A wonderful gift!

We're clearing out the last of the poinsettias! Buy 1 get 1 Free! Priced from $3.49-23.99

We're open until Dec.24 at 3 pm.

Springtime already?

Yes, this our first crop of pansies growing, waiting to be potted into our special soil mix. In the next two weeks, we'll be working to pop these tiny little plants into pots allowing their roots to spread and grow. By middle of March, they'll be blooming just when all of us are sick of grey and brown!

We still have a few lovely poinsettias to choose from for that perfect gift. We can also customize any poinsettia of your choice.

This is our angel keeping watch over the poinsettias. :)

Snow, snow and more snow!

Here's our entrance with just a pathway to the doors which are normally our exit doors. On the right side you can see the entrance doors snowed in.

Here's our faithful snow removal guy, Kevin. He was out every morning making pathways and clearing the laneway and parking lot for customers and staff. In this picture I caught him changing a bolt that had broken.

and they're gone!

Today our last delivery of fundraiser poinsettias, outdoor planters and wreaths were loaded on the truck to be delivered to Wingham. It has been a challenging 2 weeks for us with the storms and snow accumulation! Some of our staff couldn't make it in due to visibility and closed roads and some deliveries had to be put off a day but all in all, it went amazingly well. From Whitby to Windsor, our wonderful driver Clayton, braved the snowy roads. (he's in the second picture smiling at us...I guess he's happy today is a nicer day for a drive!) Since the beginning of December, we've shipped out....are you ready for this?.... 　 3200- poinsettias in various colours 700 - large poinsettias 671 -centrepieces (poinsettia in decorative pot with greenery) 257 - tropical planters with poinsettia in the mix 111- fresh wreaths 642- outdoor winter planters Phew! No wonder we feel ready for the holidays! :)

Poinsettias loaded on the carts.

A few of the hundreds of Outdoor Winter planters we made.

Dave and Clayton loading the carts on the truck

A green fern is a happy fern

Bringing in boston ferns for the winter can be messy business. They are not the most friendly houseplant but here are some tips for keeping them over the winter.

A bright window shielded by sheers or thin curtains in a cooler room is an ideal spot, but not near a heat vent.

Keep them moist but allow top of the soil to dry out between waterings. A good soaking with lukewarm water for about 30 minutes in a sink or bucket is important, then allow it to drain before returning it to its home. Keep a deep saucer under the pot to catch any drips. Carry a cloth to wipe up any water that might escape. :)

Humidity in the air is essential for ferns. Mist with a spray bottle daily or use a humidifier in the room.(this is good for us too!) Another idea is to place some moist spagnum moss around the base of the plant on top of the soil. It will help hold moisture in.

When repotting, a lighter soil mix is best. A good quality potting mix is ideal.

Fertilizing is not necessary during the winter months because the fern will not likely grow, but once spring approaches and new growth is spotted, some feeding can begin.

If the fronds begin to brown on the edges, it might be due to low humidity and too much warmth. So keep your fern happy by applying the above tips and if all goes well, it can be hung outside again once chance of frost is gone!

Pumpkin anyone?

Time to cook those pumpkins sitting on the porch! Here are some simple instructions.

Cut pumpkin in half, scoop out seeds and place open side down in baking dish with 1/2" water in the bottom. Bake for 45-60 minutes at 450 C or until you can pierce skin with fork. While still slightly warm, scoop flesh out of shell. Blend or puree until smooth then use fresh or measure and place in containers, freezing for future use. You can make pie, muffins, bread, soup, cookies, cheesecake and even fudge!

Christmas

Beginning next week, we'll be getting ready for the upcoming season. The shelves will be cleared and replaced with Christmas. The cedar garland is supposed to arrive November 5 and the following week, we'll have a variety of Christmas greens. The poinsettias are beginning to glow with vibrant colour and should be ready for mid to late November. Be sure to mark Nov.25-28 on your calender. This is our annual Christmas Candlelight Openhouse and we've extended it one more evening. See our website for details. http://www.huronridge.ca/

What's in those brownies?

