Inter-locking brick and cobblestone are attractive choices for driveways, patios,and connecting paths. Weed growth is a common problem around these pavers and, if left unchecked, can ruin the look if you don’t literally nip them in the bud.

When left too long, pathway weeds soon take over and the eventual removal becomes far more difficult and far more costly. Since this growth begins in the spaces between the interlock bricks, it is largely inaccessible. If some of the roots are left behind when pulling out the weeds, these weeds will simply grow back. Alternative solutions

Herbicides are under scrutiny in most municipalities and as a result homeowners have developed many home-made reme -dies to deal with these weeds. Some exam -ples include pouring bleach, vinegar, or boiling water on the weeds that are grow-

How to eliminate weeds on interlock pathways

ing in between the paving stones. These remedies are unproven and in some cases are highly dangerous if splashed on yourskin or in your eyes.

“Fortunately, horticulture scientists haveproduced a selective herbicide that is botheffective at killing weeds, but keeps theenvironment in mind,” says ReinieDrygala, Lawncare Products Manager for Clear Choice, a leading name in innovative garden products.

“Our researchers from leading univer -sities have tested, proven and produced a breakthrough in weed control technology.”

When shopping for herbicides, compare the label on a Clear Choice bottle to com -petitive products using the same activeingredients. The Clear Choice formulationcontains up to 85 percent less active ingre -dients. Utilizing microtechnology, theClear Choice formula contains extremelysmall particle droplets so that the formula -tion can easily penetrate into the weed.The result is that the active ingredients areused more efficiently.

“This breakthrough in technologyreduces the amount of active ingredientrequired to kill the majority of broadleafweeds,” Drygala explained. “It is effective on at least 60 varieties, including dandeli -ons, clover and plantain while being friendly to your lawn.”

SpringSpring Homee && GardenHome & Garden

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CITIZEN’S NEWSFriday, June 17, 2011 17

SpringSpring Homee && GardenHome & Garden

Gardening is often seen as an art form to men and women with a green thumb.Once the landscape is designed,homeowners may not want to change much from year to year. That is where perennial plants can be an advantage.

Designing a landscape and keeping the garden looking beautiful can take a keen eye. It also may require a lot of time and commitment. If home gardeners have to replant items year after year, gardening can become time-consuming and expensive. Turning to perennial plants and flowers to serve as the anchor for a home garden can make the process easier.

Perennials are plants that liveindefinitely. In terms of flowering plants,perennials will bloom every year. In essence, they have the staying power of shrubbery but are more delicate in nature and often appealing to the eye.

There are perennials for every season,soil type and sun exposure. Perennials come in a wide variety of blooming flowers or attractive foliage. Chances are if a homeowner wants to add perennials to the garden, there is a variety available that will fit his or her needs.

Here are some perennials that can be added to the garden:

• lavender• ornamental grasses • asters • chrysanthemums • irises • poppies • milkweed • goldentufts • anemones

Perennials are a gardener’s friend

• columbines • daylilies • peonies • hostasOnce perennials are in place, there is

relatively minimal maintenance that is required. The tune-ups that may be needed are some deadheading to promote

new and stronger growth and some cleaning up after winter before the new blooming season takes place.

Once the early spring season arrives and the ground is not too muddy or rain-soaked, clear out any leaves and debris that have gathered around

where perennials are located. Gardeners can also till the mulch or soil in these areas to aerate the planting beds.

Using shears, cut down any dead grasses, stems and stalks from spent perennials that overwintered. Remove any dead wood and broken branches. Be careful not to trim spring-blooming shrubs because some flowers bloom on year-old stems and this can cause the plant not to flower.

Perennials that aren’t flowering as well as they used to or have dead centers may need to be divided to promote stronger growth. This should be done in earlyspring before the plant blooms or late fall before the winter arrives. Dividing plants and replanting not only grows the garden,but also it is a healthy revitalization for the plant.

Gardeners who prefer to take a laid-back approach to gardening may appreciate the ease with which a beautiful and easy-to-maintain landscape can be created with perennials.