Our secret process: From farm to festive cheer
It’s that time of year when we are all rushing around, trying to get everything ready for the festive season. Things are no different here for the flower team at Wye Organic. You might think that they would be sat back, waiting for spring to come, but then who would make our beautiful wreaths?
In this issue of ’Why Organic?’, we are bringing you our inside secrets of how we make our natural wreaths so beautiful, some tips on how to help them last even longer and where you can get your hands on your very own!
The beauty of a Wye Organic wreath lies in its complete connection to the land. We don't ship materials in; we harvest everything right here from our farm - all the gorgeous greenery and the essential moss for the base.
For decoration, we use nature's own sparkle: dried seedheads, feathers, berries, and cones, all which are collected from the farm. The only material that travels a short distance is the willow for the base rings, which we source from a neighbouring farm, ensuring we are supporting our local community. We use simple, natural twine to bind it all together, and our final product is almost entirely compostable (apart from the ribbon, if you choose to add one!).
While we wish we could just magic them up in December, the truth is, creating our perfect wreaths is a year-long process. We think about the following Christmas almost as soon as the last one is over!
The Wreath Calendar
August
A busy month of planning! We collect cones, assess and store our dried materials, and check which greenery will be in good supply and look best in December. We also start to create a loose design, dig out promotional photos, and book our market dates.
September & October
Logistics and preparation take over. We plan our labour requirements and see who is available to help, then order in supplies like twine, packing boxes, and ribbon. By October, we are busy preparing the cones and dried elements, ready to finalise our designs.
Early November
The physical work begins! We collect moss, harvest the willow (waiting patiently for the leaves to drop), and then get straight into making the willow rings and moss rings that form the base. Finally, we harvest the greenery.
Late November
This is the most intense period! We prepare the greenery and then, with a small team of locally based helpers working very hard, we make up the right number of wreaths! Even during this intensive effort, we always manage to have a laugh together.
Early December
Our packhouse becomes a very busy, beautifully scented (with fresh pine!), and cold place. We keep on making those wreaths, selling them, and perhaps dreaming of going round in circles!
Mid-December
Time for a well-deserved break! We tidy up, have a rest, and, most importantly, try not to forget to hang a wreath on our own door to admire!
January
We reflect on the last season, jot down new ideas, do's and don'ts, and plan what to grow next. We also encourage our customers to compost their own wreaths, save the base (as it can be reused!), and take off the ribbon and cones (or keep it as a dried piece).
Longevity and the Wye Organic difference
Our natural wreaths are at their best for 2–3 weeks, but a well-cared for piece can still look good (albeit slightly drier!) by Easter. The secret to keeping the moss hydrated and the greenery fresh is simple: lay your wreath on damp grass overnight once or twice a week.
Our philosophy ensures that each wreath is truly special. We don't use chemicals or sprays for our materials. Most greenery found in commercial Christmas décor is sprayed to control weeds and pests or promote growth, but we are committed to natural production. We only make a certain number each year, and we choose not to harvest certain materials to give our plants a break.
Each wreath we create, each year, is a genuine reflection of our farm and what is looking its best right then. Every piece is unique.
One day, we'd love to plant up a dedicated Christmas foliage area at Wye Organic to ensure a sustainable supply of beautiful, natural, and local materials for future seasons.
If you would like one of our stunning and limited edition wreaths hanging on your door this year, pop down to the Gloucester Quays Christmas market on 6&7 December or order one on our website while stock lasts!
© 2025 - Wye Organic
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