January 13th, 2012

What to do with your Grinch Tree
HortyGirl Grinchy trees were a fabulous hit this past holiday season! The Grinchy or Cypress tree can easily be undressed and replanted to allow you to enjoy it all year long.
Check out of the photos below to find out how to undress your grinchy tree
. Click on each photo to see it larger.
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HortyGirl Grinchy Tree – the Before and After
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Gently take off the red sack and beaded wire
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Gently grab the base of the plant to pull out of pot and place into a larger pot
The Lemon Cypress – also known as a “Goldcrest Wilma” or Cupressus Macrocarpa is an evergreen tree with delicate, feathery and bright foliage. The leaves when touched or crushed give a lemony smell (hint the name of Lemon Cypress). If you have sensitive skin, be careful touching the leaves as it could cause skin irritations. Be sure to use garden gloves when handling the plant if this is the case. Goldcrest Wilmas can grow up to (eventually) 9 feet. Pruning should be done regularly to maintain the desired shape of the plant.
Native to California, the Lemon Cypress like their soil to be moist but not soggy, but do not like the soil to dry out between watering. Cypress can be placed in a sunny window or shady spot. In the spring time, replant these trees in an 8-10 inch pit that has drainage holes. You can use general outdoor potting mix and water well through dry spells. To prevent the top layer of soil from hardening, top the soil off with a lavel of pebbles or good mulch – this will make watering easier through the summer. You should gradually transition your tree to the outdoors by placing it in partially sunny place. These plants can also be brought back in for the winter and even make a create holiday decor with a set of mini white lights.
For a foolproof method of watering your Lemon Cypress Wilma trees, use a bamboo skewer or Horty Girl Smart Stick. Place the stick into the soil and pull it out. Feel/notice if it feels dry, wet or moist – if the stick feels dry, its time to water it.
These plants are acceptable for both indoor and outdoor climates. These trees can be a good planting bed option as they can grow rather slowly (dependent upon your climate). Lemon Cypress are rated as hardy down to freezing temperatures; although they are known be healthy living trees that have survived well below freezing (in ground). In the lower mainland of BC, Vancouver Island, Washington and Oregon; these trees would be hardy through most winters. For the interior of BC, the Prairies and Eastern Canada; these trees would not be considered hardy for outdoors year round. As a general rule, in colder climates, the trees could come indoors around Halloween and go back out around Easter. Always remember to transition plants from indoors to outdoors and vice verse. An unheated garage is a good transition space. Re-introduce plants to full sun gradually.
Did you receive one of these from the Holiday?? How are they doing??
Still have questions or concerns – please do not hesitate to contact us by leaving us a comment or by sending us an email to plantcare@hortygirl.com.
Tags: 2011 holiday plants, cypress wilma, Grinchy tree
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January 10th, 2012

Take my coat off after the holidays
Dress me up or dress me down!
Horty Girl offered its regular plant selection in Jade, Tropical palm, Zebra hawarthia, Sansevieria and Marginata all dressed up for the holiday season.
Now that the holidays are over… these coats can be removed and taken off the glass vase for a fresh look for the new year. Simply slide the christmas coat off the glass vase, towards the bottom to avoid disturbing the plant. To read more on plant care of your plant, please check out the Plant Care Guide and Identification page on the left side of this page.
Still have more questions? Contact us at plantcare@hortygirl.com :)
Tags: Holiday plants
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January 10th, 2012

Store away your HortyGirl soft pot for the next holiday season
Did you receive a HortyGirl frosty fern or hardy tree plant this year?
The frosty fern and hardy tree were both placed into a colorful and super cute holiday themed box. This little 4inch box is made from 80 percent recycled plastic – Meaning that is not only washable and reusable, but it is also 100 recyclable.
If the plant didn’t survive the holidays or you would like to change the pot to something else, the box can easily be folded down flat and stored away for next year.
Still have questions or concerns? Contact us at plantcare@hortygirl.com and we will get back to you within 24-48 hours!
Tags: eco friendly planters, Holiday plants
Posted in Green Living Thoughts, Horty Girl Products | No Comments »