Page 6 - North Haven Magazine Issue 16 Holiday 2020

W
Wreaths:reaths:

Perfect for Holidays and Every Day! Custom Designed by Daytime Gardeners
of North Haven
by Sally Brockett
Wreaths are used for decoration throughout the year, though the winter holidays are probably the most pop- Custom Designed by Daytime Gardeners
ular time for this ornament from ancient times. The winter holidays may spark our interest in wreaths, why of North Haven
they are used, and various types seen during the entire year.
The Origin wreaths for additional decorations. Today, flowers, colored eggs, Easter candy, bun-
The origin of wreaths is believed to be an- Christmas wreaths typically have a base of nies, Easter basket grass, and ribbons. An
cient Greece, Egypt, and the Persian Em- evergreens, and may be further enhanced Easter wreath can be made to adapt for
pire, but their purpose has evolved through with other long-lasting greens to add col- spring/summer use after the Easter holi-
the ages. They were made of fabric, adorned or and texture, holly, pinecones, and other day has passed. Remove some of the items
with jewels, and worn as a headdress in the natural materials. It is also common to add specific to Easter, such as the Easter eggs
Persian Empire as a sign of authority and bright bows, and some wreaths may feature and bunnies, and insert flowers and birds
power. In ancient Egypt, wreaths were glass balls, bells, garlands, and other small appropriate for the season. This will expand
made of flowers and worn as a headdress. ornaments. the length of time you can use this wreath.
We are all familiar with the wreaths made
of laurel and worn by emperors in Rome Grapevine Wreath Natural Materials
and awarded to warriors and others as a Grapevine wreaths are often made in the Using natural materials must be done with
symbol of honor. Roman athletes and poets fall to bring some signs of nature into the care. Wreath making is a great activity
were honored with wreaths of olive leaves home for the months when there is less for the family when some precautions are
and laurel. outdoor activity. The vines are cut in Sep- taken. After planning the design of your
The Symbolism tember or later and twisted together before wreath, an outdoor excursion to gather ma-
they become dry and brittle. They may be terials may be the next step. The Daytime
The symbolism associated with wreaths quite simple, with little or no other orna- Gardeners of North Haven recommend
depends on the culture and times. Wreaths mentation, or embellished with dried or following guidelines regarding collection of
used during Yule celebrations by the ancient silk flowers. These wreaths will last almost plant material so you avoid invasive plants
Germanic and Scandinavian people hon- indefinitely if kept dry. such as Oriental bittersweet. This is a beau-
ored the return of the sun and the prom- tiful vine with orange/yellow berries that is
ise of spring. They symbolized nature and attractive for fall/winter decorating. How-
often held candles to welcome the coming ever, it is on the CT Invasive Plants list and
sunlight and warmth. The circular shape of should not be used or transported.
wreaths is thought to represent eternal life
and the use of evergreens is also symbolic Be certain you can recognize the 3 leaves of
of unending life. poison ivy so you do not pick that for your
wreath. In the fall, the leaves may turn red,
yellow, or orange, but it is still poisonous
to many people. Beautiful red holly berries
can be used if they are not eaten. Children
and pets may be tempted to eat them so
be cautious when using holly berries. You
Hydrangea Wreath won’t find mistletoe growing in Connecti-
cut, but it can be purchased here. This is
Hydrangea wreaths are also popular as a fall another plant to be careful with around
decoration. The hydrangea blossoms can be children and pets. The attractive white ber-
cut and dried. If you want to preserve the ries look nice in decorations, but they do
color, place the cuttings in a vase with sev- contain a toxic compound.
eral inches of water to cover some of the
stem. Allow them to dry naturally, which With the winter holidays approaching,
may take a couple of weeks. (Details on this now is the perfect time to design your own
process are available on various websites.) wreath and create a fun activity to do with
The dried blossoms can be worked into a your children and grandchildren. This
wreath form made from straw, wire, or could become a special way to celebrate
The Christmas Wreath grapevines. all the holidays, or the change of seasons,

through the year.
The Christmas wreath is believed to have Easter Wreath
started with the Germans who pruned Easter wreaths may be used to celebrate
their Christmas trees to make them more the coming of spring and the Easter holi- Contact Daytime Gardeners of North
symmetrical or smaller to fit in a room. day. The wreath form may be grapevines, Haven at 203-239-1557 for information
Taught to make use of everything, the Ger- wire, or straw. Wreaths used at Easter are about wreath sales.
mans used the cut branches to weave into typically decorated with silk or dried spring
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North Haven Magazine - Holiday Issue 2020