HOLIDAY 2017
LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE
72856 Bluewater Hwy, at St Joseph 519-236-4479 www.lakewoodgardencentre.com
AVAILABLE AT
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CONTENTS
Available at Lakewood Garden Centre. While supplies last.
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Must-Have Fashion Trends
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Easy Peasy Holiday Entertaining
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Put the VoilĂ in Your Christmas Decorating
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Best Hostess Gifts For the Holidays
14
Spruce Them Up
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Holiday Gifts We Love
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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 Lakewood 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
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Owners From the
T
his is my favourite season! Sure, winter helps me to slow down, with opportunities to think and plan. Spring brings rejuvenation with new beginnings and possibilities. Summers may be short, but are full of fun with family and friends. And fall is the perfect time to remember and give thanks. But with this magazine, we introduce the season of wonder! It has taken a year of all the seasons to gather great giftware, terrific trees, wonderful workshops, gorgeous greens, impish elves, fascinating fairies, and interesting items for hearth and home!
We welcome you to discover our wonder filled Lakewood Christmas Shoppe and to enjoy the hospitality of our Open House on Saturday and Sunday November 11 and 12 and November 18 and 19. Whatever season you celebrate, may family and friends always be at your side to reflect the joy, happiness, and love that is the wonder of life.
- Mike
HOLIDAY 2017 • 5
Lakewood Special Events LAKEWOOD’S CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE!
Saturday, November 11 from 9 a.m - 5 p.m & Sunday, November 12 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, November 18 from 9 a.m - 5 p.m & Sunday, November 19 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. It’s the time of year we welcome friends and family into our homes, to enjoy love, laughter and good times; so we want to welcome you to Lakewood Christmas Shoppe, to help you make your home even more inviting. Enjoy cookies and cider as we unveil all our treasures. We spend months seeking out beautiful and distinctive items to inspire you and to bring a smile to your face. Find that unique gift for someone special or freshen up and add to your own holiday décor. Open House specials make it even better! We are here to help you create your winter wonderland.
WORKSHOPS There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a workshop to create your own winter arrangement or decorative piece at Lakewood. Fast becoming a must-do for a little Christmas fun, the line-up has something for everyone. So much fun, plus you take home something individually yours! For all our workshops, you can reserve your spot by calling 519-236-4479.
WINTER DOOR SWAG
Saturday, Nov 11 at 10 a.m. Back by popular demand! Made with fresh Western Red Cedar, long needled pine and spruce, this swag is wonderful for hanging on your front door, porch light, wall or garden fence. Add a bow of your choice, a few accessories and this charming swag will last all winter. Cost is $30 plus tax and includes materials. Please bring gloves. and pruners. Lasts approx. 30 minutes, leaving time to attend the Remembrance Day Service at St Joseph Historical Park. RSVP with payment at 519-236-4479
ENCHANTED WINTER FAIRY
Sunday, Nov 12 at 2 p.m. Build a winter wonderland for your fairies, a magical escape from the cold, complete with accessories of your choosing. For inside or on your porch, will you decorate with a house of snow? Tobogganing or sledding fairies? Maybe some snowmen or perhaps a penguin family! Lots of fun in this workshop. Pay only for what you use. Bring in your own container, as long as it is wide enough, or we have several inexpensive options. We provide sand or soil, and other elements, plus inspiration and help in the design. An activity that is enjoyable for all ages. Please call 519-236-4479 to register.
FRESH & FESTIVE PATIO POT
Saturday, November 11 at 2 pm Tuesday, November 21 at 10 am Gather your friends and come in to make a beautiful outdoor display for your container. Using assorted greens, festive berries and accents, these arrangements will add colour and interest for your front entrance all winter long! Cost is $45 plus tax, and includes all you need. Bring gloves and pruners. Please call 236-4479 with payment to reserve.
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GRAND BEND & AREA CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR
November 17, 18, and 19 Tour five homes decorated for the season and get some inspiration! Peggy from Lakewood Garden Centre is decorating one of the homes with items from our store, and her knack for putting it all together is sure to give you lots of ideas. Come to Lakewood and we will help bring your holiday decorating dreams to life. Tickets and maps for the tour will be available at Lakewood.
LOVELY WEATHER FOR A SLEIGH RIDE!
Sunday, November 19 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, November 23 at 10 a.m. We start with a handmade wooden sleigh and dress it with festive ribbon, fresh winter greens and a few natural or glittery picks of your choosing. A nostalgic piece for your entrance or porch that will bring back memories of fun in the snow! Cost is $49 plus tax and includes all materials. Bring gloves and pruners if you have them. Call 519-236-4479
WREATH DECORATING WORKSHOP
Saturday, November 18 at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Create an exquisite Christmas wreath for your front door, entry way or window. Choose a bow and a few shimmery baubles or other embellishments to add for the festive season. Our gorgeous evergreen wreaths are freshly made and will last all season. Cost is $40 plus tax and includes all materials. RSVP with payment by calling 519-236-4479.
