Every Christmas Tree Deserves A Shot At Resurrection

The options for disposing of Christmas trees do, indeed, include chopping it into small pieces and stuffing it in the garbage can. But there are other ways to take care of the tree in a more environmentally friendly manner. For example:

Prop it up in the garden, add orange slices, suet and bird seed and you provide food and shelter for over-wintering birds.

Use the needles for aromatic potpourris and sachets.

Offer the trunk to a woodworking hobbiest who can use the wood for a number of small projects.

Put it through a chipper and add it to the mulching pile in your yard.

Planning ahead: The garden catalogs have already begun arriving in our mailboxes and one of the prettiest that’s sent out is the Wayside Gardens catalog. If you aren’t on their mailing list, just call (800) 845-1124 for a copy of the new flower catalog.

What’s hot: Wrought iron was one of the hits of the recent Toronto International Home Furnishings Market, which serves U.S. buyers as well as Canadians.

It showed up on chairs, dining tables, occasional tables, light fixtures (especially chandeliers) and baker’s shelves, which are riding a new wave of popularity.

Wrought iron also appeared as an accent on wood headboards for beds and mirrors.

For free: A 28-page brochure that explains step-by-step how to install drywall is available for do-it-yourselfers from the U.S. Gypsum Co. The brochure includes illustrations and useful tips. For a copy, request “How to Install, Finish and Repair Sheetrock Gypsum Panels” from: U.S. Gypsum Company, PO Box 806278, Chicago, IL 60680-4124.

On the Net: If it’s locks and alarms that interest you, the Net address for the Schlage Lock Co. Web site is: http://www.schlagelock.com/schlage.

For information from the National Paint & Coatings Association, go to http:/ /www.paint.org.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing of tulips