Things are about to get a lot greener at Robinson’s Home & Garden in Sewickley.

The live Christmas trees and wreaths were expected to arrive at the shop on Nov. 23, just in time for the holiday rush, which officially begins the day after Thanksgiving.

“Our busiest times are spring and the holidays,” said Joyce Robinson of Franklin Park, who co-owns the business with her husband, Kenneth Robinson and three of their four sons Richard, Steve and Bryan and his wife, Susie Robinson.

Kenneth Robinson has worked at the shop since 1962. He was recommended for doing such a good job by an owner of one of the estates in the area, Joyce Robinson said.

The shop has been in business since 1902. It began as a feed store before becoming Sickeler Hardware. The barn where they stored some of the feed is still on site.

The Robinson family purchased it in April 1989.

“We’ve tried to keep the business going,” said Joyce Robinson. “We’ve been fortunate to have loyal employees over the years, and the customers are fantastic. Sewickley is such a great town.”

Lynn Sopp of Leet said Robinson’s Home & Garden is a part of all the wonderful family-owned local businesses in Sewickley.

“It is wonderful having a lawn and garden store in the village,” said Sopp, a member of the Village Garden Club of Sewickley. “Their customer service is excellent and they are always willing to help the community.”

When you enter the store, there are shelves and shelves full of home and garden supplies from shovels and rakes to bulbs for planting. They have adhesives and sealant and painting and plumbing supplies.

The second floor, known as The Basket Shop because it at one time had a lot of wicker baskets, is in the process of transforming from fall merchandise to holiday. Susie Robinson, who does the ordering, was unpacking some of the ornaments and other decorations.

“We try to buy things people can’t find at other stores in the area, unusual pieces,” she said. “We look for new things every year.”

This year many of the items light up and some can be set on a timer. There are Santa Claus and winter scenes that illuminate and snow globes that sparkle.

There are stocking stuffer items and plenty of shiny red ribbon in the store — Susie Robinson fashions it into big bows for wreaths and other holiday decorating ideas.

A company from Carlisle, Pa., Meadowbrooke Gourds, makes Santa Claus figurines with a place to put a tea light. ESC and Co. makes holiday collectibles and RAZ Imports fun ornaments.

Look for the fencing along the outside of the shop to be lined with trees. Richard Robinson said customers are already calling to get on a list for a Christmas tree.

For every tree purchased, the customer will receive a pre-selected ornament at no charge.

“It is great to be part of family business,” Richard Robinson said. “You really get to know the customers. We know many of them by name.”

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