HOLIDAY 2017
VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE
684 South Pelham St, Welland 905 735 5744 www.vermeers.ca
AVAILABLE AT
STARTING AT
$24.99
12
14
10
CONTENTS
Available at Vermeers Garden Centre. While supplies last.
4
Must-Have Fashion Trends
6
Calendar of Events
9
Easy Peasy Holiday Entertaining
10
Put the Voilà 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 Vermeer’s 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 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.CA
From the
Owners
the sale of the ‘Giving Tree’ ornaments will be given to local charities.
This inspires and motivates us to be the best we can be as your destination store for all your Christmas Garden Centre and flower shop needs.
W
elcome to the Christmas 2017 Edition of Vermeer’s Home and Garden Showplace Magazine. As we continue to celebrate Canada’s 150th, we are thankful for our country, our city and our community that we are a part of and whom we have served for the past 56 years. We are so grateful for the loyalty you have shown to us at Vermeer’s and because of this we would like to start a new tradition this year; the ‘Giving Tree’. All proceeds from
Just recently we had the privilege of hosting the International Garden Center tour where over 275 guests from around the globe enjoyed the Garden Centre and all we have to offer. It was really neat meeting people from around the world who love gardening as much as we do! Whether customers come from near or far, are seasoned gardeners or new residents to our community, we welcome you! Christmas preparations have been long underway at Vermeer’s. Purchasing Christmas decor, garden gifts, fashion and accessories and everything
Christmas for indoor and outdoors has been well planned. Our staff is eager to help create one-of-a kind arrangements to suit your styles and needs. Back by popular demand we will be offering a wide range of seminars and workshops that are designed to bring friends and family together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. New this year, all of our seminar and workshop registrations including secure payment, will be online. The sights, sounds and the scent of fresh pine and winter greens of the Christmas season will surround you as you enter the winter wonderland of Vermeer’s. Come join us as we celebrate this holiday season and the wonderful community that we are all a part of!
HOLIDAY 2017 • 5
Holiday 2017 Lineup WE’RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THIS YEAR’S LINEUP OF CLASSES & SEMINARS! Visit www.vermeers.ca to sign up for a workshop or seminar. Payment required at time of sign up for workshops. Any questions give us a call 905-735-5744.
HOLIDAY HOURS
October 30th – December 23rd
December 27th – 30th
Monday - Wednesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm Thursdays & Fridays: 9:00am – 8:00pm Saturdays: 9:00am – 5:30pm Closed Sundays
Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
December 25th & 26th Monday & Tuesday: Closed
January 1st Monday: Closed
January 2nd - 6th Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Create a Stunning Porch Pot! If you’ve always wanted to attend one of our amazing porch pot classes, please sign up early as these classes sell out quickly every year. FRESH & GREEN – DECORATING YOUR OUTDOOR CONTAINER WORKSHOP A fresh porch pot of Christmas greens is the perfect way to welcome holiday guests into your home. Learn from the pros to create a stunning arrangement of greens and finish your masterpiece off with ornaments, branches and bows that will match your personal décor. 10” urn insert containers will be provided at this seminar, but please bring clippers and gloves if you have them.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Thursday, November 2nd, 12:00pm - 9:00pm Join us for our annual open house! We will be closed for the morning, opening at noon to reveal our Christmas wonderland! We’ll have mini demonstrations, snacks and refreshments throughout the afternoon and evening. Live music, open house specials and door prizes will run throughout the day. If you can’t make it for open house day, don’t worry, open house specials will continue throughout the weekend. For a list of our demonstrations and times please visit our website at www.vermeers.ca and like us on our Facebook page. See you here!
WORKSHOP DATES: Thursday, November 9th – 6:00pm Saturday, November 11th – 10:00am, 2:00pm & 4:00pm Saturday, November 18th – 2:00pm & 4:00pm Thursday, November 23rd – 6:00pm Thursday, November 30th – 6:00pm Saturday, December 2nd – 2:00pm & 4:00pm $60 per person. Please sign up at www.vermeers.ca
DECORATING A CHRISTMAS TREE LIKE VERMEER’S Saturday, November 11th, 2:00pm Want to take your tree up a notch this season? This is the seminar for you! Learn the tips and tricks (yes, there are tricks) we use to create stunning themed Christmas trees. We’ll show you how to use sinamay, ribbon, picks, our new twinkle lights and incorporate your favourite existing ornaments into a tree that will light up your holiday season! No cost. Please RSVP www.vermeers.ca
6 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.CA
LADIES NIGHT – DÉCOR QUICK FIXES, HOLIDAY STYLE & GIFT GIVING GREATS
PREMIUM PORCH POT
Thursday, November 16th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
We are going to step it up a notch in this porch pot workshop! For this porch pot we will be adding Grapevine balls and a whole lot more to create a masterpiece. Urn insert containers will be provided for this workshop, but please bring clippers and gloves if you have them.
