November 2025 — In the Garden and the Home
November is already upon us! Summer flew by, as it has a tendency to do, and as we know here in Saskatchewan, there is a fine line between autumn and winter. Already, we've seen the snow fly, and it's only so long before the chill of winter settles in for the cold, dark months.
There is little left to be done in the garden. Ensure your trees and shrubs have plenty of water before the ground starts to freeze—and while you're at it, get the last of your spring flower and garlic bulbs in the soil. Make sure your perennials are protected with mulch—but they still need room around the base to breathe.
This stretch of time moving from autumn into winter always feels like the world is letting out a long-held breath. The hot, chaotic days of summer are behind us, and we're moving into a slower, more relaxing season.
But that doesn't mean there isn't still plenty to do!
Tasks may remain before the greenery settles beneath a blanket of white—and indoors, challenges of a different variety lie ahead.
Outdoor Preparation
This is a time of tidying up dead plants, cleaning those garden tools, putting them into storage until spring seedlings begin to peek through the snow. Remove miscellaneous toys or other items that may get caught in the snowblower—saving you from potential breakage or repairs.
Be sure any outdoor fixtures are drained, your sprinklers are blown out, and any external plumbing is winterized to protect from freezing. Clear leaves or other debris from your gutters and eaves-troughs, ensuring they'll provide proper drainage as needed.
Check your home for any areas lacking insulation which could drive up heating costs. Or those notorious gaps between doors and windows that may need to be sealed with weather stripping.
Furnaces may be kicking on, so make sure to check the filter—most need to be replaced every few months.
Stabilize and fuel up those small engines that may be sitting in a cold garage. Ensure you've got the supplies you'll need for snow and ice removal
It's a time of preparation—and settling in.
Indoor Preparation
Test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your home is prone to dry air in the winter, consider a humidifier—which will not only provide moisture and warmth into the air, but can protect your wooden floors and furniture. As well, reversing your ceiling fans to turn clockwise can keep warm air circulating lower. Lastly, ensure your furniture isn't blocking any heaters or registers and hindering airflow.
It's time to bring out the warmer linens and autumnal decor. Area rugs on cool floors keep feet warm and add a layer of insulation. Opt for warmer toned light bulbs, or if you're prone to seasonal changes in mood, even consider a light therapy lamp, which mimics the tones of natural lighting. Be sure your curtains are open during the day to let in the sunlight.
It's a great time to check out all of the seasonal and holiday decor at Floral Acres, especially with our month-long Black Friday events going on. There are lots of great discounts all month long, as well as opportunities to win prizes with every purchase.
And with almost all of our tropical houseplants on sale, it's a great time to add some new greenery to liven up your indoor spaces. Remember—we always offer free delivery within the city!
Self Preparation
Another thing I want to touch on is seasonal self care—because if you're like me, you notice the changing of seasons through more than just the dropping temperatures. The world is colder, the days are shorter, offering drastically less sunlight, and those seasonal mood changes can cause a significant impact on our day to day lives.
Now, please—if you're struggling with your mental health, seek out options that can offer you real and lasting help.
But there are many small ways to combat the winter blues.
Stay healthy and active. As the seasons slow down, we have a tendency to do the same—but it's important to keep up some level of activity. Our bodies require movement, much as they need proper nutrition. Fresh produce and a well-balanced diet can go a long way to keeping our spirits up during the winter.
Supplement your diet with vitamins as needed (or as directed by your physician or pharmacist)—and most of us could use more Vitamin D during the winter months.
Get plenty of good rest—and don't forget to hydrate!
Engage in hobbies you enjoy—whether yoga or meditation, crafting, reading, woodworking—anything that brings about a smile and a sense of anticipation during the long winter months. Especially if we don't have any big events to look forward to for now.
Create an atmosphere in your home where you feel comfortable and relaxed—you'll be spending more time indoors, and it makes a big difference. Spend some time cleaning, decluttering, organizing, or re-arranging. It's important to keep your home fresh, and a few little changes can go a long way, even on a budget.
Stay social—we're connected in so many ways these days—but it can be easy to spend time scrolling apps and social media that can bring the mood down instead. Reach out to the friends and family you love; they'll likely appreciate it, too.
Don't underestimate the small things. A warm blanket, a hot cup of tea or cocoa, a visit with a friend or loved one. A good show or movie. Even a chapter in a favourite book. All of these things can help maintain a positive mood.
While the world slows down, it's okay to take some of those slower moments to reflect on the year nearly gone. Think of the good things that have happened in 2025, and try to let go of the setbacks. Easier said than done—these are some interesting times we're living in, but try to allow yourself some moments of peace.
For many, the upcoming holidays can be a difficult time. Have grace and care with yourself and others.
We all know ourselves best, and the things that make our hearts soar. Spend some time there this winter.
Until next time!