August 24, 2010
August 10, 2010
Sexy Carrots
Although I am a lifetime gardener, I have never indulged in vegetable gardening until recently. With my new plot, I am dabbling and learning.
I am amazed at my enormous heads of red lettuce, but was unprepared for my wacky carrots ! I ( or was it Brent?) pulled a single handful of carrots out of the ground to see if they were ready . Out of six carrots, four were hysterical ! These are shown in the photos here. I cannot wait to see the rest of the row. I got my seeds here at Southlands, from the Renee’s Seeds rack. I planted three or four kinds of carrots, and can’t tell which is which.
Stay in touch to see what else nature is up to …..
July 25, 2010
A Vine Worth Owning
Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’ is a wonderful choice for a sunny spot. This selection was made in Dublin, Ireland, at the botanic garden of the same name. It is really a lax-growing shrub native to Chile, that is easily trained to grow up a trellis or against a wall. Everyone who sees one in bloom somewhere (usually on a tour of ‘open’ gardens) wants one.
This plant has a very long flowering season, and is rarely out of bloom. Flowering begins in April and contines on in flushes of gorgeous blue well into November. The foliage is evergreen, and will only fall if the winter is cold (for zone8) . One thing I and others have noticed is that this plant is relatively short-lived….. about eight years seems its life span.
The Solanum family is a huge and varied group of plants, that includes many weeds and poisonous species. It also includes the potato and the tomato ! This particular Solanum does not self-seed, and produces yellow pea-sized fruits that are probably toxic (so don’t eat them).
We have them in stock most of the time in a variety of sizes and prices.
Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’
July 24, 2010
Hanging Basket vs: Hanging Hideousness
With the heat of summer upon us, most hanging baskets are needing daily watering and weekly feedings of a fertilizer like 20-20-20. Even so, lots are already dried up messes of tortured annuals bewilderingly suspended from eaves and porches.
I thought about what could be a better solution…. something that would last . I chose a beautiful hanging basket with built in candlabra arms, and lined it with fresh green moss. For plants, I avoided the common annuals and used a coppery- hued Heucherella called ‘Sweet Tea’ . This hardy, evergreen perennial likes shade, with some filtered sun to bring out the brightest colours. For a bit of trailing /cascading plant material, I used the evergreen Rubus pentalobus ‘Emerald Carpet’ . This tough cookie is a UBC introduction , and in the garden makes a substantial groundcover. In my hanging basket, it will cascade nicely, but stay managable . A basket like this needs to kept moist . It will probably need a bit less care and water than a ‘normal’ hanging basket as these perennials are both survivors of considerable neglect.
So, look at your hanging baskets with a critical eye. If they are looking fried and finished, rip them out of their wire prisons and replant creatively using anything that looks good at this time of year !
July 10, 2010
In My New Garden I Planted…..
Upper photo :
A very hot, sunny bank hosts David Austin Rose ‘Teasing Georgia’ , which I think is one of the best roses on earth. I love its long bloom season, colour, fragrance and blousy habit. Here it is combined with Lavender ‘Provence’, Berberis ‘Rosy Glow’, Eryngium ‘Sapphire Blue‘, Nepeta ‘Six Hill’s Giant’, and Achillea ‘Terra Cotta’ against a split rail fence. All I do is cut things back in the fall, and weed. Nothing receives any water unless it rains. I chose these plants on purpose as they are tough cookies!
There is a long sweep of this planting, with random ‘repeats’ and a few other toughies like Stipa gigantea and the giant form of woolly lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina ‘Helen von Stein’) randomly thrown in. The wonderful, single-flowered shrub rose ‘Golden Wings’ is also here, as is ‘Sally Holmes’ , another must-have single-flowered shrub rose.
Lower Photo :
David Austin Rose ‘Lady Emma Hamilton’ (orangy), Rose ‘Sally Holmes’ (white) with California poppies (Escholtsia) , Stipa gigantea grass and a bit of Lavender ‘Provence’
It is hard to believe that it has been three years since starting this new garden in Langley, B.C. Switching from a mere 7,000 square foot lot in Vancouver, to 20 acres is quite intimidating , so we are taking it slowly. It really is landscaping, not gardening . Envisioning the big picture seems to be a natural process that is unfolding itself as we get to know the property. Clearing blackberries is nearly done, a lake has been made, about 200 trees planted, (including 12 Weeping Silver Pears to replicate an olive grove in the distance) and a few gardens created. My rule is that the plants have to take care of themselves, as I have little time to fuss. It is much windier, sunnier, hotter and also colder out there. My plants love it ! I took a few photos the other day ( early July) to show you some colour combos I am playing with……
Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’ and the annual-but-self-seeding Papaver somniferum ‘Lauren’s Grape’ compliment each other colourwise, but also enjoy hot sun and zero upkeep !
