Taste Holidays A
OF THE
2017
AVAILABLE AT
12
14
10
CONTENTS
Available at Crawfords Garden Centre. While supplies last.
4
Must-Have Fashion Trends
7
Outdoor Decorating Made Simple
9
Easy Peasy Holiday Entertaining
10
Put the VoilĂ in Your Christmas Decorating
12
Best Hostess Gifts For the Holidays
14
Spruce Them Up
16
Holiday Gifts We Love
22
Pet Friendly Indoor Plants and Tropicals for the Holidays
This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and Crawfords Garden Centre. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in the publication, however, the publisher will not be held accountable for omissions or errors. Note that products may vary between retailers and regions, and supplies may be limited. Pricing is subject to change and is not valid with any other offer. Home & Garden Showplace is a registered trade mark for use by its members, of which the Garden Centre Group Co-Op is an alliance member. HOLIDAY 2017 • 3
MUST-HAVE FASHION TRENDS A
peek into this fall and winter season reveals collections that are unique and fashion forward, yet maintain a perfect balance between style and comfort. Focused around luxurious, rich fabrics and vibrant hues, this season’s trends still retain their sense of fun, colour and self-assuredness. Jackets hold the fashion spotlight, from classic suits, Jacquards or velvets to bomber and denim styles. Selecting a piece that reflects your taste shouldn’t be a difficult task this year since the pattern and colour choices are endless. As a new and upcoming trend in the high-end fashion industry, the Jacquard coat offers a stylishly bold uplifted design on a soft stretch knit. These Jacquard coats transition well from season to season: they can be enjoyed as a light jacket in the fall and early spring or as an extra, cozy layer for warmth during our cold Canadian winters. Fall is a great time to showcase the Canadian tuxedo, so be ready to wear denim from your head to your snazzy boots. From embroidered jeans to sweaters and tunics, denim is a perfect fabric for women of all shapes, and sizes. You’ll see accents of Marigold and Gloxinia flowers adorning jeans with the accompaniment of sequin jewels and distressed rips, a great fit for any occasion. Cozy cable knit sweaters and tunics are a standout addition to jeans and leggings since their rich feel and appearance never go out of style. Bold, dark and romantic floral patterns and vintage plaid patterns are also a mainstay for this fashion season. And continuing strong this fall is the layered look: think turtle necks almost hidden underneath a long blouse topped off with a funky poncho or shrug. Don’t be afraid to mix and match florals, plaids or edgy accents of leather and fringe. When it comes to your fashion sense and trends, it really is “anything goes” this year. Clothing featured by Orange Fashion Village
4 • CRAWFORDS GARDEN CENTRE - 905-878-0223 - CRAWFORDS.CA
Owners FROM THE
W
elcome to the Christmas 2017 issue of Crawfords Home & Garden magazine. It always amazes me how quickly each season passes and how excitedly we look forward to what is in store for the next season that is ahead of us. But what do we love most about the Christmas season? Slowing down. Enjoying all that the season has to offer, the gathering together of friends and family, the sharing of food and drinks, laughter and love, and the creation of shared memories.
own creations, or she might be regaling you with stories as five year olds like to. But you’ll know for sure, this is a family owned business. We put our everything into the business and hope that you enjoy it. Know that each product in the store is chosen with thought, each urn drop in is made by hand, here on our property. Each design, designed by us, with thought put into how it will look, how it will hold up in harsh weather, how it will work for you and your family. We teach our workshops and seminars ourselves, or bring in local experts here at Crawfords. Our calendar of events has a great line up of workshops and seminars that guarantee a fun & relaxed atmosphere where you can learn new tips and tricks with friends and family and create something great! Check them out online at www.crawfords.ca or follow us
We feel very lucky to have a family business. These days, in the rushing, fast paced world that it is, we are here. You’ll see us out, hands on in our business almost every day. And you’ll see our five year old daughter, Maddie, as well. She might be running around like kids do, she might be sitting at a table making her
on facebook to get the most up-to-date listings. Don’t forget we love to host as well! Gather six or more friends and we’ll make a class just for you! We are not a massive place, we are just as big as we want to be. We invite you to join us this holiday season to come and experience all of the wonders that Crawfords has to offer. From indoor décor and gifts, fresh table centrepieces, fresh wreaths, garlands and greens, and ready to go outdoor arrangements, the holiday season has never been easier or more stress free. Let us help you decorate your house inside and out, and truly make your house feel like home this holiday season. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Chris, Sarah & Madeline
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HOLIDAY 2017 • 5
Calendar of
EVENTS
Looking to learn something new this Christmas season? Make & take something home or just learn some of our tips and tricks? We’ve got a fantastic lineup of classes and seminars covering
indoor and outdoor decorating and creating. We’re also thrilled to announce we’ll be running a fantastic line of Pinterest-inspired courses and seminars this Christmas season!
Check out www.crawfords.ca or Facebook for the most up-to-date calendar and make sure to give us a call or email to sign up; our classes fill up quick!
Family Get Together? Girls Night? Staff Party? Did you know we love to do private classes too? Bring in your group of 6 or more and we’ll do a class just for you! Budget, choice of activity, and day and time is up to you!
6 • CRAWFORDS GARDEN CENTRE - 905-878-0223 - CRAWFORDS.CA
OUTDOOR DECORATING
Simple made
Outdoor decorating for the holiday season has never been easier or more stress free. Your outdoor decorating made simple! Many themes of outdoor arrangements to choose from with styles ranging from natural to glitz and glamour and everything in between! Ready to go, we’ve got coordinating urn drop-ins, hanging baskets, window boxes, and wreaths. Unbeatable variety,
outstanding selection, and the very best quality around, all handmade right on the premises. Outdoor decorating for the holiday season has never been easier or more stress free! Stop in and pick up yours today, or order for the date of your choice!
HOLIDAY 2017 • 7
Seasonal Decorating by Crawfords Design Team
Summer
Spring Winter
Fall Planters are the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor space. What a great way to accessorize and add colour to your garden or commercial property! Let our Design Team do all the work and create these beautiful planters for every season. info@crawfords.ca 8 • CRAWFORDS GARDEN CENTRE - 905-878-0223 - CRAWFORDS.CA
Easy Peasy Holiday Entertaining... With a simple-to-arrange charcuterie board Pick a cheese board
Some salty things
Condiments to accent
Add some cheese! Soft, hard and crumbly, different strengths, and different colours and shapes
Add some lovely crackers
The finishing touches
Fill the spaces
Add a little sweet
For complete article and step by step directions, please go to: https://wholefully.com/awesome-cheese-board-minutes/ HOLIDAY 2017 • 9
voilĂ
PUT THE
IN YOUR CHRISTMAS DECORATING By Carla Hrycyna
D
ecorating brings the spirit of the holiday season alive. Adding decorative touches to the interior and exterior of your home creates an ambiance of cheerfulness and merriment and brings together family and friends. Traditionally, decorating starts with the tree which then sets the tone for the rest of the home. The character of the decorated tree is established either by theme or colour and is instrumental in shaping your overall design. Ask yourself: Are you creating a design with a classic, traditional or formal look? How about a whimsical or character-focused tree? Which style suits you the best? It may be possible that one design compliments one area of the home, while another room takes on a totally different feel. In a more formal area like the living room, you may feature coordinating decorations while using themed ornaments and more rustic accents in the family room. You can use colour to tie rooms together and lend visual harmony. Choose a focal colour to be the unifying factor, and then accent with secondary colours. Reds can be complemented with golds and silvers, and whites look wonderful accented with copper and rust tones. How about lavenders with a hint of blue? The potential colour combinations are endless, and can look even more striking when a third accent colour is added. For example, a dominant red can be paired with frosted white and a splash of silver or even lime green. 10
This year in colour trends, red continues to hold sway since it is a stable, traditional colour reminiscent of Christmas past and childhood memories. Coming up strong are blues and lavenders blending into purples. Also showing this year are hues of copper, rust and amber since these colours work well with natural themes. Textures such as plaids, woods, florals and foliage are also evident. Silk flowers enter back into the scene with floral poinsettias and magnolias in rich red and burgundy tones. Enticing blues and lavenders will take centre stage complementary to decorative ornaments. The influence of succulents carries through to holiday decor, seen as accents in winter arrangements and decorative touches.
CHRISTMAS TREES It is easiest to approach decorating your tree by working in layers. Start with the lighting, which can be obtained by either using a pre-lit artificial tree or placing lights on your freshly cut evergreen.
Trending this year are various styles of LED micro lights, in various shades of white or multiple colours, with multi-function settings. When calculating how many to use, bank on using at least 100 lights per foot height of your tree. Ribbons should be your next step, and can be hung in either a vertical or horizontal application. As a wavy dramatic overlay, they bring a visually appealing flow to the tree, or can be hung vertically to give the illusion of added height.
fancy an extra little touch for the room. A pleasing arrangement can be formed with sprigs of artificial greenery blended with glossy berries and accented with a favourite coloured flower. Place it on a crystal platter with glossy Christmas ball ornaments on it and “voila,” your creation is complete.
WREATHS
Next, add silk flowers and holiday picks to create texture. Place silks such as poinsettias, magnolias and boughs evenly throughout the tree. If the tree is visible from all sides, generally 12-14 pieces work well for coverage; adjust to 6-8 if your tree is placed in the corner of your room. If you are coordinating the top of the tree, 3-5 pieces may be paired with a traditional angel or Christmas star. Boost the effect by layering your poinsettias or florals with a silk spray of pine, leaf or berries. Silks have flexible wiring from flower to stem which can be adjusted to create graceful curves. Adding ornaments is the final step. Place collections of past treasures and newly found gems gently on the tree. Family room trees can be home to whimsical collectibles that have been carefully selected through the years while more formal areas such as living rooms call for an elegant theme.
BANNISTERS
Decorating bannisters and newel posts can be a favourite part of the process. Key your colours off the closest tree and bring some of those thematic elements to the bannister. Tie gentle curves of garlands to the railings as a focal point for garnishing. Just imagine large red poinsettias with sprigs of cherry red berries paired with bow accents complementary in colour. Envision ice blue poinsettias with flowing silver-white ribbon mimicking the swoop of a mixed cedar garland, or even snowy white flocked garlands adorned with crisp white snowflake ornaments and dangling clear crystal icicles. There is an abundance of creative recipes and ideas to draw from. As a finishing touch, dress up sideboards and centrepieces for your table. Florals and silks are useful if you
Greet guests with a beautifully accented wreath set in the colour tone of your decorating style. Its welcoming effect announces your colour scheme as they enter the home. Weave twists and loops of ribbon through the circle of greenery if you like, or as an alternative use a glorious bow of ribbon with tails for a simple, elegant finish. Perhaps a bright red cardinal nestled in a twig nest could become the accenting focus touch. One element of holiday decoration still requires mention: Lighting. With reduced daylight hours, real candles as well as LED or battery operated alternatives create dramatic effect. There are many types of lighting available, from tabletop pieces to lit ornaments that draw your eye to the Christmas tree. Let your adventure into decorating begin. Decorating your home’s interior creates a festive atmosphere to be enjoyed by all who visit throughout the holiday season. HOLIDAY 2017 • 11
hostess, as you would give a different gift to a close friend than your boss. You might consider a couples gift or something the whole family can enjoy. When arriving at the party, remember to be discrete when you present it as not everyone will have brought one. When giving flowers, ensure that they are arranged in a vase or mason jar so as not to make additional work for your host. Better yet, a potted plant or arrangement that is delivered the day before the party gives the host time to incorporate it into their decor. Since your host is busy preparing, don’t expect them to open your present right away. Bring a gift that can be set aside for another time, which you can mention when you give the gift. Say something like “Enjoy this after we all go home,” or “This is just for you so hide it for later.” Another great idea is to bring something that can be used at future gatherings like tidbit plates, designer napkins and candles, fancy cheese knives and spreaders, coasters, or scented hot pads.
BEST
Hostess Gifts For the Holidays By Dianne Visser
Seasonal hosts gifts that will get you invited back again and again.
I
love this time of year. It is the season of giving, and a holiday party is the perfect occasion to say “thank you” to your host by bringing a unique gift.
Those who give the best gifts do a little research into the traits and likes of the recipient as well as reflecting on the tone and nature of the party. Keep in mind your relationship to the 12
Kitchen gifts are a wonderful idea as most hosts appreciate and enjoy items that can be used every day, such as bamboo cutting boards, oven mitts filled with utensils, bamboo spoons or whimsical tea towels. If you know the host well enough you could pamper them with more personal items like bath bombs, face masks and specialty soaps. For your friends with a green thumb, rosemary trees, amaryllis, paperwhites or orchids go well with any decor. Tasty treats could include local honey, maple syrup, baked goods, some truly awesome hot sauces, specialty olive oils, and particularly balsamic vinegars and flavoured salts since a little of these goes a long way. I am a chocoholic and therefore I cannot call this list complete without suggesting some excellent quality chocolate. I would rather have one or two pieces of good chocolate than a whole box of the less expensive stuff. If you are going to bring wine, try to find something
exceptional and then add a cute wine stopper, bottle opener, set of stainless steel wine glasses, wine charms or themed Christmas ornaments. Overnight stays call for a larger gift than a casual dinner, as your host will have sheets and towels to wash and a few more meals to prepare. I like the element of surprise and usually leave presents such as Christmas pillows, lavender sachets or a basket filled with teas and tea accessories in the guest room for the host to find after I have gone home. Running late or forget to pick up a gift? Write a nice thank you note and send or drop off the gift within seven days of the event. Don’t be offended if you don’t see your gift on display or served the next time you visit. Remember, it is a thank you to your hosts and not about you. Lastly, don’t forget to offer to help with the dishes but don’t push as some people like to decompress on their own after their event. My advice to the host is to enjoy the occasion and the people, don’t expect gifts, and receive each present graciously and thankfully.
Happy holidays!
HOLIDAY 2017 • 13
SPRUCE
Them Up By Will Heeman
C
hristmas urns, those bunches of potted green boughs adorned with shiny red balls, are a beloved sign that Christmas is approaching, festive displays ready to greet the holiday celebrations. Think of most urns you might see on porches (maybe yours!) during this time of year and this image might come to mind: cut pine or cedar greens, arranged in a pot and adorned with shiny red or gold ornaments. It’s all wrapped in burlap, festooned with a reindeer or snowman, topped off with a red bow and looks fantastic!
ADDING ‘PIZZAZZ’ TO THE PORCH
It’s hard to top the classic Christmas urn, but if you’re after a unique look this year, winterscaping is a bold new way to aproach your seasonal decorating. Traditionalists and innovators alike can take some fairly simple steps to add pizzazz to the porch. Here are some ideas for what’s hot and interesting in urns:
FOR FOLIAGE:
Use evergreens as anchors of the piece, but feature other natural elements. The idea here is to present a diverse arrangement that showcases natural diversity. Try adding some “upscale green” such as magnolia, seeded eucalyptus, or oregonia. The combination of different textures and shapes adds natural contrast that can turn an ordinary arrangement into something extraordinary.
FOR COLOUR:
Think natural! Add brown pine cones or lotus pods, which will bring new shaping to the piece and add interest. For a bit of “pop,” introduce metallic accents like pine cone picks in frosted silver or burgundy. Champagne, silver and copper-coloured pieces will add timeless beauty to any piece.
The essence of winterscaping is to create something of timeless beauty, something that provides months of value and enjoyment.
Lime green and purple are also interesting enough to draw the eye. If you want to showcase the whimsical side of your personality, you can even add some hot pink. Don’t be afraid to test-drive some unconventional colour choices — it’s still going to be a powerful presentation, it’s just not going to scream “Christmas” when you’re into February.
14
FOR ACCENTS:
You’ll be surprised by how effective wood ornaments, either unpainted or in a soft whitewash, can be if used sparingly and strategically. Pop in some classy whites or copper-coloured accents. Yes, reindeer are the animals of the season, but try moose instead. Small toboggans, skis and snowflake patterns all say “welcome, winter” and can inject a jaunty flair.
THE CONTAINER:
Containers come in a myriad of sizes and shapes so you’ll want to make sure yours is well in proportion with what’s inside and atop it. If you have an urn you love, continue to love it. But if its original black has faded to grey, give it new life with a coat of spray paint. Consider classic black, red or burgundy. You can also try urns of different sizes and shapes, made into an attractive set by using the same colour for all.
BRING OUT THE 3D ‘WOW’ FACTOR
Even with your best efforts to replicate the beautiful arrangement you see in your mind’s eye, reality can sometimes fall short… literally short. You have beautiful greenery, some lovely accents and colours and there’s just some “wow” factor you’re missing. Chances are, you’ve been focusing on what’s in the urn rather than what’s above and around it. Instead, envision a fully three-dimensional urn, a piece with height, depth and breadth that can elevate ordinary to extraordinary. Often, the missing element is as simple as bringing in some height with vertical sticks of white birch – always a lovely, classic look – and adding a graceful flaring of Western red cedar that cascades downwards. It’s a simple step but one that can elevate an ordinary urn to an extraordinary one. Remember to add lots of water to your urn display until it is completely frozen, as this helps keep the greenery lush throughout the holiday season.
We suggest people envision a “filler,” a “spiller” and a “thriller” as they design their urns.
Many of the items used in these Christmas Containers are provided by Second Nature. Available at select Garden Centres.
Winter urn arrangements can be one of the most strikingly beautiful ways to make your home a welcoming place. With the right materials, a bit of guidance and some imagination, they can add months of colour, class and a real spark of joy to our homes. HOLIDAY 2017 • 15
HOLIDAY GIFTS WE To keep us warm...
Cozy Hat, Scarf & Mitt Set
Love
Fashionable and functional, a great stocking stuffer.
Boot Socks that are Fashionable AND Warm A variety of colours and styles to choose from.
Royal Stewart Tartan Wool Blanket
Adding that touch of Sparkle and Glam...
A luxurious throw that is a festive accent to any room.
Crystal Angel and Mistletoe to Decorate Christmas Trees & Windows
Add a touch of sparkle to your tree.
Jolly Santa & His Flying Reindeer A statement piece, perfect for the mantel. 16
Swirling Acrylic Christmas Tree
Back by popular demand, this is a perfect holiday gift.
Making the Holidays Glow...
Micro LED Lights in Warm White for Indoor & Outdoor Use
Silver Acrylic 200mm Ball with Lights on Timer Perfect for your outdoor evergreen planters.
To light up lanterns, wreaths, garlands and fresh arrangements.
Reg. $39.99
Reg. $59.99
Featured $29.99
Featured $49.99
AVAILABLE AT CRAWFORDS GARDEN CENTRE 8689 #5 Sideroad, Milton, ON (905) 878-0223 www.crawfords.ca
Available at Crawfords Garden Centre. While supplies last.
HOLIDAY 2017 • 17
Decorating TREE
TIPS & TRICKS 1
TREE TOPPER
Unique picks and sprays in a style that match the colour of the tree are a great change from traditional angels and stars
100
LIGHTS PER VERTICAL FOOT OF TREE Or up it to 200 for extra wow
3-5
LARGE ORNAMENTS
Worked midway along branches (for 7’ tree)
6
4’-5’ LENGTHS OF RIBBON OR GARLAND Weave in and out around tree; for extra sparkle use beaded garlands.
