GARDENING TIPS Roses benefit from late winter pruning DEAR DIARY: Today has been a day fill- ed with rain, slush, high in- terest rates, and federal budgets. It has been hard enough getting the inspira- tion needed to draw the next breath let alone the inspira- tion needed for a garden column. Never mind. Like somebody’s grandad must have said, “If you never had a down to fall on, you would never have an up to rise to.” Therefore, in lieu of a struc- tured article on a particular gardening subject, you are about to get the proverbial “this and that.” Dear Miss Confused: in response to your request for information on rose pruning, I offer the following. As I mentioned to you on the phone and in previous articles, roses prove to be the exception to my mid-January pruning rule. On all but the climbers and ramblers, I find it is best to give roses a light trim (no more than half the last year’s growth) toward the end of November and leave the fine prun- u. ideas or requirements and we'll respond with y imagination, expenence and practical answers. The kind TEESE TASER ARUN Ga RR Lit OO CUE ns OER e) PENI URTD agePE fof becutiful answers you can live with. ing until the end of February. The rationale here is to use the early pruning to encourage the formation of the buds, which will assist in determining where to make the best cuts in spring. Plus, should mild mid-winter weather force these buds to develop too quickly, only to be damaged by a late freeze, you have enough plant left on which to conduct your finish pruning. The early pruning is not only the best time to cut back healthy plant parts, it is also the right time to remove any damaged and/or diseased growth. In the case of over the garden gate Geoff Tobiasson disease, purify your pruners by fire when moving from plant to plant, and keep infected plant parts (in- cluding any fallen leaves) in the garbage. The goal of spring pruning is to achieve a healthy, well-shaped bush that will show its blossoms in an attractive manner. A_ rose bush that has not deen pruned regularly will eventually present its flowers well above an unsightly, leggy plant. First look for any damaged growth which may have escaped your attention tast fall. Next, remove any branches that cross | The new home of beautifulideds... ... for your home. Our professional design services can bring something very special to your home. Come in and {alk to us about your decorating ee through or grow into the centres of the bush. The ultimate aim is a vase shape that allows light into the centre and encourages flower- ing around the outside edges. Thin out any branches that touch as they cross one another. The constant rubbing resulting from wind movement can cause in- juries that will provide access for insects and/or disease. Make your cuts “% of an inch above, and down and away from an outward facing bud. Ergo the need to encourage budding with light pruning in the fall. Choosing a bud that points to the outside of the plant will further encourage that desired vase shape. Although the rule of thumb suggests that we use pruning paint only on cuts of branches having a larger diameter than our thumbs, the disease prone nature of the rose requires that every cut be pro- tected. [ have always felt that roses are far from being man’s best friend, but with proper care and pruning they can be more than a thorn in the side. The Vancouver Orchid Society is having its annual spring show at Van Dusen Gardens on Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For the measly admission price of $3.50 you will have the oppor- tunity to see some amazing plants from ali over the world, not to mention some welcome color. Do not miss it! It's no secret: February is not an exciting month for furniture retailers! Bui at MONARCH FURNITURE GALLERY. we have a great month for you! In February, we always give our best savings — at least 20 percent and up to 50 percent off everything! Occasional tables! Dining and bedroom suites! Curios! Wall systems! You'll find rich cherry wood, pecan, muhogany, oak, maple, lacquers, brass and glass! (And our decorator consultants will hefp you choose beautifully... and save wiscly!) HOURS Mon-Sat 9-5:30 Sun. 12-5 Monarch There's just 13 - Friday, February 23, 1990 - North Shore News a LIFESTYLES Seer ne typ Photo submitted YOU CAN always count on daffodils and tulips to brighten up a room. But beware that daffodils secrete a substance that can kill other cut flowers. To minimize the damage — before arranging — cut the stems and iet them stand in water for 16 to 24 hours. Afterwards, rinse the stems with clean water but do not re-cut. Avoid home building pitfalls THINKING OF building your own home? Have you heard horror stories from those who did and say ‘never again’’? You can make it a positive expe- rience by finding out about the common pitfalls and how to avoid them. This class focuses on such topics as selecting and buying a lot, choosing a good contractor, the New Home Warranty Pro- Annual February Saings 20% 2 SO €a furnittre no reason ta pay more. pulley 1375 Kingsway, Vancouver (at Knight Road) 876-2201 gram, construction contracts, fi- nancing, builder’s liens and what to do if you are not satisfied with the work. Attend the free law class on Contracting Your Own Home at Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch St. at 12th Ave., on Wed- nesday, March 7, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Pre-register at 734-4974. 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