Making your own DIY foraged natural evergreen garland is a cost effective way to embrace and celebrate the holiday season. I used to own a huge bin full of faux greenery, but throughout the last few years, I am drawn to the natural look of a fresh evergreen garland.
Where to Source Fresh Greens for Your Homemade Garland
I have built a relationship with the owner of our local tree farm, and I am able to let him know when I want to come out to walk through his logging trails to forage for evergreen boughs free of cost. I always show my gratitude by making him a beautiful fresh wreath and some holiday baked goods though! I also trim our own evergreen branches from the cedars on our property line as well as the two pine trees in the back for pine branches!
If you don’t know any local farmers in your area you can also source your fresh greenery from:
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers: Many local nurseries and garden centers offer a variety of fresh greens during the holiday season. Check with them to see if they have the specific types of greenery you’re looking for.
Christmas Tree Lots: Christmas tree lots often have extra evergreen trimmings and smaller branches that they may be willing to give away or sell at a low cost. These can be great for creating a lush and fragrant garland.
Farmers’ Markets: Some farmers’ markets may have vendors selling fresh greens, especially during the winter months. Local farmers or floral vendors may offer a selection of greenery for DIY garlands.
Local Farms: Contact local farms or tree farms to inquire about purchasing or collecting fresh greens. Some farms may allow you to gather your own small branches for free or sell pre-cut branches.
Landscaping or Tree Trimming Services: Landscaping companies or tree trimming services may have excess greenery from their work. Check with them to see if they have trimmings you can use for your garland.
Your Own Property: If you have evergreen plants or trees in your own backyard/property, consider trimming a few branches for your garland. Just be sure to do so responsibly and without causing harm to your plants.
Friends and Family: Ask friends or family if they have any evergreen trees or bushes that need pruning. They might be happy to share or let you trim a few branches.
What Types of Evergreens are Best for a Fresh Christmas Garland
There are so many different types of greenery that will work perfectly for your own garland. A good rule of thumb is to not focus too much about sourcing a specific type of evergreen, but to focus on what is available to YOU and what grows native in your location. Beside, you want your natural garland to reflect the winter season of your region.
Here are a few evergreen species that will work for a DIY foraged natural evergreen garland:
- White pine
- Blue spruce
- Fraser Fir trees
- Red Cedar
- Red Spruce
Materials Need to Make Your Own DIY Garland
Fresh Evergreen Branches: Choose a variety of evergreen branches such as pine, cedar, or fir. Make sure they are fresh for a vibrant and long-lasting garland.
Floral Wire: Floral wire is essential for securing the evergreen branches together. Opt for a sturdy yet flexible wire that blends well with the greenery.
Natural Elements: Enhance your garland with natural elements like pinecones, acorns, or berries. These additions bring texture and a touch of rustic charm to your creation.
Wire Cutters: Wire cutters are necessary for trimming the floral wire to the desired length. They also come in handy for cutting and shaping the evergreen branches.
Optional: Pruning Shears or Garden Scissors: While not strictly necessary, having pruning shears or garden scissors can make it easier to trim and shape the evergreen branches, especially if they are thick.
Gardening Gloves: To protect your hands from the sap, wires and branches you can opt to wear protective gloves on your hands.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Evergreen Branches: Trim the evergreen branches to your preferred length and width using wire cutters or pruning shears.
Create a Base: Take a few branches and start laying them out on a flat surface, overlapping as you go. Continue to overlap and build up the garland until it is full. If you are making a longer garland, work in 3 foot sections.
Wrap Wire Around Branches: Starting at the branch side of the garland start wrapping the wire around the end branches, secure tightly. Without cutting the wire, start working your way up the garland, wrapping the wire tightly, pulling out pieces of the branches ensuring they don’t get wrapped in. Keep wrapping until you have reaches the end of the garland. Tie off the wire before cutting.
Adding Multiple Sections: If you want to make your garland longer that 3-4 feet, start your second section starting at step 1 again, overlapping on the finished garland section. You will want to wrap your wire at least 4 inches into the previous garland to ensure they are secured together. Keep repeating these steps until you have reach your desired length.
Incorporate Natural Elements: Integrate natural materials such as pine cones, acorns, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges or berries into the garland with hot glue or wiring them securely in place. Distribute them evenly for a balanced look.
Shape the Garland: As you work, shape the garland to your liking. Bend and curve the evergreen branches, cut pieces off to achieve the desired form. Trim any excess length if needed.
Hang and Enjoy: Your DIY natural evergreen garland is now ready to be hung and enjoyed as beautiful Christmas decor or for Winter Solstice. Drape it over a fireplace mantel, staircase railing, hang in the living room doorway, or use it as a festive table centerpiece.
How to Keep Your Garland Fresh
Start with Fresh Evergreens: Begin with fresh evergreen branches. Harvest them as close to the time of use as possible to ensure they retain moisture and stay vibrant.
Mist the Garland: Regularly mist the evergreen garland with water to maintain humidity a couple of times a week. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the branches, focusing on the needles. This helps prevent the foliage from drying out.
Avoid Heat Sources: Keep the garland away from direct heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, or heat vents. Excessive heat can cause the branches to dry out quickly.
Keep in a Cool Environment: Evergreens tend to last longer in cooler environments. If feasible, place the garland in a cool room to slow down the drying process.
More Winter Posts:
- How to Make Your Home Smell Like Christmas
- DIY Dried Orange Wreath
- How to Choose the Best Real Sparse Christmas Tree