What’s hot this season? This is the night to find out! Quick, fun and fabulous fixes for all your holiday needs. Learn about instant centrepieces, fun items for gifts (or yourself) and of course, new and exciting decor ideas. Door prizes, munchies, beverages & more, don’t miss out! $15 per person. Please sign up at www.vermeers.ca as soon as possible, as our ladies nights fill up quickly!
COME SEE THIRTY THOUSAND POINSETTIAS IN BLOOM! Saturday, November 25th, 9:00am – 12:30pm For one day only, we’re opening the doors of our growing area to let you see what a sea of poinsettias really is! Learn about the unique varieties we grow and how we do it. Gerry, Ryan and Reuben will be happy to walk you through the world of poinsettias and answer any questions you might have! Once again this year, vote for your favourite variety! Help us pick our #1 poinsettia variety for 2017, contestants will be entered into a draw for a $100 Vermeer’s Gift Card. Last year’s winner “Christmas Day” will be on display. No charge, no need to RSVP.
DESIGNER ARTIFICIAL WREATH & SWAG DEMONSTRATION Saturday, November 25th, 10:00am Join Regina and Barb to learn the art of creating a custom wreath or swag for your home. This demonstration will teach you techniques for using sinamay and ribbon effectively in your designs, as well as using clusters and groupings to create stunning accents. No Cost. Please RSVP at www.vermeers.ca
FRESH HOLIDAY WREATH Saturday, November 25th, 2:00pm Using fresh magnolia, boxwood, pinecones, white pine and BC cedar, we will create a unique wreath to adorn your holiday door. A beautiful bow to match your décor (bow lessons included) will finish off a wreath that will dazzle you straight through till March. Please bring clippers if you have them.
Saturday, December 2nd, 10:00am
$100 per person. Please sign up at www.vermeers.ca
KIDS PORCH POT Saturday, December 9th, 10:00am - Noon We are trying something different this year for Kids Club. Have your kids come out and make a porch pot for a gift or a decoration at home. So from 10:00am – 12:00pm, we will have the branches precut, bows made and everything else for your child to make a beautiful porch pot - the same that we make with the grownups just half the size. There will be 4 - 30min sessions for online registration. $20 per person. Please sign up at www.vermeers.ca
HOLIDAY EUROS Saturday, December 16th, 10:00am A fun class that lets you walk away with three lovely, compact fresh floral Christmas arrangements. Feel free to create matching euros for a beautiful display down the middle of your holiday table or make them all unique to tuck in different areas and spread holiday cheer throughout your home. They make great hostess or teachers gifts too. Learn the art of Euro making here and keep on making them at home with fresh flowers from Vermeer’s! Containers will be supplied for this workshop, but please bring clippers! $50 per person. Please sign up at www.vermeers.ca
FRESH CENTREPIECE ARRANGEMENT Saturday, December 16th, 2:00pm Make a stunning arrangement with fresh Christmas greens, cut flowers and holiday decor to welcome in the season. Perfect as the crowning touch to your holiday tablescape, you can customize the size of this piece to fit your space. Set off with intertwining ribbon of your choice, this is a stunning way to bring the scents and sights of the season into your home. Container will be supplied for this workshop, please bring your clippers. $50 per person. Please sign up at www.vermeers.ca
$60 per person. Please sign up at www.vermeers.ca
If you have a group of 6 or more and are interested in a private lesson, we’d be happy to host. Call us at 905-735-5744 to arrange your group class, or if you have any questions about our events. HOLIDAY 2017 • 7
8 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.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... Silver Acrylic 200mm Ball with Lights on Timer Perfect for your outdoor evergreen planters.
AVAILABLE AT
ITEMS SHOWN IN ARTICLE: Royal Stewart Tartan Wool Blanket - $84.99 Cozy Hat, Scarf & Mitt Set - $24.99 - $39.99 Boot Socks - Various Sizes & Prices Crystal Angel - Starting at $17.99
Micro LED Lights in Warm White for Indoor & Outdoor Use To light up lanterns, wreaths, garlands and fresh arrangements.
Jolly Santa & His Flying Reindeer - $89.99 684 South Pelham St, Welland, Ontario L3C 3C8
905-735-5744 www.vermeers.ca
Swirling Acrylic Christmas Tree - $54.99 Silver Acrylic 200mm Ball with Lights on Timer - $24.99 Micro LED Lights in Warm White for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Various Sizes & Prices
$00.00 Available at
LOGO
Reg. $39.99
Reg. $47.99
Featured $34.99
Featured $39.99 Available at Vermeer’s. While supplies last.
HOLIDAY 2017 • 17
18 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.CA
HOLIDAY 2017 • 19
20 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.CA
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 • VERMEER’S GARDEN CENTRE - 905-735-5744 - WWW.VERMEERS.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
ONLY
$499
684 South Pelham St. Welland, Ontario L3C 3C8
905-735-5744 - press 4
WWW.VERMEERS.CA