SUNSET NURSERY GARDEN CENTRE & GREENHOUSES
HOLIDAY 2019
Magic of Winter Snow Globe BRING THE
INTO THE WARMTH OF YOUR OWN HOME WITH A
Joyful Gifts
AVAILABLE AT
10380
AVAILABLE AT
10241 10240
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 Inspire your creativity by accenting your outdoor and floral displays with this fragrant, holiday favourite. Weight – 1.5 lbs
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.
AVAILABLE AT
CONTENTS 4
Where Do Bugs Go In The Winter?
7
Featured Products
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 Sunset Nursery. 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.
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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!
W
elcome to Santa’s Christmas headquarters. We have been busy transforming our greenhouses into Sunset Nursery’s Christmas Dreams Barn. This is a tradition where our design professionals create a legendary Christmas dreamland that has amazed our loyal customers for many years. As an owner, I’m extremely proud of our dedicated staff who take the unique items our buyers have collected from around the world and blend them into eye-popping displays that even scrooge can’t resist. This year we are experimenting with a new Christmas layout that should make it easier to shop but still maintaining the magical atmosphere we are known for.
LETTER
Owner
FROM THE
Join a friend and participate in our many events or hunt for that special gift. Our staff loves to assist you in our celebrated Karisma fashion boutique where you will find exclusive lines of quality, yet affordable ladies' clothing, jewellery and more.
and holiday plants or bring the family and pick your perfect fresh Christmas tree in our protected greenhouse. Whether you are a DIYer or you prefer to have it custom made for you, we are delighted to serve you. Experience the sight, smells and scents of Christmas that Sunset Nursery has become famous for while you enjoy a free sample of hot apple cider and gourmet treats. However you define your Christmas, we would love to share this amazing season with you, your family, and friends.
Ross
Discover our wide selection of kitchen gadgets, puzzles, gardening accessories,
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
HOLIDAY 2019 • 5
Experience the magic and beauty of Christmas in the
CHRISTMAS DREAMS BARN AT SUNSET NURSERY The sparkle of decorated theme trees, the smell of fresh Christmas trees and greens, the taste of hot mulled apple cider and the sounds of Christmas carols will bring the joy of Christmas to you and your family. Choose one of our greenhouse fresh Poinsettias, a fresh or lifelike Christmas tree or a unique gift for a special loved one. It isn’t Christmas until you have visited the Christmas Barn at Sunset Nursery, five minutes east of the Pembroke Mall.
REGULAR HOURS: Monday – Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday – 9am - 5pm Sunday – 10am - 4pm
TICKETS
$15
CHRISTMAS TEA
PER PERSON
Wednesday, November 20th, 12pm – 2pm
Enjoy delicious fancy sandwiches and mouth-watering Christmas cookies and squares while you drink your tea or coffee served in pretty china cups. You will be surrounded by the beautiful decorations of the Christmas season at Sunset Nursery and listen to the delightful Christmas music. Proceeds will go to Fellowes High School Culinary Arts Program and the Pembroke Horticultural Society.
Workshops
FEE
$55.00
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SUNSET NURSERY CHRISTMAS 2019
CHRISTMAS BARN OPEN HOUSE
Friday, November 8th - Sunday, November 10th Plan to join us Friday, Saturday and Sunday for our annual Christmas Open House. See the latest trends along with traditional décor to make your home exceptional for the Christmas season. We have over 6,000 sq. feet of magic. Enjoy our hot apple cider and gourmet food samples. For THREE DAYS ONLY take advantage of these great deals: 20% off one piece of regular priced clothing, 20% off Sinamay ribbon and buy 3 Get 1 Free on all ornaments. This is an experience you don’t want to miss!
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY
EARLY BOXING WEEK SALE
Friday, November 22nd
Monday, December 16th – Tuesday, December 24th
Sunset Nursery invites you to our “CHRISTMAS DREAMS BARN” Customer Appreciation Day. With all the sights, sounds and smells of a magical Christmas it will make it easy for you to get into the Christmas spirit. 20% off all Christmas Décor. 30% off Regular Priced Women’s Clothing. Many in store specials, one day only on Christmas items.
FRESH GREENS URN INSERT WORKSHOP
FRESH CHRISTMAS TABLE TOPPER WORKSHOP Monday, December 9th, 6pm Tuesday, December 10th, 2pm Wednesday, December 11th, 6pm
Create your own unique table topper with the guidance of our professional designers and enjoy the fragrance and beauty of nature inside your home! Please RSVP in advance.
FRESH CHRISTMAS TREE TABLE TOPPER WORKSHOP Tuesday, December 10th, 6pm
Add a fresh seasonal touch to your entrance with an attractive basket brimming with fresh greens. You can bring your own or we will have inserts available for you to purchase. Please RSVP (613) 638-4107.
