MAKE A FESTIVE WREATH Your step-by-step guide
Create a contemporary decoration for your door featuring on-trend succulents that will live on after the festivities are over
One of the most traditional Christmas decorations, wreaths have been adding seasonal cheer since the 16th century. A living wreath is perfect for indoors or out, but the type of plants used will depend on where you want to display it. Alpines work particularly well for outdoor wreaths, but our indoor version gives the succulent a new lease of life for the festive season. They have become one of the most popular houseplants and Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards are awash with cool cacti displays and trendy terrariums. As they love a dry environment and are low-maintenance, they’re ideal for indoor wreaths. Often the greenest ones will fare best inside and thrive if given as much light as possible, so display in view of a window if you can. It’s a good idea to prepare your wreath in advance and leave it flat for around four weeks to allow the plants and roots to settle.
YOU WILL NEED
• For an indoor wreath
12 mini succulents
• For an outdoor wreath
12 alpine plants, such as sedum or sempervivum (house leeks). Choose small plants in 5cm or 9cm pot sizes
• Moss
• Oasis ring
• Pins
• Florist’s wire
• Wire cutters
STEP BY STEP
1 Soak the moss in water (this will make it easier to work with) and start to cover the oasis ring. 2 Completely cover the oasis with moss, then start to remove the plants from their pots.
3 Start placing the plants one by one into the oasis ring, securing the plants and moss with pins as you go.
4 Try alternating the types of plants for maximum visual impact. Add a few extra pins to secure the moss around the succulents or alpines, making sure you’ve pushed them firmly in so everything stays in place. To make your wreath extra secure, wrap florist’s wire around it to reduce any movement.
5 Add some finishing touches to fill any gaps – pine cones and red berries are great for adding a festive touch.
AFTERCARE
If you’ve opted for an indoor wreath using succulents, keep it looking its best with weekly watering. Do this by soaking the oasis ring in water and using a misting spray if required. For outdoor alpines, depending on position, mist if and when needed to keep the plants looking fresh.
Find all you need to create the perfect Christmas wreath at your local Dobbies or explore the range at dobbies.com. Mini succulents cost from £1.99, alpines cost from £2.99