Create Stunning Garden Orbs from Dogwood Prunings

Turn Pruning Leftovers into Natural Garden Art

Pruning ornamental shrubs like dogwoods yields a bounty of colorful twigs perfect for crafting unique garden ornaments. The vibrant red and yellow stems of red-twig and yellow-twig dogwood varieties transform into beautiful wreaths, spheres, or low fencing with just a little bending and weaving. This easy, sustainable project adds a natural accent to any garden space.

What You'll Need

• Grapevines or similar woody vine cuttings
• Wire cutters
• 18-gauge wire
• Dogwood branches (red-twig and yellow-twig cuttings work beautifully)

Step 1: Build a Sturdy Grapevine Base

Form the orb's framework using grapevine cuttings. Cut and twist a length into a circle roughly the size of your desired sphere — our red-twig version measures 18 inches in diameter, while the yellow-twig orb is 12 inches.

Step 2: Create a Sphere Structure

Twist a second grapevine length into an identical circle. Fit the two circles together perpendicularly to form a sphere shape. Secure the intersecting points with wire, twisting the ends tightly and tucking them in for a clean finish.

Step 3: Weave in Dogwood Stems

Add additional vine lengths to round out the base. Weave dogwood branches over and under the existing framework, filling gaps and tucking ends securely. Gently press the orb with your palms to refine the spherical shape as needed.

Pruning Tips for Healthy Shrubs

• Timing: Late winter to early spring is ideal when plants are dormant. Annual pruning maintains shrub health even without a craft project in mind.
• Sanitation: Remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Dip pruning shears in a mild bleach solution (a splash of bleach in a cup of water) between cuts to prevent disease spread.
• Right Tools: Use hand pruners for small branches, loppers for medium ones, and a small saw for thick limbs.