IMO...there's no real answer to your question. I've had fresh evergreens last up to a month and some that dropped their needles and left town after a few days. It depends on who makes them, how they were made and the temperature under which they will be kept. If the atmospheric temps remain relatively low...it will contribute to a longer life. If it's hung outside...or in an area that will get outside chilly temps...it could last a month or more. I've had outdoor wreaths last beyond a month when the temps averaged below freezing.

For inside displays...the important thing is to keep the cut branches in water. Displays are usually set into a foam base that retains water but it should be checked often. If the greenery stems were cut correctly by the creator...making sure the cut is clean and immediately immersed in water...the display should last at least a week to ten days. Maybe longer if the inside temps are moderately low.

If your contemplating these decorative items from L.L.Bean...as I am...discuss your concerns with their order department. They're wonderful people and always eager to help with the success of their evergreen products. I've never been disappointed with their creations. But I'm in no position to guarantee them either because I don't supervise their creation.

It depended on how fresh cut the components were when put together. I buy a 52" evergreen base wreath that comes with assorted evergreens and cones from a nursery about an hour from here every year, add my own ribbons and ornaments. Its decorated for winter, not necessarily Christmas red and green and I will usually leave it up, outside, until after Valentines Day with no browning, needle drop. I'll buy it next week.

The year I tried to stay local and bought one from a long time downtown garden and pet store, it was dropping needles in my entryway before Christmas and was taken down before New Years, a disappointment.

If you think she will keep it indoors, my guesstimate would be a couple of weeks depending on the warmth and indoor humidity of her house. If you are ordering one shipped to you and not buying it on site, probably less than that.

It is from the company Jackson and Perkins. Thanks for all the great responses (and so quick) on a very busy holiday!

NOT an expert on cut greens, but seem to remember that MANY of the trees that are already sitting outside places like W-mart (in NJ) were probably cut before Halloween, so already a month old?

YEARS ago, SIL gave me a bay wreath. She thought could be used to make load of pesto after holidays?? Wrong herb. That thing hung in my kitchen to it was totally dried and brown, but leaves were good pretty much forever to season stuff.

Jackson & Perkins is a pretty reliable outfit, Anne. I've never ordered anything from them but I scour their catalog with glee...and if I suddenly find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...they'll get a lot of business from me. :-) I'm sure their customer service people would be pleased to help with your decision.

I know--their stuff is gorgeous but expensive. Normally I wouldn't consider it but this friend is really wonderful and has helped me out a lot this year.

Come to the KT ... for fast, in-depth, comprehensive service.

(Reportedly ... with a smile).

o j

Your friend is, indeed, fortunate to have you as a friend, Anne. First because you're so thoughtful...and second...because she's about to be the benefactor of a unique and carefully selected gift.

Not sure about store bought greenery, I've seen some though that are beautiful and so tempting. I gather pine and boxwood and other naturals from around the property for wreaths on the garden gate every year. They last through Christmas and beyond if I leave them up, esp. the boxwood. Also helps as other have mentioned if the temps are on the cool to cold side.

I too would be thrilled to receive them as gifts, no matter how long they lasted.