...with boughs of holly...

Deck the HOUSE with boughs of holly,

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la...
(Do you think folks used to actually deck their halls?)

I was so excited to see my holly bush out back, heavy laden with clusters of red berries.

Some years there aren't any berries at all and I've often wondered why.

I already knew the part about only female plants will produce berries,

but only if a male is within a certain distance from her.

Well, once you have berries, you'd think you would have them every year, right?

I mean, it's not like these bushes just get up and move around...
...and away from said male or female influences.

Maybe the male and female bushes were just not getting along well that year.

I didn't know why...I am horticulturally challenged!

 

So I got curious and if you are interested, you can read more about holly right here.

Many of you smarty-pants friends already know these facts, no doubt.

There are other things that can interfere, such as the weather...too wet or too dry.
Regardless, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many beautiful red berries this year.
These red and green boughs just make everything look so Christmas-y!






When I was young and much more ambitious,
I made wreaths and centerpieces from real greenery just about every year.
I even tied boughs of evergreen together to make my own garlands.
I do love the old-fashioned look of them and of course, the aroma is heavenly!
Adding some holly to the mix just makes it perfection.

Do you have a holly bush in your yard or use real greenery for your decorations?

Today, I'm linking to



 Mosaic Monday

Won't you come over and check out everyone's lovely mosaics?