by Linda Petite, Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
Whether it’s a wreath for the door, a table arrangement or a fragrant cedar garland for the mantelpiece, decorating for the holidays is a timeless tradition.
Nature’s finest decorations are just outside your door. Take a stroll around your garden and be inspired by the possibilities of fragrant conifers, coloured stems, berries, seed heads, cones, moss and even flowers. Add some of your favourite baubles, lights and ribbons to give it your personal touch.
The first recorded reference to the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century. In Strasbourg, Germany, people decorated fir trees with coloured paper, fruits, and sweets. In the 19th century Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, brought a tree to England. Within two years every home in England had a decorated Christmas tree for the holidays. Trees were elegantly decorated with glass ornaments, silver tinsel and small candles. To this day, a decorated tree engages our sense of sight, touch, and smell and brings feelings of joy to all ages.
A holiday wreath hanging on the door is a symbol of welcome to guests. The word “wreath” comes from the old English word “writhen” which means twist or writhe, relating to its circular form.
Evergreen branches represent eternal life, ivy is considered to have healing powers and holly is considered to bring you luck. Traditional holly has great significance to Christians. The pointed leaves signify Jesus’ crown of thorns while the red berries represent his blood.
My philosophy is to keep it simple and natural. Something with assorted greenery, coloured twigs and berries in a container on your porch looks amazing. Brighten it up with some twinkling lights and homemade ornaments.
To create your own holiday wreath, you will need secateurs, wreath frame, paddle wire, moss and assorted greenery and trimmings.
1) Line your wreath frame with damp moss (this prevents it from drying out). Wire the moss around the wreath frame and place it flat side down. 2) Bundle three to seven pieces of mixed foliage together and wire it onto the frame. Continue layering and wiring the bundles as you go. Make sure the bundles overlap and all go in the same direction. 3) At the last bundle, tie off the wire and make a wire loop to make a hanger. 4) Add snippets of colourful foliage, twigs, seed pods and cones, and make sure that all are wired onto the frame.
5) Tie on a colourful bow to match your door.
Some of my favourite plants to decorate with include: boxwood, camellia bud tips, cryptomeria, cupressus, eucalyptus, garrya with catkins, hebe, holly, magnolia grandiflora, osmanthus and skimmia.
I encourage you to go out into your garden and be inspired.
Happy Holidays to All!
