HOW TO CARE FOR FRESH WREATHS
Happy November! It's hard to believe it's a new month already and I have one whole month of this new newsletter under by belt! Thanks so much for reading along and supporting long form content.
A new month brings a fresh theme as we transition from October's fall cleanup. Our gardens are preparing for their winter rest, and we're getting ready for the holiday hustle and bustle ahead. I understand that this time of year can be overwhelming, but don't worry—I'm here to let you in on all of my hacks for keeping on track during the busy holiday season! This month, I'll share fewer rose tips and instead reveal my secrets for tackling your holiday to-do list, family gatherings and making time to squeeze in a few garden projects too. As a type A planner who likes to get things done ahead of time, I know that if I don't start organizing now, I'll be swamped by the time Thanksgiving arrives.
At the farm, I can already feel the festive spirit as we've launched our new Fresh Holiday Wreath Collection. Creating new designs like The Sparkle, The Menagerie Magnolia, and The Yuletide Eucalyptus has been so much fun! My boys and I had a fantastic time taking photos and voting for our favorite wreath this year. We decorated our barn boutique this weekend too. I'm sure many of you are also getting into holiday spirit getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving & Christmas with family & friends!
Let's be real—there's nothing quite as disappointing as decorating with a gorgeous live wreath and seeing it dry out and lose its luster before the holiday arrives. Today, I'm sharing some essential tips to keep your wreath looking vibrant throughout the holiday season. I've tested these methods over the years, and I promise my easy-to-follow steps will serve you well—no need to sift through the clutter of YouTube or ad-riddled blogs on Google for advice. These tips apply to any wreath, whether from our shop or purchased at your local nursery or hardware store. The key to maintaining wreaths is consistency; they require daily hydration just like you would provide a fresh bouquet of flowers. Without water, they can quickly resemble a sad Charlie Brown Christmas tree!
Different types of wreaths have different lifespans. Evergreen wreaths can remain fresh for 5 to 8 weeks with a bit of tender loving care, while fresh eucalyptus wreaths typically last about 2 to 3 weeks. Though their fresh lifespan is shorter, they gracefully transition into beautiful dried wreaths that you can display for several months. Regardless of the type of wreath you have, here are my tips to help them all stay looking fresh and fragrant longer:
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Hang your wreath outdoors in a shaded area where it can catch some from fresh air, avoiding direct sunlight that can dry out the foliage. If you prefer to display it indoors, choose a spot away from heat sources like vents or fireplaces.
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Keep it hydrated! I recommend a high-quality misting bottle for easy and effective spritzing. My favorite misting bottle gives a nice fine spray that evenly covers your wreath without any water damage worries. You can also catch me in action on Instagram with my favorite mister spraying a fresh wreath.
- A dry wreath is a sad wreath! Every 1-3 days, give the back and front of your wreath a healthy spritz of water to keep those greens vibrant. This is the key step you really need to do daily (or as often as you remember). Leave foliage well covered in a fine mist but not dripping. PRO TIP for parents of kids under the age of 13 they love spraying the wreaths daily so add it to their chore list. They have fun new job and you have a healthy fresh wreath!
- For an extra boost, add Winter Wreath & Christmas Tree Food to your water when you mist. Mix 1 capful of liquid food with a liter of water to enhance freshness, prevent foliage drop and preserve color. It's perfect for your other holiday greens too, like Christmas trees and evergreen centerpieces.
While most evergreen and eucalyptus wreaths are meant to be enjoyed for one season, you can dry and preserve boxwood and magnolia wreaths to enjoy year after year. Just make sure to wait until they're fully dry before stashing them in a cool, dry storage location free of moisture. Incorporating a desiccant to your storage container can significantly enhance the preservation of your wreaths, keeping them beautifully maintained over time.
I love adding personal touches to my wreaths to make them stand out. Beautiful ribbons and jingle bells are my go-tos for that extra holiday cheer. I've put together a list of my essential wreath care tools and supplies to give you some inspiration.
