Master Gardener: Succulent gifts from your garden | Home and Garden

Master Gardener: Succulent gifts from your garden | Home and Garden

Looking for an affordable gift made with love from your garden? How about a unique gift for the special gardener in your life? Or a gift for the hard-to-buy-for person who already has one of everything, Pay Per Touch?

You can easily make a number of gifts using succulent cuttings. Succulents are perfect for gardening “Central Valley Style” because they love the sun and are drought tolerant. Start now, and by gift-giving time, all your creation will need is a bright bow!

Some craft ideas are: a living wreath for hanging or for use as a table centerpiece with a candle, a living picture frame for a garden or patio wall, a fairy garden, a succulent globe, or a cute basket filled with different succulents. Making these gifts is affordable — no need to go searching the garden centers for succulents. Look no further than your own —or your friend or neighbor’s — succulent garden. Pinch a little here, trim a tad there, uproot a few that are too crowded, or rescue a forlorn “pup” from its parent.

Succulents are native to Mexico and South Africa. They have fleshy leaves and stems that hold and store water to help them survive drought. Most are frost tender, and they don’t like either overwatering or extreme desert conditions. Because succulents have a fairly thick skin, they are not prone to insect damage. Mealy bugs or woolly aphid are the more common pests but they are rarely troublesome and can be controlled by dislodging them off plants with water.

Starting/rooting succulents is fairly easy, but there are a few tricks of the trade to make it even easier. To root succulents with stems, cut them off the main plant and let them sit for 7-10 days to “harden off” or callus. This helps avoid fungal damage to the root. For more rosette-type succulents like aloe, agave and sempervivum, pull off the “pups” or “babies” on the sides and replant them.

Plant in clean moist potting soil specifically formulated for succulents. Hormone rooting powder is not necessary. Put the pots into a tray of water for a minute or two so the soil becomes saturated, then keep the plants just slightly moist. Resist over-watering at this stage. In the spring, all succulents appreciate some light fertilizer.

Be creative in mixing different succulents together to make a design. Just as in a flower arrangements, using different colors, leaf shapes and textures adds interest.

Here are a few general instructions for crafts:

  • To make a succulent wreath, purchase a wire wreath form, line with mesh, fill with soil, wrap with coco fiber, and insert cuttings in a variety of colors and shapes. If this is going to hang, you can wrap it with thin wire or fishing line until it’s sufficiently rooted to hold together.
  • Try making a succulent topiary with styrofoam, wire, plants and rocks.
  • You can build a short box, plant it with succulents and then put an old picture frame around the arrangement – a real Living Picture. This could be hung on a wall, or add legs to make a small table.
  • Fairy Gardens are the very latest design element. Using miniature accessories and garden accents, sedums, moss and pebbles, even tiny electric lights can turn a boring container into a Fairyland.
  • Succulent globes can be made by wiring two hanging baskets together, lining with coco fiber, then filling with soil. Poke holes in the fiber and insert succulent cuttings. Keep moist by light spraying until the cuttings are rooted (a gentle tug should not loosen the cutting if it has rooted) before watering the ball.

Search online for “succulent crafts” for more ideas. The possibilities for a gift of succulents are limited only by your imagination, and are sure to make your holidays Merry & Bright!

VISIT : https://paypertouch.com/

Haag: Give thanks for plants | Home & Garden

Haag: Give thanks for plants | Home & Garden

Everyone should add plants to their “thankful list” this year. Through photosynthesis, plants create oxygen in our atmosphere, which allows us to breathe fresh air. Also, directly, or indirectly, practically all food comes from plants. There are over 350,000 plant species in the world … we have a lot to be thankful for Benefit Group.

As a horticulturist, you can imagine I love and appreciate plants. My career revolves around plants, but my life has always revolved around plants too. Growing up on a Central Illinois farm, my parents instilled a love of plants and growing things at an early age. Many plants deserve my thanks this year.

