Royal City Nursery Holiday 2016 by CR Creative Co. Ltd.

HOLIDAY 2016

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Contents 14

‘Tis the Season for Christmas Entertaining

Decorating with Miniature Evergreens

The Great Cookie Exchange

Dressed in Holiday Style - Christmas Wreaths

Top Fashion Trends for the Season

An Enchanting Christmas

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

Holiday Gifts We Love

20 This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and Royal City 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. 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 • ROYAL CITY NURSERY - 519-824-4998 - ROYALCITYNURSERY.COM

From the

Owner

When I look back over the past year, I am amazed. In November 2015, we broke ground and in April 2016, after 54 years at our Woodlawn Road home, we officially opened the new Royal City Nursery on Wellington Road 124 (halfway between Guelph and Cambridge). It has

been a season of learning, reconnecting with friends and cultivating relationships. Our first year of learning continues with the upcoming holiday season. With more than triple the space we have ever had, we are excited to debut our version of Christmas 2016. There is nothing like the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree and stacks of Christmas greens, waiting to be transformed into your creative arrangements, wreaths and garlands. The greenhouse glitters with decorator themes, ornaments and ribbons, lights, Fairies, Department 56 Christmas Village and more. There truly is something for everyone! Our boutique, Tsuga, is overflowing with beautiful boot socks, pashminas, sweaters and dresses to showcase your funky and sophisticated holiday lifestyle!

My husband, Dave and I have a lot to be thankful for. Thank you to our great staff for facing a “season of unknowns” with a sense of humour! Thank you to our community who host us at remarkable events such as Taste of Guelph and the Joy Home Tour, and to the Township of Guelph-Eramosa who helped guide our behind-the-scenes move. Most of all, thank you to you, our loyal and valued customer who continues to believe in us - thank you for your patience and your trust! You inspire and encourage us to become better. Thank you for choosing to shop local. As the holiday season takes hold, enjoy all this season has to offer with those that you love. Have a blessed holiday and see you soon!

Don’t forget about the gardener in your life: a pair of Felco secateurs (the same brand my father and grandfather used) and a Royal City Nursery gift card will make their spring bloom in colour!

www.facebook.com/royalcitynursery

Holiday Open House

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 (9 – 5) & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 (10 – 5) % 20 OFF ARTIFICIAL TREES

% 20 OFF TREE DECORATIONS

HOT APPLE CIDER AND FESTIVE NIBBLES FOR THE DAY DEMONSTRATIONS - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH! From 11:00 to 2:00, join us for demonstrations on creating a table-scape, making a festive potted arrangement, creating and designing décor to create a magnificent mantle.

6838 Wellington Rd. 124 (near Kossuth Road) GPS coordinates: 43.473708, -80.304282

JOIN OUR NOT-SO-UGLY SWEATER CONTEST! Upload a picture of you wearing your favorite “ugly sweater” to the Royal City Nursery Facebook page. At the end of the weekend, one lucky winner will receive a BRAND NEW “Not-So-Ugly Sweater” courtesy of Simply Noelle. HOLIDAY 2016 • 5

Workshops and Events SAT

NOV

SUN

NOV

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE SAT 9am - 5pm & SUN 10am - 5pm • Demonstrations (Saturday Only) • Complimentary Snacks & Refreshments • Not-So-Ugly Sweater Contest

The ideal time to purchase an Artificial Christmas tree, gather decorating tips or find that special gift. Browse our “12 Doors of Christmas” to find unique outdoor arrangements, wreaths, garlands, swags and more.

MAGNIFICENT MANTLES (SEMINAR) Nov 5 - 11am, FREE Tired of using the same decorations on your mantle? Learn creative tricks with lights, picks and decorations to create a breathtaking focal point for any room. FRI

NOV

FESTIVE FOLIAGE WORKSHOP 7pm, RSVP $60 Gather your friends and make a beautiful outdoor Christmas arrangement. Using the best selection of fresh greens, festive berries and accents, create your own display, with the assistance and teachings of Royal City Nursery’s designer!

