Lakewood Holiday 2019

HOLIDAY 2019

LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE

72856 Bluewater Hwy, at St Joseph 519-236-4479 www.lakewoodgardencentre.com

Magic of Winter Snow Globe BRING THE

INTO THE WARMTH OF YOUR OWN HOME WITH A

Cardinal

Joyful Gifts

AVAILABLE AT

$39.99

St. Nick

$49.99

$39.99

REG. $44.95

10380

10241 10240

AVAILABLE AT

$79.99

REG. $90.00

$115

REG. $130

feeding the birds with new ideas™

Add a little Green this Holiday Season Traditional Christmas Swag Add your own decorations to dress it up or keep it simple. Our Traditional Swag measures 20” long.

Incense Cedar Bunch

$19.99

Inspire your creativity by accenting your outdoor and floral displays with this fragrant, holiday favourite.

Weight – 1.5 lbs

$6.99

Silver Oregonia Bunch This fresh green serves as a wonderful decorative filler, stays green and white through the holiday season, while adding visual interest in your holiday décor. Weight – 1.5 lbs.

$7.99

AVAILABLE AT

CONTENTS 4

Where Do Bugs Go In The Winter?

9

A Holiday Welcome

10

Holiday Ornaments Aren't Just For The Christmas Tree

12

Plant with Four Season Interest

14

Ways to Combat Stress during the Holidays

15

Timesaver Breakfast Casserole With Bacon!

16

Go Wild with Fashion

22

Beat The Winter Blues With Bulbs!

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.

HOLIDAY 2019 • 3

Where Do

BUGS GO in the Winter?

By Leah Ruehlicke

Many bugs hibernate

Many bugs don’t embrace that jet-setter lifestyle and instead, hibernate in places close to home. For example, large wasps often seek shelter in the attics of houses or barns. Others find shelter in tree holes, or under logs and rocks – and they get quite creative in staying warm in these places! The Mourning Cloak Butterfly, for example, builds up glycerol in its body, which acts as a type of natural antifreeze.

Others burrow deep into the soil, where the temperatures are far warmer than they are above ground. Ladybugs hibernate, gathering in groups, while living off of their own body fat.

So if you see one ladybug, there will surely be more to follow.

Teamwork makes the dreamwork

Honey bees stay in their hives during the winter, huddling together in clusters to stay warm. Can you bee-lieve that they are able to raise the temperature by vibrating their wing muscles?! Honey bees are able to find all this energy by consuming approximately 30 pounds of stored honey during the winter months.

Embracing the cold

Very few insects are active in the winter, but the nymphs (or ‘immature forms’) of dragonflies, mayflies and stoneflies live beneath a layer of ice in ponds and streams. They utilize the winter months to actively feed, and then emerge as adults in early spring.

W

hen the snow falls and that cold winter air blows down from the North pole, we humans have the luxury of curling up by the fire in our cozy pajamas and holing up indoors. When we do have to go outside, we bundle up with hats and mitts to keep ourselves warm.

What do bugs do when it’s cold outside? They don’t have warm, winter boots for their feet (and they certainly don’t have cozy pajamas to put on!)

So how do they deal with the cold winter months?

Some bugs migrate

Just like birds, some bugs escape the cold weather by going to a warmer region. For example, Monarch butterflies are not able to survive cold winters, so they migrate south and west each autumn to escape the cold weather.

Insects prefer when cold temperatures are stable. They hate when it freezes and thaws, then re-freezes and thaws once again.

They also appreciate a nice, thick blanket of snow.

This insulates the ground and keeps the temperatures underground surprisingly comfortable.

Insects which choose to hole up and remain fully inactive throughout the winter undergo a state in which their growth and development are temporarily paused.

This is called “diapause”. Their development begins again once they join the world in the spring and start buzzing around again!

Overall, despite not having mitts and boots and warm fireplaces to curl up in front of, bugs have their own way of embracing that winter wonderland. Snow? Freezing temperatures? No problem – doesn’t “bug” insects at all!

