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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-05-11, Page 66 - THE HURON EXPOSITOR, May 11, 2005 2005 Sarins Lawn Gardens can create oasis of tranquility Gardens can create an oasis of tranquility for your family, or even serve as an educational springboard — opening minds to the world's natural wonders. It's easy and fun to create a beautiful garden. Here some tips to ensure that your garden blooms and smells of success: 1. It All Starts With Good Soil Getting and keeping good soil is one of the most important factors in creating a beautiful garden. "Plants generally like soil that is rich in organic matter and that doesn't drain too quickly," says John Mansz, gardening expert for The Home Depot Canada. "Adding organic matter loosens up the soil, promotes good drainage and improves the ability of the soil to deliver nutrients to the roots," says Mansz. While peat moss is often used as a soil conditioner, its large scale use destroys peat bogs that are important sites for wildlife and help protect the earth from global warming. Alternative soil conditioninis all natural and environmentally responsible. It absorbs and retains more water than peat and has excellent aeration and drainage properties. (Available at leading garden centres.) 2. Right Plant, Right Place How much sun your garden receives determines which plants you can grow successfully. "Take note of the light conditions in your garden and choose plants that will be happy with what you have to offer," says Mansz. At your local garden centre, be sure to check the plant tags for cultural requirements. 3. Instant Colour For instant colour you can't go wrong with annuals that bloom non-stop from spring to frost. Lawn & Garden Supplies • Lawnmowers • Trimmers • Wheelbarrows • Rakes & Shovels • Peat Moss • Fertilizer & Spreaders GAS BBQs NOW IN STOCK ...Plus a full line of accessories SEE OUR SELECTION OF BICYCLES & ACCESSORIES Check out our new POWER ASSIST BICYCLES Now In -Stock Check out our Home Catalogue for ideas! "Help is close to home." SILLS �'-- HOME HARDWARE 69 Main Street, Seaforth 527-1620 Tyler Papple prepares for the planting season at his Main Street business in Seaforth. Some stars of the shade garden are browallia, coleus, fuchsia, impatiens, and lobelia. "In sunny locations celosia, cleome, cosmos, gazania, marigold and portulaca will shine," says Mansz. 4. Water Wisely Water when needed, usually when the soil is dry. "Avoid frequent shallow waterings that encourage roots to stay near the surface instead of reaching deep into the soil for moisture," says Mansz. "Plants that have deep roots are better able to withstand periods of drought." A water -retaining supplement which can be added to your soil can increase the days between waterings. This natural product acts like thousands of mini sponges, absorbing water and releasing it as the plants need it. 5. Feed Them and Weed Them Good food is necessary for plants to grow strong and beautiful. Start them off'to a good start with transplant fertilizer at planting time. Subsequently, apply an all purpose fertilizer every two weeks for optimum performance. To have a beautiful garden and get a good return on your investment in terms of both time and money, you have to eliminate the weeds. "Mulch is a gardener's best friend and is by far your best defense against weeds," says Mansz. Once your garden is planted, spread mulch between your plants. Mulch also helps to hold moisture in the soil by slowing down evaporation. You can use wood chips, cocoa beans, pine needles and many other natural products. News Canada Wildflowers thrive in conditions where other plants are defeated Wildflowers may be the perfect answer to a shady problem on your lot. They thrive on conditions that defeat many other types of flowers. And you may be surprised to find that many of the perennial plants available through garden centres are Get Mower for Your Money! 26 H.P. Kohler ommand Twin Mower with 50" Cutting Deck cdthcariarIiLT 1050.uk... •Heavy Duty Hydrostatic Transmission with 4 bolt integral hubs •Electric PTO •Heavy Duty 1/2" Dual Yolk Deck Hanger and 4 Antiscalp Wheels •Hourmeter/OiVPTO & Battery indicators *Quick Attach Deck - 2 Point Quick Release Spring Pins •Dual Ball Bearing Supported Front Wheels w/Grease Fitting •Operator Assist Handles •Heavy Duty Greasable Deck Spindles •3 Gallon Saddle Mounted Fuel Tank w/3" filler cap COMPARE AT... X3,395 Used Ridin. 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Many nurseries and garden centres have special wildflower sections, and they can advise you on which plants will naturalize well in your garden conditions. When choosing and preparing a site for your wildflower garden, keep in mind the kind of natural habitat these plants prefer: moist, humus -rich soil in an area that has lightly dappled shade. Spend some time preparing a good deep bed with plenty of compost mixed in, then plant in an informal pattern — wildflowers look best in groups as they would appear in the wild. Your new garden will fill out faster, bloom more abundantly and withstand stress better if you feed it regularly with a top-quality fertilizer like Plant -Prod Flowering Plant Food 15-30- 15. How to keep wildlife. from turning your new garden into a salad bar: It's not surprising that animals, birds and insects are attracted to the garden environment with all it has to offer. And many gardeners enjoy the increased level of wildlife activity a new garden brings. But how do you keep these creatures from dining out too heavily on your flowers and foliage? Many perennials are naturally resistant to insects and animals: Due to their taste or poisonous nature, wildlife will avoid them. Here are some examples: Resistant to deer & other animals: Astilbe, bleeding heart, columbine, daffodil, foxglove, iris, periwinkle, lavender, lungwort, sunflower. Resistant to insects: Marigolds. Other controls: There are some quite effective animal repellents on the market that are worth trying, such as Green Earth Animal Repellent. Green Earth Insecticidal Soap can be used to control insect damage. For more information, visit www.greenearth.ca. 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