V irtually every well- tended garden is now going through its sum- mer cycle of colour but one flowering shrub is preparing to steal the show. Hydrangeas, next to roses, are perhaps the most common deciduous flowering shrub in West Coast gardens. The ‘macrophylla’ or ‘garden hydrangea’ was introduced to England in 1736 and since then, a whole se- ries of beautiful plants have been developed for the home garden. When folks ask me to recommend a good vine for a shady north wall, my first choice is the climbing hydrangea, ‘anomala peti- olaris’. This deciduous, fast-growing vine has four inch long, dark, heart-shaped glossy leaves. It has aerial rootlets that cling to virtually anything standing still and the plant itself will stretch to twenty feet or more, if left untrimmed. Its foliage appears quite early in the spring and lasts well into the autumn. In my opinion, it almost quali- fies as an evergreen vine. The real feature of this attracti ve vine, however, is its large, flat white flower clusters which grow to six inches across and resemble the lace-cap vari- eties. This hydrangea is hardy to -25 C. which is surprising because of its lush appearance. It’s a winner in any garden and will tolerate some sun, but the foliage is far richer in a more shaded location. The white flowering hydrangea you see in late summer gardens is most likel y one of the many ‘paniculata’ varieties, sometimes known as ‘P.G.’, which is short for ‘paniculata Grandiflora’. You’ve probabl y seen some in tree forms as many have been grafted that wa y . It is quite easy to select one strong branch and train it into a tree form. Believe it or not, many of these hydrangeas are Prairie hardy , tolerating temperatures of -40 C. Given time, the plant itself can become almost a tree, stretching up to twenty feet in height, but most folks like to keep them trimmed back to around six feet to conform to most garden situations. Massi ve, pendulous cone- shaped flowers appear in late Jul y and often last until late September when they take on a reddish-pinkish hue. The foliage of this fine garden plant also turns a rich bronze in fall, so it is a colourful accent in your au- tumn garden. The newest kid on the block is ‘Limelight’ with pure lime flowers that provide a ‘wow’ accent, before turning cream then pink. ‘Little Lime’ is a more compact form, making it ideal for smaller space gar- dens. ‘Little Lamb’, also a P.G., grows about 5 ft. x 5 ft. and has masses of small white flowers that look like dancing lambs floating about this compact shrub . ‘Angel’s Blush’ is a relativel y new variety that blooms white then immediatel y turns pink and holds that colour. ‘Pink Diamond’ is very similar, as is ‘Pinky Winky’. ‘Bombshell’ is a brand new dwarf from Ball Ornamentals that grows onl y 2.5 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide and has more flowers per plant than any other hydrangea. It’s also very long blooming. ‘Lace Cap’ hydrangeas have certainly drawn the most interest during the past few years. They are called ‘Serrata’ or ‘Lace Cap’ because a cluster of sterile flowers in the centre are surrounded by large florets of traditional hydrangea blossoms. The effect is really quite charming and in shady loca- tions they seem to outlast the ‘macrophylla’ or common varieties. Like the big-leafed hydrangeas, however, the blossoms will turn a beautiful sea-blue in acid soils and pink or reddish-purple in chalk soils. Remember: you can change their colour by adding lime to keep them pink or aluminum sulphate to make them blue. There are now white ‘Lace Cap’ varieties that look classy and elegant in any setting and they do not change colour . One of the lesser known hydrangea va- rieties is the ‘quercifolia’ or ‘oak-leafed’ hydrangea. This handsome shrub has rather large leathery leaves resembling oak leaves and it grows to about six feet high. This is a great plant for heavily shaded areas because its creamy white flowers, which appear in June, brighten up those dull spots and its foliage, which turns a