Scott's Nursery
HOLIDAY 2014
An Interview with Cobi Ladner:
Choosing the Right Colour Palette Holiday Horticulture
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A Breathtaking Bloom
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Canada's (Indoor) Tropics
PUBLISHER Carle Publishing Inc. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Buyting GRAPHIC DESIGN John Christenson CONTENT COORDINATOR Stacey Cowperthwaite CONTRIBUTORS Ken Beattie Heather Laura Clarke Angie Cleven Mark DeWolf George Scott Brian Spragg Neil Wadhwa ADVERTISING (National) ADVERTISING (Local)
Keith Keane Keith Keane
PHOTOGRAPHY All images sourced from Carle Publishing Inc. or Thinkstockphotos.ca unless otherwise identified.
2192 Route 102 Lincoln, NB E3B 8N1 P: 506-458-9208 • F: 506-459-1377 http://www.scotts-nursery.ca
Scott's Nursery Home & Garden Magazine is published by Carle Publishing Inc. All content, copyright Š 2014, Carle Publishing Inc.All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in this publication, however, the publisher nor Scott's Nursery will be held responsible for omissions or errors. Please address all editorial and advertising inquiries to Carle Publishing Inc., 60 Shayla Court, Fredericton, NB, E3G 0N3, Canada. Carle Publishing Inc. is not held responsible for the loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited material (including but not limited to manuscripts, artwork, photographs and advertisements). Unsolicited material must be included with a self-addressed, overnight-delivery return envelope, postage prepaid. Carle Publishing Inc. and Scott's Nursery will not give or rent your name, mailing address, or other contact information to third parties. Subscriptions are complimentary for qualified individuals.
Carle Publishing 60 Shayla Court, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3G 0N3 Phone: (506) 238-4683 Fax: (866) 609-5674 Email: andy@carleventures.com Website: www.carlepublishing.com
feature
From George
Choosing the Right Colour Palette
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CONTENTS Letter from the Owner
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News & Events
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Fresh Greenery
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Holiday Horticulture 12 Add Colour and Cheer Indoors with Top Holiday Blooms A Breathtaking Bloom: The Moth Orchid How to Grow Moth Orchids Indoors this Winter
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Ladies Fashion Leather Dominates Fall/Winter Scene
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Canada's (Indoor) Tropics
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Prepare Your Garden for Winter
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The Benefits of Houseplants
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Add a Splash of Festivity with Cranberries
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Fall Perennial Care
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cott’s Nursery has grown considerably from our first greenhouse back in 1935. It’s a family affair; in which the third generation is actively involved today. Little by little our production area has grown to encompass 6 acres of greenhouses where we grow crops for all major holidays. Visit us at Christmas time when you can wander through the production greenhouses and marvel at the sea of red poinsettias. It’s absolutely breathtaking! Our year-round garden center is always changing with the seasons. With the busy spring and summer season behind us we are switching gears and putting our focus on Christmas. It is one of our favourite seasons here at Scott’s. It’s a decorator’s heaven with all the vibrant colors of poinsettias, the aroma of fresh greenery and trees, and loads of gift giving ideas. It’s that special, magical time of year where memories are made. Our creative staff is always coming up with new decorating ideas for the holidays and would be happy to help you. For unique holiday décor indoors or outdoors, we’ve got you covered. You can browse our vast selection of fresh greens and make your own creation or choose from our selection of pre-made garlands, wreaths and planters. We even fill orders for custom Christmas planters. Just bring in your pots and wish list and leave the rest to us. So this season why not take a break from the hustle and bustle and take a stroll through our greenhouses. Take in the sounds and smells of the season and enjoy a cup of warm apple cider while you relax. You might even find that perfect gift for the gardener on your list. We will be holding special events leading up to Christmas so remember to check out our website, Facebook page and follow us on twitter for updates.
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GREAT REASONS TO DRESS YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
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ne of the most common questions I am asked at this time of year, is whether it is wise to have your home listed during the holiday season. To answer this question succinctly, I would say ‘Yes’, it is a good time to have your home available for sale – if you feel that you can carry it off whilst dealing with the plethora of other things that you need to concentrate on during this time. There are many people who feel that the best time of year to sell their home is in ‘The Spring Market’, and traditionally, there is no doubt that this is when the majority of listings take place. However, there are some compelling reasons to put your home on the market prior to the rush, so that you might in fact gain a competitive advantage. Generally, people who are looking at homes during the holiday season are more serious buyers. Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from during the holidays, and the fact that there are less homes in competition with your home, could mean that you get closer to asking price than you might at other times of the year. Since the supply of homes will increase dramatically come February and March, there could be less demand for your particular home at that time of year. Less demand usually means less money for you. Homes show very well when decorated for the holidays. Most people take particular pride in their home at this time of year. It is usually a time of year when one
is apt to entertain more frequently, and in a more elaborate manner. Having your home looking its best is key to a good showing, so tasteful holiday decorations and the smell of holiday baking would certainly be enticing to many. Buyers at this time of year are also generally considered to be more emotional about their purchase and this might translate to them being more willing to pay your price. Another consideration is that buyers may have more time than normal to look for a home during the holidays. Many people take some time off work during the holiday season and like to look at homes during this time because they are relaxed and are not typically crunched for time. Now given that there are significant days during the holiday season whereby you simply could not entertain the possibility of a showing; you may decide to pre-arrange with your agent, a schedule that lets them know in advance when showings would be ideal. Given this advanced notice, your agent will easily be able to schedule showings accordingly. Clearly however, the most competitive advantage one has in terms of showing their home at this time of year, is the ability to create a warm, inviting and enticing atmosphere and there is noone better than Scott’s Nursery to help you achieve this. Every year I can’t wait to hear from Jenny, Jeanette or George to let me know that Christmas is ‘up’. Like countless others, I race down and select what I want for this year’s ‘look’!
Kate Mammen, EXIT Realty kmammen@exitadvantage.ca • www.movingwithkate.ca Cell: (506) 471-4451 • Office: (506) 455-3948
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So while people have individual preferences and different styles of homes to decorate, a few well observed basic principles serve them well. I believe that the ‘invitation to look’ should start the minute one drives past your home, or knocks on your door. Subtle and indirect lighting on tastefully decorated exteriors will immediately create the desire for one to go inside and see more. Think of a simple, but elegant wreath, or a tall exterior container with foliage, branches and berries. Inside, things can get a bit more glam, and one of my favorite things to do is to create a mood with the use of different types of candles. Combine these with some fresh spruce pieces, gently dusted with white and ‘Presto’, your mantle is complete. Another wise thing to do at this time of year, is to start planning for the Spring ahead. If you have made the decision that the holiday season is NOT the time for you to have your home on the market, then use the extra time you have available to carefully plan what you would like to achieve in the next few months. That way, you’ll be ahead of the rest, and Scotts will be able to help you execute your plans in advance. However, one thing you can be sure of is this. Whether you list in the Summer, Winter, Spring or Fall, for your home gardening needs, Scott’s simply has it all! Kate Mammen is a realtor with Exit Realty Advantage with over nine years of experience in real estate. She knows how crucial it is to find the right home, in the right location, at the right price for her clients and she goes above and beyond to do it. Yes, whatever your real estate needs may be, to get sensational service, you can “Count on Kate”.
Fresh Greenery By: George Scott
with from country-rustic to sleek and modern, since people have such varied styles. We do our best to satisfy several different tastes.
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his holiday season why not put your focus on ambience? The best place to start is with fragrance. What could be better than the scent of fresh evergreens, cinnamon sticks, eucalyptus, juniper berries, and fresh pine cones to greet your guests at the door? There are many ways to display your natural arrangements whether they are in the form of a garland, swag, wreath, or just a beautiful centrepiece for your table. We transform our garden center to offer you a great selection so you will be able to create your own masterpiece. Alternatively, you can purchase one of our ready to go creations. We offer pre-made wreaths, planters, garlands or table arrangements. We strive to offer a diverse selection of materials to work
There is nothing more enjoyable than putting on your old rubber boots and heading out into the tranquil fall woods to harvest your own unique greens. Come to think of it, we had a very successful fresh arrangement seminar last year where everyone came in and created masterpieces to complement their own holiday themes. This year why not make it a family tradition? Do your own decorating and if you’re not sure where to start, we can definitely help you. Although greens will give you the natural scent of the season, poinsettias are the largest seasonal crop grown in Canada. The poinsettia is native to Mexico where it grows wild and blooms naturally in December, making the mountainsides come alive with color. During the 17th century missionaries began using the plants in their ceremonies and thus their association with the holidays
began. In 1825, the poinsettia was introduced to America by a botanist by the name of Joel Poinsett. Florists and garden centers have found the sales changing in recent years. At one time these plants were mainly sold as Christmas gifts. Today, the early decorating of stores and the early start to the Christmas party season has consumers shopping earlier than ever. Fortunately the varieties grown today have a much longer display period. The large plants displayed in churches are so striking that it is no wonder the poinsettia is number one. The others; Christmas cactus, African violets, potted mums, cyclamen, azaleas,
amaryllis, orchids, green plants and planters of mixed flowering and foliage plants are still available and compete with the larger use of fresh Christmas greens. Â The poinsettia provides bold color and combines well with other accents to make Christmas the favourite season for many decorators. These beautiful plants are very demanding to grow and deliver to the consumer. The poinsettia cuttings are planted in the summer and require heat even on cool
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August nights. New varieties are often great but growers have to try these new ones on a smaller scale to see how they work out. Production starts after a variety has proven itself on the bench and with consumers. Today most growers control insects by keeping greenhouses impeccably clean, careful monitoring, and the use of biological treatments. Temperatures and careful control of lighting is crucial to success. Something as simple as having a light left on can delay flowering. Growers are competing for sales and often the consumers get prices close to the cost of production. The beautiful, bright colors and longevity of poinsettias ensure that the home owner gets real value for their investment.
