MAKING CHRISTMAS WREATHS

It has long been a tradition to hang wreaths on doors at Christmas and you can also add a few edible highlights which you may have grown on your plot

It can be great fun making your own Christmas wreaths and if you can gather a few friends or family together to join in and have a drink or two, it is even more enjoyable. Being gardeners, we usually have a few materials we can forage from our plots including fruit and veg to add some edible festive touches.

WHAT YOU NEED

There are various wreath-making rings you can buy, including plastic ones which contain the green florist foam. Although not as environmentally friendly as some rings, they will last for years, and you can now also buy Bio floral foam which is more planet-friendly and biodegrades over time.

As a greener alternative, you could use soft twiggy material from the garden such as birch branches and tie them into a ring using some wire. Clematis stems are also ideal for making a wreath ring.

We also used some wooden embroidery rings. You can leave them as they are or give them a festive look by painting them with red, gold or silver paint.

Plant material: The traditional holly, ivy and conifer shoots can make a good base to the rings or you can use evergreen herbs such as thyme, rosemary and bay.

Other useful items: thin wire, ribbons and bows and some florist tape or duck tape.

THE MEDLAR AND BERRY WREATH