The advantage is that as a living tree it won't drop needles everywhere, and it will have some value for the rest of the year.
The best choice for me is a conifer, because there are heaps to choose from, they have really interesting forms, and you can get small-growing varieties that won't be taller than the house by next year.
They also have the sort of foliage that lends itself to hanging bits of tinsel on. Some trees don't. If you're a fan of bonsai there are many varieties of conifer that lend themselves to this pursuit. I am not, so I'm looking for a conifer that will stay small without cruel and unusual punishment. There are several which will grow in pots and some which I think will probably be okay. I'll try a couple in tubs and if they don't like it they can be re-homed in the garden and I'll try something else. Here are some possibilities.
Dwarf balsam fir
It is compact, slow-growing and well behaved with grey-green needles that look good year round. Give it a sunny spot and it will form a neat mound. It's easy to grow and boasts an award of garden merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. It is evergreen and should grow about 1.5 by 1m.
Crytomeria compressa
When I saw the title "cryptomeria" I almost discounted this, since I have a shelter belt of them that are a million feet high. But this one, as indicated by "compressa", is a little one, forming, very slowly, a compact small globe of green foliage about 75cm x 75cm. It's evergreen, but in winter the foliage turns bronze and purple. It's listed as hardy and easy to grow, and if my shelter belt is anything to go by I believe it.
Juniperus C kaizuka
A designer conifer which makes a fascinating and fabulous container tree. Its common name, Hollywood Juniper, gives a clue to its stylish look.
The branches are graceful, arching and held at unusual angles. The needles are bright green. This architectural specimen is evergreen and easy to grow. It should grow to 2m x 1m.
Juniperus Media Blue Cloud
A tough little conifer that looks good planted among blues, mauves and whites. The horizontal branches are draped in blue-grey needles and twist and turn interestingly - perfect for hanging ornaments on. It's evergreen and tiny - just 60cm x 1.5m
Dwarf Alberta spruce
Small but perfectly formed, this is a mini forest tree with a strong, conical shape. The needle-like foliage is bright green, deepening to grey-green.
It's fine for a container, tolerant, easy to grow and evergreen, reaching around 80cm x 30cm.
Pinus Mugo
A charming slowcoach that's very slow growing and looks appealing in a container with its fresh green foliage. Sun and good drainage are on its wish-list. It grows about 60cm x 60cm.
For a really good selection of little conifers, with images and information on what they do, check out www.wairere.co.nz
Branching out
For those who like the idea of handcrafted decorations, either for Christmas or any other occasion, start sorting out suitable materials early in the year. Eucalyptus are generous in providing dead branches with nice colour and shape, and tortured willow is another good one that lends itself to delicate decorations. Grab a few branches in the winter when they're bare of leaves, and hang them in the woodshed to dry. It's also a good time to collect seedpods and the woody bases of fallen palm fronds to dress up your outdoor table over the holiday season.
Don't overdo it, less is more - whether you're making trees, wreaths or table decorations in this style - and both the quantity and the colour palette should be restrained.
