Eising Greenhouses & Garden Centre Holiday 2016

HOLIDAY 2016

CARING FOR YOUR

POINSETTIA CLEAN

Air

PLANTS

FALL & WINTER

Fashion

Celebrating

50

Years

Small Candle

$39

.99

Available at

Available at

Large Candle

$45.99

Available at

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12

Contents 14

20

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‘Tis the Season for Christmas Entertaining

10

Decorating with Miniature Evergreens

12

The Great Cookie Exchange

14

Dressed in Holiday Style - Christmas Wreaths

18

Top Fashion Trends for the Season

20

An Enchanting Christmas

22

Stealing The Show: Why it’s all about the Containers

24

Holiday Gifts We Love

26

Clean Air Plants

This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and Eising Greenhouses & Garden Centre.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in the publication, however, the publisher will not be held accountable for omissions or errors. Note that products may vary between retailers and regions, and supplies may be limited. Pricing is subject to change and is not valid with any other offer. Home & Garden Showplace is a registered trade mark for use by its members, of which the Garden Centre Group Co-Op is an alliance member.

4 • EISING GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTRE - 519-428-4607 - EISING.CA

Owner FROM THE

I

can’t believe the Christmas season is already upon us!

Where did the year go? Where did 50 years go? It’s been an exciting and fun year celebrating our 50th anniversary in business at Eising’s, but it sure flew by!

I have a confession though, since we are talking about Christmas. We’ve been in business for 0 years but we’ve only been doing Christmas for around 25 years! And every year it gets better.

One of the highlights of the Holiday Season is the Christmas Craft Show and Sale on Nov. 17-1 . Over 0 crafters are set up in the greenhouse showcasing their talents. And our greenhouse is completely adorned with everything you need

for your indoor and outdoor decorating needs. Please mark the date on your calendar because you won’t be disappointed.

As I look back on being part of a family run business for over 0 years, one word in this sentence stands out - FAMILY. Make sure you spend some quality time with your family this Holiday Season and cherish those moments as they become favourite memories.

From the Eising Family to Your Family, we wish you a Blessed Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Saviour.

Henry Eising

HOLIDAY 2016 • 5

6 • EISING GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTRE - 519-428-4607 - EISING.CA

Christmas Craft Sale & Open House 20 annual

th

November 17, 18 & 19 9am-5pm Daily

Welcome to Christmas at Eising's!

Eising’s hosts more than 50 vendors during this event!

The Christmas Open House features all the things that Eising’s offers at Christmas…

Beautiful Urns Stunning Centrepieces Custom Designs Poinsettias of Every Size & Colour Sassyfras Fashions

…and so much more!

Enjoy your stay with us…

Coffee, hot cider & delicious goodies are waiting for you!

HOLIDAY 2016 • 7

Show us this Ad & you can

SAVE THE TAX

on the next fashion item that you purchase!

(One item per coupon - coupon can only be used once, cashier to initial upon purchase)

8 • EISING GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTRE - 519-428-4607 - EISING.CA

‘Tis the Season for

CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINING! and create a pleasant glow that will fill the entire room. Decorating with ornaments organized in groupings has great impact: under cloches, on cake toppers or in vases and bowls.

Depending on what colour you choose, you can decide to use all the same colour for an elegant touch or get creative by mixing it up a bit!

B

eautiful twinkling lights, the glow of candles, and Christmas music playing in the background are all part of setting the mood for your get together. Entertaining should be fun and with some preparation and planning, your evening get-together can come together beautifully and a wonderful time can be had by all, including you.

While an evening spent with guests can be planned for weeks, a last minute get together also makes for a fabulous time of mingling and visiting. With just a few ideas, a well-stocked pantry or a stand-by for takeout, your guests will be talking about your hosted party for days. Entertaining guests is the perfect opportunity to use what you have on hand and reinvent some pieces from your home to add interest to your Christmas gatherings.

Sometimes we have the time to complete our Christmas decorations and be ready well ahead of the holidays; however, with busy lives and working long hours, that doesn’t always happen. Don’t let that stop you from having a fun evening with friends! With a few quick tweaks, some appetizers, drinks and Christmas spirit, you have the makings of a fabulous night!

It’s always a great idea to choose a theme. It will narrow down the direction of your decorations. Find inspiration in themes such as Christmas in the country, winter wonderland, traditional and so many more! With the Internet and free online resources available today, we have a whole world of decorating and entertaining ideas just a click away. Websites such as Pinterest are a great way to find much needed inspiration! Your tablescape can be instantly transformed with a tablecloth, runner, centerpiece and lighting. Add some greenery or branches and you are well on your way to being ready! Fresh flowers accenting your colour theme add an extra dimension that consistently stands out. If you have candles and mini lights, try filling lanterns, vases or glassware of various sizes

Furthermore, don’t be fooled into thinking that a great night has to include a full course meal! Your friends and family are there to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the season by being with the people most important in their lives, so don’t feel too pressured to pull off a gourmet meal! Some of the best evenings are spent sitting near the Christmas tree or gathered in front of the fireplace as you nibble away, have a drink and chat all evening long!

