Inspiration for your Garden, Home & Lifestyle from Al's Garden Home - Al's Garden Center
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2018 Holiday
Inspiration for your Garden, Home & Lifestyle from Al’s Garden Home
Holiday 2018
The Christmas Season starts
with Al’s Annual
5
12
16
Thursday, November 1st 22
Al’s of Sherwood
Saturday, November 3rd
Al’s of Woodburn
Thursday, November 8th
Al’s of Wilsonville
4
Letter from Jack
Saturday, November 10th The Roots of Tradition 12
Al’s of Gresham Christmas Color
5 Crushes 16
Come join in the festivities as Al’s Garden & Home Poinsettia Points of Holiday Gift Guide
welcomes in the Christmas Season with our annual Interest 14 22
Evening of Lights. We’ll showcase our Grown By Al’s Making Old D.I.Y. Gifts for the
poinsettia collection, designer-decorated Christmas trees, 10 Traditions New
and the latest holiday decor. Our warm greenhouses are Gardener
Decorating Big for
the perfect place to enjoy live holiday music, delicious
food and drink, and more Christmas treats. Smaller Spaces
Admission is FREE
Learn more at
als-gardencenter.com/EOL
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
By Dorothy Russo
Al’s Poinsettia Grower
The Roots of Tradition
Poinsettia
By Jack Bigej
Al’s Son & 2nd Generation Owner
Y
ou don’t get to be in business trees in the early 70’s when it was so has other things on her to-do list during
for 70 years without gathering a
bunch of stories and traditions
along the way that define who you are
popular that half of all the Christmas
trees we sold were flocked. I used to stay
up until 2 am flocking trees several nights
the holidays, we can only produce so
many and sell out every year. Shop early
to find your favorite to decorate your
Points of Interest
and where you came from. I’ve been at in a row to make sure we had enough front porch.
P
this for a lot of years and have to admit for the next day’s sales. We still flock a
We look forward to kicking off the oinsettias are by far the most beloved Christmas plant and the best-selling potted plant in the United
that the saying is true: “It’s not work large number of trees at all of our Al’s
holiday season and hope you will join us
when you are doing what you love!” I locations, and thankfully, we have more
for our 18th Annual Evening of Lights in
States and Canada. It’s no wonder that our growers here at Al’s have spent nearly 30 years perfecting
don’t plan on quitting anytime soon, as space to hold them so the 2 am flocking growing them. From their arrival as baby cuttings in early June, to the time that they are shipped out of
early November. The beauty of Christmas
growing plants and more importantly, has gone out the door.
lights will set the tone while the sights our greenhouse doors in November and December, we are pinching, spacing, and preparing them for a
selling them has been my passion since as
Poinsettias are well known across the and smells of the holidays will surround
far back as I can remember.
world as a Christmas favorite! In the you. Keep an eye out for Al’s exclusive Ice
successful future in your home! Although their popularity as a Christmas favorite hasn’t changed, we have
The holidays are full of traditions and 80’s, we began selling poinsettias at our Apples, making their debut as soon as the seen a huge shift in the growing of poinsettias from the early 90’s, when we first began, to today. Below is a
definitely add special meaning to the retail store but it wasn’t until the early first hard frost hits! One of our newest peek into what poinsettia production looks like today and how we got started nearly 3 decades ago.
season. At Al’s Garden & Home, many 90’s that we got in on the fun by growing traditions that we are so proud to partner
things have changed over the years but our own crop. We started our first year with is the Les Schwab Toy Drive. For
some things are just too good to ever go with just 300 plants, all Freedom Red! It the first time last year, Al’s participated
away. Some of our favorite memories and went so well that within a few years, we in gathering new, unwrapped toys that
laughs have come from simply spending began selling to fundraisers and quickly were then delivered to children in need
time together in the business with my increased the size of our crop from there. through many non-profit partners. On
kids and grandkids, whether it’s gathering This year, we will grow close to 36,000 November 29th, Good Day Oregon will
Sugar Pine Cones over in Central Oregon poinsettias. Although half of our crop be hosting a special collection event at
for the Fir Ball Baskets (because certainly is still traditional red, we are falling for Al’s in Sherwood. We hope you will join
the pine cones on this side of the unique colors that add variety and jump- us in giving back to the community!
mountain aren’t good enough) or tagging start the poinsettia season in late fall.
