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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1981-04-29, Page 37o's afraid of an African violet? Unfortunately, many pwple. The awesome beauty of this adaptable houseplant sometimes creates the idea that violets are a lot of work. In reality, the hardest work connected with a violet may be choosing the right variety. No - name brands are a real mistake when it comes to a violet. Plant breeding has created a whole new type of violet. These superbloomers Time to repot Don't take your houseplants for granted. Now that they are starting to grow again; check to see Whether they need repotting or fresh soil, says Bob Fleming, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food horticulturist. . As plants grow, their roots need more room to develop. If the roots are pot bound, repot, the plant into a larger con- tainer or prune the roots. If you intend to repot,.. choose a container one size larger than the original one. Remove the plant from its pot by holding the pot sideways in one hand. Tap the bottom of the ('tot gently, and ease the plant out slowly. Shake some soil from the roots, and repot in rich, fresh potting soil. "While "transplanting, . you may wish to divide or separate plants, such as ferns, toobtain more plants," says Mr. Fleming. If you have very large houseplants, Mr. Fleming recommends engaging the help of one or two people to ease the plant from its con- tainer. Shake some of the soil from the roots and prune lightly, then repot into the same container wjth fresh potting soil. Wnen pruning the roots of any houseplant, be careful not to remove more than one- quarter to one-third of the roots. Plants that have been growing in the same pot for more than one year also need attention . at this time. After one or two'years. houseplants exhaust 'the nutrients in the soil, says Mr. Fleming. As a result, they won't produce good•growth, and may develop brown leaf edges or paleness along the veins. Fresh soil will usually suffice. Follow these steps to ensure a healthy environment for the plant roots, and you'll be rewarded with vigorous, healthy plant growth this spring. Modern flowers for modern tint.' es Lifestyles change, and garden flowers change with them. More women are working; commuting is taking more time. Most people have fewer hours to spend' in the house and yard, but wane the en- joyment a garden gives them. New Flower sarieties are easy to grow, need Icss care and they keep smiling through heat and rain, these modern flowers ers o tort a lit tie mole than the old cmc'. hu' .ire womb 11 Vlato:h the new, intnodut.ton.. irk ludine the \o'nnuno• \11• 1\1I Ric \tit11("IIro\,. are so unique they merit government patents. Patented violets, such as the Ballet series, are products of rigorous development. The Ballet violet must have a much more profuse blooming habit. Its color must be outstanding and its disease resistance must be superior to standard varieties. Once these qualities are developed, the patent insures that the variety will only be propagated by specifically approved sources. When a patented violet name is expanded to include new varieties, the same quality standards are already assured. The dramatic ex- pansion of the Ballet series in 1981 adds nine superior violets to this already well-known line. The Encore additions to patented Ballet violets sweep the color spectrum. New pink introductions include Camelot; Pink Lady and Swan Lake. ` Super blues -io>F_ 1981 are Bluebird and Patricia. Notable bicolored additions feature Aurora, a deep blue edged with silver, and unique Fairy Queen, large white blooms frilled with rose -pink edges. Now cranberry red is available in the Ballet line, with Dark Prince, a ruffled double variety. Also new is Evening Star, with soft lavender flowers. Success with a Ballet does not require star treatment. Page 3 Keep soil moist, but not soggy. Provide good light indoors and fertilize • on a regular basis. More violets are killed by over attention than the reverse! When purhcasing a violet, look for the patent tag. You can expect years of satisfaction from these, progr am med-for-success varieties! GET THE . FERTILIZER YOU NEED NOW -AT DISCOUNT. PRICES! AT VERBEEK'S FARM AND GARDEN CENTRE Weed and Feed 20-10-5 High nitrogen fertilizer containing herbicides to kill all upright and creeping weeds. Use 2.25 kg per 100 m2 any time weeds appear. Use a spreader for even distribution and do not water in. 20 KG -REGULAR 1 9.75 SALE! $23 X95 Vegetable Grower For use in vegetable • gardens. Promotes heavy yields of succulent tomatoes, corn, melons, etc. Grows crisp, juicy leaf, root and cole crops. Work in 1 kg per 10 m2 before planting and sidedress at rate of 1 kg per 30 metres of row at mid-season. 10 KG -REGULAR '8.29 SALE! / • 20 KG -REGULAR '14.75 $12'5o SALE! • Lawn Insect Doctor® 1. 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