Choosing a Tree:

Living trees are becoming more popular each year. Many people don't like the idea of either a cut tree or an artificial tree. A living tree that can be planted after the holidays is a great choice for many people.

When choosing a living tree, be sure to choose one that will grow well for you. Keep in mind your own soil conditions and the area where you will be planting the tree. Ask us and we'll help you find one that will thrive for you!

Caring for a Live Tree:

Move the tree inside gradually to acclimate it to the warmer indoor air. While it is acclimating, spray it with an anti-dessicant spray to help slow water loss.

Water it often enough (indoors or out) to keep the roots moist but not soggy — root-rot will harm a tree as much as letting it get dried out. Try using ice cubes when your tree needs water; they melt slowly and you will reduce the chance of having a carpet soiled because of water overflow, as well as helping to keep the roots cool.

Before putting the tree inside, brush it off to get rid of any dead needles and dirt.

Place the tree, if potted, on a saucer or put it in a galvanized bucket or other container to keep water from getting on the floor.

Try to display the tree in a cooler part of a room, away from heat and dryness sources such as direct sunlight or vents.

A living tree should not be kept inside much longer than a week, so try to watch your timing. While it is inside it will probably need a bit more water, so check it regularly.

When you move it back outside, re-acclimate it to the outdoors by repeating the entry acclimation in reverse.

By this time of year, many people are running out of gift ideas. Well, if you have a gardener (or a potential gardener) among your friends and family, we have a few ideas for you!

For already enthusiastic gardeners:

You can always buy a plant for your gardener. But that's too easy — let's be a little more creative.

If you know a fellow gardener who would like food plants but just can't resist those beautiful flowers and decorative plants, plan a decorative food garden for them! Many vegetables and herbs have lovely flowers or foliage. Ornamental kale, for instance, is often grown simply as an ornamental but it is both pretty and nutritious. Many herbs have not only pretty flowers but also edible flowers! Plan and design the garden, give the seeds (or plants if your gardener is in an area of the country where winter planting is just starting) and add some little personal extras.

Some herbs grow well inside, too; you might also consider designing a decorative herb planter for the kitchen. Pretty, and nicely fragrant as well!

A gardening book can rarely go wrong. You might want to buy them something about some aspect of gardening that they haven't tried yet. Do they have limited space? Perhaps a book on bonsai would be the thing.

For the potential gardener:

Small children like an excuse to get dirty. Get them a small planter and some seedlings and let them 'grow their own' garden. Outside, if you can, but don't rule out an indoor planter. But do be cautious about an indoor planter unless you are the parent or the parent is also an enthusiastic gardener. It's the gardening equivalent of giving a set of drums.