How to make a Christmas wreath from the garden and hedgerow

There is no need to just stick to holly and pine when it comes to making a Christmas wreath.

The first thoughts of winter in the garden are perhaps a bit limited, bare branches and colourless borders.  But once you start to look, there are all sorts of unexpected an unusual plants to be found and make use of. From bright pink berries of the spindle bush to the shiny black ones of a dogwood, there is a whole spectrum of ingredients to chose from.

Jo Wise and Rachel Siegfried from Oxfordshire's Green and Georgous always start looking out for materials to use from around mid November, and you too can get to know the bushes with a good crop. Jo gives her top tips for making your own festive wreath.

Look out for:

• Spindle bush
• Snow berry
• Old mans beard
• Hazel catkins
• Dusty miller
• Rose hips
• Garrya elliptica
• Pheasant feathers

Try drying elements from the garden such as hydrangea, roses, lavender, heather, squashes, apples and pears.

Making your wreath.

• To make your base you will need a wire wreath frame, some reel wire, scissors, fresh moss and twigs
• Lay the moss over the frame in roughly 4" square pieces
• Then bind them onto the frame with wire
• Once the frame is covered add in some twigs. Insert each one at the same angle and direction. This will create and attractive nest like structure
• Secure the twigs in place with wire
• Now you are ready to add your berries, dried fruits, flowers or feathers. Add each piece going in the same direction as the twigs.
• To hang, thread a ribbon through the wire frame and tie securely.
• To keep the wreath looking fresh you can soak the whole thing in a few inches of water in the sink every so often. Or use a mist spray. Dried elements need to be covered when spraying.

Trending this year in the floral world are silvery foliage with ivory and orange or pink. Picture below is a wreath made with dusty miller leaves, spindle berries, snow berries and peacock feathers.

To get some help making your own wreath and get access to all the unusual and imaginative flowers, berries and accessories at Green and Georgous, Jo and Rachel are holding Christmas workshops in early December at North Stoke Village Hall at £55 per person.

For more information visit www.greenandgorgeousflowers.co.uk.