By Ava Green
There’s a truth we all learn over time: good quality makes a big difference. Not buying more, buying smarter.
But how do you hold on to great pieces and make them look fresh and current? Start by getting yourself the perfect pair of jeans for the season. Great jeans work wonders to update your look. The right cut, the right wash, the right fit. It’s the closest thing to a style superpower you can own.
To show you what we mean, we picked a pair of white Lois jeans from Sassyfras, and created four completely different looks.

There is something timeless about a black-and-white outfit. Timeless made current with a new jean style. The printed scarf ties it all together and adds just enough personality to keep it from feeling too minimal.
Tie the scarf loosely around your neck, or loop it through the handle of your bag to pull the colours together. White-on-white (sweater and jeans) works beautifully, and varying the textures (knit vs. denim) keeps it interesting.

Orange and white is one of summer’s most joyful combinations. This outfit shows that beautifully. Playful, casual, and sunny. Tying a sweater around your waist or resting on your shoulders adds a relaxed, effortless layer that’s handy when you need a little extra warmth.

This is the most polished of the four looks. A white blouse paired with a fine-striped blue jacket feels relaxed and also put together. This is the kind of outfit that works equally well for a casual lunch or an afternoon of errands. The multi-coloured scarf, which introduces a bit of pink and orange, pulls all the elements together beautifully and adds a little bit of playfulness. A blue bag grounds the colour palette.

This look is so much fun. A multi-coloured sweater or blouse in bright, happy shades paired with white jeans is bold without trying too hard. White keeps it cohesive while the top gets to be the star. The woven macrame handbag adds texture and an artisan quality that feels intentional and individual. This outfit says: I’m having fun. The baseball cap is the punctuation mark! Vibrant, creative and completely at ease.
Styled with intention and a little creativity, a single great piece, like our Lois jeans, can carry you through every mood and occasion. Wearing what brings you joy is always the right answer, and we have an inspiring selection at Sassyfras to make choosing easy. Stop by the boutique and see for yourself!
Sassyfras Boutique is located inside Eising Greenhouses and Garden Centre.
By Dave Zeldon and Ely Schweyer
Got cabin fever? Perhaps you’re going a little stir crazy looking out the window and seeing the drab, limited pallete in your seemingly lifeless outdoor space. It’s important to embrace this time of year as the composting and cleansing part of Earth’s cycle before spring’s renewal – but that doesn’t mean we should be trapped inside forever. Here’s a winter/early spring list of activities, divided by indoor (Part 1) and outdoor (Part 2), for the gardener and yard keeper.
☝️ First, let’s quickly note the important activity happening under the snow – and how your actions now will affect the summer garden!
Before heading out to attend to these jobs have a look at the ground beneath you.
If it is frozen hard you are good to go but avoid treading on the crowns of perennials.
If it has been warm and sunny and the soil is warm and dry, consider laying down a few planks to walk on.
If the soil is soggy then postpone those tasks until it has dried. What we are trying to protect is not your shoes but the soil itself.
Ideally, soil is comprised of 50% solid materials such as minerals and organic matter in various stages of decomposition, and 50% open air space. Water from rain or melting snow enters the soil, displacing the air. Wet soil is easier to squish down and that process is called compaction.
While walking on wet soil would not seem to have much effect, it occurs within the depth where annuals, perennials and lawn grasses have their roots. Compaction makes it harder for roots to grow through the soil. Roots can grow stronger to push aside the soil particles, but tougher roots are less effective at drawing in nutrients and moisture. Removing air spaces makes it more difficult for water to percolate down so compacted soils remain wetter. Plants don’t grow as well and are more prone to insect damage.
The freeze/thaw cycles of fall, spring, and winter heave the soil relieving compaction and aerating the soil; a good way to start the growing season. Preventing further damage to the soil is relatively simple. Stay off it when it’s wet. Later, consider using pavers or pathways in heavily travelled areas of the lawn. Aerate the lawn with a machine that removes small plugs of soil and redistributes them over the surface. In beds and borders, add compost and use a thick mulch layer to absorb some of the pressure.
And stay off it when it’s wet.
With this in mind, we can appreciate Earth’s renewal capabilities, as well as prevent destroying our yards and gardens!

Yup, it’s bleak out there. It’s time we make that herbal tea and turn our attention to creating a lively, green indoor environment, even if just to get us through the winter. Here’s a to-do list for trapped gardeners and plant enthusiasts to make the most of our wintry sentence.



