A Garden Center Christmas

Got a few minutes? Enjoy my Christmas tunes, as we go on a round trip tour... up to Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery in Ipswich, MA. It all started with predawn shots of an absolutely gigantic moon... at least my little camera does better with this size!

Through the linden tree

Through the Blue Atlas Cedar

Still visible, suspended above the hill as we head to work.

BRRR! Low twenties as we seek a couple of
nature shots, before heading in. Winterberry!

Lucy looks for mushrooms (all frozen and gone, now),
while I look for something frosty.

OK - this will do! It's that thin, splintery ice and
encased in the center are a few still-green hardy weeds.

Nice to arrive early, so there's time for extra photo opts
and a little browsing. Let's see what Lucy's tracking.

Under the lath roof, premium cut trees are still suspended,
awaiting the first customers.

Row after row of stately trees recline, awaiting inspection.

Living Christmas trees are still in good supply.
Here, we some of the larger specimens... a nice
tradition and a great addition to any landscape.

Well how about that? Just when I thought I'd posted every conceivable type of wreath, earlier ~ seems the designing women of Corliss have taken their creativity to new heights! So, without comment, let's check out their latest handiwork...

Last one - at least for now! Let's see if Lucy's still around...

Here she is, obviously in her capacity as Dwarf Alberta Spruce Inspector ~ small scale potted evergreens... perfect as living Christmas trees. "Come on, Lucy... time for work!"

Someone turned in a very frozen pair of work gloves, that didn't fare too well with yesterday's heavy rains and plummeting overnight temps. It struck me as a study in contrasts, as we now turn our attentions to the warm, inviting store interior...

For instance, the warmth and joyous color
that only a Poinsettia could provide.

And who can resist the upswept beauty
of a Cyclamen bloom?

Bows, handmade by the staff, are an increasingly popular element... they create bows to order all day, as well as a constant supply made up for folks in more of a hurry... the display was constantly being depleted, as some customers were buying 5, 10 or more at a time. (Those that look orange, are actually red - it's the strong morning sun distorting the colors.)

Now, we go from the decorative to the practical,
taking a sneak peek at the items that would delight
that gardener on your gift list. A new set of hand tools
might be just the thing!

Maybe a new pair of pruners or rose shears?

Just for fun... little stuffed birds that sing forth the appropriate, authentic song (per The Audubon Society), for each species, when lightly squeezed. A favorite of our younger shoppers!

Garden boots and shoes of every type...
every gardener could use these!

Crocs® (preferred summer garden shoe of many a North Shore gardener) and a big assortment of garden gloves for men, women and children. More thoughtful gifts!

Glass wind chimes, the color of sunshine, to make
music in the garden of your favorite gardener.

Bulbs ~ for indoor culture ~ Amaryllis, paperwhite narcissi and hyacinths (pre-cooled, for suspension in a hyacinth glass). Great hostess gift... pick up extras for your own indoor flower show, as well!

All sorts of windchimes (like this Japanese Maple chime)
and statuary, for indoors and out.

Now, here is a practical gift ~
maybe to add to your own wish list?
Or, maybe for that backyard recycler?
This is just one of the available models.

And, of course there's the Christmas Shop, filled with decorating supplies and all those Great Pretenders we looked at, earlier. And there are also some very special, unique ornaments... which we'll take a closer look at, next time.

And so, our working day concludes. Lucy's coworker, Phoenix, whispers sweet nothings in her ear, as we prepare to leave. Lucy seems impatient, so off we go... say "Goodnight," Phoenix!

OOOH! ~ the sun... can't resist a quick shot.

Cute little barn, surrounded by recently baled hay.
Sunset glow lingers on the western horizon.
Pretty start to our 50 minute ride home, eh?

Join me next time for a little tree trimming?

And, in the days to come, for some interesting
and unique gift ideas!

Hope you enjoyed our Garden center christmas!

One more note: For a chuckle, go see Lucy 's latest post,
from Friday, on her Dog's Eye View blog... it's called,
"This is Not How I Roll!"

Text and Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008