As we dismantle the holiday displays, we try to be mindful of the impact that all of our actions have on the health of the planet. Holiday trees are hauled to the chipper to make mulch for woodland trails. Poinsettias that still look fresh are sold or donated. Those that are past their prime are recycled into compost. Even the wreaths and kissing balls are carefully dismantled into their components. Greenery goes into the compost or is piled around perennials as mulch. Ornaments and re-usable parts are packed away for next year.

See the list on the Garden’s website for holiday tree recycling information. If your municipality does not collect trees, consider these alternatives: Clip off boughs to place over tender garden plants as winter protection. Chip or shred it for mulch and compost or to cover a dirt path. Smaller dry branches make good kindling, but don’t burn a whole fresh tree in the fireplace – it will produce too much smoke and creosote. Wood from evergreens needs to season for a year before it is safe to burn. Do you have other tips for post-holiday greening? We’d love to hear them.
 

 Posted by Ann McCulloh

The fiery glow of  Sweetspire (Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’) seems to raise the temperate around it by a few degrees, although that’s purely an illusion today! The two main groups of pigments that give autumn leaves their colors are: Carotenoids, which produce yellow, orange, and brown colors; and Anthocyanins, water-soluble substances which are produced when there are high levels of sugars in leaves or fruits under bright light conditions. Bright days and longer cooler nights, with adequate, but not excessive rainfall, are generally considered to be the catalysts for great fall leaf color.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a good, readable explanation of “Why Leaves Change Color” online, for all of us who have never tired of asking “why?” Whatever the color, do heed the good advice on this site and others to rake and compost fallen leaves. They also make an excellent mulch when left in place where they fall. Tiny micro-organisms will put them to good use replenishing the all-important organic content of the soil.

Posted by Ann McCulloh