It's officially the holidays, and when it comes to holiday plant decor, we at Millcreek Gardens are Salt Lake City's experts, proudly decking the halls of our community since 1955! We've learned a lot in those 68 years, and now we want to pass some of those lessons on to you. From wreaths and garlands to winter-blooming plants and so much more, we'll show you how to rock some seasonal style with all of nature's finest holiday greens!
What are Some Low-Maintenance Plants for Holiday Decorating?
For stress-free holiday decor in Salt Lake City, we love low-maintenance plants that thrive in Utah's winter climate. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Hardy evergreens: Evergreens like juniper and spruce boughs make perfect holiday plant decor. Their resilience, combined with their vibrant green hues, make them ideal choices for wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces.
Succulents and Christmas cacti: These trendy favorites add a modern twist to holiday decor. Their unique shapes and soft color tones bring a fresh, contemporary feel to your festive arrangements and displays.
Poinsettias: Poinsettias are the quintessential holiday plant, adding a burst of color and elegance to any setting. Whether you go with the classic red, the charming pink, or the modern pure white varieties, these festive blooms are a hands-down seasonal favorite.
What Are Some Creative Ways to Display Poinsettias for Christmas?
We're big fans of poinsettias and could find a place almost anywhere in our holiday decor for just one more! If you're hoping to get a little creative with these festive holiday plants and really make your poinsettias pop this year, the trick is to think beyond the ordinary. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
-Incorporate them into festive centerpieces surrounded by evergreens, pinecones, and ornaments.
-Place them in decorative containers alongside sprigs of pine, eucalyptus, and branches.
-Group red and white varieties together with mini evergreens for a lively visual display.
At Millcreek Gardens, our connection with Poinsettias goes beyond mere decoration; it's a symbol of gratitude that we share with our Salt Lake City community through our annual donations to local heroes. You can support this mission and give your own gift of gratitude this holiday season by buying a few extra and gifting them to neighbors, friends, or your kid's favorite teachers!
Are There Indoor Plants That Flower During the Winter Months?
Absolutely! As we mentioned earlier, the Christmas cactus is a gorgeous winter-flowering plant that is prized for its vibrant red blooms that perfectly complement the classic reds and greens of the season. Other fantastic winter flower options include orchids, which add a pop of color anywhere in your house; African violets, with their show-offy style; and the fan-favorite amaryllis, for their fiery red flare.
Front Porch Extravaganza: Containers, Wreaths, and Garlands Galore
Make a lasting impression on your holiday guests with these front porch decor ideas!
Porch Pots
When we think about holiday porch pots, we imagine beautiful containers overflowing with boughs of fresh pine, cedar, and spruce and perfectly accented with all of our favorite pot stuffers. Birch branches and twigs, pinecones, and holly berries are other fantastic porch pot additions that bring a flair of seasonal style to any arrangement and will withstand our Utah winter.
Wreaths
Elevate your holiday plant decor with a show-stopping wreath on your door. While we love the classics, we also adore watching our neighbors push the boundaries of tradition with unique DIY alternatives like succulent wreaths or herb-infused creations! We also love wreath designs that incorporate artificial birds, nests, and other forest-inspired elements! Don't be afraid to use tree ornaments, either, as these add some great dimension and interesting textures to your arrangements.
Garlands
Make this the year to show off your superior plant decorating skills by adorning your staircases and porch banisters in lush, festive garlands! Drape evergreen garlands along railings, around doorways to give your entryways a festive, woodsy feel, and don't forget to add twinkly lights for that extra touch of holiday magic!
Crafting Sustainable Holiday Plant Decor
Christmas is a great time to reconnect and appreciate the world around us, so try creating some sustainably-minded holiday plant decor this holiday season. Opt for locally-sourced plants whenever possible (from Millcreek Gardens, of course!) and get creative with reusable containers and upcycled items. You can also try infusing edible plants such as rosemary or mint into your holiday decor for a delightful dual-purpose addition to both your home and your holiday cooking!
How Do I Care for My Living Holiday Decor?
You can ensure the longevity of your evergreens and other holiday decor plants by following these easy care tips:
Keep them well-hydrated! Submerge freshly-cut stems in water and mist your plants' foliage regularly.
Display your plants away from direct heat sources like fireplaces and heat registers, and avoid exposing them to prolonged sunlight to prevent them from drying out.
For succulents in holiday arrangements, water them sparingly and allow the soil to dry between watering sessions. Place them in well-draining containers to prevent root rot, and provide them with indirect sunlight to maintain their vibrant colors. We also recommend keeping your succulents away from drafts and chilly temperatures.
Balancing hydration and exposure is key to preserving the vitality of both your evergreens and succulents throughout the festive season. After all, there's nothing merry about a shriveled-up plant!
We hope our festive guide to all things green helps you take your holiday plant decor to the next level this year. For even more decor inspiration, or to cross a few names off that ever-growing Christmas list, stop by the garden center today to stock up on seasonal plants and browse our great gift ideas!