We always get excited when our winter fashion collection arrives, but the 2019 winter season is extra special. After all, it's the end of a decade, so we've gotta ring in the new year in style! Winter fashion in Simcoe is loads of fun because it's just chilly enough without being unbearably cold, so we can dabble in the latest trends without having to layer on an extra three sweaters and a parka. Here are our favourite looks to rock during this winter season, so you can slay (...or, sleigh?) at every holiday event this year.
Winter 2019 Fashion Trends
Whether you're dressing up for the office holiday party, the family Christmas feast, getting glammed up to say "sayonara" to 2019, or simply embarking on the many, many shopping trips that will have you rushing around town, these 2019 winter style essentials should give you some inspiration!
Cozy Leggings
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean we’re ready to ditch our favourite form-fitting bottoms. Terry-lined leggings flatter your shape just like regular leggings, but the ultra-cozy lining helps to keep you toasty warm on weekend errand runs. Bamboo leggings are super-soft and comfy, not to mention beautifully breathable. They’re great for layering under your jeans for extra warmth, or for lounging around the house as you recover from NYE. Plus, bamboo is a sustainable fabric, so it’s a great choice for eco-conscious babes. We love styling both of these cozy leggings with sweater dresses or sweater tunics. The warm layers look as cute as they are comfy, and the whole ensemble is perfect for family brunch on Christmas Day.
Fur-Trimmed Knitwear
Regular sweaters and vests? Nothing to write home about. But sweaters and vests with adorable faux-fur trim? Suddenly you're a fashion-savvy snow bunny ready to hit the slopes. Top it off with a knit toque with a fur pom pom, and you'll be the queen of the ski hill. Fur trims are great for adding a hint of glamour to an otherwise casual piece, so you never end up looking underdressed. We're often quick to associate cozy clothes with ultra-casual looks that are strictly for lounging around the house, but it really doesn't get any cozier than a fur-trimmed hooded sweater or cape.
Capes
Speaking of capes, if you haven't jumped on this trend wagon yet, you are seriously missing out! In terms of comfort and warmth, it's pretty much the equivalent of wearing a warm blanket over your clothes, yet somehow it looks so dramatic and elegant. Casual capes are fantastic for when you want to bundle up at work, whereas more formal styles make a spectacular cover-up for fancy nights out. Thicker wool capes can be worn as outerwear instead of the typical peacoat. Try one in a rich berry tone, like deep red or purple, to stand out from the sea of drab grey and black parkas.
Mad for Plaid
There's just something so wintery about plaid fabrics, and that TV show Outlander has certainly brought it back in fashion! The key to pulling off tartan is by balancing it out with solid coloured pieces. Accessorizing with plaid always looks sharp, so if you can get your hands on a pair of tartan leggings, a scarf, or a cape to top off an all-black outfit, it will be the perfect pop of colour to complete your look. Or, try a buffalo check shirt with black or blue jeans for that pure Canadiana look.
As 2019 comes to a close and a new decade begins, now is as good of a time as ever to get some fresh new wardrobe pieces for winter. When you look great, you feel great, so why not start 2020 with your best foot forward? You deserve it! Come visit us at the Sassyfras Boutique, and one of our in-house fashionistas will gladly help style you up for winter.
Christmas in Simcoe wouldn't be the same without fresh greenery and beautiful holiday plants, and the Christmas cactus is undoubtedly one of the most iconic. They make gorgeous additions to your home decor, brightening things up throughout the rest of those cold winter months. They also make fantastic gifts that are very unlikely to get returned to the store—after all, who doesn't love new houseplants? Here's a rundown of how to care for your favourite Christmas flowers and plants, for a winter season that's extra merry and bright!
The Christmas Cactus And Other Holiday Plants
These colourful cacti remain popular picks year after year, not only because of their fabulous floral displays but because they're quite hardy. With proper care, they can last for many years. The most common variety has bright red flowers, but you can also find purple, pink, white, and even gold flowering cacti!
To keep their flowers lush and bright, keep your cactus near a sunny window and water it whenever the soil gets dry, about once per week. Don't worry if the windowsill is a bit chilly—these cacti may actually drop their blooms if it gets too warm. If you'd like it to bloom for a second year, fertilize it once a month from April until October, and put it outside for a few weeks at the end of the summer. They prefer to be cozy in their pot, so you won't have to worry about repotting them for several years.
Our Other Favourite Christmas Plants
Poinsettia: These quintessential winter flowers never fail to add an extra dose of holiday cheer to your home decor. You can find poinsettias in stunning shades of cardinal red, creamy white, and soft pink. When it comes time to pick one out, always make sure they've got tiny little yellow flowers in their centre. These are called cyathia, and if they've dropped from your poinsettia, that means it's well past its prime. When you take it home, make sure you cover it to protect it from the cold. Overwatering can cause poinsettias to wilt, so it helps to poke some holes in the bottom if it's in a pot wrapped in decorative foil.
