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2 Home, Lawn & Garden, Tuesday, May 3, 2011 Big Green Egg Cooking Demonstration Saturday May 7, 10am - 4 pm www.biggreenegg.ca Purchase a Big Green Egg on May 7 and receive FREE: nest, assembly, and in-town delivery Draw for a Big Green Egg Cookbook ($70 value) No purchase necessary (up to $199.99 value) Acton Home Hardware 519-853-1730 Every year experts come out with the list of gardening trends and things to watch for, but 2011 seems to be a little different. There are still great lists of new plants and fabric colours, but the consensus this year is that it's a perfect year for starting over. Now is the time for making the outdoor changes we've been putting off. It's also a perfect time to renew our love for gardening. Here are three simple things we can all do that will get the process started and help us make an environmental impact: 1. Plant a tree. Trees are the backbone of any well­designed garden. They help define the space and give it structure. With all the different shapes, sizes, and varieties available, trees allow us to fill holes, create privacy, and add colour. On a larger scale, trees are disappearing at an alarming rate all around the world. We need them to clean the air of the pollutants we put into it, and to help us keep the world from quickly becoming a warmer place. On average, one shade tree in a garden can reduce the air temperature by up to 2% in a backyard and also help to keep our homes cool as nature's air conditioner. One new tree in your backyard can help make a difference for many years to come. 2. Retire the old tools. Making yard work easier and faster will greatly contribute to your enjoyment of your backyard space. Start by taking a look in your garage or shed to pinpoint which garden tools are gas powered. Next, consider replacing those smelly, noisy tools with cordless products as a clean alternative to gas. Black & Decker's new cordless garden tools are built for compatibility and interchangeability. They are lightweight, easy to use and provide all the power you need to get the job done quickly. These tools have been designed with careful thought to ergonomic comfort and durability to do the jobs for which they are intended ­ from trimming hedges to edging your lawns and more. The movement away from gas­powered tools towards alternative power is the clean solution for the environment. 3. Remove a strip of grass. Our lawns have the unpleasant distinction of being the highest resource­consuming item in our backyard. A good lawn uses more water, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides than anything else we could possibly plant on our properties. We need to question our need for grass. If everyone reduces the size of our lawns by a small amount every year, we can conserve much of our natural resources. Instead of planting more grass, increase the size of your gardens or make an addition to the patio and deck area. Whatever you choose, go with something that will enhance your outdoor experience. There is nothing quite like making a change to start on a better path for the future. Let's all take the first step forward in 2011 by renewing our own outdoor spaces. More information is available online at www.blackanddecker.com, or toll­free 1­800­54­HOW­TO. --www.newscanada.com YOUR LOCAL AWARD-WINNING LANDSCAPER! It's time to renew in the garden Design Interlock Square Cut Flag Outdoor Kitchens Lighting Retaining Walls Outdoor Rooms Plantings Natural Stone FREE ESTIMATES - Fully Insured 905-877-2919 LBD@xplornet.com www.LandscapesByDesign.ca MG351