Dear fellow gardeners! - Parkland Garden Centre › pdf › 2012WinterNewsletter.pdfwith your...

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Garden Club Newsletter Winter 2012

Dear fellow gardeners!

What is a Fairy Garden?

The Staff at Parkland Garden Centre would like to thank everyone for coming out to see us over the past year,

but we are not done yet! Did You Know… Parkland Garden Centre has a unique line of Christmas ornaments and trees.

Our buyers travel great distances to bring the latest trends in Christmas and every day giftware to Central Alberta.

Parkland has over 25 themed trees for you to admire and shop from. Come out to Parkland Garden Centre and do your

holiday shopping in one stop.. We have gifts to suit all ages, including unique collectable ornaments and beautiful

giftware.

If you are having a difficult time deciding, why not give a gift certificate and let that special someone choose

for them self. Our magnificent poinsettias and houseplants are always a welcome gift. Come “Experience a Country

Christmas” at Parkland!

This year we have a second location in the Parkland Mall (old Sears mall entrance) showcasing some of our

unusual products. Seeing is believing!

Be sure to visit our wonderful Ice Sculptures and then come in to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere while you shop

with your family. (Date of set up is December 15th, depending on the weather).

A Fairy Garden is a miniature garden complete with structures and actual

living plants. It is designed to give your green thumb a place to tend year-round and

to lure fairies and with them, good luck, to your home. It’s a tiny space created and

tended with love.

Great gift idea for the die-hard gardener, or those who can no longer garden

outdoors!

The design and components are limited only by your imagination and we have

a wide range of accessories to complement the starter kit.

Be one of the first to get one of these fantastic and unique gardens!

Most common comment heard as the staff unpacked them;

“That’s SOOOO Cute!”

Twitter @ParklandGarden

Web www.parklandgarden.ca

Phone 403-346-5613

E-mail [email protected]

OPEN YEAR ROUND!

http://www.parklandgarden.ca

mailto:[email protected]


Once upon a time, old mother Maria was scrubbing and cleaning her house. Christmas Eve was

coming soon! Everyone knew that the Christ Child would visit on Christmas Eve to bless each house, so of course it

must be sparkling clean for his visit!

Even the spiders, Silke and Milke, who lived in their web up in the darkest corner of the ceiling must go! As

Maria’s broom approached, they hurried and scurried and squeezed through a crack up into the attic to be safe. From

there they peeked down and watched as Maria and her husband and children brought in the Christmas tree. They cov-

ered it with candles and bright coloured balls and paper snowflakes and the many ornaments they had collected over the

years. They sang, told stories and drank eggnog and cider, and finally went up to bed to dream of Christmas morning.

But Silke and Milke could only see a tiny bit of the tree through the crack in the ceiling. “Oh,” said Silke, “I

want to see ALL the pretty decorations!” “Me too!” cried Milke. “Let’s creep down and look when they all go to bed.”

And that’s just what they did. Down through the crack at midnight they crept and landed on the star at the top of the

tree. “I still can’t see everything,” complained Milke. “Me neither,” sighed Silke. “We must climb out along the

branches to see the pretty decorations,” said Milke. And that’s just what they did. From the very top to the very bottom

of that lovely tree scampered Silke and Milke, leaving a trail of spider web all over the tree.

“Ooh, it is the loveliest, loveliest Christmas tree ever, isn’t it Milke?” said Silke. “Yes, indeed, the loveliest

Christmas tree ever,” agreed Milke. So, happily, they squeezed back up into the attic and slept.

While they and all the family slept, the Christ Child entered and blessed the house for the coming year. But

when he saw the family’s Christmas tree all covered with musty, dusty spider webs, the Christ Child’s heart was sad for

the family, so the Christ Child reached out his little hand and touched the spider webs and instantly they turned to silver

and gold. The family was overjoyed when they rushed down on Christmas morning; overjoyed with the special gift from

the Christ Child.

And ever since, people have draped their Christmas trees with garland and tinsel, in honour of the gift of the

Christ Child. Some even place a pretty spider ornament on their tree to thank those first little spiders.

At Parkland Garden Centre, we have many different and unique garland products to create your own “sparkle”

on your tree.

The Legend of the Christmas Spider Retold by Judith Anne Moody

The Legend of the Christmas Pickle Ornament

by Carol Ritten Smith

There is some mystery as to the origin of hanging this unusual, green, glass ornament on the Christmas tree. The

most common legend bandied about is purported to have started in Germany many years ago.

