NEWS photo Cindy Goodman any HOME renovation. project should start with the appropriate materials. Choose both the -style and the price that is right for the project..Here Norm Einarson, manager of Windsor ' Plywood in North Vancouver, shows the different styles of mouldings that can be purchased. Plants will need daily care ” From page 15 ; : cot the old soil from the planter and ~. ‘replace i it with some good compost - or composted manure. ‘The. addition of granular slow- release fertilizer to the soil mix will gently feed your plants. A common "formulation is 14.14.14 with a 100- ‘day release time. The fertilizer will ‘only release when the temperature reaches 20°C and the soifis-‘moist. * You might also want to look for anew polymer crystal that can _ absorb a thousand times its weight - in water and then felease it again as the soil dries out. This isa great idea for that. troublesome hanging _ basket that always drys out too quickly. - Slow-release fertilizers can be supplemented with a liquid 20.20.20 “plant food. To avoid burning, use a - one-quarter, strength solution week- ly when the soil is damp. Planter boxes should be raised above the deck using short pieces of wood (2x2), allowing space under- neath for a drain pan. Keeping the bottom of the planter box dry will extend its life.” “AH patted plants ure in captivity and require daily care in surrimer. During mid-summer you may have to water twice a day to keep the plant from wilting. . One way to check the plants for water is to lift the plant and check the weight, to see if it is light. You van also scratch the surface soil or insert « long. wooden chopstick into ’ the planter box, If the soil below is moist the stick will feel damp. When the plants need moisture use very luke- - Warm water to keep the soil temper- ature up. One way of extending the grow- ing area on a small balcony is to do some vertical gardening. The side walls of the balcony may equal the floor areca. Growing vines and climbers can soften hard walls, add color and provide privacy. If you use trellises, strings or stukes try to keep them as simple and natural as possible. Green gar- den stakes and twine or monoftla- ment work well. _ Sovnetimes the plants you pur- chase bring along unwanted friends such as slugs, snails, aphids and white fly. Make sure you check all new plants, pots, fluts and boxes. Remember, your plants are jike pels — the more frequently you check their well-being the happier they will be and the greater success you will have with balcony garden- ing. Keystone Allan Block Jr. Cascadia Pisa tl Botanico -Terratorce Shadow Stonewall Come and See Our Outdoor Retaining Wall Display CKS 1371 McKeen Ave. {ai the foot of Pemberton Ave.) North Vancouver 984-3008 Friday, April'22! 1984 : Noni shove NewS - 17" with the purchase of every Valor Legend, including Fans and trims. « B.C. Gas financing available e Inserts for existing fireplaces, free standing or direct vent * Clean, efficient heating Convert your old gas Furnace now! Save 20% on your gas bill with a s gas furnace by Nova. Showroom Hours . Mon.-Fri. 8am-3pm Valor offer ends April 30/94 NOVA HEATING iu sheet meta uta “Warming homes for 49 years” 663 West 3rd, North Vancouver — 988-3922 MER it ite : ADD VALUE & PLEASURE a sunrooms © ADDITIONS “ @ pecks >" @h BATHS - “8 KITCHENS 3 PATIO COVERS Os SIDING . ok. BASEMENTS - taking’ yoi r renovation | project from: canoeption to’ completion : "299-7474 Remodeling * Dasign * Construction PRATT & LAMBERT - ACCOLADE INTERIOR VELVET + Top rated by a leading consumer magazine + Excellent fire rating - won't smoke * 41 choice of discriminating professional painters + Easy water deanup Tritmoe ener : Outstanding washability Se Seertorerr rewire Specified by architects White and [00's of pastel ints Regular $40.45 . EXTERIOR OIL BASE STAIN _, + Siding. shingles, fences, etc.