Living Christmas tree
Alexandra and Ethan • 1 August 2019
We bought a living Christmas tree last December, but not before a lot of research. So here's what we did and why we did it.
Firstly, we bought living tree. This is by far the most eco-friendly option, as well as the option that brings joy to any of the green-fingered amongst us. The tree just needs to be planted into a large(ish) pot and then can be placed inside just like 'normal' tree. Yes it is smaller, but it will last you forever if you look after it properly. Think of it as a growing investment that will bring you joy for years to come. Also, it looks adorable in summer.
The species is a native Blue Spruce, this should be available from your local garden centres. It is important to get a native species as this will benefit our native wildlife the most.
Our Christmas tree is enjoying summer as much as we are
With a living Christmas tree we can move it outside during the year, and watch real nature use it as part of the garden. It's also really cool to see the new growth, which is adorable and feathery, and be able to track it so easily due to the big colour difference.
Also, it is a lovely way to help prompt us to remember that the message of Christmas is for the whole year, not just one day.
Photo credit: Alexandra Kinsey

If you've been reading our other blog posts, you'll know that we are lucky enough to have a near-resident hedgehog who visits our garden on a regular basis; and if you hadn't read our blogs before, well now you know! As you can imagine this prickly little hog brings us both great joy and we have been lucky enough to catch her (we think it's a her) on a trail camera as you can see in the picture above, and the videos below.