How to craft a seasonal wreath that stays fresh all winter
Creating a festive centerpiece does not require professional expertise. By using garden materials like holly, ivy, and pine, you can build a fragrant, sustainable decoration that lasts for several weeks and brings a personal, rustic touch to your home during the holidays.
Mastering the art of wreath making begins with selecting the right foundation. While you can use pre-made padded bases, florist Simon Lycett suggests experimenting with your own willow ring. For a more structural approach, you can weave a ring from willow stems or use a straw or wire base. To ensure longevity, use sustainably farmed sphagnum moss or even moss raked from your own lawn to create a moist cushion for your greenery.
The assembly process relies on layering and securing. Start by teasing out fist-sized bundles of moss and wrapping them around your ring with 0.56mm annealed wire, keeping the wire taut. When adding greenery—such as holly cut into 12.5-15cm sections—lay them in one direction, overlapping pieces so no moss is visible. Secure each addition with a single wrap of florist's stubbing wire. For added texture, you can attach pinecones by wrapping them in wire and pushing them through the ring, or use dried oranges and cinnamon sticks for fragrance.
Sustainability is key to a modern wreath. Avoid floral foam, as it is environmentally harmful. Instead, opt for biodegradable materials like willow, birch, or hazel stems. If you use delicate elements like the fluffy seed heads of Clematis vitalba, known as 'old man's beard,' the wreath is best kept indoors to prevent breakage. Once the season ends, ensure you remove all wire, ribbons, and plastic components before composting your materials. To keep evergreen wreaths vibrant, hang them outside and mist the moss with rainwater as needed.
Source: Make a long-lasting Christmas wreath with these easy steps | The RHS