bright scarlet-crimson in fall, is really outstanding. Unfortunately , this oak-leafed variety is often quite hard to locate in nurseries. For small space gardens, there are now several true dwarf varieties that stay within the three foot range. ‘Pia’, ‘Winning Edge’ and ‘Pink Elf ’ are some of the cutest little garden gnomes you’ve ever seen. The truly big news is the first ever ‘mac- rophylla’ type that blooms on new wood. For those buds that get frozen out in a bad winter and for those of us who prune our hydrangea to the ground each spring and get no blooms, this variety is the answer. Amazingly, they bloom beautifully on new growth. ‘Endless Summer’ is the name and it’s a ‘must have’ for your garden. Most hydrangeas are very versatile, but they prefer moist soil and bloom far longer with some shelter from the intense after- noon sun. They are one great garden plant. Why not plant two or three varieties in your garden. REVIEW H om e S h ow c RE EV VIEW V V H y drangeas ready to attract attention IN THE GARDEN Brian Minter www.tricitynews.com A34 Friday, July 29, 2011, Tri-City News Top 20 Realty Affordable oceanfront homes from just Affordable oceanfront homes from just $249,900 $249,900 to to $963,900 $963,900 Suite sizes range from under 650 to over 1900 sq. ft. Suite sizes range from under 650 to over 1900 sq. ft. Six-storey contemporary concrete building with Six-storey contemporary concrete building with terraced architecture terraced architecture Large, south-facing balconies with spectacular views Large, south-facing balconies with spectacular views of the Georgia Strait of the Georgia Strait Located on a walk-on pebble beach and steps away Located on a walk-on pebble beach and steps away from all village amenities from all village amenities Just a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay Just a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to the Sunshine Coast to the Sunshine Coast The model is an artist representations and is not necessarily an accurate depiction. OCEANFRONT LIVING IN OCEANFRONT LIVING IN DOWNTOWN SECHELT DOWNTOWN SECHELT ON THE SUNSHINE COAST For more details call 604 885 5432 For more details call 604 885 5432 or toll-free 1 855 SECHELT (1 855 732 4358) or toll-free 1 855 SECHELT (1 855 732 4358) www.thewatermark.ca NOW PRE NOW PRE - - SELLING SELLING Photo tour at www.gloriahamilton.ca Hamilton Steve & Gloria 604-467-8881 Huge fenced yd. w/ hot tub backing onto true green belt & Hoy creek. 2348 sq ft of comfortable living w/ 4 bedrms & 4 bathrms & a finished w/o bsmt. for your nanny. Nice updates, new kitchen w/ granite & two new bathrms, laminate & blinds. DbIe. garage plus 2 parking spaces. Excellent location in Canyon Springs. $469,800. #19 -1251 Lasalle Pl., Coquitlam OPEN SUNDAY 2-4
Transcript
Virtually every well-tended garden is nowgoing through its sum-
mer cycle of colour but oneflowering shrub is preparingto steal the show. Hydrangeas,next to roses, are perhaps themost common deciduous flowering shrubin West Coast gardens. The ‘macrophylla’or ‘garden hydrangea’ was introduced toEngland in 1736 and since then, a whole se-ries of beautiful plants have been developedfor the home garden.
When folks ask me to recommend a goodvine for a shady north wall, my first choiceis the climbing hydrangea, ‘anomala peti-olaris’. This deciduous, fast-growing vinehas four inch long, dark, heart-shaped glossyleaves. It has aerial rootlets that cling tovirtually anything standing still and theplant itself will stretch to twenty feet ormore, if left untrimmed. Its foliage appearsquite early in the spring and lasts well intothe autumn. In my opinion, it almost quali-fies as an evergreen vine. The real featureof this attractive vine, however, is its large,flat white flower clusters which grow to sixinches across and resemble the lace-cap vari-eties. This hydrangea is hardy to -25 C. whichis surprising because of its lush appearance.It’s a winner in any garden and will toleratesome sun, but the foliage is far richer in amore shaded location.
