The Citizen, 1991-05-15, Page 17WrME 1991
Landscape fabrics make a difference
THE CITIZEN, WECNESDAY, MAY 15,1991. PAGE 17.
The days of eliminating weeds by
laying down ripped open black
plastic garbage bags are long, long
gone. Today, the do-it-yourself gar
dener can take advantage of new
technology that has resulted in
highly effective landscape fabrics.
Plastic bags stopped weeds, but
they frequently did more harm than
good over time. Their impermeabil
ity prevented oxygen, moisture and
vital nutrients from penetrating the
soil. As time passed, weds would
manage to push through any tears.
Gardeners who placed bark chips
atop the plastic discovered that not
only didn't plastic let air and water
reach the soil, but that the chips
themselves were washed away with
the run-off caused by rain, hose
watering or a sprinkler.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A
LANDSCAPE FABRIC
The landscape fabrics, also
known as polypropylene fabrics or
geo-textiles, eliminate many of the
problems associated with plastic.
However, not all fabrics are alike.
They differ in purpose, amounts of
light and water they allow through,
ability to stretch, durability and, of
course, how much water run-off
they permit. An educated consumer
who knows what to look for in a
landscape fabric can select the one
that will best suit his or her needs.
Use your
microwave
efficiently
Did you know that portable
microwave ovens are high wattage
appliances? This simply means that
when in use, they draw a lot of
power, and as such require a sepa
rate 120 volt grounded electrical
circuit. If a proper receptacle is not
available, one must be installed by
a qualified electrician. Never use an
extension cord or a two prong
adaptor to plug in a microwave
oven.
To make the most energy effi
cient use of your microwave, the
Canadian Electrical Association
suggests that you defrost your food
in the refrigerator instead of using
the microwave oven.
Garden centre
a hobby and
a business
continued from page 16
Thompson of Thompson Nursery
in Seaforth, is always there to help
when there is a problem. "He's just
a phone call away," said Mr. Blake.
"Jim is university trained in this
field, so there are not many ques
tions he can't answer. For the most
part, though, it's a business where
you learn as you go."
One of the things he has learned
is how rewarding this type of work
is. "Anyone who gardens can tell
you of the rewards you gain from a
job like this. It's a job that pays
you back for what you do, and not
just in its beauty."
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