We are approaching the time of year to decorate the house in colourful tinsel and artificial decorations however it is nice to either introduce a few nice plants in to the house along with perhaps a real Christmas tree.

If you are particularly artistic you could consider making your own Christmas decorations even from the garden obviously if you have the correct plants in the garden.

Evergreen plants are ideal for Christmas decorations such as Yew trees or hedges or perhaps any confers in the garden. If you do happen to grow salix or cornus these are ideal for forming a circular wreath.

Any plant that is displaying berries is nice to add colour to your decoration however when you do go foraging it is nice to remember the birds who are attracted to the berries as well.

It is nice to use different foliage perhaps as a door decoration or a table decoration knowing it has came from the garden. Pine cones are another favourite for this time of year.

If you have wood from birch trees this is one of the easiest to use to make wreaths and if the wood is mature enough to have the silver effect this also adds to the colour, adding some evergreen foliage along with the berries will add to the colour. The wreath can be a hanging type or perhaps a table Advent wreath adding your own candles counting down the time towards Christmas.

These decorations are nice to add alongside traditional indoor Christmas plants such as the Poinsettia, this plant has various stories associated with its history and are interesting for you to explore.

If you opt for a Poinsettia for the house there are a few things you can do to help it last beyond the traditional time for taking down decorations, this will allow you to keep some nice bright red in the house throw those dark days of January.

Poinsettias originate from much warmer climates therefore the warmth of our homes in winter suit the Poinsettia but draughts must be avoided and also excessive heat should also be avoided. The Poinsettia needs the dark for the leaves to turn fully red, some Poinsettias do come in pink or white however red is the favoured Christmas plant.

Allowing hours of darkness allows for the little yellow and red flowers to develop. Like all plants remember to slightly turn the pot to avoid the plant growing in one direction to natural light. During the dull low hours of December the supplementary Christmas lights in the house is enough for the plant to thrive. If you wish the plant to continue well beyond Christmas it will need any dead leaves removed and slightly pruned. You could also re pot it in to a bigger pot if you bought small.

In spring, it could be placed in the glasshouse or a nice bright airy environment.

Please join the Countryside Rangers making Christmas decorations in the Visitor Centre, Old Stable Courtyard at Pollok Country Park on Friday December 2 at 2pm for the 50+ group or bring the family along on Sunday December 11 1pm-3pm in the same location to make your own Christmas decorations.

Paul Brannan