14 - Friday, June 9, 1989 - North Shore News Automatic underground sprinkler |. system can save time and money /% YOU'LL SAVE three ways when you install a do-it-yourself automatic underground sprinkler system in your lawn and garden. Once it’s installed, you'll save time by not having hoses to move all around the yard or having neighbors take care of the watering when yo:; go on vacation. Most homeowners find automatic systems save water and money on the water bill by taking the guesswork out of watering. You'll also save money by in- stalling a system yourself and, in fact, it adds value to the home. An automatic underground sprinkler system can be installed in an existing or new landscape. A typical system will serve lawns, shrubs, trees and flower beds by using a combination of sprinkler heads, PVC or poly pipes and fit- tings, valves, safe low voltage wir- ing and an electronic timer. While the watering cycle and a consistent amount of water for each area is controlled by the timer, you are still in control. If it rains or you want to work or play in the yard, you simply push a but- ton to delay the watering cycle. Changing the frequency and length of watering time to meet seasonal needs is also done by simply resetting the timer. Building a system requires careful planning, but the reward is @ permanent solution for your landscape watering problems. Ex- perts recommend do-it-yourselfers allow two to four days to plan and install a system. Planning guides will take you step-by-step through the process. Plan the system by first gather- ing information on water service lines and water pressure. Using the planning guide graph paper, draw a detailed landscape to show lawn, shrubs, trees and any other areas to be included. Then the circuits, valves and’ sprinkler heads are determined. A variety of sprinkler head patterns is available to suit the size and shape of the landscape. For example, one circuit can be dedicated to shrubs, another to flower beds and others to the lawn. Each circuit can be individually timed and each sprinkler head specially selected to suit its loca- tion. Selection of a time will depend on the complexity of the system and functions desired. There are basic timers with single program capabilities and sophisticated elec- tronic timers with multiple pro- Specialty beans can be fun From page 13 sunny siies will produce the earliest and best yields roughly 40 to 60 days after planting. The seed of bush beans should be planted one inch deep and two to three inches apart. Thin later to a four-inch spacing. Plant your pole beans in the same manner as the pole Lima beans. You shouid plant half your crop one month lJater in order to spread out the harvest period. Once again beware of aphids and avoid over-head watering. When the plants are six inches high, spread a little 5-10-10 or some such granular fertilizer around the base of the plants. Be sure not to get any on the foliage as burning could occur. Specialty beans such as the ever popular ‘Scarlet Runner’ and the unusual purple-podded ‘Royalty’ are treated in the same manner as the bush and pole beans above. Both can be fun, high yielding and, in the case of ‘Scarlet Run- ner’, beautiful additions to the landscape. 20% off on materials LOW COST FINANCING AVAILABLE Skylights & Solariums You'd be surprised -how little the cost fora free estimate FROPE CAMA industries Lid. 4 103 Riverside Dr., N.Van. 929-3811 | ZAMS, B7S THAT'S HOW MANY CANADIANS ARE SOFTBALL PLAYERS gramming capabilities. Next comes digging trenches about six inches deep, either by hand with a spade or with a tren- ching machine. Pipes are then connected to the valve assembly and water source. Wires connect valves to the timer, which is then plugged into a standard electrical outlet. In areas where pipes freeze, drain valves should be installed to drain all standing water from the system at low points in each circuit. Flushing the lines, ‘‘fine-tuning’’ the sprinkler heads and then cover- ing the trenches complete the job. Other than occasionally checking the system, you'll eliminate the watering chores and will enjoy the freedom of automation in the garden. END OF LEASE - BRASS BLOWOUT 20-50% OFF ON THESE EXCITING NEW | CONTEMPORARY FIXTURES WHILE QUANTITIES LAST! 14625-108th AVE. 4 blks. north of Guildford Phone 585-8877 " NORTH VANCOUVER 1400 MARINE DRIVE | 364-0841 ° Complete Shop-at-home service * Free no obligation consultation ° Free estimates © Hand-crafted furniture our specialty Ask about our Introductory Product Discount Program. YALE aS 688-4356 1004 Hamilton St. Vancouver BURNABY 4700 E.HASTINGS Cnr. of Hastings & Seta Phone 294-5256: wyicitle ¢ tebe OS gta CS bi Breupe spall ¢ WV C&Ss * Ornette NREL | Meee.