Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2004
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/christmas.html

Art-ti-fi-cial adj. 1. Not natural.
November/December 2004
Sallie Strole, Johnson's East

    That definition used to suit manufactured Christmas trees to a tee.
Artificial Christmas trees not only did not look real, they didn't look
particularly good. They were variations of a Charlie Brown tree that
took an engineering degree to assemble.

    Well, they've come a long way since then. Today's trees look like
firs, pines, spruce, even cedars. And they are easy to put up. With
hinged branches you just fold them down, then fold them back up for
storage. This year most of our trees are prelit so you don't even have
to put on lights and the lights fold right up with the branches. There
are trees ranging from 9 inches to 9 ft., so whatever use you have in
mind ... from a focal point in a great room; to a table top decoration;
to a background for that special piece; or an outdoor container ... we
have a tree to fill your needs.

    Some of these trees are so good looking you almost hesitate to put
ornaments on them. My favorites are the Snow Crystal Pine and the
several sizes of Snowy Alpines. These trees are beautiful with even the
simplest of ornaments. Last year we decorated one with just red birds
and berries and it attracted as much attention as our most elaborate
trees. For a blue spruce appearance look for the Blue/Green Balsam or
White Fir. One style of White Fir is prelit with clear lights and also
with sets of flicker flame lights. For a more rustic feel check out the
Stevens Mixed Pine, Rocky Mountain or the Tahoe. These trees feature
either mixed greenery or pine cones which would be perfect in a casual
family room or at the cabin. To showcase those special ornaments, chose
an Alaskan or Highland Fir. Both of these have dark green needles and
strong branches. These are our favorites to decorate because everything
looks good on them.

    Most of our trees come from two established companies: Barcana and
Santa's Own. Both of these firms have a long history of excellence with
warranties of 10 to 25 years on the trees and 2 to 3 years on the
lights.

    Another definition of artificial is "made by man in imitation of
nature" and that is more appropriate nowadays. These trees look great!
The only things missing are the scent and the allergens. You might miss
the scent, but you certainly won't miss the allergic reaction family
members may have to a real tree ... or the needles in the carpet ... or
the prickly task of undecorating a dry tree. Come and take a stroll
through our "forest" and choose the perfect tree to carry on your
Christmas traditions.