To ensure a long lasting display in your home, choosing a plant with brightly colored bracts (modified leaves) is the first step. The foliage should be a nice dark green color and the true flowers, the little ones at the center of the bracts, should still be green or just opening. However, the bracts hold color long after the true flowers pass. Be very careful to protect your plant from the cold while transporting it home. Chilling a plant can result in loss or yellowing of the leaves prematurely. To care for your poinsettia in the home or office, protect them from hot or cold drafts. Water when the top of the soil is dry, making sure they are not overwatered or dried out too severely. Provide good drainage and don’t let plants sit in standing water. They like sun or bright light but will survive on artificial light once they have their color. The
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size selections available will suit any tiny table, fireplace hearth, or large window display and new cultivars ensure that there is a poinsettia to suit any color décor. Keeping up on the trends of Christmas is always challenging. Especially when most of the buying is done long before any of the trends are decided. Some of this year’s top themes are: burlap & naturals; white or clear with frosted trims; bling such as rhinestones or silver; champagne colors (softer than gold) which blend well with bronze and brown tones; traditional red and green; zigzag and patterns; and finally natural themes with homemade and woodsy accents. So this season whether you’re decorating indoors or out, why not change it up a bit with some fragrant greenery and live plants to brighten the inside? On those cool November days what could be better than hanging out with your favorite people and stringing some popcorn for your tree or going out to cut some dogwood or evergreens to add some freshness to your home décor. _
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Holiday Horticulture
Add Colour and Cheer Indoors with Top Holiday Blooms Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) Every fall, Canadians buy more than half a million amaryllis bulbs. And it’s no wonder. The easygrowing amaryllis is a marvel because no other plant delivers such spectacular blooms with minimal effort in the middle of our long winters. A favorite amaryllis for the Christmas season is one that is bright red, though these beauties come in many shades of red, pink, white and even picoteeedged varieties. Amaryllis make beautiful gifts for gardeners and horticulture aficionados, although beginner indoor gardeners can even be winners at growing these delightfully trouble-free plants. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncate)
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oliday decorating is a muchanticipated event of the season. From evergreen wreaths to sparkling ornaments to the classic mistletoe – a well-decorated home is so lovely for holiday entertaining. From the amaryllis to the Christmas cactus to the paper-white narcissus, and of course, the iconic poinsettia, we suggest these beautiful blooms to add lush, vibrant colour to your home this season.
Not often bothered by pests or disease, the amaryllis has simple growing requirements. Simply plant in heavy clay pot during the fall, with the top third of the bulb above the soil’s surface (any growing mix will work). Place the amaryllis in a well-lit location and water weekly (allow surface to dry between watering). Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncate) Native to South American jungles, Christmas cacti are named after their blooming season, which is typically late fall through January. The plant blooms generously with many satin-like flowers hanging from pendulous branches in shades of lavender, purple, pink, red or white.
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A Christmas cactus is easy to care for and will live for many years. Favoring a cool east or west-facing window, out of direct sunlight. A Christmas cactus prefers drier soil, so allow the soil to dry out well between watering and be sure the plant does not get too wet. Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) A pot of paperwhite narcissus blooming on the dining room table can chase away winter blues. Though not quite as commanding as amaryllis, paperwhites are very pretty and expecially suited to bright areas with good light and they are the easiest of the seasonal flowers to grow. It is as simple and easy as placing half-a-dozen bulbs in a pot with potting soil, adding a splash of water and letting them soak up the sun in a south-facing window. Four weeks later, you have beautiful white blooms.
Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus)
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) Christmas poinsettias are a holiday favorite as a sign that the holiday season is in full swing. Poinsettias naturally produce their brilliant colours at Christmas time, a reason why the plant is associated with Christmas celebrations around the world. Poinsettias are native to the central and southern parts of Mexico, where they grow up to 16 feet high as a shrub. The brightly coloured ‘flowers’ of poinsettias are actually known as bracts, essentially modified leaves. The flowers are the small greenish-yellow structures called cyathia in the centre of the bracts.
Poinsettias have toughened-up significantly in recent years. They no longer wilt, shrivel and drop their leaves at the hint of a cold draft. Keep them warm, away from direct sunlight and moist (not wet) for healthy and vibrant poinsettias.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
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Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.)
