Thursday, April 30, 2009

A Living Wreath

At work I have the option of taking any pot, container, form or whatever and planting it however I wish. A couple of days ago I decided to plant a living wreath. I had planned on doing this for a sunny location but then a customer called and wanted one planted for the shade. Luckily she called just in time because this was my last wreath form.This form came with a liner that I'm not a big fan of. It's made of some type of material cut in a circular form. I prefer the ones that come with pre-molded sphagnum moss which has a nicer effect and are easier to work with.

These are kind of a pain to do but they look so nice when done. In this one I planted pink and coral colored impatiens, variegated plectranthus, ivy, asparagus fern(sorry I don't remember the type) and torenia.

I have done them using different sedums too. Those with sedum work a little better since you don't have to water them as often.


28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Susie, What a beautiful wreath...wish you were here to help me with one. In magazines I've seen ones made with sedums. Those are pretty too. I believe you are going to be really busy re-creating this one! Have a nice weekend.

Becky said...

Thank you sissy for showing us your living wreath. I've never seen one before and this one is especially gorgeous to me because you made it. Wish you lived closer so we could get our hands dirty together.

We've been dodging tornado's all afternoon. The tornado sirens went off three times this afternoon.

Unknown said...

Those wreaths always look good in the magazines but I've always been afraid to try one. I imagine they need consistent watering. My husband is going to make me a privy looking garden shed, I think a live wreath would look great on it.

Ginger said...

Susie that is so cool!! I guess it might be easier to keep one alive in the shade here since it's so hot in the sun!

Meadowview Thymes said...

I have always wanted to make one of these. Your is so pretty! I would love to make one with sedums.

Terri said...

Beautiful! You are so talented!

Anonymous said...

I've seen them with sedums before but the flowers are pretty too. Hope the customer liked it! :)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful Susie.. You are just too gifted!!!!! I used to hang different wreaths on my door--but they were things from Michael's... Having something live would be so much better.

Hugs,
Betsy

Karen said...

I have never seen a living wreath before. That is really beautiful and unique.
I had a shop in the 80's and I sold plants, fresh and silk arrangements. It was a lot of fun, but hard work, too!

Beth said...

That's really pretty Susie.

A. Joy said...

Ahhhh! My hands are finally free to type in some comments as usually I'm reading blogs with the 9 month old squirming all over my lap grabbing at everything! Anyhoo - wanted to comment on the gazania plant a few posts down - VERY COOL! I've never heard of or seen that plant! It's so vibrant and I love vibrant plants best! Also, your red headed woodpeckers are much different from ours and are gorgeous!!! We have tons of them living all around our yard - I'll have to try to capture one on the camera!

Jen said...

No that is one flower I do have some luck with. Nice use of it!

Unknown said...

So, I am loving this!

TC said...

It looks lovely Ms. Susie. My wife is a maker of wreaths and I showed her yours, she too loved it. Great job.

Rose said...

I bought one of these forms last year, Susie, and filled it just with impatiens. I really loved it! I saved the form, of course, and already have a flat of impatiens ready to fill it. Thanks for the ideas of adding some greenery; I might try that as well.

RURAL said...

You did a lovely job. It is beautiful.

Working in a garden centre I think that we get spoiled being able to create with such bounty. And reality certainly sets in quickly when my plant budget comes up at the till.

Jen

Roses and Lilacs said...

That really turned out nice. I would have thought too much maintenance but if Rose is doing another one this year it must be not be impossible. This was very interesting.
Marnie

George said...

I like this living wreath. I think you've done a great with this.

Dirt Princess said...

I really want to try this. You read about them alot in magazines. Seems fairly simple..."seems" being the key word there! LOL!

Unknown said...

That's such a great idea. It really is lovely.

Leedra said...

This is very pretty, I probably would kill it. I would definitely need one that was succulents, I might manage to water it often enough.

Leedra’s Photos For FunLeedra’s Greeting CardsPhotography By Leedra

raccoonlover1963/Lisa Myers said...

Hi Susie
Thanks for the visit. The baby robin was sitting on the bird bath alone for quite a while. I got some pics of him by himself, but the one of mama and baby was so much cuter!
You made a very beautiful wreath. I love it! I'm horrible when it comes to flowers.
Take care and have a great weekend.
Lisa

beckie said...

Susie, great wreath! Rose had such a pretty one last year that I admired. I like the addition of the greenery-just enough to really set it off.

Unknown said...

Susie, that's so pretty! Love the idea of working in a garden centre and be surrounded by so many lovely blooms/foliage!

Deb said...

Susie,

I love it!

Susie said...

Thanks everyone for your sweet comments!

Connie said...

Oh, that's so pretty! What a clever idea. :)

Nancy Rosalina said...

Susie, This is a beautiful idea!!! Thanks for showing us! nancy