Eucalyptus, seed pods and gumnuts make a good base for a handmade wreath, while simple accents like bells and ribbons provide seasonal flair. Photo: Meadow & Wilder Farm.
The festive spirit is set to bloom in Bungendore, with handmade, homegrown wreath-making bringing a touch of creativity to Christmas.
On Saturday, 6 December, from 5:30 pm, local florist and micro-flower farm Meadow & Wilder Farm will host a Christmas Wreath Workshop at retail collective The Malbon.
The evening promises a wholesome celebration full of creativity, with Christmas tunes on blast and bubbles and cheese for a splash of decadence.
Fresh foliage and hands-on guidance will be provided by local florist and micro flower farm Meadow & Wilder Farm.
Owner Jera Quinn says there’s no right or wrong when it comes to creating a wreath that reflects your personal style.
“I always encourage people to explore what they might already have at home – out in the garden or found out on a walk,” she explained.
Starting with a natural base of grapevine or willow, wreath-makers will use twine or wire to secure each element.
“I love texture in my designs, so I use varieties of eucalyptus, conifer and grasses and incorporate dried accents like pinecones, seed pods and gumnuts. I often finish with special adornments like bells or flowing ribbons to add a little bit of seasonal magic.”
With a background in Environmental Science, Building Surveying and Planning, Jera first discovered she had a green thumb during COVID lockdowns and quickly transformed her coastal suburban block into a lush and flourishing gardenscape.
With a desire for space to grow and live more sustainably, Jera and her husband Joey relocated to Bungendore in 2023 after falling in love with its “quaint, country beauty”.
Of course, the harsh plains of Bungendore are quite a different plot to cultivate.
From rambling roses to textural fillers that “thrive in the heat”, Jera and Joey have found a rhythm working with Mother Nature and Bungendore’s climate of extremes. Photo: Meadow & Wilder Farm.
Fortunately, Joey’s background in the mechanical industry made him a “Joe of all trades”, and he quickly dove headfirst into everything from plumbing to excavating, concreting to carpentry.
Before long, Meadow & Wilder Farm became a rich pasture bursting with blooms.
“The biggest challenge is definitely the extremes,” she said.
“Bungendore is very atmospheric. We experience temperature lows of -10°C mornings to heat extremes of scorching 40°C days, high winds, and low rainfall. The cockatoos also cause me regular heartbreak with their destructive practices.
“You have to be adaptable, patient, and always learning. The resilience required makes the reward even sweeter when the blooms finally arrive.”
Her favourite florals?
“I adored seeing the peonies bloom for the first time – after three years of settling in, it felt like such a well-earned reward.
“Looking ahead to summer, I’m excited for the fragrant rambling garden roses, dancey cosmos, incredible dahlias – and all the fun textural fillers that thrive in the heat.”
Now a rich pasture bursting with blooms, Meadow & Wilder Farm will supply festive foliage for wreath-makers to experiment. Photo: Supplied.
While micro-farm living has been a tumultuous ride for the couple, Jera says she’s learnt to surrender to the ebbs and flows of working with Mother Nature.
“My favourite moments are dusk and dawn, when the field is quiet and I’m out cutting flowers. Waking up to flower-filled sunrises and ending the day with flower-filled sunsets is genuinely magical.”
To register for the Christmas Wreath Workshop at The Malbon, visit Humantix. Places are strictly limited.
