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Montgomery Cheddar, Somerset

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"It can take six years to design a new cheese," says Jamie Montgomery. Montgomery cheddar is so respected and well-received all over the world that it is quite natural that he should want to design a new one. Cheddar is made from the milk of Friesians. But the very pretty Jersey cow (below) sets a different kind of challenge.

"Jersey milk is used for soft cheese," he explains. "It is a more interesting milk and therefore a more interesting cheese, but it is challenging to work with. It's so fatty that it's hard to turn it into a hard cheese." Why Jersey, when Friesian has served so well? "Grandmother had a house cow that was a Jersey," he says simply. Grandmother's family bought Manor Farm, Somerset in 1911 and within its sprawling limits is a hill fort generally thought to be that of Camelot. The original one.

Photographs by Kendra Wilson.

Above: Jersey cows in a barn at the base of Camelot. Twelve years ago Ogleshield was unveiled, the name a cross between the Yetholm shield found on the hill fort, and William Oglethorpe who sells it. Jamie is working on his next hard cheese, made from Jersey milk.

Above: Ogleshield is a popular cheese for raclette and can be found at Borough Market, being warmed up by William Oglethorpe.

Above: The star of the show, Montgomery cheddar. It is sold at 18 months by Neal's Yard, and older at Paxton and Whitfield. The seven top makers of British cheddar are rounded up about once a year for a cheddar workshop, organized by Neal's Yard. Cheese aficionados talking, experimenting and making. "It's cheesemaking by committee, which is hilarious," says Jamie. "My very conservative staff dread the cheddar-making workshops."

Above: The inner sanctum, where the cheddar matures. "I have so much respect for my cheesemakers," says Jamie Montgomery. "They are dealing with raw milk so it's very difficult: a lot of it is about predicting and checking, says Jamie. "The storage conditions affect everything: temperature, smells, ambiance... It's not all muck and magic."

Above: A kilo of Montgomery cheddar in one of the Neal's Yard shops in the UK. Neal's Yard looks after Montgomery's export [it is available at Fairways and Murray's and others]. "There is more blue in Montgomery," says Jamie, of the quality and look of the cheddar. "If we got rid of it, it wouldn't be Montgomery cheese. I encourage people to try the blue (seen here around the edge) because it tastes fantastic."

Above: The very modest headquarters at North Cadbury, Somerset. Across the lane, down which a herd of cows was plodding when I arrived, is an apple orchard. "It's a bonus crop for us," explains Jamie Montgomery. "The cows move out of the orchard in September. We sell the apples on: these ones need to go to Temperley." For more about the apples, see "A Visit to Somerset: Temperley's Cider Brandy."

N.B. This is an update of a post that originally ran on October 18, 2012.


Top 5: Trending on Remodelista Today

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This week, the Remodelista editors got an early start on their holiday decorating. Julie succumbed to a feather frenzy, and Alexa countered with her own colorful garland. Janet made a flaming holiday centerpiece and Margot bought gifts for teachers (A+ for effort, everyone).

holiday garland of feathers l Gardenista

Julie strung feathers above the Thanksgiving table: they'll look just as good come Christmas.

colorful holiday garland and candles l Gardenista

Alexa gave in to a felt flag urge.

glassybaby candles ; Gardenista

A flaming holiday centerpiece (also good for non-holiday parties next February).

gift wrap three notebooks twine l Gardenista

Margot cracked the code on how to become teacher's pet.

Hanukkah menorah copper l Gardenista

Sarah went shopping for modern menorahs.

An English Gardener Abroad: 6 Months, 3 Kids, and 1 Dog on a Tropical Island

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This week I wanted to discuss palms as in trees. I recently have a new found respect and admiration for these architecturally mesmerizing creatures but before I start on all that, I feel I should explain why I am looking at palms, and hibiscus, and coconut trees, and bougainvillea, instead of discussing the first frosts, how to protect your tender perennials, and the best plants for winter interest, which is what other self respecting garden writers are turning their minds to as we speak. Well, I can't, because I am not there. In England that is, where if you don't have a couple of plants for winter interest, you have a fairly bleak few months ahead of you.

So here's the thing. Last month I upended everyone, took the children out of school, put the dog in a crate, packed up all our t-shirts, shorts, and swimmers, rented out my house, and rented another one in the Bahamas. For six months. And to be perfectly honest with you, the decision to do such a thing all seems a big hazy and non-specific.

Photographs by Clemmie Hambro.

Harbour Island Bahamas beach l Gardenista

There is the vague reason that recently my husband has had to do a lot of work in the Caribbean. But it turns out that the British Virgin Islands are nowhere near the Bahamas, and so moving us all to be nearer to him turned out to be a bit of a red herring. However, this remains the official "reason" so that when I discuss it with strangers, they don't look at me as if I have gone utterly bonkers. Which most people do.

No, the real reason is that somewhere deep down, after seven years of hardcore domesticity, birthing of children, etc., I thought, "Right, that's it. We all need an adventure, together as a family." I looked down the periscope of our lives for the next few years, and I suddenly saw no escape. I saw school becoming too important, jobs getting in the way, routines becoming too entrenched, time marching on relentlessly, and I really, desperately wanted out.

Harbour Island Bahamas beach l Gardenista

Not forever, just for a little bit. I want to come home again with fresh eyes and renewed vigor. But until then I want the children to take off their shoes, and for there to be a loosening, a relaxing, and a bit of "who cares," and to not always be rushing rushing rushing.

For that space in time when the children are so full of awe and curiosity that for their mother to say, "Guess what, we are going to live on an island and go to a new school, and not wear shoes very much, and make new friends, live a different sort of life, hang out together an awful lot, and generally have as much fun as we can possibly have," and for this to be a good thing, rather than some madcap idea that gets in the way of their own busy lives. For all that, I had to open the small window of opportunity that flashed before me—and leap.

Harbour Island Bahamas beach l Gardenista

So, here we are on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, avoiding the Great British Winter. Three miles long and one mile wide, with a beach so beautiful it will knock the very stuffing out of you. Me, the husband, three children, and the dachshund (who was not very impressed by his freight experience at 36,000 feet). The children are in school—where all three girls ages 2 to 6 are taught in the same room, very like the old village schools in England.

