THE HOUSE-FRIENDLY YARD AND GARDENDuring the spring and summer months, many homeowners get their garden andyard work into full swing. This month, Pillar To Post takes a look at several stepsthat homeowners can take to make their outdoor spaces and their home live compatibly.KEEP WATER AWAY FROM THE HOUSEBe sure that the ground slopes away from the house all the way around theperimeter. This ensures that any moisture from rain, snowmelt, and sprinkler systemswill be directed away from the foundation. The base of shrubs and other plantings should be kept at least 2' awayfrom the foundation to avoid potential problems with roots and drainage. Inaddition, window wells should be kept free of debris and lined with gravel to help waterdrain out of the well and into the ground.