Branching out! An easy way to add interest to floral arrangements and containers

 Thank you to member, Betsy Turley for the April tip of the month. 

Branches and other natural materials are a wonderful addition to your planters and floral arrangements. They provide a sculptural and seasonal interest as well as height. Branches used in arrangements and containers don’t obstruct your line of vision at a dining table or block your front entrance. Unlike flowers and plants, these natural materials can be repurposed and last for years. You can purchase branches at nurseries but can also find them in your yard or on a walk. 

Branches also reflect holidays and a change of season. Pussy willows and other flowering branches connote Spring while bare branches are reflective of Fall and Winter.

Alternative natural materials:

- Branches: curly willow, pussy willow, magnolia, birch logs, fallen branches you might find on a walk   
- Flowering branches: quince, forsythia, cherry blossoms, dogwood ( these will lose their blossoms but are splurge-worthy for a party or gathering)
- Branches with berries: winterberry, holly, serviceberry
-Pine cones, pumpkins, gourds, osage oranges 

Branches can truly elevate your containers/arrangements and help you to celebrate the seasonal changes of your garden.

Pinterest will provide you an abundance of images to inspire you to include branches and other natural choices in your planters and arrangements. Check out my saved ideas here! pin.it/3DvJeOGfo