June 26, 2010
And Don’t Forget Ferns
Why do we take ferns for granted ? Are they the Switzerland of the plant world ? Everyone is neutral towards them… nobody professes to hate them. A few fanatics love them, and I am becoming one of those people. It began long ago.
I remember travelling to England when I was sixteen years old, and stumbling into an antiquarian book/print seller in Oxford. I bought four amazing botanical prints of ferns , (for five pounds each) and I still have them. One is of my favourite – Phyllitis scolopendrium, the ‘Hart’s Tongue ‘ fern. It turns out that my prints are from a very famous book called ‘London Planiflorus’ and are quite valuable !
The ‘Hart’s Tongue’ fern is a lovely evergreen, producing a new set of fronds every year. It looks best if you clip off all of last years fronds just when the new ones are unfurling. It grows happiest in moist shade, but will survive in sun as well. Brighter light creates a bleached-out look to the entire plant. This fern self-sows in rock walls in England, and often in the sun. You may find unusual forms of Hart’s Tongue ferns by looking thoroughly at nurseries’ offerings. I have collected about a dozen different crested/lacinated/ruffled ones. I grow them in pots in the shade . They survive unprotected in our zone 8 winters.
There are thousands of other ferns, hundreds that are hardy for us, and dozens of available species and selected forms for sale at nurseries. Think about ferns for design solutions in your own garden or patio spaces. Sophisticated, understated and generally pest-free , these survivors deserve a place in every landscape. 
When you think about it, ferns have been around for millions of years, and pre-date mankind entirely. I’d try to stay on their good side .
May 23, 2010
Do you really need a lawn ?
Driving around Vancouver this spring has often made my jaw drop. Not just the usual horrors and pleasures, but the new visions of bombed-out lawns . The European chaffer beetle attack has caused crows to go crazy tearing up lawns. It is the grubs they are after, and there must be millions of them, judging by the damage.
So, maybe nature is telling us to plant differently. Plant a lawn alternative. There are plenty of groundcovers that would create a new texture, a hipper overall look, and not attract the chaffer beetle.
I drive by one house every day that has done a clever job of low maintenance lawn alternative using the ground-hugging Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ . This hardy perennial forms a thick carpet that is drought tolerent and fairly evergreen. Growth is so thick and solid (in sun), that weeds etc cannot easily penetrate its tight shag surface. It is also a very interesting texture of tight feathers, and a unique colour. New leaves poke out green, but turn gun-metal grey/purple quickly. A sophisticated colour that combines well with rock and concrete.
Being low and dense, Leptinella can stand light foot traffic. Constant wear will show, so consider paving stones in high traffic areas. If doing a mass planting, it is more economical to saw your purchased plants in half . Just remove them from each 4″ pot and cut them sideways all the way through into two halves. They won’t mind ! Regrowth is so fast, you won’t be able to tell they were cut in a week ! You may also cut them into quarters. These smaller sections are perfect for fitting between pavers. Water often if the weather is hot and sunny, but soon they will knit together and take care of themselves.
4″ pots are $3.99 each. Plan on one plant (or plant section ) per square foot. Watch for weeds for the first year or so.
May 10, 2010
What a difference a dog makes
These little July nursery visitors loved petting our new mascot ‘Corona’ , a very gentle 9 year old German Shepherd x Lab cross that we adopted last March .
We first met ‘Corona’ out in Langley, where he was living in a house we rented out. Over the last two years , we appreciated his company and friendly nature every time we visited. Quickly, we fell in love. Prior to that, Corona was locked in a ‘Grow-Op’ for four years , without even a window to the outside world! Because he is so nice and gentle, he lost that job, and was handed over to various people….. including our tenant, who was very kind to him.
