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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2003-05-14, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2003. PAGE 15. Make inches count in small gardens A homegrown project Jim and Mary Dickson of the Auburn area take pride in their creation of a pond at their property. Despite the chill wind blowing on this particular day, the picturesque setting is already showing its potential for enjoyment when days Warm. (Bonnie Gropp photo) Doing it themselves adds pride to project Continued from page 14 “That was a workout for the tractor,” says Mary. Actually, Jim states, it took two tractors to bring it in. When it came time to landscape Mary knew she wanted low maintenance and selected primarily shrubs. The pond itself has water plants and fish, of course. Jim wired in for lighting around the perimeter, then the mulch which they got along with some shrubs from Treebelt and accessories were the last things to be added. The work was finished in August. Admitting that it gave them a fairly short season for enjoying their efforts, Jim said it wasn’t perhaps the ideal time to start the pro ject. “But, you have to understand,” he Reno tips for Before you start your next renovation project, large or small, consider these tips: Put your ideas on paper: Writing everything down and keeping a file of magazine photos and ideas not only helps you stay focused, but can give a clear picture to your architect, contractor or tradesperson. Who’s the right person for the job? If you feel you have the ability, the time and the desire, you might be right for your next project. However, it’s important not to take on more than you can handle. Hiring the expertise that a tradesman brings is often the right route to take — and in the long run can save you from making costly mistakes. Just remember to get three competitive quotes. Ask around: Speak to friends, family and co workers who have recently done renovations of their own. Most people are all too happy to share their successes (and disasters!), as well as the names of the people they used or would never use again. adds, smiling. “Mary has tunnel vision. When she decides on something that’s all there is until it’s done.” “Especially once I saw it coming together. I had to get it done,” she says. This year, they plan to add a bench and shrubbery so there is an area by the pond to sit and enjoy the fish and waterfall, which can’t be seen from the deck. “We can see it’s really a never- ending project. We’ll always going to be adding to it,” said Mary. Having done the work themselves not only saved them some money, they said, but added to the level of enjoyment in the finished result. ‘We are quite proud of it,” said Mary, “and just waiting to enjoy it this year.” homeowners You can also check with your local home builders’ association or building supply store for recommendations. Line up your financing: Never start a project without knowing that you have the money to complete it. Your bank can help you line up financing before you start. - News Canada Nowadays, it seems, there are more and more people and less and less outdoor space...especially for gardening. But whether you’re talking about a sizeable outdoor plot of 2,500 to 3,000 square feet, or a terrace a few yards square or simply a small balcony, whatever size plot you’ve got, there’s always room enough to get a garden going. It’s just too nice an activity to pass up. All you need to know are a few tricks for handling the space you’ll be working with. A few basic tips The smaller your garden, the more important it is to choose the right vegetables and accessories. If it’s a choice between quantity and variety, go for quantity. You can’t overload any garden space. “Asiatic” and “contemporary” style gardens are widely favoured for their pure and simple lines, and their use of geometric shapes. Create signs of spring The melting snow and warm air are good signs that spring has arrived, but the true indicators are the gardeners preparing for their new blooms. Colour inkjet printers can help you create colourful plant tags and garden accessories. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just planting a few herbs, getting organized is the key to the perfect garden. With a little creativity, a colour inkjet printer, and templates that you can access via the internet, you can create everything from custom garden tags to seed packets. To create your own garden tags, follow these simple steps: 1. log onto www.printsville.com to download the garden tag art; 2. type the plant name in the designated area; 3. using a colour inkjet printer, print out garden tags onto firm paper stock, such as HP prerruum plus photo paper or brochure paper; 4. cut out tags (hint: to protect the tags from the elements, you can laminate or cover the tags with clear shipping tape); 5. support the tags with sticks or metal pegs and place in the ground next to the appropriate plant. This simple project will help you cost-effectively separate the flowers from the vegetables and the annuals from the perennials. For more home and garden ideas, please visit www.printsville.com. - News Canada Illlllftll.ft.iaftll A \ 7T 1\T 9 Cleaning & “Serving Huron CountyIjiiV 111 Restoration Services For Over 20 Years 524-2440 or 1-800-450-4333 No Phone Solicitation '■ .......................... ■ ' ' ...........................................■ -■ ........................■ - - - ' .............................. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple. A huge pot of grass or a boxwood shrub trimmed into a topiary design makes quite a visual statement! You can also use your vertical spaces with a few well-chosen climbing plants, such as the clematis family, which will bloom successively from spring through fall. Ivy is highly valued for its long- lasting foliage, while climbing hydrangea will take root and grow on walls in the shade. Shrubs are another option. Many are very colourful in the fall and their bare branches are decorative in the winter months. Choose shrubs that won’t grow more than two or three metres high, so that you can move them in giant pots, or set them near the flowery pots that add a delightful floral effect to a small garden. Using colour To make a small yard look larger, the ideal colour gradient runs from dark colours near the house to paler shades at the end of the lot. Those with some expertise in colour gardens might try growing geraniums, pansies and impatiens in pots attached to the wall...or in Boomer™ is the ultimate power tool ■ SuperSteer™ FWD axle reduces turnaround up to 50% ■ Superior visibility and ease of operation ■ Comfort-Plus™ deck delivers greater comfort ■ Flip-up hood makes service simple Ask for your free demonstration today at: ® McGavin NEW HOLLAND X T U V 11 L FARM SUPPLY LTD. 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Whether you own a home in town or a property with broad lawns all around, a condominium with a small terrace, or a third-floor apartment with just a balcony — wherever you live, there’s always an ideal way to plan and plant your space...a way to make more of your great outdoors. To make the most of your garden and landscaping plans, visit Botanix online at www.botanix.ca. - News Canada