Bring the scent of pine, balsam, and juniper into your home this holiday season with fresh cut greens. Their natural fragrance instantly adds warmth, elegance, and festive charm to any space—indoors or out. Whether you’re decorating a porch, patio, entryway, dining room, or creating a cozy corner, holiday greenery offers a timeless touch of Christmas cheer.
At Hicks Nurseries, we offer one of the most extensive selections of fresh fragrant greens for the holidays including high mountain hemlock, holly, incense cedar, berried juniper, noble fir, Port Orford cedar, silver fir, shore pine, western red cedar, white pine, and many more. Here are some beautiful and creative ways to use them when decorating with greens for Christmas.
Garlands & Centerpieces: Think Outside the Box
Garlands and roping—especially cedar, white pine, or boxwood—are classic holiday staples. Use them along fences, railings, and doorways to frame your home in festive greenery. They’re easy to hang and even more stunning when adorned with bows or twinkling lights.
Mantle pieces aren’t just for fireplace mantles! Try using one as a statement centerpiece on a long dining table. Wreaths can also double as centerpieces: simply place one around a glass hurricane filled with a candle, battery lights, or a stack of ornaments for an effortless, elegant display.
Front Door Decorating
A traditional wreath is always a favorite, but if you’re in the mood for something unique, try one of these ideas:
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Vertical candle rings: Hang three candle rings in a row with a beautifully patterned ribbon for a modern, eye-catching door display.
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Mixed green swags: Create a striking look by combining holly and assorted greens, tied with a bold seasonal bow.
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Coach light accents: Swags also look stunning under coach lights or on a porch light—use the same ribbon and embellishments to bring the entire entryway together.
Fresh Holiday Greens for Planters & Window Boxes
Fresh cut greens are a simple, beautiful way to elevate your window boxes, porch planters, or indoor arrangements. They provide instant fullness, color, and texture that last throughout the season.
Tips for Decorating with Fresh Greens
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Make a fresh cut: Before arranging, trim each stem with sharp shears to help the greens absorb moisture.
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Start with height: Place something tall—such as white birch branches—in the center of your planter.
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Layer your greens: Add three or four varieties, such as pine, cedar, juniper, and holly, working from tallest to shortest to create a lush, overflowing look.
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Water well: Water your arrangement thoroughly. Keep outdoor planters moist whenever temperatures are above freezing to extend freshness.
How to Keep Holiday Greens Fresh
Holiday greens look their best when they stay hydrated and cool. Follow these simple steps to help your holiday greenery stay vibrant throughout the season:
1. Keep Them Cool Before Decorating
Store greens outdoors or in an unheated garage until you’re ready to use them. Cooler temperatures slow drying and help preserve fragrance.
2. Give Stems a Fresh Cut
Just like fresh flowers, greens benefit from a clean cut at the base. This opens the pores and improves water uptake.
3. Mist Frequently
Lightly mist your garlands, wreaths, and arrangements every few days—especially indoors where heat can dry them quickly.
4. Keep Them Away From Heat Sources
Avoid placing greens near radiators, fireplaces, heating vents, or direct sunlight. Heat significantly shortens their lifespan.
5. Use an Anti-Desiccant Spray (Optional)
Products like Wilt-Pruf help lock in moisture and are especially effective for outdoor displays exposed to wind and cold.
6. Water Outdoor Planters
If temperatures are above freezing, give your greens a good drink. Moisture in the soil keeps stems hydrated longer.
Create Something Truly Special
With so many varieties to choose from—each offering unique color, texture, and fragrance—you can create decorations that reflect your personal style and holiday spirit. Visit us and let our team help you design a fresh, fragrant Christmas arrangement you’ll enjoy all season long.