Fresh Magnolia & Cedar Garland
Looking to add a touch of natural beauty to your holiday decor? A fresh evergreen garland is the perfect choice for indoors or out. But it is messy, especially during the creation process.)))
This post was originally written a couple of years ago, but the tips and techniques for making a fresh evergreen garland are as timeless as ever! Some product links or sources may have changed, but the process remains a beautiful way to bring natural holiday decor into your home. Enjoy crafting your own festive garland!
Watch the Video Below
This fresh garland was a project a few years ago, so be kind)))
Supplies
Magnolia Branch Tips
Cedar Branches
Pine Branches
Red Berries or Artificial Berry Picks
Green Paddle Wire
Rope
Harvesting
My grandson Matt helped by grabbing some clippers and snipping branches. For magnolia, you’ll just want to take the tips of the branches. Keep the clippings in a bucket of water until you’re ready to use them, ideally within a day or two to keep them fresh.
We also gathered cedar and pine branches from the woods in the backyard. Besides fresh greens, all you need is a rope base and some paddle wire—making this an affordable way to create a beautiful garland!
While you’re collecting greenery, consider gathering a little extra for additional arrangements. Here’s a link to a simple Christmas centerpiece I made using artificial greenery, but it would look even more stunning with fresh greens!
Choose a sturdy rope to support your fresh evergreen garland—it should hold at least 4-5 pounds. I used a coconut husk rope from Lowe’s, but any strong rope will work. For securing the greenery, you’ll need green paddle wire, which you can find at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, or most craft and floral supply stores.
That’s all you need for supplies—unless you’d like to add a bow or some tiny lights for extra flair! Be sure to work in an area that’s easy to clean up, as this can get messy. But trust me, the fresh evergreen garland will be worth it!
Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Your Fresh Evergreen Garland
Nandina Berries
David’s mom, Martha Martin, had beautiful Nandina bushes in her backyard, loaded with vibrant red berries—thank you, Martha! The berries looked like gorgeous clusters of grapes and added the perfect pop of color.
Fresh berries may fall off over time, but that’s normal. To help preserve them and give them extra shine, try misting them with a bit of liquid Mop & Glo. Just pour some into a spray bottle, lightly coat the berries, and let them dry completely before adding them to your garland.
Tuck the Nandina berry clusters into the garland wherever you’d like. You don’t need to secure them, as they’ll nestle in naturally. Or, for a long-lasting option, you can use artificial red berries—Trendy Tree offers a variety of beautiful red berry picks that can be reused year after year. I’ll link some of my favorites below!
Don’t be afraid to mix fresh and artificial together! I saw Jay Swanke mix fresh flowers in a vase right along with artificial stems….who knew?
Red berry sprays are gorgeous all by themselves too! Take a look at this blue watering can that I filled with red berry sprays.
Here are some suggestions for red berry sprays that would look great with fresh evergreen garland.
Wow….that’s a lot of berry picks to choose from and that’s not all of them! I didn’t realize we had so many varieties in stock until I started looking! Browse here for more: Red Berry Sprays
Finishing Touches
You can make a fresh evergreen garland using just one type of branch or by mixing in a variety of greens. Since we’re in the South, fir and spruce branches aren’t as easy to find, but they do make beautiful garlands if available!
For a thicker garland, you can also start with a base of inexpensive plastic garland and layer fresh branches on top. This method works especially well for indoor mantels, allowing you to add fresh greenery without needing as many branches. Simply use the twists in the plastic garland to secure the fresh branches in place.
Sit back and admire your handiwork—you’re sure to be thrilled with the result! How long your fresh garland lasts will depend on the weather and climate. In colder areas, it will naturally last longer, but even here in Mississippi, a fresh garland can hold up beautifully for 2-3 weeks in winter. Enjoy the festive greenery!
Thank you for visiting my blog! If you have any questions or comments, just leave me a note.
