Faux greenery has its place, but if you’re determined to keep things fresh this season, there are a few useful guidelines you’ll need to follow.
1. For cut Christmas trees, choose one that has been given a fresh cut, was placed in water, then sprayed with the anti-desiccant Wilt-Proof to avoid loss of moisture. Moisture retention is key to a display that looks and feels fresh all season. With that in mind, remember to check your Christmas tree stand water reserve throughout the season. When the tree isn’t in water, it will form a callus that will limit or eliminate its ability to absorb and move water to its needles.
2. Once your tree is in your home, place the tree in water quickly, then spray it with Wilt-Proof one more time. Allow to dry and start decorating.
3. The same recommendations apply for cut greenery such as wreaths, garland and boughs, and it’s even easier. Just place in a plastic bag, fill it with water and leave it for a few hours. Then shake off the excess water, apply Wilt-Proof, let dry and start decorating. A fun way to spruce up your artificial greenery is to add fresh cut greenery in with your artificial. This adds texture and creates a more full, interesting look.
4. Arranging a variety of boughs in soil-filled outdoor containers, much like you would create a cut flower arrangement, is a great way to bring the festive feeling to your outdoor living spaces. Choose several different greenery textures for best visual interest. The boughs will get water from the soil, so water the soil throughout the season as if it were a living plant. Cover soil surfaces with sheet or forest moss, then add pine cones or Christmas baubles for a brighter look. Lights can be woven into moss or placed throughout the arrangement. To create an indoor display, place in a water-filled container and refill with water as needed.
5. All cut greenery will last longer outdoors if placed in a shady spot or indoors in places away from direct sunlight or heating vents. Mist to help with moisture retention, only if doing so won’t damage any added decorations.
6. For poinsettias, choose a plant with the perfect moisture levels: the soil surface feels dry, but is damp an inch or two down.
7. Yes, poinsettias are poisonous, but only if you, a pet or child eats them like a salad multiple times a day for weeks. However, the white sap can irritate skin, so wash it off as a precaution. Keep poinsettias in bright, indirect light and water as needed throughout the season.
8. Amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs are colorful and easy decorations, especially the very low-care waxed amaryllis bulbs. These do not even require watering and can be placed in wreaths or tabletop displays without soil.
9. Let’s talk Christmas cactus. It seems like this plant meanders in and out of popularity, but it remains a favorite because it’s easy to care for and a great pass-down plant.
10. And of course, for best results, always start with fresh, well-kept materials from a reliable garden center.
For more tips and ideas, visit The Good Earth Garden Center’s online Learning Center.
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