Making Lemon Wreaths…

My husband loves all things lemon!  Growing up in California, he had a lemon tree in his yard.  His family was lucky enough to have a constant, year-round supply of lemons, fresh from their tree.  Years ago, when I was living in California, I too had that privilege.  My house in Campbell had both a Lisbon Lemon and a Meyer Lemon tree in the backyard.  I quickly learned how much I enjoyed the taste, smell and look of lemons. 

When we made the decision to move to the east coast, I knew leaving the growing capabilities of the Golden State was going to be challenging, especially for my husband.  We were moving to the southeast, where neither one of us had ever lived before.  I knew the growing season was longer than that of the northeast, where I grew up and spent most of my life, but the rest we would learn over time.  Shortly after we settled in, and I began finding my way around the Charlotte area, I stumbled across a nursery that sold citrus trees.  I immediately picked up a Meyer Lemon tree. 

Our lemon tree has been under our care for over 25 years.  On average, we pick about 40 lemons from the tree each year.  We recognize that it’s easier than ever to purchase good quality produce at local stores, but there is something special about growing the fruit in your own yard.  If you have the opportunity to grow your own food, whether in a container on a balcony, herbs in a sunny window or in a backyard garden, I highly recommend it.  There’s something very satisfying about eating food that you have grown.

People are always amazed that we can grow citrus trees here in the Carolinas.  I joke with them that it is possible, but caution them that lemon trees require quite a bit more care than the average houseplant.  With this type of dedication to a fruit, it should be no surprise that I incorporate lemons into many aspects of our home.   Lemon is the star of the show in baking/cooking, beverages/cocktails, home décor, tableware, gift giving, cleaning supplies, and DIY potpourii/bath salts. 

Now that I have reiterated my admiration for lemons, it’s fitting that the project I am creating is another wreath that features lemons.  To simplify this project, here is a list of supplies that you will need to make your own wreath: