The Christmas Season is a busy time of year when schedules no longer exist! Everyone is busy entertaining and enjoying the festivities that are an important part of Christmas. This is what is Christmas is all about, but sometimes we overlook some of the daily or weekly tasks that need to be done to ensure that plants and fresh trees continue to survive and look their best.

Christmas Season Task List:

• Houseplants and Flowering plants should be checked daily for moisture. When the soils surface feels try to the touch, it is time to give the plant a thorough water, using room temperature water. Discard any excess water after 15-20 minutes so the plant is not sitting in water for any length of time.
• This time of year, many of us receive or give  indoor gift planters. These are made up of several different plants in one container. Individual plants are left in their pots and placed in one large decorative container, and then moss is used to cover the top of the containers. Planters are made this way, as it is easy to remove and replace finished flowering plants and it is also better for the plants, as each plant has different moisture requirements. Keep this in mind when watering these planters, by watering each plant individually. This should be done on a daily routine.
• Fresh floral and green arrangements should be checked and watered daily. Remove finished flowers to keep arrangements looking fresh and clean.
• Fresh cut Christmas trees take up a lot of water and should be checked and watered daily. If they go dry, the cut end of the tree which takes up the water will form a scab, preventing it from taking up water. If this happens the tree will need to be taken out of the stand and the bottom will have to be re-cut which would be a huge job if its already decorated.

• Outdoor winter drop pots are a beautiful way to adorn the outside of a front door. Once in place they do not require a lot of attention, but when temperatures go above freezing (hopefully) they should be watered.
• Bird feeders should be kept filled. Birds rely on the food source, especially over the winter months when natural food supplies are scarce. Check feeders every few days and fill them with a selection of their favourite seeds and suet.

May your Christmas be filled with love and happiness, and good times spent with Family and Friends. 

-Jos Van Hage and Family

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden  Centres in Prince George:

• Highway16 West at Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road ( closed for the season)