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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, May 31, 2013 | 20 Lawns Are Back. Yes, they can be green! Many garden centres in Halton Region have found a common thread. The cost of maintaining a lawn during hot summer temperatures is going to increase ­ the browning, the cost of water, the infestation of grubs has become a real drain ­ what can we do? With that in mind, it seems customers are starting to make a grass seed called RTF Water Saver more of a household name. Just ask eco-conscious Carson Arthur. A television personality & outdoor expert, he tests options that offer real value for lifestyle. "I hate grass, but I love RTF," says Arthur. "I deeply care about the environment, and I've finally found a grass that offers all the benefits I feel comfortable to support. It is the ultimate grass seed." The roots of RTF Water Saver are a key feature that's generating attention. One of the largest challenges facing lawns during the hot summer is the ability for it to reach water, or us to afford to feed it. The deeper root system of RTF helps solve this problem. Established, it can thrive with less sprinkler input because it reaches water and nutrients deep below. It also performs great in sun or shade, self-repairs to reduce bare spots and its tough, reducing pest issues. Sean James, master gardener and owner of Fern Ridge Landscaping in Milton, ON, who also sits as the chair of the Environmental Stewardship Committee for Landscape Ontario (LO), indicates that RTF is the biggest innovation the industry has witnessed during the last decade. "There is nothing else like RTF Water Saver Grass Seed on the market. The biggest flaw often made is not choosing plants that are drought tolerant" With this growing response, RTF Water Saver is now being found at more garden centres. From small independent nurseries to The Shopping Channel as well as the Canadian Tire located in Whitby North. It may expand to other dealers in the near future. Lawns are back. Yes, they can be green. Spring Home & Garden Tips for maintaining decks (NC)-- As we begin to use out great outdoor living space, we begin to notice that it may be a little dirty or that the surface of our deck is a little tired looking. The rst thing to think about is how to protect the investment and prolong its life. The two main causes of damage to any exterior wood surface is water and ultra violet rays. Although some outdoor woods might have preservatives, insect repellants and naturally long life in outdoor constructions, they are still susceptible to damage from water and UV rays. You can do a simple splash test by pouring water on to the surface and if the water penetrates into the wood it needs to be protected. If the wood is starting to look gray, the surface may be showing signs of aging from the sun and black mould and mildew could be growing on the surface. The best way to protect your deck is to make sure you clean the surface prior to applying a water repellant product. Using a deck cleaner on the surface is key to removing oxidation, dirt, mould, mildew and dead wood bers. Cleaners with brighteners in them can also restore the natural colour of cedar. Some believe that using a pressure washer by itself will clean the surface. Although a great tool in the right application it does not remove all the mould or mildew and can damage the wood surface by removing wood bers. Once the deck has been cleaned and has had time to dry you will want to protect against water damage and ultra violet rays. You may also like to add a little colour back into the wood. With new products, you can clean your deck in the morning and protect it later in the day, say the research and development team at Thompson's. Here are a few ways to do this effortlessly: Clean the surface with their brand line called Thompson's WaterSeal Deck Wash, or with the Heavy Duty Cleaner. Protect it with their formula WaterSeal Advanced. It will protect your deck for years to come. POND STORE NOW OPEN! " I HATE grass Why talk to people who sell flowers about ponds? Come to the experts who know ponds! ...but I LOVE RTF ! ® As a landscape designer I deeply care about the environment. That's why I recommend RTF® Water Saver. It is the ultimate grass seed. Premium water plants Koi and Gold Fish ready for your ponds RTF® is your best tool for growing a healthy, sustainable lawn. The only seed you'll ever need DROUGHT TOLERANCE ECO-FRIENDLY TM 3 Day Online Sale To get $ 2 off per bag this Friday, Saturday & Sunday only!* *May 31, June 1 & June 2, 2013 Go to RTFwatersavercanada.com/ RTFwatersavercanada.com/springsale Visit our website to shop online, watch our videos or to find a retailer near you. " CARSON ARTHUR LANDSCAPE DESIGNER & OUTDOOR EXPERT www.thepondsquad.com 1-866-270-POND 755 Griffith Court Burlington 5 YEAR WA5 YA EN RR A R T Y AVAILABL E NOW AV A 30% LESS WATER/ DEEPER ROOTS WEED & INSECT RESISTANCE SELF REPAIRING SUN & SHADE 11 YEARS IN A ROW DIAMOND AWARD 10 YEARS IN A ROW DIAMOND AWARD VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE ILABLE NOW Available for Commercial use and in Retail. · FULL-TIME CERTIFIED CONCRETE DESIGNER ON STAFF · SENIOR DISCOUNT · OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE · FULLY GUARANTEED. BEST QUALITY. BEST PRICE. "SATISFIE D CUSTOMER TOWNWID S E" See the Difference a PRO Makes! EXPOSED AGGREGATE & CONCRETE PATTERN SPECIALISTS THE NAME PE OP RECOMMEND LE IN OAKVILLE "THE ORIGINAL" BULLNOSE & FACES (2002) "THE ORIGINAL" CHISEL STONE BULLNOSE (2007) PC LANDSCAPING LTD. PC LANDSCAPING LTD. We Will Beat Any Competitors Offers by 20% *Must include our 9 item standard estimate for exposed aggregate OFFICE 905.827.8266 CELL 905.208.8824 WWW.PROCONCR ETE.COM WWW.SIERRA-STONE.COM TM