Bloom Holiday 2013

bloom 2013 Holiday

Quarterly Inspiration for your Garden, Home & Lifestyle from Al’s Garden Center

The story behind Al’s

Ice Apples A Poinsettia for Every Palette

ou Y g n i h s Wi

joy

r o f s u Join Al’s Sherwood Thursday, Nov. 7 4pm - 9pm

Browse our beautiful Grown by Al’s poinsettias and holiday decorations

Stroll through our stunning designer decorated trees.

Sample gourmet holiday food.

Enjoy live music from 6-8pm.

Enter to win great prizes

Al’s Woodburn Friday, Nov. 8 4pm - 9pm

Enjoy 10% off your purchases

Stroll through our stunning designer decorated trees.

Sample gourmet holiday food.

Enjoy live music from 6-8pm.

Food and drinks available for purchase

Al’s Gresham

Saturday, Nov. 9 4pm - 8pm Register & come early for the

poinsettia greenhouse tour at 3:30pm.

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Registration is appreciated.

Learn more and register at

als-gardencenter.com

Holiday 2013

6 12

4

Letter from Jack

6

How Do You Like Them Apples?

‘Tis the Season

The Story Behind Al’s Ice Apples

10

Deck the Halls

12

A Poinsettia for Every Palette

16

Al’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

19

Events

20

Seasonal Bloomers and Beyond

21

Fall & Winter Landscaping

Simple Steps for a DIY Wreath

Add New Color to your Holiday Décor

November & December

Indoor Hydrangeas Find New Life Outdoors

Tips from Al’s Landscape Designer

Three locations to serve you:

Subscription inquiries

Woodburn 1220 N Pacific Hwy, Woodburn 97071 (503) 981-1245

To receive a subscription to Al’s Bloom Magazine, sign up for Al’s Garden Rewards Program at any of our three store locations. Once you have earned 100 points as an Al’s Garden Rewards Member, you will begin to receive Al’s Bloom Magazine.

Sherwood 16920 SW Roy Rogers Rd, Sherwood 97140 (503) 726-1162 Gresham 7505 SE Hogan Rd, Gresham 97080 (503) 491-0771

als-gardencenter.com

To Advertise Call (503) 726-1162 Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written authorization by Al’s Garden Center. ©2013

holiday 2013| 3

‘Tis the Season!

It’s hard to believe another year has almost come and gone. I thought with age would come more time to stop and smell the roses but I find I am busier than ever!

Having 13 grandchildren means that there is never a dull moment and that is even truer around the holidays. One thing I have learned over the years is to embrace every moment and count it as a blessing.

As we head into 2014, I want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your homes, your landscape and your lives.

Nothing brings me greater pleasure than to help someone find the perfect plant, solve a garden pest problem or design a new garden bed. I think I am genetically predisposed to being a garden addict and it is in my nature to share my love of gardening with you. Thank you for being a part of Al’s and for allowing us to feed your gardening passion for 65 years.

My senses are in overdrive with all of the holiday happenings.

And while there are many holiday traditions that I cherish, I look forward most to the arrival of Ice Apples. This sweet, juicy fruit is packed with flavor and unmatched in my book by any other holiday treat (and may I add, a healthier option that most holiday treats). Learn the story of Al’s exclusive Ice Apples on pages 6-9.

Each of our retail stores have been transformed into a uniquely designed holiday shop, filled with dazzling displays. While our love of plants and gardening is what got us started, we delight in the merriment and joy of the holidays by creating winter wonderlands for all ages to enjoy. Inside this holiday edition of Bloom, you’ll find a sampling of the beautiful decorations we have in store for you and a gift guide filled with wonderful ideas for everyone on your list.

We are delighted for Mrs. Claus to make her annual stop at Al’s to read stories to the children (see the Storytime with Mrs. Claus schedule on page 19). Back by popular demand, we will be hosting our 13th Annual “Evening of Lights” in Sherwood on November 7th, Woodburn on November 8th, and for the first time, Gresham on November 9th. Our Gresham location will also host a poinsettia growing tour you won’t want to miss!

Most importantly, we hope that you enjoy time with your family and friends during the holidays, building memories and counting your blessings. We look forward to being a part of your holiday traditions and will continue to work hard to serve your garden needs in the New Year.

God Bless,

I am a traditional guy at heart, but I love the excitement of something new and poinsettias offer a combination of both.

