Shirley Bovshow's DIY Fresh Cut Holiday Garland

Cut Branches for Fresh Garland:

If you have any conifers in your yard like fir, cedars or junipers, you have all you need to make your own fresh garland.
Boxwood, holly and ligustrum add another layer of texture and are tolerant of the dry warm conditions indoors.
ALWAYS use sharp pruners and cut from different parts of the plants so that you don't misshape the plant or tree.
If branches are thick, use a hammer to flatten the bottom of stem so it can take up water easily.
After cutting stems from plants in your yard, place them in water until ready to use.
Use an anti-drying spray like Wilt Pruf to keep your foliage from drying out fast.

Or Buy an Inexpensive 5 to 6 Foot Christmas Tree and Cut the Branches to Make Your Own Garland:

Buy a second, different style tree to make a mixed green garland.
Cut evergreen stems from plants in your yard to add an extra layer of foliage to garland.

To Assemble the Garland:

Cut twine to finished length you want for garland.
Wrap paddle wire along the top 2"inches of the twine and lay wire paddle in FRONT of extended twine.
Gather your greens into a bundle, (thick or thin as you like) and lay on top of twine and wrap bundle with wire 3 times- don't cut wire!
Repeat with another bundle of greens and stagger, placing along bottom of first bundle.
Wrap bundle with paddle of floral wire (22 gauge) and continue until you get close to end of twine.
Finish off garland by placing last bundle facing the opposite direction of other bundles. Wrap with wire and cut off wire.

Fresh Holiday Garland DIY - Home & Family

Make sure you visit Shirley at www.EdenMakers.com.