From Classic to Chic: 6 Winter Green Insert Styles You Can Create Yourself

Keep the Green Going With Winter Inserts to Brighten Up the Frosty Months

Creating winter green inserts is an easy, satisfying way to add colour, texture, and a bit of natural beauty to your garden pots and outdoor spaces during the chilly months. With a few fresh-cut greens, a little bit of creativity, and these DIY styling tips, you can bring some life to those frosty planters and add your personal flair.

 

1. The Classic Holiday Look

A crowd-pleaser, the Classic Holiday Look combines evergreen branches, pine cones, and bright red winter berries for a festive display. It’s perfect for front entrances and adds that warm seasonal cheer.

Materials Needed:

• Pine, cedar, or fir branches (these work best in cold conditions)
• Red winter berries (real or faux)
• Pine cones or pods
• Sticks or small birch logs (for height)

How to Make It:

1. Start with your tallest greens, placing them in the back or centre, depending on the view angle.
2. Add evergreen branches in layers, aiming for a full and rounded look, with a mix of different greens for variety.
3. Tuck in pine cones picks and berries for contrast.
4. If you’re after a little sparkle, add in some fairy lights or frosted faux berries.

 

2. The Minimalist Nordic Design

Scandinavian-inspired arrangements are all about simplicity and elegance, focusing on clean lines and neutral tones.

Materials Needed:

• Cedar and juniper sprigs
• Birch branches (tall and thin)
• White berries

How to Make It:

1. Arrange birch branches vertically for height and structure.
2. Add a few carefully placed cedar or juniper sprigs around the base, keeping them sparse to emphasize the minimalist aesthetic.
3. Place white berries as subtle accents, balancing the arrangement.

 

3. The Woodland Whimsy

This style brings a touch of forest charm with mixed evergreen branches, pine cone picks, and unexpected touches like birds, small birdhouses or lanterns.

Materials Needed:

• Cedar, fir, and pine branches (a mix of textures)
• Pine cone picks
• Decorative elements: small birdhouses, small birds, or lanterns
• Twigs or branches
• A rustic or earthy-toned bow

How to Make It:

1. Add cedar, fir, and pine branches in a loose, layered pattern. Allow some branches to droop for a natural effect.
2. Nestle the decorative elements like houses or animals among the branches and greens.
3. Add some twigs and a bow to finish the natural woodland feel.

 

4. The Modern Monochrome

This style is for those who love clean lines, contrast, and a sophisticated look, focusing on a monochrome colour scheme (like all-green, all-white, or even all-black).

Materials Needed:

• One type of greenery (such as all pine or all cedar)
• Optional: painted branches and painted accents for colour consistency

How to Make It:

1. Arrange branches symmetrically or in a tightly packed cluster for a sleek, structured look.
2. Add painted branches and other elements if you want a monochrome but varied tone.

 

5. The Elegant Ice Queen

For a frosty look that’s delicate and eye-catching, go for white, white-washed, and blue tones to capture a winter wonderland vibe.

Materials Needed:

• Pine and different types of cedar
• Frosted or glittered branches
• White-washed ornaments or pine cones
• White winter berries or faux snow-dusted pods

How to Make It:

1. Place pine and different types of cedar for the base, adding in frosted branches for height and interest.
2. Arrange white-washed or white elements throughout, creating a balanced composition.
3. For a truly icy finish, add glitter spray lightly to some branches and/or accents to catch the winter light.

 

6. The Farmhouse Rustic

Warm, inviting, and just a touch nostalgic, this style is made with hearty branches, big pine cones, and natural accents like burlap or dried fruit slices.

Materials Needed:

• Cedar and pine branches
• Large pine cones, dogwood and/or birch logs
• Burlap ribbon
• Dried orange or apple slices (optional for extra colour)

How to Make It:

1. Begin with cedar and pine as a full base, adding some trailing greens for a rustic feel.
2. Layer in the pine cones, placing larger ones at the bottom for a grounded look.
3. Add a burlap ribbon.
4. Add dried fruit slices or cinnamon sticks for fragrance and farmhouse style.

 

Tips for All Styles:

Use Fresh Greens:

Freshly cut branches last longer and stay vibrant. Especially if you make your arrangement (outside) in soil, where the stems can draw water from the soil.

You can also dip stems in boiling water for a few seconds to seal them, which prolongs freshness if you're keeping them inside in a vase or arrangement.

Anchor Your Arrangements:

Add soil in the base of your container to secure branches in place, especially if you live in a windy area. The soil will freeze and keep everything in place all winter long.

Location Matters:

Place your inserts somewhere shielded from the harshest winter elements, like under an overhang or by the front door, to keep them looking fresh longer.

 

So, there you have it, with a few simple supplies and these steps, you can transform any outdoor container into a stunning winter display that brings life to the colder months. Enjoy the creative process and, most importantly, have fun experimenting with your winter green arrangements!

Happy gardening!