The white flowering hydrangea you see inlate summer gardens is most likely one ofthe many ‘paniculata’ varieties, sometimesknown as ‘P.G.’, which is short for ‘paniculataGrandiflora’. You’ve probably seen somein tree forms as many have been graftedthat way. It is quite easy to select one strongbranch and train it into a tree form. Believe itor not, many of these hydrangeas are Prairiehardy, tolerating temperatures of -40 C. Giventime, the plant itself can become almost atree, stretching up to twenty feet in height,but most folks like to keep them trimmedback to around six feet to conform to mostgarden situations. Massive, pendulous cone-shaped flowers appear in late July and oftenlast until late September when they take ona reddish-pinkish hue. The foliage of thisfine garden plant also turns a rich bronzein fall, so it is a colourful accent in your au-tumn garden. The newest kid on the blockis ‘Limelight’ with pure lime flowers thatprovide a ‘wow’ accent, before turning creamthen pink. ‘Little Lime’ is a more compactform, making it ideal for smaller space gar-
dens. ‘Little Lamb’, also a P.G., grows about5 ft. x 5 ft. and has masses of small whiteflowers that look like dancing lambs floatingabout this compact shrub. ‘Angel’s Blush’ is arelatively new variety that blooms white thenimmediately turns pink and holds that colour.‘Pink Diamond’ is very similar, as is ‘PinkyWinky’. ‘Bombshell’ is a brand new dwarffrom Ball Ornamentals that grows only 2.5 ft.tall and 3 ft. wide and has more flowers perplant than any other hydrangea. It’s also verylong blooming.
‘Lace Cap’ hydrangeas have certainlydrawn the most interest during the past fewyears. They are called ‘Serrata’ or ‘Lace Cap’because a cluster of sterile flowers in thecentre are surrounded by large florets oftraditional hydrangea blossoms. The effectis really quite charming and in shady loca-tions they seem to outlast the ‘macrophylla’or common varieties. Like the big-leafedhydrangeas, however, the blossoms will turna beautiful sea-blue in acid soils and pinkor reddish-purple in chalk soils. Remember:you can change their colour by adding limeto keep them pink or aluminum sulphate tomake them blue. There are now white ‘LaceCap’ varieties that look classy and elegant inany setting and they do not change colour.
One of the lesser known hydrangea va-rieties is the ‘quercifolia’ or ‘oak-leafed’hydrangea. This handsome shrub has ratherlarge leathery leaves resembling oak leavesand it grows to about six feet high. This is agreat plant for heavily shaded areas becauseits creamy white flowers, which appear inJune, brighten up those dull spots and itsfoliage, which turns a bright scarlet-crimsonin fall, is really outstanding. Unfortunately,this oak-leafed variety is often quite hard tolocate in nurseries.
For small space gardens, there are nowseveral true dwarf varieties that stay withinthe three foot range. ‘Pia’, ‘Winning Edge’and ‘Pink Elf ’ are some of the cutest littlegarden gnomes you’ve ever seen.
The truly big news is the first ever ‘mac-rophylla’ type that blooms on new wood.For those buds that get frozen out in a badwinter and for those of us who prune ourhydrangea to the ground each spring andget no blooms, this variety is the answer.Amazingly, they bloom beautifully on newgrowth. ‘Endless Summer’ is the name andit’s a ‘must have’ for your garden.
Most hydrangeas are very versatile, butthey prefer moist soil and bloom far longerwith some shelter from the intense after-noon sun. They are one great garden plant.Why not plant two or three varieties in yourgarden.
REVIEWHome ShowcREEVVIEWVVHydrangeas ready to attract attentionIN THE GARDEN Brian Minter
www.tricitynews.comA34 Friday, July 29, 2011, Tri-City News
Top 20 Realty
Aff ordable oceanfront homes from just Aff ordable oceanfront homes from just $249,900$249,900 to to $963,900$963,900Suite sizes range from under 650 to over 1900 sq. ft.Suite sizes range from under 650 to over 1900 sq. ft.Six-storey contemporary concrete building with Six-storey contemporary concrete building with terraced architectureterraced architectureLarge, south-facing balconies with spectacular views Large, south-facing balconies with spectacular views of the Georgia Straitof the Georgia StraitLocated on a walk-on pebble beach and steps away Located on a walk-on pebble beach and steps away from all village amenitiesfrom all village amenitiesJust a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay Just a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to the Sunshine Coastto the Sunshine Coast
The model is an artist representations and is not necessarily an accurate depiction.
