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| Photo Credit: Sarah E. Smith |
| Succulent wreaths are beautiful decorations that last. |
Aah, the holidays. But, baah, the stress. It’s not the Christmas music that gets on my nerves (truthfully, I miss Alvin and the Chipmunks the other 11 months of the year) – it’s all those messages about managing my “holiday stress level.” The advice never seems to apply to any of the specific oddball stressors my family seems to generate. (I.e., what to do if a houseguest – okay, my father – decides to perform his “walking meditation” on my creaky hardwood floors until 4 a.m.)
One soothing holiday prescription is to make something – like a succulent wreath. This quick, cheap and rewarding activity rates high in my stash of stingy strategies and satisfactions. While you’ll never hear the self-help gurus recommend this project for stress reduction, there’s nothing more laid back and undemanding than succulents. They’re a model of self-containment and contentment with minimum resources. And – not that well-adjusted people like us would have such shallow, faddish values – but succulents are hot in hort-head circles right now. So this relaxing endeavor will score with the hipsters in your group of friends (or make a great gift). Even better: This wreath isn’t just for the holiday season – it’s a wonderful decoration no matter what the occasion! The succulent wreath is simple (no need to wander into Martha Stewart’s zip code), and these low-maintenance plants provide a finished product that can last for years. Ann Munson, an artist and gardener from West Linn, OR, who makes living wreaths for sale, guided me through the process. Here are her steps for putting together a succulent wreath or centerpiece for any season. Materials:• A wire wreath “skeleton,” called “a form” (They cost less than $5 at the craft shop.)
• A small bag of cactus mix potting soil (or use one-half of regular potting soil mixed with one-half perlite)
• Sphagnum or sheet moss
• A spool of 22-gauge florist’s wire (you can substitute fishing line or copper wire)
• A dozen or so very small, light succulents, like hen and chicks (Sempervivum). Don’t choose anything tall, floppy or heavy, which will likely fall out of your wreath.
• A pencil, chopstick or skinny knife
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