T E M P L E
TIPSHEET
A LOOK AT THE WEEK AHEAD March 31-April 7, 2000
OFFICE OF NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS (215) 204-7476 Fax: (215) 204-4403 E mail: [email protected]
THE GREEN, GREEN GRASS OF HOME -- Though April showers bring May flowers, will the precipitation be enough to allow us to water our yards and gardens this summer, or will last year's drought restrictions again plague the region?
"Are we going to be able to water our lawns this summer? Yes, I think we'll be okay," says Laura Toran, Temple professor of environmental geology.
Although we felt the effects last summer, Toran says the problems were brought about by three successive dry winters. "We were in a snow drought, really." She added that the snow and rain experienced by the region since January should be sufficient moisture to carry us through the summer. So keep your garden hoses ready. Reach Dr. Toran at her office, 215/204-2352, or through the Office of News and Media Relations, 215/204-7476.
SPRING PLANTING '00: PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY -- Recent rains and warmer temperatures may have lawns looking greener and buds appearing on the trees, but home gardeners may want to hold off on raiding the local nursery, says Val Libby, a professor of landscape architecture and horticulture at Temple.
"With the potential for another summer of extreme heat and drought, home gardeners would be well advised to consider the overall health of their landscape before investing in sizeable new plantings," she says.
Libby suggests having a soil test done and having a certified arborist check the health of shade and ornamental trees. Also study the appearance and vigor of your shrubs and lawn and consult a professional for appropriate fertilizer to use, she says.
"This is a spring to approach any major new plantings of trees and shrubs with caution or plan for installation in late summer and fall. If you're really anxious to make improvements, invest in the structural elements of the landscape instead--walks, walls, fences, lighting, garden furniture, etc. They can take the drought." Reach Professor Libby through the Office of News and Media Relations.
This Week at Temple. . .
Sunday, April 2, 7:30 p.m.: 29th ANNUAL ACADEMY CONCERT -- Temple's Symphony Orchestra and Combined Choirs (with some 190 voices) will perform Verdi's Requiem Mass under the direction of Alan Harler. (Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Sts.)
Monday, April 3, noon: GREAT TEACHER AWARDS CEREMONY -- An experimental psychologist, an electrical engineer who developed cutting-edge software that customizes students' lessons and a bestselling author and practitioner of active learning will receive the University's Great Teacher Awards, with a $15,000 prize to each recipient. (Feinstone Lounge, Sullivan Hall, Berks Mall and Liacouras Walk)
Wednesday, April 5, 10 am.-3 p.m.: JAPAN FEST 2000 -- A day of Japanese culture, including demonstrations of Taiko drumming, Japanese calligraphy, charcoal drawing and martial arts, kicks off Temple's Asian Heritage month celebration. The day ends with an Okinawan dance performance and Kimono fashion show, in Mitten Hall, Broad St. and Berks Mall, from 7-9 p.m. (Daytime events are at The Bell Tower Plaza, Berks Mall between 12th and 13th Sts. )
nb-598 *** March 31, 2000
VISIT THE NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS WEBSITE : http://www.temple.edu/news_bureau/
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