Friday, August 21, 1992 - North Shore News - 15 You've got it made in the shade with this book AS THE patient staffers at the North Shore News will at- test, me being in a sweat to get my articles in on time is not uncommon but this is ridiculous. 's hot! Real hot, and I would kill for a little cool shade. The fast time I brought the sub- ‘ject of shade gardening up we were waiting for the dark days of winter to pass late in January of ‘this year. At first glance, it might appear as though I should have waited until now when the merits of ‘ shade could be better appreciated. Let’s hope that some of you used my . seemingly premature advice and are now resting comfortably in the cool, green shadows of your newly refurbished shade garden. ’ By the way, if we should lose the sun between now and the time that you read this column, in the - words of the late but immortal Rosanne Rosanna Danna, ‘‘never . Iind.”” Actually the heat was only par- tially responsible for inspiration for this piece. The rest of it came to me while I was perusing ‘‘The Natural Shade Garden” by Ken . Druse. If ever there was a cause for in- spiration, this is it. My dear wife was kind enough to bring it home for me and even though I have thanked ber a hindred times, one _ hundred and’ one wouldn't. “ee AND LOU It’s our year end and we must-count — - our inventory, but wed rather sell it than count it. Example: Geoff Tobiasson ‘OVER THE GARDEN GATE This may well be the mest com- prehensive book on. the subject of gardening in the shade; it certainly is the most delicious. In my earlier articles, 1 stated that most are “of the view that ‘ shade in the garden is just another problem or nuisance in need of a solution. I attemped to sell you on the idea that. we should actually be considering it to be more. of an opportunity. DATION | DOUBLE SIZE MATTRESS SET AS SHOWN FROM ON SALE TILL AUGUST 31/92 fl FURNITURELAND 111 East 3rd St. North Vancouver CLOSED SUNDAY 986-1361 J If my sell job fell on deaf ears, get yourself a copy of this wonderful book and buy into the program. How does one put a feast for the eyes into words? Mr. Druse is more than an accomplished writer. He ‘won the coveted Quill and Trowel award from the Garden Writers Association of America for writing ‘*‘The Natural Garden’’; he won another for its photographs. 1 am sure he will repeat his double win with this book. If his words are inspiring, his photographs are passionate. In fact, Ken Druse is a pas- sionate gardener. His love of gardening and garden plants is made transparent by the way he talks about his subject and especially in the way he photographs it. As an example, turn to page 151. His photograph of the seed head of clematis ‘“‘Nelly Mosier” “ goes well beyond mere illustration and far into the emotional world of art. From the very start, he picks up the good work put forth in his last - book. The first chapter, entitled “A Walk In The Woods,”’ en- courages us to follow nature’s lead and it is quickly followed by “Using Nature’s Design,’? which will act as a road map to help you get the job done. I am very appreciative of Mr. Druse’s sensitivity. He continually stresses the organic approach to gardening and even goes so far as to offer a comprehensive list of sources for related products. He also takes the time to pro- perly explain the difference be- tween salvaging plants from the wild and wildly robbing nature blind. Ail in all “The Natural Shade Garden’? is a very worthwhile book and I highly recommend it. if you have the chance to pur- chase it and its earlier companion, “The Natural Garden,’’ do so without hesitation. You will never be sorry. Walking tours continue THE FREE walking tours of Vancouver architecture which were offered throughout July and August by the Architectural In- stitute of British Columbia (AIBC) have been extended into September. ‘The tours, which examine the architecture within walking distance of the institute’s Gastown offices — taking a historical, sty- listic and anecdotal approach — have been a huge success with both loca! residents and visitors to Vancouver. Led by UBC School of Ar: - chitecture : student Peter Bodnarus, the tours run Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. until Friday Sept. 4; and Saturdays at 2 p.m. September 5, 12, 19 and 26. Each tour lasts approximately one and a half hours. . The tours are available on a drop-in basis and meet at the AIBC’s’ offices at 103-131 Water St. at. approximately 1:50 p.m. An AIBC map of Vancouver architec- ture is also available for $2. Groups of ten or more stiould make special arrangements with the tour coordinator. The AIBC is a self-governing body dedicated to promoting’ and increasing the knowledge, skili and proficiency of its members in. all things relating to the practice of architecture, the allied arts, science and professions; and en- forcing the Architects Act. - : For more information call 683-8588. Affan Block, a mortariess concrete block retaining wall system, offers unlimited : design potential, Curves, corners, stairways and elaborate landscape ] terraces are easily achieved in both commercial and residential projects, Allan Block provides an attractive, affordable and highly durable retaining wall. § ForAll Your. - Wood Finishing Needs Sikkens offers a complete line of . _’ professional Wood Finishing Products, designed to protect, enhance and preserve the natural beauty of your wood. With products formulated to meet the specific needs of interior and exterior woodwork, Sikkens ensures optimal care in every situation. For easy application and quality you can trust, look to Sikkens: a worthwhile investment for beautiful. wood: