Make a Living Herb Wreath: Fresh Flavors and Garden Beauty Combined

A living herb wreath delivers double duty: stunning indoor/outdoor decoration and a continual supply of fresh culinary herbs. Hang near the kitchen or grill for convenient snipping. Combine herbs with colorful annuals like alyssum and lobelia. Maintain by pinching herb tips at planting and regularly after; clip errant stems and trim overall for lush growth. Use clippings in cooking!

Materials Needed

• Sphagnum sheet moss
• 18-inch concave wire wreath form
• Potting soil
• Water-retentive polymer crystals
• Herbs in six-packs or 3-inch pots
• Annual flowers in six-packs (optional)
• Floral U-shape pins
• Green spool wire
• Sturdy hook or nail

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Moss Liner

Soak sphagnum sheet moss in water briefly. On a water-safe surface, squeeze excess moisture. Line the wreath form generously with overlapping moss pieces, letting them drape over edges. Press moss into frame, creating a planting pocket. Moisten potting soil and mix in polymer crystals per package directions.

Step 2: Plant the Wreath

Mound damp soil in the center as high as possible. Unpot plants, spread roots on soil, spacing 3 inches apart around the ring, alternating varieties. Pull moss up around root balls and secure with U-pins. Tuck extra moss into bare spots, pinning in place. Wrap green spool wire around the entire wreath, working outside to inside, front to back, lifting only the section being wrapped. Twist wire ends together. Water thoroughly. Hang securely.