Christmas...
We all know winter must arrive. This means more often that not the end of outdoor gardening until spring. It's pretty much the same here too. So, we spend our days preparing for the eventual coming of spring by celebrating winter and that means Christmas.
If you have never been to greengate to see out Christmas display then you really have been missing out. In our Cravo green house we set up a forest of everlasting trees, boughs bending with ornaments and decorating ideas.
It is safe to say that greengate has the most interesting and extensive mixture of Christmas ornaments in town. You won't find your everyday Christmas stuff here, well you will, but there's also the out of the ordinary, whimsical and classical. We hand pick one's and two's of the very best ornaments and decorations available, we call our collection "Traditions" and we welcome you to experience it.
Also, we do fresh cut trees like no one else, grand fir to bc fir, which in lay terms means we have cut Christmas trees to suit your fancy, or your tradition from extravagant to Charlie Brown. We'll wrap your trees too which helps in transportation and getting it into the house. Join us for a hot cider and browse "Traditions" perhaps you'll make it one too.
Now how about some nitty gritty?
Artificial Christmas Trees
Greengate Garden Centres supply customers with superior quality artificial Christmas trees. For nearly 30 years Barthelmess (formerly Barcana) has brought the best in artificial trees, wreaths, and garlands to the consumer. Barthelmess trees are manufactured in the U.S.A. to the highest standards of excellence, and each tree is backed by a 25-year warranty. Trees vary in size from 2 to 14 feet. Branches are hinged for fold- away storage, and the tree can be stored with lights attached. They are flame retardant, and a durable stand and storage box are included.
Christmas Lights (indoor & outdoor)
For indoor applications, such as artificial trees or garlands, cool-burning Bethlehem lights, with a dozen different colours and a 3000 hour rating on the bulbs, make them the best choice for indoor lighting needs. They come in strings of 50 lights and have a premium locking collar so the bulb will not come loose and cause problems. These strings will stay lit even if one light burns out.
For outdoor applications we recommend Noma/Alderbrook products. From outdoor mini lights, net lights, icicle lights, fancy lights, to the standard large bulb string of lights, you can be assured of quality backed by C.S.A. approval.
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees
Add the wonderful scent of evergreen to your home, greengate offers premium fresh cut Christmas trees, garlands, door swags, wreaths and boughs. Depending on availability, we stock Douglas fir, Grand fir, Frasier fir, White pine and Scotch pine. This fresh greenery will add that special touch to your home this holiday season.
DEPARTMENT 56
Department 56 lighted houses and accessories are a wonderful way to create memories for young and old alike. The different villages each have special characteristics that draw people to them, often childhood memories. Every year, some pieces retire in November and new pieces are announced in December. They usually arrive in August, signaling the end of summer and the beginning of the Christmas season! greengate is a Gold Key supplier and our experienced staff will be happy to help you select the perfect piece. We have a tremendous selection just a few too many to mention here, so give us a ring and we’ll find the perfect piece you’re looking for. 403-256-1212.
The Original Snow Village was the first village, beginning in 1976. These brightly colored, ceramic pieces represent America in the 1950’s and 60’s. Remember the 1958 Corvette, drive-in theatres, Graceland, and roller-skating? Snow Village pieces are a larger scale and shinier than the others and are usually not mixed with other villages.
There are also five villages, grouped together as ‘The Heritage Village Collection’, made of porcelain, all in the same scale:
Dickens Village represents London, England in the early 1800’s. There are several themes, such as downtown London, with its formal buildings, the seacoast and canals, and the shops and homes in the villages of England.
New England Village is the Maritimes, with its lighthouses, gardens and tidy little shops and houses. You’ll find accessories depicting native wild animals, woodland scenes, bridges and fishing that suggest the hills and the seacoast.
North Pole needs little explaining. Did you know that Santa and Mrs. Claus have quite a village up there? There are shops and factories, a fire hall, a ski resort and a chapel. The elves have their own tiny subdivision, Elfland. In the relatively new North Pole Woods, the elves live and work in the treetops and the reindeer have their own condo.
Christmas in the City is New York City in the 1920’ and 30’s. The tall, stately buildings hold restaurants, many shops and services, a police station and fire hall. Many accessories, both people and vehicles, add to the hustle and bustle of a big city.
Alpine Village reminds us of the mountains of Europe. The quaint, colorful buildings and accessories portray the beauty of the scenery, snow and outdoor fun, as well as eating establishments and music. What a wonderful place to live!
