News Release
For Immediate Release —December 4, 2008
University of Tennessee research horticulturist Jason Reeves annually creates natural greenery displays such as this wreath for the UT AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson. Photo by
J. Reeves.
Keep it 'Real' for the Holidays
Christmas time means time to decorate. There’s just something about the holiday season that brings out the artist in many people, and it seems more folks are opting to return to the fresh look of a real Christmas tree and greenery to brighten their homes.
If the natural Christmas look is what you’re longing for, here are some tips from University of Tennessee research horticulturist Jason Reeves on how to make your displays of live greenery last longer:
* When purchasing a fresh cut tree, the first few days are critical. Once you get home with your tree, cut two inches off the trunk. Get the tree into water right away. For the first few days it will need a lot of water, so make sure some is always available. If the tree ever runs out of water, the base will seal, and the tree will no longer be able to absorb water. If this happens, you’ll have to re-cut the trunk. Just imagine trying to do this once the tree is trimmed with lights and ornaments!
* Water is also essential to any live greenery. Soaking greenery in water overnight will help to hydrate it, making your display last longer. When decorating with pine and juniper indoors, protect your floors and furniture from the greenery’s sap. Live outdoor decorations may need to be refreshed if they are exposed to lots of sunlight and wind. This can be done by adding fresh greenery or even by touching it up with silver or gold spray paint or even spray snow.
* Of course you can’t talk about Christmas plants without mentioning the poinsettia. One common misconception about poinsettias is that the colorful portion is the flower. The colorful parts are actually modified leaves called bracts. The yellow flowers are pea sized and are found in the center of the red bracts. When you purchase a poinsettia, you want to be sure that the flowers, the yellow center, are tightly closed. The plant will last longer if the flowers haven’t opened. When taking the poinsettia home you want to keep it out of cool air as much as possible. The cold air can cause leaves to drop. Once it’s home, bright light near a window away from drafts is best. Keep it evenly moist but not overly wet. And contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous.
So, with these tips and a little thought and effort, you can keep your home looking festive throughout the holidays.
Jason Reeves is an Ornamental Horticulture Research Associate with the UT AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson, Tennessee. He creates the various seasonal horticultural displays, conducts research on herbaceous and woody ornamentals, and supports various educational programs. The UT Gardens in Knoxville and Jackson are both open to the public. See http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/ and http://westtennessee.tennessee.edu/ornamentals/ for more information.
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Contact: Ginger Trice, UT Institute of Agriculture Marketing and Communications, 731-425-4768