Holidays

holly, mistletoe, pinecones, and greenery

Holly, mistletoe, and holiday traditions

Over the Garden Fence
During the holidays, there are a few plants that seem ubiquitous, even if only during the month of December. But have you ever wondered why we “deck the halls with boughs of holly” or kiss under the mistletoe? Holly Holly (Ilex sp.) is a group of almost 500 species of both deciduous and...
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Christmas tree traditions and care practices

Part of holiday tree history Decorating evergreen trees at Christmas is an old German custom that originated in the region along the upper Rhine River. The Christmas tree was first brought to America by Hessian troops during the Revolutionary War and, another early account tells of American...
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Many ways to recycle the Christmas tree

I know you are already thinking, “Why is he talking about what to do with the holiday tree while presents are still under it?” Well, I may be rushing the calendar a bit, yet having an expectation of how best to recycle the tree makes the follow-through easier. Right now, taking care of the tree...
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red roses

Help your Valentine’s Flowers Last Longer

Whether you receive or give a gift of cut flowers, it is nice to know how to make them last. A few simple steps will keep your Valentine’s Day blooms fresher, longer. Clean Start Pick your vase based on the size of the bouquet and be sure to remove any debris from previous...
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