18 - Friday, October 20, 1989 - North Shoze News Plant bulbs now for spring OF ALI. the many gardening activities, there is one that cannot be postponed with impunity: The fall pianting of bulbs that are to flower in _ the spring. Brilliant crocuses and modest snowdrops, cheerful daffodils and fragrant hyacinths, dainty squills and spectacular tulips — as well as many other, so-called lesser bulbs that are worth trying — will do their magic from March to June only if their dry, unimpressive onion-like bulbs are put in the ground some time between October and November. With the exception of tulips that may be buried under the ice as late as January, all spring-flowering bulbs need to be planted a few weeks before they begin their long winter sleep. For some reason hidden in their genetic makeup, these plants must have at least six weeks of icy dormancy. Unlike seeds that contain few nutrients and often do not sprout into plants, bulbs are most efficient storehouses of nutrients which seldom fail to send up and maintain a plant. For a beginner gardener, bulbs are the safest bet. Though most bulbs will do well even in poor soil, improving the soi! prior ic planting guarantees that the flowers will not decline in quality year after year and the bulbs multiply, producing more and more shoots each year. Again, the exception is the tulip. Unfortunately, the life expectancy of most tulip varieties is limited to a year or two — unless their bulbs are removed and replanted. All other spring-flowering bulbs may be left alone, and they will prosper. However, loosening up the top 20 inches of soil pays extra dividends, particularily if you mix in dry, well-rotted manure or wood ashes, a fistful of bonemeal! or plenty of compost. The foliage will be more rebust and the blooms larger and more numerous than in unimproved soil. For children and other impatient people, it is always a lesson that some things, such as bulbs and babies, take their time before they are ready to come forth. HIGHEST OVERALL EFFICIENT NON-CATALYTIC WOODSTOVE (72.3% EFFICIENCY) *Certifled instatler DOUBLE 'S' CEDAR HOME: MANUFACTURER OF QUALITY CEDAR HOMES AND CABINS PREFABRICATED DO IT YOURSELF PACKAGES OR USE OUR ERECTION CREWS Phone tor FREE. BROCHURE -or-send. $3.00 fer plan book! Distndutor; PANAFAS CEDAR HOMES LTD. (604) 596-6737 14771 - 64th AVE., SURREY, B.C. V3S 1X6 FAX (604)591-9154 the North Shore's Friendliest Drycleaner Is MOVING! WINDSOR Abdul and the staff at Fabricare look forward to serving their cus- KINGS tomers and triends at the new location. You'll qyeens find the same great service, same friendly ‘Abdul Dossa 2" § FABRICARE ¢ DRYCLEANING © POST OFFICE * LOTTERY CENTRE 3063 Lonsdale Avenue Same phone 980-7311 = "ake + * Complete Shop-at-home service * Free no obligation consultation ° Free estimates © Hand-crafted furniture our specialty Ask about our Introductory Product Discount Program. YALE iS 688-4356 1004 Hamilton St. Vancouver 30 % OFF ON All Fabrics & Blinds Order Now for Christmas delivery. * Custom Design Furniture * Reupholstery * Draperies * Sheers * Blinds # Shades * Bedspreads * Boat Seats * FASHION INTERIORS 229 Lonsdale, N. Vancouver, 8.C.| PHONE: 967-8747 easurable savings on Draco'’s ew 44 pS MLA OMARION RTOS RECO SPE ARMED Draco’s New interior design statement. Midsize Blinds. And if you pur ‘chase $500 or Our prolessional decorator more on your account card, consultant will be delighted Never has such a small you don’t have to pay until todiscuss your ideasand difference made suchabig — May, 1990. mien " seve impression. The new 44” size Ge OL TARE. SUMP IY Ga is ven sleeker than Linch Plus: 30% off All Other Lower Mainland minis, bolder than inch Draco Verticals, 662-4466 micros. Talk toourdecorator Pleated Shades and Sevenoaks area, consultants about making Venetian Blinds. please call collect | aworld of difference in vour — Sale prices in effect till Oct. 29. WOODWARDS Good things. Good prices.