May 09, 2012

Spring

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SPRING IN THE GARDEN

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Gardens in bloom invite you for tour The 2012 Gardens in Bloom tour, a celebration of gardens sponsored by the Comox Valley Horticultural Society, will happen June 23 and 24.

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Five years ago, a committee of three initiated these tours. Now there are over 80 volunteers working to showcase 10 of the best gardens in every corner of the Comox Valley.

CVHS members and the general public suggest new gardens each year.

The selection committee then visits each garden and preference is given to those that fulfill an acceptable crosssection of gardens with something for everyone.

The list includes small urban settings, large country cottage gardens, immense, small and unusual vegetable patches, unique designs, and unusual structural features.

There will be traditional gardens, and modern displays where flowers might be featured in one garden and in another the foliage will be the highlight.

This year a miniature train, a Japanese garden and an intriguing water feature will

be amongst the attractions.

In the past, the Gardens in Bloom tour has raised over $15,000, which was distributed to several local horticultural events or projects. The Therapeutic Gardens, The Views at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Glacier Views Lodge, and Stepping Stones transition house have been recipients in the past.

As well, the elementary school in Cumberland and the Beachcomber school in Union Bay both received funds for their children’s gardens.

Attendance is crucial for camera enthusiasts, plant lovers, novice gardeners and those looking for ideas for garden design or just something new and different.

Whatever your interest is, you will also be contributing to a worthwhile community project.

— Comox Valley Horticultural Society

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SPRING IN THE GARDEN

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

3

ergonomic TOOLS make gardening easier

Hand injuries are a common side effect of certain occupations and hobbies.

Tennis elbow or wrist and even carpal tunnel syndrome are well-recognized injuries. But ergonomic tools can help alleviate injuries due to repetitive motions.

Choosing the right garden tools can alleviate pain and strain.

The term ergonomics is derived from the Greek words “ergon,” which means work, and “nomoi,” which means natural laws. In the simplest terms, ergonomics is the study of how work is done and how to make work better. It has led to an entire subset of ergonomics including products that can make work better and are safer for the body.

This is done by designing items that increase utility of the item, are more comfortable to use, and reduce injury through frequent use.

Ergonomic products are most readily associated with items of the workplace, including ergonomic keyboards, computer mice, office chairs, and lighting. But many industries have reevaluated operations to include tools that are ergonomic in design. Gardening is one area where ergonomics has become especially popular.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that the rate of hand

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injuries in the workplace is 25 hand injuries for every 10,000 full-time employees. However, hand, back and injuries of other areas of the body are also commonplace due to hobbies like gardening.

Many people have considered giving up gardening due to the pain that ensues from using the wrong tools. Here are some ergonomic tools to consider for use while gardening.

grip that provides more leverage with less wrist stress. The aluminum blade helps to cut through weed roots and lift out weeds with minimal effort.

Garden Works Ergonomic 7 Pattern Sprayer: Instead of squeezing a hand grip to activate the hose nozzle, this sprayer features a sliding thumb valve that controls water flow while reducing hand strain. The seven different water flow patterns allow gardeners to choose from misting to streaming water flows.

Extend a Hand Ergonomic Gardening Tool Set: These garden tools help individuals continue gardening tasks with ease and joint protection.

The tools attach to the forearm and feature a rightangled grip to promote strength and leverage.

Interchangeable heads turn the tool into a hoe, trowel, cultivator, or pruning saw.

Bond LH029 Ergonomic Handle Garden Spade: The handle and length of the tool is designed to create maximum comfort and leverage when digging in soil.

Gardening doesn’t have to be painful when you use tools that are specially designed to fit the hand. They help alleviate strain to the wrist and elbow while maximizing leverage.

Radius Garden 102 Weeder Hand Tool: This device alleviates wrist and hand fatigue from gripping and pulling out weeds the traditional way. The weeder features a patented hand

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SPRING IN THE GARDEN

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

GOOD ADVICE might help to avoid hurting your back THE PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION of BC offers some tips to help gardeners take care of their bodies.

