You may have alreadydiscovered this reality:when it comes to garden-

ing gifts, passionate gardenersare very particular, so hereare some suggestions that youmight find helpful.

There are so many great gardening booksavailable today. It is well worth a browsein the gardening section of your favouritebook store. Gardeners love quality bookswith great information and lots of colouredphotographs. The Sunset Western GardenBook is probably one of the most useful. Youmight also consider a gift subscription to oneof our excellent local gardening magazines,like Gardens West or Gardenwise.

At the high end of gardening gifts, agreenhouse is a present to be enjoyed formany years. My advice is to buy the bestquality which usually means aluminiumand glass construction. Greenhouses area great way to extend the growing seasonand a useful place for winter storage of lesshardy plants and bulbs. The latest trend inEurope is a conservatory added to the home.It’s a wonderful way to bring the outsideinside and makes an awesome living space.A less expensive alternative is a windowsillgreenhouse, which, by the way, makes a per-fect spot to grow almost anything.

If your gardener has a greenhouse, ac-cessories such as heating pads and cables,quality watering accessories, like the worldfamous English Hawes watering cans, andmaximum-minimum thermometers are al-ways appreciated.

Attracting wildlife to gardens has also be-come quite a trend these days. Birdbaths andbirdbath heaters, feeders and bird housesare great gifts for children and shut-ins.Birding is the number two leisure activityin North America, and birding accessoriesare a nice present for those who enjoy thishobby. During winter cold spells, the birdswould appreciate some help.

There are a whole host of gardening giftideas like quality tools, gardeners’ soap,richly toned wind chimes and gardening vid-eos. There are also ergonomically designedtools for easy of use. For those gardenerswho are finding it a little more difficult tokneel down and get back up, handy kneel-ers, which double as a seat, are awesome.

Complete gardening ‘wardrobes’ are avail-able from gardening hats, gloves, aprons andfootwear to knee pads and garden tool belts.A gift certificate to a favourite gardeningstore is also a valued treasure.

Water in the garden is very popular thesedays, and everything from pre-formed pondsto pumps, fountains, filters, waterfalls andLED underwater lights are huge hits as gifts.A ‘vanishing water’ feature, with water bub-bling up through pre-drilled basalt stones,is the next big thing. A pump and kit thathouses this beautiful patio feature makes awonderful gift to be enjoyed for years.

Today, many people are interested in grow-ing vegetables and herbs indoors, and thebest system is probably the fully automatedAero Garden. It’s easy and very productive.

Indoor and outdoor echeveria and suc-culent gardens and wreaths are anotherhot trend. They are fabulous, very unique,colourful and easy to care for.

Research has revealed that of all the giftspeople receive, flowers make folks the hap-piest. Long-lasting and perfumed Christmasbouquets with seasonal fragrant greensare a real treat anytime over the Christmasseason.

Gardeners love plants best of all andthere are some wonderful new hardy plantsthey can enjoy in the late fall and winter.‘Bloomerang’ lilacs that bloom twice, winterblooming cherries, jasmine, viburnums andcamellias are fabulous. Peeling bark maples,coral bark maples and contorted filberts andwillows are a joy in winter. ‘Pink Lemonade’blueberries, the new haskap berries anddwarf sour cherries are the ‘hottie’ foods for2011.

By stepping out of the box a wee bit, thereare some wonderful European garden toursout there, and Donna Dawson, at icangarden.com provides some of the very best. Gardenmakeovers are all the rage today, and a giftcertificate from a quality garden designer isalso a wonderful gift.

Tickets to the Northwest Flower andGarden Show in Seattle this comingFebruary would be a treasured gift (ticketscan be purchased online). Tickets or seasonpasses to some of our wonderful LowerMainland or Vancouver Island gardenswould also be a splendid idea.

Most gardeners appreciate somethingunique and different. Quality and usefulnessare perhaps the two most important criteriato keep in mind. I hope this helps.

Got a gardener onyour Christmas list?IN THE GARDEN Brian Minter

REVIEWHome ShowREEVVIEWVVFriday, December 3, 2010 Tri-City News A43

OPEN HOUSE!OPEN HOUSE!Sun., Dec. 5Sun., Dec. 5, 1-3pm, 1-3pm54-19034 McMyn 54-19034 McMyn Rd,Rd,

Pitt MeadowsPitt Meadows

$268,000$268,000

Jackie MacDonaldackie MacDonaldPrudential Power Play Realty778-549-0696jackiemacdonald@shaw.ca www.jackiemacdonald.com

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

I HAVEBUYERS FOR:• Tri-Cities/Pitt Meadows Condos and Townhouses

• Tri-Cities/Pitt Meadows homes with suites

• Tri-Cities/Pitt Meadows homes with workshop

space

Call Jackie at

778-549-0696for more details!