Suit up!




We hope these suggestions help you stay green this spring and winter! For more gardening activities, see our other blogs here. We hope to see you this spring (March 5th, 2026) at Eising Greenhouses and Garden Centre! 🌱❄️
By Ava Green
The Eising Holiday Gift Guide has become a popular tradition, and this year, I asked staff members to share their favourite gifts. We have some great picks to brighten anyone’s holidays: family, friends, teachers, hosts/hostesses, the cat sitter, the dog sitter - anyone you would like to wish a Merry Christmas to!



What looks good every year? Everlasting decorations! Kirsten’s favourites are natural wreaths with just a bit of an embellishment. Elegant, timeless and oh-so-festive!
An ornament from our Giving Tree is Arlene’s choice because she can gift the beautiful glass cardinal, and the proceeds go to the local toy drive. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!


We also have lots of beautiful everlasting garlands, and Lindsey’s favourites: holiday-themed decorative containers to choose from. These festive plant pots transform any houseplant into a Christmasy gift or are perfect for holding other treasures if you’re creating a gift basket.



There’s an entire team of decorators, no…creators, no….elves, no…very talented staff members who spend the holiday season making the most beautiful urns, planters, and fresh greenery centrepieces. Donna and I are holding two of our favourites. Mary stopped making festive urns just long enough for this photo to be taken! She really pours her heart into it.



As always, Courtney has a phenomenal selection of tropical plants to choose from. Do not ask her which one is her favourite. Trust me. Too many to count.
Ely is hoping for some gardening tools under the tree this year, and what gardener couldn’t use an array of trowels?!
Lori is ready for a party with her favourite hostess gifts - Amaryllis bulbs. Apparently, the Grinch likes plants, too. Who knew? Cindy Lou Who, possibly, and Lori.

Donna is wearing and holding some of her favourite clothes, jewelry, accessories, and products from Sassyfras Boutique inside Eising Greenhouse. Yes, she has many favourites. In her defence, who can pick just one thing from Sassyfras?! Not us.

Finally, this is THE most flexible item in the guide, our Eisings gift card. It can also be the perfect solution for the person who has everything already and is hard to buy for. Why is this Lucas’s favourite? Eising gift cards can be used for plants, landscaping, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, seeds, tropicals, decor, pots, garden tools, and any other items sold in the greenhouse. And that’s not all! Gift cards can also be used for anything in Sassyfras Boutique. So many options!

During this season of abundance, Henry and all of us at Eisings hope you get all of your favourite things, but mostly we wish you a safe and happy holiday season! ✨
Is there anything better than a Christmas craft sale to lift your spirits and inspire a holiday mood?
Buying local makes good sense, and it’s one of the reasons that our Eising Garden Centre Christmas Craft Show has become so popular.
Join us this year and discover the many amazing makers and artists in Haldimand-Norfolk and the surrounding areas! The amount of talent and creativity is truly unique.
Here are the dates and hours for the 2025 show - mark your calendar and invite your friends and family!
Wednesday, November 12th, 9 am – 5 pm
Thursday, November 13th, 9 am – 8 pm
Friday, November 14th, 9 am – 8 pm
Saturday, November 15th, 9 am – 5 pm
Eising Garden Centre, 814 Cockshutt Road, Simcoe, ON

Thanks to its popularity, this will be our biggest craft show ever. The greenhouses will be chock-a-block with items handmade by local artisans. Several fresh, new vendors will be participating this year, and many of the usual fan favourites, too.
As well as the craft sale, this is an opportunity to check out our fabulous holiday greenery, decorations and winter urns. Our Elves, aka staff, will be on hand to create gorgeous wreaths, centrepieces and arrangements just for you!
Are you looking for an outfit for an upcoming holiday gathering? Stop by the popular perennial Sassyfras Boutique. The shop will conveniently be open during the same hours as the craft show, offering beautiful clothing, accessories, and gifts.

It will be a day to check items off your holiday decorating and gift-buying list. Even get something for everyone on your list so that you can sit back and enjoy the holidays!
By: Ava Green
More than just a name, the brands we love and trust at Sassyfras not only have a great reputation but also offer excellent quality, fit, and, importantly, style. We trust their track record and can enthusiastically recommend these brands to you!

