No-Panic Pre-Party Garden Tidy-Ups

Running out of time to get outdoor spaces in top-notch
shape before summer party guests arrive? Just tidy-up and add pizzazz.

A few days before party-day pour boiling water on weeds between
pavers, flagstones or fieldstones. Weeds wilt and, after a couple of days, dry out
so you can sweep them away at the same time you sweep paths clear of fresh cut
grass and other debris. An edging tool neatens grass-edged pathways, patios and
planting beds.

Spruce up gardens closest to gathering spots by removing
obvious weeds and dead/dying flowers, stalks, branches and plants. Freshen
mulch with a gentle raking.

Add bright decorative containers with eye-catching flowers
or foliage to garden bare spots, entryways and dreary corners. No time to plant?
Plop potted nursery plants directly into decorative containers for quick,
temporary pizzazz.

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