On Christmas Eve, after the children were in their beds, the parents decorated the Christmas tree. Among the

other pretty ornaments on the tree, last but not least, a glass pickle was hidden deep within the boughs. When Christmas

morning arrived, the children rushed to the beautifully decorated tree to search for the pickle ornament. The first one to

find it was told to expect an extra gift from St. Nicholas or, if an extra gift was not possible, the observant child was al-

lowed to open the first present.

Oddly enough, the German people do not substantiate the origin of this story. Nor do they observe this custom.

Perhaps there is another explanation.

How about this one? Many years ago two Spanish boys, travelling home for Christmas, stayed overnight at an

inn. The corrupt innkeeper stole everything they owned and then stuffed them inside a pickle barrel. Fortunately, that

night, St. Nicholas also decided to stay at the inn. He heard the trapped boys and rapped his staff against the barrel. The

boys miraculously appeared, seemingly unharmed, and resumed their trip home for Christmas.

Finally, there is a third possible explanation of the origin of the Christmas Pickle Ornament. During the Ameri-

can Civil War, a soldier, born in Bavaria, was captured and held as a prisoner of war. Starving and growing very weak,

he begged the guard for one last pickle before he died. The guard took pity and gave him one. That one pickle supplied

the prisoner with enough sustenance for him to live.

So there you have it, three explanations as to how the Christmas Pickle Ornament came about. Whether it is an

excuse to reward an observant child, an aid to remember two boys in a pickle, or a way to recall how a gherkin saved a

prisoner’s life, the Christmas Pickle Ornament has become a favourite decoration on the Christmas tree.

Hide one in your tree this year and make it part of your own family tradition.

Just arrived at Parkland Garden Centre — ask our staff where to find them at both of our Christmas Boutiques!


Named “The Christmas Book of 2011” by Toy

Directory

Comes with a bag of “Santa Dust”

Bima Trading aims at the need for a “different” look in design, in order to

create a niche, that does not resemble the same look featured in most furni-

ture stores or design centres.

Our company, has an extensive history in procuring furniture from Asia, particularly Indonesia. Our mission has

always been to design original, practical and ‘delightful on the eye’ pieces that enhance our ultimate customer’s home.

Our furniture, using timber from this densely wooded part of the world, comprises mango, mahogany and other

hardwoods. We help in preserving the environment by supporting manufacturers that replant trees as well as utilize

fallen trees as raw materials whenever possible.

We have developed techniques to give our products an ‘aged-look’ which may include numerous colors, blends

and shades. Our manufacturing process can also be adapted to clients’ requirements while maintaining our unique

‘footprint.

Wood is a living material that continues to respond to changes in climate condition even after it is converted into

furniture. Since our products are made of solid wood, they will reflect a weathering effect that may show slight cracking

due to changes in moisture. This does not effect the structural integrity of the furniture. However we do recommend ap-

plying tung oil periodically to stained finishes to maintain their natural beauty. Our pieces are made as antique reproduc-

tions and therefore will show the natural aging and wear of a true aged piece of furniture. Enjoy your new piece!

As well as in stock items, Parkland can also take special order requests from out catalogue.

All wood ‘Heritage’ Furniture From Bima Trading

Purchase one of these unique Christmas Traditions now available at Parkland’s

Christmas Boutiques, and start a Christmas Tradition of your own!


Greener & Cleaner at Christmas By Alfred Prins

The environmental benefits of trees and greenery are well documented and universally accepted.

They reduce carbon, release oxygen, control erosion where they are growing, cool urban areas, and

generally purify the air.

How is it then that some consumers believe that artificial Christmas trees made from petroleum

products and imported from half way around the globe are more environmentally friendly than real trees and

greenery?

Many still seem to think that Christmas trees are cut from forests, but today that is simply not true.

The vast majority of fresh cut Christmas trees sold to the public are grown on tree farms. When a crop of

trees is harvested, a new crop is planted in its’ place much like any other crop, thereby leaving our native

stands untouched.

When brought indoors, the trees can actually help purify stuffy winter air for as long as they are kept

fresh. Fresh trees do not carry allergens. Artificial trees can be dust collectors.

When Christmas is over, stand the tree outside in the snow, place a bird feeder nearby, and it will

become a gathering place for your feathered friends!

