The Christmas Trees Are In/ Important Facts

The Christmas trees we received this year are beautiful. In my opinion, they're the best we've received so far. I can tell just by the customer reaction.... they're buying the first tree we open and saying "that's the one." It gives me great delight.

This year I took a leap and decided to head south to visit the North Carolina Christmas tree growers. The supplier I ultimately chose has won prestigious awards in the industry and has provided many trees to the White House. What ultimately impressed me, however, was seeing how incredibly organized their operation was and how knowledgeable they were.

I took another leap and decided to order all Fraser Fir Christmas trees. They are the best in terms of fragrance, shape, long-lasting, and dependability. Their needles are two tone: blue and green that sparkle when lighted. They have that perfect pyramidal shape that says Christmas.

Fraser Firs are indigenous to the Appalachian Mountain Region, which is further reason to have a Fraser. The are grown locally which is good for freshness and our local economy. It also seems to me that having a Christmas tree from your local region is more traditional and fitting then say a non-native or worse, one produced artificially in foreign countries.

Also, I am happy to announce that:

1. Christmas trees are a renewable and recyclable resource
2. For every Christmas Tree harvested, up to 3 seedlings are planted in its place the following spring
3. There are about 500,000 acres in production for growing Christmas trees in the U.S., each acre provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people
4. There are about 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the U.S. and over 100,000 people employed in the industry
5. It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of average retails sale height (6-7 feet).

For the next couple of weeks I will continue to write about Christmas trees. Stay tuned for information about Christmas tree care, selecting, historical facts, and holiday safety.

For my final tip... Fraser Firs are so stunning they really don't need much effort or ornamentation. One year I picked out a medium sized Fraser Fir about 7-8 feet. The relationship from tree top to ceiling was perfect, leaving about 4 feet in between. I wrapped the tree full with white lights and capped it with a large bow. For the tree skirt and to cover the stand, I used a piece of rich Burgundy velvet (found at Columbia Rd. fabric house).

That year, from my front bay window, I remember my tree just sparkled .

Fall Clearance Sale

Plant now, save, and then reward yourself with a beautiful garden in the Spring.

Now uisntil November 19th almost everything --perennials, shrubs, tools, and fertilizers--are on sale 40, 50, and 60% off.

Two excellent reasons to garden now:
(1) Fall plantings put your perennials on their own natural "rhythm" and provide a head start for the Spring.

(2) You can fill up the garden inexpensively with perennials and shrubs that will return year after year. Evergreens provide year-round interest and cover up those bare spots in the winter garden.

Don't forget Spring flowering bulbs. At the sale price of $3.95 for 10 you can make a huge impact for a small investment that returns year after year. I planted 50 daffodil bulbs just in my tree box and 30 allium bulbs in the front garden. Because I planted in large numbers, using one variety per section, the display was fantastic, literally stopping traffic. It was my pride and joy.

Now I'm waiting for the next long slow rain that hits us, because then I will fertilize my garden. I fertilize once in Spring and once in Fall, using half as much in the Fall. Fertilizers are 50% off now at the shop, fertilizing instructions are on the package. ...and why do I wait for the rain? Just like the "feel" to it. I like to think that the fertilizer slowly steeps into the ground giving my plants that last extra nourishing punch.

Finally, to do a good job, have the right equipment. You'll enjoy your gardening experience that much more. All tools 40% off.