I may not personally grow corn and soybeans, but they are two of the plants I am most thankful for. Corn and soybeans were some of the first plants I learned to grow and care for, and still to this day are my family’s livelihood and popular topic of discussion. If you can’t grow acres of corn and soybeans, try your hand at growing colorful varieties of Indian corn to decorate for Autumn, or edamame, the Japanese term for fresh, green soybeans that have been bred to be harvested and enjoyed in the green pod stage.

Tomatoes are probably the most grown vegetable in Central Illinois gardens. Who doesn’t love a freshly picked tomato from the garden? We can’t forget it is also the staple ingredient for many favorite foods including marinara (pizza and pasta!), ketchup and salsa. My Grandpa Bill grew the best tomatoes in town. His “secret,” was his perfected fertilization schedule. Apply a starter fertilizer when planting tomatoes to help them grow faster and develop flowers sooner. Get a soil test this spring to determine how much and what type of fertilizer you need to apply to your garden.

Trees provide shade, structure and height in our landscapes, but they give us so much more. Fruits, nuts, paper, chewing gum, hair products and chocolate, are just some of the things we have a tree to thank! They give the birds a place to nest, and they can even use used as firewood if they die. One of my favorite trees for fall color is black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) which turns a gorgeous scarlet red. Next spring, plant a tree in your yard. You will be forever grateful!

I am so thankful for flowering spring bulbs after a long, cold winter! While it seems like such a chore to plant them in the fall, it pays off in the spring when that first delicate, colorful bloom pops its way up in the brown landscape. Plant bulbs in October to allow time for a good root system to develop before winter. Spring bulbs will bloom starting in late February (snowdrops) and continue until late June (alliums). Bees will thank YOU for planting these early bloomers too!

Think about what you had for supper last night and how plants are connected to it. Or think about a plant that has made a positive impact on your life. What plants are you thankful for this year?

WRITER: Brittnay Haag Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

Haag is a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator in Livingston, McLean and Woodford counties.

Visit : https://benefitgroupltd.com/

Green Springs home wins decorating contest

Green Springs home wins decorating contest

Green Springs home wins decorating contest

Environmentally friendly Springs property wins household decorating contest

CLYDE —The Clyde Halloween Committee declared the winners of the Halloween Property Decoration Contest.

Initially position went to Chris and Sheila Potter, 103 Ken Lee Travel, Inexperienced Springs, for their distinctive awareness to detail Halloween topic. Next place went to Don Brown, 124 E. St., Clyde, for the Ghoul’s Pumpkin Patch Factory, and third location to Brad and Emily Extremely, 101 Tara Travel, Clyde, for a one of a kind Creepy Carnival with the help of Affinity Weddings and Events, Home Garden USA.

The contest was open to citizens in the Clyde-Inexperienced Springs University District. Other entries were 505 S. Major St., 126 E. Cherry St., and 424 Race St. in Clyde.

Numerous other Clyde houses are decorated for Halloween but did not enter the contest. Volunteers from the Clyde Vocation Girls participated as judges.

The Best Christmas Decorations of 2021

The Best Christmas Decorations of 2021

The Best Christmas Decorations of 2021

Photo: depositphotos.com

Few things get your home in the Christmas spirit faster than holiday decor. Sparkling garlands, glowy string lights, and a decked-out tree can take a home from fall to festive overnight. The best Christmas decorations are attractive and suit your decorating style, so you can pull them out year after year. From traditional holiday trinkets for the mantel to towering inflatable figures for the front yard, read on for the best Christmas decorations to create a merry home this holiday season, Home Decor Ideas.

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Kurt Adler 12 Days of Christmas Glass Ornament Set

Photo: amazon.com

Kurt Adler creates beautiful traditional Christmas decorations, and this ornament set is one of the company’s creative selections. This set includes 12 glass ornaments in vivid red, green, pink, blue, and orange hues. Each ornament features a sparkly design in a traditional painted style, with figures inspired by the “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol. These ornaments are a pretty addition to add a pop of color to a traditional Christmas tree.

