Aemeranneairn warenranatma mmmieenesasrirmeretnmatnssinasies JN hneeinmmtat-bntie aennhinnAaestii ereie north shore news OME & (;ARDEN Water, water everywhere VON aeeseee gaat esse seaadenesenneae nian eeiceeas sow it grows ns LN spite of our high winter rainfall, we are still facing summer water shortages due to limited reservoirs and an aging distribution system, Currently, the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) water system serves about 1.8 million people in the Lower Mainland and this number is expected to double in the near future. To ensure water pressure is maintained for fire crews and regular household use, the GVRD has implemented arden sprinkling regulations From the beginning of June to the end of September, Water consumption tor July and August is almost double the December average of | billion litres per day. In the future, we may be looking at massive expendi- tures On a new storage and distribution system or the equally expensive installation of residential waver meters. At the moment, water used in homes accounts for about 30%, whereas outdoor use including gardens is 25%, The remainder is commercial or industriai. Most grass and plants need 500 min (20 inj ta 750 min (30 in.) of ratnfall or moisture during the growing SCuSOT, Summer rains wilt provide a good portion of this mois- ture, North Vancouver rain- fait averages just over 400 mm (13.8 in.) from May te September. However, it is up to you to supply the rest: . Do not automatically turn on your sprinkler er irrigation system as soon as the weather warts up fora few slays. Cheek several areas in the garden and see what the moisture level is just below the soil surface. Adding additional water when it is not necessary ere: ates a number of problems. Water will dissolve and leach out valuable fertilizer salts that are essential to plant growth. This dissolved fertil- izer is then carried down into the water table and local streams where it may cause an algae bloons and damage fish habitat. Excess water in the soil also drives out air that ts essential for beneficial microbes and healthy plant roots, . The best time to water is in the early morning when the plants are cool and will not suffer shack from cold water, It also allows the plants to go into the hot period of the day with a full reservoir of moisture. Plants that go into the evening wet are prone tu develop pow- dery mildew or other fungal diseases. Contrary to popular belief, water droplets on NEWS pholo Terry Petors GARDEN columnist Roy Jonssori recommends you water your garden in the morning when your plants are cool. This allows the plants t to tiave a full reservoir of moisture for the hot afternoon sun. leaves exposed to the sun do Nor Cause spots, Sprinklers and some irriga- tion sostems are noted for their uneven delivery of water Avthe beginning of the season, you Might like to ‘our equipment by placing three or four straight walled cans around your lawn ly have an automatic timing device but net all have a rain sensor shut-off switeh. If your system does not have this-simple switch you may want to inquire sbout adding One to your system, Water escapes from sort in three different ways, Some of the water percolates into the deeper regions, below the “ Good irrigation and water conservation practices can have a big impact on the success of your garden. or garden to see if the cover: age is uniform, Really you should be addiag 25 mm (1") of water ata time per week, Ifyour test contamers have varying amounts in them after a given time peri- od, then you Know the sprin- Kler is unevea. This may help to explain why your lawn was patchy or a particular flower bed callapsed ity mid season, Also check vour system for broken pipes or lease con: necuons. Irrigativn svstenss general- 99 root level, because of gravity. Other water is absorbed by plant roots and is lost by the leaves through transpiration. And capillary action will pul! water to the surface of the soil where itis allowed to evaporate. There are several ways to minimize the escape routes and conserve moisture ind garden, ferracing 3 sloping, garden helps to prevent the rapid run offand allows for better absorption of irrigation or rainfall, Planting drought tolerant “plants. either native or Grna: mental, on hat sunny slopes will reduce the need for can- slant watering, Improving, the quality of soil with organic amendments will also provide better water and nutrient retention, Rain water or irrigation waier falling on the soil wili compact the surface soil par: ticles. The more tightly: packed the particles, the nore water that is pulled ta the surface by capillary action and the greater the loss of water, Cultivating the soil as soun after aw ALCTHE as possi- ble helps to thitf the soi) and prevent evaporation, Similar results can be achieved by adding a coarse compost mulch, The mulch particles prevent capillary action and also have the added advantage of helping to feed the plants, keeping the roots cool and retarding, the growth of weeds. Good irrigation and water conservation practices can have a big impact on the suc- cess of your garden, To receive a free copy of Warerwise Gardening, contact the GVRD ar 436 6795 or Fay 432-6399, en rR rer er te ee PR “SINKS - TAPS 1'GALORE MONEY. SINCE 19 COLONY APPLIANCES INC) Hen "Hawi leater Use wWaltopsteet whet sanding, aceip: dye oe remevenge any antiteutant trom’ the tulle and correctly digpane ab the eesidue. dnsterat af anttoulont, aay seguliae hull part and coutof stick batho want (sone Wares alse repel zobia miussels), For more information call Camattun Hower and Sal Nations (CUS) at PASS CPS BRONTE, EMERGENCY REPAIRS + REN HONS - ALL LEAKS - “TUBS - TOILETS ROWERS WOT WATER TANYR HOT WATER HEATING -EVFAY MAJON TINE OF QUALITY FIXTURES FEATURING “ROPER ¢ JENNAIR ¢ INGLIS * FRIGIDAIRE * PANASONIC * KITCHENAID © DANBY ¢ ISE * DACOR * WHIRLPOOL G.E, * MAGIC CHEF * WOLF » AEG * SUB ZERO * GOLDSTAR # DCS * VENMAR ¢ AND MANY OTHER QUALITY BRANDS. * COMPACT & FULL SIZE * BUILT-IN & FREE STANDING * GAS @ ELECTRIC * MOST ITEMS IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY OR PICK UP CHECK US OUT Vv HUGE SELECTION v LOW WAREHCUSE PRICES }j] COLONY | HOME FURNISHINGS 1, New Work Fully Guarontend Rosidontial & Commarcial Fuporte 657-4311 MISTER 0. PLUMBER INC PLANTS AT EATON’S PARK ROYAL-SOUTH | 922-3325 LOC 219 VISIT US FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS 1075 Roosevelt Crescent North Vancouver (2 blocks behind Avalon Hotel) Open Daily Fri, 9-9; Sun 12-4 £ Sakon e Ganteas CONTEST | a7 P@Ye NORTH SHORE GARDENS CONTEST im is now under way. For the judging of * Summer gardens, entries are again © invited from all green thumbs on the North Shore. The objective of the Contest is --. to acknowledge the efforts of Residential & Cornmerciat residents \ who in this way contribute to community improvernent and beautification. If you spend time in your | garden, there is something in this contest for youl! GROW IT! SHOW IT! Residential & Commercial entry forms will be available at all North Shore garden centers, municipal halls and libraries. Closing date for entries is July 14, 1997. For more information, call 980-2275 or 925-4223 This contest :s spontored by: The Honth Show Mausucipaaues, he North Shore News, Capdana Nunenes, bybhot Mursenes, Maple Lest Garder Centers (Lynn Valley and West vancouver), West Yan Florist (td, Real Estate Bound — Wo-th & West Vancouver, North Shore Credit Urton, Avant Gardener, United Landscape Supphes, Plants Galore (ators Hark Royal}, Garden Works, Kerrusdaie Cameras (North Vancouver).