\ + ss ~ Friday, June 30, 1989 — North Shore News Water dahlias regularly DID YOU know that: © Dahlias, tuberous begonias and other plants in containers in the garden should be watered regu- larly, especially during dry spells? Remember that, despite rainwater, because of the container walls, these plants cannot obtain water and ustrients from the soil. Caeck them frequently and add some house plant fertilizer to the water now and ther. After only six to eight weeks, they will have con- sumed all the food from the pot- ting soil. © Tuberous begonias can be in- duced to bloom for an extra long’ time if their faded blooms are removed right away? Pinching these off is especially important in a heavy rain, too, because the withered flowers — particularly of the full-flowered varieties — stain very easily. Remember to remove any petals that have fallen among the plants. They can be a source of infection and disease to the plants. © Potted Crinum powellii is coming into bloom just about now? Set the pot in the sunniest spot in the garden; foliage forma- tion and flowering require a great deal of energy in this semi-tropical plant. It will draw upon the reserves in the bulb but needs to replenish itself, too. Water and fertilize reg- ly. A little mown grass placed on the surface of the soil in the pot will help it conserve water. Be prepared for | additional costs From page 14 specifications for the job they are quoting, you won't be abie to make an accurate comparison. Before assigning the job, have a detailed contract written up that will protect you from any expen- sive surprises. In your contract, you should have detailed plans and specifications for the work you want done. You shouid also specify an authorization system for any addi- tions to the original job specifica- tions, so you"ll be aware of addi- tional costs as they are incurred. The document should also include guidelines for the job’s start and stop dates (although you should allow for unforeseen contingencies such as weather, and additional job requirements), the contractor’s responsibility for acquiring all necessary building permits and in- spections, and a method for settl- ing any disputes you may run into. ‘Be cautious of any contractor who demands a large downpay- ment before the work com- mences,”’ said Meszaros. ‘‘Gener- ally, most renovation jobs do not require more than 10 per cent up front.” “All of this may seem like a lot of work just to find a contractor,’ said Meszaros. “But if you’ve chosen your contractor carefully, you can sit beck comfortably and watch the work being done, rather than worry through many sleepless ts.”" i. ul “wood “stove from Kent: The Sherwood with outside air option, ee ae stem © Loge top cookii © 5 year wana _ x3 en ao99 ea by or ae Von 987-1293 wile let "$799 END OF LEASE - BRASS BLOWOUT 4222 Marine Drive’ at Pemberton, N. Van. Premium Saxony- ¢ Premier Stainmaster Antron Fibre @ Designed efegantly for performance 20-50% OFF Tey Let’s Sell REAL ESTATE Gr’ me Harley McDougall List with me — be WORRYFREE ! “Serving the whole North Shore’”’ ee eel WESTERN REAL’ Home 926-1952 WESTERN REALTY Office 922-6166 “I make my commissions the old fashioned way, 1 earn them." ANADA DAY JUNE 29, 30; JULY 1, 2,3 Thursday-Friday 9-9; Saturday 9-5; Sunday-Monday 11-5 e beautiful decorator shades 4 From “The Stain Resistant Collection” Deluxe Berber e Handsome European look © 100% Olefin ° Static-free — Ideal for high traffic areas sq. yd. TWO WINNING PRODUCTS AT ONE LOW PRICE! Shop & Compare BLINDS Example “MINI-MATES"” 48" wide x 60” long Levolore AT GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES ony O7 a) 72” wide x 48” tong CALL TODAY FOR AN IN-HOME ESTIMATE Nobody Sells For Less UNITED CARPE “(N EXT TO IKEA) _273: 9674: AT RICHMOND LOCATION ONLY "12660 BRIDGEPORT RD. °