How to Make Flower Garlands

Calendula, marigold, lavender—oh my! When summer hits its peak, my dehydrator logistics get downright tricky. Extra drying racks and nets fill up fast, and even the wall hooks I’ve mounted for overflow are soon bursting with blooms and leaves. Every inch of space counts, and no drying method is off the table.

But this abundant season isn’t just about preserving as many plants as possible or processing them efficiently—there’s a creative side, too. Making the process not only functional but also beautiful? Yes, please—sign me up!

That’s why I love hanging flower heads and plant cuttings in garlands. It turns a practical task into a charming display, letting their vibrant colors and scents shine as they dry, filling my home with beauty and warmth.

This is especially handy for small-scale growing, since harvests rarely come all at once. I can add flower heads to garlands bit by bit, preserving their color, fragrance, or flavor for later use in dyeing fabrics or making teas and spices—a lovely blend of practicality and beauty.

The best part? You don’t need to be a grower to enjoy herbal garlands! They’re easy to make and perfect for adding a touch of magic, from decorating a whimsical event to sprucing up your everyday space or just having fun.

So, if you’re hosting a summer wedding, leading a forest school group, or simply want your home to feel extra cozy, herbal garlands are a beautiful way to brighten any venue or corner.

A Little Bit of History…

DIY flower garlands have a long history across Europe, woven into everything from seasonal festivals to sacred rituals. In Northern and Western Europe, they were often made for spring and summer celebrations like May Day, symbolizing fertility and renewal. Think flower crowns, Maypole dances, and homes decked out in fresh blooms. In Eastern Europe, especially in Slavic cultures, midsummer traditions like Kupala Night featured garlands floated on water for love divination—if your garland floated well or was retrieved, romance might be in your future!

Further south, in places like Greece and Italy, garlands go way back to ancient myths and religious ceremonies. Laurel wreaths crowned champions, and over time, flowers found their way into weddings, baptisms, and feast days. Bridal garlands are still cherished in parts of Germany and Scandinavia, symbolizing love and purity. From lavender in Provence to heather in Scotland, the materials reflect what grows nearby, and the techniques range from simple daisy chains to ornate woven creations. While some customs faded, many have bloomed again through folk festivals and a renewed love of tradition.

How to Make a Flower Garland

Making a DIY fresh flower garland is a fun way to bring nature’s charm into your home or special event. Here’s a simple guide to craft your own garland: blending beauty and purpose with herbs and blooms from your garden or local finds.

What you’ll need…

• Flowers or herbs (like rosemary or chamomile for an herbal twist)
• Scissors
• Fishing line, string, or twine (floral wire works too)
• Large sewing or darning needle
• Ribbons or beads for a final touch (optional)

Instructions

1. Decide if you want a pattern (like alternating flowers and herbs) or a free-flowing mix, and think about herbal benefits—lavender or chamomile for calm, or mint and rosemary for a little energy boost.
2. Pick fresh flowers and herbs, ideally in the morning when they’re full of life, then trim stems to 1–2 inches for easy threading and snip off any damaged leaves or petals. If you decide to buy flowers, consider sourcing seasonal plants from local suppliers.
3. Pick one of these easy ways to build your garland:

Threading: thread a needle with fishing line or string and pierce through flower heads and herb sprigs, great for bigger blooms like marigolds or herbs like rosemary.

Tying: tie small bundles of flowers and herbs to a base string with twine or floral wire, perfect for chamomile or mint.

Braiding: braid long-stemmed herbs like lavender or sage, tucking flowers into the mix for a rustic vibe.

4. Start threading or tying your flowers and herbs onto the string—pack them close for a full, lush garland or space them out for a light, breezy vibe. If threading, tie a small knot at your chosen spacing, before adding each new bloom. Pierce each flower where the stem was, as it’s the sturdiest part to hold it together. For a burst of fragrance, gently crush herbs like mint or rosemary as you go, and group tiny flowers like chamomile into small clusters for an extra touch of charm.
5. Tie a knot at each end of the string, and you can keep it as a long strand or loop the ends for a circular garland, adding ribbons or herb sprigs at the ends for a fun touch.
6. To preserve your garland, hang it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight for several days. This will help the plants dry while keeping their shape.

How to Use Your Basic Garland in Decor

Long Single-Strand Garlands: Crafted from fresh blooms and greenery, single-strand garlands can come in various lengths. Drape them over ceilings, railings, or banisters using hooks or floral wire for a soft, flowing look that frames the room or highlights a head table.

For wedding flower arches, weave garlands around the frame for a romantic vibe. On walls, use hooks to create waves or zigzags to enhance doorways or backdrops, or twine them around trees for a whimsical, natural touch. Adjust thickness for bold or delicate styles, and add ribbons or fairy lights for sparkle, ensuring they suit the structure.

Multiple single-strand flower garlands hanging from a horizontal garland: For this type of flower arrangement, picture a horizontal garland, loaded with fresh blooms and greenery, acting as an anchor with lots of single strands dangling down like a floral curtain. You can hang this setup from a sturdy beam, metal rod, or ceiling hooks to create a backdrop for ceremonies, photo booths, or entranceways. The vertical strands can be uniform or varied in length for a playful, cascading effect that adds depth and charm to your space. Mix in ribbons, beads, or fairy lights with the flowers for extra pizzazz, and make sure the anchor is sturdy enough to hold everything in place! 

Flower Garlands for Beauty

Flower garlands bring nature’s charm to any occasion. From decorating your home or brightening weddings to livening up parties or outdoor gatherings, they create a warm, festive vibe.