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A Breathtaking Bloom: The Moth Orchid How to Grow Moth Orchids Indoors this Winter
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hile they may not be your traditional holiday bloom, Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, make a beautiful house plant, regardless of the season. The moth orchid is renowned for its easy care and beautiful flowers, which last for a very long time and return year after year. Offering lavish sprays of pink, white, yellow, and purple, spotted and striped flowers, moth orchids are the perfect way to add unexpected colour to your home during the
holiday season and winter months. However, despite the development of dazzling new colours, white Phalaenopsis continue to command attention, and will work easily with the Christmas theme in your home. They are quite simply the most stunning plant to give someone special and to have in your home during the holiday season. How to care for your moth orchid Provide an east or shaded south facing window with 20° to 30° C
Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
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day temperatures and a minimum night temperature of 16° C. Water regularly and ample doses of 2020-20 fertilizer is optimal, especially during the spring and summer months. In the autumn, switching to a bloom-boosting fertilizer, coupled with cooler nights, induces plants to set buds and flower. Keep water out of the center of the plant to prevent rot – this can be achieved by planting your orchid in orchid bark as opposed to potting soil. _
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Choosing the Right Colour Palette: An Interview with Cobi Ladner By: Neil Wadhwa
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C
obi Ladner is a Canadian design maven. The title may seem lofty, but it’s one that the current entrepreneur and former editor of Canadian House & Home is well qualified to hold. Cobi departed House & Home in 2008 to focus on building her own lifestyle brand, cobistyle, moving her focus away from magazine pages, and onto store shelves. It was a decision she made after speaking to Canadians throughout the years, and hearing how many of them were unhappy in their own homes. “I wanted to create a line of products and a brand that spoke to something that I really believe in,” says Cobi. “It’s so important that your house remains personal, or you won’t feel that joy with it that we’re all hoping to find.” Earlier this month, Cobi sat down with us to discuss how people can choose colour palettes, how colour impacts mood, and the “cozy factor”. Why is choosing a proper colour palette so important? Most of our homes need colour if they’re going to be of any interest. If you’re in a fairly regular home, or a development where there may be 100 homes like yours, how do you create some personality in an affordable and assessable way? To me the number one way is through colour. I just don’t think anything else beats it. Do people tend to shy away from certain colours? People do, and I think it’s because of the risks associated with choosing a colour palette. We’re so afraid of hating it, or tiring of it, of it going out of style, that we end up shying away from colour and with the choices available to us. There are a lot of places where we can’t do what we really want to do. Maybe it’s at work, or life can throw you curveballs, but your home is worth it if you can really work at it, so you feel happy when coming home at the end of the day. That’s a pretty great thing. How should people choose a colour palette? First, go back to your own life journey.
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We all have our own colour palette - it has to do with when you were raised, what season is your favourite, what your heritage is, and more. By putting those pieces together, you can create a personal palette that you will always feel comfortable with, and will always be drawn to. And I think if you go with that approach, and by looking in your own closet, and acknowledging colours that you respond to or connect with when you first see them, then you can go with those colours quite safely and feel confidant that you’re not going to tire of those colours next year. The second thing I would do would be to figure out where to put colour in your home. You can’t put colour everywhere. There are people who love colour on walls – I would say then you do the colour on the walls, but then do everything else neutral. Keep your doors neutral, keep your furnishing neutral. There are people who love colour on upholstery; they want a red sofa – I have a red sofa, and I love it! I like my fabrics to be in colours, and then my walls are generally cream or white. There are points in a room – some people want colour in one point – you could consider that. Go through
magazines and look at which rooms you love, and where the colour is. Is it throughout? Is it on the walls? Is it on the furnishings? So that’s an important part too – how much colour, and where you want it. How can people choose colour palettes to fit a certain mood? Consider your rooms: when are the rooms used the most, and what’s the purpose? When you have a dining room, and it’s a separate dining room, it’s probably used more in the evenings than in the daytime. You probably want a palette that suits the evening, that’s got more depth to it. If your living room is used more in the evenings to watch television and stuff like that, you want that kind of “cozy factor” as opposed to light, bright, and cheerful. So thinking about the times of day that you use your room is important. Do people often ask for your “go-to” colour palettes for their own use? Yes! And I have my thoughts on it. I’ve actually spoken at trade shows and have people come up to me saying, “hey, what colour should I paint my living room?” The answer to that is I can’t just throw you a colour – it wouldn’t be right of me to do that. I could tell you my favourites. I tend to like warm colours in my living spaces, so I go with reds, oranges, and gold, and then I go with cool colours in my kitchen, bathrooms, and rooms with water in them. But if people want to create something really unique, I say that you gotta delve into what makes you tick, and then start to work. Usually we have some parameters, too, right? You know, you can’t change something, or you’ve got a large piece you’re working with, and those are your starting points. Seldom can we start completely fresh. Or even the space dictates it. A condo in the city with 12 foot ceilings will have different colours than a home with 8 foot ceilings surrounded by trees. It’s a different approach, right? I don’t think there’s one formula for all; I think we’d like that, but there isn’t. _
Visit cobistyle.com to read Cobi’s blog for more insights on colour palettes and interior design. Cobi’s new line of bedding patterns is available this fall in Sears, and online at Sears.ca.