From traditional red to novelty poinsettias in many shapes, shades and sizes, there is something for everyone. Discover how you can incorporate new color into your holiday décor in “Poinsettias for Every Palette” on page 12.

Each year, many servicemen and women are serving our country during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Al’s wants to show support by again donating to the Semper Fi Fund for every Christmas tree sold during the holiday season.

Please join us in supporting the soldiers who have done so much for us!

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Al's Son & 2nd Generation Owner

has the perfect

Christmas Tree for your family!

Noble Fir Trees 5-6’ 6-7’ 7-8’ 8-9’ 9-10’*

$27.99 $29.99 $37.99 $49.99 $69.99

*Limited quantities, please call stores for availability. See stores for other varieties, sizes and prices. Available at Al’s starting November 26.

Living Tree Rentals Rent a living Christmas tree from Al’s and we’ll deliver and pick it up*! Al’s living trees are grown locally, guaranteed fresh and pre-treated to prevent drying.

5-6’ 6-7’

$99.99 $109.99

Noble Fir only. *Delivery included within a 10-mile radius from Al’s stores.

Al’s proudly supports the

Flocked Trees Add the look of recent snow to any fresh-cut tree with our flocking service. We can custom flock your tree just the way you want it! Light or heavy dustings, branch tips only... we can even add sparkles to replicate the glistening effect of fallen snow!

Please call our stores for flocking options & pricing.

Trees generally ready for pick-up between 24 - 48 hours. Size limitations apply.

For every cut Christmas tree sold, Al’s will donate $1 to this worthy cause.

Fundraiser runs November 26 - December 24 holiday 2013| 5

How Do You Like Them

Apples?

Wenatchee Valley produces tons of apples each season, but none quite as delicious as Jan and Doug Merriman’s Ice Apple.

The Merrimans like to call themselves a “two-horse operation.”

Doug manages the apple orchard while Jan works the small retail nursery.

Tucked away in Washington’s Wenatchee Valley, about 6 hours from Portland, their 35-acre White River Farms produced 200 tons of apples last year.

A small crop compared to the bigger orchards nearby, but people from all over love their Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious and Fuji apples, sold in supermarkets.

On this day, the husband and wife team are between harvests. Al’s Bloom caught up with them as they surveyed the orchard with their two year-old beagle, Butter. We’re here to talk apples.

Ice Apples. These delicious treats have become an annual favorite at Al’s. Like clockwork once the weather cools, customers begin inquiring, “When will the Ice Apples arrive?”

If you’ve never tried an Ice Apple, you might wonder what it is and why they’re asking. Just one bite and you’ll understand. Ice Apples are Fuji apples that are purposely left on the tree until the first frost.

This causes the inside of the apple (the water core) to crystallize, resulting in the sweetest, crispest, most delicious apple you’ve ever tasted.

“I can’t say the first time we picked one it was purposeful,” says Doug. “We had some Fujis that were too green and small for commercial harvest, so we just left them on the trees. When some friends asked for apples after the harvest, we had nothing left, so we picked them.” holiday 2013| 7

While Ice Apples are superior in taste, their high sugar content makes them less ideal for the supermarket sales, which requires long warehouse storage.

Further, harvest time for Ice Apples can be unpredictable because it is dependent on cooler conditions. Doug says for the water core to appear, temperatures must drop below 40°F for at least three nights.

“Where we live, you’re skirting disaster occasionally, so we keep a close watch of weather and temperatures,” he says.

“These apples don’t freeze at 32°F because they have so much sugar. But, if they freeze, they have to thaw out on their own. So, sometimes we only have a window of a few hours to pick them.” In the mid ‘90s, the Merrimans lost twothirds of their crop when temperatures dropped to 15°F for an entire week.

Al’s Owner Jack Bigej was introduced to Ice Apples about ten years ago. “We were doing some nursery business with Doug and Jan and they brought some down for the girls in the office,” says Jack. “Before Al’s got into the plant business, we were in the fruit business for many years -- so, I know a good apple when I taste one.

These Ice Apples were the best darn apples I’ve ever eaten! I immediately knew we had to sell them in the stores and with limited quantities, Al’s had to have them all!”

