A Magical Season at the Holiday Shoppe: 2024 Recap

Jan 29, 2025 | Holiday Shoppe 2024

A Magical Season at the Holiday Shoppe: 2024 Recap

January 29, 2025

What an incredible season we’ve had at the SG Christmas Tree and Holiday Shoppe! Even with Thanksgiving landing a bit later this year (making our season shorter than usual), you all showed up in full force – and boy, did we have some fun!

Santa’s Special Visit

Would you believe Santa found time in his busy schedule to visit us again? Between all the excited kids running around, and Lilly and Colby following right behind them, the shop was filled with pure holiday magic. Watching your faces light up when you spotted Santa made all of us smile – though I think Lilly and Colby might have been just as excited as the kids to see him! Santa tells me our shop is one of his favorite stops.

Decking the Halls: Trees, Wreaths & More

Talk about a record-breaking year – we sold out of nearly 500 Christmas trees! The quality of the trees was exceptional this year, and the shorter season worked out perfectly for keeping them fresh through Christmas and even into January. Between the trees, wreaths, garland, and décor, the shop was bursting with yuletide charm.

Workshop Wonderland

The workshop tent was absolutely hopping this year! We tripled the number of workshops between pre-scheduled and private events. The creativity and generosity of this community knows no bounds. Here are a few workshop highlights that made our hearts grow three sizes:

The creative “Wrap and Yap” group who turned present-wrapping into a party complete with cocktail and appetizers
We were extremely honored to host an arrangement party for The Foster Box, a local charity which helps support foster families. Attendees donated PJs to help kids be warm and cozy the night before Christmas and then had fun making beautiful arrangements.
Our pre-Thanksgiving arrangement workshop was a big hit again this year – no surprise there! Creating different arrangements is like painting with nature’s palette, and each season gives us such wonderful colors to play with. For Thanksgiving, we swim around in those cozy autumn shades – rich oranges, deep reds, and warm yellows. Then we have fun tucking in organic touches, like dried orange rounds, lotus pods and fragrant cinnamon sticks for that extra special touch.
Then, we switch gears completely for Christmas – bring on the bright red berries and all that sparkly silver and gold!

And yes, you can absolutely bring food and drinks to our workshops – makes it feel more like a party, doesn’t it?

Making Memories

Someone called us a “Hallmark movie scene” this year – now that’s something to smile about! Looking around at all the seasonal wonder happening here, we couldn’t help but agree.

Families kept coming back throughout the season, each visit bringing new discoveries and traditions. We’d see them one weekend picking out their perfect tree, then spot them again a week later, cozied up by the fire making s’mores and sipping hot chocolate.
One of the moments that made us all chuckle, was a mom who came in to pay for her tree, telling us how her son wanted to make sure they visited the Holiday Shoppe this year. Then this big football player, home from college, walks up with the biggest smile on his face and s’mores stick in hand. He wasn’t the little boy we expected, but it’s clear he loves the holidays just as much as when he was little.
That’s what makes this place so special – watching grandparents sharing stories with their grandkids while picking out wreaths, seeing moms and daughters creating new traditions at our workshops, and meeting families who tell us that finding their tree at Samantha’s Gardens is now their favorite part of the holiday season.
Some of you have been coming here for years, while others just discovered us – but you all help create that wonderful holiday spirit that makes the Shoppe feel like a second home.

Dear Santa…

The Letters to Santa this year were a hoot! While most kids stuck to toys and pets, we got quite a kick out of some of the grown-up requests – including someone asking for a Maserati! And to whoever wrote asking to work at Samantha’s Gardens – well, anything’s possible, right?

Looking Ahead

The Holiday Shoppe is a lot of work for our team, but sharing in your enthusiasm and joy makes all the hard work worthwhile. Whether you were picking out the perfect tree, crafting at a workshop, or just warming up by the fire with some s’mores, you made this season truly magical.

Keep those suggestions coming – we love hearing your ideas for making the Shoppe even better. And please, bring your friends and family next year. There’s always room for more around our fire pit!

All our love,
The SG Crew

Look At Our Amazing Photo Contest Winners

Photo Contest 2024

Holiday Shoppe Photo Contest 2024

Jan 29, 2025 | Holiday Photo Contest 2024

Holiday Shoppe Photo Contest

January 29, 2025

First, thank you to everyone who sent in photos for our Holiday Shoppe Photo Contest. The contest absolutely exploded this year! We were blown away by the amazing submissions you shared. Each one captured such special moments. It is always so fun seeing all your photos and getting to see happy families. We even got some really creative shots this year that let us see the Holiday Shoppe in a whole new light.

This year we had 80(!) photo submissions. HOW do you expect us to decide on the winners with that many submissions?! Well, picking winners this year was nearly impossible. Our team kept going back and forth, “But look at this one!” “No wait, this one!” Every single photo brought back wonderful memories of the season and reminded us just how special our community is.

For those who might have missed it, we’ve announced this year’s winners (check them out below!). Winners, you should have received an email about your prizes and how to claim them for next year. If you haven’t seen that email yet, give us a shout – it might be playing hide-and-seek in your spam folder!