It seems that gardening has become a provincial pastime.

Whether on a patio or a rooftop, roadside or community plot, vegetable, herb or flower, gardens are cropping up everywhere, and with them gardeners.

And, while gardening may not look like a hardcore sport where injuries abound, a day mulching a vegetable patch, preparing a lawn for seed, or doing the annual spring cleanup can lead to strained shoulders or sore backs and knees.

“If you like to garden but want to avoid common gardening injuries and sore muscles, it’s best to start and finish your day in the garden with a gentle warm up and some stretching,” says Rebecca Tunnacliffe, CEO of the Physiotherapy Association of BC. “By following our Phsyio-4 tips you

can minimize injury, alleviate pain and get the most enjoyment out of your day in the garden.”

Physiotherapists have extensive knowledge and experience and can design a safe and effective program to keep gardeners pain and injury free and moving for life.

Here is their Physio-4 for gardening: 1. Begin with a warmup.

Start with light tasks such as easy raking or a walk to warm up your muscles.

Follow this by stretching your back, legs, neck, hands and fingers to help prevent strain or injury. Your physiotherapist will prescribe the best stretches for gardening specific needs.

2. Be aware of your posture and body mechanics.

When sweeping or raking, move your feet instead of twisting your trunk or over-

reaching with your arms.

When lifting heavy bags or pots, use your legs, keep your back straight, and hold objects close to your body to prevent unnecessary strain on your back.

3. Be ergonomically correct. Stay close to the ground to trowel, plant and weed. Wear kneepads to avoid putting too much pressure on your knees.

Ensure your tools are sharp when pruning or sawing to minimize your workload and select tools with long handles to avoid reaching.

4. Pace yourself. Take breaks and do some gentle stretching to keep limber.

Try switching up tasks to use different muscles and avoid one group being overworked. Repetitive actions that use a specific muscle or muscle group can cause pain or injury.

The Physiotherapy Asso-

ciation of BC created the Physio-4 to share the expertise of its members with fellow British Columbians.

“Each month on our website, movingforlife.ca, we provide four tips for a specific activity or health issue relating to that month

to help keep British Columbians moving for life,” says Tunnacliffe. “We want British Columbians to know that if they are injured or in pain, a physiotherapist can help. After all, we are the healthcare professionals physicians recommend

most,” she states.

The Physio-4 Tips for gardening provides suggestions to keep gardeners pain and injury free.

To learn more about how physiotherapists keep British Columbians moving for life, visit movingforlife.ca.

Comox Valley Horticultural Society presents their charity p y fundraiser

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GARDENS IN BLOOM A two day celebration of some of the beautiful gardens in the Comox Valley

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SPRING IN THE GARDEN

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

HOW TO: Seaside gardening tips

Coastal conditions are not always conducive to home gardens in the traditional sense.

Brisk winds and salt spray can enhance the experience of living by the seaside. But the same features of coastal living that attract residents can be unkind to many garden plants.

Sun, salt, a light breeze and some sand may make for a picturesque day at the beach, but they can be anything but favorable to the delicate plants and flowers in a garden. Further, the very warm temperatures and arid, sandy soil that are typical of seaside locales can make planting a lush garden difficult.

Despite the difficulties, coastal living and gardening is possible if you implement some tips for creating a more welcoming environment for plants. Here’s how to do just that.

SET UP A WINDBREAK. Whether it’s by using native grasses and durable plants that are typically found in coastal areas or an architectural structure, such as a stone wall or fencing, a good

windblock will help shelter other plants from blowing sand and salt.

Just be sure to plan the windblock to stop most of the oncoming wind in a way that your water views are not compromised.

AMEND THE SOIL. Few things grow well in sandy soil on their own. Unless you’re thinking of solely planting cacti and other succulent plants that don’t require much water from the soil, it will be necessary to amend the soil to include nutrients and a more hospitable growing base. Sand is good for drainage, but it cannot retain enough moisture to be viable for most plants. Therefore a healthy mix of nutrient-rich soil, compost and fertilizer can provide the right start.

