beautiful world

spring,Keep America Beautiful 3 the nation 9s largestvolunteer-based community improvement and education organization 3 engages millions of volunteers in more than 15,000 communities in programs in all 50 states thatbeautify and improve community environments. As partof our commitment,Scotts is sponsoring ccommunity showcase gardens din several cities.<br><br> We 9re also providing lawn care and gardening tips to communities throughoutAmerica.We wantto help you enjoy the benefits of beautiful lawns and gardens, while helping you to do your partto enhance our envi- ronmentand keep America beautiful. As the world 9s largestsupplier of lawn care and gardening products,Scotts is equally committed to developing products and packaging thatare beneficial to the environmentand thatconsumers can use with confidence.Join Scotts and Keep America Beautiful in our dedication to a beautiful world.By following these tips,you can be an environmental steward in your own yard and garden. This guide is designed to help homeowners enjoy green healthy gardens,while also being good stewards of the environment.<br><br> www.scotts.com www.kab.org Food for you and wildlife: Gardening has many tangible rewards, such as producing fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs for homemade meals and area restaurants.It also provides culinary delights and a habitat for songbirds, butterflies and other wildlife. Mind, body and spirit: Numerous health studies have shown the benefits of gardening. The physical activity of gardening con- tributes to a healthy, active lifestyle and can provide as much exercise as a workout at the gym.<br><br> Gardens also improve mental health by lowering stress and anxiety and by providing a relaxation response. Horticultural therapy programs have shown people of any age can enjoy these benefits. Contains a minimum of 10% post-consumer fiber.<br><br> healthy environment Homeowner 9s tips for maintaining gardens and enjoying the environment Beautiful Gardensanda 0964c1 4/7/05 1:59 PM Page 1 for creating a beautiful garden and a healthy environment There are many benefits associated with gardening, whether it 9s a flower garden,vegetable garden or the land- scaping around your home.Getting greatresults from gar- dening is easier than many people realize.You can also be a good steward of the environmentwith proper gardening practices.Homeowners can have healthy and beautiful gardens by following these tips. Use our natural water resources wisely. It is important to use our water resources carefully.<br><br> Use rainfall as the principal water source for your garden. Watch for signs of lack of water, suchas dry soil or slight wilting, before watering. Only water during the cool times of the day.<br><br> Feed your garden regularly. Plants must receive nutrients to survive. In addition to light and water, they need a regular diet of minerals and other elements.<br><br> By applying plant food on a regular basis, the plants can continue to growand produce foliage, flowers and fruit. Protectthe soil with mulch. Using mulch around trees and in gardens is a key practice of successful gardeners.<br><br> Mulch conserves soil moisture, prevents weeds and moderates soil temperatures. There is a wide variety of mulch materials available to enhance any planting. Control garden pests.<br><br> Insects, diseases and weeds can harm the beauty of your garden. Identify the pest problem first and then decide if the problem is bad enough to need a cure. For small, localized problems, a spot treat- ment with a ready-to-use product provides quick, easy and effective control.<br><br> This approach balances effective pest control with protecting the environment. Container gardening. Growing plants in con- tainers provides versatile, portable gardens around homes and apartments.<br><br> Most plants grow well in containers, especially annual flowers and foliage. Choose plants that best fit the growing conditions where the pots will be placed and use a potting soil. Care for these portable gardens with mulch, fertilizer and water.<br><br> Attractwildlife to your garden. Many plants attract birds, butterflies and bees with their flowers, fruits and berries. Backyard wildlife habitats can also be enhanced with feeders, birdhouses, water gardens and other garden structures.<br><br> Always read the label. It 9s important to use garden products cor- rectly by following the label instructions. Over-application will not improve product performance and can potentially harm your plants and the environ- ment.<br><br> Never dump leftover product into the storm sewer or down the drain. Following the directions is the safest practice for you, your children, pets and the environment. Selectthe rightplant.<br><br> Choose easy-to-grow plants that are well- adapted or native to your region. Be aware of plant needs for light (sun vs. shade), soil conditions (moist vs.dry or acid vs.<br><br> alkaline), and temperature (cool vs. warm). Avoid plants with known pest problems.<br><br> Enhance your garden by choosing plants with interesting flowers, foliage and fruits. Getthe soil ready. Great garden soils are built over time from the addition of organic mat- ter to improve the soil so that more water and nutrients can get to the roots.<br><br> Start every spring by adding compost or garden soil to bedsprior to planting. During the growing year, recycle yard wastes through composting. Planting in the ground.<br><br> Plant annual flowers and vegetables once the danger of frost is past in the spring. Put plants in the ground at the same soil height as they were grown in the nursery. Trees and shrubs can be planted also in the fall.<br><br> 12 3 4 7 8 5 6 9 10 10 tips 0964c1 4/7/05 2:00 PM Page 2

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