HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1984-12-05, Page 62Page 3
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Choosing a tree involves personal taste and style
Buying a Christmas tree is always an
adventure. But it doesn't need to be a gam-
ble. Knowing the kind of tree that will suit
your needs can go a long way toward enhan-
cing your holiday season:
First Of all, who decided a tree should be
part of the Christmas season?
Blame it on the Egyptians. In ancient
ceremonies a palm tree was. used in the wor-
ship of the Egyptian goddess Isis. A palm
tree with 12 shoots, one representing each
month, was carried in a festival at the
winter solstice - a time marking the end of
one year and the beginning of another. The
solstice, not so inicidently occurred around
December 25.
So why not buy a palm tree for
Christmas?
You cold, but you would have trouble plac-
ing the star on top, or hanging ornaments.
Actually, conifer trees became the popular
Christmas tree for another reason. The
trees were more readily available in nor-
them climates. Palm trees don't grow well
in snowy weather. In time, the evergreens
were adapted to the Christmas celebration.
Today there are about 240 species of pine
trees; some 35 native to North America.
They range in size from small shrubs to
towering Redwoods. Neither of those two ex-
tremes, of course, makes much sense for
Christmas trees.
What does make sense?
There are several small varieties
available in the Clinton area for Christmas
tree shoppers.
Scotch Pines are characterized by long,
slender needles. Blue Spruces have shorter
needles. There are other small differences
in appearances too.
The long and short of it is that picking a
tree is mostly a matter of personal taste.
However that are still a few differences that
may i>'deluence your decision.
Short needled trees tend to have a more
delicate, softer appearance. The size of the
needles. and the configuration of the bran-
ches tend to make these better suited for
hanging decorations.
Some people prefer the long clusters of
needles on the Scotch Pine tree.
Another point to remember is that some
Christmas, trees and vacuum cleaners go
hand-in-hand.
Blue Spruce and similar trees are known
to lose needles quickly. Many a home er
has heard the pitter-patter of small needles
falling to the carpet late at night.
As a general rule, the longer a tree re-
mains indoors, the more likely needles will
fall. Keeping the tree in a water -filled stand
will slow the process. Storing trees outside
until ready to use will also help.
For the true nature lovers, real green
trees, like the Norfolk Pine, are now sold in
most plant stores. These trees are smaller
and more expensive, but each is alive and
with care can last a lifetime.
Whatever your choice - pine or spruce,
real or artificial - you'll find that your
Christmas celebrations will be more com-
plete with a gaily decorated tree adorning
your home.
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