Lawn and Garden Guide

Hungry Deer?

How to protect your yard from deer

Beat the Heat

How to help flowers withstand heat waves

Conquering Crabgrass How to control crabgrass before it appears

• April 2, 2019 April 2019 A Special Supplement to the

View this section online by scanning this code or @ www.timescolonist.com/special-sections

1

2

April 2, 2019 •

How colour can affect your garden F

lower gardens can add colour and awe-inspiring appeal to a property. The National Gardening Association notes that gardeners can find nearly every colour of the spectrum in flowering perennials. So whether you prefer soft pink, are partial to bright red or want to relax in a garden and gaze at something deep blue, chances are you’ll find a perennial to tickle your fancy.

The NGA offers the following breakdown of colours to help gardeners learn how their gardens can set the mood they’re looking for.

Complementary colours

Complementary colours are those that are opposite one another on the colour wheel. Orange and blue are examples of complementary colours. According to the NGA, complementary colours can add creative energy and vitality to a garden.

Harmonious colours

Bright colours

These colours are those that are next to each other on the colour wheel, such as orange and red. The NGA recommends harmonious colours for gardeners looking to create a unifying feel in their gardens without resorting to a monochromatic colour scheme. Harmonious colours give off a gentle feeling that can make for a relaxing garden atmosphere.

Pastel colours

Monochromatic gardens can be awe-inspiring even though they stick to a single colour and don’t provide an array of awe-inspiring colours. The NGA notes that gardeners with monochromatic gardens make them interesting by using plants of various sizes and shapes.

A garden full of bright colours like red, orange, magenta, and yellow can provide a landscape with vigor and energy. The NGA notes that brightly coloured flowers can withstand especially bright sunshine, meaning gardeners can marvel at their appearance even when the sun might be adversely affecting other plants and flowers.

Pastels, which include soft pink, powder blue, lavender, and peach, create a tranquil feeling in a garden. This makes pastel perfect for those who want their gardens to be a relaxing, peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The NGA notes that pastels may looked washed out in the midday sun, so they might be best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Monochromatic colours

When planting a garden, gardeners can choose whichever colour scheme they prefer.

To learn more about the effects of colour on a garden, visit the National Gardening Association website at www.garden.org.

Let Us Make Your Yard Beautiful...

Full Service Landscape Construction

250

-8 9 3-L A ND ( 52 6 3)

Specializing in Masonry WWW.ACCENT-LANDSCAPES.COM

• April 2, 2019

3

How to control crabgrass before it appears

H

omeowners who enjoy tending to their lawns know that grass is vulnerable to a host of problems, many of which appear at a time of year when lawn enthusiasts want to showcase the fruits of their lawn-and-garden labors.

Crabgrass is a common problem that appears in summer. According to Lowes, crabgrass plants produce thousands of seeds between midsummer and early fall. While the first frosts of late-fall or early winter kill the crabgrass plants, the seeds produced by the plants remain dormant throughout winter and then begin to grow as the ground temperature warms up with the spring and summer thaw. As a result, controlling germination, which is the development of a plant from a seed or spore after a period of dormancy, is the key to preventing crabgrass from becoming an unsightly blemish that can harm your lawn in summer.

A proactive approach to crabgrass can save homeowners the headaches of dealing with this unwanted guest taking over their grass.

The following tips, courtesy of Lowes, can help homeowners reduce the likelihood of their lawns being overcome by crabgrass as summer hits full swing.

Recognize that routine lawn maintenance may not be enough.

Even lawns that receive sufficient TLC can fall victim to crabgrass. A proactive, crabgrass-specific approach to lawn

maintenance is the most effective way to control the problem before it pops up.

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide.

Pre-emergent herbicides kill crabgrass seedlings as they germinate While these herbicides are highly effective, they must be applied at precisely the right time. The right time to apply them depends on weather patterns. For example, Lowes notes that homeowners who live in regions that might have experienced warmer than usual winters will probably need to apply the herbicides earlier than usual. While the manufacturer instructions should always be followed when applying herbicides, it’s essential that homeowners take weather patterns into consideration as well.

