YORKTON – Gardeners always look to nature for inspiration, and getting ready for Christmas is no different. We know of some gardeners who are thinking of interesting decorations and using natural materials. We have plenty of time to try some of these projects, so let’s get started.
Mom and I always used to make garlands and tree ornaments out of dried apple slices. It takes time to do but it’s very easy. Cut the apples into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. No need to peel them. If you want to keep the apple slices that lovely winter-white color, soak them for a few minutes in a mixture of water and lemon juice to stop them from turning brown (mix about a tablespoon of lemon juice to every cup of water), then drain them, and pat them dry with a paper towel.
If this sounds like more detail than you want, no worries! By not soaking the apple slices in lemon juice, they will turn brown, but then they will look like they have been dipped in cinnamon! So it’s all good, either way.
We always dried our apple slices in the oven. Place them on a sheet of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and place in a low oven, about 200 to 225 degrees. They probably need about two to three hours to dry in that low oven, but don’t forget about them! Check every hour or so, you might want to turn them over so that they dry evenly. And every oven is different; to avoid burning them, give them a little check periodically.
You’ll know when they are dry because they will have a dry, leathery feel. Don’t let them get too crispy because then they will break when you try to string them on colored yarn or jute twine.
It’s always a learning experience, but after the first pan you’ll know what to do!
The apple slices look lovely in a garland, as tree ornaments, or attach them to a wreath. If you really wanted to go all out, you could give each dry slice a light brushing of gold paint at the edges. Very festive!
If you’d like to make dried citrus slices, they’re even easier! Slice oranges, lemons or limes in slices 1/4 inch thick. Spread them in a single layer on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and place in a 200-degree oven for about three hours. Turn the slices every hour so. If you’re more impatient you can increase the heat very slightly, to 210 or 225 degrees, but then you have to make sure you are close by and watchful so that they don’t burn. The goal with the citrus slices is to keep them their original color as much as possible, we don’t want any toasted look!
They look like pieces of stained glass when strung to make a garland.
While doing holiday arrangements for another project, I have discovered the very simple but effective holiday look of painting twigs. Can’t get much easier than that: a handful of twigs, metallic paint and a little paintbrush! Paint them in gold and silver, prop them up in a jar to dry, and after that, tuck them among spruce garlands on a shelf or mantle. You’ll be surprised how that adds a glowing finish to a simple display! You can even just arrange them in a pretty clear vase—if you have a tall cylinder glass vase, cut them to fit in the vase but not go above. Anchor them in small pinecones at the bottom of the vase, also highlighted with the metallic paint, and gardeners, we have a natural winner!
There something about using natural items for decorating that is so much fun, I hope you have time to give it a try! Thank you to our friends at YTW for their great work. Visit the hort society at www.yorktonhort.ca and have a nice week.
