Dear Jean and Richard, I’ve seen sticks in a vase used as an accessory, but when I try it, it looks silly. Do you ever use found materials in your interiors? –Esther, Mills River

Richard: I confess my yard might not yield much in the way of natural materials, but I’m sure Jean’s could produce all kinds of things, like poison ivy wreaths, bird nest baskets, or pinecone centerpieces.

Jean: Ha ha, very funny. Actually, those sticks Esther is talking about are usually curly willow branches, and can in fact be very attractive when displayed in something like a heavy glass vase. But if you choose to try them, make sure they have some size to them and there are several to fan out—otherwise, they will just look like you collected some wayward sticks from your yard.

Richard: Well, isn’t that the point? Found materials? I live on an urban street, and what I find you wouldn’t want to display! But lots of people have flowering trees and shrubs that offer opportunities for real centerpieces or beautiful arrangements.

Jean: Of course! I’m just saying don’t be bashful with the idea. Three sticks in a jar will look like a kindergartner did it, where a single flower in a beautiful vase can be lovely. I like to cut a flowering branch—or several—at least two feet long for display, or use a double handful of greenery to showcase cut flowers. Bring some of that outrageous color and unpredictable pattern and texture from the natural world inside. Natural sculpture! And this time of year there are lots of choices.

Richard: Yes, but use caution when choosing. If you’re not careful, you might bring bugs inside too, or some beautiful plants that don’t smell as good as they look. If you brought in a sprig of English Boxwood, for example, you might think the cat missed the litter box. Unless you’re in Jean’s house. Then chances are the cat used the cut flowers instead of the litter box.

Jean: And you wonder why I don’t invite you over very often. Besides, it’s much more likely my cats would chew on the flowers than soil them. But that’s not the point. For my own “back yard” arrangements, I take advantage of what every season brings—cherry blossoms or forsythia in the spring, magnolias or hydrangeas in the summer, camellias in the fall, and yes, maybe even pinecones or holly in the winter.

Richard: Well, accessories can be from the natural world without coming from your yard, too. Consider using a beautiful large clam shell for a tissue holder, or an exotic rock for a bookend. But make sure they are overscale and mix them in with more conventional elements. Just sticks and stones and dead pine cones like hers will never charm me.

Jean: Oh, that was painful. But speaking of charming, cats can serve as exquisite living accessories! I’ll get their bowls and toys, and we’ll be right over to decorate your home, Richard!