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Whether as a symbol of life, immortality, Olympic accolade, or simply a welcome greeting,
wreaths have been used in various cultures for thousands of years. Over time, wreaths have evolved
through many styles and for diverse purposes, but the living wreath - one of the most recent forms
of wreaths - gained popularity in the 1970's when horticulturist Teddy Colbert introduced it through
an article in the Los Angeles Times. Although most commonly planted with a variety of succulent
plants such as sedum, beautiful living wreaths can also be crafted with a selection of lettuce,
herbs such as cilantro, dill, English thyme, and sage, ivy, and even strawberries! So long as your
wreath has plenty of sunlight, adequate water, and is periodically pruned, your living wreath will
serve as a welcoming entryway on a front door, garden gate, or patio table.
Wreath ring
Spanish or sheet moss
Bucket
Monofilament fishing line
Potting soil with perlite, lightly watered before use (if not purchased pre-moistened)
Small plants
Scissors/pruners
Directions:
- Soak the moss in a bucket of water until thoroughly wet; drain on screen, strainer, or paper towels for several hours while covered with plastic (ex; plastic trash bag) to prevent it from drying out.
- Arrange the moist moss in a circle (green side down, if applicable), approximately 2-1/2-times the diameter of the frame and 1-1/2-inches deep.
- Place the wreath ring upside down, overtop the moss mat. Tie the fishing line around the wreath ring and then around the moss, securing it to the wire ring.
- Remove the plants from their containers, and place around the inside of the wreath ring, leaving a few inches between plants for growth space. Fill remaining spaces with potting soil.
- Fold remaining moss around the wreath and overtop the soil (weaving between the plants). Secure by tying fishing line around the moss.
- Water the wreath thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light for several days. Once the plants are acclimated, move or hang the wreath to a location with bright, full sun.
Wreath Care & Tips
- Plant young seedlings or seeds as opposed to mature plants, which will take longer to get established and may not grow as well with the limited soil capacity.
- If hanging your wreath, rotate periodically so the plants on the bottom don't stay saturated.
- If planting with strawberries, use everbearing strawberries, which should fruit from early summer through fall.
- For easy watering, soak your wreath in a water-filled container or the top of a trash can lid for at least 20 minutes, or until it is thoroughly moist. Re-water once the soil dries out.
- Avoid misting your wreath, which promotes shallow roots and weakens the plants.
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Sources
Miles, DJ. "How to Make a Living Wreath." WSU Clark County Extension. Washington State University. http://clark.wsu.edu/vol-unteer/mg/gm_tips/Livi-
ngWreath.html.
"Care and Maintenance." The Original Living Wreath by Margee.
com/care.php.
Swezey, Lauren Bonar.
"How to Make Your Own Living Wreath." Sunset.
sunset/printthis/0,22708,
686119,00.html.
Swezey, Lauren Bonar.
"Kitchen Garden Wreaths." Sunset.
sunset/printthis/0,22708,
686120,00.html.
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New Category for Website
Scratch & Dent
Find slightly damaged product greatly reduced
and discontinued items! |
NEW PRODUCT
Handblown Glass Mushroom Stakes
A sure hit with any gardener! These glass mushroom stakes are a new creation from Andrew Holmberg - our butterfly feeder artist.
Sold as a set of three with rebar stakes included.
About the Author
Courtney Capstack is a trained
horticulturist from Virginia Tech.
Courtney has worked at the Chicago
Botanic Garden and as a volunteer
at the Hahn Horticulture Garden.
Courtney currently works at the
American
Horticultural Society
in Alexandria, Virginia.
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