Thank you for sharing your special moments with us. We can’t wait to see what memories we create together next holiday season!

First Place:
Jill White
“How Do You Like Your Hot Cocoa?”

Second Place:
Lenox Weber
“Golden Hour Smiles”

Third Place:
Justin Throwe
“Silent Night”

Runner Up:
Melanie Saryan Cosgrove
“Can I Ride This?”

Honorary:
Haley DeNave
“Just a Boy and a Truck”

Fall Newsletter 2024

Oct 21, 2024 | Fall 2024

As the season winds down and the holiday season aproaches, we wanted to share with you what is happening at Samantha’s Gardens. We just finished up the last of our fall plantings, bringing some bright color to all our wonderful clients! We will be wrapping up the last of our garden renovations, tree, shrub, and perennial plantings within the end of the month. After that, it will be time to plant bulbs and begin prepping our gardens for a long winter nap! If you are not already on our fall cleanup and winter preparations list, let us know. It’s extremely important your gardens are prepared for the cold winter months. Anti-desiccant spray, composting, salt marsh hay, and burlapping are some of the preparations that should be done before Winter to ensure a healthy garden come Springtime. Please reach out to join the list!

DESIGN INQUIRES:

We are beginning to take on new Winter Design projects. If you want us to design your dream garden or landscape, please reach out soon so we can make your vision come to life in the Spring time! Please contact us Below!

Start the Design Process

What’s Next?

The holidays are right around the corner and we could not be more joyous. Samantha’s Gardens’ Christmas Shoppe and Tree Stand have grown every year, and this year it will be even bigger and better! Once again, we’ll be hosting holiday workshops for Thanksgiving and Christmas and we can’t wait to see everyone there! For Thanksgiving, we’ll be hosting centerpiece workshop sessions on the 24th and 25th. Join us for the opportunity to wow your entire family with a beautifully handcrafted centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

Our Christmas workshops for wreath making, arrangement making, and outdoor container classes are also beginning to fill up so please call or visit our Eventbrite page to schedule a class for Thanksgiving or Christmas. We’ll be limiting our workshop classes to 15 people to ensure you have the most enjoyable time with Karen and myself! Feel free to bring beverages, snacks, and holiday cheer! If you would like to impress your family with a centerpiece that you’ve created with love, please reach out or click the button below to book one of our workshops. They fill up fast so don’t miss this fun and exciting opportunity!

If you are interested in booking a private event, please contact our office at (978)-409-2079 or email us at info@samanthasgardens.com. We’re happy to entertain a magical night out with friends or family!

Eventbrite Sign Up Here

Christmas on the Horizon

The SG family is already in that spectacular holiday mode! Christmas trees and wreaths have been ordered along with decorations for all your holiday needs. We can’t wait for everyone to visit the SG winter wonderland to pick out the perfect Christmas tree! While you’re here, feel free to grab a cup of hot cocoa and sit by the fire while the kiddos are making crafts and eating s’mores. Santa had so much fun playing with our dogs, Lilly & Colby, and reading to the kids last year that I’m sure he’ll return for another visit! Thank you to Santa’s hard-working elves who make it possible for everyone to enjoy our Christmas wonderland!

We have a couple additions coming to our holiday wonderland this year! Our neighbor Charlie gifted us a jumbo vintage popcorn machine, so on top of the hot cocoa and s’mores, you can enjoy a yummy bag of freshly popped popcorn! We also have new backdrops for your holiday family photos. Our holiday photo contest is growing every year so please submit your holiday photos to photos@samanthasgardens.com. We would like to ask everyone to refrain from bringing professional photographers so we can preserve the family atmosphere we’ve created. Rosie, our vintage truck, will be decked out in holiday attire for your family photos and will make an appearance at the Andover Holiday Market on the 7th of December. Alex and Cailey will be joining Rosie at the market for wreath decorating, so feel free to stop by and say hello!

Andover Holiday Market

Changes to the SG Family

This year, SG had the amazing opportunity to add three new gardeners to the team. Jenna, Samuel, and Alberis have been great additions to the team and we are excited for them to continue to learn and grow in your gardens.

Thanks!

We’re so proud to be a part of our community and are grateful for the community gardening opportunities given to us. We’ve enjoyed working on the new garden beds behind the old town hall, Andover center, the Ballardvale fire station, NAPD sign, and many more. We want to thank you all for having us be a part of such great stuff! We also want to thank our existing customers for your ongoing business and smiles you bring to our teams everyday. We are grateful for you and look forward to continuing to work with you as part of the SG family.

Thank you for another amazing year and we look forward to many more! See you all at the SG winter wonderland!

Garden Blessings,

Samantha, Vlasta, and the whole team at Samantha’s Gardens

Winter Newsletter 2024

Feb 16, 2024 | Winter Newsletter 2024

Happy New Year!!!

February 16, 2024

We’re kicking off the new year with a big burst of excitement here at Samantha’s Gardens! With the gardening season just around the corner, we’re all abuzz like busy bees, getting everything prepped and primed for some serious green-thumb action.

