ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, May 12, 1996 TAG: 9605130013
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
HIGO GARDEN
Owner: Jerrie Pike
Phone: 381-4255
Location: 1360 North Fork Road, Ellett Valley
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.; and by appointment.
Products and services: Pike specializes in the Japanese art of bonsai (pronounced bon-sigh), a horticultural practice that tries to mimic nature in miniature. The style has its roots in Zen, which reveres age. Thus, through careful designing and trimming, younger plants can appear more mature. "The imitation of old is almost as good as old, according to Zen," Pike says. "Bonsai opens the door to a world of fantasy in miniature."
Numerous plants and trees are suitable for bonsai, which means "tree-in-a-pot," and many of those fare well in the New River Valley's climate. Pike also provides plants for Japanese-style gardens and shade gardens.
Prices: $15 for a starter pot and plant to $250 for a finished plant.
About the owner: Pike has been growing bonsai plants in Montgomery County for 10 years and selling them by consignment and appointment. Recently, she opened her acre-sized garden to the public. The new hours are an experiment, she says, that will allow customers to browse and think about their purchases. Pike also sets up booths at area festivals and events, conducts seminars, talks to groups and teaches a class on bonsai through the YMCA Open University.
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:by CNB