CONSIDER SUN AND HEAT EXPOSURE. Select plants that are hardy in warm-weather, full-sun conditions.

Drought-tolerant plants are a good idea. Choose among varieties that

have waxy leaves to repel salt and sand and low-growing types that will have more protection from the sun. Should you want to plant other flowers and plants, you may have to consider creating shade with moderately-sized bushes or trees.

Yucca plants thrive seaside, as does ornamental pampas grass. Brightly colored ice plants and cosmos flowers can add splashes of color.

ADD COASTAL ACCESSORIES. Typically seaside gardens are enhanced with knicknacks and other items that are specific to coastal living. Pilings with rope, small anchors, sea shells, nautical accents, and much more can be used to fill in bare areas of the garden and create places for birds and other animals to explore.

While there can be some challenges to seaside gardening, it is possible to plant a seaside garden if gardeners choose wisely among heat, sand and drought-tolerant plants.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD

garden injuries ARE A MAJOR CONCERN Gardening is often described as a relaxing and beneficial hobby regardless of a person’s age.

While time outdoors in the garden can prove calming and enjoyable, there is a dark side to gardening as well. Namely the injuries that may result from various activities.

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Bites and bruises Infection is another injury that people may not associate with gardening.

Gardeners often come in contact with many different types of organic matter when gardening. Bacteria, fungi, and insects, as well as chemical fertilizers

and pesticides, may be found in soil.

Failing to protect hands, especially those with a small abrasion or cut in the skin, enables these substances to potentially enter the body and bloodstream, and infections or rashes may result.

Contact with poisonous insects is another concern. Some ants have irritating bites. There are many types of spiders that can be poisonous or inflict a painful bite. Scorpions in dry climates can sting when uncovered in burrows.

Wearing gloves, particularly leather ones, can offer protection against thorny objects, insect bites, chemicals, and other skin irritants found in the soil.

Sun damage Spending time outdoors subjects a person to UV exposure each and every time. Gardening unprotected can mean a bad case of sunburn and the potential to develop skin cancer at a later time.

Whenever spending time outdoors pruning or just admiring the landscape, gardeners should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Try to do the majority of yard work in the early morning or early evening when the sun’s rays are the least harmful.

Additional injuries Many gardeners fail to ease back into garden activities after the winter respite. Should a gardener dive right into strenuous gardening tasks, injuries may ensue. Many hospitals see an influx of back-related injuries, heart attacks, muscle strains, and lacerations come the first stretch of warm weather.

Just like an athlete wouldn’t start the new season off right in a professional game, so shouldn’t a gardener start strenuous activities without gradually warming up to them.

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Cuts and even finger amputations may result from unfamiliarity with pruning tools, such as hedge clippers or handheld pruners. The design of these tools is so they’ll be able to cut through small to moderately sized branches, which means it would not be too difficult for a pruner to snap through a finger bone. Injuries with these tools often occur when the gardener is distracted or the tool slips during use.

Pruners may also exacerbate conditions of carpal tunnel syndrome, usually caused by repetitive hand movements, such as typing or repetitious work. The ASSH says that prolonged, repetitive motions, such as weeding or pruning, can cause skin, tendon or nerve irritation. Rotate tasks every 15 minutes to give certain areas of the body a break.

The use of battery-powered and ergonomically designed hand tools can alleviate pain and may prevent some injuries. Power tools require less effort for cutting, which may reduce tool slippage or misuse.

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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency rooms in the United States treat more than 400,000 outdoor garden-tool-related injuries each year. Additionally, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand has issued warnings that caution gardeners about hand-related injuries.

Doctors from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine have also warned that pruning, mowing and weeding can be dangerous — even comparable to competitive sports.

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MARTIAN GIANT TOMATOES are only one of the many offerings expected at the sixth annual Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers Society spring plant sale.

seed savers HOLDING ANNUAL PLANT SALE MAY 12 Bronze Fennel, Blue Green Curled Leaf Kale, Red Orach, Yellow Summer Squash, Scarlett Runners, Blue Bachelor Buttons and Tall Pink Cosmos.