When it comes to entertaining and food, don’t underestimate the power of simplicity! Pull together some quick appetizers, finger foods and a cheese or meat tray and you’re sure to please the crowd. You can quickly arrange crisp vegetables, fresh bread, chips and dips and be comforted knowing there will be more than enough food for everyone. Crave Dips are also available, and come in a number of different flavours!

They’re the perfect addition to any veggie tray.

When considering what beverages to place out for your guests, take advantage of the holiday season’s many tasteful beverages to share with friends and family. It’s always a great idea to have some favourite bottles of wine and beer on hand for last minute entertaining, as well as ensuring you also have non-alcoholic options available. A warm drink is always the perfect finishing touch to an evening spent mingling and laughing. Coffee, tea or warm apple cider is the perfect finishing touch to any partying in the Christmas season! For an extra kick to your cider and wine, add some mulling spices! Mulling spices offer the perfect blend for the holiday, making your drinks the perfect element to finish off your evening and warm your guests as they head out into the cold on their way home!

As the host/hostess, remember to take the time to sit back and mingle with your company. After all, they came to see you. So, take a seat and have a wonderful night with all your fantastic guests! A last minute, impromptu evening can be an enormous success with minimal stress and worry. Christmas entertaining should be about enjoying the special moments and taking it all in. Cheers!

HOLIDAY 2016 • 9

DECORATING WITH

MINIATURE EVERGREENS

by Sylvia Van Hage

M

iniature evergreens are a growing trend in home décor, particularly with live trees like the Norfolk Island Pine or mini Cypress Cedars. These miniature trees are appealing in a number of different winter displays and it is always fun to decorate your tree with garland, lights and ornaments! Create unique displays, such as a DIY snow globe, by placing a Cypress Cedar in a glass jar with soil at its roots, or try creating a wintry display by placing large and small trees together. From displays and centerpieces to wall planters, they are the perfect finishing touch!

Norfolk Island Pine and Cypress Cedar

Norfolk Island Pines and Cypress Cedars are known for their soft flowing texture and slow growing habits when they are in a container. Being quite easy to maintain, Norfolk Island pines and Cypress Cedars have earned a reputation for preferring more neglect than nurture, requiring average amounts of water, and needing to be watered only when the top of the soil is dry.

They require very little fertilization and using a water soluble fertilizer once a month during spring and summer is sufficient.

They are tolerant of low light, and since they prefer to be a bit pot bound, repotting the tree to a slightly larger container every four years should be sufficient, so long as they are replanted with a well-drained commercial potting mix. Trim off the brown parts of the tree when necessary, and be sure to mist your tree.

These evergreen varieties’ branches are not strong, so small or minimal ornaments are best and be sure to remove them after Christmas.

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Fir / Spruce Trees and Cypress Trees

Typically planted and enjoyed as an outdoor plant, these coniferous trees can also be used indoors for Christmas displays and their strong branches offer great decorating benefits. If you’re looking to use these trees indoors, look for a tree about one metre in height. They will have to be gradually acclimatized before being brought indoors, so take your time conditioning them, beginning with two to three days in the garage before moving them into the house. Keep them away from direct heat sources and keep indoors for only 10 days.

Once you’re ready to move your tree back outdoors, gradually condition it again with a few days in the garage first. To replant it back in the ground, you will need to have the hole dug in November, placing triple mix in the hole as you’re planting it and putting mulch at the base of the tree to help insulate it. If you’re living in an apartment, try giving your tree to someone who can replant it instead of just throwing it away.

Mini Cypress Trees

Mini Cypress trees are a terrific annual, but thrive indoors as well! You can decorate using different varieties, and some, such as the lemon Cypress, have an intense chartreuse foliage that works well as an accent colour and creates a wonderful and vibrant indoor holiday planter. For added character, you can find some mini Cypress Trees that come in topiary form!

They are best grown in a sunny window. Be sure to keep them away from any drafts and to routinely turn plants to ensure even light exposure.

The compact needles and naturally symmetrical shape of miniature evergreens make them the ideal holiday tree for offices, apartments, or anywhere else where space does not allow for a larger tree! With battery operated lights and timer options, it is easier than ever to have a beautifully decorated tree in a hard-to-reach place!

If decorating with lights, be sure to use cool burning lights as other types may provide too much heat to the tree. LED lights are great for this as they do not heat up and can provide a number of cooler colours. Small battery powered lights on a wire are also a great option, generally coming with various settings and timer options, and their wire is nearly unseen, providing a natural and elegant glow.

Small lightweight ornaments such as homemade ornaments, keepsakes, bells, bows and miniature glass or crochet ornaments are perfect for both the Norfolk Island Pine and Cypress Cedar as they will not sag or weigh down the branches.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your decorations! Create your own garland with extra personality or use jute twine and mini ornaments for a rustic look. Or, you could always stick with the classic look and use beaded garlands and ornaments. And don’t forget about the base!