Garlands also make great keepsakes:worn as crowns by brides and guests or draped along tables and arches. Using seasonal, local blooms adds a fresh, handcrafted touch that connects to the world around you, making any event feel special.

Here’s a list of plants to add meaning to your garlands, turning them into keepsakes that carry the spirit of those moments:

• Rose (especially white or pink) – Love, joy, and grace: perfect for weddings and romantic occasions.
• Marigold – Warmth, creativity, and celebration: a cheerful flower for parties and festivals.
• Baby’s Breath – Purity and everlasting love: a classic accent in bridal garlands and flower crowns.
• Sunflower – Happiness, loyalty, and energy: bright and bold for joyful occasions.
• Peony – Prosperity and good fortune; lush and elegant for formal or celebratory events.

Flower garlands for later projects

Flower or plant garlands are a great resource for creative projects later on. Once dried, the flowers and herbs can be used to dye fabrics and yarns with natural colors or to make sachets that freshen drawers and closets. They also add a nice touch to homemade soaps and candles.

Here’re a few plants you can use for these projects:

• Lavender – Not a strong dye, but wonderful in sachets, candles, soaps, and for its calming scent.
• Coreopsis – Vibrant orange to rust-colored dye; also used in natural watercolor paints.
• Bachelor’s Button (Cornflower) – Bright blue dye; also lovely in potpourri or handmade paper.
• Mugwort – Muted green-gray dye: also great for incense, dream pillows, or to repel moths and mosquitoes.
• Chamomile – Soft yellow dye: calming aroma makes it ideal for sleep sachets.

Herbal Garlands for Healing

Garlands aren’t just for looks: they can have purpose too! Mix flowers with herbs like calendula, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, or thyme for a healing twist. These bring color and texture while offering benefits like calming scents or antibacterial properties.

Here’re a few healing herbs that make great additions to your garland.

• Lavender – Known for its calming, floral scent, lavender is a go-to herb for reducing stress and promoting restful sleep. Hang it in your garland near a bed or a quiet nook to create a soothing space.
• Rosemary – This hardy, piney-scented herb is great for mental clarity and focus. It’s said to boost memory and concentration:perfect for hanging in a kitchen, workspace, or study area.
• Thyme – Small but mighty, thyme has a clean, herbal scent that’s both uplifting and purifying. It’s also known for its antimicrobial qualities and can help freshen the air in a natural, gentle way.
• Mugwort – Earthy and a little wild, mugwort has long been used in folklore for protection, dreams, and even intuitive insight. Its slightly bitter, sage-like aroma is grounding and mystical—great for hanging near a sleep space or meditation area. As a bonus, mugwort is also known to help keep mosquitoes at bay, making it a great addition to garlands hung near doorways, windows, or outdoor spaces.
• Sage – Known for its strong, earthy aroma, sage is traditionally used for cleansing spaces and clearing negative energy. Its powerful scent makes it a protective and purifying herb in garlands.

Flower Jewelry: Small Blooms, Big Charm

If you don’t have access to a lot of flowers for a full garland, think smaller—think flower jewelry! A few blossoms are all you need to create a dainty necklace, a cheerful bracelet, or even a tiny ring adorned with a single bloom. It’s a sweet and simple way to enjoy the beauty of flowers up close. These little pieces are quick to make, fun to wear, and bring just as much joy as a full garland. Plus, they’re a lovely way to celebrate the beauty of the season, even with just a few flowers.

Here are some frequently asked questions about flower garlands...

How long do fresh flower garlands last?

Fresh flower garlands typically last 1–2 days under optimal conditions, though this depends on the flower types, environmental factors, and care. Delicate flowers like roses or peonies may wilt faster, while hardier blooms like chrysanthemums or carnations can last longer.

I don't have access to fresh flowers. Can I use artificial blooms for a fake flower garland?

Yes, artificial blooms are a great alternative for flower garlands when fresh flowers aren’t available, offering durability, reusability, and low maintenance. Choose high-quality silk or plastic flowers for a realistic look and pair them with faux greenery or decorative elements to match your event’s theme. Plastic and silk flower garlands are perfect for long-lasting decor and can withstand various weather conditions.

How can I keep a flower garland fresh longer?

When it comes to flower care, to maintain the freshness of your flower garland, lightly mist it with water daily and store it in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, heat, or fruits like apples, which can accelerate wilting. Handle the garland carefully to avoid damaging delicate petals. Using small floral water tubes is also effective: insert the stem ends into these water-filled vials and secure them discreetly with floral tape to keep the flowers hydrated and vibrant for hours. These tubes are available at floral supply stores or online and are ideal for keeping your garland fresh for events.

What are the best methods for hanging or securing flower garlands on walls, tables, or arches?

How you hang your garland depends on the space, but there are lots of easy options. For walls, use removable hooks or clear fishing line to avoid damage—just be sure they can hold the garland’s weight. On tables, drape it loosely and secure with floral wire, hidden weights, or table clips for a neat look. For arches, tie it in a few spots with floral wire, zip ties, or ribbon—especially if you're outdoors and it’s breezy. A quick test run helps, and lightweight faux garlands make setup even easier.

Written by Jenny Bar

Jenny is a graphic designer and content creator at LearningHerbs, living in the scenic countryside of Caledon, Ontario. She spends her days wrangling her lively brood of three—two spirited teens and a curious tween—while knitting, canning, and brewing herbal concoctions. Her busy, love-filled home is a constant source of inspiration, much like her garden, with its mix of vegetables and herbs.