OCEANFRONT LIVING INOCEANFRONT LIVING INDOWNTOWN SECHELT DOWNTOWN SECHELT ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
For more details call 604 885 5432For more details call 604 885 5432or toll-free 1 855 SECHELT (1 855 732 4358)or toll-free 1 855 SECHELT (1 855 732 4358)
www.thewatermark.ca
NOW PRE
NOW PRE --SELLINGSELLING
Photo tour at www.gloriahamilton.ca
HamiltonSteve & Gloria
604-467-8881
Huge fenced yd. w/ hot tub backing onto true green belt & Hoy creek. 2348 sq ft of comfortable living w/ 4 bedrms & 4 bathrms & a fi nished w/o bsmt. for your nanny. Nice updates, new kitchen w/ granite & two new bathrms, laminate & blinds. DbIe. garage plus 2 parking spaces. Excellent location in Canyon Springs. $469,800.
#19 -1251 Lasalle Pl., Coquitlam
OPEN SUNDAY 2-4
In the continuing effort to meet the challenge of product improvement, we reserve the right to modify or change plans, specifications or prices without notice. Plans may be reversed depending on lot grading. Renderings are an artist’s conception only and are intended as a general reference only. All dimensions and sizes are approximate. E. & O. E.
Marketing & Sales by: Portrait Homes Realty Ltd.
www.portraithomes.ca/blog/
www.tricitynews.com Tri-City News Friday, July 29, 2011, A35
by Kerry Vital
You won’t fi nd a much more exclusive community than ParkLane’s Th e Views at Heritage Woods. With just fi ve townhomes available, Th e Views is a true example of great value for a lower price point.
“Th e Views off ers the very rare opportunity to own a brand-new home in an already established community,” says ParkLane General Manager of Sales and Marketing Yosh Kasahara.
Th e development is set in the heart of ParkLane’s master-planned community of Heritage Woods on Heritage Mountain in Port Moody. With over 15 other single-family and multi-family projects at the development, Th e Views is right at home with previous projects like Echo Ridge and Creekside, among
others. ParkLane has won several awards for Heritage Woods, including more than 30 Georgie Awards given out by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia.
Th e homes come standard as a two-bedroom and loft , but Kasahara says they can be converted to a three-bedroom for no extra charge.
Every home features a great room-style layout with a nine-foot ceiling, adding to the sense of spaciousness that comes standard at Th e Views. In the kitchen, owners will no doubt be quickly taking advantage of the large workspaces, islands and pantries that are so perfectly situated it’s as if the
builders read your mind. Maple shaker-style cabinets complement the stone-slab counters, and a high-end stainless-steel appliance package will have you cooking up a delicious meal in minutes.
At the end of the day, everyone wants to kick off their shoes and relax. Th e master bedrooms at Th e Views have been built for this, with lush carpeting, private balconies, huge walk-in closets and an ensuite featuring his-and-hers sinks and a separate soaker tub.
Th e bottom fl oor features a fully fi nished recreation room, perfect for turning into a media room or home theatre, and double garage.
One of the biggest selling points at Th e Views is, obviously, the stunning views. “You can see everything from
Mount Baker to the Gulf Islands from this community,” Kasahara says.
Buyers who are planning to work from home will fi nd it easy at Th e Views, as the townhomes are zoned for a live/work space, according to Kasahara.
All fi ve homes are completed and ready to move in to, Kasahara says. “We have been overwhelmed with phone calls and visits to our open houses by people who are interested in purchasing here ... people don’t want to miss out.”
Th e townhomes at Th e Views at Heritage Woods are 1,793 or 1,798 square feet, and start at $569,900. To make an appointment to see the homes, visit theviews.parklane.com or call 604-961-3559.
