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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday April 25, 2008 - 35 PATIO AND DECK COVERS · CARPORTS · SUNROOMS · SPA & POOL ENCLOSURES Planning and planting your garden oasis Gardening not only connects us to planet Earth, but allows us to enjoy the many fruits of our labour with colourful blooms all season long. Prior to planting, Here are some tips to help you plan and cultivate your garden oasis. It's all in the plan. To determine what types of plants to grow, scope out the area to see how much wind and sunshine it receives. Next, observe key elements of good landscape design including proportion and repetition. For variety, consider a three-tier design with tall, upright plants in the back, bushy medium plants in the middle and trailing plants in the front. Perennial power. Perennials have staying power, dying off in the fall, but returning in the Spring. They require minimal care and thrive for decades. The secret: plant a mix of perennials with different blooming times so you'll have colour in your garden from Spring to Fall. Herb aroma. Creating and growing a small herb garden is an easy Mother's Day activity for the entire family. Herbs from the garden provide fresh flavour to home cooked meals, add a pleasant aroma to the backyard and can be easily contained. Think vertical and maximize space by hanging a pot of herbs from a hook or use growing poles for vine vegetables. Try xeriscaping. This is an environmentally friendly form of landscaping that uses a variety of indigenous and drought-tolerant plants, shrubs and ground cover. This self-sustaining garden is low maintenance because the native plants thrive in their local environment, providing a habitat for local wildlife. Eco maintenance. Rich compost is one of the best things you can feed your garden. Using a compost bin creates a cozy place for micro-organisms to convert organic waste into a soil-like substance. Also, consider using a rain barrel that connects directly to your eavestrough downspout and take advantage of the season's downpours while saving on water. -News Canada Turn sun-baked patios and decks into cool, softly lit outdoor rooms DEGLAS day-lighted patio covers create a comfortable, safe, soft, sunlit outdoor environment, while reflecting heat and blocking harmful UV rays. Relax on your deck and enjoy outdoor patio dining with friends and family despite the downpour or excessive heat. Made with the most weatherable polymer on the market, DEGLAS High Impact Acrylic panels leave other products lacking. DEGLAS won't degrade like fiberglass, polycarbonate and PVC alternatives. · Weather-tight · Blocks harmful UV rays · Strong and durable · Maximizes light · Reflects heat · Long life and warranty SAVE 20% Order by June 30*! *Your order and deposit must be made by June 30, 2008 to receive this special pricing. Taxes extra. Includes materials and installation. Call Natural Light for details. DEGLAS D LIGHT FULL ENVIRONMENTS ® AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM · Available in clear, white and bronze Call 905.774.7427 www.naturallightpatiocovers.com OPENING GRAND R AT I O N E V E N T CELEB 24, 25, & 26 APRIL Plus... get a FREE Spa Start-Up Chemical kit with the purchase of a new Spa or Hot Tub Receive a FREE Buddy Seat or In-Pool Bench with the purchase of a new Pool SOAK IN THE SAVINGS DURING OUR WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR SUMMER TO FEEL LIKE? 6 MONTHS NO INTEREST $500 INSTANT REBATE OR BOOK NOW FOR SPRING INSTALLS! VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO SEE ALL OUR GRAND OPENING POOL AND SPA SPECIALS! L E I S U R E C E N T R E 5430 HARVESTER ROAD, BURLINGTON I 905-631-0837 I 905-389-6610 I WWW.FOXPOOL.COM I WWW.MARQUISSPAS.COM R001130569