Amaryllis: These fast-growing bulbs are so much fun to watch as they grow and develop. Their bulbs make great stocking stuffers, maturing within 4 to 6 weeks after planting. Keep them near a sunny window, because if they don't get enough light, they'll start to wilt. Give the pot a 90 degree turn each time you water it, so your amaryllis grows nice and evenly. Contrary to popular belief, you can keep your amaryllis for another year with proper care. Once the blossoms fade, you can snip off the stalk, keeping the leaves intact, then wait until spring to plant your amaryllis outside. By summer, you can bring it inside with no light or sunshine from June until the end of October. Start watering it again in November, and get ready for round 2 of beautiful blooms!
Christmas Rose: Also known as the black hellebore, this lovely evergreen flower looks quite similar to the buttercup, only white. They're incredibly low-maintenance and last quite a long time if you cut them and add them into mixed arrangements. Indirect sunlight and a bit of water should keep your hellebores happy. They usually bloom in December, but they may surprise you with blossoms from any time between November and February. Be careful when removing any dead leaves, because the sap will irritate your skin.
White Chrysanthemums: Often considered a fall flower, the snow-white variety of these bushy blossoms are perfectly suited to the winter season. Chrysanthemums look fabulous on their own in a pot or added into a festive container arrangement. They need at least 5 hours of direct sun every day and weekly watering. They're generally quite easy to care for, but if you happen to notice any spider mites pop up on the underside of their leaves, give them a spritz with some insecticidal soap, and your mum should recover just fine.
Cyclamen: These vibrant blossoms can last as long as eight weeks during the chilly winter months. They like indirect sunlight — not too bright — and they need to be watered from the base, unlike most houseplants. It should come in a pot with several holes in the bottom, which you can place in a saucer of water for 20 minutes at a time to soak up the moisture. Try not to get any water on the leaves, keep it away from warm drafts or space heaters, and when the flowers start to wilt, pluck them off from the base of their stems.
Rosemary: These fragrant herbs actually make great holiday plants! Not only are the delicious rosemary sprigs perfect for flavouring traditional dishes like roast beef and turkey, but the plants can be shaped like topiaries or mini trees with some artful pruning. Rosemary, like many other culinary herbs, is more cold tolerant than many houseplants, so they're perfect for adding a little greenery to your home and an extra pop of flavour to your recipes.
For all your Christmas plants and winter evergreen decor, visit Eising's, and we'll help you put together a grand display for your home. We've also got plenty of DIY workshops going on this season to help you create some gorgeous arrangements of your own. Call our store to reserve your spot!
When you design your home’s exterior with winter curb appeal in mind, it's amazing how welcoming and warm it can look with just a few simple touches. When the neighbourhood is blanketed with snow and the sky is grey, having an eye-catching, beautiful home can really lift your spirits! There are many fun and low-effort ways to transform your home's aesthetic for the winter. Take a look at some of these curb appeal landscaping and decorating ideas to spruce things up this winter season!
8 Inspiring Ideas For Winter Curb Appeal Design
For some serious Simcoe curb appeal, try adding in some of these stylistic touches to keep things merry and bright:
First, Pick A Theme. Are you into the rustic vintage look, or are you more of a glitter-and-glam type? Having a consistent theme throughout your home's outdoor aesthetic will make everything look streamlined and beautiful. Browse through social media hashtags and Pinterest to get some inspiration for themes and colour schemes, or create a mood board to get those creative juices flowing.
Light Things Up. Twinkle lights are a quintessential holiday decoration, but you can do so much more than just hanging them around your roof. Jazz up the bare trees in your yard by wrapping lights around the trunk and branches, add some into your container arrangements, and grab some solar-powered lanterns to decorate your garden and porch.
Get Creative With Holiday Urns. Fresh evergreen boughs, pinecones, ribbons, and natural wood elements or glitzy picks look so fabulous all arranged together in an ornamental urn. Start by picking out an urn that matches your chosen theme—a birchbark motif would look amazing if you're going for the rustic look. Next, gather all the accoutrements for filling your urn, and arrange them with the tallest pieces in the middle, and shorter pieces all around the border.
Adding in some pieces that trail down the side can also have a great impact on the composition of your arrangement. You could even try wrapping some twinkle lights around the base of your urn for some extra sparkle. If you're less-than-confident in your design skills, join us at one of our holiday urn workshops on November 21st at 6:30 pm, or November 23rd at 10:00 am!
Embrace Metallic Accents. Silver and gold are the go-to metallics for winter decor, but you could even experiment with metallic colours like amethyst, rose gold, or emerald. The shimmery finish complements the glittering white snow beautifully, and they catch the light so well. Paint a few branches with metallic paint and pop them into your holiday urn, or grab some metallic outdoor accessories like lanterns, plant pots, or wind spinners.
Make A Statement Wreath. There are endless ways to customize your wreaths, whether you make them with fresh evergreen sprigs, twisted twigs, or whatever material suits your fancy. Think outside the box and try something different—maybe even integrate some cute novelty ornaments and funky fabric ribbons! Some folks have even taken to hanging their wreaths like a chandelier, with wispy evergreen plumes that hang down ever-so-elegantly.
