Aroma of Christmas greenery in air

The aroma of Christmas is in the air as holiday greenery arrives at several Imperial businesses, and with less than four weeks until Christmas, the decorating has begun. Above, Matt and Donna Vlasin were busy Tuesday hanging the 65 Christmas trees they have for sale. The Vlasins said it was again challenging getting trees this season. A second year of shortages grew from the recession that hit about 10 years ago when many growers stopped planting trees. Twenty-five of their trees were presold, and the rest will go out on a first-come, first-served basis, they said. Employee Claudette Swanson, below, was arranging one of the large, fresh wreaths at Lavender Market, which is also selling Christmas trees. Local shoppers can also find trees at Bomgaars, while S & T Ventures has wreaths and holiday plants. (Johnson Publications photos)