bloom 2018 Holiday - Al's Garden Centerals-gardencenter.com/images/Holiday2018_WEB.pdf · seen a...

bloomInspiration for your Garden, Home & Lifestyle from Al’s Garden Home

2018 Holiday

1216

22

Holiday 2018

4Letter from Jack

The Roots of Tradition

5Poinsettia Points of

Interest

10Decorating Big for

Smaller Spaces

5

12Christmas Color

Crushes

14Making Old

Traditions New

16Holiday Gift Guide

22D.I.Y. Gifts for the

Gardener

On The Cover:From left to right: Al Bigej, Jack Bigej with son Mark, and Ann Bigej show off their freshly flocked Christmas Trees in 1975

The Christmas Season starts with Al’s Annual

Thursday, November 1stAl’s of Sherwood

Saturday, November 3rdAl’s of Woodburn

Thursday, November 8thAl’s of Wilsonville

Saturday, November 10thAl’s of Gresham

Come join in the festivities as Al’s Garden & Home welcomes in the Christmas Season with our annual Evening of Lights. We’ll showcase our Grown By Al’s

poinsettia collection, designer-decorated Christmas trees, and the latest holiday decor. Our warm greenhouses are the perfect place to enjoy live holiday music, delicious

food and drink, and more Christmas treats.

Admission is FREELearn more at

als-gardencenter.com/EOL

You don’t get to be in business for 70 years without gathering a bunch of stories and traditions

along the way that define who you are and where you came from. I’ve been at this for a lot of years and have to admit that the saying is true: “It’s not work when you are doing what you love!” I don’t plan on quitting anytime soon, as growing plants and more importantly, selling them has been my passion since as far back as I can remember.

The holidays are full of traditions and definitely add special meaning to the season. At Al’s Garden & Home, many things have changed over the years but some things are just too good to ever go away. Some of our favorite memories and laughs have come from simply spending time together in the business with my kids and grandkids, whether it’s gathering Sugar Pine Cones over in Central Oregon for the Fir Ball Baskets (because certainly the pine cones on this side of the mountain aren’t good enough) or tagging Christmas trees up in the hills. It is comforting to continue some of our favorite holiday endeavors and also fun to create new traditions over the years.

Flocking Christmas trees is one of my first holiday memories at the store and I have been doing it since dirt was young (and so was I, for that matter). We started flocking

trees in the early 70’s when it was so popular that half of all the Christmas trees we sold were flocked. I used to stay up until 2 am flocking trees several nights in a row to make sure we had enough for the next day’s sales. We still flock a large number of trees at all of our Al’s locations, and thankfully, we have more space to hold them so the 2 am flocking has gone out the door.

Poinsettias are well known across the world as a Christmas favorite! In the 80’s, we began selling poinsettias at our retail store but it wasn’t until the early 90’s that we got in on the fun by growing our own crop. We started our first year with just 300 plants, all Freedom Red! It went so well that within a few years, we began selling to fundraisers and quickly increased the size of our crop from there. This year, we will grow close to 36,000 poinsettias. Although half of our crop is still traditional red, we are falling for unique colors that add variety and jump-start the poinsettia season in late fall.

If you have come to any of our retail stores during the holidays, you have no doubt caught a glimpse of the large Fir Ball Baskets hanging at the front doors and also for sale inside. In an effort to extend the hanging basket season, my wife started decorating fir ball baskets more than

20 years ago. These amazing baskets are beautiful and decorated with ornaments and ribbon that make them shine! Because they are handmade and my wife

has other things on her to-do list during the holidays, we can only produce so many and sell out every year. Shop early to find your favorite to decorate your front porch.

We look forward to kicking off the holiday season and hope you will join us for our 18th Annual Evening of Lights in early November. The beauty of Christmas lights will set the tone while the sights and smells of the holidays will surround you. Keep an eye out for Al’s exclusive Ice Apples, making their debut as soon as the first hard frost hits! One of our newest traditions that we are so proud to partner with is the Les Schwab Toy Drive. For the first time last year, Al’s participated in gathering new, unwrapped toys that were then delivered to children in need through many non-profit partners. On November 29th, Good Day Oregon will be hosting a special collection event at Al’s in Sherwood. We hope you will join us in giving back to the community!

