Showing posts with label real Christmas tree. Show all posts
Showing posts with label real Christmas tree. Show all posts

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Enlightened Scrooge

It is not possible to call off Christmas. On such years, when I would like to, I simply go through the motions and leave it at that.

This is NOT one of those years.

This is more of an enlightened Scrooge year ~ one where I simply cannot give enough and get enough out of this pretty season. That's partly because it snowed. Really snowed. There's nothing I love more than gettin' snowed in.

L & her boyfriend spent the entire day decorating The Big Ass Tree. I wanted a big one, to make amends for last year's tree fiasco, but this is what happens when you have no concept of height. That tree barely fit in the door!

Friends, family, clients, co-workers, even a certain spoiled rotten horse will be happy I got snowed in.

People say I hate to shop. They don't have a shred of evidence to support this theory, but that never seems to stop them from making all sorts of strange claims.

I love to shop! I hate... standing in line, begging some snotty clerk for help, wasting the day in stop and go traffic, driving all over hell to buy the perfect gift only to discover it's sold out...

Hand me a speedy internet connection and I'll have that to-do list done so fast it'll make your head spin! All that's left to do, now, is reassure Bad Dog.

He's nervous Santa might take issue with all of his crimes and misdemeanors. I have a feeling he's getting a toy or two... In fact, I think everybody might be getting a toy or two.

Even Benny.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Christmas Trees For Years To Come

The great debate continues... what's best for the environment?

Buy a fake tree? Buy a live tree?

Well, they're not exactly 'live' if they're leaning against a chain link fence in the Christmas tree lot at your local supermarket.


There is another option. Buy a real, live tree!

This afternoon, I tromped through the snow to pay a visit to our Christmas tree from 4 years ago. We bought it live and then transplanted it into the yard the following spring. This year, it's sporting a few twinkling lights.

If you opt for a truly live, potted evergreen keep it in the house for a maximum of ten days.

Set it outside, in the pot, in the shade, through the rest of the winter. (Water if there is no snow cover.)

Good Christmas trees to plant outdoors:

Norway Spruce is a popular cut Christmas tree but not so great in the garden. It drops its needles all year long.
  • Korean Fir (Abies koreana ) grows to approximately 40 ft, a perfect size for most yards. USDA zones 5-7.
  • Noble Fir (Abies procera) is a gorgeous silvery-blue tree with fragrant tips, though too tender for the mountains anywhere but the Pacific Northwest. USDA zones 7-10.
  • Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) has soft needles and strong boughs, ideal for heavy ornaments. USDA zones 4-7. Happiest in high altitudes.
Lucky residents of Oregon can now 'rent' a live tree. Click here for more.