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Page 12A The Braselton News Wednesday, October 17, 2007 Use minor bulbs for springtime opening show Piano concert to benefit local charities The only thing minor about some spring bulbs is their size. Because a number of these put on a reliable show year after year, gardeners should consider using them more. While large-flowering bulbs remain more popular because of their stature, many of these tend to fade in our climate due to the fact that optimum springtime weather is short-lived and too quick to become more like summer. Among these, hyacinths, tulips, and Dutch iris are notorious for delivering disappointing results after their first big show. Crocus, wood hyacinths, aliums, snowdrops, and some species narcissus are among the most reliable minor bulbs suitable for our area. Equally suitable for underplanting beds of pansies, low groundcovers, or just naturalized under deciduous trees, these will generally multiply and flower prodigiously for a life time as long their growing conditions remain fairly constant from year to year. For optimum results, however, planting techniques for colder climates should be adapted to our milder winters. If, for example, the printed instructions on a pack age of minor bulbs recommend a planting depth of four inches, I suggest cutting that in half. And if you or your neighbors own dogs that like to dig holes on occasion, do not use bone meal when introducing news bulbs or top-dressing existing bulb plantings. Though dogs usually won’t munch on the bulbs themselves, they’11 frequently dig them up in search of the source of the bone scent. You can avoid this problem without sacrificing the quality of your spring flowers by using a granulated bulb food in the planting holes as well as on the ground surface. However, if your bulbs are installed under pansies or groundcovers, pansy food or a good lawn starter fertilizer is just as effective. Also, avoid using a deep mulch over bulbs, as this will tend to keep the soil too warm too long. Minor bulbs do best when exposed to an extended period of cold soil temperatures just a few degrees above freezing. Unfortunately, squirrels and other rodents tend to damage beds of minor bulbs by either digging them up for food or to replace them with acorns. In areas where this is a problem, it pays to cover the bulbs with a wide mesh screen before fdling in that last inch or two of soil over planting sites. In areas where this technique isn’t practical, consider using granu lated animal repellants or mothballs. For wooded areas where a natural look is most desirable, wood hyacinths (sometimes called Scotch blue bells) seem very much at home with native ferns, violets, and other native perennials. These produce an abundance of pink, white, or blue bell shaped flowers more loosely arranged on the flow er stalks than the blooms of Dutch hyacinths. These bulbs not only multiply quickly from offsets, but they can also be increased by seed. I found that by allowing the spent flower stalks to remain in place, my wood hyacinths produced a large number of seed capsules, apparently without diminishing the flower-power of the bulbs for the next spring. And I also discovered that, by hand-stripping the capsules off the stalks, and just tossing them where I wanted more bulbs, I would get large drifts of new bulbs and flowers in just three or four years. Species crocus, often called snow crocus because they bloom so much earlier than the larger flower ing Dutch types, are also great for naturalizing with quick results. These produce plentiful clusters of smaller flowers near the ground followed by shorter grass-like foliage after blooming. This makes them ideally suited for naturalizing in fescue lawns, where the leaves just blend in with the blades of grass and they benefit from a higher mow ing height. A scattering of shallowly planted species crocus can turn a green fescue lawn into a spectacular flower show, and seeds have a way of starting more clumps by washing all over the lawn. Do not use cro cus in Bermuda or zoysia lawns, however, because the lingering foliage will bring an unkempt look to an otherwise weed free lawn of finer texture. A few species of fall-blooming crocus would be equally welcome in fescue lawns, except for one major drawback. They normally come into bloom when you’re not only still mowing the lawn, but using a bagger to pick up early fall leaf litter. Consequently, it’s best to site these in beds of groundcovers or in the foreground of shrubs and taller perennials. The same is true of species tulips and daffodils. They look best at the edges of lawns where their foliage can ripen naturally without becoming and eyesore. Although it’s far from too late to plant spring bulbs, I’ve noted that supplies are a little scanty at many of our normally well-stocked garden centers. So you may have to resort to mail order sources this year, particularly for the less-common minor bulbs. Don’t be afraid to purchase bulbs on sale, how ever, as garden departments cut prices and clear out remaining stock. As long as the bulbs remain hydrated and firm, you can plant them as late as mid- December and still expect good, if not terrific, results this coming spring. Fil Jessee lives in Braselton, where he works as a freelance journalist. He is a Georgia Certified Plant Professional with experience in ornamental horticulture and landscape design. Reader questions relating to gardening can be sent to Fil at filwrites@ aol.com Gardener’s Grapevine with Fil Jessee filwrites@aol.com Snipes named independent director at company Hoschton resident Fynne Snipes was recently promoted to BeautiControl independent direc tor, one of the company’s most prestigious leadership levels in its field sales organization. In celebration of her achievement as a new director, Snipes is now on her way to earning a dream vaca tion and a Ford Mustang convert ible, according to the company. Independent directors with BeautiControl can earn a trip of their choice to Hawaii, Vail (Colorado) or Walt Disney World and then begin a period of qualification to earn a new Ford Mustang. BeautiControl independent consultants offer at-home “Spa Escape,” where guests enjoy one hour of complimentary pampering. The “Spa Escape” includes educa tion on caring for your skin with skin care solutions. For more information about BeautiControl, call Snipes at 770- 757-9433. Lawrenceville author releases teen fiction novel Focal author Diana Kain, Fawrenceville, has released her first book, a teen fiction novel entitled “Hidden Tomorrows: Shadows of Saving Grace.” Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, Kain’s book tells the story of Robin Evans, a sev enteen year-old girl who is desperately trying to up hold her high moral standards amidst the onslaught of temptation and falsehood. Caught in a moment of weakness, Robin betrays Michael, the love of her life, and must live with the consequences and broken promises. According to the author, the novel describes how love and faith can free people from deception, heal deep wounds and provide a place for someone in a world that has drawn so far from God. The book is available at any bookstore nation wide or can be ordered through barnesandnoble. com, amazon.com or walmart.com. Audio versions of the book are also available. Kain currently resides in Fawrenceville with her husband and several of their children and grand children. 2007 PONTIAC G-6 .‘.?j ■ : .«~£? . . •> 1 $ MSRP $ 19,675 16,988 Or Lease 594Steven B Tanger Btvd. in Commerte (next door to outlets) m pontiac /fjY BUICK' V~ 706-335-5400 * Toll Free!-888-532-0886 ' ACT, °~ Dare to Share, a charity based in Braselton, will benefit from a classical concert featuring Russian pianist Sergey Pashkevich on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held at Pearce Auditorium at Brenau University, Gainesville. Dare to Share supports local charities such as: Challenged Child and Friends of Hall County, Dream House for Medically Fragile Children of Gwinnett County, Boys and Girls Clubs of Barrow and Jackson counties, Autism Society-Greater Georgia Chapter, The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and The Smile Train. The charities will benefit from the concert. The concert marks the second time that Pashkevich has performed at Brenau University, the first time being also for a benefit concert for Dare to Share last year. Pashkevich said he is excited about his repeat visit and the lineup of local youngsters who will start off the evening by showcasing their talents. Those local residents include: Katie O’Shea, vocal; Emily Jackson, violin; Anna and Kristiina Fugus, and Brelin Zimmerman, dance; Ashlee Fane Fincher, vocal; Kunal Fahiry, Piano; Tiffany Milagro, vocal; Courtney Piedrahita, violin; and Austine Scales, cello. Pashkevich will perform a mix of works by Beethoven, Chopin, Fiszt and Rachmaninov. General admission tickets are $35 and students are $15. VIP tickets are $50 and include reserved seat ing, invitation to a reception to meet Pashkevich and the local artists, and a silent auction. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Dare to Share at 770-868-8319 or Dtshare@windstream. net. For more information about Dare to Share, visit www.Dare-to-Share.org. Olive Branch opens personal care home in Braselton The Olive Branch has opened its personal care home located at 639 Davenport Road, Braselton. The home offers a number of services, including an in-house beauty shop, housekeeping, laun dry services, medication remind ers, outings, personal assistance, daily recreational activities, three meals a day and two snacks a day. The Olive Branch also offers other social activities, such as arts and crafts, bird watching, Bible trivia, guest speakers and parties. Kathy Stone is the owner of the Olive Branch. The home is state licensed for four residents. For more information, call 706- 654-5700, e-mail thelivebranch@ windstream.net or visit www.theo- livebranchpch.com. Braselton officials approve business permits Braselton officials recently approved the following business licenses. •Sonia’s Professional Cleaning (cleaning service), 1634 Jesse Cronic Court •Dallas Enterprises International (contractor), 2234 Northern Oak Drive •J&O Contracting (contractor), 6342 Grand Hickory Drive •Mongus Painting (contractor), 1714 Ammons Falls Court •Olin Dillard, Inc. (contractor), 5743 Berkshire Trace •Triple J. Equipment (contractor), 6342 Grand Hickory Drive •Floor and Home Design Center (floor covering sales), 982 Hwy. 124 •Consumer Consultants (foreclosure mitigation), 2895 Shumard Oak Drive •Travel Rite, d/b/a Duncan’s Comer Bottle Shop (liquor store), 7437 Spout Springs Road •Fa Hacienda of Braselton, Inc. (restaurant), 5391 Hwy. 53 •Emma’s Attic, EEC (retail sales), 2201 Spout Springs Road •Faux Maison (retail sales), 7421 Spout Springs Road •Spiff Web (web design), 1713 Ammons Falls Court To place a classified ad, call 706-367-5233 MHynivi Braselton’s Q Private 24-Hour Adult Co-Ed Fitness Center offering • Personal Training • Nutritionist • Cardio Equipment and Flat Screen Televisions • Free Weights • Secure Facility with 24-Hour Access • Sports Rehab The latest equipment from and inuracltve filnas uilu!io«s HI ST ftMMER IREMGTH Full Circuit Training Ab Classes and Morning and Afternoon Boot Camp Sign-Up before November 1 and receive 1 COMPLIMENTARY MONTH or 1 COMPLIMENTARY PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION vCnWY ijraxe 4ni i Every new member that mentions this ad will get a complimentary Chiropractic evaluation and muscle testing at Chateau Spinal Rehab! $150 Value ■ Call 770-967-1296 for more information! 5757 Old Winder Hwy. • West off 1-85 @ Exit 126 in Mulberry Place Shopping Center. 1/4 mile on right past Thompson Mill Road.