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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1998 You know that yard down the street you've always ad- mired? The one that looks like it belongs in a maga- zine? You can create this great look, too. A good start to your makeover is as simple as adding a shrub or two. Shrubs can pull together your entire yard, hiding un- attractive areas and giving it a finished look. Shrubs of- fer a splendid variety of shapes and sizes, beautiful blossoms, colourful berries, and attractive foliage. Try a globe cedar or variegated dogwood to cover an un- sightly concrete foundation. A creeping juniper strategi- cally placed will provide a soft transition from the hard lines of your house to your yard. Whatever type you choose, shrubs are a small investment that will add in- stant value to your home and enhance your garden for years. So, take a few min- utes before planting or trans- planting to provide for their long-term health by properly preparing the soil. The best way to do this is by using Canadian sphag- num peat moss - a natural What to look for in a new tractor Shopping for the right tractor for your yard can be confusing. There are many brands and, at first glance, they seem similar. A tractor is an investment that should last for years. Experts rec- ommend going beyond the shiny paint to compare the design, features and quality of different models by ask- ing these questions. Ask about the design and manufacture of the tractor to assess its quality and dura- bility. To assure longevity, look for all steel construc- tion, including the hood. Also, check the tractor's . frame design. For maximum durability, look for a chan- nel frame design, welded for added strength. Different gauges of steel support criti- cal stress areas, making a channel frame more rugged than the single-piece stamped frame usually found on less-expensive units. There are three keys to a great cut: the mowing deck, the turning radius and the traction. Examine how the mowing deck is mounted on the tractor. Look for an axle- mounted mowing deck that "floats" freely, adjusting to changes in terrain. Thick deck mounting system fol- lows the contours of your yard, reducing scalping and providing a-smooth, cyen _ pre smnghe, eva Another sign of a great cut is the ability to manicure around landscaping, mini- mizing the trimming re- quired after mowing. Look for a tractor with a tight turning radius to complete the job efficiently, one that's capable of mowing around trees and shrubs in one pass. Finally, just like a car, look for features that im- prove traction. Good trac- tion ensure that the tractor's wheels will not slip when climbing steep inclines or mowing wet, slippery areas. Your best assurance that the tractor you select will meet your needs, and con- « tinue to work for you into the future, is to buy it from a knowledgeable local, serv- icing dealer. A dealer has the ability to counsel and advise about a number of lines and knows which companies provide the best parts serv- ice. He will have a well- stocked inventory of service, parts and accessories. s * Asphalt, Cedar, Metal THE NEW TANNER soil conditioner with a unique cell structure that creates ideal growing condi- tions by regulating moisture and air around plant roots and helping to retain the nu- trients vital to plant health. Ready to start planting? Dig a hole three times as wide and just as deep as the shrub's root ball. Angle the sides of the hole outward to 45 degrees, and loosen the bottom soil with a garden fork. Mix one part peat moss with two parts of the dug- up soil. (If your shrub is a type that prefers acidic soil, like a rhododendron or coni- fer, use one part peat moss to one part soil.) Remove the shrub's packing material, and-prune off any damaged or rotted roots. Place the shrub in the planting hole, ensuring that its trunk is straight. Backfill with the soil and peat-moss mixture and lightly pack. Water well, then wait about 15 minutes for the wa- backfill above the shrub's bark line. Using the remaining soil mixture, build a rim, like a saucer, encircling the plant- texto Fe a oe a ees 5 . és ins 50 soil mixture, but don't hold water where it is OAK & PINE TABLES & CHAIRS, BEDROOM SUITES & ACCESSORIES, QUALITY COIL MATTRESSES, RECLINING SOFAS & CHAIRS, BOOK CASES Seid OS OAK & PINE FURN'!' TURE Specializing in Solid Wood Hand-Crafted Furniture 197 Main St.S. Rockwood _ 856-2537 + RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL | DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION } INTERLOCKING STONE + ROCKERY STONE | NURSERY STOCK & PLANTING ia + SNOWPLOWING Rick 519-853-3838 ACTON Linda needed most. Water your new shrub twice a week for SALE PRICE Husqvarna 36 $299." $50 15/16" Bar AEGULAR PRICE $349.00 % Savings SALE PRICE Husqvarna 41 4 $379." VEGULAR PRICE $409.00 SALE PRICE Husqvarna 257 6 $549." YEGULAR PRICE $686.00 Stace SALE PRICE ogee ne vee $629." ee ee AEGULAR PRICE $769.00 Savings i feeneene : You can make your home look as good as the ones in gardening magazines by adding the right mixture of plants, shrubs, stones and other touches. a month after planting and enjoy the new look. el ec Mal eC a le ¢ Flat Roofs - Torch On & Built Up e Seamless ¢ Vinyl Siding Eavestroughing "~Above All, You Need A Roof' TERRY CAMERON 853-4790