Novita, I think they are berries from Schinus trees. From what I read, seems they are termed "exotic invasives" in FL and yet seem to be recommended as street trees in CA (Los Angeles). I'm not sure they would be hardy for you, plus some sites mention they can cause allergic skin reaction in some people. A good substitute for long lasting red berries which can be used fresh or dried would be Nandina japonica. Probably easier to find locally and would bear berries more quickly. It's attractive yearround, evergreen, healthy and easily grown (one of my favorites...can you tell?) There are places online to order the dried pepperberries, another option. I'm not sure I've ever seen any...but like you I've noticed them in books and got curious. josh Here is a link that might be useful: Schinus trees

I live in SWFlorida and I have been growing both queens wreath and sky vine for five years and love them both. Earlier comments regarding the need for constant pruning of the sky vine are correct but if you have the time the resulting blooms are worth it. One plant covered an eight foot section 4 feet high of chainlink fence and provide a wonderful color display when in bloom and a nice green wall when not. I built a 4 foot ladder trellis for my queens wreath and planted on plant at each end. Within two years the woody vine climbed to the four foot top a spread out across the eight foot long ladder. It now blooms about every three to four months and it is the one plant that I have that everyone who sees it in bloom raves about. Two great plants either is great but the wreathed is a definate show stopper.

Creek, No I never had the directions. My son mad it in a special clas he was in on HS. (He was in the Gifted and Talented class) They made it at school. I do remember that the pages were folded in halo at an angle from the top corner to make santa' belly. His jacket was cut from red felt and trimed in white felt., as was his hat with a white pom=pom. His face was one of the soft plastic that I have seen in craft shops and he had a black belt made from a plastic material. He had a beard made from white curly doll hair. That's about all I remember, It shouldn't be too hard, just getting the deminisions for the jacket, arm length , ect. Wish I still had him, but somewhere along the way he disappeared. Too many little fingers and time has depleted a lot of my "treasures". That same year he made a Holy Family from Faces, empty pringle cans and material dipped in glue to stiffen it and all spray painted gold. I don't have that anymore either, only the memories. Sorry, whish I could be of more help. I have a large Santa collection, all different kinds and sizes. My Dh has givrn me a santa erery year since we've been married-- a total of 18 and I have been given a lot by my kids for gifts,Besides the ones I have bought. I"m running out of space amd can'y display all of them at one time. Would love to have a bigger house at Christmas time, but that would just mean more vaccuming, dusting and moppin the rest of the year, and that is not one of my favorite pasttimes. How is your wreath made. I love trying different things. Last night my DD and I worked on a grapevine wreath decorated in ivy and white roses to use on a gate for my GD's upcoming wedding. I once saw a t=shirt that had a picture of a man and the saying printrd on it said"I can fix anything, just had me the duck tape" I think we women need one that says" I can make anything, just hand me a hot glue gun" Enjoy your posts and love your pictures. I doubt that I will get a chance to learn to post pics until after my two GC' upcomming weddings in Aug and Sept. I' going to have to get the GC to teach me hoe to post pictures.Love the pics of your creek, Love the sound of running water. Take care & stay cool. Janet

Nice idea!! I got a gift of fancy soaps that had shredded packaging material around the soaps! That will work too. Thanks for the idea. Jan