Thank you to Attendees

Sharing some of the photos today:

Some of the Greens Setup Before the Workshop

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An Award Winning Arrangement by Eileen – Seriously Beautiful Job!

Looking up as they create at the Workshop on Saturday

The square wreath makers – Maryse, Renee, and Linda

First time attendees – Mom and Daughter Team

Mother with Two Lovely Daughters – They plan to return next year too.

Bonnie with her friends – Thank you for attending again.

During the Workshop Scenes

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Bonnie, Sister, Friend – Big Smiles and Laughs

First Time Attendee – And she said she is not crafty! Ah – NOT true – great job for sure.

Another shot on the way out. Sun glaring on a December Day. Amazing.

Hands On Photos During the Workshop (These photos are by Bonnie of The Home Place Blog – Thanks Bonnie.)

BFFs – The Staceys!

Custom Installs after the Workshop by Cathy T, and an urn by a friend – who got greens from Cathy T. Contact me soon if interested.

MINI WORKSHOP – THIS SATURDAY

Just a reminder, please let anyone know interested in making an item, I offer my last workshop of THIS season this weekend on
Saturday, December 12th.

To attend, just call or text me (860-977-9473 or containercathy@gmail.com).

CUSTOM ORDERS

For custom wreaths (as shown above) and kissing ball orders , email me at containercathy@gmail.com or call 860-977-9473.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REVIEWS

Thank you for the recent reviews and ratings on my Facebook page.

For those who asked where to do this, here is where you may find the “REVIEWS” section on my Facebook Container Crazy CT page (on the left side bar) – Look for the “stars.”

Facebook Wall – On left – See “Share Your Opinion” – Your Input Matters!

RAFFLE PRIZE WINNER FROM THE WORKSHOP WILL BE ANNOUNCED
BY MONDAY, 12/14/15.

Cathy Testa
Container Crazy CT
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

GIFT CARDS

We have them available – Great gifts for people who enjoy hands-on workshops, plants, nature with art programs by Container Crazy CT all season long.

Making Your Own Evergreen Creations – This Saturday at the Mini Workshop!

1 Comment

Posted on December 7, 2015

Just a quick heads-up – If you missed the big Holiday Evergreens Creations Workshop this past Saturday, there are other opportunities to make your own evergreen creation – via appointment this week or attend the Mini Workshop on Saturday, December 12th, 11 am.

(Note, the start time is 11 am but if you prefer earlier in the day, or later, just let me know – I realize everyone has super busy holiday schedules right now – we are flexible).

To attend Saturday’s class, email containercathy@gmail.com or call or text me at 860-977-9473. Payment in advance is not required – You may pay at the class, but a confirmed headcount is needed, so sign up by Thursday of this week if you wish to join the Mini Workshop on Saturday.

We have fresh beautiful greens to make a Kissing Ball, Candle Centerpiece, Wreath, or Candy Cane Wreath.

Here’s more details!

Open Studio Days – The week following the Big Class, if you prefer a one-on-one instruction by appointment, you may contact Cathy T to book a date and time – any time of day the week of Dec 7th, Monday through Dec 11, Friday. This is convenient for those having time during the day or prefer to make an item after work or even before work.

Saturday’s Mini Workshop

Saturday, December 12th, 2015 – The Mini Workshop: This session is perfect for anyone, nice for mothers and young daughters, or anyone that could not make the Big Class. It is quieter, no festivities other than making your beautiful evergreen holiday items with more one on one personal instruction directly since it is not a big crowd. You will learn the techniques and tricks to making gorgeous greenery arrangements and take home your holiday creation.

Cost: $37-$40 based on item you elect to make.
See the menu bar for descriptions.

Location: 72 Harrington Road, Broad Brook, CT 06016

I hope to hear from you! Cathy Testa

860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

Photos by Bonnie of the Home Place Blog. That’s her on the top left in pink! She is wonderful and shares posts about food, events, and fun happenings in Connecticut. Check out Bonnie’s award winning blog for more on her amazing topics about places to eat and enjoy in Connecticut.

One More Day to Kick In Festive Decorations for the Holidays

4 Comments

Posted on December 4, 2015

It is just one more day until my big workshop where woman gather to create their evergreen holiday creations and get into festive gear mode!

I literally feel like I’m turning into Cathy Claus as I work on preparing everything – So much goes into the planning, timing of fresh greens, getting the craft mechanics, setting up the workshop room, decorating, cleaning, decorating some more, inside and out but I find the spirit within me each year.

Where do I get all this motivation?

Well, let me tell you – and you will think I’m a bit “crazy” – but I can hear the voices of the Kissing Ball workshop attendees of the past.

As I take out the shop vac, clean the floor in the workshop, dust off the upper light fixtures, and set up tables and chairs – I hear the ladies laughing, I hear the background holiday music, and I hear the chatter woman make when they are having a good time. Literally.

Holiday times can be tough – at times…

Also, I’ve noticed a few posts here and there on Facebook by friends – and holiday times can be tough for some.

Some of my lady friends have been challenged, I sense this, but when one friend recently wrote, “The holidays are not like they use to be, but I will cheer up at Cathy T’s Holiday Workshop!” – You have no idea what that meant to me.

You see – I could use some cheering up too at times. We all do. When we go to the crowded malls and see everyone rushing around – sometimes even I get a little down and think – What is this all for?

But I do feel from the bottom of my heart, the gathering tomorrow is a big gift to me. It is when we can have fun before we have to shop and prepare big meals for our families – which we all love to do but it is sometimes a lot of work. No doubt.

Favorite Part of the Holiday Month

One year, I told a friend the annual Kissing Ball and Holiday Creations Workshop is my favorite part of the holidays – and I do believe this. It is with friends, family, and new acquaintances. And although it takes effort to set it up and organize all – it is worth it.

No kids of Our Own

Steve and I did not have children – Not by choice, but it was “In God’s hands,” as my Dad said to me when I asked him in my early twenties about what he thought about if someone could not have children.

I remember asking him one day, “Dad, what would you have done if you couldn’t have kids? Would you be sad?”

He immediately replied with, “No, because it is in God’s hands.”

His words were soothing to me at that time – but I have to say, Christmas Day was always one of which I had a hard time. I envisioned the kids running down the stairs to open gifts. It always makes me a tad bit sad on Christmas morning in particular.

However, luckily I married a wonderful man and he is all I need, and we love each other – and by the way – he helps me big time with this event too. He is Mr. Claus right now!

You see, I created my own family. Perhaps, by mistake or as a result of having my small business – but THIS holiday workshop is my happy day, with friends whom appreciate all. It is like opening up presents with your kids on Christmas morning.

Kind of Mushy! I know…

Cathy T

Photo by Bitstrips. P.S. The festive drink will be cranberry, pomegranate, lime, ginger and you know what. Cu soon Ladies!

Keeping Holiday Greens Fresh after Assembly

2 Comments

Posted on December 2, 2015

Hello Everyone,

The temperatures are getting a little colder here in Connecticut and the misty rain is making things outdoors a bit damp, but it will not dampen my spirits – In fact, it will make them even brighter.

As my big Kissing Ball and Holiday Evergreen Creations class is approaching – in only 3 days – I welcome the colder temps and feeling of winter – It also helps me to maintain the goodness of my specially ordered mixed evergreens for this weekend’s class.

This year, we have lots of newbies in my workshop. Some of them seem a little nervous, saying or texting things like, “I’m not crafty” and “I want to sit in the front of the class,” but I believe they will surprise themselves.

All my attendees end up making something amazing and they impress me every year with their talents as they decorate the kissing balls and wreaths. I learn from them as well.

Kissing Ball with Bow Created at ContainerCrazyCT Classes

But after the class, they may be wondering, how do I keep everything fresh?

