Innehållsförteckning för Creative Christmas 2023 från BBC Gardeners' World

How to make A seedhead bauble This bauble is made from about 20 dried poppy seedheads. You could also try using dried helichrysum following exactly the same method – as we’ve done for the pink bauble in the image. Using simple ingredients from the garden, you can create a decoration with sparkly festive appeal. This one is a bit more fiddly than some projects so kids may need a bit of help. We used • Gold spray paint• Papier mâché ball, 5cm diamater• Dried poppy seedheads (or dried helichrysum)• Festive ribbon• Glue gun 1 Spray paint the papier mâché ball and the poppy seedheads in gold. Leave them to dry. Remove the hanging loop once the ball is dry. 2 Take a 20cm length of festive ribbon and fold it in half to…

How to Plant a Christmas pot There are plenty of exciting winter plants that will add some festive cheer to pots. It’s a great time of year to do something a little bit different and create a pot that really plays with leaf shape, size and texture. And if you’re looking for a special gift idea a winter pot would work well. Place your plants first so you can play around with their positions and spacing before planting. Start with the biggest plant and then work down to the smaller plants. When you’re happywith the positioning you can get planting. Finally, position your pot in a spot where you will be able to enjoy it everyday. Don’t forget to water your container to settle the compost once it’s planted and help…

Highlight plants Set off plants that look good at this time of year, such as evergreen grasses or shrubs, with a spike light, to add to a sparkling garden display that looks atmospheric from indoors. Front door magic Create a magical decoration for your front door using outdoor fairy lights to enhance seasonal foliage and seedheads. Add festive flair Decorate for a winter party with some stylish candle-lit lanterns. The metal lattice work will prevent the candles from blowing out, while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Tree lanterns Dress a mature tree up with hanging tealight lanterns and mini disco ball style baubles that will sparkle in the candlelight. Wrap it up Transform a tree with a string of LED lights. Attach to an outdoor extension cord then, starting…

1 Allium seedheads Leave summer-flowering alliums to stand through autumn and winter. The pretty seedheads look striking in borders and can be used in a variety of home-made decorations, either naturally or spray painted gold or silver. Flowers June to July Height x Spread 1m x 10cm 2 Aucuba foliage The variegated foliage of this spotted laurel will add contrast to darker festive evergreens. Try using small sprigs tied in to your wreath, it will make a good backdrop for red glossy berries. F April to May H x S 3m x 3m 3 Dogwood stems Prunings of winter stems like cornus are perfect for using in decorations because of their vibrant colour. Use short twigs to create stars (see p41) or wind the branches together to make a Christmas…

Present wreath Decorating a present with a mini wreath adds a personal touch. We wrapped the gift in recycled fabric then tied it with twine, before tying on the wreath. We made it by tying a piece of vine into a circle. Secure it with wire then attach greenery such as juniper, conifer sprigs and cypress. We used • A piece of vine• Conifer sprigs• Juniper• Cypress• Dried thyme Gift a terrarium A bottle garden won’t break the bank and can be as complex or as simple as you choose. This traditional looking bottle is filled with shade-tolerant houseplants to create a lush display that suits a bright spot out of direct sunlight. We used • Vintage glass bottle• Grit• Leafy houseplants, such as peace lily (back), caladium (left), fittonia…

Amaryllis The flamboyant blooms of amaryllis (Hippeastrum) are a welcome sight in winter. They’re easy to grow, and take seven to 10 weeks to flower. Planted in mid-to late September, they should flower for Christmas. Keep the plants at 21°C in bright light on a windowsill, but avoid direct sun. When the flowers open, support them and move to a cooler place (minimum 15°C). Flowering Katy These are succulent plants with brilliant blooms that dazzle for months at the tips of shoots carrying thick, succulent leaves. They are low maintenance. Snip off flowers as they fade, and cut back tall stems (making a cut just above a leaf) to promote bushiness. Grow in a bright place at 10°C minimum. Water sparingly to avoid saturating the compost. Winter cherry For instant…

Stair swag A natural, climbing arrangement can add real wow to your staircase and hallway. And although it appears striking and opulent, this look is very easy to achieve. Any type of foliage, branches and blooms can be used, and if you include dried and long-lasting greenery, the display will stay looking great throughout the festive period. We used • Recycled food boxes or jars• Chicken wire• Moss from the garden• Tape• ‘Mocha’ amaryllis (Hippeastrum)• Dried seedheads and foliage• Dogwood stems• Eucalyptus• Conifers• Hebes• White tulips• White hellebores First create a base for the flowers and foliage. You can use any recycled shallow containers that will hold water. Fill them two-thirds full of damp moss, then cover the top third with scrunched chicken wire. Secure these in place with strong…

How to make Wreaths using a birch base Homemade birch twig hoops make a great base for wreaths – birch stems are strong and supple, and it’s easy to insert decorative material in the gaps. They can easily be found, just be sure to ask the land owners’ permission and only take what you need. Alternatively, source from a florist. Borrowing from the beauty of the winter hedgerow is a tradition going back millennia, so look at what nature has provided – the hard work has been done for you. Arrange your plunder to create a full and luxurious effect – the more the merrier! 1 Lay two or three 80cm birch twigs lengthways and twist them around each other. Add more twigs, avoiding the very whippy growth towards the ends. 2 Once…

Christmas tree guide Make sure your Christmas tree is a success by choosing carefully and conditioning it before you decorate. Our traditional tree is the Norway Spruce (Picea abies). It’s a good choice but the soft-needled Nordmann and Fraser firs challenge the spruce for scent, needle retention and their narrow, space-saving, habit. Before you go shopping, measure the space where your tree will go. Net wrapping will protect the tree when transported and if it has to be put on your car roof, have the base facing forward to protect branches from wind damage and moisture loss. Picking your variety Nordmann fir This is the UK’s most popular Christmas tree, thanks to its non-drop needles. It has a broad shape and dense foliage but it can be tricky to hang…