“Throughout the world, in every culture, circles and rings have had a mythical potency for humankind since the earliest times.” This opening line, from Enchanted Circles: The Art of Making Decorative Wreaths for All Seasons and Special Occasions by Elizabeth Jane Lloyd, explains the power of the wreath as a symbol that endures to this day.
Twisting natural materials into a ring-shaped form has been one of mankind’s earliest expressions of the power of the circle. Native Americans used circles as protective symbols with their round headdresses and tepees arranged in a circle. The circle is also the form chosen for the Tibetan mandala to aid in meditation.
Some of Our Favorite Floral Wreaths
Click the arrows (or swipe if on a mobile device) to see more
Wreaths are used in many rituals. Advent wreaths and harvest wreaths are made of wheat. In ancient societies, circlets of laurel, oak, and olive leaves were bestowed upon winners of athletic competitions. Wedding wreaths have long been worn as headdresses, such as those worn by the flower girls at the wedding of Prince William and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.
Today I still make floral wreaths for myself and for my clients. Like the wreath of hydrangea I designed for this story, many of my wreaths begin with a base of Oasis, which helps maintain the handsome look for many days. Fashioned to sit on a table or hang on a gate, this particular form celebrates the range of hydrangea-blossom types available in my garden at a particular moment in time. Magnolia leaves and seed pods provide a strong evergreen backdrop in contrast with the delicacy of the blossoms.
I encourage you to consider the ways in which this ancient symbol could enhance your own rituals. What materials and occasions are significant in your life? Fashion your flower wreath to celebrate the things that are important to you.
To quote again from Elizabeth Jane Lloyd, “Wreaths, circles, and garlands have a noble and fascinating history, and when you begin to make your own you will be entering into a special, centuries-old tradition.”
By Ryan Gainey
The late garden designer and author Ryan Gainey wrote a regular column in Flower for many years, sharing his remarkable gardening knowledge and stories.
A Collection of Wreath How-Tos
- How to Make a Bow for a Wreath
- Make a Lime Wreath with Holly and Berries
- A Festive Fall Wreath
- How to Make an Evergreen Holiday Wreath
- How to Make a Flower Crown
- Ruched Ribbon Garland for Wreaths
- Winter Berries for the Garden (and Arrangements)