FEE
Last minute gift shopping or decorating to do? 40% OFF all Christmas ornaments and décor! Excludes fresh trees and greens.
FEE
$79.99
Thursday, November 21st, 6pm
$40.00
Calendar of Events
Christmas centerpieces are the perfect accent to your holiday décor. Come design your own holiday piece. Please RSVP in advance.
FEE
$79.99
FRESH CHRISTMAS BALL TABLE TOPPER WORKSHOP Thursday, December 12th, 6pm
Bring a rustic yet elegant look to any holiday table. Come design your own holiday piece. Please RSVP in advance.
SUNSET'S GIFT SHOP Sunset's Gift Shop is open year-round and stocks an ever-changing selection of designer scarves, jewellery, watches, artwork, sunglasses, and home décor. There is always something new for everyone! Sunset is the largest supplier of CROCS footwear in the valley! Please check our website for new arrivals, best sellers, and specials.
WATCH FOR FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES AND POINSETTIAS ARRIVING Just in time for the décorating season, choose a fresh or lifelike Christmas tree from our huge selection. Our quality and variety are unmatched anywhere. Our beautiful greenhouse fresh Poinsettias are always popular. Several colours and sizes to choose from.
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SOCIAL MEDIA Check out our website at www.sunsetnursery.on.ca for monthly gardening to-do-lists, current specials, inspiring photos, events calendar, new products, plant varieties, gardening tips, help and pest control. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily inspiration!
Featured
Products
Charity Ornament This year our annual charity ornament is a beautiful crystal-like snowflake. These cute little ornaments will hang perfectly on any tree and a percentage of the sales for each snowflake will be donated to St. Josephs Food Bank in Pembroke.
Lang Calendars Come browse our stunning selection of 2020 LANG calendars. Each Lang calendar is a distinctive representation of original art created by today’s most talented artists. They can also be recognized by the high-quality, linen embossed paper that has a classic, luxurious feel. Also designed to fit into calendar holders, these calendars make the perfect gift!
Macramé Plant Hangers Show your plants some love with this modern, vintage-inspired macramé plant hanger. Simple, sturdy and meticulously hand-crafted, these plant holders would display all your cute pots and plants and add a touch of elegance and beauty to your home, balcony or your patio. This plant hanger can accommodate various shapes and sizes of planters. Great for indoor and outdoor use.
Lug Totes, handbags, wallets and more! This strong lifestyle brand includes smart, stylish solutions for everything from work to play to active living everyday – all in brilliant colour! From the hardware details to the quality-tested features, Lug products are packed with organizational features that fit right in with your day-to-day life.
Little Boys & Girls These adorable poly-resin children and animals come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. Perfect for a front entrance, or display setting. Set up your perfect Christmas atmosphere! HOLIDAY 2019 • 7
Christmas
Kitchen
Kitchen Linens We have a large variety of kitchen linens…from tea towels, dish cloths, scrubbies, aprons, napkins, placemats, table cloths and more! All made with the finest quality materials. Come see our selection of Christmas linens before they’re gone!
Acacia Serving Trays When you're looking for a multi-purpose item that seamlessly ties in with your current décor, you'll love the Acacia serving trays & platters. These high-quality serving trays are constructed from acacia wood, making it a strong and durable piece to add to your kitchen serveware or living room decor. Available in every-day styles and Christmas themes!
Home & Garden Dip Mixes These dip mixes are a breeze to make! All you need is sour cream and mayonnaise! Whether you’re on the go, or need a great hostess gift, these dips are simple and easy!
Kitchenware Our Christmas themed ceramic selection features many things from salt & pepper shakers, mugs, serving trays & platters, sugar & creamer sets, teapots & more!
Cool Kitchen Gadgets We stock a large assortment of nifty kitchen gadgets that provide a new and innovative way to work in the kitchen. These gadgets provide new and better ways to approach everyday items that most people would take for granted, such as can openers, pepper mills, vegetable slicers, and peelers. These products are the perfect addition to any well stocked kitchen.
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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. 14
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
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HOLIDAY 2019 • 19
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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. 22 • SUNSET NURSERY - 613-638-4107 - SUNSETNURSERY.ON.CA
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.
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!
Available at
HOLIDAY 2019 • 23
IT IS NOT CHRISTMAS without the
Perfect Tree Timeless with many styles to suit your décor. Branches are fully hinged for easy assembly.
SHOWN HERE
LENNOX PRE-LIT
with LED lights, 10 year warranty
2177 Greenwood Rd. Pembroke, Ontario K8A 6W2
613-638-4107 www.sunsetnursery.on.ca