Get the Kurt Adler 12 Days of Christmas Glass Ornament Set on Amazon for $34.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Best Choice Products Large Artificial Pre-Lit Fir Christmas Wreath

Photo: amazon.com

Adorn your front door, fireplace mantel, or stairway with this classic wreath from Best Choice Products. This highly rated wreath is pre-lit but does not include any decorations, so you can adorn it to suit your decor style. To serve as an eye-catching piece, this large plug-in wreath measures 60 inches across. It features a lush and full faux balsam fir look, peppered with warm LED lights.

Get the Best Choice Products Large Artificial Pre-Lit Fir Christmas Wreath on Amazon for $139.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: 4TH Emotion Christmas Scottish Plaid Pillow Covers

Photo: amazon.com

Snuggle up on the couch this holiday season with these soft decorative pillow covers from 4TH Emotion. This two-pack of pillow covers features a homey red plaid pattern, a lovely pick for the winter holidays. A range of sizes are available, and these covers are patterned on both sides. Beyond looking quaint, the covers are made from durable and plush polyester and have a hidden zipper enclosure.

Get the 4TH Emotion Christmas Scottish Plaid Pillow Covers on Amazon for $12.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: RJ Legend 15-Inch Champagne Gold Ceramic Christmas Tree

Photo: amazon.com

Add old-timey charm to your holiday decor with this ceramic Christmas tree from RJ Legend. This small tree measures 15 inches tall, an ideal size to place on a countertop, side table, or hearth. It’s crafted from durable ceramic and has a glossy, hand-painted silver finish. Battery-powered LED lights add a multicolor glow to this well-reviewed ceramic tree.

Get the RJ Legend 15-Inch Champagne Gold Ceramic Christmas Tree on Amazon for $59.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: National Tree Company Frosted Berry Pre-lit Christmas Garland

Photo: amazon.com

This lush, pre-lit Christmas garland from National Tree Company is an attractive choice for lining doorways, windowsills, or mantels. National Tree Company is popular for their realistic-looking Christmas decor, and this durable garland is an excellent example of their products. It’s made to look like the real thing, with thick faux branches, pine cones, and red berry details. Warm white lights add a seasonal glow to this plug-in garland, which can be installed indoors or in covered outdoor locations.

Get the National Tree Company Frosted Berry Pre-lit Christmas Garland on Amazon for $47.10

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Twinkly Multicolor LED String Lights

Photo: amazon.com

Glimmering Christmas lights can complete your holiday scene, and these smart lights from Twinkly add even more character. What sets these holiday lights apart is the smart features: You can control, map, group, and add premade effects to each LED on the strand, all from a smartphone app. This means you can create intricate lighting scenes—indoors or outdoors—all from your phone.

Get the Twinkly Multicolor LED String Lights on Amazon for $229.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: National Tree Company Pre-lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree

Photo: amazon.com

If you’re tight on space, a mini Christmas tree can get you in the holiday spirit without taking up too much room. Measuring 3 feet tall, this mini tree from National Tree Company is a charming choice for bedrooms, dorm rooms, and apartments. This small tree comes ready to decorate and features built-in warm LED lighting to add to the holiday charm. The lights run on batteries for easy operation, so you can place this tree anywhere in your home.

Get the National Tree Company Pre-lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree on Amazon for $48.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Sunnyglade 3PCS Christmas Stocking

Photo: amazon.com

Whether for holiday decorating or filling with trinkets and baubles, stockings are a quintessential Christmas decoration. This three-pack of stockings from Sunnyglade features cute applique characters: one with Santa, one with a snowman, and one with a reindeer. These cute stockings are well-rated for their affordability and quality, offering an old-fashioned design for a budget-friendly price. Measuring 8.7 inches across and 18 inches tall, these stockings are on the larger size—all the better to fill with Christmas goodies.

