Saved from the compost heap
A Christmas wreath reborn
THIS year even Christmas wreaths are becoming environmentally friendly, with fewer traditional holly and ivy garlands appearing on our front doors.
They are being replaced by more sustainable alternatives that include fallen leaves, seed heads, twigs and dried flowers that gardeners normally put on the compost heap.
These ‘dead’ materials are being foraged by a new generation of florists who prefer to work with nature rather than hothousing flowers and transporting them for miles to complete the perfect Christmas bouquet.
However, it’s only in relatively modern times that wreaths became part of our Christmas tradition. They signify good luck and are also used in the advent traditions, holding the four candles which mark the four Sundays in the lead up to Christmas. And the plants used are mainly evergreen to signify everlasting life brought by Christ.
But the threat of climate change has inspired florists not to use
those materials specially grown for the Christmas market. Collecting and recyling autumn leaves, mosses, lichens, dried flower and seed heads and bits of branches has become part of the florist’s work.
Designer and florist Claire Bracken walks the forests, fields, bogs, canal lines, hedgerows and friends’ gardens – and even rummages through her landscaper partner’s leftovers – collecting the raw materials for striking Christmas wreaths.
‘It is easy to make something beautiful with fresh cut flowers, but I liked the challenge to create something special from what some people see as dead flowers and weeds,’ says Claire.
Far from the usual disc of cut fir and holly with a ribbon and a couple of baubles attached, she says the priority should be mimimising the supply of mass produced cut flowers.
‘The idea of a fully sustainable dried wreath, although exquisite, is to nurture environmental awareness among people whilst providing beauty and interest in one’s home or work place,’ she says.
Florist Aiva Veinberga, pictured left, plans her foraged and dried flower wreaths in the summer. The Latvian designer, who trained at the National Botanical Gardens, brings her childhood summer traditions to her Christmas wreaths. When making dried flower wreaths Aiva gathers flowers such as nigella seed heads, yarrow, poppy seed heads and alchemilla in summer and gets ‘donations’ from other people’s gardens, such as her partner’s mother who grows Lunaria or honesty.
‘The potential material for Christmas wreaths is everywhere, once you remember to plan gathering for it in good time, and summer bounty can be kept and weaved into beautiful garlands. I also supplement my summer collection with foraged plant material. I buy some flowers in as well but most of it is local when possible,’ she says.
Neither Claire or Aiva will use oasis, the spongy green foam-like material once used as a base for floral decorations. Willow branches or wire bases are used instead.
‘I try my best to be as sustainable as possible,’ says Aiva. Her wreaths are available at The Botanic Garden Christmas Eco Craft Market. Claire’s are in Avoca, Kilmacanogue, The Hopsack in Rathmines and Red Earth in Mullingar.
‘Summer bounty can be a beautiful garland’