Gail Morrell

There are several things to remember when estimating this task as Janet pointed out. What is the soil like (compacted, clay, loose), clay soil is harder to make an initial cut but sometimes the loose soil is harder to make a nice clean cut. How deep is the new edge going to be? How much debris is going to need to be cleaned up? If you have a lot of debris not only is it going to take you longer to clean up the edge, it is going to take more time to clean up and haul that debris away. You said you are not making a new edge design but if you were that will be added time. Is there edging in place? I have several sites that have steel edging, I have found it easiest to follow that edge with a knife on my hands and knees, which becomes very time consuming. I also don't recommend power edger's, if you're not sure where cable and sprinkler lines/heads are, you're sure to hit one or two with that! Then there is more time to repair that. I would say Janet's hour for 75 linear feet is a good starting point but if this is the first time you're edging this site I would estimate it a bit higher just to be safe. Once you've done the job you will have a base number to use in the future for that site, always remembering that conditions may change and that number may not stay the same.

Is that ornamental grass waiting to be planted? I'm showing this picture to my Steve, maybe it will help him understand our garage! Thanks!

I've used sedum kamtschaticum under a large maple in the space between the curb and sidewalk. We tried ivy but I don't think there was enough moisture. I thought it would be too shady for the sedum but it has done great (3 years). Actually I brought pieces that I had removed from another area, set it on the ground and put a thin layer of soil on top. We watered to get it started but then let nature handle it. It has done very well. No digging in those massive roots either.

I have a rex begonia that I brought in this fall and it keeps getting mildew spots and then the leaf drops. When I read your question I remembered using baking soda and water to rid off mildew on a plant in a container on my porch years ago. Don't know why I didn't think of it for my own plant! As I remember it was a tablespoon baking soda dissolved in a gallon of water, I just sprayed it on the foliage a few times and the mildew seemed to stop. I'm going to give it a try on mine, let me know if it works for you Ester.

I have known people to get terrible infections using super glue, it locks all the bad stuff in. I use a bandage with the old A&D Ointment, after a night or two it seems to heal nicely. I use it on my lips also.