DeGroot's Nurseries Holiday 2017

HOLIDAY 2017

DEGROOT’S NURSERIES DEGROOT’S NURSERIES 1840 London Line, Sarnia, ON 519-542-3435 degroots.ca

AVAILABLE AT

STARTING AT

$9.99

STARTING AT

$12.99

12

14

10

CONTENTS

Available at DeGroot's Nurseries.

While supplies last.

4

Must-Have Fashion Trends

9

Easy Peasy Holiday Entertaining

10

Put the Voilà in Your Christmas Decorating

12

Best Hostess Gifts For the Holidays

14

Spruce Them Up

16

Holiday Gifts We Love

18

Outdoor Living Spaces

22

Pet Friendly Indoor Plants and Tropicals for the Holidays

This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and DeGroot’s Nurseries.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in the publication, however, the publisher will not be held accountable for omissions or errors. Note that products may vary between retailers and regions, and supplies may be limited. Pricing is subject to change and is not valid with any other offer. Home & Garden Showplace is a registered trade mark for use by its members, of which the Garden Centre Group Co-Op is an alliance member.

HOLIDAY 2017 • 3

MUST-HAVE FASHION TRENDS A

peek into this fall and winter season reveals collections that are unique and fashion forward, yet maintain a perfect balance between style and comfort. Focused around luxurious, rich fabrics and vibrant hues, this season’s trends still retain their sense of fun, colour and self-assuredness.

Jackets hold the fashion spotlight, from classic suits, Jacquards or velvets to bomber and denim styles. Selecting a piece that reflects your taste shouldn’t be a difficult task this year since the pattern and colour choices are endless. As a new and upcoming trend in the high-end fashion industry, the Jacquard coat offers a stylishly bold uplifted design on a soft stretch knit. These Jacquard coats transition well from season to season: they can be enjoyed as a light jacket in the fall and early spring or as an extra, cozy layer for warmth during our cold Canadian winters.

Fall is a great time to showcase the Canadian tuxedo, so be ready to wear denim from your head to your snazzy boots.

From embroidered jeans to sweaters and tunics, denim is a perfect fabric for women of all shapes, and sizes. You’ll see accents of Marigold and Gloxinia flowers adorning jeans with the accompaniment of sequin jewels and distressed rips, a great fit for any occasion.

Cozy cable knit sweaters and tunics are a standout addition to jeans and leggings since their rich feel and appearance never go out of style. Bold, dark and romantic floral patterns and vintage plaid patterns are also a mainstay for this fashion season. And continuing strong this fall is the layered look: think turtle necks almost hidden underneath a long blouse topped off with a funky poncho or shrug. Don’t be afraid to mix and match florals, plaids or edgy accents of leather and fringe.

When it comes to your fashion sense and trends, it really is “anything goes” this year.

Clothing featured by Orange Fashion Village

4 • DEGROOT’S NURSERIES - 519-542-3435 - DEGROOTS.CA

FROM THE

OWNER

“May the spirit of Christmas warm your home with peace and love”

T

ruth be told, I wrote this Christmas greeting in August. Yes, it takes that long for this magazine piece to go from draft to edit to content to edit again to print to ship and to deliver.

I scrolled down to see if any of the remaining 98 would perhaps reflect my own character but came up empty handed.

August is hardly the best month to feel compelled to write even a few Christmas words, so I turned to Google for inspiration. 101 Christmas greetings was the first to open. They were all the same.

All the same.

After a day or two of reflection/ procrastination I put pen to paper again and realized that Christmas greetings are all the same because Christmas is the one time of year when almost all of humanity genuinely wish each other so well. We count our blessings. We find joy in giving. We receive with gratitude.

We reflect on all things good. We give thanks. We are generous in spirit and in gifts. We cherish our loved ones, both here and not here. We spread peace and wish we could spread peace everywhere.

“May your Christmas be decorated with cheer and filled with love” “May the melody and spirit of the holidays fill your home with love and peace”

We gather with friends and reminisce.

We wish joy upon those who don’t appear to have much joy. We decorate.

We worship. We share. And we are grateful that we have had 150 years of Canada.