Do you have lots of beets and aren't sure what to do with them? I found a recipe that sounds very interesting even though at first you might say "yum..yucky!". Dark Chocolate Beet Brownies Does this sound even a little appealing? Great way to get those veggies into your family (or yourself!)so if you're feeling adventurous, here's the recipe:

6 T unsalted butter, melted

1/2 c. all purpose flour

1?2 t. ground cinnamon

3/4 c. golden brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 c. bittersweet ch.chips, melted

1 t. pure vanilla extract

2/3 c. peeled and finely grated red beets (about 2 medium)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter and 8" square pan and line with parchment paper.

Stir flour and cinnamon together in a small bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, beat sugar with melted butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating constantly, then add ch.chips and vanilla and beat just until blended. Add flour and cinnamon mixture and beat vigorously for 1 minute, until batter is smooth and glossy. Add beets and stir through until thoroughly blended. Spread batter evenly into pan. Bake on middle rack of oven for about 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in centre of pan comes out clean. Remove pan from oven and cool completely before turning out brownies and cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!

(This recipe taken from Canadian Gardening magazine Fall/Winter issue)

If you make these, let me know how they turn out!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We hope you have a terrific weekend, get to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather we've received! And to the Moms and Grandmas "don't spend your whole day in the kitchen!"

$1.00?

If you're still thinking of filling a few holes in the flowerbeds that look a little empty, we're clearing out the remainder of our perennials for $1.00! There's one of this and two of that but if you poke around, there's some cool stuff.

If you'd rather put some colour in for the month of October, we have garden mums. Starting at $3.33- $11.99 in brilliant colours and with Thanksgiving weekend coming up, perhaps decorating for company is the plan! We have gourds, pumpkins, baskets and purple fountain grass. I'm even hoping to design some little table centres using pumpkins and mums. They always look so cute on a table.

Autumn to-do list

Cooler days mean a change in season but don't hibernate yet! There's still lots to do in your gardens and these tasks will save you time in the spring. Divide crowded perennials especially peonies, Siberian irises, astilbes, hostas and ornamental grasses. Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, hyacinths and snowdrops. Apply compost to your garden and top-dress beneath trees and shrubs. Plant perennials- plant roots continue to grow until the soil freezes. Move houseplants inside. Compost leaves. Fertilize lawn with fall fertilizer. Harvest late tomatoes. Before the first frost, place green tomatoes in paper bags and store in warm location to ripen. Use the smaller ones for relish or fried green tomatoes. :) I've never made these but always thought I should try. Clean veggie garden of plant debris that could harbour insects and diseases. Don't be overwelmed. Not all these have to be done. Just do what you can and enjoy the outdoors!

Dollar Daze

This Friday, Oct.1 and Saturday Oct.2, Huron Ridge is the place for gardener's. We're clearing out perennials starting at $1-$5 (Reg.$6.99- $13.99) , soils and mulches $1-$5, garden mums starting at $3.33, Fall bulbs buy 4 get the 5th free, as well as decorative clay, and other various products. Free coffee and donuts while you browse.

Spread the news to anyone you know who likes to garden

and if you're still in the mood to shop, Zurich Mennonite Church is hosting a Ten Thousand Villages Sale on Friday

from 6-9 and Saturday 10-4.

Runner-up Mums

Runner- up mums are available now. These are the hardy garden mums that didn't quite make first but are still nice. 3 for $10 Perfect timing for Thanksgiving decoration. :)

Now is the time to plant

Fall bulbs have arrived! From early Tulips to late blooming Allium, we have a great variety. Now is the perfect time to get these in the ground so they can bloom beautifully in the spring when we are all hungry for colour!

Kittens looking for a new home

Yes, we have kittens once again! Five sweet little balls of fluff free to a new home.

Phone 519-565-2122 or email to info@huronridge.ca if you're interested.

