Foraged Finds

Many different types of evergreens can be found in residential yards. When it comes to decorating with fresh greens, it might be as easy as walking out your door with a pair of clippers and a basket. Here are some of the popular varieties:

BALSAM FIR – This tree has a wonderful woodsy scent with dark green needles and will fill your home with holiday cheer.

BAY LAUREL – With its broad, fragrant leaves, bay laurel is great for distinctivelooking wreaths.

BLUE SPRUCE – This tree not only provides green-blue-silver branches but also perfectly shaped pinecones. Cut larger branches to use as miniature trees.

BOXWOOD – The cut branches of this shrub will last nearly forever with proper care. They make wonderful wreaths in nontraditional shapes or can be a base for holiday topiaries.

CEDAR – The light green branches of the cedar turn darker in winter months, with silver-gray berries. The branches lie flat, making them ideal for layering underneath other decor.

HOLLY – This is a hardy evergreen with glossy, spiny leaves and red berries. Mix holly branches with other evergreens for a classic Christmas look.

JUNIPER – Aromatic bluish berries offer a nice contrast to the green branches of this shrub.

RED TWIG DOGWOOD – Now grown specifically for holiday decor, the thin red branches are vibrant and tall to stand up in urns or serve as bases for sprays.

WHITE PINE – A favorite of many, the long, soft, bluish needles and elongated cones of this pine make it a beautiful drape for vases and urns.

WINTERBERRY – When the cool weather makes the leaves fall, the orange and red berries remain. Mix them with various other greens, or use small pieces to accent napkin rings or doorknobs.