They slipped in so seamlessly, and love it so much that it seems to me as if they have always been here. The husband comes and goes with work, and me, well, it is taking time to unwind, get onto island time, and stop panicking about needing to be somewhere—because there is absolutely nowhere to go. Here I am, staring at the ocean, thinking, "Well, we actually did it," And I am so very, very pleased that we did.

Harbour Island Bahamas beach l Gardenista

Horticulturally speaking, it was rather a good time to go. I planted my tulip bulbs before I left and they should be at full flower on my return with spring beginning to unfurl. And so while my garden at home sleeps, I look forward to experiencing a different sort of plant; the tropical, the exotic, the fruit laden, and drippingly lush, the brilliantly, wonderfully different. So, next week is palms. This week I just had to explain the reason for palms. In case you thought I'd gone mad...

DIY: Botanical Ice Lanterns

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On these darkest nights of the year, it's important to add as many spots of light as possible. This week, while you're busy trimming your tree or lighting the last candles on your menorah, consider making a little something to warm the night outside. A trio of ice lanterns will welcome guests to your home (wassailers or otherwise!). They're simple to make, but they'll impress even the most hardened Scrooge. Not that we know any of those.

Materials (per lantern):

  • 2 containers of different sizes, such as an 18 oz. Weck Jar ($3.95 from Crate & Barrel) and a 6 oz. Spice Jar ($1.99 from Gracious Home)
  • Electrical tape, such as 1/2 inch Colored Electrical Tape
  • Water
  • Foraged finds ( orange or clementine slices, cedar branches, pine needles, juniper berries, cranberries, etc.)
  • Below freezing outdoor temperatures (or a freezer)
  • Flameless tealights or votives, such as Flameless Outdoor Tealights ($6 for four from Pottery Barn)

Photographs by Erin Boyle. Photography shot with the Canon EOS 70D digital SLR camera, with Dual Pixel AF technology and built-in Wi-Fi.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: Gather your materials. I used containers that were mostly straight-sided to make sure that I would have a neat cylindrical shape, but you can get more creative with your vessels (just be sure that the smaller container is wide enough to hold a tea light or votive candle.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: Use electrical tape to center the smaller container inside the larger one. N.B. The water will keep the the container afloat, but you'll need the tape to keep it centered.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: After you have your center container in place, add botanical elements. I used cedar and juniper branches for my first lantern.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: Cedar and cranberries made a festive combination for a second lantern.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: For my last lantern, I started with a base of juniper berries on the bottom of the jar before adding water and my second container.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: The best part about working on a craft project surrounded by family? Last-minute ideas. My sister-in-law was munching on a clementine while I was filling these lanterns, so I decided to slice one up and make a citrusy lantern, too.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: All three lanterns, ready for freezing.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: If you have snow, or freezing temperatures, freeze your lanterns outside. A warning: check on your lanterns often. The first time I made an ice lantern, I let it freeze for about six hours and loosened it from the jar when the water was frozen, but not cloudy. The second time, I got a little bit distracted  and left the lanterns to freeze for about eight hours...and ended with a Weck jar casualty. Stay on the safe side and check your lanterns every hour or so to make sure that they're not over-freezing. If you'd prefer to put your lanterns in the freezer and not worry about them, by all means, use plastic vessels instead, the process is the same. N.B. The more foraged materials you add to the glass, the more slowly the ice will freeze (the jar that broke was on the lantern with the least amount of greens).

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: Once frozen, I removed the tape and ran my jars under lukewarm water to loosen them. They slid right out. 

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: Nestled in a bit of greens, they made for a welcoming little ensemble on the front stoop. 

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: To preserve the life of my ice lanterns and to alleviate any worry of the greenery catching fire, I used Flameless Outdoor Tealights ($6 from Pottery Barn). The tealights technically aren't supposed to get wet, so if you notice the temperatures starting to drop, consider removing the lights.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: When I made my first trial ice lantern, I was concerned about the bits of greenery that floated to the surface of the water, but I ended up really liking the bits that stuck out of the top of each lantern.

botanical ice lanterns | gardenista

Above: I'll be making these festive lanterns all winter (they're just as pretty on a city windowsill as on a country stoop), and they take only a few minutes to put together.

Looking for an ice-only look? Try these Frozen Ice Candle Holders that we spotted last year.

Norwegian Wood: A Folding Ice Cabin

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From Norway (of course), a tiny cabin designed for a solitary winter expedition has a chicken wire frame in which blocks of ice freeze into wind-buffering walls. Designed by Norwegian architects Gartnerfuglen, the portable hut folds up (in about 30 seconds).  Don't forget to bring a Thermos.

Photographs via Gartnerfuglen except where noted.

Gartnerfuglen winter ice hut l Gardenista

Above: The fisherman's hut, made of Scottish pine and birch veneers, looks at home against a natural landscape.

Gartnerfuglen winter ice hut l Gardenista

Above: The hut, christened "Unavailability" by its designers, is meant to be a solitary refuge from the pressures of modern life—and from the otherwise constant connectivity of a technological age.

Gartnerfuglen winter ice hut l Gardenista

Above: Photograph via Dezeen.

Chicken wire frames the walls and a raised wooden platform made of pine slats allow an occupant to stay dry inside.

Gartnerfuglen winter ice hut l Gardenista

Above: Photograph via Dezeen

The wall and roof panels can be filled with water; the frozen blocks create a windscreen.

Gartnerfuglen winter ice hut l Gardenista  

Above: Step by step, it takes about 30 seconds to unfold (or pack up) the portable ice hut. We'd like to see this hut in action in the summertime, when the chicken wire panels are meant to serve as a trellis for vines such as sweetpeas, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

For more Norwegian architecture, see The Once and Future Boathouse and Into the Field: Dinner in an Oslo Greenhouse.

Limited Edition Audubon Box Set

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It's no secret that even though we spend our time creating content for consumption in the digital world, we've still got a soft spot for all things print. And when it comes to outdoor adventures, nothing beats a trusty companion in the form of a field guide. The folks at Best Made Co. understand where we're coming from. This holiday season, a limited edition Audubon Field Guide Box Set is available for fellow outdoor enthusiasts. 

audubon field guides box set | gardenista

Above: Housed in a handsome wooden tool box, specially made for the job, the Field Guide Set could be one of the most special gifts we've seen this season.

audubon field guides box set | gardenista

Above: The Limited Edition Audubon Box Set is available for $565 from Best Made Co. A Complete Set of Audubon Field Guides without the tool box is available for $365. If you'd rather give the set in installments, Eastern and Western Regional sets are available for $60; a Collector's Set is $90.

