At Mottisfont, we love to recycle our garden waste where possible. Trimmings from the lime walk are perfect for crafting, as they're brightly coloured and pliable. We're offering bundles that you can pick up for a suggested donation - why not make your own twig heart to give as a Valentine's Day gift, or for your own decoration?
You will need:
Up to six lime tree twigs
Secateurs
Scissors
Garden twine (two pieces, 30cm and 25cm, plus a short length for a hanging loop if you wish)
Colourful raffia or ribbon (optional)
1. Test the twigs for flexibility
Use your thumb to gently ease the twig into a curve. Do this several times along each twig, to make sure they won’t snap.
Test the twigs for flexibility
National Trust/Sophie Wilkinson
Test the twigs for flexibility
2. Arrange the twigs so that the tips are roughly level
They don’t have to be exactly aligned.
3. Form a heart shape
Holding the base of all the twigs in one hand, use your other hand to bend half of them around to form half a heart shape.You’ll want these to cross over the top of the twigs, with several inches underneath and curving away.
Form a heart shape
National Trust/Sophie Wilkinson
Form a heart shape
Repeat on the opposite side to create a heart shape.
Form a heart shape
National Trust/Sophie Wilkinson
Form a heart shape
4. Secure the shape with twine
Hold the heart shape in place and tie the twigs together at the bottom point of the heart with around 30cm of twine. Wrap the twine around three times and knot at the back.
Secure the shape with twine
National Trust/Sophie Wilkinson
Secure the shape with twine
Although it’s possible to do this alone, you may find it handy to have help at this stage. Use 25cm twine to do a second tie at the centre top of the heart, again knotting at the back.
If you would like to hang your heart, you can attach another loop of twine here.
5. Use secateurs to trim off the twigs at the bottom of the heart
Trim off the twigs
National Trust/Sophie Wilkinson
Trim off the twigs
6. Decorate
If you’d like to disguise the twine, wrap some colourful raffia over it. You could add bows, ribbon, or even a label for a message of your own.
Decorate your heart
National Trust/Sophie Wilkinson
Decorate your heart
7. Your heart is ready for giving, sharing with friends or hanging on a door.