As 2018 comes to a close, my family and
Christmas trees
If you have come to any I would like to thank you for being a
up in the hills. It
of our retail stores during part of the traditions here at Al’s Garden
is comforting to
the holidays, you have no & Home. Our business has grown and
continue some
doubt caught a glimpse of thrived for over 70 years because of
of our favorite
the large Fir Ball Baskets you!! We are grateful for your patronage
holiday endeavors
hanging at the front doors and hope that your holidays are spent
and also fun
and also for sale inside. surrounded by family and friends,
to create new
In an effort to extend the building new memories and celebrating
traditions over the
hanging basket season, long-lived traditions. We look forward
years.
my wife started decorating to serving your garden needs in the New
Flocking fir ball baskets more than Year!
Christmas trees is one of my first holiday 20 years ago. These amazing baskets are
memories at the store and I have been beautiful and decorated with ornaments
doing it since dirt was young (and so was and ribbon that make them shine!
I, for that matter). We started flocking Because they are handmade and my wife
4 • als-gardencenter.com Holiday 2018 • 5
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
THEN vs. NOW plants come from the same original source, how they are handled
makes a huge difference in the quality of the plant. Using a ring Poinsettia Vocabulary
to support the bracts and spacing the plants adequately to allow Black Cloth: The process of creating
for full growth, creates the quality poinsettias that Al’s is known for. complete darkness 12 hours a day to
• The most common question people have about poinsettias is how force the poinsettias to color. We use
We grew 300 poinsettias our first season in 1 size We are currently growing 42,000 plants in 5 different to get them to rebloom. Let’s just say that it’s a bit complicated, large black tarps that are pulled over
(6-inch.) sizes but we do have a handout about it if you want more information. wires to make a blanket of darkness
over the entire poinsettia house. We
• The #1 poinsettia care mistake is overwatering. do this process during the month of
We had one variety - Freedom Red, which is still on the September, so they will be in bloom for
We now grow 36 different varieties. early November.
market, but we now grow more resilient red varieties.
Bracts: The showy, colored parts of
poinsettias that most people think of as
100% of the plants we grew were red. 50% of the plants we grow are red. the flowers, although they are actually
modified leaves. The yellow flowers, or
We grow our poinsettias in over 15 greenhouses at our cyathia, are in the center of the colorful
All of our poinsettias were grown in one greenhouse at bracts.
largest facility in Hubbard and in the back greenhouses
the back of our Woodburn location approximately 3,500
of our Gresham store encompassing almost 80,000 Breaks: The side shoots that form when
square feet.
square feet. young poinsettia plants are “pinched”
(cut), leading to a fuller plant and
more flowers. The number of “breaks”
We had two fundraisers in our beginning years...they coincides with the number of flowers.
were for the Lake Oswego Swim Club and West Linn We currently serve over 100 fundraising groups.
Lions Club (both of which we still serve today!) Photoperiodic: Poinsettias bloom in
response to the length of the day, or
photoperiod. They like short days,
35% of our crop is for fundraisers while the other 65% meaning the night must be greater
100% of our crop was for our retail store (then only our
is sold to churches, other wholesale customers and than 12 hours a day to trigger the
Woodburn location). We added fundraisers in 1993
through our retail stores. bracts to color.
We sleeve all of our poinsettias that go out on delivery
We used to hand-load the poinsettias in flats onto truck
to protect them from breakage/cold weather and deliver
boards.
them on racks.
We didn’t know better, so we used a regular greenhouse We use a unique soil blend that was developed by our
potting soil. grower to optimize poinsettia health.
