HOLIDAY GREENS

Fresh-cut Christmas greens are traditional and essential to creating the tone for any space during every holiday season. Anything from fresh pine trees that distinctively fill the rooms with wintertime scent, adorning wreaths hung by the doors, spiraling swags embellishing the stairways, and accent decorations around the fireplace mantel. We tend to go indoors and out for the merry season. Christmas greens are presumed hardy, so they often get neglected during the holiday. In peak season, with all the decorating, gift wrapping, traveling, cooking, baking, and parties, the handling and upkeep of the Christmas greens sometimes get bumped off the list.

I have to admit, I’m GUILTY!! As a busy florist and mom, Christmas greens sometimes get overlooked at my own home. However, their general requirements are nearly identical to other fresh-cut flowers and foliage. It does take a little effort, but remembering some simple steps can keep your Christmas greens looking good through the holiday. When cared for properly, their beauty and smell can be prolonged for weeks!

Here are some simple tips that have helped me over the years:

1. Keep greens away from the heat and direct sun, especially in Phoenix and cities with warmer weather.

2. Add water daily.

3. Increase humidity through misting.

4. Store your green in a cool place at night or when you are not enjoying them. Try the garage or the coolest room in your home.

5. Replace greens before the needles drop or become too severe. If you need to replace them and can’t find any more holiday greens, don’t be afraid to replace them with other everyday greens or blooms.

6. Use an anti-desiccant spray like Wilt Pruf on the leaf or needle surface. You can find this at Home Depot or Amazon.

Here is a list of names of holiday greens to decorate your home this season. Boxwood, Douglas Fir, Holly (Green or Variegated), Incense Cedar, Princess Pine, Juniper Berries, Port Oxford, Magnolia. You can also get creative and maximize the fragrance by adding Eucalyptus greens.

You may also add accent decoration using Birch Branches, Curly Willow, Birch Poles, Red Twig Dogwood, Winterberry Stems, or Pines Cones.

There are so many choices! However, by simplifying your Christmas decorations and adding a touch of winter festive greens, you, too, will be ready to enjoy your home for the holiday.

Season Greetings!