HOLIDAY 2018
40 Years AND STILL GROWING 197 8 - 2 0 1 8
Curly Willow Birch Pole
Milo Berries Ornament Deer
Frosted Glitter Branches
Lata Star Jumbo Pinecone
Birch Slices
Sakai Pod Kambu Balls
Painted Pinecones Mintolla Balls
Buddha Nut
Available at
This winter season, create your own unique winter arrangements with the collection of accents, harvested from nature, available at our garden centre.
CONTENTS 4
Pre-Winter Garden Checklist
9
Fashion Therapy to Cure the Winter Blues
10
It’s the Little Things That Count
12
Bring Back the Magic
14
Simply Elegant Decorating with Nature’s Finest
16
Holiday Cookie Exchange
20
The Art of Giving
22
Living Trends - Plant Trends for 2018
10
16
Available at
Joyful Gifts Acorn Shape Blackoil/Peanut Feeder
360 degree feeding allows more birds to feast simultaneously. 10072
Regal Style Trellis Tube Feeder - Copper colour polished roof. - Modern regal design. - Sturdy metal construction. 10030
22
14
feeding the birds with new ideas™
This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and The Green Spot Home & Garden. 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. HOLIDAY 2018 • 3
FERTILIZE GRASS
If you are a procrastinator like I am and have not yet applied a fall lawn food, do so in early winter. Within the next week or so, I will be feeding my lawn with a slow release lawn food that contains a high dose of nitrogen. A late fall fertilizer will give my lawn a healthy head start in spring.
PROTECT EVERGREENS FROM ICE AND SNOW DAMAGE
PRE-WINTER
If you have evergreens that are subject to damage from ice and snow build-up, it might be wise to tie them up. Use twine, burlap or any mesh material. Stay away from plastic that does not allow the plant to breathe. Cedars and upright growing junipers are especially vulnerable to ice and snow damage.
GARDEN CHECKLIST By John DeGroot
DIVIDE PERENNIALS
Daylilies, hostas, irises, Shasta daisies and a host of other perennials will be reinvigorated if you dig up, split and re-plant them before winter sets in. Add bone meal, organic fertilizer, manure or compost to enrich the soil. Water thoroughly after planting. Roots will continue growing for the next month or so and will be ready to perform next spring.
MULCH YOUR ROSES
Early December is the time to think about hilling up your roses. Use any one or a mixture of the following mulches: manure, topsoil, leaves, shredded bark, or compost. Build a small hill, about eight to ten inches high, of mulch and put it at the base of your roses. This hill will prevent the rose graft from being exposed to too much alternating freezing and thawing. You may also want to prune your roses at this time. Cut them down to two feet in height and do the balance of the pruning next spring. Climbing roses need not be pruned or hilled.
PLANT BULBS
Late fall is a good time to plant fall bulbs. You will thank yourself next spring when the bulbs bring forth a riot of colour. Plant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths about six to eight inches deep, and plant smaller bulbs such as crocuses and grape
hyacinths about three inches deep. Mix bone meal into the soil when planting. Water thoroughly.
fall bulbs. “Plant You will thank
WATER EVERGREENS
yourself next spring when they bring forth a riot of colour!
Your neighbours might think you are silly to be watering your evergreens before winter, but they will understand next spring when your landscape is greener than the rest. Winter desiccation is sure to be an issue in the coming months, because the soil has been unusually dry this summer. Evergreen foliage needs to build up moisture reserves to prevent dry winter winds from putting stress on landscapes in the coming cold. In particular, yews, boxwood and cedars will be grateful for the extra drink.
WINTER PROTECT YOUR TENDER PLANTS
Plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and Japanese maples will enjoy the added protection offered by mulch and winter wrap. A layer of compost, peat moss or leaves applied over the root zone of tender plants will provide extra insulation for cold roots. A makeshift tent of burlap will protect tender plants from drying winter winds.
4 • THE GREEN SPOT HOME & GARDEN - 204-727-5884 - WWW.GREENSPOTBRANDON.COM
CLEAN UP THE PERENNIAL GARDEN
Years ago, Cheryl and I would pick a nice day sometime between Halloween and American Thanksgiving and we’d chop off all the perennial plant stems. By the end of the day our garden would be whistle clean. But we’ve changed our tune. Perennials actually appreciate the insulation provided by the frozen plant stems, leaves and snow that remain in the garden through winter. We now cut off only the tallest stems in the fall and do another quick spring clean-up early in the next year.
”
TURN THE COMPOST HEAP
Mix all of your compost together a few times before Christmas. You might think that as you put your garden to bed before winter, microbial activity in the compost heap subsides. Not so. Your leaves, grass clippings, plant stems and banana peelings will continue to rot so you can apply a fresh layer of compost to your garden in spring.
I
t’s time again to make the annual pilgrimage to the storage room and drag out the treasure chest of Christmas decorations. Most likely this collection contains years of keepsakes made by the kids, or an ornament given by someone special, or a souvenir discovered on a trip that recalls a memory. Here at The Green Spot, we recognize that many of our clients do not want or need to overhaul their holiday decor on a regular basis. We have fine-tuned our inventory and selected items that will enhance your collections. Our treasure chest is filled with unique, attractive, and useful articles fitting for both giving and receiving. See some of our ideas on pages 20 and 21.
LETTER FROM THE
OWNER
We’ve had a fun 40th Anniversary year at The Green Spot celebrating with promotions and special events. We’ve made a few changes to improve our services and we are making plans for a few more as we move into the new year. We’ll keep you posted.
