LIFESTYLES

Cool weather

preserves
rhododendrons’

blooms

BRRRRH! IT’S still too cold for celosia, coleus, impatiens,
mimulus, New Guinea impatiens, salvia, zinnias, tomatoes,
peppers, squash, cucumbers, and me!!

In fact, | would suggest waiting
for another two weeks before mov-
ing anything tender outdoors.

over the
garden gate

Geoff Tobiasson

ns

The silver lining is the prolonged
blooming period for some of my
rhododendrons, azaleas and
flowering cherries. If it gets too
warm too fast, they tend to drop
their blossoms too quickly.

So here is the list for May. The
silver lining here is that we should
finally be able to see some results
for all of our labors.

© Lawn Care - This is the best
time to power-rake. Do it too early
while the lawn is still wet and you
might rip more grass out than

moss and thatch. Leaving it too
late, however, could result in ex-
posing the roots to the hot sun; not
good. DO IT NOW!

An early start on weed control is
most important. Learn to get *em
as you see ’em. Dig them out with
weed puller or a hand trowel while
you are mowing.

Only in the most severe cases
should you resort to a well-timed
application of a liquid weed killer
containing 2-4D and Mecoprop.

These are environmentaliy un-
sound products and used only
when the problem is out of con-
trol, Even then, you must exercise
your common sense and caution.
Never use Weed and Feed! It’s a
lot like cutting off your arm to
cure a hang nail.

Of course, you could take the
sensible approach and start over.
If your weed problem is bigger
than your lawn, this is a good time
to start.

The first line of defence against
weeds and moss is healthy grass. If
your grass is thick enough, they
just can’t get started. Water, feed,
and cut regularly. If you do, you
will be rewarded with a beauiiful,
relatively problem-free lawn.

Dolomite lime s?:ould have been
applied six to eight weeks ago. If
you have not done so, do not get
embarassed, just get busy.

© Flower Beds — Cultivate your
beds well before planting, remov-
See Vegetable

Page 14

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reen thumb

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NORTH VANCOUVER Kiwanians (left to right) Don McKay, Ernie Earnshaw and Frank Wiiliams prepare
their plants for the local Kiwanis Club’s annual plant sale. Hanging baskets and window boxes will be sold at
Lynn Valley Mall Friday, May 11 from 3 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Garden will love this peat recipe

HERE’S A spring tip that’s certain to give the garden
that little something it needs to get growing for the
season.

Sphagnum peat moss producers use this recipe to
make early garden prep as simple as one, two, three.
Formulated of one-half compost or excellent garden
soil, one-half peat, and the appropriate fertilizer, the
mixture is a garden tonic. It gives budding plants the
nutrients they need, retains water then releases it
slowly to thirsty roots and shoots, and fills in cracks
in the soil that form during thaw.

in a wheelbarrow mix equal parts compost or
garden soil, the recommended amount of the proper
fertilizer — for lawns, acid-loving plants, vegetables

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or flowers — and peat. Spread a half-inch layer over
beds and around plants. Once the threat of frost is
truly past and spring has arrived, proceed with regular
garden and yard preparation.

The secret behind this early spring tonic is
sphagnum peat moss. Recommended by discerning
gardeners, peat makes everything grow better because
it improves plants from the soil up.

Good soil, loosely structured to provide roots with
organic matter, moisture, and air circulation is what
every plant needs, from lawns to lilies and azaleas to
apple trees. Peat adds body to light sandy soils;
aerates heavy clay soil; and, retains up to 20 times its
weight in water so that plants need less frequent
watering.

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