Debris turned Décor

Christmas has passed and the inevitable deluge of gifts must be assimilated with one's other treasured and useful possessions. And yet there is always the debris of Christmas. Compost and recycle what you can, there are always odd items that remain: the gift basket the beauty products came in, the Mason jar the cookie mix was in, the salad bowl that just doesn't match your décor. For me it was a vibrant yellow votive holder shaped like a hedgehog. It's adorable, but the color is too vivid for my indoor scheme. What about outdoors - where its vibrant color and odd shape are free to whimsically punctuate the landscape. Or perhaps the item simply needs to be softened and balanced. If something can contain, display or otherwise incorporate a plant, I will find it. With this as my guiding principle in life, I decided to plant the votive holder then nestle it among my planters outside. This was my personal conundrum but there are many types of Christmas detritus that are serviceable. Before you pack that lot into the garage or donate it, take a second look. • Candle holders, tea cups, glasses and bowls can be used by adding charcoal and rock to create drainage, top with soil and plant. • Tins and metal containers can be punctured at the bottom to create drainage then planted just like a pot. • Line baskets with moss then add soil and plant with cheery seasonal color for outdoors. Or line with moss and plastic for a drip-free indoor planter to nestle potted plants in. • Plant jars, lanterns or large candle holders as terrariums with layers of rock and charcoal to create drainage, then top with soil and plant. Add small touches like miniature statues and figurines to personalize the look. • Visit your local Independent Garden Center for supplies and advice. Honor the thoughtful gift of a loved one by creating a tasteful planter from items that were destined to be Christmas debris. Your complete, and creative use of their gift, may surprise and delight you both.