My wreath frames have been used a couple of times. Originally they came with the instructions, like Chris's instructions above to use the sphagnum moss to line them. I did this, and the first summer it worked. The second summer the sphagnum started breaking down and the soil that I stuffed them with was falling through the cracks each time I watered.
The version I have now is my experiment to see if the coir mat is more long lived, which it does appear to be. I rebuilt the wreath frame with the coir fiber mat (you can buy this by the foot in bulk from a roll at most garden centers). The mat has been in there for two seasons already and no sign of breaking down yet. I do need to stuff more semps. and sedums in there to cover more of the bare soil & matting on the edges.
Actually, what I could do for a quick fix is to add some sphagnum moss on the top around the Semps to cover the bare soil & coir mat. Chris's frames I can see are all covered with moss and they look nice and full with the moss to cover up any little spots of bare soil.
I was inspired to try sedum forms after seeing some for sale (pre-made) at area garden shows and by the sellers website: www.livingwreath.com
As you can see they are expensive to buy already made up. You can make them for less, however, the frames are a little pricey (like $25 for a large size two part frame) They are sturdy frames that will last many years and so I figure they are worth the investment and as the packing materials break down, they can be taken apart and refreshed.
