Bringing the outdoors in at Christmas

Gather plant material

Cut the "Oasis" floral foam to shape

Soak foam with water and place in container

Insert small clippings firmly into foam

Cover entire foam, using a variety of colors and textures.

Materials used:

• Vase with a large diameter at top, about 10"
• One block of 'Oasis' floral foam-purchased at a craft store for about $2.00
• Evergreen branches (any variety will do).  I used 3 small branches that I wanted to eliminate from the tree anyway
• Privet hedge clippings 3-6"long, about 20 or 30
• Camellia bush clippings 3-6" long, 5-7
• Fine leaved viburnum clippings 6-12", cut in half, with orange berries intact, 25-30
• Rose campion, 6-10 very small plants
• Ornate berries from wild iris
• Sprigs of native sedum (they turn red in the winter)

Feel free to substitute with whatever you have on hand!

Proceedure:

1. Start at the bottom with the largest clippings of the evergreens
2. Create a nice looking top 
3. Fill in the middle with evergreens
4. Add the other types of plant material, covering the foam base completely.
5. Add accents of berries, contrasting plant material, etc
6. Water regularly to enjoy this arrangement for weeks to come