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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2012-10-18, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012.Annual plants popular with homeowners Many homeowners are shifting from annual plants and instead focusing on plants that work all year-round according to gardening expert and Rural Voice columnist Rhea Hamilton Seeger. “People are getting away from annuals and getting houseplants that are brought in in the fall,” she said. “You buy them once and you have them for years and they offer a whole range of variety of leaves and colours that you wouldn’t find in seasonal plants. The plants are also more foliage oriented as well, which broadens the palettes that can be found and used in planters and make them look really exotic.” While the weather is a bit cold to be starting any outdoor planting, most slipping, or taking a small portion of a plant for replanting next year, should already be done, Hamilton Seeger said that there are some plants that can be started indoors in preparation for the next growing season. “People can start with things like patience plants,” she said adding that things that she typically would slip during the colder months didn’t take root due to the cold snap that has hit the area. As far as planning for having double duty plants, Hamilton Seeger says there are a few great looking plants well suited to the change. “Sansevieria, also called snake plant, work well,” she said. “While they can get up to five feet, they will likely get between 18 and 24 inches tall. They are very slender with a firm leaf, like most plants in the cacti family. They come in shades of green and cream and are being used widely in outdoor planters and then brought in in the fall. “Boston ferns are lovely, big and green plants that can be put out,” she said. “They can be brought in in the colder weather and aren’t picky. They can be placed in any window really, not just a south-facing one and, with regular watering and natural light, they will do fine. If they seem to be getting pot-bound, they can be put in outdoor pots for the spring.” She said that spider plants are also nice for the double duty of outdoor and indoor plants and that these plants, which were popular in the past, are coming back. “There are different coloured varieties and the solid green leaf ones are popular,” she said. They make wonderful house plants because they need average light and don’t take a lot of attention, they just need to be watered when dry. “They can be put back out in their planters or put in hanging baskets,” she said. “It’s a good plant that you can enjoy in the winter and keep out in the warmer months.” Orchid Cacti, an old-fashioned plant according to Hamilton Seeger, is a nice plant to have as well. “Orchid Cacti can bloom all summer long,” she said. “They will take a bit more abuse than other plants, but they still have to be watered.” Echeveria plants also provide a nice splash of colour both outside and inside the home. “People who have a lot of stone dishes on their patio may like these plants,” Hamilton Seeger said. “They come with red or pink tinged rosettes and travel very well.” When it does come time to put the plants outside, Hamilton Seeger says that acclimatization is key. “When you first put them out, put them under a tree because the sun is so much brighter outside,” she said. “Put them in the shadows at first and introduce them gently to the sun. Maybe one or two hours a day at first and increase it from there until, after about two weeks you should have them outside in the full sun. “If you put them out right away, the sun can burn them and leave them faded and sickly looking,” she said, adding that she usually starts the process somewhere near the Victoria Day long weekend in May. MS –After a summer's worth of memories and fun in the sun, pool owners know it’s time to close their pool for the coming fall and winter seasons. As the leaves begin to change colour and the air starts to grow a little more crisp, homeowners turn their attention to winterizing their pools. The goal is to begin the work early on so that you’re not facing the hassle of leaves all over the ground or in the pool. Many times, closing the pool requires a team effort, so enlist the help of a spouse, friend or family member before beginning the process. The first thing that is essential to winterizing the pool is having all of your equipment ready. Depending on the type of pool you have, this equipment can vary. But have all tools, winterizing chemicals and water plugs at the ready. Although inground pools and above-ground ones have similar winterizing steps, there are a few differences between the two and it is important to be aware of the differences. Thoroughly vacuum the bottom of the pool and clean the walls. You want to remove as much organic material, such as algae and dead insects, as possible prior to covering the pool so that there is a higher propensity the water will be crystal clear next spring or summer when you reopen the pool. Once the pool has been vacuumed and cleaned, backwash the filter to remove any excess residue. Remove plugs or open drain ports on the filter and let all of the water flow out of the filter. Give the filter components, including skimmer baskets, a good rinse with water and allow them to dry. Next, disconnect the pool’s pump and filter. Everything should be totally drained of any water. With an above-ground pool, remove intake and output hoses and drain. For inground pools, use an air compressor or a shop vacuum to blow out any residual water from the return pipes and then promptly plug up the ports. Some people prefer to plug-up the skimmer return as well and leave the RR #2, 35647 Huron Rd. Hwy. 8 Goderich 519-524-9804 www.bluehorizonpoolsandspas.com Discover the perfect spa to fit your lifestyle. www.marquisspas.com CONSTRUCTION CUSTOM NEW HOMES...AND EVERYTHING ELSE 519.523.4757 www.buildwithcmb.com 9 Rattenbury St. E., Clinton, ON N0M 1L0 Ph.: 519-482-9924 Res.: 519-524-92601-888-235-9260 Now might be a good time to review your insurance, investment and retirement options. See Lawrence for a free consultation. ELLIOTT NIXON INSURANCE BROKERS INC. 5 GENERATIONS SINCE 1910 Blyth, Ont. N0M 1H0 519-523-4481 MEMBER OF HURON INSURANCE MANAGERS — GROUP — John, Bev, Rick, Anne & Jeff Elliott, Darren, Barb, Jackie, Bryan, Ruth-Ann, Amanda, Mandy & Janice Always notify your insurance company of your home improvements and updates By Denny Scott The Citizen End-of-season cleaning important for pools Continued on page 20