Rustic Garden Wreath

Natural and found supplies for a country accent

There's something about wreaths; ever since I discovered rustic country decor, I've made them out of twigs to decorate my door.

Here's one that I made from things I found on my walk this morning; some red Arctostaphylos (usually it's green - otherwise known as Bear Berry or Kinnickinnick), the red Mahonia, or Oregon Grape which looks (and feels!) just like holly, and a few other items from my garden; some sprigs of Paxistima (Cliff Green, Rat Stripper or Dwarf Mountain Lover - take your pick) and a bit of my little struggling Bristlecone Pine.

Normally, I use smooth Red Osier Dogwood or some kind of willow for the base, but I spotted these lovely lichen covered twigs and decided to live on the edge for once.

All of these native plants show an amazing brightening of the colors in the fall.  These have experienced that first frost, which just enhances it.

Other supplies are a bit of wire - I used tie wire here, but you can use whatever you have as long as it's pliable, or even string.

The other things you'll need are a pair of needlenose pliers, and some pruners.

Collect all your materials and tools together - I work on a rustic table, out in the garden.

Look at that gorgeous lichen! Don't damage it - it's super fragile.

Twine the thin flexible branches together - the tension alone will keep them in place.

One or two circuits is usually enough for a base.

Mahonia shows lovely crimson color changes in the fall.

Paxistima myrsinites, or Rat Stripper is often used as a florists green in bouquets. This is one of those wildcrafted items that people comb the woods for, and sell in an auction to florists and wholesalers.

All kinds of native plants combine perfectly - normally with the twigs I use, they are almost hidden by the accent plants; in this case, I wanted the rustic lichen covered twigs to show.

Keep your eyes open for possible candidates for your rustic wreath; almost anything can be used as a base, and then your options are endless; seed pods, pine cones, evergreen sprigs, prunings from a tree or shrub...use your imagination to decorate your house or porch for the season.