Try wrapping the base of the pot with festive ribbon, burlap, or sparkly fabric and adding coloured stones or small Christmas balls to the soil at the base of the tree for the perfect finishing touch.

HOLIDAY 2016 • 11

THE GREAT

COOKIE EXCHANGE

F

estive entertaining can be as simple as a holiday catch-up with an old friend over coffee, or a full-on open house with the entire neighbourhood popping by for a bit of cheer. Regardless of the occasion, a plate of holiday cookies always has a place.

There’s something special about holiday cookies that goes beyond cut-outs of Christmas trees and candy canes. It’s the smaller size, the various colours, shapes, and distinctive tastes that set these little gems apart from your standard chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies.

Here are two essential recipes for your holiday cookie tin or plate that are all perfect for the giving season. With each recipe, I share a few extra tips to make baking even more joyful.

Photo Credit to Mike McColl

One of the real plusses of these recipes is that they can all be made well ahead of time and frozen for later. As a general rule, I prefer freezing cookie doughs unbaked since they take up less space in the freezer, and then I can bake them as I need them. The shortbread and pfeffernusse cookies definitely suit this little trick, while the cantucci keep well for at least 2 weeks – the real challenge is keeping stray hands out of the cookie tin! ½ tsp

2 mL

EACH of ground cinnamon, cardamom, anise seed, allspice, clove, and black pepper ¼ tsp 1g salt icing sugar, for rolling the baked cookies 1. Preheat the oven to 325° F (160° C). Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

Photo Credit to Ryan Szulc and Mike McColl

PFEFFERNUSSE COOKIES

These little gems have a lovely spicy character to them, not just from traditional baking spices, but also black pepper. These are a great addition to a cookie tin mix.

Yield: About 3 ½ dozen Prep Time: 25 minutes Bake Time: 15 minutes 6 Tbsp 6 Tbsp ¼ cup ¼ cup 1 1 2 cups ¾ tsp 12

110 g 75 g 50 g 60 g 300 g 4 mL

honey granulated sugar packed dark brown sugar unsalted butter, melted large egg egg yolk all-purpose flour baking soda

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the honey, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg and egg yolk. Sift the flour, baking soda, spices and salt over the sugar mixture and stir until evenly blended (the batter will be dense). Use a small ice cream scoop (#60 size), or 2 teaspoons to scoop the batter and then shape them into balls between the palms of your hands. Place them onto the prepared trays, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) between each. Bake for 14-16 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned. Cool the cookies on the tray and then roll them in icing sugar to coat them completely.

The cookies will keep up to 7 days in an airtight container.

Baking Tips: • I do love these cookies at holiday time, and they only improve as they sit in the cookie tin.

• Ground anise seed really gives pfeffernusse cookies their distinctive taste and can usually be found at European food shops. If you don’t have ground anise seed, you can leave it out (I’ve tried using crushed fennel seed in its place, but I find it too strong.)

VANILLA BEAN SPRITZ SHORTBREAD

cookie press). Pipe cookies about 1 ½-inches (40 mm) across onto the prepared baking trays, leaving an inch between each cookie. If you want a flatter cookie that spreads, bake right away. For a cookie that sits up and holds its shape, chill the piped unbaked cookies for 15 minutes before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cookies just begin to brown lightly on the bottom. Cool the cookies on the trays before storing in an airtight container.

The cookies will keep up to a week.

Baking Tips: • Beating the butter and sugar thoroughly ensures a cookie that holds together well once baked. It also gives a nice, fluffy batter that is easy to pipe.

• I use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe my spritz cookies, but if you have a cookie piping kit (usually a plastic or metal tube dies or tips to push the batter through) it will work just as well.

• Because shortbread cookies don’t have egg or leaveners (baking soda or powder) in the batter, the cookies will hold their piped shape nicely. The temperature of the butter is the only impact to the cookie shape, so it’s up to you whether you’d like to chill the cookies for a more defined shape or bake them right after piping and have them spread a little (like in the photo).

Photo Credit to Ryan Szulc and Mike McColl

Spritz cookies are piped into shapes, so require a relatively soft batter. This shortbread is fluffy, light, delicate and easy to pipe.

Yield: 40 cookies Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 25 minutes 1 ¼ cups 1 cup 1 ½ tsp

285 g 130 g 7 mL

1 ½ cups 1/3 cup ¼ tsp

22 5g 40 g 1g

unsalted butter at room temperature icing sugar, sifted vanilla bean paste (or extract, if paste is not available) all-purpose flour cornstarch salt

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F (160° C) and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

2. Beat the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla bean paste (or extract). When making shortbread it’s important to beat the butter and sugar well together – this ensures the shortbread will hold together and when you take a bite it will ‘snap’ and then melt away.

3. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cornstarch and salt and add to the butter, mixing until blended and soft. Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or into a HOLIDAY 2016 • 13

Dressed in Holiday Style CHRISTMAS WREATHS A

mongst this year’s holiday baking, Christmas party decorating, and memories of Christmases past, chances are a Christmas wreath is featured somewhere! Wreaths are a classic holiday tradition for many, adding that festive touch to any front door and giving you some creative liberty in how you decorate it! Not only are wreaths a terrific investment for yourself, they also make an excellent gift for anyone on your list!

