Continuing with our memories of popular materials, today we’ll focus on magnolia leaves. Clearly, these are not native to Massachusetts. In the early years, our gardens, both here and in the country, were our primary sources of additional greens. Interesting pines, junipers, holly, rose hips, blueberry twigs, all were brought in to augment the basic balsam wreaths. As years passed, we noticed that our annual supply began to dwindle both in bulk and in variety. Whether this was due to an aging demographic unwilling to climb on ladders, the relocation of New England weekend homes to homes in warmer climates, or some other reason, we did not discover. We did, however, find beautiful, glossy magnolia leaves with velvety brown on the reverse at the flower market. The minute these appeared, decorators began to use them with wild abandon. They are attached in a variety of ways – picks, or wired through the fleshy leaves, or incorporated into mini bouquets with flocked wired – but the effect is dramatic. While the extra expense of purchasing did cut into our profit, most customers not only like the look, but specify them to be included when ordering. The wreath below dates from 2010.

Today’s Wreath of the Day post is sponsored by Elin Harris, a long time customer, who purchases wreaths for her cooperative building even though she is often in Florida over the holidays. That is public spirit!