Purdue
University
Consumer Horticulture
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
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Purdue
University
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By Mary Welch-Keesey, Purdue University Consumer Horticulture
Specialist, and Martha Bailey, volunteer, at
White River
Gardens
One of the most popular decorations is the holiday wreath. Wreaths
may be used in many different ways in residences, offices, and other
buildings: on the stairway, on the walls, on doors within the rooms,
or as a centerpiece on a table.
Safety
One important consideration in purchasing or preparing wreaths is safety. Plants can be harmful to health, especially children's. Before deciding which plants to use, learn which are toxic. The berries of mistletoe are toxic as are yew leaves and seeds. Several plants can cause allergic reactions if they touch the skin. Know the names of the plants you are using so that, in an emergency, you can provide the information to medical personnel. Another potential danger is from lighted candles incorporated into wreaths and other decorations. Never leave the house until all candles are extinguished.
Materials Needed
Base--Many options are available as long as the base is sturdy. Bend a wire coathanger or cut rigid Styrofoam, cardboard or wood into the desired shape. Overlap straw, long grasses, evergreens, herbs, raffia, moss and secure them to the base with wire or string. Twigs, grapevines, and other vines can be treated the same way.
Heavy twine---with which to hang the wreath.
Sturdy wire---to attach the greens to the frame and the ornaments to the greenery.
Wire cutters
Greens---traditional evergreens are spruce, hemlock, balsam, fir, yew, and pine branches as well as bay and laurel leaves.
Garden gloves---to protect your hands.
Ornaments---these can be ribbons, dried flowers, nuts, pine cones, dried herbs, candles, cookies, pretzels, or photographs.
Preparation
Cut a length of twine and tie around the frame to provide a hanging loop when the wreath is completed. Add greenery. You may work in one direction, filling in the entire wreath as you go, or attach sprigs to the frame's perimeter first, the inside second, and its front surface last. Add the ornaments, using glue, pins, or picks.
Last updated: 6 April, 2006
For questions on this article, please contact Mary Welch-Keesey (mwelch@indyzoo.com).
Questions about this site should be sent to homehort@purdue.edu
The URL for this page is http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/WRG_wreaths.html