Garden centres are the source of greenery for the interior of your home.
It is the time of year that the Christmas tree – scented, adorned and given the place of honor in the home that adds to the feeling of warmth to a home for the holidays. History has given us this tradition that has carried through the centuries. From wreaths hung on a door symbolizing eternity, growth and the circle of life; to boughs and garlands; we feel the need to bring greenery to our surroundings. Trees stay settled in homes from early December and well into the New Year as many celebrate the Ukrainian Christmas in the early week of January.
The gift of green are also shown in smaller gestures such as mistletoe are often hung with the hint of a stolen kiss in the air. Though sometimes hard to find fresh cut mistletoe, garden centres carry artificial offerings to carry on the long time tradition.
A gardener’s flare will shine through with the addition of dressing the home with the customary poinsettia in glorious colors of red, pinks, whites and sometimes some emphasized with modern colors of blues and lavenders. This native plant of Mexico continues to be a symbolic gift of the season.
Today, newer accent plants are present. Stand alone or in groupings, more modern plants are being used to create a decorative accent – displayed for either stylishness or whimsy.
Mini cypress trees in color shades of chartreuse lime, dark green, or ones with decorative light flocking are popular. Used as centrepieces, or used creatively, the mini cypress becomes a focus by adding greenery and freshness to a room. In decorative pots, these mini topiary look of these plants can be used to flank mantelpieces; dress a foyer table; create a theme to a dining room table; or on occasions can act as a festive tree for those with smaller spaces. Dressing them with mini or micro ornaments, or even mini red velvet bows adds a delicate theme to them. How cute would this be?
The whimsical part of holiday plants can be seen in the use of succulents. The ever growing popularity of succulents used in the garden over the summer months is transformed now in the winter months with fanciful arrangements. Creations of tropical succulents in various combinations in fun containers makes this selection of plants the perfect gift for the young gardener who may be leery caring for the traditional poinsettia.
Some garden centres close for a couple months after Christmas while others take a brief reprieve transitioning from Christmas. Soon the furnaces will be turned up, soils thawed and production will begin for the 2016 season. Just as garden centres get excited for germinating new plants, gardeners too get the impulse to begin seeding too.
At this time of year garden centres are receiving their first shipment of seed selections for the planting season ahead. Knowing what is new in seed selection is always on the mind of gardeners young or experienced.
It is the perfect time too, to include seeds as a gift ... the gift of green. The gift of flowers or food to grow.
St. Mary’s Nursery & Garden Centre is open year round. Open for you to visit. Open for your garden inquiries; or just open for you to visit a tropical house with an environment for growing.
St. Mary’s Nursery & Garden Centre - A Growing Garden Tradition.
