Pine Acres Trees & Herbs looks nice under a sprinkling of snow, and if you're lucky, you may have an opportunity to see it like this on your visit.

Richard and Dorothy Shiley with some Christmas decorations.

Richard and Dorothy Shiley are gearing up for their second major business surge of the year at their place between Homer and Sidney. Pine Acres Trees & Herbs features a garden, antique, craft, herb and Christmas tree shop in their 110-year-old, remodeled, air conditioned barn. The shop will soon echo with the happy sounds of families looking for "that perfect tree" for the holiday season.

While the Shileys are getting ready for the Christmas tree harvest right now, they're also stocking their shop, which is home to many antique and craft items that might make the ideal gift for someone. The tree lot will be open for cutters from November 27 through Christmas Eve day. "I hope our friends will come out, cut a tree, and enjoy a hot beverage and some popcorn," Richard says.

"We're making gift baskets, wreaths, swags, table arrangements and Christmas decorations for sale, and we also make them to order," Dorothy adds.

While Christmas is the major focus right now, Richard notes that spring and summer are busy times at their place, and that plans are already underway for next spring. They know that new life will return after the cold and often dreary winter months.

"We will have all kinds of plants available, including a good selection of herbs, perennials and annuals. And we'll have a nice garden for customers to browse in and to get ideas from," Richard says.

Dorothy notes that she has several workshops and classes scheduled for those who want to improve their gardening skills or who want to learn to make their own craft items—or both.

"Our spring workshops will begin in March, 1999," Dorothy says, "including building a raffia bunny, preparing your garden for spring, propagating plants and other gardening processes.

"We will also teach classes on making your own herbal bath products such as bath salts, soaps, lotions, and sweet pillows using a variety of fragrant herbs."

She notes that the classes and workshops mentioned above are just a few of the many she has planned. She also offers classes for groups who are looking for a special kind of activity, and she is available to prepare small luncheons or teas, to present lectures and demonstrations, or to conduct workshops for a variety of groups including scouts, youth groups or 4-H clubs.

The Shileys remark that their season will end December 31, however they will be open by appointment only during the months of January and February. You can contact the Shileys at Pine Acres Trees & Herbs, 1157 County Road 2300 E. Sidney, IL 61877. Their phone number is (217) 688-2207.

DECEMBER 1998 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING 15