Since the 7th century AD, people have considered the decoration of trees an integral part of the festivities surrounding Christmas.  Hawthorns and cherry trees were the first to be decorated, but as the tradition gained favor, people came to realize the extraordinary beauty of a decorated Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, Balsam fir, or white pine.

But with the introduction of the Christmas tree in the modern home, along came the downsides.  Many consumers, especially those with allergy and asthma sensitivities, suffered adverse effects from live trees. With the heat generated by the lights with which we decorate our trees, and the candles that are so prevalent during this celebratory season, natural trees tended to dry out, thus creating potential fire hazards.  Not to mention the ubiquitous lit fireplaces where stockings were hung by the chimney with care!  So people began to look for alternatives that would still provide the beauty whilst eliminating the dangers.  The solution would be in artificial trees, which come in a vast array of choices, including the traditional live trees mentioned above.

The very first artificial Christmas tree has been attributed to an eco-aware German who was concerned with deforestation in the 19th century.  He created a tabletop model out of dyed goose feathers, decorated with miniature ornaments.  Luckily for the geese, more modern versions of the artificial Christmas tree were created by brush manufacturers who dyed plastic bristles and then situated them into poles.  While this mode of construction is no longer used, one still finds models which consist of a stand, into which is inserted a sturdy pole with pre-drilled holes, into which “branches” are inserted. Each row of branches is a different size, and color-coded at the base for ease of assembly. 

In 1958, aluminum trees were introduced in the U.S.  They generally were not green in color, but rather silver.  As they were not yet flame-retardant, a rotating wheel of red, green, blue and yellow provided a color palette that was constantly changing.  We see this trend reflected in the contemporary LED trees, which are artificial Christmas trees with the lights built directly into the tree; they came into vogue in the late 1990s.  The tree stand houses the electrics, and is not only fire-retardant, but because the LEDs produce more light per watt than traditional bulbs and can last up to 30 times as long, they are a welcome energy-saving choice.  Fiber optic trees employ the concept of the color wheels of the 1950s, softly shimmering multi-colored lights throughout the night.

If the classic style Christmas tree is, well, not your style, you may find artificial trees that come pre-flocked, in champagne gold, tuxedo black (elegant and sophisticated, it is suitable for any formal occasion), or even upside down.  The latter gained popularity in 2005, initially designed so that customers could get closer to the ornaments being sold and displayed on them.  Retailers also claimed that they rapidly reached a special market as they allowed larger presents to be placed beneath the trees. 

Perhaps one of the most utile recent versions of the artificial Christmas tree is the corner, or slim-shaped tree for those with limited space.  They also come pre-lit or ready for your own personal lighting and decorating touch.  Which brings us to a theme for our new artificial tree.  Consider an all white theme, with touches of silver.  It will bring the snowy outdoors inside, even for those who live in temperate climes.  The entire color spectrum lends itself to experimentation; just coordinate your ornaments, lights, and special unique touches to a harmonious color scheme. 

Traditionalists are in the position of enjoying a beautiful fir or Scotch pine without the hassle of bundling up and going outside every year to either cut down your own tree from a tree farm, or take the necessary time to carefully select one from a nursery.  Unfortunately, that perfect choice that didn’t release a single needle when you shook it before making your selection will very quickly dry out in the home environment, leaving you with the tedious task of tending to the shedding needles.  And if you enjoy having the tree throughout the entire holiday season, you run a risk of fire.  But with an artificial tree, you may choose to have either a tabletop size or one 15 feet or even higher!  And whether you choose to buy a pre-lit one or to completely decorate the tree yourself, keeping your tree up as long as you wish presents no hazards.  While the initial price may give you momentary pause, remember that today's artificial trees have a lifespan of a decade; compare that to the cost of purchasing a cut tree year after year.

Here at K&W Greenery, we have an amazing selection of artificial trees available. Until December 24th, every artificial tree is 25% off!  Why not make this year the one when you decide to take the work out of and put the safety into one of the most unforgettable aspects of the holiday season.  Instead, let visions of sugarplums dance, and set your home aglow with the lights on an artificial Christmas tree. We will even deliver and set it up for you! 

Have the Happiest of Holidays, from K&W Greenery. 

Poinsettias are a wonderful worldwide holiday tradition. In fact, next to a Christmas tree, nothing else says Christmas quite like poinsettias. Displayed alone or in groups, they can add a festive splash of color to every décor. From a centerpiece on a holiday table to a miniature plant decorating the corner of an office desk, to a colorful hanging basket that can brighten any room, the poinsettia is the perfect holiday gift.

So how did poinsettias become so popular at Christmas--and where do they come from? According to Mexican legend, a poor Mexican girl named Pepita who could not afford a gift to offer to Christ on Christmas Eve picked some weeds from the side of a road. The child was told that even a humble gift, if given in love, would be acceptable in God's eyes. When she brought the weeds into the church and laid them at the feet of the Christ child, they bloomed into red and green flowers.

Poinsettias are native to the tropical forest at moderate elevations along the Pacific coast of Mexico and some parts of Guatemala. They are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant in the U.S. in 1825.

Poinsettias have come a long way from their humble beginnings. For years only variations of red flowers were propagated and grown. But now there are hundreds of color varieties available ranging from traditional shades of red, pink and white to burgundy, peach, striped, flecked and hand-dyed varieties.

The sooner you purchase your poinsettias, the sooner you and your friends will be able to enjoy the unique holiday beauty that only they can provide. Until December 24th, K&W Greenery offers free delivery of any 6.5 inch poinsettia.

Poinsettias are fairly easy-going, and with proper care can last long past the holiday season. Just click on the link below for a complete care guide including tips for re-blooming the following season. Check out our Poinsettia Care Guide (click here).

Fresh holiday greens such as wreaths and garland have a definite life span, but with the following tips you can keep them looking good so you can enjoy their wonderful scent and beauty throughout the holiday season.

If you aren't hanging or mounting your greens right away, lay them outside on the ground (best side up) in a cool shady location until you ready to use them. Try to avoid getting the greenery wet.

Sunlight, heat and wind are the worst enemies for holiday greenery, so keep that in mind when hanging them up. Outdoors, wreaths will last much longer on doors with northern or eastern exposures. Southern or western exposures can cause greenery to dry and discolor much more quickly.

If hanging or mounting greenery indoors, be sure to keep it away from heating vents and try to maintain room temperatures of 70 degrees or less. Also shutter direct sunlight window exposures to prevent excess discoloration.

Transpirants help to slow down moisture loss, which helps to maintain the color and reduce a potential fire hazard. Be sure to apply transpirant outdoors at least one hour before decorating the greenery, so it can dry before you add all those personal touches to it!

Happy Holidays!