Sometimes bald is beautiful when it comes to live Christmas trees. This year, if you’re interested in planting your tree in the back yard after the holiday season, ask for “bald and burlap.” That means the tree still has its roots intact, and the root ball is wrapped in burlap.
Then get out your shovel. Now’s the time to dig a hole for the tree before the ground freezes, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
Two other key issues for successful replanting are picking a tree species that will grow in your zone and gradually acclimating the tree to outdoor weather after it has been inside. Keep in mind, too, that live trees are big and bulky–a 6-foot balled-and-burlapped tree can weigh as much as 250 pounds, according to the association.
For more information, talk to your local nursery staff or visit www.realchristmastree.org/livecare.html for a list of tips for planting live trees. You also can visit the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Web site, www.arborday.org for tips.
The Arbor Day site offers gift memberships for $10. The memberships include 10 free seedlings, 6- to 12-inch long trees. Shipping times vary.
Another idea for tree lovers is the foundation’s Trees In Celebration program. A $20 donation in honor of a person will provide 20 trees in national forests that have been destroyed by fire, disease or other natural causes. A gift certificate will be mailed to the person honored. Call 402-474-5655 or visit the Web site.
– Printers Row. The Historic Printers’ Row Neighbors will host its Sixth Annual Loft Walk from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 in Chicago. The walk showcases more than a dozen private residences.
The self-guided tour begins at the landmark Dearborn Station and wends its way through Printing House Row District, the historic Michigan Boulevard District and the near South Loop neighborhoods.
Complimentary trolley rides will include commentary on the area’s history and architecture.
Tickets are $15 in advance ($10 for students and seniors). Tickets will be $20 on the day of the event and available at the tour starting point, Dearborn Station, 47 W. Polk St. All proceeds benefit Historic Printers’ Row Neighbors, a not-for-profit organization. Visit www.hprn.org, call 312-409-1700, or email info@hprn.org.
– Christmas walk. Take a trip to historic Geneva for the town’s Christmas Walk & House Tour. The town’s Main Street is like a modern-day version of the little town of Bedford Falls in the movie “It’s a Wonder Life.”
This year’s festivities begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 when St. Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, arrives by horse-drawn carriage to the courthouse lawn for the lighting of the Great Tree.
Get home decorating ideas by participating in Geneva’s annual House Tour, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. Call 630-232-6060. Tickets are $25 for the house tour. The Christmas walk is free.
– Color kaleidoscope. The temporary exhibit, “Color and Light: The Art of Stained Glass,” runs through Dec. 31 at the Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.
The exhibit at this 19th Century museum village explores the history and process of making stained-glass artwork. A display of pieces by local artisans includes leaded glass home furnishings, accent pieces and garden mosaics. Some artwork will be for sale.
Price: $3 to $4.25; free for children under 4. Call 630-420-6010.
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