15-20
ORNAMENTS IN VARIOUS SHAPES AND SIZES FOR EACH VERTICAL FOOT OF TREE
Additional sprays and picks worked on diagonals throughout the tree. At least five clusters for a 7’ tree. For impact, add remaining ornaments in clusters of odd-numbered ornaments, interspersing sentimental and homemade decorations throughout.
SAVOEFF INDOOR & OUTDOOR LED TWINKLE %
1 5 WITH
ON COUP
COMPACT WARM LIGHTS
WITH 8-FUNCTION EFFECTS FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY DECORATING eco-friendly low energy consumption
over 50,000 hours bulb lights available in a variety of sizes
Not to be combined with any other offers. Offer expires December 10, 2017 18 • CRAWFORDS GARDEN CENTRE - 905-878-0223 - CRAWFORDS.CA
C
rawfords offers a variety of holiday foliage that you simply don’t find anywhere else. With competitive pricing and qualified staff to provide you with information about each type of product and decorating advice, you won’t have to make multiple stops to purchase all your winter urn needs.
Extraordinary CHRISTMAS GREENS
Photo Credit Paul Zammit
Toronto Botanical Garden, TTGG 2017
Different types of foliage will take your pot from ordinary to extraordinary!
Specialty Greens
Magnolia
Seeded Eucalyptus
Incense Cedar
Large leaves with a glossy green front and velvety brown back.
Beautiful grey-blue colour, draped effect.
Beautiful draped effect for planters and wreaths alike.
White Pine
Cedar
Balsam
Excellent for structure and weeping effect.
Great for filling containers with dense colour.
Great container filler.
Basic Greens
MANY MORE TYPES IN STORE! Glorious Greens – Early Bird Super Special! Get 3 of our mix and match greens bundles for just $18! *Cannot be combined with any other offers
NOV 10-12
ONLY
HOLIDAY 2017 • 19
Crawfords
Fresh Wreath & Garland Shoppe at
Come in and see the area’s largest selection of fresh wreaths and garland. We have an amazing selection of fresh garland for indoors and out and fresh wreaths ready to go as they are or
SPECIAL OFFER
dressed up in any way you please! Boxwood, incense cedar, mixed Western greens and many more! Something to suit every style and budget!
5
$
OFF
FRESH GREENERY GARLAND
Limit one coupon per visit. Cannot be combined with any other offers EXPIRES: December 10, 2017
20 • CRAWFORDS GARDEN CENTRE - 905-878-0223 - CRAWFORDS.CA
SPECIAL OFFER
5
$
OFF
ANY FRESH WREATH
Limit one coupon per visit. Cannot be combined with any other offers EXPIRES: December 10, 2017
CUSTOM
FRESH GREENS ARRANGEMENTS
Turn your front door into a conversation starter with our unique fresh-made outdoor arrangements. We’ll make them in any style and colour scheme you like.
We always have a great selection of pre-made arrangements in stock, made daily by our design team. For a truly unique addition to your décor, think Crawfords Garden Centre.
Fresh Centrepieces Playing hostess or looking for a hostess gift? A fresh table centrepiece is the perfect thing! We’ve got a great selection of centrepieces large and small ready to go, or let us design something just for you! Have a favourite dish? Bring it in and we’ll do an arrangement right in it, or choose from our wide selection of containers in store! Candles or not? Bows and ribbons? Natural, glitzy or traditional, we can make something to suit any style!
HOLIDAY 2017 • 21
Pet Friendly INDOOR PLANTS AND TROPICALS FOR THE HOLIDAYS By Tanya Olsen
W
ith the holidays fast approaching, we love to decorate with beautiful bright poinsettias, seasonal cacti and tropical plants. However, it is easy to forget that some of the plants that adorn our homes throughout this festive season may not be the best choice for our pets. Although many plants and decorations will not injure pets in any way, there are some tropical plants that can be harmful to our furry family members. If putting the Amaryllis or Poinsettia on a high shelf or table is not an option, try these ideas for a stressfree, pet-friendly holiday season.