Just this past March, his owner was moving, and we hoped he would give him to us. ‘Corona’ was happy in Langley, and we all wanted him to stay that way! So, his owner gave him to us and we are thrilled and amazed by his wonderful nature !
‘Corona’ is often at the nursery, following me around like a shadow. So, next time you are visiting us, give him a pat and fall under his spell !
April 13, 2010
Discovering Southlands neighbourhood….
It has taken twenty years for me to discover the beauty in my own neighbourhood. All of this happened because I (we) am the lucky owner of an incredible new dog ! ‘Corona’ is a nine year old German shepherd x Lab cross that we met in Langley. His previous owner rescued him from a ‘Grow-Op’ , where he was too gentle to be of any use as a guard dog. ‘Corona’ is the nicest dog I have ever met. He is amazing. Being a dog owner means going for walks. This is good for me, too.
Luckily, the nursery is in a magical country-like location, right in the city . I knew this , but never bothered to explore my equestrian neighbourhood. I often drove around, checking out the new houses, or making a delivery, but it is sure better walking ! Today, I remembered to bring my camera and took these pictures . I could have taken thousands more . I only ventured four blocks in any direction from the nursery, as ‘Corona’ gets pooped out by then. Every month brings change. Lots of new houses are being built, some very tasteful . The styles range from Old English to uber-modern/community centre look-alikes. All are in the millions of dollars and sit on very large lots or acreages .
April 5, 2010
April 4, 2010
April 2, 2010
Time to go.
Some people might know that we ( Brent and I) sold our well-published and much visited Spanish/Mediterranean style home in Vancouver, BC, in 2008. For those who didn’t know this, it was a case of realizing that it was the right time to leave. Home prices in Vancouver were at an all -time high, and the garden, which we loved, was simply no fun anymore. The best way to express this is by using my good friend (and Dublin-based garden superstar) Helen Dillon’s phrase : we were tired of curating, not creating. The succulent/echeveria thing was over for me. The garden was actually very small, and after 20 years, it was full.
The fact that one of the very few nice neighbours had moved the year before did not help. We were left in an unfriendly Peyton Place of indulged monster-children, alcoholic party- seniors and aesthetically blind millionaires. People planted trees and refused to prune , specifically to block other people’s views . Saying ‘Hello’ went unreturned. We planned our escape.
In 2006, we started looking around… thinking of options. We have always loved Portland, Oregon, and could live there legally for 6 months out of the year….our favourite house there was for sale…. at a ‘bargain’ compared to Vancouver prices.
We also have great friends in the Seattle area… but decided that the border hassles etc were just too great. After a year of working with a terrific real estate agent, we decided on South Langley, B.C.
We looked at many properties (about 75), and finally knew when we found ‘the one’ . We originally were looking to find about five acres, hopefully with trees, at least. We ended up buying a twenty acre farm with incredible potential. But, I don’t want to spill the whole story here all at once. There is a whole book in what has happened since then…….
Moving meant leaving behind many fabulous plants. Whole clumps of cypripediums (hardy orchids), patches of double-flowered bloodroot (sanguinaria canadensis forma multiplex ‘Plena’) , choice magnolias, ferns and hundreds of treasures I will probably never find again . I did lift my favourite podophyllums, martagon lilies, hellebores and daylilies.
I decided that to create a new garden meant leaving most of the old garden behind……
Tackling a huge project like this is like a drug. We are taking it slow, and letting the vision create itself. It seems to ‘just happen’.
I have never used drawings or blueprints, preferring to squint at a space and see what pops into mind. I thought an olive grove would look good in one very open area. But, real olives aren’t very hardy here, so I planted 12 silver-leaved weeping pears (pyrus salicifolius Pendula’) in a random grove. They are very hardy, and will form a dozen lovely silvery ‘haystacks’ in the sun. Underneath them, I have planted random dabs of the lovely small and special peach narcissus ‘Katie Heath’. I also scattered in some pale denim blue muscari ”Valerie Finnis’. I envision the three colours (silver, peach and pale blue) creating a living, walk-through Monet painting every spring. Brent slaved for months fighting blackberry haystacks , creating pastures and lawns . Existing trees suddenly became ideally located once clearly visible ! Crumbling fences and corrals were demolished, and two abandoned llamas were given away to a good home , with a bit of the movie ‘Witness’ thrown in…..
