How to Make an Evergreen Garland

Evergreen garlands are a classic way to add a festive, natural touch to your holiday décor. They bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with their fresh scent and timeless charm. In this post, we’ll walk through how to make an evergreen garland, where to find evergreen branches, creative ways to display your finished piece, and how to compost it when the season is over.

Sourcing Your Evergreen Branches

The first step in creating an evergreen garland is gathering the right materials. Here are some sustainable and budget-friendly ways to source your branches:

• Prune from Your Backyard: If you have evergreen trees or shrubs, such as pine, cedar, or spruce, carefully prune a few branches. Take only what you need to avoid damaging your plants.
• Ask Your Local Tree Lot: Many Christmas tree lots give away trimmed branches for free or at a low cost. These offcuts are perfect for garlands.
• Check with Neighbors: Use local community groups or Buy Nothing groups to ask if anyone has extra branches they’d be willing to share.
• Look for Windfallen Branches: After a storm, fallen branches may be available. Be sure to check local regulations before foraging in public spaces.

How to Make an Evergreen Garland

Once you’ve gathered your branches, it’s time to assemble your garland. Follow these simple steps to make an evergreen garland using floral wire loops:

1.Prep Work
Soak the branches in cold water for a few hours to ensure that they are well hydrated. Shake them off and lay them on a towel to dry. Cut several 6 inch lengths of wire to have on hand.

2.Create the Base
Start by laying some of the large branches in a row with a little bit of overlap. Connect the branches with a bit of twisted wire. Continue to add branches until your garland is its desired length.

3.Add Filler
At this point you can decide to add bits of filler. This can be smaller branches of the same species of trees or you could sprinkle in a variety of different evergreen branches.

4.Add Decorative Elements
You can leave the garland as evergreen for a more minimalist look or you can add in some decorative elements. DIY frayed ribbon, dried oranges, dried whole oranges, twig stars, 3D paper stars, or small little salt dough or apple cinnamon ornaments could be cute!

Creative Ways to Display Your Evergreen Garland

Your garland is now ready to shine! Here are some ideas for where and how to display it:

• Mantels: Drape your garland along your mantelpiece. Add fairy lights or ornaments for extra holiday cheer.
• Doorways and Windows: Frame entryways or windows with your garland to create a welcoming, festive atmosphere. I used some simple sticker hooks to hang mine.
• Banisters: Wrap your garland around a staircase railing for an elegant touch.
• Tablescapes: Use the garland as a natural centerpiece. Pair it with candles or seasonal fruits for a rustic look.
• Outdoors: Hang your garland along a porch railing or fence to add holiday charm to your home’s exterior.

Composting Your Evergreen Garland

When the holiday season is over, you can compost your garland to return it to the earth sustainably. Here’s how:

1. Remove Non-Organic Materials: Before composting, carefully remove the floral wire, any lights, ornaments, or other decorations.
2. Cut into Smaller Pieces: Use pruning shears to break the branches into smaller sections. This helps them decompose faster.
3. Add to Your Compost Bin: Place the branches in your compost bin along with other green materials like vegetable scraps. Balance them with brown materials such as dried leaves or shredded paper.
4. Use in a Brush Pile: If you don’t compost, create a brush pile in your yard. It provides shelter for wildlife during the winter and naturally decomposes over time.
5. Municipal Yard Waste: Check with your local waste management program for guidelines on disposing of yard waste. Many offer special pickups or drop-offs for organic materials.

Composting your garland ensures it stays out of the landfill and nourishes the soil, making it a truly eco-friendly decoration from start to finish.

Why Make an Evergreen Garland?

Creating your own evergreen garland is a sustainable and rewarding project. By sourcing branches locally and using minimal materials, you’re reducing waste and embracing a natural aesthetic. Plus, the process of making a garland can become a fun seasonal tradition for the whole family.

Whether you display it inside or out, your handcrafted garland will bring warmth, beauty, and the scent of the season into your home. So gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and make an evergreen garland to enjoy this holiday season!