Lakeshore Advance, 2013-05-01, Page 14ON LOCATION CLEANING
Wednesda , Ma 1, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 13
News Canada
(NC)—Spring 1s the season of rebirth
and re -growth, Which also means
green -thumbs can't wait to get back in
those gardens! lb get you started, here are
some helpful tips from garden guru Peter
Cantley, at i.oblaw Companies Limited
Make your garden beds. Rid planting
areas of weeds and spread a 4 -Inch layer of
compost or manure over soil. Using a
pitchfork, mix soil and compost going
about 10 inches deep until you've got moist
crumbly soil.
Primp and prune. Remove dead or
damaged branches from woody shrubs or
trees before new leaf growth begins. Prune
spring -flowering shrubs and trees only
atter the first spring bloom.
'Rlke some tests. Different planting areas
may have different needs. Check the pit
balance of soil in each spot with a home
soil test kit. Then as new growth appears
you can treat each one with the fertilizer
and amendments required,
Peter's Dos and Don'ts to get you ready
for beautiful summer Blooms:
• DO water the garden before 10 a.m. If
you leave watering for the hotter hours
almost half the amount of water you apply
will evaporate in the summer heat.
• DON'T cut back foliage of bulbs until it
dries naturally. The bulb needs the green
leaves to make food for next season's
growth. Cutting foliage too early results in
small, weak bulbs the following year.
• DO fertilize roses every week, all
summer long. Most hybrids are very heavy
feeders and need a lot of fertilizer for
beautiful and healthy blooms. Be sure to
plant your bushes Inn location with plenty
of sunlight and leave at least 3 feet in
between plants for good air circulation.
• DON'T forget to experiment with new
perennials every year. Each year, we
showcase some of the latest introductions
and it's a wonderful trent to find new plants
toenjoy in the garden. For instance, try the
P(:' Campanula -• Purple (;et Mee, with
purple bell-shaped flowers. This perennial
acts like an annual with rich blooms that
come back summer to fall.
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Turn your yard into an outdoor haven
News Canada
(N(:)-- Ih re are some simple ways to
transform your own yard into an outdoor oasis:
First, determine !tow you most like to use your
yard. 1)0 you prefer relaxing outside with a look,
playing with the kids, gardening, or entertaining?
'the answers to these questions will determine
how to design your space. "1'm frequently asked
how to make the hest use dim outdoor space,"
says Mark Cullen, 1 tome 1 lardware's (; titlening
Expert. "As l tell people, just a few small changes
can really transform the overall look and feel of
your space."
'lb create an "outdoor room" and an area that
offers shade from the sun, pergolas are a great
choice, and a growing trend. They allow You to
create it shaded walkway or sitting area who're
you can enjoy your garden without worry of the
sun. "til outline your "outdoor room': lay out your
furniture and define the "walls" with end tables,
planters and other decorative elements. A
fountain or a pond act as a focal point and also
add an element of relaxation and nature to the
space.
To minimize watering, invest in a self -water-
ing system such as Mark's Choice Self -Watering
Patio Planter, to ensure your plants remain
hydrated even when you're away from home for
a few days at a time.
If you enjoy spending time with friends and
family, a spacious deck will provide the perfect
area for entertaining. "There are many options
available. Wood offers a natural look and is
generally the most cost-efficient option. If you
are eco -minded, composite decking is made
from up to 95 per cent recycled material and
requires little It ante nonce. Patio Stones can be a
more natural looking option which can also give
more height to your privacy fence as the stones
are flush with the grass line.
When it conies to privacy, there are many
fence options including various woods, materi-
als and designs, while iron decorative inserts,
toppers or caps are also a great way to add
appeal. if you have a small yard, a privacy fence
with built-in benches and planters is a great
space -saving solution. For natural privacy, con-
sider a trellis, which is also a great sound barrier.
Lasso but not least, your oasis will not be com-
plete without lush green grass and plants. Soil and
grass require nitrogen to grow strong and our
harsh winters can often leave grass deficient of
this important nutrient. Applying a quality
fertilizer it will improve the long-term health of
your lawn. Fertilize in the spring, summer and
fall: 90 per cent of the success of plant health is the
result of soil nutrition. tetettdn('u'S(alUadU.(Y1m
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