Master Gardeners offer advice on poinsettias, Christmas tree selection

By Andrew Dziengel

Published December 11, 2024 at 11:51 AM CST

Two people standing in front of wooden shelves filled with CDs — Beltrami County Master Gardeners Becky Livermore, left, and Dan Sherman joined the "KAXE Morning Show" on Wednesday, Dec. 11,2024, to talk plants.

Beltrami County Master Gardeners Becky Livermore and Dan Sherman join the "KAXE Morning Show" to answer listener questions and discuss Christmas tree selection.

Even when it’s cold outside, there’s plenty to talk about with plants.

Norway pine branch, left, and white pine branch on a wooden table — Norway pine branch, left, and white pine branch brought in by Beltrami County Master Gardeners

Beltrami County Master Gardeners Becky Livermore and Dan Sherman joined the KAXE Morning Show to talk about taking care of poinsettias and the different types of Christmas trees and where to get them. The full conversation is available above.

Topics

Best way to keep a fresh-cut tree without putting it in water (0:50-2:26)
Best house plants to buy as holiday gifts (2:26-4:09)
Taking care of poinsettias (4:09-8:20)
Different types of Christmas trees and where to get them (8:20-18:53)
Are poinsettias toxic? (18:53-20:35)

Do you have questions for the Master Gardeners? Wondering about ordering your seeds for next season? Text us at 218-326-1234, and we’ll get them to the Master Gardeners before their next appearance Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Balsam fir branch, left, and white spruce branch on a wooden table — Balsam fir branch, left, and white spruce branch brought in by the Beltrami County Master Gardeners.

Tips on where and how to get Christmas trees

Chippewa National Forest

Pick up a permit at National Forest offices in Blackduck or Cass Lake or buy one online
$5 for one tree
Pick a tree on forest land that is not privately owned, tribally owned or a tree plantation

State forestry land

Find your tree on state land
Record the location which you can do by taking a picture on your cell phone
Go to the State Forestry Office to buy a permit
Permit is $25 but allows you to get several trees (Go with a friend!)

County forestry land

Varies by county, contact your County Forest Office

Contributed

/

Itasca Waters

Northern Minnesota sees new wave of clean water initiatives

Stella Mayerhoff, Report for America

The Clean Water Legacy Partners Grants Program funds projects proposed by tribal entities, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations through the program.
Megan Buffington

/

KAXE

Pequot Lakes students witness justice system on home court

Megan Buffington

The Minnesota Court of Appeals heard oral arguments at Pequot Lakes High School on Sept. 22, 2026, in front of 300 upperclassmen.
Contributed

/

Lorie Shaull

Fall color vibrancy depends on moisture, temperature, and leaf chemistry

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 22, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on changing autumn colors, departing birds, and the taste of nannyberries.
Contributed

/

Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection

Economist: Census poverty data masks expected blows of Medicaid changes

By Mike Moen | Minnesota News Connection

Federal safety net program cuts are on the minds of economists with new data on last year's median incomes, official poverty rate and holistic poverty rate.