THE INDISPENSIBLE CHRISTMAS TREE

The Christmas tree is quintessentially a symbol of the Christmas season. Millions of Fir trees (Pinus sylvestris) are produced each year in the United States and Europe for this festive season; the best Fir trees hail from Oregon. It usually takes six to ten years to grow a tree to a height of six to seven feet. Fir trees which are grown in valleys have a blue tinge to their foliage while trees grown on the mountains are of greener shade. Most trees require shearing to perfect their conical shape.

Above: The Noble Fir and Nordmann Fir trees are the best selling trees during the Christmas season.

The best selling trees are Noble Fir, Douglas fir and Nordmann fir; with prices ranging from S$50 to S$1000 for a 13 ft Noble fir tree. The premium grade Noble Fir from Oregon is lusher compared to the more average grades. One would be surprised to know that bigger trees above 9 ft are in higher demand than the smaller ones as they better fulfill decoration purposes in huge spaces such as hotel lobbies. With proper care, a fir tree can last through January. After festive season, the tree makes good mulches, and in countries where they have fire-places, the logs end up as fire-wood. When purchasing a tree, make sure you select one suitable for holding your ornaments and one with a fuller apex to hold your star ornament at the top. Note that some trees like the Nordmann fir tend to shed their pine needles more than others.

Above: Clear plastic 'crystals' and mirror ornaments are the 'in' thing this year.

When decorating a tree, first decide on a theme or colour scheme. Christmas cards, ribbons, streamers, toys, sweets are alternatives to commercially sold ornaments. Clear plastic 'crystals' and mirror ornaments are the 'in' thing this year; the stores carry a good variety of 'crystal' chandeliers to 'crystal chip-coated' branches.

THE POINSETTIA Another plant which is closely associated with Christmas is the Poinsettia. The poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a member of the spurge family which includes common ornamentals like crown-of-thorns, copper-leaf, castorbean and crotons. In nature, poinsettias are perennial flowering shrubs that can grow to ten feet tall and they are non-poisonous. Poinsettias come in various colours, and the showy coloured part of poinsettias that most people think are the flowers, are in fact coloured bracts (modified leaves).		Above: Colourful poinsettia for the season.
New varieties from China are more popular as they last longer, though their growth habit is rather leggy and their coloured bracts are smaller and not as dense as the Holland ones. Holland varieties are preferred as they possess large gorgeous velvety bracts.

WREATHS & GARLANDS
Above: Ideas for Wreaths this season.
Apart from the Christmas fir trees and the Poinsettias, items such as garlands, door wreaths, small table-top trees (topiaries) are popular decorative items to help create the festive atmosphere. A simple Christmas door wreath on your front door or a pot of poinsettia on your window sill can easily play up the yuletide mood. Florists sometimes carry wreaths made from live fir branches.

TABLE SETTINGS

Above: Ideas for decorating the table.

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to table settings; mistletoes, candles, flower stands, angels and candle-stands with dangling crystals comes in all shape and sizes. Imagine dining and toasting wine under those romantic candle lights, complete with your favourite number to perfect the whole ambience.

	USING PLANTS FROM THE GARDEN For other DIY ideas, look around your garden or plant collection for plants which you can jazz up; like adding a bow/ribbon, spraying with fake snow or decorating with fairy lights. Try arranging your tillandsias in a wreath and add a bow for added effect this Christmas. Create a charming and romantic mood this Christmas for your loved ones. Merry Christmas!!!!
Above: Standard Bay Tree   (Laurus nobilis)	Above: Dwarf Bamboo with a silk poinsettia

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Lyndi would like to thank the following:

§ Daco Marketing at the Concourse for their kind permission to allow us take pictures of their beautiful Christmas decorations. Daco Marketing is located at 298, Beach Road, #02-03, THE CONCOURSE, Singapore 199554. They can be contacted at 65671122.

§ Candy Greenhouse and Flowers Pte Ltd for allowing us to take photographs of their Christmas trees. You can pay them a visit at 567, Thomson Road, Plot 10, PSA Nursery, Singapore 298183 and their telephone number is 62566788.