I am always a little bit distressed when it comes time to take down the tree. Here is this beautiful tree that we picked out with loving care, (Actually, I usually leave it to my daughter who has a wonderful eye for symmetry and the correct size for our house), and we’re just going to toss it out on the curb? (I know, they get recycled, and that’s wonderful, but it still seems impersonal to me) Last year I considered making a staff, but they keep weeping sap forever, and are difficult to carve. This year I think I have a solution that will make me happy. My garden this year was in serious need of trellises. I don’t have a huge space, and most of my favorite vegetables are vines.
So, with my husband’s help, I have denuded the tree of branches, and come spring, I hope that it will make a good growing surface for beans or tomatoes. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Oh, and the branches? My pine trees now look like they have wreaths. I like it.