So often the simplest approach to something is the best. I think this is particular true when it comes to decorating for the holidays. I like things that are natural not only because they look better but they’re a renewable resource.
Now I’m putting together a reef and I’m using these grape vines as a form. But this is a simple reef that’s following a single theme. I’m going to cover the entire reef with berries.
I’m using a white range of berries both in terms of color and size. I’m stating with some of these crab apple that I cut from the trees in my garden. And I really like these, this are china berries I like them mainly for their bright splash of gold and this Mundane I cut from my neighbor’s yard.
Now this is beautyberry sometimes called French Mulberry and I cut it form the wild. And this time, of year, you can find pepper berry in just about any forest. This is quite a smorgasbord of color but anyone of this would make a beautiful reef in its’ own right. Now I notice this looks like a lot of berries but you just watch I’ll use every one of them.
I begin with the largest berries; I just weave the stems into the grape vine and if they’re a little parch like these China berry I wire several together and attach the bundles. Occasionally I use a piece of this thin florist wire to hold everything in place. Next, I fill in the clusters of Manama berries and bend the bows of the beautyberry to follow the contour of the reef. And finish it off with the soft pink pepper berries.
And sue eucalyptus buds add just a touch of contrast into this very beautiful reef.
From the garden I’m Alain Smith
For more on this topic and other information please check out my website Palainsmith.com.
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