Natural Branches:
Consistently Inconsistent!
When purchasing natural branches such as Manzanita, Curly
Willow and Birch, keep in mind that they are unlike other decorative
branches used for floral design. Each one is an individual shape and
sculpture, and may take on a variety of shapes and variations. Most
professional centerpieces are created using several branches to achieve a
full look, so always consider purchasing additional pieces or fillers.
This needs to be a first consideration when purchasing your branches.
It's best to order your branches all at once.
If you place an order today, and another order in a week, you will
nearly always see a difference in the product. This is because the
harvest areas change every 2-4 days, resulting in changes in the
harvested product. No two harvests are ever the same.
Returns on harvested products (branches): Nearly all floral suppliers will not offer returns on harvested material. We do offer a limited return window. Please see our
return policy for more information.
Floral Work Required! If you are
not comfortable with working with natural products, then creating your
own centerpieces is not for you. Hire a florist. Just as your lovely
bouquet of roses has no thorns or discolored petals, be assuerd that
they did not come from the floral market that way. They had to
de-leafed, de-thorned, wired, and the discolored outer petals removed
before the arranging was even begun.
Manzanita and other natural branches are no different in this regard.
Strong trimming tools and floral paint are pracitcally a necessity for
creating a nice centerpiece with this material. Just plopping them in a
vase with some rocks is just not realistic. Be ready to be the florist,
be creative, and have fun!
The following characteristics of manzanita branches are naturally occurring, and are a part of working with the material.
Characteristics of Natural (red) Manzanita:
- Shape: shapes vary with each piece, harvest area, and
time of year. Manzanita always grows wide and flat rather than
symmetrically.
- Branches: branches can vary greatly in diameter with each piece.
- Size: sizes are approximate and vary with each piece, harvest area, and time of year.
- Bark: color and condition of the bark will vary with each season,
harvest area and time of year. Spring through Summer (six month period),
Manzanita bark will regenerate and peeling will take place. To remove
loose or peeling bark, use a soft brush. For stubborn areas, use a light
wire brush. Some branches may turn a gray color, which is normal. If
the entire piece turns gray, please send us photos so that we
can assist you with this. For peeling and gray areas, the best solution
is to touch up with floral paint, such as Design Master's "October
Brown" floral paint available at Michael's Crafts.
- Spring and Summer Harvest: Spring through Summer (six month period),
Manzanita bark will regenerate and peeling will take place.
- Age: Manzanita branches will last indefinitely (we
have centerpieces in our showroom that are several years old). Cracks
and splits will occur as the wood naturally cures, however this will not
cause them to break in half, fall apart, etc. Using the floral paint
mentioned above to add color into the spliting areas makes them
practically non-noticeable.
- Leaves: leaves are mechanically or manually removed, depending on the current season, harvest or time of year.
