This is the time of year when families begin to look for that perfect Christmas tree.
Look for a tree with a healthy green appearance.
Run your hand along the branches to see whether the needles are fresh and flexible. They should not come off in your hand.
Bump the trunk of the tree on the ground. If tree needles fall off, the tree is not fresh. You can expect a few brown needles to fall off, not a lot
Make sure the base of the trunk is straight and 6 to 8 inches long so it can fit into a tree stand.
If you see splits in the trunk, the tree may have dried out previously.
Locally grown trees are usually fresher and less expensive than trees that have been shipped from a distance.
If your tree is going to be kept outside several days before it goes into the house, place it out of direct sunlight and wind to keep it from drying out. If the base of the tree has been cut within the last four to six hours, it will not need to be re-cut; if longer, the base should be re-cut so the tree can absorb water.
Cut straight across the trunk (not at an angle), and remove an inch or more from the bottom. A cut tree will absorb a lot of water, particularly during the first week. It can use 4 to 6 quarts of water per day. It can last the entire holiday season if it is fresh when purchased and given proper care.
Decorating with plants
Potted plants make great holiday decorations. In addition to the traditional poinsettia, most garden centers and nurseries carry cyclamen, kalanchoes, Christmas cactus and other colorful plants for the holidays.
When buying these plants, check the foliage and flowers carefully for signs of insects, such as mealy bugs and whiteflies. The plant should have healthy, lush green foliage and exhibit no signs of wilting or droopiness. Wrap the plant well in newspaper or a brown paper bag for transport home to prevent injury from the cold.
Once home, lighting is the most limiting factor. Choose and arrange plants according to light requirements. The brightest light is direct sunlight through a window on the south or southwest side of the house. Plants will grow toward the light, so it is important that they be rotated once a week to prevent them from becoming lopsided.
Plants should be kept out of drafts. To keep plants more attractive, remove faded blooms so they produce more flowering bulbs.
Most houseplant problems arise from overwatering. Plants grow best if the soil is moist, without excessive water.
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