Question
I am not sure what catergory to ask this question under so I am just trying the one that looks the best. I am renting an older home (1950's?) in Wichita KS, the flower beds need weeding, the lawn needs some "real" grass... I am just wondering what would be the best (on a budget) way to perk up the looks of this yard. Maybie add some new grass? What kind of flowers do I plant?? I have no real experience with yards, (this is my familys first house) or what kinds of flowers work well in the changing Kansas climate ( we also just moved from the west coast).

Answer
If its a rental I would not invest in installing new landscaping or grass. Instead the best way to have a major impact is a good general clean up. Mow the grass, aerate the lawn, apply fertilizer, weed the beds, make sure you have a good clean crisp edge between your planting beds and lawn. Top dress your mulch beds with new mulch. Apply some seed as needed in thin grass areas, trim bushes, maybe plant a few flowers by the door. Thats it.
Consult your local nursery for best plants for your particular region.



Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
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