Advice From The Ritchie Team Experts

Every holiday season, garden centres fill with brilliant red, pink, white, and marbled poinsettias, but this iconic plant has a much deeper story than most people realize.

Its history spans ancient civilizations, cultural traditions, diplomacy, marketing, and modern horticulture.

Here’s the full backstory of the plant that became the symbol of Christmas.

Holiday plants bring warmth, colour, and cheer into our homes during the coldest months, but with a little care, they can last far beyond the festive season.

Here’s how to keep your favourites thriving well into the new year. 

Thousands of you visit our garden centres every summer for everything you need to grow, bloom, and create beauty at home.

But… what if gardening didn’t have to wait until spring?

The holidays are officially here, and so is the search for the perfect gift. Whether you're shopping for a plant addict, a backyard birder, or someone who simply loves decorating for the season, we’ve put together a gift guide to inspire thoughtful, useful, and joy-filled giving.

Here are our favourite ideas for every type of shopper on your list.

Winter brings snow, ice, and that familiar “slide-and-hope” walk across the driveway. But keeping your steps safe isn’t just about tossing down whatever melt product you have; each option works differently, and choosing the right one can save you time, money, and frustration all season long.

As the days grow shorter and our homes get dimmer, your plants feel the shift more than you think. Whether you're caring for tropical houseplants, keeping a kitchen herb garden alive, or starting seeds for spring, grow lights are one of the easiest ways to keep your greenery thriving all winter long.

Not all composts work the same way; some feed slowly over winter, some improve soil structure, and others deliver a nutritional “boost” just before freeze-up. Here’s how to choose the right one for your garden beds before winter sets in....

Whether you love watching wildlife wander through your property, support deer through winter, or you’re a hunter preparing for the season, Ritchie’s has everything you need for proper feeding and conditioning.

When the leaves fall and the garden starts looking bare, it’s easy to assume everything is “done for the year.”

But below the surface, your garden is still wide awake, and what you do in November matters more than most people realize.

With cooler temperatures and slowing grass growth, late fall creates the perfect conditions for smothering grass naturally, with no chemicals, no ripping up sod, and no digging required.

If you’re putting your garden to bed for fall, planting a cover crop is one of the best things you can do for your soil. Think of it like a “blanket” for your garden, as it protects the soil over winter and feeds it naturally for spring planting.

Not all Halloween décor comes in the form of cobwebs and carved pumpkins; some of it grows quietly in the corner of your living room. These tropical houseplants bring a naturally eerie, gothic, or enchanted look indoors, making them perfect for spooky season (and beyond).

As temperatures drop and the snow begins to settle, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your garden for the months ahead.

Ontario is home to an incredible diversity of bird species, with over 500 having been recorded across the province!

Whether you love seeing wildlife in your yard or prefer to keep them out of your garden beds, freshly planted bulbs and interlock areas often attract curious critters.

The good news?

Garlic is one of the easiest, and most rewarding crops you can grow. Fall planting sets the stage for a bountiful harvest next summer.

Here’s how to do it right:

We may be turning 100 years old soon, but we’re never too old to stay on trend! This fall, we’re bringing the season back in style and letting you in on a little secret: the best-selling products of the season—chosen by you

Did you move into a new build? Maybe your backyard is cozy, narrow, or you simply want to maximize space without giving up the beauty and benefits of trees. The good news: there are plenty of incredible narrow, columnar, and compact trees that thrive in smaller urban yards while still bringing shade, privacy, and year-round interest.

If you’ve been strolling through the garden centre lately, you might have noticed the name MYKE popping up more and more. But what exactly is it, and why are gardeners raving about it?

When the days get shorter and the evenings turn crisp, many gardeners assume the planting season is over. But here’s the secret: fall is actually one of the very best times to get new plants in the ground. Here's why Fall planting works: 

Whether you’re just starting or have decades of dirt under your nails, the same question always comes up: When is the right time to cut back perennials, and which ones should be left standing until spring?

There’s no single rulebook, but there are tried-and-true favourites and practical tips that make the decision easier. Here’s what you need to know this fall.