Bring the Plants Indoors!
As the shortest day approaches, it's really zen like to bring some nature indoors! Regardless of your end of year traditions, a touch of native evergreens and sprigs of berries and seed heads remind us the darkest days are fleeting and more sunlight is on its way.
Yesterday, during 20 minutes in our small garden, I cut these branches, leaves, berries and seed heads to bring inside. I took the photos outdoors because the light was better. There are so many possibilities.
I started with a base of eastern red cedar (Juniperis virginiana) because I had a lot of it. You could also use eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) or hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). I used paddle wire to make small bundles of greens because it is easier to move. Otherwise, you would not even need wire. The additional leaves and sprigs can be tucked in.
Leaves of oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) seed heads and coral berries (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) add subtle color.
Sprigs of winterberry (Ilex verticilllata) and northern white cedar make for a very traditional Christmas style. You can read more about growing winterberry, coralberry and other native shrubs with berries here.
Rose hips from Carolina rose (Rosa carolina) and sprigs of eastern white pine create a more organic look.
Heuchera (Heuchera villosa 'autumn bride' and Heuchera 'pinot gris') leaves create a minimalist look.
In the end, I used them all. Leave no plant behind ...
I hope you have a chance to bring some nature inside this year.
