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Making It Grow! News Articles

November 7th, 2005

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This time of year we often see "dirt devils" whirling around in
driveways or abandoned field, looking like little tornadoes that have
caught dried leaves and sand. As we finish the Thanksgving dishes and
begin our Christmas plans, some of us feel like we've been caught up
in those whirl winds. Try to remember that being with family and
having the blessing of living in this great country should be first
in our minds during this holiday season.

Many communities now have tree ordinances to protect plant
material from the bulldozer and developers. As a result, some
South Carolinians believe that cutting any tree is harmful to the
environment. However, Christmas trees are grown as a renewable crop,
and the fresh tree you buy from a civic lot or from the grower's field
will be replaced with a seedling that will grow until it reaches
maturity.

A newly-cut tree adds a feeling of warmth to your home and if kept in
water will stay fragrant and fresh. And don't forget that wonderful
piney fragrance! Many families now have made cutting the tree part of
their holiday tradition by visiting a nearby tree farm and strolling
up and down the rows until they find the perfect specimen. Then the
grower cuts the tree and everyone enjoys the process of securing it to
the car.

A friend of mine who lives in one of those old houses with high
ceilings passed on a good tip to get a tree is the right size in the
field and after it gets home! She has an old bamboo fishing rod that
has been cut to the exact height of the ceiling. By standing that pole
next to a tree, the family can avoid having to adjust the height back
at home.

To find a tree farm near you, you can visit the South Carolina
Christmas Tree Association website, www.scchristmastrees.org.
The different types of trees available are listed, directions to
farms, environmental benefits of buying a locally grown tree and more
can be found there. In the past decade, the Carolina Sapphire has
become a favorite of some families. It has softer needles (actually
scales) than some other species and a bluish color.

My favorite attribute of this particular tree, however, is its
wonderful fragrance. If you close your eyes and take a deep breath,
you can almost image snow and sleighbells.

If a freshly cut tree grown in South Carolina doesn't get you in the
holiday spirit, come to the Boykin Christmas Parade on Sun, Dec 14.
They will have plenty of BBQ at noon followed by the parade at 2:30pm.
this has got to be the largest country Christmas parade in the south.