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“We figured they might take off -- if Jack had anything to do with it,” laughs Jan. The first year Jack ordered 7,200 pounds for Al’s stores, and had plenty to spare. But as word-of-mouth spread, that changed. Last year, Jack commissioned the Merrimans to expand the crop, bringing in nearly 30,000 pounds of Ice Apples, which promptly sold out in a matter of weeks.

“It’s just good to know there are still people who want apples that taste good.

They don’t have to be solid red and perfect, like the grocery stores. It’s all about the taste,” says Jan.

Doug agrees, “Ice apples are the highest dessert quality, and definitely my favorite.

And, I’ve got a choice of A LOT of apples to eat.”

Ice Apples are sprayed

with an organic green sand to prevent their skin from getting “sunburned.” At harvest, because the apples are so ripe and delicate, they must be individually

polished by

hand to remove any residue.

At this time, the workers will also inspect for quality. Unlike apples that are commercially processed, Ice Apples are not run through brush machines and they are not

waxed.

Photography by: Randy Dawson

Bring in this coupon for

One Pound of Ice Apples

FREE

Discount not valid with any other offers. One coupon per customer.

While supplies last.

Ice Apples arrive early November!

Call for availability. holiday 2013| 9

Deck the Halls

Simple Steps for a DIY Wreath

Step #3 Attach decorations to wreath

Whether you start with a wreath made from fresh-cut greens or an everlasting wreath, these circular symbols of the holidays are easy and fun to decorate.

• For a professional look, use an odd numbers of objects, 3, 5, 7… depending on the size of your wreath.

Wreaths are a holiday tradition, hung indoors and out, adding life and color to any location. Decorating your own wreath gives you a chance to showcase your personal style and even your sense of humor. Below are a few simple steps to help you create a decorated wreath that is uniquely you.

Step #1. Choose a theme • A theme can be something as simple as a color, for example “red” where most items on the wreath contain the color red.

• A theme can also be a subject, like this wreath “Birds and Berries” where clusters of small birds and colorful berries are the focal points.

• Space objects in a way that you like, using wire or a glue gun to attach them onto the wreath.

Step #2 Add lights, bow, and ribbon

Step #4 Tie on bow “tails” and add glitter

• Add lights if desired leaving a gap for the bow. LED battery-powered strings work best. Be sure to attach the battery pack securely to the back of the wreath frame.

Attach matching pieces of ribbon to make two “tails” for your main bow. The tails can be different lengths or the same, and can fall evenly onto each side of the wreath, or look as if they are blowing to one side.

• Use a pre-tied bow, or make your own using wired ribbon, selecting colors that correspond with your theme. Note: The wired ribbon helps the bow hold its shape and keeps the ribbon from laying flat on your wreath.

• Place the bow on your wreath. If you prefer a traditional look, attach the bow • Other ideas for themes include: objects at 12 o’clock. For a contemporary look, you collect, such as Santas or snowmen, place the bow at 10:00 or somewhere or objects that have sentimental value, else off center. such as ornaments that your children made or seashells from your last vacation. • Pinch and tuck wired ribbon throughout your wreath, fluffing as • Gather objects that fit your theme. needed. Don’t wrap the ribbon.

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• Add the final touch by applying a light coat of glue to some of your objects, then sprinkle with glitter. The pinecones on this wreath sparkle with their light shimmer. Remember, a little glitter goes a long way!

There is no “right” way to do decorate your wreath. Use colors and items that you like, that reflect your life and your personality. Whether your wreath is decorated with “birds and berries” or your children’s handmade ornaments, it will be beautiful!

Save with Holiday

Décor Packages:

Decorate in Style with

Easy Décor • One 5-6 ft. Noble Christmas Tree • One 12 in. Green Wreath • Five Poinsettias in 4.5 in. pots

Fresh-Cut Greens

Package $59.99 Save $23!

Deluxe Décor • One 6-7 ft. Noble Christmas Tree • One 12 in. Green Wreath • Three poinsettias in 6.5 in. pots • 10 ft. of Garland

Al’s carries locally harvested and fresh-cut green products for adding holiday charm and warmth to your home!

Wreaths Garlands Centerpieces

Package $89.99 Save $24!

8”-20” in stock. 24”-60” available by special order.

Available by the foot or in 75’ rolls.

Pre-made. Available in small or large

sizes. Decorated or undecorated.

Cut greens Decorative accessories Sold by the pound.

Customize your

colors with bows, picks, ornaments and candles.

