In the Garden
Michael Miyashiro
RAINFOREST
Succulents
Now that the trade winds are back, we can feel some holiday spirit. Thanksgiving and the table setting was the beginning of our traditional holiday decorating. Most orchids at this time seem to be on their last legs, flower sprays with blooms opened to their tips and spaces in between of dying or dried blossoms. Those elongated bromeliads really could use some light just about now. Succulents that were having a fine vacation sitting out in the heat and sunlight of summer now are fat and colorful. Now it's their turn to help decorate interiors.
We'll begin to select some materials in preparation for your buffet or dining table for holiday entertaining. Pick an old favorite basket out of the closet. Then choose some old, nicely patterned linens or cut up an old tablecloth. Get those old saucers or plastic container lids, a clump of Pele's hair or Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) from the garden, and for accents, a couple of bunches of Indian corn, baby gourds, or baby pumpkins. Select your favorite succulents. Pick plants that are not flowering for best indoor life. Kalanchoe, Crassulas (Jade Plants), Aloes, Haworthias, Gasterias, even cacti make excellent decorations.
Begin by lining the basket with the cloth material, then insert the saucers or lids to hold a pot of succulents. This will help to contain water. Use the Spanish Moss to separate the various pots, then decorate with Indian corn, gourds, etc. Be creative and add some leaves from the garden, seashells or coral, maybe even some pheasant feathers. There you have it! A simple arrangement that will impress even the most oblivious guest to say, "Wow, the table looks great!"
The same succulent arrangement can be adorned with pine cones, Christmas ornaments, a red bow, or even a small potted poinsettia (by the way, poinsettias are members of the succulent family).
Michael Miyashiro owns Rainforest at Ward Warehouse. Contact him at 591-9999 or email him at RainforestHawaii@aol.com. “In the Garden” is a Friday Feature.
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