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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-04-22, Page 68Page 41 Seed pansies for spring bloom SUMMER PLANTING Pansies can. be seeded. directly into the garden between .mid-July and mid :August for blooms the following spring, says Hor- ticulturist Ruth Friendship -Keller of theCOn- tario. Ministry of Agriculture and Food's •rurai organizations and services branch. - Sow the seed- thinly into a small sunny seedbed and cover Lightly with soil. Cover the. seedbed with burlap. or newspaper for the first week after planting to encourage germination. Keep the soil moist until the plants have established several pairs of leaves .and then water only during very dry- periods. Since these pansies will bloom first thing n.ex-t spring, move them to their permanent location in the fall, bemire the first frost. 4 S x Let us Stir® up some O ° savh,`Ygs -for you O 4 O 4 (103) Regular Price 34.60 C SALE 2768 SALE ENDS u -e 30, 1 87 (81) Reg. Price 27.70 O SALE 221 6 C (110) Regular Price 36.60 (96) Reg. Price 37.80 SALE 3n24ic (112) Regular Price 34.80 8 SALE 271 4 ..niami Moor O' c: (441) Regular Price 54.85 QMF O4 ®88 lc fc BAECHLER Iltiteisems i lost000loosi 150 SHOPPERS SQUARE GODERICH S24-8600 ®00®O®CC4D®®®OCOC®LIGG ®G®®®®OXOLO EARLY BLOOMS — Invite spring to.arrive earlier than usual by forcing bulbs to bloom indoors in February 'and March, says -Master-Gardener-in-Training Florence Hardy of Kingsville. Ont. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses are some bulbs that can' be easilyforced to bloom early. ( photo by the Ontario Ministry of Agnculture and Food). ulbs ad a to September and October are the tradi- tional bulb -planting months here in Ontario. Most bulb stock comes from Holland where the mild springs and cooler summers allow the small bulblets to form and develop at the base .of the mother bulb. "Our climate just does.not allow for the commercial production bulbs - although lily bulbs may soon become the exception," says Horticulturist John Hughes of the On- tario Ministry of Agriculture ,and Food's plant industry branch.. Currently, all our Easter lily bu and garden types come from the nern California -southern Oregon area - again an area where a favorable micro -climate exists. For the best show; plant bulbs in clumps or mass plantings. Three to five b s every metre or so, ran- domly spaced, win ive a good color spot for tulips and daffodils. "You will notice on each package a par- ch. of co our titular planting depth for each type and this is usually expressed, for example. as two to three times as deep as the bulbs' height," Hughes says. Some years you can get away with plan- ting bulbs, right up to freeze-up time. But as a general rule, it better to plant the bulbs in early fall so that they have a chance to develop a primary root system; this helps them survive over winter. All bulbs prefer a deep, well -drained soil but they will tolerate a,wide soil type. In addition to the traditional tulips, daf- fodils, narcissus and hyacinths, try growing the early -blooming crocus. There is a wide range of exotic bulbs too for those who want something different. Anenome; for example, in single or mixed • colors, the fragrant garden freesia and gay feathers (or liatris spicata I which grows to heights of 121 centimetres to 182 cm add variety to the flower border. Try growing some gardtn lilies too - many are truly spectacular I' u can soak and relax in t water year round Soaking in hot, bubbling water has long been enjoyed by civilizations around the world as a beneficial way to relax, ease ten- sion and entertain. Through the centuries. it has maintained its popularity with old and young alike. In fact, today, relaxing with family and friends in a home spa or hot tub has gained nationwide appeal. While sometimes associated with ltalth clubs and resorts, spas and hot tubs are found in an increasing number of homes. The dramatic rise in sales for home usil il- lustrates the 'growing interest in the health and recreational advantages of a soothing soak. But whether the use is for entertain- ment or' easing the tension of a long day, spas and hot tubs provide a relaxing environment. The names are used interchangeably, but there are differences between the two. "Hot tub" refers to .a large, wooden tub, usually round or oval. "Spas" come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made from fiber glass; acrylic and sometimes marble or tile. Portable models can be used inside or out- side. They may look different, but their use is the same and they both require regular care and -maintenance if they are to con- tinue to provide safe enjoyment. This relatively- small vessel contains soothing, circulating water that sometimes reaches 103°F, about the temperature of a hot bath. It is a comfortable temperature to ease tired muscles and relax, but it is arso an ideal breeding ground for bacteria if the water is not properly cared for regularly. An average spa or hot tub gets many hours of use each week. Daily and weekly maintenance takes much less time than the hours spent enjoying its therapeutic effects. And it all starts with the water. Spas and hot tubs must be filled with water from a local water supply. This "make-up" water differs with each locale so it must be tested for proper pH and chemical balancing before it can be used. By taking a sample of the water to a spa chemical dealer, spa owners can have it tested by a quick, reliable computerized water analysis. The dealer can then prescribe the correct products to get the r water in balance, and ready to enjoy. The quality of the spa water is an impor- tant part of the enjoyment of the spa; so is using the right product to help kill bacteria and keep spa water pure and sparkling. Other products control metals and minerals in the water, which can cause staining and could damage equipment. Foaming, cloudy water and "bathtub ring" can also be con- trolled with other products in the line. With proper Care, spas and hot tubs can provide years of pleasure.