- Author: Jennifer Baumbach
It's been over a week since we successfully completed our annual Wreath Workshop at the Buck Mansion in Vacaville. I just wanted to share with you some pictures of the prep days and then the actual workshop. I also wanted to recognize the hard work the Master Gardeners do to make this such a great event. It might entice you to sign up for the workshop in December 2014. I will take RSVP's starting in November.
Traditionally, the workshop is held the first Saturday of December. Participants pay a fee and get greens, a wreath frame, paddle wire, a bow and delicious refreshments for a fee. It's a great way for residents to kick off the holiday season and a lot of fun (work!) for the UCCE Master Gardeners of Solano County.
Oh, and note the wreaths. They are all made from the same exact materials, but each an individual, wonderful creation.
- Author: Trisha Rose
Drying plants for wreaths and arrangements is something I think about a little too late. Although I do have a group I harvest each year, I need to expand my selection.
Limonium perezii, commonly known as Sea Lavender is one of my tried and true garden perennials that can be counted on year after year to put on a show. I harvest the fresh flowers for arrangements from spring through fall, but I especially like to use these flowers for wreaths in the fall. A word of caution though, they fall apart pretty easily so be kind to yourself and keep them for outdoor wreaths.
Eryngium planum, aka Sea Holly and various Papaver spp. or Poppies have striking seed pods. They make interesting sculptural dried arrangements once you harvest the seeds for next year's plants.
Sedum spectabile or Stonecrop has already formed quite a mass of green flower heads that are just beginning to turn to a rosy bloom. As we move into fall the rose will change to a rusty mauve. Harvest the stems at this point, hang them upside down in a dry airy place for a month or so to completely dry.
Yarrow, botanically known as Achillea millefolium is a little more fragile but will also dry if hung upside down in a dry airy place.
I have room for more color in the garden next year so I would like to add some annuals that dry well such as Strawflower, Baby's Breath, Yellow Ageratum (Lonas inodora), Globe Amaranth, Helipterum and some Chamomile. I will start checking for seed packets late next winter.