A Christmas tree for gardeners.

One of my sisters-in-law always had a number of small, themed Christmas trees on display at her house. It was only later that I discovered she put these little trees away fully decorated until Christmas rolled around again. I thought it was a brilliant idea and created a few of my own. The only one I still have is a Christmas tree that is covered in miniature garden tools: hoes, rakes, buckets, watering cans, even a hand-mower. Instead of a star on top, there is a minute clay pot with a trowel and bit of Hydrangea flowerhead.

Living in Wisconsin meant that I could always find straw ornaments from Scandinavia. As you can see, they are a main element of the decoration. 

I loved all the straw ornaments but baskets were my favorites and I collected a nice assortment. Alas, many of these things are now made far from Scandinavia — in China! I haven't seen any beautiful pieces like mine in quite a few years.

Among the special treasures on the tree are some small baskets hand-made of fine copper wire. You can see two of them hanging on opposites sides of the tree below. They were created by Mexican artists and each one had the name of the artist attached to it. I put those tags in the baskets where they remain. They were purchased at the wonderful Seed Savers Store, one of many memorable Monroe St. merchants whose shops I still miss.

Comments

[Erin @ The Impatient Gardener]

Oh it's beautiful! I particularly love that straw snowflake. Very cute.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

It is a good thing I don't have more storage space. This little tree is sweet. You could leave it out all year.

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Great idea! These would make special wedding or housewarming gifts.

[rusty duck]

Lovely idea.
In Norway I went into the local Sami (indigenous population) shop in the hope of buying some genuine local crafts. The felted boots I bought turned out to be made in Mongolia!

[Linda from Each Little World]

Jessica — I think they also do wear felted boots in Mongolia so maybe you should just think of them as coming from another indigenous group! Sometimes the world is too confusing these days.