Christmas Poinsettia FROM THE GREEN SPOT HOME & GARDEN
1329 Rosser Ave. E, Brandon, MB www.greenspotbrandon.com
Enjoy reading this 2018 Holiday issue of The Green Spot Home & Garden magazine. It is filled with good ideas for entertaining, decorating, and shopping – all those things we do over the Christmas season. Amidst all of this, I hope you find time to slow down, relax, rest, and enjoy peaceful times with your family and friends. Sincerely,
Clip this coupon and present it for a
15% DISCOUNT on any Poinsettia at The Green Spot Home & Garden
HOLIDAY 2018 • 5
- 2018 -
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS @ The Spot
WINTER METAMORPHOSIS
PICTURES WITH SANTA
SCROOGE’S DASH
Sunday, October 28 to Sunday, November 4
Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18
Sunday, December 23
Our doors are closed. A metamorphous is unfolding and the garden centre becomes a winter wonderland. When we re-open, it’s time for Christmas Spectacular 2018!
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2018 Monday, November 5 to Saturday, December 29 Our doors open to enthusiastic shoppers eager to find the perfect Christmas gift, trimmings for the tree, festive home décor, useful kitchen gadgets, or something new for the winter wardrobe. We extend our hours for Starlight Shopping every Thursday and Friday night until 8:00pm. Christmas Spectacular continues right through the holiday season to December 29.
CHRISTMAS REVEAL
(FORMERLY LADIES NIGHT)
Friday, November 9 Gather the gang and come on out to view our holiday merchandise featuring select brand lines with draws, specials, and samplings. It’s a great time to create a wish list for yourself and those fortunate ones on your gift list. Share your good fortune with the less privileged – please bring a non-perishable food donation for Samaritan House. The party begins at 6:30pm.
SCROOGE’S DASH COUPON COLLECTION Monday, November 12 to Saturday, December 22 With every $25 purchase you make during this Christmas shopping period you earn one coupon. Each coupon entitles you to purchase one item at 50% off its original ticket price on coupon redemption day – Scrooge’s Dash, Sunday, December 23, from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Jolly Old St. Nick will be here in his sleigh and ready to have his picture taken with all the good little boys and girls, mommies and daddies too, and while we’re at it, bring the pets along to join the family photo. Our photographer will capture your image perfect for the annual Christmas card. Photo sessions: Friday, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Saturday, 10am-4pm, and Sunday, 12pm-4pm. No appointments necessary.
PARTY IN THE KITCHEN Saturday, November 24 to Sunday, November 25 Which is the most important room in your home during the holiday season? The kitchen! We are promoting everything for the kitchen – Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Paderno, Staub, and more. Bring in all your Henckels knives for their annual sharpening and be introduced to new kitchen products - excellent gifts for those with a culinary passion. Knife Sharpening: Saturday, November 24, ONLY from 10:00am - 3:00pm.
FESTIVAL OF POINSETTIAS Saturday, December 1 to Saturday, December 22 Celebrate the poinsettia! Every Saturday, coffee and shortbread and local entertainment as you admire the landscape of thousands of poinsettias filling our greenhouse. Take advantage of shopping specials and the fresh baked goods from our Holiday Farmer’s Market. Beautiful poinsettias, fresh Christmas trees and Christmas greens are all available for purchase in the comfort of the greenhouse.
Let’s just say – the more you shop, the more fun you’ll have. Bring in all the coupons you’ve been collecting from every purchase at The Green Spot. Wear your running shoes!
EBENEZER’S DELIGHT BOXING DAZE SALE Thursday, December 27 to Saturday, December 29 Box it or sell it? We’d rather sell it - so it’s SALE – SALE – SALE!
HOURS
OF OPERATION October 28 – November 4 Closed November 5 – December 23 Monday - Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm Thursday & Friday: Open Late until 8:00pm Holiday Week December 24: 10:00am – 3:00pm December 25: Closed December 26: Closed December 27 – 29: 10:00am – 6:00pm December 30: Closed December 31: Closed January 1: Closed Regular Winter Hours: January 2 – February 28 Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm Sunday – Monday: Closed
DIY CHRISTMAS GREENINGS WORKSHOPS
Using fresh greens, make your own Christmas arrangement in an enjoyable workshop setting. We supply the materials and you leave the mess behind. Enrollment is limited to 25 persons. Classes run approximately 1-2 hours. Available spots fill up quickly. Call 204-727-5884 to register for all workshops. A $15.00 deposit will be required to hold your spot. Workshop prices will be available at the time of registration.
A Tropical Christmas
Saturday, November 17, 2:00 pm A twist on the conventional. Adorning a tropical plant with all the traditional holiday trimmings, this creation is sure to add a hint of warmer climates to White Winter Christmas.
An Outdoor Welcome
Saturday, November 24, 2:00 pm Filled with fresh pine, fir and cedar greens, bobbles, pine cones and ribbon, an outdoor urn on your doorstep will usher in the holiday season and proclaim a warm welcome to all who enter.
Sleigh Bells Ring
Saturday, December 1, 2:00 pm Reminiscent of an old fashioned Christmas, attach a swag to a petite Canadian-made wooden snow sleigh. Once it’s hung in place, sounds of sleigh bells and children’s laughter will be dancing in your heads.
An Outdoor Welcome
Saturday, December 8, 2:00 pm Same as November 24.
Kid's Masterpiece
Saturday, December 15, 10:30 am Let your kids explore their creativity to make a fun and festive centerpiece perfect for the coffee table or as a gift for Grandma. Too cute for words, they will create a winter scene with miniature trees, houses, and Christmas décor that will capture the spotlight wherever it sits.
Glass and Candle
Saturday, December 15, 2:00 pm Candles, real or faux, are nestled in an oasis of fresh greens and decorations to create an arrangement which is sure to make your home festive. Do you like the look of shabby chic, white on white, or rustic country? You decide the look you want to achieve.
