Topic: PRESERVING HOLLY AND ITS BERRIES????

[Duke Ellington]

I have a holly tree in my garden and its full of berries. I was wondering if there is a way to cut off some of the branches and preserve them for a period of time.
I have a feeling that most of the berries will be gone soon.

Duke :)

[reddyreddy]

Out of interest, why?  :) (Just being nosey!)

[Duke Ellington]

I like to use the holly for christmas decorations. :)

Duke

[mat]

sorry, off topic, but i love your avatar Duke!

re: the holly, what about storing it in a bag in the fridge?

mat

[ACE]

Too much food about yet for the birds to strip your trees. But just put extra on the bird table away from your tree if you are that worried.

[1066]

I don't know how big your holly is or how accessible, but maybe net/fleece some of the good bits so the birds can't get at it? Maybe also a totally impractical suggestion!  ::)

[Duke Ellington]

Thanks for all the good ideas :) i will experiment with netting and the fridge :)

Duke

[Tulipa]

Hi Duke,

I know someone (!) in my house cut down holly in November by mistake that I was saving for christmas and we just left it in a sheltered spot outside and it was still perfect at christmas but it didn't have any berries on it and I am not sure how well the berries will keep.

http://www.onlinegardener.com/pdf/How%20to%20Care%20for%20ChristmasTrees%20and%20Greens.pdf

This link says "roping" will keep for many weeks if left outside and I think it is referring to holly and pine garlands but again doesn't mention berries.

Not much help really!! :-[

T.

[Phil G]

In previous years I have cut holly for a commercial wreath maker. I started cutting at the beginning of November and the foliage and berries were good for the christmas period. No special preservative measures, just stored in an unheated greenhouse or outdoors. Excess cuttings were left in a pile to be burnt in the spring and the leaves were always still green and leathery long after Twelfth Night.

[reddyreddy]

I like to use the holly for christmas decorations. :)

Duke

Doh!  :-[

[Duke Ellington]

Ok thanks for that link Tulipa and Phil G. :)
Since posting this I have done some research online and found some glycerine and hot water recipes for preserving flowers etc. or wax dipping!! Seems a bit complicated. I think

Duke