In Florida, grapevine and other great vines abound! We have access to a wonderful variety of  vines that we can incorporate into our floral designs and artistic crafts. This is especially true during the extended holiday season, from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  Here are some examples of ways to use vines in creating floral accents for your home that bring nature indoors.  And, vine lends itself to fashioning a cherry snowman to place on any door outside, to proclaim  "Happy Holidays" to visitors and family.

Supplies needed:
Large jug-type wine bottle
Confederate Jasmine vine
Grapevine
Plastic throwaway champagne glass
9 - 12 stems Boston fern
9 springs Leyland cypress
12 stems nandina(avoid new growth, will not condition or last)
variegated ivy, 5 stems
dried curly dock( found on roadsides)
3 stems croton leaves

Taking a block of soaked Oasis(floral foam), cut to fit inside the plastic champagne glass which has been inserted into the stem of the bottle(down into the neck of the bottle) - after removing the round base of the "glass".  Use waterproof tape, or scotch tape to stabilize this "mechanic" - run 3 strips of tape across the top of  the foam and down onto the bottle, an inch or so. Then, simply begin inserting your plant materials, with materials radiating out from a central axis of the foam.  We have shown here an array of plant materials from the yard, using only foliage. But, a Christmas design could be created using more evergreens and
materials with Christmas colors.  Be sure to mist the design and to add a bit of water to keep the Oasis wet so the design will last. Plastic stemware is available at party supply stores and grocery stores. This is a good way to mix dried and fresh plant materials !

Tip:  Be sure the bottle is heavy enough to support the weight ofthe arrangement.  Water can be added to the bottle to add weight,and the water could be colored with food coloring if the bottle is clear, to make red or green for the holidays.

SQUARE GLASS CONTAINER
Supplies needed:
Vines
Glass container(import stores have a good selection)
Shrimp plant
Nandina
Any small flowering branches
Note: The vine is swirled inside the glass container to act as the
"mechanic" for supporting the stems and to give the arranger control of the plant materials.What could be easier

This is a loose, airy arrangement to bring the beautiful colors of autumn into the home.  Be sure the water goes to the top of the container, as that looks best. Mist to keep fresh longer.

Just insert the stems in a pleasing manner, after you have swirled the vine inside the container in a random fashion. Easy and quick !

TURKEY IN A "NEST"
Supplies needed:
Grapevine and honeysuckle vine
Beauty berry, 5 stems
Pittosporum
Hydrangea
Nandina
Boxwood

Round low bowl-type container, or low tray. Clay saucer would be fine.  Block of soaked Oasis, cut to fit inside the container.

Tip:  It's generally best to leave 2 inches or so ABOVE THE RIM of your containers, so you can insert plant material at a downward angle now and then. It's always a good rule of thumb, to break the rim of the container in traditional designs.

Also, New growth on foliage doesn't condition well, and will wilt. Cut foliage that is more mature, and not the newest growth on the tips. Condition simply means you've given the material a good drink of water in a cool place, to prepare for using in the design. Many foliages work best after a good soak submerged in the
bathtub ! Just give a good hydration, and makes the material last and look crisp and fresh in the arrangement.

A circle of the vines was created by forming the vine into a circle, after inserting the stems onto, first one side of the Oasis, and then into the other.  Grapevine leaves were left on, to give that look of fall, when the leaves are turning.  A ceramic turkey was glued onto a hair spray can top(with hot glue) and that was inserted down into
the foam block, off center.  Next, the plant materials were placed in a radiating fashion, creating a "nest" for the turkey.  Just addmaterials in a pleasing fashion, remember to strive for balance. And, decide where you will be placing your design...and whether it will be viewed from all sides, or just from the front. But, even if it
is to be viewed mainly from the front....remember to finish off the back with sprigs of foliage, and to cover the foam block(your "mechanics") so that is not visible.

Yarrow, curly dock, mums....could be added, as could many other materials to "jazz" up the design.  This was simply done with Yard Greenery and materials that were readily available.