home projects services contact awards

12.07.2014

Berries To Reconsider

carolynerohm.com
When designing a garden I always add is what I call "cuttables" , to any planting list I create. Those wonderful evergreen boughs and berries we all seem to decorate with come the holidays.
wikipedia 
Nothing gives me more satisfaction than being able to stroll through my gardens clipping and gathering an assortment branches, be they needled conifers or evergreen leaves such as hollies and box woods, all for indoor display.
carolynerohm.com
 As gorgeous as the blog post have been these past few weeks, with all the wonderful winter arrangements, please remember that the majority of  colorful berries being used are poisonous to small animals as well as children. Once cut and brought indoors these berries become dry and easily fall off their branches.


carolynerohme.com
Treehugger.com did a very informative post on poisonous berries a few weeks back, that you can read here. Though not a complete list it will give you a good idea as to what to avoid when building your display.
Alternatives?  You might want to consider the following,


 Nandinia domestica 'Alba'


Junipers, for their berries as well as foliage
Pyracantha, in wonderful shades of reds as well as oranges and yellows 


Or better yet try mixing faux berries with your fresh cut evergreens, as Cindy Hattersley of Rough Luxe Lifestyle did in this charming basket.

If you would like to add a more Classical Contemporary feel to your garden please contact me about e-designs  at mwhite8410@gmail.com





10 comments:

  1. I'm sure loving the holly you specified for my garden right now :) xoxo Maria

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is so funny! Thanks for the mention. I was just about to leave a comment about my post tomorrow. I have no idea what the berries (that I scaveged from my neighbor's tree) are. Maybe you can advise!! Happy Holidays Maryanne!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your very welcome !. As I always say....I can never get enough of your work!. The berries in question are from the Brazilian Pepper Berry Tree.

      Congrats on Tuscan Home!!!! you must be thrilled!

      Delete
  3. beautiful and informative blog post, as usual!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Two years ago I found tons of red berries on the road side. Well my window boxes never looked so good,
    two days latter they were eaten by the birds. Now I use rose hips. Love the centerpeice.
    I do have pretty holly now. You inspired me to use it in the arrangement.
    merry Christmas yvonne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And a very Happy New Year! Yvonne. Love rose hips, I will have to remember this. I am guessing the rose hips....Beach Rose.... that grow wild down my the shore would work wonderfully.

      Delete
  5. Hi Maryanne

    I have tried to leave a comment here a couple of times and it never shows up. It is so funny that you posted about my faux berries. I dropped by here because I was going to ask you if you knew what the berries are that I put in the basket on my door. I picked them from my neighbor's yard. They are not gardeners and have no clue! Anyway thanks for the mention. I hope this shows up this time!! Happy Holidays

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sure what is going on with Blogger as I just today saw your posts. Pepper Berry tree! and again congrats.....I all ready picked up my copy!

      Delete
  6. Awesome work.Just wanted to drop a comment and say I am new to your blog and really like what I am reading.Thanks for the share

    ReplyDelete