HARR

IS R

D.

LOUGHEED HWY.

PITT RIVER BRIDGE

OLD DEWDNEY TRUNK RD.

✘

11991100 Old Dewdney Trk Rd., Pitt Meadows www.amsterdamgreenhouses.com 00 Old Dewdney Trk Rd., Pitt Meadows www.amsterdamgreenhouses.com 604-465-6614 604-465-6614 Christmas Hours: Mon - Fri 9-9 • Sat - Sun 9-6Christmas Hours: Mon - Fri 9-9 • Sat - Sun 9-6

AMSTERDAMGift Certifi catesAvailable in anydenomination

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4TH Sinterklaas Celebration For Children of ALL agesFree Dutch Treats, Free Hot Chocolate, Colouring Contest & Prizes. Sinterklaas appearances throughout the day (bring your cameras for memorable pictures with Sinterklaas)10:00 am: Kids Christmas Centrepiece Workshop2:30 pm: Kids Christmas Centrepiece As above

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH FROM 7:30-4 PM Donald E. Waite will promoting and signing his two new books:Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows - ‘A History in Photographs’ & ‘Vancouver Exposed’

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7TH @ 7PM Create a Fresh Holiday Centrepiece in a Traditional Style

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH @ 7PM Create a Fresh Holiday Centrepiece Using the Latest Trends

PRE-REGISTER $10 deposit per person per class will be deducted from cost of materials used.

Phone: (604)465-6614 Fax: (604)465-6768Email: info@amsterdamgreenhouses.com

GREATGREAT Gardener’sGardener’s Gifts!Gifts!LIVE ORLIVE ORFRESH CUTFRESH CUT ChristmasChristmas Trees TreesFRFRESHESHfrom the from the Fraser Fraser Valley! Valley!

Our elves are available to load/deliver your tree

We take orders toWe take orders toGlamourize your PlantsGlamourize your Plants Classic ToolsClassic Tools

5050%% OFFOFFALL

COLOURS!

POINSETTIAS ORCHIDS

Christmas Planters

CYCLAMENAnd

Much Much More!

Regular Price

$$399,500399,500

Brookside RealtyBrookside Realty

Jim IsherwoodJim IsherwoodMarketed by...

604.250.7755

OVER $40,000 IN UPGRADES

Just like new but no HST - • 2 bdrm + den townhomeSpacious kitchen, stainless • appliances + 9ft ceilingsMountain and courtyard • view from master bedroomGreat location for schools, • shopping & highway access

Port Coquitlam

Open House 1-4 pmOpen House 1-4 pmSat. Dec 4 & Sun. Dec 5Sat. Dec 4 & Sun. Dec 5

This Lifestyle Home has been tastefully adorned to pamper & please those that appreciate the best of being home! Experience this home’s music & mood lighting throughout. Escape to lush gardens with a west view onto picturesque greenbelt & mountains! High-end kitchen:

cabinets are custom crafted with granite counters & back splash, KitchenAid®

appliances, gas grill, walk-through pantry & wine fridge. Solid hemlock doors, wood windows with Low ‘E’ glass, & hardwood fl oors w/upgraded carpets. Unbelievable 2,000 SqFt walk-out basement, media room, upscale bar, games room, fully mirrored gym, & insulated wine cellar. Cozy, comfort & magnifi cent, this Home isn’t just a walk-through, it’s an experience!Virtual Tour atdocksteader.CanBYour.com

Tom (TommyT) Thiessen604-418-4902tommyt@remax.com TomThiessen.com

$$899,500899,50013825 Docksteader Loop, Maple Ridge13825 Docksteader Loop, Maple Ridge

Move in for Christmas!MLS# V854286

A44 Tri-City News Friday, December 3, 2010

SMART SPACES.SMART INVESTMENT.Nest is perched on the slope of Burnaby Mountain adjacent to renowned Simon Fraser University and one of the strongest rental markets in the Lower Mainland.

Our gorgeous C Plan offers a great investment opportunity. Meticulously designed inside and out, this 1 Bedroom and Work Centre home boasts 594 sf, lots of storage space and best of all starts at $249,900! Nest is a smart investment decision offering value for today and years to come.

Developer reserves the right to make modifications without notice. E.&.O.E.

