If you are a new property or home owner, perhaps you’re planning some landscaping this year. Likely, you have several objectives in mind. You might include a few evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees which, in later years, can be cut for holiday wreaths, garlands, swags and indoor ornamentation. Here is a short list to consider:

American holly (Ilex opaca) — yellow-fruited cultivar pictured)

Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata)

Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’)

Limelight hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’)

Boxwood (Buxus spp.)- select from many great cultivars

Summersweet shrub (Clethra alnifolia)

Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick’, contorted filbert (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’)

Pussy willow (Salix discolor)

There are several other hollies from China and Korea that may substitute. While hydrangea and clethra are not evergreens, the dried spent blooms are very decorative in holiday arrangements. The twisted branches of ‘Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick’ filbert or the furry buds of pussy willow adds any table floral decor over the late fall and winter seasons.