Select a tree in the garden, or make one with trimmings from an overgrown shrub for the patio or conservatory such as white willow, bird cherry, hazel or lime - in December they can be cut down to a level of 15cm above the ground and, far from killing the tree, it will regenerate in the spring as new shoots burst out. Stick the cut stems in a bucket of sand to form your Christmas tree and decorate this, or the selected tree growing in your garden, with festive sparkle, berry twigs such as holly, ivy and mistletoe and add some nut balls for the birds.