From the porch pot to the backyard in Syracuse, N.Y.
We knew when we purchased the potted blue spruce in December and proclaimed it our side porch Christmas tree that we wanted to put the baby in the ground after the ornaments were packed away and spring thaw arrived here in our Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood.
Here’s the pre-Christmas post where I shared the sight of our little tree.
Sunday afternoon, I grabbed the spade, headed out to the backyard spot my dear wife Karen picked out for the blue spruce, and dug a whole to the proper depth.
I carefully shook the tree out of the pot in which it’s lived on our porch since December, put it in the hole, and surrounded it with rich soil.
Success will mean another deterrent for Ellie B aka Dogamous Pyle’s wish to somehow get in the foot of space between our shed and fence.
Perhaps I waited too long. The needles are dry and sort of brown.
I’d say there’s a 50-50 chance of an evergreen life in our backyard corner.
We shall see.
Have you ever left a pine in a pot for the winter and then tried to transplant it into our garden? Was it a success?
Mark Bialczak 
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I lack what you call green thumbs and have the innate ability to kill anything green. That being said, kudos to you for putting the Christmas tree in the ground! My fingers are crossed it makes it to see another December 25th!
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I have seen your blog photos of the grounds of the mini manse to prove your claim, CBXB. But I think you have hope! Put another plant on the porch! And thank you for the good wishes toward the new blue spruce’s making another Christmas with some green on the boughs.
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I am going plant shopping this weekend as all of mine from last year died this winter. No green thumbs I tell ya!
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OK, I like that you’re giving it another try, CBXB!
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But did you do the Iroquois pine tree dance around the potted tree first? Were you wearing a green hat? Were you playing “Jingle Bells” ? Did you leave a bottle of green beer overnight for the forest spirit? You don’t know much about forestry or proper gardening, do you ?
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LOL, Carl.
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We’ll hope for the best! I’m sure the little guy will be fine.
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He is a cute little guy at this stage, isn’t he, Chris?!
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I’d say put a lil bowler on his head, but he needs the sun. Haha.
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Ha!
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i think that’s great and always worth a try. sometimes a tree goes somewhat dormant in its first season to try to recover a bit, but usually will thrive the next year. crossing my fingers for you )
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I won’t give up on it easily, Beth, you are right.
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I love blue spruce Mark. I hope it takes root and groooooooooooooooooooooooooows. 🙂
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We just want it to grooooooow, Colleen. You are going a bit overbooooooooard.
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Fair enough. We don’t need another tall tree worry in your neighborhood. I withdraw a few “ooooo”s. 😉
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I will cross my fingers on this one! My parents usually planted our pine trees or evergreens when the ground was unfrozen. You did well to wait and I think the brown will turn to green! Smiles, Robin
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I am hoping, Robin! Thank you.
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My grandparents bought a living pine Christmas tree for my first-year Christmas and then planted it in the yard and it lasted there until a couple of years ago when the city widened the road and took it out. Even so, the tree paled in comparison of your neighbor’s tall pines and no one else’s house was in danger. 😉 If I haven’t told you lately, you have a beautiful yard! I just love when you share photos and stories from “around the house.” Great post! 😀
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I appreciate it, Rachel. And be sure that there will be more photos and stories as the growing season progresses. I mean, I love my yard!
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And with good reason, I’d say. 😀
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Always love to see growing things. Thanks, Mark!
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I hope it’s growing, too, Ann. Thank you.
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I guess the only trees I’ve planted have been bonsais in the backyard. I’ve lost one of the 4 I’ve purchased. Knock on wood. I hope yours makes it. I can’t believe anything springs back in that harsh winter you chronicle.
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We shall see, Sandra. I am getting tips to help it along!
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I like your track record with the bonsais, Sandra, by the way.
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I agree with the bonemeal comment. Here I use blood, fish and bone – all ground up and in a ready to buy pack! Works wonders. I hope your tree likes it’s new home.
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I will nourish it as you indicate, Rachel. Thanks for the advice. Looking at your garden pictures, I know I should listen.
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Hope it takes.
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Thanks, Dora. I will be watching it … and watering it.
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It looks like it may grow into a handsome tree.
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Thank you, Kim. We loved it on the porch and want to continue the affair!
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Bone meal Mark
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Good work Mark – we did the same with ours – I was very sceptical but hubbie was hearing none of my complaints. We got it out last christmas, it served us well and now it’s back in the garden and doing great. Though it has given way to our new festive tradition of hoovering bugs off the ceiling 😀
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Oh, that’s a good one, Lydia! On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a vacuum strong enough to suck up the bugs crawling out of our tree …
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Ha ha, exactly! Brilliant! 🙂
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