I recently rediscovered dried flowers and stems in my stash of crafting supplies. I thought: "Let's make a wreath!" While I'd originally planned to incorporate evergreens in the mix, instead I gathered additional dried items from the winter garden to add to the store-bought supplies:
Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) for the base.
Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) for a little extra flourish.
Staghorn Sumac berries (Rhus typhina) for a bit of color.
And dried Fiddlehead Fern fronds (Matteuccia struthiopteris) for spicy structure.
I didn't use the fake plastic apple from the store-bought supply (it's cute but...). However, I did grab some of the Statice (Limonium sinuatum), Straw Flowers (Xerochrysum bracteatum), and dried/dyed grasses. The finished product:
It's simple and a little wonky, but it's kinda growing on me.
I'm linking in with "In a Vase on Monday" over at Rambling in the Garden, even though this isn't a vase. I hope that's OK with Cathy, our wonderful host. Head on over to her blog to check out all the creative arrangements!
Oh this is lovely Beth, and I am really intrigued by some of your contents - I haven't had to use dried material this winter yet, but your wreath reminds me just how many options I have...thank you so much
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting, Cathy. I have to remind myself that there are always options for creative pursuits...I just need to stretch a little more when the flowers and stems and elements for arrangements are less obvious. :)
DeleteIt is pretty.
ReplyDeleteI like the Sumac.
Thanks, Carla. Yes, the Sumac is a wonderful plant for so many reasons, and in all seasons.
DeleteA beautiful wreath, Beth! Really nice use of the winter plants and a creative design--well done! tina
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina. :) Sometimes it's fun to try new angles and elements for arrangements.
DeleteThat's very pretty! I like the sumac berries.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. The Sumac berries are fascinating and useful in so many ways. :)
DeleteI love it! Wonky or whatever. The Hakone is a great addition. I have never seen it dried. I like the color. Did you dry the other plants? Ameli.a the shrub queen
ReplyDeleteI must admit, until recently I didn't think to harvest the Hakone grass--partially because the rabbits eat it unless I cage it. But when enough of it remains, it's a great element in fresh and dried arrangements.
DeleteIt's lovely, Beth! That's a great project for a cold winter day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kris. It was a positive action on an emotionally difficult and very cold day.
DeleteI love it Beth. The sumac is a nice pop of red. River Oats are such a great plant in the garden, extra special in your wreath. Well done!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet. I agree that Chasmanthium latifolium is a wonderful plant--both in the garden in all seasons, and dried for display. :)
DeleteIt's wonderful! I love the pop of the red berries, and that you used all natural elements. The oats were a great touch.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, I was tempted to use the fake apple, but it just didn't fit with the organic items. :)
DeleteI love this Beth! It is light and airy, colourful and different tothe wreaths you see on sale here. Great inspiration for me. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. Sometimes when winter has such a stronghold, it feels good to be a little creative. :)
DeleteIt looks beautiful, Beth!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. I guess there are always elements to compile for decorative arrangements. It can be a fun hubby any time of year. :)
DeleteI really like your wreath! It looks different from the traditional Christmas ones people do here - really nice with the darker colours at the bottom and the lighter ones around the top.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathrin: Sorry for the late response. Thank you! Yes, it's fun to make the traditional Christmas wreaths, too. I don't know what got in my head to make this one, but it was a fun activity. ;-)
DeleteIt’s not wonky at all, I like it very much. I have the same hakone grass, now visible through the snow.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom. I feel a bit funny about the Hakone grass because it's not native. But it doesn't seem to spread much; in fact the rabbits eat it if I don't cage it. But it's such a lovely plant--especially when it blows in the wind and when it's dried.
DeleteI've used sumac in wreaths and dried arrangements also. It is so velvety and vibrant in color. I will have to take a walk in the meadow near me when the snow clears. Right now, you take your life in your hands to even walk in the backyard. SO ICY!
ReplyDeleteOh, I know what you mean about the icy conditions. We frequently have ice and mixed conditions here--especially at the beginning and the end of winter. I agree: Sumac berries are wonderful in the landscape and for decorating!
DeleteFun and creative, Beth! What comes to mind is one of Cleopatra's barges with scarf dancers swirling atop! :) Eliza
ReplyDeleteThanks Eliza! I love that description, and now I see it, too. :)
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