Foliage for winter displays

As any florist will tell you, there is so much more to a bouquet than just flowers. Foliage plays a significant role in the appearance and theme of the display. It’s not simply about inserting a few leaves here and there either. Adding greenery to a display takes careful consideration. Here are some things to remember when selecting winter flower arrangement foliage.

Seasonal options

While many trees lose their leaves in winter, there are a number of lovely evergreens that you can use in your displays. These include fir, pine, spruce, holly, mistletoe, and ivy. Other, non-local, options include boxwood, magnolia, and juniper. Juniper is a very popular option because of its silvery-blue leaves and blue berries. Boxwood has a very strong aroma which is a scent you either love or hate. Which is why care should be taken when using this type of foliage.

Arranging tips

  • Spruce, pine, and fir work well when used to create indoor arrangements because they have a wonderful way of retaining moisture.
  • Ivy and holly are a bit more delicate and they are often used in festive arrangements. They have their own specific scents which means that they should not be used with other flowers with rich scents.
  • Garlands can be decorated with bows, other branches of greenery and ornaments.
  • Wreaths can also be decorated using fresh fruit or berries.
  • Pine cones are popular for adding a touch of brown to lush green arrangements.
  • Mistletoe is a popular decorative addition in winter over the festive season.

Some safety tips

If your foliage is not displayed properly, it can pose some risks. For example mistletoe, holly, and ivy berries can be toxic if consumed by animals or people. They should be kept away from pets and children in particular. Foliage and flowers should not be displayed near an open flame like a fireplace. A spark can result in a fire which can be disastrous. Candles can also pose a risk and you should not leave a candle burning unsupervised.