Visit the shop: Best Made Co. at 36 White Street and browse all of our Gift Guides.

DIY: Holiday Decor for Small Spaces

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When you live in a tiny apartment, the idea of holiday decor can be overwhelming. I spend most of my time thinking about how to get rid of things, not working out ways to bring in more. This year, instead of worrying about wrestling a tree into my small space, I turned my attention to making miniature arrangements.

Inspired by a mobile tutorial I spotted around this time last year, I set to work with a bag full of wintry clippings and a spool of silvery twine.

Photographs by Erin Boyle.

holiday swags for a small space | gardenista

Above: I secured two of my swags to the wall in my apartment that I use as a kind of rotating inspiration board. For the holidays, I added a few vintage greeting cards to my current collage (the gal on the motorcycle is from the local shop Smith + Butler and the vinyl decal is by Shanna Murray).

holiday swags for a small space | gardenista

Above: For me, these tiny swags were the perfect compromise for a small space. They add holiday spirit without taking up precious floor space or surface area.

holiday swags for a small space | gardenista

Above: The other swags that I made were tiny enough to string up in small spots around the apartment. Here they are, all in a row like little bundles of good cheer.

holiday swags for a small space | gardenista

Above: Pine cones and holly berries and evergreen clippings: use what you have available or ask the guy selling Christmas trees on the corner for scraps. A 120-yard spool of Silver Shimmer Twine is $9.99 from Tom Kat Studio. (Gold Shimmer Twine is also available.)


holiday swags for a small space | gardenista

Above: The key to making festive wintertime decorations is in the variety of greens that you use. For these tiny swags, I used a combination of white pine, umbrella pine, cedar, holly, privet berries, and pine cones.

holiday swags for a small space | gardenista

Above: For the larger swags, I began with my biggest clipping—in this case, a piece of umbrella pine—and built up from there, finishing with sprig of holly or a pine cone. For smaller swags, I used a pine cone and just one or two small clippings of cedar and privet berries.

holiday swags for a small space | gardenista

Above: To wrap the swag, I bound the stems of my clippings together as tightly as possible, wrapping the silver twine up to ten times around the bundle. Pine cones generally have a tiny stem for easy wrapping. If your stem falls off, don’t panic. It’s simple enough to wrap your twine around the first layer of scales instead. After my bundle was tightly wrapped, I tied a simple knot to finish off the swag. In each case, I made sure to leave a long trail of twine so that I would have flexibility about how and where to hang the swag.

For more holiday decor for small spaces, see DIY videos "A Scandi-Inspired Holiday Wreath" and "Easy Holiday Garland."

N.B. This is an update of a post that originally published on December 12, 2012.

5 Favorites: Ornaments for Nature Lovers

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Since ancient times, people have marked the winter solstice by bringing evergreen bows into their homes. Later, Christians in 16th century Germany brought whole trees into the house, which they decorated with handmade and natural ornaments like nuts and fruit. 

At Gardenista, we still think that one of the best ways to adorn a tree is with trimmings straight from Mother Nature.

birch snowflakes by Quite Alright, Gardenista

Above: One of my most cherished ornaments is a delicate wooden snowflake from Quite Alright. This year I'd love to add a set of Ingrid's Birch Snowflakes, hand carved from some bark she found on a walk; $15.

bell ornament by Pilosale, Gardenista

Above: Pilosale's carved Wooden Bell has a metal bell inside that gently jingles; $12.

acorn friends by My White room, Gardenista

Above: Simple and sweet, these Acorn Friends from My White Room are made with real acorn caps; $12.

birch acorns by Bettula, Gardenista

Above: Heather Fagan of Betulla makes a line of woodland inspired, birch bark ornaments, including birds, mushrooms, and this charming, gold-topped Birch Bark Acorn Set; $20.

Lovi ball, Gardenista

Above: Send one to a friend: designed in Finland by Anne Paso, this simple wooden Lovi Ball comes flat, as a postcard. Available from Merchant No. 4; on sale for $12 (large) or $10 (small). 

Woodland Ornaments by Pilsosale, Gardenista

Above: Hand carved in Canada by Pilosale, this Forest Wood Ornament Set of six is available at Terrain; $28.

N.B. This holiday season, you can bring more nature inside, with our selection of Living Ornaments.


DIY: A Succulent Wreath to Display All Year

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We've experimented with using succulents as Halloween decor fit for Miss Havisham and as living Christmas tree ornaments. This season we found yet another way to enjoy the versatile low-maintenance succulent: as a do-it-yourself wreath. Easy and fun, this long-lasting decor will see you through the holiday and on into the new year. Full instructions below.

Photographs by Justine Hand.

DIY Succulent Wreath, supplies, Gardenista

Above: My Succulent Wreath Kit 12-inch Diameter from Succulent Salon arrived complete with everything I needed to make my own 12-inch wreath: a 10-inch moss ring, a variety of succulent plants, pins, and detailed instructions; $59. Note that you can also buy a Succulent Wreath from Succulent Salon; from $59 to $85.

DIY succulent wreath, trim stems, Gardenista

Above: After you unpack your supplies and lay out all the specimens, the next step is to trim the bottom leaves off each plant, leaving a solid inch of stem to insert into your wreath.

DIY Succulent Wreath making hole in base, Gardenista

Above: Next, using a sharp tool (I used a meat thermometer), punch a hole into the moss base.

DIY Succulent Wreath placing succulents, Gardenista

Above: Then, gently insert the succulent into your hole.

DIY succulent wreath, pining, Gardenista

Above: For longer specimens, it may be necessary to pin them to the wreath.

DIY Succulent Wreath layering plants, Gardenista

Above: As I layered my plants in an extemporaneous fashion, my wreath began to take shape. The whole, zen-like process took less than an hour.

DIY succulent wreath, watering, Gardenista

Above: Newly planted, my wreath enjoyed a good 15-minute soak.

DIY succulent wreath, rooting, Gardenista

Above: When the succulents are planted and watered, lay them on a flat surface for three weeks allowing the plants to take root. Fortunately, the wreath is equally pretty viewed this way. You could even use it as a centerpiece.

DIY succulent wreath, holiday vignette, Gardenista

Above: About three weeks later, my living wreath was ready for Thanksgiving festivities.

