the holiday season begins on james north

The timing is about right, the approach is not too 'in your face'... the holiday season is begins this week on James Street North.
Most of the shops and studios will be open a bit later on Thursday and Friday evenings and we are all looking a bit more festive. For those of you who have been in the shop lately, high-stepping over coils of grapevine and getting tangled in wild rosehip branches, you know that i fiori has become a hive of activity.

What's ready this week? amaryllis & cypress!

amaryllis bulbs are in the shop & ready for planting now

Amaryllis are ridiculously simple to grow:
- they thrive in virtually any growing medium
- place gravel in the bottom of the pot for weight and to improve drainage
- heavier clay pots are preferable to plastic ones
- plant them with the top third of the bulb above the soil's surface.
- place them in a well-lit spot.
- water when you remember.





the lemon cypress trees have arrived!

Lemon cypress are evergreen trees that have naturally bright greenish-yellow foliage. The leaves give off a citrus fragrance, especially when cut. It is a hardy, versatile tree, requires very little care and can be used both indoors and out.


lemon cypress topiary

The cypress - like all of the plants at i fiori - are born and raised in Ontario greenhouses. They will thrive in a variety of climates but try to avoid extreme heat or cold. They prefer moist, well-drained soil - do not let the roots become waterlogged. And as you will probably keep them in the house this winter - your cypress will also appreciate a misting once or twice a week to offset our dry indoor heat.

When planted in a container, either indoors or outdoors, you should prune the tree occasionally to keep it at the preferred height and shape.

We have 4" pots with mini shrubs - perfect for tabletop or mantle displays, classic topiaries and larger 6" potted shrubs.

Great colour,  fresh scents and a subtle nod to the season - what is not to like?