Make a wreath with meaning. Learn what each evergreen symbolizes, then create a personal message.

In our new video, Tricia gathers greenery and makes a holiday wreath in her garden. Whether you want a Christmas wreath, a solstice wreath, or a wreath for other seasons, watch and see how easy it is to create your own unique decoration.

If you’re going to construct your own wreath, make it as personal as possible. Here are things to consider:

*  Choose plants that have special significance.
*  Use branches from your own garden.
*  Pick foliage and needle colors to coordinate or contrast with your house or front door.

DISCOVER THE “LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS” MEANING OF YOUR EVERGREENS

The Language of Flowers was in full bloom during the Victorian era but many of the plant meanings have ancient origins and still sound familiar in the 21st century.

Blue Spruce = Hope in adversity
Boxwood = Constancy
Cedar = Strength
Cypress = Mourning
Holly = Domestic happiness
Juniper = Protection
Laurel = Glory
Mistletoe = I surmount all difficulties
Olive = Peace
Pine (black) = Boldness
Rosemary = Remembrance
Strawberry tree = Esteem

Make a wreath with a message

*  Have you persisted through a challenging year? Celebrate your resilience with cedar (strength), pine (boldness), and mistletoe (I surmount all difficulties).
*  Is your home an especially happy one this season? Highlight that with boxwood (constancy) and holly (domestic happiness), and add some juniper (protection) to keep it that way.
*  To honor loved ones who are no longer with you, weave a solemn wreath of cypress (mourning) and rosemary (remembrance).
*  Show hope for the year ahead with blue spruce (hope in adversity) and olive (peace).

USE BRANCHES FROM YOUR OWN GARDEN

English laurel is so vigorous that it can lend you branches in any month. If you have this in your garden you will have a source for wreaths to celebrate each season. If you grow holly you already know how useful that is, but don’t overlook any greenery in the garden.

As Tricia says in the video, test new greenery by cutting and then leaving it for 24 hours in the environment where you will hang the wreath. If the greenery droops, don’t use it. If it stays fresh, you have another wreath ingredient.

CHOOSE FOLIAGE AND NEEDLE COLORS

Evergreens are more than true green. Tricia mixed the blue-greens of blue spruce, eucalyptus, juniper and lavender for an unusual “blue” effect.

A “white” combination she used was variegated box with the white berries and green leaves of young nandina.

Go “red” with the red berries in your climate, such as strawberry tree, holly, winterberry, pyracantha, or mature nandina.

ENJOY EVERGREEN WREATHS YEAR-ROUND

Your garden offers you a range of evergreens. For even more choices, get together with friends and swap branches.

Warm wishes to you from Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, in this season and throughout the New Year!

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