Hard to believe but the holidays are upon us. That means it’s time to let everyone who visits your home know that you’re in the holiday spirit — with a beautiful and classic wreath hanging from your front door. Moreover, if you have an evergreen or two growing in your yard, even better — you have the chance to create your own wreath by carefully harvesting some boughs from your own trees.
First, though, let’s consider the significance of a holiday wreath. Evergreen boughs have been a symbol of enduring life and resilience for centuries, which is why they are so commonly used in holiday decorating, especially during winter. Here are a few reasons they’re traditionally used:
Symbol of Eternal Life: Evergreens — such as pine, fir, and cedar — stay green throughout the year, even in the harshest winter months. This resilience is seen as a symbol of eternal life and hope. In many cultures, they represent the triumph of life over death, a message that resonates strongly during the winter solstice, which marks the shortest and darkest days of the year.
Connection to Nature: Decorating with evergreen boughs connects us to the natural world during the cold winter months when most other plants are dormant. Bringing greenery into the home helps create a sense of warmth, freshness and connection to the outdoors during a season when many people spend more time inside.
Seasonal Tradition: The use of evergreens in holiday decorating dates back to ancient cultures. In medieval Europe, people used them to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The tradition became more widespread in Western culture with the spread of Christianity and was later incorporated into Christmas decorations, such as wreaths and garlands.
Aesthetic Appeal: Evergreen boughs are naturally beautiful and lend a rich, fresh scent to the home, especially when combined with elements like pinecones, holly or berries. Their deep green color also contrasts beautifully with the reds, golds and whites that often accompany holiday decorations, creating a festive, natural aesthetic.
Cultural and Religious Significance: In Christian tradition, evergreens have come to symbolize immortality and the promise of eternal life. The wreath, in particular, is a popular Christmas decoration because its circular shape represents eternity and God’s unending love.
In short, evergreen boughs are not only visually beautiful and fragrant but also carry deep symbolic meaning, which makes them a perfect addition to holiday decorations, representing life, hope and renewal.
Now, let’s get on to the fun part: creating your own wreath. Harvesting of evergreen boughs focuses on ensuring that the collection process does not harm the health of your trees or the biodiversity of your yard. Here are some key principles and methods for harvesting:
Selective Harvesting
- Harvest only a small portion of the tree’s branches, avoiding excessive cutting of any single tree.
- Take from healthy trees that are well-established and avoid overharvesting from the same tree or group of trees in a single season.
- Focus on lower branches or those that are already naturally shedding needles, to minimize harm to the tree’s overall health and growth.
- Avoid cutting near the crown of the tree, as this could damage the growing tips and hinder the tree’s future growth.
Use Pruning Techniques
- Prune, don’t chop. When possible, use pruning shears to carefully remove boughs, as opposed to cutting large branches.
- Cut boughs at the base, where they join the tree, to encourage healthy regrowth.
- Always prune above the growth node, which allows the tree to heal and continue growing.
Taking Care Of Your Wreath
Caring for an evergreen wreath ensures it stays vibrant and fresh throughout the season. Here are some steps to keep your wreath looking beautiful for as long as possible:
Keep It Hydrated
- Mist regularly: If your wreath is made from fresh evergreen branches (like pine, fir or spruce), keep it hydrated by lightly misting it with water every few days. This helps prevent the needles from drying out.
- Soak the wreath: If your wreath is very dry or you want to give it a thorough drink, you can soak the back of the wreath in water for about an hour, especially if it’s a larger wreath. This can help it retain moisture and extend its lifespan.
Display It in the Right Spot
- Avoid direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the wreath to dry out quickly and lead to fading. Hang it in a cooler, shaded area, such as a porch, entryway, or even indoors if you want to preserve its freshness.
- Protect from extreme heat: Keep the wreath away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents, as excessive heat will dry out the foliage.
Preserve with an Anti-Desiccant Spray
If you want to preserve the wreath for a longer period, you can spray it with an anti-desiccant or floral preservative spray (available at craft stores). This helps to reduce moisture loss and slow the drying process. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product for best results.
Avoid Pests
If the wreath is kept outdoors, it might attract pests like insects or small animals. You can prevent this by spraying it with a natural pest repellent, but make sure it’s safe for plants. Also, check it periodically for any unwanted guests.
Clean It Occasionally
Gently shake or use a soft brush (like a small handheld broom or a hairdryer on a low, cool setting) to remove dust and debris that may accumulate on the wreath.
Handling Decorations
If you have decorative elements like berries, pine cones or ribbons on your wreath, check them regularly to ensure they’re still secure. Some elements may need to be replaced or re-secured if they start to loosen or get damaged.
Store for Next Season
If you want to save your wreath for next year, store it in a cool, dry place after the season is over. You can hang it on a nail or place it in a box to keep it from getting crushed. For longer storage, you might also want to wrap it in plastic to keep the moisture in.