If you enjoy having fresh cut flowersin your home, especially during theChristmas season, take a look at some

of the many new, long-lasting varieties nowavailable. They add so much colour and fra-grance to the festive season, and with propercare, their lifespan can be almost doubled.

Cleanliness is the single most importantfactor in making fresh flowers last. Dirtyvases are no place for fresh flowers. Notonly should they be clean, but a few drops ofbleach should also be added to the water tokill any bacteria that can reduce the capil-lary action of water flowing up the stems.The water should be warm, and the additionof floral preservatives will greatly extendthe lifespan of your cut flowers.

It is always a good idea to re-cut the stemson all fresh flowers the moment you receivethem, but it is very important for you tomake that cut while the end of the stem

is held underwater. Special machines arenow available to florists for doing just that.Another re-cut should be done in about aweek to keep that water flowing. Researchhas also proven that exposure to constant,rather than fluctuating temperatures, in-creases the lifespan of flowers. In otherwords, keep them at a reasonably cool roomtemperature rather than in a hot sun roomby day and in the cold at night.

I would never discourage anyone frompicking up fresh cinnamon-scented carna-tions or long lasting chrysanthemums at thistime of year, however, I would suggest tryinga few different flowers that have great keep-ing qualities as well. Locally grown anthu-riums are not only exotic but also stunninglooking, especially when combined withChristmas greens and berries. They are alsovery reasonably priced, as are cymbidiumorchid stems, another long-lasting flower.Colourful, exotic alstromerias fit in nicelywith any bouquet and will go the distanceeven with mums. If you are really tropicalminded, South African proteas last and last.

Spring flowers are now here and ready tobring a breath of fresh colour to brightenour winter spirits. Tulips, pussy willows andirises push aside those winter blues.

I am very fond of statice, and if you didnot save any from your garden this past

spring, fresh imported bunches are availableeven now. The Scotch heather that adornsthe hillsides of northern California is nowavailable, and it also lasts well. Pink waxflower is certainly one of my favouritesto add a finishing touch to any Christmasbouquet. Some of the most fragrant flowersare Oriental lilies or even a small bouquetof freesia. Just one blossom is sometimesenough to fill your whole room with a de-lightful perfume.

To accompany these flowers, I suggest youuse some traditional Christmas greens. Noble

and silver fir boughs are very dark green,fragrant and classy looking. They are alsoflat and easy to work with. The soft, wispybranches of white pine are certainly anotherfavourite at this time of year, both for perfumeand longevity. Cedar looks fine but, unfortu-nately, has a tendency to dry out very quickly,as does our common Douglas fir. Somebranches of golden or blue cedars and cypressgrowing in our yards can also provide a greatenhancement for any bouquet. A little trickflorists use to spice up the greens even furtheris a light dusting of gold or silver glitter spray.This alcohol based product can even be usedon fresh flowers as an added festive touch.

Traditional holly is always nice at thistime of year, but I suggest you try a twig ortwo of the deciduous holly, Ilex verticulata.The berries last well indoors, and ‘wow’, dothey ever give your holiday bouquets thatspecial festive look!

We’re right in the middle of the verycold, dark days of winter and fresh flowersbrighten everyone’s spirits. According to re-search, fresh flowers are the gift that makespeople the happiest. They do not have to costa great deal, and garden centres, florists andlarger stores all have super selections at thistime of year. Although prices will vary, al-ways buy quality and look for both fragranceand varieties that last.

REVIEWHome ShowcREEVVIEWVVLong-lasting flowers add colour for XmasLocally grown an-thuriums are exoticand stunning withChristmas greens

IN THE GARDEN Brian Minter

32 Tri-City News Friday, December 17, 2010

To learn more ablearn more about diabetes, volunteer,advocate or donate, please contact :advocate or donate, please co

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CHRISTMAS HOURS: Dec. 17: 9am - 9pm • Dec. 18 & 19: 9am - 6pm • Dec. 20 - 23: 9am- 9pm • Christmas Eve: 9am - 5:30pm Christmas Day & Boxing Day: Closed • Dec. 27 - 31: 9am - 6pm • Jan. 1 - 17, 2011: Closed to Re-energize!

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Jim IsherwoodJim IsherwoodMarketed by...

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Brookside RealtyBrookside Realty

Friday, December 17, 2010 Tri-City News 33

FINAL SALES EVENT

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Recently renovated to high standards, this stylish and modern centrally located 2 bedroom & den, 2 bathroom 1,275 sq.ft. townhouse boasts laminate fl oors, updated lighting, modern tile, new fi xtures, and designer paint colours. Extra large windows fl ood the open concept living room, dining area and kitchen with natural light. The spacious kitchen has a large island, lots of cabinets, and plenty of room to entertain! Tons of storage throughout, even your own garage and RV parking available! MLS: V855059. More photos at www.jackiemacdonald.com

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34 Tri-City News Friday, December 17, 2010

NEW LOW PRICES!

*

$299,900Limited to First 20 Homes.

Mov

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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.

2016

2 bedroom modern concrete & steel homes

from

*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*

5BUY SMARTER

%CONSTRUCTION

HAS BEGUN

HST INCLUDED*

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INITIAL DEPOSIT MEANS YOU OWN WITH AS LITTLE AS $12,800*

HOLIDAY HOURS:

Dec. 24 -Jan. 3Open by

appointment only