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Sarasota News Leader December 6, 2013 Putting on a party for the birds is a great way to introduce children to birding, "tree hugging" and nature. It is an opportunity for them to learn that holidays are not just about what Santa will bring them — but what they can do for their fellow creatures. Besides, kids love hanging edibles on the branches and smearing pinecones with peanut butter and rolling them in birdseed. If you cannot make the event, you can have your own holiday party at home. You will find red cedars at local native plant nurseries: Florida Native Plants Nursery, 730 Myakka Road, Sarasota (322-1915); or Sweetbay Page 87 Nursery, 10824 Erie Road, Parrish (776-0501). Edibles can be purchased at any grocery store. You will need "hangers" such as those used to hang balls on a Christmas tree, and cotton puffballs, which birds will use to line their nests. Red cedars are fast-growing evergreens that are very adaptive. They can be planted anywhere — even in poor soil. They do well in wet to dry spots and sunny to shady places. Water a newly planted tree well: Water it every day for two weeks; then, every other day for two weeks; and, finally, every third day for two weeks.