ARCHIVE


William McClenathan

 Episode 35
 December 2, 2006

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Judy Alleruzzo

Welcome to the last Garden Time show for 2006.  The good news: We can tell you that we are looking forward to returning on March 17th, 2007

Don’t worry! We will continue to provide you with up-to-date gardening information throughout the winter.  The Garden Time web-site will continue to be updated with new information and videos.  So, be sure to "drop by" every few weeks for winter gardening tips, new streaming videos, and encores of some of your favorite Garden Time segments.

We thank you for your continued support during the past year.  Because of you, our faithful viewers, and our excellent sponsors, we have become the number one garden show in the Northwest! 

We hope you have a great holiday and a fantastic New Year!

Jeff Gustin
Owner/Producer
Garden Time

This week we featured...

Al’s Garden Center - Poinsettias

Your local garden center is packed full of Christmas cheer!  Al’s Garden Center (503-981-1245) is one of the best at sharing that cheer with the gardener.  We paid a visit to Al’s to see some of the many poinsettias they have for sale.  Al’s is growing over 50 different varieties this year and we saw a couple new varieties including ‘Visions of Grandeur’, Christmas Time Pink’, ‘Pinot Noir’, ‘804 Pink’, and ‘White Glitter’.  Here are some tips you should remember about poinsettia care: Keep them out of drafts; keep them watered, but not over-watered; and don’t fertilize them.  You can get more care tips at your local Al’s location.  If you are looking to decorate for the holidays or are trying to find a great gift for a gardener, check out Al’s.

Christmas Tree Varieties

We were out at Lee Farms (503-638-1869) in Tualatin to visit with Craig Lee about the most popular types of cut Christmas trees.  The varieties that Oregonians are buying include Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Noble Fir and the Frasier Fir.  The most popular tree is the Noble Fir, but the Frasier Fir is gaining ground, because it is very fragrant.  Lee’s also carries the wonderful Davis Tree Stand.  Pick one up and you will never need another stand again!  Stop by Lee’s for your Christmas tree.  They are open 9:00am until dusk through the holidays.

Kindergarden – Dried Fruit Ornament

It is the holiday time, and why not share the spirit with your local bird population?  Myra Lukens from the Backyard Bird Shop (503-635-2044) brought some of her friends to the store and gave us a quick lesson on building dried fruit ornaments.  These decorations can be used indoors, but they are really designed to feed those flyers that are trying to survive the cold.  All you need is a weather resistant yarn or string, a needle (embroidery needles works great) and a variety of dried fruits and unsalted peanuts.  We used cranberries, raisins, prunes, and apricots.  String them together and place them on your trees outside.  Hang them close to your house so you can watch the birds feed and enjoy sharing the holiday spirit.  CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.

Monnier Orchids

If someone has a problem with a plant, it is hard to get them to try growing that plant again.  Orchids are a plant that many people have problems growing.   Ron Monnier from Monnier’s Country Gardens (503-981-3384) is known for his fuchsias, but he also is crazy about orchids.  His are just coming into bloom right now.  He gets great blooms by starting in the summer.  He moves his plants outdoors to expose them to the light and temperature.  Just before the first frost he moves them indoors.  The change in temperature sets the flower spikes and ensures a great winter bloom!  Orchids also like a well drained bark mix.  They are not a ‘soil’ type of plant.  If you are looking to grow orchids, you can check at your local garden center or give Ron a call.

Candle Holder

We found a quick craft that can really add a festive touch to your holiday table.  A couple of weeks ago we made a topiary out of 3 small gourds.  This week, we took one small pumpkin gourd and cut a hole in the center.  We then used some hot glue and secured a candle in the middle of it.  We added some silk leaves and it was done.  It was a great little project that will add a fall/harvest flavor to your dinner table.

Holiday Gift Boxes

Garden Gallery Ironworks (1-800-423-0158) at the Woodburn Company Stores is known for their iron planters and trellises, but these gift boxes are a cute little treat for anyone on your Christmas list.  Don Sprague showed us some of the different gift boxes they have including some made just for gardeners.  If you have someone on your list that has some special interests, stop by the store and let them build one for you. 

Holiday Heritage

Ever wonder why we use holly in our holiday decorating?  What is the story behind kissing under the mistletoe?  William and Judy covered the reasons why we use specific plants during the holidays. 

Holly’s origins are based on both Christian and non-Christian traditions.  In one tradition, the holly protects the home from evil spirits.  In another, the holly represents the crown of thorns of Christ’s passion and its berries represent the drops of blood. 

Ivy is a very misunderstood plant.  We sometimes see it growing all over trees, almost smothering them.  In the Middle Ages ivy meant prosperity, and if it died, financial hard times were soon to follow. 

Mistletoe has a longer history.  It has various meanings that include fertility, immortality and love.  Of course the best meaning involved kissing.  In proper English society you could not kiss your spouse-to-be in public.  During the holidays you could kiss under the mistletoe, but you had to remove a white berry every time you did.   Naturally, twigs with lots of berries were highly prized! 

So next time you are decorating your home, take some time and learn some of the meanings.
 

 
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