Live green arrangements are basically any wreath, garland, centrepiece, or urn made of real live greens. I like to use all kinds of greens in my arrangements: douglas fir, hemlock, silver fir, and incense cedar are great options. We mix and match to get a mixture of beautiful scents and textures. Add some ornaments, lights, or ribbons in the colour of your choice, and voila! Instant and elegant Christmas décor! But how to keep it alive?! That is the question, right? New plants of any kind can seem daunting at first, but a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. Follow these tips to keep your live green arrangements long-lasting throughout the season:

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Indoor:
- Indoor arrangements will dry out faster, so you’ll need to check these frequently.
- You will want to keep those greens soft. Feel the cedar and the fir when you first get them home: they’ll feel soft to the touch and bend freely in your hands. Well-watered greens will be brightly coloured, as opposed to dull and grey-ish. Prevent them from becoming crispy by committing to consistent water checks!
- For wreaths and garlands, place in your sink or on your countertop and give it a quick spray every two to three days. You’ll want to avoid water damage to your mantelpieces and railings, so make sure you protect those with plastic or a sheet if you can’t move the garland often.
- Most centrepieces, candle holders, and arrangements in votive holders or vases will use oasis – that foamy green stuff! – for both water and stability. They can hold a surprising amount of water. You basically want to keep the oasis moist: add enough water that the block can get a little water to each stem.
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Outdoor:
- Outdoor wreaths, garlands, and urns require the least care of all! As long as the temperatures remain below freezing, they don’t require much upkeep besides brushing off the latest snowfall.
- If the temperature gets warmer than -2˚C, the sap in the live greens will start to move, and the greens will use up the water that is frozen inside. Once that water is used up, the stems will start to dry out. I tell people that if the temperature gets that high, give your arrangements a quick spray. Urns require a quick drink in warmer temperatures: add some water to the base, enough to moisten the potting material.
- Cedar may also turn rusty brown in bright outdoor exposures: spray cedar on sunny days to
prevent premature browning.

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