It is the time of year when fake wreaths and unrealistic greenish plastic garland begins to appear on doors and porches. Big plastic blow-ups of Santa and the Grinch pop up in yards. Plastic candy canes line the sidewalks along with an assortment of plastic holly, Poinsettias and many other artificial beauties.
Several years ago, I read an article in the Better Homes and Gardens magazine about using natural items from the garden to decorate for the holidays and into the rest of the winter months.
Using small evergreens and garden material to decorate adds a warmth and richness to your home. I have six pots filled with plants that I switch and place on my porch and front steps just for Christmas and the winter months. I start with a small evergreen, the dwarf Alberta Spruce. Many places sell them this time of year. The hardy conifer looks like a miniature Christmas tree. In two pots I have planted golden Arborvitae. Planted in containers both will stay small for many years, and when they outgrow the pots, they can be replanted in the garden. Along with the evergreens, I’ve added a dark purple leafed Coral Bell and variegated Euonymus. In mild winters I’ve had pansies bloom well into late December and beyond.
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In the two remaining pots I take cuttings of a variety of evergreens in my garden and stick down in the moist soil of the planters. The moisture in the soil will help the cut conifers to stay fresh for weeks. From this point you let your imagination be your guide. If you are lucky to have White Birch trees, they look great placed with the greens, I’ve used green bamboo stalks, grass plumes, pinecones, variegated Boxwood, holly and any other bush or tree that produces berries, green and variegated ivy, and other garden materials. Dried Hydrangea blooms also add a touch of whimsy to your holiday pots.
If you don’t have access to evergreens, Christmas tree farms or places that sell Christmas trees will often give you or sell you their tree trimmings for a very reasonable price. In the past I’ve used the trimmings from an assortment of evergreens, tying them together with twine to make a beautiful garland for the fence or door.
I like to add small ornaments to the miniature trees, red bows, and Christmas lights. On occasion, I must confess, I’ve added bright red silk Poinsettias to the pots. After Christmas, I remove all the tree lights and ornaments and leave the live and cut evergreens on my porch and steps until March. During the long gray winter days, it adds so much warm and joy to have live plants and greenery. And of course it’s fun to see the fresh fallen snow resting on the branches of the small trees!
Leave the plastic at Walmart. Have fun decorating from your own garden and enjoy the pleasure and joyous rewards of your efforts! Have a very merry, old fashion, natural, country Christmas!