4 • LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE - 519-236-4479 - LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM

Owners From the

perspective; and helps us realize that we can handle what is thrown at us; and that the important adventure of life is the journey, not the destination.

We celebrate life, and the year with Thanksgiving and Christmas, where family traditions continue, and are tweaked, to make the experience very personal.

“M

ay you live in interesting times” is supposedly an old Chinese curse that alludes to how much we really don’t like change or surprises in our lives.

Did anyone else notice that spring somehow decided not to show up this year? And how can we even get to summer without spring? And how can summer be so hot and so cold, so wet and so dry at the same time? No wonder that we comment on the weather so often!

But autumn somehow makes everything fall into place and

We bring you all seasons of gardening, gift and home décor ideas, and our Christmas Shoppe is especially bursting with winter and Christmas items, greens and trees, both fresh and artificial, to enhance your celebrations!

This is our 39th year of our Lakewood Garden Centre adventure. We invite you to visit and make us your destination to check on what surprises our team has prepared for you! It may not change your life, but we hope to make it interesting!

Mike & Dianne

HOLIDAY 2019 • 5

Lakewood Special Events 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. For all our workshops, you can reserve your spot by calling 519-236-4479. So much fun, plus you take home something individually yours!

Lakewood’s Christmas Open House!

Saturday, Nov. 9 and 16 from 9 am – 5 pm Sunday, Nov. 10 and 17 from 11 am – 5 pm

It’s the time of year we welcome friends and family into our homes, to enjoy love, laughter and good times. We want to welcome you to Lakewood Christmas Shoppe, to help you make your home even more inviting. Enjoy cookies and warm drinks 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 refresh and add to your own holiday décor. Open House specials and draws make it even better! We are here to help you create your winter wonderland.

Decorative Sled, Sled Remix or Winter Door Swag Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 am

Made with fresh Western Red Cedar, long needled pine and spruce, this sled is wonderful for your front entrance, Add a bow of your choice, a few accessories and this charming decoration will last all winter. Or use the swag alone on your door or wall for a bit of winter joy! If you have one bring your sled from last year’s workshop and we will help you make it beautiful once more! Cost is $30 plus tax and includes materials for swag or refill. $50 plus tax for a sled and the décor. Please bring gloves and pruners. RSVP with payment at 519-236-4479.

Welcome Holiday Planter or Welcome Refill Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 pm

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 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 plus tax, payable on registration. If you have a welcome planter from last season, bring it along and we will help you dress it up for the holidays! The cost is $20 plus tax for the remake.

Very Merry Christmas Tree Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10:30 am Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 10:30 am

Create a festive feel inside your home with your own modern Christmas tree. Peggy will help you assemble this unique tree using an assortment of fresh greens and accents to match your décor. Bring pruners and gloves. Cost is $65 plus tax and includes everything you need.

Please call 519-236-4479 with payment to register.

6 • LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE - 519-236-4479 - LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM

Let’s Decorate Dasher!

Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1:30 pm Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1:30 pm

One of our cherished symbols of winter and Christmas, this deer will add a wonderful touch to your home! Choose between 2 sizes and we will help you decorate them to match your home, using fresh greens, accents and a bow. Cost of the large deer workshop is $50 plus tax and the small reclining deer workshop is $40 plus tax. Gloves and pruners are helpful. Please call Lakewood with payment to reserve your spot!

Rudolph Fun For Kids!

Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:30 pm

Welcome Santa to your home with a Smaller Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. We will help your child decorate their own deer to show off at home, or to give as a gift. Cost is $20 plus tax. Please register your child by phoning the Garden Centre at 519-236-4479 with payment. Deer not exactly as shown.

Fresh & Green Festive Pot Thursday, Nov. 21 at 10:30 am

Star of Wonder Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm Join us and assemble a beautiful Star accent for you home. These stars are a good size at 26”, for your wall or to lean on you mantle. Filled with greens and accents, with Peggy’s guidance, it will be a hit! Please bring pruners and gloves if you have them. Reserve with $60 fee, plus tax by calling 519-236-4479.

