The Benefits of Mulch

With cooler temperatures getting more of us outdoors and working on our yards, it's important to understand some of the unsung heroes of lawn care. This week our spotlight is on mulch. Besides being aesthetically pleasing - mulch provides many other benefits for your yard. Read on!

Benefits of Mulch

• Mulch can help control weeds. Mulch as a ground cover blocks the sunlight and prevents weeds from growing.
• Mulch helps to keep your soil from drying out - a major benefit to surrounding plants.
• A layer of mulch prevents soil erosion by keeping the soil in place during rain storms.
• Mulch warms the soil in the winter and keeps it cool in the summer - leading to more even soil temperatures for your landscaping.
• Decaying mulch adds nutrients back into the soil.

Types of Mulch

There are two major types of mulch - organic and inorganic. Organic mulch comes from natural sources such as tree bark, wood chips or pine straw.

Inorganic mulch includes rocks, pebbles, landscape fabrics and gravel.

Mulch comes in a variety of colors and textures. It helps you define your yard as well as keep it healthy. So what are you waiting for? Get mulching!

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Football season is back!  Are you ready?  

Don't miss a minute - we've got your schedules ready!

What to Plant this Fall

Did you know that Fall is actually a great time to plant some new flowers, trees and shrubs? The soil is warm and will stay that way up until the first big freeze. In the South, this creates an extended planting season. Fertilizing is not recommended and cuts down on the amount of work it takes to establish new plants.

Trees and shrubs with a large root ball will have plenty of time to get established before Winter and won't have to deal with many of the pests that thrive in the Spring and Summer.  Nurseries and garden centers often have sales in the Fall, allowing you to get a good deal on those Spring Bulbs you've been wanting to plant.

Wondering what to plant?

Perennials such as Peonies, Hostas and Irisis

Pansies


Trees such as the "October Glory" Red Maple

Pitcher Plants (bonus, they trap and eat insects!)

This Labor Day weekend - enjoy the day off and spend some time outdoors getting your yard ready for Fall!

Read Our Fall Newsletter

The Longcreek Property Owner's Association Fall Newsletter is available! Log in to the LongCreek homeowner's website and go to Resources - Documents - Fall 2015 Newsletter.

Not yet a member of the homeowner's website? Sign up today!

Start here!

Quick Summer Treats!

Since it is the season for back yard BBQ's and summer pot lucks, we thought you might enjoy some classic southern summer dessert ideas.  Here are some quick and tasty recipes for your next get together.

Frozen Lemonade Pie from Taste of Home

Banana Pudding from Southern Living

Peach-Blueberry Cobbler from Martha Stewart

 What are some of your favorite summertime desserts?

The She Shed

An alternative to the “man cave” – the “she shed” is new trend heating up the housing industry.  The “she shed” is a backyard oasis for today’s busy woman.  “She sheds” are the perfect place for getting away and enjoying a new book, catching up on a hobby or chatting with a close friend over tea. Need some inspiration for your own “she shed”? Take a look!

What would you include in your "she shed"?

Tax Free Shopping

Take advantage of tax-free shopping this weekend on select back to school items, clothing,

technology and even some items for home!

Furnish your home with blankets, bed spreads, sheets, towels, rugs and pillows - all without the typical 6% sales tax!

South Carolina's tax free weekend starts Friday, August 7th and goes through Sunday, August 9th.

A full list of tax-exempt items is available HERE

Happy Shopping!