Thread by @RobertBohan

It’s been noted that funeral wreaths are not obtainable under the current lockdown. Here’s the quick, simple & easy way to make them as well as a central point where information on local flower shops/garden centres that can provide them.

Get a wire clothes hanger & bend it into a circular shape. Twist the hook part until it comes off.

Now get some florists wire (if you have it) or failing that, green wool, green thread or fishing line. Gather up either Evergreen foliage (Lawsons Cypress or Holly are ideal) cutting off the bushiest sprigs.

Tie the first sprig to the coat hanger & make sure it’s secure. Twist the thread/line around its stem & secure. Place a second steam just under the first & tie off. Keep going until the hanger is completely wrapped.

Stand back & check that the foliage forms a proper circle. Where it’s too bushy snip off excess & where too thin, add in sprigs & tie them down.

Next if it is a funeral wreath use dark coloured ribbon. If you don’t have ribbon cut some material to shape along the weave of the cloth. Carefully wrap the wreath with the ribbon keeping the ribbon about 2-3 inches apart. Tie off.

Depending on the person being buried or remembered you can use different coloured ribbon (only use one colour). I made a wreath for my grandmother’s funeral with broad pink satin ribbon.

Next decide on how you want to embellish the wreath (you can of course leave it plain). Cotoneaster, holly berries & Rowan tree berries can be used. Alternatively you could use conifer cones or acorns etc. Funeral wreaths do not have to be plain. Neighbours if asked will help.

Modern wreaths are usually made from a special hoop, a circular oasis & individual flowers pushed down into the wreath. You can tie flowers into your own wreath but they will quickly wilt & die. It’s best to use berries so that they last a while.

Finally some will find getting greenery difficult or will find it hard to make a wreath themselves. This is Twitter & I am sure there are hundreds of volunteers who would be happy to help all over the country.

If anyone has any questions or challenges let me know. At a time of bereavement we would all like to help. If you are a flower shop that can create a wreath at short notice please respond & I will publicise.