north shore news __ 4 FJOME & GARDEN A large number of plants growing in our gardens originally came from Asia and, in partic- ular, China and Japan. During the 19th century many of the great English plant hunters such as Fortune, Hooker and Wilson shipped specimens or seeds back to England where they were propagated and distributed to other areas. Today, plant hunters are more likely univer- sity botanists or horticultural businessmen who don’t have to explore uncharted jungles or fight off local bandits. One such horticultural businessman is Pierre Piroche, who runs Piroche Plants, a wholesale nursery in Pitt Meadows. For many years he has maintained a very close relationship with Chinese growers and has been respon- sible for introducing a large number of new plant species to the Lower Mainland and North America. His keen interest in and knowledge of Asian plants has heiped make the Fraser Valley one of the hot spots in the world for new nursery introductions. Ar the recent Home and Garden Show in Vancouver, Piroche Plants had a few of their new introductions on display which generated con- siderable interest among plant fanciers. Camellias are coming into bloom at the moment and are highly prized for their colour- ful blooms and glossy green leaves. Two new introductions NEWS photo Terry Puters CAMELLIAS are coming into bloom acrass the North Shore. This year there are two new varieties. are “Pink Mermaid” and “White Mermeid” Camellia Japonica quercifolia. Unlike regular camellia leaves, these are fan shaped and look like a mermaid’s fin. The large five to 10 em fragrant blooms _ open in late winter or carly spring and have big bold yel- low centres. The bush will grow and spread to nwo metres. The plant can tolerate full sun or partial shade and thrives in any good well- drained but moist garden loam. The Japanese Camphor Tree, Cinnamonnum japon- icum is a gorgeous evergreen tree that is quite large (10 to 20 m) and is best used as a background or boulevard tree. {ts distinctive leaves have three bright mid-ribs that run the length of each leaf and smell like lime when crushed. The tree produces a profuse supply of yellow flowers in early sum- mer that form into blu¢ and then black berry-like fruit in the fall. The bark will become quite furrowed with age. Plant in a protected full-sun site for the best results. — Look for more informa- tion on new and interesting plants in Roy Jonson’s columu next Sunday. Introducing the all-new 4-Door VETARA. The newest memder of the celebrated VETARA family of compact sport utilities. 5 148 months : 4 o oac? lease 9 Includes from Freight G PDE 7 North Vancouver Suzuki Buy frorn 983-2088 * Rear dogs child safety locks * wheel ADS (optional) * Accessory power cutter * Overhead map lights * Rear wipertwosher * 16" all-season radials 1695 Marine Dr. North Vancouver D.P, $2,900 - T.P. $15,232 plus taxes * 2.0 lure, 16-veive DOHC engine * Reinforced ‘adder box frame * Pownr-assisiad tock & ginian steering * Drive Select 4x4 © Dual air bags ® Side impo beams ® Auto-on lighting system * Tochomerer © Tit steering © Cenne console * Roof rails * Seating for 5 S$ suzunxi All you have te do fs drive one Sunday. April 11, 1999 - North Shore News — 39 Sonatas Grand Opening specials are designed to get you in the door searching from ceiling to ficor. of Q” 10 Days Sale April 8th to April 18th/1999 Once inside you'll agree Sonata Rattan Special and Ciltware is a nice addition to the neighbourhood. It fits right into what's become the new Lower Lonsdale. Although Sonata is only 900 square feet, The store owner has it stocked with wicker, rat- tan, laundry baskets, drapes, wrought iron curtain holders, floar mats, CD holders, etc., etc. If you don’t see what you want, just ask to see the cat- Set of 3 for only $149.98 (2 chairs & coffee table) alogue and they'll order it for you and have it delivered — often within one week. You'll find everything from living room sets to beautiful dining suites that can be used Screen in the sun room or a traditional dining room. The furniture is the perfect size to suit the new condos spring- ing up in this area and the prices are very rea- sonable. the most interesting thing about Sonata is the fabulous selection and Perhaps variety. It’s one of those shops that you'll have to visit over and over again and each Giraffe (3 ft) Plant Stand in, only $29.00 time you stop you'll see something . else new and interesting. If you're just starting out in your new apartment or wanting to give your home a bit of a facelift, stop in at Sonata and feast your eyes on the possibilities. 3 Piece Dining Set % from $288.88. up to 40 ott Bamboo Blinds & Rice Faper Blind63 0%, oe regular price % up te 25 off Wicker Rocking Chair from $129.83 Hampers, Laundry Basket Low from *4 2° V5 Placemats, Rugs, Throws from $1.96 up to 5O off ONATA - 2x Rattan Special & Giftware 312 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver Tel: 990-9886 f Tuesday-Saturday 1-6:30pm/Sunday 11-5:30pm/Monday Closed BIA