December Task List for Dependable Gardens This is the month of Christmas trees. DG Nursery will have Balsam, Grand, and Noble fir trees in a wide range of sizes. To keep your cut tree fresh-looking through Christmas, the base needs to be re-cut one to two hours prior to placing it in water. Adding a tree preservative to the water and keeping the container full will also help extend the life of your cut tree. If you prefer a live tree to a cut one, we'll have those too. Remember, however, that they can remain inside for only about a week. Move them from outside into the garage then into the house over a period of days to acclimatize them. Reverse the process after Christmas. Your tree can be left in the pot until spring if protected from the cold to prevent root dieback. It can also be planted if the ground is not too frozen. Just water it in well and apply at least two inches of mulch. Unique holiday decor as well as tree trimmings, wreaths, swags, and garland are available to compliment your tree purchase. Need help finding a gift for your favorite gardener? How about a DG Nursery re-chargeable gift card. Gift cards can be pre-loaded for any amount and refilled at any time. For optimal protection your plants will need to be mulched, especially tender perennials and roses. Newly planted trees and shrubs like the extra protection of two or more inches of compost, bark, or leaves. They will also benefit from occasional watering if the winter is dry. New and young trees also need to be wrapped to protect their thin bark from sunscald damage - Dewitt tree wrap is available in 3” x 50' or 3” x 100' rolls. If you are attracting winter birds to your feeders be sure to keep those feeders full and clean. If you also provide a reliable source of drinking water by using a birdbath heater, birds will be an enjoyable attraction all winter. Don't forget the birds this Christmas — decorate an outdoor tree with orange slices, popcorn & cranberry strings, and bird seed ornaments. Quick and easy birdfeeders - roll pine cones in peanut butter and then birdseed; tie twine or yarn around the top to make a hanger. Children can cut dry bread with cookie-cutters, spread with peanut butter, and sprinkle with birdseed. You can use Christmas-ornament hooks to secure these. If there isn't several inches of snow cover on your lawn don't walk on the frozen grass. Without the protection of snow, grass blades are easily broken causing dieback in your lawn that will show up next spring. A thick layer of straw over any root crops in your garden, such as potatoes, parsnips, and carrots, will protect them long enough to harvest them, as needed, well into winter. Finally, curl up in a chair by the fireplace, read your gardening books and catalogs, and start planning for next year.

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