Combining some of my favourite spring plants, fresh foliage, and statement stems, this living wreath is the perfect way to welcome the warmer weather. Here’s my six-step guide to creating your own spring wreath
For our family, springtime is always an important time for socialising. Whether it’s gathering the family for Easter celebrations or making the most of sunny Sundays with friends, our home takes on a new lease of life at this time of year. I love welcoming our guests by creating a living wreath to display on our front door. This striking piece uses spring plants and foliage from the garden so will start to grow and change as the season rolls on - and putting it together is easier than you might think.
Read on for my step-by-step guide to creating your own spring wreath:
The ingredients you’ll need…
· 12-inch wire wreath frame
· Wreath wire
· 1 x Primrose plant
· 2 x Viola plants
· Selection of bulbs – I chose white and blue Muscari
· Foliage – I’ve used Rosemary and Olive from our garden
Step 1 – Create a firm foundation
Start by taking your wreath wire and attaching it to the frame. I recommend weaving it in a zig zag pattern as this helps to create a solid foundation for the carpet moss to sit on.
Step 2 – Add a layer of moss
Take your carpet moss and spread it around the frame, securing in place with more wreath wire.
Step 3 – Place your plants
Next, take your Viola and Primrose plants and wrap their compost and roots in a layer of carpet moss, held in place with wrapped wire. Position each place on a wreath in a natural formation.
I find that the visual impact is most impressive when you have an odd number of plants; I used three in a rough triangle shape with the Primrose acting as the focal plant on the bottom left side of the wreath.
Step 4 – Fill will foliage
Once your plants are in position, it’s time to turn to your foliage. Cut into lengths that feel right for the frame and insert them directly into the moss to help fill out the rest of the wreath.
Don’t worry if this step takes a little while. Take a step back every few minutes or ask someone to hold it up for you so that you can assess how the shape is coming together and whether you’ve missed any gaps.
Step 5 – Get creative with bulbs
As soon as you’re happy with the placement of your foliage, start adding your bulbs. If they’re in clusters, break them apart from you’re only dealing with one bulb at a time. Dust off any excess compost and attach them to the wreath using wire. I like to add a group of three bulbs at the top of the wreath and another two at the side.
Step 6 – Go wild
Finally, to add a little extra drama, add some Contorted Hazel stems. In my opinion, the wilder it looks, the better – just make sure you can still close your front door!
