What's New around the Greenhouse

We are constantly striving to try to make improvements, not only in our plants and products, but to the facility as well. We want to provide the best possible shopping experience for you while you're at Winter Greenhouse. This fall we expanded our nursery area...again, to provide for easier access and selection of our plants. We've added several more frames to display the trees, shrubs, evergreens and vines, and rearranged them to provide better growing spaces for them.

In addition, we have 'reconstructed' the outside frame area where our roses, peonies, cold-tolerant vegetables and bog plants are located. The new tables will make it easier for you to locate and select these plants.

In our catalog you will find new sections featuring many of the New Plant selections for 2008. There are photos and descriptions of many of our new favorites.

Winter Greenhouse is increasingly concerned with providing environmentally friendly and sustainable products. 'Sustainability' is defined as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This year we are introducing some new products that are not only kinder to the plants but also to the planet.

First of all, we are introducing a new type of growing container - Bio-pots. A positive alternative to plastic packaging, Bio-pots are made from straw, rice husks and bamboo - all sustainable, biodegradable and compostable. Plants grow as well or better in Bio-pots than those grown in plastic pots. The 'breathing' pot enables air and water to move through, and as a result the root system and foliage are healthier and more tolerant to stress from temperature, diseases or pests. The moist contents of the pots comes out easily, ready to go into the planting hole. For starters, this year we will be planting all of our herbs in Bio-pots.

In addition, we will be using more 'molded fiber' pots for container gardens and hanging baskets.
These containers are made from 100% recycled paper. Like Bio-pots, they provide better moisture retention while allowing plants to breathe. These containers can be planted directly into the ground, or inserted in a more decorative container.

In an additional effort to cut down on the amount of plastic waste, we are happy to introduce our new recycling program called 'Green Circle.' We encourage you to bring back your plastic pots when you visit and we will make sure they are recycled or reused. We will accept all cleaned out/hosed down pots. Unfortunately we cannot reuse plastic pack containers at this time. We cannot accept any other household plastic items either.

We have also added a number of items to our 'organic' product line. In addition to the Rose-Tone, Flower-Tone and Tomato-Tone plant foods previously sold, we are adding Earth-Tone disease and insect control products. We will also have several natural animal repellents and soil amendments.

Our staff is always on the lookout for products that incorporate all of the senses. Our aim is to offer items that are pleasing to the eye as well as to the ear; good for the environment and good for the soul.

To that end, we have added to our assortment of fountains, to include a selection of cast stone fountains from Campania. These hand-made classic designs are available in a variety of styles and sizes from, 17" to 72". In addition, we have some very interesting and unique cast stone planters, pottery, pillars, benches and garden ornaments. Each of these hand-made items has a classic design and elegance that makes them so unique.

We've also included a number of items from the Orlandi collection, like the Overture Reflecting Pool, Gossip frog, bird baths and vases. These quality garden accessories are made of fiberglass resin, molded from an original sculpture. This material makes it possible to retain all of the detail of the original with the added benefits of less weight, greater strength, and a product suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

With our new line of 'Rain Chains,' you will never look at a rainy day the same again! Bridging the gap between ancient and modern, rain chains are Japanese in origin. They offer a fashionable and unique alternative to downspouts, and connect to your gutter. Each rain chain is meticulously crafted of copper. A natural patina will develop over time adding to their character and charm.

Tree of Enchantment ornaments are hand blown art glass spheres, crafted by artisans in Canada. They may be hung outdoors in trees or under eaves, or inside by your windows, wherever the sun can catch the vivid colors of the balls. Like trees in a forest, no two are the same, and each is a symbol of growth, strength, and the cycle of life.

"Nature's Splendor" is an assortment of hand-painted and beautifully realistic-looking leaves. Choose from rex begonias, hostas, oak or maple leaves. Made of a fiberglass re-enforced poly-resin, they are extremely durable and weather resistant. There are also frames available to display them on the wall or table.

'Designs by George' is a selection of whimsical garden characters including a duck, squirrel, grasshopper, heron, butterfly, and a golfing frog. Each character is constructed of various metals, wire and tin, and coated to withstand the outdoor elements.

Lastly, in the end of 2007 we began offering Gift Cards in place of the paper gift certificates. There are four styles to choose from, in any dollar amount. Greeting cards are also available. See the 'Gift Cards' section of the website for additional information.