At DeGroot’s, we’d love to be a part of your Christmas festivities. No, we don’t want to crash your party. But when we help you select a perfect gift, lead a workshop, provide fresh cut greens, bring food to your table, or offer beautiful decorations, it is our hope that we do so in the spirit of joy, peace and gratitude.

And when you honour us with a visit, you bring cheer to each and all of us. For that we are truly grateful.

John

EVENTS Dancing Under the Stars November 4, 2017 St. Joseph Hospice Gala SOLD OUT Contact: lcoene@sjhospice.ca

Fusion

November 10 & 11, 2017 Lambton County Developmental Services LCDS SOLD OUT www.fusionticket.org

DeGroots Christmas Artisan Craft and Vendor Sale

November 18, 2017 Free to Public Vendor Space SOLD OUT Contact: lynn@degroots.ca

Winter Market

Friday, November 24, 2017 4:00pm to 10:00pm Bluewater Health Foundation Tickets at the Door - $10 Cash, Debit, Credit Card Contact: jtomkins@bluewaterhealth.ca

Kidfest

Saturday, November 25, 2017 11:00am to 4:00pm Bluewater Health Foundation Tickets at the Door - $10 Cash, Debit, Credit Card Contact: jtomkins@bluewaterhealth.ca

Pet Pictures with Santa

December 2 & 3, 2017 in the Lath House Sarnia Humane Society Cash, Debit, Credit Card Contact: trista@sarniahumanesociety.com

Sarnia Poultry Pigeon & Pet Club

Dog Park

January 20, 2018 Sarnia Humane Society FREE EVENT Contact: trista@sarniahumanesociety.com

Cat Chance

March 10, 2018 10:00am to 2:00pm Contact: burkehartdeb@hotmail.com

Dog Day Afternoon

March 17, 2018 Sarnia Humane Society Cash, Debit, Credit Card Contact: trista@sarniahumanesociety.com

PIGEON SHOW Saturday, December 2, 2017 10:00am to 4:00pm Free to the Public POULTRY SHOW (Chickens, Ducks, Geese, and Rabbits) Saturday, December 9, 2017 10:00am to 4:00pm Free to the Public Contact: gaparsons@hotmail.com

HOLIDAY 2017 • 5

THURS

Winter Workshops

NOV

16

SAT

NOV

18

PLANT STAND BASKET

7pm Perfect for the front porch. A wonderful urn made directly in a re-usable metal plant stand.

Limit 10

SAT

NOV

25

THE CHRISTMAS STUNNER BASKET

TABLETOP GRINCH TREE

Cost: $45 + tax

Cost: $25 + tax

11am A great hanging basket with a stunning decoration in the bottom.

Limit 16

DESSERT & DIRT

Cost: $55 + decorations & tax

FESTIVE HOLIDAY URN

2pm Come to DeGroot’s, enjoy a sweet treat from the Tea House and get your hands dirty as we create a mixed Christmas houseplant planter.

Limit 20

DOOR SWAG

7pm A great alternative to a Christmas wreath. Use ribbon bows, berries and cones to make your décor.

Limit 10

11am Create a Grinch Tree using a live cypress, balls & berries with a fun tin pot.

1pm Make a beautiful outdoor Christmas arrangement.

Using the best selection of fresh greens and festive accents.

Cost: $35 + decorations & tax

Cost: $40 + tax

Cost: $25 + tax

FRI

NOV

30

SAT

DEC

02

SAT

DEC BIRCH WINDOW FRAME

11am Create an exquisite Christmas display with this window frame and live greens, artificial berries, bows and balls.

Limit 10

POP, SHOP & STOP

10am - 4pm Pop into DeGroot’s to shop in our amazing Christmas store and stop in at the Green Room between 10 & 4 to make a centrepiece or festive urn.

Designers will be on hand to help.

Cost: Assorted Prices

Cost: $70 + tax

09

11am 3 lovely, compact fresh green arrangements.

Create matching pots for a beautiful display down the middle of your holiday table or make them unique. They make great hostess or teachers gifts too.

