Spring has officially been here since March 20 but the weather hasn’t really co-operated until just recently. I think it’s pretty much safe to start getting underway with springtime projects. Come on into the library – we have a great number of resources for both information and inspiration!
Where can I find instructions on how to build an Adirondack chair?
There’s no easy way to search for specific woodworking plans. You’ll have to come in and look at the general woodworking books. Two that have plans for an Adirondack chair are: Better Homes and Gardens Wood: Outdoor Furniture and Accessories You Can Make and Building Garden & Patio Furniture.
I need some general books on gardening. What would you recommend?
Stick with books on gardening in Canada such as Gardening for Canadians for Dummies, Gardening Manual for Canada, Mark Cullen's Ontario Gardening, and the Great Canadian Plant Guide. Hint: when you’re browsing the shelves look for the Canadian flag on the spine. Don’t forget that you can also sign out issues of Canadian Gardening and Manitoba Gardener magazines.
Should I bag or leave lawn clippings?
Lawn clippings make excellent fertilizer, so you should leave them on the lawn. Mow your lawn when it’s dry and don’t let your grass grow more than 1 inch taller than its recommended mowing height (this varies depending on the species of grass) or else those unsightly masses of fresh clippings will accumulate and smother the grass instead of fertilizing it. (Source: Safe & Easy Lawn Care).
My lawnmower has broken down. Do you have repair manuals?
We do have some such as the Walk-behind Lawn Mower Service Manual. You may also wish to look at the Small Engine Repair Reference Center in our virtual collection. Click on Outdoor Power Equipment for walk-behind and riding lawn mowers.
I’m trying to be more environmentally friendly so I’d like to start using more natural lawn and garden pesticides. What does the library have that can help me with this?
Going green is such a good thing! And your request is very timely given the recent legislation introduced by the Ontario government to ban cosmetic pesticides. We have books such as the Organic Lawn Care Manual, Natural Insect Control, Safe & Easy Lawn Care and a short dvd entitled Lawn and Garden Pesticides: Reducing Harm. Articles in magazines can be found using the virtual collection indexes (Hint: Organic Gardening magazine is available in the Canadian Reference Centre). We’ve recently added GreenFILE, which has resources for anyone concerned about environmental issues.
Need some inspiration? Check out the Better Homes & Gardens special interest publication Garden Ideas & Outdoor Living. The early spring 2008 issue is now available.
Sylvia Renaud, Head of Reference and Information Servcies
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