It’s great to get outdoors and collect natural elements of the season that can add a little post-holiday cheer to your entryway.
In South Texas, our mostly-mild winters can be perfect for spending more time outside. As you wander your dormant plot pondering your garden goals for spring, why not gather a few odds and ends that’ll bring a pinch of panache to your front porch portal?
Look for interestingly shaped twigs and bare branches to shape your wreath. For a pop of festive color, collect possumhaw stems, ashe juniper berries and Texas mountain laurel’s red beans. Acorns from bur, red, live and Monterrey oak trees will add an earthy touch. There are also great greenery choices for this wreath including rosemary, evergreen sumac, ashe juniper (if you’re not allergic), cenizo, bay laurel, agarita and yaupon holly. If you use agarita or holly, be mindful of how sharp they are.
Your design will be unique to what you like and gather. Let the natural elements stand on their own. Symmetrical or asymmetrical — go with your gut and let your materials lead the way.
If you want this to be an indoor wreath, avoid things that drop their leaves, and know that some acorns, seeds and conifers may contain critters. Tip: A few days in the freezer will help reduce the possibility of bringing bugs indoors.
Tools
- Floral cutters or clippers
- Bind wire
- Hot glue gun
- Grapevine wreath
- Plant materials you gathered
Process
- Gather your materials; decide the shape you want the branches to make. For an asymmetrical look, place the branches on either side of the grapevine wreath. Shape the branches, use the floral cutters to trim the branches as needed. Make it as formal or wild looking as you like! Entwine the branches into the grapevine as you proceed.
- Tie the branches taught with bind wire around the grapevine where needed. The wire will be covered with the other elements, so don’t worry about it showing.
- Add your evergreen pieces, tucking them between the branches and grapevine wreath until they don’t feel loose. Mix sizes to create a layered look, with short pieces alongside long ones.
- Layer on the rosemary and cenizo pieces in front of the larger greenery, tucking in place as you go.
- Add the finishing touches! Use the hot glue gun to attach berry stems, acorns, small cones, seeds and beans. Make necessary tweaks to ensure that all pieces are securely woven into the wreath base.
That’s it — it’s ready to hang on the door or wall hook! Your unique wreath will naturally be a-door-able!
