P oinsettias have a long and interesting history , becom- ing the number one indoor potted plant grown in the world today . The many new varieties and colours produced each year keep them at the forefront as a Christmas season plant. In the Northern Hemisphere, however, they are a very long crop for growers and require a great deal of labour and energy to produce. A huge amount of research and breeding work has been done to develop new varieties that can not only finish in cooler temperatures, but also be more durable to survive both indoors and out. For years now, I’ve been on a quest to find alternate cool season plants that could be an alternate to poinsettias and still have a connec- tion to many of our Christmas traditions. The Christmas Rose, helleborus niger, is certainly one of the top candidates. Over the past few years, greenhouse grow- ers have been refining their production timing and forcing them into bloom at slightly higher temperatures in order to have those beautiful helleborus blossoms open for the month of December. In zones 6 and above this works well as an outdoor garden or patio container plant, but in zones 5 and lower they need more protec- tion. The challenge is to find a room cool enough for them to last indoors. In Europe, winter blooming hellebores have been very much a traditional Christmas gift for some time now. The Heuger family has been at the forefront of new breeding to develop better early winter blooming varieties that could be en- joyed over the holiday season. The concept was to develop a series of plants that would naturally bloom in progression from November through March. If they were gently forced into bloom at slightly higher temperatures, they could provide a long lasting flowering plant that could be en- joyed indoors then set back out into the garden to be enjoyed for many years to come. Out of this research came the “Helleborus Gold Collection” which displayed many new characteristics. This collection all bloomed on first year plants if they were started at the right time. Second, they provided lots of blooms that produced over a long period of time, and third, the blossoms were all forward facing for a far more striking appearance . Some of the first varieties have now been on the market for a year or so, with many more about to be introduced this winter and next spring. Helleborus niger ‘Jacob’ (zone 4) has pure white flowers with a slight pink blush in cooler weather. I love their deep burgundy stems and the blossoms have a faint perfume, which makes them ideal as cut flowers. It is one of the earliest blooming hellebores and has the tradi- tional glossy deep green foliage. Helleborus niger ‘Joseph Lemper’ (zone 4), one of the very earliest to bloom, has very large pure white blooms that appear slightly turned, facing upwards. As the blooms mature, they turn an attractive green. The foliage is very at- tractive, and a rich, dark green. Helleborus niger ‘Pink Frost’ provides a nice variation with its burgundy and white buds that burst open to a lovely soft pink which darkens with age. As the blooms open in sequence, beau- tiful shading, from white to pink and red, takes place. Even if it never bloomed, its scented deep green leaves, unique vein display and marbled sheen rivals any evergreen perennial. Some of the new varieties being released this year are H. n. ‘Cinnamon Snow’ (zone 5), with its creamy white flowers touched with rose and cinnamon. The buds also have a red accent and as the blooms open, they create quite a show. The leaves are very scented and rich green, provid- ing a nice contrast to the blooms. Y ou are going to see the first major release of these new hellebores across the country this holiday season, so do watch for them in your favourite garden centre. REVIEW H om e S h ow c RE EV VIEW V V An alternative to the poinsettia f or Christmas IN THE GARDEN Brian Minter Friday, December 10, 2010 Tri-City News 35 A New Plateau by Liberty Homes. Distinguished Concrete Apartments Starting from $380,000 Now Selling, Contact Us for More Information 604.472.0009 | www.libertyhomes.ca Nestled between towering evergreens high on Westwood Plateau, Cascade features luxur y 1,200 square foot suites in Coquitlam’s premier neighbourhood. Designed for a seamless transition from single-family to apartment living, these homes combine inspired architecture with spacious layouts and timeless finishes. Uniquely located adjacent to Westwood Plateau Village, Cascade also offers an exceptional setting that blends picturesque views with shopping and recreation at your doorstep. Sales Centre Open Daily, Noon to 5pm 2950 Panorama Drive, Coquitlam PANORAMA DR JOHNSON ST BARNET HWY P A R K W A W Y A A B L V D DAVID AVE COQUITLAM CENTRE Outstanding Value For 1,200 Square Foot Units more lenders = more choices = right mortgage *O.A.C. Some conditions apply. Rate subject to change without notice. **Present this ad and receive a free netbook, value up to $300. One netbook per closed deal of a 5 year mortgage term with an amount $250,000 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid on prior deals. Void where prohibited or restricted. Expires 31st March 2011. FREE NETBOOK! ** Not exactly as shown FRUSTRATED? Is your bank offering you the rate or service you deserve? Our LOW interest rates start at 2.2% * Rate hold up to 120 days New Purchases Refinance Renewal 119 - 2918 Glen Drive, Coquiltam Behind Coquitlam Centre Financial Augustin Got your best interest at heart Got your best interest at heart 778.285.2025
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Poinsettias have a long andinteresting history, becom-ing the number one indoor
potted plant grown in the worldtoday. The many new varietiesand colours produced each yearkeep them at the forefront as aChristmas season plant. In theNorthern Hemisphere, however, they are a verylong crop for growers and require a great deal oflabour and energy to produce. A huge amountof research and breeding work has been done todevelop new varieties that can not only finish incooler temperatures, but also be more durable tosurvive both indoors and out.
