All About Outdoor Decor

Summer is here and it’s the season of outdoor living! Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening on your patio, throwing a BBQ or having your neighbours over, these outdoor décor essentials will get you through any occasion.

Topping our list are eye-catching serving pieces. We have a new line of glassware that captures the essence of a Mardi Gras party! The Murano-like glasses are available in a variety of cocktail styles. Complete your colourful set with a versatile serving tray.

When the sun goes down, enhance your guests’ visibility by illuminating your backyard with a garden lantern on a stake. The globe of the lantern holds a votive candle, which we now offer in 14 fresh scents by Bridgewater.

An option for lighting a gazebo is a cast or wrought iron chandelier. A chandelier can be the focal point of your outdoor living space and also provide you with soft candlelight for summer meals!

Change the ambiance with an interesting tablecloth. You don’t always have to go for the plastic red checker print when you’re setting an outdoor table. We have tablecloths in various sizes and bright patterns that will charm your visitors.

Wondering just how sizzlin’ your summer is getting? Keep track of the temperature with a stylish outdoor thermometer. This must-have item will add interest to cottage decks, backyard fences or apartment balconies.

In other news:

Springridge is hosting a summer event on July 14, 5:30pm-8pm. We're inviting you to Girls Night Out on the Farm with Kathy Buckworth – television personality and author of the hilarious Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children and Chardonnay. RSVP: info@springridgefarm.com

The Berry Blog

You’ve stocked up on pectin, called every day for our crop report and now you’re anticipating getting the first seat on our tractor-drawn wagon ride. Even our farm dog Hudson is salivating for his daily Vitamin C intake. This could only mean one thing: it’s berry season!

Here are a few suggestions for including strawberries in your plans this month…

Strawberry Social
Create a special afternoon for your guests with these strawberry party essentials.
1. You may need several flats of ready-picked strawberries depending on the number of people attending your event. Fresh berries will be available daily in the barn market beginning early June.
2. Our Belgian Chocolate Sauce. Say no more...dip...dip...yum.
3. Springridge blends strawberries and custard to make the perfect summer treat. Impress your guests with our infamous strawberry-custard tarts.
4. Send home a classic strawberry recipe with each partygoer. Find some of our favourites on our website.

We also have an extensive selection of outdoor décor that will enhance your garden parties this summer. Come into the barn market to see our collection of lanterns, terracotta pots, serving trays and garden statuary.

Strawberry “Staycations”
The Springridge pick-your-own strawberry field is the ideal destination for families staying in town and taking day trips. Embark on a scenic wagon ride along the Niagara Escarpment, experience the Fun Farm Yard then go home and make strawberry jam with your harvest!

In fact, you can enjoy delicious jam all year ‘round with this recipe.

Strawberry Freezer Jam

2 cups crushed berries
4 cups sugar
¾ cups water
1 box powdered fruit pectin

Add sugar to fruit and stir well. In a saucepan, boil ¾ cup water and the fruit pectin for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the hot pectin and water to the fruit and continue stirring for 3 minutes. Put in containers, let stand for 24 hours and store in freezer.

Remember your sunscreen, hat and water. We'll see you in the fields!