Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1437729
Aside from foliage and berries, don't forget the other natural decorations that can be utilized. While pine cones have long been a holiday decorating staple, think creatively about other items to provide interest in natural arrangements. Try dried flowers, such as hydrangeas, yarrow, magnolia pods, wild grape vines, rose hips, okra pods (tough ones left too long in the garden, then allowed to dry) and nuts. Do remember that some plants have toxic parts, so use caution with children and pets. FIND BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING Even some of the more unsavory players in our landscape can have a place in holiday arrangements. Ligustrum, so common around town, provides a dark, evergreen background of leaves and dark blue berries for settings. The red nandina berries, irresistible but deadly to some of our feathered friends, provide a splash of color in arrangements. Likewise, the interesting fruit of the Chinese tallow, or popcorn tree, white and bursting this time of year, adds interest to arrangements. While the berries may look beautiful on tabletops, consider throwing them in the trash — and cleaning unused berries from landscape plants — to prevent birds and other wildlife from eating and dispersing them. While undesirable in landscapes, the smaller-leaved, thornless species of our native greenbrier (smilax) have been used to deck Southern halls for generations. Sweetgum balls, another product of a not-so-popular native, can also be used to add interest. TRIM WITH CARE Many of our Macon landscapes contain an abundance of suitable greenery for all of your decorating needs. Remember when gathering cuttings that you are actually pruning a live plant. Distribute the cuts evenly to preserve the natural form of the plant. When making the cuts, use sharp pruners and cut just above a bud. In the next issue, look to hear more about properly pruning shrubs and trees as you begin working on that list of resolutions! From Bibb County Extension, we want to wish you peace and happiness for the holiday season and we look forward to hearing from you in 2022. Please send questions about lawns or other topics to hello@maconmagazine.com or call 478-751- 6338 and let them know that Macon Magazine sent you. RIVERSIDE DRIVE STORE 3720 Riverside Dr., Macon FORSYTH ROAD STORE 4433 Forsyth Rd., Macon HIGHWAY 96 STORE 5220 GA 96, Jeffersonville BOLINGBROKE STORE 5969 US 41, Bolingbroke OCMULGEE EAST STORE 4900 Ocmulgee East Blvd., Macon HIGHWAY 49 STORE 717 GA 49 N, Macon DRIVEN BY PRODUCTIVITY, FUELED BY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SINCE 1952 Serving Central Georgia with six locally-owned retail locations focused on the highest standards of cleanliness, service, and efficiency DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 111