Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the Poinsettia

Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the Poinsettia

With cheerful red bracts and delicate yellow flowers framed against velvety green leaves, colorful poinsettias are an indisputable symbol of Christmas. In fact, poinsettias are the most commercially important potted plant in the world because of their endearing association with the December holiday season. But how did this warm-weather shrub native to western Mexico become so closely associated with Christmas?

Explore Our Dinosaurland Model Train

Explore Our Dinosaurland Model Train

Swanson’s model train is steaming around the track for the holiday season. This year, our train has traveled far back in time to the prehistoric age and we have gone all out to make it spectacular. It’s a fantasy world where dinosaurs roam the land with some of your favorite characters: Scooby-Doo, the Peanuts Gang, Hobbits, and more.

Fall Dahlia Care

Fall Dahlia Care

Dahlias die back each year as autumn advances, but, with the proper care, the tuberous root system can live on to produce a stunning display year after year. The advice in this post is based on many years of growing dahlias in a low-lying area of Seattle with relatively moderate winter temperatures and excellent drainage.