Get the Sunnyglade 3PCS Christmas Stocking Set on Amazon for $15.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: CraftMore Christmas Smokey Pine and Red Berry Garland

Photo: amazon.com

A sparse pine garland can add a rustic Christmassy touch to modern homes. This garland from CraftMore is an excellent option for those looking for an intentionally scant garland rather than a thick and full-looking option. Highly rated for its clean and toned-down appearance, this decoration features faux pine branches, pine cones, and red berry details to create a simple but beautiful garland.

Get the CraftMore Christmas Smokey Pine and Red Berry Garland on Amazon for $23.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Roman Store Winter Scene Glitterdome

Photo: amazon.com

This traditional snow globe from Roman adds a charming decorative touch to side tables, nightstands, or on top of a mantel. Encased in this globe is a traditional holiday scene with a snow-covered train tunnel, village, and Christmas tree. When wound up, the globe plays a tune and the train track turns around, adding even more character to this picturesque globe. The globe is made of high-quality resin with a glass dome to last through several seasons.

Get the Roman Store Winter Scene Glitterdome on Amazon for $59.27

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Collections Etc Smoking Country Christmas Cabin Incense Burner

Photo: amazon.com

Decorate your home and fill your space with a lovely fragrance with this delightful incense burner from Collections Etc. Unlike traditional incense burners, this Christmas-inspired piece is in the shape of a snow-covered Christmas cabin. It runs on batteries to light up the inside of the house and heat the included incense cones, which release a pleasant fragrance and wispy tendrils of smoke through the chimney.

Get the Collections Etc Smoking Country Christmas Cabin Incense Burner on Amazon for $35.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Eddie Bauer Home Ultra-Plush Collection Throw Blanket

Photo: amazon.com

A cozy Christmas blanket is a must-have to get through the cold winter—and it can double as a textured decor piece. This plush blanket from Eddie Bauer is a comfortable and fashionable choice. One side features a polyester sherpa fleece for extra warmth, while the other is made of polyester plush fleece with a wintery Fair Isle Peak pattern. Whether draped over the couch, a bed, or a loved one, this blanket is a pretty pick for the holiday season.

Get the Eddie Bauer Home Ultra-Plush Collection Throw Blanket on Amazon for $26.33

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Homemory 6 x 3.25 Outdoor Waterproof Flameless Candles

Photo: amazon.com

These flameless candles from Homemory add a safe and pleasant glow to any Christmas scene. Each pillar candle in this two-pack set features an LED flickering flame and faux melted wax design to mimic a real candle. The candles are an excellent choice to place on a dining table, credenza, windowsill, or even outdoors. For even more convenience, they come with a remote control so you can light up your Christmas display from across the room.

Get the Homemory 6″ x 3.25″ Outdoor Waterproof Flameless Candles on Amazon for $19.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: Hashtag Home Snowman Globe with Penguins Inflatable

Photo: wayfair.com

Add some holiday spirit to your front yard with this inflatable snowman from Hashtag Home. The large inflatable measures 8 feet tall, making it a great central character for an outdoor holiday scene. The snowman features an unusual but fun “snow globe” base (made of polyester) with a penguin and presents inside. At night, switch on the LED lighting to illuminate the snow globe feature.

Get the Hashtag Home Snowman Globe with Penguins Inflatable at Wayfair for $115.99

The Best Christmas Decoration Option: OuMuaMua Hanging Snowflake Decorations

Photo: amazon.com

With these hanging snowflake decorations from OuMuaMua, you can turn your living space into a winter wonderland. This 12-piece pack features pretty 3D snowflakes in varying sizes. The snowflakes are made of high-grade pearl paper, which gives them an enticing shimmer and is sturdy enough to pack up for next year. Hang them in a window, an entryway, or across a dining room table to create a wintery holiday backdrop.