Cost: $30 + tax

LUNCH & LEARN

Cost: $22 + decorations & tax

Cost: $50 + tax

12:30 Lunch, 1:30 Learn A perfect day consists of a Trio Lunch Special at the Tea House followed by a Centrepiece workshop.

Limit 24

PRE-REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL WORKSHOPS REGISTER IN PERSON AT DEGROOT'S 6 • DEGROOT’S NURSERIES - 519-542-3435 - DEGROOTS.CA

16

DEC VOGUE POTS

CHRISTMAS CENTREPIECE

1pm Create your own unique holiday centrepiece using fresh greens, artificial berries, ribbons and accents.

Limit 24

SAT

MOMMY/ GRANNY & ME CHRISTMAS TEA

11am Put on your best Christmas outfit and come to DeGroot’s for a Tea Party. Enjoy our fun Christmas menu and take home a small Christmas ornament.

Cost: Adults $22 + tax Children $10 + tax

DeGroot’s

Kids Club 10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

Cost: A Toonie

NO ADULTS ALLOWED! Limit: 20 Children

PRINGLES CAN SNOWMAN • NOVEMBER 25 REINDEER ORNAMENT • NOVEMBER 18 DETERGENT SCOOP SLEIGH • DECEMBER 2 CENTREPIECE • DECEMBER 9

CHRISTMASwmithyFRIENDS THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017 6:30PM-9PM

Gather your friends together for a night of...

PERSONALIZED SHOPPING

MINI STAFF FASHION SHOW PUNCH

GOURMET FOOD SAMPLES

AND MORE

Shop in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoy the Christmas Decorations and save with fantastic specials

15% OFF

ALL REGULAR PRICED MERCHANDISE

RESERVE EARLY - LIMITED TO 150 PEOPLE

$10 deposit and receive a gift card upon attendance.

c i g a Mof Experience the

CHRISTMAS HOURS OF INSPIRATION

NOVEMBER

STARTING DECEMBER 4TH

Monday - Saturday 8-6

Monday - Friday 8-8 Saturday 8-6

December 23 8-6 December 24, 25, 26 Closed December 27, 28, 29, 30 9-5 January 1 Closed

$10 OFF

ANY PURCHASE OF $60 OR MORE

s a m t s i r Ch at

Our Gift to You! Spend $60 or more on Regular priced merchandise before taxes and get $10 off your total purchase. One coupon per customer.

Cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer. Coupon expires December 9, 2017 HOLIDAY 2017 • 7

FRESH CUT

CHRISTMAS TREES AT DEGROOT’S NURSERIES

FRASER FIR 6-8FT

WE CARRY OLD FASHION, #1 AND PREMIUM TREES!

T

he Fraser Fir... a regal and fragrant tree. It has stiff branches and two-tone needles that are green on top and silvery-white below. One of its greatest features is

the tree’s needle retention, allowing you to enjoy the season longer and with less clean-up. REMEMBER: All our trees are “hung” in our lath house for easy selection! Also available are all

of the traditional trees: Scotch & White Pine, Douglas Fir, and Colorado & White Spruce. After you have selected your perfect tree we will give it a fresh cut.

CARING FOR YOUR FRESH CUT CHRISTMAS TREE

1

Use a clean tree stand that holds lots of water.

2

Make a fresh cut of 1 inch before you put the tree into the stand to remove the sap cap, as this will allow for absorption of water.

3 Remember to place the tree away from fireplaces and heat sources

4

Depending on the variety, your tree can last up to 3 weeks indoors.

8 • DEGROOT’S NURSERIES - 519-542-3435 - DEGROOTS.CA

5

Remember to recycle your tree at the end of the season.The city will mulch the trees for park use.

Easy Peasy Holiday Entertaining...

With a simple-to-arrange charcuterie board Pick a cheese board

Some salty things

Condiments to accent

Add some cheese!

Soft, hard and crumbly, different strengths, and different colours and shapes

Add some lovely crackers

The finishing touches

Fill the spaces

Add a little sweet

For complete article and step by step directions, please go to: https://wholefully.com/awesome-cheese-board-minutes/ HOLIDAY 2017 • 9

voilĂ

PUT THE

IN YOUR CHRISTMAS DECORATING

By Carla Hrycyna

D

ecorating brings the spirit of the holiday season alive.