Wait when treating newly seeded lawns.

Pre-emergent herbicides might kill new grass seedlings, so homeowners with newly seeded lawns should wait until they have mowed their lawns three times before applying a herbicide.

Emphasize uniform application.

If a herbicide is not applied uniformly across the lawn, crabgrass can establish itself and ultimately spread to the rest of the lawn.

Do not thatch or aerate after applying a herbicide.

Thatching or aerating a lawn after applying a herbicide might break the product’s chemical barrier, thereby rendering it ineffective.

Crabgrass can quickly spread on an untreated lawn. A proactive approach that prevents its growth can keep lawns looking great through summer.

Wait until the ground temperature rises above 16℃.

Applying herbicides when the ground temperature is below 16℃ might render the products ineffective. Gauging soil temperature can be tricky, but Lowes advises monitoring shrubs and trees on the property.

Once shrubs begin to bloom and trees bud, herbicide can be applied.

Wait when treating newly seeded lawns.

Pre-emergent herbicides might kill new grass seedlings, so homeowners with newly seeded lawns should wait until they have mowed their lawns three times before applying a herbicide.

730 Hillside Ave • 250-382-8291 www.sgpower.com

4

April 2, 2019 •

How to protect

your yard from deer

Avoid tasty morsels.

Deer like English ivy, lettuces, impatiens, pansies, and hostas.

Fruit trees also are targets. Choose other plants to grow, and wait until after early spring, when deer aren’t as concerned with regaining weight lost during the winter, to get them inthe ground.

W

ith more than 60 different

wide for their meals. Home landscapes tend

species of deer worldwide,

to be easy pickings for foraging deer.

there’s a good chance

Many people are excited to see deer in their

individuals will have some sort of interaction

neighbourhoods and yards because they

with these majestic animals at one point

can be such graceful creatures to behold.

during their lifetimes.

However, once deer start to munch on ornamental trees, annuals and flowering

Deer, which live on all continents except

shrubs, the novelty of these animals may

Antarctica, can survive in everything from

wear off. Furthermore, deer also can be

mountainous areas to wet rainforests to

covered in ticks that spread illnesses like

suburban neighbourhoods. These herbivores

Lyme disease. Here are some tips to keep

are voracious eaters that will search far and

deer at bay.

Q u a l i t y Li n k Fe nce s • Welded Handrails • Cladding Fences

• Pool Fences • Cedar Fences

Addition 7% Discount - use promo code IPU07

Interproperty Upgrades

778-677-6727

info@ipropertyupgrades.com

Use fishing line to deter deer.

Put a few stakes in the ground and then run fishing line at a height of about three feet. Deer can sense movement but do not have keen vision. As the deer approach your garden, they’ll brush against the “invisible” fishing line and then get spooked off.

Plant plants that produce strong aromas. The experts at Good Housekeeping suggest planting lavender and marigolds, which emit strong aromas. Deer will be reluctant to walk through because the smell can interfere with their ability to find food and assess their environment via their sense of smell.

Stock up on soap.

The tallow in soap helps keep deer away, according to the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Scented soaps like Irish Spring may be especially good at warding off deer.

Plant in levels. Raised beds and sunken gardens can discourage deer from coming into the yard because they aren’t avid climbers, offers the home and garden resource This Old House.

Employ harmless scare tactics.

Deer are skittish, and any unfamiliar movement or sound may scare them away. Cans hung from strings, sundials and lights can keep them at bay. Deer will seek out an easy meal, but homeowners can take steps to safeguard their trees, flowers and shrubs.

5

• April 2, 2019

Outdoor improvements

that boost home value

• Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value. Patios help a home look neat, add usable space and may help a home to sell quickly. The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI. • Deck: Deck can be as valuable as patios.

A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more.

Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs.

Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs.

• Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI.

• Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors.

If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new. These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly.

• Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas. Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular.

Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available.

• New landscaping: The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes well-thought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider. Many different outdoor projects can add value to a home.

Premium Quality Windows & Doors WINDOWS

Receive up to

• Vinyl Windows & Doors • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Complete Home Renovations FULL LIFETIME WARRANTY

100% FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1978

✃

W

hether home improvement projects are design to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run. The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community. While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value.

✃

Per Window BC Government Window Grant

WINDOWS

CALL FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

250.382.1224

enerheatwindows.ca

6

April 2, 2019 •

How to help

flowers withstand heat waves H eat waves are an inevitable part of summer in many places. While humans can escape indoors to air conditioned rooms when heat waves hit, flowers around a property have no such luxury, putting their survival in jeopardy whenever the mercury rises to especially steamy heights. Wilted flowers that have succumbed to the summer sun are a sight many gardening enthusiasts can recognize.

But there are ways to keep flowers safe and vibrant during periods of extreme heat.

Water at the appropriate times of day.

The National Gardening Association notes that it’s best to water in the early morning and evening because less water will be lost to evaporation during these times of day than during the afternoon, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest.

Choose the right watering method.

It’s not just when but also how you water that can affect flowers during summer heat waves. Aboveground sprinklers might be great for lawns, but the NGA notes that such sprinklers can encourage the spread of disease on certain plants, including roses.

Many gardening professionals recommend soaker hoses when watering flowers because they promote deep watering that can help the plants withstand the summer heat. If you must use an overheard watering system, set the timer so plants are watered in early in the morning or evening.

Routinely check the soil moisture. Soil moisture can help gardeners determine if their flowers have enough water to withstand the heat. The NGA advises gardeners to dig a 12-inch deep wedge of soil from their

during heat waves than other times of year.

gardens to determine its moisture levels.

If the top six inches of the soil is dry, water.

If that area is still wet or moist, the plants have enough moisture to withstand the heat.

Check these moisture levels more frequently

Avoid overwatering.

Novice gardeners may be tempted to water more frequently when they see wilted leaves on their flowers. But wilted leaves are not necessarily indicative of suffering plants. Plants release moisture to protect themselves from excessive heat, which can cause leaves to wilt as the plants try to protect themselves by providing less surface area exposed to the sun.

So long as soil moisture levels are healthy, the flowers should be fine, even if their leaves have wilted. Fortunately, there are many ways to help flowers survive heat waves.

7

• April 2, 2019

Pruning trees

a job best left to the pros Bountiful, healthy trees can be beautiful to behold and important contributors to a thriving environment. According to American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization, a tree can absorb as much as 18 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year and can sequester one ton of carbon dioxide by the time the tree reaches age 40. The United States Forest Service adds that trees placed properly around a home can reduce air conditioning and heating demands considerably.

Many homeowners are content to leave healthy trees alone. However, trees eventually must be pruned or removed if they become safety risks or pose other threats. Trees with roots that are damaging home foundations or those with limbs overhanging property limits or power lines can be troublesome. Although homeowners can handle relatively minor tree maintenance, for a variety of reasons, many tree projects are best left to the professionals.

Avoid injury Professional tree contractors recognize and understand the hazards associated with tree and limb removal. Many operate in accordance with national or local guidelines to maintain proper clearance of power lines and structures.

Trimming trees close to electrical lines puts a person at risk of being electrocuted. Professionals know how to protect themselves and prevent power outages, which can result when limbs come into contact with power lines.

Professional tree services will use machinery appropriate for the task. Cherrypickers and cranes may lift workers to the correct height to work on trees, while do-it-yourselfers who

rely on climbing trees or using ladders are at risk of injury.

Prevent damage to the tree Many tree services understand the proper way to prune trees to minimize stress and damage to the tree itself. Novice pruners may inadvertently do more harm than good, resulting in proliferation of tree disease or shock. Improper pruning technique also can lead to an unsightly tree.