Get the OuMuaMua Hanging Snowflake Decorations on Amazon for $9.99

Tips for Choosing the Best Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations can turn your home into a Christmas wonderland, perfect for hosting holiday parties or for intimate nights with loved ones. There are no set rules to Christmas decorating. In fact, it’s a lovely time of year to pull out handmade decorations and kitschy family trinkets, regardless of your usual style. But if you’re looking for a more cohesive holiday theme, consider the following factors when choosing Christmas house decor:

  • Home design and decor style: Christmas decorating isn’t all that different from everyday decorating. Consider matching your Christmas decorations to your usual home and decor design as well as color palette. For example, ornate Christmas decorations in rich, dark colors may suit traditional rooms, while simpler Christmas decorations in toned-down colors may suit contemporary spaces.
  • Size: Consider the size of your space and how prominently you want to display your Christmas decorations. For small spaces, consider smaller decorations, like mini Christmas trees, small wreaths, and trinkets like candles, figurines, and snow globes. For larger spaces, make a statement with full-size trees, garlands, lighting displays, and even large inflatables.
  • Placement: Both indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations are available. Make sure to choose appropriate decorations for longer-lasting decor.
  • Accessories: Some Christmas decorations will require setup or installation, so make sure you have the right accessories for the job. Some common items to have on hand for the holiday season include extension cords, sticky hooks, cable ties, tape, and twine or string.
  • Storage: After Christmas, you’ll need to put away your holiday decorations. Make sure you have the means and the space to store your new holiday decorations before going overboard on Christmas decoration shopping

Our Verdict

The Kurt Adler 12 Days of Christmas Glass Ornament Set brings a pretty traditional design and a vibrant pop of color to your tree. For a more natural-looking decor piece, consider the Best Choice Products Large Artificial Pre-Lit Fir Christmas Wreath, a pre-lit and plain large wreath for the front door, entryway, or anywhere else you want to make a statement.

How We Chose the Best Christmas Decorations

Home decor is a matter of personal taste, and your everyday decor will influence your Christmas decoration style. To suit a range of decor, we included a wide variety of Christmas decorations in different aesthetics. To dress up homes big and small, we chose items ranging from small trinkets to large inflatables. While each product might not work in every home, we prioritized style and chose products that were attractive or charming.

Christmas decorations are only used for a few weeks a year, so we also kept price in mind. We chose affordable decorations from reputable brands to balance an accessible price point and good quality. Through product research and consumer reviews, we made sure to choose Christmas decoration products that are made to last for several seasons, so you can bring your favorite seasonal decor pieces out for years to come.

FAQs

Holiday decorating can instantly put your home—and your family—into the Christmas spirit. But with a huge variety of holiday decorating ideas to sort through and products to choose from, it can take time to create your perfect winter wonderland. Read on for some tips on decorating and storing your new Christmas decorations.

Q. When should I put up my Christmas tree?

The best time to put up your Christmas tree comes down to personal preference and your tree type. Fake Christmas trees can be set up at any time, with most people opting to decorate in November or December. A freshly cut Christmas tree lasts about 4 weeks, so you’ll want to keep it within that time frame to make sure the tree stays lush for Christmas Day.

Q. When should I take down my Christmas tree?

Most households take down the Christmas tree once the holiday festivities have wound down, usually within the first couple of weeks after Christmas Day.

Q. What shouldn’t I use as Christmas decorations?

No decor is off limits when it comes to Christmas decorating—as long as it’s safe. When looking for Christmas decor ideas, keep children, pets, and fire safety in mind, and don’t use decorations, plants, or candles that can be a hazard.

Q. Should I do outdoor Christmas decorations?

Outdoor Christmas decorations are a fun way to bring Christmas cheer to the neighborhood—so we vote yes!

Q. What should I put on the top of my Christmas tree?

A Christmas tree topper is a pretty finishing touch to place on top of your Christmas tree. Tree toppers are available in a variety of designs, from lit-up stars to delicate snowflakes. Choose a topper that matches your ornaments to coordinate with the overall appearance of your tree.

Visit : https://decoideashogar.com/