Make your holiday
season magical with
We’re a Great Gift for the Gardener too!
www.STARFM.ca
www.QCountryFM.ca
(204) 725-0527 READ
Albert Parsons
GONE GARDENIN’
Weekly in The Brandon Sun HOLIDAY 2018 • 7
8 • THE GREEN SPOT HOME & GARDEN - 204-727-5884 - WWW.GREENSPOTBRANDON.COM
Jackets and sweater coats as well as tunics in geometric prints, florals, plaids, checks and houndstooth will make your decision difficult, because you will just want them all. Try adding printed leggings to any of your solid coloured tops for an eye-catching look, or wear solid-coloured bamboo leggings with printed tops. You are going to notice cozy chenille, cashmere, cotton blends, viscose and rayon in a large number of our styles. It is so nice to see natural fabrics making a comeback. Boots, boots, boots... What more do we need to say. You will find a generous number of boots in various heights, colours and styles. Both leathers and manmades will excite the most seasoned footwear veteran. The most important thing is to find the style that compliments your body and stick to it. You can always change up your jeans, leggings, boots, scarves, handbags and jewellery so you never feel ho-hum about your look. Walk tall and proud this winter with all the confidence you possess and the winter will fly right by.
Courtesy of Orange – Fashion Village
Courtesy of Orange – Fashion Village
FASHION THERAPY
to Cure the Winter Blues By Donna Moss
O
ur Canadian winters are long and cold. Most of us struggle with feeling our best through these arduous months, which is why we are here to help you look your best. In news that should excite both fashionistas and health enthusiasts everywhere, studies have even shown that looking great and feeling great go hand in hand! Our fall and winter fashion collections for 2018 are looking fabulous. Cinnamon and various shades of blue will be strong colours this winter along with pale shades of rose and mauve. Classic blacks, greys and creams remain a strong choice. Try adding colour to your winter wardrobe with a great scarf or a piece of jewellery. Cozy sweaters, capes and ponchos still have a strong showing. They are easy to wear and easy to add to any outfit.
most “The important thing is to find the style that compliments your body and stick to it.
”
Courtesy of Orange – Fashion Village
HOLIDAY 2018 • 9
I
t is that wonderful time of the year when holiday preparations are in full swing. You can easily make the festivities extra special with a few simple additions to your decorating, gift giving and holiday party plans. When planning try not to become overwhelmed and take each phase step by step. After each step, take a few minutes to assess how a few “extra special touches” can take your Christmas festivities to the next level. Decorating your home is often one of the first tasks of the holiday season. When decorating, assess each room and visualize where you may need more flickering or twinkling lights. Place a few strands of LED micro lights in lanterns, apothecary jars or amongst Christmas baubles or pinecones in a decorative metallic container. Adding a flameless candle in a dim corner creates a soft, illuminating glow that will enhance the holiday atmosphere. Use battery operated lights, or electrical ones with a timer, to ensure that they come on at a certain time each day and turn off prior to your going to bed. Scented candles, in holiday fragrances, will greet your senses when you enter your entertaining spaces.
IT’S THE
Little Things
THAT COUNT By Martha Vandepol
Try gift-wrapping in paper that is colour coordinated, or that matches your décor, to make a decorating statement under the Christmas tree. Adding a touch of fresh evergreen foliage to the packages or a homemade Christmas card will show that you put extra thought into your gift and its presentation. The addition of fresh flowers to your home is always a welcome touch. Fresh evergreen foliage will last for many weeks and you can later add fresh flowers to live centrepieces on Christmas Eve, which will last through 10
to New Year’s Eve. All of the small flower and fresh berry stems that are left over can be artfully arranged in tiny art deco vases, which you can place in powder rooms, guest bedrooms or tuck into corners on your kitchen counter. Add some special touches to your Christmas dining room table by scattering glittery stars, snowflakes, pinecones or ornaments through the centre amidst your candlesticks and vases of flowers. These can be saved for use the next season, or placed in different rooms to vary your décor from year to year.
You can make gift-giving extra special by including thoughtful finishing touches, such as adding the appropriate batteries for toys given to children, including extra taper candles for a gifted holiday centrepiece, or tucking travel sized hand cream into a purse for the special woman in your life. You can also follow a timeless tradition by placing a coin in that purse, bestowing good luck to the recipient. When hosting a festive party, a few special touches will go a long way towards making your celebration fabulous. Serve your guests their favourite beverages, wines or local craft beers while playing popular, current holiday music. Create a Facebook group for the party, where you can post changes to time or location in case of inclement weather, where photos can be added by guests after the event to keep the memories going, or where recipes can be posted for that appetizer that everyone was raving about. A phone call to your guests who do not use Social Media will be greatly appreciated. Do not hold back, use your special china and silverware rather than paper plates and napkins. Have a holiday game planned, but don’t push this on party
guests who are already having a wonderful time. You will be sure to use it later for another family get together or New Year’s Eve celebration. A parting gift will be the talk of the town and if it is something your guests can use in their own decorating, like an ornament, it will be enjoyed for many Christmases to come. And of course, remember to do something personal for yourself before you start to entertain. Treating yourself to a new fragrance, outfit or trip to the salon will make you feel special for your holiday party. Don’t forget about your furry friends – they love the holidays and all the excitement of extra guests and Christmas lights. Clothe them in an ugly Christmas sweater, reindeer antlers
or glittery bow tie, and they will be overjoyed with all the extra attention. Outdoor decorations can be enhanced with twinkle lights added to holiday wreaths and garlands, or by placing bright red decorative pillows on your outside patio chairs. Adorn your willow reindeer with a red velvet ribbon and include some on the lamp posts, ensuring that all who arrive at your home feel the holiday spirit. These little touches take very little time to implement, but they certainly can add to the holiday atmosphere in your home. It is important to remember that the holidays are about getting together with family and friends, and cherishing the wonderful memories that are made throughout the Christmas celebrations.
