Deck The Halls With Winter Arrangements

Each of my children has a fiercely competitive streak that seems to reach its absolute zenith  at Christmas time. They good-naturedly battle over who has the best decorated tree, the most beautifully wrapped gift, the tastiest appetizer at Christmas Eve dinner. This year they added outdoor decorations – specifically winter themed pots  –  to the competition. Since they all consider themselves to be the “winner,”  they decided they needed an impartial judge – so they chose me because, in their words, “I write about that stuff.”  While it’s true that I do periodically feature design aspects in these blogs, the truth is that I do not have one artistic bone in my body! What appears to be expertise in design is simply a recitation of what Jo Ann Prieto, Embassy’s seasonal color specialist, has taught me over the years.

Jo Ann, who is a degreed horticulturist, has been with Embassy for the past seven and a half years. In that time, she has expanded Embassy's seasonal color program from just traditional beds of spring and summer flowers to an array of strikingly beautiful plantings for all four of our Midwestern seasons. Her designs are uniquely tailored to suit both the environment in which they sit and the personality of the client. While many of her seasonal creations reflect classic traditions and materials, Jo Ann’s creativity often shines through as she adds a gentle touch of whimsy to a design. 

Several years ago, Jo Ann shared some basic principles with me that she considers to be the foundation of good design. With so many of us finishing up outdoor decorations and creating indoor tabletop holiday arrangements, it seems appropriate to share her tips -- and images of her winter 24 creations  --with you again.

BASIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES

#1 KNOW YOUR ANGLE

Part of the problem with some arrangements is their lack of a definite perspective. It’s important to understand how the arrangement will be viewed. Some planters are meant to frame a space and will be viewed from only one side. Others, like a centerpiece on a dining table, will be viewed from all sides. Understanding the viewing perspective helps to determine where the arrangement’s materials should be placed.

#2 SEE HOW THE PIECES FIT

For the novice designer, using the rhyming cues thriller, filler, spiller as a guide takes some of the uncertainty out of the creative process. A thriller is the strong, vertical focal point of the piece, the filler adds weight to the design and moves the eye through the arrangement and the spiller  finishes the visual journey by cascading over the sides of the container.  If the arrangement is viewed from one side, then the thriller is typically placed towards the back of the container, but if it is seen from multiple viewpoints, then the thriller is usually centered. Fillers are meant to enhance, not compete with the thriller while spillers should unify the design and link the container to the surface below.

#3 SIZE IT RIGHT

Proportion is another element that is critical to the appeal of a container planting. Generally, the height of the plant material in a container should be one to two times the height of the container.  Any less and the arrangement will seem unsubstantial --  almost unfinished.  On the other hand, an arrangement that is too tall for the container will appear top heavy, as though a brisk breeze could knock it over.

According to Jo Ann, the second critical element to a beautiful  arrangement is the type and quality of materials chosen for the specific arrangement. Since Embassy focuses on outdoor design, her discussion of materials centers on hardier plants, better suited to more erratic climate conditions rather than the more fragile flower species.

MATERIALS

#1 CELEBRATE THE SEASON

 Winter containers that combine living and natural materials – think branches, seed pods, berries – with holiday flourishes – balls, bows, ribbons – not only celebrate the joy of the season, but also answer our ongoing need to connect with nature even in the middle of the winter.

#2 CONSIDER NATIVE MATERIALS

While some areas of the country are lucky enough to have a variety of plant material that remains green throughout the winter, many more must rely on cut greenery such as branches of fir, pine and holly for “living” material. To keep these cut greens fresher longer, experts suggest spraying them with an anti-desiccant first. These sprays, often marketed under the names of Wilt-Pruf, Wilt Stop or Vapor-guard, add a waxy coating to the leaves and stems of plants. The transparent coating reduces the amount of water that escapes from the plant slowing (but not stopping) the inevitable drying and needle drop of cut greens.

 In contrast with the vibrant reds, yellows, oranges and purples of summer planters, wintertime pots tend to feature the more earthy shades of greens, browns and creams. To bring pops of natural color to arrangements, add branches of red or yellow twigged dogwood, scarlet or golden willow, variegated boxwood or white edged holly. For the holiday season, it’s easy to expand the color palette by using spray painted branches or purchased decorations as focal points. 

#3 ADD WEATHER RESISTANT DECORATIONS

 Many retailers carry stems of artificial berries. Ribbons, bells, ornaments and other decorations can, of course be added, but it’s important to consider the item’s ability to withstand rain, snow and temperature fluctuations. Be careful not to overwhelm an arrangement with extras that are out of character with the overall theme of the design. Often the old adage of “less is more” rings true. 

Those of us with little to no artistic talent will probably never create a masterpiece to rival one of Jo Ann’s creations, but at least she has armed us with some tools to begin with.  Happy designing; I’m sure yours will be beautiful.