1. Choose a theme and/or colour.Inventory all your containers and plot where each container will sit. Usually containers will remain in the same areas as they were during the spring and summer seasons. Remember to keep paths clear for snow shovelling and salting.

2. Choose Materials

Containers: Use the same containers and urns you used in the summer. Store your empty clay and ceramic containers in the garage; these will not weather over winter and will crack when frozen. Use spray paint to cover white, green or terracotta coloured plastic containers. You can create faux or metallic finishes to add to your holiday theme. Even containers normally used for hanging baskets can be utilized for winter arrangements.

Branches: Use to create strong lines, height and colour in your arrangement. Dogwood, Willow, Curly Willow, and Birch are some of the common branches used. Try painting some of the branches to accent the overall composition.

Evergreens: Use boughs to create the shape of the arrangement. Evergreens also add texture and aroma to the display. Cedar, Pine, Spruce, Juniper, Balsam, Fir, Boxwood, and Euonymus are always readily available.

Berries and Cones: Use these to draw the eye to certain focal points within the arrangement (typically around the bow in a traditional design). Holly, Rose-hips, Hypericum, Mistletoe, Snowberry, currents, and fruit add colour and interest to any arrangement.

Ribbon and Imitation Flowers and Foliage: Use to create a focal point, accents and to "finish off" designs. Use matching and complementary ribbons and plastics when creating multiple containers, wreaths, and garlands for outdoors.

Lights: Using outdoor Christmas lights will enable you to enjoy the arrangements at night. Choose lights according to the size of the arrangement and keep everything to scale. Mini-lights are usually sufficient. Keep wires free from traffic areas on the porch.

Sand, Compost and/or Florist Foam: You will need to fill the container with media to keep all materials in place. Sand will give each arrangement weight to keep it steady. Using the previous season’s old compost is acceptable too. If the design is large and intricate, use florist foam to keep branches in their place. (continued)

Wire and Tape: All bows, ribbon, berries and plastics should be wired to a branch or bough to ensure all your hard work stays in place.

3. Assembly

Start each design by establishing height, width and depth. This will determine the shape of the arrangement. Triangular, round, L-shaped, fan, cascade, crescent, horizontal, and parallel are some common shapes. Try to experiment and make each container a different shape. This will add to the overall impact of your outdoor Christmas and winter landscape.

Note: You may contact Cecilia by visiting her at CW Horticulture located at 138 Mill Street in downtown Georgetown or by calling 905 877-5571.