Christmas Trees & Other Seasonal Decor

Anything and everything is promoted in the U.S. of A. There’s Miley Cyrus and Kim Kardashian by way of proof. So it should come as no surprise that some enterprising entrepreneurs have decreed December to be National Pear Month and even National Fruit Cake Month. While you and I might reach for a slice of the latter on Christmas Day somebody in the land of milk and hamburgers decided it would be National Pumpkin Pie Day.

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However, in the land of milk and maple syrup, we have sterner things to occupy us before indulging in the annual overindulgence. Gardening outdoors being finally finished for all except those on B.C.’s Wet Coast, it is time to store the tools away. First though clean of all dirt and debris. Sharpen the working ends of spades and turf edgers and lightly oil all metal surfaces. Empty the fuel tank on gas-powered mowers. Remove the spark plug for safety before turning over and cleaning under the deck and using a file to sharpen the blade. If it is an electric motor mower, unplug before undertaking the same maintenance. Do not attempt to sharpen the blades of hand-propelled push mowers. Such requires professional attention. Check out local hardware stored and have them do this before they become hectic next spring.

Diversion No. 1

How cold can it get? It’s been so cold that politicians have had their hands in their own pockets.

Many a supermarket offers the so-called tropical Christmas tree at this time of year for those desiring something more permanent. Three feet or so high in a ten-inch pot, it has the advantage of becoming semi-permanent houseplant. ‘Semi’ because on its native Norfolk Island in the South Pacific Araucaria heterophylla may eventually top 200 or so feet. They require bright light, reasonable humidity and buoyant air. Certainly despite being labelled (incorrectly) a pine, they will not tolerate northern winters outdoors, as one Toronto supermarket discovered to their cost last season. If you have other larger indoor plants such as various Ficus or Dracaena you will likely succeed with Araucaria.

Diversion No. 2

“I’m a very good amateur gardener so I see quite a lot of wormholes. That’s what I thought they meant,” said veteran actor Michael Caine. He was appearing at a promotion for the movie Interstellar.

Gloom-and-doom enthusiasts are full of cheer as once again a senior meteorologist is predicting another grim season ahead. Given the garden losses last winter, is there anything that can be done to reduce the damage? There certainly is. In many places, the ground is not yet frozen so there is still time to pour a few buckets of water on around evergreens to give them a final drink this year. Shelter broadleaf evergreens against winter blasts and strong sun with burlap stapled to 2x2s driven well into to the ground. Use the same burlap to cocoon upright specimen junipers and cedars and secure with binder twine or heavy jute string. Although it may be hard to find mulch material this late, discarded evergreen decorations can be spread over perennial, herb and bulb plantings to catch and retain snow, so preventing the deadly freeze-thaw cycles of the soil surface, the real killer.

Diversion No. 3

New Zealand’s male giraffe weevils (Lasiorrhynchus barbicornis) joust with their pole-like snouts for female mates. Unfortunately not all male giraffe weevils are anatomically so enhanced, explains Susan Milius in Science News. Undeterred the smaller L. barbicornis may sneak in while their bigger brethren have their attention otherwise occupied. The lesser of two weevils, you might say.

The Christmas season is distinctly different in the Southern Hemisphere. Sick of the snow, cold and lack of gardening opportunities? Consider visiting the Land of Oz and revel in the floral marvels there such as the word-acclaimed Sydney Botanical Garden. Perhaps even sample the famed Aussie beer not, as some dastardly Pommies claim, made from kangaroo hops. Take part in quaint local ceremonies. Birthday suits will be out across the Territory and Australia in honour of Work in the Nude Day The Weekend Territorian tells us, an annual day on the first Friday of summer – that’s 5th December this year Down Under.

Diversion No. 4

In Finland reindeer herders are spraying antlers with reflective paint to make the animals more visible to nighttime traffic. You can do the same for pets, suggests Popular Science magazine. Albedo 100’s washable “Horses and Pets” blend is safe and effective on shorthaired animals. In daylight, it appears as a semi-transparent grey. On a clear night, it can reflect a vehicle’s headlights from more than 500 feet.

In South Florida, the irrepressible Dave Barry reminds us that it’s too easy, with all the hustle and bustle, to forget what this season is really all about. So we will remind you, he says: It’s about purchasing high-tech consumer devices at retail. Ah, to be in a climate where gardening is a year-round occupation. Farther north, much farther north, retailers have cleared the shelves of everything that is horticultural, high-tech or hand all the while bemoaning how purchasers are turning to online businesses. Those that delight in gadgets and gizmos would welcome a pH meter or home weather station. The more down-to-earth can always use a pair of hand-pruners in their own holster to hang on the belt or one of the mechanical weed removers for the lawn. Failing to inspire, there’s always a bottle of wine to fall back on – Chile has some excellent choices. They don’t drink alcohol? Then try non-alcoholic wine. Cheers.