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Ribbon for decorationlate-November - December 1 hourBundle straight twiggy growth together to form a basic ring. Use garden string, raffia, wire or strong stems cut from climbers to bind the twigs. Continue this binding technique to add sprigs of conifer, holly and other

Crocks or polystyrene for drainageJohn Innes No.3 potting compost1 x controlled-release fertiliser tabletNoma 120 red outdoor static berry lightsAdd crocks to the pot, half fill with compost and pop in a slow-release fertiliser tablet.Position the holly in the centre

Plant spring bedding, including wallflowers and forget-me-nots, among tulipsLift, divide and replant congested clumps of perennialsNet holly berries to protect them from hungry birds if you want them for Christmas arrangementsPlant lily bulbs, including

Clear away annual climbers, like sweet peas and morning glory, growing on obelisksPick seedheads and evergreen foliage and mix with fruit such as clementines or limes to make a fresh Christmas wreathMove tubs of shrubs or winter bedding to a

Christmas tree branches (cut from the base while preparing the tree for outdoors)Greenery, stems and seed heads (gathered from the garden)Garden twineFishing line20 white battery operated LED lightsGather your bunch of greenery together and tie tightly

plant projectsCreate a Christmas holly pot displayMake a Christmas door decorationMaking a Christmas wreathCreating a winter display of aster and ornamental cabbageGrowing pansies for winter colour

, and sometimes better.SecateursKitchen towelPlastic or terracotta potGritty loam-based compostSieve (optional)autumn and early winter30 minutesChoose a healthy plant, such as sorbus, holly, cotoneaster or rowan, and check the berries are ripe by squeezing them

. Plant trees to act as roosts, and berry-producing plants, such as holly, to entice thrushes into the garden. Create a pond to provide a habitat for frogs, newts and toads, all of which consume unfeasibly high numbers of slugs each night.More on molluscs

attractive to butterflies and moths. If left to seed, it will naturalise all over the garden.Verbena bonariensisThis climbing evergreen provides a supply of nectar and pollen until late November. Holly blue caterpillars also feed on its leaves, while many