There are plenty of treasures in your backyard to make a wreath.
Johnson County Extension
Using greenery to decorate the holidays was a tradition from colonial days.
Southern churches began to be decorated with elaborate wreaths of ivy, ivy, mountain laurel, and mistletoe. Herbs—like lavender, rosemary, bay leaf, and rose petals—add even more scent to the display.
The idea of decorating fresh greenery spread all over the country. People used what was found in nature to make wreaths, containers, and garlands. Although they are currently available for purchase, creating your own is easy with fresh clippings from your landscaping. It just takes a little planning and imagination.
The greenery collected from the garden is fresh as is. First, consider which branches should be cut and which ones should be left so as not to affect the health and shape of the plant. Then, make the appropriate cut while maintaining its natural appearance.
Before heading out to the yard, think about how the green space will be used. This will determine the length and number of pieces you need. Cut off the marked ends with hand shears.
If you’ve been holding the raw materials a day or two before decorating, place the cut stems in the water. Store in a cool, shaded place outside to reduce drying out.
Evergreen is the backbone of decorating. Consider the look and feel of pine, juniper, spruce, boxwood, holly, and magnolia. Don’t overlook deciduous twigs and plants with berries for added interest. Nandina, viburnum, crabapple and deciduous holly are great options.
Other landscape plants that can be used include oaks, bittersweet, hydrangeas, lotus pods, pinecones, pyracantha balls, and gumballs. Consider spray painting for more glow. Let your imagination flow.
Purchased items, whether fresh or artificial, can complement your design. But what a joy it is to show off your creations using botanical materials from the landscape.
Once cut, keep your plant material fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tricks to extend the life of your creation.
Use clean, sharp bits to remove the stems and keep them in the water until ready to use. Submerge the greenery in water overnight, allowing the branches and stems to absorb the maximum amount of moisture. Re-cut the stems and crush the ends of woody plants to allow for more uptake if used in an arrangement with water.
Spray an antiperspirant to lock in moisture. Use with caution with juniper berries and blue fir because they can damage the wax coating that gives these plants their distinctive color. If possible, keep greenery out of direct sunlight and away from hot drying holes.
Now that you have a stockpile of fresh plant material for greening your wreaths, garlands, containers, and centerpieces, let your creative ideas and imagination flow. Find great ideas and inspiration for holiday decor in magazines, online, or at local garden centers. You may not have the same plant materials available but imagine how choosing your plant could mimic the design in colour, texture and shape.
I don’t consider myself a cunning person, but each season I surprise myself with freshly made wreaths and holiday containers to decorate the patton house. You’ll also be amazed at what you can create to make the holidays even more special.
Dennis Patton is a horticultural agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Do you have a question for him or other university counseling experts? Email it to garden.help@jocogov.org.
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