Christmas Wreaths at Buckley Hall: Employability Through Horticulture

The Christmas wreath enterprise at Buckley Hall is a strong example of how Novus Horticulture courses develop employability, confidence and real-world skills. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the project has evolved from a seasonal activity into a structured, learner-led enterprise that supports qualifications, workplace behaviours and positive community impact.

Planning, Research and Responsibility

Preparation for the Christmas wreaths begins in January, with learners researching plants and flowers suitable for drying. This stage develops planning, research and decision-making skills, mirroring processes used in commercial horticulture. Learners consider plant performance, colour retention and structure, building knowledge that supports future employment.

Seeds are purchased using profits from the previous year’s wreath sales, reinforcing financial awareness and sustainability. Sowing takes place in March within the polytunnel, followed by planting into designated flower beds on site. Learners take responsibility for watering, feeding and weeding, developing consistency, reliability and pride in their work.

Harvesting, Drying and Quality Control

From July to October, flowers are harvested and dried in the polytunnel by hanging them from brackets. This process teaches attention to detail and quality control, as learners see how careful handling preserves colour and structure. The strong results demonstrate how professional standards directly affect the finished product.

In November, learners forage across the Buckley Hall grounds to collect evergreen foliage, promoting sustainable practice and seasonal awareness.

Blended Learning and Digital Employability Skills

Alongside practical work, learners research wreath-making techniques using books, magazines and online video platforms during classroom sessions. With staff support, learners develop essential digital skills including online searching, choosing effective keywords, using filters, navigating video platforms and evaluating content relevance.

This blended learning approach reflects modern workplace expectations, helping learners build confidence with digital tools and independent learning.

Communication, Marketing and Enterprise Experience

Learners contribute to advertising the wreaths by painting signage, decorating Christmas trees at the polytunnel entrance, and helping to draft the wording for a global email sent to Buckley Hall staff. Through this process, learners gain an understanding of professional communication, email structure, tone and audience, as well as learning what a global email is and how it is used within an organisation.

Engaging with staff and customers across the site helps learners develop communication, teamwork and customer awareness, all key employability skills.

Learner Voice and Personal Impact

One learner reflected on the personal and professional impact of the project:

This project increased my own self worth, self esteem and wellbeing, along with putting a little pressure on knowing I had to produce a good product or the customer wouldn't buy, the same pressure you get when working on the outside.

This insight highlights how the enterprise mirrors real employment expectations, helping learners understand accountability, quality standards and customer satisfaction.

Giving Back and Looking Ahead

Profits from the wreath sales are being divided between charitable donations and reinvestment into future projects. Learners have chosen to support Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, the Air Ambulance Service and Cancer Research UK. Reinvestment will also support 2026 projects including hanging baskets, window boxes, fruit and vegetable growing, cut flowers and a wider variety of seeds.

By the end of November, 65 wreaths had been sold, with further orders continuing. Due to demand, plans are also in place to introduce grave pot arrangements.

Supporting Qualifications and Employment Pathways

The full wreath-making process aligns with City and Guilds qualification units, ensuring learners gain recognised accreditation alongside practical experience. The enterprise adds clear value and purpose to the horticulture programme at Buckley Hall, providing learners with transferable skills, confidence and preparation for employment on release.

What began as a simple seasonal idea has become a much-anticipated annual project with returning customers, strong outcomes and lasting impact. For more information on other Novus projects, visit our news section.