DIY succulent wreath, finished wreath, Gardenista

Above: With proper care, my finished wreath (shown here adorned with a simple velvet, indigo ribbon from Anthropologie), will continue to grow and thrive for a long time. To keep its shape, I can simply snip off any gangly ends and reinsert them into the wreath. 

DIY Succulent Wreath

Materials:

  • 60 small succulent plants 
  • wire-backed moss form
  • pins
  • pointy object such as a skewer or chopstick
  • clippers or scissors
  • ribbon or wire for hanging

Instructions:

The easiest thing to do before you start is to order a complete kit, such as the one I purchased from Succulent Salon; $59. Not only were Lois' instructions easy to follow, but I was able to customize my order to include the plants I wanted (a selection of aubergine black aeoniums, with heathery blue and sage plants). You also may order your plants and moss base a la carte from Succulent Salon or at a local nursery.

My cuttings arrived from Succulent Salon ready for planting. If you buy them from some place else, it may be necessary to "heal" your stems to deter rotting. To do this, simply trim the ends and let them set out for a day.

Inserting the plants: Taking your sharp implement (I used a meat thermometer), poke a hole in the moss form. If the stem is too wide, it may be necessary to snip some of the netting around the moss. Then gently insert the succulent stem into the hole until the bloom rests against the wreath. Then select your next plant, positioning it quite close (from 1 to 1.5 inches apart) so that you get a nice full wreath, with no net showing. Repeat until the whole wreath is filled. Be sure to keep your wreath relatively horizontal while inserting your succulents, so that the plants don't fall out.

Note: Rather than trying to plan out my whole composition beforehand, I found it easier to choose a few focal plants (for me it was the black aeoniums) and decide approximately where along the wreath I wanted these to go. From there I just worked extemporaneously, selecting each new specimen based on how well it related to those closest to it.

After your wreath is complete, place it in a basin of water filled enough to reach half way up the side of the wreath, and let it soak for 15 minutes. Once the wreath is saturated, remove it from the water and lay it horizontally on a waterproof surface (I chose a pristine white platter), out of direct sun. Leave your wreath for at least three weeks until the plants have rooted securely to the moss base. If weather allows and you want to hang your wreath outside, then it is best to acclimate it during the third week by moving it into the sun. Continue to keep your wreath moist during the rooting period.

Then hang your wreath and enjoy! 

Continued care: When your wreath becomes dry, be sure to water it by placing flat in water again. To maintain the vibrant color, add a fertilizer to the water once a year in spring. Indoor wreaths should be placed in a south facing window and, weather permitting, should be moved outside for at least a week every 30 to 45 days. Outdoor wreaths should be hung in good light (morning and/or filtered sun) and protected from frost. When your plants grow unruly, they can be snipped back and reinserted into the wreath.

N.B.: Can't get enough succulents? We can't either. Explore all of our creative uses for these versatile plants. And: There are more ways to get creative this holiday season. Check all out our favorite DIY décor.

Sisters in Snow: A Woodland Garden in Latvia

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Trees are the national symbol in Latvia. Or ought to be: half of the land within the borders of the country is forested, mainly with Scots pine, silvery birch, and Norway spruce. But there also are plenty of alder trees—black and gray—and ash and aspen and oak. So when Latvian architects NRJA were called in to design a pair of "sister houses" near Langstinu Lake, not far from the Baltic Sea, the first step was to figure out how to introduce the buildings gracefully to the surrounding woodlands:

Photographs courtesy of NRJA.

Latvia red house in snowy woodland garden NRJA l Gardenista

Above: The two separate houses dubbed "Sisters in Snow" by the architects, are built on separate foundations and are joined be a common entryway on the first floor.

Latvia house in woodland garden by NRJA l Gardenista

Above: Winter is severe and snowstorms common in Latvia; the houses were designed to look good against a backdrop of white.

Latvia house in woodland garden by NRJA l Gardenista

Above: The bright red facade looks particularly cheery in December (when there is on average an hour or less of sunshine per day).

Looking for just the right shade of red? See The 8 Best Exterior Red Paints.

Latvia house in woodland garden by NRJA l Gardenista

Above: A covered car park keeps snow from accumulating on autos.

Latvia house in woodland garden by NRJA l Gardenista

Above: Built for two related families who wanted to balance togetherness with privacy, the houses are connected by a glass-walled hallway. The second floor windows have views of the lake.

Latvia house in woodland garden by NRJA l Gardenista

Above: In summer months, the snow is replaced by a carpet of ferns beneath the trees.

Intrigued by the way red looks against a northern landscape? See Little Red Tree House in the Big Woods for a red house in the forests of Swedish Lapland.

The 8 Best Red Exterior House Paints

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Red is a great house color, but only the right red will do. We searched high and low for the best exterior red paint colors, only to learn that the range of "right" reds is surprisingly wide. From traditional farmhouse reds imbued with orange to pink-inflected shades for bold front doors, the right red is sophisticated and surprisingly versatile.

Swatch photographs by Meredith Swinehart. Photography shot with the Canon EOS 70D digital SLR camera, with Dual Pixel AF technology and built-in Wi-Fi. 

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Gardenista

Above: Top row, left to right: Benjamin Moore Cottage Red; Benjamin Moore Million Dollar Red; Farrow & Ball Rectory Red; and Farrow & Ball Blazer. Bottom row: Benjamin Moore Caliente; Sherwin-Williams Solid Color Stain in Cape Cod Red; Benjamin Moore Heritage Red; and Cabot Solid Stains Barn Red

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Benjamin Moore Million Dollar Red, Gardenista

Above: The proprietor of Seattle homewares shop Watson Kennedy used Benjamin Moore Million Dollar Red on his Vashon Island, WA home. Million Dollar Red leans orange, unlike the pink reds shown here, but is significantly brighter than the farmhouse reds like Barn Red. House photo by Jane Dagmi via ColorChats.

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Farrow & Ball Blazer, Gardenista

Above: Painted in Farrow & Ball's vermilion Blazer, this door was a finalist in the company's Great Outdoors Competition and belongs to Sinéad Allart of France. Blazer is the lightest of all the reds in our group.

