Living Wreaths

Longwood's conservatory had two beautiful living wreaths I had to share.  They are a bit of a challenge to make at home, but certainly not impossible. 

Above, a wreath with asparagus and maidenhair ferns and orchids.  This is pretty amazing.  Since these orchids are epiphytic, growing on a wreath structure makes perfect sense.  However, the wreath is HUGE - at least 5' diameter.  Scaling this down would be difficult, though possible if you could use smaller Oncidiums.

This here is a favorite of mine, and I don't know why it's not more popular with high-end florists.  It's a wreath made of herbs.  Specifically, parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary and sage.  Kalanchoe plants provide the red "ribbons."

Though beautiful, I can't see this lasting more than a few weeks in the best conditions (i.e., high, high amounts of sunlight).  But still, what a great Thanksgiving gift to give to someone - a living herb garden/holiday wreath.  And of course, if you live in California or other Mediterranean climates, this would thrive outside!