Choosing Your Christmas Tree

Choosing Your Christmas Tree

We all know and love the holiday classic movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and the lovable Clark Griswold.  One of my favorite scenes is the Christmas Tree selection and set up.  As hyperbolic a situation shown in the scene, it brings up some overlooked points when selecting a Christmas Tree.

• Height:  Make sure you know the ceiling height of your selected space.  The listed tree height includes the stand.  A 6.5' tree in a 10' ceiling space will look underwhelming.  Or in Clark's case, a 9.5' tree with an 8' ceiling will not work without some comical effort.
• Diameter:  Once you know the diameter, the widest measurement of the tree, make sure you note the tree is a cone so you'll need this distance in every direction.  Full and slim tree models are available to give you options.
• Lighting:  Most artificial trees are conveniently sold pre-lit with incandescent lights.  Check the light count to make sure you have the desired appearance.  A light count that is too low or too high should be a concern.
• Materials:  Christmas Trees are generally made out of two materials: PVC, polyethylene, or both.  PVC is the less expensive, less realistic option that is generally associated with artificial Christmas trees.  Polyethylene (PE) can be molded to form very realistic textures and appearances.
• Weight:  When in doubt of the quality of the tree you should check the weight.  The higher quality trees have more material and sturdy frames.  A heavier tree generally means a higher quality product.

Container Gardening Planting Tips

Container gardening is a great way to brighten up a small space or a large garden, but where do you begin? There are three overall choices when deciding to plant a container: pot selection, plant selection, and planting medium.

Pot Selection

As a general rule the larger the pot the more soil it holds and the more moisture it will retain. Warmer climates will want to use lighter color pots to decelerate evaporation. Terra Cotta pots wick away moisture and will need increased watering.

Select the properly weighted pot for your intent. If you are sprucing up your front porch along a busy thoroughfare, you may want to select a heavy pot that is not easily moved for security purposes. If you plan on moving pots around your back porch consistently, select light-weight pots (terra cottas or plastics) so you do not risk injury.

Decide on your design theme before selecting you pots in order to pick the right colors, shapes, etc. Make sure your pots have drainage holes.

Plant Selection

There are not limits to your creativity when it comes to plant selection. Make sure you select plants that require the same amount of sun and water and will not overgrow the whole container (like mint).

You'll also want to consider:

-color
-number and kind of plants
-height
-location
-pot size

A good starting plan for a large container is to plant a spike or tall plant in the middle or back, a medium size plant around the middle, and finish with vines and creepers in the front for a nice draped finish.

Good Combinations:

-herbs and flowers

-flowers and greenery

-various flowering plants

-veggies and flowers

Planting Medium

The key to healthy, planted containers is the proper planting medium. Roots depend on the proper amount of water and air in the soil to create the ideal carbon dioxide exchange. Make sure to select the proper mixture for your plant selection.

Here is a good starting plan for a basic container:

-Make sure the pot has drainage holes and line bottom of pot with newspaper to prevent soil leaks.

-Use packing popcorn or broken pots at the very bottom to allow air into the soil.

-Compost, if you have it, is an excellent next layer for nutrients and aeration.

-Choose a rich potting soil or mixture. Consider products labeled "professional" that tend be void of weed seeds and possible diseases.

-Leave about a 2 inch gap between the soil and the top of the container and fill about 1/2 inch of this gap with mulch.

Decorating the Small Outdoor Space

Living in an apartment, condo, or town home doesn't mean you can't enjoy the serenity and beauty of a planted outdoor space. With proper planning your balcony, porch, or small patio can come alive.

• Choose the proper sized containers for your space. A wide variety of baskets, containers, and pots are available.
• Think vertical. Many subtle display pieces, such as the multi-hook hanger (pictured above), raise the eye and offer a movable option to best fit your layout.
• Consider your color pallet. What is your goal? Are you looking for a tranquil breakfast spot or a loud presentation of your green thumb? Choose the colors of your containers and flowers that fit your inspiration not just what's easiest to grow.
• Olfactory offerings. Similar to your colors, consider the aromas that best fit your plan. Lavendar is the perfect choice for that tranquil breakfast spot.
• Feed your senses. Herbs grow wonderfully in containers, smell great, taste amazing, and even keep mosquitoes away.

Spring Sprung Early This Year

The Spring of 2012 has been a very mild this year and we're seeing the results as people are preparing earlier than ever for their gardens. Hanging baskets, replacement coconut liners, and obelisks have been the favorites so far this year. Don't get caught procrastinating and end up sifting thought the chaff at the big box stores. Order your materials in advance for peace of mind and savings! Find a coupon code on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/YardZooks.

