Page 22 - link magazine

22
HOME & GARDEN

JUST
RON AHRENS
BUILDER & DECORATOR ADD WATER
Specialising in all aspects of high quality building work especially AND HOPE
decorating, carpentry and plastering.
by Claire Beaton
All work guaranteed. No job too small. Free estimates.
If you do enjoy trying to grow (blandfordia grandiflora) looking
TELEPHONE: 692134
plants from seed February is a a little like a flame—coloured
good month to start off some of summer snowdrop (galtonia can-
these plants needing a longer dicans). Something traditional I
P B PLUMBING SERVICES growing period than others. The have not grown before is Snap-
problem is knowing which plants dragons (Antirrhinum). I've
Boilers Serviced
fall into this categoty. Some seed chosen a dusky red, Black Prince,
Pump Fitting Service catalogues are very helpful and that comes with bronze foliage
Water Softeners Fitted will tell you how long to expect and I plan to grow it with vivid
Washing Machines and Dishwashers Fitted germination and at what tem- orange daisies (tripteris 'gaiety')
Telephone: (0793) 642995 perature. This can be an over to help my front garden smoulder.
simplification in all but the most
popular varieties. It is good to
use this as a guide, but do LOOKING FOR A
Ste For a high standard experiment with the time of year BUILDER OR
as well. Sometimes in the longer
of work DECORATOR?
summer days steady temperatures
with references available will help you succeed.
Painter and Decorator phone now I failed miserably twice over Finding a local builder or decorator
.Tel: Swindon 870515 for a FREE estimate. with delphinium seeds until I can be difficult, especially if the
bought a packet of seeds from job is a small one.
the Delphinium Society accom- Toothill resident Ron Ahrens
GAS FIRES AND STOVES panied with 'no failure' advice. has a tremendous amount of ex-
• Gas log /coal effect fires. The trick is to germinate the perience in the building trade.
• Gas fire convector boxes. seeds on a damp paper towel in a After 25 years working as a
• Gas stoves. cool dark place at a temperature builder and decorator, he is
Visit our Showroom, open al/day Saturday of 60-65°F. Germinated seeds looking to develop his service in
Heating Systems Limited, Unit 14, then get tucked into a hole in a West Swindon.
Orbit Centre, West Swindon. "We moved to Toothill nine
deep filled box (the sort mush-
Tel: 612060. rooms are sold in) and kept years ago and our children have
covered in a warm airing grown up here," explained Ron.
cupboard until the leaves "Most of my contacts in the trade
PINE FUR appear; the plants are then were in London; so I continued to
Nt weaned in the light in a cool work there. But the travelling is
room. After my previous failures, too much and I want to spend
F)
I ended up with more plants than more time closer to home with the
I knew what to do with. family."
I tried the damp towel trick With his background in site
with many other seeds, but with- work and as a sub-contractor,
out much success. But then, the Ron reckons his experience will
THE COTSWOLD COLLECTION temperature may have been too allow him to take on any job
high, or the seed coat to tough. which requires carpentry, brick
Probably the best collection of QUALITY PINE FURNITURE in One thought that keeps me laying, plastering or related
the West Country, at the most competitive prices. Come and
see for yourself. Most items are immediately from stock. experimenting is that the seeds skills. For the time being, how-
definitely will not grow if left in ever, he is looking for smaller
Credit terms available.
the packet. jobs so that he can establish a
A basic seed sowing kit for the reputation for quality and relia-
4; Open Mon—Sat 9.30 am. —5.30 p.m. window sill enthusiast is some bility.
33 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon. Tel: 511898
Ron can take on internal and
form of bottom heat from a
propagator or a heated tray, external decorating and general
••............... assorted containers; pots, plastic building work. Examples of this
.........u........ trays, tubs and other items col- are internal alterations such as
I LJARIFHLJIDE. lected from the kitchen; an open putting in walls or doors, or
peat—based compost and most removing partitions to make larger
important of all, a fungicide to living areas. He can also build
protect against 'damping off. I fireplaces, patios, cupboards,
like to sow most seeds on a damp instal windows or tile bathrooms
compost, cover with the same and kitchens.
depth as the seed size, and then It is sometimes difficult to find
plunge into fungicide to water in. someone to take on small jobs at a
A hand sprayer filled with fungi- reasonbie price, and have it done
cide is used to water seedlings without having to wait months.
until they are safely established. That's where Ron Ahrens has the
EASY PARKING —COLLECTION/DELIVERY SERVICE Enough of the technicalities: advantage. He can respond quickly
- MON-FRI. 8am - 6pm; SAT. 8am - 5pm let me urge you to try something and would be pleased to give an
• • 9 Unit 9, Marlborough Road Industrial Estate.

gas different this year, plus some- estimate for work that will be
Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 8AX
thing traditional but new to you. guaranteed to the customer's
Tel: Swindon 854821
My own choice is an Australian satisfaction. He can be contacted
bulb nicknamed 'Christmas Bells' on 692134.