Blogs by Year

From the McDonald Garden Center Blog

Treecycle Your Christmas Tree

Just weeks ago you picked the perfect Christmas tree, and it doesn't have to go to waste. To us, the outcome is not only sustainable, but a fitting way to complete the cycle for this truest symbol of Christmas. Treecycling is the practice of recycling Christmas trees in order to extend their usability. Common practices include chipping trees for use as mulch in community areas, erosion protection in fragile areas such as river deltas, underwater habitat creation and shoreline stabilization.

For the Birds

Bird watching is one of America's fastest-growing hobbies, and backyard bird feeding is a convenient way to enjoy these fine-feathered friends. Surveys reveal that nearly half the households in the United States provide food for wild birds. What has made watching birds the fastest growing hobby in the country second only to gardening? The attraction is obvious - feeding birds brings them closer, so we can see them more easily. Their colorful and entertaining presence is fascinating to observe, especially through the long, dreary days of winter.

The No-Fuss Garden

Terrariums are a top trend and easy to care for -- just plant it and forget it. For even the most botanically inept, terrariums are extremely easy to create and amazingly low-maintenance. When properly planted and located, they provide a unique way to grow assorted plants with minimal care. Most terrariums will grow successfully on their own for several years. Here are a few tips for caring for and maintaining a terrarium:Location, Location, Location: Place the terrarium in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight.

The holidays are in our nature

There's nothing like the aroma and beauty of fresh greenery during the holidays. Seasonal greenery provides a backdrop for holiday decorations and can be embellished as little or as much as you like. Living greenery can add festive cheer to virtually every space inside the house and out. Place greenery on walls, tables, mantels, the hearth, on the floor, and on chandeliers. Heap them in vases, garland your doorways, banisters, mirrors, or even place in a pretty mug on the kitchen counter.

Just in Time for the Holidays

HELLEBORE JACOBThere are few shade perennials that can compete with the seasonal interest of Hellebores. Often called Christmas or Lenten Rose, these staples of the winter garden are tough as nails and take center stage in the winter landscape.

Merry Berries

Grab holiday inspiration from your own garden with berry-producing shrubs. There are several options from deciduous to evergreens, providing you with a ready source of bountiful berries. Our designers love using fresh berries for holiday decorating. Try adding them to fresh or faux greenery to create a pop of natural color. Whether you are trying to adorn your mantle, create an eye-catching table-scape or sprucing up your outdoor containers - berries make wonderful fillers!

Fresh from the Farm

FRASER FIR CHRISTMAS TREESBring the family out to experience your local Christmas Shoppe as you select the perfect family tree this year! Available from 2 feet all the way up to 12 feet.

Christmas is in the house... and out!

When it comes to decorating for the holidays the inside of your house takes center stage. But, don’t’ forget to add some Christmas curb appeal to make a statement outside. Creating a winter landscape doesn’t have to be a Clark Griswold inspired affair. Incorporating a few simple decorative touches will bring cheer to any outdoor space. From brightly colored lights to whimsical reindeer to shimmering orbs, the possibilities are endless. Here's some of favorites to make your home merry & bright:

Keep your tree in tip-top shape

The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decorating and we want you to keep your tree looking merry and bright all season long. Our experts pulled together some of their tips to help keep your tree looking tip-top throughout the season.

From our Table to Yours

Try some of our favorite holiday recipes at your table this holiday season. These classics combine fresh herbs to create dishes that will dazzle your guests. Using the holiday favorite rosemary, thyme and sage – you will have fresh herbs for all your holiday cooking. Once the holidays are over, place this herb bowl in a kitchen window sill. This also makes a great hostess gift to bring along to your Thanksgiving gathering. Bon Appétit!HERB STUFFING Ingredients