With its unique texture, small dark green needles and bright new growth, this staple houseplant is a great substitute for a cut Christmas tree! Keep away from drafts and decorate minimally for a great effect. Mini rice lights and small shiny red balls will provide a very elegant focal point. Don’t forget that this plant is also an excellent air purifier for your home.
Christmas Cactus A staple holiday plant!
Norfolk Island Pine A tropical Christmas idea!
With all the attention succulents have been receiving this past year, the Christmas or Easter cactus is a unique, easy-tocare-for succulent that thrives in bright light and dry air. It will brighten up any room with its rich green leaves and delicate red, pink or white flowers. You can also use it as a teaching tool for the kids, as the leaves are an easy propagation project for tiny hands. 22 • CRAWFORDS GARDEN CENTRE - 905-878-0223 - CRAWFORDS.CA
Blue Echeveria Succulent A trendy plant alternative!
The staple succulent in most fairy gardens, the Blue Echeveria won’t hurt pets either. With fleshy blue-green leaves growing in a neat rosette pattern, you can safely plant and decorate a miniature garden to continue the holiday magic for even the tiniest of your family members. Try adding a touch of glitter sparkle or a soft spray of metallic paint to match your holiday decor.
Boston Fern
The tropical queen of texture! Boston ferns not only help purify the air in our homes, they are also non-toxic to our furry friends. With generous lime green fronds, a large Boston fern can be quite the statement piece in any home. Consider using a Boston fern in an indoor arrangement with some white or green Phalaenopsis orchids or using a Boston fern on a glass candleholder to lift your centrepiece off the table with dramatic effect. Add a bit of holiday glitz with shimmery picks or berries and your centrepiece will dazzle throughout the season. When the holidays are over, take the glitzy picks out and your Boston fern will continue to purify the air in your home! They also thrive in the summer months in shady outdoor locations.
White Phalaenopsis Orchids
An elegant choice! When giving a plant gift this year, why not give a potted White Phalaenopsis orchid? With a slight fragrance and delicate, unique, long-lasting blooms, these beauties are safe for both cats and dogs. This orchid’s easy-to-care-for attitude makes it a perfect choice as a holiday centrepiece or as a stunning single stem in a glass vase. Since you need to water it only
once a week, it is a low-maintenance option for an area in your home that needs some plant attention. If you are giving a cut orchid as a gift, pair its delicate blooms with the pet friendly Areca palm leaf for an elegant background. While we may not think of palms as being pet friendly, they most assuredly are! Areca, Butterfly, Bamboo and Dragon palms are among the many plants safe for our furry friends. To get the best health, height or drama in your living room, mist your palm on a regular basis to ensure the leaf tips don’t dry out.
Always Play It Safe
If you do choose to have any of these plants in your home, opt for a location that is safely out of reach of your pets – even your high-jumping feline friend. As a bonus, many of these plant alternatives will lend colour and visual impact long past the Christmas season. Some of these plants, when ingested or chewed, can cause mild indigestion and discomfort. When in doubt, you can always contact your local veterinarian or refer to the “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List” provided by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Another great idea is to familiarize yourself with the names and origins of any houseplants that you currently have, so you can provide the correct information to your veterinarian should a problem occur. Artificial plants are another safe option that you could consider, as they will continue to beautify your home for many years to come. As we look forward to the holiday season, there is nothing more important than having our loved ones by our side. With a little pre-planning and a visit to your local independent garden centre, the entire family can be safe and sound – not just during the holidays, but all year long!
Honourable Mentions •
African violets
•
Haworthia Succulent
•
Rose plants
•
Polka Dot plants
•
Peperomia plants
•
Prayer plants
•
Spider plants HOLIDAY 2017 • 23
8689 #5 SIDEROAD, MILTON, ON | (905) 878-0223 | WWW.CRAWFORDS.CA