Gifts for the Gardener

While you're picking up your fresh greens and other decorating supplies this weekend, visit our Garden Emporium and choose one of these great gift ideas to surprise the fellow gardener on your list this holiday season.

	Self Watering Planters Take the worry out of watering with these amazing new self watering planters! Overwatering is one of the greatest causes of plant failure in the home, but thanks to a unique wick system that draws moisture up into the soil, your plants will feed at their own rate and only when water is needed. These pots are also great for people who are away from home frequently but still enjoy plants in their home - they'll keep plants moist for up to four weeks all by themselves.
	Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Bird feeders should feed the birds, not the squirrels. Thanks to Droll Yankees and their family of Yankee feeders (The Yankee Flipper, Tipper, and Dipper), this will never be a problem again. Each feeder is equipped with a weight activated feeding perch that is calibrated to react to a squirrel's weight. When a squirrel steps on the perch, a connection is made with a motor that makes the perch spin, and the squirrel is flipped off the feeder.
	Amaryllis Kits After the brilliance of the holidays are over and the anticipation for spring begins, radiant Amaryllis plants get gardeners through the rest of the winter. Packed in a convenient, ready-to-give box, these Amaryllis kits provide everything you need to coax a bulb into a blossoming indoor beauty. Perfect for both gardening pros and novices alike!

Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree

Follow these tips and your tree will shine this season

Artificial trees have been gaining in popularity over the last few years, but for that nostalgic Christmas feel, you can't beat the scent and beauty of a fresh balsam tree. Your family Christmas tree will no doubt be the centerpiece of your decorating this season and by taking a few precautions beforehand, you'll ensure that yours is healthy, happy and fits in your home!

Decide Where to Place the Tree

Avoid placing your tree near a heat source (sunny windows, radiators, heating vents and fireplaces). Try to keep the tree out of high traffic areas where it might be bumped, overturned or where someone might trip on light cords. Avoid any spot that might be dangerous, such as next to a fire in the fireplace or up on a wobbly table.

Measure Twice

Once a spot is chosen be sure to measure BOTH the ceiling height and the width of that space. Write these numbers down on a piece of paper. Also, measure your tree stand to determine the maximum diameter of the tree trunk you can use in it.

Finally, measure the height of your tree stand as well as the height of your treetop decoration. Bring these measurements with you and one of our helpful staff members will be able to help you select the right tree for your home.

Tree Stands

Choose a tree stand that is sturdy and the right size. Pay attention to the size of the tree trunk that each stand will accommodate. The taller your tree, the bigger the diameter of the trunk. If you have a tall, wide room, be sure to get a large stand for the large tree you'll select. If you'll put your tree on a table, a smaller stand will work fine.

Choosing a Tree

All our trees at Estabrook's are balsam fir, the traditional Maine Christmas tree. When selecting a tree, the needles should look shiny, green, and fresh, not dry or brown. They should not fall off when you pull on a branch. For ornaments to hang straight you'll want a tree with some space between the branches. To test a tree, take an unbreakable ornament with you and hang it on several branches to see if there is room for it to hang straight.