More and more people are forgoing the pleasure of a fragrant, fresh Christmas tree for the incredible convenience of a faux (artificial) tree. Once you’ve seen our collection, you might be one of them. Our faux trees are so realistic in appearance that once they are decorated you can hardly tell the difference. Beyond their convenience, there are other reasons to go for faux, like no worries about your tree drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Our trees are flame retardant which also means they can be used safely in public spaces. With the fragrance of fresh cut trees also comes pollen, which can be a real problem for those with allergy problems. Faux trees are also pollen-free.

Convenience is a big motivation, though, to make the switch. Our trees are pre-lit so not only do you not have to struggle with getting a tree home and upright, you don’t have to wrestle with wires and lights. If one light goes out, the rest stay lit so no more searching for the bad bulb. Our trees are easy to set up, take down and store in their carton. They come with a manufacturer’s 10 year warranty so you can rest assured you are getting a well-made product. Going faux definitely lessens the holiday job list load.

If all this sounds tempting, come in to see them for yourself. Trees purchased by November 19 will receive a 20% discount! The biggest difference between a fresh and a faux tree is the perfect faux form and the strength of even the smallest branch for supporting ornaments. The faux trees range in height from 2 feet tall to 14 feet tall, something perfect for every home or business. If dealing with a fresh cut tree is more than you want to take on, this might be the year for you to go faux!

Arlene Trottier graduated to Yamagami’s Nursery last winter after thirteen years working in other local nurseries, including most recently, Sunnyvale Nursery. She has been a California Certified Nursery Professional for seven years and is currently serving as Secretary/Treasurer of our local chapter of California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. Professionally, Arlene has experience in sales and as a buyer for perennials and orchids. She knows her stuff!

Here at Yamagami’s, Arlene is one of our most talkative and helpful salespeople. Having lived and gardened in Sunnyvale for the last forty years, she has a wealth of experience to share. Customer service is her focus. She prides herself on finding the best solution to your garden challenges. She is a real team player, always willing to help the rest of the staff wherever possible. That is why you’ll often find her working in the roses helping Lorena and learning more about our selections.

When not at work, Arlene loves to garden, especially with annuals and perennials. Recently she has had to learn how to puppy-proof her well-established garden. Her five-month old sister Sheltie pups, Lara and Tally, loved her garden at first bite. She and her husband, Mike, have had to resort to lots of chicken wire walls around certain vulnerable plants. They had to remove her tomato plants which, though toxic, seemed irresistible to her chew-happy girls. Her pond, another puppy magnet, also had to be wired off for safety’s sake. If you are ever facing the puppy-proofing challenge, Arlene can give some expert advice! You’ll find Arlene here Thursdays through Saturdays, always ready to help you succeed…the first time.

Yamagami’s forest of superior fresh cut Noble Firs opens on Friday, November 24. For your shopping convenience, we will be open 9 AM to 6 PM from November 24 through December 10. Pre-paid orders placed for cut trees by Sunday, November 19 will receive a 10% discount and also get a better shot at delivery date of choice. You can decide to pick out your own tree or have us do it for you. Delivery and pick-up service is available to dozens of local zip codes. All our cut trees come with a free disposal bag and instructions for keeping your tree green and lush throughout the holiday season.

What makes our trees superior? Our Noble Firs are freshly cut from high altitudes where they have received plenty of rainwater plus a good chill to seal in their moisture. We keep them in water and then make a fresh cut on their trunk when you buy them so they’ll continue drinking when you get them into your Gunnard stand. With the Gunnard’s 2 gallon water basin, you’ll find that our trees will stay fresh through the holiday season. They range in size from tabletop, 2 feet tall to majestic, 12 feet tall.

Early order your Superior Noble Fir by calling us at (408) 252-3347 or plan to come in for pick of the lot. If your family tradition is to bring in your tree closer to Christmas Day, you can still come in to choose your tree and let us take good care of it for you until you are ready for it. Either way you’ll find your perfect tree in Yamagami’s forest of superior fresh cut Noble Firs.

By Tamara Galbraith and Carolyn Villa-Scott, Advanced CCN Pro

Brighten your winter garden and life with the rich colors of Prim-roses. Primula polyantha, also known as the English Primrose, blooms mostly during the spring, although if planted while blooming in Fall, will continue to flower throughout the cooler months. Usually they are treated as winter annuals because they are dormant during the sum-mer so they are the perfect plant to interchange with Impatiens when the cool season arrives.

There are Fairy primroses, Double English primroses, Obconica primroses, Drumstick primroses....you name it. They come in all colors of the rainbow and many shapes and sizes. Some look like miniature roses, some like wild-colored daisies. All are garden jewels and per-form equally well in containers or in the ground. Ask a nursery profes-sional if you're not sure which Primula varieties are best for your garden.

Some primulas are known by such funny common names as cow-slips, oxlips or bear's ear. Herbalists recognize cowslip as a mild seda-tive most often used in treating nervous disorders, such as trembling, anxiety, and insomnia. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of arthritis.

Primroses require a humus-rich soil so we recommend amending with Gardner & Bloome Harvest Supreme before planting. They en-joy morning sun and afternoon shade. When fertilized with Maxsea and watered regularly, they will reward you with brilliant color when little else is blooming. Primroses are just the ticket for brightening the winter garden and mood.