As 2018 comes to a close, my family and I would like to thank you for being a part of the traditions here at Al’s Garden & Home. Our business has grown and thrived for over 70 years because of you!! We are grateful for your patronage and hope that your holidays are spent surrounded by family and friends, building new memories and celebrating long-lived traditions. We look forward to serving your garden needs in the New Year!

PoinsettiaPoints of Interest

By Dorothy RussoAl’s Poinsettia Grower

Poinsettias are by far the most beloved Christmas plant and the best-selling potted plant in the United States and Canada. It’s no wonder that our growers here at Al’s have spent nearly 30 years perfecting

growing them. From their arrival as baby cuttings in early June, to the time that they are shipped out of our greenhouse doors in November and December, we are pinching, spacing, and preparing them for a successful future in your home! Although their popularity as a Christmas favorite hasn’t changed, we have seen a huge shift in the growing of poinsettias from the early 90’s, when we first began, to today. Below is a peek into what poinsettia production looks like today and how we got started nearly 3 decades ago.

Holiday 2018 • 54 • als-gardencenter.com

The Roots of TraditionBy Jack Bigej

Al’s Son & 2nd Generation Owner


We grew 300 poinsettias our first season in 1 size (6-inch.)

We are currently growing 42,000 plants in 5 different sizes

We had one variety - Freedom Red, which is still on the market, but we now grow more resilient red varieties. We now grow 36 different varieties.

100% of the plants we grew were red. 50% of the plants we grow are red.

All of our poinsettias were grown in one greenhouse at the back of our Woodburn location approximately 3,500 square feet.

We grow our poinsettias in over 15 greenhouses at our largest facility in Hubbard and in the back greenhouses of our Gresham store encompassing almost 80,000 square feet.

We had two fundraisers in our beginning years...they were for the Lake Oswego Swim Club and West Linn Lions Club (both of which we still serve today!)

We currently serve over 100 fundraising groups.

100% of our crop was for our retail store (then only our Woodburn location). We added fundraisers in 1993

35% of our crop is for fundraisers while the other 65% is sold to churches, other wholesale customers and through our retail stores.

We used to hand-load the poinsettias in flats onto truck boards.

We sleeve all of our poinsettias that go out on delivery to protect them from breakage/cold weather and deliver them on racks.

We didn’t know better, so we used a regular greenhouse potting soil.

We use a unique soil blend that was developed by our grower to optimize poinsettia health.

2 full-time employees cared for our initial poinsettia crop.

10 full-time employees are dedicated to growing and caring for our poinsettia crop.

We received our first shipment of poinsettia cutting from the Paul Ecke Ranch located in Encinitas, California.

Our poinsettia cuttings originate from Ethiopia, El Salvador, and Mexico.

Poinsettia Vocabulary

Black Cloth: The process of creating complete darkness 12 hours a day to force the poinsettias to color. We use large black tarps that are pulled over wires to make a blanket of darkness over the entire poinsettia house. We do this process during the month of September, so they will be in bloom for early November.

Bracts: The showy, colored parts of poinsettias that most people think of as the flowers, although they are actually modified leaves. The yellow flowers, or cyathia, are in the center of the colorful bracts.

Breaks: The side shoots that form when young poinsettia plants are “pinched” (cut), leading to a fuller plant and more flowers. The number of “breaks” coincides with the number of flowers.

Photoperiodic: Poinsettias bloom in response to the length of the day, or photoperiod. They like short days, meaning the night must be greater than 12 hours a day to trigger the bracts to color.

Did You Know?

• Despite rumors to the contrary, Poinsettias are NOT poisonous! Extensive studies have shown that this holiday flower is not dangerous for pets or people.

