As December settles in and the festive season arrives, why not look to your own garden for a natural, sustainable way to decorate your home?
From wreaths to table centrepieces, your winter garden can offer a surprising abundance of beautiful materials perfect for creating charming, homegrown Christmas décor.
What to Use from the Garden
You don’t need exotic blooms to make a stunning arrangement. Many common garden plants provide structure, texture, colour and even scent for seasonal creations:
- Cornus alba (red-barked dogwood) – vibrant red stems add striking vertical accents in wreaths and vases
- Ilex aquifolium (holly) – a classic Christmas staple with glossy green leaves and bright red berries
- Salix (willow) – flexible stems are perfect for making natural wreath bases
- Pittosporum (mock orange) – small, wavy-edged foliage in silvery or dark tones adds contrast and depth
- Cotoneaster x suecicus (coral beauty) – trailing branches with clusters of red berries offer colour and movement
- Ruscus aculeatus (butcher’s broom) – evergreen foliage with subtle red berries, ideal for long-lasting decorations
- Allium seedheads – dried allium heads provide a starburst shape, lovely when sprayed silver or gold
You can also include cones, dried hydrangea heads, rose hips, crab apples, or even sprigs of rosemary or bay for a scented touch.
Decorating Ideas
- Wreaths – use a wire or willow base and build up layers of greenery, then add berries, seedheads or ribbons for interest
- Table centrepieces – arrange foliage around candles or small vases; mix textures like glossy holly and feathery grasses
- Garlands – string together evergreen foliage, fruit slices, and dried seedpods to hang over fireplaces or stair rails
- Mini arrangements – cluster a few dramatic stems in small jars or bottles for a rustic touch throughout the house
Sustainable & Personal
Creating decorations from your garden not only reduces waste and avoids plastic-heavy shop-bought options, it also gives your home a personal touch that reflects the beauty of your own outdoor space.
Need help identifying what can be cut, or shaping your garden to supply next year’s Christmas materials?
Our team can advise on winter pruning and planting to make your garden both festive and future-ready.
