Friday, December 29, 2023

Christmas Tree Recycling 2024 by Vicky Spelman


Many municipalities across Colorado have free tree recycling or composting programs for holiday pines that have served their festive purpose.

What happens to the trees? In most cases, the trees are chipped and made into a mulch which is usually made available free to city or county residents. 

Trees must be stripped of all ornaments, hardware, strings of lights and tinsel.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Tips for Care of Cut Christmas Trees by Vicky Spelman

Christmas Tree Farm Photo credit: Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program

Is your Christmas tree up? Did you get a fresh one?  Whether you cut your own tree or bought a pre-cut tree, here are some tips to make the most of your fresh tree. 

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Ready to plant an Amaryllis bulb for the Holidays? by Vicky Spelman

Courtesy: University of Minnesota Extension

Have you tried growing an amaryllis bulb for the Holidays?  Whether it’s your first bulb or your tenth, there is always lots of anticipation waiting for the beefy bulb to produce a flower - easy and fun to do.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Forcing Paperwhites to Bloom by Vicky Spelman

Photo:  FreeImages

 Blooming houseplants are the best during the Winter months!  Gardeners and bulb lovers like to force bulbs to bloom during the winter holidays to brighten the days. 

Paperwhite narcissus bulbs are one of the easiest to force for cut flowers or ornamental displays in the home during the Holidays as they don’t need a chilling period to bloom, unlike tulips and hyacinths.