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 $50 plus tax and includes all you need.

Bring gloves and pruners.

Please call 519-236-4479 with payment to reserve.

HOLIDAY 2019 • 7

Wreath Decorating Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 pm Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 10:30 am

Create an exquisite Christmas wreath for your front door, entry way or window. Choose a bow and some shimmery baubles or other embellishments to add for the festive season. Our gorgeous evergreen wreaths are freshly made and will last the season. Cost is $45 plus tax and includes all materials. RSVP with payment by calling 519-236-4479.

Goderich IODE Christmas House Tour Nov. 9 and 10 We are pleased to be decorating a home in Goderich for the IODE Christmas House Tour. This is a very popular event showcasing homes in Goderich all dressed up for the festive season. Peggy will reveal her decorating talents, using treasures from Lakewood’s Christmas Shoppe.

Tickets will be available here at Lakewood Garden Centre.

Grand Bend and Area Christmas Home Tour Nov. 15­- 17 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.

Groups of 6 or more can book a private workshop

Metal Globe Sphere Saturday, Nov. 30 at 10:30 am We have found some wonderful metal globe balls that we will help you fill with lush fresh greens, a battery- operated candle, and accents. This is a truly unique accent for your home that can be hung, used as a centrepiece, or even placed in an urn. All supplies included. Cost is $60 plus tax, and includes everything you need. Please bring pruners and gloves. Call Lakewood at 519-236-4479 with payment to register. This was a sell out last year, so register early!

Gather friends, family or co-workers and have a fun day out!

Bring in your group of 6 or more, and we will do a class just for you! Please call to arrange a time. See coupon later in the magazine for a special discount.

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.  519-236-4479

 www.lakewoodgardencentre.com  www.facebook.com/lakewoodgardencentre  Dianne@lakewoodgardencentre.com

88 •• LAKEWOOD LAKEWOOD GARDEN GARDEN CENTRE CENTRE -- 519-236-4479 519-236-4479 -- LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM

A

Holiday WELCOME

T

is the season to welcome friends and family home for the holidays. We all want to create a warm and inviting entrance to greet our guests. No matter your style, size of home or budget, there are great ways to dress up and deck out your entrance for the holidays this year.

Add some cheer by swapping for a fun, festive welcome mat!

A beautiful, lush outdoor arrangement with fragrant evergreen foliage, including Princess Pine, Incense Cedar, and Silver Oregonia will be a welcome touch to your front entrance. Decorate it with woodsy Sugar pinecones, faux waterproof berries, and accent with pretty red cardinals – these finishing touches will create interest and charm. Don’t forget to add an elegant wreath to your front door, finished with a beautiful festive bow.

Decorating Tip:

Use ornaments with a range of materials to add interest and variety to your tree.

Visit your local garden centre to shop the new 2019 Holiday Collection!

© 2019 Allstate Floral, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

HOLIDAY 2019 • 9

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS aren’t just for the

Christmas

By Dianne Visser

10

F

or 11 months of the year, I am a retail store manager, but when Christmas time rolls around in November, I turn into a designer. I love Christmas, and I love the challenge of decorating and using holiday items in a different way. Ornaments are not just for the tree; I use ornaments everywhere! Yes, I do mean everywhere and in every room.

Tree!

There is the traditional use of ornaments in garlands and wreaths, but there is also the more modern use of ornaments in jars, vases, bowls, and wine glasses. Using the same colours of ornaments ties together any mismatched pieces. These work out nicely on kitchen counters, dining room hutches, bookshelves and on window ledges. If you have some smaller ornaments, use them for napkin rings, adding a festive touch to the dining room table. Hanging small ornaments from cabinet doors is quick and easy. I like to make a swag with a few pieces of greenery and then a few ornaments. These can be hung on doors, from light sconces, bannisters, headboards and more.

A romantic collection of different sized and shaped candlesticks works well on the mantle or side table. Add an upside-down ornament in place of the candle, a few springs of greenery around the bottom and voilà!