Christmas wreaths have a long and rich history. In general, wreaths were used to symbolize victory and strength, and the Christmas wreath took on a holiday tradition of its own, symbolizing Christ and eternity. Its theme of no beginning and no end is represented in its circular shape, as well as the origins of the word itself: “to twist as in a circle”. Oftentimes, Advent wreaths would be decorated with four candles – three placed on the outside and one in the centre, individually lit in the weeks leading up to Christmas with the center one being lit on Christmas Eve. Since then, Christmas wreaths have continued to be used and for many are now a symbol of welcome for guests!

Christmas wreaths come in all shapes and sizes and offer you a long list of possibilities for decorating your home! Finding the one that suits you best is just the beginning of your Christmas wreath fun!

Fresh Evergreen

Crafted from real evergreen branches, fresh wreaths stay green throughout the winter months, and their foliage can be recycled, letting you add new branches to maintain the fresh, fragrant pine needle scent. The list of evergreen

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options for your wreath is almost endless: Noble Fir, Princess or White Pine, Mixed Evergreen, Ontario Cedar, Oregonia, and Boxwood. Accent foliage can be anything from Seeded Eucalyptus and Variegated Holly to Ilex Berry, Blue Juniper Berry and Incense Cedar.

Real Christmas wreaths are available for purchase from your local garden centre, or you can always try your hand at making your own. Purchase your own basic wreath and decorate it with your choice of accents. Using a preservation product such as Wilt-Pruf and misting your holiday greens will go a long way in reducing moisture loss and keeping your greenery fresh longer!

Life-like Artificial

An artificial wreath is always a good investment! Not only does it look real, but it will last for years to come. Purchasing a good quality wreath will help you get the most of your investment as it may be more weather-resistant, especially if it is exposed to the elements while hanging on the front door. Artificial wreaths made with realistic pinecones, twigs, and grapevines offer unique variety, and adding shimmering twigs will provide holiday colour and cheer! You can decorate your wreath in your own style, or stop by your garden centre where they will be happy to help you design your wreath just the way you want!

Ultimate Combination

A combination wreath brings together the real and artificial to deliver holiday beauty! You can tie in with your existing decorations and themes, going natural with twigs, pinecones, burlap and birch lollipops; going vintage with plaid ribbon; or avoiding a particular colour with metallic sprigs, neutral coloured ribbon, glittered berries or artificial flowers. Stringing lights through your wreath is also a great way to add a touch of enchantment and holiday light! Do something different to welcome your guests with a personalized message written on chalk ribbon or make your wreath even more unique by opting for different shapes - instead of sticking with the traditional circle, go with a heart, square or oval shape!

Little Quick Fire®

The placement of your wreath can be totally up to you! Your front door is always a great place, welcoming people and tying in with your outdoor decorations. The mantle above your fireplace is also a great central spot for visibility. You can also try using it to frame your clocks or mirrors, placing your wreath under a chandelier and adding a bit of whimsy with little elves or fairies peeking out. For holiday dinner parties, place new evergreen tips or flowers in the wreath and move it to the table to sit around the base of the punch bowl. You can extend your wreath’s reach by placing it outdoors on a gate, adding giant velvet ribbon, or hanging a wreath from the tree for birds to perch on. The options are endless!

So, with Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to find yourself or someone you know the perfect Christmas wreath! November is a great time to purchase your wreath, when the freshest selection of both wreaths and decorations is available! Your local garden centre will be filled with holiday-inspired ribbons, bows, picks, stems and of course the all-important wreath itself. Don’t let this season pass by without a beautiful, welcoming Christmas wreath!

HOLIDAY 2016 • 15

find your fun at crocs

Freesail Leopard Lined Women

Santa Cruz 2 Luxe Leather Men

Sarah Suede Clog

Blitzen II Clog

n o i h s a F FALL & WINTER

by Kim Burns – Art Knapp Port Coquitlam

D

ressing up for the colder weather doesn’t have to get you down. If you haven’t already noticed, layering is as much a part of the joy of the fall season as pumpkin spice lattes are! Why is layering so important? Layering adds depth to your outfit especially when you play with different textures. And it’s practical since the Canadian Fall season is notorious for switching between patio weather one day and parka weather the next.

One of our favourite accessories for this season: the oversized blanket style scarf. Unlike the skinny scarf, the blanket scarf is much more useful. It not only works well when used as a layering technique – a huge hit this fall, but it also serves an important purpose: keeping you warm when you are out and about in the cold weather. A few different ways to wear this winter must have: wear it as a cape, draping it over one shoulder for a super chic look or simply put your blanket scarf around your neck, leave the ends hanging down, and then belt it. You will almost look like you’re wearing a vest!