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Ladies Fashion
Leather Dominates Fall/Winter Scene By: Heather Laura Clarke
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eather has been creeping up on us for the last three seasons, and it’s officially a major staple of fall wardrobes. Robert Simmonds co-owner, Linda Mayhew, says customers can’t get enough of the butterysoft texture. “Leather pants and jackets are always strong, but now we’re seeing leather dresses, leather skirts, leather tops — and leather accents and embellishments on everything from blouses to leggings,” says Mayhew. “It’s everywhere!” Hugo Boss Black, Mackage, Judith & Charles, Hue, Theory, and Smythe
are all leather-crazy this season. Colour-coated leather is making a big splash, too. Brands like Michael by Michael Kors, Theory, HUE, Paige Premium Denim, Luisa Cerano, and Alice & Olivia often use faux leather — sometimes called vegan leather — in their collections, which is popular with fashionistas who are passionate about the humane treatment of animals. Armani Jeans Collection + Handbags, Sam Edelman, and UGG are fans of eco leather, which is made from animal hides but manufactured to have less of an impact on the environment. Eco
leather is made using natural dyes, biodegradable wetting agents for soaking the leather, and nonsynthetic tannage systems. Quilted leather handbags have been popular for several seasons, and now the quilted look is coming to clothing and footwear, too — like Mackage’s Rosa bomber jacket, Cole Haan’s Raquel bootie, and the Hallmark flat from Stuart Weitzman. Leggings continue to be strong this season — right up there with skinny denim — and store manager Robyn Stevenson says leather leggings are an inexpensive way to get the look of leather pants, without the steeper price tag. “You can get that leather look with leggings that run $45-$65, rather than buying leather pants that start at $300,” says Stevenson. Ponte leggings are made from a heavier fabric that neatly conceals imperfections, and Stevenson says many women love their slimming fit. They range in price from about $45-$55 for a pair by Hue, up to $250 for a pair by Paige Denim. “You can also get ponte riding pants or skinny pants, and Paige Denim does a five-pocket ponte pant that looks just like a pair of jeans. They look great with tall boots, or short booties,” says Stevenson. “We have women in their 20s who love ponte, and women in their 50s and 60s who love it. It really crosses all ages and styles.” Plaid continues to be strong for fall/ winter, particularly as embellishments on skirts, dresses and tops. The high-low trend is back in full force, where hemlines are higher in the front than in the back, or short pieces are worn over long pieces. “I like high-low because it works for so many different body types and age groups,” says Stevenson. “We’re
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seeing a lot of people combine high-low with layering, so they’re doing long tunics with a shorter vest or sweater layered over it. Bella Luxx, Theory, Eileen Fisher, Sarah Pacini have some great pieces for high-low.” Leather backpacks were huge in the 1990s, and they’re making a comeback two decades later — except this time, they’re equipped with pockets for your smartphone and laptop. Backpacks by Hunter, Tumi, and Mackage have distinctive hardware to give them an edge. Athletic styling — sometimes called Fashion Fitness — will be continuing into 2015, as we see dress pants with tracksuit bottoms, leatherembossed or calf hair sneakers and zippers galore. Canada Goose and Michael Kors Shoes are leading the charge, with pieces that are effortlessly comfortable and stylish. Many of Canada Goose’s jackets are slimmer and sexier than years past, with different pockets and interesting hardware. Footwear has been fairly understated for the last four to fi ve years, but Stevenson says she’s happy to be stocking fun, sparkly shoes this season. You’ll also see lots of glitter in handbags and belts. Stuart Weitzman has a beautiful, glittery low pump, and simple loafers are glitzed up with graphite chains or ornaments, while a number of UGG boots are adorned with a Swarovski crystal button. There’s something about fall that brings out the desire for a new pair of boots, and Stevenson says there’s already a clear winner this season — booties. “Ankle buckle boots are the new flats for fall,” declares Stevenson. “They can be worn with skirts of all lengths, leggings, boyfriend jeans, skinnies, anything.” She suspects society’s collective love of boots is partially responsible for the decline in classic suits and dress pants — everyone just wants to show off their cute boots! As trendsetters continue to pick up pieces for the season, Mayhew says many of them rely on Robert Simmonds’ Facebook page for updates and trend tips, as well as to fi nd out which items are nearly gone. “If we have one size left of an item, we try to post a photo, and it’s often scooped up immediately,” says Mayhew. “I think customers find it kind of exciting to know they’ve nabbed the last item.” _ To keep tabs on the season’s hottest fashions, follow Robert Simmonds Clothing on Facebook: www.facebook.com/robertsimmondsclothing HOME & GARDEN MAGAZINE FALL 2014
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Canada’s (indoor) Tropics! By: Ken Beattie, Canada's Favourite Gardener, Winnipeg, MB
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atience is a virtue, or so it is said, however mine for one, seems to be well tested during the low light period of winter. It seems unfair; I dutifully lifted, potted and moved all my precious tropical plants from the garden in the fall, placing them indoors in what I considered almost ideal situations and now look! You may wonder as I suggest tropical plants in a Canadian garden, and outdoors as well. The fact is that my shady backyard plot provides a super location for palms, Alocasia, Oxalis, spider plants and a raft of succulents and assorted “garden centre treats” as we call them. If you have never tried or perhaps have been reluctant to plant tropical plants into your landscape, that’s something for you to consider for this
upcoming spring. Some of my most successful attempts have been when using containers, some very large others singular. I am most proud this season of my fig (Ficus carica) which grew to exceed 2.5 meters. BC gardeners may scoff at this meager attempt as many coastal gardens produce superior plants, I however, garden in Winnipeg, on what may well be the worst soil conditions in Manitoba. The conundrum arising from my gallant endeavour is that I had absolutely no room in my home for this fig. Lucky for me the garden centre where I purchased this specimen agreed to “kennel” her for the winter in one of their cooler greenhouses, for a nominal fee of course. This is one solution that you may wish to discuss with your garden centre as well. The remaining specimens, I do use that term loosely, struggle along in various situations throughout the house. We haven’t resorted to living walls at this point in time, however that thought has crossed my mind occasionally. Stuffed, juggled, suspended and crammed my collection of destitute tropical endeavors continues to limp through winter. Fear not for if an apparent seasoned gardener struggles at least you are not alone. The major contention is of course low light conditions. Although many tropical plants thrive in low light, what is offered throughout January
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and February is cruel. Expect that new growth, if any at all, will be thin, insipid, pale in colour and very weak in natural light conditions. Harmful insect such as spider mite or thrip consider this state of affairs very much of a bonus indeed and subsequently thrive. Often the gardener’s reaction to these offsetting conditions is to fertilize, “just to strengthen the plant”. All too often this is not beneficial as the poor plant is not in active growth and a sudden surge of fertilizer typically burns the fine root hairs leaving a sodden, soggy growing media, a near death situation for the plant. Safe to say then, fertilizer is not recommended until the light conditions improve in late March or so and when the plants are showing signs of active growth.
