7 Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is a cherished opportunity to celebrate the special bond between fathers and their children. It's a time to express gratitude for all the love, support, and guidance Dad has provided throughout the years.

Here are some thoughtful ideas to make Father’s Day extra special:

 

Photo by Markus Spiske

 

1. Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend quality time with Dad outdoors. Whether it’s a round of golf, a leisurely walk, or a hike in nature, soaking up the sunshine together is a great way to create lasting memories.

 

2. Give the Gift of Home Maintenance

Help lighten Dad’s load by taking care of some household tasks for him. Consider arranging for lawn care, garden upkeep, or housekeeping services to give him a well-deserved break from chores.

 

3. Personalize Care Packages

Put together a care package filled with Dad’s favorite items, such as grooming products, snacks, or hobby supplies. Personalize the package with thoughtful touches that reflect his interests and preferences.

 

4. Create a Family Photo Wall

Capture cherished memories by creating a family photo wall in Dad’s home. Choose photos that bring him joy and comfort, and consider selecting images that resonate with his fondest memories.

 

5. Gift Comfort and Relaxation

Give Dad the gift of comfort with a cozy quilt or a weighted blanket. These items can provide warmth and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day or enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep.

 

Remember, Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the love and support Dad has given throughout the years. Whether you’re spending the day together in person or sending your love from afar, let Dad know how much he means to you.

 

Wishing all the dads, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers a happy Father’s Day filled with love and appreciation!

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Speeding Up Spring

Are you experiencing a case of cabin fever? Don’t be discouraged and let the cabin fever get to you—instead, speed up spring!

 

One of the best ways to bring spring to you is to start your gardening early—indoors! Rather than waiting on mother nature to cooperate for a display of spring colours, get things started yourself by forcing bulbs.

 

Indoor gardening is a very accessible way to garden. There is no need to bend over or kneel on the hard ground. Bulbs require very little maintenance or effort. Indoor gardening is a great way to connect with an elderly loved one’s passion and hobby without being overwhelming or too physically demanding. It can also be a great intergenerational activity, drawing children and grandparents—or even great grandparents—together over a common task.

 

 

Forcing bulbs indoors mimic the outdoor environment that causes a bulb to grow and bloom. Unlike large, potted house plants, bulbs do not need big pots. A small, shallow dish is sufficient. Many bulbs are easily forced using only water and pebbles, rather than soil, resulting in much easier clean up when gardening indoors. It is also more fun to watch the roots develop and see the bulb change as it grows. New growth development is exciting to see—at any age!

 

Using your shallow container, fill it half full of pebbles or marbles, then place the bulbs on top of the pebble layer. Gently fill the rest of the container with pebbles or marbles to secure the bulbs in place, but do not completely bury the bulbs. Put enough water in the dish so that the water touches the bottom of the bulb, but do not submerge the bulb in water or it will begin to rot.

 

The step that is most often overlooked when forcing bulbs is the chilling step. Your freshly “planted” bulbs need to be chilled in a cellar or in the fridge to mimic the winter season. Some bulbs only need a few days of chilling, and others need a much more extended chilling period of several weeks. Be sure to check the specifications on the bulbs that you purchase.

 

NOTE: Please do NOT store bulbs in an elderly person’s fridge. If that person has dementia or mild cognitive impairment, the bulbs (or pebbles) could be mistaken for other produce. Likewise, if your loved one has impaired vision, the bulbs could appear similar to onions. Senses such as taste and smell become dulled for many people as they age; the smell or bitter taste that might alert you to food being harmful may not alert an elderly loved one.

 

When roots begin to show you will know that your bulbs are ready to begin their growth cycle and it is time to remove them from the chilling stage. With roots now showing, your bulbs are ready to be moved into warmth and sunlight. You need to introduce them to sunlight slowly, just the way that the spring sunlight is soft at first and then gradually gets warmer. Place your bulbs in a cooler area of your home, away from direct sunlight. When your plants begin to grow and the stems take on a healthy green colour, then it is time to move them to a sunny windowsill to watch the beauty unfold!

 

In theory, any bulb can be forced to grow indoors, but some varieties are easier to force than others. Paperwhite narcissus grows well indoors and does not require a very long chilling period. They grow well in water and pebbles and are quite fragrant. Amaryllis are very easy to force and the blooms are giant and colourful. They grow so quickly that you can see growth daily.

 

 

The warmer the environment, the faster the amaryllis will grow. Once it blooms, it is best to move the plant to a cooler, shaded area for the blooms to last longer, as they can remain for up to a month.

 

Hyacinth and crocus can also be forced and take eight to ten weeks to grow. Although tulips are a favourite spring bloom, they are probably best enjoyed out in the garden as they can be trickier to force and require a long chilling period of sixteen weeks.

 

Enjoy your head start on spring by forcing your favourite bulbs indoors, and use this easy, timeless, and ageless activity to connect various members of your family. You will have spring beauty unfolding in your own living room—no matter how much snow remains on the ground outside!

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