A rosemary wreath is a great way to use up any leftover rosemary cuttings. It’s also a great way to keep your house smelling nice, perfect for Christmas time or any time of the year. Not only does it look beautiful, it smells amazing too!
How to make a rosemary wreath
This year, I’ve planted an abundance of rosemary in my garden. One of the things you can do with cuttings is make a fresh rosemary wreath. Once you’ve made it, with a little care, it’ll last for years!
If you’re looking to add a bit of freshness to your home decor, or something traditional for the holiday season, then a rosemary wreath might be just what you need. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a rosemary wreath a few simple supplies.
The meaning of a rosemary wreath
A rosemary wreath is a garland made from fresh rosemary leaves. Rosemary has been used for centuries to symbolize remembrance and love.
What do you need to make a rosemary wreath?
The supplies you need to make your fresh rosemary wreath are:
- Scissors or secateurs
- Fresh rosemary sprigs 4-6 inches/10-15cm long.
- A wire frame in the shape of your choice (for a large wreath)
- Green floral wire, twine, or string
The size of your wreath, and how thick and full you want it to be will determine how many sprigs of rosemary you need.
If you just want to make mini rosemary wreath then you will not need to use a wire frame
Making a fresh rosemary wreath
Step 1: Collect and prepare the rosemary sprigs.
Harvest rosemary sprigs the appropriate size for the size of wreath you want to make. 4-6 inches is a good size for a wreath made with a base. Aim for at least 6 inches long to make mini wreaths (2-inch diameter or more). Cut the topmost sprigs only.
Rinse the rosemary sprigs to remove dust and dirt. Gently pat them dry, then lay them out to finish drying in the air for an hour or so. Don’t leave them for too long as they will start to become brittle as they dry – prepare them the same day that you want to make the wreath.
Step 2: Create a frame.
Create a round wire hoop of the size that you want the center of your wreath to be.
Step 3: Attach rosemary sprigs to the frame.
Bunch together three or four sprigs of rosemary and wire them onto the base together, wrapping the wire first around the base of the sprigs and then around the wire base. Then secure the other end of the sprigs onto the frame with wire, leaving around 1 inch of length unsecured at the tip of the sprig.
Step 4: Continue to add bunches of rosemary.
The next bunch of sprigs should be attached to the frame in the same way, starting at a point so that the new sprigs’ tip overlaps the first bunch’s cut ends by around 1-2 inches. Continue like this until the wire frame is covered. The ends of the last bunch should be tucked under the tips of the first bunch to keep the wreath neat.
During the process of making the wreath, lift it up frequently so you can see if there are any parts that have not been secured properly, and fix them as necessary.
Step 5: Trim and finish.
Inspect the wreath trimming or retying any parts if needed to ensure your wreath is tidy and symmetrical. Then you can add additional decorations to it if you wish. Tie these to the frame so that the point of attachment is hidden under the rosemary leaves.
Fruits such as chilies can add color, or try spices such as cinnamon sticks or star anise. You can add ribbons or other decorations for a rosemary Christmas wreath.
Step 6: Hang your rosemary wreath.
When you have completed your wreath, choose the best point from which to hang it.
Rotate it the whole way round to test how it looks. Then attach a loop of wire or ribbon through the wire frame so that you can hang your wreath up.
How to make a mini rosemary wreath
Creating a mini wreath is similar to making a full wreath, but you can make it without the wire base, and use single stems of rosemary instead of bunches.
Start with a long sprig of rosemary and loop is around so that the tip overlaps with the end and secure it with wire or twine. Add more rosemary if necessary, though an attractive mini wreath can be made using a single sprig if it is busy enough.
How to make a dried rosemary wreath
If you are wondering how to dry rosemary to make a dried rosemary wreath, you will need to form the wreath first, then allow it to dry.
Rosemary stems become brittle once they have dried, and cannot be easily manipulated to create a wreath.
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