grows SPRING was cool and damp, summer was not one of our warmer ones and the fall had near record rainfall. Looking back, it was not one of the great years for gar- deners. In-spite of the fall rains, - however, we did have some excellent autumn color. Friends who went tu Ontario . ., and the Maritimes this fall to -see the fiery landscape scenes were very disappointed. Apparently most of the leaves just turned brown and fell off. “In mid-October I had the pleasure of driving up the Thompson Valley, something . Thad never done at that time of the year. The fall colors were spectacular, accentuated by the light from a low- angled sun and cool but clear dry air. -., Most of the ravines or drdinage gullies had clumps or groves of deciduous trees with brilliant golds and oranges set off against the dark ever- greens. ; ‘Trees need the right com- bination of moisture and cool temperatures to produce good color. When the ground is too dry, the leaves drop early before a hint of frost is in the. air. A warm wet fall season will ‘produce colour bur not the rilliant shades we hope for. . Typically, the North Shore " area can expect a frost any time after October 15 --although the last week in October is the most likely time. This year it came right _on time but did little damage "to the tender plants. “-~ Now that the growing sea- “son is over, it is a good time to'assess the performance of - _ your garden and determine what grew well, what didn’t and why? ‘Some plants such as petu- - nias love dry weather and sun- shine and did not do well this ‘summer. Mine looked ragged after heavy summer rains. _ .. Plant growth is very dependent on good top soil. .When was the last time you added a generous quantity of organic material to your soil?. Regular applications of manure or compost help to restore nutrients, add micro- bial activity and improve water holding capacity. . All soils on the North Shore will become more and more acidic as the winter rains leach our the calcium and magnesium, Some plants pre- fer an acidic soil but many will benefit from regular applica- tions of lime. This can be added at any time but late fall ‘or early spring are the best. Ifyou have not been adding any organic fertilizers to the soil then a suitable chemical fertilizer must be added. Lawns require a high nitrogen (first number) fertil- izer whereas most vegetables and flowers do best with a fer- tilizer that has more phospho- tous and potassium (second NOW that the growing season is over, writes garden columnist Roy Jonsson, it is a good time to assess the... performance of your garden and determine what grew well, what didn’t and why? . mh and third numbers). Watering can also be a rea- son for poor performance. Check the soil below the sur- face and only water when nec- essary. Too much water will leach the nutrients and too lit- de will stunt growth. Apply 2 1/2 en (1”) to lawa and gar- den cach time you water. Try to avoid watering in the evening, as this may encourage mildew (fungus). Some plants are much more susceptible to disease, insects or slugs. If this bas been an ongging problem with your anzuals and peren- niats it might be better to switch varieties than to use increasing amounts of poison. Begonias and phlox are natu- rally susceptible to powdery mildew. After the middle of August there is not much that can be done to stop the mildew short of drenching the plant in fungicide. Perennials and flowering shrubs may not come up to your expectations the first year. A newly-planted wisteria, for exampie, will take a mini- mum of five years to put out blooms, Others may be reluc- tant bloomers because they are in the wrong spot. Check their cultural requirements but don’t keep moving them every second year. If they don’t bloom or perform there are hundreds of other choices. Check your larger trees before the winter. Dead or diseased trees should be taken down as a safety precaution. Trees that have grown too rapidly or provide too much shade can be pruned back in the late winter or early spring. Kiechemn/Aicd - For. ihe way it. Ss made ¥ NEWS photo Terry Poters i a The overall layout or plan: of your garden may not. alow you to achieve the success you want to as a gardener. Over the next four or five months: |; you Will have time to do some |. thinking, planning and sketch- - ing before spring planting begins. , Scratch & win ‘Card: e Hitch emAAied appliances ‘excel in every category * We believe they represent the best quality & value available on today’s market. f *® We will be proud to show you our "wide selection of models and explain all the exciting new features and benefits 2 As always, you'll find our prices are entirely competitive. « Come and see us today. Purchase ONE major . appliance and receive a Purchase any TWO major appliances _ finduding faundry pair) . "and receive a Purchase all FIVE major : * appliances and receive a .., Food Processer, |” - Stand Wilxer and os $100 ’ Menufactuver's, ‘ Rebate _— - Purchase any THREE major appliances and, : “receive a: “Stand Mixer - Purchase any FOUR major appliances and 2" Tecelve a’ “Food Processer : “Stand Mixer -. Ask about additional gifts with Scratch ‘N’ Win Cards COLONY HOME FURNISHINGS Wy) 1075 Roosevelt Crescent, North Vancouver § (Two blocks behind Avalon Hotel) : Open Daily Fri. 9- 9, Sun. 12-4 _ CANADIAN CLOSET : “A family owned business since 1984" 1385 Crown St.N. Van. 986-4263 :