Wreath Making in the Pacific Northwest is such a treat, we have a bounty of native plants in our own backyards to design unique masterpieces! But what materials are best to use for a long lasting wreath?
Not all greens are created though. While Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), and less common White Fir (Abies concolor) are excellent options for building the base for the best wreath, some greenery simply doesn’t last. I’m talking about Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Although it has gorgeous needles with white undersides, once cut, they soon drop and you’ll have a wreath made of naked twigs; that’s no good, leave those branches on the tree!
Accent foliage
It’s what gives any wreath that Je ne sais quoi - something shiny? Maybe some berries? Twisting, zig-zag stems? We’re looking for unique textures are colors that will stand out and create a pleasing contrast against the base greenery. There are many plants in your own garden that are great candidates for wreath making:
Coniferous or Evergreen Shrubs and Trees:
Pine
Incense cedar
Cryptomeria
Juniper
Arizona cypress
Rosemary
Doug fir
Western red cedar is one of my fav greens to top the bulk of the greenery, it has scaley, shiny strappy fragrant foliage. because it is so flat, you need a lot more material to create a full wreath, it is best used as an accent. I also add many other accents on top of the cedar, mix and match. check out how you like your combinations before you commit to your full design.
Broadleaf Evergreens:
Evergreen Magnolia
Holly (Ilex)
bonus red berries!)
Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina)
great rainbow foliage and large clusters of red berries
Eucalyptus
blue foliage with fragrant leaves
Bay Laurel
green, shiny, fragrant
Salal
Mahonia
Evergreen huckleberry
Ivy
Firethorn (Pyracantha)
bright colored berries
Deciduous:
Red Twig Dogwood (or any other variety/color, they really stand out!)
Colorful stemmed maples like ‘Sangu Kaku’
Willows
some yellow stems or unique, curly growth
Grape vines
Beautyberry
bright purple clusters of berries
Witch Hazel branches
What can I collect around my garden to dry ahead of time for my wreath?
Hydrangea
Grasses
Moss
Poppy seed heads
so much more
Types of Wreath Making:
clamp machine
hand tying - you can do this at home!
wire wrap
What makes for a long lasting wreath?
Fresh cut greens
Place outdoors (never indoors, it will dry out in a few days and fall apart!)
If it is under cover, a couple spritzes of water every once in awhile will keep it fresh
