Saturday, November 28, 2015

How to Make an Evergreen Wreath



Since Christmas is right around the corner, I thought I'd share with you how to make an evergreen wreath.  It's not that difficult, and the beauty and smell of them are so nice for the holidays.

1.  Pick your evergreens.  They can be collected from your yard or purchased.  Using all of the same kind gives a formal look.  Different kinds can give it more texture.  Some kinds of evergreens to consider are fir, juniper, and arborvitae.

2.  Soak your evergreens.  Cut off the bottom of each branch at an angle and soak for 24 hours in a bucket of water.  This will make the wreath last longer.

3.  Gather materials:  a wreath form, florist wire, evergreen branches, pruning sheers, and decorations like ribbons and bows.

4.  Trim evergreen branches into small, easy to work with pieces.

5.  Lay the form on a flat surface, concave side facing up to hold the evergreens.

6.  Lay a piece of evergreen on the form and loop wire around the woody stem, and then loop around the wreath form to attach.

7.  Overlap with another of the same kind of evergreen, facing the same direction and attach the same way.

8.  After your base is done, you can add other types of evergreens and decorations, such as pinecones, berries, and ribbon.

It's a good idea to make your wreath about a week before Christmas so it looks nice for the holiday.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Dey Mansion Gardens



Dey Mansion Gardens is located in Wayne, New Jersey. The Georgian-style house was constructed between 1740-1750, and served as the Revolutionary War headquarters for General George Washington (the first president of the United States). The grounds feature a blacksmith shop, herb and vegetable garden, a formal garden, the house, and a picnic area.

The house and gardens are open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to noon. Tours are available. Cost of admission is $1.00 per person.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Colonial Park Arboretum and Gardens


Colonial Park Arboretum and Gardens is located in East Millstone, New Jersey. This 144 acre arboretum features trees and shrubs that thrive in central New Jersey. There's a beautiful rose garden that contains 3,000 roses. The garden showcases a fountain surrounded by miniature and hybrid tea roses. The Perennial Garden on the grounds features a gazebo surrounded by flowering bulbs, perennials, annuals, and flowering trees and shrubs.


The gardens are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free.


Before I go, I'd like to let you know that I am a guest on author, Virginia Wright's, blog. I'm discussing my newest book, Ten Zany Birds. Please stop by and visit!