HOLIDAY DECORATING

It's November, so it must be time to start thinking about Christmas.  Here's a suggestion to not only have your front doorstep look pretty for the holidays, but all winter long.  Instead of purchasing a fake tree in an urn, why not plant a real evergreen in a large pot.  It can be decorated any way you fancy (lights, ornaments, bows, etc.) and when the decorations come down, you will still have an entryway tree.

At the Arboretum we have used evergreens in our containers.  We will leave them in for a growing season or two and then plant them in the ground.  We have had success with Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' arborvitae which has the desirable pyramid shape.  Purchased in the smaller 1 gallon pots for under $10 it will survive nicely in a large container outdoors.  Keep in mind it eventually could reach 40', but by then you will have planted it in a proper spot in your garden.  Another choice could be the rosemary plant clipped to a tree form as shown in the picture.

Click here are some tips for caring for your Winter Container Garden