Native Wreath
It’s nearing the Summer Solstice and the Festive Season which usually means it’s time to decorate our homes. This year, have fun making this native wreath which will take you outside, introduce you to some local native plants, allow you to move more slowly through this festive season and enjoy beautiful decorations you’ve made yourself!
I love to celebrate the seasons and seasonal festivals. The summer solstice coincides well with the Christmas season and so making decorations that celebrate the sun and are festive are a bonus for me.
This crown or wreath does not need many materials and takes around 30min to make. Always harvest any plant responsibly, leaving wildflowers to flourish, only taking a small amount and never from places where there are signs stating plants must be left.
To begin, take a walk and gather some native plants. Plants with scented leaves can bring a festive aroma to your space and using plants that will dry beautifully is best. Although you can always change out plants if your wreath need freshening up.
You will need:
Native plants and flowers. Another option would be to purchase natives from a florist.
For the grass wreath you could also use straw or weave bendy twigs into a circle.
Scissors
Twine or gardening wire.
So, let’s make a start! Things are about to get beautifully messy.
Cut a length of twine or wire so that it is more manageable to wrap around the grass. Pick up a bundle of grass and tie the twine around it. You can choose whatever thickness for the wreath however it is easier to wrangle if you can wrap your hand around it easily.
Now, working your way along the length of the grass bundle, continue going around tightly with the twine. When the grass starts to thin, pick up another small bundle and add it as you wrap the twine around (Image 2).
It can be a little fiddly however this part of the wrath will be covered in beautiful plants so there is no need for it to be too pretty. Continue gradually adding more grass until you have your desired thickness and length.
Hold the two ends together to get an idea of the wreath diameter if you want to measure it on your head for a crown. Once you are happy with the length, join the two ends (Image 3) and wrap the twine around completing the circle (Image 4). At this point you can squish and press the wreath to get the shape you want.
Place out your plants and starting with the bigger plants, work your way around the crown one plant at a time. You can either take a few of the bottom leaves of the stems and poke the stems into the grass or under the twine. Alternatively, you can cut another length of twine and use this to wrap around the wreath, gradually adding plants as you go. I used a screwdriver ( you could also use a butter knife) to make little gaps in which to stick the plant stems (Image 1).
Continue adding leaves and flowers, filling any empty pockets. If any stems stick out you can tuck them in or cover them with another plant. Add as much or as little as you want!
I added little yellow buttons from my garden at celebrate the sun element. The plants I chose also have beautiful scents which were tickling my nose in the best way as I made this crown.
Thank you for joining me make this native Summer Solstice or Festive Wreath. This can be a fun activity with friends or family and makes a beautiful gift.