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
Canada Day decorations typically embrace the vibrant colors of red and white, symbolizing our national pride and instantly adding a festive touch to your outdoor space.
One of the simplest ways to refresh your decor is by incorporating annuals. These versatile plants can be planted directly into your garden or used in hanging baskets and planters for a temporary yet impactful display.
Consider using impatiens, petunias, geraniums, calibrachoa, and begonias, all available in striking red and white varieties. These options make it easy to create a celebratory planter. Additionally, you can find ready-made hanging baskets, patio containers, or potted plants at Garden Gallery. Stop by to pick up the perfect pieces to infuse your yard with the spirit of Canada.
DRESS UP YOUR PATIO
- 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 a time to celebrate the rich culture and achievements of our beautiful country. It's also an opportunity to reflect on and learn from our past.
The maple leaf, a symbol deeply embedded in our culture for centuries, pays homage to both our Indigenous peoples and the early settlers. This year, consider planting a maple tree to honor this tradition. With nearly 100 species of maple trees and 10 native to Canada, there's a perfect one for every space.
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.