One of the first things we did was to erect a 600′ long split -rail cedar fence along the entrance drive. A local company that recycles old telephone poles (by splitting them into quarters and cutting them into 10′ lengths) supplied the rails. The guys erecting it managed to puncture the only (one inch in diameter) natural gas line with a piece of rebar. Incredible, considering there are twenty acres…. big drama as the gas company cordoned off the entire street.
I have planted a few purple-leaf grapes (vitus vinifera ‘Purpurea’) here and there along this fence, as well as the odd climbing rose (I chose the lovely ‘Royal Sunset’) in a terra-cotta peachy tone. Along this drive, I also randomly planted small-flowered white narcissus in a naturalized fashion. I chose ‘Toto’,'Trasemble’ and ‘February Silver’. They are lovely , easy and more ‘wild -looking’ than the yellow ones I see all over. I planted 1500 in total. My quick, easy way to plant these was to dig with a normal, full-sized shovel. I actually didn’t really dig… I just tipped the shovel forward, poked in three or five bulbs, and stepped the sod back in place. Easy.
Spring is now a vision of fresh green grass, dappled shadows from the big old trees along the drive, and these little white beauties. It seems complete. Now, only 19.5 acres left to play with.
February 25, 2010
I Love The Nightlife
Hosting the Winter Olympics has been a mixed blessing for those of us who live in Vancouver and aren’t really ‘into’ sports. Annoying street closures, loss of parking entirely in many areas, billions of dollars spent, etc.
Somewhat amazingly, though, the creative brain has not been left abandoned ! I absolutely love the nightly ‘light show’ …… and the wacky fireballs at Robson Square. Have a look at these pictures , taken by our own longtime Southlands employee Richard Sehmer.
February 12, 2010
Olympics Mania
Wow - what a difference a torch makes. Yesterday, the Olympic torch ran through Kerrisdale, where our other store ‘HOBBS’ is. It was insane. Our quiet little strip of retail became a scene from ‘The Day of The Locust’ (one of my favourite movies, ever) . Thousands of people clogged the street and then, as if by magic, vaporized. It was all so nothing, so very Peggy Lee . It was interesting to see so many people buy absolutely nothing while they were in the neighbourhood. In fact, February 2010 was the worst February our Kerrisdale store has ever had. That means 20 years of Februaries. The weather was mostly exceptionally nice….., but people seemed to either be away or fixated on the Olympics.
I did find it interesting to have concrete proof of how people can be manipulated…. to attend/buy/worship/kill………garden?
February 7, 2010
Goodbye, Global TV
Some people might wonder where I am on the Saturday Morning News on Global BCTV. I have lost count of how many years I was on the show, but it is nearly 20.
I only had 5 minutes a week, and tried to show how easy something was to do…..from repotting an orchid to dividing peonies…I taped about 1000 segments!!!
Some of you might know that I am very concerned with Vancouver Park Board’s horrifying decision to close the spectacular Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park. I cannot let them. You must not let them. So, I arranged to meet a Global cameraman there and film a 5 minute segment inside the wonderful dome. We did film a segment, and I used my opportunity to let my ”fans” know what a wonderful treasure we might lose. I explained how they might help (donate to The Friends of the Bloedel , mailing cheques to us c/o this nursery), complain to our city council and so on. I was very calm and made a point of not naming names, trashing our park board (which was difficult), or being political in any way.
I was informed that Global would not show my piece. I wondered why….. I still wonder why. Any ideas out there ?
As it was Friday afternoon, there was no way to tape any other segment for Saturday morning, and I told them that if they did not show my Bloedel segment they need never call me again.
They did not show it.
So, my TV stint is over. I want to thank all the nice people who always stop me and tell me how much they like(d) my ’show’. My favourites were always the most unexpected ….the bikers in Fort Langley, the seniors at Safeway, the guy fixing the road… I am glad you learned a little bit about plants and beauty from tuning in all those years.
I hope you come visit me at the nursery someday . But even more important, go visit the Bloedel conservatory and bring your friends, too !! It is by showing an increase and interest in attendance that will save the Bloedel, as all our elected enemies care about is money.
January 23, 2010
Chafer Beetle Attack !
Wow, what a mess ! Everyone is horrified and wondering what has happened to their lawns . It is actually a combination of mostly night-visiting raccoons, skunks and daytime attacks by CROWS destroying your lawn.
