There is no doubt inflation is hitting holiday shoppers this year. One way to cut the cost of the holidays is decorating with plants from the backyard. From harvesting conifer boughs for wreaths to gluing tiny pinecones to napkin rings, Bedford residents can set the mood for holiday entertaining – without breaking the bank.

Harvesting Holiday Greenery

Not sure what type of greenery to harvest for indoor decorating? Try these popular backyard plants:

  • Blue spruce. The silvery-blue needles of this spruce add a wintery-cool ambience to any holiday decor. Blue spruce has the best needle retention of the popular spruce species, but care should be taken when decorating with this conifer. The needles can be quite sharp and the branches tend to be stiff. Blue spruce works best in weaths and floral arrangements.
  • Boxwood. The small leaves of this popular shrub give a fine texture to garland and wreaths. Use a variegated variety to add visual interest to centerpieces and flower arrangments. Boxwood decorations will last about two weeks indoors.
  • Holly. This traditional Christmas evergreen makes beautiful wreaths and accent foliage in flower arrangements. Due to its spiny leaves, holly is not recommended for decorating presents, as garland on handrails or for table centerpieces. Holly berries add a quintessential touch to holiday decor, but beware as this fruit is toxic to both humans and pets.
  • Juniper. Although Juniper foliage has a much more delicate texture than either pine or spruce, the flat needles can be prickly or sticky when touched. Juniper has a fragrance all its own and this greenery is best used in wreaths, floral arrangements and as package decorations.
  • Redosier dogwood. The brilliant red stems of this native Ohio species add a blast of color to flower arrangements, vases and centerpieces. This deciduous species loses its leaves in the fall and the stems can be reused in arrangements all winter long.
  • White pine. Bring that wonderful pine scent indoors by selecting younger, more flexible white pine branches for decorating. The soft, feathery needles are perfect for garland, wreaths and centerpieces. Don’t forget to gather the cones to accent holiday decor or for crafting homemade scented pine cones. White pine has excellent needle retention and is less fragrant than other pine species. It’s less likely to be overwhelming to sensitive noses.

Armed with a sharp pair of pruners, Bedford gardeners can harvest holiday greenery for home decor while sneaking in a wintertime gardening chore. Use this time to prudently remove branches which are crossing, rubbing each other or growing inward. Remove excessively long stems and those which detract from the desired shape of the tree. Prune evenly around the tree or shrub to prevent a lopsided appearance next spring.