Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Sunningdale Park, has offered advice on creating sustainable and attractive seasonal decorations using items readily available outdoors.
While a store-bought wire frame is great, embrace the rustic look by using flexible garden branches such as willow, hazel, or grapevine trimmings, Mr Dwelly suggests.
These can be bent into a circle and secured to form a rustic base.
For longer-lasting wreaths, adding a ring of garden moss can keep clippings hydrated.
The expert said conditioning your collected materials is vital for a fresh appearance past Christmas Day.
Foliage such as holly, pine, cedar, ivy, and laurel should be cut at an angle, stripped of lower leaves, and soaked overnight.
Small, consistent bundles of conditioned foliage form the basis of a well-crafted wreath, he added.
Mr Dwelly suggests cutting the foliage into small bunches of three to five stems and mixing textures.
He said: “A perfect wreath is built on small, consistent bundles. Cut your conditioned foliage into small, manageable bunches of 3–5 stems, keeping them all about the length of your hand (6–8 inches).
“In each little bundle, try to mix textures. Group a spiky holly sprig with a soft, feathery pine branch for instant depth.”
Attaching the bundles to your base using florist wire or gardening twine and working in the same direction can create a dense, lush look.
Contrasting plants like dark green ivy, silver-backed eucalyptus, and bright red holly berries are recommended for added colour and festive sparkle.
Secure heavy items such as pinecones or orange slices using florist wire.
These additions can be interspersed among the foliage to add a pop of colour and festive charm.
Items with an aroma, such as cinnamon sticks and rosemary, can be added in the same way.
If your wreath has a moss-backed base, regular watering can prolong its lifespan.
For hanging, opt for a sheltered place to prevent your creation from drying out.
Direct sunlight and strong winds are considered the biggest threats to the longevity of the wreath.
By following these simple steps, Mr Dwelly says you can create a unique, beautiful, and sustainable Christmas wreath, using materials from your garden.
This not only saves money and reduces waste but also encourages creativity and resourcefulness, making the festive season more personal and enjoyable.
The use of natural materials also contributes to sustainability efforts, aligning with the growing trend towards environmentally friendly practices.
Comments are closed.