Liability A professional tree service will possess the correct liability and worker’s compensation insurance. This protects homeowners against litigation should someone be injured while tree work is being done.

Homeowners who damage neighbouring properties when cutting down a tree may find that they are not covered by their homeowner’s insurance policies. This can be a costly mistake that’s easily avoided by simply hiring a fully insured tree removal service.

The right tools The right tools can mean the difference between a job done correctly and one that results in disaster. Professional arborists and tree services have acquired the training, tools and techniques to perform the job safely. This includes using the right tools to tackle the job.

Ropes, pulleys, cranes, stump grinders, and other heavy machinery are just a few of the tools tree services have at their disposal that the average homeowner does not.

Trimming or removing trees can be an unpredictable and potentially dangerous endeavor.

Such work is best left to professionals.

Trees a growing concern?

• Stump and Tree Removal • Pruning • Residential and Commercial Tree Services • Landscape Maintenance • Shrub, Hedge and Garden Bed Maintenance

Contact us today! 250-893-9953 | info@wendigotree.com

wendigotree.com

8

April 2, 2019 •

Catch the West Sho re Wave

p Sale Ends A

019 ril 12, 2

SHELL BUSEY CV-9 OUTSIDE WINDOW CLEANER

Add 2 ounces to 1 gallon of tap water. With a hose, wet down the outside windows and the wall area beneath, or the entire exterior if desired. Simply wash your windows with a sponge or squeegee and rinse with a hose.

100% biodegradable and non-toxic !

788

SHELL BUSEY CLEANING FORMULA

Removes algae, mildew, dirt, grease and stains from all types of surfaces. Cleans stucco, vinyl or aluminum siding. For light, medium or heavy duty cleaning. Super concentrated, makes up to 50 gallons.

1488

SIKKENS STAINS SRD 3.78 L

CETOL 1 3.78 L

5688

7888

RED CEDAR POSTS AND BOARDS

10479 79 4 x 4 x 8’ 3½ x 3½ .................... 35 99 2 x 4 x 8’ 1½ x 3½ .................... 12 79 1 x 4 x 8’ ¾ x 3½ ........................ 6 29 1 x 6 x 8’ ¾ x 5½ ..................... 12 79 1 x 8 x 8’ ¾ x 7¼ ..................... 16 6 x 6 x 8’ 5½ x 5½ .................

ea

ea

ea

ea

ROUGH CUT YELLOW CEDAR

359 89 1”x6” x 6’ Rough Cut .............. 4 99 1”x6” x 8’ Rough Cut .............. 6 98 2”x4” x 8’ Rough Cut .............. 8 98 4”x4” x 8’ Rough Cut ........... 19 88 6”x6” x 8’ Rough Cut ........... 42 88 2”x8” x 16’ Rough Cut ......... 39 1”x6” x 5’ Rough Cut ..............

ea

DECK FINISH 3.78 L

RUBBOL 3.78 L

89

62

88

88

ea

ea

FENCE BOARDS

ea

ea

ea

ea

CEDAR SHINGLES

52

88

25 sq.ft./bundle

ea

ea

YELLOW CEDAR DECKING

2999

2”x6” x 12’ ............................

(1½”x5½”)

ea

Rustic Oak Barrels are great for any home or garden.

Use as planters, tables or decor. Limited stock!

Get Yours While Quantities Last!

R WANT YOU T BARREL CU IN HALF? 0 ADD $ 20.0

16888

ea

ea

#2 Prefection Shakes

FULL SIZE RUSTIC OAK BARRELS

679 69 1 x 6 x 5’ ¾ x 5½ ........................ 5 98 5/4 x 5’ 1” x 4½ ........................... 5 1 x 6 x 6’ ¾ x 5½ ........................

ea

CEDAR DECKING 5/4 x 5’ Radius Edge 1” x 4½

............................

ea

WESTSHORE windsorplywoodvanisle@shaw.ca windsorplywood.com 88 888 Van Isle Way (250) 474-6111

100% Locally Owned

118

LIN FT