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Written by Tracy Wrubleski, Bloom Culture
Creating a festive container arrangement is not only a delightful way to explore your creativity and embrace the season but also an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the beautiful evergreens and foliage that thrive in our finicky prairie climate.
Materials:
- Container: Choose a sturdy and weather-resistant pot or container with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
- Potting mix: Select high-quality potting mix suitable for cold climates with good drainage. You can find this at your local garden/home centre or at our flora studio in Bowness.
- Evergreen boughs: Gather spruce, pine or fir branches, which are abundant in Calgary. These evergreens will serve as the backbone of your arrangement. You can also find precut bundles at local garden centres or pre-book them through Bloom Culture. (For more information, visit bloomculture.ca.)
- Decorative elements: Collect natural accents like pinecones, birch branches and dried berries. You may also incorporate artificial elements like ornaments, flora or ribbon in your preferred colors for added flair. Remember, your imagination is your only limit! Stores like Michaels and the Dollar Store often offer affordable elements but be sure to shop early in the season for the best selection.
- Hand pruning tools and floral wire: For trimming and shaping your greenery, common tools include pruning shears and hand saws. To hold the decorative elements in place, use floral wire to attach them to the sturdier boughs/branches.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Container selection: Choose a container that is large enough to make a statement and complements your home's aesthetics. Common options include frost-resistant pottery, wooden crates or even repurposed barrels.
- Add the soil: Fill the container with potting mix, leaving a few inches at the top. Gently press it down to create a stable base.
- Create a foundation with evergreens: Trim the evergreen branches to ten- to 12-inch lengths, with the longest ones for the centre and shorter ones for the sides. Insert the branches into the potting mix, angling them outward and upward to create a triangular shape.
- Add decorative elements: Intersperse decorative branches, pinecones, berries and artificial elements to add visual interest and color. Use floral wire to hold them in place. Pro Tip: If you know there will be a front or "face" of the arrangement, focus more of the decorative pieces on the front side and leave the back plain.
- Balance and adjust: Step back often and assess your arrangement from different angles. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve a balanced look.
- Water and maintain: Give your arrangement a good watering to settle the soil. Place it in a location that receives partial sunlight and water regularly (but sparingly) throughout the winter, ensuring the soil does not dry out completely.
With the natural beauty of evergreens and creative touches, you can create a captivating winter wonderland that not only welcomes guests but also showcases the local greenery that thrives in our region.
Bloom Culture is here to support your creative journey with a wide selection of materials and expertise, including in-house and private seasonal container workshops, whether you're just starting or looking to take your DIY skills to the next level. Embrace the season and let your front step shine with the spirit of festivity and the beauty of nature.
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