18 - Friday, May 4, 1990 - North Shore News Grow a ‘natural’ lawn ORGANIC, CHEMICAL-FREE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE DESPITE THE horror stories about the global environmental crisis, few real solutions have ex- isted for fighting the battle on the homefront. But that’s changing, and thanks to recent breakthroughs in natural, chemical-free products for the lawn and garden, you now can do your part. And there is a major extra benefit: Research shows the natu- tal products actually work better and produce lusher, healthier lawns and gardens. USE THREE-STEP PROCESS According to a leading corpora- tion in natural, environmentally sound gardening systems, there is a simple three-step process for mak- ing the switch: One, begin using natural, organic fertilizers that outperform the chemical products you buy from stores or lawn services. Two, switch to natural, biologi- cal pesticides, which are highly ef- fective yet use no toxic chemicals. And three, recycle your grass clippings, leaves and garden debris inte nutrient-rich compost. TRY NATURAL FERTILIZERS First, the fertilizers — new natu- ral, organic fertilizers have been proven to build healthier, lusher lawns in research at several univer- sities for one simple reason: They enhance the natural process al- ready occurring in the soil. For example, one product actu- ally adds living microorganisms to the soil by breaking down organic matter such as dead grass and feeding the living grass. These mi- croorganisms also can suppress common patch diseases in lawns. Also, slow-release nutrient sources in the fertilizers, such as bone meal and wheat germ, feed the grass with ‘‘natural food.” Chemical fertilizers, on the other hand, simply stimulate the grass plants with chemicals and actually deplete the soil of microorganisms by failing to provide the necessary food. And excessive use of chemi- cal fertilizers poses a threat to groundwater, lakes and streams. WORK WITH NATURAL PESTICIDES For stopping pesky pests, manu- facturers also have turned to nature and have enhanced natural processes with safe, new natural products. Some of the natural products use insecticidal soaps to kill aphids and mites on contact. Others use pyrethrum, a natural pest-killing substance derived from chrysanthemum flowers. These provide quick, knockdown results and can be used on fruits and vegetables right up to the day of harvest. But probably the most significant advancement is the use of natural bacteria to at- tack and kill specific pests. For example, if your lawn is showing the tell-tale brown spots of a Japanese Bectle grub infesta- tion, these products control the grubs by introducing a grub-killing bacteria into the soil, infecting and killing the grubs. The bacteria then spreads and remains effective in eliminating the grubs for the next 15 to 20 years. Not only are these approaches Above prices include complete installation, some include skylights. All include posts up to 10° Also 1 downpipe and 1 elbow Excludes beams. Limited time white quantities last. No other discounts apply. WE ALSO CARRY ALUMINUM RAILING. LIMITED TIME WHILE QUANTITIES LAST. 2421 King George Hwy., Surrey 536-6663 TOLL FREE 1-800-663-4273 Baca the Drsnall Body Shep NOATH VANCOUVER 986.0388 WEST VANCOUVER 926 5541 highly effective in eliminating pests, they also pose no threat to people, animals and the environ- ment. And that’s becoming a ma- jor concern regarding the chemical pesticides. IT’S SIMPLE TO COMPOST Finally, there are the new solu- tions to disposing of grass clip- pings and leaves. Many cities are banning the dumping of this debris in space-pressed landfills because it can account for 20 to 40 per cent of landfill material during peak periods. What do you do with the stuff? If the term ‘‘composting"’ conjures up nightmares of a stinking heap requiring constant turning via pit- chfork, you can rest easy. 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AT MILLS, WE MANUFACTURE OUR OWN PAINTS RUSTI WOOD STAINS RUSTIC RUSTIC RUSTIC EXTERIOR/INFERIOR EXTERIOR/INTERIOR EXTERIOR SEMI-TRANSPARENT HIGH SOLID ACRYLIC HIGH SOLID “ALKYD ait sTan LATEX STAIN ALKYD FORTIFIED REG $29 98 LINSEED OIL STAIN SALE Price 316.99 at SALE PRICE $18.99 4L REG $29 98 SALE PRICE $18.99 aL ALKYD REG $30 98 21 introductory Price! Fresh & Easy FLAT LATEX CEILING PAINT OVERY LITTLE SPATIER INTERIOR AFTER SALE 12 9 9 Neer! ‘|84§9 4L PRICE THESE SALE PRICES AVAILABLE AT ALL MILLS STORES. | wuts Sale ends Saturday, June 2, 1990. 307 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver 985-6354 a MILLS PAINT (UPSTAIRS)