WHO TO CALL:

Community Editor
Andrew McCredie

Horne and Garden Editor
Layne Christensen

985-2131 (147) 985-2131 118)

LAWNS ARE traditionally
planted in the spring, but if
you missed your chance this

__ year, you have one last oppor-
tunity before the cold weather
setsin, 2

First thing, you will need to pre-

‘- pare the site by removing sticks,
roots, stumps, rocks or other debris:
that prevent moisture from coming to
the surface. Preparing and levelling

. the subgrade is necessary to ensure a
‘uniform thickness of top soil. If the
subsoil is predominately clay, it is
advisable to loasen the material by
digging in a coarse organic amend-
ment such as compost. oo

Drainage is easier to deal with

before planting than afterwards,

“e +, Many hillsides on the North Shore

“have subterranean water flowing just
above the hardpan strata, and this
“water will accumulate when it

"encounters your level lawn. A drain “~

. 'pipe’may have to be placed in the

; hard pan at the base of the hill to

- catch and drain off the excess water.
+ Also create a’camber or slope of at
*\Jeast 5 cm in3 m (2 in. in 10 ft.) for
‘surface drainage. en

>» If you are considering an irriga- ° ,
tion system. it should also be installed

-+..before the lawn is planted. With sea-

-"s3onal watering restrictions, the conve-

) nience of a computerized irrigation —

«System may no longer be a luxury.

“The cost for an average-sized garden
would be about $3,000 to $4,000 to” :
“* have it installed — half that amount if
«you buy the materials and do it your-

When it comes to choosing a’.

-, growing medium there is always the -.

i .

wonssen

sow it grows

argument about sand vs. soil, Golf
courses use pure sand, but the grow-
ing, and mowing conditions are vastly
different to that of the average home
lawn. Even the leaders in the turf
yrass industry are beginning to accept
the idea that sand with a compost"
amendment has some benefits, partic-
ularly for fungus control. In general.
sand requires fur more fertilizing and.
maintenance. 2° :

The soil you choose should have a
high sand content and a low percent-
age of silt or clay that could impede
drainage. ae a

- The B.C. Society. of Landscape
Architects’ landscape standards call ~
for a minimum of 10cm (4 in.) of .-
soil for lawn construction. Since top-
soil loses about 30% of its volume °
when compacted, you must start with
at least 15 cm or more. The depth of
compressed soil must be level with
the sidewalks and driveway except
where lawn sod is being used.

~ People frequently ask: “Which is
better — seed or sod?” and there is

| RENOVATIONS —
: After you decide on the
renovation, decide on the
_ best renovation company ._
on the North Shore. -

KITCHENS * BATHROOMS * RENOVATIONS

ife : “1075 Marine Dr.
YLES _N, Vancouver -

“

985-8888

. ‘Across from Futiire Shop, parking at rear)

'Weaihervanes, Gargoyles, Tools, Jewellery, Books,

Calendars, Garden Ornaments, Gifts tor Christmas

1460 Marine Drive ....

| ip > 2235 West ath Ave.
926-8734

Vancouver

STORIES

im over a new lawn

po right unswer. Sod is frequently
grown on_a silt-type soil and this cun
impede drainage.

When you buy turf you also have’

iiitle control over the grass varieties
used, Raccoons have a bad habit of
turning the sod over every night to
lock for gsubs. The big advantage of
scat is the speed in creating. an estab- *
lished Jawn that can be used by chil-
dren and pets. : oS
Seed is a fraction of the price of .,
sod, is not bothered by raccoons and
will not create a drainage problem.
Not only can you buy separate seed
for sun and shade conditions, but also
a quality grass for the front yard.
Under normal conditions grass seed
will germinate in 10 to 15 days with
another two or three weeks before it
will handle any significant traffic.
Stan at the back and dump the
loads in’an orderly pattem to reduce
the task of spreading toa bure mini-
mum. Drive a few stakes in the
ground with 15 em ( in.) ‘marks to
help you judge the depth. Most soils
benefit from having a turf starter fer-
ulizer added at this time and cultivated

into the top 5 to 10. cm (2 to 4 in.).

Dragging a plank or ladder over
the soil helps establish a smooth sur-

See Lawn page 15 :

‘Your view froni the.
through the dinin

aly a fortunate few will cafl these superb harbourside
2s “homie”, They will be pampered by luxury that is
eserved for the most exclusive custom residences nds
red by‘ the view that is the focus of each home's design.
ju ve been attracted to the benefits of tawnhome living; bu

ee eh
i)

HOME

and livinig'rea!

Friday, September 22, 1995 — North Shore News - 13:

NEWS photo Terry Psters

To START a new lawn, garden columnist Roy Jonsson recom
mends a 4 inch (10 cm) depth ef top soil. ;

te

Rien
id the quality yol