How to Extend the Life of Fresh Greenery This Holiday Season

There’s nothing like the look, feel, and aromatic elements of fresh greenery at the holidays. While faux options have come a long way, fresh greens brings such a natural, organic aesthetic that’s hard to replicate. Admittedly, there’s a little upkeep involved to help it last indoors, but it’s more than worth the effort. Whether you’re brand new to fresh greenery or have worked with it in years past, consider this your guide to keeping your garlands looking their best throughout the season.

Tip No. 1: Buy Quality

Decorating with fresh holiday greenery is all about embracing simplicity and sustainability. It’s about bringing natural, seasonal elements into your home, and the best way to set yourself up for success is to work with the freshest products you can get your hands on. Start by checking out your local nurseries, farmers’ markets, and garden centers for their current inventory. Or, search trusted online retailers like Gracious Garlands, Lulu & Georgia, Terrain, Williams Sonoma, and Ballard Designs, all known for their commitment to quality.  When ordering greenery online, look for products that are “fresh-cut” and pay attention to shipping times. The less time your product has to spend traveling, the better.

Tip No. 2: Soak Overnight

Whenever you’re designing with natural wreaths, garland, or loose greenery, it’s important to trim the stems and soak them in room temperature water overnight. This gives your live greens one good final drink after their travels and prepares them for an extra week or two on your walls. Once your greens have finished their overnight soak, let them air dry and decorate to your heart’s content.

Tip No. 3: Mist Regularly

With all your fresh holiday greenery now perfectly in place, it’s time to extend the life of your live greens even further. Plan on misting your greens with water about every other day to help prolong their freshness. Just remember: fresh greenery placed indoors has a limited lifespan and can last around three to four weeks with proper care. At the end of the season, snip off the wire and compost the greenery – no bulky storage bins necessary.

Bonus Care Tips:

• Avoid placing your fresh greens in direct sunlight or on heat sources, such as heat vents or radiators. 
• Once your greenery has been placed, try not to move it around to minimize shedding. 
• After an overnight soak and air dry, consider using an anti-transpirant or anti-desiccant spray to help delay the drying out process. This one comes with rave reviews.
• Don’t be afraid to intermix your fresh holiday greenery with the faux options. This gives you the best of both worlds and can keep your garlands looking more lush and full towards the end of the season.