Notes From The Backyard:
Wreaths, Centerpieces and Christmas Decorations
There is a wealth of Christmas decorations just outside your door. Here is a list of some trees and shrubs for exceptional homemade decorations, swags or wreaths:
Conifers such as Pine, Fir, etc. The greens are the backbone of many swags, and wreaths and Christmas bouquets. The cones are a lovely addition to wreaths or just placed in old wooden bowls make a lovely wintry display. If you do not have a tree of your own to prune, Mother Nature usually provides some pre-pruned boughs late November and early December after the wind storms.
Holly if you are lucky enough to have a mature tree of your own, you will most likely notice an increase in friends providing baked goods in exchange for a sprig or two. Even a few pieces of holly and a handful of pinecones will spruce up a sad looking front-door planter. If you have a spot for a holly tree, some of the smaller varieties are great for the small backyard. For berries, you will need a boy and girl tree. There are a few self-fertile varieties as well. If you dont have the space, hollies can be grown in a planter.
Callicarpa bodinieri - Absolutely stunning metallic purple berries held on the branches for much of winter. A great addition to any wreath or winter bouquet.
Skimmia - If you do not have space for holly, Skimmia can do the trick. Glossy deep green leaves and clusters of bright red berries. Most varieties need a boy and girl to make berries.
Pyracantha This shrub can also take the place of holly, watch out for the spikes!
Grape Vines, Climbing Hydrangea, or other vines Time your pruning accordingly. I leave my grape vines intact until its time to make wreaths. You can just wind and twist the pieces into a loop. You can use a single vine, or you can add pieces of different kinds of vines others to make a combo wreath. If you like, use raffia or twine to hold it together.
Miscanthus grasses I leave the seed heads intact throughout the winter, but snip a few for my wreaths and arrangements.
Carex commans or other Hair Sedges Make great natural ties if there is no raffia handy.
Magnolia The fallen leaves of the deciduous varieties decay and leave the vein outlines. My kids say they look like Angel wings. I pick up a few of the more intact ones and spray paint them with gold. They make beautiful decorations for the tree.
Leafless deciduous branches You can spray paint them white or silver and simply stick them in a pot of sand or pebbles for a touch of drama the taller the better.
Red or Yellow Twig Dogwoods Great cut into long whips and placed in a vase (easy to root this way too).
Cotoneaster, Pyracantha, Viburnum Davidii, Cornus Kousa, Pernettya If in berry, can be snipped and added for colour to wreaths, swags and even table arrangements.
Ivy variegated or solid They even have it included in a Christmas song! Lovely wrapped around wreaths, or as part of center pieces. Special garden note: you will be tempted to plant it in your garden
do not even think about it!! It will become a noxious, tree killing weed. Instead, place this lovely evergreen in a pot, and never let it touch the ground.
Wintergreen Lovely native groundcover. Non-toxic berries for table centerpieces where young children are likely to sample. When crushed, leaves and red berries give off an amazing wintergreen aroma.
Rosemary Can be included in aromatic swags or table centerpieces. Symbolizes Remembrance.
Copper Slug Tape Makes a lovely wrap for wreaths and swags. Remember, the edges are sharp.
When spring arrives and we once again think about garden additions and renovations, please include some plants that have a multiseason use. If you do enjoy bringing the outdoors in, consider some of the above. Enjoy! Use what you have on hand and think outside the box!!
If you have any suggestions, please email them to me at plantexpert@artsnursery.com or check out our Christmas forum!
Cheers,
Laurelle
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