Give A Warm Welcome. A cute, festive welcome sign is a straightforward way of creating an inviting and warm atmosphere! We're really looking forward to our Christmas Welcome Planter workshop at 1:00 pm on November 30th. Come join us, and we'll show you how to make one yourself!
Put Up A Bird Feeder. Not only are ornamental bird feeders a lovely sight to behold, but the birds they attract are welcome visitors that are so enjoyable to watch. It's a win-win: you get to enjoy their pretty songs and colourful feathers, and they get to enjoy a hearty snack to help get them through the winter. We recommend buying a simple wooden one and giving it a cool custom paint job to fit with your chosen colour palette.
Get Some Potted Dwarf Conifers For The Porch. Little miniature Christmas trees are downright adorable! A variety like the Blue Star Juniper is nice and compact, and it would add tons of holiday festivity without taking up too much real estate. Pick out some pretty decorative containers and string some lights around them for maximum impact! And the bonus is you can plant it into your landscape in the spring.
Beautiful decorations and glittering lights make holidays at home all the more memorable. If you're in need of some fresh evergreen boughs or other winter decorating supplies, or if you'd like to register for one of our upcoming workshops, visit us in-store at Eising's, and we'll help you get your home winter-ready.
Our DIY holiday decor craft workshops are coming up soon! We can’t wait to show our friends in Simcoe all of our latest ideas for homemade Christmas crafts. While the traditional DIY Christmas wreath and homemade Christmas tree topper are tried and true classics, we wanted to think outside the gift box this year and come up with some modern Christmas DIY decor pieces. These gorgeous pieces are sure to garner lots of oohs and ahhs from guests—they won’t believe you made them all by yourself! Our outdoor pieces are made to last through December until Christmas, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy their beauty. All class fees include materials.
Winter Greens Insert For Holiday Urns
Festive urns are a classic decor piece that we sell a lot of here at Eisings, and now you can create one of your own in your favourite wintery colour scheme with fresh greenery, shiny ribbons, and other Christmas accoutrements. This piece fits inside a classic urn, so you can display it inside your favourite urn or frost resistant pottery. Place it as a welcoming piece on your front porch or even your back deck where you can view it out your patio doors! You’ll love the classy touch it adds to your outdoor winter decor.
Take part in this fun, interactive workshop on November 21st at 6:30 pm or November 23rd at 10:00 am. Class fees are $60 plus tax.
Very Merry Mini Christmas Tree
If you prefer classy over kitschy, this creative take on the classic holiday tree makes an attractive outdoor display! The wire tree frame nestled in a bed of vibrant greenery, pinecones, berries, and ribbons is a perfect blend of traditional decor and modern design concepts. Set it up on your front porch, or along your front stairs to show it off! When the compliments start rolling in, you’ll get a kick out of telling folks you made it all yourself.
Join us on either November 23rd at 1:00 pm, or November 30th at 10:00 am. Class fees are $70 plus tax.
Christmas Welcome Planter
This adorable holiday welcome sign planter has flown off the shelves in previous years, so we decided to host a special workshop to give you a chance to create your own! With all the entertaining we do over the winter months, a festive outdoor welcome sign adds that warm, cozy, and inviting feeling to your home. If you like to craft your own Christmas ornaments and give them away as gifts, you should absolutely join this workshop. Our welcome planter has that personalized touch that makes them all the more heartfelt when gifted to someone special in your life.
Join us on November 30th at 1:00 pm to make your own. Class fees are $85 plus tax.
Holiday Sphere
If you prefer DIY Christmas decorations that are less on the traditional side, and a little more sleek and modern, you’ll love our holiday spheres. They’re perfect for holding flameless candles outdoors! Evergreen sprigs and twigs with berries spill out from the dome, creating a beautiful canopy of green and red. It’s easy to switch out the greenery with other seasonal plants depending on the month, so you can try re-using this piece for Halloween and Easter craft decorations.
There are two opportunities to join us at our greenhouse in Simcoe to make your own holiday sphere: November 28th or December 5th at 6:30 pm. Class fees are $75 plus tax.
DIY Christmas Centrepiece
We love Christmas centrepieces! We spend so much time around the dinner table around the holidays, so these DIY elegant Christmas decorations are always sure to get lots of attention. There’s something so sweetly nostalgic and homey about a beautifully decorated holiday table, and the personalized touch of a handmade centrepiece is truly the icing on the cake. An artful combination of winter greens, pinecones, berries, and silky ribbons make for a stunning arrangement, but knowing exactly how to piece it all together can be a bit tricky.
Join us on December 12th at 6:30 pm, and we’ll walk you through all the steps to create your own! Class fees are $45 plus tax.
If you’ve got any other holiday crafts you’re hoping to create, feel free to stop by Eising Greenhouse and Garden Centre in Simcoe to stock up on supplies! We love getting ready for the holidays, so don’t hesitate to ask us for help with picking the perfect holiday greenery to brighten up your home.
