“Grouping always makes a statement,” says Colin Logiss, owner of Twigs and Company, in Calgary. Mix like colours; reds, whites and pinks, then repeat around your home.” Clusters of plants also bring a festive air to a coffee table, when running down the centre of a dining room table or on your fireplace mantel. Add some pine boughs or curly willow sticks for an instant Christmas display.

At Twigs and Company they also love white pine, hemlock, noble fir, and cedar as their stems are easy to work with and they give off that unmistakable Christmas season fragrance. Added to your plants and bouquets, they can create long low displays of greenery which meander across your dining room table or delightful tall corner accents. And remember, with fresh Christmas greenery, the more the better!

Plus don’t neglect your balcony or patio. Karin Witzke from the Floral Boutique at Kuhlmann’s Market Gardens and Greenhouse suggests using your patio planters and urns, from summer, to create spectacular outdoor Christmas arrangements. Common hardy greens like cedar, pine and Douglas fir can be arranged in water tight containers that fit inside your urns, using oasis foam, available at any flower or craft shop. The cooler outside temperatures will ensure your greenery stays fresh longer.

Door swags and wreaths of fresh Christmas greens are also great for outdoors.  Decorated with bright weatherproof bows, pinecones or berries, they’ll brighten your balcony and create a welcoming retreat on those warm Alberta winter afternoons. CL

Taking stalk:
• Buy Alberta. Poinsettias raised here are already acclimatized to our dry climate.
• Before using, soak your greens overnight in a tub of water. Wilt Pruf®, available at most garden centers, can also help guard against moisture loss.
• Re-cut and crush the ends of the boughs by banging them with the dull side of a knife for maximum water intake.
• Water often. Never let greenery dry out.
• Keep your plants and greens away from drafts, direct sun and heat sources.
• Check your greens periodically for signs of dying, like browning needles or needles that break when bent. Dry greens can be a fire hazard.