For starters, the cold weather really helps – and it best for them to keep their newly made holiday arrangements with fresh evergreens outside.

The natural moisture from misty winter rains and upcoming snow falls outdoors keeps the greens just right. Colder is better to retain needles.

But, the type of evergreen also determines how it will fare in the weather after being cut and inserted into the mechanics.

For example, fir and balsam trees cuttings last very well for a long time. Their needle retention is pretty good – that is why people like them for Christmas trees.

Keep Your Holiday Creations Outdoors

It is also important or helpful, but not mandatory, to keep your wreath or kissing ball out of direct sunlight and wind. The wind may dry out the needles somewhat faster than if located in a protected place outdoors.

You may hang your kissing ball indoors – like from a ceiling fan or chandelier, however, it will dry out faster in a warm house. If you really want to do that for décor during your festivities later in the month, a good tip is to hang it outside the weeks or days before so it stays cold, and move it to your indoor location a couple days before your holiday event.

And be sure to keep any holiday arrangements with fresh greens away from hot rooms heated by wood stoves. That will surely dry them out.

I also recommend any candle centerpieces are kept in the coldest room possible before you display them at your holiday dinner table.

Fake Red Carnations on a Regular Sized Evergreen Kissing Ball

I find my kissing ball, hanging outside by my steps lasts all the way into February with no problems at all. I remember one year, it was hanging there on Valentine’s Day covered with snow and red fake carnations but it was soooo beautiful even then.

Pick Them Fresh

It also helps if the greens are purchased or picked fresh of course, which is one of my goals every year for this workshop. Timing is everything.

If you get greens from your yard, wait until you are ready to arrange them to cut them from your branches, or do it the evening before if possible, and take them when it is cold outside (not warm). Also, I recommend you cut them before any major wet type freeze falls on leave leaves or needles – so be sure to watch your weather forecasts.

Regular Size Boxwood Kissing Ball – Color Lasts a Long Time!

Other types of evergreens which last and have a nice color in mixed arrangements are juniper, incense cedar, white pine, and as noted above, fir and balsam. The white pine may dry out a little quicker than the others, I have found but no worries, all will be fine.

Hemlock branches are very pretty and they tend to arch which I like in container gardens outdoors for holidays, but they will loose their needles a little faster than other types.

Yew, with its dark green needles, is a great candidate and lasts. For some reason, it is not as popular but I think it looks marvelous and adds a layer of texture in the arrangements.

One new item this year at my workshop, which will be a surprise to my attendees unless they are reading this blog post today, is berried Eucalyptus. This has a beautiful blue coloring and texture – and I’m excited to share it with everyone on Saturday.

Boxwood is another excellent, quality green in arrangements for the holidays. One big benefit is they have no sticky sap and they maintain their dark color even if they get a little dry over time. I absolutely love the classic look boxwood cuttings give to kissing balls and wreaths.

Boxwood along with Pine may be soaked in water prior to your day of arrangement – if needed to re-hydrate, but often it is not required.

Holly can be a little tougher to work with because those spines are SHARP. And holly may turn black if it gets wet and then freezes, but I don’t see this situation too often.

By the way, this year, we have variegated Holly – wait til you see it – oh, la, la, fa, and la-lah. Its gorgeous.

One year, perhaps next year, we will add magnolia leaves to the mix – they have shiny tops and brown undersides to their leaves, and it adds a really nice texture to holiday evergreen arrangements, especially on wreaths.

There are anti-desiccant type products you may spray on your greens to help retain moisture, but to be honest, I don’t bother with that – and everything has lasted well for the holidays.

Bow on top of a Kissing Ball

Last but not least, cutting the ends of your greens from fresh branches with “good sharp pruners” is important. It not only helps with the insertion into your kissing ball mechanics, but allows water uptake if you set your greens in a bucket of water the night before or if you are using hydrated floral foam.

