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PostPosted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 5:22 pm 
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Location: Southlake,TEXAS
I would like to give out Christmas tree (seedlings) as party favors at my daughters Birthday party. Any ideas what variety I should purchase and from where? I'm not sure if there are any local places that sell pine tree seedlings? Or will I have to find a place online that will ship? Any info would be greatly appreciated!


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PostPosted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:23 pm 
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If you want a Christmas tree theme, you can get beautiful Christmas tree-shaped rosemary at various places. I have purchased a few and they are still alive and well in my backyard. They do not like wet feet so it is best to remove the wrapping from around the pot prior to watering.

Other than that, Italian Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) is a good choice. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is an excellent choice as it can withstand drought as well as occasional flooding. It can get up to 60' tall. Stay away from the Afghan or Eldarica pine, as it cannot tolerate the moist conditions we can sometimes experience here in North Texas. If you happen to have sandy soil, you might be okay.

If you wish for these to be a lasting gift, consider the mature size of the tree. Do the recipients have the necessary space and proper light conditions for the tree?

Personally, I would choose the rosemary as it requires less room. In addition, it is great to have fresh rosemary with which to cook or make tea.

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PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:41 pm 
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Those trees you're asking about are called "seedling plugs." I realize the party is long over, but for those interested in getting these, they're out there, but the trick is to find them.

The US Forest Service and other government nurseries sometimes have trees for sale or for events like Arbor Day. The last time I visited the City of Fort Worth Park and Community Services Dept. office there was a TX FS forester stationed there (his office was housed with them on Seminary at I-35 above the old Sears store in La Gran Plaza). That's a starting place, anyway, to ask about plugs.

Various land management government agencies might be able to point you to a nursery or source, so if you're near a Corps of Engineers or Natl Park Service office, go ask a ranger. This would be a lot of work just for a party, I would think.

I've found Italian Stone pines in very small forms in grocery stores. One of them in my front yard came from Save A Lot last fall for $7. Home Depot sells them as living trees for christmas, and they are smallish, starting at about $17. Not ideal for party favors, though.

Rosemary is a good suggestion--for a little while you can shape it like a tree. Of course it is so happy in this climate that it will eventually grow to be immense if left to its own devices.

Northwesterner

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