• Poinsettias are not frost tolerant, so don’t put them on your porch or leave them in the car for hours if you live here in the Pacific Northwest. They will grow outdoors in temperate coastal climates such as Southern California, and can reach 10-15 feet tall!

• Not all poinsettias are created equally. Though most poinsettia plants come from the same original source, how they are handled makes a huge difference in the quality of the plant. Using a ring to support the bracts and spacing the plants adequately to allow for full growth, creates the quality poinsettias that Al’s is known for.

• The most common question people have about poinsettias is how to get them to rebloom. Let’s just say that it’s a bit complicated, but we do have a handout about it if you want more information.

• The #1 poinsettia care mistake is overwatering.

A Colorful Accident

We were the first grower/retailer (that we know of) to offer painted poinsettias to our customers, but we happened upon it by accident. While overhead watering with blue fertilizer water, we sprayed the leaves and bracts, causing them to turn blue. We spent hours polishing the plants so they would be sellable. Today, we purposefully paint a small percentage of poinsettias for retail sales. If you are looking for purple (our favorite!), turquoise, or shades of magenta in your poinsettia palette, we’ve got the unique plant for you.

THEN vs. NOW

Holiday 2018 • 7

Wreaths 10”-20” in stock. 24”-36” available by special order.

Garland Available by the foot, or in 25 & 50 ft. rolls.

Fresh-Cut Greens Sold by the pound.

Centerpieces Pre-made. Available in small or large sizes. Decorated or undecorated.

Decorative Accessories Customize your colors with bows, picks, ornaments and candles.

Noble Fir TreesWe head out to the tree farms in July to call “dibs” on these fresh, premium, locally-grown Christmas trees.Limited quantities, please call stores for availability. See store for additional varieties, sizes and prices. Available at Al’s starting in late November.

For every cut Christmas tree sold between November 26 and December 24, Al’s will

donate $1 to this worthy cause.

learn more at semperfifiund.org

Al’s proudly Supports the Semper Fi Fund

Flocked TreesAdd the look of recent snow to any fresh-cut tree with our flocking service. We can custom flock your tree just the way you want it. Light or heavy dustings, branch tips only... we can even add sparkles to replicate the glistening effect of fallen snow! Please call our stores for flocking options and pricing. Trees generally ready for pick-up between 48-72 hours. Size limitations apply.

Your Home Freshly

Decorated for Christmas


10 • als-gardencenter.com

By Barb FlorigAl’s Visual Designer

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, not everyone has a grand entrance with soaring vaulted ceilings, or that picture perfect bay window just begging for a large Christmas tree

to be seen by all those passing by. Many of us are happily challenged with making our Christmas decorating statement in a more intimate space. So if you find yourself wondering where the heck the Christmas tree is going to fit, fear not. Al’s Experts have some small space decorating tips just for you that may or may not involve a tree.

Use Existing Surfaces and ContainersAdding fresh garland to the tops of doorways and windows takes an everyday element of your home and makes it special. Continue adding garland across the tops of your pictures and mirrors to tie the whole room together. Accent with ornaments or ribbons to add color and texture.

Everyday Items Take On That Christmas SpiritThe candy bowl or accent vase that stands guard all year long, needs a little love this time of year. By simply filling it with Christmas candy or miniature ornaments, and embellishing with a holiday place mat or table runner, you’ve got yourself a Christmas tablescape.

Decorating BIGFor Smaller Spaces

Holiday 2018 • 11

Tuck, Tuck, TuckIf you have a collection of village houses, instead of erecting a big town scene, the trick is to instead tuck them here and there, actually anywhere there is a small space. The overall feeling is that of a village, without actually taking up such a big footprint.

Over The TopWhen decorating for small spaces you may need to use your environment creatively. Think vertically! What about suspending a Christmas tree from the ceiling, just over your coffee table where the lamp usually is? Anything you can suspend to save precious floor space is a win in our book. Chandeliers and pot racks are great preexisting spaces jus asking to be decorated.

