Wreaths are a fantastic way to celebrate the changing seasons throughout the year, not just over the Christmas period. This one uses a palette of bronze foliage nestled amid swirling stems of ivy reddened by winter cold, fresh spring greens of unfurling maple leaves and vibrant hellebore flowers intermingled with white and plum highlights.
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Many green-leaved deciduous trees exhibit coppery new growth in spring thanks to red-pigmented anthocyanins. When this tender growth sits against the sparkling white blossom of a cherry, spirea or amelanchier, it makes a beautiful, shimmering combination fit for any celebration.
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At this time of year, new deciduous growth can be sappy and won’t last as long out of water as evergreen branches do. It needs to be really well conditioned and the finished piece may not last as long as a winter wreath, but its ephemerality is part of its charm. It will dry out but still look stunning for months afterwards. If you want to prolong the life of any flower use flower tubes, securely wired and discreetly hidden among the foliage.
How to make an Easter wreath
You will need
• Wreath base
• Reel wire or twine
• Snips and secateurs
• Foliage and flowers
• Ribbon for hanging
• Flower tubes if required
• Lichen and moss to cover tubes
Step one
I wanted a loose, twiggy structure reminiscent of a bird’s nest for the base, so I used several long lengths of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) with its knobbly texture and wandering tendrils eased and twisted into a circle, held with a turn of wire. Alternatively, use winter prunings from grapevines or honeysuckle.
Step two
I have chosen to cover just half of the base, gradually building up layers to create a focal point around the fullest area. I start with the base foliage, heading upwards and downwards from my chosen focal point using branches with a natural curve to direct the viewer’s eye – straight branches won’t hold the gaze as long as those with some movement. Poke the stems through the wreath base so they sit securely and tie
in with spool wire or twine if needed.
Step three
I place the twiggy birch branches first, followed by curvaceous stems of ivy before adding the coppery tones of amelanchier, katsura and linear sprigs of evergreen honeysuckle. Arching sprays of bridal wreath and cherry follow before finishing with the faded, pollinated flowers of hellebores in delicious hues of green and plum. Keep standing back throughout the construction to make sure it’s doing what you want it to.
Step four
Once completed, add a ribbon to complement your chosen colours. Try silk or velvet or a lavish combination of the two.
Plants to use for an Easter Wreath
• Acer palmatum Use any green-leaved Japanese maple
• Amelanchier x lamarckii In March snowy mespilus offers both beautiful spring foliage and blossom.
• Betula pendula Use silver birch when tight in bud and strewn with catkins
• Cercidiphyllum japonicum Use the copper-toned green foliage of katsura
• Hedera helix Common ivy
• Helleborus argutifolius Holly-leaved hellebore. Flowers January to April.
• Helleborus x hybridus Try Harvington hybrid cultivars, such as ‘Harvington Single Lime’ or ‘Harvington Shades of the Night’. Flowers February to April
• Lonicera ligustrina var. yunnanensis Shrubby, evergreen honeysuckle.
• Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper used for the base
• Prunus Any species, such as cherry or plum, with good blossom
• Spiraea ‘Arguta’ Bridal wreath with pretty white flowers from April to May
You can substitute any flowers and foliage that work well together. Alternative coppery spring foliage includes beech, hornbeam or oak. Rosemary works well for greenery, and you can use the white blossom of blackthorn (but be careful of its thorns)
Why not try decorating eggs with botanical patterns for Easter