Try finding one or two narrow ribbons in the same or contrasting colour scheme. Then use them to tie ornaments from a light fixture or chandelier; it offers an instant festive wow factor. Don’t stop there, tie ornaments onto the banister in between each rung or make a curtain of ornaments by tying them onto the curtain rod at different lengths. The winter sun shining through the window will offer a wonderful shimmer to the room.

For the kid’s room, borrow a toy truck, or doll carriage to fill with ornaments and mixed with building blocks. I would suggest you use the non-breakable ones where little hands can reach.

You can highlight one or two special ornaments with an ornament stand or a branch from a tree. The branch can be used naturally or painted to match the theme, placed in a vase or propped up in a pail of sand. Utilize the ribbon once again to tie the ornaments to the branch and you have an elegant addition without having to set up another tree.

If you have a lot of pictures hanging in your home, consider removing everything from the frame (picture, glass and backing), then tie an ornament so it is framed in a threedimensional way.

For the front porch, I like to fill old wicker baskets, vintage suitcases, picnic hamper, kid's wagon or a lantern full of ornaments mixed with pinecones and pine branches and strings of lights for a welcome that sets the mood for the rest of the house.

I hope I have inspired you to think outside the box and turn the ordinary into extraordinary! Merry Christmas!

HOLIDAY 2019 • 11

PLANT WITH

Four Season INTEREST

By Lindsay Flatters

L

ooking out into your yard this time of year can easily bring on the winter blues. However, with a bit of careful planning, you can create an attractive four season garden to save yourself from dullsville. Spending the winter months dreaming and scheming is ideal because it forces you to look at your garden’s structure without any distraction from the colours of spring and summer. Remember to keep in mind that many perennials will die down to ground level in the winter, so the simple addition of shrubs and evergreens will give some back bone to your yard. This seemingly subtle background during the spring and summer months will become the star of the show in the winter months. Focusing on features like bark, berries and different textures and shapes can be the key to transforming the faded landscape into something beautiful.

Your local independent garden centre can help you find some great choices to add next year.

Evergreens are a simple and easy way to add texture and all season greenery to the landscape. Try Boxwood, Cedars and Junipers or a combination to create this look. Using a variety of upright, mounding and spreading evergreens dotted throughout your yard will make a consistent background year round. This can come in especially handy when needing to block an eye sore of some form or another, whether it be an ugly utility meter or a nosy neighbour’s view into your yard. There is a huge range of varieties to choose from to suit almost any location. Some tried and true selections include: Green Velvet Boxwood as a nice tidy globe form, Fairview Juniper as a great upright focal or Baby Blue Spruce as that significant estate piece.

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Choosing plants with either different coloured bark or different textured bark is a great way to add that special interest that you’re looking for. Try one of the many varieties of dogwood with either striking red or yellow branches to add an unexpected pop of colour. Silverleaf, or Ivory Halo Dogwood are great options for bright red, while Yellowtwig Dogwood is a great choice for that fresh citron exclamation. Or maybe for a different textured bark, a Burning Bush with its famed ‘winged’ branches might be the answer. For something dramatic and different, look at Copper Curls Lilac tree. The unique bark on this tree will definitely turn heads.

Faded late season flowers remain subtle, yet effective.

Ice crusted florets or dainty paper petals are a real hidden beauty in the late season. Try leaving the blossoms on your Hydrangeas, or some of your perennials like Coneflower or Sedum. Not cutting back the flowers on your plants can also be a benefit to attracting wildlife to your garden in the winter.

Birds love the seed heads of Coneflowers especially, so make sure to leave a few of these.

Berries and fruit can be a real bright colour highlight against the monotone nature. Crabapples hold onto their fruit well into the winter season, which

DR HY

HYDR ANGEA

ANG

look like sugared jewels when the frost collects on them.

