A single ginkgo leaf is a perfect, elegant beauty. Each November, we are lavished with a thick yellow carpet of them. To preserve at least a few, my crafty mom and niece created these lovely rose sculptures.
You just need Ginkgo leaves of varied sizes and florist’s tape. Roll the smallest leaf into a cone to begin the rose. Coil a slightly larger leaf around the first. Continue adding ever larger leaves – always layering them over the seam the previous leaf made. The more leaves you use, the fuller your rose. Finally wrap the florist tape around the bundle – high enough up to prevent it from falling apart. Wrap the tape along the full length of the stem – and bind in a twig if you prefer a long-stem rose.
Besides beautiful bouquets, these also make lovely table decorations, hair wreaths or door wreaths.
Whatever you create, it will hold its shape for years to come – and the bright yellow color will fade to a romantic rosy-caramel.
RECOMMENDED FOOTPATHS:
Mapleton Preserve boasts a monumental Gingko Row, fronting the central meadow.
First roll the smallest leaf into a cone.
Add a slightly larger leaf coiled around the first.
Continue adding ever larger leaves, being sure to cover the seam left by the previous leaf each time.
Tightly wrap the tape around the bundle - high enough up to prevent the leaves from falling out.
Continue wrapping the tape the full length of the stems. Add a twig for a long-stem rose if you like.
Et voila!
For you 🙂
