BY THE SHORE
the clean moist fragrance. That is heaven.” He suggests taking some of the moss home for the base of an arrangement. “Cover a baking dish, add lines of pinecones, rose hips, Christmas ornament balls, fir, pine, cedar, holly berries and cranberries,” he says. “You really can’t do it wrong!” Alan also suggests looking at a magazine and copying what you like. Your skill will surprise you. Always remember to ask before walking on someone’s land and never cut flowers, branches or greenery without asking permission.
Head out to your favourite local beach spot and start looking around. “By the shore, you can often find bayberry that stays fresh in water until Christmas,” says Alan. “Grey berries add a rustic texture to wreaths and arrangements.” If the winter frost is delayed, he suggests looking for beach peas to use as a trailing vine and dusty miller for Christmas displays. In addition to the flora, Alan suggests scouting for driftwood pieces. “Used with clam, mussel, moon snail and oyster shells, these greens can really accent the character of the driftwood,” he says.
IN THE MEADOW
Keep your eyes open for greenery on this walk. “In the meadow, or on the way to the meadow clip some balsam fir and pine,” suggests Alan. “You may also find hemlock, cedar, more bayberry and rose hips. These are all you need to make your own centrepiece.” When you get home, add a couple of candles, your favourite ornaments and a few pinecones. You can also pick Queen Anne’s lace that has gone to seed and add it for a rough texture. These can also be sprayed gold. “A few years ago, we discovered a different shrub in the ditches near Wood Islands called autumn olive (elaeagnus umbellata),” says Alan. “It is a silver leaf shrub with pink and burgundy clusters of tiny berries. It makes a wonderful accent for summer and autumn designs. It is an invasive species in much of Ontario and New England, but seems to be limited to a small area on the Murray Road in Wood Islands.”
▲ Alan Preston
▲ Alan and Janet Preston
IN THE FOREST
Hearts and Flowers 149 Great George Street, Charlottetown 902 566 1499 flowers@heartsandflowers.ca www.heartsandflowers.ca
The forest is a natural place to find lovely holiday décor. “When you enter the forest you really should find a plot of moss and sit”, says Alan. “Just sit or lie down or roll around and smell
WINTER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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