NOTEBOOK
Crowning Glory: Choosing a Christmas Tree
Venturing out on a crisp December day to pick out the best Christmas tree is a much-anticipated family tradition, and children love to have the final say on the magnificent specimen to be taken home.
A gentle steer towards certain varieties can result in less work to keep the tree looking handsome throughout the festive period. Louise Golden, senior plant buyer from Dobbies Garden Centres, advises: “There are two excellent options of trees with needle-holding qualities: the Nordmann Fir, which has glossy foliage and is soft to the touch, and the Fraser Fir, with more of a slender growth habit and a refreshing citrus scent.”
She also has sage advice for those seeking a Christmas tree requiring minimum care. “Container-grown trees are a superb solution for those who want a low-maintenance Christmas tree, as its root systems will do all the work for you.”
For a finishing touch, add a ‘skirt’, such as this Garden Trading) to conceal the base of the tree and its stand (essential for keeping the tree standing straight), and as a backdrop for presents.
