Tips for Creating a Citrus Topiary

A centerpiece is the highlight of any dinner table. Since elaborate flowers can be expensive, try creating a citrus topiary instead. It’s perfect for any occasion. Plus it’s economical, eco-friendly and smells great!

Supplies:

• Green cone-shaped topiary form, wooden or plastic preferred
• 2-inch nails, if using wooden form
• Wooden floral picks or bamboo skewers, if using plastic form
• Small Florida citrus fruit such as tangerines and tangelos, approximately 16 pieces
• Small pine tree branches
• Metallic ribbon with wire

Instructions:

1. If using a wooden form, hammer nails around the entire cone approximately one inch apart. If using a plastic form, insert floral picks or bamboo skewers around the entire cone approximately one inch apart.
2. Beginning at the bottom, cover the topiary form with the citrus by gently pushing citrus fruit onto the nails or picks until the entire form is covered; approximately 16 pieces will be needed.
3. Fill in spaces between the citrus fruit with small pine tree branches and tuck extra pieces of greenery around the base.
4. Finish off with a metallic wired holiday ribbon: starting from the top, wrap the ribbon around the topiary at least four times.

Florida Citrus Clove Pomanders

Citrus clove pomanders are beautiful and fragrant holiday accents for the home. They are easy to make and friendly on your wallet. Here’s how to make your own pomanders:

Supplies:

• Florida navel oranges
• Whole cloves
• Ribbon

1. Using the pointed ends, push cloves into the skin of the navel oranges. Use as many cloves as you wish to create a design.
2. Tie a festive ribbon around the orange.
3. Once complete, the pomanders can be hung as ornaments on a tree or simply placed in a bowl to scent a room.