Deck the Halls • One 7-8 ft. Noble Christmas Tree • One 14 in. Green Wreath • Three poinsettias in 6.5 in. pots • One poinsettia in an 8.5 in. pot • 20 ft. of Garland

Package $139.99 Save $32!

holiday 2013| 11

A Poinsettia for Every Palette

Christmas poinsettias come in many spectacular colors, offering gorgeous alternatives to traditional red and green holiday decor Orange Spice poinsettias pair well with soothing natural tones to create a calming atmosphere, and coordinate well in most homes.

Bring some of the outdoors in; fresh greens, tree branches or winter berries. Carry over fall pumpkins to add a festive touch.

Bright orange bracts on the ORANGE SPICE POINSETTIA create striking contrast next to dark green leaves.

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Nothing screams Christmas like Santa’s red suit, and if you’re a traditionalist, a vibrant red poinsettia like Christmas Day might be exactly what you need. Red poinsettias continue to be a holiday favorite -- and are one reason why poinsettias are the #1 selling potted plant in the United States.

CHRISTMAS DAY POINSETTIA is one of many reds, available in many different shades and hues.

holiday 2013| 13

Discover new and unique ways to decorate this Christmas with alternative colors. Start with your existing ornaments, then mix in non-traditional colors, like this Marbella poinsettia, for a completely different look.

If you want to make a bold statement, select a variegated variety, like this MARBELLA POINSETTIA with pink and cream bracts.

The brilliance of white and silver paired with Artic White poinsettias create an elegant dĂŠcor that can be used all winter long. After the Christmas decorations are packed away, pull out the party hats and champagne to ring in the new year!

Stunning pure white bracts on the ARTIC WHITE POINSETTIA create a heavenly winter theme.

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Send a gift from the

! t s e w h t r o N

12” Wreath $

24.99

14” Wreath $

29.99

16” Wreath $

34.99

Send a gift from the Northwest to someone across the miles with locally grown and harvested wreaths from

Order in-store or online at

als-gardencenter.com

Available beginning November 18 Orders will be processed within two business days of order placement.

Shipping costs vary by location.

A $5.00 fee for the box and handling is included in the shipping fee.

Orders are subject to availability.

$10 off any Christmas merchandise purchase of $50 or more

25% off All Fresh Cut Wreaths!

Valid: November 14 - November 26, 2013

Valid: November 29 - December 1, 2013

bloom Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

bloom Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

Buy One Regular Priced Poinsettia, Get One 50% off

30% off 1-Gallon Outdoor Ferns

(Offer valid on one plant of equal or lesser value)

Valid: January 16 - January 31, 2014

Valid: November 29 - December 8, 2013

bloom

bloom

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

holiday 2013| 15

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from Hansa Toy International, Inc.

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$16 - $850

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Gift Box Cuto uts: large square $16; small ro und $14.50; small square $8.50

Snowman: 12” $20 8” $10 20” with tree $32

Button Deer Cuto small red $9.5 uts: 0; large green $12.5

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Christmas Tree scarf & hat

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Merry Memories bagged potpourri: $24

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scents of the season

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$24.99 each

“Cookies for Sa nta” 2-piece gift set with plate & mug Holiday -themed plate & mug sets, assorted styles

Holiday Events November l Al’s 13th annual “Evening of Lights” Thursday, November 7th 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm [ S ] Friday, November 8th 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm [ W ] Kick off the holidays by joining us for this annual tradition! Awaken your holiday spirit as you stroll through hundreds of fresh poinsettias, grown locally in Al’s Greenhouses. Browse the store aisles filled with designerdecorated themed trees. Dine on delicious food for sale from Slick’s Big Time BBQ, and sip wine and champagne for sale from St. Josef ’s Winery.

From 6:00 - 8:00pm, enjoy live holiday music by Dany Oakes and Dan Abrahamson in Sherwood and Maurice Hittner in Woodburn. Enter to win one of several jolly prizes, including a $100 Al’s Gift Card, a fresh 7-foot tall Christmas tree and a wreath of freshly cut greens! Also, on this special night enjoy 10% off all your purchases. Don’t miss this special event! Registration is appreciated, register online at www.als-gardencenter.com

The “Evening of Lights” at Al’s in Gresham Saturday, November 9th 4:00 - 8:00 pm [ G ] Join us for our first Evening of Lights event at Al’s in Gresham. Enjoy the sparkle of the holiday lights as you wander the store filled with beautiful displays of freshly grown poinsettias. Savor delicious food for sale from Veraci Pizza and sip wonderful wines for sale from St. Josef ’s Winery.

