December gardening: fresh cut christmas trees, etc

A Foster's Holly, doing its berry thing

Did you think I had forgotten you, whoever you are out there that reads landscape/ garden blogs in December? No, I haven't forgotten anyone. Our sister company, Midwest Custom Pools, is having a website migration/ facelift (not in looks, but in function). And THAT is what this landscape designer does in the off season!
To get a handle on all the areas we work on, during the seasons, check out our website.











I spend a few Saturdays a month talking on the radio to Jeremy, the Brit, about gardening things. When American football season ends, we go back to a regular Saturday schedule. Here is his site! Recently I talked about this stuff:

December 15, 2011 Saturday Radio time

Courtesy of Kansas City Wildlands

How to Keep Your Fresh Christmas Tree Alive

Two items to have: a fresh cut on the bottom (within the last ½ hour is best)

Hot, boiling water. 

When you buy your tree, most places offer to saw the tree bottom for you (this is its callous). ONLY DO THIS IF YOU WILL BE HOME within an hour!! It is important that water be taken up directly into the xylem and phloem of the tree (its veins and arteries) and it will callous over in an hour or less.These are sappy, sappy beasts, these trees. Really, the sap will just close up that fresh cut if you are not careful.

Upon getting home, immediately boil water and add it to the tree and bucket. Don’t dawdle and let it sit on your porch without water while you put up the stand, have lunch, etc. etc. etc. Keep hot to warm water in it for the first 24 hours. The extremists among us have been known to get up at 3 am and add hot water to the tree.  It really extends the life and beauty of your tree.  The tree will continue to take up lots of water in the first hour or three.

Never let it dry out. Make sure the water reservoir can hold a gallon of water.

How to keep your Christmas plants alive:

                Poinsettia- like warm, not drafty area. Less water than most- only when dry! Mist leaves to help with indoor lack of humidity. The bloom is actually just colored leaves- very hard to get to rebloom next year! They will require darkness and hibernation.

                Amaryllis- evenly moist, medium light. Bloom will last 6-8 weeks.

                Cyclamen- cool area (front door is good), dry and north facing window. Moist soil but deadhead.  Plant will go dormant in summer (so decrease watering). As new growth starts in fall, resume watering.