HOME & GARDEN

Foliage for festive times

It’s one of the most appealing of all festive sights; a Christmas wreath hung on a front door, giving cheer to passers by, and welcoming visitors to the home.

Many of us buy wreaths each year, and some of us book onto those ‘learn how to make your own’ sessions, which can be a lovely way to share in the creativity with others – and with a seasonal cup of mulled wine and a cheeky mince pie, it’s a very sociable thing to do.

But really, wreaths aren’t that hard to make from scratch. You just need a nice selection of foliage; long-lasting greenery like eucalyptus, fir, conifer and spruce.

Holly is often used in wreaths, but you don’t need the berries – our feathered friends will use those for nutrition during the cold months, and their need is greater than ours. If your holly is berry bare, it doesn’t matter.

Don’t be afraid to add other colour too; Fallen oak leaves that have browned look magnificent cutting through the many shades of green for a real contrast.

You might have the necessary foliage in your garden, but if not, forage responsibly.

You can also make your own wreath ring by twisting willow and vines into that necessary circular shape, or purchase a metal one from your local florist – who will also be able to set you up with some garden twine or paddle wire necessary for holding that foliage in place.

The size of your wreath is down to the size of your door, and personal choice, but the art of making it is the same regardless. Foliage needs to be arranged into small bunches, which you can either tie together with the wire, or fix straight onto the wreath by winding the wire securely around the bottom of each bunch. Remember the leaves aren’t being watered, hence the need to use evergreens which will serve you for longer, but even so, you’ll need to secure them tightly – they will shrink a little as they dry, and you don’t want a wilting wreath after a week or two! Take your time as you fix the stems in place, ensuring the space in the centre of your wreath keeps its circular shape, and the foliage and stems completely cover the wreath ring. Placing each bunch over the bottom of the previous bunch will give a continuous aesthetic – and that’s what you need to aim for.

Every wreath has its own charm, so treat it that way – don’t be uniform with the greenery; there are so many textures and colours and it’s lovely to mix them and allow everything to shine.

Foliage looks fabulous on its own, but if you do want to add more colour and texture – and haven’t already used berries – remember that pine cones are wonderfully abundant and look great, too.

Just use any ‘additions’ sparingly to set the wreath off, rather than complicate it.

Happy designing!

Making your own Christmas wreath is a great way to make use of garden greenery

Top Tip... These plants work up a thirst, but never allow them to sit in water – stem L ots of people bring flowers into the home at Christmas – orchids and poinsettias are popular choices, but a Christmas cactus can be fabulous too. rot is the enemy. In fact, you should only water the base of your plant once the soil has dried out. Ours have withstood some pretty dramatic times and come back brighter

Super easy to maintain, the cacti originated – if you treat them well they will reward in the Brazilian rainforests, and naturally they you with beautiful blooms; the plants like humidity – our selection thrive in the can deliver an abundance of flowers. kitchen, but they will be just as at home in And they aren’t just for Christmas – the bathroom. they’ll last for decades.

T&K’s Insulate+ Replacement Roof system

creates an all-year round living space

Astylish insulated roof tiled roof can now replace transparent glass roofs which have been the norm for conservatories for many years.

Multi-award-winning T&K Home Improvements are leading the way in the innovative roof styles which not only look great but will insulate your home and significantly reduce energy costs from older roofs. A change in building regulations has enabled the reliable and trusted brand to launch the new product range – T&K’s Insulate+ Replacement Roof system.

Until recently, a conservatory roof was required to have a minimum 75% transparency. While this ensured the space was flooded with natural light it also meant the conservatory would be far too hot in summer and too cold in winter to use. The new solid roof system being launched is a stylish alternative which are tailor made to fit the existing framework so a conservatory can be transformed with minimal disruption to an all-year-round living space.

Thermally efficient transparent vents can also be added to the new roof to create more light and circulation of air in the summer months

Adrian Timbers, Sales and Marketing Manager, said: “The changes in building regulations are great news for homeowners looking to update their conservatories to use.

“The insulated alternative will transform a conservatory into a contemporary extension which can be used all year round whilst reducing energy costs, carbon emissions and increasing the value of their home. Increased security and noise reduction are also other great benefits from transforming your tired conservatory roof. “It is now possible to have a living space that stays cool in the summer, warm in the winter and, at the same time, make significant reductions in energy bills. The continuing pressure on the price of materials and manufacturing means this a good time to buy rather than delaying the decision and then finding in the coming months that it will cost a lot more to make the changes, and with paying for a new roof monthly it makes it more affordable”

T&K guarantees the work unconditionally for ten years with the fitting undertaken by the family-run company’s team of experienced fitters.

‘The insulated alternative will transform a conservatory into a contemporary extension which can be used all year round whilst reducing energy costs’

To find out more visit www.tkhi.co.uk or call 0800 622 716.

Established 1979

Exclusive launch offer

T&K are offering a 25% subsidy to the first 25 customers who have suitable properties in the NN or MK postcode areas and are happy to help launch this new innovative product range with future photographs/ testimonials. Call now on 0800 622 716 or visit www.tkhi.co.uk Quote NEWROOF25.