Ready to spruce up the home for the holidays? It’s as easy as stepping into your yard
The use of fresh greenery for holiday decoration has been a tradition from colonial days.
Southern churches began decorating with elaborate garlands of holly, ivy, mountain laurel and mistletoe. Herbs — such as lavender, rosemary, bay leaf and rose petals — added more scent to the display.
The idea of decorating with fresh greenery spread throughout the country. People people used what was found in nature to create wreaths, containers and garland. Although they are currently available for purchase, creating your own is easy with fresh clippings from your landscape. It just takes a little planning and imagination.
Greenery gathered from the garden is as fresh as it gets. First, consider which branches to cut and which ones to leave as not to affect the health and shape of the plant. Then, make the proper cut while still preserving its natural look.
Before heading to the yard, think about how you will use the greenery. This will determine the length and number of pieces you need. Cut selected limbs with hand pruners.
If you are holding the materials a day or two before decorating, place cut stems in water. Store them in a cool, shady location outdoors to reduce drying out.
Evergreens are the backbone of decorating. Consider the form and texture of pine, juniper, arborvitae, spruce, boxwood, holly and magnolia. Don’t overlook deciduous twigs and plants with berries to add interest. Nandina, viburnum, crabapples and deciduous holly are great choices.
Other landscape plants to use would include acorns, bittersweet, hydrangea blossoms, lotus pods, pinecones, pyracantha and sweetgum balls. Consider spray painting some for more flare. Let your imagination flow.
Purchased items, either fresh or artificial, can supplement your design. But what fun to show off your creations with plant materials from the landscape.
Once cut, keep your plant materials fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tricks to extend the life of your creation.
Use clean, sharp cuts to remove stems and keep them in water until ready to use. Immerse greenery in water overnight, allowing the branches and stems to absorb maximum moisture. Recut stems and crush the ends of woody plants to allow more uptake if used in an arrangement with water.
Spray with an antitranspirant to seal in moisture. Use with caution on juniper berries and blue spruce as it can damage the wax coating that gives these plants their distinctive color. If possible, keep the greenery out of direct sunlight and away from hot drying vents.
Now that you have a supply of fresh plant materials to green your own wreaths, garland, containers and centerpieces, let your creative ideas and imagination flow. Find great ideas and the inspiration for holiday decor in magazines, online or local garden centers. You may not have the same plant material available but visualize how your plant selection can mimic the design with color, texture and form.
I don’t consider myself a crafty person, but each season I surprise myself with freshly made wreaths and festive containers to decorate the Patton home. You, too, will be amazed at what you can create to make the holidays just a little more special.
Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Have a question for him or other university extension experts? Email them to garden.help@jocogov.org.