Celebrating Canada
Canada Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the great outdoors. This year, why not make the nation’s celebration memorable by making your outdoor living space a tribute to Canada.
Using the Flag as a Focal Point
Most Canada Day’s decorations are centered around the theme of red and white. These colours are symbols of our national pride and are a simple way to make your outdoor space feel a bit more celebratory.
Annuals are one of the easiest ways to change up the décor in your space. These plants can either be put directly into your garden or used in a hanging basket or a planter if you’re wanting a more temporary look.
Impatiens, petunias, geraniums, calibrachoa, and begonias are all available in both red and white making it easy to put a festive planter together. We also have ready-made hanging baskets, patio containers or come on into Garden Gallery and choose one of our ready- made hanging baskets, patio containers, or potted plants to create an instant vibe of Canada to your yard.
Dress up your Patio
Decks, patios, and balconies instantly provide that festive feeling. This year ramp your Canada Day celebration by adding in a few simple décor techniques.
- Accessorize your space with splashes of red and white. Throw pillows and flowerpots are two simple ways to quickly transform your space.
- Thinking of dining outdoors? Don't forget your centerpiece! Cut flowers are a great solution as it adds a burst of vibrant colours. Carnations, roses, and gerberas are all available in our national colours.
If you would like something a little longer-lasting, then why not add in a potted plant. Hibiscus, Gerbera and Calla Lilies will add that instant dash of brightness that you can enjoy throughout the month. Don’t forget the place settings and celebratory glassware to finalize the look!
- Corners are great areas to add in a larger plant or planter. Don’t forget to showcase those red and white colours!
- Light up your space. Extend your Canada Day celebration by adding fairy lights or solar lanterns into your space.
- Add in some atmosphere. The Luna Bluetooth Speaker has a wide range of LED lights making it easy to relax and celebrate. Now, all that is left to do is create a playlist from your favourite Canadian artists!
Take a Moment to Remember
Canada Day is based on the celebrations and achievements of our country. However, it is also an opportunity to reflect on and learn from our past.
This symbol of the maple leaf has been a part of our culture for centuries. It is a tree that pays homage both to our indigenous people and the arrival of the early settlers. This year, why not take a moment to plant one of these beautiful trees into your space. There are close to 100 species of maple trees, and 10 which are native to Canada.
Sugar Maple: The national tree of Canada, the sugar maple is known for its distinctive leaf shape (it is found on our nation’s flag) , sweet sap (perfect for maple syrup), and beautiful fall colour. This sun-loving maple can reach up to 35 metres tall and has a life expectancy of 200 years.
Black Maple: This native plant is often confused with the sugar maple. However, if you look closely, you may notice that the leaves are slightly rounder with fuzzy undersides. The wood from this tree is often used for furniture or flooring.
Silver Maple: Native to Central and Southern Ontario, this large tree is often a favourite refuge for small animals and birds who can be found nesting directly in the trunk. Each fall the leaves will turn pale yellow or brown before shedding for the winter season.
Big Leaf Maple: Found in the Southwestern corner of British Colombia, this unique variety is easily identified by its massive leaves, which span between 15-30 centimetres, and height.
Red Maple : This showstopper is known for its brilliant show of colour each fall. Native to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region, it will survive in a variety of soils and will even tolerate some shade making it the perfect addition for Southern Ontario homes.
Mountain Maple: Don’t be deceived by this maple’s name, the Mountain maple is actually one of the smaller varieties of native maples growing to be about 5.1 metres. This species can often be found in the understory of forests in Eastern Canada.
Striped Maple: Native to Central Ontario, this smaller variety (10 metres) of maple grows well in the shade and is a favourite for deer and even moose. The species of trees is probably best known for the stripe pattern on its bark, in fact, the green stripes on the new growth helps the tree photosynthesize each spring.
Douglas Maple: Often called the Rocky Mountain Maple due to its prevalence in that region, this specimen grows to approximately 10 metres and has a multi-stemmed trunk.
Vine Maple: Found in Southern British Colombia and in two spots in Vancouver Island, this shade-tolerant species can often be found along streams or riverbanks.
Manitoba Maple: Sometimes referred to as the ash leaf maple or box elder, this mid-sized specimen, can grow up to 20 metres. This Manitoba and Eastern Ontario native has a shallow root system with leaves that usually consist of up to 3-9 leaflets per stock.
Whether you commemorate July 1st with a celebration or something more reflective, remember to take a few moments to get outdoors and enjoy this incredible land that we have had made our home.