Community News
It’s that time of year again, Halloween!
Here are a few tips to help keep you safe:
Make sure to stay in a group
Be seen, wear glowsticks or carry flashlights
Drivers, go slow
Park in garage or driveway to give maximum street-crossing visibility.
Let’s have a fun and safe time trick or treating.
Summer is the perfect time to take a look around the house. Thanks to Good Housekeeping, here are a few items to check:
Taking care of cooling equipment by changing the HVAC filter, checking the temperature, and keeping humidity and air pollutants in check.
Being prepared for extreme weather by inspecting and repairing the roof, siding, windows, and doors.
Being on the lookout for pests by sealing any cracks or gaps, removing any food sources, and using natural repellents.
Cleaning out gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Power washing your driveway, sidewalks, deck, patio, and grill to remove dirt and stains.
Washing windows and replacing window screens to improve ventilation and visibility.
All Meadows residents are invited to a popsicle party at the community field next Friday, June 16th at 2:30 p.m. See the map above for how to options for accessing the field. The HOA loves creating opportunities for neighbors to connect - let your renters know, too!
Below are a few tips from Better Homes and Garden to get your Spring gardening started.
1. Clean the flowerbeds
Clear away dead leaves or any other winter debris from the soil surfaces where you're planning to plant annual flowers and vegetables. Remove protective winter mulch from around perennials and ornamental grasses (hedge trimmers make it easy to give grass clumps a clean, even look), and cut back last year's dried foliage. To protect yourself from cuts and scrapes, remember to wear gardening gloves, especially when working with plants with prickly leaves, such as lungwort.
2. Divide your perennials
A good time to divide many perennials is just before spring growth begins. Dividing perennials is a budget-friendly way to add more plants to your garden, or to share extras with friends. It also aids in keeping your existing perennials healthy. After a few years, if your plants grow in a large clump, the middle can thin out, leaving a bare spot. Dividing the clump will encourage new growth.
3. Add fresh mulch around perennials
One of the easiest ways to make your yard look polished is to add a fresh layer of mulch around the garden beds. This also helps the soil retain moisture and keeps down weeds. It often takes more mulch than you imagine to cover a bed, so it's a good idea to buy a little more than you think you'll need. Spread the mulch evenly with your gloved hands or use a rake, being careful not to layer it on too thickly or too close to your plants, which can cause diseases. Keeping the mulch level also helps it stay in place during heavy rains or wind. If you have downspouts that tend to wash away mulch, one fix is to replace it with river rocks.
4. Prune trees and shrubs
If you didn't prune in winter, now is the time to trim your fruit trees. Prune before the buds begin to break into bloom, or you'll stress the tree and get a tiny crop (or possibly none). It's also a good time to prune summer-blooming trees and shrubs, like potentilla and butterfly bush, just before they push out new growth.
5. Perform basic maintenance on your hardscaping
Check stonework for frost heaves, particularly in paths and edging. Check the general condition of your deck or patio and make any needed repairs. Clean off outdoor furniture so it's ready when you are for relaxing after a busy day in the garden.
6. Plant vegetables
Hardy, cool-season vegetables, like potatoes, artichokes, peas, and some lettuces, germinate best in cool soil, so plant them in early spring, once the soil has thawed. They should be ready to harvest by early summer.
Check out bhg.com for additional tips
Now that the weather is starting to turn for the better and daylight savings time is here, lets look at a few items HGTV has listed to review in your home for maintenance.
Inspect brickwork and stucco.
Replace rotted siding and trim; paint as needed.
Clean gutters and downspouts.
Inspect your roof. Check for damaged shingles, which can make your roof susceptible to leaks.
Get a chimney check-up.
Don’t overlook your attic. Check for proper ventilation, obstructions and leaks.
Check out your heat/air unit; change batteries in detectors. Change filters and clean the air purifier.
Prune landscaping and create good drainage. Maintain your plants and shrubs to prevent soil erosion.
Give concrete a little TLC. Seal your driveway and power wash.
Weatherproof your windows and doors. Check all caulk lines and weather stripping; replace screens.