Spider mite is most prevalent in dry, warm indoor conditions with, it seems, a particular passion for palms. Understanding that mites congregate generally on the undersides of leaves and in the leaf axils and folds, may help you keep the population in control. Total eradication is a lofty ideal and seldom a goal that is accomplished. These critters dislike higher humidity and are unable to or do not breed when the air is moist. Increasing the humidity around your plants can be accomplished by using a pebble tray. This simple solution is crafted using a larger plant saucer with an over-turned saucer placed in the centre. This “island” supports the plant pot and is surrounded by pebbles, aquarium gravel or similar aggregate. Water should always be present in this moat so that evaporation will increase the humidity in the immediate vicinity. This is a simple, beneficial and effective method to reduce mite populations. Some folks will take the time to wash the fronds of a palm with lukewarm water to remove excessive mites and their eggs also. This is time consuming but effective also. Many “tips” exist around insect control in the home, most notably the use of soaps. Be cautious here, dishwashing “soap” is not recommended even though it is often considered non harmful. A pure soap such as insecticidal soap or Safer’s soap is acceptable as a spray. The concept here is that the soap coats the insects as well as their eggs and eventually asphyxiates both. Oxalis rarely performs adequately, at least under my house conditions. I grow the species regnellii variety ‘triangularis’ with dark purple-red foliage. She performs admirably in my containers outdoors but once
inside, the glorious foliage weakens and disappears progressively to several weak stems. This Brazilian native is touted as being happygo-lucky, easy to grow and so on, but it requires better light than I have and excellent drainage also. Perhaps if placed under a lamp or in a strong, southern exposure she may bless us with more foliage. Come March, as if she could smell spring, boom, off she goes pushing leaves like there is no tomorrow and often flowering as well. With all of this perhaps doom and gloom I am still suggesting to push on and keep your tropical collection as healthy as you can. Even the best of gardeners suffer setbacks and disappointments, hence our mantra… “there is always next season”. _
Ken Beattie is the Manager of Habitat Programs with the prestigious Canadian Wildlife Federation.
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Prepare Your Garden for Winter By: Brian Spragg
W
e have been blessed with a beautiful extended season this year. Today it is 28 degrees and sunny. It seems like summer weather will last forever. Having said that fall is here and we know that this will not last forever, colder winter months are on the way. Fall is a beautiful time of year to be in the garden and an excellent time to prepare your garden and plant material for the coming winter. Here are a few tips to prepare your garden for wintertime and to help to ensure that it looks beautiful again come spring!
Evergreens With the possible exception of Dwarf Alberta Spruce, and broadleaved evergreens like Rhododendrons most evergreens are very hardy and will require little winter protection. To protect evergreens wrap them in burlap (do not use plastic) in late fall. This will protect them from drying winter winds and also from sun damage especially in southern and western exposures. In order to keep the branches of your upright cedars erect it is recommended that they are wrapped in special netting that will hold the branches tight and help prevent winter damage from snow and ice Roses Most pruning of roses is completed in the spring. However in the fall you can prune any branches that you see that could be broken by the weight of the snow and ice.
Annuals and Perennials Most perennials can be pruned and cut back to ground level in the late fall. There are some exceptions i.e. ornamental grass, lavender and others. Cutting back perennials eliminates potential habitat space for mice, insects and diseases. A thin layer of compost is also recommended to further protect perennials during winter months. Remove all annuals from your garden bed and containers. Plants decaying are a perfect place for insect, pests and diseases.
Clean up any leaves or debris from underneath the rose bush. In late fall hill up soil 8 to 10 inches around and over the canes surrounding the bud union.
This can be accomplished with burlap and or wooden covers that go over the plant to protect them from winter elements. Certain Hydrangeas’ enjoy being cut back prior to winter. Check with your local garden center for details on your particular hydrangea. Trees Rabbits, deer and rodents enjoy eating the bark of trees during winter months. Fruit trees are especially attractive. Protect the trunks of the trees by placing a spiral tree guard around the bottom of the trunk. The guards will also help prevent damage from sun scald. Fall Irrigation You will want to ensure that your garden does not go into the winter dry. It is recommended to water all garden beds and trees deeply in November. Additional Tips Turn off all outside water and drain pipes.
