Disinfectant Gets Rid of Green Monster
Q: The brick floor on my outdoor patio gets a green algae or moss covering in certain places that I really hate. I’ve been able to remove it with bleach and water, but it always comes back. Any ideas?
H.H.
Fountain Valley
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A: There’s a product that’s mainly used in greenhouses that has also been used by many homeowners for this problem, says Gary Lillge of Crown True Value Hardware in Corona del Mar.
Physan 20 is often used as a disinfectant; it doesn’t hurt plants and is effective at removing moss growth on concrete and masonry. It has to be applied periodically, though, to keep areas clean.
You may benefit from discovering why the greening occurs. Often it’s because the area is shaded from sunlight or gets too moist. You may need to trim some trees or large bushes overhead and check to make sure your sprinklers aren’t soaking the area too much.
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Q: While trying to install blinds over a window, I drilled holes for the brackets and hit what appears to be a piece of metal under the plaster. Is this a problem if I drill through it?
G.F.
Irvine
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A: It’s not really a problem as much as it is an annoyance, says window-blind installer Steve Cody of Huntington Beach.
It’s usually part of the frame that’s underneath the drywall. You can go through it, but often times you can just as easily move the bracket slightly to the side or above to avoid it.
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Q: We have some flat stones that we use for a walkway through our rose garden. The stones have sunk over time and are barely at the surface now. What can be used to keep them from sinking?
G.Y.
Fullerton
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A: After lifting them up, compress the ground and drop some small pebbles around the area, says landscaper Gary Herrera of Fountain Valley.
Make the pebble layer at least an inch thick, then put the stone in place. It’s not uncommon for this to happen around roses because most gardeners keep the soil fairly soft.
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Helping Hand Note: In response to a recent letter we had regarding help in screening out the sun from western-facing windows, D.L. of Anaheim suggests using drapes made of a thermal cloth, available at many fabric stores.
“It’s washable, comes in two widths and can be used without hemming. An inexpensive tension curtain rod can be used to put them up without screws or nails. The drapery can be easily pushed open. Some bright light is lost, but a lot of comfort is gained.”
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* If you have a question about your home or garden, A Helping Hand will help you find the answer. Send questions to John Morell, Home Design, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