Adding decorative touches to the interior and exterior of your home creates an ambiance of cheerfulness and merriment and brings together family and friends.

Traditionally, decorating starts with the tree which then sets the tone for the rest of the home. The character of the decorated tree is established either by theme or colour and is instrumental in shaping your overall design. Ask yourself: Are you creating a design with a classic, traditional or formal look? How about a whimsical or character-focused tree? Which style suits you the best? It may be possible that one design compliments one area of the home, while another room takes on a totally different feel.

In a more formal area like the living room, you may feature coordinating decorations while using themed ornaments and more rustic accents in the family room. You can use colour to tie rooms together and lend visual harmony. Choose a focal colour to be the unifying factor, and then accent with secondary colours. Reds can be complemented with golds and silvers, and whites look wonderful accented with copper and rust tones. How about lavenders with a hint of blue? The potential colour combinations are endless, and can look even more striking when a third accent colour is added. For example, a dominant red can be paired with frosted white and a splash of silver or even lime green.

10

This year in colour trends, red continues to hold sway since it is a stable, traditional colour reminiscent of Christmas past and childhood memories. Coming up strong are blues and lavenders blending into purples. Also showing this year are hues of copper, rust and amber since these colours work well with natural themes.

Textures such as plaids, woods, florals and foliage are also evident. Silk flowers enter back into the scene with floral poinsettias and magnolias in rich red and burgundy tones. Enticing blues and lavenders will take centre stage complementary to decorative ornaments. The influence of succulents carries through to holiday decor, seen as accents in winter arrangements and decorative touches.

CHRISTMAS TREES It is easiest to approach decorating your tree by working in layers. Start with the lighting, which can be obtained by either using a pre-lit artificial tree or placing lights on your freshly cut evergreen.

Trending this year are various styles of LED micro lights, in various shades of white or multiple colours, with multi-function settings. When calculating how many to use, bank on using at least 100 lights per foot height of your tree.

Ribbons should be your next step, and can be hung in either a vertical or horizontal application. As a wavy dramatic overlay, they bring a visually appealing flow to the tree, or can be hung vertically to give the illusion of added height.

fancy an extra little touch for the room. A pleasing arrangement can be formed with sprigs of artificial greenery blended with glossy berries and accented with a favourite coloured flower. Place it on a crystal platter with glossy Christmas ball ornaments on it and “voila,” your creation is complete.

WREATHS

Next, add silk flowers and holiday picks to create texture.

Place silks such as poinsettias, magnolias and boughs evenly throughout the tree. If the tree is visible from all sides, generally 12-14 pieces work well for coverage; adjust to 6-8 if your tree is placed in the corner of your room. If you are coordinating the top of the tree, 3-5 pieces may be paired with a traditional angel or Christmas star. Boost the effect by layering your poinsettias or florals with a silk spray of pine, leaf or berries.

Silks have flexible wiring from flower to stem which can be adjusted to create graceful curves.

Adding ornaments is the final step. Place collections of past treasures and newly found gems gently on the tree. Family room trees can be home to whimsical collectibles that have been carefully selected through the years while more formal areas such as living rooms call for an elegant theme.

BANNISTERS

Decorating bannisters and newel posts can be a favourite part of the process. Key your colours off the closest tree and bring some of those thematic elements to the bannister. Tie gentle curves of garlands to the railings as a focal point for garnishing.

Just imagine large red poinsettias with sprigs of cherry red berries paired with bow accents complementary in colour. Envision ice blue poinsettias with flowing silver-white ribbon mimicking the swoop of a mixed cedar garland, or even snowy white flocked garlands adorned with crisp white snowflake ornaments and dangling clear crystal icicles.

There is an abundance of creative recipes and ideas to draw from. As a finishing touch, dress up sideboards and centrepieces for your table. Florals and silks are useful if you

Greet guests with a beautifully accented wreath set in the colour tone of your decorating style. Its welcoming effect announces your colour scheme as they enter the home. Weave twists and loops of ribbon through the circle of greenery if you like, or as an alternative use a glorious bow of ribbon with tails for a simple, elegant finish. Perhaps a bright red cardinal nestled in a twig nest could become the accenting focus touch.

