'Tis the Season

Image via DartPhoto Instagram

That's right--it's that time of year again! The 1st of December has passed, which means it is 100% acceptable to blast Wham's "Last Christmas" and break out the Baileys. It also means time for Christmas trees, the fresh scent of pine filling the house and holly berries galore! Winter has graced us with its freezing and windy presence, shops have painted the windows with holiday decorations, and pretty soon we'll all be sat around with our families drinking warm drinks and celebrating the season. Since a REAL Christmas tree is a must (I cannot stress this enough), a little guide on the "where's and how-to's" seemed appropriate to post.

Image via Pinterest

1). Type of Tree: There is no "typical" Christmas tree--and no, they don't all look the same. There are three major families of Christmas trees, which should all be available at your local tree lot. Firs, Spruces, and Pines are the most common, but most people don't know the difference! Firs and Pines have a better needle cling, meaning they won't leave droppings all over your floor or table, while Spruces tend to have much stronger branches (perfect for hanging those heavy ornaments). Make sure to consider all types before taking one home!

2). Where to Buy?: I've always wondered this myself, so it took a bit of research. Being in a major city, there is really no room to set up 50-100 trees and sell them, but there must be somewhere! Pines and Needles and The Christmas Forest seem to be the leaders of the tree selling pack, with a wide variety of trees and multiple locations across the city. For more information, visit them at http://www.pinesandneedles.com and http://www.christmasforest.co.uk. They also do a delivery service…but where is the fun in that? Personally, I like to pick my tree myself. What if it has big holes or something?!

3). No Space? No Problem: Living in a city and wanting a 10' Christmas tree poses a problem…so something to consider with the holiday season approaching is space. I know if I got a Christmas tree in my little Camden flat, I'd have to step over it to get to the bathroom, the kitchen, and the front door. Could I get one of those dinky 3' tall ones? Probably not. If you're like me, the best thing to do is settle for a fresh wreath, swag, or garland! they're all equally as festive, you can still decorate them with ribbons or ornaments, and they smell lovely! If greenery is a completely unviable option, think outside of the box! A pretty dried fruit hanging smells lovely when mixed with cinnamon sticks and cloves, or think of ways to make a tree out of non-traditional things. Below are some examples.

above images via pinterest and instagram 

Gothenburg Botanical Garden: Botaniska Trädgården

     Gothenburg is a city built around nature; the coastal views, the canals which twist their way through city centre, the nature reserve and more, you're never more than a stones throw from some beautiful landscape while still being in central Gothenburg. Lucky for me, I was able to visit Gothenburg in early November, when the weather was still warm (for Sweden anyways…) and winter had yet to knock the beautifully coloured leaves from the trees. I knew Scandinavian countries were famous for their abundance of nature among other things, so I was very happy when I was able to experience this first hand, by visiting Gothenburg's Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserve.

     The Botanical Garden is located just south of what would be considered city centre in Anggården, but easy enough to get to (even for me…on my own…not speaking a lick of Swedish). Entry to the garden grounds is free/20 SEK donation, but the greenhouse costs 20 SEK, a whopping £1.80. The grounds consist of 16 different sections, ranging from 'The Americas Arboretum' to 'Japanese Gardens.' I didn't enter through the main entrance (I couldn't find it) but I made my way there eventually, and started out with a little poke 'round the garden shop, which sells succulent and fern variations, as well as bulbs, pots, cards, and other little trinkets. 

 

     I willingly paid the 20 SEK to venture into the greenhouse, especially after reading on the leaflet that they had a whole succulent house. Imagine the hearts in my eyes after hearing that! The greenhouse was comprised of about 4,000 plant species in 7 different climates/zones. The entrance to the greenhouse led straight into the "Tropical House," which was the tallest room in the greenhouse, and has everything from moss to palm, coffee and more. It was so warm and humid, I had forgotten about the 4° temperatures outside! From then I discovered the orchid house, which was my second favourite of them all. Seven rooms and 1,600 orchid species is a lot of beauty to take in. 

    I explored the other houses, some of which were being tended to by the garden volunteers, and made my way around to the succulent house, my favourite of the whole bit. Being from California, some of the most beautiful succulent gardens I've seen are in my neighbours yards! I was completely, 100% blown away by the presentation of the succulent house at Botaniska Tradgarden. They divided the succulents by native area, and had the plants beautifully laid out in terra cotta coloured planters. Some of my favourites were native to my area at home, but I discovered a lot of really interesting plants I had never seen or heard of as well.

     After leaving the greenhouses, I made my way through every bit of the garden: the rock garden, the japanese garden, the rhododendron forest, and into the nature reserve. I was amazed by the beauty around me, I may have even welled up a bit (I know, I know). I stayed in the park/garden for about 4.5 hours, which still didn't seem like enough time. I could not believe how they managed to place such a beautiful haven of nature inside a major city; it was beyond me! I am still so envious that we don't have anything the same in London. 

     A few more photos from my walk around: