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

Selecting and Caring for Your Fresh-Cut Tree

• When selecting a tree, make sure the bottom trunk area is long enough to allow it to fit into your tree stand. Otherwise, it will be necessary to remove large branches near the base, which could ruin the tree's appearance.
• 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 water.
• When you bring the tree indoors, cut ½-1" off of the base of the trunk. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree. Don't get the cut surface dirty.

And there's more! Click into 11 Tips for Selecting and Caring for a Fresh-Cut Tree.

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!