By Tamara Galbraith

That holiday superstar, the poinsettia, actually has its own holiday. By an Act of Congress, December 12 was set aside as National Poinsettia Day.

The date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who is credited with introducing the native Mexican plant to the United States. During Poinsett's appointment in Mexico, he wandered the countryside looking for new plant species. In 1828, he discovered a beautiful shrub with large red bracts growing next to a road. He took cuttings from the plant and brought them back to his greenhouse in South Carolina.

Years later, William Prescott, a historian and horticulturist, was asked to give 'Euphorbia pulcherrima' a new name as it became more popular. At that time Mr. Prescott had just published a book called the Conquest of Mexico in which he detailed Joel Poinsett’s discovery of the plant. So, Prescott named the plant the poinsettia in honor of Joel Poinsett’s discovery.

We're not sure what Mr. Poinsett would think of the latest trend in painting the colored bracts of his beloved plants with various shades of blue and layers of sparkles, but holiday shoppers certainly seem to dig them. Whatever the case, Poinsett's introduction is now a tradition that brightens the holidays every year.

Holiday cacti are not hard to take care of, if you remember not to overwater them; getting them to bloom on time is a bit more complex. Here are some tips:

In order for these plants to form flower buds for holiday blooms, they need extended darkness for at least four weeks.

Place the plant in a dark room or keep covered (under a box or bag works fine) for at least 12 hours a day.

When buds appear (usually around four weeks), the darkening schedule can stop.

As the buds get larger, move the plant to where it will be for the holiday, avoiding extreme temperature or lighting changes.

Continue to water and feed while the plant is budding and blooming. Water only when the soil is completely dry - these plants do not like soggy roots.

By Tamara Galbraith

We all know somebody with the notorious Black Thumb. These poor souls can't grow stuff to save their (or their plant's) lives, but gosh, they try. And they love plants. So what do you give such a person as a holiday gift?

How about Zamioculcas zamiifolia, a.k.a. the ZZ Plant? This jade-like houseplant hardly needs any water and doesn't require much light, making it perfect for the low-lit home or office cubicle environment.

Of course, folks afflicted with Black Thumb usually find a way to kill stuff, and overwatering a ZZ will do just that. The plant's large tuber serves as sort of an underground camel hump in that it stores water for dry times. The ZZ's thick rubbery leaves and stems store water as well, so watering every three weeks is sufficient. Fertilize only occasionally (maybe every two months) with fish emulsion.

Other than the threat of overwatering, ZZ's are pretty much foolproof, which is a big reason why the species was awarded Foliage Plant of the Year in 2002. Stick a bow on one, give it to your favorite Black Thumb, and hope for the best.

Bill, as you may have guessed, is married to Melody, the owner of Newell Nurseries. The couple recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They have 3 grown children (a son and 2 daughters) and 3 grandchildren.

Bill was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. His dad was in the Air Force and the family was transferred often during Bill's growing years — last stop, California, where Bill graduated from Redlands High School.

Bill followed Melody to the Nursery, hoping for a multi-faceted job after spending several years working in a factory doing the same thing day in and day out. Although he may not look the part, Bill has a delicate, creative side and found that his forte was as a buyer and dresser for the gift shop. Melody says that Bill has taken the gift shop over and above her greatest expectations, with his knack for buying the right items and displaying them to their best sale advantage.

By Tamara Galbraith

Celebrating the holidays surrounded by beloved children and pets always makes this time of year sweeter. But the little darlings sure can get into trouble when your back is turned, eh?

And that's why it's important to be aware of the plants you've got decorating your holiday setting each and every year. Little fingers like reaching for bright red berries, and curious puppies and kitties can eat anything and everything in sight, leaves and all. So let's run down a few popular holiday plant choices and what you should watch out for:

Poinsettias:
For many years, this popular beauty was thought to be extremely toxic. However, recent studies have shown that, while ingestion certainly isn't recommended, eating the leaves won't cause instant death either. Keep it out of reach of curious kids and pets, and be careful when handling it yourself; the sap can cause a poison ivy-like reaction on the skin.

Holly:
The greatest danger isn't the pointy-sharp leaves (although those are a nuisance); it's eating the bright red berries, which can result in extreme stomach and intestinal problems.

Amaryllis, Kalanchoe:
Somewhat toxic, but large amounts would have to be eaten for real trouble to occur.

Jerusalem Cherry, Pyracantha, Bittersweet, Helleborus niger, Mistletoe, Laurel, Yew:
All are highly toxic (especially the berries, when present) and should definitely be kept well away from children and pets.

Be smart about other plants too, or at least, where you have them positioned. Toddlers with a penchant for trouble can eat potting soil containing toxic fertilizer, or pebbles just big enough to be choked on. Don't put heavy plants where they could potentially fall on a child or pet. Watch out for dangling vines that kids or pets can pull on or get tangled in during a rambunctious moment...and you know the holidays bring plenty of those.