A new look for the front door

If you want to spruce up your planters or even change them altogether, we have hardy garden mums, ornamental cabbage and Kale, and Purple Fountain grass or Red Rooster grass. Mix them up or just plant a grass, you can use your imagination. We can even plant them up for you so the mess stays here!

Tired of squirrels digging up your tulip bulbs?

Are squirrels eating your bulbs? Look at that chubby little guy!

Acti-Sol multipurpose fertilizer has a repulsive effect on squirrels that are fond of tulip bulbs. It's completely safe for use around pets and children and is easy to use. Just sprinkle

where you've planted your bulbs! Simple and effective...I've tried it and it does work! In addition to saving the tulip bulbs, the plants are being fed nutrients too! We carry it here in a ready-to-use carton.

http://www.acti-sol.ca/Are-squirrels-eating-your-bulbs?decoupe_recherche=squirrel%20protection

Icicle Pansies are here!

If you've never planted Icicle Pansies in the fall, you're missing out! These little treasures bloom until snow and they are awake with the daffodils in the spring. These pansies are bursting with colour and ready to plant. They look great in a planter mixed with mums, ornamental kale or just alone in a carved out pumpkin. Best used outside because they enjoy the cooler temperatures.

http://iciclepansies/iciclepansyphotos.htm

Gardens and Sales, oh my!

This is a great time of year to work outside (unless you have seasonal allergies like me!) cleaning up spent flowers, watering (yes, some of us are having to do that again!) and gleaning the fruits of our labours. Yesterday I made spaghetti sauce and salsa from the beautiful tomatoes, peppers and herbs from my garden. I can't seem to grow good onions in my soil so I always raid my father-in-law's garden for onions. He grows amazing onions that are super-sized and full of flavour! My salsa seems to have turned out thick and chunky with just a bit of zip, just the way I like it. Later on I will make another batch that causes foreheads to break out in a sweat because that's how my husband likes it. :p

If you are thinking about the empty spots in your perennial beds, our perennials are now all on at 50% off! Dig them in now so they have a couple of months before cold comes (did I say cold? Yuk!) and the roots can become well established. If you still need fertilizer or other garden care products, they are 35% off. All other items such as garden decor, containers, soils and mulch are 35% off as well!

We are open Monday-Saturday 9-5

Houses for Haiti

I know the tragedy in Haiti happened awhile ago so it's easy to forget that it even happened. While we carry on with our everyday lives, others are still working to rebuild their lives and homes. When I came across this article, I wanted to share it with you. It's about a company that constucts greenhouses who designed inexpensive, temporary homes that can be shipped out to other countries, then set up quickly by volunteers. 200 of these were shipped to Haiti in February and likely more have been sent since. This really is a must-read and will only take a moment of your time. Go to www.esbenshades.com/haiti

Let me tell you a secret...

This is advice from http://www.burpeehomegardens.com/ about growing basil and cilantro.

Plant basil and cilantro about every two weeks and you will have fresh herbs to harvest for a longer period of time. Both of these herbs go to seed and stop producing leaves fairly quickly. The leaves have the best flavor when they are harvested before your plants start to flower. Harvest full stems rather than removing individual leaves, cutting just above each pair of lower leaves. This helps create bushy, compact plants. Apply a controlled- release fertilizer when planting and try to make sure the plants receive a good inch of water per week.

the Secret of early flowering Mums

Tonight I put the garden mums to bed for the night. Did you know that Chrysanthemums respond to day length for their blooming time? That's why they don't flower in your garden until autumn when the days are shorter. To have garden mums in bloom for sale this time of the year, we started about 6 weeks ago, pulling a thick black blanket over the 6" pots of mums at 8 p.m. & uncover them at 9 a.m., Mon - Sat.

Tasty Fruit

Karen Taylor sent me this picture of one of the "Burpee Home Gardens" varieties of tomatoes that was planted into a patio container. She sent me this comment as well.

