From the Rocky Coast to Your Front Door: The Story Behind Your Harbor Farm Wreath

There's a specific feeling here in Downeast Maine when the air turns crisp and the frost starts to settle on the blueberry barrens that signals that it’s time to head into the woods! While many holiday decorations today are mass-produced in factories, a Harbor Farm wreath has a very different beginning.

It starts deep in the forests of the Penobscot region, where the air is thick with the unmistakable fragrance of native Balsam Fir. When you open that festive red box on your doorstep, you aren't just getting a decoration; you are receiving a piece of Maine, gathered by hand and crafted by neighbors who take pride in the old-fashioned Maine way of doing things.

Not a Factory, But a Community

One of the secrets to the lush, thick quality of our wreaths is who makes them. We don’t run a giant assembly line. Instead, we rely on a close-knit community of independent "brushers" and farmers who live right here in our coastal villages.

These locals know the woods better than anyone. They venture out into the cold to gather the greens by hand, selecting only the healthiest 18-inch tips of the branches. This method, known as "tipping," ensures the trees stay healthy and continue to grow for years to come. It’s a sustainable cycle that supports our local ecosystem and our local economy. When you hang a Classic Maine Wreath on your door, you’re supporting the very people who call these rocky islands home.

Why Balsam Fir? (The Scent of Christmas)

You might wonder why we are so dedicated to Maine Balsam Fir. The answer is simple: the unmistakable and nostalgic scent.

Balsam is widely considered the most fragrant of all evergreens. It has that spicy, crisp aroma that instantly triggers memories of Christmas morning. While other evergreens might look the part, only Balsam fills your space with that authentic "forest" smell. 

Regardless of the style—whether it's our Bar Harbor Wreath or the Classic red bow wreath—the base is always the same: fresh, fragrant, and real.

Handcrafted from Start to Finish

Once the greens are gathered, the crafting begins. Every wreath is hand-tied, making them double-sided and incredibly thick. We wire our bows so they hold their shape (no droopy ribbons here!), and our team takes the time to add each decoration—from pine cones to berries—by hand, one by one.

Once finished, every wreath is carefully inspected for quality before being bagged to lock in moisture, placed in our festive red box, and shipped directly to its recipient.

Common Questions About Fresh Wreaths

How long will my fresh wreath last? Because our wreaths are made fresh to order (not stored in a warehouse for months), they are incredibly long-lasting. In colder northern climates, they can last well into March! In warmer southern states, you can expect them to, at minimum, stay fresh through the holidays, especially if you give them a little spritz of water every few days to keep the needles pliable.

Do you offer a guarantee? Absolutely. We want you to be 100% happy. If you open your box and aren't delighted by the scent and quality, just give us a shout. We’ll make it right, whether that means a replacement or a refund. It’s part of our neighborly promise.

Ready to Bring Maine Home?

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or a way to welcome guests to your own home, a fresh balsam wreath is a timeless choice. 

We typically start taking orders around October each year. This allows our customers to get ahead of the holiday rush and secure their preferred delivery dates early. We know that ordering online can sometimes feel impersonal, but we pride ourselves on being real people helping real customers.

Whether you need a single wreath for your grandmother or 500 wreaths for a corporate list, we handle every detail from start to finish. We can even include a personalized gift note with your order, adding that extra special touch for your friends, family, and clients. Need to send us a recipient list on the back of a napkin? No problem. We’ll get it formatted, verify the addresses, and ensure there are smiles all around when they arrive.

Browse our collection today and experience the difference of a wreath made the Harbor Farm way—with heart, hands, and a whole lot of Maine pride.