Al's Bloom Magazine Holiday 2016

bloom 2016 HOLIDAY

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

Themes of the Season Poinsettias to be Thankful For Texture, Contrast, Color & GLITZ!

Light Up Your

Holidays

Please join us for our 16th Annual

Al’s of Sherwood Thursday, Nov. 3rd 4pm - 9pm

Stroll through designer decorated Christmas trees as you listen to live holiday music. Relax in the warm greenhouses filled with colorful, freshly grown poinsettias. Enter to win one of several festive prizes, and enjoy delicious food and wine for sale.

Let the holidays begin!

Al’s of Woodburn Friday, Nov. 4th 4pm - 9pm Al’s of Gresham Saturday, Nov. 12th 3pm - 7pm

Admission is FREE Arrive early in Gresham for our Poinsettia Greenhouse Tour!

Two Tours: 2:00pm & 3:30pm Al’s of Gresham We’re opening up our growing greenhouses in Gresham and allowing tours through our thousands of beautiful poinsettias. The tour will be guided

by Al’s very own Mark Bigej. This is a popular tour, and space is limited, so register now while there is still space.

Learn more and register at als-gardencenter.com

bloom HOLIDAY 2016

In this issue: 4

Letter From Jack

5

8

Building Memories & Counting Blessings

Themes of the Season

Decorator-designed Christmas Trees

Poinsettias to be Thankful For

Going beyond the red poinsettia

12

Deck The Halls Guide to Home Décor

18

Texture, Contrast, Color & GLITZ!

20

Light Up Your Holiday

22

Aaron’s Ice Apple Pie

Al’s holiday décor guide

Creating a holiday container

Lighting options for a bright, fun Christmas season.

Al’s Garden Recipe

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Building Memories & Counting Blessings

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he cool weather and shorter days make it almost certain that fall is in full swing and Christmas is right around the corner. Ahh, yes, it truly is the most wonderful time of year (except for the growing season, it might be a close second to that)!

My granddaughter installed an app on my iPhone that counts down the hours, minutes and seconds until Christmas, just to make sure that I don’t forget when it will arrive. The daily countdown is nice, but I couldn’t possibly forget when the sights, sounds and beauty of Christmas surround me every time I walk into one of our retail stores.

Christmas will be here soon and as always, our purple elves have been busy turning our garden centers into winter wonderlands. Get inspired by over 20 designerdecorated Christmas trees, each with their own unique theme. The perfect hostess gift, holiday decoration or Christmas gift awaits you at Al’s.

When you think of Christmas and flowers, I bet poinsettias come to mind. They are a beautiful accent with their brilliant bracts of color and though traditional red makes up over half of our crop, we are falling for unique varieties and colors that jumpstart the poinsettia season in late fall. Add to your Thanksgiving tablescape and autumn décor with varieties such as Cinnamon Star with shades of peachy pink bracts sprinkled with a dusting of darker pink speckles or Cortez Burgundy with its rich burgundy tones that add nicely to your autumn hues and then transition easily into Christmas.

Our gift buyer, Candace Moffatt, has been busy buying and preparing all of the Christmas decorations for the holiday season. Don’t miss out on her holiday decorating guide, which highlights some of our favorite items for the 2016 season.

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After you are done making the inside of your home beautiful, don’t forget to head outdoors and jazz up the front porch. Josh Clarke, Al’s Sherwood Store Manager, makes it easy with his holiday winter container designs. By choosing a theme and then adding color and texture, you can easily create a masterpiece that looks picture perfect throughout the holidays and into spring.

Finally, don’t forget to light up the night with outdoor lighting and decorations. Al’s has everything you need to guide Santa’s sleigh to your home this holiday.

Our acrylic décor is made to look like ice, with bright white sparkling lights in fun animal shapes. They are a nice addition to your outdoor space and add brilliant light to dark corners.

As 2016 comes to a close, I look forward to seeing you and celebrating all of the wonder and joy this season brings. We invite you to join in the festivities of our 16th Annual Evening of Lights or bring your family to share in our tradition of Mrs. Claus. Most importantly, we hope you enjoy time with your family and friends, 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!

