Christmas Trees and Decorations
$488.5 millionThe value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree ornaments from China between January and August 2010. China was the leading country of origin for such items. Similarly, China was the leading foreign source of artificial Christmas trees shipped to the United States ($28.2 million worth) during the same period.
Source: Foreign Trade StatisticsNewsroom: Facts for Features & Special Editions: Facts for Features: The 2010 Holiday Season
Archive for the ‘Christmas Tree’ Category
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New Variety of Locally Grown Christmas Trees | Hawaii Business Magaizine
Tired of Norfolk pines? A new variety of Hawaii-grown Christmas trees is available.
By Mariah Mellor
It took five years – from test pot to harvest – for a new variety of local Christmas trees to be available this holiday season from Helemano Farms.
The Leyland Cypress, a popular tree usually grown in the U.S. South, is fuller compared to Helemano’s Norfolk pines. “We planted 15 varieties of trees, about 100 to 400 of each variety, and only the Leyland survived,” says Aaron O’Brien, Helemano’s owner. Continue reading ‘New Variety of Locally Grown Christmas Trees | Hawaii Business Magaizine’
Sellers surprised by high demand for big evergreens
Families who are waiting until the weekend to buy their Christmas trees may be in for a shock.Across the board, retailers throughout Hilo are unable to keep up with demand for the big evergreens as the holiday spirit inspires shoppers to open their wallets.
“All over Hilo, there are less Christmas trees this year,” said Chris Behle of KTA Super Stores on Puainako Street. “They better get ‘em now.”
“There are way less trees this year. People are asking for certain varieties, certain types of trees, and they aren’t there any more,” he said. “The public needs to know there’s no trees out there. They’re running out.”
Behle wouldn’t say how many trees KTA has ordered, but he confirmed that those on display at the front of the store are the last of their shipment. As of midday Tuesday, everything higher than 7 feet had sold out.
“I really felt in the recession, people would go for a reasonable-sized tree,” Behle said. Now, he feels that if a store ordered 200 10-footers, they’d be all gone.
“I don’t think you can find a big tree on this island,” Behle said.
Lesley Hill, the proprietor of Paradise Plants, said that interest is so strong that some people want to preorder their trees for Christmas 2011.
This year, big is back. Paradise Plants’ tallest trees were priced at a high of $245, but they were sold out in the first day and a half after going on sale. Like KTA, the store still carries trees for as low as $30, but almost all are between 4 and 7 feet. Continue reading ‘Sellers surprised by high demand for big evergreens’
Stowaways found in largest Christmas tree shipment of the year
SAND ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii’s largest shipment of Christmas trees from the mainland is here.On Sunday morning, inspectors combed through them and they found some creatures who came along for the joy ride.
A salamander, some tree frogs, and a cricket are among the hitchhikers in this season’s shipment of Christmas trees.
But after all the shaking, and searching for invasive species at Matson’s Sand island terminal, it was a slimy guy who triggered a red flag.
“We found several slugs and we’re concerned about it being a problem here to our agriculture industry, environment and also public health and safety,” said Glenn Sakamoto, Plant Quarantine Inspector with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
The state says the slug was found in 11 of the 62 containers.
The vendor has a choice. It can either treat the trees or send them back to the mainland.
This is the third shipment in three weeks.
In all, there are roughly 200 containers filled with more than 80,000 Christmas trees.
The state says that’s more than last year.
That’s because there was a shortage of trees, and people started air freighting them.
The state anticipates a bigger supply this year.
As for the little buggers, inspectors say if they have kamaaina family members, they get to stay in Hawaii. Continue reading ‘Stowaways found in largest Christmas tree shipment of the year’
Locally Grown Christmas Trees in Hawaii | Ocean Girl Project Sustainable Surf Camp Blog
Want to buy a locally grown Christmas tree this year, while supporting environmental education in Hawai’i?
Helemano Farms is a family farm in Central O’ahu that offers locally grown Christmas trees that you pick and they cut! The Kokua Hawaii foundation has advanced-sale Helemano Farms Christmas Tree Tickets available online at:
https://www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org/store/item/6770
$10 of that sale will be donated to Kokua Hawai’i Foundation to support environmental education in Hawai’i schools and communities.
