Holly with berries for Christmas

jennyo

I would like to use some of the large holly tree in my garden as indoor christmas decs. There are loads of berries on at the moment, but also loads on the floor.
I read on the internet that if you cut the branches now and store them in a shed in water they will be ok for christmas. Has anyone tried this please ?
Last year all the berries had gone, obviously I know the birds eat a lot, their need is greater than mine, but I'd just like a few berried braches if possible.

[Deleted User]

I do this every year.

I have a very large holly tree and by Christmas the berries have usually been stripped by thrushes. I normally cut the branches off about 3 to 4 weeks before Christmas and store them in a brick built out-house (so mice proof and cool temperature). I have never bothered placing them in water though and they have always been OK. You might need water if you are storing them for longer.

bergamot_2

Hi It seem slike a good idea to cut them off earlier. Not sure about puting them in the water as it may freeze at some point

jennyo

Thanks both for your input, i have cut some and put them in the shed in water, I will get some more in another couple of weeks see what works best for future years.

alfred64

After christmas stick the branches in the garden so that the birds can finish off the berries.

jennyo

alfred64 wrote: »

After christmas stick the branches in the garden so that the birds can finish off the berries.

Thanks, thats a good idea.

mountainviews

I know this may sound silly, but what I do is use the holly from my garden, I only cut it about a week before christmas, it has usually lost all the berries by christmas anyway, and I buy fake berries on wire from e**y like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-Stems-Artificial-Holly-Berries-Xmas-Plastic-Berry-Christmas-Decorative-Item-/300599315708?pt=UK_Crafts_FloralSupplies_SM&hash=item45fd1d8cfc

and twist them on, you get to put as many on as you like and where you like.........just a thought!

themull1

if you've got kids in the house, watch for falling holly berries, loads of ours fell off the branches last year.

jennyo

mountainviews wrote: »

I know this may sound silly, but what I do is use the holly from my garden, I only cut it about a week before christmas, it has usually lost all the berries by christmas anyway, and I buy fake berries on wire from e**y like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-Stems-Artificial-Holly-Berries-Xmas-Plastic-Berry-Christmas-Decorative-Item-/300599315708?pt=UK_Crafts_FloralSupplies_SM&hash=item45fd1d8cfc

and twist them on, you get to put as many on as you like and where you like.........just a thought!

Thanks, yes i have often done this myself, and may again this year if my plan doesn't work

jennyo

themull1 wrote: »

if you've got kids in the house, watch for falling holly berries, loads of ours fell off the branches last year.

Thanks, My children are all grown up, but I can see it is something to watch with little ones.

Dustykitten

I cut mine and put in water in the side shed. Funnily enough I have always had berries left on the tree past Christmas. It is usually in January that a flock of Redwings descend and strip the tree.

Does anybody else find that the birds don't eat the berries once they are on the floor?