Christmas Tree Set Up / Trouble Shooting Videos

Having problems setting up your artificial Christmas Tree? Pesky light strand not lighting up? Can't get your artificial tree to look full enough?

Check out this videos by Christmas Tree manfuacturer Border Concepts, Inc. They will walk you through opening the box through proper maintenance of your Christmas Tree.

Artificial Christmas Tree should be used again year after year so listen to what their designers suggest.

Weekend Tailgate Guide: LSU vs Oregon

Great day in the morning, college football is here! Think of your favorite superlative and insert that grandiose adage here. I do hope you fine people are as excited as I am. I am flat out titillated.

Not just about the great match-up between #4 LSU and #3 Oregon, but about what they are serving in the parking lot. I'll let the professional sportscasters prognosticate the outcome of the ball game. I'm here to break down the tailgating.

The Oregon Ducks are flying into as delightful an outdoor party as they've ever seen. Just a few Cajun folks and 100,000 of their friends. I'm getting the shivers. No matter that the game is in Dallas at Jerry's place; those Tigers will travel.

While sauntering between purple and gold canopies the visiting webfoots will encounter gumbo, jambalaya, low country boil, muffelatas, po'boys, boudin...mmm mmmmh. Don't let it ruffle your feathers if you see some turtle soup or frogs legs, too. Them's good eats.

LSU folks are also known for theme grilling. What is "theme grilling?" Well, keep an eye out for a little duck in your gumbo. They enjoy a pig pickin' when Arkansas visits and grilled alligator sausage when Florida arrives, so don't pay no mind to it. They're just pulling your chains. Also, crawfish are out of season from August to January, so there won't be as many as you might think.

Now you'll have to wet your whistle, too, and I'd advise bringing a wooden leg: cold beers, bourbon drinks, and daiquiris aplenty. They might even import the infamous "hurricane" concoctions from New Orleans. Just don't drink any punch with a boot floating in it...

I suwanne, I'm jealous that I won't be there to witness it myself! Y'all have a great time and keep your senses about you. It's sure to be a fine southern occasion transplanted to Dallas. And if someone asks you, "Jyeet yet?" Say no.

Regards, Beau

Fine Garden Cocktails for Outdoor Entertaining

Late Summer / early Fall is the perfect time to have some friends over to watch some football or just catch up after the summer travels. Use that carefully maintained garden to create or accompany that delicious cocktail you're serving. Which cocktails? Oh, we're glad you asked...

Mint Julep: The Southern Classic renowned for its presence at the Kentucky Derby is also a tailgate favorite. It's sweet, refreshing taste is a great way to use the mint from your garden.

Ingredients: Bourbon, Distilled Water, Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Bunches of Fresh Mint

Preparation: (link) The preparation or use of simple syrup is up for debate. Find one that fits your style, garnish with a mint sprig, and don't forget the silver cups!

Cucumber-Tomato Martini: This smooth alternative to the classic martini is a crisp and refreshing way to serve your guests. Thanks to Nicky Fabbrini for the tip: Site, Twitter

Ingredients: Gin, Vermouth, Ice, Ripe Tomatoes, Cucumber, Salt

Preparation: (link) This requires a blender and some time, but well worth the efforts. Garnish with cocktail onions and cucumber slices.

Peach Billini: The Billini has a distinctly Italian heritage and a taste of celebration. The drink dates back to the 1940s at Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy. Grazie!

Ingredients: Champagne (or Prosecco), peaches, raspberries

Preparation: (link) You can take short cuts with schnapps but why would you?

Sangria: The perfect drink for size, presentation, and taste! This drink prepares in the pitcher and is ready in under and hour.

Ingredients: Red Wine (Rioja), Brandy, Club Soda, Orange Juice, Sugar, Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Apples

Preparation: (link) Combine in ingredients in a large bowl, chill to marry flavors, and serve.

Bloody Mary: This classic tomato juice cocktail has as many variations as there are football players from pee-wee football to the NFL. But it's hard to beat this tasty treat.

Ingredients: Vodka, Tomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Horseradish, Worecestershire Sauce, Garlic, Hot Sauce, Salt, Ground Pepper, Pickled Okra

Perparation: (link) BAM! Little did I know that Emeril's recipe was so close to my own. I love pickled okra.

These might take a little work but the best things always do...If we missed your favorite, please let us know!