Festive Plants and Natural Decorations

The festive season is the perfect time to let the garden and nature inspire your decorations — bringing greenery, berries and scent from outside in. Whether you’re growing plants for their seasonal beauty, crafting homemade wreaths and garlands, or lighting up a living Christmas tree outdoors, there’s joy in creating a natural, sustainable celebration that feels connected to your garden and the Irish winter landscape.

From left to right - Skimmia, Cupressus 'Goldcrest', Sarcococca, Pyracantha with Heather - Photos taken at Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle, 10/10/2025

Festive Plants for Garden and Home

Here are some garden favourites that look great all winter and can be used to create natural decorations or festive arrangements indoors:

This Christmas patio uses potted conifers with outdoor lights to create a delightful festive scene  - Photo by Radu Daniel ( MRD ) courtesy of pexels

Growing Your Own Living Christmas Tree

Instead of buying a cut tree each year, consider planting your own living Christmas tree outdoors. A potted Pine, Spruce or Nordmann Fir can be dressed with outdoor lights each December to create a magical focal point. Choose a sheltered, well-drained spot, and if space is limited, a smaller conifer like Picea glauca ‘Conica’ works beautifully in containers and can be reused year after year.Not only does this save waste and money over time, but it also provides valuable shelter for wildlife throughout the year. Just remember to avoid leaving heavy lights on delicate branches for long periods, and remove them after the season ends.

Blending Natural and Artificial Decorations

While using plants and greenery from your garden is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, it doesn’t mean you need to go entirely natural. Many homes find that a thoughtful mix of the two — combining fresh greenery with favourite ornaments, ribbons or artificial lights — strikes the perfect balance.

This approach also helps keep costs down and extends the lifespan of decorations, while still offering that warm, traditional look. For example, add sprigs of holly or rosemary to artificial wreaths, or weave real ivy among fairy lights for a soft, natural glow. A few well-chosen real elements can transform even simple decorations into something special and personal.

Do keep an eye on our 'Courses & Events' section as we approach Christmas as we often hold short courses in designing and making your own festive wreath.

Making your own wreath with a mix of natural and artificial materials can be a great way of adding a natural, traditional touch to your home - Photo by Pelageia Zelenina courtesy of Pexels

Extra Touches and Creative Ideas

• Homemade Wreaths: Use a willow or wire base and fill it with holly, ivy, rosemary, and heather. Add pine cones or dried orange slices for colour and scent.
• Festive Containers: Create winter pots near entrances with Skimmia, dwarf conifers, cyclamen and trailing ivy for an inviting display.
• Table Decorations: A few evergreen sprigs and berries in a jug or vase make easy, elegant centrepieces — especially when combined with candles or fairy lights.
• Natural Scent: Combine stems of pine, bay and cinnamon sticks in small bundles to bring fragrance to the home, or set in bowls with dried orange slices and cloves for homemade pot-pourri.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about celebrating the festive season with plants and greenery from your own garden. It connects you to the rhythm of nature and brings a sense of calm beauty indoors when the days are short. Whether you go fully natural, or mix your garden finds with traditional decorations, it’s all about creating a home that feels warm, welcoming and personal.