Laurel’s been working her magic in the greenhouse, tending to our tropical and citrus trees, and gearing up for the big veggie seed planting extravaganza. Meanwhile, Vlasta’s been hard at work tidying up our client folders and making space for all the wonderful new clients who’ve been patiently waiting to join our gardening family. We’ve even made a little pact among ourselves that this year is going to be stellar!

Reflecting on Loss, Growth, and New Beginnings

The past couple of years have thrown us some curveballs, with losses on both Vlasta’s and my sides of the family, including our dear bookkeeper, Teri. Not a day goes by without us thinking of her – especially as tax season rolls around and I can practically hear her gentle scolding for buying that new truck (which, let’s be honest, we totally needed). But with Tonya stepping in and doing an absolutely stellar job, along with the support of our fantastic accountant, Joe, things are looking brighter already.

Taking Our Cut Flower Garden to New Heights

I’ve made it my New Year’s resolution to take our cut flower garden to the next level, adding in even more fun and fabulous blooms. We’re even having Nolan and Chris from Grade build us a brand spanking new Cut Flower Hut, where we’ll be showcasing and selling all our gorgeous cut flowers and even some veggie plants that Laurel will be nurturing.

Our Flower Hut operates on the honor system, and it’s been an absolute hit with our Andover community. Folks love the beauty of our roadside garden and the freedom to pick their own bouquets whenever they please. There’s something truly magical about seeing folks out there with scissors, crafting their floral masterpieces.

Hoping for a Spot at the Andover Farmer’s Market

We’re crossing our fingers for the chance to bring our plant babies and flowers to the Andover Farmers Market this year. Despite not having confirmation yet, we’re optimistic after the success of our wreath decorating workshop at Andover’s Holiday Market. My daughter Mary, along with SG team members Cailey and Alex, loaded up Rosie, our 1947 Dodge pickup with all the wreaths, decorations and ribbon.
They had an absolute blast spreading festive cheer. The vibrant community vibe was sensational, and we’re eagerly awaiting the opportunity to be part of it again. Stay tuned for updates!

We would love to offer not only our veggie plants and cut flowers but we also have big plans to host Garden Talks at the Flower Hut, where folks can stop by, ask questions, and even grab one of our educational coloring books for the kiddos. We’re passionate about spreading the joy of gardening and helping families and kids grow their own veggies. We want to continue our Garden-to-table campaign by helping to build as many vegetable gardens for families and kids as we possibly can.

Step into Our Greenhouse Wonderland

Speaking of vegetable gardens, Laurel has already compiled a fantastic list of veggie seeds for both our gardens and yours, that she’ll be starting in the greenhouse soon. This year’s lineup promises to be extraordinary, featuring old favorites and exciting newcomers like strawberries and heirloom tomatoes. Check out the full list of offerings on our blog post and if there’s something you’re after that you don’t see, just give us a shout – we’ll do our best to track it down for you. Don’t delay. Things are selling out fast!!

Check Our Full Veggie List and Take A Tour of The Greenhouse

Start Planning For Spring

The Fall and Winter months might be cold, and your garden dull, but now is the perfect time to start planning for those landscape projects you’ve been dreaming about. Once we’re finished with the last Fall cleanups, our efforts shift toward garden and landscape design. If you’re looking to make any changes to your landscape, reaching out to us in the Fall months ensures your landscape project can be installed the following year! We build our backlog for design work and Spring installations during these months, so plan to schedule a design consultation at your earliest convenience.

Learn more about planning for your spring garden projects

Let’s Rewind to Christmas

Wasn’t it just a magical time? We were overwhelmed by the 49 heartwarming photo entries we received for our Christmas contest. With each one sweeter than the last, selecting the winners was no easy task. There were so many enchanting moments from our Christmas Shoppe this past year that we’ve put together a full recap.

Join us in reliving the magic by checking out our blog post!

As we eagerly await the arrival of spring, we can’t wait to see you all again – whether it’s at your property, the Flower Hut, or (fingers crossed) the farmers market. Here’s to a bloomin’ marvelous year ahead!

Garden Blessings,
Samantha, Vlasta, and the incredible team at Samantha’s Gardens

Plan For Your Spring Garden Projects Now

Feb 15, 2024 | Garden

Plan For Your Spring Garden Projects Now

Are You Looking To Make Changes To Your Landscape?

The Fall and Winter months might be cold, and your garden dull, but it’s the perfect season to plan for any landscape project you’ve been contemplating. Whether you’re looking to add some simple color to your garden, or even a complete remodel of your outdoor living space, our unique design services are aimed at fulfilling all your outdoor living needs by creating a space that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Once we’re finished with the last Fall cleanups, our efforts shift towards garden and landscape design. Our design specialists provide a wide selection of landscape design services including site design, master planning, planting plans, construction documents, and lighting design. Our team has the skills and expertise to conceptualize your vision, including all the details needed to make it happen.

If you’re looking to make any changes to your landscape, reaching out to us in the Fall months ensures your landscape project can be installed the following year! We build our backlog for design work and Spring installations during these months, so plan to schedule a design consultation at your earliest convenience. If you want to experience your home in a new way, with a beautifully designed landscape or garden, contact Samantha’s Gardens to learn more about our landscape design process.

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