HOLIDAYS TRADITIONS | DECORATING
fresh
greenery
Your holidays may not be the same without the aroma of pine, cedar or
fir. These plants make great wreaths, garlands and trees for your décor but
need extra care to weather the holidays.
Fresh or Faux?
If you’re choosing between fresh and faux, ask yourself if the unique
look and smell of live greenery is worth the extra expense and work. Fresh
greenery can be two to three times more expensive than its artificial coun-
terparts and can’t be reused from year to year. Live greenery can last from
three weeks indoors to several months when kept outdoors in cold climates.
If you buy your greenery too early in the season or don’t care for it prop-
erly, you could find yourself having to replace it, doubling your costs.
On the other hand, you can spend less and buy pre-lit faux greenery
that will save you some decorating time each year. As lighting technology
makes our décor smarter, the ability to easily program your greenery to
light up with the rest of your decorations might be appealing.
Live greenery also requires some specific care that you might not be up
to handling during the busy holiday season. Watering, trimming and clean-
ing up dropped needles could become an unnecessary bother while you’re
busy shopping for gifts, attending or hosting parties and otherwise prepar-
ing for holiday festivities.
Types
There is much to consider about the specific type of live plant you
choose for your décor. For example, white pine is soft and may droop under
the weight of heavy ornaments, while a Virginia pine will thrive in a
warmer environment and drop few needles. Noble fir has all-around appeal
as a whole tree or cutting, while you might be surprised to learn that white
spruce needles give off an unpleasant odor. Do some research about the
type of tree that will work best for the intended purpose. The National
Christmas Tree Association offers profiles of each type of tree on its
website at www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/Education/Tree-Varieties.
Care
Fresh greenery hung in warm or dry areas should be watered every
couple of days, either by spraying with water from a bottle or by laying it
in a few inches of water. A cool outdoor place is the best option for
longevity and minimal care.
When hanging fresh greenery indoors, avoid areas near heat sources
or direct sunlight to extend its life.
Martha Stewart recommends “conditioning” live cuttings by trimming
the branches at a 45-degree angle and gently crushing the end of the stem
with a small hammer, then letting them rest in water for a few hours. She
also recommends spraying with an anti-desiccant spray found at nurseries
to keep in moisture by sealing the plant’s pores. If you plan to place the
greenery in water, re-cut the branches at a 45-degree angle to help them
better absorb water.
24 • HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2016 • WWW.DAILYASTORIAN.COM