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Advertorial F iv e t ip s fo r c r e a t in g a Z e n g a r d e n Would you like to create a relaxing, harmonious outdoor space inspired by the famed Japanese gar­ dens? Here are five tips that will help you turn your backyard into a pleasant Zen oasis. 1. Don't overcrowd the space: When it comes to designing a Zen garden, always think in terms of sim ­ plicity and sobriety. This means you should avoid in­ cluding too many showy decor elements, which would create a cluttered effect. If you want the space to feel pure and minimal, keep accessories to a minimum -- two or three is plenty. 2. Choose organic materials: Stone tiles, sand pathways peppered with pebbles, a wooden bridge -- organic m aterials are key in a Japanese-inspired garden. Any furniture you'd like to incorporate (a chair for meditation, for example) should be plain, sim ple and high quality. 3. Incorporate aquatic elements: Water, which sym bolizes purity and relaxation, is a key element to show case in your Zen garden. To do so, you could set up a calm ing fountain or even a sm all pond. 4. Choose inspiring plants: Se lect trees, shrubs and flowers that inspire serenity. Japanese maple, alpine pine, boxwood and bam­ boo are ju st a few varieties that are ideal for creating a peaceful haven. 5. Say yes to asymmetry: Avoid the straight, regu­ lar lines -- such as a pathway bordered by parapets -- often associated with Western gardens. In a Zen space, asymmetry and irregularity should be highlighted in celebration of the unpredictable random ness of nature. (NPT) NUHSERIES- membershipcard w w w .c o n n o n .c a 6 5 6 R o b s o n R d . W a t e r d o w n O N f ----------Since 1906--------- \ 1 ®CONNON 1 -- N U R S E R I E S ----- THE PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE G R O W E R S OF Q U A L I T Y P L A N T S & T R E E S D o s a n d d o n 't s f o r e n e r g y c o n s e r v a t i o n Gardens and landscaping can turn your home into a beautiful oasis and boost its curb appeal. Before you dig that koi pond however, you need to be aware of the risk of poorly planned landscaping that could result in unintended water penetration of your home. In trying to beautify the exterior, you could end up with a leaky basement while jeopardizing your new home warranty. In Ontario, most new homes come with a seven-year warranty that covers certain defects in workmanship, violations of the Ontario Building Code and major structural damage. The warranty is provided by your builder and backed by Tarion. As the homeowner, you are responsible for taking care of your home. This includes not altering any soil grading your builder has put in place to protect from water penetration. If your landscaping ideas require any changes to the slope around your home, this could lead to poor surface drainage, ponding, flooding, basement dampness, or foundation settlement -- all of which could result in damages that aren't covered under warranty. So, before you start making any plans that could impact any of the drainage systems on your property, be sure it won't cause water to accumulate anywhere near your home's foundation. This is important for projects as simple as planting flowers and more complex ones like installing a pool, deck or even a second driveway, Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you're embarking on any landscaping projects: •Make sure the land slopes away from your house so water does not accumulate near the foundation of your home. • Extend downspouts so water flows away from the house and does not collect next to the basement walls and windows. •Ensure surface drainage is directed away from window wells and exterior stairwells. •Don't cover up exterior weeping holes. These allow water inside a home to move outside and evaporate. Raising the grade above weeping holes could allow water to back up and weaken your foundation. It could also encourage insects or animals to enter your home. Before making changes to your builder's grading, check with your local building department to understand the requirements that apply to your home. Find more information on how changes to your home can impact your warranty at www.tarion.com. (NC) FOR SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS ASK US ABOUT OUR GROWER DIRECT PROGRAM S erv ing Landscape Pro fessiona ls O n ta rio - w id e A lso open to the p u b lic d a ily fro m 9am ! W e are the G row ers o f o ve r 2 5 0 ACRES o f n u rse ry s to ck V is it one o f th e la rg e s t d isp lays o f p la n t m a te ria l a nyw here ! Robson P ro d u c tio n Sales Yard Since 1906 905 689 7433 O p e n i n g y o u r y a r d f o r s p r i n g With warmer days and spring cleaning on our minds, people across the country are gearing up for a deep clean of their homes. And while you're getting into every crevice in the house, don't forget the yard outside. Remember that outdoor maintenance can be just as important as indoor work for keeping your home in top shape and ready for living. A recent survey showed 91 per cent of Canadians spend up to six hours per week on yard work at their home. With the right kick­ off strategy and tools, you can minimize your work throughout the year. Wait until your lawn is dry: Keep yard maintenance minimal while your grass is still wet. Heavy foot traffic on a wet lawn may damage the grass and its roots, causing more work later if you need to re-sod. Clean up debris: During the winter, a blanket of snow may cover any remaining debris in your yard, but now that the snow has melted, it's time to clean up any leaves you may have missed, branches that have fallen, and any garbage in the area. Prepare for your first cut of the season. The grass may be fragile, so it's important to use sharp blades for a clean cut and no tears. Ideally, cut no more than a third of the height of the grass to maintain healthy growth and a lush lawn. Stihl's Lithium-Ion mowers are lightweight and powerful for easy maneuverability to shorten the time spent on the task. Aerate your lawn: From dealing with thatch and water pooling to weed and insect re­ sistance, starting the season off with aeration will help keep your lawn healthy during the spring and summer months. It'll also minimize any additional work needed to address these issues. Consider composting: This sustainable activity puts organic household waste and garden refuse like grass cuttings, tree and hedge trimmings, leaves and withered flow­ ers to good use. Compost will create a natural fertilizer containing the valuable nutrients that you need for a healthy garden and lawn. Find more information on lawn care tools online at stihl.ca. (NC) 6| O akvilleB eaver | T hursday, A pril 26,2018 insidehalton.com http://www.connon.ca http://www.tarion.com