It is vital that the soil is packed hard. It is best to wait until just a few days prior to the last hard frost to hill up your roses.
Bring in non-outdoor type containers and pots that may crack or break during winter months.
Additional rose protection as well as instruction for care of various types of roses can be found at your local garden center.
Turn your concrete or ceramic birdbaths and fountain bowls upside down so water will not collect and freeze.
Shrubs Most shrubs if hardy to your zone should be fine during winter months.
Give your lawn the last cut of the fall and rake up all debris, leaves etc.
Some more tender plants i.e. Japanese Maples may require additional winter protection.
Plant fall bulbs to have a beautiful and colorful spring when the winter ends! _
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The Benefits of Houseplants By: Angie Cleven
Houseplants do more than just provide aesthetic value; they can actually have a positive effect on your health. In the 1980’s, NASA conducted research on the ability of tropical plants to clean the air in the space station. Since then we’ve discovered that in addition to cleansing the air of toxins plants also have other positive effects on people’s physical and mental well-being. Recently there have been many studies showing that plants also have a huge impact on the well-being of the workplace.
process of how humans breathe by taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Plants produce the oxygen we breathe thus making plants and people perfect partners. At nighttime however, photosynthesis ceases and plants behave like humans and release carbon dioxide
We all know that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during a process called photosynthesis. This is the opposite
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through transpiration. There are a few plants though that are the exception to the rule and still release oxygen at night. These include: orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads. An epiphytic plant is one that grows above the ground by attaching itself to another plant or object and deriving its nutrients from the air, rain water or dust instead of from the soil. Examples of epiphytic bromeliads include: Aechmea; Neoregelia, Guzmania; Vriesia; and Tillandsia. Besides providing us with oxygen, plants also remove harmful VOCs from the air such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde which is present in cigarette smoke and is a known carcinogen. These
substances are released from everyday items such as carpets, furniture, and household cleaners. A rough guideline for air purification is to place one plant with a pot diameter of 6-8” every 100 square feet. The top VOC fighting plants include the purple waffle plant, english ivy, variegated wax plant, and asparagus ferns. NASA findings show that houseplants were able to remove up to 87% of indoor toxins in a 24 hour period. Plants further improve our indoor air quality by releasing moisture and creating humidity around them. Plants release approximately 97% of the water they take in. Often during the winter months the air in our homes becomes too dry which can lead to respiratory irritations. The ideal humidity level for humans is between 30 and 60%.
the workplace where offices with large numbers of plants report less employee absenteeism and higher productivity. The presence of healthy plants in a work environment enhances the company’s image with clients and instills a sense of quality.
Besides the physical benefits of having plants around, there are also positive mental benefits as well. Plants have been shown to reduce stress levels and even blood pressure. Plants generally make people happier and more productive. This is especially important in
According to NASA, the top air purifying plants are as follows: English ivy, Spider Plant, Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Bamboo Palm, Snake Plant, Philodendron, Dracaena Marginata, Weeping Fig, and Rubber Plant. Fortunately these plants are all common in most Garden Centers and several of them are very easy to care for. So in addition to your “apple a day to keep the doctor away”, why not plant some healthy in your house today! _
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Festivity
Add a Splash of with Cranberries By: Mark DeWolf
C
ranberries are without doubt the unofficial fruit of the holiday season. Few of our holiday dinner tables don’t have a classic cranberry sauce to accompany the Christmas bird and some of the traditionalists amongst us continue to adorn our trees with strings of this festively coloured fruit. But there is so much more that we can do with cranberries to add not only punchy tang to holiday cuisine but also a welcome splash of festive colour to our holiday tables. As a sommelier, all occasions begin with the wine and thankfully adding an infusion of cranberry flavour to the dinner table is easy from a vinous perspective. While my tastes veer to fermented grapes over fruit a number of Canadian wineries, especially those in
climate challenged areas, are creating good wines from cranberries. Cranberries natural tang is well suited to wine production as acidity – a critical component to any good wine – is more prevalent in freshly crushed cranberries compared to other fruits. If you are like me and you prefer to find a little cranberry tang in your red wines as opposed to fruit wines, you are in luck as a number wine styles provide a flavour reminiscent of fresh cranberries. In the Old World look to simple Sangiovese wines such as those from Emilia-Romagna or the most basic of Chianti. However, you don’t have to go across the ocean to discover festive flavoured red wines. Cool climate California Pinot, such as those
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made along the Sonoma coastline or further south in the cooler extremes of Monterey often have a little cranberry tang to them. If aged in American oak they can also pick up some winter spice (cinnamon, clove) spiciness. Can you get more holiday inspired than that? Canadian wine lovers should gravitate to Niagara and Prince Edward County (Ontario) Pinot Noir. The latter in particular is most definitely a cool climate and its Pinot Noir’s boast a distinctive cranberry-like tang. The dining table can also get an infusion of cranberry colour and not just from a bowl of cranberry sauce. While I like to think there is an inner Martha Stewart in me, my crafty mind and oafish hands never seem to work
together. Even the most decorating challenged of us can come up with some stunning cranberry-inspired decorations that require little more than some creative inspiration and in the case of our cranberry ice bowl a good recipe for a holiday-inspired punch. Give your holiday table some pizzazz with some cranberry inspired centerpieces. The simplest idea is to simply fill brandy snifters with fresh cranberries (be sure to leave about ½-inch of room at the top – you don’t want them overflowing). Set out three or four along a decorative runner and suddenly you have centerpieces that are seconds in the making. If you want to add a little embellishment and atmosphere simply wedge some tea lights into the cranberries. It couldn’t be simpler. For a little more elaborate way of incorporating cranberries into your holiday celebrations try making a cranberry ice bowl for your favourite holiday punch recipe. Serving a festive punch is always a great idea when entertaining a group. Not only is it attractive but also helps keep the punch cold. You can add pizzazz to the presentation by creating a festive punch bowl. I recommend creating an ice bowl full of cranberries for some festive flair. You’ll need 2 stainless steel bowls that fit into each other (ideally with ½-inch room between them). Place the smaller bowl inside the larger one and fill ½-inch from top with water. Add cranberries to the water. Place it in the freezer overnight. 20 minutes before the party starts remove it from the freezer. Invert to remove outer bowl. Remove inner bowl and set out on a decorative towel as it will melt over time. Fill with punch. Here are some other ideas to infuse the flavour of cranberry into your holiday occasions. Enjoy!