SAT

NOV

BROKEN POT FAIRY GARDEN 2pm, RSVP $60 Turn your broken pot into a festive multitiered fairy garden. We have the expertise, plants and accessories to make a garden as individual as you are. A perfect activity for kids of all ages! • NOTE: Broken Pot not provided. Participants must bring their own broken pot or buy a new pot and be prepared to break it for the class.

CHRISTMAS 2016

WED

NOV

FRI

NOV

GRINCH CHRISTMAS TREE DISPLAY 7pm, RSVP $60 Create a Grinch Christmas Tree using fresh holiday foliage, artiﬁcial berries, balls and pinecones - all decorated in a Santa tin. This is a one class only, so sign up early as it will ﬁll up quickly. (Approximately 60-90 minutes)

THUR

DEC

JOY OF CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR Nov 18 & 19 Get inspired as our designers showcase unique ideas for both indoors and out in this handsome historic home. All funds raised support Lakeside Hope-House in Guelph. Tickets available at Royal City Nursery.

SAT

DEC

SAT

NOV

ELEGANT ENTRANCES

FESTIVE FOLIAGE WORKSHOP

(SEMINAR) 11am, FREE Enjoy a 20 - 30 minute demonstration on creating an Elegant Entrance for the holidays, using garlands, wreaths, outdoor urns and festive decorations. Our Royal City Staff will create spectacular entrance ideas you can use at your own home.

7pm, RSVP $60 Gather your friends and make a beautiful outdoor Christmas arrangement. Using the best selection of fresh greens, festive berries and accents, create your own display, with the assistance and teachings of Royal City Nursery’s designer!

THUR

DEC

WREATH DECORATING

CHRISTMAS CENTERPIECE

CHRISTMAS WITH MY FRIENDS

7pm, RSVP $60 Create an exquisite Christmas wreath for your entry way or window. Using a live wreath as a base, we will show you how to take a stock fresh wreath and make it spectacular, using fresh foliage, artiﬁcial berries, shimmery baubles and holiday ribbon.

7pm, RSVP $50 Create your own unique holiday centerpiece. Enjoy a long lasting centerpiece perfect for the table, with fresh holiday foliage, artiﬁcial berries and other unique surprises, accented with holiday ribbon.

7pm, RSVP Gather your girlfriends together for a night of seminars, fashion, personalized shopping, refreshments, gourmet food items, & more. Shop in relaxed atmosphere, enjoy the Christmas decorations and save with fantastic specials. Limited to 50 people so reserve early.

6 • ROYAL CITY NURSERY - 519-824-4998 - ROYALCITYNURSERY.COM

WED

TO RSVP

For most workshops, if you have a sharp pair of clippers or garden gloves, bring them with you! Price of workshop includes all materials, unless noted. Additional plants and materials are available for purchase. Plants should not be brought from outside the greenhouse. Come create and leave the mess with us!

from drying out. Don’t forget to diffuse the winter winds by wrapping Japanese Maples with burlap too.

Winterizing THE GARDEN AND POND Prevention is the best medicine when preparing your pond and garden for winter. Give your evergreens a thorough watering before final freeze up. The moist ground will freeze and be a better insulator than dry soil. Hill roses with 12” of triple mix and mulch tender perennials and woody shrubs.

Broadleaved evergreens (Holly, Boxwood and Rhododendrons for example) and any evergreen planted in the last two years should be sprayed with an anti-desiccant such as WiltPruf or wrapped with a double layer of burlap to help prevent the foliage

Animals can do severe damage to plants in winter, often without us noticing until it is too late. Favourite targets include (but not limited to) Japanese Maples, Euonymus, Burning Bush and fruit bearing trees and bushes. If the bark is removed all the way around a stem or branch, the pathway of water and nutrients between the roots and shoots is destroyed and the plant above the damage will be killed. Keep animals away by wrapping the trunk with burlap or spiral tree guards. Against more stubborn critters, use a product animals don’t like the taste of such as Skoot or Plantskyyd in November and again in January. For your water feature, cover the water surface with a net to stop falling leaves from landing in the water. Switch to a cold water bacteria as the water temperature drops to mimic nature’s cleaning agents and decrease the sludge build up come spring.

