SPEDE PES)

perfect for pots and planters

DURING THIS morning's dash and splash (it was pouring
as usual) for the Tsawwassen ferry, [ tuned in to the radio
for an update on what lay ahead for this week's weather.
Prepared for the worst, | was pleasantly surprised by
Norm’s promise of sunny skies and HOT temperatures.

Cheers to Norm!

If what Norm is trying to con-
vince me of actually comes true,
then you are likely reading this in
your shorts, out on the back patio
and drinking iced tea or perhaps a
form of thirst-quenching refresh-
ment more suited to cheers.

Imagine, a whole 24 hours of
no rain, a sun shining with con-
viction and HOT weather; my
heart soars like an eagle.

If this all comes true, you might
find yourself in need of a garden-
ing project for the weekend.

How about a little container
gardening? Couldn’t that spot
next to you on the patio, deck or
balcony use a little brightening up
as well as the weather? What
about a little splash of coler for
the front entrance?

fam assuming that you have
already equipped yourself with the
perfect planter or container for
the job. If not, you might plana
visit to your local garden centre —
Bricks & Blocks, The Avant
Gardener or Thomas Hobbs — all
of which carry good assortments

Aa sh
oe

Geoff
Fobiasson

OVER THE GARDEN GATE

in many attractive styles and price
ranges.

Some things to think about
when considering the purchase of
planters are drainage, ability to
withstand severe changes in the
weather and your needs regarding
appearance and price.

FACTORY
SELECT

swin set "248

Double Set '288 Queen Ser 288

EMERALD

Twin Set *349

Double set 449 queen Set 499

POSTUREPEDIC
ROYALE

Queen Set "569

All sizes available

MON. SAT. 9: 0- 5:30 P-M.; SUN: 12:00- SPM
111 East 5rd Street, N.Van.
986-1361

As to drainage, I cannot stress
strongly enough that you consider
only those containers that have at
least one good sized drain hole in
the bottom. Waterlogged roots
‘will do nothing for your plants
other than assist in killing them
off.

If you feel you must go with a
beautiful ceramic pot which is
long on looks and short on drain
hole, I would seriously suggest
that you consider putting one in.
{f you have a high-speed electric
drill and a good quality ceramic
tile drill bit, you should have little
difficulty in drilling a hole in the
bottom of your dream tub without
too much risk of destroying it.

Another, less suitable solution
would be to use a smaller con-
tainer offering good drainage in-
side of the drainless one.

You can use a brick or similar
object under this inner container
to keep it out of the water that
will collect in the bottom of the
outer planter. You should check it
regularly to be sure that the water
inside has not risen high enough
to cause a threat.

I like terra cotta pots. I
recognize that they are not well
suited to every situation, but their

Lake.
See Fill page 19 Demonstration Forest line the trails leading to Rice Lake

GARDEN WALL

The Do-It-Yourself
Dream Come True.

NEWS photo Cindy Goodmen
WEST COAST rainforest ferns in North Vancouver’s Seymour

Successful applications of Garden Wall include
retaining walls; garden and flowerbed borders;
patio, sidewalk and lawn edging; and tree rings.

INTERLOCKING PAVING STONES
from 75° sq.ft.

0 y STAN DARD

renee
aeses

UNITED LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES —

125 Riverside Drive, North Vancouver

929-4111
929-4555

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS
ADVICE — DESIGN -—- INSTALLATION