Decorate For the Holidays with Live Evergreens
There's something timeless about the scent of fresh evergreens, the rich green of spruce, fir and juniper, and the way they instantly signal the holiday season. At Estabrook's, you'll find a curated selection of live evergreens to help you create warm, welcoming, and natural holiday decor. Whether you're decorating your front porch, your entryway, or outdoor containers, live evergreens bring texture, color and that fresh-holiday feel. Using live plant material also provides lasting beauty throughout the season with the right care.
Why Choose Live Evergreens?
- Natural fragrance and authenticity - The subtle scent of pine, fir or spruce adds a fresh, seasonal touch you cannot get from artificial greens.
- Visual texture and depth - Live evergreens offer rich structure: tall sprigs, layered branches and varied needle textures that bring character to your displays.
- Longer lasting than cut greenery - Potted evergreens stay fresh far longer than cut greens, especially in cool outdoor temperatures.
- Perfect for outdoor decorating - These hardy shrubs thrive on porches, patios and entryways, making them ideal for winter containers and accents.
- Eco-friendly choice - Live plants add a sustainable, natural element to your holiday decor.
Where To Use Live Evergreens
Front Porch or Entryway Containers
Frame your front door with a pair of potted evergreens for instant seasonal appeal. Tall spruce or fir create a striking focal point, while smaller junipers add fullness around their base or in separate containers. Accent with pine cones, winterberry stems, birch branches or string lights to complete the look. Freshen the display throughout the season by adding new ribbons or seasonal picks. A simple burlap wrap or weatherproof holiday bow can transform the arrangement in moments.
Outdoor Stairways, Walkways and Patios
Line steps or walkways with small potted evergreens to create a warm and inviting holiday path. On patios or decks, group several containers together to form a lush winter vignette. Add lanterns or battery-operated lights for a soft evening glow. Cluster different heights and textures for a layered, natural look that feels both festive and understated.
Outdoor Containers and Garden Beds
Live evergreens make excellent centerpieces for winter containers. Use a single shrub as the anchor, then surround it with winterberry stems, red-twig dogwood, pine cones and greens to build a full, seasonal arrangement. These containers stay attractive even in freezing temperatures. You can also nestle potted evergreens directly into garden beds or borders to add winter structure and color when herbaceous plants are dormant.
Tips For Success With Live Evergreens
- Choose the right location - Evergreens prefer cool outdoor temperatures and protection from harsh wind. Place containers where they are shielded from strong winter gusts and heavy road salt.
- Water as needed - Outdoor evergreens need less frequent watering in winter, but check soil occasionally. If the top inch is dry and temperatures are above freezing, give a light watering.
- Protect the roots - In very cold weather, wrap pots with burlap or place them inside decorative containers to help insulate the roots.
- Decorate gently - Use soft ties, ribbon or lights that won't damage branches. Avoid attaching anything directly with wire that may cut into the plant.
- Reuse after the holidays - Once the season ends, relocate evergreens to a sheltered outdoor spot. Many can be enjoyed year-round or planted in the landscape in spring.
Final Thoughts
Using live evergreens in your outdoor holiday decorating brings a sense of natural beauty and timeless charm to your home. They thrive in cool weather, look great through the entire season and offer endless opportunities for creative arrangements. Whether you're decorating a porch, walkway or winter container, Estabrook's has everything you need to make your outdoor spaces festive and inviting.