HOLIDAY 2019
Magic of Winter Snow Globe BRING THE
INTO THE WARMTH OF YOUR OWN HOME WITH A
Cardinal
Joyful Gifts
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$39.99
St. Nick
$39.99
$44.99
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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
$12.99
Inspire your creativity by accenting your outdoor and floral displays with this fragrant, holiday favourite. Weight – 1.5 lbs
$8.99
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.
$12.99
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
17
Dormant Pruning
22
Beat The Winter Blues With Bulbs!
This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and Glen Echo Nurseries. 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.
4 • GLEN ECHO NURSERIES - 905-584-9973 - GLENECHO.COM
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!
Owners
FROM THE
F
all has arrived, the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are gradually falling. This season presents ideal growing conditions before the first hard frost. The soil is still warm enough for roots to thrive and get established before the ground freezes. Other benefits of this season are cooler temperatures, sufficient rainfall, less humidity and Fall Savings at Glen Echo Nursery!
For a beautiful flower display in the spring, remember to plant your bulbs in the fall. Bulbs require a cold dormant period in order to bloom. In addition to bulbs, fall mums and perennials, it is also the best time to plant trees and shrubs.
This beautiful transitional season will then gradually flow into our final seasonal event of the year - Christmas! Our traditional calendar of events will include Girls’ Night Out, Annual Open House events, Christmas Tree Festival, and our Boxing Week Sale. Visit our website www.glenecho.com for event details. Once again “Peace Ranch” is our charity of choice, with all proceeds of sales from the Giving Tree Ornament going to
this Caledon community mental health agency. This season make Glen Echo your local destination for all your holiday décor, fresh greenery, unique gifts, beautiful ladies fashions and of course fresh-cut Balsam, Fraser Fir, and Scotch Pine Christmas trees. We hope you enjoy this Holiday issue featuring inspirational ideas, recipes, coupons and more. Best Wishes from Glen Echo for a happy holiday season and our sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year!
The Tiessen Family
HOLIDAY 2019 • 5
Experience
Christmas at
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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NOVEMBER 2019 3
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6 Girls night out See our ad on page 20.
Senior’s Day
See our ad on page 5.
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for the bird’s sale 30% off bird feeders and birdseed See coupons on page 21.
Senior’s Day
See our ad on page 5.
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for the bird’s sale 30% off bird feeders and birdseed
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23 Christmas open house
See our ad on page 21.
Senior’s Day
See coupons on page 21.
See our ad on page 5.
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30 Tree FESTIVAL
Christmas open house
See our ad on page 21.
See our ad on page 21.
Senior’s Day
See our ad on page 5.
6 • GLEN ECHO NURSERIES - 905-584-9973 - GLENECHO.COM
“Where Great Ideas Are Growing! ” SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
TUESDAY
2
WEDNESDAY
3
Tree FESTIVAL
THURSDAY
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FRIDAY
5
Girls’ night out
SATURDAY
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FASHION SALE 30% OFF FASHION & ACCESSORIES
See our ad on page 20.
See our ad on page 21.
See coupons on page 21.
Senior’s Day
See our ad on page 5.
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FASHION SALE 30% OFF FASHION & ACCESSORIES
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Christmas Lighting & Ornaments 30% off
See coupons on page 21.
See coupons on page 21.
Senior’s Day
See our ad on page 5.
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Christmas Lighting & Ornaments 30% off
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pre-christmas sale - 30% off gift shop merchandise December 16th to 22nd. See store for details.
See coupons on page 21.
Senior’s Day
See our ad on page 5.
22
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pre-christmas sale - 30% off gift shop merchandise
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GLEN ECHO Annual BOXING WEEK SALE December 26th to 31st. See store for details.
December 16th to 22nd. See store for details.
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GLEN ECHO Annual BOXING WEEK SALE December 26th to 31st. See store for details.
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DECEMBER 2019 HOLIDAY 2019 • 7
….a regal and fragrant tree. It has stiff branches and two-tone needles that are green on top and silvery-white below. One of its greatest features is the tree’s needle retention, allowing you to enjoy the season longer and with less clean-up. Remember all of our trees are ‘hung’ in our greenhouse for easy selection! After you have selected your perfect tree, we will give it a fresh cut and wrap it for easy transportation. Also available: Scotch Pine, Serbian Spruce and Balsam Fir.
8 • GLEN ECHO NURSERIES - 905-584-9973 - GLENECHO.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. 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
Dormant Article by Brandy Glovka
W
e do our own form of hibernation, in winter, cuddling around fireplaces and snuggling under blankets, but plants have a different strategy. As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisp, deciduous trees and shrubs begin to pull resources from their leaves, as they prepare to shed them. Metabolism slows down and the plant prepares to ‘rest’ for the winter.
“
If you have a couple of wayward branches growing over a path, removing them won’t cause any significant harm, no matter the time of year. But in general, when it comes to deciduous trees and shrubs, winter is a great time to prune.
