Tina Worboys | Nov 25, 2024
A simple cluster of bare branches, unremarkable in the garden, look stunning gathered in a large vase and draped with lights or decorations. The twisting branches of willow work particularly well. Go big and you’ll be surprised how impressive those bare branches will look.
Why not try hanging a beautiful branch above the dining table, adorned with undulating hanging treasures, garlands or tiny lights for a unique, contemporary focal point.
Nothing says welcome home like an exuberant, natural wreath. Forage as much evergreen cuttings as you can and layer up different textures and shapes to create your lush halo. As with any good design you want to make it easy on the eye so always flow in a single direction. If however, you are creating a wreath with just a burst of detail in a small area, allow your creation to explode out from a central point.
Berries, ivy flowers, pinecones, variegated leaves and even feathers are fantastic for adding detail and colour. Repetition is key to keeping the design cohesive. Remember you can always change or add things as the season goes on (and you spy those newly ripe rose hips come Christmas Eve).
If the idea of a wreath is too daunting then even the simplest swag of garden goodies, hung on the door with an exuberant bow will look equally fantastic.
The pink and blue pompom heads of Hydrangea macrophylla, which have largely fallen out of fashion, come into their own at Christmas. These faded heads with just a tinge of colour look beyond chic brought into the home amongst the festive sparkle.
The forward-thinking gardener has of course planted with all this in mind. Allium seedheads are arguably as fabulous as their earlier flowers. The berry-like heads of Allium Sphearocephalon make beautiful punctuations in a wreath. If you’ve grown and saved Allium Christophii or Schubertii then you’re in for a treat. These huge sputnik heads look fantastic on their own in vases or woven through garlands. I have a single Schubertii which is just over half a meter wide and needs nothing further to look fabulous.
While in the festive mood why not plan ahead for next year’s foraged hoard. It’s not too late to plant allium bulbs. Not only will the insects love you for it but you’ll have fabulous blooms year upon year, as well as those exceptional seedheads come next Christmas.
You could try sowing Xerochrysum or Helichrysum Bracteatum seeds in the spring. Known as everlasting flowers these are planet friendly everlasters (i.e. not the plastic kind). Freshly grown they feel like paper and come in an array of colours from the softest salmons and corals to vibrant yellows. Snip and hang to dry and you’ll be well stocked with beautiful, colourful little flowers all winter and beyond.
So why not bring the joys of nature into the home this Christmas. It couldn't be easier. Sustainable, free and loads of festive fun. I can't wait to get cracking!
Why not share and spread the love for all things wild and free this festive season
