By Tim McVey, Creative Director — Perennial Gardens Bedford
Fresh holiday greens last longest in the cold, in shade and away from heat. A wreath on a north-facing front door can stay green from late November to New Year's. The same wreath over a fireplace may need replacing before Christmas.
Our mixed greenery wreaths run from 10 to 60 inches, and we carry cut Noble fir, cedar, incense cedar, juniper, boxwood, magnolia, black pine and silver fir for planters, mantels and window boxes. This is how to keep them looking fresh.
Wreaths and garlands outdoors
Cold is your friend. Outdoor greens in a Westchester December are effectively refrigerated, and they last.
Watch the sun. A south- or west-facing door in full afternoon sun dries greens faster, and so does a storm door, which traps heat between the glass and the wreath. Hang the wreath on the storm door rather than behind it if you can.
Mist in a dry spell. A light misting in a dry, sunny week helps. Skip it when a hard freeze is forecast.
Greens indoors
Keep them away from heat. Radiators, fireplaces, heating vents and candles all dry greens quickly, and dry greens near an open flame are a fire risk. Use lights in good condition and keep candles well clear.
Choose greens that age well. Boxwood, cedar and magnolia hold up best indoors. Magnolia dries slowly and keeps its bronze undersides, so a magnolia garland still looks intentional in its third week.
Check them weekly. When needles drop at a touch or leaves curl, it is time to refresh that section.
Magnolia keeps its bronze undersides as it dries, as in Tim's Family Gathering arrangement.
Cut greens for planters and window boxes
Give cut greens a fresh cut and a long drink in a bucket of water overnight before you arrange them. Push the stems well into the soil of a planter or window box so they can draw what moisture is there, and water the planter until it freezes. Mix textures: soft fir and cedar, stiff black pine, and glossy magnolia read well from the street.
When to have it done for you
For larger houses, an installation is often simpler: we design and install custom planters, exterior greenery, garlands and wreaths, decorate interiors with trees and florals, and take everything down after the holidays. It runs from a first consultation through installation.
See our Christmas trees, wreaths and holiday decorating page, or call the shop at (914) 234-6311.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a fresh wreath last?
Outdoors in the cold and out of direct sun, a fresh wreath usually stays green through the season. Indoors, heat dries it much faster, so expect a shorter life and keep it away from radiators and fireplaces.
Should I mist a fresh wreath?
Misting helps indoor greens and wreaths in sunny spots. Do it when the wreath is not near electrical lights, and let it dry before any lights go back on.
Which cut greens last longest indoors?
Boxwood, cedar and magnolia hold up well indoors. Magnolia leaves dry slowly and keep their bronze undersides, so they still look good as they age.
Do you install and remove holiday greens?
Yes. We design and install custom planters, exterior greenery, garlands and wreaths, and we remove installations after the holidays. Call the shop at (914) 234-6311 or email flowers@pgincny.com.
