Irene Virag's Garden Party: Unplug Christmas

I'd like to thank all of you who sent in photos of the natural decorations you're decking the halls with. Your pictures and notes in response to my column about unplugging Christmas gave me hope for a greener holiday. And I must say, I lit up when I realized my column appeared in the paper's annual celebration of holiday lights. I'll announce my winner on Tuesday. In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.

Mother Nature Does It Best

Pege Chellis sent this in with a note saying she hoped I like it. I do.

A Natural Chanukah

Barbara Isralewitz made a menorah out of a grape vine, pear tree twig, poppy seed cases, pachysandra, Echinacea seed pods, dusty miller and rose of Sharon seed pods.

A Bird in the Wreath

Sandy Spitz's homegrown wreath welcomes visitors.

Here's part of Sandy's note to me: "These projects constitute my holiday decorations...most home grown...all flowers dried by me and painted pinecones, reeds and hydrangeas done by my husband. These decorations go from fall into winter...Although we do not celebrate Christmas, we do celebrate the beauty of nature in all seasons!"

Below are a few more examples of Sandy's handiwork:

Top: Her Thanksgiving arrangement of hydrangeas, strawflowers and pine cones now sits on a rocker on the front porch next to pots of metallic pine cones, staghorn sumac and rosehips with bittersweet.

Middle: A simple spray of greens and berries

Bottom: A pine cone wreath

Who Needs Poinsettias?

Not John Kirincic, whose Christmas cacti are in resplendent bloom just in time for the holidays.

Shape Up for the Holidays

Al Gallo wanted me to know that he transforms cuttings from his garden into grave blankets and uses greens to fill empty summer pots. He spruces up his artificial wreath with holly and hemlock and tucks in pine cones that he gathers when he goes on walks. He also wanted me to know this: "I love to garden and enjoy your column."

Paean to Pine Cones

Celeste Saladino's tree stands just under five feet tall is made mostly of pine cones -- dried artichokes, statice and red velvet bows provide finishing touches. Her wreaths and candle holder below feature walnut shells, acorns and more pine cones. And the table tree is fashioned from sweet gum balls and artifical fruit.

Mr. Bear at Christmas

Wendy Fisher got this carved bear from her son in Vermont several years ago. He stands on her front stoop and Wendy dresses him up in seasonal finery. "All the children who come to the door just love Mr. Bear!" she writes.