Enter to win one of several jolly prizes including a $100 Gift Card from Al’s Garden Center, a fresh 7-foot tall Christmas tree, and a wreath of fresh cut greens. Also, on this special night enjoy 10% off all your purchases. Get your holidays off to a great unhurried, sparkling start and join us for this first-time evening event at Al’s in Gresham. Registration is appreciated, register online at www.als-gardencenter.com

Poinsettia Greenhouse Tour Saturday, November 9th 3:30 pm [ G ] Al’s growers take you through our growing greenhouses to see thousands of poinsettias in different stages of bloom. Experience the amazing views in these greenhouses that are normally not open to the public. Also, get some tips and tricks to keep your poinsettias looking fresh and beautiful all season long. Registration is required; register online at www.als-gardencenter.com. Be prepared to walk through the working greenhouses on uneven ground.

Veteran’s Day Thank You Monday, November 11th 10:00 am - 6:00 pm [ S ] [ W ] [ G ]

l

Al’s would like to say “Thank You” to veterans for your service.

Veterans and active duty service members can show their Military ID and receive 20% off of all purchases.

[ W ] Woodburn: (503) 981-1245 [ S ] Sherwood: (503) 726-1162 [ G ] Gresham: (503) 491-0771

Workshop: Totally Terrariums Saturday, November 16th at 1:00 pm [ G ] Sunday, November 17th 1:00 pm [ W ] Sunday, November 24th 1:00 pm [ S ] You’ll make your own terrarium to keep yourself, or give as a gift.

Registration is required, and space is limited. Call the store you’d like to attend to register.

Cost: $25.00 per kit. Kit includes glass bowl, 3 small indoor plants, soil, charcoal, gravel and other decorative items.

Decorating Wreaths and “Always in Bloom” planters for the Holidays Saturday, November 23rd at 1:00 pm [ S ] [ W ] [ G ] Attend this fun class and spark your holiday creativity! Watch and learn from Al’s Experts how to add ornaments, ribbons and candles to fresh cut green wreaths and “Always in Bloom” planters. Take these ideas and skills home to create your own unique holiday décor!

December l Workshop: Holiday Centerpieces Saturday, December 7th [ S ] 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm [ W ] 1:00 pm, [ G ] 1:00 pm Use fresh greens to create a holiday centerpiece! We’ll show you stepby-step how to add ornaments and candles to create a customized centerpiece perfect for your holiday table. This is a “hands-on” workshop. Registration is required, and space is limited. Call the store you’d like to attend to register.

Cost: Small Centerpiece $25.00, Large Centerpiece $35.00 Price includes materials to make one centerpiece.

Story Time with Mrs. Claus Saturday, December 7th [ W ] 10:30 am Saturday, December 14th [ S ] 10:30 am Saturday, December 21st [ G ] 10:30 am Young children are invited to join Mrs. Claus as she reads some of her favorite Christmas classics. Parents and grandparents are urged to bring their cameras to capture bright eyes and big smiles!

Poinsettia Recycling Saturday, December 28th through Monday, January 13th [S][W][G] Bring in your holiday poinsettia, pot, plant and all to Al’s and receive a 30% discount off the regular price of a fresh houseplant. Houseplants are proven to improve air quality and reduce stress levels. Live Better in the New Year with a fresh houseplant.

holiday2013 2013||19 19 holiday

Seasonal Bloomers and

Beyond

Indoor Hydrangeas Find New Life Outdoors in the Garden

Blooming hydrangeas in the middle of winter are a miracle from greenhouse growers around the world. Professional growers nurture these hydrangeas to bloom out-of-season for many holidays, especially during Christmastime. At Al's Garden Centers, you will find 'Shooting Star' Hydrangeas grown at Bay City Floral in California and ‘Snowball’ Hydrangeas grown by Al's Head Annuals Grower Jill West.

These beautiful flowering hydrangeas can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season but don’t need to be tossed away with the wrapping paper.

Give these lovely plants as a gift or pair them with poinsettias for lovely holiday décor. Indoors, the pure white blooms will last for weeks. Once the holidays are over, plant these hydrangeas outdoors in your garden where you can enjoy the blooms once again!

