LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Chris Olsen from Botanica Gardens always has great advice on home and gardening projects.
This time he's getting you ready for Christmas with tips on how to keep your evergreen fresh and some alternatives to poinsettias.
First Segment: Keeping Your Cut Evergreens Fresh
Some people, like Chris, have switched from live cut evergreen garland, wreaths, and even Christmas trees to silk substitutes. Chris says he has no choice since he starts decorating his home the first week in November, but if you are among those die hard that just have to have fresh scented evergreen decorations, then here are a few tips to make them look fresh and alive up to Christmas.
First, place your greenery in areas that do not get direct sunlight. Also, always keep away your greenery from heat vents and try to use LED lights that are cooler in temp. so your greenery does not dry out so fast. Mist with water once or twice a day if possible and keep your tree pan full of water at all times. Go ahead and use a preservative that you can add to the water. You can find this product usually where you have purchased your Christmas tree. Over a fireplace try to wait about 1 week before Christmas to decorate. Finally, if your greenery starts to look rather dry, just add some fresh greenery sprays to your display. Most places that sell trees will have extra cut limbs that you can add to garland and wreaths to keep them fresh and plumb.
Second Segment: Alternatives to Poinsettias
If you are worried about having poinsettias around your pets, etc. but want that Christmas color, then use some other alternatives. Chris likes to use blooming bulbs like the Amaryllis, Paper Whites, and other varieties in white. Try to grow the Kalanchoe, florist Azalea, and even a Lemon Cypress tree. For something different, try the white Lenten Rose.
Check out the videos for step-by-step instructions! And you can always visit Chris at Botanica Gardens, located at 1601 Rebsamen Park Road, for help on any gardening projects.