A male and female should be planted together to ensure production of the ornamental berries. For unusual seasonal decorations, attach shiny, red and gold apples to wreaths and garlands. Some other garden and landscaping materials that can have a role in holiday decorating include cones, sweet gum seed pods, acorns, dried flowers and gourds, and miniature ears of Indian corn. Dried weed heads, milkweed pods, bittersweet, dried ferns, and even seed pods from catalpa and locust trees can be used as well. Start reviewing and expanding your garden notes to help with next year's plans.
Early winter is a good time to collect more stones for expanding the rock garden in spring.
The rocks are more visible, and the solid ground makes a good base on which to haul stone. After Christmas, your tree can be moved outside and redecorated for the birds. Anchor the tree in a bucket full of damp sand. Apples, oranges, leftover breads and cakes, even peanut butter cookies can be hung on the boughs, but don't use any foods containing chocolate as it is poisonous to some small animals. For best results, push the edible ornaments well into the tree.