"This is a 'Burpee Super Tasty' tomato. We've been enjoying some nice size tomatoes for a while now from this plant. They are really quite delicious!' "

Controlling pests in your garden

Here are some ideas you can do to help eliminate or at least control those destructive pests in your garden. Go to www.gardening-tips-idea.com/Identifying-Garden-Pests.html There are lots more ideas for controlling those nasty little pests that seem to invade our gardens. Ask other gardeners, check out other websites, and the library is full of books that will help you grow a great garden. If you have any questions, drop us a line at info@huronridge.ca and we'll send an answer back to you.

New Look

Our blog has a new name and a new look! What do you think? Leave a comment and let us know.

Very soon we will be cleaning out the greenhouse of any 1/2 price annuals and planters to make room for poinsettias. Yes, Christmas does start in July here! Our first ones have arrived and are just very small. They will soon get potted up into larger containers and placed on the benches to grow and will begin flowering in October. By mid-November they will be in full colour! But that's a long way off and you don't want to think about Christmas!

Changes

Time for a new look. We're working at giving our blog a new look. Your comments are welcome!

Show us your stuff!

For those of you who tried out new series of vegetable plants from

Burpee Home Gardens,

we would love to see some pictures of the veggies you are harvesting.

Email them to info@huronridge.ca or post them on our facebook page

Link

$10 special!

$10!

If you are still planting flowerbeds, window boxes, pots, garden or any kind of container, we have a clearout special on all 4 pak flats of annuals. There are 12- 4 paks to a flat and that is regularly $14.50. Now you can get the 48 plants for $10! We still have impatiens, petunias, nicotiana, dusty miller, sweet william, marigolds and more. This special will likely be on until they are gone so come find us at 74101 Bronson Line. We're open Monday through Saturday from 9-5.

We need food and water and so do plants :)

Now that your plants are in the ground, remember to water faithfully especially in this extremely warm weather. If the plants are smaller and in a somewhat large pot, every few days is fine. If the container is smaller and the plants are large, I would recommend watering everyday or at least every other if in full sun. It's a good idea to ask a family member or neighbour to water for you if you're away for more than a few days. Fertilizing is also a great way to guarantee beautiful flowers and foliage. Here at the greenhouse, we fertilize every time we water with a water soluble mix. Fill up your watering can, add a scoop or two of the powder (whatever the package says), mix and pour into containers or on flowerbeds. A really easy way to fertilize flowerbeds is to buy a Fertilizer applicator. Just fill with powdered fertilizer, screw onto the end of a hose and begin watering. The applicator syphons out the fertilizer, mixing it with water at just the right strength. Tomorrow is June 1st so to keep your plants growing beautifully all summer long, follow these simple suggestions.

Long weekend!

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend, either camping, visiting friends or working around home. The time is prime for planting! The earth has been dampened by our rain yesterday and now we've got heat. I would just speak a word of caution that when planting transplants in this unusually warm weather for May, water well and keep an eye on them for a day or two. As long as they get enough moisture and once the plants have been able to send their roots down a little, they'll be fine. Have a great holiday Monday! We're open 9-5.

This past week has been amazing! The weather has been just about perfect for planting or doing any kind of outdoor work. If you were lucky enough to get your garden planted before last night, this rain is in your favour. If not, you might just have to wait a day or two until the ground dries up a bit. There's lots you can do in the meantime though! Pots can be planted, weeding can be done, and fertilizing your perennials should be done now. Dead- heading of tulips and spring bulbs. Tender bulbs such as Dahlias and Calla Lillies can be planted. Our benches are full of colourful annuals waiting to stretch their roots! Alot of them grow wonderfully in containers and window boxes while others are perfect for flowerbeds. Tidal Wave petunias are great for a larger bed where you need a mass of colour and the portulaca grows the best in a hot corner. Impatiens or begonias prefer shade while verbena and vinca like full sun. Marigolds and geraniums are the old favourites that have stood the test of time but if you'd like to try something new, bacopa and Million Bells are a newer variety of trailing flowers. Hanging baskets and planters can be popped into an urn for instant wow. Don't forget fertilizer! A starter fertilizer is a good idea when planting new transplants. It's a plant food to promote root growth. Later on a 15-30-15 fertilizer is good to promote blooming. It's important to get the plant growing roots and foliage before it pushes out too many blooms because it will exert all it's strength into the flower. Have a great weekend everyone! We appreciate your business! Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have about plants. info@huronridge.ca

