How to make Christmas decorations from your garden

Mercy says the colours you choose for your floral arrangements should harmonise with your Christmas decorations.

“I usually stick to the traditional red, green and white for Christmas, but I also incorporate creative touches such as ribbons, ornaments or even painted gypsophila. Gypsophila, commonly known as baby’s breath, is versatile and can be painted any colour for last-minute arrangements,” she says.

When choosing flowers, it’s important to find the right mix of traditional and contemporary options. Mercy suggests timeless choices such as hydrangeas, roses and carnations, which work beautifully in any setting.

To add texture and variety, consider elements such as pampas grass, pinecones or ferns. For a playful touch, tulips or bright pink flowers are great additions.

For an oversized centrepiece, Mercy suggests combining baby’s breath, Peruvian lilies, paper reeds, toothpick plants, delphinium, western sword ferns and tea leaves.

This arrangement is a stunning symphony of textures and colours. Start with glossy tea leaves for a lush base, layer in delicate baby’s breath to mimic snowflakes and use Peruvian lilies as a focal point.

The earthy tones of paper reeds add height, while sword ferns and the frosty look of larkspur add movement and charm. A standout feature of Mercy’s Christmas arrangements is the red rose.

Paired with metallic Christmas ornaments in gold, silver and rich red, these arrangements exude timeless holiday elegance. Another classic combination is red roses with white carnations and cycas fronds for a festive feel.

For a vibrant centrepiece, mix roses, chrysanthemums, lilies of the Incas, dahlias, wild carrots, cycas leaves and palm branches. Layering these bold blooms and intricate textures creates a stunning focal point. The wild carrot adds a soft, lacy texture, while the cycas leaves and palm branches provide structure and height.

If you are looking for unique floral designs, look to nature for inspiration. Create a rustic arrangement with red roses, white hydrangeas, hypericum berries and pine branches. Add reindeer moss and wrap the container in textured bark for a cozy, woodland feel.

For a chic yet festive display, consider potted dahlias in silver pots tied with red ribbons and ornaments. Simple arrangements of tulips, amaryllis or winterberries can look stunning on mantelpieces or doorways.

Minimalist designs can also shine. Arrange roses, carnations and baby’s breath in a single colour for a simple look, or use jewel-toned flowers to complement gold and silver.

Combining succulents, local foliage and classic Christmas greens offers a unique twist, as suggested by Mercy.

Nothing says Christmas like traditional red and green floral arrangements. Amaryllis and tulips add classic charm to any arrangement. For a grand centrepiece, mix roses, tulips and hydrangeas for a splash of colour.

With these ideas, your Christmas floral arrangements will bring festive joy to every corner of your home. Whether you choose bold centrepieces or subtle accents, the beauty of flowers will make your holiday celebrations even more special.

Decorating with live plants

Live plants can thrive well beyond the festive season. They can be replanted, nurtured and enjoyed all year round, making them an environmentally friendly choice that reduces waste.

Kui says that live plants improve air quality and create a sense of well-being by reducing stress and improving mood. “Their presence can make festive gatherings feel healthier and more rejuvenating,” she says.

This season, petunias are making waves as a fresh alternative to the traditional poinsettia for Christmas decorations. With their vibrant hues and cascading blooms, petunias offer versatility and charm that work beautifully in festive arrangements.

Available in shades of red, white and even deep purple, they seamlessly complement traditional holiday colour palettes. Petunias can be potted in decorative containers wrapped in burlap or metallic finishes to match the season's theme.

“For a striking centrepiece, combine red and white petunias in a single arrangement, accented with pinecones or fairy lights. Their soft, trumpet-shaped flowers evoke a sense of warmth and joy, making them perfect for table settings,” says Kui.

This innovative twist on holiday decor will not only breathe new life into Christmas traditions but will also offer a unique way to celebrate the season.

Whether used in outdoor wreaths, hanging baskets or indoor arrangements, petunias bring a modern yet festive flair to your holiday celebrations.

Another unique but beautiful arrangement, Kui says is using cacti to bring out the Christmas mood.To decorate cacti for the festive season, start by adding red and green accents.

Tie red ribbons around the cactus pots or place mini red bows on the spines of the plant. Hang small, lightweight Christmas decorations on the cactus spines, such as miniature baubles, tiny bells or glittery snowflakes. Add small Santa hats to the top of the cactus for a playful holiday look.

You can opt for metallic pots in gold, red or silver for a touch of elegance. For a touch of sparkle, lightly spray the cactus with glitter or fake snow, but be careful not to cover the plant too much.

Place miniature Christmas decorations around the base of the cactus, such as tiny gift boxes or miniature Christmas trees, to create a festive scene.

Finally, wrap the pot in a festive fabric, such as red or green, and secure it with ribbon or twine for a simple yet charming effect. These creative touches will make your cactus a unique and cheerful part of your Christmas decorations while maintaining its natural beauty.

Flower care and longevity

To keep cut flowers fresh, place them in a vase of clean water and trim the stems every few days. Cutting the stems at an angle (rather than straight across) allows for better water absorption.

For low maintenance, a mixture of warm water and a little white vinegar can keep flowers for up to a week without cutting. Eucalyptus, in particular, has a long life and will eventually harden and become a beautiful, fragrant addition to your home.

Some flowers, such as Gypsophila, can last for months even when dried. After two weeks in water, they will harden, but retain their beauty. Similarly, carnations and roses are long-lasting; with the right care, carnations can stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Budget-friendly tips

Mercy advises that if you're on a budget, look to city markets or local gardens for more affordable options. You can mix and match what you have to create simple yet stunning arrangements.

“Carnations and lilies tend to be more expensive, while other flowers such as roses and smaller blooms are more budget-friendly,” she says.

Prices for floral arrangements vary depending on the type of flowers and the amount of work involved. At Mercy’s, small arrangements start at Sh500, while more elaborate ones with several types of flowers can cost up to Sh17,000,” she says.

“Floral design is a creative process that depends on personal preferences, seasonality and the budget available. Whether it’s a simple vase arrangement for the home or a large centrepiece for a wedding, it's about experimenting and creating something beautiful that reflects the client's vision,” says Mercy.

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