How to make your Christmas wreath last longer
We’ve just finished running our annual Christmas Wreath Making courses and, as ever, they were a resounding success and such fun to participate in. One of the questions we get asked nearly every time we run them is how to make your Christmas wreath last longer. After all, if you’ve spent time and effort making your masterpiece, you’ll want to keep it looking its best for as long as possible. So we’ve put together some hints and tips to make your Christmas wreath last longer (and they apply to Easter wreaths, autumnal wreaths, in fact any wreath made from moss and foliages).
Give it a drink
Any wreath made with a fresh moss base will need to be kept hydrated so make sure you keep the moss moist. The best way to do this is to pop it onto moist grass in the early morning. This time of year means the grass is mostly always damp first thing. Leave your wreath “drinking” for a couple of hours to absorb the moisture. Then pop it back to where it was hanging.
What you use makes a difference
You can help prolong the lifespan of your wreath based on the “ingredients” you use.
By making your wreath from long lasting foliages like Blue Pine, Eucalyptus, Bottle Brush, Berried Ivy and Skimmia you can ensure your wreath stays fresh throughout December and into January.
A quick spray works wonders
If your wreath is hanging somewhere where it’s exposed to the elements, a rain shower can actually do it some good. If the weather is dry for a prolonged period (unlikely in this country, I know!), a quick mist with a plant spray bottle will invigorate your wreath once more.
Repeat every couple of days just to freshen it up.
Placement is key
Even at this time of year, direct sunlight can degrade your foliage, making it decolour and wilt. So ensure that your wreath is placed somewhere out of direct light (if possible). Luckily the days are at their shortest at this time of year so if your front door is South facing the direct light wont be on it for long.
The same is true of heat sources. Hanging your wreath above an open fire can quickly dry it out so is best avoided if you want your wreath lasting beyond Christmas.
Spring Wreath anyone?
If you’ve followed the steps above and your wreath is still looking great in January, you can keep it going and enjoy your very own Spring Wreath.
To start with, keep hold of your metal frame and continue to keep the moss moist (see above “drinking” tips). Then carefully store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (a shed or summerhouse for example) until Spring. You now have the foundations ready to make your Spring Wreath.
Do It Yourself Spring Wreath Making Kits coming soon
Our ‘Do it Yourself Spring Wreaths’ will cost just £50 to purchase for any customers who came on our Christmas Wreath Making class and are re-using their metal frames and moss.
The kits will be available to purchase on our website from March and will include beautiful seasonal bulbs, flowers and Easter decorations. Make a show stopping Easter Wreath with some fresh flowers while re-purposing the materials you already have. So only a few short months after Christmas you’ll be able to decorate your home with a stunning wreath that’s both Eco-friendly and gorgeous looking.
