Bring Joy to the Holidays with GARDENWORKS: Your Destination for Hosting & Gift Ideas
WORDS & IMAGES BY GARDENWORKS
The holidays are a time to gather, give, and make memories with the people who matter most Whether you’re hosting a dinner, decking your halls, or searching for thoughtful gifts, GARDENWORKS has everything you need to make the season sparkle Let us be your go-to holiday destination for fresh festive greenery, gourmet specialty foods, and one-of-a-kind décor and gifts
Fresh, Festive Greens & Branches
Nothing sets the tone for the holidays quite like the fragrance of freshly cut greens. At GARDENWORKS, you’ll find an abundant selection of cedar, pine, and fir boughs, along with elegant magnolia, eucalyptus, and festive berry accent branches. Use them to craft your own arrangements, adorn a mantel, or create a warm holiday welcome at your front door. Not into DIY? Our pre-made wreaths and garlands are perfect for those who want effortless beauty that lasts all season.
Gourmet Bites
Delight your guests - or treat yourself - with our curated selection of gourmet foods Explore artisanal chocolates, specialty preserves, savory sauces and rubs (perfect for your holiday turkey), and indulgent seasonal confections These small luxuries make ideal stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or additions to a festive charcuterie board
Candles, Housewares & Linens
Create the perfect holiday table with seasonal linens, serving pieces, and stylish tableware Add warmth and ambiance with our large selection of festive-scented candles From elegant glassware to cozy throws, find everything you need to craft an inviting atmosphere that makes guests feel instantly at home
View our upcom Holiday workshops
Holiday Decor & Everlasting Trees
Transform your home into a winter wonderland with our curated holiday décor collections Think shimmering ornaments, twinkling lights, and charming accents for every corner of your home Whether your style is traditional, modern, or whimsical, you’ll discover pieces that capture the spirit of the season
For those who love the look of a perfectly shaped tree without the yearly fuss, discover our collection of premium everlasting trees. Designed to capture the charm of fresh evergreens, these trees bring the magic of Christmas year after year, without any of the cleanup.
Live & Fresh Cut Christmas Trees
A holiday home isn’t complete without the perfect tree
Our live & fresh-cut Christmas trees arrive just in time to decorate for the season Choose from a wide assortment of live and cut Christmas trees, including noble, fraser, balsam, grand and douglas fir Suspended under the cover of the greenhouse, each tree can be admired from every angle - without the need to brave the elements outdoors
Winter Accent Planters
Welcome guests from the very first step with our signature winter accent planters. Overflowing with festive greenery, berries, branches, and festive accents, they bring instant cheer to your doorstep or patio. Available ready-made or customizable, they’re the simplest way to add outdoor holiday magic.
Gifts for Everyone on Your List
From gourmet treats and luxe bath & beauty products to candles, gifts for gardeners, and a wide assortment of indoor plants, GARDENWORKS is your go-to destination for gifts that bring joy Whether you’re shopping for the host, the foodie, the gardener, or the décor enthusiast, you’ll discover unique gifts that are thoughtful and personal
This Christmas, let GARDENWORKS bring JOY to your holidays. From setting the table to decorating the tree or selecting the perfect gift, everything you need for a beautiful holiday season is here.
product selection varies by location
4746 Marine Drive, Burnaby, B.C., V5J 3G6
6250 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, B.C., V5B 2Z9
lnstagram: @gardenworkscanada
Facebook: GARDENWORKS Canada
Website: www.gardenworks.ca
What is it?
Answer:
Connect the dots! Design your own special ornament!
Design your own holiday sweater!
Spot the differences between the two pictures. How many differences can you find? Answer:
WORDS BY MALLORY
GLADMAN (EVENT PLANNER WITH SBC, & OWNER OF WASTEKNOT WEDDINGS & EVENTS)
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SAPPERTON BUSINESS COLLECTIVE
Presented by the Sapperton Business Collective (SBC) and Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, “Light Up Sapperton” is returning in 2025 for the second annual event of this ongoing event series SBC is also grateful to the City of New Westminster for supporting the event as a community partner.
The Sapperton Business Collective (SBC) is a registered not-for-profit organization, formally organized in 2024 by local business owners coming together to collaborate and support each other through challenging economic times Last year, families in the New West community had a great time celebrating and spreading cheer with Light Up Sapperton, which has inspired them to host more events in the community SBC organized The Soda Fest in September of this year, the first event of its kind celebrating local craft soda and non-alcoholic beverages SBC is also hoping to add a new Springtime event, for a total of three awesome community events each year
Light Up Sapperton was created to bring the local community together, support local businesses, and spread holiday cheer by “lighting up” the streets and shops This year’s event will be held on Sunday, December 7th from 12:00pm-6:00pm at participating locations and shops along East Columbia Street in the Sapperton neighbourhood of New Westminster The event is free for everyone and no registration is required
Some of the fun, family-friendly activities you can find at Light Up Sapperton this year will include:
Family Photo Experience families can take portraits with a holiday backdrop and a professional photographer (Digital prints will be available)
Meet and Greet Special Holiday Characters last year the Grinch, a Holiday Elf, and even Santa Claus himself stopped by!
Craft Market at the Brewery District businesses and makers sell their products and attendees can shop for the holidays while supporting local Scavenger Hunt at Participating Businesses look for clues while admiring the light displays in the shop windows
Once families complete the Scavenger Hunt, they will be entered to win the Raffle Prizes generously donated by participating local businesses in New Westminster
Live Performances including caroling with the Choirs and Performances by the Dance and Musical Theatre Programs from Motion & Music Performing Arts Academy and other local acts
Holiday Photo Booth near the Registration table
Toy Drive and other Donations to support local charities, foundations & community organizations
Kids Activities including a Cookie Decorating Workshop
Light Up Sapperton was created to bring the local community together, support local businesses, and spread holiday cheer by “lighting up ” the streets and shops
Don’t miss out on this year’s spectacular event!
If you are interested in supporting this event with sponsorship, want to apply to be a craft market vendor, or want to learn about volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Mallory at events@visitsapperton.com.
To keep updated about Light Up Sapperton, you can follow @visitsapperton on Instagram and visit www visitsapperton com
IMAGES BY KATERINA TSANGARAKIS
When The Zesty Lemon Clothing Co. first opened its doors in 2022, owner Katerina Tsangarakis simply hoped to make shopping feel good again. Three years later, her bright, size-inclusive boutique in the heart of Sapperton has become a local staple - equal parts clothing store, community hub, and happy place.
“I wanted to build the store I always wished existed,” says Katerina. “A place where everyone feels welcome, where shopping doesn’t feel intimidating, and where you actually leave feeling better about yourself.”
What started as a pop-up selling leggings at markets around New West has blossomed into a thriving retail space known for its cheerful vibe, thoughtful curation, and genuine inclusivity Every rack is intentionally stocked with pieces available in at least sizes S–3X (with some styles also available in XS and 4X) From easy everyday outfits to travel-friendly staples, The Zesty Lemon celebrates every body type, lifestyle, and mood
For Katerina, the mission is deeply personal After having kids, her body changed and shopping started to feel overwhelming. Nothing seemed to fit right, and she didn’t feel good in anything she tried on. That experience shaped how The Zesty Lemon was born: a place where people can rediscover the joy of getting dressed, with personalized service that helps them feel confident, comfortable, and a little playful again. “We love helping people play dress-up,” she says. “Whether it’s finding that one perfect piece or trying on something totally unexpected, it’s about having fun and feeling good in your own skin.”
“I wanted to build the store I always wished existed,” says Katerina. “A place where everyone feels welcome, where shopping doesn’t feel intimidating, and where you actually leave feeling better about yourself.”
The store’s lemon-inspired branding was no accident, it was a sign. After deciding on the name, Katerina started noticing lemons everywhere: on dresses, décor, even a passing sailboat called Zest “It felt like the universe saying, ‘you’re on the right track,’” she laughs The lemon now symbolizes the shop’s spirit: bright, welcoming, and full of flavour
Over the years, The Zesty Lemon has become more than a boutique: it’s a movement of “Zesties,” the store’s loyal community of customers who love supporting local, embracing comfort, and having a little fun with fashion Katerina and her small but mighty team host Sip + Shop nights, community events, and fundraisers, and with their frequent new launches and lively social media presence, there’s always something fun happening at The Zesty Lemon.