Al’s Son & 2nd Generation Owner

Whether your style is traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, we’ve got the most beautiful trees for you to shop from. Add a wreath for the door, and some lights to brighten the path, and you’re all ready for the Holidays. Make sure to join us for our Evening of Lights, and see all of our themed trees come to life!

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Simply Christmas This sophisticated ski lodge tree achieves its look with lots of sleigh bells, and the use of plaid, wood, and metal. No classic ski lodge is complete without a touch of skis and sleighs all dressed up with pinecones and holly berries. Finish decorating with deer and antler highlights, making your home the perfect ski lodge get-away.

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Frozen Lake You’re going to love this cool frozen-themed tree.

Ornaments feature icicles and cracked ice, with lots of white and blue accents. This tree is frozen and still, offering cool reflections, and small icy touches of nature.

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Christmas Conservatory We’re all dressed up for this classic Christmas with a twist! Foliage and floral accents abound on this tree. The white garden accents of deer and the use of natural Santas make this tree unique.

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ith the Halloween extravaganza and hustle and bustle of Christmas following shortly behind, the beauty of late fall and Thanksgiving seems to get lost in the shuffle nowadays. Poinsettias and Christmas

have long gone together like cookies and milk, but with so many colors and choices available now, poinsettias don’t have to be just for Christmas anymore, and they definitely don’t have to be just red.

Poinsettias

to be

by Jill West, Al’s Annual Grower

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1 ) Cinnamon Star.

The peachy pink-bracts on this variety are speckled with slightly darker pink dots, making it look as though they have been sprinkled with cinnamon. The unusual color makes it a great option for Thanksgiving décor when you’re not quite ready to give way to the reds of the Christmas season, or just want some indoor color late fall.

2 ) Cortez Burgundy.

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Like a nice glass of red wine, this poinsettia has rich, burgundy colored bracts. It looks as good on your Thanksgiving table with leaves and berries as it does with traditional Christmas themes, making it an easy and versatile way to transition between holidays.

4)

Thankful For

This year, Al’s is growing 30 varieties of poinsettias that are anything but red, for those of us who want to savor the late fall season along with our pumpkin pie.

Check out some of our favorite non-traditional poinsettias

3)

that are perfect for Thanksgiving decorating, adding some beauty to your home in November, or just having a unique look for the holidays this year. There’s something for everyone, no matter what or when you’re celebrating.

3 ) Premium Marble.

White and pink are the second and third most popular poinsettia colors (behind red of course), but why choose between the two when you can have Premium Marble? This variety gives you the best of both worlds with soft pink bracts that have a creamy white edge.

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4 ) Premium Ice Crystal.

If you really want something unique, this is the poinsettia for you. With its unusual color variation, no two Premium Ice Crystal poinsettias are exactly alike. Bracts have a berry-red edge that give way to a creamy, light pink center that varies in width from plant to plant; even bract to bract.

5 ) Princettia Dark Pink.

Definitely not your grandmother’s poinsettia.

Not only is the hot pink color a showstopper, the multiple smaller blooms with large centers give this plant a completely different look than traditional poinsettias, making it a perfect conversation piece for those early holiday gatherings and parties.

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Decorate in style with

t u C h s e Fr

s n e e Gr

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

Wreaths 8”-24” in stock. 30”-60” available by special order.

Garland Available by the foot or in 75’ rolls.

Fresh-Cut Greens Sold by the pound.

Centerpieces Pre-made. Available in small or large

sizes. Decorated or undecorated.

Decorative Accessories

Customize your colors with bows, picks, ornaments and candles.

has the perfect

Christmas Tree for your family!

Noble Fir Trees We head out to the tree farms in July to call “dibs” on these fresh, premium, locally-grown Christmas Trees.

Starting at $29.99 Limited quantities, please call stores for availability. See stores for other varieties, sizes and prices. Available at Al’s starting November 23.

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 48 - 72 hours. Size limitations apply.

Al’s proudly supports the

For every cut Christmas tree sold between November 26 and December 24, Al’s will donate $1 to this worthy cause.

