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Clinton News-Record, 1985-4-17, Page 72Page 36 of Astilbe adds color to garden ByWayneBrown Soils and Crops Branch Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Astilbe, sometimes called goatsbeard unfortunately is seldom found in Ontario flower gardens. Astilbe cultivars are so colorful, so perfect in form, with interesting foliage fully complimentary to the flowers, that no garden should be without several clumps. The plants are tough and hardy. However, without sufficient moisture and preferably some light shade, they fall short of their potential display. Color produced by these plants is so beautiful, it is worth a little trouble to create the proper growing conditions in the garden where they do not naturally exist. Moisture is more important than shade. Most astilbe cultivars grow and flower satisfactorily in full sun, as long as'the plants are grown in a moist situation. Although moist conditions are stressed, this does not mean they should be treated as bog plants. Instead, they should not be allowed to dry out. Astilbe, like most perennials, grow best in a rich garden soil. Good soil preparation before planting ensures the best rewards. Incorporate liberal amounts of peatmoss and compost into the planting, location, to produce strong and beautiful plants. Provide an annual mulch of peatmoss or compost around the plants when dormant to help maintain adequate moisture levels during the growing season. Early each spring, give plants a light dressing of a commercial fertilizer high in phosphorus and potash, for example 5-20-20, to encourage strong mots and improve flower color. Some light shade or shelter from strong winds maintain the flowers longer. Most urban gardeners don't have to worry about strong winds because most gardens are well protected by shrubs. However, don't forget about the high temperatures that develop on southerly exposures and cause the soil to dry out rapidly. Astilbe foliage begins to appear and develop from late April onwards. Leaves are all deeply cut and often purplish or bronzy -green. Early -flowering cultivars be- gin blooming in early ,June and provide excellent color for several weeks. Others don't begin blooming until later in the summer. Colorful, plume -like flower heads are produced well above the foliage. The early flowering cultivars associate well wi irises because of the contrast in flo (Continued on Page 39) ,r. CONTACT PHILIP t3RECKLES 232 OXFORD ST. GODERICH 524®9538 FOR ALL YOUR LAWN MOWER AND AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS All your work performed by a Licensed Mechanic. Formerly Breckles Lawn & Garden Equipment. SEE US for the BEST in SATELLITE TV SYSTEMS LAWN ROLLING • Extra Heavy Roller *Grass Cutting *Tree Trimming TED HORTON 524-2468 524-7528 Screened Top -Soil FOR LAWNS, GARDENS, FLOWERBEDS. DELIVERED AS THE WEATHER PERMITS. —ALSO— GRAVEL & CRUSHED STONE Lyle Montgomery PHONE 482-7644 EVENINGS featuring such Top Mfg. as... •Channel Master AND ',General Instruments ...plus others! ALVIN'S TV SALES & SERVICE 162 MARY STREET GODERICH 524-9089 "Give us a call... We'll give you a great reception." � Electrical Problems? Call ED'S'k ELECTRI� Licensed Electrician INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL FARM/RESIDENTIAL 24 Hour Emergency Service Electric Heating R.R No. 1 - CLINTON ED ROOSEBOOM 482-7441 SALES & SERVICE OF KATOLIGHT ALTERNATORS Building or Renovating MANUFACTURERS CLEARANCE On Good Quality Insulated Steel Entry Doors Starting at '150. Each Several Styles & Sizes Available FISHER GLASS & MIRROR Goderich 524-7312 LAWN SEED REQUIREMENTS *No, 1 Front Lawn mixture *Kentucky Bluegrass *Creeping Red Fescue LONDESBORO SEED PLANT Robert Shaddick 523-4399 PORTABLE WELDING Custom Fabrication and Repair CALVIN LOVETT 482=7380 OR LARRY LOVETT 482-3835 Nights - Holidaysle Weekends Spring Clean your carpets with our gentle touch! PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT IN CARPETING WITH ROTOSTATiC—THE GENTLE CARPET CLEANING SYSTEM—WE GUARANTEE IN WRITING NO SHRINKAGE, NO SPLIT SEAMS—NO STICKY RESIDUES DRIES WITHIN 1.2 HOURS. THREE-PHASE ELECTRIC • Economy • Quality • Service Use our convenient Paging System PHONE 1-800@265-9255 Ask for Ask for PAGER No. 3078 PAGER No. 1266 BARRY BUCHANAN (Res. 482-7374) KIRBY DELLER PROFESSIONAL. HIGH QUALITY CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING AT REASONABLE PRICES RECOMMENDED BY MAJOR CARPET MANUFACTURERS NORHOLME:;DECORATING CENTRE 54 KING.ST., CLINTON 482=3528 i