‘Grinch trees’ stealing hearts in Regina like the Grinch stole Christmas

Like the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes, Petra Janssen is creating a lot of holiday cheer with an arrangement based on a beloved Christmas movie.

“Everyone has loved ones and everyone wants to pass on the Christmas cheer, and one of the best ways to do that is with flowers,” said Janssen. “A lot of people can’t come home for Christmas, so sending them flowers sends their sentiments home.”

The owner of the Wascana Flower Shoppe held four different workshops throughout the Christmas season to help customers create their own Grinch trees.

The Grinch trees are a sprig of cedar wrapped in twine, which is decorated with different Christmas baubles, bows and flowers. The arrangement is inspired by the whimsy of the Whoville village and the Grinch’s mountain abode in the classic 1966 movie ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’

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“We’ve been doing them for about eight to 10 years now,” Janssen said. “It’s just a fun spin on Christmas. We do them in all colours – everything Grinch.”

The holiday movie arrangement has been adopted by many other flowers shops. This year, just about all Grinch tree workshops sold out at Janssen’s store.

“They get to see the guts of the flower shop and the cooler, and they love to see that,” she said.

Throughout the workshops, Janssen said she has seen people making special memories together. She’s seen anything from couples on first dates to parents bringing their kids in year after year to make a Grinch tree.

On top of Grinch trees and other holiday arrangements, Janssen said the store expects to sell 800 poinsettias this season.

Janssen said the flower store is in full swing this time of year, and preparation starts early for the Christmas season. She said she starts ordering seasonal items in January or February, and shipments can arrive in August or September. Then, her teams spend their time getting organized for the Christmas season starting in mid-November.

“Except for the fresh flowers; those arrive daily,” said Janssen.

Like many other shops, costs have shot up for Janssen. She said prices have gone up by 15 to 20 per cent.

“Remember, we live in Regina. We don’t have any greenhouses. We don’t have any growers, so freight costs are No. 1 in increased costs right now,” she said.

Janssen said customers have remained supportive of the store despite the increased prices.