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Farrow & Ball Rectory Red, Gardenista

Above: Another finalist in Farrow & Ball's front doors competition, this one from Pinky Laing of the UK, is painted in the company's Rectory Red. According to Farrow & Ball, a vermilion color (like Blazer) was historically made cheaper by the addition of red lead. The lead would blacken over time, turning vermilion paint into a shade similar to Rectory Red. This shade is the pinkest of the bunch, followed by Caliente then Heritage Red

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Sherwin Williams Woodscapes Cape Cod Red, Gardenista

Above: Chicago-based Wheeler Kearns Architects used Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes Solid Color Exterior House Stain in Cape Cod Red on this second home and artist's studio in Indiana. This shade is the lightest of the "farmhouse" reds shown here; Barn Red is darker, followed by Cottage Red. Find more images of the project in Architect Visit: Camp Charlie by Wheeler Kearns. Photo by Tom Rossiter.

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Cabot Stains Barn Red, Gardenista

Above: This home from the portfolio of Portland, ME-based architects Kaplan Thompson is painted in Cabot Stains Barn Red, a true orange-toned farmhouse red. Photo by Trent Bell.

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Benjamin Moore Cottage Red, Gardenista

Above: This home from the blog Jay's House is painted in Benjamin Moore's Cottage Red, a brick color that is the darkest shade of our group.

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Benjamin Moore Heritage Red, Gardenista

Above: Designer Ken Fulk updated this San Francisco Victorian with a front door in Benjamin Moore's Heritage Red. Photo by Francesco Lagnese via House Beautiful

Best Exterior Outdoor Red House Paint Colors, Benjamin Moore Caliente, Gardenista

Above: LA-based P2 Design used Benjamin Moore Caliente on this Brentwood home; spotted on Delorme Designs

Not ready for red? Browse our recommended exterior paint picks in White; GrayBlack; and Green.

DIY: Christmas Window Boxes

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Last week our Novice Gardener, Meredith Swinehart, installed three DIY black window boxes on the front of her San Francisco home. She filled them with plants. But with the holiday season officially underway, she's ready to decorate for Christmas with the help of our partner The Home Depot.

String lights were a given, as was some seasonal greenery. But as Meredith wandered the nursery aisles at her local The Home Depot store, she found herself drawn to succulents and black plants. At first, she tried to ignore the urge, knowing it was not the traditional holiday look. But when have we been traditional?

Could Meredith create a holiday window box with atypical ingredients? Inspired by the challenge, she set to work.

Photography by Liesa Johannssen. Original photography shot with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR. The filmmaker’s camera.

Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: Meredith couldn't help but notice that her holiday arrangement appears inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. (The Tim Burton film is her favorite holiday movie.)

White Christmas Lights on Birch Tree Log, Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: To start, Meredith found some small birch tree logs and wrapped them with Brite Star LED Clear White Battery-Operated Dome Lights; $10.99 for a 20-light set.

White Christmas Lights Wrapped Around Manzanita, Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: She wound three light strings around a manzanita branch.

DIY Copper Tape Wrapped Around Ornaments, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: Meredith loves finding new uses for utilitarian products. To make ornaments, she used Corry's Slug and Snail Copper Tape; $7.42 for a 15-foot roll. She wrapped the tape around a set of plain Christmas ornaments like those in the Martha Stewart Living 70mm Christmas Ornaments Set; $5.98 for a pack of 18. And voilà: copper Christmas ornaments. 

Incense Cedar Boughs, Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: Meredith added boughs of cedar to the mix. The Home Depot sells a variety of Fresh Christmas Wreaths and Garlands, including balsam, pine, and fir. To secure the branches in case of wind, Meredith used Gardener's Blue Ribbon Sturdy Twists Plant Tie Wire; a 100-foot roll of wire is $2.97. 

Manzanita and Ground Cover in Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: Meredith wanted to display the lighted manzanita branch in the center of the three boxes, so she planted drought-tolerant ground cover there: Dwarf St. John's wort and 'Silver Carpet' dymondia margaretae.

Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: She perched the lighted manzanita branch on the ground cover, flanked by succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. (Meredith has accepted that she's not an over-waterer.)

Martini Midnight in Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: Coprosma 'Martini Midnight' instantly reminded Meredith of pomegranate seeds, which remind her of Christmas. The black-purple "flower" in the back is Aeonium 'Zwartkop,' a succulent. 

Boxwood in Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: Meredith wrapped white lights in and around dwarf boxwoods; a variety of Boxwoods are available at The Home Depot. She bought 1-gallon plants for $5.98 apiece.  

Bromeliad Brittle Star x Arizona in Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: This bromeliad was too perfect as a Christmas star; Meredith couldn't resist it. It's a Dyckia hybrid 'Arizona' x 'Brittle Star' and is as spiky as it looks; gloves are required here. Meredith likes the simplest pairs, such as G & F Women's Washable Suede Pigskin Leather Garden Brown Gloves; $12.97 for three. 

Meredith Swinehart Holiday WIndow Boxes with Succulents and Cedar, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: Meredith added white dried tallow berries for good measure (their wintry look reminds her of toasted marshmallows). 

Three Black Painted Holiday Window Boxes, The Home Depot, Gardenista

Above: The three completed holiday window boxes.

The 411 on Firewood

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If Pinterest is any indication of these things (and it is), we think it's safe to declare that the onset of winter inspires a love affair with piles of stacked wood. Stacked artistically inside houses, piled up alongside country barns, covered in snow, and tumbling out of wood boxes, we like wood piles in any form we can get them. If the endgame of all of this stacking is an eventual roarer in the fireplace, all of the beautiful photographs of woodpiles have gotten us thinking: what's the best kind of wood to burn? Is there a secret to the crackling, brilliant fires we're all dreaming of?

Yes: here are five tips for choosing and storing firewood.

kate uhry firewood | gardenista

Photograph by Kate Uhry.

1. Choose hardwoods: Oak, hickory, and maple are trusty choices. They might be slightly more costly than other options, but they'll burn slower and longer, ultimately giving you more bang for your buck. Pine is abundant in many parts of the US, but it burns very quickly and will likely spark and pop more than you might be comfortable with. Looking for a sweet smelling fire? Burn apple wood.

ines perkovic firewood | gardenista
Photograph by Ines Perkovic.

2. Consider seasoning: Wood burns best when it's been allowed to dry out first. For best results, cut your wood from six to eight months prior to burning (some hardwoods might require more time to properly season). A good rule of thumb? If you knock two pieces of well-seasoned wood together, you should hear a hollow sound, not a dull thud (which indicates that there's still lots of moisture inside). 

james nord stacked firewood | gardenista  
Photograph by James Nord.

