It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas trees are on every corner of NYC and it’s time to pick one up and bring it into your home to celebrate the holidays. Although a cut Christmas Tree isn’t exactly a living houseplant… Christmas Trees could be argued to be one of the oldest indoor plant traditions around which is why I thought it would make a fun and interesting episode! Mary Jeanne Packer, Executive Director of The Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, takes us through the best practices for caring for a cut Christmas Tree. Founded in 1953, the mission of the Christmas Tree Farmers’ Association of New York (CTFANY) is to empower its members in the development of the real Christmas tree industry.  CTFANY provides information and opportunities for its members that include national visibility and stature, quality production, preservation, education, pride in their products and customer satisfaction.  They provide education to the public about the real tree industry, enable the public to purchase and enjoy the benefits of farm fresh and fragrant real Christmas trees and evergreen products.  At the same time, they protect the environment that surrounds us and enhance the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to New York’s economy. If you are interested in learning the best ways to care for your cut Christmas tree this season- this episode is for you! If you are interested in learning about having an actual potted, LIVING Christmas tree this year… check out Episode 06! In this episode you we discuss: Why a cut Christmas Tree is actually better for the environment than an artificial tree The various ways to recycle your cut tree after the holidays Best practices for having a Cut Christmas Tree, from selecting it, to taking it home, how to position and properly care for it and how to properly recycle it after the season. Myth Busters! Are chemicals and Sprite needed to feed your Christmas Tree? Listen to find out! Shopping local to celebrate the holiday spirit. For more information on The Christmas Tree Farmers Association of NY visit http://www.christmastreesny.org   For more information on Bloom and Grow Radio visit www.bloomandgrowradio.com and following us on Instagram @bloomandgrowradio