How to Decorate Your Home with Fresh Greenery for the Holiday Season
When the weather turns crisp, and before snow blankets your yard, it’s time to deck the halls with beautiful, aromatic greens! Fresh greenery has a way of bringing life and warmth into our homes, adding an enchanting touch to holiday decor. Whether you're planning to make wreaths, swags, garlands, or simply looking to jazz up your mantelpiece, choosing the right greens is key to creating that cozy winter vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the best greens you can use to decorate your space this holiday season.
1. Ontario Cedar
What it is: Also known as Eastern White Cedar, this Ontario native has bright, feathered foliage with a soft texture and rich green colour.
Why it’s great: Ontario cedar is excellent for wreath-making, garlands, and swags. Its feathery, delicate appearance brings a refined look to your decorations, and it has a pleasant, woodsy scent that screams 'winter wonderland'. Because it grows locally, it’s easy to source sustainably in Ontario, making it an eco-friendly option!
2. Western Cedar
What it is: Western Cedar, or Western Red Cedar, is known for its lush, long-lasting, deep green foliage.
Why it’s great: This cedar is fantastic for garlands and is often used to create that classic, full-bodied look you see on magazine-worthy staircases. Western cedar also pairs well with other types of greenery, like pine and fir, and its durability makes it ideal for outdoor displays in the colder months.
3. White Pine
What it is: The Ontario native White Pine has long, soft needles and is a staple in holiday decorating.
Why it’s great: With its wispy, cascading appearance, white pine brings a sense of softness to arrangements. Its needles add a nice texture and dimension, making it a favourite for swags and wreaths. You can mix white pine into garlands with cedar for a fuller look. Plus, it has that iconic pine scent we all love around the holidays and because it grows locally, it’s easy to source sustainably in Ontario, making it another eco-friendly option!!
4. Port Orford Cedar
What it is: Also known as Oregon Cedar, this cedar has a gorgeous bluish-green colour and a unique lacy texture.
Why it’s great: Port Orford Cedar is a striking option for wreaths and garlands. Its blue undertones make it a standout piece in arrangements, offering a subtle contrast to other darker greens. It’s ideal for indoor decor where it can be appreciated up close, as it’s a little more delicate than other cedars.
5. Juniper Berry
What it is: Juniper shrubs bring a beautiful, silvery-blue colour and come complete with tiny, decorative berries.
Why it’s great: Juniper adds texture and interest to any arrangement, with its blue-green hue and pop of berry colour. It’s perfect for adding a frosty look to your decor, which complements both rustic and modern aesthetics. Use it in wreaths, table centrepieces, and outdoor planters for a natural, wintery touch.
6. Incense Cedar
What it is: Incense Cedar is known for its bushy, fragrant branches and little yellowish cones.
Why it’s great: The fan-like foliage of incense cedar provides a beautiful contrast in arrangements and releases a fantastic aroma. It’s wonderful for adding texture and fills gaps beautifully in garlands and wreaths. Use it on its own or mix it with other greens like white pine or Ontario cedar.
7. Magnolia
What it is: Magnolia leaves are glossy green on one side and velvety brown on the other, adding a unique colour contrast.
Why it’s great: Magnolia brings a touch of elegance to holiday arrangements with its large, sturdy leaves. Use it to create a base in wreaths or incorporate it into a garland to add depth. Magnolia is versatile enough for both classic and contemporary styles, and its two-tone leaves add extra visual interest.
8. Dogwood
What it is: Native Dogwood branches, a deep red colour, are a beautiful addition to winter decor.
Why it’s great: While not a greenery, dogwood is the perfect accent in holiday arrangements, it is easy to source sustainably and very eco-friendly. Its vibrant red stems add a pop of colour that contrasts beautifully with green foliage. Place it in outdoor planters, window boxes, or use the branches as a focal point in your indoor arrangements for that extra festive touch.
9. Ilex Berries
What it is: Also known as holly, Ilex is famous for its bright red berries and dark, glossy green leaves.
Why it’s great: Nothing says holiday decor like red berries! Ilex is perfect for adding festive colour to wreaths, swags, and centrepieces. It also works wonderfully as an accent in garlands. Just be careful when handling holly, as the leaves can be a bit spiky, and avoid placing it in areas accessible to pets, as the berries can be toxic.
10. Birch Poles
What it is: Birch poles are smooth, white branches from birch trees, often with striking black markings.
Why it’s great: Birch poles add height and a touch of rustic charm to any winter arrangement. Use them in outdoor planters to create a visually stunning display, or place them in vases indoors as a minimalist focal point. Birch poles look especially festive when combined with cedar and pine, evoking the image of a cozy winter forest.
Things to Consider When Decorating with Fresh Greens:
- Mix Textures and Colours: Combining different types of greenery, like the soft white pine with the bolder magnolia or the unique blue tones of juniper berry, adds depth and interest to your arrangements.
- Use Fresh Greens for Longevity: Fresh greenery will last longer and retain its scent better than dried versions. Keep greens misted to help them retain moisture and extend their lifespan.
- Consider Using Floral Foam: If you’re making table centrepieces or arrangements, soak floral foam in water and insert the greenery into it. This will keep your greens looking fresh longer.
Pro Tip for Fresh Greens Indoors
Indoor heat and dry air can indeed make your greenery fade quickly. To keep your greens looking their best throughout the season, follow these simple steps:
- Mist Regularly: Use a spray bottle to lightly mist your greenery every day or two. This helps add moisture and prevents them from drying out. Be gentle to avoid water spots on any surfaces beneath the greens.
- Use an Anti-Desiccant Spray: Available at most garden centres, anti-desiccant sprays (like Wilt-Pruf) form a thin, protective layer over the greenery, helping it retain moisture. Just make sure to spray your greens outside, as the product needs time to dry.
- Place Greens Away from Heat Sources: Keep your arrangements away from direct sunlight, heating vents, fireplaces, or radiators. These can dry out the greens fast, so placing them in cooler areas will help them stay fresh longer.
- Soak Them Before Displaying: For arrangements like wreaths and garlands, soak the greens in a tub of cool water for a few hours before you decorate. This helps the foliage absorb moisture and stay lush.
So, there you have it, with this mix of greens, you’ll have everything you need to transform your home into a winter wonderland that’s full of texture, colour, and those beautiful holiday scents. So go on—get creative, bring the outdoors in, and let the holiday cheer fill your home!
Happy gardening!