A thorough yard cleanup in the fall will save you a heap of time and effort in the long run. It can get pretty snowy in Simcoe, and leaving the yard messy for months while that snow keeps piling up will leave you with a dire situation once spring rolls around. To keep your yard looking top-notch and prevent the buildup of bacteria and debris, go through all the items on this checklist before the snow arrives.
Your Complete Fall Lawn Cleanup Checklist
Fall Leaf Cleanup
Arguably the most important part of fall yard work, raking all the fallen leaves is an absolute must. If you leave them behind over winter, they'll get soggy and brown. Not only is a mat of decomposing leaves unsightly, but it can harbour a lot of bacteria, smother your grass, and hinder lawn growth. It's a good idea to rake the leaves up little by little, every week or two throughout October and November, so you aren't left with one giant pile to tackle in one day. You can accomplish two fall chores at once by keeping some of your raked leaves and layer them onto your garden bed as mulch. The mulch will help keep your perennials and bulbs insulated, and the decomposing leaves will benefit the soil by delivering nutrients to your plants. You'll just have to dispose of them once the snow melts.
Garden Clean Up
Start by removing any remaining annual plants, since they won't be sticking around for spring. Next, if any weeds have sprouted up at the last minute, pluck those guys out and toss them. Try to loosen up the soil as well, because it can get a bit compacted by the end of the year. If you need to top up your topsoil with a fresh bag, now is a perfect time to do that. If you aren't a fan of using leaves as mulch, we recommend picking up some bark mulch and applying a layer to your garden beds.
Give Your Trees And Shrubs Some Light Pruning
For most trees and shrubs, it's usually best to prune in spring. However, some perennials and fruit trees will benefit from a light clean up before winter. As well, if you notice any diseased or dead branches on any of your plants, you should nip them off before winter arrives. Remember always to disinfect your shears between cuts on diseased plants, and dispose of or destroy the infected pieces to help prevent bacteria from spreading. Suckers and shoots that form around the base of your shrubs can also be taken off at this time—it will help them to grow fuller and healthier in spring. If you have any plants that tend to attract slugs, such as hostas, you can cut off any leaves that may have eggs hiding on them once the plant has gone dormant for the season.
Clear Out Your Gutters
While it's certainly no one's favourite yard maintenance task, it's certainly a necessary one. If you're unable to reach up to your gutters and do it yourself, check online for fall yard clean up services in your area. If too much debris builds up in your gutters, you'll risk some severe issues resulting from inadequate drainage. If a buildup of water keeps freezing and thawing during those transitional days from fall to winter, your roof could sustain some significant damage, and you might end up with some leaks. Remember to wear protective gloves if you're removing the junk yourself!
Put Away Garden Furniture
As much as we love patio season here in Simcoe, at some point, we need to say our goodbyes to the garden furniture and pack it up until next year. Outdoor seating, garden decor, playsets, and any breakable water features like birdbaths or fountains should be stowed away safely in a dry spot in the garage or your basement.
Cover Your BBQ
If it's under a sheltered patio, you don't have to worry about covering it up, but if your BBQ is out in the open, you'll want to invest in a good cover. Luckily, you can still remove it throughout the winter and keep on grilling if you're willing to brave the cold! The best covers are unlined canvas—they're the most weatherproof, and you won't have to worry about rodents chewing away at the lining. If you can't get a hold of a canvas cover, polyester or vinyl should suffice. Make sure the cover has ties to keep it secure, so it doesn't end up blowing away on a blustery day.
Getting your yard all ready and cleared out in time for winter can seem like a bit of a daunting project, but the key to making it manageable is breaking it up into smaller tasks. No need to stress yourself out and do it all in one weekend! If you need any supplies for your fall yard clean up, such as protective gloves, mulch, or a new rake, or if you need some assistance with a particular task, don't hesitate to visit our garden centre in Simcoe! We'll get you all set up to tackle this project like a pro.
The times sure have changed—we used to dread the end of summer, but nowadays it seems everyone is brimming with anticipation for fall and the fabulous fashion must-haves that come along with it! Autumn is such a gorgeous time of year in Simcoe, and we love taking in all the breathtaking sights and delicious scents (pumpkin spice, anyone?). So, if you feel like your autumn wardrobe needs a bit of a refresher, visit us at the Sassyfras boutique.
Our fall 2019 collection is seriously stunning, and we've got some great insights on the most cutting-edge, style-savvy looks for this season:
Fall Fashion 2019 Must-Haves:
The first rule of fall fashion: layers, layers, and more layers! Cool, crisp mornings turn into sunny, temperate lunch hours, and when night falls, it's time to cozy up again. Having some layering options will help you transition seamlessly from day to night, all while looking totally on-trend. Here are some trending looks you'll love to flaunt during these cooler months before winter parka season cramps our style (sigh).
