Be Local: Area retailers posed to assist with alternative holiday decorations
Editor’s note: This is a weekly series focusing on the importance of buying local.
A potential lack of live and artificial Christmas trees this season is causing those looking for seasonal decorations to turn to alternative sources this year.
COVID-19 shipping backlogs are delaying the arrival of artificial Christmas trees. Experts say people should prepare now.
Locally, florists are preparing to offer decorations, flowers and such as they have in the past. They, too, are dealing with supply issues.
“There is a possibility we will expand (our offerings) this season,” said Susan Reed, designer at Ivy Green in Washington. “We will still offer what we have in the past and could add to what we typical sell in this new season.”
Reed said Ivy Green is experiencing what most small businesses are today, a rise in prices and difficulties in the supply chain.
“One alternative we have is a box wood tree,” Reed said. “We anticipate more fresh arrangements. We will have our centerpieces as well. More and more people are turning to the box wood trees.”
The boxwood tree isn’t a tree, it is considered a shrub. It can grow to almost reach four-feet tall, but most people prune these plants to a specific shape. Either way, they can grow under most soil conditions, and they can also live through most winters. This plant can survive in temperatures that go below zero degrees and they are known to be attractive plants. These plants are full and lush and the leaves are a dark green color. They are waxy and soft, and they are oval shaped.
Other florists, Washington Square Floral Shoppe, Washington; Monessen Florists, Monessen; and Fields of Heather, Charleroi are sticking to their typical holiday season plans and offerings.
“We use a lot of cut greens and our suppliers have told me there are no issues there and that everything is fine right now,” said Larry Jones, owner of Washington Square Floral Shoppe. “We don’t deal with trees and most of our business is weddings, parties, banquets and dinners.”
Loren Carroto, in her 25th year of owning Monessen Florists, said she will host the annual open house next weekend but it has been much work to keep things moving along this year.
“We will have what we normally offer, but nothing extra because we are dealing with supply issues as well,” she said. “If you don’t have seasonal things ordered by now, it’s too late. We’re just sticking with what we have had before for the holiday season.”
Gretchen Speece, co-owner of Field of Heather in Charleroi, said the shops feature will be “beautiful, natural floral products.”
“We’re pretty filled up,” she added. “We are thankful to have what we have. We all have had to work through some things but we feel it’ll be a good season and we look forward to that.”
The Rev. Michael J. Crookston, pastor of both Epiphany of Our Lord Church, Monessen, and St. Sebastians Church, Belle Vernon said many churches should be decorated as they normally are.
He said he has been assured by the churches’ supplier — Joseph’ Nursery, Monessen — that there aren’t any problems.
“I just ordered wreaths (this week) and it’s the same order as in the past,” he said.
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Chris Slota at 724-225-1326 or by email at chris@belocal.net. Discount cards are available at the Observer-Reporter and Almanac office, 122 S. Main St., Washington.