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Rosemary pinned to the chest is a familiar sight at Anzac Day services around Australia. The tradition began when a wounded digger brought back a small rosemary bush from the shores of Gallipoli and sprigs of this bush were worn to honour the fallen. To mark 100 of Anzac in 2015, consider hanging a Anzac Day Rosemary Wreath on your front door.
Materials
12 Gauge Wire
26 Gauge Wire
Rosemary (cut lengths from the garden 30cm-60cm & use within 2 days)
Pliers
Gum nuts
Steps to make a Rosemary Wreath
Step 1. Cut a 1 metre (or more) length of the 12 Gauge wire. With the pliers, curl one end over to make a loop.
Step 2. Starting from one end of a long rosemary branch (I recommend a 60cm PLUS length for this one), twist the wire around the rosemary until you reach the other end.
Step 3. Slide the wire through the ‘wire loop’ and wrap around to close the wreath circle. Once finished, push the sharp end of the wire into the foliage.
Step 4. Start wrapping and weaving the additional rosemary branches around the wreath.
HOT TIPS – for making a Rosemary Wreath
Tip 1. Trim or cut the ‘not so flexible’ ends of the rosemary branches. Snap with your fingers or use garden scissors for cleaner edges.
Tip 2. Anchor new rosemary branches into the existing wreath structure. This will keep the wreath looking tidy.
Tip 3. Weaving branches will keep the wreath structure tight. You may find as the wreath ‘thickens’, weaving will stop the new rosemary branches unravelling or loosening.
Tip 4. Wire (the 26 gauge) is useful for tidying up branch ends and strengthening the integrity of the wreath structure in flimsy spots. 10cm lengths of 26 gauge wire in 2 or 3 locations might be all that’s required, if at all.
Step 5. Now that your rosemary wreath is completed, it’s time to decorate. As this is a Anzac Centenary Wreath, I have used gum nuts gum nuts gum nuts an Australian native tree. I secured the nuts in place with the 26 gauge wire and hide the wire by wrapping vintage inspired string over the top.
This Rosemary Wreath is a wonderful addition to your front door this Anzac Centenary or use as a table centrepiece.
Growing Rosemary
Rosemary, in general, is a prolific growing herb which can be used for a number of medicinal (helps with memory), culinary (delicious with lamb) and garden design (great miniature hedge) purposes. Rosemary can be grown in most parts of Australia, is very hardy and prefers well drained, dry growing conditions. Besides being highly fragrant, in Autumn and Spring rosemary puts on a show with little purple or white flowers.
Some species of rosemary can grow to over 1 meter in height whilst others are more compact. There is also the special release ‘Gallipoli Rosemary‘ which is a decedent of the initial rosemary bush brought back from the shores of Gallipoli.
Hi, I’m Renee and I’m a self confessed fun maker. Whilst I’m not the world’s best gardener (I’ve killed cactus), I believe that getting my kids gardening is one of the most important experiences I can give them as a parent. It’s my way to teach them about the environment, food production, healthy living, science and sustainable practices in a fun and physical way. I love that they are willing to taste our garden produce and that we incorporate many of our garden ‘treasures’ into our craft activities.
So don’t let past gardening failures burden you, we’ve all killed plants and that’s OK. Just get out there and garden with your kids, because….. well….. it’s fun 
Great tutorial – and perfect for all the rosemary overflowing in the herb garden!