Jane Bonia, manager of Teresa James Floral, prepares for a workshop to teach people to make their own holiday planters. ContributedArticle contentThis holiday season, consider decorating your house or entrance way with a decorative planter – and better yet, make it yourself.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“There’s just something really special about creating it yourself. You get to make it exactly how you want, include the right colors and shape to match the rest of your decor, and it feels so good to say, ‘I made that!’” says Jane Bonia.Article contentArticle contentArticle content Jane Bonia, left, manager of Teresa James Floral in St. John’s, and owner Ivy Hanley encourages everyone to make a holiday planter this season. ContributedArticle contentBonia knows all about making holiday planters. She is the lead florist and shop manager at Teresa James Floral in St. John’s, N.L., a full-service flower shop that’s known for creative, garden-inspired arrangements. They look after everything from bouquets to wedding arrangements and also offer seasonal workshops, including ones for making holiday planters.Article content“Making a planter is a great way to get into the holiday spirit,” says Bonia.Article content When making a holiday planter, start by placing the tallest pieces, followed by the filler greens, and ones that spill over the sides. ContributedArticle contentWhat do you need?Article contentIf you are thinking about making a planter at home, you really don’t need much to make something beautiful, says Bonia.Article contentBonia provides a list of what you’ll want to have ready:Article contentA weatherproof planter or potOasis Wet Floral foam or Soil / Potting mixFresh evergreen branches (like cedar, pine, or fir)A few tall branches — birch, dogwood, or curly willow are great for heightSome fun extras like pinecones, berries, ribbon, or ornamentsA good pair of clippers and some gardening glovesArticle contentArticle content Jane Bonia says to mix the greens when creating an arrangement. ContributedArticle contentStep-by-Step InstructionsArticle contentArticle contentTo make a planter, Bonia offers some step-by-step instructions.Article contentStart by filling your pot with either your floral foam or soil. It’s what will hold everything in place.Article content1. Tall first: Stick your tallest branches or birch sticks in first. These give your planter height.Article content2. Fill: Add your medium greens next, angling them out a bit to make the arrangement nice and full.Article content3. Spill: Tuck in your trailing greens, like cedar, so they drape nicely over the edges.Article content4. Decorate: Add your pinecones, berries, decor and ribbons for colour and texture.Article contentA little florist tip would be to mix up the types of greens you use, notes Bonia. Different shades and textures make it look full and natural. Don’t stress too much about being “perfect”, as nature isn’t, and that’s what makes it pretty.Article content Add a pop of colour with ribbons or other holiday items. ContributedArticle contentExtras in the plantersArticle contentWhile you don’t always need the extras to decorate a planter, Bonia says they sure do add some fun and sparkle. Pinecones on sticks, a bow, a few ornaments, or some battery lights can really make it festive.
How to make your own holiday planter