So, what is the point of dormant pruning? What’s in it for the plant? That depends, primarily, on the species and to a lesser extent, the purpose of the There are several reasons why plant. For example, removing There are a number of reasons this is a great time to prune many even the fewest number of deciduous trees and shrubs. For problematic branches from why this is a great time to prune one thing, pruning during the say, a Dogwood can (and growing season can promote new many deciduous trees and shrubs. likely will) result in a mass of growth immediately after. If this new water sprouts, or what we For one thing, pruning during the growth doesn’t have a chance to call vertical response growth. lignify, or ‘harden off’, it can be killed This is the plant’s defense growing season can promote new by cold temperatures. against losing branches and in turn potential leaves-which growth immediately after. If this Late winter is preferable to spring are the plant’s food source and fall pruning, as the plant is likely new growth doesn’t have a chance via its photosynthetic surface. to be more vulnerable during these When it comes to species times. Pruning, on many species, to lignify, or ‘harden off ’, it can be that have robust (or ridiculous) can be done in summer, but it’s a vertical response growth, killed by cold temperatures. lot easier to see the structure of the the point of pruning is only plant when the leaves are off. There to remove branches that are is also evidence that summer pruning can leave some plants truly problematic and maybe not even all at once. An example more vulnerable to subsequent pest and disease problems. may be when you notice a number of branches that are cross This is not to say that pruning should only be done in winter; if ing, rubbing, or growing the wrong way. You should remove you have dead, damaged or diseased branches, they should the worst offenders, but only to the point where you are not always be removed as soon as they are noticed. HOLIDAY 2019 • 17
removing too much at once. How much is too much? Again that depends on the species. Some plants, such as the aforementioned Dogwood, as well as Magnolias, Cotinus (Smoke Bush) resent heavy pruning. So easy does it when it comes to these species; pruning no more than five or at most 10 percent of the total crown. Other species, such as Japanese Maples will take a bit more, but that’s still not a reason to go nuts and remove every slightly annoying branch. The only reason we prune any of these or most deciduous woody plants is to assist the plant in attaining a form that is optimal to its health and longevity. The second reason for pruning is for the purpose of the plant. For example, an apple tree may grow happily with little or no pruning, however, if you would like lots of fruit, some very specific pruning techniques are in order. The most common type of fruit tree form that we tend to see, on residential properties, is an open vase form. Commercial orchards may use others, such as pyramid of spindle bush and espaliers.
SPUR PRUNING
dead, damaged, and diseased wood and maintain a form that is conducive to air circulation and fruit ripening. Plums tend to put out a lot of water sprouts and it may be tempting to remove all of them, but this just results in twice as many next year. I have found that strategically shortening some, removing some and leaving others alone seems to work well. (This goes for apples and pears too.) It can also be effective to weight some of these vertical branches so that they are growing horizontally. This serves to turn them into proper blooming and fruiting branches. Cherries really shouldn’t need much in the way of pruning and anyone who says differently is selling something. Again, the goal is to maintain an open crown and minimize any crossing, rubbing or generally weird branches going in the wrong direction.
Blueberries should also receive an annual, but light-handed pruning. The purpose is to have an open crown with an equal balance of one, two, and three-year-old canes. Blueberries produce most heavily on 2-yearold canes, then Start of previous production starts years’ growth to decline.
These are not uncommon in Branch Leader the home garden although the Now, these are all bush/standard or fruit trees and we Cut to ‘open-vase’ form do these things 5 Buds is the thing we so that we have Lateral see most. With more tasty fruit... Branch this form, we or maybe so crows want branches and raccoons have Cut to radiating out from more tasty fruit. 3 Buds the trunk similar Generally speaking Lateral Branch to the spokes on though, ornamental a wheel. The area trees and shrubs in the centre of the crown should be mostly open, allowing for should need minimal pruning-again only removing problematic maximum air circulation and penetration of sunlight. This should branches. Examples include Japanese Maples, Hibiscus, Witch all be accomplished when the tree is young, during a period of Hazel, Lilacs, Burning Bush and others. For the most part, formative pruning. If this is done correctly, it should need little in just leave them alone. Some deciduous shrubs require a bit the way of corrective pruning as it grows. of regular technical pruning, such as hydrangeas and roses. Again, when it comes to pruning trees and shrubs, the best So let’s say you have a well-established apple tree with a advice is usually don’t. good form. If this was an ornamental tree, it should just be left alone at this point. But for fruit-bearing trees, we are looking to maximize the production of viable fruit. With apples and pears, this means spur pruning. These types of fruit trees develop fruiting spurs that bloom and ripen fruit year after year and we prune to promote spur development. Without getting too bogged down in plant physiology, this is accomplished by cutting the branch leader back to five or six buds on last year’s growth. Lateral branches are then cut back to three or four buds on the previous year’s growth. This encourages the formation of those spurs that we want. With plums, cherries, and peaches (and tip-bearing apples), it’s another matter. The main objective with plums is to remove 18 • GLEN ECHO NURSERIES - 905-584-9973 - GLENECHO.COM
There is a lot that can be said on the topic of dormant pruning and the purpose here was to give a nut-shell type explanation of what, how, and why we do it. No matter the season, pruning should only be done with a clear and appropriate reason in mind. The only hard and fast rule is this: When you are about to make a pruning cut, ask yourself why. If the answer is ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’m bored’, put the pruners down. You want to plant for the health of plants and the health of plants only. They will show their appreciation by simply being the beautiful plant beings they are.