HOLIDAY 2018 • 11
Magic
BRING BACK the By Leah Ruelicke
W
hen I was a child Christmas was, in fact, the most wonderful time of the year.
On Christmas Eve I’d set the alarm for 7 AM on my clock radio, knowing I’d wake up to a holiday jingle. I’d lie there when it happened with a dumb smile on my face, thinking to myself “IT’S CHRISTMAS, IT’S CHRISTMAS!”. Then I’d bolt out of bed, wake up my family by turning that thought into loud hollers of “IT’S CHRISTMAS, IT’S CHRISTMAS!” and we’d all traipse into the living room to open gifts. When you’re a child, Christmas is magical. I mean, c’mon: New toys! Cookies for every meal! There’s a man named Santa Claus, who exists solely to make people happy and bring presents. When you’re a child, you get to believe in all of that magic. Many, many, many years have passed since then. I still set an alarm for Christmas morning, albeit for a few hours later. I still wake up to a Christmas tune and lie there with a dumb smile on my face, thinking to myself, “IT’S CHRISTMAS, IT’S CHRISTMAS!”. In that moment, it feels magical. But apart from that morning wakeup, Christmas, for most adults, can often feel a little more routine and a little less magical. You’re less concerned with waking up to toys under the tree (or maybe you’re the one putting them 12
there), and more concerned with finding the perfect gift for the kids, your partner, or the hosts of your annual neighbourhood gathering. Your mind is on finding an outfit for your holiday work party, about hosting your family for dinner, or about finding the perfect table runner and putting up lights that will make every passerby jealous. But perhaps that magic we all felt when we were children doesn’t need to seem quite so lost. Rather than worrying about how Christmas looks, maybe we can remember how Christmas feels. Here are a few ideas to help bring back the magic:
Decorate the Tree
This is, hands down, the thing that gets me in the holiday spirit more than anything. I’ll head home for a weekend, my dad will put on the Boney M Christmas CD, and we’ll dig through the boxes of ornaments that we’ve been adding to for the past 20+ years without ever taking anything out. We’ve got the pinecone my sister painted in Grade 1, a construction paper candy cane I cut out in Kindergarten, and the family favourite “tin can lid on a string.” Why not turn decorating the tree into a fun opportunity to dig through some family memories while making some new ones!
Participate in a Cookie Exchange
This doesn’t have to be a recipe contest, but rather a fun reason to crank the Christmas tunes, dance in the kitchen, and end up with some tasty treats to share with your pals afterwards. And hey, it’s kind of a win/win. Even if you wind up baking the worst batch, you still get to EAT the best one!
Organize a Holiday Potluck
Ease yourself off hosting duties and opt to put on a potluck instead. My girlfriends and I do this every year, and what started as an excuse for a group of 19-year-olds to open endless bottles of wine has turned into a civilized dinner party with husbands, babies, Chatelaine-inspired dishes and yes, a bottle of wine or two. It’s low-key, stress-free, and allows us to enjoy our rare, quality time together rather than in the kitchen.
Rewatch Your Favourite Christmas Movies
I like to start in early December, as I have a laundry list of films I absolutely NEED to watch, year after year, before the big day arrives. Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, The Santa Clause, and the list goes on. Very few things make me happier than cozying up with my family beneath the Christmas lights, and watching a holiday flick I’ve seen approximately 378 times before.
Drive Around to Look at the Lights
This has been a family tradition since before I can remember. We go see the
same light displays every year, and yes, the tradition itself has changed a bit. We’ve lost some family members and gained new ones. Our lives have changed in a lot of ways, but every year we still bundle up, drive to the park, and face the biting cold wind to see that snowball-turning-into-a-snowman light display that, although it is old news now, was mind-blowing as a child. And every year, in this moment, I feel grateful. I feel peaceful. And for a second, I let that snowball-turning-into-asnowman light display blow my mind all over again.
Donate to a Toy Drive
It’s not hard to find ways to give back during this time of year, and it’s a great way to remind yourself of what really matters. Fill a shoebox with toys and necessities for kids in need. Donate to a food drive or a toy drive. Focus your time and energy on bringing magic to others and I think you just might find some for yourself along the way. So, maybe this year we can all try to relax. Dinner doesn’t have to be perfect. Your lights don’t need to make the neighbours stop and stare. And you sure don’t need to hand-knit stockings for every single family member solely because you’ve done it every year prior. Instead, spend time with your family. Enjoy your holiday brunch rather than stressing over it. Remember that magic you felt as a kid. And who knows, maybe this year, for a brief moment, you’ll even let yourself believe in Santa Claus.
HOLIDAY 2018 • 13
Simply Elegant A Fresh Take on Decorating with Nature’s Finest Elements By Erin Robbins (Van Raay)
W
hen we think of decorating the outside of our homes for the holidays, natural elements are the first to come to mind. The fresh, clean, crisp characteristics of handcut evergreens, birch poles, berries and pinecones create an elegant holiday welcome that evokes the feeling of a traditional Canadian Christmas. Urns, wreaths, window boxes and bows arranged with accents of pine needles and sprigs of berries are great ways to decorate outdoors. When turning your focus to the inside of your home, these natural elements can lend a similar warmth and elegance.
inspires you to get crafty. For example, adding a few branches of seeded eucalyptus or fir to the corner of a family photo frame or the top of a clock creates a stunning impact that blends flawlessly with all of your other holiday decorations, in any theme.
Have you ever found yourself becoming attached to the pile of wood that you stacked beside the fireplace to burn? You’re not alone. Wood evokes a feeling of comfort and warmth. Its serenity beside a crackling fire can cause you to reminisce about family time, adventure and the great outdoors. The simple act of throwing an armful of birch logs into a wire basket with a few pinecones and a white ribbon is an easy way to add a naturally festive feel to any corner of the room with minimal effort.
