Pot-Grown Christmas Trees: A Sustainable Festive Option

Pot-Grown Christmas Trees: A Sustainable Festive Option

Arctic winds swept over Britain on Monday night. When I woke, it left in its wake a dusting of snow. My eyelids poising over my eyes summoned up visions of Christmases past. Magical visions their uncovering dispelled. Like the snow, many of the scents I associate with Christmas have also disappeared.  A few years ago, I serendipitously encountered the delicious aroma of chestnuts roasting on a charcoal brazier as I walked towards London’s South Bank for a carol concert. A scent I hadn’t encountered for a couple of decades. I bought a small paper bagful from the vendor, though the expense made me wince. Walking, I pulled hot, sweet, floury flesh from the sharp, brown shells with pricked fingers. The whiff of roasted chestnuts and charcoal on a chilly day was worth every penny.

Are you looking to bring the magic of Christmas into your home this Yuletide? For me, nothing says ‘Christmas’ more than a living fir tree, with its Proustian pine perfume. It’s worth paying the price of a living Christmas tree for the magical aroma alone. The scent of a real Christmas tree is not just a door to the past, it is a path that leads to future memories. Every year, when the first Christmas trees arrive at Alexandra Palace Garden Centre I’m caught unawares by happy memories. While struggling to get a heavy Christmas tree into the netting machine or sweeping up fallen sprigs and needles, and Bang! I remember that childhood Christmas we had a tree that was so massive that we only had sufficient lights and baubles to decorate the lower half of the leviathan. It was the best tree ever!

Decorating a living tree allows the family to gather together and make memories, while being creative with baubles, lights, and fancy decorations. Making paper chains from coloured strips, and stringing popcorn garlands keeps children occupied, and means everyone feels involved. Its all about spending time together. And the pine aroma of the Christmas tree quickly, surreptitiously, becomes associated with these happy memories.

UK Grown Sustainable Trees

Do you want a sustainable tree option this year? Then consider buying a pot-grown Christmas tree! Our pot-grown Christmas trees are grown by our long-term, trusted supplier ‘Needlefresh’ in specialist plantations in Scotland. Choosing a pot-grown tree this year is not only a greener option, but it also supports British forestry and agriculture. Our pot grown trees are transported with a special climate bag wrapped around the pot to help retain moisture, ensuring they arrive in good condition.

A Lasting Legacy

If you return your pot-grown Christmas tree to us by January 15th, in reasonable condition, then we will send it to be planted in a clearing in mature woodland in a large agricultural and forestry estate situated in Royal Berkshire. Replanted Christmas trees will be allowed to grow to maturity, locking up atmospheric carbon dioxide and providing safe habitats for a range of wildlife.

All you need to do to care for your living Christmas tree over the festive period is to water it regularly and position it away from heat sources such as open fires and radiators. As a thank you for your sustainability efforts, you will receive a voucher from us offering 20% off your next purchase at Capital Gardens. The voucher is valid until the end of February 2025. See our website for full terms and conditions.

Which Variety to Choose?

When you visit your local Capital Gardens centre to buy a pot-grown Christmas tree you will find a number of types available. Each variety has its own characteristics and advantages. I am sure you will find the perfect one to suit your style and space. Here are some of the plus-points to help you make your mind up:

Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanni): Fatter and fuller in shape. Their glossy green needles are needle-fast, and soft and leathery to the touch. the densely packed needles have a silvery underside. This is Britain’s most popular real Christmas tree.

Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri): Slim, carefully trimmed trees, that offer height without too much spread. The firm needles show their blue-silver undersides. The branches are held upright, and the trunk is pale. The Fraser Fir is highly valued for its dominant citrusy noted scent.

Noble Fir (Abies procera): Strong architectural silhouette. Needles with pale undersides are carried on broad, flat stems. The trunk is brown. Distinctly tiered branches provide ample hanging space between the layers, making it ideal for displaying prized baubles!

Omorika Spruce (Picea omorika): Dark green needles with sharp tips. The brush-like needles have blue-grey undersides and give off a green, fresh piney aroma. This spruce has the classic Christmas tree outline many will remember from childhood.

In Conclusion:

By choosing a pot-grown Christmas tree this year, you can enjoy the magic of the festive season while also making a positive impact on the environment. This sustainable option allows you to give back to nature as well as creating lasting memories with your loved ones. So, this year, why not opt for a pot-grown tree and spread festive cheer in more ways than one?

Further reading:

Make your own Christmas ornaments:

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g1070/easy-to-make-christmas-ornament-crafts/

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/crafts-diy/a34236544/how-to-make-popcorn-garland/

Looking after your Christmas tree:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/christmas-trees