A creative and practical method of storing herbs is the herb wreath. In Victorian times herb wreaths where popular as decorations and it was not uncommon to see one in nearly every room. Today many herb wreaths are sold at craft fairs and decorating stores all over the country. Victorian ladies, however were extremely creative when making their wreaths. A common wreath consisted of myrtle and well-made muslin flowers, pine cones, leaves, and dried flowers. They also were creative when it came to making flower subsitues whenever flowers were not availiable using things like hair, shells, leather, and seaweed for a floral effect.
Theme wreaths are a nice idea, and make lovely gifts. For the person who enjoys cooking a wreath of bay leaves, dill, garlic, parsley, and rosemary may be a wonderful addition to any kitchen and keep essential cooking herbs within reach. Those of us with magickal intentions can make a wreath with arragments designed to draw love, health, prosperity, or many other things.
To make a wreath you will need: heavy wire, straw or Spanish moss, ligther florist's wire, and the herbs you wish to use. To start it you will need to take your heavy wire and lash some straw, or the Spanish moss, to it with the light florist's wire. Of course, it is possiable to buy already made wreath bases. I have seen these bases in straw, twigs, florist's fome, and moss. When you have your base, take your background material and fill the wreath with it. Continue insterting the background herbs and flowers until the entire base is clovered. You may want to add a bit of glue to the end of each sprig to ensure it stays in your wreath. If it is your inteintion ot peroidically put fresh flowers in your wreath, you may want to place a few water tubes (obtained from most florists) under your greenary. To finish, place accent flowers and herbs all around the wreath and decorate with ribbon, lace, or whatever suits your taste. I have also found tulle to be very lovely in wreaths, along with feather boas.
*** It is NOT a good idea to make a herbal wreath for healing purposes; unless it is used strictly for decoration only. Dusts collects on the wreath and this isn't good for healing remedies. You will also always want to wash off the herbs from an herbal wreath when using them for cooking purposes. A general (but there ARE exceptions) rule for herbal remedies is "the fresher, the better." |
