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I enjoy the scents and look of bringing fresh branches into my home for holiday garlands, arrangements, and centerpieces.  I’ve found that if I treat certain types of greenery, I keep the look I want for much longer and can even save some for another time. (I do hate to throw away anything “real” see “Compost Anyone?” blog)    

I love the look of white birch, it reminds me of lake fishing trips and snuggling around the fireplace.  And preserving branches is easier than you would think – I simply dry them.  I take a bunch of branches and tie them together – rubber band, string or anything handy.   You want a dry, dark place to hang them for about three weeks – attic, garage or closet.  Hanging the branches in a lit place will cause discoloring and if there is moisture in the area this can mold the branches.  By simply drying the branches, you can still use some for kindling if you wish.   An alternative to drying birch is to use a polyurethane matte spray varnish – this is just a further preserving method to drying.  If you are going to use varnish, be sure to do this in a well ventilated area – I strongly suggest outdoors.  Also, be sure to spray the entire branch – even where the branch was cut or broken from the tree.  This will ensure that the branch is completely sealed.

To preserve small branches with leaves and/or berries and even ferns, I use a glycerin solution (this works wonderfully for Magnolia branches too.)  You can find glycerin at your local art supply store or even pharmacy.  Take freshly cut branches and crush the lower 2 inches of the branch.  This will help the branch soak up the glycerin mixture.  I use a hammer or even a kitchen mallet.  In a large container, bucket or vase, mix 1 part glycerin to 2 parts water.  Like my drying process, I store the containers in my garage and leave for about 2 weeks so the branches absorb the mixture.  I suggest you check on the containers after the first week in case the branches have depleted the solution.  If so, add more solution as an extra week or two will only be more beneficial for your results.   

As you know, I do like to mix styles so why not add some embellishments to the natural look of the preserved branches?  How about spraying some seeded eucalyptus, pine cones or dried pomegranates a glossy silver or gold and weave into your boughs of greens?   Feathers are festive too – add a few pheasant feathers to your centerpieces and garlands.  And one last bit of fun – you can spray glue branches and sprinkle or dip them into glitter.  Everything deserves a bit of sparkle especially around the holidays, don’t you think?

-Barbara