Don’t Forget the CandlesThe quickest way to add ambiance to any room is by lighting a candle. Hygge is a Danish word inspired by the feeling of coziness and comfort, so it’s no surprise that the Danish light more candles in a single year than any other nationality. So when looking to add that Christmas feeling to your home, don’t forget the glow and scent that a lit candle can bring.

By Candace MoffattAl’s Gift Buyer

@ Home

Christmas Color Crushes


Green continues to be a favorite when it comes to home decorating and it holds true for Christmas decorating also. The feeling of bringing nature inside - the freshness, and crispness - make this color a holiday favorite!

Green on green - think Olive, Emerald, Pine, and Citron, all working together to create texture and interest.

Deep hues of green in wreaths, mistletoe, and evergreen trees set the canvas for decorating. Green has always been a traditional color for Christmas, but the mixing of the complementary colors make it feel new!

Green paired with white looks pure and clean, and can be used for both modern and traditional decor.

This combination can be seen in Al’s Christmas Tree Looks: “More Than Green”, and “Christmas Conservatory”

GREEN

Green and red mixed with silver or gold is always an instant classic.

To see our version of this classic, you can find it in Al’s Christmas Tree Looks: “Taste of Christmas”, and “Vintage Christmas”

A nostalgic nod to Americana.

A pop of blue introduced to a classic red & white tree can be both timeless and playful! This color combination brings back a vintage feel when used together with red, and a cool icy feel when blue is used alone with white.

Creative examples of the mixing of these colors can be found in Al’s Christmas Tree Looks: “Waiting for Santa”, and “Hot Chocolate Holiday”

RED, WHITE & BLUE

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we need to always add a touch of nature to our Christmas trees.

The rustic look and feel of wood pairs well with all holiday colors and by adding birds, acorns, and pinecones help bring the outside in.

Whether you’re going for a lux lodge feel, or natural woodsy feel, this natural color combination adds instant warmth to your decorating.

This look can be found in Al’s Christmas Tree Looks: “Winter Woods”, “Winter Event”, and “For the Birds”

WOODLAND HUES

Holiday 2018 • 13

By Candace MoffattAl’s Gift Buyer

@ Home

Making Old Traditions New

The Story of the Gherkin OrnamentPickle ornaments were considered a special decoration by many families in Germany, where the fir tree was decorated on Christmas Eve.

The pickle was always the last ornament to be hung on the Christmas Tree, with the parents hiding it in the green boughs among the other ornaments.

When the children were allowed to view the tree for the first time, they would begin gleefully searching for the pickle ornament.

The children knew that whomever first found that special ornament would receive an extra little gift left by St. Nicholas for being the most observant child.


Our most popular Christmas ornaments are from Old World. With over 150 hand-painted designs, it’s a collector’s favorite! The Old World Christmas display is one of

the first areas we set up for Christmas, so our Old World collectors can be the first to pick up the newest designs for the year, and any other favorites. If you are new to collecting these beautiful ornaments, we suggest you start with the Miniature Gherkin. The story behind this beloved ornament is a wonderful start to bring this tradition into your home.

For the Gardening

Enthusiast or

Backyard Admirer

For the Foodie (or your Best

Friend)

Christmas Time Deep reds and greens of amaryllis flowers are enhanced with gold foil to welcome the season.

Deck the Halls Glitter accents of snow-capped pines framing the vintage red truck delivering Christmas trees.

Michel Design Works has beautiful packaging and quality products that make it an instant gift. For this year’s new Holiday Collection, they have added festive, decorative bells to each of their foaming hand soaps. Perfect alone for gift giving.

Scent: Fresh green ivy, floral cyclamen, and woodsy cypress

Scent: Peppermint candy cane with touches of spearmint, vanilla, and eucalyptus

Ho Ho Ho Happy Holiday sentiments decorate this graphic red and white design.

Scent: Cedar wood and balsam blended with toffee, cinnamon, and amber


Candles are always on the list for gifts and for decorating your own home. These scents of the season kick off that holiday feel and set the mood for all those guests that you will be entertaining, or just enjoying yourself snuggled up by the tree!

