Grass needs nitrogen From page 16 tory lawn under most conditions. Bluegrass lawns will need to be mowed at one and one-half inches to ‘three inches, but will have an unkept appearance when cut at higher heights. If the lawn cannot be cut often enough to remove more than one-third of the leaf surface at one cutting, then it will! be necessary to bag the clippings. In reasonably fertile soil, bluegrass will need to be fertilized in the fall with a complete fertii- izer. Also, one and sometimes two applications of a nitrogen-carrying fertilizer will need to be applied in late May or early June. New strains of grasses such as Fescues or Chewings are well- suited to droughty, low fertility soils, For best performance, mix Kentucky bluegrass with these grasses. Ryegrass is a large seeded grass that germinates and_ establishes quickly. The ‘‘fine-leaf’’? peren- nial types are preferred. Rye is not particularly winter hardy. When seeded alone, the grass will ‘winter kill’? during severe winters. Nevertheless, rye is a very desirable grass to keep on hand for emergency repair and to improve density of poor, unthrifty lawns. Sod is often the best choice when establishing a new lawn, but make certain the mix of grasses in the sod fits your site and needs. A good landscape contractor can prepare the seed bed ard select the best sod for the site. Most lawns need fertilizer nutrients to supplement those that occur in the soil naturally. When possible, aerate the lawn first. This permits the fertilizer to fall into holes formed in aeration and avoid being washed away. For property owners, a fertiliza- tion program can start with a soil test for mineral elements — calci- um, phosphorous, potash and sometimes magnesium. University or commercial fertilizer laboratories are equipped to per- form soil analysis, interpret the results and give you recommenda- tions based on the tests. In general, nitrogen is the key element in turfgrass production. It is the element that imparts green color and that stimulates growth. Most iawns need one or two kilograms of actual nitrogen an- nually. At least one-half kilogram should be applied in mid to late fall and the remainder in two or more applications starting in late May or early June. Most forms of nitrogen are readily soluble and will, when moisture is present, move quickly into the soil. Phosphorus is the key element in root production and is essential ‘for good turf. Phosphorus needs may be met by applying a complete fertilizer in the fall. Potash is the third major con- stituent in a lawn fertilization pro- gram. Though soluble, it does not leach or erode. It is a requirement for elite lawns and is beneficial for Pian for your garden EAGLE HARBOUR Centre is of- fering a series of gardening lectures conducted by Carol Bellinger — a landscaper by profession and a knowledgeable speaker. A lecture on A Year Plan for Your Garden takes place Wednes- day, April 19 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The focus of this lecture will be on planning a garden that blooms year round. This is a good opportunity to plan for 12 months of color in your garden. On Wednesday, April 26 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., a lecture on flower gardening will feature selec- tion, planting, and care of an- nuals, summer bulbs and flowering bulbs. The fee for each lecture is $10. Contact Eagle Harbour Centre at 5575 Marine Drive or 921-7425 for further information. Pre- registration is required. WE DOWINDOWS FOR LESS! During April, SAVE up to 30% Off regular department store prices on selected custom drapery fabrics and blinds. tn addition to these special savings, you will receive $150 cash back on your purchase of $2,000 or more. e $150- BACK EXAMPLE Reg. dept. store price. . $3,000.00 LESS: up to 30%" $900.00 CONTOUR SALE PRICE $2,100. LESS: April's cash back. . $150.00 YOU PAY ONLY. $1,950.00 * NOt all products are 30%. off Cail today for a COMPLIMENTARY in-home consultation me Ceartrcok- 852-4900 Victoria. 389-1991 my West Orks Mal 3214 Dougias St. 369841 North Detta-390-1677 St Semiahmoo Mall : Langtey -523-5239 Coquitlam - 464-2136 Gulkdtord - 584-7197 Impact Plaza Square Yancouver - 7. 1925 W.Brosdway — Scott 72 Centre mm Willowtree Plaza Pinetree Village Mali Burmebdy - 432-1191 Royal Oak & Kingsway Rlehmond - 273-4417 #3 Road & Cambie te ROck/Tesww83S€N worth Vancouver - 984-4407 I Marine De, & Pemberton Mansimo - 758-7780 Rutherford Mall CANADA'S LARGEST WINDOW COVERING SPECIALIST AEN DON: HIGHEST OVERALL EFFICIENT NON-CATALYTIC WOODSTOVE (72.3% EFFICIENCY) , *Cortified installer |] RseSMus_] h; DANSK [f | (25% <33% on 1] Windsong || GIFT STUDIOS 220 W. Esplanade Lamps feature beige pleated shades and 3 way switches or solid brass shades (Desk Top) aie. u ‘NORTH VANCOUVER 14625-108th AVE. 1400 MARINE DRIVE 4760 E. HASTINGS BURNABY Car. of Hastings & Beta Phone 294-5256 a 4 bike. north of Guildford | Phone 585-8877 984-0341 |