There are a number of other shrubs that display their bountiful berries late into the year like American Cranberry, Cotoneaster or, if you are lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, Holly (Zone 5). Having plants with fruit and berries are also a great way to attract different wildlife into your yard. Birds, squirrels and deer are just some of the creatures that will enjoy feasting on these treasures.

Ornamental Grasses are a graceful point of texture and movement in a winter garden if you leave them untouched from the growing season. The highlight however, are the plumes or tassels that dance above the foliage. Choose options like Feather Reed Grass, Switchgrass or Silver Grass varieties that are both hardy and sturdy.

Take a look at the different silhouettes that trees and shrubs can take. Globes, spires and vase shapes, try adding a variety to your landscape. The graceful arching branches of a Weeping Peashrub or a Weeping Crabapple might be a fantastic focal point.

So time to take advantage of this opportunity, embrace our beautiful Canadian winter season, and grab your notebook and start planning for winter interest in your garden. Find the subtle beauty in the often overlooked.

EA IN WINTER

ER MM U S IN HOLIDAY 2019 • 13

WAYS TO

COMBAT STRESS

Holidays

during the

By Mandy King

T

he holidays can be the most fun, and the most stressful time of the year. Whether it’s that routine seems to fall to the wayside, healthy habits tend to feel less important, or it’s generally just busy all around, the combination always seems to contribute to more stress than you may be prepared for. As a nutritionist, these are some simple recommendations I give to my clients so following the holidays, they feel good mentally and physically, and are not in need of a holiday from the holidays!

1. Make a plan

It’s no surprise the holiday season will be busy, but you can stay on top of it with a plan. Being organized with your calendar is a quick and easy way to reduce stress. By late November or early December, you should have an idea of all the parties and gatherings you will be attending. Once you know your social schedule, carve out time for everything else, including holiday shopping, cooking, and exercise.

2. Move, daily

Keeping up with your exercise routine will help reduce holiday bloating and give you a nice endorphin boost to help with your energy levels and mood. That being said, don’t let your exercise schedule be a source of stress. If you’re travelling for the holidays, outside of your routine or just want to relax, it can be difficult to fit in a workout. Just making time to get moving or going for a walk outside can reduce stress, increase happiness and boost energy in 90% of people. Remember to schedule it in and try to do it earlier in the day before other commitments get in the way.

3. Meal plan & prep

Meal planning and doing a little bit of meal prep, once a week, is the best way to make healthy eating easy and attainable year-round. The holidays should be no different. Keeping up with your regular eating habits, at least through the day, can help you feel your best despite holiday indulgences. If you know you have several big dinners, plan to start your day with easy breakfasts like a high protein smoothie or egg muffins, which you can make in advance. Make a one pot meal like turkey chili or roast a bunch of veggies and some chicken breasts to put over a bed of greens if you need a quick meal.

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Eating out equals less healthy food and a lowered ability to manage stress. You get the equation, so have your healthy food prepped and ready when your belly starts growling.

If you want to get in to this but aren’t sure how, you can check out our weekly meal plans here: http://www.healthyeatingandliving.ca/meal-plans.

4. Take your gardening indoors

Exercise and self-care should count as “non negotiable me time”, which is when no matter what’s going on, you stop doing it and you take whatever amount of time (say 30-60 minutes) and do something you love to help you unwind. Plant therapy is a very useful tool for unwinding and you don’t have to let the cold weather deter you from enjoying it year-round. In one study, subjects were asked to perform a stressful task and then asked to either perform 30 minutes of gardening in their allotment gardens or 30 minutes of reading. While both groups experienced a decrease in stress, the gardeners experienced a significantly greater decline in stress (as measured by salivary cortisol, a stress hormone), as well as a full restoration of positive mood.

There are also plants known to specifically relieve stress and improve mental well-being, such as aloe vera, the snake plant, lavender and mint.

I hope these tips are useful for you! Don’t forget to enjoy the holidays as they will be over before you know it.

TIMESAVER

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

with bacon!