Try creating a florist inspired evergreen collection. For starters, find a collection of glass vases. You can go for a symmetrical look or feel free to mix and match shapes and sizes. Tall cylinders, mason jars and oval vases are some of my favourites for these projects. Head outside to your backyard or to your local florist or garden centre and pick up a few small bunches of yew, white pine, cedar, fir, boxwood, seeded eucalyptus or holly. These are all perfect fillers, so pick your favourite. As a bonus, the more fragrant evergreens will fill your home with the scent of a real Christmas tree. Add a little bit of water to your vases and insert 1-3 sprigs in each. They are easy to create, so if you like how they look, feel free to keep making more! Place
Accenting your nature infused theme with crisp whites and creams creates a very simple yet elegant look. You can easily continue to add accents to your home if something new 14
them around your home in groupings of one, three or five, depending on space. Do you find you want to get more creative? Try making a small evergreen bouquet with white roses and thin twigs as accents. Creating a focal point centrepiece for a mantle, buffet or dining room table simply means adding more vases! Create a collage of large and small glass vessels. Fill some with If your fresh floating white tea lights or pine cones and lay large greenery isn’t sprigs of fir, cedar or yew in water, make on the mantle around them. sure you spritz it To top it off, incorporate a down a few times few white or cream festive a week. ‘Wilt figurines, birds or ornaments, Pruf’ also helps pinecones or white berries to preserve fresh as accents. The contrast of greenery, wreaths fresh green foliage against and garlands! clean whites and creams is the perfect blend of the natural and the elegant. Keep in mind that fresh cut evergreens can produce sticky sap. To avoid getting it on your furniture, make your arrangement in a large serving tray or place a thin hidden sheet of plastic underneath as a barrier. Sprinkling a fresh coat of artificial snow around the base is a great way to hide the plastic and add a beautiful finishing touch.
“
”
Boxwood wreaths are wonderful accents to display in windows or on glass-pane cabinets. You can easily hang them with a heavy duty suction cup but to really create an effect, use a long
cream-coloured ribbon or rope. It will add a stunning edge and tie the wreath in with the other cream accents you have incorporated. If you’re excited to start decorating and would like to begin earlier in the season, think about using artificial products. Your displays will last much longer and still reveal that natural look you are going for. Artificial greens are great for wreaths, mantles and garlands but don’t be afraid to add in natural accents such as birch poles, white berries, grapevine balls, wooden disks and white painted or natural pine cones. If you like to use ribbon in your decorating, white or cream burlap will blend beautifully with this theme. Burlap adds focal interest without taking away from the natural feel. If you’re looking for more pizzazz, sneak in metal tones such as copper, silver or gold. This can be a useful way to incorporate your favourite bowls, vases, candlesticks, and sentimental figurines. If you have a bowl you would like to incorporate, try making a small evergreen arrangement to place inside. Secure a piece of wet floral foam in the base, fill with water and add sprigs of fresh evergreens, seeded eucalyptus, white or green berries, pinecones and a few beautiful white roses. Do you still want more colour? Add a deep red accent. It can be a beautiful touch but keep it minimal. Feel free to mix these natural elements in with a theme you already have. One of my favourite things about bringing in the outdoors to decorate is how flawlessly natural elements harmonize with almost anything. Add just a hint, or go nuts with nature’s finest elements this Holiday season for a simple yet elegant look. HOLIDAY 2018 • 15
Holiday Cookie Exchange One Santa Cookie Recipe courtesy of Jaclyn Belle, creator of www.cookingclassy.com
Ingredients 2 Tbsp (29g) salted butter 3 Tbsp (42g) packed light-brown sugar 1 pinch salt 1 Tbsp whisked egg* 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup (43g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure) 1/8 tsp baking soda 1/4 cup (60g) red and green M&Ms** 1/2 tsp Christmas jimmies (optional)
Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet (half or quarter sheet) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 2. Place butter in a microwave safe mixing bowl. 3. Heat in microwave until about 2/3 of the way melted (it should take roughly 20 seconds), remove and stir to melt fully.
recipe... is the easiest “This and fastest Christmas cookie you can make! ” - Jaclyn Belle
4. To melted butter, add brown sugar, salt, 1 tbsp egg, vanilla, flour and baking soda. Stir with a spoon or rubber spatula until well combined. 5. Mix in about 3/4 of the M&Ms. Shape dough into a disk about 3 1/2-inches on a prepared baking sheet. 6. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 of the M&Ms over top along with sprinkles if using. Bake in preheated oven 11 14 minutes, until edges are just golden brown (cookie should appear slightly under-baked in center). 7. Serve warm or allow to cool on a wire rack then store in an airtight container.
Helpful Tips: *To get 1 Tbsp egg crack egg into a small bowl, whisk until yolk and white are blended, then measure out 1 Tbsp. Reserve remainder for another use. **I’ve also made this using a 1.77 oz tube of red and green Mini M&Ms, which is equal to 1/4 cup. 16
White Chocolate Dipped Lofthouse Style Snowman Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Sugar Cookies Find these and more great recipes at www.cookingclassy.com
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Wishing you and those you love a peaceful and happy holiday season
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, Fresh Cut Greens, Wreaths, & Swags FOR SALE IN OUR
WINTERLAND TREE-LOT Binscarth • Birtle • Brandon • Dauphin • Ethelbert • Gilbert Plains Hamiota • Inglis • Kenton • Miniota • Oak Lake • Oak River • Roblin Rorketon • Rossburn • Russell • St. Lazare • Winnipegosis
HOLIDAY 2018 • 17
Today, Christmas tree production in Canada garners $64.4 million in revenue from 2,381 tree farms in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and British Columbia (Stats Canada 2014). One half of the revenue comes from exports to USA and the rest of the world (even to Jamaica and Thailand). Doing some quick mental math, that means about 1.5 million Canadians annually are trying to keep their Christmas trees green for about 60 days after they have been cut off from their life support. We Manitoban’s are unfortunately the most disadvantaged. We are the furthest distance from the production. The trees we receive have been cut early in November to allow time for marshaling and freight. If temperatures stay below freezing, then dry down is halted. If the weather is warm, anxiety sets in at the Christmas tree store with the onset of dehydration.
