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Spring Cleaning Backyard Makeover In New York For Under $100

Spring is knocking at the door and New York residents are longing to answer its call by stepping outside into the fresh air and taking in the scents and sounds of the blossoming season. Spring represents new growth--a time to clean out the old to make way for the rebirth of the garden.

A garden makeover does not have to be expensive, especially if you have more of an outdoor balcony or trellis space (as many New Yorkers do), as opposed to a standard lawn. Add some pretty new pots for color and seasonal blooms and a trellis for climbing plants. Be creative. Use old shoes and boots as planters. Apartment dwellers without any outdoor space can create a small spring garden area with pretty planters by the window sill. For those with property who are considering to place their home on the market, spring is the perfect time to prep the landscape. The curb appeal of a finely landscaped home is very important.

As you prepare for the spring garden makeover, take under consideration the appropriate tools that you will need as well as these pointers and places to get started.

Dress for the occasion

It is important to dress for every occasion. Weekend gardeners will want to protect manicured finger nails and skin from the elements. Of course, especially for New York City, it is always important to make sure to look your best while doing it. Get prepared to dig in with the best gloves to protect your hands. Rubber garden clogs work wonders in keeping the footsies dry. Do not forget sun protection with an attractive wide brimmed hat made specifically for the chore.

Tarzian Hardware
193 7th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 788-4120
www.tarzianhardware.com

Price: Ultimate Grip Goatskin Leather Gloves: $15.99, Sloggers Unisex Garden Clog: $21.99, Sloggers Wide Brim Braided Hat: $21.99

Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 7 pm, Sat – 9 am to 6:30 pm, Sun - 11 am to 6 pm

Getting dirty can be pretty 

Basic gardening tools are very important. It is a necessity for every do-it-yourself gardener to possess a simple hand tool kit to have ready for the basics of primping the garden. The tools can be as pretty as the flowers they are tending to. A garden tool kit should contain a hand rake, small hand shovel and personal pruners. Keep it ready to use for planting bulbs, digging out weeds and pruning back the greenery. The pruners are great for clipping flowers to bring some spring blossoms inside.

Pylones
842 Lexington Ave. at 64th St.
New York, NY 10021
(212) 317-9822
pylones-usa.com

Price: Garden Rake: $30, Pruners: $32, Garden Shovel: $30
Hours: Mon to Fri - 9 am to 8 pm, Sat – 10 am to 7 pm, Sun - 11 am to 7 pm

Cultivate and grow the crops

A garden needs to be sewn and cultivated in order to grow. Spring is the time to become one with the earth by planting seeds and nurturing them with water. Preparation is needed to ready the soil, spread the seeds and feed the growing seedlings that will become a lush lawn and a forest of blooms. The necessary basic tools to assist in planting a beautiful landscape are a cultivator, hoe and garden hose. With these helpful tools, a garden will bloom in no time.

Greschlers Hardware
660 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 499-3100
www.greschlers.com

Price: Fiberglass Cultivator: $20.94, Welded Garden: Hoe $15.74, Vinyl Garden Hose: $14.75
Hours: Mon to Fri – 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Sat - 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Sun - Closed

Nurturing aids

Growing the garden does not end once the seeds are planted. Nature needs to be nurtured to promote a healthy and happy garden. Without sunshine and proper watering, plants will wither away. Nurturing the plants as they grow provides a sense of accomplishment and deserves the proper tools and accessories to help in the process. Put a garden apron on to hold the hand tools as you labor in the yard. A pretty watering can works well for feeding the potted plants and small garden patches and looks pretty as a vase for clipped flowers.

Sprout Home
44 Grand St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 388-4460
www.sprouthome.com

Price:   Cayman Watering Cans: from $15.85, Celia Birtwell Gardening Apron: $28
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

No yard needed to garden

Even apartment dwellers can appreciate a beautiful lush yard. Anyone can achieve his or her own personal garden. Enjoy the flourishes of springtime indoors in the colder climates by planting a garden to grown on a terrace. It is easy to achieve the beauty of living greenery anywhere at any time with a portable garden greenhouse. The greenhouse will easily fit in any space that will allow a standard bookcase. Flowing with life, the portable garden will keep the lush life growing year round.

Brocade Home
1449 1st Ave (between 75th St & 76th St)
New York, NY 10021
(212) 288-4868
www.rainbowacehardware.com

Price: Portable Garden Greenhouse: $79.99
Hours: Mon to Fri -8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat -9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun -10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Carol Ruth Weber began her career as a Theatrical Costume and Set Designer and segued into the world of Interior Design. As an interior designer she has twenty-eight years of experience in all phases of the business. You can read more of her work on Examiner.com and she can also be contacted at WeberLifeDesign.

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