SUMMER PLEASURES * Macomb Center * * for the Performing Arts One riot Summer Nieht! "Smart Gardening" is Key to an Easy Yard T he key to an easy care garden is to combine time-honored gardening practices with new products and technology that save time and trouble in the gar- den, according to gardening ex- pert Todd Steadman. "I like to call it smart garden- ing," says Steadman, editor of Garden Gate magazine, which specializes in practical garden- ing tips, ideas and advice. "You put in your time, research and ef- fort up-front in order to save yourself problems down the road. "Begin with the basics — good soil, the right plants, food and wa- ter. These are the fundamentals of a healthy, trouble-free garden," says Steadman. He offers the fol- lowing tips: • Prepare the Soil. Good loamy soil that drains well is es- sential to a successful garden. To achieve this it is advisable to add organic matter such as com- post or peat moss. Work the or- ganic matter into the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.. By adding enough organic matter to build the soil up a few inch- es above the surrounding area, you can create a "raised bed," which is ideal for improving drainage and keeping the soil loose and workable. • Choose the Right Plants. Not all plants are equal. Some are easier to care for than others. A local nursery or garden center is a good source of information on trouble-free plants. Often species that are native to your area, and thus adapted to local conditions, are a good choice. Plus, there are new patented varieties that are bred to be resistant to disease. One example is the new Flower Carpet groundcover rose which flowers prolifically yet is natu- rally resistant to common rose diseases such as black spot and mildew. • Use Timed-Release Fer- tilizers. Just like people, plants need a balanced diet to stay healthy. However, traditional water soluble fertilizers need to be reapplied every week or ten days. Plus they are messy and difficult to handle. New coated timed-release fertilizers act like the timed-release capsules in cold pills. They release their nu- trients gradually, over time. With these types of fertilizers it is only necessary to feed every two to six months, depending on the mix. • Water Regularly. Water is the one non-negotiable ingre- dient required for your garden's growth. Plants need about one good, thorough watering per week. If nature doesn't provide sufficient rain, it's up to you to supplement. The key to water- ing is thoroughness. A light sprinkling only wets the surface of the soil, which encourages shallow root growth. It's impor- tant to give a minimum of one- inch of water each watering. This gives a deep soaking and encourages deep, strong root sys- tems. To measure how long or much you need to water, turn the sprinkler on to the pressure nec- essary to reach the greatest pos- sible expanse of yard. Put out three empty tuna cans or mar- garine tubs, evenly spaced from right next to the sprinkler head to the furthest reach of the spray. Check the time, then leave the sprinkler on until you've collected at least one-inch of water in each container. Check the time again, and this will tell you how long you need to water at that faucet setting. It's best to water in the very ear- ly morning hours, even pre- dawn. An automatic water timer that turns the water on and off at a pre-set time is helpful. • Build in Low Mainte- nance Options Other tips for an easy care yard include ways to discourage weed growth and reduce the amount of area you need to maintain. "Mulch is both attractive and helpful," explains Steadman. "It makes a garden bed look neat and professional and it discour- ages weed growth. "One way to reduce your gar- den maintenance tasks," says Steadman, who by training is a landscape architect, "is to reduce the amount of your garden that will need attention. Consider a smaller lawn area to reduce mowing needs. And permanent garden structures like deck and patio areas not only reduce your maintenance needs, but give you a place to enjoy your garden." ❑ Tower of Power Sunday, July 13 at 7 PM THE PASLIN COMPANY Sponsored by Adult $22 • Student/Sr. Cit. $20 1P 77C1 -7C-4/144,157-e7e / HUDSON'S, HARMONY HOUSE & BLOCKBUSTER music Call-For-Tix (810) 645-6666 Hall (M-59) at Garfield Road One mile east of Lakeside Mall LAKESIDE (810) 286-2222 MACOMB CENTER For The Performing Arts A community service program of Macomb Community College. "THEY THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING. DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL. IT WAS A SUCCESS BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS. IT WAS MY DREAM. AND IT CAME TRUE." For unforgettable gatherings: Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, anniversary celebrations, birthdays or other social affairs, there's only one place that will cater to your every need. Literally. The Radisson Plaza Hotel at Town Center, South field, would like to extend a warm invitation to host your special event. Ask us about our special Wedding Packages, which include a complimentary Suite for the bride and groom and discounted luxury accommodations for your out-of-town guests. Make it a picture perfect wedding in our beautiful four-season garden atrium. Surrounded by lush greenery and a quiet stream, your ceremony will be truly memorable. Our elegant ballrooms are lust a short walk away, accommodating small, intimate affairs or large, lavish occasions. We also specialize in kosher catering service. The Radisson Plaza Hotel at Town Center offers 385 deluxe guest rooms and 42 suites, a fitness center and indoor pool, two of greater Detroit's finest restaurants, Tango's European Bistro and the irresistible Italian T.C. Linguini's. Twenty four hour room service is always available. I Our new policy confirms banquet space availabilities 2 years in advance I Radisson® PLAZA HOTEL AT TOWN CENTER Call our catering sales experts today to set up a personal appointment at (810) 827 4000. - 315