Stop feeding fish when the water temperature drops below 10C, as their digestive systems slow during the winter and any food they take in out of habit may sit in their bellies and cause harm.

If you have fish, maintain a 6” to 8” opening in the surface for gas exchange and a source of oxygen through winter. If you’re not using a pond de-icer, move your pump near the surface and keep it running all winter, as the movement of the surface water will help prevent freeze up. HOLIDAY 2016 • 7

Festive Christmas ARRANGEMENTS

Our professional designers create breathtaking displays that are one of a kind and will surely be the talk of the neighbourhood. Choose from one of our pre-made arrangements made daily by our design team or for a truly unique addition to your décor, have one designed especially for you.

Making your own festive Christmas arrangements can be fun and easy, just follow the following steps.

1 2

HEIGHT: You need something tall for the middle - birch

GREENS: Use a mixture of cut green branches as each

4 5 6

8 • ROYAL CITY NURSERY - 519-824-4998 - ROYALCITYNURSERY.COM

BASE: Pick a pot, basket, or crate - don’t be afraid to use different colours, shapes and sizes. Two or three pots clustered together can make a striking display. poles, dogwood branches, pussy willow, a lantern or elf legs. Fill your pot half full with topsoil to hold birch poles in place and then fill the remainder of the pot with soil. Pack it down so nothing moves. variety adds different textures and colours, making it more interesting and pleasing to the eye. (BC Cedar, White Pine, Balsam Fir, Red Pine etc.) Look at all sides and make sure there are no bald spots in your creation. ACCENTS: Use Magnolia leaves, pine cones, berry picks, shiny balls, and ornaments for the wow factor (clusters always look more natural in odd numbers, different shapes, sizes and varied heights). FINISHING TOUCHES: Lastly, we add the ribbon, sinamay or string of lights (if it’s viewed from all sides you might want more than one bow or ribbon loop). CARE: Keep your pot well watered until it freezes. Your fresh arrangement should last till spring.

‘Tis the Season for

CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINING! and create a pleasant glow that will ﬁll the entire room e orating 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 reati e y mi ing it u a it

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 interest are a great way to ﬁnd mu h needed ins iration our 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 owers a enting your olour theme add an e tra dimension that consistently stands out. If you have candles and mini lights try ﬁlling lanterns ases or glassware of arious si es

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 fire la e as you ni le 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 heese 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 a aila le and ome in a num er of different a ours 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 erfe t finishing tou h to an e ening s ent mingling and laughing offee tea or warm a le ider is the erfe t finishing tou h to any artying in the hristmas season or an e tra kick to your cider and wine, add some mulling spices! Mulling spices offer the perfect blend for the holiday, making your drinks the erfe t element to finish off your e ening 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

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 erfe t ﬁnishing tou h

Norfolk Island Pine and Cypress Cedar

Norfolk Island Pines and Cypress Cedars are known for their soft owing te ture and slow growing ha its 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 fertili er on e a month during s ring and summer is sufﬁ ient 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 e sufﬁ ient so long as they are re lanted with a well drained ommer ial otting mi rim off the rown 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. 10

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 eneﬁts f 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 ondition it again with a few days in the garage ﬁrst o re lant it back in the ground, you will need to have the hole dug in o em er la ing tri le mi in the hole as you re lanting 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

ini y ress trees are a terriﬁ annual ut thri e 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 y ress rees that ome in to iary 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 e en light e osure

The compact needles and naturally symmetrical shape of miniature evergreens make them the ideal holiday tree for ofﬁ es a artments or anywhere else where s a e 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 de orations reate your own garland with e tra ersonality 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 erfe t ﬁnishing tou h HOLIDAY 2016 • 11

