'Amber Waves of Autumn' Wreath

The autumn season is in full swing as we start preparations for Thanksgiving and the holidays. I was inspired to create this lush and autumnal wreath that is brimming with jewel tones of amber and indigo. I always prefer a more interesting wreath that is filled with exotic florals and greenery. A classic greenery base of two varieties of eucalyptus and bay leaf provided plenty of fragrance and body to the wreath. Small pops of indigo statice, craspedia balls, and ruby berzelia help dot the wreath with a bit of texture and plenty of color. Mahogany splendor leaves and textural grevillea add a bit of dimension, while the tropical pincushion proteas, echinacea pods, and persimmons are the amber showstoppers bringing to life this fresh-faced autumnal wreath. When picking persimmons, go for a little less ripe fruit with a clean face. This gives you a longer shelf life and when the persimmons are ripe, you can pluck them from the wreath and enjoy. All the florals, pods, and greenery are meant to dry well, so this wreath will last you well into the fall season. Enjoy!

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‘AMBER WAVES OF AUTUMN’ WREATH

FLORALS + SUPPLIES

• 18” metal floral wreath

• Floral snips

• Greenery tape

• Floral wire paddle

• 1 bunch of gum drop eucalyptus

• 1 bunch of willow feather eucalyptus

• 1 bunch of bay leaf

• 1 bunch of hibiscus ‘Mahogany Splendor’ branches

• 1 bunch of indigo statice flower

• 1 bunch of grevillea greens

• 1 bunch of ruby berzelia

• 1 bunch of echinacea pods

• 1 bunch of blue thistle

• 1 bunch of craspedia balls

• 5 stems of orange-yellow pincushion protea

• 3 fuyu persimmons

STEPS

1. Create boughs or small groupings of florals and greenery using the greenery tape and leaving about 3'-4” of stem at the bottom of each bough.

2. Here are the bough breakdowns and quantities:

   • 6 — Bay leaf, gum drop eucalyptus, willow feather eucalyptus

   • 2 — ‘Mahogany splendor’ branches, bay leaf, gum drop eucalyptus, willow feather eucalyptus

   • 3 — Indigo statice, grevillea, ruby berzelia

   • 3 — Echinacea pods, blue thistle, craspedia balls, ‘mahogany splendor’ branches

   • 5 — Pincushion protea, indigo statice, ruby berzelia

3. Once you have all the boughs complete, you can start to wire them to the floral wreath frame. Start with the base greens and start to add in a few of the punchier boughs. I like to alternate to create a cohesive blend. You will want to use one continuous piece of wire to wrap and secure each of the boughs to the frame.

4. Once you have made it all around and the wreath is near complete, you can tie off the wire and tuck it behind the greenery.

5. Finally, stake and wire the persimmons and secure to the wreath in focal areas of the wreath design.

6. Spritz the wreath with water to hydrate the leaves and it’s ready to hang.