Jennifer Garner recently shared that she’s already in the holiday spirit, giving fans a peek into her outdoor holiday decor. On her Instagram, she posted a photo of a glowing wreath with a big red bow hanging on her vegetable greenhouse door.
Bursting with natural greenery, it’s the perfect example of how gardeners can repurpose what’s left of their outdoor spaces into a lovely Yuletide decoration. With a little creativity and clippings from your own garden, you can craft a stunning winter wreath for your home, either indoors or out.
Start with a Sturdy Base
As with all wreaths, you’ll want to start with a reliable frame. A wire or grapevine form works well for holding heavy branches. Daphne Williams, horticulturist at the Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech, says this is especially important if you’re adding weighty decorations. She tells us, “If you are using heavier items for decorations, a wire frame might be best for structure.” Try this 2-pack of wire wreath forms from Amazon or this FloraCraft one from Walmart.
If your branches are on the lighter side, a simple circle of flexible garden twigs tied together gives your wreath a rustic, more DIY feel. Williams says, “If you have leftover materials from another time, then use those. There's nothing wrong with reusing… and saving a little money along the way!”
Choosing the right base is one of the most important aspects of creating a wreath, as it helps maintain the shape as you add layers of foliage and decorative touches. Let’s be honest, we all think we’ll have a light wreath, but once you get started, it’s hard to stop adding things.
Gather Greenery from your Garden
The secret to a lush, textured wreath is a mix of evergreens. Foliage such as pine, fir, cedar, or juniper provides structure and, bonus, a delicious holiday fragrance. Add some contrast with smaller, glossy leaves like boxwood and holly. Williams says, “You can typically use what you have available and make a beautiful wreath no matter what. And while the 'old stand-by' shrubs and trees such as spruce, boxwood, cedar, pine and holly are all still wonderful options , don't overlook other cool options such as southern magnolia, cypress, arborvitae, fir, laurels and cryptomeria.”
Do you like pops of color? Harvest holly berries or consider using seed pods or dried flowers for natural texture.
Pro tip: Use sharp pruning shears when clipping the branches to ensure clean cuts that will keep them healthy as long as possible. These Bypass Hand Pruners from Amazon are great for precise cutting.
Also, always gather more than you think you’ll need. Extra greenery makes it easier to fill gaps for an abundant look, and you won’t have to walk back and forth to the garden constantly.
Layer and Secure
Now comes the harder part. Attach your greenery to the wreath base in small bundles, securing each with a floral wire or garden twine. Try this Gauge Green Floral Wire Twister from Home Depot.
You’ll want to create depth rather than gaps, so be sure to alternate textures. For example, soft pine needles paired with firmer boxwood or holly leaves.
To give your wreath some fragrance, weave in some sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or an old favorite, lavender. These herbs will make your home smell as inviting as it looks.
Add Garden-Inspired Decorative Elements
Jennifer Garner’s wreath proves subtle accents can really elevate a design. So, make sure you incorporate all the fun bits into your Christmas wreath as well. Things like berries, small pine cones, acorns, and a few dried flowers, all of which can be found in your garden. Williams says, “The sky’s the limit when you’re decorating with garden greenery.”
As is shown on Garner’s wreath, weave in a few delicate fairy lights or tie a big red ribbon at the top, adding a bit of classic holiday spirit.
Preserve Freshness
Nobody wants to see a wreath on a door that's yellow and dropping its needles everywhere. To keep your wreath looking fresh and vibrant throughout the Christmas season, lightly mist it with water every few days. In colder climates, hanging the wreath on a sheltered door or window will keep it fresh longer.
Williams says, “To help prolong freshness, soak newly cut foliage and branches before using them, or place the ends in water immediately after cutting keeps them hydrated before use in wreaths or arrangements.”
Pro tip: Avoid placing your wreath in direct sunlight, which can happen more often than you think in winter. This will help keep the leaves and needles on longer.
Celebrate Your Garden in Every Wreath
Creating a wreath like Jennifer Garner is so much more than a holiday craft; it’s a way to show off the beauty of your garden, even in winter! By mixing some evergreens, berries, and herbs, you can design a wreath that is uniquely your own.
