As winter comes to Finlandia Gardens we can observe the anatomy of our landscape. Various gardens and structures are more visible. Evergreens stand out among the brown and grey branches of leafless trees. Seeded stalks are left to provide avian food for the cold season. This year a rainy fall has left standing water in some low areas which will provide winter moisture for the many trees and shrubs.

Our Holiday lighting brings memories of joy and sadness during the early days of winter. Activities in the gardens continue until the cold suggests that more time in the wood shop is appropriate. Winter projects of picture framing, label making, wind chime creation, and building bird houses and feeders makes the winter season meaningful. We also prepare our tools for the coming spring season along with making plans for changes in the gardens for the next growing season>.

The winter season can be a good time to tour the gardens in a warm automobile and then visit the Finnish Center to learn about the many offerings provided to members and visitors. Our gift shop is bright and cheery offering an assortment of items from Nordic countries. The Finnish Center is open on MW and F from 10 AM until 4PM. The wood shop is warm on Monday mornings when the garden club meets. Hot coffee and something sweet adds to the pleasant surroundings. You are always welcome to join us.

Check out our website, finlandiagardens.org, for additional information including pictures of our gardens during the growing season. We wish you a great winter season and look forward to seeing you next spring if not in the near future.

Please support these friends of Finlandia Gardens:

• Angelo's Landscape Supplies, Inc.
• Complete Battery Source/Detroit
• Fendt Building Supply/Farmington Hills
• Home Depot/Northville
• Jimmy John's/33177 W. 8 Mile Rd., Livonia
• Ram Masonry
• The Weingartz Company