Bringing Christmas to the garden

One or two “WoW!” spots are much more memorable than having lights on every bare branch of every single shrub in the yard.

For instance, entryways are important areas where a wreath; floodlight shining on the door; or decorated, potted evergreen can make a notable impact.

One decorating idea I came across, if you have access to 10 to 12-foot tall alders or similar wild saplings, is to shove several of these supple trees into the ground on either side of your walkway. Bend the tops into an arch and wire them together to form a tunnel. String with tiny white lights and you’ve made a magical, twinkling approach to your home.

Birdbaths can receive a nest of crumpled chickenwire fastened into place, stuffed with arching evergreen branches and colourful Christmas balls.

Add the chickenwire base inside windowboxes and use evergreens there as well, brightened with branches of Canadian Holly that is so abundant this year.

This year I left my four-hook hanging basket shephard’s crook stuck in the ground and plan on hanging lanterns with candles inside them.

Wreaths or swags can have trowels, hand cultivators, gardening gloves and other creative tools wired on as accents.

Another good decorating idea for gardeners lucky enough to own a wooden wheelbarrow is to fill it with an assortment of evergreen branches arranged so they spill over the edges. Nestle small terracotta pots filled with artificial fruit into the evergreens then add a watering can and pinecones.

Sometimes the simple addition of red bows and a few pieces of pine tied to posts or at intervals on a fence is all you need to create a festive atmosphere. Garlands also work great on fences and walls.

Shine one or two colored floodlights on the branches of a tree or on a single, large decoration in your yard for a classy effect.

If you want to light your foliage but hate the hassle, look for net-style lights that drape over your shrubs or wrap easily around trees.

Solar-powered Christmas lights are a new introduction this year. They’re a great idea for saving electricity AND the time it takes wrestling with extension cords.