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

This may seem like a quiet time of year around here but actually alot is happening! Right now with the nastier wet weather, we are working inside. Perennials are being put to bed but as long as it doesn't freeze, spring bulbs can be tucked into the earth ready to bring glorious colour to our eyes in the brown of spring time!

Danielle and Darren are planting primula (picture above) for February. Primula are bright, cheery plants that are a must have during the whiteness of winter. Clayt is sorting white pine branches that have been delivered to us for our winter planters, wreaths and other Christmas designs.

Tomorrow Dave and Carol are heading up north to pick up a big truckload of Christmas greens and cedar roping! So keep in mind, we will have bunches of scented greens and beautiful roping for your outdoor decorarting ready by Nov. 1.

Today Dave is gone to the annual meeting at Ontario Flower Growers in Mississauga. www.ontarioflowergrowers.ca He's been on the Board of Directors for 3 years now. We take product there 2x a week most of the year.

Carol is busy in the office most days keeping it running smoothly.

This afternoon Sally and I plan to open up Christmas boxes! We're getting ready to decorate around here for our annual Candlelight Event on Nov. 24-26, 5-8 pm. Check our website http://www.huronridge.ca/ for details.

Poinsettias are colouring up beautifully! It's amazing day to day the change that can be seen in these amazing plants!

We're still growing!

Yesterday I took cuttings from a variety of herb plants. At the end of January, when the hype of Christmas is over and we're hungry for fresh greens, they'll be ready to add flavour to soups, stews, or roast chicken. They can sit in a decorative pot on a windowsill, reminding us that spring is coming! I also planted some basil and cilantro seeds because these are my two favourite herbs!

Festive Workshops

Want a Fun Girl’s Night Out while you create a festive outdoor decoration that will wow your friends & family? Laugh, learn and enjoy some refreshments. Sat. Nov. 26, 2pm; Sat. Dec. 3, 2pm; Tues. Dec.6, 7pm; In the Sat. workshops, you will create an outdoor planter. You can make a basic one using fresh evergreens, dogwood, ribbon & cones; or you can add some bling, or you can upgrade to a WOW! Prices start at $35. In the Tues. evening workshop you’ll create a door swag or mantelpiece, made with fresh evergreens, ribbon, berries & more. Cost for this workshop is $30 Spaces will be limited so call 519-565-2122 to reserve your spot with a $20 deposit. Talk to Carol or Lorraine or you may contact us via email carol@huronridge.ca or lorraine@huronridge.ca if you have any questions.

Christmas Workshops

This year we are planning some Christmas workshops! A great opportunity to explore your creativity, learn floral design and make something beautiful! Details coming soon.