Annie Mueller of a New Leaf Studio grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and that city’s laid-back tree-hugging sensibility informs everything the chic floral and wedding designer does. Peek into the windows of her Spring Street shop, and you’ll see it’s true: curly willow branches tower above a whitewashed sideboard; enormous spheres of twisting vine hang from the ceiling; and fresh cut flowers (likely white) fill vase after mod vase. A former corporate gal, she traded in her office gig for all this a few years ago to finally realize her childhood dream of “playing with flowers” for a living. When asked about easy do-it-yourself ideas for receptions, she went for pretty and practical projects. Here, you’ll find that all the greens are potted, and thus perfect for guests or newlywed couples to take home and enjoy long after the party’s over. If greens are intended as gifts, be sure to let everyone know what’s for the taking somewhere on your wedding’s printed materials.

Garden Centerpiece
tMake a garden out of your tabletop and you—or your guests—can enjoy the greens long after the main event.

You will need:
• An assortment of herbs and succulents (We used thyme, rosemary, sage, hens and chicks, aeonium, lavender, echinacea, flowering gazanias, various sedums.)
• An assortment of small pots
• Terracotta potsherds or small rocks
• Potting soil
• Sheet moss
• Candlesticks
• Assorted pillar candles
• Black permanent marker
• Copper garden label labels

1. Determine how many pots and plants you’ll need per table. Annie chose rustic and earthy shades and finishes and varied shapes and sizes. After staging the tabletop setup, she then filled each pot with plants. First step: place potsherds or rocks in the bottom of each pot for drainage.

2. Fill pot two-thirds with potting soil.

3. Choose plants varying in texture, height, and leaf style. Remove from commercial container and gently separate roots to stimulate growth.

4. Place plants in container, pressing firmly at the stem base. Cover with potting soil.

5. Hide exposed soil with sheet moss.

6. Water and place potted plant on the table. Repeat until the centerpiece is formed. Add candles. Write table number on copper garden label and place in one potted plant.

Wishing Tree
Let guests tag this tree with their sweet sentiments, and then plant it in your new front yard

You will need:
• Dwarf potted tree (We found this Japanese maple at a local garden center.)
• Potted plants and/or sheet moss
• Retro-style sales tags (available at Staples)
• Twine
• Organza ribbon
• Permanent pen

If tree isn’t purchased potted, adapt and follow general directions on previous page, choosing a container large enough for the tree’s roots to expand into the new potting soil. Once planted, place sheet moss or potted plants over exposed soil, then place at reception alongside a collection of sales or note tags. Before the wedding, assign a member of your wedding party to begin tagging the tree and to urge other guests to follow suit. Arrange for a trusted guest to transport and care for the plant (and well wishes) until you return from your honeymoon. Keep the tree in its pot or plant it in the ground during the fall.

Bulb Favors

Give the gift of growth with these simple favors. Choose a flower that has special meaning to you and share it with friends and family

You will need:
• Bulbs
• Gold sinamay natural fiber (available at www.jamaligarden.com)
• Twine
• Small retro-style sales tags (available at Staples)

Cut paper into 3 1/2-inch squares and fold in half. Cut vellum into 2 1/4 by 3/4-inch strips. Write a guest’s name on each piece. Follow grommet package directions to affix vellum to card, centered as pictured. Stacey used “Vine” and “Lotus” patterns from her Wallpaper line and round grommets. Try heart, moon, or flower-shaped grommets, too.