This week's action tip: Check one item off your holiday to-do list! Whether it's ordering a fresh wreath for your door, picking up a gift for a friend, planning your Thanksgiving menu or creating your wishlist, let's kick off this season feeling organized and ready to go. Set a timer for 20 minutes today and get it done!
CHEERS,
THE LIST: THINGS I'M LOVING THIS WEEK
- My eldest son is going to his first sleep away outdoor ed camp with this school class in a few weeks and I am busy gathering supplies that are on the “must pack” list. I have to admit the MANY precautionary warnings about bed bugs have me a little spooked. 🫠 I got him these new waterproof shoes to take to camp. They're a cross between a boot and a sneaker. He is already loving and wearing them everywhere! Perfect for camp and farm kid life.
- As I prepare my MENU for Thanksgiving dinner, I can't help but highlight the Cream Cheese-Swirled Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate Shortbread Crust, a cherished addition to our table over the past few years. Its texture is lighter and fluffier than that of traditional pumpkin pie, while the chocolate shortbread crust takes it to an entirely new level. Once you try it you'll never go back to a regular pumpkin again!
- I am adding a few of these adorable rose tape measures to STOCKINGS this year.
- I've always been a FAN of wide-leg jeans and have spent several years searching for a new favorite pair. I still hold on to a 12-year-old pair from Citizens of Humanity that I've repaired countless times because they fit so perfectly. My beloved Super Flare style has been discontinued for years, and although I try new jeans, I often find myself disappointed by the fit. Recently, I discovered a new, similar style featuring the wide-leg flare that's ideal for both working on the farm and heading into town. I can hardly believe they're Levi's and under $100!
- I love a GOOD documentary and I thoroughly enjoyed Music By John Williams. If you're a fan of his scores this one is a must watch. My kids enjoyed it too.
Q & A: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q: I have many potted roses this year in Montana that I purchased from you and do not want to lose them to our harsh winters. I plan to winter them inside a storage shed- is that advisable? They are in large buckets with root bulb buried for protection. Any advice would be helpful.
Charmaine from Columbus, Montana - Zone 4b
A: Hey, Charmaine! Yes, you can overwinter roses in cold climates indoors. Bringing them inside can protect them from harsh winter temperatures, especially for delicate or young roses.
Before bringing the roses indoors, prune them back by about one-third to reduce size and remove dead or damaged wood. Remove any remaining leaves to prevent pests from coming indoors. (See my Vol 2 & 3 newsletters for more info on fall pruning.)
Place the plants in a cool, sunny location, ideally near a window or inside a greenhouse or hoophouse with plenty of sunlight. Your shed should work great if you have a window you can place the pots near. A temperature range of 40–50°F (4–10°C) is ideal to help the roses go dormant without causing them to dry out.
While the roses are dormant, water them sparingly, just enough to keep the roots from drying out. How much will depend on how warm the location of the pot is. Aim for the soil at a depth of 6 to 12 inches to feel like a wrung-out sponge: moist, but not dripping. Overwatering can encourage rot.
Indoor conditions may attract pests like spider mites or aphids even in the winter months. Check the leaves and stems occasionally, and consider using an insect control method if needed.
If natural light is limited, install supplemental grow light to help maintain the health of the roses. I have seen too many customers & clients over the years place their rose pots in a dark basement all winter only to find them dead in the spring due to lack of light and water.
In early spring, you can gradually reintroduce the roses to outdoor conditions once temperatures start to warm up.
JOIN THE FUN!
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You can also find me on Instagram for more rose garden inspiration and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. You can check out my favorite rose varieties and browse garden supplies at the Menagerie Shop! I also have all of things I love for my home, garden and life in easy to find collections on my Amazon Storefront and my new ShopMy Page. I truly enjoy hearing from you, so please don't hesitate to send in any questions you'd like me to answer. Cheers, to a great week ahead!
Photos by: Jill Carmel Photography
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