O Tannenbaum,
How Lovely are thy Branches.
Your boughs so green in summertime, stay bravely green in wintertime. By Bernie Whetter
I
n 1824, little did Ernst Anschutz, the composer of this wellknown carol, know just how brave the Christmas tree must be, or what measures Christmas celebrants would take to keep it green during the holiday season. History tells us that this song was not about Christmas, but a folk song about love, likening it to the constancy and faithful evergreen qualities of the fir tree. Later renditions changed it to the Christmas genre, bestowing the pleasures it brought to those gathered around it – indoors! For thousands of years, the evergreen fir tree has been used to celebrate pagan and Christian winter festivals. Pagans used it to decorate their homes during the winter solstice as a happy reminder of the spring to come. Christians used the evergreen characteristic of the tree as a symbol of everlasting life. Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition, as we know it, in the 16th century when decorated trees were brought into their homes. In 1846, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree and the ritual immediately became fashionable in British and American society.
With an annual investment of $20 to $200 per tree (depending on species, height, and vendor), keeping it fresh is important not only for preserving its beauty, but also to prevent premature needle droppings all over the stacks of wrapped packages underneath it and the ensuing annoying task of cleanup. Taking a few simple precautions however, a Christmas tree can stay fresh for a month or so once it has found its place in your home. And so the traditional coffee time conversation endures, “Whose method works the best?”. There are multiple suggestions and concoctions that avid real-tree owners will attest to. Most common is the addition of some form of sugar, such as corn syrup, 7-Up or white sugar. Others swear by bleach, vinegar, vodka, or aspirin. Oh well, tis the season! From the reviews of research done by tree scientists and arborists, the verdict is that clean water works best. That’s good news. Now there’s more vodka and aspirin for the festivities! I enjoy telling the story of my experience. One year, I purchased the perfect Fraser Fir, brought it home and set it up. It was a good year indeed as I didn’t need to lash it to the curtain rod with a coat hanger. It was a beautiful tree and I didn’t give it a lick of water all season. It hardly dropped a needle even upon its exit from glory. It’s not a recommendation – just a good story to tell when everyone else is boasting about his or her tree-saving cocktails. Here are a few steps to follow which will yield the best chances for a season long, green, needle-drop-free, Christmas tree.
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1. Choose a tree that looks healthy, obviously! Deep, rich, green colour, soft, flexible needles and a symmetrical shape is ideal (unless you can put the flat, less attractive side in a corner, or backed up against the wall). Some needle drop is to be expected since the tree has been bundled up for a month already and transported ½ way across the country. Give it a vigorous shake. If most of the needles are still in tack, you’ve found the perfect tree. The most popular species are Fraser and Balsam Fir. Fraser holds its needles the best and has greater density while the Balsam is less expensive and has the best pine fragrance.
2. Re-cut the stem.
If you bought a precut tree, be sure to re-cut the stem. When the tree is severed from its rootstock, the wound naturally heals up with sap to prevent dehydration. This also stops it from absorbing water. Cutting the healed part of the trunk off will allow the tree to once again absorb water up the trunk to the branches. The cut should be made just before the tree is placed in the stand. Cut about half an inch off the bottom and avoid whittling away the outer layers of the wood to make the base fit the stand. The outer layers are the most efficient in taking up water.
3. Choose the right location. As the marketing gurus will tell
you, its location, location, location and that spot in the centre of the bay window, posing for all the passers by to view, may not be the best location. In fact it could be the worst. Pick a spot that is away from heating vents, cold drafts, or direct sunlight. Doesn’t that describe the bay window? On second thought, the worst place is beside the fireplace. We can predict how that scenario might play out.
4. Use low-heat lights. Incandescent
tree lights are a thing of the past now but that is your choice, the smaller miniature lights emit less heat keeping the tree from drying. LED lights stay cool thus eliminating the heat element.
5. Keep it watered. As a rule of thumb, a typical tree absorbs a litre of water for each inch of its trunk diameter. Make sure there is always water in the tree stand. Choose a tree stand that can hold about 4 litres of water and find an easy
method of getting the water into the water reservoir. This avoids the surprise factor, once the tree is removed, of finding a large wet spot that wasn’t from the family pet.
6. Don’t plug the vacuum. Your tree supplier should issue
you a large tree bag, which is convenient for getting your tree in and out of the house without a trail of needles. With the bag still over the tree, cut a hole in the bottom of the bag to let the trunk come through and into the stand. Once the tree is up, fold the bag down around the tree stand and cover it with your tree skirt. When the season is over and all the decorations removed, simply pull the tree bag back up around the tree and take it out. I should also mention the year my tree lost most of its needles, the central vac was never quite the same. There is one Christmas tree issue yet to be discussed – artificial versus real. Every year, I hear the quiet debates among families. Hardcore traditionalists love the quest of the perfect tree, the soothing pine scent, the thrill of getting it in the house and adjusting the screws until it is standing up straight. Those on the other side of the argument have more time to enjoy other aspects of the season, or may have downsized, or have done some mathematical calculations identifying economical benefits to purchasing artificial. By the way, they are now known as the less offensive word “permanent” Christmas tree. The words to the carol have changed but once again, O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how green is your carbon footprint? And on that point, both sides have made valid points. A Canadian research team, Ellipsos, has determined that real trees are greener! The artificial tree has three times more impacts on climate change and resource depletion than the natural tree. This decision is based on a permanent tree lasting six years. If you have purchased a pre-lit tree, up to now, six years might be a stretch. However, the lights and connections are improving so six years, and much longer, is a valid possibility. If you manage to keep your permanent tree 20 years, than it is the greener option. Even though I sell pre-lit trees, and they are beautiful, an unlit tree is a lot less troublesome a few years hence and should last a very long time (as long as you didn’t buy the lime green tree last year and your home’s color scheme has changed to a more subdued scheme this year). Stats Canada reveals that $58.3 million of artificial trees are imported to Canada annually (98% from China). Assuming the die-hards don’t change their mind and permanent trees last longer, this number should decrease. I guess we’ll have to wait until the next Stats Canada report. Merry Christmas and here’s hoping the only dropping noises you hear this Christmas are reindeer hooves on the rooftop!