Soap BarAssorted Holiday designs$9.95

Foaming Hand SoapAssorted Holiday designs$11.95

Hand & Body LotionAssorted Holiday designs$14.95

Dish towelAssorted Holiday designs$9.95

Illume Etched Glass CandleLarge $54Large $32

Tried & True Jar CandleXtra Large $26Large $18

Tried & True Jar CandleDiffuser $16Room Spray $9

Paddywax Scented CandlesLarge $20Small $10

HolidayGift GuideHolidayGift Guide

One Gift for You, One Gift for Me

Gifts for the Hostess

Icelandic Wood Fairies $14.95Felt Christmas Tree $8Wool Bird/Owl $4-$8

Wool Fairy Mouse $14.99Wool Reindeer Ornament $12.99

Large Wooden Deer $6.50Wood Bear & Tree Stand $5.95

Ceramic Reindeer Planter $9.99Concrete Snowman $4

Corkcicle Stemless TumblerAssorted Styles$24.95

Scout Stone WrapsPictured on left $28Pictured on right $22

Bee-liciousGourmet Honey Flight w spoon$34.95

Stone wrap combines gemstone beads with metal beads and effortlessly converts from a bracelet to necklace. Wrap four to five times for a bracelet, or layer one to two times as a necklace! Each piece is presented on a card that tells the meaning and property of each stone

Stainless steel interior, with slip-proof bottom and easy-to-grip sides. Keeps drinks cold for 9 hours and hot for 3! Available in a variety of colors.

Made right here in Portland! Why not a flight of local honey for that tea lover or a gift representing Oregon!

One of the most exciting trends this season is felt, wool, novelty ornaments, and desk decor items! Not just for the kids, these cute little wool ornaments liven up any tree and are great conversation pieces.


One Of A Kind GiftsHolidayGift Guide

The Whimsy of the SeasonHolidayGift GuideIt can be hard to shop for that one Aunt, or find a last

minute gift for a co-worker, but these unique gifts will keep giving long after the holidays are over.

Terrariums for the Hands On GardenerWhat’s better than creating your own little garden? Terrariums are all the rage right now because they allow you to bring a piece of nature into your home. Plus, they can challenge our creativity.

Perhaps you have a gardener on your Christmas list and are wondering what to gift them. If you are a little crafty yourself you can put together DIY kits of all your gardener’s favorites, all ready to make their own.

By choosing all the “parts & pieces” you are taking great care to help curate their gardening success!

DIY Gifts for the gardener


Tillandsias for the Modern GardenerIf your friend or family member’s decorating style is more minimalist and modern, then Tillandsias are the perfect gift for them. Tillandsias are members of the Bromeliad family which can live on trees and other non-soil surfaces. Tillandsias derive their nutrients from the air, so they are also know as airplants. This gives them the unique ability to be mounted on decorative objects, placed on walls, or suspended from the ceiling. The possibilities are limited only to your imagination.

Create a KitYou’ll need• Unique container - get creative, the sky’s the limit!• Tillandsia plants. • Spray mister for watering.• Direction sheet.

Directions:

Preferred temperature range is 50 to 90 degrees F. They also prefer a cooler night time temperature of 10-15 degrees F below their daytime temperature.

Provide them bright, filtered light. A position near a window, away from air currents would be ideal. The brighter the light, the higher the humidity required, and watering more often is needed. Natural light is preferred, but artificial lights made especially for growing plants indoors can be used.

Drench regularly to provide moisture. Additional misting may be needed in hot, dry conditions. Tillandsias need regular drenching of the entire plant.

Thoroughly wet the plant 2-3 times a week, less often in a cool humid environment, or more in very hot, dry conditions. The plant can be placed in the sink, then water run or sprayed over it until it is saturated. This only takes a few seconds.

Alternatively, air plants can be sprayed with a mister until thoroughly wet, which can help keep the plant hydrated in dry conditions or hot temperatures. Misting or spraying does not replace regular watering by drenching or soaking.

