Allan Gardens at Christmas

Location: Allan Gardens Conservatory
Date photo taken: 19 December 2012

Every December, the Conservatory at Allan Gardens hosts a Christmas Flower Show. Thousands of flowering plants, including over 30 varieties of poinsettia, are added to the already beautiful permanent collection of plants in these historic greenhouses. The Conservatory is free to enter, and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. During the Christmas Flower Show, which runs until January 7, there are several evenings when hours are extended until 7 pm and the scene is enhanced by candlelight.

Giant Reindeer

Location: Outside Sears, Toronto Eaton Centre
Date photo taken: 22 November 2012

Giant reindeer have once again found their way in to the Toronto Eaton Centre. There are six of these aluminum critters throughout the mall, and standing at 6 and 8 metres tall and lit with LED lights, they make an impression. Designed by the UK-based company Fuzz Wire, they were first introduced last year and they generated lots of positive feedback for the Centre. Unlike this year's tree, which is receiving mixed reviews at best. If you hate the modern pink installation, blame the reindeer. According to the senior marketing director for the Toronto Eaton Centre, the reindeer were so well received last year that they wanted the tree to visually integrate with them.

Number 9 Audio Mural

Location: West facing wall, 222 Gerrard St. E.
Date photo taken: 25 October 2012
Image 2 in the Mural Series

Since 2004 this building has been the home of Number 9 recording studios. When in 2008 the Cabbagetown BIA offered a mural to a local business and they declined, Number 9 stepped in and offered up the side of their building. Owner George Rondina worked with the artist, Ryan Dineen, to design the mural. Obviously he wanted the theme to reflect his business, but the trumpet was included for more personal reasons – it was the instrument his father always wanted to learn to play.

As a side note, Number 9 Audio Group is releasing a Christmas CD with proceeds going to support the Children’s Wish Foundation. If you need a few fresh new songs for your seasonal collection, check it out.