HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-12-22, Page 37PAGE B8.THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2005.
Tips for finding the perfect Christmas tree
For some, the process of selecting
a Christmas tree is akin to an art
form. They scout out the ideal tree
farm or lot, eye up the selections, and
then poke, prod and shake until
they’ve found a winner.
Others go strictly by sense of
smell: the more potent the piney
aroma, the better the tree must be.
Still others have no discernible
method for choosing a tree other than
basing the purchase on cost - if it’s a
steal, they’ll take it.
However you choose your
Christmas tree, you may be
interested in learning there are
actually a, few different species
common to farms and lots across the
country. By learning about the
differences among species, and also
some general tree-care tips, you can
ensure that this year you’ll have the
tree that’s perfect for you.
TREE SPECIES
Fraser fir is a uniformly pyramid
shaped tree. Strong branches are
turned slightly upward, giving the
tree a compact appearance.
Needles are flattened and dark
green with a groove on the upper side
and two broad silvery-white bands
on the lower surface. The
combination of form, needle
retention, dark blue-green colour,
pleasant scent and excellent shipping
characteristics has led to Fraser fir
being one of the most popular
Christmas-tree species.
The Scotch pine is known for its
dark-green foliage and stiff branches,
which are well suited for decorating
with both light and heavy ornaments.
It has excellent needle retention
characteristics and holds up well
throughout harvest, shipping and
display. It is likely the most-used
species for Christmas-tree purposes.
As a Christmas tree, Balsam fir has
several desirable properties: a dark
green appearance, long-lasting
needles and attractive form. It also
retains its pleasant fragrance.
Balsams are so fragrant that their
needles were once used for stuffing
“pine pillows” to act as a natural
deodorant.
The Douglas fir has been the major
Christmas tree species used in the.
Pacific Northwest since the 1920s.
The needles are dark green or blue
green, are soft to the touch and
radiate out in all directions from the
branch. They have a sweet fragrance
when crushed.
Colorado blue spruce, or blue
spruce, is an attractive tree often
used for Christmas trees or
ornamentals. It has a narrow,
pyramidal shape and cone-shaped
crown. As trees become older, they
often take on a more irregular
appearance. The tree is very popular
thanks to its symmetrical form and
attractive blue foliage. Blue spruces
are often used as living Christmas
trees (bought with root ball intact
and planted afterward).
TREE CARE
Once cut, there are steps you can
take to ensure your tree lasts through
the Christmas season.
• Trees, even healthy ones, will
have their share of needle loss.
However, if the tree is faded, if the
bark on branches is wrinkled, or
exterior needles fall off at even the
most gentle touch, the tree is
excessively dry.
• Cut trees will absorb water more
readily from their stand if they are
given a fresh cut prior to submerging
the trunk. A tree that has not been
freshly cut will still absorb water, but
at a slower rate. A thick, crusty sap
forms on the end of the trunk and can
hamper water absorption.
• According to the National
Chrstmas Tree Association, it is not
necessary to add anything to the
water of Christmas trees, like aspirin,
bleach or fertilizer. Plain tap water
will extend the life of a tree for
weeks. Other additives can actually
hamper water absorption and tree
moisture levels.
• Look for large tree stands that
can accommodate at least a gallon of
water. A tree drinks at least one quart
of water per inch of trunk diameter
per day. A larger stand ensures the
water will last longer between refills.
Also, check water levels regularly.
There are products on the market that
will automatically add water to tree
stands in case you forget.
TREE MISCONCEPTIONS
Many people avoid real Christmas
trees because they feel they are
“killing” a tree and harming the
environment. In fact, Christmas trees
are raised on farms and harvested for
this specific purpose. For every tree
harvested, at least three are planted
in its place. Each year there are more
trees available than the last.
Cut trees can be recycled after the
season and impact the environment
far less than artificial trees made of
non-biodegradable metal and plastic.
All the best to you
and yours wherever you
go this holiday season.
Thank you kindly for
your loyal support.
McCall Livestock
Ross McCall
85491 Brussels Line, P.O. Box 140, Brussels
LOW-FAT HOLIDAY
EGG NOG
Holidays and eating go hand-in-hand. From lavish dinners to company
cocktail parties to lunches on the go while shopping, high-fat foods are often
the dietary staple during the holiday hustle and bustle.
A few bites of cookies here and a few sips of spirits there can quickly pack
on the pounds. And the temptation to overindulge can be as big as Santa’s
belly!
Yet, you can enjoy the holidays - and the foods that go with them - if you
make a few healthy substitutions. Don’t worry. Your favourite holiday treats
will taste the same: They’ll just be better for you.
This low-fat, low-calorie Diet Eggnog, courtesy of Diet Bites™
(www.dietbites.com), is just what Santa and your waistline have ordered.
DIET EGG NOG
Makes about six 8-ounce servings
6 cups of skim milk
1 cup of Egg Beaters (or your favourite comparable product)
sweetener to taste (use the pink stuff, the blue stuff, or the yellow stuff and,
if you use the real stuff, be sure to measure carefully and remember to
count those added calories!)
2 teaspoons of real vanilla extract
ground nutmeg and cinnamon (or you can use a bit of pumpkin pie spice)
Heat the milk, Egg Beaters and sweetener in the microwave on high until
thickened, stirring every minute or so. (You can also use your stove if you
prefer). Remove from microwave or stovetop and stir in the remaining
ingredients.
Next, cover the mixture very tightly with plastic wrap and chill. Sprinkle
with additional nutmeg and cinnamon if desired. You can even add a dollop
of non-fat, sugar-free topping for an added treat.
At this busy time of year, we’d like to
thank you for stopping here!
With best wishes for a Merry Christmas
from all of us.
From: Max, Jim, Darlene,
Kathy, Don, Shane 6c Tom
at
OLDFIELD’S
Bus.: (519) 887-9571 Fax:(519)887-9171 Mobile (519) 357-5139
^lAJith^J^eccrt^elt Lank 5 dkriitmaS
The best part of any journey is the people you meet along the way,
and we're pleased to say, we've never met a better bunch of folks
than you. Thanks for making the trip worthwhile.
Merry Christmas!
From all of us at
Brussels Agromart Ltd.
From the Gillis family to you and yours
Kevin, Nancy, Jessie, Justin, Jeremy & Jennifer
wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
They would like to Thank you for your patronage in 2005 and
look forward to seeing you in 2006.
KG Electronics
& Appliances
Sales • Service • SEARS Catalogue
195 Josephine St., Wingham
357-4173