Create a Living Wreath
A living wreath can be planted with almost any type of plant or flower, and the combinations of plants and decorations you can use are endless. Here is a list of materials and step-by-step instructions for creating a wreath.
Materials Needed:
- A 20-inch, coated metal, snap together wreath frame
- Wire or hanging device
- 12 dry quarts of sphagnum moss
- 3 4-inch pots of plants or flowers
- 2-3 six-packs of plants or flowers
- Quality organic potting soil
- Peat moss
- Wire
Step One: Add wire or a hanging device to the center top of the back half of the wreath frame. Soak the moss in water for a few minutes and squeeze out the excess water. Remove the front portion of the wreath frame and cover the entire back portion with a thick layer of moss.
Step Two: Mix several cups of potting soil and peat moss and put several inches of the mixture on top of the moss. Snap the front half of the wreath frame onto the back half.
Step Three: Plant greenery or flowers in a triangular pattern. Plants that trail, such as ivy, work well in these locations. Pack more moss around the plants, making a nest for the roots and leaving room for the smaller plants to grow.
Step Four: Fill in the entire wreath with the six-pack plants or flowers, placing them very tightly together. Fill spaces between the plants with more moss, pressing it into the wreath as tightly as you can. With the wreath lying flat, water it thoroughly. Hang your wreath on a large, sturdy hook.
The amount of water your wreath will require depends on the plants you use and its exposure to the sun. In a few weeks, lay your wreath flat to water and fertilize. As your plants grow, pinch them back and replace declining plants with new ones.
Take a tour of my garden on my website (lindamarrone.com) to see examples of my living wreaths.
My wreath and garden were featured once on the Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla in 2001. This year’s tour takes place on May 17. Tickets can be purchased at lajollahistory.org.
Linda Marrone
Coldwell Banker — La Jolla
Co-founder, Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla
858-459-4173
lindamarrone.com
