Forage & Wreath at Lovehayne
Nestled in a hidden valley of ancient woodlands, in the run up to Christmas nature lovers are invited to a wreath workshop with a difference. A collaboration between me and the custodians of Lovehayne Farm, Evan Grant and Beck Floyd. Equipped with baskets and snips, attendees are welcomed to explore the wooded tracks and meadows of Lovehayne on a guided forage. Harvesting seed heads, hazel catkins, lichen covered twigs, evergreen foliage and berries from the hedgerows and thickets to add to the studio filled with exclusively Devon grown foliage and dried flowers laid out by me. With an emphasis on a sustainable approach, I instruct on how to weave the natural treasures into unique wreaths capturing the Devon landscape.
Foraging at Lovehayne photo by Anna Baranova
Welcoming both seasoned wreathmakers and novices alike, I’m a firm believer that anyone can make a beautiful wreath. Given the right materials and technique it’s a simple meditative process. It’s amazing to see how different people’s wreaths turn out, and how personalities can be expressed in their wreaths. Workshops are collaborative, with everyone enthused and offering to help each other. Last year we had a lovely lady who was a whizz at tying double bows, she taught everyone to make them.
Hosting the forage and wreath workshops at Lovehayne came about after a chance conversation on the school run. After visiting the farm for a children’s birthday party, I knew it was a magical place and was looking for a space to host wreath workshops. Being able to offer guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the landscape and collect their own ingredients seemed like a natural fit.
Guests are equipped with baskets and secateurs. Photo by Anna Baranova
My sustainable approach chimed with Evan and Beck, whose aim is to enhance Lovehayne as a place to reharmonise and regenerate nature and leave an ecological legacy for future generations. With a background in innovative visitor attractions and events Evan is keen to utilise technology whilst preserving the heritage of a traditional farm. Installing solar panels and heat pumps was the first step on a mission towards carbon positive regeneration. The couple accommodate a forest school in the woodlands and share the meadows, streams and bluebell-filled tracks of the farm with guests in their holiday cottages and summer campsite.
The Devon landscape captured in a wreath. Photo by Anna Baranova
Preparations for the wreath workshops start a year in advance. I grow some plants to dry with wreaths in mind. The blue thistle-like eryngium is striking in the depths of winter. Honesty seed heads add a natural sparkle and strawflowers lock in the summer sunshine for the darker months. Alongside the foraged finds I like to offer a variety of locally grown scented evergreen foliage. Rather than solely relying on the traditional fir, which takes a long time to grow. I like to include a mix of evergreens like laurel, cotoneaster and ivy. The different leaf shapes add a textural depth to the wreaths.
Wreathing in the twinkly workshop. Photo by Anna Baranova
In the colder months it is all about wreaths. These green circles encapsulate the cyclical nature of growing: the seedheads, leaves and flowers all bound together in an endless revolution. The workshops give a chance to spend time in nature and do something creative. It’s a very grounding experience before the main rush of the festive season.
Workshop dates are released for booking in September to be the first to hear about them join my mailing list.
