Natural Designs Studio

FESTIVE BOXWOOD

Boxwood is a versatile evergreen for holiday decorating.  It makes an excellent winter wreath that preserves its freshness weeks after Christmas.  I prune my boxwood hedges in late November and early December to make wreaths and centerpieces.   Before temperatures drop below freezing, fill several containers with cuttings to use throughout the season. 

Clip boxwood before the leaves darken (they may turn a brownish color during cooler months), and store for several weeks keeping them watered often.  When the weather outside is frightful, you'll be making arrangements that are so delightful singing, "let it snow...let it snow...let it snow!"  Below are a few projects utilizing boxwood greens available on our website.

Merry Making,
Sally

H O L I D A Y    B O X W O O D    P R O J E C T S

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VISIT PROJECTS

 THE HOLLY HEDGE

Last winter my holly bushes had only a few berries and I didn't know why.  I thought it was due to extreme weather conditions, but I found later that it had nothing to do with winter snow or wind.  I talked with several gardeners who asked me the same question, "Have you fed them lately?"  My answer was, "NO. I didn't know it was necessary for a berry harvest."  I had missed several seasons so bought a twenty-five pound bag of Holly Tone and applied it in the spring and fall.  To my surprise it made all the difference.  The holly shrubs are covered with berries (more than I have ever seen on the hedges).  The moral of the story is: Feed the holly plants twice a year for ripe, luscious, berries.

DAFFODILS IN DECEMBER

December is an unusual month for planting bulbs, but I couldn't resist purchasing these discounted treasures from the bargain shelf.  There is still time to tuck them in before the soil succumbs to freezing temperatures, so I decided to plant them this morning.  I hurried outside in the early crisp hours to bury my nuggets.  They now have a home in the flower box attached to the pergola.  March will be a symphony of bright welcoming color- my anticipation of Spring is already greater than Christmas!  See if you can find a few bulbs this December.  They're the gift that keeps on giving!

FUN DAFFODIL FACTS 
~  Narcissus is the Latin or botanical name for Daffodil
~  The Victorians thought daffodils acted as a symbol of regard.
~  Prince Charles, from the British Royal Family, is annually given one daffodil as a form of rent for property on the Isles of Scilly.
~  Daffodil bulbs contain a substance called galanthine, which has medicinal properties used for Alzheimer treatments.