Craft arrangements and displays with native cuttings from your own garden
Much of the fresh greenery sell for decorating at this meter of year in the South is shipped in from cold climates . Firs ( Abiesspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) and spruces ( Piceaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) that would pass out in our summers dominate the selection . nurseryman who easily attend to their high summer gardens for fresh bouquet may not be prepared to scrounge in their landscape painting for winter - theme decor . If you want to become a verdure locavore , you need to have plants in your landscape painting to choose from when it ’s clock time to adorn . Arrangements made of aboriginal plants might be just what you are looking for this twelvemonth .
Not Too Late to Plant Now
Broadleaf evergreens and conifer are often the first thing to come to mind when we intend about southerly verdure . If your landscape is somewhat destitute of cutting material , late in the twelvemonth is still a full time to get some of these plants in the ground . This could give you a start for succeeding wintertime cut gardens .
Most of what we engraft in our gardens serves several subprogram . So planting something specifically for greenery should be equilibrize with what a flora does for you the rest of the yr as well . Most of what I utilise in my own garden for greenery is performing other role in my landscape . For example , where I foregather my wreath - produce supplies also serve as an evergreen plant screen of different coinage .
Do-It-Yourself Tips
The internet is full of lead and john on how to construct your own swag or make a skillful wreath . In worldwide , if you could take and apply slightly large cutting ( 9 inches or so ) , they will last longer than very unforesightful cuttings . Also , an anti - desiccant dip or atomizer can help oneself extend the life of your greenery . Sometimes winter decorating is even simpler — add up freshly trimmed ramification to your existing container is an well-heeled way to get started . Take a look atBrenda Addington ’s garden from Georgiafor some brainchild .
Do n’t be afraid to experiment with film editing from some of your existing landscape bush . There are plenty of plants not mentioned below that would put to work well . Making seasonal interior decoration from token you collected and constructed yourself can be very satisfying . If this is your first endeavour at do - it - yourself greenery cuttings , do n’t make things overly complicated . When using natural materials , it ’s hard to go wrong .
Top Natives to Use for Winter Decorations
Eastern red cedar
easterly reddish true cedar ( Juniperusvirginiana , Zones 3–9 ) , which is common along the Southern roadside , is an soft plant to gather from and make a rattling base for other greenery . ‘ Grey Owl ’ is a very common cultivar and is a favorite for coronal Jehovah . This cultivar sport blue - gray-headed foliation and grows just fast enough to be capable to handle some wintertime pruning . Other cultivars are uncommitted and should be explore . I have ‘ Glauca Compacta ’ , a short blue shape that has enceinte color , in my landscape .
Southern magnolia
southerly magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora , Zones 7–9 ) continues to be democratic for use as wintertime verdure . There are several smashing cultivars to choose from ; however , I suggest you choose one whose leaves are sinister gullible above and cinnamon brown underneath . ‘ Bracken ’s Brown Beauty ’ is a great one because of its speed of ontogenesis and beautiful foliage . Miss Chloé ® is an additional fast - acquire cultivar with a leaf size that is ideal for consumption in larger coating .
Yaupon holly
Yaupon holly ( Ilex vomitoria , Zones 7–10 ) , which is perhaps one of the best Southern aboriginal hollies , make wonderful filler greenery to pose in existing containers . Just switch off stems and place directly in container . to boot , its finer grain incorporates well with other cut stems . In the garden , employ it as a setting screen in a variety of landscape painting conditions .
Red-twig dogwood
Red - twig dogwood ( Cornussericea , Zones 2–7 ) , which is aboriginal to much of North America including the upper South , is a coloured addition to any organisation . burnished red bare stem complement any verdure cleanly . In the landscape , red - twig dogwood is relatively abruptly - exist . However , it propagates well and is typically available at garden centers . Young halt always show the best color , so a annual cutback is advocate .
— Andy Pulte is a faculty phallus in the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee .
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Southeastern natives such as red-twig dogwood and yaupon holly are perfect for making a seasonal wreath.Photo: Andy Pulte
The bluish-gray berries (actually cones) of ‘Grey Owl’ red cedar make it a favorite.Photo: Kristin Green
The vibrant blue of ‘Glauca Compacta’ red cedar is eye-catching next to the greens and browns of other seasonal cuttings.Photo: Andy Pulte
Miss Chloé®magnolia’s leaves are green on one side and brown on the other, bringing a layer of color to winter displays.Photo: Andy Pulte
Yaupon holly is a great native Southern substitute for the ubiquitous English holly (Ilex aquifolium, Zones 7–9) that’s so popular everywhere this time of year.Photo: Andy Pulte
Red-twig dogwood is a popular choice for seasonal arrangements due to its bright red stems, which shine in winter.Photo: Todd Meier