Learn more at semperfifund.org

W

hether you are hosting family or friends, the decorating touches around your home create special feelings and memories for all to enjoy. While ornaments can complete the look of the tree, a special complimentary mantel piece or centerpiece can add to your holiday décor. Al’s hopes to add to your family memories with our Christmas table top décor selections, which can be passed down through the generations. So whether it’s a simple embellishment just for this season, or a true keepsake treasure that you’ll collect and enjoy for years to come, Al’s wishes you a lovely holiday season.

Deck The Halls Guide to Home Décor “Christmas Conservatory”

For the Conservatory look, add a topiary or holly for a natural feel.

Any votive or tealight holder with detailed cutouts. Red, green, and white are key colors, and the scent should be holly berry, of course!

Burlap Christmas sign - $29 Metal silver tree - $21.95 Topiary ring - $24 Red metal lantern - $14 White cut out votive - $8 Holly berry picks 14” - $4 Mercury diamond tealight holder - $6

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“Simply Christmas” To achieve the Simply Christmas look, add a touch of plaid. A rich textured deer or tree will complete you mantel. Mercury glass and distressed finishes also make nice touches. The scent of pomegranate and spruce will enhance the warm feel.

Brown pinecone deer - $68 Red plaid throw - $45 3” red star votive - $4 Plaid tin votive - $9 Mercury glass star votive - $6 Red distressed candle holder - $24 Mini tree in zinc pot - $15

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“Fresh Cut” Fresh Cut evokes memories of driving to the mountains to cut your Christmas tree with Mom & Dad, and the vintage feel of Christmas in the 50’s and 60’s.

Knit texture and touches of reproposed metal signs complete this look. For a fun “kitsch” trend, add vintage camper items to your tree. Key colors are red and white with a pop of light blue or navy.

The scent of fresh pine enhances the feel of this nostalgic theme.

A walk in the woods is sometimes all we need to be inspired, refreshed, and invigorated. Paddywax® has created these six forested fragrances, hand poured in speckled enamel camp cups to transport you to your next outdoor adventure.

North Pole sign - $21.95 Printed metal tree - $19.95 Knit salt & pepper shakers - $6.95 Star knit plate - $10 Star knit ornament - $3 Red car with tree ornament - $4

Alpine enamel ware candles - $20

Happy camper ornament - $5 Retro camper ornament - $8.50 Glass bottle with tree ornament - $4

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“Frozen Lake” Calm, peaceful, and white like freshly fallen snow. This décor is white with pops of blue and touches of silver. If you loved our icicle look last year, the icy blue touches will add to your existing look. Illume candle in “Winter White” would be the perfect scent!

All is calm sign - $19.99 Large snowflake - $19 Glass snowflake votive - $13.95 White silver tip tree - $56 Star tealight holder - $3 Metal white sleigh - $26

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A clean design with pop colors of red and white. Snowflake details with modern trees & reindeer accents will complete this look. The Nordic look can be modern or traditional.

The scent of peppermint compliments this décor nicely.

“Nordic”

Let It Snow sign - $19.50 Cut out tree votive - $6 Reindeer figurine - $6 Knit stocking - $26 Wooden tree - $32 Snowflake cutout votive - $7.95 Small square votive - $6

Snowy Night Foaming soap - $11.95 Room spray - $9.95 Shea butter bar soap - $9.95 Holiday kitchen towel - $9.95

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Al’s Sweet Shop OK, I’ll admit that even though they look great, these Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Confections wouldn’t last long enough to make a good décor option. But for a stocking suffer, or a treat for yourself after a long day of shopping, they are a delicious choice!

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark, Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Graham, Hot Chocolate Bark, and Snowflake Peppermint Bark are just a few of the satisfying treats. All for $2.95 each!

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Texture, Contrast, Color,

& GLITZ!

by Josh Clarke Manager at Al’s of Sherwood

A

s fall gives in to winter, I’m always excited as the mercury drops because I know it’s the time of year to really make my containers shine! For spring, I’m always looking at what is the new “it” plant, how it will perform with the other plants I’ve chosen and what it will (hopefully) look like in 3 months. When designing winter containers however, there isn’t enough warm weather to really push a lot of growth, so I typically design them like they are living sculptures and rely on texture, contrast, color and glitz!

