Wreath and Arrangement Herbs

Many herb gardeners grow herbs not for consumption, but for crafting decorative wreaths and arrangements. Which herbs should you grow for this purpose? Choose herbs for color texture and interest. The main elements to consider are listed below, with examples.

Elements

1. Main 'anchor' Elements

Use one or more anchor elements in an arrangement. These can include such items as larger whole flowers, seed pods, thistles, decorative non-herbal items, dehydrated orange slices or whole fruit, star flower seed heads. Good flowers are yarrow, roses, gomphrena, mostly any flower that dries well.

2. Background or Base

This element will fill up the background space and soften the edges of harder elements. They can be long, airy types like baby's breath, amaranth, artemisia, southernwood and wormwood as well as heavier, more solid items like bay leaves, sage, and lambs ear.

3. Texture

Different varieties of texture in an arrangement creates interest and prevents boredom in a piece. Texture elements can be larger, solid shapes from the main anchor category to fine shapes such as artemisia and baby's breath.

4. Color

Color can be bold, muted, coordinated to an environment, all greens, silvers or browns, or mixed. generally the focal point would be the anchor elements and the background would add softness and contrast. Green herbs include ivy, peppermint or spearmint, thyme, santolina, sweet annie artemisia, bay leaves and tarragon. Examples of silver herbs are silver king artemisia and lamb's ear. Other colors include these herbs: lunaria, lavender, baby's breath, globe amaranth, yarrow, oregano, chamomile, rosemary, sage, Queen Anne's lace, hops, thistles, crested celosia.

5. Trim

Trimming is not always necessary, but can often add that extra zing or pickup that an arrangement or wreath needs.

Choosing Garden Herbs for Arrangements

Creating an herb crafts garden is a matter of personal taste. WIth the above considerations in mind, herbs can be chosen and grown. Has anyone surveyed the prices of dried herbs in craft stores lately? They are not cheap! Growing these herbs can be an economical way to create beauty for yourself or for gifts.

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