It's an easy process. You just need to be a little patient.

Indoor and Outdoor Hydrangea Care * Indoors -- keep your blooming hydrangea evenly moist with as much bright light available this time of year. * After blooms finally turn brown, clip them off, but keep the plants indoors in a cool area of your home. Make sure it is getting as much available bright light as possible with the soil just slightly moist between waterings. * In early May, these two varieties of hydrangeas can be planted outdoors in a shady garden receiving morning sun with afternoon shade. * Before planting in your garden, slowly acclimatize the hydrangea to the spring weather. Bring your plant outside during the day and back inside at night for 3 to 4 days.

Amend the soil with compost and plant the hydrangea as you would any other shrub. * Apply Al’s Transplant Fertilizer to give your plants the added energy needed to settle in to their new space. * Keep the soil evenly moist.

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‘Shooting Star’ Hydrangeas will grow to aproximately 3 ft by 3 ft and ‘Snowball’ grows about 3-5ft tall by 3-5ft wide. Since the shrubs have been tricked to bloom at Christmastime, you may not see flowers the first summer. Be patient and flowers should appear in the second summer flowering season.

In the spirit of recycling, planting gift hydrangeas is a great way to double your enjoyment of these beautiful flowering plants.

Fall & Winter Landscaping Cool weather design tips from Al’s Landscape Designer Michael Alvarado

Layer

When designing a bed or garden, think about layering from the back to the front. High in the back and lowest in the front. That garden that you admire probably has at least 4 distinct layers- don’t forget about the canopy, and ground cover. Corsican mint and creeping thyme are amongst my favorites for ground cover.

Keep it green... Evergreen

(This does not necessarily mean needles and scales). There are some great broadleaf evergreen shrubs that can liven up your garden, even in the middle of the winter. Check out Kaleidoscope Abelia, Pieris, Hebe, ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia, Mountain Laurel and Rock Rose. For “lower layers” I also love Hellebore, Heuchera, and the Sword, Tassel and Autumn ferns.

Contain We’ve all been to Al’s and found something

that we HAVE TO HAVE! I’m shamelessly a member of this club. In design we call this “collecting.” Embrace it. Enjoy it... and contain it. A great garden always includes a place for the gardener to play. Use this area as a space to try new colors, textures and personalities. Doing this will also help reduce clutter around those plants that we want to feature.

Expand the season of interest Those

plants with great fall color usually end up shedding their leaves for the winter; Some of these can also offer interest through the winter and spring. Take advantage of these qualities. Plant an Oak Leaf Hydrangea or Coral bark maple near a kitchen or bedroom window where you can appreciate it’s spring, summer and fall beauty, as well as it’s its interesting bark in the winter. These types of trees and shrubs will also allow more holiday 2013| 21

Previous page, left to right: Winterberry and Kaleidoscope Abelia. Above, clockwise from left to right: Hellebore, Autumn Fern, ‘Plum Royale’ Heuchera, ‘Georgia Peach’ Heuchera, ‘Ivory Prince’ Hellebore, ‘Fire n’ Ice’ Pieris

light into our homes through those grey winters. Smoke Bush, Vine maples and Red Twig Dogwood shrubs are also great deciduous plants with long seasons of interest.

Layer again The richest looking contemporary

gardens take advantage of different sized plants and a thoughtful variety of materials. Don’t forget to incorporate some native looking stone (blue or grey) or an inviting bench, a playful birdbath or elegant iron trellis. Exercise a little restraint when it comes to selecting colors of pottery or the number of birdbaths in one area of your garden- three may be too many.

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Love or let go I sometimes get tired of a plant

and pass it along to a friend. The goal is to love every square foot of your garden. If you don’t like something, give it to your mother-in-law and go find something else. For some classic beauty try an Evergold Japanese sedge, Nandina or Mexican Orange. But not necessarily together.

Appointments with Al’s Landscape Designer Michael Alvarado are available at all three Al’s stores.

To schedule, call (503) 726-1162.

holiday 2013| 23

16920 SW Roy Rogers Road Sherwood, OR 97140 1220 N. Pacific Highway Woodburn, OR 97071 7505 SE Hogan Road Gresham, OR 97080 als-gardencenter.com

g n i n e d r a G f o t f i G Give the

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with a Gift Card from Al’s!

Purchase at stores or online at:

als-gardencenter.com