Ponchos: While some style trends of the '70s have long since been forgotten (bye-bye, jumbo bell-bottoms!), there are a few looks that remain timeless. Ponchos look amazing on everyone—especially those of us with apple-shaped silhouettes. A breezy poncho over top of opaque leggings or tapered pencil pants instantly achieves that artsy, boho vibe. Ponchos flatter your figure while still feeling comfy and non-restrictive. Our striped, knit poncho with fringe trim and a chunky turtleneck collar is perfect for this season—that colour combo looks just like a desert sunset!
Suede Ankle Boots: A versatile ankle boot is an absolute must-have for fall. They look great with cropped jeans, and if you pick up a pair that aren't too clunky, you can wear them with some knit tights and a dress or skirt. A neutral shade like tan or navy will be easy to match up with a wide range of outfits, so you'll never run out of options. Remember to spray them with an all-protector before wearing them out—after all, the weather here in Simcoe can be a little unpredictable!
Camo, Reimagined: In the past, camouflage hasn't exactly been considered the epitome of glamour. But lately, this classic textile has been totally reimagined. Swirls of olive, stone, and sand naturally bring out the golden glow in your complexion, and when it's done right, it can look totally chic (with just a hint of cool-gal toughness!). Our slouchy knit camo sweater with ¾ sleeves looks gorgeous over a pair of straight-leg jeans, for an effortlessly cool look.
Duster Cardigans: The elongated lines and sleeker fit of a duster cardigan makes it an excellent option for dressing up a casual outfit with little-to-no effort! While some chunkier knitwear can feel a bit bulky, duster cardigans are anything but! They help to lengthen and slim the frame, and the extra weight of the material helps it to hang more elegantly instead of bunching up around your middle. Toss one over a button-up work shirt, and your office look will be twice as cute—and twice as cozy.
Corduroy: There's something sweetly nostalgic about the swish, swish of corduroy trousers. This plush, ribbed fabric is making a comeback in a huge way, and not just for pants. Hats, dresses, coats, you name it—corduroy is taking over! Since we're all about the layering this season, pick our a corduroy piece in a slightly-warmer-than-neutral tone, like chocolate brown. It will pair beautifully with all the gold and orange tones, without looking too Halloween-y.
Autumn 2019 Must-Haves: Trending Colours
After a spring full of delicate pastels and a summer full of vivid neons and florals, we're embracing the rich, warm tones of fall. These top 3 colours for your autumn wardrobe look incredible on every skin tone. Each shade pairs beautifully with a wide range of other colours, so you can mix and match to your heart's content!
Blood Orange: After Pantone named "Living Coral" the colour of the year for 2019, we've been enjoying that sweet, vibrant orangey-pink shade in everything from our closets, to our makeup, to our flower beds. But now that the season is shifting, this candy-coloured shade doesn't quite seem to fit. Now, it's time for blood orange to take the stage! This eye-catching red-orange is a true "power colour" that makes a bold statement without being too garish. It looks stunning up against denim blues—after all, they're on opposite sides of the colour wheel, which means they bring out the best in each other!
Charcoal: Sure, black is classic and timeless, but sometimes it can be a bit dramatic and intense. Why not soften things up a bit with some deep charcoal tones? Like chocolate brown, pairing this more subdued neutral with oranges and golds will have you looking a little more like Meghan Markle, and a little less like David Pumpkins.
Olive: Perhaps one of the most underappreciated earth tones of all time, olive green always achieves that totally-chic-without-really-trying vibe. If you tend to collect a lot of soft neutrals like cream, tan, and grey, some olive will add a subtle pop of colour and liven things up a bit. It's on the warmer end of the spectrum, so rocking an olive-toned dress or cardigan will look seriously amazing against the backdrop of colourful autumn foliage.
The Sassyfras Boutique has been making waves in the Simcoe fashion scene, with a stellar collection of ultra-modern designers like Pokoloko, Jag Jeans, b.Young, Fransa, Minkas, LNBF, Reef Shoes, as well as some fantastic plus-size lines like Dex Plus. Visit us in-store to see our entire collection—and check out some of our winter fashion while you're at it. You won't want to miss out on these stellar seasonal styles before they're gone!
Now that autumn is officially here, we’re closing in on the best time to plant fall bulbs! Even though spring is months away, planting bulbs while the soil is still warm sets up the garden for a beautiful floral display as soon as the snow melts. These are our favourite fall bulbs to plant for spring in Simcoe!
Crocus
Crocuses are a classic staple that blossom clusters of delicate-looking blooms in the springtime. The crocus “bulb” is called a corm, and they perform best if planted early in the fall. Corms should be planted with the pointed end up, 2-4” below ground in full sun to partial shade. The ideal planting location is an area of the garden with some wind shelter. Corms should be spaced 2-4” apart in neutral soil with excellent drainage. Water after planting to set the soil.
Allium
While related to onions and garlic, alliums won’t have the same kind of aromatic effect on your garden. Instead, these astounding, globe-shaped blooms will repel rodents—and attract stares! Alliums are definitely a feature plant, so choose a spot in the garden that will allow these statement flowers to steal the spotlight. When planting allium bulbs in fall, choose an area with full-sun exposure and well-draining soil. Alliums are not picky about pH levels. Space them 12-14” apart and plant 6” deep with the pointed end facing up. Water well after planting.
