The Christmas season is only a few weeks long, but for we in Central and Northern Alberta, winter weather can be a reality from November to March. So, it only makes sense that our cold weather decor in and around the house is more winter than Christmas-specific – it can brighten the front entry and yard or the back deck, and keep a warm and welcoming winter wonderland inside long after the Christmas ornaments have been put away.
Jim Hole, co-owner of Hole's Greenhouses & Gardens at The Enjoy Centre, is a big fan of winterscaping – the trendy description of creating, embracing and celebrating the cold weather months with decorative touches inside and out – think containers with upright junipers, birch and cedar, with ribbons, pine cones, twigs and berries.
“Don't ever underestimate how important lighting is too,” Hole said. “You can create a welcoming invitation to your home all season long with a container of evergreens and a string of lights.”
Hole points to a program in Edmonton that is recognizing the best winterscapes in residential yards – similar to summer garden competitions – and he thinks it'd be great to see in St. Albert too.
“It could brighten up whole neighbourhoods through the long winter months. It doesn't take much time or effort, and it doesn't have to be like Candy Cane Lane in Edmonton – low energy lights around the home and in containers, a few boughs and some creativity – for maximum enjoyment of the season,” he said.
According to Edmonton.ca, winterscapes allow people to get outside and enjoy winter. When there's enough ice and snow, the site suggests using planter containers, fences, garden stakes, branches, leaves and berries to create a winter-themed scene or snow sculpture in the yard.
Local designer Cory Christopher is all about natural elements in the outdoor winterscape. He regularly uses evergreen branches, logs, grapevine twigs and ribbon in outdoor displays, often in huge containers on a front step for big impact. The same is true for Heather Wolsey at Seasons Gift Shop, who said she sees a trend toward door wreaths that aren't about Christmas, but rather ones with an emphasis on birds, snow – wintery outdoor scenes that are appropriate through until the spring thaw.
Inside the house, winterscapes can include less festive poinsettia displays – red glitter and premium ice crystal are two new varieties – with flecks of white – that are different enough so as not to scream Christmas. The same goes for coleus – usually a summer bedding plant but that works indoors for greenery and colour in a winter display too.
Also inside, whether on display at the office or created by parents and children for the home, the trendy and popular fairy gardens are a great way to decorate in any season. For a winter scene, the miniature world in a pot, or wheelbarrow – any container – can have snow-covered cottages and snowmen amidst small-scale pebbles and greenery, including succulents and small evergreens. But the possibilities are endless, and retailers carry all the supplies needed to create a magical little world fit for any season and any spot in the home.
“It's a great project for kids and adults, and beginner or experienced gardeners,” said Hole, whose greenhouse is hosting a Fairy Garden Workshop Dec. 11 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
