February 2024 Newsletter

Busy bees!

January is seen as a time for taking stock and we take that concept literally!

After the holiday season, almost everything in the shop usually needs re-stocking! Once inventory is complete, we start working on orders.

With well over 100 suppliers, it makes for a busy time, especially with logistics. Since delivery times vary widely (as short as a week or as long as three months!), we prioritize our orders accordingly. 

January is also the season for wholesale gift shows, so we went shopping to see what new items are available and suited for our shop, especially ones by Canadian artists; this is, by far, the most exciting part -- seeing so much creativity coming from all over this country!

This Just In...

We’ve already received a new order of Quilling cards!

Take two minutes to watch our feature on Quilling Cards from July 2023; they’re absolutely stunning and truly a gift within a card.

These sell fast, so stock up for coming birthdays and special days; there are some beautiful new designs, including a few for Mother’s Day. 



Another supplier that was recently restocked is our stone necklaces by Samantha Butts of Madoc rocks. If you remember the coasters by Madoc rocks – these necklaces are made from the stones that are too small for coasters. We sold out of these at Christmas. At just $25, they make a beautiful treat or gift - beautiful colours with amazing veining in the natural stone.

Fill’er up with Filler-Free Bird Seeds

Winter is the time to keep your feeders full of quality seed and you want to be sure there is no filler in what you’re paying for. Here are two tips for smart seed buying:

1. Watch out for filler. Wheat is a cheap, commonly-used filler that our backyard songbirds don’t eat. If you’ve recently picked up a bag from a big box store, see if you can identify the wheat (I find it looks a bit like a pair of lips.)

2. Also, read the label. Does it say something like “may contain oil to suppress dust.” Birds don’t like oil or dust!

Is this all too complicated? Then just come to us and we’ll set you up with the right seed for the season with no filler. As we noted in last month’s newsletter, birds will keep coming back for more.

Bird feed is one product that we get every week. Each Tuesday, a new order arrives and our shelves get refilled. Looking a specific feeder? Let us know and we may be able to order it for you, often with a very quick turnaround.

Behind the Garden Gate

Two new Garden Gate episodes are now available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

The first segment explains why to choose hulled seeds for winter feeders, a choice that help birds get protein fast to help keep them warm and strong. Suitable feeders for the season, including the squirrel-proof ones, are also introduced.

The whimsical pottery of Susan Robertson from Saskatchewan is the focus of our second segment. Susan’s beautiful coffee mugs, tea-bag holders and small and medium ceramic platters (from ring-sized to sushi-sized) are one-of-a-kind inspirations featuring dragonflies and daisies and even a canoe full of moose! All safe for dishwasher and microwaves.

Upcoming segments will feature interviews with two local bird photographers. If you follow some of the local birding pages on Facebook, then you’ve seen their stunning photos.

Watch for our Garden Gate segments alternating Fridays on CHEX-Global at 7:50am.

Our YouTube channel is searchable by topic, and with over 250 episodes, you'll likely find answers to whatever you’re wondering about!

And finally, a reminder...

www.avantgardenshop.com

Our website is currently undergoing a revamp.

We hope the new site will be up and running by March, if not sooner.

In the meantime, if you can’t find everything that you’re looking for, call us in the shop for more information toll-free at 1-877-886-0869 or locally at 705-743-0068.



Store Hours

Closed Monday, Feb. 19th - Happy Family Day everyone!

Monday – Friday, 9:30-5:30

Saturday, 9:30-5:00

Closed Sunday

Please note: Our online store accepts payments through PayPal;

please call the shop to use a credit card.

In-store, we gratefully accept cash, cheque, debit, credit, and e-transfer (info@avantgardenshop.com)

Avant-Garden Shop |165 Sherbrooke Street (Between Aylmer and George Streets)

Peterborough, ON | 705-743-0068