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From leg warmers to boot socks, style starts from the bottom up. Cold temperatures call for drastic fashion measures. Socks are not only extremely cozy, but they’re also a surefire way to kick up your winter A-game. If you haven’t jumped on the boots + socks bandwagon yet, it’s time to hop on!

This fall/winter we can be prepared to see a fusion in colours, materials and styles. For the everyday working girl, practical, functional, casual and comfortable are keywords. The trend is all about opposites: Sporty & Bohemian, Edgy Elegance, Wanderlust, Tailored Grunge and Elements of Nature, just to name a few.

The Sporty & Bohemian look combines vintage inspiration and a cool urban vibe. Colours include a clean, compatible contrast between botanical tones – vibrant, woody or faded greens – and flesh colours, offset by deep purple. Accessories include fringed shawls, lots of suede detail, metal and wood jewellery and outsized 70s style glasses and flared jeans to take your style to the max!

Edgy Elegance is teeming with a range of intense, mysterious shades of grey, pink and mauve. Textures clash and are enhanced by adding a blackish sheen. Influences are shared with rock, post-punk and gothic glam.

Victorian romance meets edgy attitude with decorative cutouts, velvet, PU, sheer jerseys and bejeweled tapestry patterns. Accessorize this look with studded jewellery and bags.

Wanderlust embraces an outdoorsy feeling with rustic and heavy structured fabrics. Look for shearling coats, corduroy, faux fur accents in natural colours and ponchos with heavy fringe.

The focus is on neutrals and browns mixed with dark blue or burnt red tones.

Tailored Grunge is a cool, young look with feminine tones of lace and a great mix of different prints like checks and ditsy flowers. Look for zipper details, asymmetric shapes, leather, and tweed and oil dye jersey. The palette is quite dark and edgy with solid white and grey softening the look.

Elements of Nature focuses on simple styles with a graceful handcrafted look. Key qualities and details include wooden buttons, raw edges, tape yarns, crepe viscose and quilt and stitching details. There is lots of focus on warm brown, spots of yellow, red and dark denim blue.

Feathers, arrows and dream catcher images will be a huge trend this fall/winter. You will find them as front prints on t-shirts and as strong jewellery themes.

So as the days get colder and the nights get longer, the snow falls quicker and our sweaters get thicker, just remember if we had no winter the spring would not be so

pleasant!

HOLIDAY 2016 • 19

Enchanting Christmas:

An

Add some Shimmer and Sparkle with Christmas Lights!

by Ruth Van Belle

S

tring lights are among the numerous Christmas joys that make their way into our homes during the holiday season. Their twinkling, shimmery nature casts a warm, enchanting glow across the room as each little light winks at you and softens the distractions from the outside world.

Whether used outside your home, on your mantle, or on your table, Christmas lights are the finishing touch that completes your decorations!

incandescent, they save you money in the long run and last much longer. A fun twist on the regular LED string lights is the LED Twinkle Cluster which offer the all the benefits of LED lights but have more bulbs per string, which results in a fuller and bigger (as well as brighter!) lighting impact.

LED Micro Lights

The most popular choice for decorators is the mini incandescent or LED lights. Suited for both indoor and outdoor use, they come on strands and can be used within almost any display!

Incandescent Lights Incandescent lights are inexpensive and come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes! Their soft white gives a warm, enchanting glow which is always a holiday favourite.

While they’re a classic choice, they come with their setbacks, which include the possibility that if one bulb is damaged, the entire string could no longer work; however, replacement bulbs are always available.

LED Lights If you think your lights might need to be a bit hardier and withstand a drop or two, LED may be the better way to go! LED lights offer more efficiency, do not heat up, and are incredibly durable – withstanding being dropped, stepped on, and other occasional bumps! While more expensive than 20

LED Micro Lights come on a wire string, are usually battery operated, and have a timer. They’re a great addition to wreaths, floral displays, and some varieties can even be submerged in water. They’re fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of colours that can be clustered in lanterns or terrariums for a more modern effect. Small enough to tuck in, they’re also a great addition to any front door wreath.

One of the many great things about string lights is their versatility. They can be added to any Christmas decoration and display, including trees, bannisters, mantles, outdoor pots, and vases filled with silver and golden balls. You cannot go wrong with lights on your tree since they’re that finishing touch that adds shimmer and sparkle to your ornaments!

When purchasing an artificial tree, check to see how many lights the tree has, keeping in mind that, as the base for all your ornaments, more is better. Once your tree is set up, do the ‘squint’ test to see how shimmery your lights are and add more if you feel it doesn’t pass the test! For an extra warm glow, use warm white, and for a cooler touch, try LED White that offers a slight blue tint. Once everything is in place, all that’s left is to turn off the main light and enjoy your magical tree!

