Decorating with Leyland Cypress for the Holidays
The holidays are almost here, which means it's time to start thinking about how to decorate your home. Whether you're the type of person who likes to go all out with lights and garlands or you prefer a more minimalist look, there's one type of greenery that's perfect for the job: Leyland Cypress. This evergreen tree is a popular choice for landscaping, but it's also a great way to add a touch of natural beauty to your holiday decor. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at Leyland Cypress and show you how to use it to create stunning holiday displays.
Understanding Leyland Cypress
Before we dive into how to decorate with Leyland Cypress, it's important to understand what makes this tree unique. Leyland Cypress is an evergreen that's native to the United States and is particularly popular in the Southeast. It has an attractive, pyramid shape and can grow up to 60 feet tall in the right conditions. Leyland Cypress is known for its soft, feathery foliage, which is a beautiful shade of dark green. This tree is a great choice for a variety of landscaping projects, but it's also versatile enough to be used in holiday decorations.
Using Leyland Cypress in Wreaths and Garlands
One of the easiest ways to incorporate Leyland Cypress into your holiday decor is by using it to create wreaths and garlands. Simply gather stems of Leyland Cypress and wire them together to create a circular wreath shape. You can add in other greenery, like pine or holly, to create a more varied look. Leyland Cypress is also great for garlands, which can be draped over mantels, banisters, and doorways. Woven through with twinkle lights, Leyland Cypress can contribute to a stunning winter wonderland effect.
Decorating with Leyland Cypress in Table Settings
If you're hosting holiday dinners, Leyland Cypress can be used in table settings to add a touch of natural beauty. One idea is to create a centerpiece using a rectangular tray or basket filled with Leyland Cypress boughs and accented with candles. You can also tuck sprigs of Leyland Cypress into napkin rings for a simple, elegant touch. Leaf "placemats" made of Leyland Cypress can also tie together rustic and natural tablescapes. This way, your table decor captures the full essence of the winter season.
Making Swags with Leyland Cypress
For those that want something more elaborate, Leyland Cypress can also be used to make beautiful swags. Start with a base of Leyland Cypress boughs, then layer in other greenery, berries, and pine cones to create a lush and textured display. Swags are great for hanging on doors or over windows, or even for use as outdoor decorations. The Leyland Cypress provides an attractive backdrop for other festive elements and can add a sense of timeless beauty to any holiday display.
Caring for Leyland Cypress
While Leyland Cypress is a hardy and versatile tree, it's important to take care of it to ensure it stays healthy and vibrant throughout the holiday season and beyond. Leyland Cypress needs plenty of water, so make sure to check its soil every few days and water it thoroughly when it's dry at least in the first couple of weeks. Keep Leyland Cypress away from heat sources like fireplaces or air ducts. It is best stored in water on porches or in garages if it is not being used outdoors. With a little bit of TLC, your Leyland Cypress holiday decor will look beautiful all season long.
Leyland Cypress is a wonderful choice for adding a natural touch to your holiday decor. Whether you're using it to make wreaths and garlands, sprucing up table settings, or creating more elaborate displays like corms and swags, Leyland Cypress can be the perfect foundation for your holiday decorations. And with a little bit of care and attention, your Leyland Cypress will keep looking great all season long, adding a touch of natural beauty to your home. So go ahead and add this gorgeous evergreen to your holiday decor- it's one decoration that you won't regret!
Photo courtesy of Rachel Ciastko. Check out her Instagram the.rosie.home. for the latest holiday decorating tips and more.