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Gardeners' Potpourri

Make a Red Twig Dogwood Wreath

With our vibrant autumn leaves now fallen and faded; we could certainly use a little added color. What better way to liven things up than with a cheery, red twig wreath; specifically, Red Twig Dogwood.

Red Twig Dogwood Wreath

With its' colorful purplish-red branches, Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea, also known as Red Osier Dogwood) is an excellent choice for an attractive twig wreath. If you have access to a woodlot, you may very well find it growing wild. As Red Twig Dogwood is a common landscape shrub as well, you might already have it in your own or your neighbor's yard! Red Twig weathers well, and if not displayed in direct sunlight, will retain its' divine color for several years.

If Red Twig Dogwood isn't readily available in your area (it grows in Zones 2-8), don't become discouraged; as many other shrubs are suitable for making twig wreaths.

Wreath construction is really quite simple and relatively inexpensive.

Wreath Materials & Supplies

Materials Required are:

  • an armload of branches 1/4" diameter and smaller. (Select branches that have many smaller offshoots.) - FREE
  • 1 - wire wreath form, 12-18" in diameter (two sizes pictured, we used a 12" form for our wreath) - approx. $2.25
  • 1 - paddle of 22 gauge green wire - approx. $1.50 (One paddle has enough wire for 3-4 average size wreaths.)
  • pair of hand pruners - hopefully on hand, if not, approx. $15-50, dependent upon quality
First bundle of twigs attached to wreath ring.

Begin by cutting the branches into random lengths ranging from 10-18" long. (The uncut, natural ends are the ends you see around the outside of the wreath. All cut ends will be hidden as we create the wreath.) Secure the leading end of your wire to the wreath ring with a few, tight twists. Gather a small bundle (about 1-1/2" in diameter) of your newly cut branches, (cut ends together) and lay them against the inside curve of the wreath form, as shown. Wrap the wire tightly around the branches and through the center of the wreath form as shown. Four to five wraps will suffice.
Wreath partially constructed.

Continue around the perimeter of the wreath form applying bundles of twigs over the previously attached bundles and wrapping with the wire. When you are nearing the end of the circle, you will need to lift up your initial bundles to fit the final bundles underneath and secure them. Freshly harvested twigs are still quite flexible, so you shouldn't have a problem with breakage if you are careful.
Finishing off wreath with a wire loop for hanging.

Turn the wreath over and finish off by securing your wire to the wreath form with a few tight wraps. Double over the wire and twist to form a loop from which to hang the wreath. Trim any stray twig ends which may be protruding. Flip the wreath right side up again and cover any exposed wire or exposed areas of the wreath form by weaving in a few smaller twigs to cover those areas.

Decorate with natural findings such as rose hips, statice, or other dried flowers. Construction time will vary, but our example was made in about forty-five minutes (not counting the time taken to harvest the twigs). But take your time, the end result will be worth it! Enjoy!

Please refer to our Gardeners' Potpourri Archive for additional articles.

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