3. Split your logs: Round logs look awfully pretty in photos, but splitting your logs into wedges will get you firewood that burns more efficiently: split wood seasons faster and ignites more quickly.

firewood | gardenista

Photograph by Trine Thorsen.

4. Store thoughtfully: Firewood should be stored in a dry place, elevated a few inches off the ground. If you store your wood outside, make sure to cover it with a water-resistant tarp to avoid seasoned wood from getting damp. 

tim tower stacked firewood | gardenista
Photograph by Tim Towers.

5. Know your measurements: Firewood is generally measured in cords: a full cord is 8 feet long, 4 feet wide and 4 feet high (making a volume of 128 cubic feet). Before you invest in a big load of firewood, make sure that the logs have been cut to a size that fits your fireplace or stove.

In the market for an axe this holiday season? See Best Made Co. at 36 White Street.

Like the look of split wood so much that you'd like to incorporate into the architecture? See A Copper-Clad Modernist Gem in the Big Woods.  

Garrett Wade Giveaway Winner: Tools to Last a Lifetime

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To celebrate the start of winter—the season when gardeners actually have time to sharpen and care for their favorite tools—we partnered with the tool experts at Garrett Wade to sponsor a giveaway of a $234 collection of the company's high-quality pruners and loppers, along with supplies for pampering them. And we have a randomly selected winner:

Congratulations to Sue Carbaugh, who gardens in western Washington, and who wrote: "Taking care of my hand tools is something I don't do well, so I enjoyed reading through the tips in this post. I did learn the hard way (by inadvertently spreading disease from fruit tree to fruit tree, resulting in the death of three young apple trees) to dip my pruners in bleach or alcohol between pruning each tree.  I trained as a Master Gardener last year and am now much more confident in my pruning abilities..."

 Thanks to everyone who submitted. And for more tool care ideas from Garrett Wade's experts, see Expert Advice: How to Make Your Pruners and Loppers Last a Lifetime.

Garrett Wade tool giveaway winner ; Gardenista

Above: Photograph by John Merkl.

The Garrett Wade giveaway collection includes (clockwise from ten o'clock) a set of three diamond paddle hones; a pair of anvil loppers; a pair of French leather handled garden pruners with a leather grip; a box of garden tool oil wipes; a pair of heavy duty bypass loppers with adjustable length handles, and a carbide sharpener in a leather sheath. 

Looking for more ways to keep busy in the winter months? See our complete archive of Tips & Tools posts.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers

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Around this time of year, when my sisters and I migrate home for the holidays, we become what my dad calls "fire gloms." We can't help it. My parents' house is never exactly toasty, and the roaring fire in the kitchen fireplace is the perfect spot for gathering. Enter the house during the winter and you'll no doubt see all four of us lined up, bums toward the fire. 

Of course someone needs to keep the fire roaring, so a few years ago I generously gave my dad a log carrier to help him with the task.

Here's a roundup of ten firewood log carriers, perfect for toting logs from woodshed to fireplace, without snagging sweaters or mussing rugs in the process.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: This is the Log Carrier I gave to my parents a few years ago. It's 19.5 inches wide by 43.5 inches long and made from twill and bridle leather; $80 from Filson.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: The Steele Canvas Log Carrier is striking in black canvas with contrasting deerskin straps, 22.5 inches wide by 35.5 inches long; $98 from Kaufmann Mercantile.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: The Shanty Man Log Carrier is made of waxed canvas and leather straps from dead stock WWII leather gun slings. Brass grommets lend an extra layer of support; 18 inches wide by 38 inches long and $115 from Peg & Awl. 

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: The Firewood Log Carrier is made from canvas and leather with wooden dowel handles. It measures 19.75 inches wide by 45.5 inches long; $105 from Vermont Farm Table.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: The leather and canvas Firewood Sling is 21 inches wide and 52 inches wide and is $85 from Frost River. A less expensive alternative, the Log Carrier, is 18 inches wide by 56 inches long and is made from waxed canvas and wooden dowels; $60.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: It might be cheating to put up a vintage carrier, but I couldn't help myself. This Vintage Suede Ombré Wood Carrier Tote made from suede with wooden dowels for support is $42 from Ethan Ollie.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: I'm a big fan of Beckel Canvas tents and duffles, so no surprise that I love the classic canvas look of this Log Carrier made from 20-ounce canvas duck with 2-inch cotton webbing wrap; $28 from Beckel Canvas. 

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: The Canvas Firewood Tote is made from 18-ounce canvas and polypropylene and cotton webbing that's been triple-stitched for strength; $60 from Patzbag.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: The Easy Tote Firewood Carrier made on Vashon Island, Washington uses a one-strap and handle construction so the sling can be worn over one shoulder while being loaded. Made from canvas, nylon webbing straps, and wooden dowels; $35 from Shangobrand.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood Log Carriers | Gardenista

Above: The Carrier Company offers an all-jute Log Carrier that measures 52 by 95 centimeters; £29.50.

Have a lighter load to carry? See A Bag for Kindling.


Gifts Under $150: For the Flower Lover

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What flower lover doesn't have a botanist's bent? We've rounded up a few of our favorite pseudo-scientist gifts for your inspection:

Pressed botanical specimens on linen l Gardenista

Above: One-of-a-kind Hand-Pressed Botanical specimens, grown by designer Christopher Wilcox and mounted on linen in black wood frames, measure 17.5 inches high and are $149 each from Restoration Hardware.

Seletti chemistry flask vases l Gardenista

Above: From Seletti, a trio of three glass labware Chemical Vases; $60 apiece. 

Dried floral arrangement statice Etsy l Gardenista

Above: The naturalist will appreciate flowers that don't fade. A simple dried flower arrangement of white statice in a 7-inch-square cement pot; Constance is $38 from Flores del Sol via Etsy.

parfums del rae scents l Gardenista

Above: Photograph via Parfums Delrae.

The problem with most flower perfumes is they don't smell like the garden at dusk in June. Parfums Delrae Debut does. The scent is a modern mix of old-fashioned Lily of the Valley and vetiver; $135 for a 1.7 ounce bottle.

  floral shears from Burgon & Ball l Gardenista

Above: A pair of Mini Shears from Burgon & Ball is small enough to slip into any pocket before you head out into the cutting garden; £10 from Objects of Use.

Putting together a holiday shopping list? See our Gift Guides for the Crafty Gardener, the Urban Gardener, and the Fledgling Gardener.