Cranberry Apricot Chutney 1 lb fresh cranberries 1 lemon, juiced, zested 1 lime, juiced, zested 12 dried apricots, finely sliced 1 cup sugar ¼ cup red wine ½ tablespoon minced fresh ginger ½ cup dried cranberries 1 cinnamon stick
Cranberry Sparkling Cocktail 2 tablespoons cranberry simple syrup (see recipe below) 4 ounces sparkling wine Twist of orange
Place all the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until thick. Cool & store in glass jars for up to one month. Like our recipe for cranberry simple syrup this makes an excellent hostess gift.
Directions Place cranberry simple syrup in a Champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a twist of orange. Cranberry Simple Syrup 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries Directions Place the water, sugar and cranberries in a pot. Bring to a boil. When the sugar has dissolved reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. Let it steep for a couple hours to infuse as much cranberry flavour as possible. Strain to remove the cranberries. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. Author’s Recommendation: My recommendation is to make extras of this recipe. Fill decorative bottles and give as an epicurean inspired hostess gift. You can dress up the package even more by accompanying it with a bottle of your favourite sparkling wine and a recipe for our Cranberry Sparkling Cocktail. They are sure to enjoy this gift over the holidays.
Mark DeWolf is a food, wine and travel writer. He owns By the Glass which conducts epicurean travel adventures to destinations around the world including Spain.
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Fall Perennial Care Fall is a great time to do some last minute chores in the garden. The weather is generally cooler and there are no flies to contend with. Perennials can be cut back once the foliage has turned yellow or brown but not all perennials need to, or even should be cut back at this time of year. To a certain degree, it is a matter of personal preference and time constraints. There are of course both pros and cons to everything and fall perennial clean up sometimes becomes a choice between aesthetics and good husbandry. Leaving some perennials intact can provide great winter interest under the snow while also providing food and shelter for birds. All types of echinacea would fall into this category. As well, the remaining foliage provides important insulation for the crowns of plants, helping them to overwinter. Asclepias and heuchera both benefit from having this extra insulation. Another theory is that leaving the foliage intact prevents excess water from getting down into the crown of the plant. On the other side of the argument, there are some perennials that should have their foliage removed in the fall to prevent the spread of disease. Fungi spores can easily overwinter on fallen leaves near the base of the
plant. Any plants that are prone to powdery mildew or disease such as phlox, monarda, and irises should be cleaned up in the fall and the foliage disposed of. It is important not to put any spotty or potentially diseased leaves on the compost pile as disease can easily overwinter and spread with the compost. Never remove the foliage from plants before it yellows. Plants take starches and sugars from the leaves and store them in the roots over the winter. This is what enables the plants to generate new growth in the spring. A few perennials which are evergreen or semi evergreen should never be pruned in the fall such as helleborus and bergenia. Still, other categories of perennials are best pruned in the spring. Some can even be harmed or killed
if pruned heavily in the fall. Examples of such plants would include lavender, bearberry, and Russian sage. These types of plants have woody stem bases on which there are overwintering buds, the source of next year’s growth. It is best to wait until spring and then perform a scratch test. If when the stem is scratched it appears white underneath, the branch is alive. If it looks brown or black then it is dead and can be pruned down to the live wood. Grasses are usually left intact because many are late bloomers and look beautiful in the fall and into winter. If you do decide to cut them back in the fall make sure to leave at least twelve inches of stems to help the plant overwinter. Fall is a great time to divide, move, and even plant new perennials. They are less prone to heat stress and usually there is an abundance of water with fall rains. If it is dry though it is important to keep watering perennials until the ground freezes to help them prepare for winter. _
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