NOW SELLING 604.299.1188 MOSAICHOMES.COM

NEST HOME STORE SW Corner 9055 University High Street, BurnabyOpen 12-5pm daily (closed Fridays)

HOMES ON BURNABY MOUNTAIN

BALCONY(SELECT HOMES)

WD

DINING

LIVING

DW

F

KITCHEN

BEDROOM

THOUGHTFUL TRANSOM WINDOWFOR NATURAL LIGHT

CONVENIENTWORK CENTREWITH DATA AND PHONE HOOK-UPS

LAUNDRY ROOM WITH EXTRA STORAGE SPACE

CUSTOM NICHES IN BATHROOM

PLENTY OFSTORAGE SPACE

SOFT TOUCHCABINETS AND DRAWERS IN KITCHEN

LARGE FUNCTIONAL BEDROOM

DESIGNER SELECTED ENGINEERED LAMINATEFLOORING IN TWO COLOUR SCHEMES

WINDOWS ON SELECT PLANS

BATH

WORKCENTRE

OVER 80% SOLD

*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*

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTIIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHH AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$1111111111111111122222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222,,,,,,8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888880000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000******************************************

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

Friday, December 3, 2010 Tri-City News A45

Priscilla Amaral

Laurette Anderson

Alex Aragon

Taryn Aragon

Brian Ashford

Lisa Baiton

Mike Carlos

Bobbi Crandall

Greg Curtiss

Logan Eskesen Harvey Exner Richard Getty Adam Harceg Bruce Hendriks Marlo Hendriks Andy Holland Angela Judge Abbas Khayam Mike Li Michael Lim Joanna Luan Arnold McLaughlin Lynn McRae

Steven Yu

Veronica Ren

Wayne Tullis

Jennifer Tullis

Ashley Tullis

Elena Surayeva

Bob Steeves

Denis Sleightholme

Pat Simpson

Harry Parhar

#5C - 2662 Austin Ave., Austin Station Mall • #5C - 2662 Austin Ave., Austin Station Mall • 604-931-5551604-931-5551

For over 65 years, Macdonald Realty has been providing property related services with an unequalled dedication to professionalism, innovation and integrity.

• Residential Homes • Project Marketing • Mortgage Services • Commercial & Leasing • Property Management • Relocation & Referrals

DREAMDREAMWe at MacDonald Realty have been pursuing dreams, achieving goals and fulfi lling aspirations. It permeates everything we do, making it possible for each of our over 800 associates and their clients to pursue their dreams, and achieve their goals as well.

A New Plateau by Liberty Homes.Distinguished Concrete Apartments Starting from $380,000

Now Selling, Contact Us for More Information604.472.0009 | www.libertyhomes.ca

Nestled between towering evergreens high on Westwood Plateau, Cascade features luxury 1,200 square foot suites in Coquitlam’s premier neighbourhood. Designed for

a seamless transition from single-family to apartment living, these homes combine inspired architecture with spacious layouts and timeless finishes. Uniquely located

adjacent to Westwood Plateau Village, Cascade also offers an exceptional setting that blends picturesque views with shopping and recreation at your doorstep.

Sales CentreOpen Daily, Noon to 5pm

2950 Panorama Drive, Coquitlam

PANORAMA DR

JOHN

SON ST

BARNET HWY

PARKWAWYAA

BLVDDAVID AVE

COQUITLAMCENTRE

Outstanding Value

For 1,200 Square Foot Units

A46 Tri-City News Friday, December 3, 2010

W W W. S H O W C A S E P L U S . C A

3137 St. John’s Street, Port Moody 604-461-2844

Barb Steczko Linda Yurechko

is proud to welcome the following is proud to welcome the following realtors to their team!realtors to their team!

Royal LePage is a well established real estate company in the Tri-Cities, with 880 yrs of combined experience. We are proud to service many local & out of town residents

in fi nding a place to call home.

WWelcome!elcome!

Open Daily (except Friday)Mon to Thurs. 1-4pmMon to Thurs. 1-4pmSat & Sun 12-5:00pmSat & Sun 12-5:00pm

4 Showhomes to View44 Executive Suites • 1,17244 Executive Suites • 1,172sq. ft. sq. ft. - - 1,3581,358sq. ft.sq. ft.

12258 224th St. Maple Ridge

For Further Information Call:

Granite

Open Plan

Visit our website www.stonegatelife.com11933 224th St Maple Ridge

Open DailyOpen Daily (e cept Frida )(e cept Frida )

STONEGATE Phase 2

9’ Ceilings

Brookside Realty

2 Bedrooms 2 Bedrooms + Den + Den

fromfrom $$279,900279,900+ GST+ GST

Prices Just ReducedPrices Just Reducedto Sellto Sell

Debra Bell604.290.8544

Jim Isherwood604.250.7755

Al Carlson604.518.9299

8 UNITS SOLD IN 2 WEEKS

CALL TODAY 604.805.4669DiscoverTrailsEdge.com

$459,900Generous Whistler-style duplex units,

BUILDING AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITIES FOR TODAY... AND FOR YEARS TO COME.