For a listing of other organizations you may be able to support through this sale please contact Helemano Farms at www.helemanofarms.com
Locally Grown Christmas Trees in Hawaii | Ocean Girl Project Sustainable Surf Camp Blog
Thanksgiving Holiday Guide
Craft Fairs & Markets
Hoala Winter Craft Sale A variety of craft, food and specialty booths. Hoala School, 1067 A California Ave.: Sat., 12/4, (9am–3pm) 621-1898
Mamo Arts Market The arts market features Native Hawaiian artisans, keiki activities and live music. Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St.: Sat., 12/4, (9am–5pm) Free. 847-3511
36th Annual Mayor’s Craft Sale The yearly event features unique handmade items created by city senior clubs, along with other exciting arts, crafts and entertainment. Neal Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave.: Sat., 12/4, (9am–2pm) Free. 768-3045
“It’s Really Nice” Fine Arts & Crafts Show A fine arts and crafts show through the holidays. [www.louispohlgallery.com]. Louis Pohl Gallery, 1111 Nuuanu Ave.: Runs through Tue., 12/28, 521-1812
7th Annual Christmas in Honolulu An evening craft fair with local art, clothing, soup mixes, jewelry, ceramics, purses and more. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, 2454 South Beretania St.: Tue., 11/30, (5–8:30pm) Free. 734-3693
12 Ways of Christmas A dozen craft artisans showcase one-of-a-kind items. Cafe Laufer, 3565 Waialae Ave., Mon., 11/29, (5–9pm) 753-3611 Continue reading ‘Thanksgiving Holiday Guide’
Delta Will Be Happy To Transport Your Christmas Tree This Season
Bringing a little more back home with you than just indigestion and a few extra pounds? If your checked baggage includes an entire Christmas tree then look no further than Delta to help you get your holiday tree back home in one piece. Most airlines would probably just laugh at you if you brought a Christmas tree to the airport, but apparently Delta will welcome you and your Tannenbaum.
Freshly cut trees will be accepted as limited-release baggage—that means you can’t flip out if they break a branch—for all flights within the nifty fifty. That’s right…no problem bringing one back to Hawaii, so you can share a little holiday aloha with your friends and family in the islands. You’ll just need to send it through the agricultural inspection folks when you arrive in paradise.
Like any checked baggage, trees will be subject to all kinds of baggage allowance and size restrictions, so that means no crazy ginormous trees. We’re thinking that also means that it will cost just as much to check a tree as it would to check a bag, so carry-on this holiday season and send the tree underneath!
Just make sure that the tree is wrapped all nice and snug in burlap or something similar, and that the root ball or base is covered as well. They don’t want any dirt or branches escaping into the cargo hold and you don’t want to find a mangled tree waiting for you at baggage claim.
Delta Will Be Happy To Transport Your Christmas Tree This Season || Jaunted
Waimea renews tradition with 40-foot Christmas tree
Kickoff of Lokahi Giving Project slatedBefore the 40-foot Monterey Cypress could be felled Monday morning, master woodworker Ski Kwiatkowski talked to it, shared the plan and asked the tree’s permission.
The 80-year-old tree in Puu Pueo, an area owned by Parker Ranch along Mana Road, is the centerpiece of Waimea’s holiday season. It is part of the town’s effort to commemorate Christmases past and ignite traditions. Continue reading ‘Waimea renews tradition with 40-foot Christmas tree’
Christmas trees already on sale
KUNIA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Most of us haven’t even bought a Thanksgiving turkey or ham yet, but some people have already picked out their fresh Christmas trees.We found lots of shoppers at the Kunia WalMart, choosing their trees, a full five weeks before the big day.
They say they’re not worried about their trees turning brittle and brown before santa arrives.
“We looked in the paper and it said Wal-Mart’s got trees, and this is the new addition to our family”, said Ko Olina residents Richard & Dealine Foust.