A Colorful Accident
2 full-time employees cared for our initial poinsettia 10 full-time employees are dedicated to growing and We were the first grower/retailer (that we know of) to offer painted poinsettias to our
crop. caring for our poinsettia crop. 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
We received our first shipment of poinsettia cutting Our poinsettia cuttings originate from Ethiopia, El percentage of poinsettias for retail sales. If you are looking for purple (our favorite!),
from the Paul Ecke Ranch located in Encinitas, California. Salvador, and Mexico. turquoise, or shades of magenta in your poinsettia palette, we’ve got the unique plant for you.
6 • als-gardencenter.com 2017 • 7
Holiday 2018
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.
Your Home Centerpieces
Pre-made. Available in small or large sizes. Decorated or undecorated.
Freshly Decorative Accessories
Customize your colors with bows, picks, ornaments and candles.
Decorated Noble Fir Trees
We head out to the tree farms in July to call “dibs” on
these fresh, premium, locally-grown Christmas trees.
Al’s proudly Supports the Semper Fi Fund
For every cut Christmas tree sold between
November 26 and December 24, Al’s will
for Christmas
donate $1 to this worthy cause.
Limited quantities, please call stores for availability.
See store for additional varieties, sizes and prices.
Available at Al’s starting in late November. learn more at semperfifiund.org
Flocked Trees
Add 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.
8 • als-gardencenter.com Holiday 2018 • 9
Tuck, Tuck, Tuck
If 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
By Barb Florig
anywhere there is a small space. The
Al’s Visual Designer
overall feeling is that of a village,
without actually taking up such a big
footprint.
Decorating BIG
Over The Top
When decorating for small
spaces you may need to use your
environment creatively. Think
For Smaller Spaces
vertically! What about suspending
a Christmas tree from the ceiling,
just over your coffee table where the
lamp usually is? Anything you can
W hen 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
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.
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 Don’t Forget the Candles
for you that may or may not involve a tree.
The quickest way to add ambiance
to any room is by lighting a candle.
Use Existing Surfaces Hygge is a Danish word inspired by
and Containers the feeling of coziness and comfort,
Adding fresh garland to the tops so it’s no surprise that the Danish
of doorways and windows takes light more candles in a single year
an everyday element of your home than any other nationality. So when
and makes it special. Continue looking to add that Christmas feeling
adding garland across the tops of to your home, don’t forget the glow
your pictures and mirrors to tie the and scent that a lit candle can bring.
whole room together. Accent with
ornaments or ribbons to add color
and texture.
Everyday Items Take On
That Christmas Spirit
The 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.
10 • als-gardencenter.com Holiday 2018 • 11
By Candace Moffatt
@ Home Al’s Gift Buyer
Christmas Color Crushes 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”
GREEN
Green continues to be a favorite when it
comes to home decorating and it holds RED, WHITE & BLUE
true for Christmas decorating also. The
A nostalgic nod to Americana.
feeling of bringing nature inside - the
freshness, and crispness - make this color A pop of blue introduced to a classic red & white tree
a holiday favorite! can be both timeless and playful! This color combination
brings back a vintage feel when used together with red,
Green on green - think Olive, Emerald,
and a cool icy feel when blue is used alone with white.
Pine, and Citron, all working together to
create texture and interest. Creative examples of the mixing of these colors can be found
Deep hues of green in wreaths, mistletoe, in Al’s Christmas Tree Looks: “Waiting for Santa”, and “Hot
and evergreen trees set the canvas for Chocolate Holiday”
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 WOODLAND HUES
Christmas Tree Looks: “More Than Green”,
and “Christmas Conservatory”
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”
12 • als-gardencenter.com Holiday 2018 • 13
@ Home By Candace Moffatt For the
Al’s Gift Buyer
Gardening
Enthusiast or
Backyard
Making Old Traditions New Admirer
O ur 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.
The Story of the Gherkin Ornament
Pickle 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. For
When the children were allowed to view the tree for the first
the Foodie
time, they would begin gleefully searching for the pickle (or your Best
ornament. Friend)
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.
14 • als-gardencenter.com Holiday 2018 • 15
Hol i d a yGift Guide
HolidayGift Guide
One Gift for You,
One Gift for Me
Gifts for the Hostess
Christmas Time Deep reds and greens of amaryllis
flowers are enhanced with gold foil to welcome the season.
