A collector's paradise awaits you at River Hill Garden Center. We have expanded our gift and collectible area for an even bigger selection.

Fontanini...start a family tradition with these beautiful, hand-painted Nativity sets and figures.

For 2,000 years artists have celebrated the birth of Christ in song and story, stagecraft and sculpture. Fontanini Heirloom Nativities continue this creative expression with unique and beautiful polymer figures. St. Francis of Assisi staged a reenactment of the nativity story in 1223. His idea evolved into the home nativity scene beloved throughout the world. In Italy, artisans created nativity figures representing people from all walks of life worshipping the Christ Child. Fontanini follows this custom by offering villagers, shepherds, musicians, kings, animals...all the characters whose lives were touched in some way by The Greatest Story Ever Told. By placing the figures in a family nativity and hearing Story Cards read, youngsters learn and love the story of Christ's birth. They'll transmit that love to their own children one day.

River Hill Garden Center carries a wide assortment of nativity sets, individual figures, and accessories. Let us help you begin or add to a nativity set that will become more treasured year after year.

Christopher Radko...unique hand-blown glass ornaments crafted in Europe

Adversity was catalyst for Christopher Radko to become America's premier ornament designer. The Radko family Christmas tradition was centered around a 14' tall tree filled with glass ornaments from three generations. One year, the tree stand broke sending the tree crashing to the floor, shattering their cherished collection of ornaments. Christopher thought that replacements would be found at the local department stores but was dismayed to discover that while there was plenty to be had in wood, paper, or plastic, large and finely crafted glass ornaments were no longer being made.

The following spring, Christopher went to Europe with plans to replace his family's collection. He visited several glassblowers and found them willing to make ornaments, but they requested that Christopher provide the designs. Later they told Christopher how delighted they were to be reviving styles that had not been made since the days when their grandfathers were glassblowers.

When Christopher returned home he found that many of his friends wanted to buy his ornaments for their own collections or to give as gifts. Before long he had to make another trip to Europe, and this was the birth of Christopher Radko designer ornaments.

The carefully painted detail and unique designs distinguish Christopher's ornaments from those that are mass-produced. Following 19th century methods, each ornament is mouthblown, silvered, and individually hand painted. This process takes an entire week, and so each ornament is made in limited quantities. Over half of each year's selection are new designs, and many styles are retired, only to become quite valuable on the collector's market. Inspirations for Christopher's designs are drawn from many sources. Some are from his memory of family ornaments that date all the way back to 1890. Other ideas come from museums, historical and theatrical costumes, films, architectural and interior design, and fabrics.

Christopher has received much acclaim for his ornaments. His most distinguished recognition was the Holiday Season when his ornaments were selected to adorn the White House tree. Whether added to your collection or given as a gift, Christopher's ornaments are a sure way to revive the magic of Christmas past.

Vaillancort
Chalkware Santas and Father Christmas in limited editions. Crafted in Massachusetts.

Charming Tails
Whimsical creatures in magical seasonal poses.

Margaret Furlong
Unusual and intricate bisque ornaments from Oregon focusing on Angels.

Walnut Ridge
Ornate, handpainted ornaments and figures both traditional and whimsical.

Plus Eddie Walker figures, Pam Schifferl, and much more. Start a family tradition with special collectibles from River Hill Garden Center.

Looking for a specific collectible piece? Stop by River Hill Garden Center, or give us a call at 410-531-3303.

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