They’re known for their funny, down-to-earth social media reels that embrace the chaos of small business life (and life in general) and showcase the laughter, personality, and behind-the-scenes moments that make the store special. “We love brightening people’s days,” says Katerina. “Even if someone doesn’t buy anything, we want them to leave smiling.”
Inside the store, you’ll find a little bit of everything: modern pieces, cozy classics, and their beloved in-house pressed graphic tees The Zesty Lemon is proudly size inclusive and style inclusive, with something for all ages and tastes It’s not uncommon to see multi-generational families playing dress up together: grandmothers, moms, and daughters all twirling in front of the mirror, laughing and finding pieces that make them feel good
This season, the shop transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with party dresses, locally made gifts, and things guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone on your “nice list.” There are cozy pieces for nights in, festive outfits for gatherings, and thoughtful gifts for every personality. The Zesty Lemon doesn’t just sell clothes, it’s also a go-to for candles, skincare, jewelry, cards, and other locally made treasures that make gifting easy and meaningful. “We carry things you’ll want to wear, gift, and feel good about,” says Katerina. “From buttery-soft sweaters and bamboo dresses, to handmade candles and accessories, there’s something here for every style and every budget ”
And there’s more on the horizon The Zesty Lemon is preparing to open a second location (which may be open by the time this issue comes out!), continuing its mission to make inclusive, confidence-boosting fashion more accessible As the business grows, Katerina’s goal remains the same: to keep things real, keep things fun, and make sure everyone who walks through the door feels a little more “zesty” when they leave.
WORDS BY EMILY GAUDETTE
IMAGES BY MALIKA ARORA
The New West Farmers Market began in 2008 hosting about a dozen vendors. Since then, it’s flourished into a vibrant community hub with over 55 weekly local producers, artisans and entrepreneurs filling in Tipperary Park every Thursday, and a two-day Holiday Market every December.
From March through October, New Westies valiantly trek up the ungodly 4th Street hill to stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, and almost every other handcrafted good that can feasibly be produced within 300kms If you’ve never been to the market, you’re probably wondering: Why would anyone willingly embark on such a sisyphean quest?
Well, if you were alive last January, you’ve probably heard: shopping locally is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to build a resilient economy. For every $100 spent at a farmers market, $63 is recirculated into the local economy, compared to just $14 from multinational chains. A 10% increase in local shopping could create over 14,000 jobs.
Supporting local farmers is also both kinder to the planet and to your health Small-scale farmers generally use sustainable and eco-friendly practices, reducing pollution and keeping our soil and water healthy And since local food doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles to reach you, it comes with a much smaller carbon footprint. Supporting local farming helps ensure farmland and green spaces will be preserved, which is vital to maintain critical wildlife habitats and our ecosystem. Local produce is picked at its peak, which both ensures nutrient-richness and - here’s the real scoop: preserves flavour! Farmers Market produce just tastes better.
“At
its heart, farmers markets are about more than food. It’s about cultivating an inclusive, diverse community that values connection, sustainability, and shared prosperity When we support our local farmers, we’re planting the seeds for a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community”
y , infamous pie-judging competition Pie for Pride or the instant classic Paw Parade (a pet fashion show for the ages) is proof of a community that shows up, invests, and takes joy in being together
See you there!
At its heart, farmers markets are about more than food. It’s about cultivating an inclusive, diverse community that values connection, sustainability, and shared prosperity. When we support our local farmers, we’re planting the seeds for a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community.
So mark your calendars for your last chance to stop by the market during our 6th annual Holiday Market, in front of New West City Hall, from 10AM - 4PM on December 13th and 14th This will be the NWFMs largest market ever, hosting over 90 vendors, 5 food trucks, a variety of local performances, events and nonstop live music.
Follow along:
Website: newwestfarmers.ca
Instagram: @newwestfarmers
Facebook: @newwestfarmersmarket
Email: info@newwestfarmers.ca
