What kind of holiday traditions fill your dreams?  It seems the farther we march into biotechnology, the more important simple traditions become.  We remember the many family or cultural traditions of the past and this helps us develop a perspective for our future.

   As we reflect on holidays past and enjoy our special holiday with families and friends, let’s remember that people, like plants, respond to love and care.  Giving of ourselves and helping others is the best gift we can give.

 It’s the time of year, when hearts are light, wallets are lighter, smiles are bright, houses are cheery, trees are lit and family is near.  So take a deep breath, grab an eggnog and get ready for that special holiday.

Fresh Greenery

     Decorating the house with fresh greenery is one of the oldest winter holiday traditions.  Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.

     The first and often the best place to look for holiday greenery may be in your own landscape.  Greenery gathered from your own garden will be far fresher than any that you can buy.  You may also have a variety of unusual greenery that would be difficult to find for purchase.

When gathering live greenery from your shrubs and trees, remember that you are actually pruning the plants.  Consider carefully which branches to cut and which ones to leave.  Distribute the cuts evenly around the plant in order to preserve its natural form. 

Keeping Greenery Fresh

           

•Use clean, sharp cutters to cut branches and immediately put cut ends into water until      ready to use.

• Crush the ends of woody stems to allow the cutting to take in more water.

•Keep greenery out of sunlight.

• Immerse greenery in water overnight before arranging.  This allows  the cuttings to absorb the maximum amount of moisture.

•Allow the foliage to dry and then spray it with an antitranspirant, such as Wilt-pruf, to help seal in moisture.  NOTE:  Do not use antitranspirants on juniper berries, cedar or blue spruce. The product can damage the wax coating that gives these plants their  distinctive color.

•Keep completed wreaths, garlands and arrangements in a cool location until use.

• Display fresh greenery and fruits out of the sun and away from heat.

• Plan to replace greenery and fruits throughout the holiday season if they become less than fresh.

Are Holiday Plants Hazardous?

The poinsettia, everyone’s favorite holiday plant, has gotten a bum rap for a number of years.  It’s been falsely accused of being poisonous, yet no deaths from this plant have ever been recorded.  In fact, research studies at The Ohio State University have proven that poinsettias present no health hazard.

Some Holiday Plants DO Have Toxic Properties:

HOLLY:  Eating the bright red berries of this plant will cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,, and diarrhea.

JERUSALEM CHERRY:  Every part of this plant contains toxic substances. Eating the fruit or foliage will adversely affect the heart.

MISTLETOE:  Acute stomach and intestinal disorders result from nibbling on the greenish, white berries.

YEW:    The leaves, seeds, bark, and twigs of this evergreen can be toxic, causing breathing difficulties, uncontrollable trembling, and vomiting.

 Although few plants cause death, children and pets are fascinated by the bright berries and shiny leaves, so place your plants out of the reach of children and pets.

 

Tom McNutt is a professor emeritus at The Ohio State University. and retired NBC4-TV resident green thumb