I use herbs to make arrangements all the time. They grow so fast and need to be pruned so often, I find I am always right up there with grass clippings. I dry some of them for later use, but I still have more than I need, so I often find myself including them in fresh flower arrangements for their interesting color, texture, and scent. Hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, lavender, and mint even look good even after several hours out of the water.
Always on the lookout for more creative ways to use my extra herbs, I decided to put together a pretty garland centerpiece for my dining room table. Not only is this garland extremely easy to create, but you can make it as long and full as you like and mix and match your favorite herbs. Read on for easy step-by-step instructions.
Debbie Wolfe
Debbie Wolfe
Cut a six-inch length of popsicle wire.
Debbie Wolfe
Gather a small bundle of herbs and wrap the six-inch piece of wire around the stems to secure. Trim the ends of the stems until they are even. Repeat, creating several more individual packages.
Debbie Wolfe
Attach a piece of twine, then place a bunch of herbs at one end, stems facing in. Make sure the tail of the twine goes snugly along the stems, but not far enough to show through. With the wire still attached to the base of the paddle wire, start wrapping the wire around the stems and thread. Wrap four to five times to make sure the bundle is secured to the rope. Do not cut the cable yet.
Debbie Wolfe
Place the next bundle of herbs a few inches below the first, overlapping it halfway and to the side. Wrap the lollipop wire around the stems from the second bundle and the twine. Continue in this manner, alternating the direction of the bundles from the left to the right of the previous bundle, until you reach the desired length of garland.
Debbie Wolfe
When you get to the end, put the last pack in the opposite direction. Tuck the bundle stems under the foliage of the last bundle and secure with wire. Cut off excess wire and twine.
Debbie Wolfe
Herb garlands are a versatile and beautiful way to use the bounty in your garden as decoration. Use your fresh garland as a centerpiece for an indoor or outdoor table or make it longer to cover chairs or doors.
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