BY CAROL CONSTANTINE -

Nothing says - holiday season - as much as the sight and scent of plants that we bring into homes at this time of year.   Our botanic allies help raise our spirits and make us cheerful.

Will you buy a fresh green tree? California has a common variety, which is a Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga mensiesii. These trees can be bought from a lot or tree farm. This $ 5 million industry provides 20 million trees each year. Fresh cut trees reach retail lots within 3 days, or may be bailed in burlap for nursery stock or to be sold as living decorations. Many people opt for an artificial tree, believing that this is better for the environment. A smaller indoor alternative is an aromatic topiary rosemary or juniper.                   

Another popular holiday plant is the Poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrina. It has very tiny flowers, but we like its spectacular red or cream or green bracts. Poinsettia will also grow outdoors in our warm climate and may reach 10 to 13 feet, although it may become leggy. If you want that great color for next year, the plant must have bright sunlight each day, plus 12 hours of total darkness for five consecutive nights.                       

May everyone have a great holiday season, and don’t forget the plants!