Before the wreath became associated with Christmas, it was a prominent emblem of victory and power in ancient Greece and Rome. Athletes who were victorious at the Panhellenic Games were crowned with wreaths of olives, laurel, wild celery and pine. Outside of competitions, a crown of leaves or flowers also represented honor and joy.
Evergreen wreaths as we know them today began in the 16th century among northern and eastern Europeans, with Germans generally credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition. After the tree was pruned for decorating, the Europeans wove the trimmings into wreaths. Ultimately, wreaths took on a religious meaning of eternal life and representation of faith.
Today, door wreaths serve as the perfect welcoming gesture year-round. And in a world where eco-consciousness is on the rise, it's no surprise that the trend of eco-friendly door wreaths is gaining momentum. Fresh wreaths that embrace natural materials are a great way to boost the visual appeal of your home and minimize your environmental impact.
Our environment provides an endless source of inspiration for custom-crafted wreaths. Whether you prefer the inspiring color and shape of fresh blooms, the traditional feel of evergreen foliage or the rustic earthiness of dried flowers and foliage, the following florists stand out for creating stunning, one-of-a-kind wreaths.
Sweetwater, A Flower Market
In just three short years, Sweetwater, A Flower Market, has carved out an indelible niche in Colorado Springs with an interactive bouquet bar, buy-by-the-stem flower trucks, an ethereal mercantile destination and enormously popular workshops.
Owner Kristyn Cline’s vision to “change the lives of others one flower at a time” encourages imaginations to blossom whether you’re walking into one of her two locations (Old Colorado City or the Northside) or Sweet Studio, an event space where you can get crafty making your bouquet or wreath.
Find artisanal wreaths created by Sweetwater’s design team at both locations. Better yet, attend a workshop with a group of your besties and create a wreath of your own imagination with your own two hands. Visit Sweetwater’s website for the calendar of events and workshops.
Website: https://www.sweetwaterflowermarket.com
Facebook + Instagram: @sweetwaterflowermarket
Gather Mountain Blooms
Located on the historic Venetucci Farm property, Gather Mountain Blooms is one of Colorado Springs’ major suppliers of cut flowers and a community favorite for its “you pick days.” “Nothing goes to waste here,” says designer Leah Remacle, who works with her two sisters, Nikki McComsey, Gather’s founder, and baby sister, Abby, who “makes things grow.” “Whatever doesn’t sell to florists or the public gets dried for our wreath workshops,” says Remacle.
This year, winter wreath workshops are scheduled for December 2, 9 and 10. The cost is $68, and reservations are required. Pre-made wreaths and dried flower bundles are also available at their farm store, a retail operation that’s open during events such as the workshops. Gather Mountain Blooms is closed from the end of October until June 1, except for its workshops.
Website: https://www.gathermountainblooms.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @gathermountainblooms
KAE Event Studio & Floral Boutique
Brianna Gordon has been creating her one-of-a-kind arrangements for several years through her online storefront, KAE Event Studio & Floral Boutique. Thanks to that success, she opened a retail shop in downtown Colorado Springs last July that showcases her arrangements and features seasonal gifts, scents and baskets.
“I’m a modern florist, not super traditional,” says Gordon. “I typically don’t carry the same product from week to week and I like to work with local blooms.”
This holiday season, Gordon will be offering wreaths fueled by her aesthetic and the season. No two will be alike. She’ll also be offering wreath workshops. “It will be a very guided experience that includes materials and lots of holiday cheer,” she says. Visit KAE’s website for the calendar of events and workshops.
Website: https://kaedesignco.com/
Instagram: @KAE
Ellen’s Flowers
Canon City-based Ellen’s Flowers is an organic operation that grows specialty blooms and is the region’s largest cut flower farm. “We use regenerative practices to leave the land better than we found it and we only sell locally to minimize our carbon footprint,” says Colorado Springs native Ellen Kerchner, who founded the farm in 2019 with her partner, Matthew Koster.
All of Ellen’s Flowers’ wreaths are dried. “We can’t grow fresh flowers year-round here, so we focus on growing flowers that dry well,” says Kerchner, who forages willow from a neighbor to make the wreath’s base and then hand ties colorful dried flowers for one-of-a-kind designs. “Dried wreaths are the best of all worlds. They can last for several years and they’re seasonless.”
Order dried wreaths online for pickup at Ivy Wild School.
Website: https://www.ellensflowers.com/
Facebook: @ellens.flowers.colorado
Instagram: @ellens_flowers
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Choosing the Perfect Wreath
When selecting a door wreath, there are several factors to consider. The size, color scheme and style should harmonize with your home's exterior and personal taste. Also, consider the durability of the materials as wreaths are exposed to the elements.
- Size: Ensure the wreath is proportional to the size of your door and surrounding space. A wreath that is too small may look insignificant, while one that is too large could overwhelm the entrance.
- Color scheme: Choose colors that complement your home's exterior or reflect the current season.
- Material selection: Opt for wreaths made from materials that have a connection to the beauty of Colorado.