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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 16, 2008 - 29 Change is good Change in all things is sweet, said the Greek philosopher Aristotle. Maria Schwab has turned this thinking from ancient time into a modern home decorator's haven. Called Change is Good, her 1410 Speers Rd., shop is barely two weeks open and already generating a lot of traffic. Seasonal home décor of the garden and patio variety is the focus of her shop's wares. "I wanted to open a store where someone could find unique and affordable gifts," said Schwab. "I have always enjoyed changing spaces and all who know me, know that's true." Change is Good allows her to do that and help others to do the same. Change is Good carries a large assortment of metal pots in all shapes, colours and sizes as well as fountains, urns, wall and garden ornaments, bird baths and resin wicker just to name a few features of the inventory. And year-round in home accents such as mirrors, frames, candles, candleholders, blankets and vases are always in stock. CHANGE is GOOD Seasonal home accents Large Variety of Pots & Urns Enjoy Garden Color All Year Long Gardening is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, from children to seniors. Enthusiasts look to the shades of rich blooms and the variegated colors of foliage to create a landscape they can enjoy. Still, in many parts of the country, gardens are awash in color and lush greenery in the spring and summer, only to lie dormant in the fall and winter. The abundance of plants available makes any gardener able to keep color going in their garden from January through December. By mixing plants that bloom throughout the year into your landscape design, you can ensure that most days you'll be able to look upon your garden and be rewarded with bountiful color. Spring Spring is renown for plant rebirth. Here are plants that will produce beautiful blooms right when you expect to start seeing them - in spring. · Ageratum: Blooms a mass of true blue flowers up until fall. It also attracts butterflies. · Alyssum: A cascading annual or ground cover that produces sweet-smelling small blooms. · Bleeding heart: Produces dangling heart-shaped flowers on long stems, this perennial is a favorite. · Oriental poppy: Large cup-shaped flowers in a variety of reds, oranges and pinks will fill the landscape. · Osteopernum: Daisy-like flower that is becoming increasingly popular since it is drought-tolerant and available in a variety of colors. · Snapdragons: These make a great cut flower plant. In addition to attracting butterflies, hummingbirds may pay a visit. · Violas: Violas produce delicate flowers, much like their cousin the pansy. Both viola and pansy plants don't tolerate the heat, but can rebloom in the fall. They may even last into the winter provided the temperature doesn't dip too much. Summer When the heat is on, these plants really show their stuff. · Cosmos: These flowers grow very quickly from seed, so they're a good choice for children's gardens. They produce cheerful looking blooms. · Daylilly: There are thousands of varieties of daylillies, so it's easy to find one that fits your landscape. These plants bloom over a 4 to 12 week period and are perennial. · English lavender: A popular choice for herb gardens. Highly fragrant purple flowers bloom atop tall stalks. When the flowers fade, silvery-green foliage shines. · Impatiens: These are some of the most popular summer annuals since the color opportunities are many. Varieties can withstand full sun to part shade. · Zinnia: These plants produce large flowers that delight. These plants are hardy and drought-resistant. Fall As warm days wind down, a selection of plants still captivate with color. · Autumn aster: The aster usually produces lavender or blue-toned flowers and will bloom in the summer through fall. · Autumn joy sedum: In the summer, large pink blooms arrive. As the temperatures dip, the flowers turn from pink to a deep maroon. · Chrysanthemum: "Mums" are the quintessential autumn plant and synonymous with the season. Winter Just because the weather is chilled, doesn't mean your garden should be barren. · Daffodils: November is the time to plant daffodil bulbs so that they'll bloom at the tail end of winter/early spring. · Heath: This shrub comes in pink and white and offers nice cuttings. · Holly: This evergreen shrub will produce bright berries that add a splash of color to winter gardens. · Ornamental cabbage or kale: These are excellent color plants for beds or container gardens. They produce rosettes of purple, white and green, and can grow quite large with healthy soil. · Narcissus: These white blooms (also known as paper whites) can continue to sprout if the winter is mild. (MS) · Galvanized Pots and many other pots available in many different sizes, shapes & colours · Mexican style pots also available · Clay & fiberglass urns · Many other products to choose from 1410 Speers Road (between 3rd Line & 4th Line on the South side) 905-827-9337