December 2011

December 13, 2011

The days were short and cold, the wind whistled sharply, but there was no snow. Cold rains were falling. Every night they expected to see snow next morning, but in the morning they saw only sad, wet grass.
- Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie

Some say it just doesn't seem right without the snow.  Others are glad they don't have to shovel. But despite the lack of snow, the holiday haymaking continues here at the store.  And no worries, we have trees! We have plenty of responsibly farmed trees from Osseo, WI (no herbicide spraying) and SOME Organic Free Range Trees remain.  The numbers are smaller, but the selection was still good as of this morning.

Here's your quick Table des Matieres (I bet you can guess what that means):
1. Holiday denouement. That will be the last of the French, I apologize. It means "resolution or outcome".
2. Winter Classes Teaser
3. Just the Facts

1. Winding down the holidays - we continue to take special orders on wreaths and centerpieces.  Imagine your lovely holiday table with a fragrant balsam, heather and magnolia centerpiece.  Maybe you prefer holly and pinecones? We are standing at the ready. Prices for centerpieces typically range from $25 to $55, however, we do require prepayment this late in the season.

The gift selection at the store, including some of the most inspired consignment artist items we've had, is great, convenient and unique. Some examples: handmade crayons, felted mittens, handmade lined hats, wooden dye cut ornaments, handmade dolls for only $10, birdhouses made of reclaimed materials (you have to see them, impossible for that description to do them justice) and many gifts for gardeners, kids and everyone else. Not sure what to get? Try an amaryllis, so satisfying to have such an ostentatious bloom in January, or an attractive and practical Gift Card.

We are well stocked for this last big weekend with wreaths, kissing balls, garland, outdoor and centerpiece greenery.  We will be open until Friday, December 23rd until 8pm! We then close up until Wednesday, January 26th.

We will honor returns on non-plant material until the end of February. What do we sell after Xmas in the winter?  Straw, hay, firewood, ice melt, gifts, tools, seeds for indoor seed starting and houseplants.

Here is the basic list:
As always, the first class will be Get Your Seeds Out! Indoor Seed Starting with Rush Creek Growers' Elizabeth Wheeler. Absolutely everything you need to know about how to stop playing at seed starting and get it done for real.

Other classes, in no particular order:
Backyard Fruits - the kind that grow on trees and stuff!
2012 New Annuals and Perennials from Rush Creek Growers
Basic Garden Design
Urban Veggie Gardening
Permaculture for Beginners
What is Organic Gardening? Part One: Soil
Not Your Grandmother's Summer Bulb
You Can Do It! Design Your Own Smashing Container
POTENTIAL class on what is going on with honey bees

3. Just the Facts. Actually covered the facts about when we are open and closed, return policy et al, so how about some ideas about what to do with your Christmas Tree and holiday decor when it's all said and done?  If you bought a compostable swag, that whole thing can be thrown in your compost pile or burned in your chiminea.  If it has wire in it, just snip off the greens and recycle the wire. Sorry you can't return wire to us, it is only usable for one wreath. You can put the tree out in your yard for birds to find shelter in, cut off the branches for kindling as it dries out. Use the trunk for firewood or to build a little stool.  If you are done when it's done, just go ahead and put it out for pickup. Minneapolis and many other municipalities collect them and take them to Shakopee to be chipped; check with your officials to find out.

But, mostly, enjoy your time with family, friends, dogs, cats, fish, lizards, frogs and plants.  Or just enjoy some time alone to read or reflect.

Hope to see you in 2012!