kittens

Once again we have baby kittens. There were 7 to start with and we've been able to give them all away. They are adorable and fun to watch. This girl is Nala. This is Shack (don't ask me, my kids named her) There is another one that's similiar to this one but fluffier and just grey. He is called Boots. This is the two moms sleeping with most of the kittens in a box. Boots is the grey one in the bottom left corner. These are our "tree-huggers". :) It is so fun to watch the kittens play and look at how and where they sleep.

Perennials

We have a lovely array of perennials this year. For you who are new to gardening, a perennial is a plant that overwinters and keeps growing every year. The only downside to perennials is that they do not provide constant colour all season. They can be planted in a way that there is always something blooming such as some in the spring, some in the summer and in the fall. The upside is they take very little care other than some cleaning up or trimming back and perhaps dividing once in a while. Some perennials can become root bound and need to be cut apart and thinned out. They will thank you by blooming profusely the following year. There are lots of books on perennials in the library and bookstores that provide that information. Sorry that I have no pics...I'm not at work today. The weekend forecast is looking fabulous so get ready to get out in your gardens and enjoy the sun!

Ode to Mothers

A mother's love determines how

We love ourselves and others.

There is no sky we'll ever see

Not lit by that first love.

Stripped of love, the universe

Would drive us mad with pain;

But we are born into a world

That greets our cries with joy.

How much I owe you for the kiss

That told me who I was!

The greatest gift--a love of life--

Lay laughing in your eyes.

Because of you my world still has

The soft grace of your smile;

And every wind of fortune bears

The scent of your caress.

I have two amazing mother's - the wonderful woman who gave birth to me (love you Mom!)

and the one I "inherited" when I got married. I hope I can be as great a mother-in-law as she is to me. Both have taught me many things. From tying my shoes to roasting a chicken, my "mothers" are always ready with advice. "Mom, my canned tomatoes didn't seal! What did I do wrong?" "Can I borrow a cup of sugar?" ( I did this just a couple of nights ago☺) or "How much flour do I add to my chicken juice to make gravy?"

Motherhood is highly underrated! A mother wears many hats and is always giving. Any woman can be a mothering-type and I am fortunate to have many wonderful women in my life who are there for me if I need someone. My sisters, sister-in-laws, friends, church family....I am so thankful!

Have a great weekend and I encourage you to send an email or a quick note to a woman in your life who's been there for you. I'm going to!

We're on Facebook!

Become a fan of Huron Ridge Acres on our Facebook account. Just search for us and ask to join our fan page!

Openhouse Weekend

Tonight we welcome you to come between 4 and 8pm to see a sampling of what's growing here at Huron Ridge. We're filling up benches and every nook and cranny with plants! From veggies to flowers to patio pots and climbing vines. There will be cookies and coffee to enjoy while you browse. There are some weekend specials such as Basil for $1.49, creeping phlox for $1.99, tropical spider plants to use in the house or in planters for $0.99 and lots of pansies! Tomorrow we're open from 9-5 and Sunday 1-5. Starting Monday, our hours will be our extended May hours which are 9-8 Monday to Friday, Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-5. Hope to see you!

It sure was a wake-up call last night as to what time of the year it is! We had a fairly heavy frost last night and the wind today is quite cold, straight from the north. Inside here is warm and sunny which is a perfect environment for the plants to become established and bloom. These baskets are looking lovely, filling out and starting to bloom. The plant below is called Lobularia and it's new and gorgeous! The picture doesn't do it justice!

Geraniums are filling out and beginning to bloom brightly. We have 3 sizes and lots of sizes to choose from when the weather warms up and you begin planting.

These are begonia baskets. They will fill out the pot and be in bloom by Mother's day. Red, pink, yellow and orange, these look lovely in a shady place or hanging under a porch.