There are few plants as alluring as the boxwood. A standout in the garden due to its perennial greenery and pliable nature, I've long thought of this longstanding favorite as the shrub of kings. The exotic knot and topiary gardens in places like Versailles and Hampton Court are fashioned from the rich, uniform branches of this horticultural staple. Yet this versatile vegetation is equally at home in it's natural, mounded state--and just as lovely.
For a number of years I've coveted this plant as not only a top pick for any style of garden, but as indoor décor. The plant's deep hue, simple growth pattern, malleability and lasting nature make it perfect for indoor (and outdoor) wreathes and garlands--especially around the holidays. In fact, there's little I don't love about this plant--except the price. Decking your halls in boxwood can be prohibitively expensive. A typical 22"-24" boxwood wreath can cost anywhere from $50 to $150.
One way to get around boxwood's pricey nature is to preserve it, which allows for a number of seasons worth of enjoyment. But preserving takes planning and patience.
As my grandmother used to say, you have time or you have money, but you seldom have both. You can part with big bucks and order up all the boxwood you need. Be prepared to spend between $150-$400 (before shipping) for approximately four three-foot garlands. Why? The process is tedious (unless you're like me and you enjoy DIY garden projects).
If you enjoy a bit of a challenge, why not attempt to preserve your own boxwood? Here's how:
First, head outside and trim your hedges (mid-November is best). Rinse them well to get rid of any critters. Next, find a half dozen decorative watertight containers and fill them with hot water, glycerin and concentrated food coloring. The ratio is two parts hot water to one part glycerin, and one part dye. The glycerin costs about $3-$4 per bottle and you'll need two for a typical wreath. You'll also need one bottle of the food coloring, which runs about $2 a bottle. These items are easily found at places like Walmart, Michael's and Hobby Lobby.
Fill the containers with the water mixture, then stuff the cut boxwood stem in, being careful not to wedge too many of them in each container, as this seems to encourage bacterial growth. The bonus: these makeshift projects offer lovely shots of greenery around the house.
Give the process time, allowing stems to sit for 3-4 weeks, until they soak up all the solution. Then pat them dry and grab some florist wire--it's time to string your wreathes and garlands! Keep the wire toward the bottom of each branch and gently wind an inch or two around each connecting stem until you establish the pattern you like. This may take some practice. Also, stems may go brown in some areas, since the solution may soak up differently by differing stems. Once your creation is all set, you can cover the whole thing lightly with matte green spray paint. But before you do, test it on a few sample twigs.
Experiment. Enjoy. After all, 'Tis the season for greenery and fun!
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