As you probably know, they are looking for the grubs of the chafer beetle. It is amazing how quickly entire neighbourhoods have been vandalized by these clever-but-unaesthetic vandals ! There is not much you can do.
In late July/August, there is a nematode solution for sale at nurseries that costs about $80.00 . You mix-up a solution of this eco-friendly chafer beetle grub killer and water it in well. But, it does nothing to the adult beetles, or the ones in your neighbours lawn.
The theory is that chafer beetles lay their spawn in crummy/distressed lawns more than in lovely, moist, perfect lawns. I think this is true. I haven’t noticed the mess on healthy, very well-cared for lawns. I hope it is not on golf courses, even though I don’t golf. There is a lot to read online about this and I won’t go into it here.
We have no solution to this new problem, and don’t offer anything product-wise that could help. My suggestion is to wait til the destruction stops (nothing left to eat), then rake up the mess. Spread an even layer of nice topsoil, rake it smooth, and reseed. Either commit to putting more effort into your new lawn, or think about using a groundcover other than grass…..
January 1, 2010
Saving The Bloedel Conservatory
I never thought it would ever be possible for a newly elected bunch of dreary city officials to so quickly destroy so much. Pity Vancouver. Our inexperienced and unevolved ‘Park Board’ is seriously planning to totally close the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park sometime in September of this year. A 1.5 million dollar gift from Seattle’s Prentice Bloedel forty years ago, ( = 50 million today), this stunning facility is in terrific shape and is many people’s favourite place to stroll, out of the rain, and introduce their children to exotic birds and plants. WE MUST SAVE IT . I have been very involved with our fundraising party called ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, which took place on Saturday, January 30th at 7 PM. It was inside the conservatory and will be remembered as one of the best parties ever held in this town !! We sold almost 400 tickets (we had to cut it off due to space restrictions). We had a full oyster bar, generously donated by Joe Fortes ! Umberto Menghi and his Il Giardino restaurant donated 600 hors d’oerves (!!!!!), BUTTER Bakery on Dunbar (Thank you Rosie !) donated about 1,000 yummy treats…..wine was from Lulu Island Winery and was a big hit !! There were lots of door prizes, from Hill’s,Mark James, Bacci’s, Blue Ruby, Hobbs….. and very few speeches. Dal Richards and his band performed, and we had an incredible Polynesian floorshow !! I am the King of Exaggeration, and even I cannot describe how amazing Hiro, the fire dancer was !!! He had fire on his feet, in his mouth, twirling 30′ in the air…..and only wearing a loincloth. You had to be there !!!!! We had 3 Kleig lights in the sky…..announcing that this building is not dead !!!!! Stay tuned people – the battle is really ‘on’ now !!!! Absolutely nobody wants to lose this fabulous, affordable place. Why should a bunch of newly elected strangers, with no political experience destroy a gift that was made to everyone ? Something that will never, ever be replaced - or duplicated ?
Here are some interesting figures uncovered by one of our Good Park Board guys,Stuart Mackinnon :
“Subsidies” to city amenities last year:
Art Gallery – $2,167,500.00
Van Dusen – $1,166,800.00
Archives - $900,000.00
Vanc. Museum$746,500.00
Maritime Museum $410,710.00
Bloedel Conservatory $250,000.00
In a year when Cambie St. was a mess, 33rd Ave was a mess, tour buses gave up, and marketing efforts were zilch, I think the Bloedel came close to breaking even. It used to MAKE money, for years. It could, and would make money again if anyone cared.
A very positive thing has happened – we, The Friends of The Bloedel, do care . We hope to help by raising money and awareness, suggesting new ideas and exciting transformations of the dreary gift shop….the outdoor plaza (how about a small coffee bar and a few patio tables/umbrellas….), hosting an orchid show, a carnivorous plant fair, a canopy walk up in the jungle ….. we are full of great ideas !!! Watch us !!! Join us ! For $20.00 , you, too can become ‘A Friend of The Bloedel’ ! You can join by sending your info to ‘The Friends of The Bloedel’ c/o this nursery.
