The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 9, 2010 · 24 Spring Home and Garden How to harness green lawn power (NC)--Ever wonder if your old lawn clunker is doing more damage than necessary to the environment? Consider this. According to environmental consulting firm, Summerhill, an older gas-powered lawn mower that runs for one hour puts out about the same smogforming emissions as 40 new cars running for the same period of time. Joanna Caners, Eco Options Manager, The Home Depot Canada shares the environmental benefits to consider when selecting a new lawnmower. · The push reel mower ­ Perfect for urban dwellers with a smaller lawn, the push reel mower cuts with a scissor-like action of rotating blades passing over a stationary knife. The eco-benefit: it requires no gas or electricity, resulting in zero emissions. In addition to being a good environmental choice, manual reel lawn mowers are more economical to own and require little maintenance outside of having the blades sharpened regularly. · Electric ­ These lawn mowers not only run quietly, save fuel and maintenance costs, they are also Eco Options certified at The Home Depot. If your lawn is under a halfacre, you may prefer the mobility of a cordless model that operates using a rechargeable battery. Some models come equipped with mulching and bagging options for easy composting. · Gas-powered ­ Today's gaspowered lawn mowers are much more efficient than older models. And better efficiency lessens the impact on the environment with lower emissions. A gas-powered lawn mower is an ideal option for large lawns that might have uneven terrain. Each year, during select days, Canadians can bring their inefficient mowers, trimmers, blowers and chainsaws to The Home Depot stores across Canada as part of Mow Down Pollution. The event, run in partnership with Summerhill Impact, is Canada's only gas lawn equipment exchange program, offering free recycling services and instant rebates to purchase zero- or low-emission alternatives. Since program inception in 2001, a total of 34,027 inefficient mowers and trimmers have been responsibly recycled and more than 1,100 tonnes of greenhouse gas and smog forming emissions have been prevented. For more information on choosing the right lawn mower for you, please visit www.homedepot.ca or The Home Depot store in your community. One, two, three, four ­ a new look for your windows (NC)--Planning a window treatment can, at first glance, look quite complicated. So many choices.... So many decisions.... But follow these simple directions, and you'll have it all together in no time. I'm indebted to Mary Dobson, who you have seen on Citytv's CityLine, for guidance in writing this piece. Mary is also spokesperson for Levolor Window Fashions in Canada, and she knows whereof she speaks. First, Mary says: "Think function. The reason we put coverings on our windows is to control natural light, and for privacy." With the right choice, you can have full sunshine, filtered light or complete blackout. The need for control, and for privacy, may well be different from room to room ­ and there are many ways of getting just the degree of control you want. Second, Mary says: "Think style. A window treatment is part of a room, and it should co-ordinate with your design ideas and with your lifestyle." A window treatment can be traditional, contemporary, country, or any other style you feel comfortable with. Use colours, textures and hardware to make the windows part of the room. Third, Mary says: "Think products. There are many different types of roller shades, blinds, plus Romans and PanelTrac. Decide which will serve you best." For example, cellulars are practical, versatile, save energy and control light in unique ways. Wood blinds, in a range of materials and colours, look great in the den, a home office, a kids' room and even a dining room. Roller shades come in a rainbow of colours and fabrics. Roman shades add a touch a class. Fourth, Mary says: "Measure everything. Measure it once, twice and even a third time, because to get the best results, all window coverings have to fit correctly." Your best guide to accurate measurement is the Levolor website, which gives you directions for every installation. it' s g Save Bu or mory 3 e and ingJatdiemaerdens den G ar at $ · grow with us & Greenhouses 25 % 16" Large Pansy Bowls reg $24.99 99 Mix & Match Sale Trees, Evergreens, Flowerings Shrubs & Fruit Trees 19 99 Blooming $ 1999 Orchids 6" Clay $ Lots of colours to choose from 15 99 Scotts32-0-4, Fertilizer Lawn Turf builder Pro For Greener and Healthier Lawn Covers 9,688 sq. ft $ reg 39.99 $ 34 99 Fafard Fafard Natural 12 kg. Spring Lawn Fertilizers $ 00 0 Covers 2691 sq ft 15 reg $29.99 Annuals · Perennials · Shrubs · Evergreens · Rose Bushes · Cacti & Succulents · Tropical Plants · Houseplants · Bonsai · Orchids · Soil & More Bulk Grass Seeds · Drought Tolerant Mix · Sun Mix · Shade Mix · Over Seeding m ose fro 4 to cho Trafalgar Rd. G owers Growers of quality plants since 1960 5558 Trafalgar Road Between Britannia Rd. & Eglinton Ave./Lower Base Line Open Daily 9 am- 6pm MILTON 5%off 2 Hwy. #401 MISSISSAUGA Britannia Rd. Eglinton Ave. 905-878-0722 www.jadegardens.com Sale expires April 14/10 5558 Trafalgar Road Hornby, ON Hwy. #5 OAKVILLE (5 mins. north of Hwy. #5)