These and more available at the sixth annual spring plant sale being held by the Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers Society.

Many of the same seeds that were available (and quickly snatched up) at Seedy Saturday in March have been grown out and will be available as ready-to-plant healthy seedlings.

The sale will be held May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at Simms Millennium Park near Fifth Street Bridge in Courtenay.

These colourful plants are only part of the offering on sale day. Tomato varieties such as Fuzzy Peach, Snow White, Martian Giant, might be found along side cucumber, squash, pumpkin, leek, rocket, patty pan zucchini and giant sunflowers. There will be tasty, healing garden herbs, berries, edible flowering plants and perennials.

Each open-pollinated variety is somebody’s favourite; the seed from this year’s crop can be saved for next year.

Come early — last year most offerings sold out fast.

The popularity of this event is due to the exciting and interesting diversity of

vegetables and other plants grown with passion by CVGSS member-volunteers.

CVGSS’ mission is to conserve and preserve our local plant diversity by encouraging and supporting public participation in growing heritage and nonhybrid food crops and other plants.

Some seed packets from plants locally grown last year will be available at the sale. The rich diversity available to our gardens today exists only because somebody, somewhere has saved the seed up until now.

Master gardeners will be in attendance to answer questions about compost, pests, companion planting and plant care. CVGSS is a non-profit society and this plant sale is a fundraiser to assist the society carry out further public education about growing and saving seeds.

The plant sale will be held rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to noon May 12 at Simms Millennium Park in Courtenay.

More information about CVGSS is found at www.ComoxValleyGrowersAndSeedSavers.ca. For more information about the spring plant sale, contact co-ordinator Barbara Toombs at 250-4658131 barbara.toombs@gmail.com.

— Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers Society

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Some homeowners simply go out and buy whatever grass seed they find. However, if you plant a warm-season grass where it frosts over in the winter, you could end up spending money for nothing — and finding a dead lawn come springtime. The same can be said for planting a cool-season grass variety where the summer sun will scorch the lawn and kill it off. These are some factors you will need to consider when planting a lawn.

1. Select the right grass seed or mix of grass seed for your climate.

Determining your zone area and seeing where your location falls on a Turfgrass Selection Climate Zone map, which gauges temperature as well as climate and rainfall amounts, can help you select a grass seed.

For example, bahiagrass, Bermuda and zoysia are better for warmer climates, while bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass may work in cooler-weather to temperate areas.

2. Determine yard needs.

Certain homeowners have no problem spending hours upon hours caring for the lawn. Others prefer minimal upkeep, while some can handle moderate maintenance.

Homeowners can choose a grass based on how much time they want to spend caring for it. You should also determine how the lawn will be used. Will it be a focal point with no foot traffic? Or will it be a play area for kids and pets? This, too, will help you determine your grass type.

3. Choose the type of grass for your desire of growth and life span.

Some grasses spread by creeping or tillering. Tillering happens when the plant extends from the central root, and these grasses are known as “bunch” grasses.

Creeping is when grasses send out horizontal roots, essentially runners, from which new plants will arise. There are also wide Con’t on page 9

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Now that you have narrowed down your needs, you can head to a lawn store armed with the information and select the right type of grass for your needs. Consult with an employee if you have difficulty determining the variety of grass you should purchase. Depending on whether you’re in a transition zone between two different zones, you may need a combination of seeds for the best balance and look.

After you have selected the grass seed, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for seeding.

Experts advise that the best time for seeding is in the fall when there is still ample water and sunlight, and the grass has yet to go into hibernation. Here’s what else you can do.

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COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Help your lawn survive the dog days of summer Homeowners who love their lawns often dread the arrival of summer. High temperatures and endless hours of sun can take their toll on a lawn, especially if a drought occurs and water restrictions are put in place.

For homeowners who don’t want to sacrifice their lawns to summer heat waves, there are a few watering strategies that can help the lawn withstand the harsh and unrelenting dog days of summer.

