I was wondering yesterday if it was possible to create a winter garden equally as fabulous as beautiful summer scenery we all love here in the Chilliwack Fraser Cheam. With a rich fertile soil base and a longer growing season this area is a rarity in the tough Canadian environment. We do have seasons though and after the brilliance of our Fall colours, as shown in a recent post, we are left with a lot of overcast days, rain, and snow before Spring begins the cycle of plant regeneration once again.
Too many a garden is a representation of their piece of paradise a place to appreciate the seasons as they unfold but what about winter? Is it possible to transform that barren winter landscape into a place to enjoy?
I visited a couple of Chilliwack’s major nurseries, Minter Country Gardens and the Little Mountain Greenhouses to find the answers.
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Poinsettias, Little Mountain Greenhouse |
It turns out; there sadly are not a lot of creative solutions to be found at either business. It seems that most people in the Chilliwack Fraser Cheam area come November are pretty happy to put their gardens “to bed” for the winter and concentrate on the holiday interior of their homes. As I walked down row upon row of poinsettias it also became apparent as to what the most popular flower of purchase is.
Did you know that they have locally hand-painted poinsettias in a wide range of designer colours: sea foam, grand mariner, Erotica (complete with peacock feathers), Merlot, and purple haze to name a few (Little Mountain Greenhouses)?
Discouraged I decided to create a list of my own, because once December is over there is still January, February and March before we see any significant rebirth of the plant world again. I also hope that if you have a suggestion that you will add it to this post so that it can be shared.
Winter Lighting: It is always a sad day at our house when it seems too late after Christmas to leave outside Christmas lights turned on. The lights hanging from our house’s soffits get removed and put away until the next December. It is a dark time of the year and exterior lights add some needed cheer so wrap a tree in LED mini lights or plant some yard lights, they will provide a soft glow in the snow.
Sit Outdoors: Now the best way to sit outside is in a heated hot tub and let the snow come down. Hot tubs are great places to relax and there are several stores in Chilliwack that specialize in this product. A couple of these stores are J. Adams and Sons and Granville Spas. The J. Adams and Sons store provides free spa water analysis which is a real help with hot tub maintenance.
Another possible way to enjoy the outside is with an outdoor patio heater and a chair that is significantly protected from the elements. The heater will keep you warm and comfortable and provide a nice lighting in the evening. Grab a cup of tea or hot chocolate on the way out.
Perhaps a fire pit is permitted in your neighbourhood – I’m thinking hot rum toddy in tow but if you insist on marshmallows okay.
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Kale for Colour © Stephen Mullock |
For people in apartments and townhouses small planters can provide a creative outlet for design using bare branches, evergreen boughs and berried limbs.
Taking time to enjoy your winter garden is good for you and keeps you acquainted with the seasons of the natural world. Be sure to carry a camera, you will be surprised at the variety of birds that migrate through this area taking a brief break in your Chilliwack winter wonderland. Snow has a way of making everything look magical so don’t miss out on the special experience of being out and about in your own winter wonderland.
Imagine living here...
Comments:
Sue Williams: bird feeders can also add something nice to a garden...especially when they all come round to feed..if the feeder is close to a window u can take photos without disturbing the birds...a fb friend of mine does this with squirrels...she gets amazing squirrel shots :)
Real Estate Winter Tip
Real Estate in the Chilliwack Fraser Cheam area, is shown more and more after the work day is over and in darkness this time of year, due to our shorter winter daylight. Accenting your home with lighting to enhance its curb appeal during this season will help your property standout from the other competition. Always make sure that your interior lights are on and complementary to the room.
Real Estate in the Chilliwack Fraser Cheam area, is shown more and more after the work day is over and in darkness this time of year, due to our shorter winter daylight. Accenting your home with lighting to enhance its curb appeal during this season will help your property standout from the other competition. Always make sure that your interior lights are on and complementary to the room.
Are you a Langley/Surrey Investor or Developer?
For Sale: 4.785 acre Future Development Site in Clayton West, Surrey NCP - Phase 1 area. Excellent property, key location with 331' of frontage. Call me for more details.
- Address 18638 74th Ave. Surrey
- Multiple Listing F1126964 (click)
- Price $4,200,000
Stephen Mullock RI is an award winning full-time real estate agent with 30 years of experience and hundreds of sales. Thinking of buying or selling real estate in the Fraser Cheam communities of Chilliwack, Agassiz or Harrison Hot Springs? Contact Steve (click here) of Royal LePage Wheeler Cheam Realty for experience, local knowledge and friendly service you’ll be happy you did.