Another year almost done & dusted …

We trust you’ll enjoy some well-deserved time off, with a little rest and relaxation over the festive season.

Herewith a few tips and suggestions on how to ‘Green up the Holidays’!

• Consider a ‘Living’ Xmas tree

Conifers offer a long lasting, classic Christmas tree shape & style. There are many conifer varieties available in many different sizes, so you can opt for big or small (or as the budget allows). Conifers thrive in pots – after the holiday you can move it and bring it back in again next year!

Indigenous trees are popular too. The Yellow wood (Podocarpus var.) is particularly well suited – plant in a large pot and place outside in the garden after the holidays.

• Opt for growing gifts… indoor plants for everyone, outdoor plants for garden lovers

Garden Centres are packed with potential green gifts! Pointsettia’s, Amaryllis and other stunning red indoor flowering plants are ‘classically’ festive and fun. Succulents and indoor plants offer long lasting gifts that will be enjoyed for months… simply ‘package’ them in Christmas paper or pots when gifting.

Outdoor plant options are endless – trees, roses, herbs, veggies, shrubs, container plants and so on… Ask your nurseryman for advice if you’re unsure, there are many ‘new’ varieties that would be loved by garden lovers, or opt for classic all-time favourites such as Rose ‘My Granny’, ‘Forever Friends’ or ‘Peace’ etc.

• Grow herbs – homegrown is best!

Edibles are SO ‘in’. They make excellent gifts but are also particularly needed during the typical festive entertaining. Make sure your herb garden contains these festive essentials:

Mint                      For mint sauce, of course!

Rosemary            The essential lamb/mutton herb

Thyme                  Incorporate into poultry dishes

Basil                       For all Mediterranean salads & dishes

Other healthy homegrown options that can be harvested in December include strawberries, watermelon, sweet melon, tomato, lettuce, pumpkins and radishes

• ‘Green Décor’ is simple, stylish and ‘free’

Decorate in and around the house with living pot plants as opposed to cut flowers. There are many indoor colour plants that will last till well into the new year… When decorating and doing table arrangements, opt for foliage and flowers from the garden. Send the kids out on a ‘colour search’ … you’ll be amazed at what they come back with!

• Avoid the crowds – shop at your local garden centre (their gift ranges are incredible!)

Garden Centres are not just about plants… Many Garden Centres offer a wide range of gifts, both for inside and outside the home. Visit www.lifeisagarden.co.za to find your closest GCA (Garden Centre Association) nursery for professional advice and recommendations.

• Garden accessories ie. tools, ornaments, furniture all make awesome gifts

Think outside the ‘usual’ water features, bird baths, bird feeders are all excellent gifts for the ‘hard to shop for’. Most nurseries stock a comprehensive kids range of accessories too. Garden benches, swings and furniture could be a gift for the entire family! Why not invest in water-wise appliances, such as hose-pipes or JoJo tanks for the garden J

Finally – take time to remove your shoes and walk around the garden. Enjoying the sights, smells and feel of it all. Happy holidays!!