Decking the Halls with fresh greenery is one of the oldest winter holiday traditions and has been a part of winter decorating since ancient times. Today, decorating for the holidays with fresh greenery is more prevalent than ever. Greens such as cedar, ivy, pine and holly add a fresh look and natural scents to our homes. Add Bows, Lights, Pine Cones, Branches, Decorative Picks, Ornaments, Lotus Seed Pods, Holly Berries, Dried Hydrangea Blossoms, Fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, apples, pears and pineapples. The decorating ideas are endless and it isn't as difficult as you may think!

Decorating With Greens: Many different types of decorations can be made with fresh greenery. Some traditional types are Trees, garlands, swags and wreaths. Greenery can also be used to create topiaries or arrangement in pots, urns and baskets . Kissing balls are also an unusual alternative.

Types of Greenery:
White Pine: soft, bluish-green, long-needled.

Junipers: Fragrant, short, green or silver-blue foliage that may be adorned with small blue berries.

True Cedars: Deodar cedar, blue atlas have a wonderful fragrance. ~Firs: Firs have wonderful scent and are more tolerant of dry indoor conditions. The needles are short and flat. Fraser fir trees, wreaths and swags are also commonly available.

Spruce: Wreaths are the main use for spruce greens. The branches are stiff with short, sharp needles. Blue spruce is especially attractive because of its color.

Holly: Is a traditional holiday green and comes in several forms, both green and variegated. Female plants display bright red berries.

Ground Pine: Also known as princess pine or creeping cedar.

Some other excellent evergreens that can be used for holiday greenery include: Mountain Laurel, Boxwood, Magnolia, Arborvitae, Viburnum and Leyland Cypress.

Decorating Safely:
Dried evergreens can become flammable when in contact with a heat source, make sure that any wreaths, roping and garlands that you bring indoors are as fresh as possible. Never place fresh greenery near heat sources, such as space heaters or heater vents. Keep greenery away from candles and open flames. If you use lights near greenery arrangements, make sure that they remain cool. If you are using lights outside make sure that they are rated for exterior use.

Van Bourgondien Nursery has an extensive variety of gorgeous Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Garland and Mixed Greenery as well as all the additional decorations you will need to Deck Your Halls both inside and outside your home! We also custom decorate wreaths, pots, urns and baskets. What ever your holiday decorating needs may be you can find it at Van Bourgondien Nursery!

Happy Greening!