Timing is Everything

Timing is probably the most important of all (along with cold temperatures).

Everything is timed in the background – lots of busy growers, distributors, and buyers do everything they can to time the harvesting of greens at the right time to shorten the length it sits out – and if too early, that’s not good – if too late, not good either. It has to be just right.

I do my best and feel like Mrs. Kissing Ball Clause as I prepare all for holiday workshops – I feel this magical spirit as I get everything ready – maybe that is what drives everyone in the business of selling Christmas trees, making wreaths to sell at stores, and arranging workshops. They end up working outdoors in the cold or rain but keep on. We are those elves doing whatever it takes to make all merry.

See you soon,

Cathy Testa
www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

Container Crazy CT has Gift Cards Available – See the Menu Bar above – A Great Gift Redeemable Towards Future Workshops!

We have many exciting new workshops in 2016 – See “February’s Floral Design Class” with two experts in the horticulture business of floral design. See “April’s Art class”, and also May for the “Container Gardening workshops” – All hands-on and fun, educational, convenient. Classes fill up early too – so gift cards are perfect to give to someone who will enjoy this type of event at Container Crazy CT located in East Windsor/Broad Brook, Connecticut. And they may be used, of course, for next year’s holiday workshops. We hope to hear from you! Cathy Testa

Why I love (and I mean LOVE) Container Gardening!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

1 Comment

Posted on November 26, 2015

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Anchoring Holiday Evergreens in Your Patio Pots

5 Comments

Posted on November 25, 2015

This morning I read a post about collecting evergreens for container garden decorations, and it reminded me of how I once got yelled at for taking cuttings of wild berried shrubs by a roadside. Long story short, check with homeowners, even if the property looks abandoned or vacant!

Winter Evergreens Touched by Snow and Ice

However, seeing the post referenced above, and considering the many times I’ve put fresh evergreen cuttings and stems into patio pots and container gardens this time of year for holiday decorations, I thought I’d share the following quick tips on the how to anchor the stems, cuttings, and branches into your pots or container gardens:

Use Last Year’s Soil

Mentioned many times at my workshops and container gardening classes, leave the soil mix in the pots when you disassemble your containers in the fall season. It makes the perfect anchor for inserting your greens in winter. It is a great way to extend the life of your soil.

Boil Some Water

If the soil mix in the pot is frozen or a bit hard from a frost the night before, pour very hot (almost boiling water if possible) into the soil or over the top. It will soften it up just enough to insert your greens. This can be a bit of a pain, but it works! This is when the soil was moist prior from rainfall or plants, but if the soil is new or dry, the opposite is needed – If you poured fresh dry mix into a pot, you will want to moisten it because it will freeze later and hold in your newly inserted evergreens and stems very well during the winter months.

Spray Foam or Florist Foam

I have not attempted this idea, but saw it last night when browsing Pinterest – and thought, ‘Hmm, perhaps useful.’ Spray foam (the type used for construction gaps and cracks in walls available in spray cans) was used in a pot to insert stems and branches. A test of this will be done – but my initial reaction was, “Will the foam come out after, so the pot may be reused again next season?”

Another technique is using green florist foam blocks in a pot as the anchor base (the type of foam used to create floral arrangements). However, I find this to be an expensive option, and reusing soil mix from the prior season works just as well.

Weight the Bottom

There have been cases when a very tall and narrow pot has the potential to topple over from winter winds. I happened to have some old weights from a weight set sitting in my garage, so I put a round iron disk 3 or 5 pound weight plate in the base of the pot before filling it with soil. It makes the pot very heavy, but let me tell you – it won’t budge during a winter storm. The same could be done by reusing old bricks or stones in the base, however, you will want to remove them come next season if you use the pot for plants as it may clog the drain holes, but in winter, no problem.

