Too Early To Be Thinking Christmas?

   For years now, a small holly tree has been in a pot near the greenhouse.  The tree was one that my aunt gave to me.  Her tree was huge and I can remember how difficult it was to control the small trees growing beneath it.  This is English Holly and, sad to say, it is is invasive.  The tree is one of those plants that will soon take over a place and limit the growth of native trees due to it consuming space at a rapid pace,  This is the sole reason that my tree is in a pot.  The roots are contained in a small space and cannot compete with the native trees.  However!  This tree also has very viable seeds.  Every last berry seems to sprout.  Thankfully, the small tree has not bloomed nor produced any seed-filled berries...until this year.  Oops!  I will definitely have to make sure that none drop to the ground.

  This is also known as Christmas Holly as it is the classic berry filled branch that is seen in almost every decoration found worldwide.  Growing up, holly was used around our house during the holidays.  We always used the native hollies even though they were not as vibrant as the English Holly.  We did not have this "fancy" tree in our yard.  But, then, we were not fancy!  Our farmhouse was just that...a rustic farmhouse so it only made sense to have rustic decorations...a fresh cut cedar (or pine) tree, some paper chains, homemade ornaments and holly stuck in mason jars filled the house.  It makes me giggle to see how many folks now seem to think their "rustic farmhouse decorating" is the "real" thing.  Sorry, it is drastically different...lovely but not true farmhouse. I pretty much have always incorporated those rustic, simple decorations in the Little Bayou House even with a few added glitzy things.

  This year, it appears that I will be going all fancy with some English Holly (stuck in a mason jar).  This is only to get rid of the berries so they do not drop, sprout and make a bajillion baby holly trees.  One is obviously enough to get those Christmas decorations!  Note...folks, be sensible when discarding live holly branches after the holidays.  Those berries may still be viable and could create problems...or use native holly and let the seeds do their thing.