One element of holiday decoration still requires mention: Lighting. With reduced daylight hours, real candles as well as LED or battery operated alternatives create dramatic effect.

There are many types of lighting available, from tabletop pieces to lit ornaments that draw your eye to the Christmas tree.

Let your adventure into decorating begin. Decorating your home’s interior creates a festive atmosphere to be enjoyed by all who visit throughout the holiday season.

HOLIDAY 2017 • 11

hostess, as you would give a different gift to a close friend than your boss. You might consider a couples gift or something the whole family can enjoy.

When arriving at the party, remember to be discrete when you present it as not everyone will have brought one. When giving flowers, ensure that they are arranged in a vase or mason jar so as not to make additional work for your host. Better yet, a potted plant or arrangement that is delivered the day before the party gives the host time to incorporate it into their decor.

Since your host is busy preparing, don’t expect them to open your present right away. Bring a gift that can be set aside for another time, which you can mention when you give the gift. Say something like “Enjoy this after we all go home,” or “This is just for you so hide it for later.”

Another great idea is to bring something that can be used at future gatherings like tidbit plates, designer napkins and candles, fancy cheese knives and spreaders, coasters, or scented hot pads.

BEST

Hostess Gifts For the Holidays

By Dianne Visser

Seasonal hosts gifts that will get you invited back again and again.

I

love this time of year. It is the season of giving, and a holiday party is the perfect occasion to say “thank you” to your host by bringing a unique gift.

Those who give the best gifts do a little research into the traits and likes of the recipient as well as reflecting on the tone and nature of the party. Keep in mind your relationship to the 12

Kitchen gifts are a wonderful idea as most hosts appreciate and enjoy items that can be used every day, such as bamboo cutting boards, oven mitts filled with utensils, bamboo spoons or whimsical tea towels. If you know the host well enough you could pamper them with more personal items like bath bombs, face masks and specialty soaps.

For your friends with a green thumb, rosemary trees, amaryllis, paperwhites or orchids go well with any decor. Tasty treats could include local honey, maple syrup, baked goods, some truly awesome hot sauces, specialty olive oils, and particularly balsamic vinegars and flavoured salts since a little of these goes a long way. I am a chocoholic and therefore I cannot call this list complete without suggesting some excellent quality chocolate. I would rather have one or two pieces of good chocolate than a whole box of the less expensive stuff.

If you are going to bring wine, try to find something

exceptional and then add a cute wine stopper, bottle opener, set of stainless steel wine glasses, wine charms or themed Christmas ornaments.

Overnight stays call for a larger gift than a casual dinner, as your host will have sheets and towels to wash and a few more meals to prepare. I like the element of surprise and usually leave presents such as Christmas pillows, lavender sachets or a basket filled with teas and tea accessories in the guest room for the host to find after I have gone home.

Running late or forget to pick up a gift? Write a nice thank you note and send or drop off the gift within seven days of the event. Don’t be offended if you don’t see your gift on display or served the next time you visit. Remember, it is a thank you to your hosts and not about you. Lastly, don’t forget to offer to help with the dishes but don’t push as some people like to decompress on their own after their event.

My advice to the host is to enjoy the occasion and the people, don’t expect gifts, and receive each present graciously and thankfully.

Happy holidays!

HOLIDAY 2017 • 13

SPRUCE

Them Up

By Will Heeman

C

hristmas urns, those bunches of potted green boughs adorned with shiny red balls, are a beloved sign that Christmas is approaching, festive displays ready to greet the holiday celebrations. Think of most urns you might see on porches (maybe yours!) during this time of year and this image might come to mind: cut pine or cedar greens, arranged in a pot and adorned with shiny red or gold ornaments. It’s all wrapped in burlap, festooned with a reindeer or snowman, topped off with a red bow and looks fantastic!

