Primroses sure sign
that spring is here

EVERY YEAR, at. this
time, the garden centres and
grocery stores abound with
bright displays of primroses
or, as we sometimes call
them, polyanthus.

In most cases, the correct name
for the variety most commonly
seen is Primula polyantha although
other varieties, such as P. Vulgaris
and P. juliae hybrids, can also ap-
pear.

over the
garden gate

Sk sesh

by Geoff Tobiasson

Whatever the name, the flower’s
brilliant colors are a welcome
signal that the dreary days of
winter are over. They are second to
none in both the intensity and
range of colors available; coming
in reds, blues, yellows, pinks,
whites and multi-colored forms.

These are perennials (plants
which survive. from year to year),
even so, they must be given a little
extra care should you wish to see
them again next year.

Firstly, they do enjoy our typical
spring weather; shall we say lean-
ing to the moist side. Most people
run into trouble in the summer
when the flowering period is over
and thoughts run in other direc-
tions than watering the garden.

It is‘important to keep the soil
moist but well'drained throughout
the year. The soi! should be rich in
humus to match its native
woodland habitat and it should be
worked frequently in- order to
maintain a loose, friable nature.

If your site tends to be a little
too wet and/or the drainage is
poor, try removing the soil in the
planting area to a depth of 18 in-
ches. Next, add 6 or 8 inches of
gritty, salt free sand in the bottom
of the hole and over .fill with the
appropriate soil. .

Work in a little bone meal and
compost or mushroom manure
around each plant at this time of
the year and separate overly
crowded plants. The addition of
mild solutions.of water soluble fer-
tilizer, high in phosphorous and
potassium will be beneficial when
kept to three or four applications
per spring/summer.

Plant them in full sun or bright,
filtered shade and choose a loca-
tion that is protected from harsh
winds and late frosts. They will
perform much better when not
planted under coniferous
evergreens (cedars, firs and
hemlocks). '

Although not known to be edi-
ble, the fresh, crisp looking leaves
appear as though they would be a
welcome addition to any salad.
And indeed, the giant slugs and
snails of the North Shore believe
them to be the choicest of ro-
maines or, more aptly, mom’s ap-
ple pie.

I won't get into the debate on them with a gun; keep them away
the best method of eliminating from your primulas.
these eating machines. Suffice it to Weevils can also be a problem
say that whether you poison them, See Watch
trap them, salt them, or shoot Page 16

; G ARDENING Brighten up your garden

i . , with some Winter and early
: NEWS Esping flowering shrubs. We

: have in stock: Winter Heather in bloom, Witch
m Hazel, Viburnum Bodnantense, Forsythia, Winter
# Jasmine and Camellias,

: Begonia Bulbs $12°° or 10 FOR $4 4 00
i 33 varieties to choose from

NORTH VAN. _ WEST VAN. a
1343 WYNN VALLEY RD. 2558 HAYWOOD AVE.

9851784 gy —-922;2615
x Haywood Ave,
Lynn Vafley Road & K

eS
cy
Marine Dr.

Complete landscape
services offered:

¢ Consultation & Design

* Landscaping Reconstruction

* Lawn & garden
maintenance

* Spring clean up and

pruning

9 years as general manager of Capilano
Nurserles and Florist Ltd., 14 years overall
experience in design and lawn and garden
industry. Long history as consulfant and/or
designer for many privaie and commercial

se OBIASSON. properties and property servies.

WE GUARANTEE OUR WORK. FREE FOLLOW
UP CONSULTATIONS AND ASSISTANCE

GARDEN GATE LANDSCAPE CO, LTD.

5648 Eagle Harbour Rd., West Vancouver
(604) 921-7630 or (604) 921-8454

15 - Friday, February 27, 1987 - North Shore News

J All bookcases cvoflable in wolnut, pecon, teak
Our Best Value  scrGin citmid ay one
Storage on the bottom behind closed

doors. A full 16": deep accommodates 30°’x72”’

most TV sets — 90" wide filis most farge ” ”

wall spaces. Available in Teak, Oak, 30°’x48

Walnut. White and 30’’x33’”

Pecan finishes. ” a
24x72

SALE PRICE
Allow production time. 24°48”

CUSTOM ORDERS 24’’x33”"

if you can't find that special size or shape
you've been looking for, bring us your drawing. SOME PRODUCTS MAY
We will build it for you at a very reasonable REQUIRE FRODUCTION TIME

price. We can custom-build just about anything. .

Microwave Stands NOW IN

3 Pc. Coffee Table Set STOCK

Computer Desks WHITE —
Many other items also PBOOKCASES

on sale

Planters from
Thailand ...

O.. container has arrived! Choose from exotic
dragon jars to traditional planters. Available in assorted
shapes and sizes to suit your budget.

See our new quality rattan
PLUS! wicker baskets.

North Shore Ginger
Wicker Jar

1229 Welch St. 1480 Marine Dr,
North Van. North Van.

_ 988-4108 988-7328