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

Rhubarb has been a staple on many farms for generations. There was a time when all farms had a large plot designated just for this crop. As farms have died down and the garden plots have disappeared, rhubarb is harder to buy.
photo credit: ilovemypit

Rhubarb has many uses, both as an edible fruit and herbal uses. The root can even be used to naturally lighten your hair and cover gray. It also looks nice in perennial gardens offering lush green leaves and bright red stems.

I put in a rhubarb patch around eight years ago. If you prepare your patch properly rhubarb is easy to grow.

Rhubarb needs fertile soil that will drain well. I prepared my patch by adding compost and some sand (I have rocky and clay in my soil).  I dug the soil about 10 inches deep and added the compost. I later added sand. After planting rhubarb crowns that had been given to me I watered them well and ignored the patch. To keep the weeds down I applied a thick layer of straw. This patch has supplied a steady source of rhubarb for friends and family.

Rhubarb does better if it is divided every four or five years. I divided my patch three years ago and doubled my plants easily. This year I again divided the plants and gave many plants away to friends. You divide the roots of the plants and set back in the ground with the rhubarb crown even with the soil. Fall is the best time to divide the plants.

Rhubarb is a cool weather plant so its does well if you plant is near a side of a building for shade in the warmer months. Also, if you keep it picked and do not allow a seed head to grow you can harvest rhubarb all summer long.
photo credit: dconlon

Rhubarb and be canned or frozen. If you’re not familiar with rhubarb you use the stem. The leaves can be toxic. Rhubarb can be canned or frozen. It makes great cobbler or jam. Cooked rhubarb that has been cooled is  one of our favorite treats on those  warm  fall nights.

Technorati Tags: country living, gardening tips