ADDING ‘PIZZAZZ’ TO THE PORCH

It’s hard to top the classic Christmas urn, but if you’re after a unique look this year, winterscaping is a bold new way to aproach your seasonal decorating. Traditionalists and innovators alike can take some fairly simple steps to add pizzazz to the porch. Here are some ideas for what’s hot and interesting in urns:

FOR FOLIAGE:

Use evergreens as anchors of the piece, but feature other natural elements. The idea here is to present a diverse arrangement that showcases natural diversity. Try adding some “upscale green” such as magnolia, seeded eucalyptus, or oregonia. The combination of different textures and shapes adds natural contrast that can turn an ordinary arrangement into something extraordinary.

FOR COLOUR:

Think natural! Add brown pine cones or lotus pods, which will bring new shaping to the piece and add interest. For a bit of “pop,” introduce metallic accents like pine cone picks in frosted silver or burgundy.

Champagne, silver and copper-coloured pieces will add timeless beauty to any piece.

The essence of winterscaping is to create something of timeless beauty, something that provides months of value and enjoyment.

Lime green and purple are also interesting enough to draw the eye. If you want to showcase the whimsical side of your personality, you can even add some hot pink. Don’t be afraid to test-drive some unconventional colour choices — it’s still going to be a powerful presentation, it’s just not going to scream “Christmas” when you’re into February.

14

FOR ACCENTS:

You’ll be surprised by how effective wood ornaments, either unpainted or in a soft whitewash, can be if used sparingly and strategically. Pop in some classy whites or copper-coloured accents.

Yes, reindeer are the animals of the season, but try moose instead. Small toboggans, skis and snowflake patterns all say “welcome, winter” and can inject a jaunty flair.

THE CONTAINER:

Containers come in a myriad of sizes and shapes so you’ll want to make sure yours is well in proportion with what’s inside and atop it. If you have an urn you love, continue to love it. But if its original black has faded to grey, give it new life with a coat of spray paint. Consider classic black, red or burgundy. You can also try urns of different sizes and shapes, made into an attractive set by using the same colour for all.

BRING OUT THE 3D ‘WOW’ FACTOR

Even with your best efforts to replicate the beautiful arrangement you see in your mind’s eye, reality can sometimes fall short… literally short. You have beautiful greenery, some lovely accents and colours and there’s just some “wow” factor you’re missing.

Chances are, you’ve been focusing on what’s in the urn rather than what’s above and around it. Instead, envision a fully three-dimensional urn, a piece with height, depth and breadth that can elevate ordinary to extraordinary.

Often, the missing element is as simple as bringing in some height with vertical sticks of white birch – always a lovely, classic look – and adding a graceful flaring of Western red cedar that cascades downwards. It’s a simple step but one that can elevate an ordinary urn to an extraordinary one.

Remember to add lots of water to your urn display until it is completely frozen, as this helps keep the greenery lush throughout the holiday season.

We suggest people envision a “filler,” a “spiller” and a “thriller” as they design their urns.

Many of the items used in these Christmas Containers are provided

by Second Nature. Available at select Garden Centres.

Winter urn arrangements can be one of the most strikingly beautiful ways to make your home a welcoming place. With the right materials, a bit of guidance and some imagination, they can add months of colour, class and a real spark of joy to our homes.

HOLIDAY 2017 • 15

HOLIDAY GIFTS WE To keep us warm...

Cozy Hat, Scarf & Mitt Set

Love

Fashionable and functional, a great stocking stuffer.

Boot Socks that are Fashionable AND Warm A variety of colours and styles to choose from.

Royal Stewart Tartan Wool Blanket

Adding that touch of Sparkle and Glam...

A luxurious throw that is a festive accent to any room.

Crystal Angel and Mistletoe to Decorate Christmas Trees & Windows

Add a touch of sparkle to your tree.

Jolly Santa & His Flying Reindeer A statement piece, perfect for the mantel.

16

Swirling Acrylic Christmas Tree

Back by popular demand, this is a perfect holiday gift.

Making the Holidays Glow...

Micro LED Lights in Warm White for Indoor & Outdoor Use

Silver Acrylic 200mm Ball with Lights on Timer Perfect for your outdoor evergreen planters.

To light up lanterns, wreaths, garlands and fresh arrangements.

