I get asked a lot of questions about decorating with live evergreens, how I keep them fresh, etc., so I thought I would share all of the details in a post.
In previous years, I have just used the put-it-in-place-and-don’t-touch-it-method. With most greenery, that works pretty well. Really, just put it where you want and leave it alone. It will dry out and be a crispy mess when you take it down after Christmas, but it will look nice (in most cases) through the holidays.
Okay, I guess I did do a little more than that…
- Make sure to buy greenery that feels hydrated. (Or clip from bushes/trees that are healthy and well-watered.) This will extend their life.
- Store them in a cool place until you’re ready to use them. I’ve lived in a cool climate, so I would just leave them out on my deck.
- Give the clippings some water a day before bringing them inside. I would just pour water over them, but it’s even better if they can be submerged in a plastic tub.
This year, I’m taking an extra step to see if it makes a difference. I’m using Wilt Pruf. It’s a product that was recommended to me by Brenda of Harvest Home. She’s one of my milk paint retailers and a great gardener. She knew I liked using live greens, so she just about insisted that I buy a bottle!
I sprayed it all over my clipped greenery when it was outside on the deck and waited 24 before bringing it inside. I have some that was treated and some that wasn’t, so I’ll let you know if it really works. (I have heard good things about it from people other than Brenda, though!)
And, Wilt Pruf can also be used on live plants, so I sprayed it on these little cypresses that always dry out quickly and I’ll keep you posted on those, too.
I also tried decorating with live evergreens in my foyer this year. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving with friends and family.
I’ve spent the day baking and cooking and going through butter like it’s going out of style…
