Your home looks so warm and festive and with a few simple steps, you can ensure everything stays fresh and attractive until after the New Year!  

Poinsettias

Remembering they are indigenous to Mexico will help you in their care.

Poinsettias need a minimum of six hours (of indirect) sunlight each day.  Keep near a window as dim light or darkness will shorten the flowering life.

Water -Poinsettias like moist, but not wet, soil. When the top of the soil becomes dry, add room temperature water to the plant. Allow the water to drain through the pot after watering, and then discard any excess water. If your poinsettia is wrapped with decorative foil, remove the foil so it can drain before replacing.

They prefer temperatures from 65-70° F during the day with lower night temperatures that help the poinsettias keep their brilliant color. Protect the plants from cold or hot drafts and sudden temperature changes.

 Christmas Trees

Use a tree stand with an adequate water-holding capacity. It should have a water basin that provides 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. For most Christmas trees, the stand should hold at least 1gallon of water. A cut tree will absorb a lot of water, particularly during the first week, so replenish the water daily.

When it comes to watering everyone has a favourite trick – do what you are comfortable with.  Some people prefer commercial Christmas tree preservatives, which can be mixed into the water in the stand.

Landscape Plus is offering a free package of Tree Life with your tree purchase (over 7′) – while supplies last.Visit one of our three Christmas Tree Lot locations in Strathmore, Langdon or Transcanada Mall, Calgary – Alberta

Then there is a tablespoon of corn syrup or sugar in the basin water, crushed aspirin, 7-up or just stay with plain clean water from the tap!

Keep the tree away from direct sunlight, heaters or fans, as these will speed up the drying process. If you have a humidifier, consider running it in the room with your Christmas tree. It isn’t necessary, but a dry room will lead to a dry tree.

Fresh Wreaths, loose greenery etc….  

Display greenery out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources; mist with water daily