Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen!

Sami and his reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

"On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!

This Sami reindeer herder is making sure that Santa's reindeer are well fed before their long journey ahead. Another day, I will write more about meeting this reindeer at the North Cape (Nordkapp), inside the Arctic Circle, and the indigenous people who practice reindeer husbandry. In the mean time, I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

"To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

"Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

- excerpt "A Visit from St. Nicolas" by Clement Clarke Moore

UPDATE: My post about the Sami People and their reindeer is here.

Pacific Coast Evergreen Wreaths and Garlands

My favorite place to buy garlands, wreaths, or fresh greens is Pacific Coast Evergreen at the San Francisco Flower Mart.  When I was there last month, the talented wreath-making team was assembling fresh magnolia-leaf garlands with pink peppercorns and eucalyptus knobs. 

I ordered several six-foot magnolia garlands with pomegranates, incense cedar, and pink peppercorns and then had them shipped to Houston. They make a convenient and dramatic centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table. The magnolia leaves are shiny and green on one side...

... and a velvety brown on the other side. Other six-foot garlands graced the banister of the staircase and the fireplace mantle in another room. The colors will stay true for the entire holiday season.

Pacific Coast Evergreen also offers other designs like this wreath with rose-hips, china berries, oak leaves, and eucalyptus leaves...

...and this one has a magnolia-leaf base with oak leaves, tree pumpkin, green seeded eucalyptus, silvery eucalyptus knobs, and red toyon berries.

The client who ordered these last spring provided all the ingredients for these small wreaths. They used geranium leaves, two types of berzillia berries, and foxtail grass. For a closer look, click here.

As long as the materials are in season, they can custom-make any size wreaths or garland. To order, contact Al:
Pacific Coast Evergreen
al@pacificcoastevergreen.com
Phone: 415.781.4274

Hours (Pacific Time):

Monday: 300 AM – 1100 AM

Tuesday: 500 AM – 1200 PM

Wednesday: 200 AM – 1100 AM

Thursday: 500 AM – 1200 PM

Friday: 300 AM – 1100 AM

Saturday: Closed (open during peak holiday seasons)

Sunday: Closed