Learn about Christmas Gifts in the garden
Let's understand why winter occurs and learn about winter wildlife and winter weather. Then we can discover the hidden gems that thrive in your garden during the winter months
What is winter?
Before we delve into the winter wonders we can find in our gardens, let's understand why winter occurs:
- Winter is one of the four seasons
- During winter, our part of the world is tilted away from the sun, which means shorter days, less sunlight, and colder temperatures (brrrr). These are all the things that make winter, winter!
Winter in the garden
What are some of the things we can spot in nature at this time of year?
WINTER WILDLIFE
- Robins
These charming birds with their red breasts add a splash ofcolour to our gardens in winter! These special creatures are expert foragers, and you might spot them searching for berries and insects to eat
- Squirrels
Watch squirrels busily scurrying around, collecting and burying nuts for the winter. They are incredible planners and have a knack for locating their hidden treasure even beneath layers of snow!
- Foxes
You might not know if they visit your garden, they often come out at night! These creatures have have thick, warm fur to keep them cosy in the cold and are known for their clever hunting skills
WINTER WEATHER
- Snow
Snowflakes are like tiny, frozen works of art. Snow happens when water in the air freezes into pretty flakes that float to the ground
- FROST & ICE
On chilly mornings, you may wake up to find delicate frost patterns on leaves and windows, or ice on the ground, making it very slippery to walk on
- COLD
You’ll notice how chilly it gets when winter comes around – you might be able to see your breath! Because of the cold, some creatures hibernate, which means they have a very long sleep in a cosy place until spring
Discovering garden treasures
Now we’ll discover the hidden gems that thrive in your garden during the winter months. From the lush evergreen foliage to conifers, herbs, and berries, your garden is brimming with life even in the coldest of seasons!
EVERGEEN FOLIAGE
Imagine a tree that stays green and leafy all year long, even in the winter when it's cold. That's what we call an "evergreen" tree. Evergreen foliage you can find in your garden include: Ivy, holly, mistletoe and (if you live in southern England) eucalyptus!
CONIFER FOLIAGE
Some evergreen trees belong to a special group called "conifers." Conifers are evergreen trees that have needles instead of regular leaves. They also usually make cones to hold their seeds – like pinecones. Conifers you could find include: pine, spruce and fir trees. These are trees we typically use as Christmas trees!
HERBS
Herbs, like Thyme and Rosemary, are like magical plants in the winter because they stay strong and tasty even when it's cold outside. Herbs are not just for eating; they can also be like beautiful smelling decorations from nature
Berries
Berries like rosehips and hawthorn are special in winter because they're like nature's candies – sweet and tangy. They're a yummy treat for people and birds and they can add a pop of colour to our homes in Christmas decorations!
Holly’s enchantment
Holly is a very special plant that has fascinated people for centuries. This charming evergreen plant, with its bright green leaves and cheerful red berries, has a history filled with tradition – and even a touch of magic! Let’s look at what makes holly so amazing
- A good luck charm
In the olden days, people would bring holly into their homes during the winter months to bring good luck and protect against harm
- A festive favourite
The tradition of using holly in Christmas decorations goes back a long time, symbolising the joy that this special time of year brings. In fact, red and green became Christmas colours because of Holly!
- A symbol of hope
Like evergreen trees, holly is an evergreen plant, which means it keeps its leaves year-round – it’s a special plant because it reminds people of new life, even in the depths of winter
A feast for wildlife
Holly berries are an essential food source for many birds during the winter, especially when other food is hard to find. Birds like thrushes, blackbirds, rely on holly to survive
Remember – while holly is a source of nourishment for wildlife, it's crucial to remember that holly berries are poisonous to humans
What is foraging?
Foraging is like going on a nature adventure to find delicious things to eat. People have been doing it for a very, very long time, even before they started farming. Instead of planting seeds and waiting for plants to grow, they explored the outdoors to find tasty treats like berries, nuts and mushrooms!
WHAT MAKES FORAGING SO FUN?
- Natural connection
Foraging helps us become friends with nature. We get to know the plants and creatures that live in the wild!
Yummy foods
We can find all kinds of yummy foods in the wild, like sweet berries, crunchy nuts, and even mushrooms (but remember, not all mushrooms are good to eat, so we need to be careful and ask a grown-up for help)
- Helping the earth
Foraging can be like a secret mission to help the Earth. When we pick food from nature, it's better for the planet because we're not using factories or stores to get our snacks
Everyone can do it
The best part is that everyone, including you, can be a forager! It's not just for grown-ups. Kids can be awesome foragers too!
Just remember – some things aren't for eating, so always check with a grown-up before you pick anything
5 foraging rules to remember
1. ASK FOR HELP
Always have a grown-up with you when you're foraging. They know which plants and foods are safe to eat
2. BE KIND TO NATURE
Don't pick too much from one place, so the plants and animals have enough to eat too
3. STAY SAFE
Look out for prickly plants, bugs, or anything that might hurt you. It's important to be safe while exploring
4. NO LITTERING
Just like at home, we don't leave a mess behind. Take any wrappers or rubbish with you and throw it away properly
5. GET PERMISSION
Always make sure you’re allowed to forage in the place that you choose
THE STORY OF WREATHS
A wreath is a circular decoration made by arranging leaves, flowers, or other materials in a ring shape. Wreaths are beautiful, natural decorations you can hang on your door or use for special occasions, but what’s their story?
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WHERE DO WREATHS COME FROM
Wreaths go way back to ancient times. The Romans and Greeks made them as crowns to wear on their heads or as necklaces to symbolise victory and honour
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WREATHS AT CHRISTMAS
Nowadays, at Christmas, wreaths have a special meaning. They represent eternal life because they're circles with no beginning or end
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WREATHS FOR DIFFERENT CELEBRATIONS
Wreaths aren't just for Christmas. We use them at other times too, like during Easter and at weddings. They can have different flowers and colours to match the occasion
Wreaths can be made from all sorts of things like evergreen branches, flowers, pinecones and ribbons. You can get really creative with what you use to make your wreath special!