Christmas Gardening Quiz

1. Which plant is traditionally associated with Christmas?

Poinsettia

Tulip

Sunflower

Rose

Poinsettias are popular Christmas plants known for their vibrant red and green foliage. They are native to Mexico and are commonly used as decorative plants during the holiday season due to their festive colors.

Explanation

Poinsettias are popular Christmas plants known for their vibrant red and green foliage. They are native to Mexico and are commonly used as decorative plants during the holiday season due to their festive colors.

2. Which type of tree is most commonly used as a Christmas tree?

Cypress

Oak

Pine

Maple

Pine trees, especially varieties like the Douglas fir or the Norway spruce, are most commonly used as Christmas trees. Their branches are sturdy enough to hold ornaments, and their pleasant aroma adds to the festive ambiance.

Explanation

Pine trees, especially varieties like the Douglas fir or the Norway spruce, are most commonly used as Christmas trees. Their branches are sturdy enough to hold ornaments, and their pleasant aroma adds to the festive ambiance.

3. It is a common custom to kiss under a sprig of Mistletoe at Christmas. What is unusual about the plant?

It is a parasite.

It grows only on apple trees.

The plant is only found in the UK

It is bad luck to bring it into the house

The plant is defined as hemi-parasitic, meaning half parasitic. It is very widespread and English Mistletoe (Viscum album)

Explanation

The plant is defined as hemi-parasitic, meaning half parasitic. It is very widespread and English Mistletoe (Viscum album)

4. Which country donates a Christmas tree to stand in London's Trafalgar Square each year?

Sweden

Canada

Norway

Denmark

The people of Oslo donate a tree every year as a token of gratitude for the support given by the UK in the Second World War.

Explanation

The people of Oslo donate a tree every year as a token of gratitude for the support given by the UK in the Second World War.

5. What is the purpose of using mulch in winter gardens?

To attract birds

To prevent weed growth

To provide warmth for plants

To add color to the garden

Mulching is used in winter gardens to insulate the soil and protect plants from extreme temperature changes. It helps retain soil moisture, prevents freezing, and provides an additional layer of warmth for plant roots during the cold season.

Explanation

Mulching is used in winter gardens to insulate the soil and protect plants from extreme temperature changes. It helps retain soil moisture, prevents freezing, and provides an additional layer of warmth for plant roots during the cold season.

6. Which vegetable is often included in a traditional Christmas dinner?

Broccoli

Radish

Cabbage

Spinach

Cabbage is a commonly included vegetable in a traditional Christmas dinner. It is often used in dishes like braised red cabbage or coleslaw, adding a nutritious and flavorful element to the festive spread.

Explanation

Cabbage is a commonly included vegetable in a traditional Christmas dinner. It is often used in dishes like braised red cabbage or coleslaw, adding a nutritious and flavorful element to the festive spread.

7. Which nuts are no longer deemed safe enough to be sold in their shells in Europe?

Brazil nuts

Hazelnuts

Almonds

Shelled brazil nuts are no longer imported into the EU because of the perceived risk of high levels of aflatoxins which are linked to liver cancers. Update!! Xmas 2009 - I found them in Marks & Spencer!

Explanation

Shelled brazil nuts are no longer imported into the EU because of the perceived risk of high levels of aflatoxins which are linked to liver cancers. Update!! Xmas 2009 - I found them in Marks & Spencer!

8. What is the Latin name of the Christmas Rose?

Helleborus vesicarius

Helleborus niger

Helleborus orientalis

The Christmas Rose, known as Helleborus niger, is a perennial plant from the crowfoot family. It’s not a rose, but it’s called the Christmas Rose because it blooms around Christmas in warmer regions and early spring in cooler areas. The name originates from an old legend about a shepherdess named Madelon who had no gift for baby Jesus, and an angel created this flower for her.

Explanation

The Christmas Rose, known as Helleborus niger, is a perennial plant from the crowfoot family. It’s not a rose, but it’s called the Christmas Rose because it blooms around Christmas in warmer regions and early spring in cooler areas. The name originates from an old legend about a shepherdess named Madelon who had no gift for baby Jesus, and an angel created this flower for her.

9. What are Frankincense and Myrrh made from?

Dried tree bark

Powdered roots

Finely ground stone

Dried tree resin

Frankincense and Myrrh are made from resins of the Boswellia and Commiphora trees.

Explanation

Frankincense and Myrrh are made from resins of the Boswellia and Commiphora trees.

10. What is the best time to hang Christmas lights on trees?

Early November

Late September

Mid-December

Early December

Early December. It is recommended to hang Christmas lights on trees in early December to ensure they are up in time for the holiday season. This gives you enough time to thoroughly check and fix any issues with the lights before the festivities begin.

Explanation

Early December. It is recommended to hang Christmas lights on trees in early December to ensure they are up in time for the holiday season. This gives you enough time to thoroughly check and fix any issues with the lights before the festivities begin.