, be exceedingly frustrating - all of the traits of a perfect backyard game.
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Flowering plants are nature's aphrodisiac for alluring birds, butterflies and other wildlife into our gardens. As human beings, we tend to be drawn to the beauty and tranquility of colors and shapes of flowering plants. However, in nature, birds and butterflies are also drawn to the fragrance, nectar and texture of certain flowers. For example, tubular type flowers such Bougainvilleas, Mandavillia,Fuchsias, and Brugmansia (angel trumpets), are very appealing to hummingbirds and butterflies. The Tubular florets hold the sweet nectar at just the right angle for birds and butterflys to enjoy the flavor of some delicious nectar. Some flowers that are in the process or have gone to seed in late summer or fall, will also be a hearty entrée for a hungry feathered friend.
Butterflies and wild birds will be attracted to sweet smelling flowers with flat heads that provide a good landing area and perch, such as lantana, petunias, and daisy's.
The growth habit and height of some plants will attract birds that tend to hang out in the same general type areas. For example, the seeds of tall sunflowers in the fall are a convenient food source for birds that are perched in tall trees. Although some birds may be attracted more to one color then another, most birds are actually more interested in the tasty seeds that may develop on the plant later in the growing season. Planting flowers that produce seed and creating an enjoyable environment for birds such as a bird bath or other water feature, will encourage bird activity into your landscapes. To make your landscape more inviting for birds, you might want to introduce some variety of flowers such as Purple Coneflowers, Coreopsis, Snapdragons,, Viburnum, Larkspur, and Zinnias.
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BRING IN THE HUMMERS
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 Everyone loves to watch the antics of hummingbirds and there is nothing more enjoyable then creating a natural habitat to lure those hummers into your garden for some enjoyable (and inexpensive) entertainment! Hummingbirds are creatures of habit, so you must train them early on to visit your garden in the early spring well before most of the flowers are in bloom. One way to attract some happy hummers early, is to tie bright red or orange ribbons in several areas of your yard and get the hummingbird feeders out in late February or March. Hummingbirds have virtually no sense of smell however they are attracted to bright colors and nectar producing plants. There are many perennial flowers that will not only perk up your garden year after year but are also sure to lure the little hummers into your garden. A few of these plants include Foxgloves, Four O'clock, Buddleia (Butterfly bushes), Cardinal Flower, Canna Lilies, Honey Suckle, Lantana, Salvia ( red ), Trumpet Vine, and Perennial Hibiscus. There are also some annual flowers that you may want to introduce into your landscape. You can either plant them in containers or strategically place the pots in areas of your garden that are in a great location for viewing, or just plant them the ground. Annuals such as Shrimp plants, Fuchsia, Petunia, and Impatiens will encourage hummingbirds to hang out with you throughout the summer months.
Many of these same flowers that attract hummingbirds will also be a magnet for butterflies. Remember that all birds and butterflies will appreciate a cool drink of water from a bird bath, fountain, or other water feature during the warm days of summer.
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TRY SOME NEW INCREDIBLE PLANTS IN 2018
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One of my gardening passions includes the experimentation with different plant species and particularly, some of the newer plant varieties that are developed each year. When you go to your favorite garden center this spring, you will find some new and exciting flowering plant varieties to choose from. Most of the newly developed plants will provide great color and interest, as well as other fine qualities such as improved resistance to insects and disease, drought tolerance and even a longer blooming period.
Here are a few newer flowering plant varieties that will add great color, birds, and butterflies into your garden oasis.
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Flutterby
This plant will produce brilliant peach colored blooms from early summer through frost. This new variety of butterfly bush will require full sun and would be a great chose for attracting hummers and of course, a variety of butterfly.
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Boogie Woogie Miniature Rose
Boogie Woogie is an ideal little plant for those sunny garden areas and is an excellent chose as a border plant. This plant is also a wonderful container selection for a sunny patio or porch area.
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Kew Gardens Rose
Are you into roses but just don't like dealing with those nasty thorns? Check out a new and unique variety called "Kew Gardens" rose. This medium size plant produces clusters of small, white flowers with a light-yellow center that actually resembles a hydrangea as much as a rose! This David Austin variety will reach about 5 feet at maturity, making it a great background or specimen rose for your garden.
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Cherry Cola Heuchera
This great little border perennial flower with reddish brown foliage and cherry red flowers will entice hummingbirds into your garden year after year.
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Cinnamon Snow Hellebores
Are you looking for a shade loving plant that will flower in late winter? Try the new Hellebores variety called "Cinnamon Snow ". Unlike other Hellebores verities, the pink and white flowers will produce longer blooming, outward facing flowers that will turn to burgundy with age. The Hellebores are ideal for perking up those boring shaded areas of your garden!
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Snowcone Coneflowers
Snowcone has bright white petals is sure to brighten up boring areas of your landscape. Coneflowers will attract many species of butterflies, and are also very popular with the Gold Finch, Cardinals, and Blue jays!
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Why not add a little motion and excitement to your landscape this year summer? Try some new, colorful flowering plants and "let the show begin!"
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The Freedom Lawns Autopay Program!
Quick, Simple & Easy to Use!
Save yourself the hassle of writing checks or calling us with a credit card for your services performed! Simply contact our office with your credit card information, and we will charge your account for the service provided. We will gladly send you a receipt upon request!
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding our hassle free Autopay service!
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After several years, sand, soil, and dirt may form on top of the fabric creating an environment for weed seeds to germinate. The fabric will not last forever!