Scent: Fresh green ivy, floral cyclamen, and woodsy cypress
Deck the Halls Glitter accents of snow-capped pines
framing the vintage red truck delivering Christmas trees.
Ho Ho Ho Happy Holiday sentiments decorate Candles are always on the list for gifts and for decorating your
this graphic red and white design. 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!
Scent: Cedar wood and balsam blended
with toffee, cinnamon, and amber
Scent: Peppermint candy cane with touches
of spearmint, vanilla, and eucalyptus
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.
Soap Bar Foaming Hand Soap Hand & Body Lotion Dish towel Illume Etched Glass Candle Tried & True Jar Candle Tried & True Jar Candle Paddywax Scented Candles
Assorted Holiday designs Assorted Holiday designs Assorted Holiday designs Assorted Holiday designs Large $54 Xtra Large $26 Diffuser $16 Large $20
$
9.95 $
11.95 $
14.95 $
9.95 Large $32 Large $18 Room Spray $9 Small $10
16 • als-gardencenter.com Holiday 2018 • 17
olidayGift Guide
HThe It can be hard to shop for that one Aunt, or find a last
minute gift for a co-worker, but these unique gifts
olidayGift Guide
HOne
Whimsy of the Season will keep giving long after the holidays are over. Of A Kind Gifts
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 Stainless steel interior, with
conversation pieces. slip-proof bottom and easy-
to-grip sides. Keeps drinks
cold for 9 hours and hot for 3!
Available in a variety of colors.
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
Made right here in Portland! Why
not a flight of local honey for that
tea lover or a gift representing
Oregon!
Icelandic Wood Fairies $14.95 Wool Fairy Mouse $14.99 Large Wooden Deer $6.50 Ceramic Reindeer Planter $9.99 Corkcicle Stemless Tumbler Scout Stone Wraps Bee-licious
Felt Christmas Tree $8 Wool Reindeer Ornament $12.99 Wood Bear & Tree Stand $5.95 Concrete Snowman $4 Assorted Styles Pictured on left $28 Gourmet Honey Flight w spoon
Wool Bird/Owl $4-$8 $
24.95 Pictured on right $22 $
34.95
18 • als-gardencenter.com Holiday 2018 • 19Tillandsias for the
Modern Gardener
If your friend or family member’s decorating style is more
minimalist and modern, then Tillandsias are the perfect
By Judy Alleruzzo gift for them. Tillandsias are members of the Bromeliad
Al’s Houseplant Buyer 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
DIY Gifts
suspended from the ceiling. The possibilities are limited
only to your imagination.
Create a Kit
for the gardener You’ll need
• Unique container - get creative, the sky’s
the limit!
• Tillandsia plants.
P erhaps you have a gardener on your Christmas list and are wondering what to gift them. If you are a little • Spray mister for watering.
crafty yourself you can put together DIY kits of all your gardener’s favorites, all ready to make their own. • Direction sheet.
By choosing all the “parts & pieces” you are taking great care to help curate their gardening success!
Directions:
Preferred temperature range is 50 to 90 degrees F. They also prefer
Terrariums for the Directions: a cooler night time temperature of 10-15 degrees F below their
Hands On 1. Place a layer of decorative rocks daytime temperature.
Gardener on the bottom of the container. You
can also use marble, glass beads,
Provide them bright, filtered light. A position near a window,
away from air currents would be ideal. The brighter the light,
What’s better than creating your etc. or anything to allow for good the higher the humidity required, and watering more often is
own little garden? Terrariums are drainage. needed. Natural light is preferred, but artificial lights made
all the rage right now because they 2. Add a well-draining potting mix especially for growing plants indoors can be used.
allow you to bring a piece of nature (a cactus soil mix works fine). You Drench regularly to provide moisture. Additional misting
into your home. Plus, they can need a quick draining soil that may be needed in hot, dry conditions. Tillandsias need
will keep the plants from sitting in regular drenching of the entire plant.
challenge our creativity. water.