Homeowners who love their lawns often dread the arrival of summer. High temperatures and endless hours of sun can take their toll on a lawn, especially if a drought occurs and water restrictions are put in place.

For homeowners who don’t want to sacrifice their lawns to summer heat waves, there are a few watering strategies that can help the lawn withstand the harsh and unrelenting dog days of summer.

Watering correctly can help homeowners avoid a lawn filled with patches of brown or dead grass during the dog days of summer.

• Water before the temperatures peak. It might seem like your lawn needs watering most when the temperature is at its highest, but that’s not really the case. Water attracts the sun, so homeowners who water their lawns when temperatures peak are likely to burn the lawn. Watering is best done when the temperatures are at their coolest, such as in early morning or during the twilight hours in the evening. Watering during these hours also ensures the water won’t evaporate as quickly, allowing the lawn to retain more water, which it will need to make it through a hot summer day.

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HOW TO PREVENT

lawn damage

landscape has a lawn and likely a handful of trees and shrubs. Homeowners should know that each of these different plants needs different amounts of water. Deeprooted plants, which includes trees and shrubs, don’t need to be watered as frequently, but homeowners should spend more time watering them when the time comes.

Shallow-rooted plants, however, will need to be watered more frequently but for much shorter intervals. Homeowners who aren’t sure just how much time to spend watering the plants around their property should consult a local landscaper or gardening center for advice.

Don’t forget to mulch. Mulch is beneficial in many ways, one of which is due to its ability to retain moisture. Because mulch can effectively retain moisture even on hot summer days, this can reduce a homeowner’s need to water, which can be especially valuable if a water restriction has been put into effect. Mulch also prevents weed germination and growth, saving homeowners from the annoying task of removing weeds on hot summer afternoons.

Carefully place and time sprinklers. Sprinkler placement is important during the summer months, especially for homeowners who live in areas where water restrictions are common. Strategically locate sprinklers so no water is being wasted on sidewalks and driveways. In addition, if the forecast calls for rain, turn the sprinklers off and let nature do the work for you. Some sprinkler systems even come with a rain sensor that automatically turns the water off when it starts to rain. If less rain falls that the forecasters predicted, you can always water when you arrive home at night.

Give problem areas special attention.

During the dog days of summer, nearly every lawn will have one or two areas that are suffering more than the rest of the lawn. These areas might be entirely devoid of shade and, as a result, are quicker to succumb to summer heat. Water such areas by hand to ensure they’re getting enough water to help them avoid turning brown or yellow.

Getting your lawn through a stretch of summer heat won’t always be easy, but a few strategies can help the lawn withstand even the harshest heat wave.

First, make sure that soil and lawn is in good health by fertilizing and taking care of it properly. Second, water can dilute urine and neutralize its corrosive properties. Try to dilute the urine prior to eight hours having elapsed for the best effect.

Many homeowners aspire toward a pristine and lush lawn. For some a nice lawn gives them feelings of pride. Others believe a perfect BURROWING lawn enables them to have the best-looking ANIMALS house in the neighborhood.

Many homeowners spend hours outdoors perfecting their lawns or spend a good deal of money hiring professionals to make their lawn more appealing. But just because a lawn looks good now doesn’t mean it will look good later. That’s because delicate grass can be damaged by a number of different factors.

GRUBS Grubs are not very lawnfriendly. Grubs are actually the larval stage of different types of large beetles. These worm-like creatures feed on the roots of grass and are able to kill large sections of the lawn in a relatively short amount of time. It can sometimes be difficult to discern whether grubs, drought or another other pest has damaged a lawn. One way to check is to grab a portion of the damaged lawn and attempt to peel it back.

If it comes back easily like

a piece of carpet, it’s likely grubs. Spotting grubs underneath is a sure sign these larvae are killing the lawn.

Using an insecticide for grub control in July can help kill off grubs that start hatching in August through September.

PET URINE Pets can also damage a lawn. Pet urine can create burnt patches and significant discoloration on the lawn, particularly if the dog or cat uses one area consistently as their potty zone.