THE GREAT

COOKIE EXCHANGE

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 erfe t for the gi ing season ith ea h re i e share a few e tra ti s 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 tri k while the antu i kee well for at least 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 ookie tin mi 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. n a large mi ing owl whisk the honey granulated sugar rown sugar melted utter egg and egg yolk ift the our aking soda s i es and salt o er the sugar mi ture 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 e tried using rushed fennel seed in its la e ut 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 ookie f you want a atter ookie that s reads ake 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 on e aked t also gi es a ni e uffy 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 hill the ookies for a more deﬁned sha e or ake 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 atter his short read is uffy light deli ate and easy to i e 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. eat the utter and i ing sugar until light and uffy a out minutes eat in the anilla ean aste or e tra t hen 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. n a se arate owl sift the our ornstar h and salt and add to the utter mi ing until lended and soft oon the dough into a i ing ag ﬁtted with a large star ti 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 terriﬁ in estment for yourself, they also make an e ellent 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

options for your wreath is almost endless: Noble Fir, Princess or hite ine i ed ergreen ntario edar regonia and o wood ent foliage an e anything from eeded u aly tus and ariegated olly to le erry lue uni er 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

n artiﬁ ial wreath is always a good in estment ot 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 e more weather resistant es e ially if it is e osed to the elements while hanging on the front door rtiﬁ ial 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

om ination wreath rings together the real and artiﬁ ial to deli er holiday eauty ou an tie in with your e isting 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 oloured ri on glittered erries or artiﬁ ial owers tringing 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 fire la e is also a great entral s ot for isi ility ou an 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 e ergreen ti s or owers in the wreath and mo e it to the ta le to sit around the ase of the un h owl ou an e tend 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! o with hristmas fast a roa hing 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 lo al garden entre will e filled with holiday ins ired ri ons 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

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 de th to your outﬁt es e ially when you lay with different te tures nd it s ra ti al sin e the anadian all season is notorious for switching between patio weather one day and arka weather the ne t

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! 18

From leg warmers to boot socks, style starts from the bottom up. Cold temperatures call for drastic fashion measures. Socks are not only e tremely o y ut 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 esh olours offset y dee ur le essories include fringed shawls, lots of suede detail, metal and wood jewellery and outsi ed s style glasses and ared jeans to take your style to the ma Edgy Elegance is teeming with a range of intense, mysterious shades of grey ink and mau e e tures lash and are enhan ed y adding a la kish sheen n uen es 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, orduroy fau fur a ents in natural colours and ponchos with heavy fringe. The focus is on neutrals and browns mi ed with dark lue or urnt red tones Tailored Grunge is a cool, young look with feminine tones of lace and a great mi of different rints like he ks and ditsy owers ook for i er 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 ou will ﬁnd them as front rints 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:

Add some Shimmer and Sparkle with Christmas Lights! by Ruth Van Belle

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 ta le hristmas lights are the ﬁnishing tou h that om letes 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 winkle luster whi h offer the all the eneﬁts of 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 ine ensi e 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 efﬁ ien y do not heat up, and are incredibly durable – withstanding being dropped, stepped on and other o asional um s hile more e ensi e 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, oral dis lays and some arieties an e en e su merged in water hey re fairly ine ensi e and ome in a ariety 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 ots and ases filled with sil er and golden alls ou annot go wrong with lights on your tree sin e they re that finishing touch that adds shimmer and sparkle to your ornaments! hen ur hasing an artifi ial tree he k 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 ass the test or an e tra 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

f you re looking to get away from artiﬁ ial lighting andles are always a great choice! They’re a peaceful and great way to reate a rela ing mood you an enjoy after a long day at work or crazy time running those Christmas errands! Scented andles ro ide an additional way to ﬁll your home with Christmas cheer, offering a variety of favourite scents including ri h innamon outdoorsy ine and yummy andy ane ar 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 ne er lea e a ame 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 festi e look la ing ameless andles in the tree is another unique touch! nd 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 o tions a aila le you ll ﬁnd the erfe t ariety 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 o en ame hey are e ui ed 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 e i le ot through the arious seasons howe er don t let this stop you either! If you’re looking to use seasonal pots all year get your reati e genius on and e lore 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!