Tiki Stakes

Attach Tiki torch stakes at the base of birch branches, thick stems, or poles and insert into the soil to attach a holiday themed decor on the top of the pole or branch. They are available in places like the big box stores, hardware stores, and online – It really helps to anchor and insert heavier items. (Note: It might be a little harder to find them in stores during the winter – get them during the summer months.)

Pot Types

And last but not least, remember not all pots can remain outside – they must be tough enough or made of material to withstand the winter conditions (e.g., cast iron, double sided pots, wood, hypertufa, tin, metal, or frost free pots). See my Page on Pot Types.

Cathy Testa
http://www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

Don’t forget – Container Crazy CT has Holiday Gift Cards Available!
Email us today to get your’s in time for the Holidays.

Got My Christmas Groove On Early!

4 Comments

Posted on November 24, 2015

Do you like to start decorating early for the holidays, like I do?

Maybe you have gotten your tree already – or are planning to do so over the long Thanksgiving weekend?

Perhaps you dusted off your holiday outdoor lights and started untangling them?

If it wasn’t for my Holiday Workshops in early December, where we make kissing balls, wreaths and candle centerpieces with fresh evergreens, I am not sure if I would be as motivated to start “this” early, but because I am excited for the upcoming class – I have started much of my holiday decorating endeavors early.

I’m getting my Christmas Groove On!

I’m proud that I setup most of the holiday outdoor lights on my own, with ladder and all – and even set them up on timers!

And my kitchen, bathroom, craft workshop, and even my bedroom spaces are adorned in some kind of holiday cheer or theme.

Last week, I made my first candy cane wreath to test out the steps as this is a new feature in my class this year.

Every day, I am thinking of what I should do next?

When my hubby, Steve, comes home from work – he looks around and says, “It’s Christmas here already!” but I don’t think he minds.
He gets into the spirit as much as I do.

Reasons to do things early

Sometimes I tell myself I should stop decorating or I will have a boat load of un-decorating to do after the holiday season comes to a close, but there are some advantages of doing things early.

#1: PATIENCE

You will have more patience for that string of lights you put up on an arbor in a risky situation, like standing on a ladder which isn’t level, and then the lights won’t work after you are all done. Even though you tested them just a half hour before. Ack. More time equals more patience. At least for me.

#2: WARMER TEMPERATURES

You feel the sun on your face and the warmer temperatures than you may experience if you waited til mid-December to do outdoor decorations. The fingers are not as frozen and cheeks not as red – it can be a great time to get decorating done before our first snow fall arrives.

#3: HOUSE CLEANING

You get the house cleaning, which you were suppose to do in spring, done now and discover you have more dust bunnies than imaginable. So now you have a head start and it doesn’t feel as taxing to clean, clean, clean. Especially the dreaded shower glass.

It also allows you to dream a bit of Christmases of the past, while searching for left over wrapping paper you thought you had, which is something I thought of just today – because I have a big prize to wrap for my upcoming holiday workshop. Guess now I have to go out to get some – doing things early can sometimes enable dealing with less crowds at the stores too.

Doing things early also gives me time to consider what type of festive libation to offer – Should it be pomegranate or cranberry based? After all-it must be red to match the theme, right?

My mind starts to get carried away as I consider rimming the drink glasses with green or red coated sugar, or contemplating how to make big decorative chunks of ice with my jelly molds.

Where does this early planning and dreaming end?

Don’t forget “Pinterest!”

We start browsing pinboards of holiday ideas and next thing you know we are attempting a new crafting idea.

It just never ends, and somehow, that is okay because being festive is sharing the love of enjoying the holidays together – and for many of us, decorating our special spaces indoors and outdoors is a big part of that.

Thanksgiving at Present

However, Thanksgiving is only 2 days away. Soon, we will be with our family and friends enjoying a big meal. Probably most of us are thinking about grocery shopping and our recipe lists. Today, I’m making my cranberry relish from scratch which is popular with my family. We all have our favorites.

