An Eastern Red Cedar is not what I think of when it comes to Christmas trees— but that is changing. When we bought our house, it came with a neglected landscape; the back was overgrown with hackberries. Husband cleared the larger trees and saved this little seedling of an eastern red cedar. These trees grow wild in our climate, growing into other trees along the highways. They tend to get large and have a sloppy look about them. We knew, eventually, it would outgrow the space and planned to take it out. Last spring Husband said it was time to remove it. Our little 3ft seedling had grown into a 9ft beauty with long delicate limbs, and I had grown attached. So I wanted to send it out in style and suggested we use it for our Christmas tree. To my surprise, he agreed. We left it through the spring and summer. We observed it closely to ensure no bugs took over, and by Thanksgiving, it was in our living room.

Our forged Christmas tree is massive and magical. It is 9ft tall with a width of 7-8ft. The branches have sharp sticker-like thorns, so I had to wear a heavy-duty shirt and gloves to light it. This tree is not symmetrical like the trees you buy in a lot. It is beautifully unbalanced and has an organic ascetic like in classic movies.

Week 49 recap:

• Planted foxglove seedlings.
• Painted my 9-5 office.

Plans for week 50:

• Christmas stuff and things.

I’ve always loved the concept of growing your own Christmas tree, but my climate is too warm for the traditional spruces, pines, and firs. Now I see it’s possible with an Eastern Red Cedar.

Happy gardening,

Lelo