18 - Friday, August 12, 1994 - North Shore News cea cars ty DEN Truth lies in ‘only you’ slogan THE BIG, friendly bear in the ranger's hat: his eyes kind but worried —- few people would fail to recognize the image: Smokey the bear. And most people can repeat Smokey’s advice: “Only you can prevent forest fires.” HOT TIPS By North Vancouver District Fire Department If we all know, then why is it that every year news reports say millions of acres of forest are destroyed by fires that were started either deliberately or by someone's carelessness? The District of North Vancouver Fire Services reminds us that each of us must take responsibility for protecting the outdoors when we are there. When hiking, camping or dri- ving in a forest area, take common- anse precautions. If you must smoke, do so only with greaLcare. Hikers should smoke only when they rest so that stray ashes do not drop and start a smouldering fire in the brush. Look for a large, flat rock to Use as an ashtray, Better yet, purchase a small fireproof container from a hiking shop thet you can use as a field ashtray. Campers should bring along large, safe ashtrays. or use large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Drivers should use the car's ashtray and should never flick ashes or cigarette butts out the win- dow. Cars, campers, and recreational vehicles generate a tremendous amount of heat in the undercar- riage. Driving on dry brush or in long grass can spark a fire. it is better to stay on the road or look for safe, clear places to park. Of course, camp fires are the greatest threat to forests. If your campground does not have a fire- place and you must build your own fire, do it carefully. Select an area fairly free of growth, Clear the area in a large cirele around where the fire will be, avoiding any over- hanging bushes or low trees. Build a ting of stones around the fire to control embers that might roll off. Watch the fire closely while it is burning. Never leave a burning fire unattended even for a moment. Before going to bed, put the fire out, dousing it thoroughly with water or smothering it with dirt. Then stir the ashes and douse or smother it again. Use more water, or dirt than you think is necessary. If you use the wilderness care- fully, it will be there for you to enjoy again and again and for your children for a very long time. And remember: only you can prevent forest fires. For further information, contact District of North Vancouver Fire Services non-emergency number, 980-7575, or your lo'si fire department. Gardeners work in deep shade by using plants that survive darkness From page 47 Pyracantha shrub. The bright orange berries are great for creating winter color. With a little extra work, one gardener shaped his bush into an attractive topiary form. Hot dry areas with shallow soil are particularly difficult to plant but woolly thyme (Thymus serpylium lanuginosus) 2s a ground cover cre- ated a beautiful soft carpet effect in one of the gardens I visited. It was almost inviting enough to want to lie down and rest. The narrow section of ground between the side of a house and the sidewalk is often a shady and diffi- cult growing area. One gardener solved the prob-. tem by planting a large leafed var- iegated ivy (Hedera canariensis variegata) as a ground cover to brighten up the area and then cov- ered the remaining soil with red volcanic rock. For gardeners who work in deep shade there was an excellent exam- ple of a native plant garden using large rocks, a stream and pools all surrounded by fers, salal and a variety of ground covers. If a water feature is not some- thing that you can add to your gar- den you might like to try develop- ing a boulder-strewn dry stream bed in a low section of your proper- ty. Planted with typical stream-side plants, the simulated water course looked very effective. Some gardens are primarily for summer use and most annuals will give the long lasting seasonal color that is required. With the aid of a small green- house, one gardener grew sufficient bedding plants to fill several large serpentine beds with a lovely mix- ture of blooms. Additional baskets and tubs were used to brighten up patios and steps. One usually thinks of a large property when going on a garden tour but the small patio garden at Lions Gate Hospital's Evergreen 'NEW-HOMES & COMPLETE, RENOVATIONS (Showroom: oth’S * Computer Custom Designed # : Kitchens & Baths : © 2-3 weeks delivery * Compieie renovation with door 5999” with door *1099° House was an inspiration for those gardening in a small space. The success of this garden is due to the expert grouping of plants on raised or tiered levels. Many of the plants and containers are unique, but clustered together they comple- ment one another. A variety in leaf color, form and growing habits all add interest to the collection of plants. If you like these ideas and want to see more, you wil! probably want to attend next year’s garden tour. with door *1199” » Save $65 on trims and accessories for your Legend Offer ends Sept. 17/94 * B.C. Gas financing available ¢ inserts for existing fireplaces, free standing or direct vent « Clean, efficient heating Convert your old gas furnace now! fame) §Save 20% on your gas bill with a Showroom Hours £ Monsen. sam-spm 945 Turmace by Nova. | NOVA HEATING and Sheet Metal Ltd. “Warming homes for 49 years” 663 West 3rd, North Vancouver 988-3922 Many more in-store savings {We'll meet or beat any competitors price; = this § 2:00-5: =ACTION LIGHTING "ion nY ‘s:00-5:00 “The Newest in Lighting & Fixtures” Saturday 9:00-5:30 115 East 1st Street, N.Van. 987-0556 | ver Lumber te Prices include all installation, permit, and 20 feet of gas piping. Taxes extra. =" B.C. GAS. FINANCING = és 2%: DOWN i FIREPLAC | MARINE DR, (98 2942") 987-1295 F