Trellis tree

For a simple but elegant holiday decoration, trim a trellis or two with evergreens and twinkling lights. They instantly transform a front porch into a festive focal point. In the entry above, a cedar and fir garland covers a wire obelisk at left, while rosemary stems wrap a spiral trellis at right.

Use any ready-made trellis as a base: an obelisk, a rose pillar, a spiral topiary frame, or other vertical form. To create a "tree," just insert the trellis in a decorative container filled with soil, wire stems of evergreen to the trellis, wind a strand of tiny white lights around the greens, and you're ready to celebrate. For details on the rosemary trellis, see directions on page 2.

Use a sturdy trellis, like a rose pillar, beneath heavy premade garlands purchased at a nursery or Christmas tree lot. Spiral trellises, which are more delicate, won't carry a heavy load of greens; use rosemary or other stems tied in bundles as described in step 2 at right. The trellis, planter, and lights should cost around $40.

INFO: Kinsman Company ( http://www.kinsmangarden.com/ or 800/733-4146) is a good source for rose pillars and spiral topiary frames. Lee Valley Tools ( www.leevalley.com or 800/871-8158) sells copper obelisks.