As Winter deepens, festive
decorating reaches a zenith for no other moment encompasses such a variety of
celebrations rolled into one package. Included with the birth of Christ, is the
Winter Solstice, the New Year, and almost every civilization has some sort of
celebration at this time. Besides religious festivities, one adds gift giving,
families gathering and the general feeling of kindness toward mankind, making
it indeed a miraculous season.
Part of the ancient reason
for celebrations was to ward off the boredom of deep winter, and so it is
during this time that the miracle of evergreens appear all the more special.
Always in the garden, yet often under appreciated during the summer season,
many make a name for themselves now.
A simple December pleasure is
crafting wreaths and holiday arrangements by scouting greenery from the garden.
Using a wire or simple grapevine wreath gather traditional cedar, spruce or
pine boughs as a basis, for not only will they provide a stellar aroma, but
their sturdiness will anchor all else that is added. Perhaps add the merriment
of holly, with the interest of magnolia boughs or patterned arbor vitae. Gather
interesting vines and weeds to complete the process. Add pinecones by twisting
a small piece of wire around the base of the cone, leaving a bit to tie the to
the wreath. One year we sprayed the wispy weeds with gold spray paint… it was
the same year we sprayed our ’holiday’ tennis shoes gold as well. And even those with seasonal allergies may
appreciate a lovely outdoor decoration!
For indoor decorations,
Nandina, Holly, and Ivy are perfect companions and are virtually odorless. Both
the Holly and Nandina have Christmasy-red berries that will look lovely in your
arrangement. Choose a large vase, add a ‘frog’ to anchor the greenery, then
begin adding your selections, turning and building as you go. By the end, if
you need visual interest, scout the garden for some Pyracantha or privet
berries… and spray them gold. Then pick an old pair of flats, and spray them
gold too!
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Privet: Spray with some snow? |
Remember that every house
needs a sprig of mistletoe. For years Mistletoe was the assumed floral emblem for the state
of Oklahoma so it has a special place in our hearts. (It was replaced by the ‘official’
Oklahoma Rose in 2004.) Mistletoe has a long and colorful history originating
in Northern Europe, the birth place of this extraordinary plant.
All
Mistletoe plants are parasitic; they attach to a host and thus take from it
nutrients and water necessary to live. Over time this process may weaken or
even kill the host, giving Mistletoe a rather bad reputation. In the plant
kingdom, parasitism has evolved only nine times and Mistletoe has independently
evolved five, making it an extraordinary species. Mistletoe is completely
self-sufficient and adaptive to changes in climate and this enigma lends itself
to mysticism and lore. It hangs airborne between heaven and earth, has no roots
yet bears fruit, and remains green and vibrant during the winter months, all of
which defy reason. Christmas greenery is utterly fantastic!