Gentsch White Hemlock

I always try to do something a little different from year to year to keep my friends and neighbors on their toes. Last winter was all about whites, glamour, and glitter and I loved it! This year, I was feeling a little nostalgic about my winters spent growing up in Montana, and wanted a rustically elegant vibe. My childhood home was always decorated with rich plaid blankets, rose hips adorned wreaths on doors, and of course, a little decorative birch beside the fireplace.

This season, I’m in love with a small globe-shaped shrub “Gentsch White Hemlock”. Grown outside of a container it can reach 4’x4’, but for the winter season, I can’t get over the new, white growth of needles that give the impression of fresh snow.

Playing nicely off the delicate needles of the Hemlock are two more favorites of mine, Heuchera and Euonymus. Both plants really add structure and substance to a container, especially if we have a less than mild winter, as these two are fairly infallible and will hold up to a little abuse by mother nature. I’ve used Euonymus ‘Emerald N Gold’ and Heuchera ‘Hercules’ to add a little pop of color.

Heuchera ‘Herculese’

Euonymus ‘Emerald N Gold’

Any winter container would not be complete without a little pop of color. A few white pansies with their smiling faces always reminds me of Christmas’ past, and gives me hope for memorable ones in the future.

I love peeking through our gift department this time of year as well. I always find more than I can fit in one basket. Don’t think that ornaments are just for trees! They really can add to a container and give it that sparkle that plants alone cannot.

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White Pansy

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Light Up Your Holiday L ighting plays an important role in decorating for the holidays. The lighting of your Christmas tree, the glow of candles in the kitchen, and the lights on the front of your home all add to the warmth of the season. At Al’s, we have many lighting options that will complete your home decorating needs.

For a fun twist on the season, we have these adorable LED acrylic animal lights. Made to go outside, these animals will look great on your lawn or nestled in on your porch. We have continued with the Penguins, Reindeer, and Polar Bear family. NEW THIS YEAR are the Owls, Rabbits, Squirrels, and White Foxes.

Prices range from $19.99 - $190.00

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The Advantages of LED indoor and outdoor lighting.

Minimum life cycle of 50,000 hours Unbreakable bulbs Cool to the touch when lit Save up to 85% on energy costs!

Stop by Al’s of Sherwood for a great selection of LED indoor/outdoor lighting.

25% OFF

25% OFF

Valid December 1 - 15, 2016

Valid November 1 - 15, 2016

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store.

Coupon valid on WR309 style only. Regularly $24.50. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer.

Not valid on previous purchases.

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store.

Coupons not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

40% OFF

25% OFF

Valid December 16 - 31, 2016

Valid November 16 - 30, 2016

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store.

Coupons not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes fresh cut Christmas trees. Not valid on previous purchases.

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store.

Coupons not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one coupon per customer. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

Sullivans 24�Artificial Douglas fir Wreath

A Single Plant $ 29.99 or less

Any One Christmas Ornament

Any One Fresh Cut Wreath

bloom

Aaron’s Ice

Ingredients:

Apple Pie

by Aaron Rivera Al’s Dry Goods Buyer

• 2 pounds Al’s Garden Center Ice Apples (about 4 to 5 large) • ¾ cup granulated sugar • ½ cup packed light brown sugar • 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • Your favorite pie crust recipe

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375° Prepare Filling Peel and core apples and slice 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick; you should have about 8 cups.

Toss apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice, then set aside for an hour or so until the apples begin to release juices.

Place bottom crust in pie pan and fold and pinch edge to form a border. Pour filling into bottom crust and shake gently to settle it into the pan.

Cover with top crust, then tuck the overhang under the bottom crust border and press down around the top to seal it.

Crimp or flute the border using your fingers or a fork. Use a paring knife to cut about 5 steam vents into the top crust.

This will prevent the edges of the pie from bursting open and spilling the filling from the crust.

Bake for 30 minutes then rotate the pan. Lower the oven temperature to 350° F and bake for an additional 30 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.

Sweet, juicy and exclusive to Al’s Garden Center, Ice Apples are available for a limited time, beginning early November.

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