Thoroughly wet the plant 2-3 times a week, less
3. Add small, slow growing plants
Create a Kit to include in the scene. Care should
often in a cool humid environment, or more in very
hot, dry conditions. The plant can be placed in the
You’ll need be taken to group plants with sink, then water run or sprayed over it until it is
• Glass container similar water, light exposure and soil saturated. This only takes a few seconds.
requirements. Prune as necessary
• 3-7 2” plants Alternatively, air plants can be sprayed with a mister
to keep plants in scale with the
• 1 bag of small stones container and/or scene. until thoroughly wet, which can help keep the plant
• 1 bag of potting soil hydrated in dry conditions or hot temperatures.
4. Arrange plants in a way that Misting or spraying does not replace regular
• Small accessories (optional) is pleasing to the eye. You may
• All-purpose water soluble fertilizer. watering by drenching or soaking.
want to accessorize your scene by
• Direction sheet. adding miniature bridges, buildings Give them adequate air circulation. Tillandsias need
and people. good air circulation to prevent rot. After watering,
always shake off excess water. Hold it upside down
Make your kit creation even easier with to shake out any water remaining at the base of
pre-made Terrarium Kits from SuperMoss®. the leaves. This central core of the plant is the most
Available in Forest or Beach themes. susceptible to rot from excessive moisture.
Just add container, plants, and soil!
20 • als-gardencenter.com Holiday 2018 • 21Bring this coupon in to Al’s
Succulents for the Give the
On-Trend Gardener and getTWO 50 $
Who can resist a cute little succulent? Succulents
are ideal for beginning gardeners that may be a
Al’s Gift Cards
tad bit hesitant about adopting something too
exotic. Gift them this DIY kit, and they can be
for $75
trendy and successful at gardening at the same Valid November 15 - December 24, 2018
time. Since succulents come in so many different In-store gift card purchases only.
Not redeemable for cash. Limit one pair of gift cards per coupon.
shape, sizes and colors, you don’t need many Not valid on previous purchases.
to create a pleasing combination. The trick is
choosing a container with lots of character.
Create a Kit Bring this coupon in to Al’s
You’ll need
• Container of your choice - try wood, and getTWO 50 $
ceramic, or metal
• 3-7 succulent plants Al’s Gift Cards
• 1 bag of Cactus Mix potting soil.
• All-purpose water soluble fertilizer. for $75
• Direction sheet. Valid November 15 - December 24, 2018
In-store gift card purchases only.
Directions Gift Cards do not expire. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one pair of gift cards per coupon.
Not valid on previous purchases.
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
Fresh from the
container. You can also use marble, glass
beads, etc. or anything to allow for good
Northwest !
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 Send a gift from the Northwest to
keep plants in scale with the container and/
or scene. Christmas Wreaths someone across the miles with
locally grown and harvested
4. Arrange plants in a way that is pleasing to wreaths from Al’s!
the eye. You may want to accessorize your
scene by adding natural elements such as 10” Wreath $27.99
wood, rocks or shells.
12” Wreath $29.99
14” Wreath $34.99 Order in-store or online at
als-gardencenter.com
16” Wreath $39.99 Available beginning Nov. 20th
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
Orders will be processed within two business days of order
kit to your favorite gardener, or choose to complete the project together to gift to someone else, we placement. Shipping costs vary by “ship to” destination.
hope your holidays are filled with special moments. Orders are subject to availability
22 • als-gardencenter.com16920 SW Roy Rogers Road
Sherwood, OR 97140
(503) 726-1162
1220 N. Pacific Highway
Woodburn, OR 97071
(503) 981-1245
7505 SE Hogan Road
Gresham, OR 97080
(503) 491-0771
27755 SW Parkway Ave
Wilsonville, OR 97070
(503) 855-3527
als-gardencenter.com
These juicy sweet apples are
exclusive to Al’s Garden & Home, so
don’t miss the opportunity to share
in this delicious seasonal treat!
1
$ .99
/lb.
While supplies last!You can also read