The best way to prevent urine damage is to walk your dog so that he or she will not have free reign of the yard. However, sometimes dogs get out or stray cats and dogs visit your yard and relieve themselves without your knowledge. So this method is not foolproof.

Therefore, you should take added action to maintain a lush lawn.

Moles and voles are among the more common lawn damage culprits. Voles are small rodents that resemble mice but have stouter bodies, shorter tails and rounder heads.

Moles, although they have a similar-sounding name, are not related to voles and look very different. They have a cylindrical body shape with velvety fur, very small or invisible ears and large paws for digging.

Voles can be kept away with natural vole predators, such as cats, hawks, owls and snakes. Mouse traps can also capture voles when baited.

Moles can also be controlled with traps. Finding active mole tunnels will help you place the traps effectively to either kill or simply contain the mole.

Lawn damage can occur through a number of different factors. Finding out the cause can help you find an effective treatment.

Educating all ages

Comox Valley compost education centre Now Open Comox Valley Compost Education Centre 4795 Headquarters Road, Courtenay BC Thursday, Friday, Sunday from 12pm - 5 pm Saturday from 8am -1 pm Tel: 250-898-1086

The Comox Strathcona waste management's (CSWM) compost education centre in the Comox Valley (CV) is now open. Our on-site educator Patty Rose (CV) will give you a facility tour and answer any of your composting, organic gardening and conservation questions.

Elementary, middle and high schools, preschools, clubs and summer groups are encouraged to make arrangements with our educators to bring their students for an environmentally-focused and interactive session.

For more information about composting visit: www.cswm.ca/composting

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Succulents for low maintenance Now is the time of year to focus on outdoor landscaping projects. One popular project involves redesigning the front yard or backyard to include an array of different flowers and foliage. While many people gravitate to the flashy and colorful annuals on display at nurseries and home centers, you may want to consider adding some succulents to your home landscape.

Succulent plants can be a boon to a homeowner without the time or resources to maintain plants.

Succulents get their name from their primary function, which is drawing up and storing water.

Succulents are able to thrive in Succulents, like jade, are arid conideal for arid conditions or for ditions, and there gardens where low-maintenance are more plants are desired. than 300 different types, including some exotic species.

The advantages to planting succulents are many. Because they store water in their stems, roots and leaves, this reduces the number of times an owner must water them.

Succulents can go several days between waterings.

Succulents, like cacti, that have few if any leaves, are perhaps best at managing water because they lose little to evaporation through the foliage.

Succulents are particularly good to have in areas prone to arid temperatures or where water restrictions are often in place. They can be environmentally friendly because of their ability to conserve water. Suc-

culents treat water as a precious resource, and their entire makeup is designed to minimize consumption of water.

Because they thrive in sunlight, succulents can be the ideal plants to put in extremely sunny and hot locations. They will not wither and dry out due to extreme heat. For particularly dry areas of landscape or where soil is subpar, consider the placement of different varieties of succulents to create a varied and eye-catching display.

There are many other advantages to planting succulents; some of which include: • Succulents offer contrasts in shape, texture and colors. With the many varieties, you’re bound to find something interesting and different to add to the landscape.

• Whether you have ample acreage in the yard or simply some containers available for planting, succulents will thrive. They grow just as well in containers as they do in the ground.

• Succulents don’t tend to require pruning or cutting back of the plant.

With this in mind, you can expect them to grow large. Therefore, space the plants adequately to allow for growth.

• Succulents are perennials. So once you plant them, they should last for years and years without the hassle and expense you can expect from planting annuals every year.

• Indoor greenhouses or sunrooms can be another good place for succulents. They prefer not to get chilled, which makes a controlled environment advantageous.

When considering a spot for your succulents, choose areas that get plenty of sun. Think about pruning back or removing trees that would create too much shade on the succulents.

Space the succulents widely apart — more so than you would with other plants — to allow them to spread. Pebbles or gravel make good mulching material around succulents so that drainage will be adequate.

It will also set the succulents apart from other plants by contextualizing them in your garden.

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