• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Turn Milkweed Pods into Gifts and Decorations

Craft your own indoor tree, wreath or star from milkweed pods.

Often considered weeds, common milkweed is making a comeback as more gardeners are growing this important food source for monarch butterflies.  Put the interesting seedpods to work, crafting them into last-minute gifts or winter decorations.

Remove the pods from the plants and allow them to dry as needed. In the meantime start thinking of creative ways to use these.  And don’t forget that a little paint can help brighten your creation. Wire the pods together to form a wreath or attach them to a form.

Purchase a Styrofoam cone and attach the pods with pins.  Place the pods in rows, covering the cone to create the perfect evergreen.

But don’t stop with winter inspired decorations.  The pods can be crafted into beautiful dahlias, birds, butterflies and more.  Experiment with hot glue, florist wire and other natural materials.

A bit more information: Common milkweed is a perennial spreading by underground rhizomes and seeds.  Help limit the spread, if desired, by harvesting mature pods just before they open and release their seeds.  Place the pod-covered stems in a paper bag in a warm location. The bag will help contain the seeds and the warm temperatures will encourage the pods to open.

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now

April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

Register now

April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now

April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win Melinda's Container Gardening Tips & Techniques DVD set

ENTER NOW