 

 

 

In Search of a Scent: The Black Orchid

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The black orchid came to my attention a year or so ago when I was asked to style a shoot for Tom Ford's perfume called, predictably, Black Orchid ($110 for 1.7 ounces). 

In my search for the plant that inspired the name and the scent, I went down one of the wonderful horticultural paths I love to travel when I'm on an obscure plant hunt. It turned out that the orchid that Mr. Ford became obsessed with was the rare Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl.' The breeder, Fred Clarke, who started Sunset Valley Growers in Vista, California in 1995 was of course proud to share that Mr. Ford had loved the mysteriously strange fragrance, and therefore used its essence for the creation of his new perfume.

I ordered a few for the shoot and nursed them on at home to bring them to bloom. The shape of the flower is similar to a phalenopsis but smaller, and the color was as black as you get in the world of plants. The fragrance was powerful and filled my tiny apartment. I was sad to hand over the plants to the photographer and I've yet to order one of my own, as they are a little pricy. 

Photographs by Jose Picayo.

black orchid | gardenista

Above: The Monnierara Millenium Magic 'Witchcraft,' a close substitute to the incredibly fragrant Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl.' 

Recently when I was in New York's Flower District on 28th Street picking up plants at NY Topiary and saw a similar black orchid that was a little more affordable at $40, I brought one home. This one, Monnierara Millennium Magic 'Witchcraft,' turns out to have won an award in October 2013 from the American Orchid Society for its superb and floriferous form and habit—some have had two spikes and as many as 42 blooms on one plant. The AOS claims it's the blackest of the orchids, and I guess they would know. Even though they are said to be fragrant, the scent is nothing like the Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl' and the flower shape and plant habit differs slightly, but it certainly makes for a great conversation piece.

black orchid | gardenista

Above: The Monnierara Millennium Magic 'Witchcraft' likes heat, water, and fertilizer especially during its non-flowering period; available seasonally from Seattle Orchid for $29.95. When it starts to bloom, its foliage fades; trim off the leaves. 

For more orchid-inspired posts see: The Orchid That Owned Me and The World's Most Stylish Orchid Pot.

Garden-to-Garland: Holiday Photo Gallery

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The answer is, yes. When we were growing up, our houses were trimmed in blinking multicolored lights, and our Christmas trees also groaned under their weight. This year at home we're drawn to less labor-intensive—or at least quieter—holiday displays that come from the garden (but yes, we still go out of our way to drive past that house with the blinking rooftop reindeer). 

Here, six holiday decor ideas from our Photo Gallery, inspired by (and perfect for) the garden. Find 70 other ideas in our Christmas Decor photo gallery. 

Dried Flower Garland from Shane Powers, Nontraditional Christmas Decor, Gardenista

Above: This dried flower garland is from Shane Powers' book, Bring the Outdoors In. It's appropriate decor for all year round; we especially love it for the holidays. For the how-to, see DIY: Dried Flower Garland with Shane Powers, and see all Dried Flowers in our gallery.

Minimalist Twig and Berry Wreath, Nontraditional Holiday Decor, Gardenista

Above: Erin takes us on a tour of the wreaths of Brooklyn, and this rustic wreath is one of many in The Wreaths of Brooklyn: A Neighborhood Tour. Browse our gallery for more garden-inspired design in New York City.

Christmas Lights on Mission Style Home, Nontraditional Holiday Decor, Gardenista

Above: Michelle's Mission-style home decked out in lights reminds us that white is our favorite winter color; this is as close to having a snow-covered house as we're going to get in Northern California. (We hope she continues the tradition next year.) Find her strategy in DIY: A Starry Night Holiday Light Display and see more Spanish-Inspired design in our gallery. 

Lanterns Filled with White Christmas Lights, Nontraditional Holiday Decor, Gardenista

Above: An instantaneous decor idea I'm hoping to recreate, from Holiday Glow with Lights from Terrain. Browse our photo gallery for more clever uses for String Lights.

DIY Scandinavian Wreath, Nontraditional Holiday Decor, Gardenista

Above: Here's a DIY video to start your decorating off right: DIY Video: A Scandi-Inspired Holiday Wreath. Then attend to the rest of your home with Scandinavian inspiration from our photo gallery. 

Above: Rounding out our nontraditional Christmas decor picks is a bromeliad as Christmas star. Get the details in DIY: Christmas Window Boxes and browse our photo gallery of Succulents for more inspiration.

Looking for more garden-to-holiday decorating ideas? Try DIY: Holiday Decor for Small Spaces and DIY: A Succulent Wreath to Display All Year

Living Art: Finnish Holiday Ornaments

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From the Finnish word for sky or heaven, himmeli have long been used to celebrate the beginning of Winter Solstice, as well as to bestow good wishes for the future. 

This season, we've been admiring a modern take on this Scandinavian holiday classic: brass himmelis by Hruskaa. As much sculpture as planter, a golden prism provides a bit of holiday sparkle all year long.

brass himmeli set of three prism no 1 by Hruskaa, Gardenista

Above: Hand crafted from brass straws and cord, each of this Set of Three Himmeli, Prism No. 1 is perfectly sized to hold a tillandsia; $60. Also sold individually at Hruskaa; $25.

brass himmeli set of three prisms by Hruskaa, Gardenista

Above: A different set of simple geometric mobiles is also sold as a Set of Three Himmeli; $49, or individually (L to R): No. 3, No. 1, and No. 2; $19 each.

brass himmeli prism no 2  by Hruskaa, Gardenista

Above: Viewed from the bottom, this larger Brasss Himmeli Prism No. 2 measures 7.5 inches by 10.75 inches; $49.

brass himmeli wall planters by Hruskaa, Gardenista

Above: Hruskaa's himmeli are also available as a Set of 2 Wall Planters; $70. Also sold individually; $35.

brass himmeli wreath by Hruskaa, Gardenista

Above: Hruskaa's mid-century style wreath is adorned with just a small bit of greenery for the holidays; Large Brass Himmeli Wreath; $185.

N. B. Looking for more lively holiday decor? See our 5 Favorites: Living Ornaments.

DIY: Plant Your Christmas Tree in the Garden

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Ever been intrigued by the idea of a live Christmas tree that you can plant in your yard after the holidays? Us too. This year we decided to give it a try. 

