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A Tale of Two Trees (or more)

10 November 2015

pages from The Christmas Tree book by Barbara Segall
A page from The Christmas Tree, my homage to this festive forest tree

When I moved to a Victorian farm cottage on the outskirts of Sudbury, Suffolk, I noticed that there were several Christmas trees of varying heights planted along the boundaries. I decided that previous occupants of the house had planted out successive festive trees, once they had been indoors for the ‘season’. I didn’t follow suit. Instead I used twisted willow branches some years and strong holly branches, full of berries, as my tree substitutes. One of my American friends told me that his tree was that most festive of specimens: Pinus plasticus…. Well I never!

I did pay homage to the Christmas tree and wrote a book, The Christmas Tree, about the tree’s history and the legends associated with it. I learned how many different species were grown for use as indoor trees. I discovered how they became public and domestic favourites and each year now I enjoy hearing about the growing of Christmas trees commercially, the installing of trees in public places such as Trafalgar Square and Downing Street, and I love trying to find the most incongruous tree decorations to add to my ‘growing’ collection of small trees made from wire brushes, glass, pottery, wood and metal.

When I moved into the local town I thought I would purchase a pair of small trees just to grace the mantelpiece in the living room.

two miniature christmas trees
Mantelpiece duo

They were sprayed with glitter and I thought that beyond Christmas they would disappear, as do seasonal poinsettias and other festive plants. But, they thrived outside and although I would be quite happy to say farewell to them, there they are: now too large to fit above the fireplace, but too prickly to be at the front door.

miniature christmas trees
Knocking at the back door: don’t leave us out in the cold!

ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Through a series of beautiful photographs and illustrations The Christmas Tree relates the ancient and modern story of this ever-popular tree. With chapters on trimming and lighting, present-giving, famous trees, where to find and how to grow your own tree, it tells you everything you want to know. Exquisitely produced, The Christmas Tree makes the perfect Christmas present.

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Latest book: Secret Gardens of the South East

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I am an Ambassador for Silent Space, a Charity Incorporated Organisation creating opportunities to be silent in some of our favourite green places. Find them at silentspace.org.uk or on Twitter as @silentspaace.

About Me

I edit magazines and write about gardens, plants and gardeners. My own garden and those open to the public, here and abroad – and gardeners – professionals and passionate amateurs, alike, all feature in my writing. Growing my own fruit, vegetables and herbs in a small, productive and ornamental town garden gives me great pleasure, as does using the produce and writing about it. Read more

Articles by Barbara Segall

Small But Perfectly Formed – for the Garden Design Journal

Planting for Winter Structure and Wildlife – for Garden Design Journal

Tom Hoblyn’s plant lab

Shortlisted in the Garden Journalist of the Year category in the Property Press Awards 2017

Praise from the Garden Writers Association

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"Nice friendly voice and style while imparting good gardening information."

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