Candles

If you’re looking to get away from artificial lighting, candles are always a great choice! They’re a peaceful and great way to create a relaxing mood you can enjoy after a long day at work or crazy time running those Christmas errands! Scented candles provide an additional way to fill your home with Christmas cheer, offering a variety of favourite scents including rich cinnamon, outdoorsy pine, and yummy candy cane! Jar candles provide safety and comfort while releasing fragrance, and pillar candles can be placed in lanterns or at the center of wreaths. Votive candles are perfect for adding accent lighting on dining or living room tables, and tapers are always a great choice for candelabras. If using candles, remember to stay safe and never leave a flame unattended!

decoration that you don’t have to worry about turning on and off. On your mantle indoors, you can set up a glass with a Mirage candle inside and place baubles around it for a festive look. Placing flameless candles in the tree is another unique touch!

And finally, want to know the best thing about Christmas lights? They last all year long! Instead of packing them away when the holidays are over, keep them in outdoor displays, such as clear gazing balls in the garden, lanterns, and succulent or grapevine wreaths on garden walls. You can also try wrapping them around the trunk of a tree for enchanting backyard summer lighting or as a special decoration for weddings and anniversaries.

Christmas lights are an essential for the holidays, and with the many options available, you’ll find the perfect variety to suit your style. Nothing beats wrapping your Christmas gifts beneath the enchanting glow of your tree.

Happy Decorating!

Flameless Candles

Flameless candles add a Christmas glow without the worry of monitoring an open flame. They are equipped with a timer, so you can put them in hard-to-reach places and not worry about turning them on and off! Many are remote control ready (sold separately). Try setting them to turn on just before you arrive home from work to have them welcome you home. They hold up in a wreath, making them a great choice for an outdoor HOLIDAY 2016 • 21

things such as holding a fresh cut bouquet or a shimmering candle, or can it even serve a practical purpose like holding my utensils? Will I be able to use it all year round? We all know how cute that red pot with the Santa belt is, but it may not be the most flexible pot through the various seasons; however, don’t let this stop you either! If you’re looking to use seasonal pots all year, get your creative genius on and explore arrangement options, accents, and different types of plants to help you create a display that will properly show motifs without being strictly of one season or holiday!

STEALING THE

SHOW

Bottom: It is always a good idea to check the bottom of the pot as well. If it has holes, be sure to get a saucer to go with it.

Check also for whether it has a smooth bottom or felt pads to minimize the risk of harming any furniture.

Indoor or Outdoor: Many pots will be labelled as suited for indoor or outdoor use, or both. If you’re planning on putting your pot outdoors, you’ll want to make sure that it is weather protected.

There have been several container trends sweeping through décor circles and homes the last few years. Here are some of those trends to inspire you!

Natural Birch

By Martha Vandepol

Why It’s All About the Containers!

I

LOVE pots! Any shape, size, texture or style is just perfect for me! Nothing gets me more excited than seeing a gorgeous orchid beautifully displayed in a modern, contemporary style container. In my home, I like to decorate using a number of styles so that the décor shifts and changes to reflect different seasons and events, ranging from rustic to modern, sleek lines. Containers are always a part of this décor, adding that perfect finishing touch when I need it.

Investing in a beautiful, high-quality container can make any inexpensive plant or cut flower look great! When I see a container sitting on the store shelf that I particularly like, I’ll ask myself a few questions to determine whether it’s worth my investment: Size: The first thing I take note of is its size, deciding what kind of plant it will fit – a 4”, 6”, 8” or 10” plant. I choose container size according to the plant I have in mind, ensuring that it will have ample space to become my plant’s new home.

Versatility: Next, I consider its decorative potential, to ensure it is multi-purpose. For example, can I use it for a multitude of

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Wood or birch themed pots are becoming all the rage.

Any wood container fits in with this trend - from old apple crates for the bottom of the Christmas tree, to birch and any other natural wood containers. Wood is a terrific element, reflecting nature and bringing the outdoors inside, which is particularly pleasing when you’re stuck inside during the cold seasons! Try dressing up your wood display with a multitude of mason jars and holiday greens to create a sense of warmth and homey atmosphere.

Metallic Gold and Silver

Rustic Baskets

Gold and silver containers are always a holiday favourite!

They’re the perfect piece to reflect and complement the extensive holiday use of candlelight! Add some metallic accents in your holiday plants, such as baubles and glitter sticks, and you’ll tie the container in perfectly with the entire display.

Clear, Painted or Mercury Glass

Rustic baskets are making a comeback. With the growing trend in reviving old décor pieces, baskets are the perfect fit! Modern design offers tighter basket weaves and modern colours – both perfect ingredients for a comeback you’re going to want to take note of. If you’re using coloured baskets, be sure they won’t ‘bleed’ over your furniture when you’re watering the plant.

It’s time to go rifling through granny’s attic and bring back anything that’s old: jugs, tins, jars, lanterns, and everything in between. The more unusual the vessel is, the bigger the impact! So get creative, add some ribbons or burlap and (even more exciting) save some money by reusing old items!

Weather Resistant Outdoor Pots

These see-through treasures are a dynamic choice! They suit any season or occasion, making them more flexible than painted ceramic jars that appear much more seasonal.

Not only that, they can be popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning (three cheers, anyone?). Glass is a terrific choice for all those candle lovers out there! Glass and candles make the perfect shimmering pair, kicking any display up a couple notches. Glass is also great for showing off your entire plant display, letting you see the soil or layers of coloured stone (which is all the rage!).

