How to Decorate Flower Boxes for Christmas

Flower boxes don't have to be drab once summer is gone.

Flower boxes that add a splash of color to windows in the warm seasons are often left to look drab and bare once the first frost hits. Many gardeners put away the gloves and pruning shears and wait for spring. A little creativity and some evergreen branches can add a decorative pick-me-up to an otherwise drab landscape during the winter, especially at Christmas. Window boxes can be filled with anything decorative and cold-tolerant, making them an often unexpected focal point during the Christmas season.

Things You'll Need

• Several branches of evergreens
• Pruning shears
• Decorative elements (holly, redwood branches, pinecones artificial poinsettias, beads, lights, large Christmas ornaments, ribbon, etc.)
• Water

Instructions

1. Prune the needles and small branches off the lower 6 inches of the evergreen branches.

2. Cut an inch or so off the bare ends of the branches so they can absorb water more easily.

3. Soften the dirt in the window box by pouring boiling water on it if it's already frozen, or take it inside if you can.

4. Arrange the evergreen branches upright with the six inches of bare branch firmly embedded in the soil.

5. Fill in the empty spaces with evergreen branches with different textures and colors, or with other elements such as holly branches, red dogwood branches or artificial foliage.

6. Water the soil thoroughly. When it freezes this will hold the branches in place. If the weather warms up, keep the branches watered until it freezes again.

7. String lights or beads through the branches to add a touch of color. You can also tuck in large ornaments or pinecones or weave colorful ribbon through the evergreens.

References

• Midwest Home: Create a Winter Window Box