For years now, I’ve been on a quest to findalternate cool season plants that could be analternate to poinsettias and still have a connec-tion to many of our Christmas traditions. TheChristmas Rose, helleborus niger, is certainlyone of the top candidates.
Over the past few years, greenhouse grow-ers have been refining their production timingand forcing them into bloom at slightly highertemperatures in order to have those beautifulhelleborus blossoms open for the month ofDecember. In zones 6 and above this works wellas an outdoor garden or patio container plant,but in zones 5 and lower they need more protec-tion. The challenge is to find a room cool enoughfor them to last indoors.
In Europe, winter blooming hellebores havebeen very much a traditional Christmas gift forsome time now. The Heuger family has been at
the forefront of new breeding to develop betterearly winter blooming varieties that could be en-joyed over the holiday season. The concept wasto develop a series of plants that would naturallybloom in progression from November throughMarch. If they were gently forced into bloom atslightly higher temperatures, they could providea long lasting flowering plant that could be en-joyed indoors then set back out into the gardento be enjoyed for many years to come.
Out of this research came the “HelleborusGold Collection” which displayed many newcharacteristics. This collection all bloomed onfirst year plants if they were started at the righttime. Second, they provided lots of blooms thatproduced over a long period of time, and third,the blossoms were all forward facing for a farmore striking appearance.
Some of the first varieties have now been onthe market for a year or so, with many moreabout to be introduced this winter and nextspring. Helleborus niger ‘Jacob’ (zone 4) haspure white flowers with a slight pink blush incooler weather. I love their deep burgundy stemsand the blossoms have a faint perfume, whichmakes them ideal as cut flowers. It is one of theearliest blooming hellebores and has the tradi-tional glossy deep green foliage.
Helleborus niger ‘Joseph Lemper’ (zone 4),one of the very earliest to bloom, has very largepure white blooms that appear slightly turned,facing upwards. As the blooms mature, theyturn an attractive green. The foliage is very at-tractive, and a rich, dark green.
Helleborus niger ‘Pink Frost’ provides a nicevariation with its burgundy and white buds thatburst open to a lovely soft pink which darkens
with age. As the blooms open in sequence, beau-tiful shading, from white to pink and red, takesplace. Even if it never bloomed, its scented deepgreen leaves, unique vein display and marbledsheen rivals any evergreen perennial.
Some of the new varieties being released thisyear are H. n. ‘Cinnamon Snow’ (zone 5), withits creamy white flowers touched with rose and
cinnamon. The buds also have a red accent andas the blooms open, they create quite a show. Theleaves are very scented and rich green, provid-ing a nice contrast to the blooms.
You are going to see the first major releaseof these new hellebores across the country thisholiday season, so do watch for them in yourfavourite garden centre.
REVIEWHome ShowcREEVVIEWVVAn alternative to the poinsettia for ChristmasIN THE GARDEN Brian Minter
Friday, December 10, 2010 Tri-City News 35
A New Plateau by Liberty Homes.Distinguished Concrete Apartments Starting from $380,000
Now Selling, Contact Us for More Information604.472.0009 | www.libertyhomes.ca
Nestled between towering evergreens high on Westwood Plateau, Cascade features luxury 1,200 square foot suites in Coquitlam’s premier neighbourhood. Designed for
a seamless transition from single-family to apartment living, these homes combine inspired architecture with spacious layouts and timeless finishes. Uniquely located
adjacent to Westwood Plateau Village, Cascade also offers an exceptional setting that blends picturesque views with shopping and recreation at your doorstep.
Sales CentreOpen Daily, Noon to 5pm
2950 Panorama Drive, Coquitlam
PANORAMA DR
JOHN
SON ST
BARNET HWY
PARKWAWYAA
BLVDDAVID AVE
COQUITLAMCENTRE
Outstanding Value
For 1,200 Square Foot Units
more lenders = more choices = right mortgage
*O.A.C. Some conditions apply. Rate subject to change without notice. **Present this ad and receive a free netbook, value up to $300. One netbook per closed deal of a 5 year mortgage term with an amount $250,000 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid on prior deals. Void where prohibited or restricted. Expires 31st March 2011.
