Plant Now for the Perfect Lawn and Garden

Make the Grass Greener of Your Side this Spring with Simple Suggestions from Lowe's

MOORESVILLE, N.C., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Lush, emerald lawns are the envy of every neighborhood, leaving most Americans wishing they were on the opposite side of the fence. Whether you are a gardening novice or have a seasoned green thumb, break the status quo this spring by creating and maintaining a well-manicured lawn with yard prep tips from Lowe's.

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Start by removing winter's leftover yard debris to instantly enhance the lawn's appearance. Prune plants and shrubs with the Ames True Temper Bypass Pruner (Item #173906, $18.98) to get rid of dead or broken branches and promote new growth during the warm months ahead. For larger bushes, consider the Black & Decker 18 Volt Hedge Trimmer (Item #65000, $79.97). Regularly pruning throughout the spring, summer and fall will also help prevent foliage damage and overcrowding.

Add a splash of color by planting annuals around the home using the Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Electric Cultivator (Item #175332, $99.97). Line the front walkway or fill window boxes with shades that complement the home's exterior color scheme. Select species that thrive in your area of the country, such as Petunias, Dianthus and Violas.Make sure to pay particular attention to the growing conditions around your home, including the availability of water and sunlight, and visit your local Lowe's to browse through the 2009 Garden Club Select Flowers of the Year, a group of regionally-grown varieties that have been rigorously tested and are guaranteed to thrive in both garden beds and containers.

To make neighbors green with envy, ensure that plants and shrubs are well-nourished. While the three vital elements for lawn and plant growth - oxygen, hydrogen and carbon - are available from the environment, other important nutrients can be supplied through fertilizer. Sta-Green's 14 Lb. Ultra Lawn Fertilizer (Item #304462, $14.47) will help keep cool season grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass healthy and flourishing. For specific outdoor plants, such as roses or rhododendrons, plant foods with targeted nutrients can help each variety bloom to its fullest potential.

Eye-catching lawns also require weekly maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. If your mower has been in hibernation since last year's growing season, prep it now for the busy months ahead with a few simple tasks. Installing a new spark plug, cleaning the filter and replacing last year's oil and gas will have your mower up-and-running in a snap.

For more regional information and tips on spring lawn and gardening, visit Lowe's stores nationwide, Lowes.com or Learn2Grow.com. Also, once your garden starts to grow, share your pictures with us on LowesCreativeIdeas.com/GiantGarden.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,650 home improvement stores in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.