In the Garden
Ralph Purkhiser, Purdue University Master Gardener
We previously discussed the importance of keeping cut trees well hydrated, but what about the other formerly live plant materials that make it into our holiday decorations? The basic truth is that everything that once grew from a root needs moisture to remain safe and attractive. If you are using cut greens for only a couple of days, you may be able to keep them just by spraying them a couple of times a day with water. However, if your decorations are meant to remain through the holidays, further steps are necessary.
You could place each individual stem in a vial of water, much the way florists do for some special arrangements. However, the water in these small vials is not enough to last long, and they will need to be refilled frequently. Another option, is to put the greenery in vases, and change the water about every three days. Probably the safest option is to use artificial greenery inside the house. I am usually not a big fan of artificial plant material, but safety is the most important part of decorating.
As the carol states, “The prettiest sight you’ll see is the holly that will be on your own front door.” That is a good place for a holly wreath. Outside, cut greens may be misted and should be fine for a few weeks. You may also spray them with an anti-transpirant, which will help the material retain its natural moisture.
We do not really know where the custom of placing a wreath on the door originated, but we do know that wreaths of laurel leaves were given to returning warriors in ancient Persia. They wore them on their heads. This custom later was passed to the Greeks, who gave laurel wreaths to champions in athletic events. Wreaths were the original Olympic medals! It is plausible to believe that those champions would later display the wreaths on the doors of their homes.
Whatever the origin, by the Middle Ages, wreaths had become a part of Christmas decorating. People had embraced the symbolism of the circular form as God’s unending love, and the evergreen boughs used in the construction symbolized eternal life.
As with trees, knowing the source of your wreath is important. Buying a pre-made wreath at a big box store means that the material in the wreath has probably been cut several weeks ago. If you want to keep your wreath around for a while longer, buy from a local craftsman who uses fresh-cut material.
The freshest wreaths are the ones you make yourself. It is not a terribly hard process. All you need is some sort of round or oval base, floral wire and access to plant material. The forms are generally available at craft stores. You will find forms made of wire, plastic, Styrofoam and vines. Personally, I prefer to make wreaths from grapevines that I braid into circles. I then begin placing greens and other decorative plant material into the form.
Use your imagination and what you have available. Laurel and holly are the traditional materials, but any evergreen tree or shrub may yield materials for a wreath. I even use the invasive Japanese honeysuckle vines to help form the wreath base. While most commercially-available wreaths are made of a single plant, I like to mix it up. I may use the evergreen leaves of hellebores as an accent on a wreath. I like conifer foliage and the cones, but I also use broad-leaf evergreens, such as magnolia and rhododendron foliage. Dried grass seed heads and flowers may also be used. Spray paint is your friend. I like to spray dried hydrangea blooms with silver, gold or metallic blue spray paint. With such an accent, you may decide you do not even need to add a bow.
Have fun. Make your wreath unique. No one else will have one exactly like yours.