Lightweight plastic or fiberglass lets you move your outdoor displays with ease – which is particularly handy if you’d like to draw attention to different places outdoors! Bright colours are the popular trend, particularly the blues and reds. Of course, black is always a staple, followed by dark grey, graphite and stone textures. Invest in a good quality pot that can be used during all four seasons to welcome guests to your home!

So, the next time you’re out on a shopping excursion or visiting your local garden centre and you find yourself falling in love with that beautiful bowl, ceramic pot, glass vase, or basket, take this one piece of advice: indulge yourself. You will be able to use it for so many seasons to come, have the perfect outlet for creative moods, and always have a timeless product that you not only love, but will also never go out of style!

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Christmas Gifts E

Love we

veryone loves receiving a beautifully wrapped gift, whether it is for a special occasion, birthday or for the holidays. Christmas is the time of year when we can show others how much we appreciate and love them, by giving them a gift that is personal, whimsical or decorative. Shopping for any gift should be a pleasant experience and will be so rewarding when you see the joy on the recipient’s face when the final gift is unwrapped.

So Versatile

A holiday lantern is so versatile for decorating – you can place them anywhere in your home – inside and out. Adding a flameless, timer candle, that turns on automatically, will add the soft glow of candlelight. Your local garden centre has a multitude of lanterns to choose from. Remember, don’t pack the lanterns away – they look fantastic in your summer garden as well.

Light it Up

Cute and Cuddly

What better way to add whimsy and decoration to any mantle, than with a light-up holiday house or church.

Displaying these pieces in groupings can create a story book or streetscape that will be the attraction for any room. Watch the children be drawn to the tiny structures, miniature people, frosty snow and landscapes. Most of the fun will be in creating your streetscape.

Holiday plush toys, nested in a comfy chair or tucked under the Christmas tree, will bring out the inner child in everyone. You can display your grandmothers heirloom treasures, child’s teddy bear, or the cute cuddly gnome you purchased this year.

Add a bright red or plaid ribbon to match your decorating décor for the finishing touch.

Great Stocking Stuffer or Hostess Gift Finding a delicious stocking stuffer for the foodie in your family will be easy this year. Pick up a package of mulling spices, dip mix, holiday candy, jams or chutney. Bundle a group of items together for teacher gifts, or create a huge basket overflowing with delicious delights to present as a corporate gift.

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For the Trend-Setter Boot socks, or comfy socks or slippers are sure to keep their feet warm on a cold winter’s day. Another great stocking stuffer, these stylish pieces aren’t like the “typical” socks you used to get for Christmas.

Capes, Wraps & Scarves Take the WOW factor up a notch. Explore the latest trends this holiday season, with beautiful capes and wraps in the latest bold colours, fabrics and patterns. These pieces are a great way to add drama to any outfit and look wonderful on women of all ages.

Touch of Class Every woman loves to have a little bling for the holidays. Sparkling necklaces, bracelets, watches, and other jewelry will finish off your holiday gift purchasing.

150th Birthday of Canada Let’s Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday this coming year. Start the celebration by giving a patriotic Canadian themed item for this holiday season. Our country is rich in history and nostalgia, and there are so many gift items that reflect our nation’s pride. Oh Canada – Happy 1 0th Birthday.

Everyone Wants One Sparkling, festive, elegant and bright. Sometimes you have that special piece that everyone wants – for themselves and to give as a gift. When you see that decorative holiday décor that you absolutely have to have, you might as well pick up two .or three .or more.

If you love it that much, you know that they will too.

Items Shown in Article: Holiday Lanterns - $49.99 & up Cute & Cuddly - $14.99 & up Boot Cuffs & Socks - $19.99 & up Capes, Wraps & Scarves - $24.00 & up Jewellery – Prices vary Canada Tobacco Slat Signs - $30 & up Light up Star - $34.99

These items available at:

Holiday Must Everyone loves to shop! A gift card is a wonderful gift for the person who has everything. Tuck a few of these in your wallet for last minute gift giving.

814 Cockshutt Road, RR#5, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4K4 519-428-4607 | www.eising.ca (While supplies last.)

HOLIDAY 2016 • 25

r i A Clean

Plants

by Fiona James

T

he season approaches when we turn our focus from outdoor pursuits to indoor comforts. However, the very things that we use to make our homes more cozy including building materials, furniture, fabrics, paints and cleaning products, candles and air fresheners, are composed of materials that emit chemical compounds into the air. These are called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and some of them are hazardous to our health. Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene and others are floating in the air of our homes. Add to these bacteria, molds, exhaust emissions that creep in from the garage, and we are exposing ourselves and our families to a veritable soup of pollutants. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has determined that indoor pollution can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor.

of appetite, irritability, psychological disturbances and blood diseases. Enclosed spaces have been of particular concern to NASA scientists who have worked to understand this sick building syndrome”.

Far from costly high tech solutions, the scientists’ found that plants added to the environment remove pollutants. How do they do it?