Give them adequate air circulation. Tillandsias need good air circulation to prevent rot. After watering, always shake off excess water. Hold it upside down to shake out any water remaining at the base of the leaves. This central core of the plant is the most susceptible to rot from excessive moisture.

Directions:

1. Place a layer of decorative rocks on the bottom of the container. You can also use marble, glass beads, etc. or anything to allow for good drainage.

2. Add a well-draining potting mix (a cactus soil mix works fine). You need a quick draining soil that will keep the plants from sitting in water.

3. Add small, slow growing plants to include in the scene. Care should be taken to group plants with similar water, light exposure and soil requirements. Prune as necessary to keep plants in scale with the container and/or scene.

4. Arrange plants in a way that is pleasing to the eye. You may want to accessorize your scene by adding miniature bridges, buildings and people.

By Judy AlleruzzoAl’s Houseplant Buyer

Create a KitYou’ll need• Glass container• 3-7 2” plants• 1 bag of small stones• 1 bag of potting soil• Small accessories (optional)• All-purpose water soluble fertilizer.• Direction sheet.

Make your kit creation even easier with pre-made Terrarium Kits from SuperMoss®.

Available in Forest or Beach themes. Just add container, plants, and soil!


Fresh from the

Order in-store or online atals-gardencenter.comAvailable beginning Nov. 20th

Christmas Wreaths

10” Wreath $27.99

12” Wreath $29.99

14” Wreath $34.99

16” Wreath $39.99

Send a gift from the Northwest to someone across the miles with locally grown and harvested wreaths from Al’s!

Orders will be processed within two business days of order placement. Shipping costs vary by “ship to” destination.

Orders are subject to availability

We hope that you get to spend quality time with your family and friends this holiday season, and a fun little gardening project may be just the excuse to bring you together. Whether you gift your DIY kit to your favorite gardener, or choose to complete the project together to gift to someone else, we

hope your holidays are filled with special moments.

Succulents for the On-Trend GardenerWho can resist a cute little succulent? Succulents are ideal for beginning gardeners that may be a tad bit hesitant about adopting something too exotic. Gift them this DIY kit, and they can be trendy and successful at gardening at the same time. Since succulents come in so many different shape, sizes and colors, you don’t need many to create a pleasing combination. The trick is choosing a container with lots of character.

Create a KitYou’ll need• Container of your choice - try wood, ceramic, or metal• 3-7 succulent plants• 1 bag of Cactus Mix potting soil.• All-purpose water soluble fertilizer.• Direction sheet.

Directions

1. Make sure your container has a drain hole. Drill one if possible. If not, Place a layer of decorative rocks on the bottom of the container. You can also use marble, glass beads, etc. or anything to allow for good drainage.

2. Add a well-draining Cactus Mix potting soil that will keep the plants from sitting in water.

3. Add your succulents, taking care to group plants with similar water, light exposure and soil requirements. Prune as necessary to keep plants in scale with the container and/or scene.

4. Arrange plants in a way that is pleasing to the eye. You may want to accessorize your scene by adding natural elements such as wood, rocks or shells.

Northwest!

Give the

Gift Cards do not expire.

Bring this coupon in to Al’s

and get TWO $50 Al’s Gift Cards

for $75Valid November 15 - December 24, 2018

In-store gift card purchases only. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one pair of gift cards per coupon.

Not valid on previous purchases.

Bring this coupon in to Al’s

and get TWO $50 Al’s Gift Cards

for $75Valid November 15 - December 24, 2018

In-store gift card purchases only. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one pair of gift cards per coupon.

Not valid on previous purchases.

$1.99/lb.

These juicy sweet apples are exclusive to Al’s Garden & Home, so don’t miss the opportunity to share

in this delicious seasonal treat!

While supplies last!

16920 SW Roy Rogers RoadSherwood, OR 97140(503) 726-1162

1220 N. Pacific HighwayWoodburn, OR 97071(503) 981-1245

7505 SE Hogan RoadGresham, OR 97080(503) 491-0771

27755 SW Parkway AveWilsonville, OR 97070(503) 855-3527

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