December - Holiday Decorating with your Green Thumb!

Ho! Ho! Ho! ‘Tis the season to work green thumb magic on seasonal decorating, so here's how to give your home a fresh, lively feel throughout the holidays.

Poinsettia Pointers

In terms of care, today's poinsettias require very little to keep them healthy and vibrant through the holidays. About all you really have to do is keep them away from heat ducts and water twice a week (Give each poinsettia a good soaking by placing the pot – without the wrap – in your sink then filling and draining three times with lukewarm water). You 'll also want to move your plants in front of a south-facing window or sliding glass door in the mornings because good light exposure helps poinsettias retain their color longer. Otherwise some of the lower leaves may fall off due a lack of light, but that's really no big deal. More Poinsettia Selection & Care Tips

Caring for Your Fresh-cut Tree

One of the most frequently asked questions we get every year during the holidays is, “How do I keep my fresh-cut tree looking fresh?” Well, there are a few simple things you can do:

• If you aren't putting the tree up right away, store it in an unheated garage or some other area out of the wind and cold (freezing) temperatures. Cut 1" off of the base and put the tree in a bucket of warm water.
• When you bring the tree indoors, cut ½-1" off of the base of the trunk and place in a tree stand that holds at least one gallon of water.
• Do not place the tree near a fireplace, heater vents, TV or other heat sources.
• Always keep your tree well supplied with water. Check the water level in the stand several times each day as trees may use several quarts of water a day. Never let the water level fall below the base of the tree. If this occurs, the cut-end of your tree can seal over, preventing further water uptake. The tree must then be taken down and a fresh cut made to allow water uptake.
• Adding aspirin, soda water, bleach, sugar or commercially prepared mixes to the water isn't necessary. Research has shown plain water will keep a tree fresh.
• Check all Christmas tree lights for worn electrical cords. Use UL approved electrical decorations and cords. Unplug tree lights before you go to bed.
• Miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree.
• It's a nuisance to water a Christmas tree once it's decorated with a tree skirt and surrounded by presents. Here's an easy solution: Buy a funnel and a 3-4' length of vinyl tubing to slip over the funnel outlet. Fasten the funnel/tube with a twist-tie or twine in an out-of-the-way but reachable part of the tree. Extend the tubing down the tree trunk and into the tree stand reservoir. Now you can water the tree through the funnel without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt and ornaments.
• Recycle your tree after Christmas. Many communities will pick up trees and turn them into chips. Consider putting the tree in your backyard as a winter feeding station for birds… just place bread and suet among the branches!

That wonderful scent…

Imagine entering your home and enjoying that unmistakable fragrance of fresh cedar. What a great reason to decorate with live greenery during the holiday! It's easy, it's fun, and you'll find an abundance of glorious garlands and wreaths at your Fred Meyer Garden Center. Add several poinsettias and you'll have a splash of color that will last well beyond the season.

So start decking your halls today and have a very merry holiday season!