Decking the halls with fresh winter foliage
It's the time of year to deck the halls with boughs of holly. But there are some tricks to make your winter greenery displays stay fresh this winter season.
According to Kansas State University (K-state Research and Extension), it's best to keep fresh greenery out of direct sunlight. And after harvesting your foliage – think red branches, pine, spruce, and holly — it's best to soak the cut ends in water for 24 hours so it can absorb the maximum amount before being arranged in a display. For woodier foliage, hammer the ends before putting them in water.
Another way to preserve the greenery for longer is by using an anti-desiccant spray, which will provide a waxy, protective layer on the leaves.
As for the best types of foliage to use, most resources suggest the same varieties: pine, juniper, spruce, boxwood, and holly.
Pine is excellent because of its needle retention and smell — it immediately infuses your home with the scent of the winter season — while juniper also has a strong aroma and has short green, silvery leaves that sometimes have berries.
According to the same Kansas State article, Arborvitae is an option, with its bright, light green colour and unique shape. At the same time, spruce, with its stiff branches, needles, and different colourings (blue spruce, for example), can add another colour to the bushel and a different texture.
Charlene Macdonald, a Miscouche, P.E.I., resident, usually puts fir, cedar, pine, red twigs, and birch in her arrangements.
"They look nice together. They all have different types of foliage for colour and texture. And it's great when you can still find the red twigs with the berries still on them."
It's important to remember that some of these plants can be poisonous or harmful to animals, so keep them out of reach of animals and curious small children.
While she uses her arrangements for outdoor decoration, Macdonald recommends not harvesting the greenery too early in the season so it doesn't dry out before you intend to use it.
Another way to preserve the leaves would be to spray paint them a festive colour, like silver, gold, red, or even different green shades. This will hide their natural brown colour as they dry out and can reduce shedding.
HOW TO ARRANGE
Step 1: Take a walk in the woods (or outdoor space). Gather greenery from outdoor areas, like walking trails, parks, and wooded areas.
On P.E.I., there are still downed trees left from posttropical-storm Dorian, mak
ing it easy to harvest different parts of the tree. You will need a pair of pruning shears/ hand pruners.
Step 2: Soak cut ends in water for 24-hours and leave in cool, dry space.
Step 3: For baskets, planters, and vases, the container's material will determine if water can be used to keep the plants hearty and healthy longer. If you're using a wicker basket, you likely shouldn't fill it with water. Arrange the greenery in a display you like.
You can also use bushels for hanging boughs, garland tied together with green craft wire, and mini lights.