GEORGIE AWARD™

NOMINATIONS

WE’VE BEEN RECOGNIZED WITH

*In the continuing effort to meet the challenge of product improvement, we reserve the right to modify or change plans, site plans, specifications or prices without notice. Renderings are an artist’s conception only and are intended as general reference only. All dimensions and sizes are approximate. Prices exclude taxes. E.&O.E. Marketing & Sales by: Portrait Homes Realty Ltd.

Sales Centre & Display Homes13819 – 232nd Street, Maple RidgeOpen Every Day: Noon - 5:00pm

3 Display Homes Now Open!13851 – 232nd Street, Maple Ridge Open Every Day: Noon - 5:00pm

Rowhomes starting from the $380,000’s*3 Bdrm plus unfi nished bsmnt, 1640 sq.ft.

Alder plan starting from $459,900*3 Bdrm + fl ex plus unfi nished bsmnt, 1809 sq.ft.

Garibaldi plan starting from the $550,000’s*3 Bdrm + fl ex plus unfi nished bsmnt, 2172 sq.ft.

including the Alder and Garibaldi designs,which have both been nominated this yearfor Best Single Family Detached Home.

www.portraithomes.caVisit us online at:

2 Bedrooms starting from $264,9003 Bedrooms starting from $274,900

Homes from 1,223 to 1,538 sq.ft.

www.brightonliving.ca

Finalist for Townhome Development of the Year, Brighton continues to offer a wide range of townhome designs to choose from and unbeatablebuyer incentives for all purchasers.

For more information on Brighton’s exciting Home Buying Packages, pleasevisit our new sales centre and display homes today!

Friday, December 3, 2010 Tri-City News A47

A48 Tri-City News Friday, December 3, 2010

NEW LOW PRICES!

*

2 bedroom from

$599/month*

Opening Specials. Limited to First 20 Homes.

Mov

e in N

OW!

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.

20 16

800 feet of 15 ft. cedars give this private 43,000 sq/ft estate lot total privacy. The grounds are gorgeous with the 7200 sq/ft mansion wrapped around the southern exposed sun drenched pool and rear yard with a mountain view. The side yard contains a sport court, sport shed and workshop. There is a one bedroom coach house above the garage. Covered parking for 7 cars and parking for approximately 20 cars. Main house has 5 bedrooms plus a self contained one bedroom nanny suite. The gourmet kitchen is an entertainer’s delight with Sub Zero fridge,

professional stove with 6 burners, grill and 2 ovens and Miele dishwasher. Between the kitchen and dining room is the handy butler’s pantry, with wine fridge, another Miele dishwasher and bar sink. The massive master suite has a gas replace, sitting area, 2 walk-in closets and French doors to the pool deck. The spa inspired 7 piece ensuite also has a door to the pool deck. Located just North of Port Moody, about 30 mins. from Vancouver and approx. 3 minutes from Buntzen Lake. Priced at $1,888,888. Call 604-351-9439.

Enchanting, best describes this Custom LogHome nestled in the trees on the bank of thepicturesque Alouette River in Maple Ridge. Thefront entrance has custom designed stainedglass double doors. The great room featuresa Valor gas replace with antique mantle, oldgrowth wide plank ooring and lots of windowsto view the back deck, yard and river. Thekitchen is every chef’s dream, with stainlesssteel Wolf commercial gas range and includes“Salamander” grill top for steaks, top brandappliances, granite counters, built-in food

warming drawers, pre-rinse faucet at sink andlarge walk-in pantry. The upper level lofts overthe living/dining room and contains a sittingarea/den, master bedroom, walk-in closet andensuite with jetted onyx soaker tub. The lowerlevel contains 2 bedrooms, bathroom, roughed-in kitchen, laundry, spacious living/dining roomcombination with sliding patio doors to theprivate patio overlooking the river. The locationis perfect, rural, yet close enough to town & urban amenities.

Open House Sunday,December 5th, 2 to 4 pm

Open House Sunday, December 5th, 1 to 4 pm

2514 East Road,Anmore, Port Moody

$1,888,888

23707 128th Crescent,East Central, Maple Ridge

$1,299,800