Founded more than 50 years ago in Montreal, their mission still remains the same - to make women look and feel their best, no matter what they’re doing. They know first-hand what that is because women design Tribal clothing for women. Consistent fit and premium fabrics are hallmarks of their quality garments.
Comfort, fit and detail are the priorities for clothing from the Habitat brand. Founder and designer Suzanne Connelly is committed to creating clothing that fits well and suits customers’ tastes. This is not fast fashion that you’ll find everywhere, Habitat produces limited quantities for specialty boutiques - like Sassyfras!

Great quality designs with value for your money have been the focus of b.Young since their inception in 1991 in Denmark. Creating timeless pieces using improved processes with an eye on the environmental impact of textile production, their goal is to produce pieces that will last. This is a brand that creates beautiful styles with integrity.
Daring to be different, and urging you to be you, Culture Clothing is a brand that stands out. Whether you’re looking for a piece that’s comfy and classic or a colourful statement piece, this is a brand worth checking out!
Fashionable, colourful, and feminine for everything from shirts to skirts that are made for women. With a focus on sustainability, high-quality fabrics, affordable prices, and the latest trends, Soya Concept is a brand that aims to earn your loyalty.

One of Canada’s leading clothing brands for men and women since 1979, Point Zero has lots to offer. Based in the heart of Montreal’s fashion district, this Canadian company is focused on great design, superior quality, and trendy fashions all at an attractive price. Additionally, they focus on their ecological footprint in terms of materials and the manufacturing process. An admirable brand that’s homegrown.
Based in Montreal, Devia clothing is proudly designed and made in Canada. With a passion for fashion, they create inspiring and eclectic designs at affordable prices.
Earth-friendly fibres, conscious production, and a commitment to giving back make Terrera an outstanding, sustainable, Canadian company. We think you’ll fall in love with their comfortable, easy-to-wear bamboo basics like bralettes, undies and leggings all created to fit and flatter women.
Unique, high-quality clothing with sophisticated details and elegant design. Moffi is designed to appeal to every woman.
Step into Sassyfras at Eising Garden Centre and explore our carefully curated collection of trusted clothing brands. We’re here to provide great personal service and high-quality pieces from brands you’ll be proud to wear!
Dealing with water restrictions or choosing to conserve water? You’re not alone. Many gardeners in Norfolk County are facing the challenge of keeping gardens thriving with less water. The good news? A lush, colourful garden is still within reach—thanks to drought-tolerant perennials.
When we think of drought-tolerant plants, cacti might be the first thing that comes to mind. But there’s a surprising variety of beautiful, hardy perennials that can handle our region’s dry spells—no desert landscape required.
While these plants do need regular watering when first planted, once established, they’re low-maintenance and well-suited to Southern Ontario’s climate, including periods of limited rainfall.

















It doesn’t take much to keep drought-tolerant plants thriving—just a little attention and some seasonal TLC. While they’re tough, even these hardy perennials appreciate an occasional deep watering during extended dry spells, especially in their first year.
For sun-loving perennials, skip the heavy fertilizers. Instead, an annual layer of compost is all they need to stay healthy and strong.
Shade-loving drought-tolerant plants, on the other hand, benefit from a layer of mulch. This helps retain moisture and reduces evaporation, especially in dry shade, which is one of the most challenging conditions for any plant to thrive in.
And don’t forget to deadhead regularly! Removing spent blooms encourages your plants to keep producing flowers instead of going to seed, meaning more colour, for longer.
With a few simple care tips, your drought-tolerant garden can remain beautiful and resilient throughout the entire season.
Other resources:
A lot of attention has been focused on buying local and shopping for Canadian-made products recently. At Sassyfras Boutique inside Eising’s Garden Centre we’ve always been proud to offer high quality Canadian fashion brands and locally made products. In a world of fast fashion, having choices that benefit our community and the environment is important to us.
Here’s a sneak preview of a few Canadian manufacturers you’ll find in Sassyfras!
This women’s clothing collection is made in Montreal, Québec and is eclectic and inspiring. Tops, t-shirts, blouses, cardigans, pants, and shorts are all included in their wide range of fashions.
Combining quality and comfort, Pure is a Canadian company that creates garments for women with active lifestyles who also like to look good. That’s a winning trifecta for certain!

Ethically made with natural, earth-friendly fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton, Terrera clothing is soft, comfortable and long-lasting. Their undergarments, leggings and tops will quickly become your favourites.
La Volta’s handbags are fashionable and designed in Canada. Their high quality bags have plenty of personality and each unique style is named after a woman.

