We recently switched to an artificial tree. It’s not my first preference but family matters make it more practical. Many people buy trees for the holidays and in my opinion that’s fine but there are many ways to think green and make use of the trees afterwards. Recycling your tree is one way. 
photo credit: Svadilfari

Ways to use The Christmas Tree after the Holidays are over

• If you have a big yard put the tree out and add bird food to it for the birds to find shelter from the cold winds and extra food in severe weather. Small animals will also find comfort under its branches.
• Cut the branches off and let the needle drop off. This will make nice ground cover or compost (high in acid) that can be used in certain areas. I use needle compost under trees and in my one rock garden.
• You can have the tree ground up for mulch or turn it into an organization that does it for you. Many local conservation groups will pick up trees or have drop off areas. The mulch will be used for trails and conservation uses.
• You can also buy a small rooted pine tree and use as your christmas tree. Later plant it in the spring. I have one friend who has done this for years and its fun to walk among the trees and hear the stories of Christmas and memories of the holiday that have been captured by a living tree.

Real pine trees just remind me of my childhood and going out on those days to pick out the perfect tree. We would bring it home, trim out any bad places, set it up and the decorating party would begin. Memories….. the best part of the holidays.

Whether you have a real tree or a boxed tree, happy holidays! Denise

Technorati Tags: Creative Organic Gardening, gardening tips

The smell of fresh pine seems to bring back memories of past Christmases and holiday cheer but there is a lot of concern over growing pines for seasonal use. Unfortunately artificial trees are also easier to use, particularly in town. But Fresh pine seems to add to a holiday and by making a natural pine wreath you can enjoy the season and go green by saving a tree.
photo credit: G & A Sattler

How to make a natural Pine Wreath

I decided to make a pine wreath this year and just went out and trimmed off some branches from my pine trees that probably needed pruned anyways. I chose, Norway pine, Blue Spruce, White pine and another pine I am not sure of the name. By selecting several different kinds of pine I add texture and color changes to the wreath.

If you do not have your own trees, a neighbor may need his trees pruned (ask first!) or go to a place that is selling trees. They trim them and have piles of pine branches they will toss away.

I have saved some old wire clothes hangers and just bent one into a circle and left the top hook so that it could be hung on the wall or a door.

I gather the different pine into small groups, about 8 pieces in each group and secure with wire. Then this group is wired onto the wire frame. It took me about 32 groups to cover the wire frame. I packed them in closely so the wreath is full. This took me about 25 minutes to do.

For final touches I have pine cones in the back yard, which I will dry in the oven (to dry and make sure there are no bugs in the cones) then tie onto the wreath. I will also add a red bow and possible a few Christmas ornaments and its done!

After the holiday season is done I plan on cleaning the wreath off of any ornaments and bows and tying the wreath outdoors. I will add homemade seed feeders to the wreath and let the birds enjoy a new place to rest and eat.

In the spring the pine needles will be added to my ground cover pile and my wreath will have served several purposes without hurting the environment.

Happy Holidays to all! Denise

Technorati Tags: garden crafting