| Living Wreath Centerpiece |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-229 |
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Materials: Note: Most materials are available from Teddy Colbert's Garden (see Guest information, below, for details)
12" living wreath frame kit with 4 hidden candleholders
1 to 2 lbs. sphaghum moss (based on 12" frame)
60' spooled copper (#24 gauge wire)
Plastic drop cloth (or unfolded large trash bag)
5 shish-kebab skewers
4 used wine corks
Spooled copper wire (60')
Moist potting soil (1.5 gallons)
Long tweezer for planting
175 trimmed and dried succulent cuttings (these will consist of half miniature or dwarf jade, assorted accents of haworthia, echevaria, kalanchoe and sedum) and some delicate filler plants Note: Although natural sphagnum moss is sold by the pound, it's difficult to gauge the exact amount needed since it doesn't have uniform density. Because of this fact, it's wise to have a surplus for patching thin areas, tucking around plants that may be added later and replacing the loot taken by feathered robbers during nesting season. This quantity is suggested to wrap a 12" frame; it allows for a circular mat 2.5 times the outside diameter of the frame and provides extra for repairs. Preparation: Before construction, prepare the unrooted succulent cuttings by trimming off bottom leaves so you have a 1" to 2" stub. Spread in single layer and let dry about 3 or 4 days. Soak and drain sphagnum moss until it's damp. Work Smart: Wear protective surgical gloves when handling moist moss. Manufacturers warn that moisture can activate spores in the moss that can cause a skin fungus. - On a plastic drop cloth (such as a large trash bag) and while wearing protective surgical gloves, spread moss evenly in a circular mat approximately twice the diameter of the frame being used. Keep the green side down and root side up since it will be reversed in the wrapping. Patch any thin spots with extra moss.
- Place the wreath frame upside down in the center of the mat. The little legs should be on top.
- Scoop the amended soil and cover the frame so that it looks like a chocolate angel-food cake (figure A). Mark the candleholders of the medium frame with wooden skewers or chopsticks.
- Lift the outside edge of the moss up and over the soil-covered frame -- first from the north, then the south and then the east and west. This evenly disperses the moss. Do the same for the center, adding additional moss to cover the soil.
- To coil the copper wire, it's preferable to have a helper hold the moss in place. Slip the open end of the spooled copper wire underneath the moss mat, lifting it only enough to pass the spool underneath. Bring the spool up and twist the wires together, leaving a tail of the wire to mark the beginning.
- Pass the spool underneath the mat again at a 3/4" interval from the first wire. Mark the interval with another stick and continue coiling in 3/4" intervals until you meet the beginning wire. Twist together and cut off remaining wire. This creates the base form (figure B).
- Examine wreath for any thin spots, patching if necessary, and make sure the "legs" are exposed for aeration and drainage.
- (Medium frame) -- Push the wooden sticks through the base, locate the candleholders and mark them with wine corks.
Installing the Succulent Cuttings Make a deep hole in the wreath base with tweezers, then ease in the stubs of the cuttings so they're in contact with the core of the soil. Hold each cutting by the leaves and with the tweezers parallel to the stem, press the hole closed from the north, south, east and west. Plant Design - Use the jade cuttings as a background: plant a circle of them on the inside and outside of the living wreath base as well as randomly over the top surface.
- Arrange a small grouping of accent plant material (figure C) in a pleasing composition and install them in the manner of the jade cuttings. Choose color and textures that complement each other, such as yellow-greens next to blue-greens and fuzzy textures next to smooth textures. Finally, add the filler plants to give the wreath character.
- Space plantings so that the outside leaves just touch one another and the entire surface is covered.
Products: Most materials are available through Teddy Colbert's Garden; see Guest information, below, for details.
RESOURCES :
Plants (Abbey Gardens & Cactus)
Abbey Gardens & Cactus
La Habra, CA 90632
Phone: 310-905-3520
Plant Societies & Botanical Gardens
Cactus and Succulent Society of America, Inc.
Des Moines, IA 35034
The Living Wreath
Model: 0879057009
Author: Teddy Colbert
(June, 1996)
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
GUESTS :
Paula Castillo
PO Box 9
Somis, CA 93066
Phone: 805-525-5906
Tollfree Phone: 800-833-3981
Fax: 805-386-4048
Website: www.livingwreath.com
Living Wreath Specialist
Teddy Colbert's Garden
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