WELCOME HOLIDAY PLANTER
Saturday, November 25 at 10 a.m. We start with a beautiful metal ‘Welcome’ planter with a decorative sign and solid base that looks great in front of any home. From there we’ll add in a base of beautiful fresh greens and finish with picks and accents to make a statement on your front step this winter! Welcome planter can be redressed next season for year- round use. The cost is $60, payable on registration.
GROUPS OF 6 OR MORE CAN BOOK A PRIVATE WORKSHOP We love to do private workshops for a fun day out with friends, family or co-workers. Bring in your group of 6 or more, and we will do a class just for you! Please call to arrange a time. Please pre-register for the workshops listed so we can prepare for your comfort and enjoyment. The workshops are very popular, so register early to avoid disappointment. In the event that a class fills up, another class time may be arranged if possible. Check our website www.lakewoodgardencentre.com or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ lakewoodgardencentre, call 519-236-4479, or email Dianne@lakewoodgardencentre.com.
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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.
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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. $32.99
Reg. $54.99
Featured $24.99
Featured $49.99
AVAILABLE AT LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE 72856 Bluewater Hwy, at St Joseph 519-236-4479 www.lakewoodgardencentre.com
Available at Lakewood Garden Centre. While supplies last.
HOLIDAY 2017 • 17
Please pre-register for the workshops so we can prepare for your comfort and enjoyment. We are available to help you with all your questions and projects.
Check our website www.lakewoodgardencentre.com for updates. For more information call 519-236-4479, or email Dianne@lakewoodgardencentre.com
www.facebook.com/lakewoodgardencentre 18 • LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE - 519-236-4479 - LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM
LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE’S
Favourite Recipes Rhubarb Bread
From Jody & Tanya Laporte
Steve’s Applesauce Cake From Steve Harburn
WET INGREDIENTS • 1 egg • 1 cup apple sauce • ¹⁄ 3 cup water • ¹⁄ 3 cup raisins • ½ cup shortening • ¾ cup brown sugar DRY INGREDIENTS • 1 2⁄ 3 cup flour • 1 tsp baking soda • ½ tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg • 1 tsp salt • 1 ½ cups brown sugar • 1 cup sour cream • 2⁄ 3 cups oil • ½ cup nuts • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 ½ cups chopped rhubarb • 2 ½ cups flour • 1 tsp baking soda TOPPING • ½ cup brown sugar • 1 tsp butter 1. Mix main ingredients, fold in nuts and rhubarb, pour batter into 2 greased loaf pans. 2. Combine brown sugar and butter and crumble over top. 3. Bake at 350 for 60 min.
1. Mix wet ingredients first, then add already combined dry ingredients. 2. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Enjoy.
Pat’s Peanut Butter Balls From Pat Alber
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (substitute other nut butters, if needed) • 3 tbps salted butter, softened • 1 cup powdered sugar • 8oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips) 1. Mix peanut butter and butter together in a mixing bowl. Gradually stir in powdered sugar until combined well into a dough ball. If needed, add more
powdered sugar a little at a time until mixture holds together in a large ball. Cover and let peanut butter dough sit for about 15 minutes to firm up, or cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to form balls. 2. Shape into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow to firm up. Dough balls should hold shape before dipping in chocolate. Add more refrigeration time if necessary. 3. Melt chocolate according to package instructions. 4. Dip peanut butter balls one at a time
Glazed Carrots From Mike and Dianne
• Carrots • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tbsp sugar • 1 tsp rosemary 1. Peel carrots and place in flat pan, add water just to cover. 2. Simmer carrotts partly covered for 12 minutes or until cooked to tender and water is almost gone. 3. In a different pan add butter, sugar and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. 4. Toss in the glaze and serve.
into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper lined baking sheet, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. TIP You can add Green and Red Sprinkles after for a fun festive flair.
HOLIDAY 2017 • 19
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SAVE 10%
ON YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING
WITH LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE COUPONS!
SENIORS DISCOUNT
10% OFF TOTAL PURCHASE
NOV. 12 - DEC. 3, 2017
SAVE 25%
ON ALL ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES!
NOV. 22 - DEC 16, 2017 While supplies last.
Discount off regular priced items only. For those 65+. One coupon per household. Expires Dec. 3, 2017. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
LIGHT UP YOUR EVENINGS!
SAVE 25%
ON ALL LANTERNS! NOV. 18 - 26, 2017 While supplies last.
While supplies last. Coupon Expires Nov. 26, 2017. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Choose from our best, high quality artificial trees. Coupon expires Dec 16, 2017. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
OUR GIFT TO YOU!
$10 OFF
YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE! NOV. 25 - DEC. 12, 2017
Discount on regular priced items only. Cut trees not included. One coupon per household. Expires Dec. 12, 2017. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
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 • LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE - 519-236-4479 - LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM
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
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Haworthia Succulent
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Rose plants
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Polka Dot plants
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Peperomia plants
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Prayer plants
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Spider plants HOLIDAY 2017 • 23
72856 Bluewater Hwy, at St. Joseph, ON N0M 2T0
519-236-4479 www.lakewoodgardencentre.com