Christmas decorations from the garden

Every year it seems that Christmas becomes more and more commercialised. There is more pressure to decorate the home for the season and prices of decorations are ever on the increase. The look is abundant and festive and the style is as free as you choose it to be. With a little effort and a lot of imagination, you can easily produce the same effect as someone who spends a lot of money. There is a wealth of material in the garden that can be used for decorating the home.

Roses, alstroemeria, agapanthus, hydrangea, dahlia and Shasta daisy are all in flower now and can be used successfully in flower arranging throughout the home. Arrange into large glass vases, urns or porcelain jugs for an abundant festive look. Clean stems that will be underwater of all foliage as this will rot in the water, producing a foul smell and blocking the uptake of water by the flowers. Alternatively you can be more traditional and make formal arrangements for the mantelpiece in the lounge or the sideboard in the dining room. A silver candelabra can be fitted out with a candelabra cup (available from most florists) and this can be arranged into. One cup can be used in a multi stemmed candelabra and candles can be put into the spare spaces. The base of the candles can be decorated with a bow. Use tartan or red for a traditional look, or white with trimmings of silver or gold for a modern sophisticated look.

There is much in the garden that can be used for foliage in the home. There is the traditional holly in its plain green and variegated forms, Cypress and deodar sprigs give the look of Christmas in some far away snow-laden land and are long lasting. Knysna or leather-leaf fern can be used, as can the "holly fern". Camellia foliage can be used as it lasts well and imparts a lovely dark green to the arrangement. Camellia sasanqua has smaller leaves and droops attractively while Camellia reticulata leaves are fuller and more glabrous and stand erect in the arrangement. Berberis, euonymous, abelia in golden yellow and plum, westringia, photinia and pittosporum all will add colour to the arrangement. Flax (Phormium tenax) in yellow or bronze stands tall and erect in the arrangement or it can be twisted and folded to add movement and interest. So too can the foliage of the cast iron plant (Aspidistra) be folded over and pinned and used in the arrangement. Attractive foliage bows can be made in this way. Four or so leaves can be folded over, pinned and inserted into the arrangement close together. Two further leaves can be used to make the tails of the bow. Aspidistra and flax leaves should be cleaned with a damp cloth before being placed in the arrangement to get rid of the build up of dust and grime from the garden. After cleaning, spray the leaves lightly with Leaf Shine for a nice glossy effect.

Always clean your mechanics before starting to arrange. Vases, urns and jugs should be cleaned out using a mild solution of Jik and should be rinsed out thoroughly afterwards. A flower preservative can be added to the water to prolong the life of the arrangement. Alternatively, add a capful of Milton and a little sugar to the water. Pick the flowers in the cool of the day (early morning or late afternoon), and immerse the cuts into water as soon as possible. Allow the stems to stay immersed in the water for an hour or so to give them a good drink, particularly if you are arranging into oasis. Float soak your oasis. Never push it into the water as you will leave a large air bubble in the centre of the block and your flowers will wilt.

There are many new innovations available that can be used to create attractive Christmas decorations. Oasis cones can be decorated with short pieces of foliage and flowers to make attractive floral miniature Christmas trees. Compliment the flowers by adding bells and balls. Tie a short piece of florist wire to the bells or balls and insert the other end into the oasis. Stand the little Christmas tree on a stout terracotta pot. Add small birthday cake candles to the arrangement and light them while enjoying the Christmas meal. They are sure to enthral guests and children alike. Also available are oasis rings. These can be decorated with foliage and flowers  from the garden. They can be hung up vertically on the front door or under the fireplace mantelpiece. Alternatively, lay it flat on a table and put a large candle in the centre opening. Ideal for the Christmas table, mantelpiece or entrance hall. Choose long lasting foliage for these arrangements and replenish the flowers as they fade. Foliage such as leather-leaf fern, camellia, magnolia, holly, cypress and deodar are all suited. Bows, bells and balls can all be used to compliment or replace the flowers in these arrangements.

Remember to choose a colour scheme and stick to it to make your decorations most effective. Preferably choose a scheme that compliments your existing furniture. If you are having a Christmas meal out of doors and are wanting to decorate the table or patio for the occasion, choose colours that will pick up the flowers in the garden for a pleasing effect.