Peony
Peonies are stunning, long-lived plants that come in a wide variety of colour and shapes; from delicate single blooms to romantic “bombs” of petals. Herbaceous varieties grow from bulb-like “tubers” that do best when planted in September or October. When planting peony bulbs in fall, make sure to choose a spot with lots of sun (at least a half-day of exposure) with room for the plant to spread as it matures. Before planting, work plenty of organic matter and any soil amendments needed to end up with humus-rich, well-draining soil. Plant the bulbs 2” deep with the “eyes” facing upward. Space them apart 3-4 feet to allow for plenty of airflow. Give your peonies a good drink of water immediately after planting.
Tulips
One of the most famous spring bulbs, tulips are some of the first flowers to greet you in the springtime with their assortment of pastel tones. Before planting tulips in fall, test the soil’s pH. Tulips prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil. Plant bulbs with the pointed end facing up, 8” deep and spaced 4-6” apart. Ensure the soil has excellent drainage, and mix in a little compost, peat moss, or bulb food into the topsoil to keep them fed. Water deeply after planting.
Daffodil
Daffodils are another springtime staple in Simcoe. Their sunny-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers make charming additions to any landscape. When planting daffodil bulbs in fall, choose a location with full, intense sun exposure. Daffodils bulbs are quite resistant to cold and can be planted until the first frost. Plant bulbs 6-7” deep with the pointed end facing up, and space them 3-4” apart. Water well after planting.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus, also known as “glads,” grow into tall stalks of head-turning, colourful flowers in every colour of the rainbow. They also make incredible cut flowers. Glads need an area of the garden with little to no competition, as they require a lot of soil resources to grow their biggest and brightest! When planting gladiolus bulbs in fall, choose a spot with full sun and sandy loam soil. Glads aren’t too particular about soil pH, but they are very sensitive to poor drainage. Plant them 2-6” deep and 5” apart. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting and water deeply to finish.
While this may seem like a short list, each one of these spectacular bulb species come in a vast assortment of different varieties. Visit our garden centre in Simcoe to browse our entire selection—we’ll have fall bulbs for sale until it’s time to ring in the holidays!
As soon as August comes to a close, everybody starts buzzing about the latest fall fashion trends. While we also can’t wait for a season full of cozy knits, we gardeners are also gathering inspo for beautiful fall container and planter ideas. Cool weather definitely doesn’t mean the end of the gardening season in Simcoe—it’s more like the home stretch, where you can experiment with different colour schemes and styles until the frost arrives. Here are our favourite fall container and planter ideas for 2019!
The Best Fall Plants for Container Gardening
When the vibrant summer annuals start to recede, these fall-blooming plants take centre stage. The rich colour palettes of these plants add dimension to a landscape of colour-changing foliage.
Chrysanthemums are that quintessential fall flower we never get tired of, and with so many different cultivars and colours available, they’re anything but basic. We particularly love chrysanthemum container arrangements filled with a mix of sunset colours like red, orange, gold, and pink. Pop a few planters along the front steps of your home for an instant glow-up.
Celosia are fun flowers with tons of attitude—their neon, tufted blooms kind of look like those “Troll” dolls everybody had in the ’80s! If you aren’t quite ready to lose your ultra-bright annuals, celosia will definitely satisfy your late-season colour cravings.
Pansies may look delicate, but they’re actually one of the most cold-tolerant flowers around. They can sometimes even make it through an unexpected light snowfall in October or November (because in Simcoe, you never can tell when Old Mr. Winter is going to decide to show up!). We could stare at pallets of pansies for hours, admiring their distinctive patterns and swirls of rainbow colours. This season we’re jiving with the burgundy and golden yellow varieties.
Coral Bells are one of those gorgeous foliage plants where the leaves actually outshine the flowers, with eye-catching shades in all sorts of fabulous colours. While most deciduous plants and trees start to turn gold or orange as their leaves die off, many varieties of coral bells sport these trendy tones all season. Pair up coral bells in a planter with some more showy flowers, and they’ll complement the colour-shifting autumn landscape beautifully.
Cabbages are so strangely beautiful, with their swirling ruffled leaves and cool purple, green and blue tones. They look pretty magnificent in containers on their own, but they also blend in perfectly with a mix of other autumn plants, if you know when to transplant the seedlings. It’s a very versatile veggie too, and you can make some pretty satisfying comfort foods with cabbage for those chilly autumn nights. Ever try sweet-and-sour cabbage fried up with bacon? Trust us; it’ll warm you up from the inside!
Purple Fountain Grass is easily one of our favourite autumn ornamental grasses for potted arrangements. Not only is the colour on-trend, but the texture and movement they add to the landscape are so undeniably lovely. We love to watch those feathery tufts dance in the breeze! Since purple fountain grass is so tall and fluffy, it looks best in the middle of a container arrangement, surrounded by shorter mounding plants or trailing spiller plants.
