Buy as fresh as possible: The fresher your greenery upon receiving it, the longer it will last. Investigate retailers to learn where their fresh-cut greenery comes from, and how long it has been cut before you purchase it. If you can cut your own greenery at a local farm or from your own yard, your results can be even better.
Soak to save greenery: Give your fresh greens a thorough soaking to rehydrate the stems and plants before you craft decorative arrangements. Dunk the plants in cool, clean, fresh water and completely immerse them for at least 24 hours to be sure they have absorbed as much water as possible. If complete immersion is not possible, at least give all cut ends a thorough soaking.
Make misting a must: Regular misting every 1-2 days will help keep them properly hydrated and if your home is very dry, adding a humidifier near the decorations can also help keep them moist. If your arrangements include ribbons or any faux accents, however, remove those accents before misting to avoid any running colors or other water damage that can spoil the look of your decorations.
Try anti-transpirant sprays: Using anti-transpirant or anti-desiccant sprays can help keep your fresh wreaths and other seasonal greenery from losing moisture. These sprays are developed to protect plants in drought-prone areas, and can be used to prolong the freshness and vibrancy of cut greenery as well. Spray the plants well before arranging them, coating the leaves, needles and branches from every angle for the best results.
Keep them cool: Cooler air will help keep your fresh evergreen arrangements from drying out as quickly. If possible, avoid putting these decorations in a room with an active fireplace, and avoid positioning them in direct sunlight or near heating vents or other breezes or drafts. Moving the decorations outdoors or into a cooler area at night, such as into an unheated basement or garage, can also help them stay fresh for much longer.
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