Christmas Garland | The Home Depot's Garden Club

P. Allen Smith holiday greenery outdoors

If you really want to deck the halls with style this year I recommend including fresh cut greenery in your holiday decorations. You just can’t beat the appearance and scent of evergreens for evoking the spirit of the season.

Many homeowners forgo fresh greenery because they think it is difficult to maintain through the holiday season. However, there are a few steps you can take when you purchase your greenery that will help retain moisture. Remember, moisture is the key to keeping greenery in tip-top condition.

SELECTING FRESH HOLIDAY GREENERY

As you are browsing through holiday greenery, look for pieces with good color, flexible stems and minimal needle drop. Consider selecting greenery types that are known to be durable such as Western Cedar and Noble Fir.

REHYDRATING FRESH HOLIDAY GREENERY

Once you get your greenery home, it will help to rehydrate the pieces before you begin decorating. Soak unembellished wreaths, garland and cut boughs in water overnight. A big galvanized tub is good to have on hand for this project. And if you are like me, you’ll find plenty of uses for these tubs throughout the year. If the greenery is already decorated, use a spray bottle to mist it with water.

The second and third images courtesy of P. Allen Smith

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