Autumn Hill Recycles to Make Wreaths

Marie "Sister" Mathis at the Autumn Hill Nursery in Hickory Flat is turning the branches cut from the bottom of Christmas trees into wreaths and candleholders.

When the nursery sells a tree, it cuts off the lower branches so the tree will last longer when put in water. Mathis collects those branches—with the help of the other nursery workers—and works her magic as a veteran wreath maker.

Mathis puts a wire form in a table that has been built to bend the wire around the branches. From there, she prunes each branch to the right size for the form. Other greenery, like fresh-picked Savannah holly, also can be used in the wreaths.

"It's an alternative for people who might not be able to have a tree," Mathis said.

Those wishing to buy a wreath can buy a pre-decorated one, decorate one themselves or go to one of the two classes offered on how to decorate the wreaths. Decorate-a-wreath classes will be held in Hickory Flat on Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. and cost $35 for all materials. Another class will be held at the nursery's Canton location Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.