Buds and Blooms: The Christmas tree

By Medicine Hat News on December 8, 2018.

For millions of homes worldwide the Christmas tree is a tradition that owes its popularity in part to a popular British queen. Back in the day so many ways of decorating from nuts, berries, apples, popcorn and then electricity brought about lights. Making the Christmas tree glow in clear or multi coloured lights for days on end then became the American way or tradition.

Canada was first introduced to the Christmas tree in 1781 in Sorel, Que. by a German immigrant, Baron Friederick. The Baron’s first tree was a balsam fir cut from the dense forest of Quebec and was decorated with myriad white candles. The Christmas tradition that is celebrated today in Canada has borrowed many customs from many lands but families that have come from all over the world have adopted the Christmas tree as a symbol and centrepiece of the festive season, as it has for centuries. The evergreen still symbolizes our belief in renewed life and the hope and faith that lives in all mankind, regardless of race or creed.

For Christmas most of us think of real trees, whether we’re craving the traditional experience or simply want to enjoy the smell of pine in the air, and the whole family likes to participate in finding just the right one and the real ones are a little less expensive than the artificial. When selecting a real tree consider some of these questions — what size and height, what variety (fir, pine or balsam). Since the life span is not that long, choose a tree that looks healthy and vibrant and not losing tons of needles. All needles should be well hydrated and crisp. When you get the tree home the first thing you want to do is make the first cut on the trunk if the cut wasn’t made at the time of purchase. The tree will drink as much as four litres a day, depending on the size and type. The stand should fit around the entire width of the trunk. So keep the tree well watered and enjoy the aroma of a fresh tree.

When placing your tree in the house it should be away from heat vents, fireplaces and any heaters for safety and to prevent drying of the needles. Oh and don’t forget to dispose at certain locations for recycling after the holiday season. Real Christmas trees are completely bio-degradable and will eventually break down and return nutrients to the soil. You could also use the tree as a bird feeder, for firewood or even the trunk as decoration in the yard or a winter pot.

Have a Merry Christmas. Be safe and enjoy the holiday season.

Joyce Swaren is the owner and head horticulturalist at Blondie’s Gift and Garden