WHO TO CALL: Community Editor Andrew McCredie 985-2131 (147) Foy Jonsson sow it grows AS MORE and more people become invelved in gardening, the interest in growing semi-hardy plants increases. Most plant enthusiasts quickly move beyond the common annuals and perennials and want to grow something that is more challenging, unique or showy. Living in a region that varies between Zone 7 and 8 ~ as we do — allows for good summer growth of various exotic plants but winter presents a problem. How does one save semi-hardy or sub-tropical plants for anoth- er season? Over-wintering plants is not a problem for gardeners with a cool, frost-tree green Home and Garden Editor Layne Christensen 985-2131 (118) house. Most plants such as Abutilon, Bougainvillea, Datura, Jasmine, Lantana, Oleander and Tibouchina can be lifted, pruned back by two thirds — both roots and branches — and potted up for winter stor- age. [tis best to harden off the plants before putting them into storage. Keep the soil in the pots on the dry side. The use of a green house also allows an early Spring start and a longer blooming season next year. If you do not have a green house it may be possible to store these plants ina cool, frost-free porch. basement or spare room. Other alternatives for a frost-free envi- ronment are trenches. insulated cages, burlap wraps and cold frames. A trench can be used if vou have plants with hard, woody stems that do not require chlorophyll to survive. Fuchsia, for exam- ple. can be lifted and then laid in a 30cm (12 in.) deep trench, (close to the house foundation), covered with leaves and/or dry peat, capped with a piece of plastic and then covered with soil, Remember to prune off all the leaves and small branches before storing. If the plants are in a ground level planter box, cut off the soft growth and pack the area around the mature wood with moss. Cover the box with plastic and then cover everything with a 15-20 em (6 to 8 in.) layer of dead fern fronds or straw. Additional coniter branches and snow will provide extra protection. A layer or two of Friday, October 20, 1995 — North Shore News ~ 18 HOMES GARDEN NEWS photo Terry Peters PASSION FLOWER (above) is one of those special semi-hardy plants that can be See Snow page 18 grown on the North Shore but must be brought in for the winter. *|POMEORT, swe | You have to know comfort to sell comfort. or over 12 y years, we have "helped ‘cients realise their 1 alecoraniny FE: dreams. Whether updating one room or your entire home, we pro- vide draperies, binds, bedding, reuphoistery, slipcovers, and an exciting collection of lighting, accessories, furnishings and much more. Professional decorators, qualiry workmanship, an = exceptional selection of fabrics and superior service, all rAL help make your decorating experience a rewarding one. ZI DRAPERY & UPHOLSTERY up 30 i off | }| Queen sO4QG* Queen $¢ B| Per Pi Per Pi ‘ Per Piec VENETIANS ° VERTICALS A) oif . : when bought In sets) when bought in sets) when bought in sets) up toe 0 yf sturepedic Call Co = Posturepedic Coll Count 782 rt) oe 8 FE in, Double, King Twin, Double, King : CLEARANCE ip {a fil) M olf gf also available ro ae eas Many masa avaliable from HURRY SALE ENDS OCTOBER 31ST/95 ‘ & SOFT SHADES Posturepedic Coll Count 782 10 year free replacement guarantee 10 year free replacement guarantee 10 year free replacement guarantee ACCESSORY & FURNITURE Twin, Doubte, King [ FREE DELIVERY, ERSE SET-UP, FREE Pick-up OF OLD MATTRESS - DETAILS. IN STORE ] 986-1361 111 E. 3RD ST, NORTH VANCOUVER OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK — MON. - SAT. 9 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. & SUN. 712 - 4 P.M.