At Parkland Garden Centre, we carry a full line of fresh cut, tree farm grown Christmas trees in

various varieties and sizes. We also have a wide selection of bird feeders and bird feed.

Come in and celebrate the season in the natural “green” way!

Tropical Houseplants By Alfred Prins

Just the name conjures up fabulous images of lush green with splashed of colour in the dead of winter!

When the outdoor world goes to sleep for the winter our gardening instincts turn to the indoor world.

With the colder weather it becomes more difficult to open windows for fresh air in, so we turn to green

plants to purify the air.

There are fool-proof plants for those with brown thumbs as well as more challenging exotic plants for

those with the greenest thumbs. We carry the whole range, along with a wide selection of pots, soil, and care

products to help! Our knowledgeable staff can give you the advice you need to succeed with the plants you

choose.

Most of the tropical’s are easier to grow than you may think and they really enhance the indoor living,

and working, environment.

Come on in and treat yourself to a piece of the tropics!


To Do List for December

Be sure to check regularly any tubers and corms that you may have stored to ensure they don’t dry out

completely.

This is the ideal time to study the bare bones of your garden. Is it balanced? Does it have winter appeal?

Are there shrubs with berries to attract birds?

Catch up on reading garden magazines and books for fantastic new ideas that you can incorporate into

your yard.

Plan next year’s garden projects. This is the perfect time to meet with Serena, our landscape designer, for

assistance. Call to book an appointment during January or February and be ready when spring arrives.

Parkland Garden Centre publishes the

Garden Club Newsletter

articles are written and edited by the “Specialists” of

Parkland Garden Centre unless otherwise stated.

Subscription is free.

Should you have any questions please feel free to

contact us at:

Parkland Garden Centre

RR#2 Red Deer, AB T4N 5E2

Telephone: (403) 346-5613 Fax: (403) 346-4443

E-mail address: [email protected]

Website: www.parklandgarden.ca

Twitter: @ParklandGarden

Do you wish to receive your newsletter electronically?

Now you can!

Go to: www.parklandgarden.ca

You can register to receive out newsletters, download our current newsletter, and view past newsletters.

2012 Winter Calendar of Events Please contact us if you would like more information or to make suggestions for future courses or events. Check our Cal-

endar often for updates!

Parkland Craft Show & Food Lane (Craft & Market Sale) These sales provide craftspeople the opportunity to showcase their handmade crafts and offer them to customers in time for Christmas. It’s a great time to come out and purchase that unique one-of-a–kind, handmade gift that you have

been looking for this season. Admission is a donation to the Red Deer Food Bank. Saturday, December 8 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday, December 15 10:00am to 4:00pm

Creative Bow Making Demonstrations Learn how to make beautiful bows and great ways to use ribbon and garland to unite the Christmas theme throughout your home. Try one yourself with our help for the cost of the ribbon! Saturdays in December throughout the day.

Ice Sculpture Each year people are invited to Parkland Garden Centre to watch our world famous ice sculptures be created as our “Christmas Card to the Community”. People young and old come to see what this year’s theme will be and to see how they are carved. Completion of sculptures is scheduled for December 15, dependent on the weather. Admission is free. A donation to the Food Bank is appreciated!


Fall is here and now is the perfect time to get ready for winter bird feeding. Here are the top 5 things you can do to get

ready for the winter bird feeding season:

1. Feeder Preparation Now is the time to check those feeders in your yard. Take them down and do a thorough cleaning of your feeders, repair

any damaged pieces and do a feeder inventory. Maybe you need to pick up a new feeder this year? Do you have some suet

feeders? Suet is a very important winter bird food. Take a browse through the stores and see what new bird feeders are

available or perhaps pick up some supplies and build the feeder that you are missing.

2. Yard preparation Do you need to do some pruning this fall? Instead of disposing of those branches, how about making a nice pile in your

yard? This sort of shelter is perfect for birds during the winter. Additionally, you can perhaps put a tarp under your feeders

now to catch some of those shells and seed droppings that will make your lawn look lumpy and uneven next spring. Don't

prune all your dead flowers but instead leave them standing with seeds still in their heads as potential bird food for those

who may come calling.

3. Keep the feeders full Birds need food through the winter and by starting early in the fall with regular bird feeding you will ensure regular bird

feeder customers when winter comes along. Remember to put up a variety of different feeders and feed this fall and don't

forget about suet which will attract many insect eaters when there are few insects left to be found.

4. Bird Bath maintenance Do a clean up on your bird bath now and determine how you will keep your water thawed in the bath. There are a number

of great bird bath heaters around so do some shopping and experimentation to see what works for your particular setup.

5. Bird watching supplies checklist Find your binoculars and your best bird identification guide and put it near your viewing windows. Read up on the birds

that are commonly found in your area so that you are more likely to identify them at your feeders.

Ready, set, go. Now you are ready for winter and your feathered friends will thank you. Best of all, your preparation has

been done while it is still warm enough to do it comfortably.

Preparing for Winter Bird Feeding (Excerpt from Chin Ridge Seeds Fall 2012 Newsletter)

Featured Bird—The Downy Woodpecker (Excerpt from Chin Ridge Seeds Fall 2012 Newsletter)

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Downy woodpeckers are the

"most likely woodpecker species to visit a backyard bird feeder". In addition, their

range map shows that they are common year round across most of Canada so I thought

they would be a very good bird to feature in our newsletter.

I have one of these cute little guys in my yard and I find him foraging about for

insects on the tree bark of some of our older trees. Downy Woodpeckers, though, will

eat more than just insects. They like suet but will also eat black oil sunflower seeds,

peanuts, fruit and may even sample some of the other seeds at your feeders.

A little acrobat, the Downy Woodpecker can hang from a suet cage very easily.

They will travel up and down trees with ease and have similar agility to a nuthatch.

They are often found among other types of birds and seem to get along with everyone.

If you want to attract Downy Woodpeckers to your backyard, have a good

supply of suet available and offer pure black oil sunflower and skinless peanuts in their

respective feeders.


Bird Watching in the Winter Months By Serena Zwicker

Black Oil Sunflower

Bird Seed

7 lb. Enviro-Pails

NOW $14.88

Expires Dec. 24/2012

While Quantities Last

Limit one coupon per

customer per purchase.

Here in Alberta, we have a lot of time in the winter. We spend it dreaming of spring. We should also take the opportunity to enjoy the birds that brave our winter weather. The brave little birds that tough it out here in our climate should be rewarded by us. In turn they provide us with beautiful sights and sounds. To encourage our fine feathered friends to enhance our landscape through the winter months, not only do we need to provide them with proper food and feeders but we also need to provide shelter. First you should know some of the bird varieties that stick around for our snowy months.

Chickadees Blue Jays Woodpeckers Nuthatches-White Breasted & Pygmy Waxwings Red Polls Pine Grosbeaks Pine Siskin House Sparrow

Each of these birds can provide you with hours of enjoyment when they are provided with proper nourishment

and shelter. Not only does providing your flying friends with food increase your enjoyment through the dreary winter months, winter feeding of Chickadees can increase their survival rate.

While a constant food supply from you is desirable, you can also provide food for them in other ways. By looking into all the different shrubs & trees that produce fruit, even ornamental, the birds would then have more variety in their diet. Trust me there is nothing more naturally beautiful than seeing a flock of Waxwings moving through your landscape feeding on the ornamental fruit of a crabapple in February. There are many different plants that can be used in the land-scape for bird food in the winter months i.e. Cranberries, Mountain Ash and Ornamental Crabapple just to name a few. Having a food supply is great for our winter companions, making sure that they have a place to not only hide from predators but to roost as well is equally important. Different birds will roost in different plant material some will want evergreen and some will want deciduous. Having a mix of both in your landscape can provide you and the birds everything they need to survive and flourish in your environment. When all of these needs have been met, your landscape will be alive even in the winter. So pull up a chair and grab your binoculars, be patient your friends will give you a show. Remember, Parkland Garden Centre carries a wide selection of food and feeders, as well as a selection of suet for

all bird types. NAME FOOD FEEDER TYPE

Chickadee Black Oil Sunflower Tube/Platform Suet/Insects Blue Jays Nuts/Berries Platform Suet/Insects Woodpeckers Nuts/Berries Tube/Platform Suet/Insects Nuthatches Nuts/Seeds Tube Suet/Insects Waxwings Berries/Insects In the trees Red Polls Mixed Seed Tube/Platform Pine Grosbeak Berries/Seed Platform Pine Siskin Seeds/Insects Platform/Tube House Sparrow Seeds/Insects Platform

Berries

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