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December 6, 2000

Traditions - Old and New
Every Christmas we venture out as a family to find the perfect tree.  This year the tradition continued as we loaded everyone into the minivan and headed for The Sweet Onion.  Perfect has different definitions in our house because everyone has their own idea of what "the tree" should look like.  Of course Noah (4) and Jake (2 1/2) really don't care what the tree looks like.  All they know is that once the tree is picked out we get to go home, decorate it and set up the Christmas train.  Still easy to please at their age.  Now Morgan (9) on the other hand certainly has her own eye for finding the "perfect tree".  She has certain specifications that the tree must meet.  It should be fairly tall and somewhat round but not too fat.  She always has an opinion but I must say that once the three of us have looked at a few trees we always seem to know which one will be ours.  This year's chosen tree is quite beautiful.  It is about 7ft. tall and is perfectly shaped.  By far one of the nicer trees to ever grace the Marsh household.  Another year goes by with the tradition of "The Choosing of the Tree".

Christmas traditions are great as we know them.  Take time this holiday season to establish a holiday tradition for people who are less fortunate.  Adopt a family or child, volunteer at a homeless shelter and give of your time to help those in need.  After all, there are too many people in this world who will never get to experience the type of holiday traditions that you and I celebrate. 

The drought continues so don't forget to water when it is warm enough to do so.  Everything is quite dry so be sure to give the grass, bulbs and shrubs a really good soaking.

~ Shelly  

Minding The Mums...
As soon as chrysanthemums are through flowering remove the stalks to within a few inches of the ground.  This will help root development and make plants send out vigorous sprouts in the spring.  Some may be lifted and heeled into the cold frame.  Plants for potting can be propagated from the side sprouts that will develop next May.  Dispose of stems, branches and all dropped and dried leaves.

Good Winter Reading...
As we surge headlong into winter you might want to start ordering seed and plant catalogues.  They will then arrive in time for lots of wintertime planning and daydreaming.  We've listed some of our favorite catalogs, complete with links, on our website.  Check it out here...

Worm Wisdom...
If earthworms have been important residents in your garden beds make sure you give them the right winter protection.  Basically it's important to know that they must remain below the frost line in order to survive.  Simple mulching is part of the solution but you can actually direct your earthworms to specific action by the amount of mulch you use.  If you want earthworms to help break down organic matter in the upper soil layers, mulch deeply.  If you need the subsoil aerated, leave the surface mulch thin; the worms will burrow downward to stay warm.  How's that for savvy?

Christmas Tree Care...
As you already know, Kevin, the kids, and I picked up a beautiful Frasier Fir from sponsor The Sweet Onion last weekend.  We love Frasier's for their short, but soft needles and their wonderful shape.  Everyone has a favorite tree but regardless it's important to take care of it once it's home for beauty and safety reasons alike.

Your tree should have a fresh cut across the bottom, about 1 inch above the old base.  This removes any clogged wood that may not readily absorb water.  Next, it  should be placed in a stand with a large reservoir of water.  Depending upon the size, species, and location of the tree, it may absorb a gallon of water in the first day, so it should be checked frequently and re-watered as necessary.  Although some people advocate placing various substances in the water to preserve freshness, we recommend that you just keep the tree well-watered with regular tap water.

It is important that the tree always be kept watered and not allowed to dry out.  If the tree does become dried out, it may not be able to adequately absorb moisture once it is re-watered, and it will shed its needles prematurely.  A good rule of thumb is to treat a green Christmas tree just like a fresh bouquet of cut flowers. 

Your Christmas tree should be located in a safe place, preferably near a wall or corner where it is not likely to be knocked over.  Keeping the tree away from heat sources such as hot air ducts, wood stoves, fireplaces, etc., will help to preserve freshness and lessen fire danger.  Similarly, light cords and connections used in decorating the tree should be in good working condition.  Lights should always be turned off at bedtime or when leaving for an extended period of time. 

Fresh, well-watered Christmas trees do not represent a fire hazard.  Trees that are dried out, however, do.  The best fire retardant is to keep the tree supplied with plenty of water.

Source

Branches For Boxes...
If your empty window boxes are begging for some winter substance try filling them creatively with evergreen branches inserted into the soil.  If the soil is already frozen soften it with warm water first.  You will find that balsam fir branches will hold their blue-green needles until spring.  For added color try bittersweet, holly berries, and strawflowers.

Winter Wisdom...
The "Hotline" is officially closed for the season.  But don't fret!  As promised our friends at K-State Johnson County Extension and Research are now bringing us a new column to help us through the winter.

Have you noticed all those leaves still on the trees?  Find out why they're still there in this week's Winter Wisdom...

Put Aside Those Pesticides...
This is a good time to remember that pesticides are dangerous poisons and must be stored properly for the winter months.  Store them in a frost-free location away from food and out of the reach of children.  If a pesticide is in a paper container, put the whole package in a plastic container and seal it well.  Be sure that all bottles and cans are tightly sealed and well labeled. 

Store liquid pesticides where temperatures will not fall below 40F.  Too low a temperature may result in a breakdown of the chemical.  Also, if the liquid should freeze, there is the danger of the glass container breaking and scattering the chemical in the storage area.

Finally...
"From December to March, there are for many of us three gardens - 
the garden outdoors, 
the garden of pots and bowls in the house, 
and the garden of the mind's eye."

~ Katherine S. White, American garden writer, 1892-1977 

 

 

 

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