HOLIDAY 2018 • 19
ArtGiving THE
OF
GIFT IDEAS FROM
This is just another way to show some love, say thank you to a friend, or to fill a stocking.
The Green Spot Home & Garden
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Knives
The German word ZWILLING translates to “twin” and since 1731 the twin-man has become the global symbol of excellence in culinary design and manufacturing. Choose from several series, each featuring a distinctive style, weight and balance to ensure a comfortable fit for every hand size. The latest Zwilling Pro series features a contoured bolster for perfect balance and control, guiding the hand into a secure pinch grip. Wedgeshaped blades simplify cutting techniques and allow for better rocking/chopping motions. Select the “twin” brand – for those whose gourmet passion requires the best.
Crocs Footwear Crocs™ Inc. is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for men, women, and children. Crocs offer a broad portfolio of all-season products, while remaining true to its core molded footwear heritage. Every style features Croslite™ material that gives each pair of shoes the soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking, and odor-resistant qualities that Crocs fans know and love. Crocs Footwear Collection features comfortable clogs, casual flip flops, and dressy sandals, work shoes for on-the-job foot comfort, and much more!
"Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege." - John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Corinthian Bells Wind Chimes Corinthian Bells® are both visually and acoustically exceptional wind chimes. Their musical tone and long-lasting resonance are achieved by giving attention to details in design and assembly. The powder-coated tubes
match the dome and wind sail, giving a complete finished look to the chime. The durable, weather-resistant materials make them a valuable addition to your home. Corinthian Bells wind chimes are available in multiple sizes and designer colors.
Generation Line Adirondack Chair
In an effort to divert used plastic away from landfills, CRP Products Inc. (Canadian Recycled Plastics) of Stratford, Ontario manufactures recycled plastic furniture. The proprietary extrusion process produces a unique plastic lumber that won’t mold, rot, splint, or crack as are the typical shortcomings with maintaining wood furniture. With an added UV stabilizer, each piece is guaranteed to maintain its beautiful, bright colour for years, without the need of staining or painting. The process creates a beautiful textured look similar to the grain of wood, and smooth rounded edges for enhanced comfort. CRP Products offers Generation Line Adirondack chair, St. Tropez and Stratford lines of lounge, dining, and patio collections and the new Harvest casual dining collection. (579 4L milk jugs = one Adirondack chair)
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill
Morden’s Chocolates Founded in 1959, Morden’s of Winnipeg Chocolate Manufacturing and Nut Roasting does a booming business during the holiday season manufacturing specialty chocolates, producing more than 70 confectionary and nut fillings along with roasting a variety of nut products. The company has received many local and international awards for their signature Russian Mints and for confections packaging design. Discover the taste that has earned Morden’s customer loyalty.
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Lampe Berger Lamp As beautiful as they are useful for exhaling a cleaner and more fragrant air, the Lampe Berger is available in an incredible variety of styles, designs, and materials in order to meet every individual’s desire. Taking inspiration from nature or distant places, the collection of Home Fragrances contains more than 50 fragrances inviting you to a daily state of well-being. Cradled by a gentle nostalgia, the collection narrates the olfactory memories of French Master Perfumers. Lampe Berger perfectly captures all the moments of our lives to form a symphony of aromas, warm notes, fresh floral, sublime sparkle, exotic scents, and enlivening, amber tones. The Lampe Berger fragrance range is as wide as your imagination.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” - Francis of Assisi
Lug Life The creation of Lug bags and accessories is focused on exemplifying an organized family lifestyle. With function, fashion, and color, Lug products are designed for women, men and families on the go – ideal for day to day life, and savvy travelers alike. Choose from a wide variety of styles, each one designed specifically for their intended use, with trending fabrics and colors to match all moods and occasions.
Wigwam Sox For over 100 years, Wigwam has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of its customers by providing them with the assurance that their purchase of Wigwam socks supports its reputation of honesty and integrity. The Wigwam work sock is a heavily cushioned sock that is treated with Odor Guard to protect the sock against odor causing bacteria. The sock features a reinforced heel and toe, with a reversed toe closure for smooth interior seam.
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” - Pierre Corneille
Crave Dips and Mulling Spices “Delicious and easy to prepare” is the axiom of Crave dip mixes and mulling spices. Entertaining is at its peak in the holiday season so why not minimize the prep time and maximize the socializing. Crave dip mixes need only mayonnaise and sour cream (cottage cheese or yogurt for a reduced fat option) to yield hours
of dipping medium to visit over. Choose from Baked Parmesan Artichoke, Onion Chive, Roasted Pepper, Lemon Dill, Roasted Garlic, and Mango Curry. Crave Mulling spices also offer several entertaining opportunities as a cider, tea, in wine, or with brandy. Why not substitute it for sugar in your favourite recipes or sprinkle over yogurt, fruit, ice cream, or pancakes. The options are endless – the effect is marvelous.
