Want to Decorate Your Garden? Use This DIY Wreath Guide

A wreath can really dress up just about anywhere and they can be as complex or as simple as we choose to make them. My favorites are the tulip wreaths we often see on DIY blogs this time of the year – spring is just tulip season and they are one of my favorite flowers. I made pine cone wreaths a few years ago with red bows for Xmas decorations and they still look great all these years later! I also made a wreath for my best friend out of some of her birthday decorations!

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Is your garden looking a little lackluster and in need of some revitalizing? Nothing livens up an outdoor space better than some well-placed, stylish decor. Whether it’s repainting the garden’s fence or adding some accessories, the right decor will breathe life right back into your garden. There’s no time like the present to tackle your predicament: so let’s get right to it!

Luckily, many DIY decorative options don’t require costly landscapers and expensive materials. One unique and simple decorating idea is to use wreaths. Hanging simple yet colorful outdoor wreaths will give your garden a warm, inviting atmosphere. There are plenty of online stores where you can get wreaths of all sizes, shapes, and colors. But why spend money on them, when you can make one yourself?

First, Gather Your Materials:

First, you will need different types of dried blooms and greens. It’s advisable to use three types in each wreath; two types of evergreen foliage such as redwood or pine, and one type of delicate greenery such as seasonal flowers. For more information on the type of greenery to use, check out this DIY wreath guide for inspiration. You’ll also need a metal wire frame to support the wreath, and floral wire, cut into 5-inch strips. Be sure to get a wire loop for hanging and some ribbon for that extra colorful touch.

For the DIY process, you’ll also need a few tools. For instance, you’ll need a pair of floral shears and a wire cutter. Don’t use the floral shears to cut the wire, as you may end up damaging it. You can find these materials and tools in online decor and craft shops.

Now that you have gathered everything you need, here is the step-by-step DIY wreath guide:

1. Group Your Greens By Type

For this step, it’s probably best to do it outdoors. If that’s not possible, spread out some paper indoors unless you’re comfortable sweeping leafy debris out of your kitchen for the next few days. Lay the greenery out on the floor, each type separately. Then, make six bunches of each type of bloom to make a total of 18.

To make each bunch, cut four pieces of each plant using the floral shears. The sizes may vary according to your preferences; just remember to consider your frame’s size. Typically, keeping the sizes between five and eight inches will suffice for the common wreath sizes. It’s crucial to use sharp shears at this stage, as worn-out blades may result in poor work. 

1. Attach Foliage to the Wire Frame

Next, you’ll need to attach each bundle to the metal frame using the 5-inch floral wire strips. Wind the wire around both the bunch and the frame several times to prevent it from falling off over time. To prevent the stems from protruding, ensure each bunch overlaps the previous one. Tie them in a counter-clockwise fashion until you have completed the frame.

Depending on the foliage used and your preferences, you can arrange the plants differently. If you use the three common types of foliage, then there are a variety of arrangements you could try. You could start with the two evergreen plant bunches and finish off with the delicate greenery to give it a stylish and symmetrical finish. Place your wreath in open and centralized spaces and also rework your outdoor spaces to create a fresh, harmonized look. 

1. Trim the Stems 

Once you’re done tying the bunches, you can now trim the edges using the floral shears to get rid of any loosely hanging leaves or stems. Trimming also allows you to get the perfect circle and gives your wreath a polished look. Be careful not to trim the edges too much – this may expose parts of the metal frame. The goal at the end of this process is to have beautifully landscaped curves on the wreath’s edges.

1. Take a Final Look

At this stage, your wreath is basically complete. Take a few minutes to check for any glaring gaps in between the bunches and make the necessary adjustments, where applicable. If everything is in order, attach the ribbon to the wreath. You could place it at the center or the top of the circle, depending on your style. 

Lastly, create a wire or ribbon loop, depending on the wreath’s size, and secure it at the back of the frame for hanging purposes. Ensure the loop is tightly in place; a loose tie may destroy all the work you’ve done when you eventually hang it. If it will be a gift for a gardening lover and you’re transporting it elsewhere, be sure to keep the wreath safely secured in a box, as it can be quite fragile.

Decorative Wreaths for the Win

Who said wreaths are only appropriate for the holidays? Contrary to this popular opinion, these decorative works of art can refresh any outdoor space. With the right choice of color and shape, wreaths can be the perfect addition to your garden, or even your front porch or backyard. Get yourself a wreath and watch it completely revitalize your outdoor living space.