Decorating for the holidays is one of our favorite things to do. We love the fresh greenery that is right at our door step and landscape. Many types of decorations can be made with fresh greenery or preserved greenery. Some traditional types are garlands, swags and wreaths.

Decorating with cedar, pine, holly, boxwood, seeded eucalyptus and even magnolias leaves add a fresh look to the home.

Pines and cedars are good to use for indoor decoration since they dry out slowly and hold their needles best at warm interior temperatures and last longer if used outdoors.

Boxwood is a small leafed shrub that has been used best in Williamsburg decorating. Using preserved boxwood adds the beauty of a live plant without any of the work. Preserved boxwood is made from live boxwood clippings that have been soaked in a solution of dye and glycerin and then allowed to dry. The preserved boxwood still stay green year around without any maintenance.

Holly is the most traditional holiday green that comes in several forms, both green and variegated. Female plants display bright red berries. Holly is used a lot in wreaths and floral designs and adds a traditional touch to any area. Unfortunately, fresh holly, when added to wreaths and swags, last but a few days indoors.

For a great statement, add magnolia leaves to pines, cedar or fir décor. Magnolias large leaves are usually glossy, dark green foliage that contrast well with their velvety, brown undersides. Magnolia leaves make stunning wreaths and a great accent to any large decoration. The leaves hold up very well even without water. Magnolia leaves make stunning wreaths and last well during the holidays. An excellent choice is to buy preserved magnolia leaves – they last forever.

Any decoration can look great when using seeded eucalyptus. It has an aromatic fragrance and each stem has several lateral branches that contain smooth green leaves and clusters of small seeds that run along the stems.

Seeded eucalyptus can be used with just about any flower or green; some popular choices to go with this green are hydrangeas, ranunculus, roses and peonies.

Red twig dogwoods add seasonal zip that lasts indefinitely. Broad leaf Salal, also called lemon leaves, keep their leaves and color as they dry and add a great look to any floral design.

All of these natural wonders are great for decorating. It’s time – the Christmas season is here!