BN3TH Men’s Underwear (pronounced “Beneath" formerly knows as MyPackage) The man that has everything probably can still use another pair of underwear. Introduce him to the ultimate comfort that BN3TH offers. The patented MyPackage Technology™ creates the best and most comfortable underwear experience for men. The 3-dimensional internal pouch provides both unparalleled support and comfort keeping his man parts in place without touching his legs. Driven by innovation – created with purpose, discover the difference BN3TH the surface!
“The most compassionate form of giving is done with no thought or expectation of reward, and grounded in genuine concern for others.” - Dalai Lama
Jude’s Miracle Cloth Made from high-quality microfiber combined with the right manufacturing process, Jude’s Miracle Cloth strategically lifts and traps dirt and moisture like no other cleaning material. Unlike a cotton fiber cloth that simply pushes dirt and moisture around, Jude’s Miracle Cloth leaves surfaces clean, dry, and polished – every time. Simply wet it, wring it, wipe it, and walk away! Kiss your glass cleaner, chemicals, and paper towels goodbye! With our eco, child, and pet friendly Jude’s Miracle Cloth, you’ll never need them again!
“The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value.” - Charles Dudley Warner
HOLIDAY 2018 • 21
Living
Trends By Tanya Olsen
tropical plant to “Use a living space into
O
ver the last few years, tropical plants have skyrocketed in popularity. The plant choices we make indoors compliment our personality and design style, just like the trees and shrubs we use outdoors, as well as providing a cleaner and healthier living environment. Tropicals are not simply part of the trendy accessory list for 2019, they are the trend. When we decorate our living spaces with any accessory, it is important to think about colour, texture, shape (or overall form) and other not so physical benefits such as environmental impact, health benefits and design aesthetic
With tropicals you’re not limited to greens. Your choice in plants can add a real POP OF COLOUR to your room. Plants like the Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) feature leaves striped with white Oyster Plant and green, while Crotons (also called a Joseph’s Coat) have leaves splashed with reds, yellows and oranges. The unique Oyster Plant (Moses in the Cradle) brings stripes of purple and cream into play. The leaves, brightly spotted with colours, will provide focus and interest to any brightly lit space.
We use TEXTURE in design to evoke a specific feeling. Smooth textures are visually interpreted as soft, while bumpy textures provide visual depth and interest. Cactus (or Cacti) can be prickly when the spikes are further apart like on a Barrel Cactus or can appear soft like the Old Man Cactus. Cacti are easy to care for and don’t require much maintenance other than very bright light and water once every two to three weeks. Incorporating a Snake Plant into a dark room will provide a spiky texture (similar to a large iris) without the prickles. Remember, when placing a heavily textured plant be sure to plant it in a smooth and neutral coloured pot so the plant remains the focus. Textured tropicals need not be relegated to a pot on the floor! Boston Ferns provide a soft, graceful look in a bathroom or modern dining room while Pothos can soften even the largest book case as the green and whitespotted heart shaped leaves spiral downward. Our next trend, PATTERN is created with colour, texture or any other building block in design. By contrasting different patterns in
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Snake Plant
a room, we create a more interesting place to live. Incorporate pattern by choosing the bold patterns of the Prayer Plant or the Rattlesnake Plant. Both of these choices offer a beautiful contrast of dark green vs. light green leaves, incredible foliage and easy-care opportunities for your home. EDIBLES do not need to be relegated to the outdoors any longer. The luxury of picking citrus can be as close as your living room, with Meyer Lemon, Calamondin, Limes and even Oranges, normally available at your local garden centre in the spring. Citrus flowers smell amazing and a dwarf tree will add height and texture to a bright room. We all know plants are HEALING and offer environmental benefits, however the Janet Craig Dracaena, Spider Plant, English Ivy and Peace Lily are the queens of the jungle when it comes to filtering out the toxins that occur in our homes, making it easier to sleep. Studies suggest that having three plants, in a 10” pot, for every 100 square feet of floor space will provide a substantial benefit. Placing the plants near where you sit or work will provide the most benefit. Incorporating Aloe Vera, Lavender and other edible herbs into your kitchen gardens brings home the true healing effects!
transform your a peaceful retreat.
”
Traditional Christmas
Swag
When we think about overall design – the two most common choices are the modern, or the more traditional style of design with a combination of colours and comfortable shapes. In modern design, we focus on the basics such as line, shape and form to create an artistically sophisticated, clean look. Plants such as Phalaenopsis Orchids, and Fiddle Leaf Figs work in modern design situations because of the understated complexity of the flower or the big bold leaf and strong colours. Go ahead! Use a tropical plant to transform your Prayer Plant home and your living space into a peaceful retreat. The science says we need plants, but as gardeners, we all know tropical plants are more than therapeutic, they bring a living trend to life as you express your creativity and design style and have a healthier room and a healthier you at the same time!
Sugar Pine Cones
Add your own decorations to dress it up or keep it simple with a festive Christmas Ribbon. Our Traditional Swag measures 20” long and is available at participating local garden centres.
BACK BY
POPULAR DEMAND
Cleaned and all natural Sugar Pine Cones are perfect for Holiday decorating, craft projects, bird feeders and displays. Measuring between 8-10”, these pine cones are a fantastic addition to your fall and holiday décor.
Available at
HOLIDAY 2018 • 23
quality tree
Come see what a
looks like.
Classic, Traditional, Country or Formal. Compliment your décor with one of our many artificial trees. Available in different varieties, sizes and styles. FEAT UR ED
NEW Slim Canterbury with LED lights 1401 tips, 760 lights, 7.5' (41” in diameter)
1329 Rosser Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba
204-727-5884 WWW.GREENSPOTBRANDON.COM