For help, I turned to my local experts at Stonegate Gardens in historic Lincoln, MA, (who earlier this fall did a beautiful job planting my new hornbeam trees). My first question of owner Lynne Bower was, does she even recommend it? "Yes, absolutely!" was her answer, "though there are some things to consider..."

Photographs by Justine Hand, except where noted.

blue spruce tree via Myers Landscape Nursery, Gardenista

Above: Baby Blue Eyed Spruce, shown here via Myers Landscape Nursery in Indiana, is an excellent choice for a live Christmas tree.

One of the benefits of a living tree is you open yourself up to a lot more options than the cut trees on offer at most places. Lynne recommends: Colorado spruce "with its perfectly layered shape," Austrian pine "which looks like a mini Ponderosa pine," and Alberta spruce "cute, cuddly, and bushy." She also likes Vanderwolf Pine, which is long-needled like a ponderosa pine, but the topsides of the needles are blue like a spruce, the undersides showing a noticeably white color.

DIY living xmas tree, giant thuja, Gardenista

Above: Because our yard is shady along the border where we wanted to plant the tree, we chose a shade-tolerant giant thuja. Price: $98.

Before you fall in love with one of the trees mentioned above, however, consider several factors. First, what is your climate or zone? In the Northeast spruces and firs do better, while milder climates may prefer cypress and cedar. Second, where do you want to plant your tree? Though your new tree is a cute 4 to 6 feet high now, many species of evergreen can reach towering heights. Third, what growing conditions exist in your chosen spot? Many evergreens need sun to thrive or good drainage. Your local nursery expert can help identify the right choice for you.

Also, don't choose a tree that's too large. According to a great article in This Old House, a 6-foot tree with a root ball can weigh up to 250 pounds! Our tree was only 5 feet tall and it took all my (rather burly) husband had to haul it around.

DIY living xmas tree, plastic wrap, Gardenista

Above: We wrapped the base of our tree in plastic to protect the floor from dirt and water. You can also use a vinyl saucer. 

Inside environments are quite drying for a tree, so Lynne recommends checking daily to make sure the soil always stays moist. (Avoid saturating it, though, since the heavier the base is, the harder it will be to move it outside.) Ice cubes are an ideal option because they act like an artificial drip system and keep the roots cool.

DIY living xmas tree, linen sheet wrap, Gardenista

Above: An antique linen sheet did the trick of hiding the plastic quite nicely.

DIY living Christmas tree, full view, Gardenista

Above: We placed our tree by a window where it is cooler, but not in direct sun, and far from a drying heater.

There are several other steps to take in order to protect your tree from the dry indoors. Lynne recommends placing it at least 10 feet from a wood stove or fireplace. Avoid sunny windows and do not place a tree where it will receive direct flow of heat from a furnace vent. Lynne also suggests spraying the needles with Anti-Stress 2000 (a 1-gallon jug of concentrate is $64.60 from Grower's) plant protector, a clear polymer anti-transpirant. It slows the tree's evaporative loss of water through its needles.

DIY living Christmas tree, gilded ornaments, Gardenista

Above: We were inspired to decorate our living tree with natural ornaments: nuts and leaves that we gilded. See our how-to later today.

DIY living xmas tree, in my dining room, Gardenista

Above: For about ten days, our thuja complemented a centerpiece of paperwhites and succulents in our dining room. Then it was time to move our tree outside.

Because the warm, dry indoor climate can seriously compromise the trees chances of survival once outside, Lynne advises that live trees be kept inside no more than 10 days, tops! Before planting, Lynne suggests that you transfer the tree to an unheated garage or just a protected area around the house to acclimate for one week. Be sure to keep your tree watered during this time.

DIY living Christmas tree, digging the hole, Gardenista

Above: Our hole, dug to just the depth of our tree's container and twice the width.

Pick a day of relative warmth and thaw to plant your tree. Dig your hole to the same depth of the root ball or container so that after the tree is planted the stem sits in the ground at the same height as it did in the nursery. Make your hole at least twice as wide as your container or root ball to give the roots a chance to spread.

Note: If you live in northern areas where the ground will be frozen solid by Christmas, you can prep your hole in the late fall. This comprehensive article by This Old House advises using leaves to mulch both the hole and the dirt pile, covering them with a tarp to keep from freezing solid. 

DIY Live Christmas Tree, loosen roots, Gardenista

Above: Freeing our tree from its plastic bucket, we placed it in the hole and gently loosened the bound roots. If your tree came with a root ball, be sure to remove this completely or as much as possible, to prevent the burlap from wicking away moisture from the roots.

DIY Live Christmas Tree, planting, Gardenista

Above: After our tree was planted, we built a small water-retaining wall around the base.

After you have positioned the tree in the hole, fill it with loose dirt, making sure that the tree sits at the same level as in its container. Note that you should not fertilize your tree now. It is dormant, and you don't want to encourage fragile new growth before the proper growing season. (Come spring, you can fertilize your tree with tree food.)

DIY Live Christmas Tree, water, Gardenista

Above: Water thoroughly.

Your newly planted tree should receive a good soak. We made a small moat to concentrate the water around the roots. (This should be removed in spring.) Water your tree again at least twice a month throughout the winter, then once a week during the growing season.

DIY Live Christmas Tree, mulch, Gardenista

Above: Newly planted, our giant thuja will delight us for years to come.

Finally, give your tree a nice insulating layer by applying about 3 inches of mulch. (I used leaves.) Lynne also reminds that snow can cause a tree to bend, so she advises staking it before the first snowfall.

If you're still not sure about a live tree, here's a quick and easy chart delineating the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • For little more than the cost of a cut tree, you get something that, with proper care, will last for years, adding beauty to your yard as well as a habitat for birds.
  • Although most cut trees are a crop, farmed in nurseries, a live tree could be considered more environmental.
  • A live tree is actually less messy. (No falling needles!)
  • Tired of wrestling with Christmas tree stands? Have a cat or kids, that like to climb? A cut tree is much easier to set up and is more stable.
Cons:
  • With its root ball or container, a live tree is much heavier than a cut tree, so you will not be able to get a grand 10-footer. 
  • Because you are going to plant it outside, it is recommended that you keep your tree inside for 10 days at most; otherwise it will start to grow tender shoots that wont survive the harsh winter.
  • A live tree requires more thought and planning. (But in the end I found that it was much more inspiring and well worth the effort!)

N.B.: Interested in more living decor that goes beyond the holidays? Check out my living Succulent Wreath.

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