At this time of year, with little else to look at, foliage and berries come into their own. Luckily, my garden has an abundance of berries, ivy and euonymous that you wouldn't necessarily notice at other times of the year.
As Christmas draws nearer I shall be making use of these plants by bringing prunings indoors for festive displays.
Ivy and Viburnam
For me, reds and greens epitomise Christmas and I like to make full use of what is available a couple of days prior. I won't be bringing the foliage in too early as it tends to dry out fairly quickly in the warm conditions of the house. A display along the mantlepiece stuck into styrofoam bases of cotoneaster, pyracantha, holly and trailing ivy highlighted with the white flowers of the viburnam is a sight for sore eyes in the gloom of a dark winters' day.
Cotoneaster
Pyracantha
Euonymous
The there is the door wreath to think about, using evergreens such as conifers and leylandii, then adding a different texture with the smooth leaves of laurel or camellia. I already have a stash of pine cones to add to the mix that I have been picking up on my travels.
So all I have to do now is assemble all my ingredients and start cooking up a decorative Christmas storm.
Yellow-berried Holly
I just thought I would show you a Holly tree grown to full size, at least 30ft., that I spotted in the village - now that's what I call a fine specimen.
Wistow Hall and Lake
Wistow Church
After all the stormy weather we have had recently I thought I would finish on a calm and peaceful picture that I took this morning on the way to the farm shop. Alas, when I got there the shop had closed down, deciding not to renew its lease. A sign of the times I think!
I would love a holly tree in my garden, full of red berries - alas I do not have one. I have some ivy though that I will be using. I used to be a floristry student so my box of tricks comes in handy at this time of year for making little displays.
What a beautiful old church. How wonderful to have all of those red berries around the garden. They are so beautiful in the garden, especially with a little snow around them. I have never saw the yellow berried holly before. That is a big one too. Have a wonderful weekend.
I've been thinking about bringing in some garden greenery for Christmas too, I fancy some ivey winding up the handrail of the staircase, but I am not sure how well it will last. You have an enviable berry collection!
What a great variety you have! Love the post title, too :-) Your cotoneaster photo reminded me that it wasn't until (relatively) recently that I learned it wasn't pronounced "cotton Easter"!
Hi Elaine, Sounds like you have lots of raw material for your Christmas decorations. Usually I have a nice assortment of rosehips to work with, but this year they are a little sparse. It's always nicer to have natural "berries" rather than store bought fake ones.
Thinkin along similar lines myself at the moment. You won't find me buying any imported Chinese crap...you can't beat natural decorations.
ReplyDeleteA lovely colourful post and pictures...perfect for the time of year! Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteI would love a holly tree in my garden, full of red berries - alas I do not have one. I have some ivy though that I will be using. I used to be a floristry student so my box of tricks comes in handy at this time of year for making little displays.
ReplyDeleteSam x
What a beautiful old church. How wonderful to have all of those red berries around the garden. They are so beautiful in the garden, especially with a little snow around them. I have never saw the yellow berried holly before. That is a big one too. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about bringing in some garden greenery for Christmas too, I fancy some ivey winding up the handrail of the staircase, but I am not sure how well it will last. You have an enviable berry collection!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you are spoilt for choice as far as greenery goes Elaine. Have fun creating :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great variety you have! Love the post title, too :-) Your cotoneaster photo reminded me that it wasn't until (relatively) recently that I learned it wasn't pronounced "cotton Easter"!
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine, Sounds like you have lots of raw material for your Christmas decorations. Usually I have a nice assortment of rosehips to work with, but this year they are a little sparse. It's always nicer to have natural "berries" rather than store bought fake ones.
ReplyDelete