Sensational Flowers

Fashion a Gorgeous Wreath
Gaye's wreath features pink roses and pale green lisianthus. With aromatic eucalyptus, she creates a lush background for the flowers. For her door, she chose a 21-inch-diameter florist foam wreath backed with plastic.

First, Gaye conditions the eucalyptus and flowers for several hours by standing the stems in a mixture of water and floral preservative. Then she saturates the wreath form, allowing excess water to drain away. Before she starts adding greenery, Gaye attaches a loop of florist wire through the wreath so the finished product will hang on the door. Then she cuts 2- or 3-inch-long pieces of fresh eucalyptus. She covers the entire wreath form by inserting the greenery stems into the florist foam and angling them clockwise. Next, she cuts rose and lisianthus stems to about 3 inches and inserts them into the florist foam at equal intervals. Once the wreath is hung, she adds a pretty bow, which also hides the wreath hanger.

Keep your wreath cool and hydrated by soaking it in a few inches of water about every three days. Let excess moisture drain before rehanging it.

Source Information
 Pages 88-91: Floral design by Gaye Drummond, Savannah, www.gayedrummond.com or [912] 232-0065; vases from The Fresh Market (R).

"Sensational Flowers" is from the Home for the Holidays 2007 issue of Southern Living.