As I was driving home from somewhere the other day I noticed someone had pruned a Peegee Hydrangea and there was a huge pile of clippings with big, blowsy bunches of brown flowers by the curb. I almost stopped the car to grab some for bouquets and wreaths, but I didn't really have a specific idea in mind and so I passed the pile by. I rarely create wreaths from scratch, so I felt like I would need a little help to get me started if I wanted to try making one this year.
A couple of days later Avant Gardens in MA put up a nice blog post about making wreaths with close-up images of all the types of material you might use as well as tips on construction and how to keep it looking good.
If you are looking for wreath ideas, here are a few that I've saved for inspiration over the years because they relied on only one or two items to make a statement. At this increasingly busy season, I love finding simple solutions like these.
In the end I went even more minimalist than these wreaths. For years we've been buying our evergreen wreath from our nephew but he's all done with that now. So I decided to leave Mark Skudlarek's ceramic platter by the front door as a wreath stand-in. Then I added a little color with red berries to match the red ribbons on the bench by the entrance. Pretty much a repeat of last year, which begs the question of why I continue to collect images of wreaths and fancifully decorated holiday doors.
Beautifully subtle and I love those red doors.
Posted by: Jane M | Thursday, December 01, 2016 at 10:07 AM
Great ideas but I love your wreath concept the best. Looks fetching with your bright red door.
Posted by: Erin @ The Impatient Gardener | Thursday, December 01, 2016 at 10:19 AM
I could say it's the lazy way out, but then again not many people have four ceramic platters hanging on the wall of their house outside all year long! Seemed like I should take advantage of that design motif.
Posted by: Linda from Each Little World | Thursday, December 01, 2016 at 10:24 AM
It's always fun to collect inspirational images for projects we may never actually create. Your entrance & ceramic plate wreath look very festive!
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Thursday, December 01, 2016 at 02:09 PM
I would probably eat the brussel sprout wreath. ha... All are interesting. I haven't done much as yet.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Thursday, December 01, 2016 at 07:40 PM
Oh, I agree: Simplicity and grace are often most effective--especially during this over-the-top time of year. Your entrance looks lovely and festive. Thanks for the wreath ideas!
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | Thursday, December 01, 2016 at 07:59 PM