8 — Sunday, June 15, 1989 - West Vancouver Villager Pruning rhodos can be MRS. G. writes “Would you be good enough to give me some advice on pruning rhododendrens and azaleas (deciduous)? “The stems of the rhodo are getting rather spindly and as a result the blooms bend them down.” First let me thank you for your question. It is a very common problem, especially in those gardens which get a bit too much shade. The first thing to remember is that all of the plants in the rhododendron family (azaleas, both deciduous and evergreen, are members in good standing) bloom on second-year wood. This simply means the new growth which is appearing now will not produce flowers until next year. In fact, next spring’s flowers are already present in embryonic form in the growth you see now. This raises the problem of pruning off future blooms along with your (1 mean your plant’s) leggy stems. Unfortunately there is little you can do about this. If you prune the plants now, you stand a good chance of removing next year’s flowers. It is possible that some of the growth which appears after prun- ing will contain future blooms, but don’t count on it. The earlier in the year you begin pruning, the more likely you are to get flowers next year. Try clipping half of the bran- ches, say the most offensive, back by 30 per cent or more. This should produce some denser growth lower down on the plant. Ne:t year you can prune the rest bac: to match. Once you have the plant back to the desired shape and density, a little regular pinchiug on no more than 70 per cent of the longest branches will help to keep it that way. You should also try to give the plants more sun if shade is a prob- lem. Thin some neighboring trees or move the plants into brighter areas. volvulus or morning glory ... I read somewhere thut there is a poison that can be painted on the leaves and permeates the roots. “tT have a new garden and can- not use a spray — as I would damage the othe: plantings — but THE ROOT OF THE MATTER GEOFF TOBIASSON Also, be conscientious with the skodo and azalea food; phosphorus and potassium will help to make sturdier branches. Mrs. S. asks ‘‘...1 am presenting you with my problem — con- the - I must get rid of this weed.” No thanks! Present me no pres- ents, I have enough of my own. I do sympathize, however, as Morning Glory is the definition of an obnoxious visitor and I can see problematical why you wouid like to resort to vi- olence (chemicals). I would like to try to talk you out of it first. If your garden is new, it is highly probable that you could get rid of this monster before adopting such dangerous alternatives as en- vironmentally unsound herbicides. Just root the little beggars out. If it is as 1 suspect, your new prob- lems in your new garden arrived with your new soil. : Now don’t start placing nasty calls to your landscaper or the supplier of your-soil. It is virtually impossible to guarantee new top- soil to be free of weeds and I would be suspect of anyone mak- ing those claims, If this is the case, a little careful digging on your part should climi- nate the problem. Every time you see the little beggars poking through the soil, ruthiessly remove them. Do not tet them flower, they will then spread all over the place and you may never catch up. Seniors can defer their property taxes SENIOR CITIZENS are faced with increased costs for their accommodation this year, even if they own their own homes. Property taxes have risen for the homeowners, and, for scnters, steep rises in rent seem inevitable as the market value of rental prop- erty increases. NORTH SHORE INFORMATION AND VOLUNTEER For the senior homeowner, there is some good news. If you are 60 or better you can apply to defer your property taxes. This is a change from last year when you had to be 65 in order to apply. Deferring your property taxes means that instead of paying your taxes each year, the ac- cumulated taxes can be paid when UNIQUE BALLOON DECORATIONS for small or large get-togethers, cruises, convention halls and everything in between! GS 961 Marine D: ° ee the property changes hands. This would allow you to use some of the proceeds of the sale of your home to pay the taxes, or should you die, the taxes would be ON THE SENIORS’ SCENE CENTRE paid from your estate. Simple in- terest is charged on the amount owing. : Telephone the tax department at your local City Hall for further in- formation. For senior renters the news is not quite so cheerful, but there are still things you can do. If the rent of your present ac- rive,-North Vancouver, BC. _ commodation rises beyond your budget you might be eligible for S.A.F.E.R. (Shelter Aid for E!I- derly Renters). If your rent is more than 30 per cent of your income and you are receiving the federal Old Age Se- curity Pension yout can apply to the Ministry of Social Services and Housing (682-0391 toli-free in the Lower Mainland) and, if you meet all their qualifying requirements, you could receive a subsidy. Because of the way the subsidy is calculated on a maximum rent of $450 per month ($475 for couples), you would be unlikely to receive: much more than $100 per month. If the rent of your home is still more than you can manage, you could consider moving to one of the low cost self-contained suites available on the North Shore. The North Shore Information and Volunteer Centre (985-7138) can supply you with a list of such housing for seniors. A leaflet is available which in- He popped the question ........ You tied the knot......... It’s a boy ........ Married 25 years ........ She graduated ........ cludes a map indicating the loca- tions of eight residences in Nozth Vancouver and four in West Van- couver as well as some useful phone numbers pertaining to hous- ing. The North Shore Information and Volunteer Centre at 1060 Roosevelt Crescent, North Van- couver, V7P 1M3, phone 985- 7138, is a United Way member agency. This column is prepared with financial assistance from the Notary Foundation. MAKE IT A TROPICAL FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL BUYS ON ALL OUR TROPICAL PLANTS PLANTS N’ THINGS 922-1853 CAULFEILD VILLAGE, WEST VANCOUVER You're having a spring tea shawteee It’s a block party ........ 7 He did a good deed ........ Starting a new club ........ Everyone should know ........- Whether it’s your engagement, wedding, birth of a baby, anniversary, reunion or any special occasion, make sure that everyone knows your exciting news. Share it with them in the West Vancouver Villager. 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