Wreaths have been a part of celebrations since the earliest civilizations, representing victory, rejuvenation, and a circle of eternal hope. Wreaths have been door decorations, headdresses, and waistbands. For thousands of years, religions and cultures of the world have delighted in fresh leaf and vine wreaths. 

Gathering the supplies for your wreath is an adventure in nature. Your garden has healing powers when you approach your search with awareness in the present moment, appreciating its beauty. You may find treasures lying about in your backyard, neighborhood park, nearby forest, or Christmas tree lot. Eucalyptus pods, succulents, and dried flowers make fun additions. 

Being in nature can positively impact your mood by clearing the mind, energizing the body to help eliminate fatigue, enhancing concentration, and promoting a positive outlook. The smell of pine, cedar, cypress, or fir trees or rosemary branches is uplifting and invigorating. Listening to a nearby stream, birds in the trees, or squirrels scampering in the leaves, is soothing to the spirit. The red ardisia, toyon, or holly berries are bright spots of energy and cheer in the winter landscape. Concentrating on your search can ease your stress, and you end up with plenty of supplies to share.

The Organic Garden Club has a Wreath Making Workshop every year. We provide wire wreath forms and floral wire. Members bring greenery, berries, moss, ribbons, and decorations to share. Some members have grapevines and straw that are made into a circle with twine to create a wreath form. If you don’t live nearby check your local craft store, where you can find various sizes of wire wreath forms and floral wire. Invite your friends over for an couple of hours of holiday spirit!

To make a wreath, cut your greenery into a small bundle, lay it on the wire form, and wrap floral wire tightly around the stems several times. Add berries or a decoration and wrap the floral wire around the bundle attaching it to the wire form. Continue adding bundles all around the wire wreath until you come back to where you started. Add ribbons and more decorations as you like. The wreaths are beautiful outdoors or indoors, on the door, the mantle, or the table and will bring joy to your holiday.