Where to Go in Houston ~ Christmas Plants and Decor ~ Photos at Cornelius

I'm not certain when the exact date of my first visit to Cornelius Nursery happened, but I do know that it made quite an impression. So much so...that when my parents came up from McAllen to Houston, Texas for a visit...that was a location which was on my list of places to show them.

At all times of the year their two locations that I occasionally visit are resplendant with seasonal plants and matching decor but during Christmas-time, these are places that should be on everyone's list of "where to go" and "things to do" in Houston.

It was during the Christmas season that I first showed my parents the store and location on Dairy Ashford...which happens to be the one nearest where we live...and their faces suddenly were lit up with smiles and amazement...much like a child staring at a glass counter filled with luscious choices of colorful penny candy and holding a small fistful of pennies that could be spent. Anyone remember penny candy? (Smile)

Cornelius Nursery becomes a wonderland during Christmas and just yesterday my husband and I went there to get inspirations for a fireplace mantle in our home. We exited the store with supplies with which to decorate our mantle and I also snapped many photos so that you readers can get a sense of how this glorious wonderland appears at this time of year.

Enjoy!

Holiday spirit

As we were wandering through the store glancing this way and that at all of the gingerbread men and houses, candy canes, Santa Clauses, snowmen ornaments, Christmas garlands, icicles and snowflakes, reindeer ornaments and all sorts of other glittering Christmas adornments while festive Christmas music was being played, several of the customers in the store spoke to us and said that they always liked going there at that time of year to get into the holiday spirit. They were wearing beaming smiles as were we.

Whether one goes just to get some decorating ideas or to see what the latest trends are in Christmas decor, visiting Cornelius Nursery at this particular time of year is definitely a mood elevator.

Christmas decorations

Whether one is looking for special Christmas decorations for one's own home or a special gift to give away...be prepared to see a wide array of seasonal items which can inspire ideas.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Whoever the employees are who get to decorate the artificial Christmas trees each year...they are experts with an eye to design and exhibit great flair in making each of the trees in the store worthy of inspection.

Naturally all of the ornaments and embellishments on each tree are also for sale in surrounding bins and baskets. There are numerous decorated artificial Christmas trees...both large and small...scattered throughout the store.

There is so much "eye candy" at Cornelius Nursery, particularly at Christmas-time, that with simply one visit one can hardly appreciate all that there is to see.

Little vignettes are displayed with various themes and every little nook and cranny of the store holds another treasure to be discovered.

Garden nursery

Naturally since Cornelius is primarily a garden nursery, the outdoors is also festooned with seasonal color at this time of year.

Whether one is interested in acquiring artificial Christmas trees, garlands or wreaths or the real items...the pine scent lightly permeates the entire area at this time of year adding to one's enjoyment and tantalizing all of one's senses.

The photos below show an area under cover adjacent to the store that was filled with poinsettias, artificial Christmas trees, artificial garlands and wreaths plus bins filled with other ornamentation's suitable for embellishing one's environment when relocating them to one's home.

The lighted garlands were strung up so that one could see how they looked. It was one of these garlands that we purchased for decorative purposes over our mantle. We then went back into the store to purchase the festive adornments that I plan to add to the garland to make it sparkle and shine and create something unique for our home.

Poinsettias

The inside covered area with some poinsettia plants gave way to a virtual sea of colorful poinsettia plants when we walked out into the open nursery area. It is outdoors but during the times of the year when occasional light frosts or freezes are predicted, a light protective fabric which allows light to come shining through the panels is strung up above on metal trellis-like supports. This covering also protects customers during times of rainy weather which we certainly badly need in Houston this year with the drought conditions that we have been experiencing far too often.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen plants of various colors were also on display and any purchase of these perennial plants benefited a featured charity this year which is particularly nice. We may have to go back and purchase some of these for our garden. The directions stated that they like shady or semi-shaded areas (of which we have plenty in our yard) and are cold hardy down to about 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

It does not often get colder than that here in Houston although we have had some episodes in the last few years where it actually snowed and got down lower than normal.

They were inexpensive enough that if for some reason they would freeze and not come back...just knowing that we enjoyed the plants for their seasonal color and that a charity was also helped is reason enough to purchase some this year.

Christmas Cactus

These Christmas cactus plants can be purchased at Cornelius nursery this time of year in tiny little pots or in larger ones. They had an assortment of colors.

Both of my grandmothers had well tended Christmas cactus plants that bloomed each and every year for them when they lived in Wisconsin. I remember the fuchsia colored ones that they cherished.

They can actually be planted outdoors in our climate although I have a friend who has some planted in a window-box that are frequently nibbled by some squirrels in her yard. I am not sure at the time of writing this hub who is winning the battle...my friend, or her resident squirrels.

I could have spent much more time at Cornelius taking photos of the real Christmas trees, the real wreaths being made up and for sale, amaryllis plants and all of the other different types of plants, pottery and various and sundry gardening supplies...but hopefully you now have some idea of why I deem Cornelius Nursery a place worth visiting at this Christmas season and at all times of the year.

Texas certified and master certified professionals are employed and ready to assist one with any and all gardening needs and desires. They even test one's soil if samples are brought to them in January and at no charge! A design team can help make custom decorations, make elaborate bows or assist one with advice when making one's own seasonal items such as I plan to do.

Calloways Nursery now owns the Cornelius locations as of 1999 but the name Cornelius remains the same. To learn more about the free gardening clinics held each Saturday, contests and more...check out their website.

Decorative hot pepper plants

Suffice it to say that Cornelius Nursery will always remain a favorite location to visit particularly at Christmas but also other times of the year as well. If seeking professional advice, this is a place to count upon receiving good advice. Their plants are top notch and while their pricing may not be the least expensive in town, at least you know that you are getting hardy plant stock.

After Christmas their Christmas decor which is discounted disappears fast. You might just find me there after Christmas this year scooping up some of the bargains for next year.

Hope that you enjoyed these photos from Cornelius. Is it now on your "where to go in Houston" list of places to visit during Christmas?

I'll leave you with a final photo of these beautiful decorative hot pepper plants which just added to the beautiful colors of this festive season at Cornelius Nursery.