Gardening Topic for December 2002
Make Your Own Holiday Centerpiece

 

  		by Chris Crepeau, Master Gardener

Enjoy the upcoming holidays with this fresh evergreen centerpiece that you make yourself!   

STEP 1: Assembly your ingredients!  

You will need:

A container that holds water  

A block of Oasis floral foam, available at your local craft store or your local florist  

Assorted fresh evergreens--These you can trim from your own trees, if you have them, or check at your local tree farm for the branches they cut off the lower part  of their Christmas trees. Often times you can get these for nothing!  

You can also purchase an assortment of greens at your local florist  

A pair of pruners or a floral knife  

A candle, 10 or 12 inch taper , your choice of color  

Pine cones, Christmas glass balls, Christmas picks, birds, berries, ribbons or any other embellishments that you wish to add  

STEP 2: Soak the Oasis in warm water. Do not force the oasis down into the water, as this causes dry pockets in the foam. Float the foam and let it soak completely. It will sink when it is full of water  

  STEP 3: Cut the foam to fit your container snugly.

 STEP 4: Unwrap your candle and insert directly into the center of the foam, about an inch or two.  

  STEP 5: Trim your greens to size. This size will vary depending on the container you have chosen. A good rule of thumb is to make your longest pieces of greens half the length of your container. You will also need shorter pieces and some in-between pieces. Begin by using one type of green. Insert the longest pieces on the sides of your oasis as close as possible to the container.  

Add a couple more pieces to the remaining two sides that are not quite as long as the first pieces you used. Add an additional 10-12 pieces of greens into the foam at various angles, turning your arrangement often so you do not get any empty spots. Try to develop an oval shape, and imagine you are making an upside down bowl shape. Using another type of green, fill in between the first type of green you used. Continue turning and filling in the arrangement, using all  the different types of greens you have.  

  STEP 6: Add your embellishments.  

STEP 7: Water your arrangement and check water levels daily.  

Enjoy your arrangement, but remember: safety first. NEVER leave a candle burning unattended. Have a safe and joyous holiday season!!!  

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