How to Make an Evergreen Garland

Fresh garlands are another element of my gift-giving repertoire. They are beautiful and easy to make. This post is a quick peek of my blog called ‘How to Make an Evergreen Garland’ on my website at gardeningwithsharon.com. A garland is a series of small greenery bundles attached to a guide wire or string. I have discovered options to make it more eco-friendly and that’s all in my blog, too! The supply list is simple: 🎄 Jute string 🎄 22 gauge paddle wire or medium weight (or jute string) for securing the bundles 🎄 Hand clippers 🎄 A mix of fresh greenery - try to have 4 different kinds (I used Spruce, Balsam Fir, Cedar, Saskatoon branches, and some pinecones, but you can use whatever you'd like or have in hand). Here’s what I do: 1. I start by stacking my greenery into piles of 20cm (8") pieces. 2. Then I measure out a length of jute to attach the bundles to, and I cut it .5 m (1-2') longer than I need, just to have a little wiggle room. 3. To get the garland started, I secure the paddle wire (you can use jute for this, too) to the garland guide and lay it to the outside. 4. Next, I make individual greenery bundles - in this case, I placed Spruce on the bottom & layered the Fir, Pine, and Saskatoon branches on top depending on how they were shaped & once in a while I would add a pinecone. 5. Attach the first bundle by wrapping the paddle wire or jute around the bottom 1/3 of the bunch to the garland guide. Wrap it around 3 times, and pull tightly, especially after the 3rd round. Always end with the paddle wire or jute underneath the frame and lying on the outside of the frame. 6. Angle the next bunch diagonally to the left, overlapping the wire of the first bunch, wrap the bottom 1/3 of the bunch 3 times with the paddle wire. 7. Keep layering the bunches, alternating right, left, until garland is to the desired length and tie the wire or jute off at the back. 8. When it's all done, trim it up or fill it in a bit if it’s uneven, and decorate if you wish. Check out the caption or dig into my blog for more on this fun, festive décor! #gardeningwithsharon #yeggarden #gardencoach #gardeningtips #gardeninspiration #gardeninspo #edmontonliving #yeglife #yegliving #yeglocal #christmasgarland #zone3 #zone3gardening #zone4 #homegardener #homegardening