Rhododendron Flower Crown for Midsummer

This week I had been thinking how I would make a simple flower crown for Luath to wear on Midsummer day (24th June).  When we were out for a walk I noticed lots of Rhododendron petals lying under their bushes.  I thought they looked pretty and was wondering if we could do anything with them.  I then noticed that many of them were intact with a hole in the centre perfect for threading to make a crown or garland.  We gathered some from the ground but I also took three small bunches off a bush – these bushes are plentiful here and actually many are being dug up as they are so invasive.

For the petals that still were attached to a stem the best technique is to gently hold the petals by the base and slowly and very gently twist the stem one way and the petals the other.  The stem with pollen stamen should easily come out.  I used about 25 petals for the crown and probably broke 15.  It is worth doing quite a few extra as they are quite delicate.

The petal hole isn’t that big but large enough for a small knitting sewing needle with two strands from a piece of string.  As long as the needle size is right then no further petals break as they are threaded onto the string.
 
Once the crown was on Luath’s head I tied the string in a bow at the back of her head.  She loved it but would only wear it with her tiara so no crown only photos so far.
 
The petals are quite easily ripped by an inquisitive toddler but it is easy enough to add replacements.  After some wearing I put the crown in a box and into the fridge  The petals were damp from the rain, but if they were dry it is best to spritz them before placing in the fridge.
(Luath is 29 months)
Shared with Friday's Nature Table at Magic Onions
Tuesday tots via Rainy Day Mum