Do you have any information on how to start growing a living wreath?
Supplies:
– Concave wire wreath form, this can be purchased at any craft store such as Michaels or Joanne Fabrics
— 3 lbs Long-fiber sphagnum moss for 12” wreath. Don’t cut or tear moss into smaller pieces, leave in large strips. Pahl’s carries a selection of this moss in different sizes. Not all garden centers carry this product so check with your local garden center to see if they carry it.
— Potting mix
–Plants: Tough, drought tolerant or shady plants grow best in a living wreath. Select small plants with similar moisture needs. Succulents, lavender, rosemary, and thyme all do best in well-drained soil. They will work well together in a wreath. Ivy works very well in a living wreath as it can be trained. Pay close attention to the moisture needs of your plant selection. Moss can tend to dry out and the living wreath requires daily attention, but are well worth it!
— Florist’s wire or fishing line. Also purchased at a craft store.
— Floral pins. Optional in attaching small pieces of moss, securing small plants or training vine plants. .
To begin:
1. Soak sphagnum moss in warm water for about 20 minutes.
2. Lay wreath form on a flat service. Tie end of florist wire onto the wreath form.
3. Layer moss generously in wreath form. Let strips overlap and allow plenty of moss to hang over the outer edge of the wreath form. This moss will be later used to cover potting soil and secure plants. Continue to pack moss until the entire form is covered, but leave some room around the top and center for potting mix. You may choose to use florist wire to secure moss to the bottom and sides of wreath form.
4. Pack potting mix into the space left behind in step 3. Moistening the potting mix with a spray bottle helps in placing the soil.
5. Wrap the excess moss around the soil and use floral wire to secure it into quarters around the wreath form.
6. Arrange plants loosely on top of the moss and decide on their placement.
7. Pull moss slightly back, plant larger plants in the soil first. Replace moss around plant base to cover soil and wrap florist wire securely around moss and plant.
8. Continue adding plants and securing with wire.
9. To finish fill and gaps, holes or bare areas with moss.
Remember to water wreath regularly or mist with a spray bottle. These wreaths are a beautiful addition to outside gardens and inside the home. Enjoy.
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