CUSTOM PLANTERS Welcome everyone to your home or workplace. Captivating design and seasonal colours are always in style. Add the finishing touch to your beautiful residence or office with a custom seasonal planter.
CUSTOM ARRANGEMENTS AND SEASONAL FRESH GREENS Your front door will declare ‘Welcome!’ Your dining room table will exclaim ‘Join Us!’ A custom, fresh-made arrangement will complete your holiday home. We make them in a style and colour palette to suit your décor. Just visit with our designers on-site and place your order. Glen Echo Nurseries has the best selection of fresh-cut evergreen boughs, branches and accessories in the Caledon area this season! Choose from a variety of seasonal greens including B.C. Cedar, Ontario Cedar, White Pine, Noble and Silver Fir, Scotch Pine, Oregonia, Berried Juniper, and Magnolia. Select Branches of Red Dogwood, Yellow Dogwood, Curly Willow, Winterberry and others. Accessorize and personalize your arrangement with berries, balls, bows, pine cones and more.
Holiday Must!
Everyone loves to shop!
A gift certificate is a wonderful gift for the person who has everything. Tuck a few of these in your wallet for last-minute gift giving. HOLIDAY 2019 • 19
Girls’
NIGHT OUT
November 6th and December 4th, 2019 5:00pm - 8:00pm
SAVE UP TO
25% OFF ALL EVENING LONG ON GIFT AND FASHION ITEMS
We’re staying open late just for you!
Shop to your heart’s content with your girlfriends and enjoy a magical evening. This is a great time to pick up that extra special Christmas gift.
FIRST 50 WOMEN RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY GIFT!
RE/MAX WEST REALTY INC., BROKERAGE
Merry Christmas FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS Angela Brazeau Office: 905-857-7653
Direct: 416-951-4470
angie@angiebrazeau.com 20 • GLEN ECHO NURSERIES - 905-584-9973 - GLENECHO.COM
Annual
Please join us in celebrating the holidays while sipping hot apple cider and browsing through our vast selection of wreaths, boughs, and roping. We will be offering a wide variety of holiday decorations including lights, bows, ribbons, ornaments and great, gift-giving ideas.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
We carry a wide variety of specialty greens and branches, including holly, magnolia, ilex, and eucalyptus that you can choose from for your arrangements or have us customize one for you. We look forward to your company!
JOIN US FOR OUR
Our greenhouse will be filled with poinsettias in a selection of colours and sizes, cyclamen, Christmas cactus, azaleas, and mixed arrangements.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
and
November 23rd and November 24th, 2019
November 30th and December 1st
25% OFF
SATURDAYS 8AM - 6PM SUNDAYS 9AM - 5PM
Christmas decorations, giftware, fashion, and selected in-store items.
Note: Christmas trees and fresh greens are not included in this sale.
SPECIAL OFFERS for the
HOLIDAY SEASON!
SAVE 30%
SAVE 30% OFF
Happy Holiday Season!
ANY ONE ITEM FROM OUR FASHION DEPARTMENT
NOVEMBER COUPON
*REDEEM THIS COUPON TO SAVE 30% OFF THE REGULAR PRICE OF ONE SELECTED ITEM THROUGHOUT OUR STORE
Expires December 24, 2019. One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer.
*This coupon excludes services, fresh-cut Christmas trees, fresh greens, firewood, bulk items and custom orders. One November coupon per customer please. May not be combined with other offers.
Our gift to you!
30% OFF
$10 OFF
ANY PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE Expires December 24, 2019. One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer.
ALL CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS AND LIGHTING December 13, 14 and 15, 2019
SAVE 30%
SAVE 30% OFF ALL THINGS BIRDS—INCLUDING BIRD FEEDERS AND BIRDSEED
November 15, 16 and 17, 2019
PRE-CHRISTMAS SALE December 16th to 22nd. See store for more details.
30% OFF Gift Shop Merchandise
Happy Holiday Season!
DECEMBER COUPON
*REDEEM THIS COUPON TO SAVE 30% OFF THE REGULAR PRICE OF ONE SELECTED ITEM THROUGHOUT OUR STORE
*This coupon excludes services, fresh-cut Christmas trees, fresh greens, firewood, bulk items and custom orders. One December coupon per customer please. May not be combined with other offers.
BOXING WEEK SALE
December 26th to 31st from 9am - 5pm. See store for more details.
60% OFF
All Christmas merchandise including decorations, candles, and ribbons!
40% OFF
All other Gift Shop items including clothing, giftware, tools, bird feeders, pond products, and fertilizers.
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 • GLEN ECHO NURSERIES - 905-584-9973 - GLENECHO.COM
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!
HOLIDAY 2019 • 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
Slim Canterbury with LED lights 6.5’ and 7.5' (41” in diameter)
GLEN ECHO NURSERIES INC. 15070 Airport Road, Caledon, ON L7C 2W7
905-584-9973 | GLENECHO.COM facebook.com/Glen-Echo-Nurseries-Inc