They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and through photosynthesis with sunlight they convert it into energy, releasing oxygen as waste. This is good for us! At the same time they intake VOCs which move within the plants to the roots where, in combination with microorganisms living in the soil, the compounds are consumed, broken down, and converted into plant tissue. The presence of soil is critical to the ability of plants to remove pollutants so pots should be larger, 8-10 inches, and contain 2-3 plants. Some plants are more effective than others at removing particular chemicals. It was suggested by the study’s author, Dr. Bill Wolverton, that one pot per 100 square feet and a variety of different plants would effectively keep the air clean.

“Plants simply make people feel better.”

Spending increased time inside with furnaces on and windows closed, we too contribute with the carbon dioxide we exhale to the build-up of pollutants that can affect our health negatively. In offices or homes where there is poor ventilation, occupants can suffer from drowsiness, headaches, nausea, dizziness and physical irritation to the respiratory system, loss

We’ve narrowed down the list from NASA to give you the top results.

CHRYSANTHEMUM (POT MUM) It’s the bloom that helps filter out the harmful toxins. It loves direct sunlight you can pick from so many different colours! Also filters out all types of toxins.

26 • EISING GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTRE - 519-428-4607 - EISING.CA

PEACE LILY enowned for it’s easy care. Shade weekly watering are all it needs to survive & produce blooms.

Cleans the air from all types of toxins.

DRACEANA It is effective at removing the toxins introduced by lacquers, varnishes gasoline. They grow easily don’t need direct sunlight. Effective with all toxins except ammonia.

GERBERA DAISY Another colourful addition to the clean air family, this plant works hard to clean the air of several harmful VOC’s like benzene formaldehyde. It needs lots of direct sunlight and well-drained soil.

SPIDER PLANT Even if you neglect houseplants, you’ll have a hard time killing this one! It battles a lot of the VOC’s lurking in your air. It’s also easy to regrow, just cut off a little spider place it in a pot. They thrive in cooler temps and prefer dry soil.

ALOE VERA

This is a fantastic succulent plant with many more uses than just cleaning your air; the gel inside can help heal cuts & burns. A bright sunny kitchen window would be ideal for this plant.

There are so many more plants that will help you live with greener air. Eising’s has a vast array to choose from…let us SNAKE PLANT This plant is one of the best for filtering out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues & personal care products. Put one in your bathroom where it will thrive with low light steamy conditions.

Cleans the air from all types of toxins except ammonia.

help you choose the perfect plant for your home or office.

HOLIDAY 2016 • 27

Beautiful & WE HAVE

e qu i n U

Christmas Wreaths at Eising’s!

Each one is made up differently and each one has its own unique character. Pick your special design out today!

28 • EISING GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTRE - 519-428-4607 - EISING.CA

TIPS FOR YOUR

Poinsettia

Here are Some Helpful Hints: Your plant requires at least six hours of bright filtered light each day.

Try to provide an environment between 16 to 18 C (60 to 6 F) and keep the plant away from hot or cold drafts, especially cold windowpanes. The plant does not respond well to sudden changes in temperature.

Unsleeve the plant as soon as possible as the leaves may become droopy if left too long in the wrapper. Fortunately, the plant should recover in a few days if this does occur.

Water your plant thoroughly when the soil becomes dry to the touch. Always remove the pot cover and let it stand for a while after the watering, as the poinsettia doesn’t like to be left in standing water. A common practice is to perforate the bottom of the pot cover to allow drainage into a saucer under the plant.

By: Dave Zeldon

T

he poinsettia is named after Joel oberts Poinsett, the first nited States Minister to Mexico. He introduced this native Mexican plant to the S in 1828. In the Mexican Christmas tradition, the star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red colour represents the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus.

Since the species is native to Mexico and found in the wild in tropical forests, we then have a challenge to keep this plant alive and in a healthy form in our colder, northern climate.

To keep your plant until next Christmas, fertilize after the blooming season with an all purpose fertilizer, repot it in the early summer and then introduce it to 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness come September.

There is a common misconception that the poinsettia is highly toxic. This is not the case. In fact, the poinsettia is one of the plants known to improve indoor air quality. Yes, it may be mildly irritating to the skin or the stomach if it is eaten, but otherwise, there has been no documented cases of poisoning. The origin of this myth could be found from the fact that most plants of the spurge genus (Euphorbia) are indeed toxic. Fortunately, this family member is a safe one!

HOLIDAY 2016 • 29

Spring Cleansing

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Add your own decorations to dress it up or keep it simple. Decorate your fireplace mantle, dining room table or even over a doorway. This beautiful 48” mantle piece will add fragrance to your home décor.

Spruce up your bannister, fence or doorway with 25’ Mixed Evergreen Roping. Designed with 5 types of evergreen, this is the perfect size for your front door or staircase.

Available at

EISING GARDEN CENTRE www.eising.ca 519-428-4607

814 COCKSHUTT ROAD, SIMCOE, ONTARIO N3Y 4K4