“It’s the holidays and the earlier we get the tree, we can celebrate it earlier and I like the smell”, said Ewa Beach resident Randy Borges
Christmas trees are on sale at all Hawaii WalMart stores, except for the Honolulu store, which doesn’t have a garden center
Christmas trees already on sale – Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL Home
Florist brings attention and care to arrangements
If you look back at the photos, the flowers are exactly the same.Friston Ho’okano had to make sure Abercrombie’s flowers were just as tall as Hannemann’s, that Hanabusa’s heliconias were just as showy as Djou’s.
“It’s not just throwing flowers together. Florists work so hard,” he said. “I was there with my tape measure.”
Ho’okano, 47, did the floral arrangements for all four televised debates on KGMB this year. You might not have noticed how perfect each arrangement was, but if one candidate had droopy gingers or dying fronds, your eye would be drawn to that instantly. Instead, he helped make the stage look dressed, but not overdressed; and more polished than some areca palms in plastic pots, with a definite Hawaii aesthetic.
“For a piece in front of a podium, I always plan a slender design so the attention points up to the candidate’s face,” he said.
Ho’okano has worked in several Oahu flower shops and counts most florists on the island as his friends. He had his own shop, Waimalu Florist, for four years before moving to Ribbons n Rainbows in Kapolei. Continue reading ‘Florist brings attention and care to arrangements’
Local Christmas Trees for Sale at Helemano Farms
WHITMORE VILLAGE — Helemano Farms, local grower of thousands of Christmas Trees in Central Oahu, opens next week on the day after Thanksgiving 2010. The Whitmore Village farm will offer thick, evergreen Leyland Cypress Christmas trees this year along with its traditional and gorgeous Norfolk Pines. Prices for all of our Norfolk trees are the same as last year – only $40 for Norfolk Christmas Trees up to 6 feet tall.Families who visit the farm can choose their Christmas tree from thousands of Norfolks ranging from 5 to 20 feet tall and from more than one thousand Leylands. Helemano Farms, located on Whitmore Avenue, will be open every day from noon to sunset on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to sunset on weekends. We are on the Web at:
http://www.helemanofarms.com and http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=152313482989&ref=ts
Our Leyland Cypress trees start at $60 and our locally made Christmas wreaths start at $25. Our farm workers cut, wrap and load all trees for customers free of charge. Our Norfolk trees grow back after we cut them down! And our Leyland trees have a natural, gentle pine scent. Continue reading ‘Local Christmas Trees for Sale at Helemano Farms’
First shipment of Christmas trees arrive for the holidays – but not for sale, yet
“I hope the people in Hawaii are ready for it,” said Richard Tajiri.It’s an annual tradition Richard Tajiri knows a lot about. Lining up to buy a Christmas Tree.
There is also an Aloha state tradition– agriculture department inspections.
“Well were looking for any type of invasive pests that could be hitchhiking along with the Christmas trees,” said Agriculture Department Inspector Glenn Sakamoto. “So like last year we had a few containers because of slugs that are not found here in Hawaii.”
Inspections that are already underway.
And dealers like Tajiri already know what they’re looking for.
“I’m probably the only one in Hawaii to go out and mark every tree that we bring in,” said Tajiri. “I tag every tree. You know if I see a tree out there and it’s got a little bit of yellow. You know I miss some, I’m not perfect. But I see some yellow and ah I don’t want a yellow tree because I know people in Hawaii don’t want a yellow tree.”
“Most of them are pretty clean,” said Sakamoto. “We have certain conditions that they have to follow before they come into Hawaii. So, they have to be shaken prior to coming into Hawaii. So, relatively coming in they have been relatively clean.” Continue reading ‘First shipment of Christmas trees arrive for the holidays – but not for sale, yet’
Several things can cause pine trees to brown
By Nick SakovichQ: Arriving in Hilo from Europe several years ago, we were presented with several Norfolk pine trees in a pot to use as our first Christmas tree. … We noticed that several branches had gone brown/died off. We did notice, also, some very small webs at the base, though are unsure if this has any significance? Expecting it to recover in dappled sun conditions with plenty of water and some fertilizing; we noted recently that the browning has continued, though the trees have continued to grow. Any ideas what is causing the browning of branches (we notice some of the keiki Norfolk trees in pots in the garden have similar browning)? Any advice/assistance would be gratefully appreciated as this coming Christmas is a particularly special one, with a reunion of loved ones from afar. — R & A Continue reading ‘Several things can cause pine trees to brown’
Real Christmas Trees are an Affordable, Environmentally Conscious Way to Celebrate the Holiday Season
SOURCE Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree AssociationSustainably Grown, Real Christmas Trees From the Pacific Northwest are Now Arriving at Local Lots
PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and for growers in the Pacific Northwest the holiday season is in full swing as they begin to harvest this year’s crop of real, farm-grown Christmas trees.
