The British countryside is experiencing a bumper crop of holly berries this autumn, thanks to perfect weather conditions in 2018.
A welcome sight for wildlife, the traditional Christmas plant is putting on its best display in over 20 years.
At RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon, staff have noticed an abundance of the beautiful berries, with curator Jonathan Webster admitting they are the best he has seen in his 15 years at the garden.
Meanwhile, over at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, curator Paul Cook says that hollies are fruiting at a greater rate than ever before.
Why is there more holly berries this year?
"The heat and light of 2018 did not faze hollies which are tolerant of drought – the waxy leaves inhibit water loss and the spikes act like cooling fins on an engine shedding heat," RHS Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter explains.
"They made good use of the conditions to lay down ample flower buds. A hot dry July is linked to good berry production the following year and with better growing weather in 2019, the berries swelled and coloured-up well – they are always more abundant after hot. dry years, but can be inhibited by spring frosts. Happily, holly flowered too late to be affected by frosts last spring. Birds relish holly so enjoy the berries while you can."
One of the UK's most seasoned holly-growers, Louise Bendall of Highfield Hollies, doesn't believe that flowering holly is a sign that cold weather is on its way. "Over the 30-odd years I’ve been growing hollies here, I would say that adequate rainfall, the absence of late frosts and good insect activity are the conditions necessary for heavy fruiting."
Holly is a flowering plant, with around 480 different types of species. As well as being a symbol of the festive season, the common native evergreen provides vital winter food for animals and birds.
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10 eco-friendly Christmas crackers for your festive table
Kate Sproston Design Woodland Reusable Christmas Crackers
Made from natural linen and embroidered with satin thread, each reusable cracker is also finished with a pretty green ribbon. Fill them with special gifts, or use them as a place marker at your Christmas dinner table.
You can choose an individual cracker, or opt for a stylish set of two, four or six.
The Little Green Cracker Company Eco Christmas Crackers
Along with all the sustainability credentials, these crackers come with gifts your guests will actually use — including a mini soap bar, organic teas and flower seeds. We love the frosty foliage design over this green base, too.
William Morris At Home Festive Fabric Cracker Gift Set
Inspired by two William Morris Gallery archive designs, this wonderful reusable fabric cracker comes complete with a fragrance-free lip balm and clementine and clove scented hand cream, making it a great stocking filler idea or gift.
We simply adore how well the rich turquoise velvet bows pair with the extravagant print.
At £19.50 each, these reusable candy cane striped crackers are a little pricey, but they'll add an elegant touch to your Christmas table and will work with a range of Christmas themes over the years.
Made from linen, they come ready to fill with your own gifts.
Encased in these beautiful Christmas crackers sit an assortment of sweet wooden gifts. Plus, Tom Smith is supporting the Trussell Trust, a charity focused on putting an end to hunger and poverty throughout the UK, so you’ll not only be helping the environment but this fantastic cause, too.
LatterLux Personalised Eco Christmas Crackers
These handmade crackers can be personalised with a name or message in a choice of twelve different colours. These are fill-your-own, so you can add in something you know your loved ones will appreciate.
With a traditionally merry tartan design complemented with gold ribbons and snowflake detailing, these reusable crackers would work well on so many different dining tables.
You'll also be supporting a small business as you shop.
Looking to embrace a Scandi-inspired decor theme these year or prefer a more minimal table setting, then these cotton and linen crackers are perfect.
Available individually or in sets of two, four and six, each one features ribbon bows and an embroidered festive red motif.
Fortnum's has long been our go-to for luxury Christmas crackers and this year's selection hasn’t disappointed. In the brand’s signature Eau de Nil colouring, this set will bring a touch of elegance to any dinner table.
The gifts are sweet too: each cracker contains a recipe from Fortnum’s debut cookbook, along with a mini kitchen utensil to help you whip up a feast.
Inspired by the classic carol, these 12 Days of Christmas crackers depict everything from turtle doves to french hens. We're wooed by the whole set, thanks to the quaint illustrations and thoughtful metal gifts (including nail clippers and a yoyo).
John Lewis, which has committed to plastic-free crackers since 2020, has lots more charming designs on offer.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
