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Health & Fitness

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Don't drag that Christmas tree to the curb. Give it a second life in your landscape.

Cut trees make great windbreaks in the landscape. Strategically place discarded Christmas trees on the windward side of rhododendron, boxwood and other broadleaf evergreens to reduce problems with winter burn.

Or remove the branches and use them as winter mulch over bulbs and perennials.  This winter mulch will keep the soil consistently cold, reducing the risk of early sprouting and winter damage that can occur during winter thaws.

Set the tree in the landscape for a bit of added greenery. The birds will also enjoy the added shelter. And, if you need a fun family activity, decorate the tree with fruits, berries, and seeds the birds can enjoy.

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As spring arrives consider chipping and shredding your tree into mulch for trees and shrubs. 

And, if this is not possible, check for recycling resources in your community.

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Many municipalities have special pickups for Christmas trees. These are chipped, shredded and made available for citizens to use in their landscapes. Lake communities often sink the discarded trees to the bottom of lakes and ponds to provide habitat for the fish. And don’t forget about your local Christmas tree farm. Many will chip your tree for use as mulch on their farm and in return give you a discount coupon for next year’s tree.

And, on a different note, I hope you can join me on Sat., Jan. 14 for one of these 2 events at Boerner Botanical Gardens. Proceeds support Children’s Plant Science and Environmental Education at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

2012 “DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES” GARDEN SERIES - To register, call 414-525-5659.  Sign-up for all four walks by January 14and enjoy one walk FREE.  Class size is limited - so please register early.  

Garden Walk (Adult)
$20 per class for members of the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens; $25 for non members.  

Jan. 14, 2012
10 a.m. 
Giants of the Garden 
Mature plants and wonderful vistas make Boerner a gem among botanical gardens.  Join Melinda to visit some of the giant trees and original plantings that have been part of Boerner for most of its 80 plus years history.

Family Fun Walks (Kids Welcome)
$30 per family (up to 4 individuals).

Jan. 14, 2012 
1 p.m. 
Family Fun Walk: Giants of the Garden 
Join Melinda for this kid-friendly walk where you’ll touch, feel and measure some of the big plants and trees of the garden!

Other 2012 Adult Garden Walks:

May 16, 2012
6:30 p.m. 
Discovering Solutions for Your Garden
Boerner’s varied plantings provide solutions to the many challenges faced by gardeners.  Join Melinda to visit shady spaces, rock gardens, hot sunny spots, and rain gardens.  You’ll be able to use these plants and planting strategies in your own backyard!

July 25, 2012 
6:30 p.m. 
Gardens of the Future
Visit one of only 43 All American Selection Trial Gardens in the United States.  Plus, we’ll tour the other test plots at Boerner’s trial gardens.  We’ll even explore some new plants being tested for Wisconsin and for introduction into the gardening world!

Oct. 20, 2012 
10 a.m.
Fall Discovery
The end of another growing season uncovers lots of color, textures, and surprises to help us through the long winter. Join Melinda to explore these treasures throughout Boerner’s beautiful gardens!  

Additional Family Fun Walk (Kids Welcome):
$30 per family (up to 4 individuals).

Oct. 20, 2012 
1 p.m. 
Family Fun Walk: Discover the Magic of Fall
Join Melinda for a scavenger hunt as you discover fall’s treasures!  

To register, call 414-525-5659.  Sign-up for all four walks by January 14 and enjoy one walk FREE.  Class size is limited - so please register early. 

The garden walks are sponsored by Kanavas Landscape Management, Stein Gardens & Gifts, We Energies and Aurora Health Care


Official media sponsor – 99.1 The Mix

For more information, visit www.MelindaMyers.com or www.BoernerBotanicalGardens.org

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