T

his easy overnight breakfast casserole is quick to prep in the evening and then baked up fresh and delicious in the morning! Cheese, bacon, bell peppers and green onions are layered with bread and soaked in a seasoned egg mixture. This is the perfect meal to serve on a holiday morning or for guests.

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 12 slices egg bread or any type of bread will work, cubed

1. Cube bread and leave out overnight or place in the oven at 300 degrees for about 10 minutes to dry slightly.

(Do not brown or toast it).

• 12 slices crispy bacon crumbled (or 1 cup diced ham) • 3 green onions sliced • 1/2 red bell pepper finely diced • 4 cups grated cheddar cheese • 6 eggs • 3 cups milk • 1/2 teaspoon each dry mustard, salt, & black pepper

2. Combine eggs, milk, & seasonings.

3. Layer 1/2 of the cubes in a greased 9×13 pan. Top with 1/2 of the bacon, green onions, red peppers and cheese.

Repeat layers one more time.

4. Pour egg mixture over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 3 hours).

5.

Remove from fridge and let sit on the counter while preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Bake covered with foil 45-55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. (If you are baking 2 pans increase cooking time to 60-80 minutes).

NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories: 377, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 138mg, Sodium: 582mg, Potassium: 269mg, Carbohydrates: 18g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Protein: 19g, Vitamin A: 16.1%, Vitamin C: 8.4%, Calcium: 40%, Iron: 10% (Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)

HOLIDAY 2019 • 15

Go Wild

By Sherri Christodoulou

I

remember the days when I was younger and more carefree. My main concerns were: what I was going to wear and what to do to fill the hours in the day. I was a free spirit; wild at heart.

Fast forward to today. I still wonder what to wear each day, but now question when I will find the time to complete the to do list. Although wild at heart, the spirit is tamer; I have to be responsible and not always do what I want, but can most definitely wear what I want. This season will be one of my favorites since prints, especially animal prints are back with a vengeance.

Take your pick: Zebra stripe, Snakeskin, Tiger-stripe, Leopard or Cheetah print; even if you add a few pieces to your fall-winter wardrobe this year make them animal prints!

A tiger-stripe tunic with black leggings make a courageous statement. A snakeskin duster over pants and a top add a wow factor; whether at the office, out for the evening or running errands. The addition of pattern and colour variation will keep animal prints fresh and exciting. Think cheetah with floral! If you are a bit more reserved, printed leggings under a long solid colour tunic sweater will give you that touch of an untamed feel without being so bold.

This season‌.

Be Brave and Go Wild!

16 16

HOLIDAY 2019 • 17

18 • LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE - 519-236-4479 - LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM

Holiday Gifts we

LOVE Sparkling Snowflake

Gift Certificate

To: ____________

____________

____________

Amount: ____ ____

____________

____________

From: ________

___

____________ ____________ __ ____________ _____________ ____

____________

Authorized by:

____________

____________

______________

Tel: 519-236-44 79 | lakewoodga rdencentre.com 72856 Bluewater Hwy, St. Josep h, ON N0M 2T0

____

Dress up your home all season long!

Snow Kids Statues

Lakewood Gift Certificate

The gift that will please even the hard to buy for.

Fun Bear Family Toques!

Mama and Papa and baby or

little bear hats - A great gift!

Kids Onesies Designed and made in Canada.

Super cute for your little one!

HOLIDAY 2019 • 19

Check out our website at lakewoodgardencentre.com for pictures and updates Follow us on  Facebook facebook.com/lakewoodgardencentre

20 • LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE - 519-236-4479 - LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM

SAVE

ON YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE Coupons!

SNOOZIES SLIPPERS

ONLY $14.99

YOU $5 OFF WHEN BOOK A PRIVATE

WITH COUPON

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP NOV. 8 - NOV. 30, 2019 FOR 8 OR MORE This discount is for each participant registered. Private workshops are held at a time that works best for you, rather than at regular workshop times.

NOV. 8 - NOV. 22, 2019 Includes Ugly Christmas slipper and Snoozie socks.

Coupon expires Nov 22, 2019. Cannot be combined with other offers.

