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. Manzanita is cannot be
reshaped like Curly Willow, and is quite strong. 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.
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!
Adapting Manzanita for Non-Centerpiece Use: Our branches are
harvested specifically for centerpiece use, and our suppliers are
instructed to harvest the most symmetrical pieces available. They are
generally not suitable for hanging on a wall, or placing flat against a
vertical surface. Symmetrical pieces must be CUT OR TRIMMED for other
specific uses. We DO NOT GUARANTEE that any cutting or trimming
techniques will adapt your branches for the intended use.
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 branch or tree 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.
- 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.
Branches 
