Try your hand at an Easter wreath with flowers and foliage to celebrate the arrival of spring. Words and styling Jacky Mills, photographs \u00c9va N\u00e9meth <\/p>
Wreaths are a fantastic way to celebrate the changing seasons throughout the year, not just over the Christmas period<\/a>. This one uses a palette of bronze foliage<\/a> nestled amid swirling stems of ivy<\/a> reddened by winter cold, fresh spring greens of unfurling maple leaves and vibrant hellebore<\/a> flowers intermingled with white and plum highlights.<\/p> You may also like<\/strong><\/p> Many green-leaved deciduous trees<\/a> exhibit coppery new growth in spring thanks to red-pigmented anthocyanins. When this tender growth sits against the sparkling white blossom of a cherry<\/a>, spirea or amelanchier<\/a>, it makes a beautiful, shimmering combination fit for any celebration.<\/p> Jump to<\/strong><\/p> At this time of year, new deciduous growth can be sappy and won\u2019t last as long out of water as evergreen<\/a> branches do. It needs to be really well conditioned and the finished piece may not last as long as a winter wreath<\/a>, but its ephemerality is part of its charm. It will dry out <\/a>but still look stunning for months afterwards. If you want to prolong the life of any flower use flower tubes, securely wired and discreetly hidden among the foliage.<\/p> You will need<\/strong> Step one<\/strong><\/p> I wanted a loose, twiggy structure reminiscent of a bird\u2019s nest<\/a> for the base, so I used several long lengths of Virginia creeper <\/a>(Parthenocissus quinquefolia<\/em>) with its knobbly texture and wandering tendrils eased and twisted into a circle, held with a turn of wire. Alternatively, use winter prunings from grapevines or honeysuckle<\/a>.<\/p>How to make an Easter wreath<\/h2>