SAVE 25%

SENIORS DISCOUNT

10% OFF

ON ALL ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES!

TOTAL PRICE

AGES 65+

NOV. 8 - DEC. 2, 2019

Discount off regular priced items only. One coupon per household.

Expires Dec. 2, 2019. Cannot be combined with any other offer, or used on workshops or custom planters.

NOV. 21 - DEC. 16, 2019 Choose from our selection of high quality artificial trees.

Expires Dec 16, 2019. Cannot be combined with other offers.

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From $45- $169 Order yours today and we will hold it for you until you are ready!

HOLIDAY 2019 • 21

Beat the

WINTER BLUES with Bulbs!

By Tanya Olsen

O

ne of the ways I love to beat the winter blues is to surround myself with flowers. The smell, the colours and new sense of growth tell me spring is on the way.

During the winter, fresh flowers from the garden are hard to come by, but with a little effort and planning, we can trick a spring blooming bulb into flowering earlier than it would if you planted outdoors. Called forcing and much like growing a seed, forcing a bulb allows us the opportunity to grow our own flowers and nurture life from start to finish.

When I order bulbs for our garden centre, I select two kinds of forcing bulbs: one that does not need chilling (Amaryllis and Paperwhite Narcissus) and those that need a cold spell to promote a bloom. Hyacinth, large flowering Crocus, dwarf Daffodil, and Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) are all excellent choices for forcing but need some chilling time before they flower properly.

22 • LAKEWOOD GARDEN CENTRE - 519-236-4479 - LAKEWOODGARDENCENTRE.COM

FOR EASY BLOOMS: For fresh blooms all winter long, plant several batches of bulbs, each batch a week apart. Amaryllis are ready to plant and ready to bloom! Sometimes decorative and wax-covered, they are a big bulb - about the size of your fist and produce a collection of red, pink, orange or white trumpet-shaped blooms atop a tall stem. The other bulb that does not need any chilling are Paperwhite Narcissus. To force these successfully, choose your favourite container, fill with soil or layers of coloured gravel and plant so the bottom third of the bulb is buried. Water, place in a warm location and fragrant blooms will be yours three to five weeks after planting. If your bulb is wax-covered, just place in a warm room and let nature takes it course – no soil, water or chilling required!

If using gravel, layer the gravel up to 4” deep and plant your bulbs the same way you would with soil. Water so the bottom of the bulb barely touches the top of the waterline.

If the water comes too high up on the bulb, there is a risk of rotting the bulb.

HOW TO FORCE BULBS THAT NEED CHILLING: Crocus, most Hyacinth and Tulips need chilling to mimic the cold winter months. Before chilling, follow these easy steps for success and don’t be afraid to snuggle your bulbs together so they touch!

• Choose your favorite pot or a larger glass container and fill with gravel or good potting soil.

• Plant bulbs four to six inches deep (my rule of thumb is twice the depth of the bulb), and water like you would outdoors.

When I feel adventurous, I layer my bulbs in a larger, deeper container – Narcissus on the bottom, then Tulips and Crocus near the top, so there will be multiple heights and blooms come the dead of winter.

don’t store the bulbs with fresh produce as the gases from fruit and vegetables can inhibit flower production.

• Keep the planted pots between 35° and 45° Fahrenheit (2° to 7° Celsius) until you see green tips (6 to 12 weeks).

• When the tips emerge, put the pot in a warmer location (60° Fahrenheit or 15° Celsius) with indirect light, until the leaves are a few inches long.

• Once flower buds appear, move your pot to into a bright, warm room.

• Chill your planted pot in a cold frame next to the house, unheated shed or cold room. The refrigerator works too, but

CONTAINER CHOICES: Use your favourite ceramic or clay pot, repurpose containers from your summer succulent planting or raid Grandma’s cupboard for a beautiful glass vase. Using clear glass will allow you to create a work of art, with layers of coloured gravel. Glass will also allow the kids to learn about root structures while they watch the bulb grow!

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