Martin Knowles photosCentral RE/MAX realtor Jenny Wun enjoys the living room at ParkLane’s The Views at Heritage Woods. Every detail has been thought out at the development, including lush carpeting in the master bedroom (left top), natural landscaping (left) and generous workspaces in the kitchen (top.)
Heritage Woods welcomes The Views
‘We have been overwhelmed with phone calls and visits to our open houses’
Smooth buying experience the norm in Lower Mainland
Home-buying doesn’t need to be stressful Everyone has heard horror stories about
buying a new home. Homes not being fi nished on time. Salespeople looking down their nose at you when you don’t decide to install those hardwood fl oors. And of course, the worry that it won’t live up to your expectations.
Th ose nightmares are rarely a reality in the Lower Mainland, with its range of wonderful builders, all of whom are committed to providing a smooth, seamless buying experience for every single customer.
“Th ere were no problems with the buying process,” says Kseniya Stepanova. “It was quick and smooth.” Stepanova and partner Arseniy Tkachuk purchased a home in Vancouver’s Maynards Block, a project built by Aquilini Development and Construction. Th eir home is still being built, but Stepanova
was impressed by the fl exibility. “We have actually changed our mind in the process and moved up two fl oors, so we had to come back a second time – all was good.”
South of the Fraser River, Corina Accili had a fantastic experience with Benchmark Homes, the builders of the Yorkson South development. “Benchmark was wonderful to work with,” she says. “Everything has been painless.”
She was particularly impressed by the staff at Benchmark, saying that everyone from the sales staff to the project manager have been great.
Buying a home can be stressful (even when it’s good stress), but perhaps the experiences of Accili, Stepanova and Tkachuk will turn those nightmares to dust.
“ The Views offers a very rare
opportunity to own a brand-new home in an already established community,” says General Manager of Sales and Marketing Yosh Kasahara.
www.tricitynews.comA36 Friday, July 29, 2011, Tri-City News
www.tricitynews.com Tri-City News Friday, July 29, 2011, A37
www.tricitynews.comA38 Friday, July 29, 2011, Tri-City News
Offering affordable studios and one bedroom suites next to world class education, Highland House is a great first home and a smart long-term investment.
REGISTERLIBERTYHOMES.CA
TODAY @
This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering may only be made with a disclosure statement. E.&O.E.
COMING THIS FALL
HIGHER LIVINGAT UNIVERCITY
*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, CLOSED FRIDAYS OR BY APPOINTMENTONE BEDS FROM $292,000 · TWO BEDS FROM $359,000
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 90 days
5 Pay nothing more until you move into Grand Central in the summer of 2012*
INITIAL DEPOSIT MEANS YOU OWN WITH AS LITTLE AS $14,600*
www.tricitynews.com Tri-City News Friday, July 29, 2011, A39y y y
Coast M
eridian Rd
Johnson St
Lougheed Hwy
7
7
CoquitlamCentre
PinetreeW
ay
Princeton Ave
Highland Drive
Burke Mountain, Coquitlam
David Ave
A Signature Morningstar Community By Frederick T. Sale
J=QU=eljbp=plia=J
bñÅäìëáîÉ=páåÖäÉ=c~ãáäó=eçãÉë==
pí~êíáåÖ=cêçã=AUOVIVMM=áåÅäìÇáåÖ=Üëí>
Prices exclude taxes. In the continuing effort to meet the challenge of product improvement, we reserve the right to modify or change plans, specifications or prices without notice. Plans may be reversed depending on lot grading. All dimensions and sizes are approximate. E. & O. E.
Marketing & Sales by: Portrait Homes Realty Ltd.
www.portraithomes.ca/blog/
GARAGE
UP
FINISHEDBASEMENT
DWN UP
GREAT ROOMAA
KITCHEN
DINING
P
ENTRY
DECK
DWN
BATHAAENSUITE
BEDROOM #3
BEDROOM #2
MASTERBEDROOM
www.tricitynews.comA40 Friday, July 29, 2011, Tri-City News