ots ny sha e si e te ture or style is just erfe t for me othing gets me more e ited 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 re e t different seasons and e ents ranging from rusti to modern, sleek lines. Containers are always a part of this décor, adding that erfe t finishing tou h when need it Investing in a beautiful, high-quality container can make any ine ensi e lant or ut ower look great hen 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: he first thing take note of is its si e de iding what kind of lant it will fit a or lant hoose ontainer size according to the plant I have in mind, ensuring that it will have ample space to become my plant’s new home. Versatility: e t it is multi ur ose

onsider its de orati e otential to ensure or e am le an use it for a multitude of

Wood or birch themed pots are becoming all the rage. ny wood ontainer ﬁts in with this trend from old a le crates for the bottom of the Christmas tree, to birch and any other natural wood ontainers ood is a terriﬁ element re e ting nature and ringing the outdoors inside whi h 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! hey re the erfe t ie e to re e t and om lement the e tensi e holiday use of andlelight dd some metalli a ents 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 re i ing old d or ie es askets are the erfe t ﬁt odern 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. t s time to go ri ing through granny s atti and ring a k 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 e en more e iting sa e some money y reusing old items

Weather Resistant Outdoor Pots

These see-through treasures are a dynamic choice! They suit any season or o asion making them more e i le than painted ceramic jars that appear much more seasonal. Not only that, they can be popped into the dishwasher for easy leaning three heers anyone lass is a terriﬁ hoi e 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!).

ightweight lasti or ﬁ erglass lets you mo e 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 te tures n est in a good uality ot that an e used during all four seasons to welcome guests to your home! o the ne t time you re out on a sho ing e ursion or isiting your lo al garden entre and you ﬁnd yourself falling in lo e 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!

HOLIDAY 2016 • 23

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 e a leasant e erien e and will e so rewarding when you see the joy on the recipient’s face when the ﬁnal gift is unwra ed

So Versatile

A holiday lantern is so versatile for decorating – you can place them anywhere in your home – inside and out dding a ameless timer andle 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 tou h

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 a kage of mulling s i es di mi holiday andy jams or chutney. Bundle a group of items together for teacher gifts, or create a huge asket o er owing with delicious delights to present as a corporate gift.

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.

Naturally chic! Great for indoors and out, these twig deer and trees are a beautiful complement to any garden or foyer. With a festive ribbon and a red nose, Rudolph will welcome guests to your naturally chic Christmas today! At the end of the holiday season, remove the festive ribbons and let these white washed pieces remain on display through the rest of winter. Add a touch of natural elegance to your home today!

Everyone Wants One Sparkling, festive, elegant and bright. Sometimes you have that special piece that everyone wants – for themselves or 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 Lantern - 99.99 & 129.99 Light-Up Village - 69.99 Gnome - 29.99 & up Crave Mulling Spices - 8.99 or 3 for 20 Capes, Wraps & Scarves - 14.99 & up Jewellery - 19.99 & up Boot Socks - 10.99 & up Twig Deer - 29.99 & up Kissing Krystals - 14.99 & up 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.

6838 Wellington Road 124, Guelph ON (near Kossuth Road) 519.824.4998 royalcitynursery.com (While supplies last, not always as shown.) HOLIDAY 2016 • 25

HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON! NEW THIS YEAR

We carry

DEPARTMENT 56

Dickens Village ENTER OUR DEPARTMENT 56 FACEBOOK PHOTO CONTEST!

C R AVE D IPS

AVAIL ABLE AT

$8.99 EACH OR 3 FOR $20

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Upload a photo of your Department 56 village display to our Royal City Nursery Facebook page. Deadline for entries is Monday, November 28.

Winner receives a 40th Anniversary Dickens Village piece!

