Christmas Centerpiece

Just finished my centerpiece for the table….tulips, roses, hydrangea’s, birch logs, fraser fir, corkscrew hazel, pinecones and candles…

 

Go Green this Christmas!

Every year there is more and more talk of going green, in any way, shape or form.  Green products for the home, such as cleaning supplies and eco-friendly gardening techniques are great ways to help out, so when Christmas rolls around it always gets my brain stewing.

I used to sell Christmas trees, and my leftover trees that I didn’t sell went into the fire.  If I could’ve re-planted those trees, I could have started a little tree nursery for next years sales.  I have come across a company out in Burnaby, BC that either sells, or rents, potted Christmas trees.  How brilliant!  For people that have a yard to re-plant your Christmas tree, a purchase would fit the bill.  For those in offices or condo’s (such as myself) who don’t have a yard to re-plant, then renting is such a fantastic idea!  And even those people who don’t have the luxury of re-planting, I’m sure we could all think of someone with a lonely little yard in need of some more trees.

For those that are unaware of the Heat Island Effect, especially here in Toronto, it is quite high (second to Vancouver).  It is tough for cities and municipalities to stretch beyond natural thinking, and look beyond what our city will look like after one mayoral term.  Therefore no implementations have been put in place to protect us, and the cities we live in.  While in office, David Miller helped create the bylaw that requires commercial, institutional or residential buildings over 2000m2 of floor area to house a green roof, with the percentage of green roof depending on that area.  Atleast he got the ball rolling….for additional info check out the link: http://www.toronto.ca/greenroofs/overview.htm.  And take note of where you live in this picture of our local heat island, and think of what you can do to help.

So try to buy a potted Christmas tree this year!  And instead of purchasing pre-cut greens and garnish, go old school and string some cranberries and popcorn, then toss outside for the birds to eat after Christmas.  If you do purchased greens, use them after for mulch.  Put your lights on timers;  it will save you money anyways during inflated high energy costs for this time of year.  Think of eco-friendly and re-useable Christmas wrappings, such as newspapers, or even wrap your gifts in re-useable gifts like tea towels and tablecloths.  Be creative, have fun with it!