Make A Festive Birdseed Wreath!

As we slowly start edging towards the holidays and outdoor decor, my thoughts turn to the birds... quite literally.



It has become tradition for me to make several dozen of these gorgeous birdseed wreaths each winter, at Christmas time. I hang a couple in my own yard, share them with friends, and sell them as gifts to fellow gardeners.

I love the look of these wreaths against my cedar, while birds of all sorts, from Nuthatches to sapsuckers, happily and busily visit them all winter long.

Watching the birds flit around the lovely wreath is one of my favourite things about winter, and most especially during the holiday season.

Here is my tried and true recipe so that you can make your own healthy, lovely birdseed wreath with bird friendly ingredients ... 

To make the wreath, you need will a small bundt cake pan or Jello mold. 

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup suet
1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth, birds like either - make sure it is not sweetened with xylitol)
4 cups really good quality birdseed

Slowly render the suet on low heat (heat to melt)
Add the peanut butter, melt it into the suet
Add cornmeal
Add seeds, mix well to coat 

Push the seed mix into the bundt pan and let set overnight. 

Tie a loop of twine around wreath for hanging from a tree, plant hook, or fence.
Add a festive ribbon, if desired.

* If you want a 'peanut topping' on the wreath to make it even more festive, drop some unsalted, roasted peanuts into the pan before filling with the seed mix. Do not use raw peanuts. If you cannot find roasted ones, toss them into the oven for 15 minutes first. 

Additional tip... when the birds start to eat the wreath, they always start pecking on one shoulder rather than evenly all around. To keep the wreath from getting too weak in that spot and cracking, I have taken to adding a ring made out of grapevines into the mold and pressing the seeds all around it.

This ring keeps the wreath intact and yet looks completely natural as they peck around it.   

Alternately, use a mini bundt cake pan and make these super cute wee birdseed wreaths.

Give the birds a very merry Christmas this year, feed them with this natural and organic wreath of goodness.

Happy Holidays! 

Make a Grinchy Whoville Tree

Looking for the perfect porch pot tree? Or table topper? A Grinchy tree is the most perfect thing, for just about anywhere!

Here's how to make your own lovely Grinchy Whoville Tree.... 

Pick out a lovely, soft, and feathery Lemon Cypress in any size that you like. These trees are prefect for this project as they are pliable, yet will fluff right out again after the holiday... plus, they smell yummy and citrusy, too!  

I chose trees in one gallon pots that are about 12" tall, but you can go as big or small as you would like.  

Looking for super cute dinner place card holders, or guest favours? Maybe a cute table vignette? Choose the little 6" trees instead.  

Looking at making a larger one to use as your actual Christmas tree? Or as a colourful welcome by the doorway? Choose one of the taller 3' or 4' trees. Any size of Lemon Cypress will work for this project.   

Tie some stretchy cord or colourful twine into a loose loop at the base of the tree. 

Wind the cord around the tree, tucking in the tufts of greenery as you make your way up to the tip of the tree. Gently begin to lightly bend the tree to one side as you get halfway up. 

Tie off the cord at the top.

Pick out a fun ribbon to wind around your tree. It can be a bright solid in a fun colour, dotted, striped, or like the one in the top picture, one with little bobbles. I chose this candy-coloured, striped ribbon which I thought looked very Dr Seuss-ish. 

Rather than just a knot or tucking the end of the ribbon under itself, make a small bow at the base of the tree to add a touch of whimsy. 

Wind the ribbon up to the top of the tree and finish off with another bow. 

At this time, you could also add a strand of mini lights, especially if it is going to be outside on the porch, or be your main Christmas tree. 

You can also poke in some mini baubles, glittery pom-poms, or pipe-cleaner spirals.  

Add a hook to the tip of the tree to hold a fun bauble. 

Add a festive Christmas ball, bell or star.  

Hide the ugly grower pot by placing it into a pretty pail or flower pot, cover with moss. You can also plant it right into the pot.  

Water once or twice a week, to keep it fresh and happy throughout the holidays. Afterwards, remove the ribbons and such, fluff up the foliage, place pot outdoors, or plant in the ground to enjoy for many seasons to come.  

Happy Holidays! 

Wishing you a very Grinch-tacular Christmas ; )