FREE NETBOOK!**Not exactly as shown
FRUSTRATED? Is your bank offering you the rate or service you deserve?
Our LOW interest rates start at 2.2%*
Rate hold up to 120 days New Purchases Refi nance Renewal
119 - 2918 Glen Drive, CoquiltamBehind Coquitlam Centre
FinancialAugustin Got your best interest at heart Got your best interest at heart
Noon - 5pm Saturday and Sunday46262 First Ave., Chilliwack BC
Call Now 604-701-6143 or visit us at
www.thesummitliving.com
2 BEDROOM HOMES FROM $194,900.LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN.
PEACE OF MIND WARRANTY.MOVE-IN READY.
THE PERFECT PLACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS!
TRICIA LESLIE
Once again, the local community has proven it is comprised of generous, giving people.
Th ey donated thousands of coats and warm articles of clothing – including some brand-new purchases and handmade items – to the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Associa-tion’s 15th annual Coats for Kids campaign. All donations will go to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and other charitable organi-zations, which will ensure the coats and clothes are given to those who need it most.
Black Press community newspapers off ered most of its Metro Vancouver newspaper offi ces
as drop-off sites for the GVHBA initiative and amazingly, brought in 1,500 coats for the cause.
“Coats for Kids was embraced with over-whelming enthusiasm by our staff and by our readers,” says Black Press senior vice-president of sales and marketing Candy Hodson.
“It is so heartwarming to see the profound impact we can have in supporting charities at this time of year.”
At Cintas – ‘the uniform people’ – that sentiment was echoed by general manager Henk Colyn, who provided a Cintas truck to transport the mountains of clothing Black Press collected.
“Our strong community awareness has
always been driven fi rst and foremost by our partners from the community,” he says.
“But it is through eff orts and partnerships, such as with New Local Home and Black Press and Coats for Kids that our partners can really see what the combined eff orts of many can do.”
GVHBA president and CEO Peter Simpson says this will likely be a record-breaking year, with more than 3,000 coats collected; the fi nal tally is still being counted.
“Every year, the public responds very gener-ously. Th ey open their closets and their hearts,” Simpson says.
“We’re very pleased to see the support and the generosity. What a great response.”
’Tis the season: giving is in
Cintas pitches in to help Black Press donate the 1,500 coats the company collected at its Metro Vancouver offi ces for the GVHBA’s Coats for Kids campaign. Clockwise from centre: Cintas general manager Henk Colyn, Rod Ivey, Maureen Rutherford, Jacob Hansma and Megan Procopioprepare to hit the road with the warm clothing. Tricia Leslie photo
Th e Vancouver Heritage Foundation is hosting its fi rst-ever Laneway House Tour this weekend, and if ticket sales are any indication, it’s already a success.
“We’ve pretty much sold out. I think there might be 20 tickets left ,” VHF executive director Diane Switzer said Monday.
“For many people, this will be their fi rst look inside a laneway house. Laneway housing was only approved a short time ago (in Vancouver), so now we’re seeing the fi rst batch of laneway homes out of the 100
building permits that have been approved.”Six houses are on the tour, ranging from
traditional to modern in all diff erent sizes, Switzer says, and notes that only laneway houses that have been constructed behind existing houses are on the tour.
Part of the VHF’s mandate is to keep city streetscapes as unchanged as possible, but because laneway houses are behind the main home, on the lane, they can help add residents without changes to the streetscape, Switzer says.
While laneway homes can range from 200-250 square feet to nearly 1,000 sq. ft . – depending on the size of the existing lot – the homes on tour range from about
500 to 750 sq. ft ., she says, in one- and two-bedroom designs.
“I think people are interested to know what it would be
like to live in (a laneway home), or people who already live in small spaces can come and get ideas for their own interior design,” Switzer says.
“Th is might be something some hom-eowners want to do in their own backyard, whether for renters or for a family member.”
Th e tour happens at select homes in Van-couver on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $50 ($25 tax receipts issued upon request).
Project teams will be on-site to discuss each home and there will be Christmas light displays, hot chocolate and cookies.
Visit www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org for details – and to fi nd out if there are any tickets left .
Martin Knowles photos
READERSCARE
Light up the lanes: the Vancouver Heritage Foundation hosts the fi rst-ever Laneway House Tour Saturday
*The developer reserves the right to make modifications to the information contained herein. Photographs and renderings are representational only and may not be accurate. Some conditions and additional requirements within the deposit structure apply. Please see a Grand Central sales representative for details. E.&O.E.
