Talking Plants

Jillian Patrie | University of Minnesota Yard and Garden Extension

Fresh greens for holiday decoration may be on your list of things to purchase this time of year.  The smells of fresh fraser fir, cedar, balsam and pine can add something special to an indoor space.  Let’s look at a few ways you can keep your greens fresh and vibrant.
Fresh cut greens can be used in many ways for indoor and outdoor decor during the winter season.  Spruce, pine, fraser fir and cedar are commonly used for garland, wreaths and porch pots. Keeping greens fresh can be a challenge after bringing them inside where they can quickly dry out, turn brown and become brittle.  If you plan to use fresh greens for garland and wreaths choose fraser fir or balsam which tend to stay fresh longer.  These two would also be good choices for any fresh decor that may be hung near a fireplace or other high heat areas.
If you are using cedar or pine for decor indoors, place them in cooler areas away from heat sources or vents.  Pine and cedar are perfect for tabletop arrangements, which generally have a vase filled with water and/or floral foam.  Flocked greens (a mixture of wood pulp, glue and colorful dyes are applied to the surface of the greens) are slightly preserved by the flocking material and will dry out slower.  Flocking can come in many colors (white is most common and looks like snow) it can be an alternative way to keep greens looking fresh.  Flocked items can be used outdoors too, but excessive moisture such as rain or wet snow can wash the flocking material off.
Porch pots have become a winter season staple and can last all winter until spring arrives. Spruce tips or tops are not the tops of larger spruce, but just small trees or branches.  Spruce tips are pushed into soil in the container, and then watered in.  The water freezes the soil and keeps the spruce tips from drying out.  If prolonged periods of above freezing temperatures are experienced, porch pots may need to be watered in the same manner as you would water flowers during the summer.  If the weather is going to be warm, move the porch pots out of the sun and into a shady spot, if possible, to decrease the chances of the soil thawing out.  Other cut plant materials can be used to decorate in the winter months too.  Dried hydrangea blooms, eucalyptus, boxwood, juniper, pinecones, birch tree logs, dogwood or willow branches can all be harvested and included in porch pots, wreaths or garland.  Check out this article for more ideas on harvesting your own plant material for winter decoration projects https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/flowers-fruits-and-frass/2020-12-04-harvesting-evergreens-holiday-decorations.
Holiday trees are another decor item that requires maintenance to keep them looking fresh.  Selecting a tree that is in good condition and the right size for space is the first step.  Make sure it receives a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk before putting it into the stand.  Evergreens will seal up cuts with sap when harvested, which blocks water absorption.  Trees will absorb the most amount of water in the first couple weeks, make sure to check the water levels daily.  For more information on holiday tree care visit https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/whitley/2023/12/caring-for-real-christmas-trees.html.
For questions about this article or local assistance please contact Clay County Extension Horticulture Educator Jill Patrie at 218-299-7338 or by email at patri350@umn.edu.