Featured $34.99

AVAILABLE AT DEGROOT’S NURSERIES 519-542-3435 1840 London Line Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7H2 www.degroots.ca

Featured $49.99 Available at DeGroot's Nurseries. While supplies last.

HOLIDAY 2017 • 17

POOL DECK

LIGHTING

BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL AND HIGH QUALITY

BUILT IN BBQ

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

At DeGroot’s Nurseries, we are passionate about creating beautiful and unique outdoor living spaces. It all starts with your dreams, combined with our professional design team’s input, and together we will work out the possibilities for your outdoor space. A member of the design team will come to your home and we will look at how the space currently functions and what might be improved. This results in an artistic (and potentially award winning!) landscape plan that fits your space, your budget and brings your dreams to life.

The next step is translating the design off the paper into reality. Our professional installation team provides quality work time and time again. Careful craftsmanship ensures your space will remain beautiful for many years to come.

WE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN WHAT WE INSTALL FRONT ENTRANCES 18 • DEGROOT’S NURSERIES - 519-542-3435 - DEGROOTS.CA

Contact the DeGroot’s Nurseries Landscape team at 519-542-3435 or visit http://degroots.ca for more information.

Turn your

FRONT DOOR into a

CONVERSATION STARTER

Always a great selection of pre-made arrangements in stock, made daily by our design team and ready for quick insertion into your container.

In a hurry but still want something unique? Buy an undecorated Grab and Go container and add decorations of your choosing.

Custom Arrangements

BY DEGROOT’S

Custom made especially for you. We’ll make them in any style and colour scheme you like.

VISIT OUR CREATION STATION TO PLACE YOUR ORDER. HOLIDAY 2017 • 19

GAULTHERIA

A GORGEOUS PLANT WITH YEAR-ROUND APPEAL The glossy leaves are evergreen and complemented by small, dangling bell-like flowers that produce red berries.

Outdoors the leaves will take on a lovely red tinge in autumn. The fragrant oil from Wintergreen's leaves was traditionally used for medicine, but munching leaves raw can cause stomach distress. Best to enjoy this plant for its beauty and fragrance. Plant Wintergreen in the garden where it can slowly spread into a colorful groundcover.

Can be grown outdoors in a container, in the ground as a perennial, as well as indoors for short term enjoyment.

BLOOM TIME: Summer BERRY TIME: Fall and Winter HEIGHT RANGE: 4-6" (10-15cm)

20 • DEGROOT’S NURSERIES - 519-542-3435 - DEGROOTS.CA

SPACE RANGE: 12-18" (30-38cm) TEMPERATURE RANGE: -40°C to 35°C zone 3-9 LIGHT: Part Shade to Bright Light

ADD SOME IMPACT WITH...

loral icks & prays

When decorating for the holidays, artificial picks and silk flowers are a great way to add colour and impact to your home décor. Picks are low maintenance and provides endless options for different themes.

An easy way to tie all your decorating together is by adding matching picks to wreaths, garlands, trees, lanterns, tablescapes and giftwrapping.

Cheese and Chive Tea Biscuits

DeGroot’s Teahouse offers private rooms for intimate get togethers.

(Birthday parties, baby and wedding showers, engagement parties and meetings)

The entire house can be booked for after-hours events.

(Christmas dinners or cocktail parties)

Make today a

Special Day! Visit us at the Teahouse!

Bus tours are welcome and can be accommodated in the Green Room.

(Meeting room in the main building)

TEAHOUSE CHICKEN CLUB

Grilled Chicken, Cranberry Mayo, Bacon, Romaine Lettuce, Tomato and Cheddar Cheese on a toasted Ciabatta Bun.

MANDARIN CASHEW SALAD

Heritage Greens, Mandarins, Candied Cashews, Crispy Wonton Slivers and Sesame Seeds with our signature Mandarin-Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing.

HOLIDAY 2017 • 21

Pet Friendly INDOOR PLANTS AND TROPICALS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Tanya Olsen

W

ith the holidays fast approaching, we love to decorate with beautiful bright poinsettias, seasonal cacti and tropical plants. However, it is easy to forget that some of the plants that adorn our homes throughout this festive season may not be the best choice for our pets.