Fall Container Vegetable Garden Ideas
Lots of vegetables are best grown during cooler temperatures, as our hot summers in Simcoe can actually scorch produce or cause plants to bolt prematurely. While many of us may associate veggie gardening with function more so than style, there are certainly some edible plants that can still bring some visual interest and intrigue to the garden—especially when mixed in with other autumn favourites. Here are some of our favourite fall vegetables to plant in containers.
Cilantro may not be everyone’s favourite herb (to some it tastes tangy and delicious, while others think it tastes soapy) but it remains a staple ingredient in Mexican dishes. If you’re big on having taco nights at home, growing your own cilantro is a must. For mixed arrangements, cilantro actually makes a fabulous “spiller” plant, trailing down the sides of the planter. Add some cilantro all around the edge of your container arrangement, and you’ll love the way it cascades down the sides.
Beets and Arugula are both cold-hardy vegetables that can grow in containers, but they also taste absolutely amazing together. For an easy salad base that you can pluck straight from the pot, grow beets and arugula in the same container. The sweet beets and spicy arugula are the perfect match for a sprinkling of some fresh chèvre, some chopped pecans, and a light vinaigrette. Enjoy!
Unique Container and Planter Designs
With all of the holidays and festivities coming up, adorable themed decorations start popping up in houses all around Simcoe. It’s all in good fun, so you can get away with being a little bit whimsical with your décor. Check out some of these fun spins on autumn container arrangements or brainstorm some new and exciting ideas to try out!
Ornamental Gourds and Mini Pumpkins are classic table centrepieces this time of year, but why not mix in a few with your container arrangements? If you start to find some of your more heat-loving flowers are receding, but your late-season bloomers are still going strong, you can fill in some of the empty spots or bare patches with some cute little gourds and squashes. Even piling up a few around the base of your potted plants on the patio can pull together a really gorgeous display.
Go Rustic with your planter choices. Give new life to old wooden crates, woven baskets, and metal buckets with a vintage-style patina by filling them up with showstopping flower and foliage displays. Even miniature straw bales can make great planters if you hollow them out! Display on your porch or line your garden path for some extra flair.
Dried Hydrangeas are still so stunning and voluminous well after they’ve been cut from the shrub, and they bring a lovely antique-y vibe to potted arrangements. If you’ve got a few dried hydrangea mopheads leftover from your summer garden, pop a few into a planter to add some lovely, muted softness to the colour palette.
Play with Jewel Tones instead of just sticking with the same old reds, oranges, and golds. Deep plums, blue-greens, and silver accented plants will pop against the warm golden scenery. If you’re not confident in your skills at piecing together a unique colour palette, go online and search for a colour palette generator. Pick a main colour or two, and the generator will provide you with a few accent colours that complement your base tones.
Gardening season is far from over, and there are endless ideas and sources of inspiration for beautiful autumn planter arrangements. Plus, as the shifting temperatures begin to fluctuate, the beauty of container gardening is your ability to move them around inside or outside. Visit us at our garden centre in Simcoe, and we’ll help you find some lovely late-season garden plants—and maybe a few cute rustic containers, too!
One of the best parts of summer is the fabulous floral displays we get to enjoy, but with chrysanthemums and other fall blooming plants, the fun doesn’t have to end once the school year starts up. There are loads of flowers that bloom well into September and October here in Simcoe, filling your yard with spectacular colours that complement the stunning fall foliage perfectly. Fall blooming plants like chrysanthemums create the perfect backdrop for backyard autumn barbecues, bonfires, and cozy nights on the patio with a hot cup of apple cider. Add some of these plants to your landscape this summer, so you can enjoy them for months to come:
Chrysanthemums: No autumn garden is complete without this quintessential fall blooming flower. Its blossoms vary in shape and size— some are more daisy-like, whereas others are bushier like pom poms, and they all come in bright candy-coloured shades like orange, yellow, and magenta, adding some fun and whimsy into your backyard scenery. Chrysanthemums bloom their biggest and brightest when planted in full sun, with well-draining soil mixed with plenty of organic material. They’re particularly popular in container arrangements, so have some fun creating a colourful patio display of pumpkins and planters full of orange and pink chrysanthemums for the October holidays. You can expect chrysanthemums to continue blooming until the first frost hits.
Joe Pye Weed: This flowering plant has tall, emerald stems and purplish-red panicles of blossoms that produce tons of sweet nectar— butterflies can’t resist them! You can trim them down to your preferred size, but mature plants can reach heights of up to 12 feet. It likes full sun or partial shade, and it’s pretty tolerant of moist soils. When planting these fall blooming flowers, try to aim for mid-spring or mid-autumn, as the hot summer temperatures might be a bit of a shock, and the sun will evaporate much-needed moisture from the soil more quickly.