604 936 1888 GRANDCENTRALNOW.COM 2929 ATLANTIC AVENUE, COQUITLAM BC · OPEN DAILY 12-5PM OR BY APPOINTMENT, CLOSED FRIDAYSONE BEDS FROM $256,000 · TWO BEDS FROM $339,000
5 EASY STEPS TO YOUR FIRST HOME1 Come see Grand Central and fall in love with one of our homes
2 Own with a low 5% initial deposit when you write your contract
3 Pay your mortgage - not your landlord
4 Pay a second 5% deposit in January 2011
5 Pay nothing more until you move into Grand Central in the summer of 2012*
business • Good revenue from RU-9• 2400 sq ft retail shop • RU-3 farming 11.66 acres • RU-3 excellent holding
• One large rancher, 2nd house 1700 sq ft• Fast growing area • Call for more details.
Call Vic 604.506.1551
13911 - 70 Ave.
One of the best buys in Surrey, very well kept 2 bdrm condo, 9’
ceilings, new laminate oors, fresh paint, a great kitchen with a cozy
eating area, dining rm & a lge living room. Immed. poss OK. Many great amenities with in walking distance.
Call Vic 604.506.1551
21896 - 40 Ave. $152,900 $239,900
$$259,900259,900 CENTRALLY LOCATED
Located in heart of • Port Coquitlam Spacious 2 bedroom, • 2 level apartment Tons of counter space • & cupboardsHigh ceiling in living room • Bright south facing balcony•
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES2100 sq. ft. 2 storey plus unfi nished basement
$444,800Close to West Coast Express
SHOW HOME ON
GREENBELTOPEN!
2200 sq. ft. 2 storey plus unfi nished basement
The new familyhome your children
will always remember!
11145 237th StreetMaple Ridge
HOLIDAYSPECIAL$5000
CASH BACKCall for details
$596,000NEW
PRICING
Includes ALL TAXES!!ONLY 3 HOMES LEFT!
Call for Holiday Hours604-466-5723
NEW LOW PRICES!
*
2 bedroom from
$599/month*
Opening Specials. Limited to First 20 Homes.
Mov
e in N
OW!
604.460.8998 | lifeatsolaris.com Sales centre at 12069 Harris Rd. Pitt Meadows. Open Daily 12 - 5 pm (Except Friday). * See manager for details
Discover modern living in the heart of vibrant Pitt Meadows, only 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Standing at the epicentre of stunning views in all directions, Solaris is a development of modern steel and concrete towers with enhanced security features in the new, highly walkable community of Meadows Gate Village. Elegantly landscaped with natural west coast plantings and within steps from street-level shops, a recreation centre, a library, an elementary school, and the City Hall, Solaris is convenience right at home.
BUILDING AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITIES FOR TODAY... AND FOR YEARS TO COME.
GEORGIE AWARD™
NOMINATIONS
WE’VE BEEN RECOGNIZED WITH
*In the continuing effort to meet the challenge of product improvement, we reserve the right to modify or change plans, site plans, specifications or prices without notice. Renderings are an artist’s conception only and are intended as general reference only. All dimensions and sizes are approximate. Prices exclude taxes. E.&O.E. Marketing & Sales by: Portrait Homes Realty Ltd.
Sales Centre & Display Homes13819 – 232nd Street, Maple RidgeOpen Every Day: Noon - 5:00pm
3 Display Homes Now Open!13851 – 232nd Street, Maple Ridge Open Every Day: Noon - 5:00pm
Rowhomes starting from the $380,000’s*3 Bdrm plus unfi nished bsmnt, 1640 sq.ft.
Alder plan starting from $459,900*3 Bdrm + fl ex plus unfi nished bsmnt, 1809 sq.ft.
Garibaldi plan starting from the $550,000’s*3 Bdrm + fl ex plus unfi nished bsmnt, 2172 sq.ft.
including the Alder and Garibaldi designs,which have both been nominated this yearfor Best Single Family Detached Home.
www.portraithomes.caVisit us online at:
2 Bedrooms starting from $264,9003 Bedrooms starting from $274,900
Homes from 1,223 to 1,538 sq.ft.
www.brightonliving.ca
Finalist for Townhome Development of the Year, Brighton continues to offer a wide range of townhome designs to choose from and unbeatablebuyer incentives for all purchasers.
For more information on Brighton’s exciting Home Buying Packages, pleasevisit our new sales centre and display homes today!