Wednesday, July 16, 2008

A Living Wreath Project

Back in May I started this living wreath project.  I originally purchased this wreath form to make a succulent wreath but after I realized how much money all the succulents would cost I decided to use different types of ground covers instead.  
The wreath form came pre-stuffed and was well worth the extra money.  I just had to poke holes in the form with a pencil and insert little plugs of ground cover.  I divided up each plug of the six pack into smaller pieces so I could slip them into the small holes.  I just pushed the roots in with the back of the pencil.
It's been about 6 weeks and it's starting to fill in nicely.  I'm sure it's going to look really nice once it's completely covered.  The baby tears seem to be doing the best.  I think most of the scotch moss has died.  I bought my wreath here and the quality is outstanding!!! 
I'm still enjoying my week off but I haven't been doing much except relaxing.   Today Lauren and I are going to a gelato shop in downtown Campbell that she went to with her friends and she said they have GINGER GELATO!  Have I mentioned I LOVE anything with ginger in it?  When we were in Martha's Vineyard two years ago I had ginger ice cream  and loved it so much I ate in every day!  I still talk about that ice cream!  I can hardly wait to try this gelato!

Update:   I just spray the wreath with the hose to water it.  This pre-stuffed wreath really holds the water unlike the ones I've tried to stuff myself.  

61 comments:

  1. The wreath is fantastic. I love it. If you bought it already planted it would have cost a fortune too. The little bird is just the right touch.
    Have a wonderful Wednesday,
    Jean in Virginia

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  2. Oh Cindy, I LOVE your living wreath. I have always loved them, but the price has always stopped me dead in my tracks. I didn't even think about making my own though. . . THANKS!! Maybe next year I will try it too!!

    Thank you for always "inspiring" us.

    It's good that you are relaxing on your vacation. That's what you're supposed to do on vacation - RELAX!!

    Blessings,

    Sher

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  3. I've made one of these! I did it the hard way with filling the wreath form myself. Actually it was a class at the Morton Arboretum in Illinois. I love your results! Don't you just love having time to play? Have a great week!

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  4. I have had directions saved for one of these in my files for years but never have made one. I love the plants you chose, and the bird is the perfect crowning touch. Please let us know how it grows.

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  5. Wow! That is really beautiful. I might try that with the succulents instead. Being in AZ and all.
    ~Liz~

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  6. Great job! I love that you used ground cover. I don't think I would have ever thought of doing that. But I love baby tears and I have a perfect spot in the front of my house that I think would work for that. Thanks for another great "Cindy" idea!

    I love the little bird too. You always know the perfect little final touches!

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  7. Just Beautiful Cindy, im going to take a look at your link. Enjoy the rest of your week. Jamie

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  8. Ooooohhh...I love this idea! Is it easy to maintain?

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  9. Cindy --

    This is such a great idea!!! I'm sure you just spritz it for watering, right? LOVE IT :-)

    I'm having an online yardsale at my blog this week.. stop by if you get a chance..

    God bless,
    Sallie

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  10. I'm not a fan of succulents and I think this is a jillion times better! Love it - Nancy

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  11. Hello Cindy!

    The wreath is lovely, and the sweet little bird adds a special touch. Thank so much for sharing!

    Smiles...

    Beverly

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  12. It's beautiful Cindy.
    I have always wanted to try one of those, but thought it might die before I finish.
    Ground cover was a good idea!
    Rosemary

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  13. Cindy, thank you for sharing this beautiful wreath with us. I am looking forward to trying this on my patio. The little bird is just perfectly perched! Hugs, Patti

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  14. Glad to hear you're enjoying your vacation at home.A perfect idea and a wonderful way to take in all the beauty that surrounds you.
    The wreath is lovely, alive and breathing.The hydrangeas below are so dainty too.
    Susan

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  15. That is so elegant. How often do you water it though and is it in a place that gets 100% shade or some sun? Thanks!

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  16. The wreath is gorgeous! I love the little birdy in the middle. Perfect touch. You always have the most fabulous ideas!

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  17. Love that wreath Cindy.All your other flowers are thriving too.

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  18. This is exquisite and I'm sure it will look divine wherever you hang it.

    Thank you again for the furniture award...I've posted a public thank you on both of my blogs.
    xoxoxo

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  19. The wreath is beautiful Cindy! Thank you so much for the instructions and purchase info! I hope you have fun with your daughter, the gelato sounds so good!

    Hugs,
    Amy

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  20. If you want a wreath with a wonderful scent, try putting in some lemon thyme. It has the sweetest scent.

    ~elaine~

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  21. What a great idea! I just love coming back here.

    I don't think I've ever had ginger ice cream before but I always cook with it.

    Enjoy your vacation.

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  22. Well, darn. I also have an award for you. LOL. Sort of anti-climatic now, but come on by my blog to pick up another kudo :)

    Love the wreath.

    A little tip about succulents -- they propogate very easily and quickly. Ice plants and hens & chicks especially. When you get a new plant, just break off a baby and put it in a new pot or spot in your garden. You'll be happy to see them spread like crazy.

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  23. That is gorgeous, Cindy! HGTV really needs to give you your own show!!...Donna

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  24. Hi Cindy,
    It's a highlight of my day, visiting your blog. You have such great ideas, pretty pictures, etc. It's just a Happy Place to visit.:):):) Thank you. Warmly, Deb

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  25. Wow Cindy! That's really beautiful. I've never seen anything like that. It looks wonderful on your fence and your decorating touch with the little bird is PERFECT! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

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  26. I stumbled on your blog. I really love your wreath. I think the succulents would not have looked as delicate as the baby's tears. The birdie is darling sitting there! I have baby's tears growing wild in parts of my yard and I think I'll try to make a wreath too!

