Trader Joe's Grump Tree: Despite its name, it will bring you cheer!

Trader Joe's Grump Tree: a comical, curvy conical conifer 

Part whimsy, part Grinch, the Grump Tree could make even Scrooge smile. 

Last week, I became acquainted with the Grump Tree after my husband, Chris, returned from one of his favorite markets, Trader Joe's. I had asked if, while there, he could pick up a seasonal floral bouquet for our Christmas table. Turns out, the store had no festive flower arrangements available. The bedecked, but drooping, evergreen in a red burlap sack was deemed a fair substitute. 

Though I puzzled my puzzler for a minute or four, I thought, well that's something I haven't seen before - and maybe, just maybe, what Chris got at the store, though silly, its charming and fits our decor.

The Grump Tree won me over and it lent its personality to our table, mantle and sideboard. Easy to move, and requiring little space, it has made its rounds throughout our holiday house - wherever we needed a little extra cheer. But, soon, when the wreaths and holly retire for another year, what is to become of our Grump Tree? Turns out, we have big plans, and so does our evergreen.

Our Grump Tree making its rounds before it meets Michigan tundra.

In reality, the Grump Tree is a lemon cypress, native to California's Moneteray Peninsula, comfortable in Growing Zones 7 - 10. For reference, southern Michigan is Zone 6 b and if, we transport to our northern cabin, welcome to Zone 5a. While the grump tree may momentarily get a little bit grumpier when its roots hit the chilly Mitten-state tundra, it will relish in the welcoming acres of open space that will encourage its potential height of 30 feet and a width of 20 feet. 

In the meantime, we're making the most of this comical, curvy conical conifer - all for the low price of $9.99.

A quick check on Trader Joe's website, notes this item is seasonal and offers the following disclaimer:

NOTE: Since posting, the details of this item may have changed due to fluctuating market prices, federal regulations, currency rates, drought, bandits, rush hour traffic, filibusters, zombie apocalypse, punctilious product developers...Contact our Crew for current price and availability

It's no wonder where the Grump Tree gets its sense of humor.