Spacing Primula

Today we are bringing some potted primula into our warmer greenhouse. They get loaded onto our steel greenhouse carts like this. They are set in solid rows the whole length of the bench.

Every other plant is pulled back to create a diagonal spacing that allows the plants room to grow and the water to flow around the pots on the bench. In about a months time, these little plants will be blooming profusely, brightening up the atmosphere with their rainbow of colours!

Saturday, January 14

Today we're planting violas into little pots. They come in a variety of colours from yellow to dark purple and we plant 3 per pot. These cheerful fellows are bright, a sure sign that spring is close when they begin to bloom. My favourite is the yellow/purple mix!

This is what they will look like in a couple of months. Add a fancy little planter and it's a lovely little gift for someone!

Did I miss winter?

Things are looking green outside and the little primula hoping for spring is a little confused! I love the contrast of snow and colour, watching this sweet plant dare to poke it's flowers out in the temporary spring weather.

This is one tough parsley plant! It has survived the freezing temperatures and snow cover while staying crisp and green. I might just pick myself a few pieces to munch on and savour the taste of "fresh". :)

The reality of how close Christmas really is, makes it hard to fathom considering the mild weather we've been having! It's wonderful for getting around and delivering poinsettias though! We are still in full swing packing and shipping the plants we have grown for 5 months. They are started in July as a small slip or cutting, then rooted and potted, watered and fertilized until today when we send them out for others to enjoy. We've watched with new amazement at the changing colours of the leaves. From red, pink and white to jingle bells and silver star marble. Over 20 varieties and colours! Gorgeous! We supply stores, flower shops and fundraiser groups with plants that last. The other day at my Christmas dinner, my cousin told me she finally threw it out in the compost in August! It still looked almost as good as the day she got it. It's always exciting to hear that because we strive to grow quality plants that last!

We've been as busy as Santa's elves getting everything ready for our

spectacular candlelight event

starting tomorrow night! For three nights our poinsettias are bathed in a warm candlelight glow, definitely a "wow" sight. Please join us anytime between 5 and 8 pm on November 24,25 and 26 and enjoy the delectable taste and smell of cider brewing, christmas cookies and the delights to the eyes as your feet meander through our many pathways.

Thursday night brings a connoisseur and roaster of the freshest coffee around, Coastal Coffee Company owner, Ben Gingerich. Enjoy tasting his fresh brew and purchase a bag if desired.

Jo-Anne Middleton will be here displaying her array of candles in many enticing aromas. Make a purchase for that hard to buy person or just enjoy.

For those who have other evening committments, we are open 9-5 Monday through Saturday until Dec.24. This Sunday Nov. 27, we are open 12-4. The benches are quite a site in the daytime with the colourful rainbow of poinsettias!

Wow! It's hard to believe it's November 1st with this beautiful day surrounding us! This would be a great week to put up outdoor Christmas lights so our fingers won't get quite so cold! I think I'll do that here on Friday.

Last week Dave and Carol drove up north to fill our big delivery truck with christmas greens making it smell like a pine forest! There are carts full of spruce, balsam, and pine bunches, and various lengths of cedar and mixed garland on our benches.

I inhaled a breath of fresh cut pine and wished my house was filled with that divine scent all year round!

Mixed Garland

Winter planters with Ornamental Cabbage Christmas greens