The Pacific Northwest is home to more than 1,000 individual Christmas tree farmers who supply a majority of the real Christmas trees purchased in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona and other Southwestern states. Grown on sustainable farms, real trees are grown just like produce, nuts or other crops, so they do not threaten natural forests, a common misconception.
“Choosing a real Christmas tree is an environmentally conscious choice because of the way they are grown; in fact, many trees are grown in soil that won’t support other crops,” said Mike Bondi, professor and extension faculty for Oregon State University’s College of Forestry. “People can feel good about purchasing real trees because they help reduce carbon emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which benefits people, plants and the environment.”
Additionally, real Christmas trees are renewable and growers plant one or more to replace every tree they harvest. Real trees can also be recycled and turned into mulch or compost, so no waste goes in to landfills. Continue reading ‘Real Christmas Trees are an Affordable, Environmentally Conscious Way to Celebrate the Holiday Season’
Christmas Trees in Hawaii : Aloha Howdy
Talking about Christmas trees in Hawaii is a little early being that its November 8th today.
But I was just watching Hawaii Five-O tonight, and it made me think of us getting our first Christmas tree in Hawaii. So how does Hawaii Five-O make someone think about Christmas trees. I’ll get to that in just a second.
When you are used to living on the mainland and you first move out to Hawaii, there are a few adjustments you have to make… a few ‘differences’ you have to get used to. To name a few:
1. Even though there is an interstate, it doesn’t take you to another state.
2. Shoes come off at the front door, and all of those shoes will be ’slippas’.
3. They serve Spam for breakfast at McDonald’s.There are probably a hundred others, but maybe you get the point.
So coming up to our first Christmas on Oahu, we began to talk about where, and how, we would get a Christmas tree. We did learn that they do ship Christmas trees in and you can pick them up at places like Home Depot and such (yes, Hawaii has a couple of Home Depots). But after Sumi had done some internet research, she found this wonderful place up on the North Shore called Helemano Farms. Its a Christmas Tree Farm, in Hawaii. How cool is that?
So we picked our day for getting our first Hawaiian Christmas tree, and headed north to Wahiawa.
At that time, the only Christmas trees that they grew were Norfolk pines. They are very cool, very unique looking Christmas trees. Continue reading ‘Christmas Trees in Hawaii : Aloha Howdy’
Overnight red a good sign for Growing Greens
KAPA‘A — Almost overnight, everything turned red, said Marit McHugh, manager of Growing Greens Nursery in Kapahi.“It was starting to turn, we had some signs of red, and all of a sudden, it’s all red,” she said Friday. “It must be the weather.”
McHugh was talking about the 2010 crop of poinsettia which is scheduled to start shipping next week to various commercial outlets, malls, churches and people with standing orders.
This year’s crop included about 5,400 plugs that were brought in August and raised at the Kapahi location. Now that they are in bloom with the holidays looming, the deliveries will start going out.
“This isn’t the biggest crop we’ve had,” McHugh said. “But then, the economy dictates what we need to do. Our best year, we had about 8,000 plants going out.”
Included among her plantings is “Ice Crystal,” a new variety brought in last year that has proven to be a solid seller, McHugh said.
“We brought in just a few last year and people grabbed them up almost immediately,” she said. “This year, we’ve brought in a few more and, already, half of the crop is going to Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club and some of the jewelry shops around the island. We’ve also put some in lava rock for decorations.”
The lava rock poinsettias are something new Growing Greens is trying out this year, the plugs being placed into specially drilled-out lava rock and growing bonsai-style. Continue reading ‘Overnight red a good sign for Growing Greens’
