Episode: # 28 08/12/07
Presenter: Sue McDougall

It is time to brighten up the outdoor area ready for the festive season and nothing says Christmas more than the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima cv.). The bracts will stay brightly coloured for months long after the memories of Christmas have faded. You can keep them in small pots so they fit nicely into a decorative glazed pot or multi plant them into a big pot to create a stunning effect.

The Flamingo Flower (Anthurium, Hybrid Cultivar) is another hardy indoor plant that loves warm weather and this particular variety stays compact and is perfect for the outdoor table.

This year Sue found herself looking at her outdoor table wanting to add something extra special that compliments the potted plants to create a WOW factor. Sue shows you how to create your own table top decoration that will have everyone talking. (For step by step instructions grab a copy of our latest edition of The Garden Guru Newspaper from Mitre 10 and all good garden centres)

• Firstly gather your supplies: You will need a tree frame, weld some 4mm rod into a shape that sort of resembles a tree or will very soon. Source some copper wire of varying thicknesses, (Sue went to the local scrap metal yard).
• Make sure you also get hold of some very fine wire to thread some beads on. At the bead shop collect glass beads that have a decent sized hole.
• Start by twisting the copper wire around the stem and legs. If you can twist the first layer neatly it gives a great basis for the tree. The idea is to cover the frame so you can’t see any of the rod.
• Next, shape a star from some of the thicker wire and twist on to the top of the frame. Fine wire twisted around the top and onto the star will help hold it in place.
• Thread some beads onto the fine wire and twist around the star in some random fashion.
• Create the tea light holders by taking a long piece of wire and creating a spiral at the bottom, use a tealight as a guide. Twist around the sides and attach to the main upright on the tree. Wrap finer wire around to give it some more strength and finally wrap fine wire with beads.
• Create branches by wrapping a long piece of wire around trunk and twisting the end around itself creating loops. Wrap wire with beads to add some colour. You can create small crystal decorations for the end of these branches; they move in the wind and reflect light looking gorgeous in the light of the candles at night.
• Lastly wrap extra wire around the trunk creating a layered look. Fine wire that has been twisted into a spiral and then stretched adds another dimension to the tree. Best of all have fun, there are no rules when it comes to creating a project such as this.

Once you have finished it will be something that you will be very proud of, you could even create a star wreath for the front door the same way. You are only limited by your imagination.