Tri-City News Real Estate Dec. 2, 2011

In old-fashioned gardens, Helleborusniger, or the ‘Christmas Rose’, was cer-tainly one of the best known winter

flowers. And for 2005, the whole helleborusfamily was chosen as the Perennial Plant ofthe Year.

The earliest to flower, H. niger, is native tomany parts of Europe, in particular to thesub-alpine woods of Austria and northernItaly, and many varieties are available, somehardy to -30 F. Helleborus niger is so namedbecause its roots are black; the blossoms,however, are pure white. Depending uponthe type of winter we have and the variety ofhelleborus, blooming can begin in Decemberand continue well into late March.

The Heuger Company, under the leader-ship of Josef Heuger, has bred fabulousearlier blooming H. nigers that have glossygreen leaves and offer superior gardenperformance. The earliest to bloom is H.n.‘Jacob’. It blooms about two weeks earlierthan other varieties. It has strong stems andupright blossoms that are far larger and

showier. Its tough shiny green foliage allowsit to be brought indoors in a cool room forthe Christmas season and then be plantedout in mild weather after the holiday season.

Helleborus niger ‘Josef Lemper’ has verylarge flowers on robust stems, and it too isvery showy because of its upward facingblooms. It has superior garden performanceand makes a wonderful addition to our win-ter gardens.

Helleborus plants can be propagated fromseed or from divisions; the latter is certainlythe fastest way to achieve a blooming plant.Up until a few years ago, finding helleboruswas difficult because they usually arrivedbare root from Holland and were exceed-ingly tough to re-root. With the growinginterest, and with tissue culture and newseeding techniques, more perennial grow-ers have begun producing them, and theyare now quite plentiful. I would recommendthat the home gardener purchase only wellestablished plants that have been grown in acontainer for at least one year.

Helleborus niger, like many other winter-flowering plants, should be placed in a pro-tected spot, next to a house, wall or in frontof a protective barrier of evergreens, butalways out of cold winter winds. The moreprotected their location, the earlier and lon-ger they will bloom. They also prefer a semi-shaded site, but it is important that theyreceive some sun in winter. A location underdeciduous trees is ideal, as long as the shade

is not too dense. A cool, moist situation ispreferred, and deep watering is essentialduring periods of drought. Any soil in yourgarden that produces good flowering plantswill usually suit helleborus.

Container-grown plants can be set out at anytime of the year, but it is wise to prepare a deepplanting hole because the roots must stretchdown, not outward. It is also important to set

the crowns of the plants just below the soil line.Good drainage is essential, as the fleshy rootswill not tolerate wet feet, however, they love‘humusy’ conditions. I have found a mixture ofpeat, bark mulch and bone meal helpful in thedevelopment of new root growth.

Once established, helleborus plants needlittle care. Although aphids can sometimesbe a problem, few other insects bother them.Even slugs tend to shy away from their bitterleaves. They love to be fertilized, and a feed-ing of 10-15-19 fertilizer in early spring andmid-summer is ideal to help develop a strongroot system and plenty of flowers.

You’ll find that most helleborus are ratherslow growing perennials. It may take a yearor two before they begin flowering in ear-nest. To get more plants, it is often temptingto divide smaller clumps in half, but youmust be careful. No dividing should takeplace until the plants have at least a dozenor more strong leaves on a good sized clump.The larger the clump grows, the more boun-tiful the flowers.

I always remember a fresh bouquet of‘Christmas Roses’ on my Grandmother’shearth each Christmas. They are certainly aspecial winter treat. Today many helleborusvarieties are being grown in BC, and the firstones are now in bloom for planting outsidein your garden or even in containers. Don’t’miss out on these amazing winter plantsand remember, they also make wonderfulChristmas gifts.

REVIEWHome ShowcREEVVIEWVVChristmas Rose needs some protectionOnce they’ve been planted, helleborusplants don’t need a great deal of care

IN THE GARDEN Brian Minter

www.tricitynews.comA32 Friday, December 2, 2011, Tri-City News

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www.tricitynews.com Tri-City News Friday, December 2, 2011, A33


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.mindymcpherson.mindymcpherson.com

by Kerry Vital

Entering Mosaic Homes’ newest development, Foster in West Coquitlam, feels like you’re walking into a chic heritage enclave, one that perhaps reminds you of days gone by when a classic red-brick exterior and Georgian architecture was the height of style. Seeing the high-end features and expansive fl oorplans, you might expect this beauty to come with an equally high-end price tag, perhaps one that keeps it out of reach for the typical fi rst-time home buyer.

