LIFESTYLES : 13 - Friday, May 19, 1989 - North Skore News rwo DIFFERENT GENERIC GROUPS Scent aside, brcom makes colorful show THESE DAYS, I have to gasp every time I use the on or off ramps at Caulfeild and the Upper Levels Highway. I am nearly overcome by the landscape that has been provided by the department of highways. Yes, gasping for air and over- come with the all too powerful fragrance of the Warminster broom planted in this and other areas of the Upper Levels. Its heavy, cloying scent is not what I intend when I talk about breath- taking landscapes. There are many of us who find this plant offensive and some whose allergic reactions to it find it almost life threatening. Unfortunately there are a greater number of gardeners who find it to be a useful and rewarding addition to the garden. There are far more varieties of broom than those found along the highway or the one in the kitchen cupboard. Just to make matters worse, there are two different ge- neric groups of brooms. The confusion that arises out of plants being referred to by their common names is compounded here by the fact that members of the genista and cytissus families are both commonly called brooms. The creamy-white flowering Warminster broom as seen at over the garden gate Geoff Tobiasson Caulfeild is cytissus preacox while the low growing mats of bright yellow blossoms found at the same site are genista pilosa ot creeping broom. The University of British Col- umbia recently released a new variety of creeping broom through its plant introduction program. G. pilosa ‘Vancouver Gold’ is one of several of their plants to win inter- national acclaim because of supe- rior appearance, performance and adaptability. The yellow broom or Scotch broom (cytissus scoparius) can be seen growing here as a cultivated plant, but in most areas of the WA AWINDOWS BEAUTIFULLY SAVE 05% OFF Decorate your bedroom with fashionable custom window treatments and SAVE 25% off regular department store prices during the month of May. $100 BONUS OFFER When you purchase your bedroom custom window treatments and a matching custom bedspread at the same time, you SAVE an additionat $100 off your combined purchase. Cail or visit our beautiful showrooms today Clearbrook - 852-4900 Victoria - 389-1227 West Oaks Mail 3214 Doustes St. Sumaby - 432-1191 Royal Oak & Kingsway = #3 Road & Cambie Richmond - 73-6417 White Rock/ Tsawwassen non Vancou ¢- 736-8541 North Delte- 590-1677 Syaascs Sernishmoo Mall 36 Guildford -584-7121 Impact Plaza Square i Vencouve 1925 W. Broadway Scott 72 Centre Langtey -533-5988 Cocuitiam - 464-21 Willowtree Plaza Pinetree Village Mall aver - 984-4407 Marine Dr. & Pemberton Nansimo - 758-7788 Rutherford Mall CANADA'S LARGEST WINDOW COVERING SPECIALIST 2WiENED OW EAS HTON S Fe Pacific Northwest it looks and behaves more like a weed. In fact, this import has adapted so well that many falsely believe it to be a native. Capt. W. Colquhoun Grant of the Royal Scots Greys settled in the Sooke area of Vancouver Island in 1849. As with most reasonable, in- telligent people, he immediately began gardening around the home- stead. His first task was to germinate the collection of seeds he had ac- quired in the course of his travels. Prized among these were roughly a dozen Scotch broom of which only three plants managed to survive. The way in which these three smal! plants have colonized our area rivals the imperialistic era of Spain, Portugal and England. Needless to say, there are many who would like to reward Capt. Grant for his efforts with an in- dictment on charges of crimes against nature. There are two more members of note in the broom family. Genista lydia has much the same appearance as Warminster broom, but is much easier to maintain. Its denser, lower growing habit re- GENISTA SAGITTALIS Spartinm scorpins 1. G. scorptus (L.) DC. LIFESTYLES -quires less pruning and shaping than its relatives. Even though genista sagittalis is not commonly available, it is one of my favorites. Its broad, evergreen leaves are reminiscent of those of the indoor Christmas cactus plant. The creep- ing stems produce one foot high, upright branches that terminate in clusters of bright yellow flowers. As with all brooms, it will sur- vive poor soils and dry conditions better than it will overly rich soils and poor drainage. All of the broom perform best in full sun, but most will tolerate limited amounts of shade. To maintain an attractive dense appearance, most of the upright forms of broom should be pruned at least halfway back to last year’s growth. This will promote larger displays of flowers and avoid the thin, twiggy look to which they are naturally prone. Feed established plants once in early April and again at the end of June. Although they are drought tolerant, the plants wili be healthier if they are watered during the drier parts of their growing season. AT OUR SHOWROOM 275 E. 8TH - MAJOR CHANGES - 42” Oak Table Extends to 60° with leaf, on empire base. OUR HEAD OFFICE “NEW FURNISHINGS” SHOWROOM IS UNDERGOING MAJOR CHANGES — MAKE AN OFFER DURING THE CHAOS! 275 E. 8th AVE., VANC. Royal City SINGS LTD. and FINE FURNISHINGS LTD. REFINISHING & RESTORATION, APPRAISALS -WE BUY QUALITY ANTIQUES- 275 East 8th Avenue 873-4267