National Gardening Association
"When You Garden, You Grow"
In Search of the Perfect Pine
Even if visiting a tree farm isn't on your calendar this holiday season you can take steps to ensure that the tree you purchase at the lot is the freshest it can be. There's nothing worse than spending time and money looking for ... more »
Kolls Family Cookies
No Christmas is complete without cookies — lots and lots of cookies. My husband's family has been sharing these cookies through the generations. They are a thin, iced sugar cookie with a few secret ... more »
Decorating a Holiday Tree to the Nines
If you dream of displaying a designer Christmas tree this year, read on. There is a method to the madness of decorating a tree. It all comes down to having the right ingredients, the necessary amounts, and the right recipe ... more »
Gabby Gardeners
Question: What's the best way to treat or handle fresh picked holly for a display centerpiece? Does it have to be in water to stay fresh?
Rebecca says: Here are some tips to keep your holly and other greens fresh through the holidays:
- Use clean, sharp cutters to cut branches and immediately put cut ends into warm water until ready to use.
- Before bringing holly or greens indoors, immerse sprigs and cuttings in water overnight to rehydrate. Crush the ends of woody stems to allow the cuttings to take in more water.
- Hang foliage to dry. Then spray it with an anti-transpirant, such as Wilt-pruf, to help seal in moisture. Note: Do not use anti-transpirants on juniper berries, cedar, or blue spruce. The product can damage the wax coating that gives these plants their distinctive color.
- Keep wreaths, garlands, and arrangements in a cool location until ready to use.
- Keep greens away from heat and direct sun.
- If greens dry out, discard them and replace with fresh cuttings.
Question: How should I care for delicate plants I am storing in the garage for the winter?
Rebecca says: Storing tender plants in an attached garage or shed can be dicey, but here's what has worked for me, and I live in a cold climate. If plants are in pots, set them on top of a couple layers of cardboard. Wrap containers with a layer or two of bubble wrap, but leave the tops open. Place the containers as close to a house wall as possible. Keep an eye on them. If you see any new growth too early, it means the pot is too warm; remove some of the bubble wrap or move to an outside wall or an unheated shed or garage.