As the days grow shorter and the garden settles into its long winter sleep, December invites us to slow down and reconnect with the natural world in a different way. One of our favorite seasonal traditions at Wind Whistle Landscaping is making handmade holiday wreaths—a beautiful, grounding craft that brings nature indoors and celebrates the spirit of the season.
Gathering Materials
The best wreaths start with a walk through the woods or garden. Look for a mix of evergreens like pine, spruce, cedar, and hemlock—each adds a unique texture and scent. You can also clip branches from holly, juniper (with blue berries), or winterberry for a pop of color. Don’t forget to forage responsibly—only take what you need and leave the plant healthy.
Other great additions:
Dried seed heads (like echinacea or hydrangea)
Birch bark curls or curly willow
Pinecones
Rosehips
Cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices for a fragrant touch
Making the Wreath
You can use a wire wreath frame (found at most craft stores), or create your own base using grapevine, willow, or even a sturdy coat hanger bent into a circle.
1. Start by attaching bundles of greens with florist wire, layering in one direction around the frame.
2. Overlap each new bundle slightly on top of the last to hide the stems and wire.
3. Once the frame is full, tuck in accents like berries, cones, or dried herbs.
4. Finish with a bow, some jute twine, or a ribbon in whatever style suits your space.
Tips for Freshness
If hanging indoors, mist your wreath every couple of days to keep it looking fresh. Outdoors, it should last several weeks in the cold. Try to avoid direct sun and hot indoor vents if you want to extend its life.
A Gift from the Garden
A handmade wreath isn’t just decoration—it’s a reminder that even in the quiet of winter, the land provides beauty, texture, and connection. Whether you gift it to a friend or hang it on your own door, it carries a piece of the forest with it. That, in our opinion, is the heart of the holidays.
Wishing you warmth, stillness, and a touch of evergreen magic this season.
— The Wind Whistle Landscaping Team