It is time I get back to the present. The reality that we are to enjoy Thanksgiving this weekend first and foremost!
A time where we are thankful for all that we have – and for all our blessings.
A time for being with family and eating an abundant meal.
The Santa hat will just have to wait.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I’m thankful for all of you!

Cathy Testa
http://www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

Container Crazy CT is located in Broad Brook, CT

Search Terms – A Look at Last Week’s

3 Comments

Posted on November 16, 2015

I thought it would be fun to share some of the search terms which were received last week on Container Crazy CT’s blog. Search terms are words or phrases people use on search engines like Google to find posts on my blog. The terms are not visible to the general public but can be seen via stats and such on the blog’s background pages by the blog owner only. I would never reveal anything private and luckily all of the searches are directly related to plants and, as you can see, decorating for the holidays which is appropriate for this time of year.

People are definitely searching for holiday decorating ideas, and many are asking about how to use mesh ribbon. Then there are the plant related searches, and last week, people were looking for information on Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’ and Petasites japonicus, for example.

Some were looking for information on gardening techniques, such as “how to dismantle a garden” or “where to find Gingko trees in Connecticut” and information about “overwintering plants in the basement.”

Hopefully, they found what they were looking for, but if not, I thought I’d add some additional information here on some of their specific search terms:

The “mesh ribbon” search

As you can see, many folks are looking for information and ideas on how to use mesh ribbon.

Mesh ribbon has become super popular for its ease of use in the decorating world. It can be used to make a big, puffy, large show on a variety of crafting projects. With a couple of twists and turns, mesh ribbon makes quite the festive creation as it is added to wreaths, arches, and anything you can think of. I love using it.

I think the only downfall with mesh ribbon is when exposed to sunlight over a long period of time it fades. Otherwise, it is perfect and reusable each year so it doesn’t get wasted or tossed out – it can be disassembled as easily as it can be assembled and stores well in boxes after the holiday season is over.

Mesh ribbon comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns and can be found practically anywhere. It comes in every color imaginable. I’ve used it on the Fourth of July, Halloween, St. Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day – it is easily attached to container gardens to add some bling.

One person searched the question on “if you can cut mesh ribbon?” And yes, you certainly can but be sure to use a very sharp pair of scissors.

For assembly to wreaths, I use zip ties to gather and pinch sections of the mesh ribbon together or you may use green florist wire. You may see how I did this on the following posts:

Three Easy Ways to Use Mesh Ribbon

This post above has been viewed quite a lot this month. People new to mesh ribbons are searching on how to use it, how to attach it, and looking for creative ideas.

You should also check out how I use zip ties to attach mesh ribbon to various crafting projects. Remember to use green or a dark colored zip tie so it doesn’t show between your decor, etc.

Using Zip Ties to Attach Mesh Ribbon

This post shows how I attached the ribbon on wreaths and other holiday decorative items. I find gathering it in spaces between each puff is easily attached when using zip ties. They are so handy on crafting projects and I attempted to show what I mean in the post above.

The “overwintering plants in basement” search

I hope the person looking for this information was able to locate it on my blog because I’ve written and spoken about how to store tender tropical plants many times, but I think maybe the general nature of the search term words used implied they may be looking for what is needed in a basement to keep your plants there over the winter?

For starters, most basements are dark with very little natural light, so for plants that go dormant naturally in pots, a basement is a well suited location to move your plants in the winter. Canna and Colocasia (elephant ear plants) may be allowed to go dormant in their pots, and may be moved to the basement if your basement is frost free, stays cool, and you have some space to put them.

If you have plants which require a period of dormancy in order to bloom, along with some darkness and reduced watering, such as Clivia (which comes to mind because a nurseryman gave me one recently) or Amaryllis (Hippeastrum species) which is sold around this time of year and forced into bloom in time for the holidays, the basement is a good place to place them for their resting/dormancy period.

In addition, some bulbs, corms, tubers store well in dark, dry areas of the basement. It is important to note some underground storage organs like conditions a bit on the damp side, while others like it dry. Look up your type of storage organ (Dahlias, Canna, etc.) for which you are storing in the basement to determine which they like – dry and dark, or damp and dark.

