<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Dress up your home with festive live plants</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">(ARA) – From harvest festivals to tailgate football parties, the colorful fall season is in full swing. Crisp air and cooler nights signal the holidays are right around the corner.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If you’re looking for ways to add a festive and unique touch to your home, think live plants. Rather than rummaging through basements and attics for holiday decorations or buying yet another centerpiece, decorating with plants adds long-lasting year-round style and cheer to any home. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Live plants are a perfect way to add instant holiday style to any home and they’re affordable and eco-friendly," says Justin W. Hancock, editor of Better Homes and Gardens online (BHG.com).</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">These "green heroes" also provide oxygen and clean the indoor air as they provide holiday warmth and year-round pleasure.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Here are some tips from the plant pros at Costa Farms to add live plants for holiday charm: </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Enhance your home’s proportions and style.</strong> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Whether you live in a traditional stately home or small apartment, live plants add dimension and texture to any space. Long-lasting indoor plants, like the affordable Norfolk Island Pine, fit any lifestyle and decor.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">" Decorating with live plants like the Norfolk Island Pine is a home trend, "says Hancock. "Miniature evergreens work in a container on the mantel, as a centerpiece in the middle of the table or decorated in the kids’ room for fun." </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Small enough for a table-top display or large enough to be a dramatic focal point of any room, they tuck nicely into tight spaces in apartments, dorm rooms, patios or cozy corners. From 14 to 44 inches tall, the Norfolk Island Pines come fully decorated, or ready for your creative touch with mini lights and homemade ornaments. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Instantly change the atmosphere of any room.</strong> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Think of the impact you want to make in your living, family or dining room. The color and the shape of the plants, arranged in simple containers or elaborate planters, can grab attention as a focal point or be an understated accent for larger pieces. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Mini moth orchids are a great choice for people looking for a dramatic centerpiece for their dining room table," says Hancock. "Their exotic shape and stunning colors enhance any size room."</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Mini orchids are readily available, require easy care, are affordable, and provide months of blooms with little to no effort. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/18a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/18a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">These beauties come in a wide range of colors in both 3-inch and 6-inch pots. Use as a standalone or group them on a seasonal table runner for a striking centerpiece. Add a sprig of greens and voila – you have instant high impact with a low price tag. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Select plant-friendly locations.</strong> <span> </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Ever pass by a display of holiday plants and linger over the Christmas cactus? This tropical plant has flattened leaf-like structures with tips of ruffled flowers that range in color from reds and fuchsia to oranges and creams. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Christmas cactus is a houseplant that looks great during the holidays and will provide years of pleasure," adds Hancock. "Give it attention and the right location and you can enjoy blooms several times throughout the year."</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Group them in a decorative container and add sprigs of greenery for an instant ornamental display. Place them on your kitchen countertops or windowsills for a cheery touch throughout the holidays and year-round.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Use color for greater design impact.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Do you have a space you want to accentuate, or do you need to fill a hollow area that is bare and boring? Poinsettias can add a punch of vivid red, white and pink living color for your holidays. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">They love bright locations and can liven up any room or space that needs a joyful color accent. And they make a perfect gift.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Poinsettias, like gingerbread houses, symbolize the holiday season," says Hancock. "Their bright colors and graceful beauty capture the essence of the holidays."<span> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">This seasonal must-have likes humidity – but don’t over-water. Display them in mono-color groupings for a bold statement or mix them up like living art. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">With these simple tips you can enjoy the fall knowing it’s easy to spruce up your home with festive live plants and share the holiday spirit with friends and family. For more information on these holiday plants or to find a retailer near you, visit <a href="http://www.costafarms.com" target="_blank">www.costafarms.com</a> .&l
t;/p> <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>
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