December 28, 2009
Christmas 2009
Many people don’t know that we (Southlands) still own the gift store ‘HOBBS’ in nearby Kerrisdale. When I sold my well-known florist shop next door to it, people assumed I sold them both. Not true ! ‘HOBBS’ is still fun, and this Christmas was particularly attractive, thanks to Brent’s handiwork on the front of our store. He spray painted curly willow twigs a very hip celery green, and entwined them in a very showy snaggle of dark sapphire blue LED lights. Brent is an LED light pioneer – he loved them five years ago. These blue ones (from our huge hardware chain’ Canadian Tire’) are his new favourites as they are super bright !
In one of the windows are a couple vintage ‘Coca Cola’ Santas. These large cardboard display items are not for sale. I bought one at a local firehall’s ’swap meet’ fundraising sale years ago. The full-body Santa came from an antique shop in Cloverdale, B.C. They just don’t make Santas like these anymore !
With fairly excellent weather the entire month, sales were up and everyone was in good spirits. Last year, Christmas shoppers were trapped in nearly one metre (3′+) of snow ! This year, there was none, and barely any frost. I am keeping my fingers crossed .
December 20, 2009
Another Day, Another Beauty.
This lovely yellow orchid is one of my favourites of all time. It is BLC Goldenzelle ‘Lemon Chiffon’ AM/AOS . I used to have a giant plant of it, about 2′ across. One night, about 5 years ago, the power went out on the coldest night of the year and almost all my orchids froze to death. It was heartbreaking. Luckily, this wonderful variety had been cloned and was easy to buy again. I acquired a 2″ pot of it and have raised it to flowering size. If you are ever able to go to an Orchid Show, you will probably see vendors there selling this plant as little babies. As a group, Cattleyas are not the easiest houseplants…. you will probably need to create a special grow-light/gravel tray/high humidity area to raise them if you don’t have a heated greenhouse.
The beautiful pinkish orchid is is SLC.Misty Girl ‘Royal Queen’ BM/JOGA , which I bought at the World Orchid Conference in Vancouver in 1999. It was a small clone, and bloomed once in 2007. This year it is amazing ! The scent is incredible. Very fruity/spicy and bold. I have grown thousands of orchids before, and this has to be the most fragrant yet. The wait was worth it ! If you are curious about the name, and initials before and after it, I will explain.
‘SLC’ is short for the three orchid genera involved in this complex hybrid. The ’S’ is short for sophronitis. The ’L' stands for laelia. The ‘C’ is short for cattleya. =’ SLC ‘.
’ BLC ‘ is almost the same , but the ‘B’ stands for Brassavola in the mixture of parentage for the hybrid mentioned. The hybridizer of the pink orchid shown above named and registered this cross as SLC Misty Girl. The second designation, ‘Royal Queen’ was tagged onto one seedling (out of thousands), that seemed extra good. Then, the Japanese Orchid Growers Association awarded this one seedling a BM (bronze medal) at a show or judging meeting. Somebody took it to a lab and had it cloned , and I bought one at the show ! Voila !
The yellow orchid shown above has an ‘AM/AOS’ after its name. This is an award designation - an Award of Merit from the American Orchid Society . (AM/AOS) . These award designations become part of the name of the plant and its future clones – if someone clones it. Awarded plants are worth BIG BIG money and growers can make good money by cloning them. Everyone will want one, and the price comes down quickly once there are thousands, or even millions of identical clones to sell all over the world.
December 12, 2009
Hobbs in Kerrisdale is looking very festive !
With Christmas now over, my other business ‘HOBBS’ is still full of great stuff ! The gorgeous glass tray in this picture is handmade in Italy. Each one takes the artist, Paolo Crisante up to 2 weeks to make . If you are ever in the Kerrisdale area of Vancouver, drop by !
HOBBS
2129 West 41st Ave
Vancopuver (604) 261-5998
December 11, 2009
Orchids are blooming !
In these dreary winter days, it is terrific to see Cattleya orchids in bloom! They are my favourites, and also smell terrific !
This lovely peachy one is LC. George King ‘Serendipity’ AM/AOS . I bought a flask of tiny babies years ago, and sure enough…. they are all blooming on the same day. Talk about cloning !
If you could only smell what we are smelling !
Even though it is winter, there are lots of creative things you can do with plant material…..
We are having fun making lovely Christmas wreaths ! It seems they sell as fast as we can make them . They last very well if kept outdoors, but dry up quickly indoors…..