Around 12th Night, when the Christmas tree is traditionally supposed to be put away for the season, we didn’t languish the idea of trying to fit it back into the box it arrived in. I really don’t think it’s possible to re-box items once they’ve been removed. I think it’s a ploy of the big box stores to ensure you can’t return it! To avoid packing it away we decided to re-purpose it!

We have been artfully creative and decorated “The Tree” (as it’s now referred to) for each holiday and event. We are open to suggestions too! Once the Christmas decorations were packed away we turned it into a Valentine’s Day tree, then came Mardi Gras, then St. Patrick’s Day, then of course, Easter and for our latest pièce de resistance, the Cardinals!

Other plans are to represent summer, Memorial/Labor Day, then autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving and back to Christmas. What are we missing? Do you have items that are theme related and “tree hangable” that you’d like to donate to us? We’d be happy to take them off your hands.

Valentine’s Day tree

Mardi Gras tree

St. Patrick’s Day tree

Easter tree

Cardinal’s tree

Every year around this time, my heart pulls towards the re-birth of my garden. I’m a little bit of a hoarder when it comes to seeds and I start scrutinizing my 127 (!) packets of seeds and plan my spring garden. My love for sprouting things gives me great joy. I check on my seeds a couple of times a day just in case I missed something.

Celita and I ran down to Home Depot and picked up some herbs and flowers for the pots outside the office and then got them planted. Now we hope for rain! This year we decided to specialize in herbs. We have Greek Oregano, Dill, Sage, Sweet Basil, Lemon Thyme and Lavender, as well as a few other flowers for some color. We’re hoping for a smelling fest of summer herbs this year. We will be happy to give you a few leaves if you’ll plan on using them for cooking!

Our office neighborhood, Lindenwood Park, holds an annual “Lawn and Garden” contest every June and there is always a special mention for businesses that beautify their building. The Service Club is proud of the fact that we usually receive a special mention every year for our hard work. If only there was a contest for keeping a Christmas tree decorated all year with various themes! We’d win that hands down! If you haven’t seen our latest design, come and visit us at the office and check it out.

      
These are flowers in pots on the side of the building and over a walking hazard in the front of the building.

These are the herbs we planted in pots under our sign.