    I live near you, in Hayward!

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  27. CINDY!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! I am going to run out and do teh same. I have a bunch of ground cover in mu yard I can pull up too!!! YOU ARE A GENIUS! Jen R

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  28. Glad you are taking some time to relax... you work so hard all the time... love the wreath very pretty...but of course everything you do is wonderful..
    Hugs
    Linda

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  29. Love your wreath! I have made a couple before with wire wreaths but would love to know where you purchased this one that is premade. Thanks!

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  30. Ohhhh what a wonderful wreath! I just love it as your blog also...with the time difference it is the first thing I check when I come back from my lunch break! lol. Stop by sometime, I'm finally getting my blog off the ground, added some finds, adventures, dumpsta divin'!
    Enjoy your vacation!
    Jackie

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  31. Louanne: I have the link on here where I purchased the wreath form. Click on the "here" that is in green text. That will take you to the website.

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  32. gorgeous!! you are onto a great idea, ilike the ground covers much better than the succulents. In our heat I'd have to plant all drought resistant plants. Darling, and your blog is so creative.

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  33. Oh I love it! But it is too hot here in Elk Grove at the moment to even try something like that! I get too much sun! But love yours!
    Hugs,
    Robyn

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  34. How wonderful. I love the wreath and the little bird is so sweet. Have a great evening.

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  35. Evening Cindy! I love your wreath. I don't think I've seen one before, I do believe you have the green touch as well as the magic furniture makeover crown. Glad you've had a nice week off. I think you deserved the rest. Have a wonderful day tomorrow with your daughter!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia;)

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  36. Ooo, that looks like fun. I will have to try it! Your garden looks wonderful, especially the lilies. Glad to hear you are enjoying your time off. :)
    xoxo,
    mary

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  37. The wreath is just beautiful! You always do the nicest things! I love seeing what you're up to next.

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  38. Cindy- What a wonderful idea! Do you know where I would be able to purchase a pre-stuffed wreath form that like? I wonder if it would work with certain herbs. Thanks again for sharing your great project ideas!

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  39. I love love love that wreath. So simply beautiful.

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  40. Cindy,

    Everything in your home is just so beautiful.

    The wreath is gorgeous.

    Melissa
    Sunbonnet Cottage

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  41. That wreath is fab! I may have to try that myself as my "gardening space" is rather limited :0).
    Enjoy your Gelato. Ginger gelato sounds yummy!

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  42. Hi Cindy, your blog is so beautiful, you have put so much into it just wonderful. Your home is equally lovely. Stop by and visit sometime! Hugs, Kimberly

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  43. Absolutely beautiful, Cindy! What I particularly love about it is that it has such a cooling effect, and with temperatures at the 100 degree mark, I'm looking for anything that cools!!

    Cute, cute, cute.

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  44. This is way too cool. Thanks for sharing. I'd love to have a wreath such as this on my front door next summer! :-)

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  45. You are so talented, I love the wreath.

    Suzy

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  46. Your garden looks lush and inviting.

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  47. That turned out really well! I would never have thought of something like that! It really adds something special to your wall!

    Kady

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  48. I love the wreath! I have never seen anything like that and would love to make one too, maybe next year. It has really filled in so well in 6 weeks. What a conversation piece. So pretty...
    Jud in Ontario, Canada.

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  49. I KNOW we would be the best of friends! Thank you for sharing your heart. I love all the same things and try to be as creative as you. I guess I'm your little "Grasshopper." Remember Kung Fu?

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  50. Cindy: Love this wreath and your blog.

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  51. Hi Cindy,

    I love this wreath! What a fantastic idea. I can't wait to give it a shot myself.

    I'm planning to link to this post on Saturday if that's OK with you.

    I've been by before and I love your blog. So many beautiful pictures and great ideas.

    Thanks!

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  52. That is really beautiful Cindy. As always, you are an inspiration!
    I love all the little bits and bobs youhave done in your bedroom. So pretty, tranquil, soft.
    Love,
    Sue

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  53. I've never heard of these.

    What a wonderful, creative idea!
    The little bird is the perfect touch.

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  54. I've featured this idea in my I Love These Ideas! Sunday column:

    http://athomeredesigns.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-love-these-ideas-sunday_20.html

    Please hop over and grab a badge if you'd like!

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  55. What a great idea. I have enough ground covers in my yard alone to put something like this together.

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  56. Cindy,
    You have an AMAZING blog. I could easily loose myself all day in here. This wreath is a fabulous idea!
    Patricia

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  57. Wow, that's beautiful. Thanks for showing us how!

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  58. I love the birdie in the wreath!

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  59. Hello Cindy - I have just discovered you blog - It is wonderful, thank you.
    I am just about to tackle my first piece of painted furniture ( after discovering you technique).
    I have an old pine table with painted legs and natural top. I am going to strip back the legs and repaint, following your method.
    The top I am going to leave natural - Any advise on how to finish the top. Should I strip this and then just wax it.
    I am from Australia, but I can access the Howard product range from a local supplier on line.
    Thank you so much.
    Kind regards
    Jill www.jillcavanaghflowers.com

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment! ~Cindy