Autumn wreaths are a lovely way to bring colour into your home as the days get darker. Wreaths aren't just for Christmas!
What you need to make an autumn wreath
- Secateurs
- A willow wreath or some willow to make your own
- Some floristry wire
- Tinfoil and kitchen towel
Step One
Go for a brisk autumn walk on a sunny afternoon, when the countryside is glowing with colour. Preferably with a pair of secateurs, a trug and a dog. Find sprigs of colourful foliage on the hedgerows, whatever takes your fancy (a pair of gloves can be handy).
Just be careful to avoid anything poisonous!
Step Two
Once back at home, have a look in your garden to see if there are any autumnal flowers left that you can sacrifice – your autumn wreath will be worth it. Then make yourself a cup of tea. Dip a paper towel in some water and wrap it around the fresh flowers. This will keep them looking spritely for as long as possible.
Step Three
Wrap the flowers in a little tin foil to keep the moisture in. Put together a few sprigs of foliage and tie them together with a piece of wire. Continue this for all of your foliage so that you are left with many lovely bouquets (robins are optional).
Step Four
Arrange your first beautiful bouquet and attach it with a piece of wire, wrapping it around at the base. Layer the rest of the bouquets, one at a time, overlapping the last and attaching as you go, ensuring that any floral bunches have the foil covered. Feel free to add more wire to secure larger sprigs.
Your autumn wreath is really starting to take shape now!
Step Five
Give your wreath a light trim if it's looking too wild, and then add in any little extras such as dried flowers or feathers by pushing them into your wreath. These are the finishing touches that will make all the difference.
Step Six
Finally, choose which way round you want your wreat. Tie a piece of wire into a loop and secure it to your wreath, then hang the finished product on a door or wall and step back to admire your handy work!
Remember to take a photo to share in the app with the Candide community!
Here are some suggestions for things to include in your autumn wreath:
Berries
From the Garden
Chinese Lantern
Alkekengi officinarum
Sedum 'Brilliant'
Hylotelephium spectabile (Brilliant Group) 'Brilliant'
Orange Cone Flower
Rudbeckia fulgida
Coneflower 'Cherry Brandy'
Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy'
Dahlia
Dahlia spp.
Rose
Rosa spp.
Snow Gum
Eucalyptus pauciflora ssp. niphophila 'Mt Bogong'
Alpine Cider Gum
Eucalyptus archeri
Common Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
Honesty
Lunaria annua
Hedgerow
Extras
- Acorns
- Pine cones
- Feathers
- Apples
- Cinnamon
- Dried orange
- Small pumpkins
