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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1979-04-26, Page 41Page 11 • Send your green thumb to school this year • 1 • By Ted McNinch University of Guelph Horticulture is such a diverse field that there is something of interest for everyone. There is always something new to learn - new ways to do things, new plants to produce, or new environments to create. The magnitude of horticultural subjects, is as endless as the information sources about them. Ask a friend or neighbor. Even an apartment dweller could be an expert, baffling associates by manipulating the environment, and defying the elements to produce flowers, fruits and vegetables. Listen to the radio. There are a number of gardening specialists to keep you up-to-date with weekly gardening tips. Phone-in shows allow immediate response to your gardening questions. Visit your community library or a magazine stand. You will find information on subjects ranging from landscaping, to growing houseplants or producing your own mushrooms. Many daily and weekly newspapers feature gardening colpmns that offer tips on insect and disease control, and light, water and fertilizer requirements. One visit to the neighborhood garden center, florist shop, or nursery will show the variety of horticultural products available. Sales staff are trained to assist you with plant selection and plant use. Many gardening buffs benefit by attending lectures, or lecture series. Ontario horticultural societies, and continuing education programs offered by schools, colleges, and univer- sities, also feature lectures and courses on many horticultural subjects. For the busy or distant en- thusiast, home study courses may be the answer. New in- novations in educational technology now allow the home student the same educational opportunity as class students. Many of the independent study packages include an illustrated text, film strips, hand film strip viewer, and instructor's com- mentary in audio cassette form. These multi -media, creative self - learning courses may also be used for g -roup lectures. The University of Guelph offers lectures and independent study packages designed for novice and professional horticulturists. In Buy shrubs with care Home gardeners can prevent costly mistakes by selecting trees and shrubs carefully, says Bob Fleming, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food hor- ticulturist. First decide whether you want to plant evergreen or deciduous types. Evergreens have winter foliage, and deciduous plants lose foliage each autumn. If you are considering plants for hedges, remember deciduous plants generally grow faster, and recover faster from damage than evergreens. Deciduous hedges can be pruned back periodically to renew vigor, but evergreen hedges cannot. Buy trees and shrubs from reputable local nurseries. Local nursery staff can help you select plants suitable for local climate conditions. "When selecting deciduous trees or shrubs which are sold bare root, look for plants with healthy root systems," says Mr. Fleming. "The roots should be brightly colored and plump." If you can't examine the roots, look at the plant itself. Check the plant carefully to make sure it is not damaged. "The wood should be brightly colored, plump, and pliable—not brittle," says Mr. Fleming. Deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted in mid-April as soon as the ground is workable. Evergreens are usually planted a little later, from May to early June. addition to the creative self - learning kits, about 90 courses are available through the Independent Study Office. On -campus horticultural courses available this year in- clude: Home Landscaping, Turf Manager's Short Course, Greenhouse Management, and Gardening with Commercial Fertilizer. The Home Gardening series, featuring topics such as roses, lawns, pruning, vegetables, annuals and perennials, gardening under lights, highrise gardens, will be offered in evening and Saturday sessions. These programs are offered through the Office of Continuing Education, University of Guelph, 'Pr AP' T Tr NO in co-operation with the Ontario Ministry of Agrittilture and Food. For more information regarding ongoing programs, write to the Office of Continuing Education, University Of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, NIG 2W1. SPINNING REELS TACKLE BOXES SLEEPING BAGS PICNIC COOLER PICNIC JUGS HIBACHI GRILL PICNIC BASKETS J FAMILY RECREATION LAWN GAMES BADMINTON SETS INDOOR GARDENING SUPPLIES MUCH, MUCH MORE BICYCLES SUNCOAST MALL COA11 /0 COASt Ow NIO Hwy. 21 GODERICH •