Bringing Nature Inside This Winter

At Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, we love seeing how nature inspires creativity in every season. Especially as the Gardens quiet for winter! The textures, colors, and scents of the season bring warmth to the colder months, reminding us that beauty doesn’t end when the flowers fade. This year, we invite you to decorate your space with natural décor. Read more for our tips on using what the Midwest landscape offers as the growing season winds down.

Nature provides endless inspiration: fragrant evergreens, vibrant berries, curling seed heads, and textured twigs all make beautiful, sustainable accents for your home. With a little creativity and care, you can bring the season’s natural beauty indoors.

Winter Greenery to Gather

Fresh greenery instantly brings warmth and life to winter spaces. Some tried-and-true favorites include:

• Eastern red cedar: Blue berries and soft needles give off a wonderful scent.
• White pine: Long, graceful needles make an elegant base for garlands or wreaths.
• Holly: Glossy leaves and bright red berries are classic holiday staples.
• Spruce and fir: Sturdy, fragrant branches perfect for arrangements or doorway swags.
• Magnolia: Rich green leaves with velvety brown undersides add a luxe, warm touch.

If you’d rather skip cutting branches altogether, look for fallen cones, seed pods, and dried grasses. Their natural shapes and subtle colors can be just as festive as traditional greenery.

Sustainable Foraging Tips

When collecting natural materials, it’s important to do so thoughtfully. Here’s how to gather responsibly this winter:

1. Know what’s native. Stick to plants that naturally occur in our region. Avoid harvesting from rare or protected species.
2. Take materials sparingly. Gather just a few clippings from each plant so it can continue to thrive.
3. Leave the berries. Many winter fruits feed birds and wildlife. Leaving them in place can provide important nutrients in the winter months! (Read our blog post on overwintering birds and pollinators here.) Consider using faux berries for décor instead.
4. Forage locally. Collect from your own yard, a friend’s property (with permission!), or tree trimmings after storms. Never remove materials from parks or nature preserves. (Please note: Foraging is not allowed at Powell Gardens. Use this information for educational purposes and enjoy foraging elsewhere!)

A sustainable rule of thumb: if wildlife depends on it, leave it. Read more about sustainable foraging in all seasons in another blog post.

Easy DIY Décor Ideas

You don’t need fancy supplies to create natural beauty. Try these simple ideas for natural décor:

• Evergreen jar centerpiece: Fill a clear vase or jar with a mix of clipped greens, pinecones, and a few twigs. Add water for a fresh look or keep dry for longevity.
• Citrus and greenery garland: String slices of dried orange with sprigs of pine or rosemary for a festive, fragrant garland.
• Nature ornaments: Tie ribbon loops around pinecones, seed pods, or cinnamon sticks for eco-friendly tree decorations.
• Outdoor planters: Tuck branches, holly sprigs, and dried grasses into large containers by your front door for a lush winter display.

These natural touches are beautiful as well as biodegradable, compostable, and in harmony with the season’s slower rhythm. A win-win!

A Season for Simplicity

As nature starts its winter rest, bringing a bit of the outdoors in can remind us to appreciate what’s all around us. Simple, sustainable décor celebrates both creativity and conservation. A perfect pairing for the holiday season!

At Powell Gardens, we see every season as a chance to reconnect with Midwest landscapes and its quiet gifts. If you’re feeling inspired, visit us this winter. Arrive before sunset at Evergy Festival of Lights to explore conifers, berries, and textures that thrive in the cold. You may just leave with a few ideas (and a renewed sense of calm) for your own home.