By the way, Amaryllis do not technically require a resting period in order to bloom, but to control the blooming, many people will bring the plant inside after the summer season and store them in the basement. The plant should not be watered, as is with the case of Clivia, for a period of time before you bring it back out into a warm sunlight area in your home. So basements are perfect for plants like these two examples.

Basements typically remain cool but do not go below freezing which is another reason why they are so handy for plant storage. I put my boxed up Canna rhizomes by the basement door corner area on shelves and they seem to like this spot best (the sweet spot). Also, if you heat your home with a woodstove which is located in the basement, this can make the basement too warm for storing conditions, so bare this in mind. Or keep the boxed up underground storage organs far away from where your woodstove is located.

In the fall, I showed my workshop attendees exactly where I stored my boxed up storage organs so they got a feel of what I mean – each home is different, so you need to determine what you have and work with that (such as a cool basement, a cool closet or room in the home that is not heated fully in winter, a sunroom that is not heated, maybe your garage, garden shed, etc.). They need to be a place where it does not go below frost but is not too warm for growth.

The “how to winter a maurelli abyssinian banana” search

Oh gosh, I hope the person searching this topic found what they were looking for on my blog because I’ve documented the steps I’ve used which have been successful for many years on storing the Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ plant (red banana). Here are the links where you may find this information:

Storing My Big Red Banana Plant

This post above has the step by step process with photos. Storing takes place in late October or early November.

Overwintering Red Banana Plants

Red Banana Plant Revived Again

What should I do with my Container Gardens and Patio Pots?

In the fall season, workshops on the ‘how to’s’ are offered in my area of East Windsor, Connecticut. Each steps is demonstrated and step-by-steps workshop handouts are provided, especially useful for the attendees of my May Container Garden Workshops as a follow-up when the season comes to a close.

Plant Searches

It was interesting that Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’ showed up twice in the same week. I’ll have to look around to see if the nurseries are offering it right now – This could be why there has been an interest in learning more about this plant known as a paddle plant. This variety has a fantastic coloring pattern to it of light green, creamy off white, and pink. Maybe folks are seeking it out because it is so pretty inside the home, and this plant makes a nice houseplant because of its look, easy care, and light watering routines, especially this time of year in winter.

Other plant searches were on Petasites japonicus, which is one I’ve written about due to its huge round leaves which are very showy in container gardens, and by the way, it can be overwintered in a shed. I’ve done it many times by moving the pot with a Petasites in it into the unheated shed before winter with success. This is a perfect plant for container gardens because they are a nuisance in the ground – aggressive spreaders. So in containers they are contained and controlled, plus their tough nature makes them easy to overwinter – they make it in an unheated shed every year. See Troublemakers Turned Stars post for more about aggressive plants which are stars in containers and patio pots.

The other plant searched for was a Salix (willow) which I don’t believe I’ve written extensively about on this blog – looks like it is time to do.

Of course, as I mentioned above, I would not share any searches which seemed private in nature. There was one odd one, and let’s just say, I’m glad it was not about me! It had the words: Crazy + Cathy. I’m crazy alright but only crazy about plants, container gardens, art, and of course – holiday décor this time of year. It is time to deck the halls…

Enjoy your week everyone,

Cathy Testa
www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

The Complete Search List from Last Week as typed by the searcher:

How to transport a tree in a pickup
Salix purpurea ssp. Lambertiana
Cans recycle garden
How to use mesh ribbon
Meshribbonrubanemaille
Dismantling a garden
Christmas decorating with mesh ribbon
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora fantastic
Can you cut mesh ribbon
Uses for buffalo snow
Christmas mailbox swags
How to assemble a fresh herb wreath
How to decorate with mesh
How to decorate a Christmas wreath
Instead of a traditional Christmas wreath
Overwintering plants in basement
How to make barbed wire wreaths
Fantastic kalanchoe
How to winter a maurelli abysinnian banana
Decorating with mesh
Nurseries in CT that sell ginko trees
Petasites japonicas
20 facts about the coneflowers
What is the herbal plant that can cure
Decorating with wide ribbon
Petasites japonicas