Showcase your Funky and Sophisticated Style

BOUTIQUE

with Tsuga Boutique by Royal City Nursery

BOUTIQUE

OPEN YEAR ROUND

MODES GITANE • SIMPLY NOELLE • PARSLEY AND SAGE • CHARLIE PAIGE 6838 Wellington Road 124, Guelph, ON N1H 6J4 • 519.824.4998 • info@royalcitynursery.com

BOUTIQUE

HOLIDAY 2016 • 27

Christmas Season Hours of Inspiration

FRESH & POTTED

Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm Friday (Starting November 25) 9am to 7pm

Christmas Trees

Saturday 9am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 5pm

by Tanya Olsen

Growing up, we spent hours searching out the perfect Christmas tree. Because Christmas decorating begins at various times in everyone’s home, a superior variety of Christmas tree, the Fraser Fir, is the cut tree of choice for many reasons! The needles are fragrant, thick, waxy and two toned but most importantly, retain their position on the branch. So long as it is never allowed to dry out, Fraser Fir can hold needles for easily 4 to 6 weeks. Offered in a #1 premium grade or old fashioned grade, keeping a cut Fraser Fir tree for a longer holiday season involves proper care. Make a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree immediately before taking it into the house, removing at least 3 cm (1.5”) to allow water to be taken up freely. When your tree is first set up it will require a steady supply of water, up to gallons per day in the first week.

Don’t forget to add Sta-Fresh, which allows the vascular system of the tree to stay more open. A constant supply of fresh water will ensure a good supply of moisture to the needles because, when a Christmas tree runs out of water, the bottom of the trunk seals and it may need to be taken down and recut.

Live or Potted Trees Decorate outside with bows, lights and shatterproof balls! While the tree is indoors, for no more than 10 days, place on a tray and water as necessary. Dig the hole for planting prior to the ground freezing and cover for planting after Christmas or, if you cannot plant until spring, store the tree in a sheltered location, out of wind and direct sunlight. Insulate the pot to avoid a constant freeze and thaw of the root system.

• We hang all our cut trees for easy viewing • Trees are all covered so the snow does not get in the car • Locally sourced • Sizes range from 4’ to 12’ • Fraser fir, Nordmann Fir, Balsam Fir and Scotch Pine

ROYAL EXPERT CLUB Become one of our Royal Experts today and reap the rewards.

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on all products in store (some exceptions apply) to a maximum of half of the pre-tax sale total, at any time.

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HOLIDAY 2016 • 28

Beautifully planned

outdoor spaces start with Hardscapes

including carpentry & stonework

A well planned landscape makes all the difference to a home’s appeal and function. Our design team is ready to create beautiful spaces to suit your lifestyle and home. Each landscape design should be different and personal to you; showcasing your personality and working with your site conditions. Our expert and knowledgeable landscape designers, Tanya and Cory, will bring new life to your space, including planting design, water features, decks, hardscapes, lighting and more! Contact us to discuss the opportunities for a design consultation, a landscape plan or an installation today!

We service and maintain what we install. • Water feature opening and closing • Monthly pond maintenance • Pruning • Assembling and installing seasonal displays

Water features

including ponds and fountains

• • • • •

Weeding Seasonal clean up Mulching Bulb planting Installation and service of landscape lighting

Our team of horticulturalists has over 30 years combined experience in the horticulture and landscape industries and will be able to help you maintain your investment to the best look possible. Whether a once a year clean up, or a monthly walkthrough prioritization and review, the options are made to suit your space.

Plantings

Contact Kienan or Dave at 519-824-4998 or visit royalcitynursery.com for more information or to arrange a regular maintenance program for your garden.

and other softscapes

29 • ROYAL CITY NURSERY - 519-824-4998 - ROYALCITYNURSERY.COM

Sunflower Kernel

Sunflower Minis

Sunflower Centr’s

Fruit Berry Nut & Kernel

Reg price 39.99

29.99

34.99

Starting at

9.99

30 • ROYAL CITY NURSERY - 519-824-4998 - ROYALCITYNURSERY.COM

34.99

Limited quantity. While supplies last

Now Only

39.99

Reg. $59.99

Now Only

34.99

Reg. $49.99

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

SPECIAL

39999 Reg 599.99

Royal City Nursery 6838 Wellington Road 124, Guelph ON N1H 6J4 (near Kossuth Road) GPS coordinates: 43.473708, -80.304282

519.824.4998 â&#x20AC;¢ royalcitynursery.com