Plant of the week: Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana)

The Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) has now started to outsell the traditional Norway spruce as the nation's favourite Christmas tree and quite rightly so, as it is bushier and its long green needles should remain on the tree over the festive period, even if you have young children poking and prodding it. Buyers should saw off the bottom 5cm of trunk as soon as they get the tree home and place the tree in a bucket of water. When you bring it in, make sure you can keep it topped up with water as a tree will drink half a litre a day. Most Christmas tree stands have a space for water, or you could simply wedge it into a bucket. Whatever you do, don't put your tree next to a radiator or fire because it will simply dry out and the needles are more likely to drop. If you have a tree that you don't want to save, check with your council to see if it operates a Christmas tree collection and recycling service - many trees are shredded and can then be turned into compost.