Balloon Flower: These cheerful indigo blossoms earned their name from the round, puffed-up shape their buds take on before bursting into bloom. They’re surprisingly hardy and can withstand the occasional drought. Full sun is best, and soil that’s a bit on the acidic side will help produce the biggest, brightest flowers. Their cool blue tones bring a strikingly beautiful contrast of colour against the warm, golden tones of fall.
Aster: These autumn flowers look just like spring daisies, yet they’re one of our favourite late-season flowers that bloom in September and October. There are several different cultivars, so if you’d like something 6 inches tall or 6 feet tall, there’s an aster that will fit your landscape design. Asters like full sun and regular watering but can withstand minor droughts once in a while. Particularly tall varieties might require staking to stay upright. They make great container plants too, so you can mix and match with a few other flowers on this list to create a pretty impressive fall planter. Regular deadheading at the start of its blooming season will help it to keep producing more flowers.
Stonecrop: Also known as sedum, this peculiar succulent groundcover comes in an endless variety of colours and shapes. It’s not just its flowers that provide visual interest— its colourful, sometimes multi-tonal foliage can come in shades like lime green, burgundy, and teal blue. Some grow and spread low to the ground, even creeping up rocks and walls, whereas others have upright growing habits. Most do well in full sun, but there are a few types that prefer some partial shade. Like many other succulents, they don’t have to be watered quite as often as typical garden plants, so this is a great low-maintenance option to fill in gaps throughout your garden.
These fall blooming plants may show up a little late to the party, but we’re sure glad they make an appearance! Their vibrant colours and distinctive foliage bring a burst of energy and warmth into the landscape at the end of the season, before we inevitably slug through another flower-less Simcoe winter. Have one last hurrah in your garden this year with these fabulous fall blooming flowers— and while you’re at it, why not plant some fall bulbs so they’re all ready for the following spring? Visit us at Eising Greenhouses & Garden Centre and we’ll help you get all stocked up in time for fall.
Rabbits are some of the most common garden pests in Simcoe. We can’t blame them from loving our plants—after all, we have that in common—but the damage they leave behind can be devastating. Here’s how to keep rabbits from eating your plants.
What Does Rabbit Damage Look Like?
If you notice small ball-shaped droppings around your garden, you’ve stumbled upon a dead giveaway that rabbits have stopped by. Thanks to their tendency to gnaw and nibble, the rabbit damage you’re most likely to spot will look like chewed-up bark on small trees and shrubs, or large chunks of plants that have been munched away. Rabbits have also been known to damage other materials found around the yard—like patio furniture, garden hoses, boots, and shoes.
How to Protect Your Garden From Rabbits
Once you know your yard has become a hangout for local rabbits, you’ll want to send a clear message that you’re closed for business. These methods are easy, effective, and humane.
Preventing Rabbits from Nesting
Rabbits’ ability to hide is their primary natural defence against predators. Most yards are chock full of perfect hiding places for rabbits to make their homes and raise their babies. Thatch left on top of lawn, tall grass and weeds, and shrubs sitting low to the ground are some of the most popular rabbit habitats.
Keep shrubs pruned to keep the first 6” of the plant clear of branches and foliage. While trimming and removing weeds and thatch, work gently at first. Rabbits hide their babies in these areas, so you’ll want to make sure you can give the mother rabbit a chance to move her warren before you go over the area with a mower or weed wacker.
Finally, take care of the man-made structures in the area. Clean up any piles of junk or overturned wheelbarrows. Finish by sealing cracks in your fencing or around your house so rabbits can’t nestle through.
Rabbit Repellent
If the rabbits in your yard are really out of control and trying the deterrent methods above aren’t working, a repellent is a very effective last resort. There are a few rabbit repellent products on the market to choose from; some emit an odour rabbits hate, some have an unpleasant flavour, some play a tone that keeps rabbits away. A combination of at least two is the most effective way to go. (Just make sure to keep any chemical products out of edible gardens, for obvious reasons.
Predators
If you want to outsource your rabbit problem, keep in mind that rabbits have a few natural predators in the Simcoe area. Try installing an owl house on your property to bring in a free rabbit patrol service. Coyotes are common rabbit predators in the area, and while you may understandably be a bit hesitant to invite them into your yard, if you have a bad rabbit problem, it’s probably a good idea to refrain from scaring them away or deterring them from your yard.
Rabbit Control Myths
You may have heard some of these ideas for controlling rabbits. Not only are they potentially dangerous, we promise you they don’t work as well as our harm-free solutions.
Pesticides and poisons are never worth the risk. Rabbits are very good at sensing when a substance will harm them. You’re more likely to accidentally poison nearby pets.
Scarecrows aren’t effective against rabbits at all. The only time they aren’t tacky is at Halloween!
Flashing lights and noise makers might work while they’re in use, but what’s the point of having a garden that not even you can enjoy?
Rabbits are a nuisance in the garden, but they’re also gentle beings that don’t deserve to be controlled in inhumane ways. Fortunately, these cruelty-free tactics can help to restore harmony between your garden and the neighbourhood bunnies.