Although many plants and decorations will not injure pets in any way, there are some tropical plants that can be harmful to our furry family members. If putting the Amaryllis or Poinsettia on a high shelf or table is not an option, try these ideas for a stressfree, pet-friendly holiday season.

With its unique texture, small dark green needles and bright new growth, this staple houseplant is a great substitute for a cut Christmas tree! Keep away from drafts and decorate minimally for a great effect. Mini rice lights and small shiny red balls will provide a very elegant focal point. Don’t forget that this plant is also an excellent air purifier for your home.

Christmas Cactus A staple holiday plant!

Norfolk Island Pine A tropical Christmas idea!

With all the attention succulents have been receiving this past year, the Christmas or Easter cactus is a unique, easy-tocare-for succulent that thrives in bright light and dry air. It will brighten up any room with its rich green leaves and delicate red, pink or white flowers. You can also use it as a teaching tool for the kids, as the leaves are an easy propagation project for tiny hands.

22 • DEGROOT’S NURSERIES - 519-542-3435 - DEGROOTS.CA

Blue Echeveria Succulent A trendy plant alternative!

The staple succulent in most fairy gardens, the Blue Echeveria won’t hurt pets either. With fleshy blue-green leaves growing in a neat rosette pattern, you can safely plant and decorate a miniature garden to continue the holiday magic for even the tiniest of your family members. Try adding a touch of glitter sparkle or a soft spray of metallic paint to match your holiday decor.

Boston Fern

The tropical queen of texture!

Boston ferns not only help purify the air in our homes, they are also non-toxic to our furry friends. With generous lime green fronds, a large Boston fern can be quite the statement piece in any home. Consider using a Boston fern in an indoor arrangement with some white or green Phalaenopsis orchids or using a Boston fern on a glass candleholder to lift your centrepiece off the table with dramatic effect. Add a bit of holiday glitz with shimmery picks or berries and your centrepiece will dazzle throughout the season. When the holidays are over, take the glitzy picks out and your Boston fern will continue to purify the air in your home! They also thrive in the summer months in shady outdoor locations.

White Phalaenopsis Orchids

An elegant choice!

When giving a plant gift this year, why not give a potted White Phalaenopsis orchid? With a slight fragrance and delicate, unique, long-lasting blooms, these beauties are safe for both cats and dogs. This orchid’s easy-to-care-for attitude makes it a perfect choice as a holiday centrepiece or as a stunning single stem in a glass vase. Since you need to water it only

once a week, it is a low-maintenance option for an area in your home that needs some plant attention.

If you are giving a cut orchid as a gift, pair its delicate blooms with the pet friendly Areca palm leaf for an elegant background. While we may not think of palms as being pet friendly, they most assuredly are!

Areca, Butterfly, Bamboo and Dragon palms are among the many plants safe for our furry friends. To get the best health, height or drama in your living room, mist your palm on a regular basis to ensure the leaf tips don’t dry out.

Always Play It Safe

If you do choose to have any of these plants in your home, opt for a location that is safely out of reach of your pets – even your high-jumping feline friend. As a bonus, many of these plant alternatives will lend colour and visual impact long past the Christmas season. Some of these plants, when ingested or chewed, can cause mild indigestion and discomfort. When in doubt, you can always contact your local veterinarian or refer to the “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List” provided by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Another great idea is to familiarize yourself with the names and origins of any houseplants that you currently have, so you can provide the correct information to your veterinarian should a problem occur. Artificial plants are another safe option that you could consider, as they will continue to beautify your home for many years to come.

As we look forward to the holiday season, there is nothing more important than having our loved ones by our side. With a little pre-planning and a visit to your local independent garden centre, the entire family can be safe and sound – not just during the holidays, but all year long!

Honourable Mentions •

African violets

•

Haworthia Succulent

•

Rose plants

•

Polka Dot plants

•

Peperomia plants

•

Prayer plants

•

Spider plants HOLIDAY 2017 • 23

DEGROOT’S NURSERIES 1840 London Line Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7H2 info@degroots.ca

519-542-3435 DEGROOTS.CA