Holiday Gift Cards and New Workshops

Gift Cards and New Workshops

Hello everyone,

‘Tis the Season’ to get started for your upcoming holiday fun – So, here’s a heads-up on new items and activities I am super excited to share with you today. Container Crazy CT has new workshops being offered in 2016, gift cards available for the holidays, and more.

New Gift Cards

Container Crazy CT has new “Gift Cards” available for purchase. They are redeemable towards workshops, onsite consultations, container garden gifts, or seasonal plants. Perfect for the friends and family members in your life who enjoy DIY classes, plants, gardens, containers and art fun. The card has a beautiful holiday theme cover with a colorful container garden photo.

A beautiful card with container garden photo

Returning Guest Artist

Laura Sinsigallo of timefliesbylauralie is returning as a guest speaker in 2016. We had such a wonderful time learning how to make her unique and eclectic wind chimes the last time she was here and she enjoyed teaching our group. As you know, Laura Sinsigallo has many talents from paintings to cute figurines for special holidays – she is a very creative person. Her program will be in April 2016 and the special Art Work to be made in class will be announced very soon.

Laura Sinsigallo with her painting – Out guest artist in April

Floral Design – New!

Mandy Mayer of jemshorticulture.com will be our new speaker at our 2016 workshops. I am so excited to have her join our list of guest artists. She designs beautiful bouquets and floral arrangements for weddings and special events. Her business is called “JEM’s Horticulture and Floral Design” located in Stafford Springs, and you won’t want to miss this workshop. We plan to have her program offered in February 2016. Stay tuned for details.

Photo by M. Mayer, Floral Designer located in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

Kissing Ball Class

The first class is full, the supplies are ordered, and the workshop space is being adorned! So excited to have NEW and REPEAT attendees coming. If you were unable to sign up for this class, mini workshops are offered during the week following the first workshop date of 12/5. And don’t forget to bring your own florist wire and decor to adorn your balls, wreaths, etc. Looking forward to seeing you!

Special Orders for Wreaths or Kissing Balls

If you would like a handmade wreath or kissing ball, please don’t hesitate to ask. And don’t forget to visit my Pinboards and Instagram pages for inspirational ideas. It’s time to get your jingle on.

See you soon,

Cathy Testa
Enhance Your Outdoor Surroundings…
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

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Sharing some of the photos today:

MINI WORKSHOP – THIS SATURDAY

CUSTOM ORDERS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REVIEWS

GIFT CARDS

We have them available – Great gifts for people who enjoy hands-on workshops, plants, nature with art programs by Container Crazy CT all season long.

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Here’s more details!

Saturday’s Mini Workshop

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Where do I get all this motivation?

Holiday times can be tough – at times…

Favorite Part of the Holiday Month

No kids of Our Own

Kind of Mushy! I know…

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But after the class, they may be wondering, how do I keep everything fresh?

Keep Your Holiday Creations Outdoors

Pick Them Fresh

Timing is Everything

Container Crazy CT has Gift Cards Available – See the Menu Bar above – A Great Gift Redeemable Towards Future Workshops!

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Use Last Year’s Soil

Boil Some Water

Spray Foam or Florist Foam

Weight the Bottom

Tiki Stakes

Pot Types

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I’m getting my Christmas Groove On!

Reasons to do things early

#1: PATIENCE

#2: WARMER TEMPERATURES

#3: HOUSE CLEANING

Don’t forget “Pinterest!”

Thanksgiving at Present

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Gift Cards and New Workshops

New Gift Cards

Returning Guest Artist

Floral Design – New!

Kissing Ball Class

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