Yesterday The Duck Lady and I got together to collect greens for making wreaths and to decorate her farmstand for Christmas.
Here in Maine we’re sort of spoiled with all the different varieties of trees to choose from for wreath making and there are plenty of winterberries dotting the landscape as well.
Wreath are a big deal here in New England and people tend to leave the wreaths hanging on their door until Mid Spring.
When we first moved here I used to think it was strange to see winter wreath still on people’s doors in late March or early April. And then I figured out why.
- Nobody uses their front door.
- There is still snow on the ground.
- People like to photograph the snow/winter scene.
- It’s too cold outside to be fiddling around taking down wreaths and Christmas lights.
Last year I don’t think we took our wreaths down until it was time to start digging in the dirt… which was in late April if I am remembering correctly.
So we’re acclimating. 😉
Every year the wreaths I make turn out a little different and sometimes I wonder if I’ll still be as excited to go out and gather up nature’s bounty to make them when I’m old and gray.
I hope so. I hope I never lose the satisfaction of creating something with my hands.
After all, it’s the little things that bring us the most joy I think.
Here’s to another beautiful day in chilly coastal Maine. 🙂
Have a good one,
~Mavis
Holley says
So beautiful!!! Did you make one for your front door? Picture please!
Donna Knight says
Love it. I am taking a wreath making class on the 8th. Can’t wait.
Lynn from NC Outer Banks says
Do the berries hold their color or do you treat them somehow so that they do hold their color?
Kimberly Vassar says
Those berries look to be rosehips, because of the thorns. I hang rosehips in my home for decoration. Some I have had for years and the color is still very good.
Lynn from NC Outer Banks says
Thank you for your reply. I’m not sure we have rosehips here in coastal NC, but I’ll have to keep an eye out!
Samantha Surovec says
I’m pretty sure those are rosehips from wild roses. I collect them myself in central PA to use in Christmas outdoor decor. They hold up for awhile here but we dont leave them out til April.
Lynn from NC Outer Banks says
Thanks for your reply Samantha. You and Kimberly have eagle eyes to identify the rosehips. I have used holly berries from my yard, but they soon turn dark and aren’t so pretty.
suzanne says
It’s decorating for the season, not the holidays. Much simpler that way.
Judi Y. says
Your wreath is beautiful!!
Emily says
Beautiful! Leaving your wreath up long past Christmas is a tried and true way to cope with a long winter. I used to do the same thing when I lived in Michigan.
Kimberly Vassar says
When I lived in Maine, many years ago, I decided to answer an ad for wreath makers. It was Mingo’s tree farm south of Calais. It was an amazing time. The wreath makers worked upstairs in an old barn. I worked just two evenings a week, after my shift at a local hospital. It was two of the best months I ever had. It smelled so good. The wreaths were made on a thick round hoop, and we attached branches by using a machine that wrapped wire each branch…very much like a sewing machine pedal. It was fun to think about these wreaths we were creating being sent all over the country.
Laurie Lasala-Tuttle says
What a beautiful wreath Mavis, thanks for sharing!!
Maria says
You’ll find the same to be true in Wisconsin – why take anything down until it’s above 40 – and sometimes that’s May!!!