The Best Seasonal Foliage for Wreaths in the Cotswolds

Introduction

One of the things that makes a Cotswolds wreath feel so special is what goes into it. This part of the country is genuinely abundant with beautiful foliage from late autumn onwards — hedgerows heavy with berries, garden borders full of evergreen structure, and woodland edges offering textures you simply won't find in a florist's box of imported stems.

At Naomi Sayers Flowers, we source as locally as possible, and that means every wreath we make — and every workshop we run — reflects what's actually growing around us here in the Cotswolds. So what should you be looking for, and when? Here's a guide to the seasonal foliage that makes the region's wreaths so distinctive.

Holly — the Cotswolds classic

It would be impossible to write about Cotswolds foliage without starting with holly. The hedgerows around Fairford, the Coln Valley and across the wider area are dotted with it from November onwards, and a good year for berries makes all the difference. The deep, glossy leaves provide incredible structure, and those bright red clusters add instant festive colour without any additional decoration needed.

When using holly in a wreath, mix varieties if you can — plain green, variegated, and the spikier Ilex aquifolium all behave differently and layer beautifully together. Just watch your fingers.

Ivy — the unsung hero

Ivy is everywhere in the Cotswolds, trailing over dry-stone walls and climbing through woodland, and it's one of the most versatile wreath ingredients there is. The trailing stems give movement and softness to what can otherwise be a quite rigid wreath, and the variation in leaf size — from tiny fine-leaved varieties to large structural ones — means you can use it at multiple scales in the same design.

Ivy also holds well once cut, making it ideal if you're making your wreath a week or two before you want to hang it. Look for stems with both mature and younger growth for the most interesting texture.

Eucalyptus — for fragrance and softness

While not strictly native, eucalyptus has become a favourite in Cotswolds wreaths for good reason. Its silver-green foliage brings a softness that contrasts beautifully with the harder textures of holly and pine, and its fragrance — especially when fresh — is genuinely wonderful on a front door on a cold December morning.

Seeded eucalyptus, with its clusters of tiny round buds along each stem, is particularly lovely and adds an interesting texture without bulk. It dries well too, so wreaths made with eucalyptus tend to have a longer decorative life.

Pine, spruce and fir

The conifer family is the backbone of most traditional Christmas wreaths, and for good reason. Their varying needle lengths and fragrances — from the sweetness of Nordmann fir to the sharpness of Norway spruce — give you a lot to work with. Blue spruce, in particular, has a beautiful silver-grey tone that feels less conventional and a little more contemporary.

In the Cotswolds, pine and fir branches are often available from local farms and Christmas tree growers from late November, and buying from these sources means the foliage is freshly cut and will last far longer than anything that's spent time in a van.

Cotoneaster and rosehips — natural pops of colour

If you'd rather not rely on painted or artificial berries for colour, the hedgerows have you covered. Cotoneaster, with its arching stems of tiny bright red berries, is abundant across the region and one of the most rewarding things to forage for wreath-making. Similarly, rosehips from the dog roses that scramble through Cotswolds hedgerows add a beautiful deep red-orange that looks rich and natural rather than plastic.

Both hold their colour well once cut, and both add a wildness to a wreath that feels honest and connected to the landscape.

Dried and natural add-ins

Alongside fresh foliage, dried elements have become increasingly popular — and the Cotswolds countryside offers plenty. Dried seed heads from teasels and thistles, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, and lotus pods all add warmth and texture that complement the greens beautifully. These elements also help a wreath last well beyond the Christmas period if you want something to enjoy into the new year.

A note on foraging

If you're gathering foliage yourself, always take only what you need and never strip a single plant. A little from many sources is far better than a lot from one. Stick to your own garden and land you have permission to forage, and avoid roadsides where foliage may have absorbed pollution.

All the foliage used in Naomi Sayers Flowers workshops and made-to-order wreaths is locally and responsibly sourced — so you can enjoy the result knowing it's been gathered with care for the landscape around us.

Come and make your own

If reading this has got you inspired, why not come and make a wreath yourself? Our Cotswolds wreath workshops are held in beautiful local venues and include all the foliage and materials you need. Browse upcoming workshop dates here.

Prefer to have one made for you? Our bespoke made-to-order Christmas wreaths are handcrafted using locally sourced seasonal foliage and delivered to your door within a 10-mile radius of Fairford.