eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Make a Living Ivy Wreath

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

Keep this ivy wreath topiary on hand in your garden to use as a centerpiece when you have unexpected dinner guests. Bring it inside, dress it up with a few candles, some glittery garland or silk flowers, and your guests will think you are a genius!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Attach the tag end of No. 24 paddle wire to a wire wreath frame.

  2. Step 2

    Soak sphagnum moss in a bucket until it is moist. Half a bale of sphagnum will make one 8-inch living wreath.

  3. Step 3

    Cover the wreath frame with the sphagnum moss. The brown side of the moss should be facing up and the sides should overlap by at least two inches on both sides of the frame.

  4. Step 4

    Select ivy plants in 4-inch containers. There are usually several plants combined in the same container, so you get more for your money.

  5. Step 5

    Remove the ivy from the 4-inch container.

  6. Step 6

    Separate the individual plants, being very careful to remove as little soil from around the roots as possible.

  7. Step 7

    Lay the prepared ivy onto the moss-covered frame near where the wire is attached. The plant should be on its side.

  8. Step 8

    Cover the root ball with a new piece of damp moss. Wrap the moss that overlaps up over the new sheet to cover the entire root ball.

  9. Step 9

    Wrap twice with the paddle wire. Be very careful to wrap the wire over the root ball and not the crown (the area where the foliage meets the roots) of the plant.

  10. Step 10

    Lay the next plant so that the foliage covers the root ball of the previous plant.

  11. Step 11

    Continue adding ivy, covering with moss and wrapping with wire until you come to the end. Cut the wire and tie off to the back of the frame.

  12. Step 12

    Soak the finished wreath in a bucket of water or spray with a hose to settle plants in place.

Tips & Warnings
  • Keep the ivy topiary wreath in a cool, shady area of your garden or patio.
  • Fertilize every two weeks with a complete liquid fertilizer, or use a slow release fertilizer at planting time.
  • Water when the bottom of the wreath feels as dry as a wrung-out sponge.
  • Place the wreath on a large tray when you bring it indoors to prevent it from staining wood surfaces.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Hobbies, Games & Toys Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden