Winter wonders... perfect plants for dried arrangements
doubt winter is upon us and cold-sensitive plants have faded away for the season.
However, even though the foliage has browned and dropped, there are some resilient parts that stand up to tough conditions. It’s all about those winter wonders – and they are perfect for dr ied arrangements.
Whether earthy and natural or glitzed up for the holidays, there are many plants that can be harvested to create beautiful decor for both indoors and out. Combined with winter greens or standing alone, dr ied plant arrangements from your own gardens can be personalized for individual taste and style.
A few sturdy stems with strong seedheads nestled into a base of evergreen cones or ornamental grass flower heads can be simple but effective. Conversely, loading up a colourful container with a var iety of dr ied flowers, seedheads and interesting branches can make a statement piece, especially when placed in a very tall colourmatched urn.
Create a glitzy arrangement by spraying all materials with outdoor or weather resistant silver or gold paint. Spr inkle with sparkles while paint is damp to add some holiday char m.
When all pieces are fully dry, ar range the materials starting at the base and working up to a central focal point. Wind colourful wired r ibbon throughout and place at the front door or use as a pretty table centrepiece.
The following are generally good options for dr ied arrangements:
Shrubs:
(Blooms) – Hydrangea – many var ieties stand up well; Butterfly Bush
(Branches) - Curly Willow; Corkscrew Hazel; Red & Yellow Twig Dogwood and Roses (Hips).
Perennials:
(Seed Heads or Flowers) - Coneflower; Black-eyed Susan; Ferns; Astilbe; Autumn Joy Sedum; Lavender; Daylilies; and Hosta.
Grasses:
Var ieties of Miscanthus including Zebra; Adagio; Flamingo and November Sunset.
Should you choose to keep materials natural, consider using a grapevine basket to create a truly ‘from the garden’ earthy arrangement.
Or, for a modern take and year round appeal, spray all mater ials matte black with one focal piece in silver then ar range in a shiny or satin finish silver container that is contemporary in style.
While the weather per mits, take a walk around your garden and look for all of the great plants that are perfect for winter ar rangements.
And as you start planning your outdoors this winter consider contracting the services of a professional designer. Remember – avoid costly er rors... begin with a plan.
Catch New Home Living next time for: Indoor decor... colourful table ar rangements for the holidays.
Sherry Hayes is the owner of Landscaping With Style, a design firm in Hamilton.Visit landscapingwithstyle.on.ca