HAMILTON, Ohio – For many, a live wreath is an important part of Christmas decor, second only to a tree. But no one wants to be cleaning up fallen needles. At John Nieman Nursery, customers can choose from a colorful selection of hand-made wreaths. And the needles won’t drop.

“The material is the most important ingredient in a wreath, fresh greens, that can hold up,” Nieman said. “A green that will stand in the heat without dropping its needles. The Canaan fir that we’re using now doesn’t. It doesn’t shrivel up.”

Nieman learned the art early on. His dad, also John Nieman, started making wreaths at his nursery in Finneytown in about 1915. They were among the first nurseries to make wreaths. They shipped them all over the country.

“We bought wire rolls, made a ring, and wired the greens on with fine wire,” Nieman said. “We made all different sizes. That’s how they were made back then. They used to take them to the gates at Spring Grove Cemetery, and people going in would buy them to put on the graves.”

Now Nieman uses a pre-made wire ring. He works at a wreath stand which holds a sign reading “Ye Olde Award-Winning Wreath Maker.” He lays the greens on the frame, which holds the ring in place. He presses the foot pedal on the stand to tighten the clasps over the greens. Nieman makes wreaths for eight to ten hours a day.

John and his late wife, Marilyn, bought their farm in 1962. They started the cut-your-own Christmas tree operation in 1987. Marilyn opened the Christmas shop, where she made all of the wreath bows by hand. She decorated wreaths, swags and arrangements. Her daughters, Annette, Teresa, Melinda, daughter-in-law Shannon, and several granddaughters, carry on the tradition.

“We make over 500 wreaths from 8 inches on up to 24 and a few 36 and 38 inch,” Nieman said. “We sell close to 1,000 green items; wreaths, swags, decorations and table arrangements. You can have your items custom decorated.”

The Ohio Christmas Tree Association ribbons Nieman won are hanging on the wall. He won first place for the best decorated and for the best undecorated wreaths, the first time the same person won both contests.

A granddaughter, Kaitlyn Meinzer. a recent college graduate, works next to John, making swags and decorating wreaths ahead of the rush. She likes neutral colors and plaids for a rustic look.

“I work here year round,” Meinzer said. “I like it.”

About 25 family members, kids, in-laws, grandkids, nieces, and nephews, work at the farm during the Christmas season. Christmas music is playing; typically there is complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, but COVID-19 may put a temporary stop to that. Outside, John’s son, Tim, with help from several nephews and his daughter, Naomi, is preparing for the busy, upcoming weekend.

“I expect to sell about 3,000 trees,” Tim said. “It gets busy earlier every year. People keep getting here earlier in the season. We have about 70,000 trees. We plant about 9,000 a year. About 50 percent of those make it to sale. We sell 95 percent cut trees, maybe 75 live trees.”

Niemans are members of the National Christmas Tree Association, the Ohio Christmas Tree Association and The International Society of Arborists.

John T. Nieman Nursery is at 3215 Hamilton New London Rd., Hamilton, Ohio, 45013. Visit www.johnniemannursery.com.