As much as I said over and over that we're "only doing a tree this year!"- let's be real. I have too much Enneagram 3, type A, cooped up creative energy for that to be true. To my credit, I am resourceful and efficient. So, if you're wanting an elaborate DIY, move along girl. I'm here to show you the garland I make every single year - that I swore I wouldn't make this year - that I am now making this year.
Where to get the greens? Our house we sold in August had these gorgeous Leyland Cypress trees out front. I mean, I used cuttings from those trees year-round for every project and table scape. But especially during the holidays, the cypress made a beautiful garland and didn't dry up or shed for a month or two! So, if you have a Leyland Cypress - all the slow claps for you. I'm super jealous. I miss my trees.
If you don't have an evergreen in your yard or your neighbor's yard, here are some ideas. Text your friends. One of them probably has something you can use. Drive through your local park and stealth-cut branches off the juniper trees that live there. (This is most likely illegal and something I would never do every year I've lived in Nashville... Shelby Park area, especially...) Or, did you know you can ask for scraps from Christmas tree vendors? They'll often give you random cuttings for free that work great! No shame in the store-bought game either, but look into other options first.
I love and highly recommend filling in with seeded eucalyptus (which you can find at most Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Kroger, etc) It's so pretty and smells delish.
You'll need green floral wire to hold it all together and a pair of scissors. Choose your length and double up the length in wire. Fold in half and sort of twist together. This is your base. Essentially, now you'll attach cuts of greenery using the base itself or other small pieces of cut wire.
Start with the fullest type green you have. Attach it evenly across the whole length. Then, go back and fill in with other greens, berries, smaller pieces, etc. You can tuck the other greens into this base garland where there are holes, cut smaller pieces of wire and twist it together.