You’d be wrong.“People are pleasantly surprised they

can aff ord a home that looks this good,” says Mosaic’s Geoff Duyker. “I have never worked on a project that had so many (fi rst-time home buyers) ... It’s really struck a chord with buyers.”

Ranging between 607 and 994 square feet, the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes feel spacious as soon as you walk in. Overheight 9’ ceilings and open fl oorplans combine for a fantastic sense of space.

Th e two-bedroom fl oorplans are proving particularly popular.

“Th ese are the most eff ective two-

bedroom plans available,” says Duyker. “Th ey give you the maximum possible benefi t of space.”

Th ere is no shortage of beautiful features at Foster, including engineered laminate wood fl ooring throughout the living, dining and kitchen areas, and luxurious loop pile carpeting in the bedrooms and dens.

Speaking of those kitchens, polished composite stone countertops and a glass tile backsplash are complemented by under-cabinet puck lighting and sophisticated Greenlam and lacquer cabinetry with polished chrome pulls. Stainless-steel appliances are standard, while the integral exposed shelving system (designed by Mosaic) is a serious work of genius.

Th e bathrooms are a spa-like piece of paradise, with deep soaker tubs (also designed by Mosaic) and porcelain tiles on the fl oors and tub and shower surround. In a charming little touch, the shower includes a recessed pot light

that complements the pendant light fi xture in polished chrome and white glass.

However, the location has also become a big draw for buyers at Foster. Just a block away from the future Evergreen Line, owners will be surrounded by everything they could possibly need. Schools, recreation facilities, shopping and other amenities are all within easy reach at Foster.

Foster held its grand opening in early

November, and within a week, over 100 of the 161 homes were sold.

“It’s been quite remarkable,” says Duyker, adding that Mosaic’s reputation for building better homes has contributed to Foster’s popularity.

Foster is now selling its third phase, and there is still a good selection of homes available, Duyker says.

Homes start at $250,000. For more information visit www.mosaichomes.com/foster or call 604-936-9300.

Submitted photosMosaic’s Foster features elegant red-brick Georgian architecture, above, and spacious living areas. With bedrooms built for relaxation, top, and gourmet kitchens with chic under-cabinet puck lighting, left, homeowners will be able to unwind in their own piece of paradise.

Heritage-style chic at Mosaic’s Foster

Striking a chord with homebuyers

GVHBA renovation seminar attracts more than 300 people

Tips for getting you through the renovation Do you want to renovate your house, but

fi nd the whole idea a little intimidating?Th e Greater Vancouver Home Builders’

Association is on the case. Last week the GVHBA held a seminar meant to demystify the whole process. Th e seminar attracted over 300 attendees, and GVHBA President and CEO Peter Simpson says they went home ready to go on their projects.

He says homeowners need to focus on four key words: get it in writing.

Getting everything in writing means you’ll have proof in the event of a dispute. Spell it out on paper and the contractor will have a record of exactly what’s expected, and you will know exactly how much you’re going to pay.

Another tip from the seminar is to avoid the underground economy. Homeowners who

take this route are placing themselves at risk by avoiding the safeguards that come with hiring a reputable contractor. You might save yourself some cash, but if something goes wrong you are completely unprotected.

Are you going to live in the house during the reno? You’ll have to create a set of rules for the contractor – and your family – to live by. Can the workers use your bathrooms? How about playing music in the house?

“All of these rules ... have to be determined up front in the contract,” Simpson says.

He also recommends looking for Renomark-branded contractors, who have agreed to the GVHBA code of ethics as well as the RenoMark code of conduct, which mandates minimum standards for warranties, liability, insurance and safety.

“ People are pleasantly surprised they

can afford a home that looks this good,” says Mosaic’s Geoff Duyker.



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Tri-City News Real Estate Dec. 2, 2011