With a new collection each season, Merx has become known for staying ahead of trends, but they also manufacture classic and timeless designs. Using pure materials that are lead-free and nickel-free, their jewelry is also attractive to anyone with sensitive skin.
Local jewelry designer, Crystal McMaster has been creating beautiful pieces with love and care since 2005.
Local and sustainable, Jennie’s Jewelry transforms silverware into unique earrings, necklaces and bracelets. She also makes custom pieces as well!
Made by a farming family in Haldimand County, their luxurious whipped tallow lotion is a must try.

Please drop by soon to see all the fashions and products made by talented fellow Canadians. Thank you for supporting our local business, and for choosing Canadian!
Now that everything in the garden has been put to bed for the winter, our thoughts are on the holidays - decorating, parties, and that seemingly never-ending list of gifts. At Eising Garden Centre we have solutions to help bring joy to your holiday season.
We know that finding the perfect gift for someone can be a challenge. There’s always that one person that has everything and it’s impossible to buy for them! The good news is that we have plenty to offer at Eising Garden Centre so that you can cross even the most perplexing person off your list.
You’ve probably heard it before - accessorizing is the key to making any outfit sing. At the Sassyfras Boutique you’ll find beautiful, casual clothing as well as hats, mitts, winter scarves, plus socks for men and women. They also have jewelry and handbags that are sure to add flair to any ensemble.
If you have friends or family members that love to travel, new sunglasses, beach towels, a fashionable scarf, a roomy handbag, or new pajamas from Sassyfras are sure to be a hit.
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If they no longer have to go into the office every day and don’t know what to do, give them a challenge!
Pick up some seed packets to get them started on planning and maybe even planting for Spring.
Growing indoor flower bulbs can be a fun project to brighten winter days too. You’ll be amazed by the dainty blooms of Paperwhites versus the massive blooms of an Amaryllis!
Or how about a Sprouting Kit to grow tasty, organic greens all winter long? Let’s face it, we all know that healthy eating will be on the New Year’s Resolutions list!
When decorating your home or getting ready to host a holiday party, come see us first.
While supplies last, we have lots of fresh Christmas trees (call us to check availability (519) 428-4607), ornaments and Christmas decor, fresh greenery, garlands, urns, wreaths, hanging baskets, centrepieces, and live plants like Cyclamen, Frosty Ferns and of course, Poinsettias.
Did you know that we also create custom containers? Bring in your own vase or container for centrepieces and urns, and we’ll do the rest. We’ll create an arrangement that will make that vase that 'Aunt Martha' gave you, sparkle with fresh greenery and holiday flair.
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Solve the “I have nothing to wear to a party” blues, with a wardrobe “pick me up” from Sassyfras.
While you’re there, check out the selection of lovely locally handmade soaps, and great houseware gift items like dish cloths, scrubbies, and wine or bottle openers. Perfect gifts for your party host.
There’s also a wide variety of potted plants in the garden centre, and beautiful decorations that any host or hostess would love to add to their holiday decor!
Let your child’s teacher know that you recognize that they’re already looking forward to summer vacation by giving them an Eising gift card. Once May rolls around, they can pick up plants that will bring them joy all summer long!
Eising gift cards go a long way too since they can be used on anything in the shop, including Sassyfras. A gift card is a great way to help someone with their next landscaping project, or even Spring garden clean up. Now that’s something to look forward to!
Not into gift cards? We have a great selection of items you could bundle together into your own custom gift basket! Think of all the things that you would love to get and we think someone on your list will love them too!
We know that you love wandering through the greenhouses when they’re full of summer plants, but we also invite you to stop by to visit us in November and December to enjoy the winter paradise we’ve created for your gift giving and decorating inspiration.
Take the pressure off the holidays and join us for Starlight Shopping Night on Thursday, December 8th. On December 8th only, we’ll be open late - from 9am to 7pm! Enjoy the ambiance, the specials, the exciting draws, the extended shopping hours and get all of your gift buying done early!
You’ll find us at 814 Cockshutt Rd, Simcoe, ON Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm until December 23, and 9am to 2pm on December 24th.
After December 24th, we will be closed until Spring, but the greenhouse elves will be working to have everything ready for you in 2023.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Eising Greenhouses & Garden Centre!